The Letter
Spring is cracking on, and we’ve been selecting music for you off the back of seeing the mighty Eek-A-Mouse at London's Jazz Cafe last week. For those of you who know your reggae & dancehall, you’ll know how important an artist he is. The live show was amazing - probably the best we have been to at the Jazz cafe! If his name doesn’t ring a bell, it’s definitely worth checking Eek-A-Mouse out.
Now, on to this month’s vinyl:
Our LP for March is by “Tush,” a rising electronic music act powered by Kamilah Apong and Jamie Kidd. Taking inspiration from electro funk, early disco, post-punk and '90s house; their debut album 'Fantast' embodies the rawness, vulnerability, and intimacy of the dancefloor.
'Fantast' kicks off with the slow burning 'Wavy Baby', an invitation to get close, get intimate and submit to the groove: "Vulnerability is the key to us getting to that next step of intimacy". Up next is lead single 'Chrysalis', a high octane ride through a technicolour fantasy world of heady synths and driving rhythms. Two other high points of the album, 'Jessica F***' and 'Marathons', highlight Tush doing what they do best, really stretching their improvisational muscles. The interplay of raw soulful vocals, hypnotic basslines, synth pads, and heavy disco rhythms is at the core of what makes them so invigorating.
Our EP this month is an absolute classic that we could not pass up getting for you. Two all-time George Duke greats, “I Want You for Myself” & "Brazilian Love Affair” get the official remastered, reissue treatment.
First up, 'I Want You For Myself' Duke's 1979 jazz funk, R&B tinged gem has got all the ingredients of classic from his illustrious catalogue. A funked up guitar and exuberant percussion, compliment Lynn Davis' fabulously soulful vocals perfectly to make this a love song that's sweeter than most. The infamous Tom Moulton takes on edit duties splicing it into a 10-minute exploration of this fusion powerhouse, extending and enhancing elements in the mix, alongside adding an epic breakdown in a way that only he knows how.
On the B side, the stone-cold killer 'Brazilian Love Affair' is a Latin American, jazz funk classic. Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Duke drafted in a host of greats to guest on the track, each bringing something unique to the table. Much sampled, much loved, this is a masterpiece that now has a place in your collection.
