Having now achieved the incredible milestone of his eighth studio album, Marcelo "MOMO." Frota bestows 'Tum Tum Tum' on to new and devoted listeners continuing his affiliation with Agogo Records. It still doesn't seem that long since the unbridled joy of 'Gira' - album #7 - had us swooning into our headphones as we marvelled upon the undeniable masterpiece that it is. And whether we're discussing Frota's current project or any of the magnificent seven that came before it, MOMO. albums have always boasted a wonderfully rich and diverse sound that finds the guitarist and producer able to take a little from the storied route his music has navigated to date. Now based in London, the Brazilian artist's journey has chartered a course from Brazil to Spain, Portugal, the US and now South London. While 'Tum Tum Tum' celebrates twenty years since the debut MOMO. release ('A Estética do Rabisco'), it is also an album that is indicative of all that came before it. Showcasing subtle homages to psychedelic soul, alt-folk, UK jazz and Brazilian Tropicália - and featuring musical contributions from Marcos Valle and trombonist, Rosie Turton - Frota's hushed and smoky vocals elegantly bind all of these wonderfully disparate elements turning them into an enriched cohesive gem. Here's to another twenty, Mr Frota!
Marking the second live video released from the UK quartet, Year of the Bear, the latest effort determinedly puts them on the right path in establishing themselves amidst an already strong musical landscape. With 'Side by Side' released a little over two months ago - also unveiled as a live video from Total Refreshment Centre - the collective's penchant for spirited and eclectic compositions exudes from their two releases to date. Their distinct perspectives on jazz seems poised to find inspiration from a range of genres and styles as diverse as the fast-paced nature of broken beat and electronica while also masterfully being able to capture neo-classical traits twinged with a distinctive cinematic quality. Comprised of pianist Jim Baldock, saxophonist Matt McNaughton, bassist Beau Barnard and Chris Hardwick on drums, the Year of the Bear quartet collectively boast a wealth of experience, honed through years of session work, collaboration and work as leading artists in their own right. Under their new guise, there's certainly a magic that the foursome have stumbled onto together that suggests that the tracks unveiled so far could be leading to something notably special.
Clearly incapable of putting a foot wrong, French duo Yumeji make a long overdue return with another glorious summer-infused single in 'See You in Space Cowboy'. Through past standalone single releases - 'Abyss of My Tea', 'Sponge Queen' and 'Midnight Moves' - Yumeji display an undeniably cool take on contemporary R&B and alternative-soul that finds them exuding swathes of personality in all aspects of their music. From their witty penmanship to their slick production, Yumeji have definitively cracked the code for contemporary soul bliss. Comprised of bassist Thegirlfromtutu and vocalist Hermione Bayle, their influences have continually been cited as ranging from similarly big personalities in Jamiroquai, George Clinton and Angie Stone - colossal names within their respective fields and artists who each possess an innate ability to balance musicianship with an unmistakable sense of character. It is this same spirit that duo channel so effortlessly, taking cues from the funk, soul and jazz realms while filtering them through a distinctly personal lens. As with past Yumeji singles, there's an affectionate playfulness that underpins the music which, again, adds to their unwavering charm. Another single, another step towards solidifying Yumeji as a preeminent name in today's eclectic soul landscape.
The prolificity of Canadian, DJ, producer and vocalist Emily "Socool" Sobool continues to know no bounds as she celebrates the release of her latest EP, 'Dreams & Riddles'. Always relishing the opportunity to create music with like-minded creatives, Socool's latest project pairs her with electronic music-maker Paul Griffin whose proclivity for synthesizers and sweeping electronica landscapes makes for a dream pairing through their first collaborative project. Boasting a wonderful display of seven original pieces, the duo tap into a compelling middle-ground that takes Socool slightly outside of her natural downtempo aesthetics and into more groove-riddled, dreamy pop territory which she comfortably adapts to, making the stylistic departure feel surprisingly effortless. Similarly, for Griffin, whose past releases include the broad electronic soundscapes of 'Facets' and the more introspective nature of 'Descends' adapts just as well to 'Dreams & Riddles' enthralling new direction. The project's title track, along with the brilliant menacing bounce of 'Live Wire', highlight the point in spectacular fashion with sublime vocals alongside sophisticated and nuanced production that results in a project tailor-made for the summer.
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