Choklate - Carbon Copy (Official Video)

I don't know how I missed the video to one of my favourite cuts off Choklate's brilliant EP, entitled Fly. Love the message behind the song & the simplicity of the video. Her EP was one of the highlights of 2012 and comes highly recommended. Make sure you check out her previous pieces of work if you haven't already.

@choklate
Fly EP (amazon, itunes)

Ledisi - I Blame You (Official Video)

After causing a stir with her new single, I Blame You, Ledisi finally brings us the visuals to accompany the amazing track. The song has been on constant rotation since I discovered it a few months ago. Hopefully it won't be long before the new album comes out :).


@ledisi

Omar - Treat You featuring Caron Wheeler ( Official Video)

Omar recently released the second single, Treat You (featuring Caron Wheeler) taken from his latest album, The Man- possibly one of my albums of the year. The single-EP also includes remixes from Opolopo and the Scratch Professor. I finally got to see Omar live at Band On the Wall last month and he definitely brought the house down with his energy/performance.

@omarlyefookMBE, @caronwheeler
Treat You (single) - ( itunes, amazon)
The Man (album) - ( itunes, amazon) 

Bahama Soul Club - The Cuban Tapes ( Album Review)

Following on from the success of their debut album, Rhythm is What Makes Jazz Jazz, and their sophomore record, Bossa Nova Just Smells Funky, The Bahama Soul Club are back with a brilliant new album, The Cuban Tapes.

The album being inspired by the sixties era coupled with the film, I Am Cuba. Some scenes from the film can be found on the video to 'Ay Jona'.

The Cuban Tapes is one of those records you just let play from start to finish. While reviewing the album, I found myself reaching for the rewind button a few times - It is that good an album.

Notable mentions on the album include: Grinning in Your Face ft Blues/Folk Singer (Ruthie Foster), That's What We Need, I Warned You Baby ft Spanky Wilson, Soledad ft Telmary, Tike Suit Pt.2 - original and Club Des Belugas remix, Ay Jona, La Serenata and Cuervo Gold.

The album is available in most digital outlets and you will have to wait a few weeks to get the physical release.

The Cuban Tapes (amazon, itunes)
@BahamaSoulClub
Buyu Records

Maysa - Inside My Dream ( Official Video)

After blessing us with the visuals to Love Me Good and When You Touch Me, Maysa has recently released the video to Inside My Dream taken from the brilliant album, Blue Velvet Soul released earlier this year. The album comes highly recommended and is definitely on my top ten albums of the year - you need the record in your collection if you haven't already checked it out.


@MAYSALEAK

Bilal - Butterfly featuring Robert Glasper (Official Video)

Official video to Butterfly taken from Bilal's latest masterpiece, A Love Surreal released earlier this year. The song features the legendary Robert Glasper whose album, Black Radio 2 drops later this month.


A Love Surreal ( itunes , amazon )

Rox - Kryptonite ( Official Video)

After a 3 year hiatus, The talented Singer/Songwriter, Rox is back with a new video/single, Kryptonite which is available to download on the 18th October. Her debut album, Memoirs is still a favourite of mine to this day and this is hoping we won't have to wait that long for the new album.

@thisisROX
http://thisisrox.com/

Carolyn Malachi - All Right (Official Video)

I remember going through a few recommendations from VEVO and bumping into this gem of a track. Alright is taken from Carolyn's brilliant album, Gold which was released back in July. Until a few weeks ago, I wasn't familiar with Carolyn or her music but there's no time like the present.

Gold by Carolyn Malachi is definitely up there with some of my favourite records of this year- comes highly recommended.


Gold (itunes, amazon , spotify)
http://www.carolynmalachi.com/

Louise Golbey - Something's Got To Give (Official Video)

The very talented singer/songwriter, Louise Golbey has just released visuals to her new single, Something's Got To Give ( produced by The Invisible Soul Assassins). It seems like the highly anticipated debut album from Louise is shaping up nicely with the material she has put out in the last few months.
Something's got to give is out now and is available on itunes.

http://www.louisegolbey.com
Invisible Soul Assassins

Snarky Puppy Featuring Lalah Hathaway - Something ( Video)

The much anticipated album from Snarky Puppy, Family Dinner Volume One finally sees the light of day this week. The good folks have just released another video from the album - this time featuring the Vocal Powerhouse, Lalah Hathaway.

This is yet another brilliant offering from the Jazz Collective- the album is turning out to be one of the highlights of the year. Family Dinner Volume One is available on their website and in most digital outlets.


@RealSnarkyPuppy , @lalahhathaway
Family Dinner - Volume One ( amazon, itunes)

Snarky Puppy Featuring N'Dambi - Deep (Video)

Snarky Puppy have just released visuals to yet another treat taken from their highly anticipated record, Family Dinner Volume One out next week. The song, Deep comes courtesy of  Dallas Soul Powerhouse, N'Dambi.

Snarky also blessed us with Amour T'es La last week featuring Magda Giannikou.

The record is available for pre-order on their website - Comes highly recommended.

Jonathan Winstead - Wake Up (Official Video)

Official video to Wake Up  taken from the brilliant album, Lovestry. I remember hearing a few tracks from the album on soulandjazz.com and purchased it instantly. The album is a decent piece of work - If you love slow jams/soul music, Lovestry is definitely worth checking out.

Jonathan Winstead - Wake Up Video

@jon_winstead
Lovestry (amazon, itunes)

Algebra Blessett - Nobody But You

It will be fair to say fans of Algebra were pretty excited when she released Nobody But You back in July. As if that wasn't enough, she blessed us with a new mixtape, Dessert Before Dinner which is available for free download on her Facebook page. That should hopefully keep us busy until the new album, Recovery out later in the year. She recently released the Official video to Nobody But You which you can check out below. Algebra's highly underrated debut album, Purpose is definitely worth checking out if you haven't already.

@yesitsalgebra

Snarky Puppy featuring Shayna Steele - Gone Under (Video)

In between touring, Snarky Puppy recorded their latest CD/DVD entitled Family Dinner Volume One recorded at the Jefferson Centre Virginia back in March. The highly anticipated record will be released on the 24th September - in the mean time, they have teased us with the video to Gone Under featuring the talented Shayna Steele on vocal duties. The album also features the likes of N'Dambi, Lalah Hathaway and many more.

This is an amazing track and can't wait to hear what the rest Family Dinner has to offer. The album is available to pre-order here.


http://www.snarkypuppy.com/
http://www.jeffcenter.org/
http://www.shaynasteele.com/

Raheem Devaughn - Ridiculous (Official Video)

Raheem Devaughn has just released the video to his new single, Ridiculous taken from the much anticipated album, A Place Called Loveland. Based on singles/album snippets I have heard, seems like we are in for a treat when the album comes out next month.

@Raheem_Devaughn

Kadija Kamara - Loving From The Past (Official Video)

Kadija Kamara has released the official video to her new single, Loving From The Past which is available on the 15th September. This is hoping this single and Groovin make it to a new EP/Album in the not distant future.

@KadijaKamara
http://kadijakamara.co.uk

Introducing Series : Chris Chandler

Chris chandler may not be a familiar name to most people, but the Chicago native has worked with the likes of Jeff Robinson (MBK Entertainment), Common, Eminem, The Beatnuts etc. He recently released his sophomore album, A Different Look back in February to critical acclaim and the record definitely appeals to Soul and Jazz music fans alike.

Chris was kind of enough to answer a few questions about the new album and his plans for the future. 

T:  What was it like growing up in a family of musicians and working with the legendary Beatnuts ?

Chris : Growing up with a family where music is a major factor of upbringing, it just becomes a part of you. I remember singing and dancing from such an early age, my uncle always playing guitar whenever I would go by my Grandmother's, just sitting in the room and listening. I just think when music is around you like that, it just becomes a part of your spirit and before you know it, your singing, dancing and writing songs.


Working with the Beatnuts was instrumental in the development as an artist, becoming professional and learning how to put on a really good performance. So having the opportunity to sing on 4 albums with them made me a professional, and opened up the industry. I was able to tour and see Europe and the United States, so it was instrumental in making me a professional. 

T:  It's been 7 years since the release of your debut album, Lifestylz Vol. 1. Why has it taken so long to release your sophomore album. 

Chris: I had been working on so much music, it wasn't like I stopped making music for 7 years. I had done so many different projects and I was trying to find the right one to go with. As we (The Beatnuts and myself) were going from deal to deal, we were working on so much material and a lot of it wasn't released. 

We didn't find the right home for it, we didn't want to waste the music so with 'A Different Look' - I got off the road, I decided to get in the studio with the Band and I wanted to make an organic album that spoke to the listener through instruments, melodies, lyrics and my voice. I didn't want any smoking mirrors or super producers or anything like that I just wanted to get in there and make good music. So the lay off wasn't really a lay off. I was working on so much music and so many projects. It's just sometimes in the industry, there's a lot of music that no one really gets to hear. It will be shelved for whatever reason so I decided - let me create, let me have the power to go in the studio, create what I want to create and release it when I want to release it. 

So that was the reason that it took a little while to release A Different Look.

T:  Listening to the record you can tell it has an Organic/Jazz feel to it. Was that something you were aiming for when you went into the studio? 

Chris: When I went into the studio with the band, I definitely wanted to have an organic jazz feeling to the record.  It is a part of me in terms of coming from an R&B strong musical family. Jazz was always being played, Stevie Wonder was always being played, so was Steely Dan, Earth Wind & Fire etc. Back then artists/musicians used the real instruments, so my primary thought process for this record was  to go in there with the band. Before we go in I kind of have an outline in my mind of what instruments I want and the type of song I want for each particular tune. If I wanted a Saxophone like in 'Don't let me be lonely tonight' that's what I did. 

So it was something I definitely thought about and it was something that just came organically and naturally in the studio. 

T:  What are your plans for the new record in terms of touring, any plans to come to Europe?

Chris: My plan is to build the fanbase, I definitely want to come to Europe. I want to build relationships with R&B and Neo-Soul promoters and get out there and do some great shows. I think that live perfomances are a key element in growing your fanbase and getting that emotional response that makes people love your music.

So touring is something that we are putting in the works and to come to Europe. They really love my music and I would love to come there and show my appreciation by doing a live show. 

So basically growing a brand, performing live, if you know of any venues that love our music, definitely let me know and i'll come through. 

T: Thanks for sharing your music with me & thanks for making out time to answer some of the questions.

Chris :Thanks for giving me the opportunity; glad you enjoy the music.  

A Different Look (amazon, itunes )

Twitter : @cadifferentlook

Jaheim - Age Ain't A Factor (Official Video)

Jaheim has been AWOL for a while but he's back with a new single and an album to follow next month. Age Ain't A Factor is available now in most digital outlets & look out for Appreciation Day on the 3rd September.


http://www.jaheimmusic.com/

Maysa - When You Touch Me (Official Video)

As promised, Maysa has released the video to When You Touch Me which is the concluding part in the 2-Part feature. When You Touch Me is lifted from the brilliant Blue Velvet Soul which is out now on independent label, Shanachie Records.  If you missed Part 1 of the feature, catch it right here.


@MAYSALEAK
Blue Velvet Soul : itunes 

Avery*Sunshine - See You When I Get There (New Music)

While we anxiously await the new album from Avery, she treated her fans at Essence festival with a new song, See You When I Get There. Loving the track and the message behind the music - this is hoping a release date to the new record is imminent :).

@averysunshine

Maysa - Love Me Good (Official Video)

Maysa has recently released the official video to Love Me Good taken from her brilliant critically acclaimed album, Blue Velvet Soul.

I was fortunate to catch one of her Live show last month at Band On The Wall- It was easily one of the highlights/performances of this year in my humble opinion.

The video to Love Me Good is the 1st in a 2-Part Video feature. The 2nd part concludes with the video to When You Touch Me coming real soon.
Blue Velvet Soul is out now in most digital outlets. If you Love/support Soul music, you definitely need this album in your collection.

@maysaleak
Blue Velvet Soul ( amazon, itunes )

Harleighblu - Play Me (Official Video)

I think it will be fair to say the eagerly anticipated debut album, Forget Me Not is sounding like it's going to be one of the highlights of the year in my opinion. She recently released her new video to the new single, Play Me which is out on the 29th July.

Make sure you support the single when it drops and look out for the album in October.

@Harleighblu,  @tru_thoughts

Dwele - Swank Part 1 ( Official Video)

After a couple of takes, Dwele has blessed us with the video to Swank taken from the Greater Than One LP. Look out for the next instalment of the video coming soon.


@THEREALDWELE, Greater Than One (amazon)

INTRODUCING : Harleighblu

I remember Enough Now a few month's ago from the very talented Harleighblu and thought, WOW-  she is definitely one to watch in the future. Looking forward to her highly anticipated debut album, Forget Me Not is which is out in September. Harleighblu introduces herself in this short video courtesy of her record label, Tru Thoughts Records

Enough Now is available now in most digital outlets and look out for the follow up single, Play Me out in July.

@Harleighblu , @tru_thoughts
Enough Now (itunes)

INTRODUCING : Kerbside Collection

Mind The Curb is the brilliant debut album from Brisbane collective, Kerbside Collection. Ravi Welsh, Jason 'Paprika Bell, Chris Poulsen and Jeremy O'Connor (Kerbside Collection) have put together what I can best describe as a solid piece of work that blends Jazz, Fusion, Rare Grooves and deserves to be up there with the likes of Snarky Puppy.

Legere Recordings never seem to disappoint with their releases and it's fair to say they have got a gem in Kerbside Collection. This album is without doubt one of my favourite records of the year and it is going to be on constant rotation for a long time to come.

It's only a matter of time before they get the recognition they rightfully deserve.


Tumblr , Facebook, Purchase: Mind The Curb (Juno, Amazon)

INTRODUCING : Amique

Liverpool singer/songrwiter/musician, Amique recently released his new single, Fresh taken from his debut EP, Conception out in June.

He describes hearing Amy Winehouse singing over a Sly and The Family Stone backing track when Fresh was first written.

I've had the pleasure of listening to the EP and have to say it's a solid piece of work. Fresh is available as a free download on his bandcamp page - he is definitely one to watch in the future.

@amiquevibemusic

Janelle Monae- Q.U.E.E.N. featuring Erykah Badu (Official Video)

Janelle Monae is back with a new video/single and features one of the artists that inspired her (Erykah Badu). Q.U.E.E.N. is available now in most digital outlets and it's taken from Janelle's forthcoming album, The Electric Lady. 

@JanelleMonae, @fatbellybella

Fire We Make - Alicia Keys and Maxwell (Official Video)

I think it will be fair to say that the Fire We Make from Alicia Keys and Maxwell is probably everyone's favourite track taken from Alicia's Album, Girl On Fire released late last year. It's always good to see or hear Maxwell on any record and this hoping we get a new record from him this year.

This is not taking anything away from Alicia's surprisingly underated album- It's definitely worth checking out.

@aliciakeys , @_MAXWELL_
Girl On Fire (amazon, itunes)

The Impellers - Do What I Wanna Do (Official Video)

The ten piece funky collective, The Impellers have recently released a new double-sided 45 (Do What I Wanna Do/ Signs Of Hope & Happiness) taken from the critically acclaimed sophomore album, entitled This Is Not A Drill(Mocambo Records, Legere Recordings).

If you haven't heard of The Impellers before, I suggest checking one of their live shows - You will not be disappointed. They are getting a lot of airplay in Europe and Do What I Wanna Do was featured recently on The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show (BBC Radio 6). I should also mention their debut album, Robot Legs released a few years ago is definitely worth checking out.


'This is Not A Drill' (amazon, itunes) , @theimpellers , soundcloud

The Tony Rich Project - Fade Away (New Single)

We've been blessed with some great music this year, and the good folks at Hidden Beach are not holding back either with the release of the new single, from one of my favourite artists, The Tony Rich Project.

Fade Away is taken from Tony's 6th studio album entitled Speak Me which is scheduled for a summer release. In a recent interview with ReelUrbanNews.com, he describes the album as being inspired by the sights and sounds of South Africa.

Listen to the snippets of 'Speak Me' below and pre-order the album here.


Buy 'Fade Away' ( amazon)

Kadija Kamara - Groovin (Official Video)

It's been a while since we heard some new music from the talented singer/songwriter, Kadija Kamara. A couple of days ago she released a snippet to the new single entitled Groovin - as promised she's released the official video and the song is available as a free download for a limited time.

Kadija's new single is inspired by Young Rascals 1967 single(Groovin') and Aretha Franklin's cover of the same song. It's great to hear some new music from Kadija and looking forward to a new EP/album in the near future. In the meantime, I will be groovin' to the new single on this cold Sunday evening :).

@KadijaKamara

Alice Russell - Heartbreaker Part 2 (Gospel A Capella Video)

Alice Russell has just released visuals to an Acapella version of Heartbreaker Part 2 taken from the brilliant new album, To Dust. She is joined by Archange Gospel in this video shot in a disused Chapel in Paris.

I believe its only a matter of time before Alice gets the recognition she deserves - definitely one of the best vocalists to come out of the UK. The new album is out now & is available in most digital outlets.

@alicemcrussell , http://www.alicerussell.com, To Dust ( itunes, amazon)

Bluey (from Incognito) - Got to Let My Feelings Show (Promo Video)

Bluey the man behind the legendary band, Incognito will be releasing his long overdue debut album entitled, Leap of Faith next week . Fans of Incognito like myself will be adding this album to their collection without hesitation.

@incognito_world

D'angelo and ?uestlove - Tell Me If You Still Care ( Live at the Brooklyn Bowl ) [VIDEO]

D & Questlove performing Tell me if you still care (S.O.S band cover) at Brooklyn Bowl yesterday. It's always good to see some new footage of D'angelo & it can only mean one thing - the hightly anticipated album may see the light of day in 2013 :).

(shouts to okayplayer)

Louise Golbey - Love Can Go ( New Music)

Louise performing an acousic version of a brand new track, Love Can Go. Love this song & hope it makes her debut album out later this year. For more details on shows/music, please check out her website for more information.


@louisegolbey

Eric Roberson - Shake Her Hand ( Official video)

Eric Roberson has just released visuals to Shake Her Hand which is one my favourite tracks off the Mr Nice Guy album. Loving the video & it's good to see Erro shooting the video in familiar surroundings.

 @IAmEricRoberson

Lianne La Havas -'Elusive' & 'Gone' [videos]

Lianne La Havas has recently released a 2-part visual story to accompany the singles, 'Elusive' & 'Gone'. The videos may probably be her best visual piece of work to date in my opinion. You can find both songs on one of my albums of 2012, Is Your Love Big Enough?


Be sure to catch Lianne when she embarks on her UK tour later this month.
@liannelahavas

INTRODUCING: Caroline Lacaze

Fans of the music collective, Mighty Mocambos will be familiar with French singer/songwriter, Caroline Lacaze. She was featured on their latest album entitled The Future Is Here. After joining the Mocambos on tour throughout Europe, Caroline is creating a buzz of her own with the refreshing new funky single L'Etrange. The Mocambo Sound Orchestra are also on board to provide the back drop for what's an essential head bumper.

The single was released late last year to critical acclaim & the full length album should be out in the spring. If L'Etrange is anything to go buy, I for one will be looking out for the album.



http://www.facebook.com/carolinelacazemusique
http://www.facebook.com/TheMightyMocambos
http://www.mocambo.de/

Marsha Ambrosius - Cold War ( Official Video)

Last month, Marsha released a taster in the form of a mixtape, Hors D'Oeuvres (Prelude: Friends & Lovers). She's recently released the official video to the first official single, Cold War  taken from the forthcoming album Friends & Lovers with a cameo from Michael K. Williams ('omar' - the wire).

@MarshaAmbrosius
Download : Hors D'Oeuvres mixtape

Cody ChesnuTT - Til I Met Thee (Official Video)

Til I Met Thee is taken from Cody's brilliant come back album, Landing On A Hundred. The album just gets better with each listen. It is simply an exquisite classic piece of work. Can't recommend this album enough - you need it in your album collection.

(cited at soulbounce)

@codychesnuTT
Landing On A Hundred ( itunes, amazon)

Louise Golbey - Up To Me ( Official Video)

Talented singer/songwriter, Louise Golbey has blessed us with the visuals to her new single, Up To Me which is available in most digital outlets from today. Love the funky vibes on this single & can't wait for a new EP/album to drop hopefully in the near future.

@louisegolbey
Buy 'Up To Me' : itunes

ESSENTIAL LISTENING : RE:JAZZ - KALEIDOSCOPE

The fifth studio album from Frankfurt based Jazz band, re:jazz was released late last year to coincide with their 10 year anniversary. In the last few years, re:jazz have become one of the biggest Jazz bands to come out of Germany & they've been sought after for their re-works by other artists.

This album features the likes of Alex Reneimer (Jazzanova) on production duties , N'dea Davenport(Brand New Heavies), mediha (the new voice of re:jazz), Nathalie Schafer(Nekta) & Andrew Herbertson(Joash) lending their vocals to what is an incredible piece of work.

I only got my hands on the album a few weeks ago & there's no doubt why it made it to my notable albums of 2012- it's probably up there with the jazz records of 2012 in my opinion. My favourite cuts on the album include lambic 9 poetry, Don't push your luck, tears, at first glance, out of phase (you & me), windy city, wonders of the world & it's all good.

Take a listen to the album sampler below & if you like what you've heard, check the links below to purchase the album.


www.rejazz.de , @rejazz_band

Kaleidoscope ( itunes, amazon)

Bilal - Back To Love (Official Video)

Starting my first post of the year with the official video to my favourite Bilal song at the moment taken from the forthcoming album, A Love Surreal. I for one can't wait for this album to come out next month- 2013 is looking like it may possibly surpass last year in terms of albums/quality of music. 

@bilal