Reviews
Idris Ackamoor and the Pyramids (2021)
Shaman
Enthralling seventh double album from Chicago jazz wizard Idris Ackamoor and his band the Pyramids
Kondi Band (2017)
Salone
Fascinating and powerful debut album of the Kondi Band, the joint project of blind Sierra Leone traditional musician Sorie Kondi and US DJ and producer Chief Boima, who has Sierra Leonean roots
Nubiyan Twist (2019)
Jungle Run
First-rate new album from the definition-defying Nubiyan Twist which shows the significant collaborations they are making across generations
Orchestre Les Mangelepa (2018)
Last Band Standing
Fantastic album from Congolese ex-pats in Kenya Orchestre Les Mangelepa who rework their former material and recapture their heyday in the late 1970s
Orlando Julius with the Heliocentrics (2014)
Jaiyede Afro
Energetic collaborative recording between pioneering Nigerian tenor saxophonist, Orlando Julius, and London-based afro funk musicians, the Heliocentrics
Souljazz Orchestra (2014)
Inner Fire
Pleasant but flawed sixth album from salsa-influenced Ottawa-based jazz group, the SoulJazz Orchestra
Sun Ra (2017)
The Definite 45s Collection 1952-1991
Definitive box set CD compilation which collects all of jazz legend Sun Ra’s singles together for the first time
Sun Ra And His Arkestra (2015)
To Those of Earth,,,and Other Worlds
Fantastic new double CD compilation which provides an excellent introduction to influential jazz act Sun Ra and His Arkestra
Sun Ra And His Arkestra (2014)
In the Orbit of Ra
Occasionally over-indulgent but inventive double CD compilation from pioneering jazz experimentalists, Sun Ra and His Arkestra
Various (2016)
Aloha Got Soul: Soul, AOR and Disco in Hawaii 1979-1985
Undiscovered rarities compilation of Hawaiian soul and funk which will be irresistible to soul collectors and fans
Various (2016)
Soul Sok Séga: Sounds from Mauritius 1973-1979
Excellent double CD compilation of lost soul and funk tracks from 1970's Mauritius
Various (2008)
Disco Not Disco (Post Punk, Electro & Leftfield Disco Classics 1974-1986)
Excellent compilation of post-punk and electro tracks from the 70's and 80's
Various (2014)
Haiti Direct
Excellent double CD compilation that examines the under-explored but rich musical landscape of Haiti in the 1960s and 1970s
Various (2015)
Next Stop Soweto Vol. 4: Zulu Rock, Afro Disco and Mbaqanga 1975-1985
Infectious fourth compilation in excellent series which records the progress of the South African music scene, and, which taking in punk, funk and disco influences, examines the years between 1975 and 1985
Various (2019)
Nigeria 70: No Wahala: Highlife, Afro-Funk and Juju 1973-1987
Excellent compilation of previously unreleased African pop, funk and rock, the first in the 'Nigeria 70' series in over eight years
Various (2018)
Disques Debs International Volume 1: An Island Story
Excellent compilation, the first in a series, of early tracks recorded between 1960-1972 from extraordinary French-Caribbean label Disques Debs International