Miguel Scott & BluShift - Broken Layers (Viva Recordings)

Over the last year or so, the Viva Recordings team has been getting to know Miguel Scott, a talented producer from Johannesburg, South Africa. After many conversations and a few listening sessions, it was apparent that "Broken Layers" was just what the label needed. This release is packed with jazz & broken beat vibes, and is co written by BluShift, also from Johannesburg. You can also catch Miguel on labels like Nervous, Moiss Music Black, and his own Afrinative Soul imprint. Don’t sleep on this one.

Jason Merle (4E&A Records) – “Those drums are clutch. Beautiful, organic sounds all around. In the bag.”
Juan Moreno (1 Life Records) – “Nice broken beat track. So classy.”
Deli-G (The Touch) – “Pure fire on this release.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House web zine) – “A truly glamorous slice of jazz house bliss.”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “5 Stars for this amazing record. Absolutely love it.”
Clive Craske (RadioReverb) – “Loving the dexterous jazz piano, funky and driving broken beats and Thereminny synth wibbling. Ace.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Traxsource, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Leandro P. feat. Daniel Reis On Keys - African Seed (Nylon Trax)

Nylon Trax is pleased to present “African Seed,” its first single from the Sao Paulo-based DJ Leandro P., joined on keys by Daniel Reis. Leandro P. (given name: Leandro Pereira) is a staple of the Brazilian deep house scene, DJ’ing at renowned club events like Deep Soul Sessions, Ritual House, and Grooveland Party as well as broadcasting his weekly Ritual House Sessions radio show on Discotheque Radio. His sets are known for blending all the possibilities of rhythmic electronic beats, melodies and vocals with sprinkles of jazz, soul, afrobeat, and disco while keeping the vibe deep. “African Seed” introduces Leandro P.‘s talent like a fifty foot wave on our shores with its soulful, percussive feel and enticingly exotic overtones. The “African Seed” refers to Africa as the cradle of civilization, its seed spawning all of us. This heavy thought comes through in the track’s pensive atmosphere, carefully layered pads, and Daniel Reis’ melodic keyboard embellishments. Reis comes through with more prominence in the Organ Mix which features a delightful solo running over the cut’s heartbeat.

Jaymz Nylon delivers the first of a pair of remixes, not only accentuating the beats through his distinctive ‘afro-tech’ rhythm programming, but also accentuating the song’s message with an added spoken vocal. Indeed, Jaymz Nylon could not simply remix the track, but also lent his butter baritone voice and djembe, turning this already great tune into an epic one. The second remix is courtesy of Old Man Yellow, a bright new talent coming out of the Emerald City of Seattle. This evocative version rounds out the project with solid, late night floor flavor, a dirty kick, sophisticated keys, and a deep and sensual bass line. It’s another top notch release from the trusted tastemakers at Nylon Trax, and just the first offering planned with the promising Leandro P.

Boddhi Satva - “Truly feeling the original mix.”
Marques Wyatt - “This is a nice EP.”
Glenn Underground - “The Organ Mix can be worked nicely.”
Abicah Soul - “Love it.”
Dr. Bob Jones - “Love the production on this. Quality, inspirational music. Full support - no problem.”
Daz-I-Kue (Bugz In The Attic) - “I’m feeling this hard.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “A classy deep sound and uplifting mood throughout a good selection of mixes.”
Andy Compton (The Rurals) - “Groovy stuff!”
Kai “KZR” Alce (NDATL Muzik) - “All mixes have some late night action to offer.”
Haldo (Proceed Records) - “Deep … deep … great track! Will play for sure.”
Evan Landes (Groove Junkies) - “Hypnotic and dope. Feelin’ this!”
Christos Kedras (Kapa Music) - “Great package. The percussion action on the original is fantastic and the vocal is a fitting addition on the Jaymz Nylon mix. Both in the bag!”
Hippie Torrales - “Such a great groove and feel.”
Stephan Hoellermann (Balance Alliance) - “Oh, I love the original mix and the Old Man Yellow remix. I’ll play this for sure!”
Bootsy (For The Love Radio Show) - “Jaymz Nylon introduces some proper late 80s spoken word house vibes to this. Quality!”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House) - “An amazing timeless production oozing with nothing but soul and wonderful melodies.”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.

Myles Bigelow - Flite Sessions EP (Deep Culture Music)

About Deep Culture Music and Myles Bigelow:
Vancouver’s Deep Culture Music is pleased to present the latest release from Myles Bigelow, the Flite Sessions EP. Myles has an extensive and dynamic musical background, and is not only a talented DJ and producer but also a vocalist and world-renowned percussionist. As a percussionist Myles toured the world with Latin Grammy winning artists Orlando “Maraca” Valle and the Alex Cuba Band, as well as sharing the stage with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Earth Wind & Fire, and Heracio “El Negro” Hernandez. He formed Deep Culture Music with Luis Machuca to further his interest in rhythm, combining it with soulful New York and Chicago bred styles of house music. In addition, Myles has previously released tracks on Pure Funk, Future Elements, and NeoSoul, the latter being the home to “Believe,” his recent collaboration with Julius Papp and vocalist Deborah Bond.

About Myles Bigelow’s Flite Sessions EP:
Sometimes what reigns supreme to an artist is the ability to express himself without limitations and the need for approval. Flite Sessions is a project that was conceived to allow unfettered expression, and a release from the pressure of considering external influences. Myles is not comfortable being restricted to one genre because it sets limitations on his multi-dimensional personality forcing him to consider a moniker as a way of explaining what could be perceived as inconsistency. More than anything else, Myles dislikes being restricted to just one sound, and so this project was deliberately conceived as an open-ended opportunity to explore any and all avenues. Each song carries its own character and consistency and is undivided in its purpose and intent. The opening track, “Get Them Up,” is the first of many vocal releases that Myles intends to release on Deep Culture. The vibe is house-hop, Afro-percussive, soulful, and deep. Myles enjoys rapping as much as singing and this track is the ice breaker to demonstrate a bit of both. “The Narrator” is a thick track meant to move floors in the deepest way possible. It represents a grittier side to Myles that he feels is usually neglected due to social, cultural pressures. “Torus” is inspired with a deep techy feel and a dash of soul to lighten the dark intensity that it projects at moments. This non-stop driving beat is a story that builds, reaches a climax and then resolves. Last but not least is “Life’s Celebration,” a deep, punchy, global, Afro-beat track. This song provides an organic dance feel while keeping some house roots. Those who enjoy this project as much as Myles enjoyed creating it will for sure enjoy the journey that Flite Sessions has in store for the future.

Quentin Harris - “Some good tracks on this EP.”
Roy Davis Jr. - “‘Get Them Up’ works for me. A well-rounded EP.”
Master Kev - “Feeling the vibe!”
Marques Wyatt - “Digging this!”
Demarkus Lewis - “Nice heavy foot on the ‘Torus’ track. Will give it a spin.”
Diz (Vizual / Classic) - “‘Narrator’ is the ISH for me on this effort. Dreamy yet slamming!”
Graeme Park - “A percussive delight.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House) - “The afro-tastic ‘Get Them Up’ is the one thanks to uplifting vocals, lush melodies and captivating rhythms.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Fantastic summer vibes here. I like the feel on this.”
Benji Candelario - “Good EP!”
Booker T. (Kings Of Soul) - “Nice deep vibes … support.”
Christos Kedras (Kapa Music) - “‘Get Them Up’ is my pick here. I’m loving the funky broken-beat action!”
Eddy Spirit (Janga Crew) - “‘The Narrator’ is the one for me. Enough percussion to make it work without hammering things too much and a mix of great quality sounds. A sure tool for the clubs.”
Swift (DJN Project) - “‘Get Them Up’ is dope!”
Cherokee (Cherry Global Radio Show) - “This EP is filled with talent! Great stuff. Will work out a few of these tracks for sure.”

Additional support from Gene Hunt, Abicah Soul, DJ EMan, DJ Pope, Craig Stewart, Spiritual Blessings, Christian Alvarez, and Bryan Jones.

Available from Juno Download and Beatport.

Joni Haastrup / MonoMono (Tummy Touch)

Soundway and Tummy Touch are proud to present this sampler highlighting tracks culled from three blistering albums of afro-rock and funk from Nigerian multi-instrumentalist Joni Haastrup and his band MonoMono. Re-issued for release on CD, download, and replica gatefold LP are three of Nigeria’s most coveted releases; MonoMono’s 1971 debut album Give The Beggar A Chance, the follow up Dawn of Awareness, and Joni Haastrup’s debut solo record Wake Up Your Mind. Soundway have been championing Joni Haastrup since day one featuring tracks on both the Nigeria Special! and Nigeria Rock Special! releases. Most recently Joni appears as a guest keys player on Black Goddess, an Afro-jazz soundtrack collaboration with Remi Kabaka.

Growing up in a royal household in Nigeria, Joni Haastrup began his musical journey performing for his brother’s band Sneakers and was quickly snapped up as a vocalist for O.J. Ekemode and his Modern Aces’ Super Afro Soul album, one of Afro-beat’s formative LPs. At this point James Brown was all the rage, and Joni Haastrup was tearing up stages across Western Nigeria, known as his country’s own “Soul Brother Number One.” Soon after, Ginger Baker of Cream fame replaced Steve Winwood with Joni on keys for Airforce’s UK concerts in ‘71. The success of the collaboration led to further shows with Baker as part of the SALT project before Joni returned to Nigeria to set up MonoMono.

MonoMono were a drastic departure from the 60’s groups in Nigeria that mainly did soul covers but a logical progression from the jazz-rock fusion saturating the London scene. MonoMono often took on the blues-rock grooves of Santana and Hugh Masekela, but with their own unique Yoruban flavor. The sound is unique and sounds contemporary to this day. Laced with funk basslines, swirling keyboards, and screaming guitars on top of solid Afro-beat rhythms these songs are sure to liven up any DJ’s playlist and grab the instant attention of the most casual listener.

Laurent Garnier - “Pure afro-beat heaven — AWESOME.”
Kid Loco - “This is just brilliant.”
Chris Todd (Crazy P / Hot Todday) - “I’m no Afrobeat afficionado, but i’m enjoying these tracks!”
Nickodemus (Turntables On The Hudson) - “I’m doing the Funkro right now!”
Mock & Toof (Tiny Sticks / DFA) - “Totally a-m-a-z-i-n-g ! ! !”
Dimitris Tzaninis (Hip Sound, Greece) - “Regarding timeless afro-beat, this is the real stuff!”
Johnwaynes (cecille / Compost) - “Roooots! funky power! I love it! everyone should listen this.”
DJ Sabo (Sol*Selectas, NYC) - “I can’t get enough of this rare afro-beat. Thanks for un-earthing these gems!”

Available now from Tummy Touch Shop