Bibi Tanga, “Dunya”
Nat Geo Music
Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson
When you think of National Geographic you usually think of exotic landscapes; now you’ll think of Bibi Tanga. On Dunya, his debut full-length release, Tanga and his band, The Selenities, have put together a wonderful combination of Afro-soul and electro-futurism. Tracks like “Swing Swing,” and the disc’s title track, remind you of what good music is all about – solid beats, smart lyrics, and enticing rhythms. You may not speak Tanga’s language on all the tracks on Dunya, but it doesn’t matter because his sound is universal. There are a few lull moments on this disc, but on “Be Africa”, with its high tempo beat and electric vocals, Tanga bring you back to his strength – uplifting and joyful vocals perfectly in sync with beats that inspire you to do nothing but move your feet and clap your hands. This track is followed by “Shine”, which maintains a nice high energy vibe. A lot of albums tend to fall apart towards the end, but Dunya ends on a very positive note with “Let’s Say Goodbye” and “It’s the Earth that Moves”, two inspirational tunes that have a modest depth and sincerity to them. While it’s not a perfect release, Tanga has stepped up to the plate with a record that is undoubtedly the tip of this guy’s musical iceberg. 4/5
Somi, "If The Rains Come First"
ObliqSound
Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson
If The Rains Come First is the kind of album that could be placed in multiple genres. It’s jazz; it’s soul; it’s ‘world’ music. And while categories are a necessary part of the music business, in this particular case, they should be completely thrown out the window. This album is beyond categories. It speaks for itself. Somi’s enticing vocals are equally matched by a wonderful mix of acoustic sounds, African percussions, and funky melodies. On “Prayer to the Saint of the Brokenhearted”, Somi takes you into a very rhythmic and eclectic sound that is quintessentially her own. The songs on this album are performed in English, Rutooro and Swahili. Even when you can’t understand what is being said, the music manages to speak its own language of unity, togetherness and love. For example, “Enganjyani (ft. Hugh Masekela)” means ‘most beloved’ in Rutooro, the language spoken by Somi’s Ugandan mother, but it is a standout track. It is jazzy, soulful and sultry, and reminiscent of Sade or Les Nubians. Towards the album’s end, the title track puts it all into perspective. Somi’s vocals seamlessly match the accompaniment. JazzTimes has described Somi as “the earthy gutsiness of Nina Simone blended with the vocal beauty of Dianne Reeves” and while comparisons are always tough, that about sums it up. 4.5/5
Wet Cookies, “Soul Protection”
Cat ‘N Roof Records
Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson
This is the second release from the Vienna-based music collective, Wet Cookies. Soul Protection is a wonderful blend of soul, jazz and funk, and after listening to it multiple times you realize that its title is amply named – your soul feels 100% protected. Founders Axel Hirn and Björn Klein simply know what they’re doing, and this time around, they added internationally known jazz artists Hubert Tubbs and Flipp Phillip, to name a few. “I Got Reasons” is the album’s lead track, and it truly epitomizes the mélange of sounds Wet Cookies provides their fans. It is followed by the uptempo, heavily-inspired jazz tune, “1, 4, 3,” which is led by an enticing high hat and alluring vocals. This track is sheer genius. A very funky version of Nat King Cole’s “When I Fall In Love” comes next, and while no one will ever be able to eclipse Cole’s version, this is a very creative and funky take of the ‘50s standard. By the time you get to their spin on Cameo’s “Word Up” you can’t help but shake your head at Wet Cookies’ creativity. Whether you’re a jazz or funk fan, this album appeases both appetites with ample room for dessert. 4.5/5
Buy It: Play.com
The Soul of John Black, “Black John”
Eclecto Groove Records
Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson
Black John is a smorgasbord of melodic sounds from blues to electro-funk to rock. This album covers the spectrum of black music but with a signature John “JB” Bigham flare. Inspired by the 1976 cult film, “J.D.’s Revenge,” The Soul of Black John is Bigham’s foray into doing things his own way. Having written songs for Miles Davis, and played with such artists as Eminem, Dr. Dre, Nikka Costa, Bruce Hornsby and Everlast, this album is vocally and stylistically as diverse as JB. “Betty Jean,” the lead single, is a blues-inspired love tune that’s a throwback to Muddy Waters, B.B. King and other blues greats, but it’s also contemporary enough to garner radio play. “Last Forever” is a country funk track in the same vein as Sly & The Family Stone, that is also lead by a perfectly timed guitar solo. It’s a track you wish would last forever. Songs like “I Knew A Lady,” “White Dress,” and “Push Into The Night” perfectly illustrate JB’s ability to tell a story while making you feel good at the same time. This album is a refreshing glimpse into a thinking man’s mind and sure to be one of the most celebrated releases of the year. 4/5
FEMI, “Sweet Water Soul”
Talking House Records
Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson
If you don’t know who FEMI is yet, Sweet Water Soul is a wonderful introduction to this talented and graceful artist. Coming out of Oakland, California’s soul music scene, on this debut EP, FEMI’s style will remind you of Sade, India Arie, Goapele and Amel Larrieux, but don’t get it twisted, she is her own performer. On “Imported” her smooth silky voice is paired nicely to a melodic flute. Inspired by a trip to Puerto Rico, its layered sound will transport you to a different time and place. Then on “Crush” FEMI’s vocals are sexy yet vulnerable, delicate yet intense; with its groovy accompaniment you feel the sincerity in her words. “If I Knew” changes the EP’s pace slightly, with its reggae beat and pronounced horn section, it’s a nice transition tune to “I Want You,” which is essentially a straight up jazz track. And finally, the disc concludes with “Pages” a downtempo ode to love, that’s the perfect end to what is a very tight and well produced debut EP. Sweet Water Soul is a breakout album and one can only hope only the beginning of many more to come. 4/5
Kutiman, “Kutiman”
Melting Pot Music
Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson
If you’re one of those people who have been desperately waiting to hear a contemporary funk, soul, afro-beat album without pretence that’s straight up about the music, wait no longer, Kutiman has arrived. From start to finish, Tel Aviv’s own, Ophir “Kutiman” Kutiel, takes you on a musical journey through psychedelic funk. His music is a throw back to an era where instrumentation was the name of the game. This guy plays the drums, keyboards, guitar and bass. The first single off the album, “No Groove Where I Come From” (featuring Elran Dekel) is the kind of track that back in the day would have caused a huge raucous on the dance floor. With its funky beat, and afro-influenced vocals, if your head's not nodding through out, there’s definitely something wrong with you, not the music. Who knew that the Middle East could get funky? Put all apprehension aside, good music lives wherever there’s people who are keeping it alive. Other standout tracks are “Chaser” and “Music Is Ruling My World” (featuring Karolina). Kutiman is truly an artist without borders. 4/5
Various Artists, “Maiden Voyage”
Compost Records
Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson
Compiled by Rainer Truby, Theo Theonnessen and Roland Appel, Maiden Voyage is a journey back in time. The name “Maiden Voyage” originates from Herbie Hancock’s 1965 Blue Note classic, and just like that album, this compilation epitomizes a period where soul and boogie were the lay of the land. The disc begins with the downtempo “Lihue” performed by a little known Hawaiian singer, Nohelani Cyprianos. This is followed by the Roy Ayers (lesser known) classic “Respect Yourself” off his 1980 Love Fantasy album. Ayers is truly the crown prince of electro-funk. Other notable tracks are the disco version of “Georgy Porgy” by Toto (featuring Cheryl Lynn on vocals), which is sure to jump start any party, and “She’s Gone” by Norman Connors. Taken from Connors’ Mr C album from 1981, it’s another rare groove that takes your breath away. By the time you get to Debra Laws’ “Very Special” a timeless slow jam, you really have gone on a musical journey, but it’s one that you’ll want to take over and over. This is a very fine compilation that gives justice to an era in soul music where the groove was just as important as the lyric. 4/5
3 Tenors of Soul, “All The Way From Philadelphia" 
Shanachie
Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson
When you think of three Tenors you usually think of opera superstars Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti. But, now you’ll also think of three of the originators of the “Philly Soul” sound of the 1970s. Russell Thompkins Jr. (Stylistics), William ‘Poogie’ Hart (Delfonics), and Ted ‘Wizard Mills’ (Blue Magic) were all once lead vocalists with the original Stylistics, singing on such classics as “Betcha By Golly Wow” and “People Make The World Go Round.” And while this disc is a selection of covers from the ‘70s, they just don’t make singers like this anymore. For example, “Too Much Heaven” (Barry Gibb) and “A Love of Your Own” (performed with The Average White Band) are perfect examples of timeless classics. Very few artists are able to cover Earth Wind and Fire’s “Fantasy” but it’s fair to say that this trio come as close to any other cover I’ve ever heard. The production is not as luminous as the original, but vocally, it’s equally as amazing – how the hell do they hit those high notes?! The only knock against this disc is that so many of these songs have already been remade, reworked, and revamped so many times that you’d rather just hear the original if you had a choice in the matter. But still, All The Way From Philadelphia is a nice tribute to a memorable era in soul music. 3.5/5
Lefties Soul Connection, “Skimming The Skum”
Melting Pot Music
When you think of Amsterdam chances are you don’t think of gritty funk or raw teeth biting soul music, but one listen to Lefties Soul Connection’s Skimming The Skum, and that’s exactly what you’ll think of. If you’re not familiar, Lefties’ sound is the perfect funky blend of guitar, organ, bass and drums. On “Paul Newman,” ‘70s soul fans will recognize the song’s guitar riffs as being a modernized spin on the Sam & Dave classic, “Soul Man.” Next, “Get Back (Drum & Clap)”, is an uptempo soul track with vocals that provide a nice change of pace to the instrumental vibe early on. The title track is a bit of a surprise, with its downtempo beat led by an organ and drum accompaniment, and it’s slowed pace makes it not really the most exciting of songs. However, towards the album’s end, “Move What You Got” and “The Chank” solidify this group’s love of classic funk. 4/5
Narada Jazz
Like a rolling stone, UK-based Incognito show no signs of slowing down, even after almost thirty years in the game. On Bees+Things+Flowers, the group's mello souljazz vocals are perfectly paired to some old classics and new tracks. The most obvious remake, Roy Ayers' "Everybody Loves the Sunshine," also the inspiration for the album's title, is a brilliant rendition of a timeless tune. While you might initially cringe at the thought of another remake of John Sebastian's "Summer in the City" or Earth Wind & Fire's "That's the Way of the World," Incognito somehow manage to make even the endlessly imitated sound new again. Also, while "Deep Waters" and "Everyday" are two tracks that have come to epitomize the Incognito sound over the past twenty-something years, when you hear the acoustic-driven spin they put to both tunes, for a brief moment, you believe you're hearing each song for the first time. Then, on "Still a Friend of Mine," with its orchestral accompaniment, and the beat of a lone conga drum, you're reminded just how good this song was the first time you heard it, and why it remains just as good all these years later. Incognito, led by the unwavering vision of guitarist/songwriter, Jean-Paul Maunick (aka "Bluey") and singers such as Maysa, Carleen Anderson, Imaani, Joy Rose, Tony Momrelle and Tyrone Henry, who have been apart of this group's formidable success over the years, have laid down yet another solid contribution to the world of music. 5/5
