Aurgasm

latin jazz // tropical

First appearing on Jazz in Mexico – The Legendary 1954 Sessions, pioneering Mexican drummer and composer Tino Contreras was born in 1928 in Chihuahua, Chih., and has recorded over 40 albums to date. El Jazz Mexicano De Tino Contreras (2011) showcases his ingenuity of styles absorbed from world travels – containing ritual chants, waltz, psychedelia, and microtones to name a few. However, my aurgasm is Jazz Tropical (1962) as double bass swings through proclaiming horns, congas are aplenty, and occasional shouts propel excitement. Tino’s drum solo in “Conversacion” is a highlight, while the cascading piano from his take on Ernesto Lecuona’s “La Malagueña” and the lively swagger of “Night in Tunisia” is exquisite.

Invigorating Latin flavors.
Tino Contreras – Noche en Tunisia
Tino Contreras – La Malagueña
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pop-folk // singer-songwriter

Hush (The Secrets Project) (2012), Shelly Fraley’s latest album, has everything to satisfy your pop cravings for the summer. It’s sweet, yet far from sugary. It’s catchy, yet sophisticated. Essentially, it’s everything you could want in a pop song. Shelly’s album ranges from mid-tempo piano ballads to upbeat acoustic tunes, all brimming with the cleverly crafted hooks. The opening track “Hush” would most certainly appeal to the fans of Lenka, while the lovely “Just Don’t Wanna Be Alone” shares similarities with such pop-folk darlings as Rosi Golan and Katie Herzig.

Sweetest pop perfection.

Shelly Fraley – Hush
Shelly Fraley – Just Dont Wanna Be Alone
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pop // soul

Miriam Bryant’s debut single “Finders, Keepers” (2012) might label her as a potential Sweden’s answer to the British soul invasion. However, while vocal comparisons to the critically acclaimed Adele are definitely due, Miriam’s songwriting is more in line with Paloma Faith’s jazz glamour with an added touch of Amanda Jenssen‘s sing-along soul-pop. “Finders, Keepers” is a truly emotive ballad that evolves around dramatic piano and strings, and Miriam’s powerful vocals. She’s one songstress I’ll be keeping a keen eye on in the future.

Strong, emotive songwriting.

Miriam Bryant – Finders, Keepers
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french vocal // soft soul

From the very first track of her debut album Jusqu’aux Oreilles (2008), Quebec native Amylie enchants the listener with her soft-toned and subtle sound. The soulful vibes of “Espace” evoke similarities with critically acclaimed Les Nubiennes’ Princesses Nubiennes, while its lush instrumentation and clean hypnotic production reminds the sound of Zero 7. Catchy, uptempo and playful “Mes Oreilles” brings to mind the debut album of French chanteuse Camille.

Fresh, sweet-sounding and vibrant.
Amylie – Espace
Amylie – Mes Oreilles
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electronic // downtempo

Supple beats marry shimmering coral chords in seaside bliss amid warming, caressing petals of sky to rendezvous your senses and massage on contact. Transposed emotions from Melbourne form piano flute cloudscapes, dazzling luminous sunsets, and curious blips washed in reverb flowing uptempo or downbeat. Jack Vanzet’s Voyages blossom into euphoric rewards for your ears, and his Unfinished Business is a 19-minute dopamine symphony of calming awe.

Dreamy audio estuary.
Thrupence – Synchronous Bloom
Thrupence – Folds
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Jazz // Pop

An intriguing personality shows in the words and music from Bev Lee Harling. Songs about expectations, modern life & love are matched by a diverse production which is sometimes tongue in cheek, but always spot on in presenting the song eloquently. Don’t be fooled by the sweetness of her voice; she conceals a dark twist and wickedness underneath her cute appearance. “Private Life of a Puppet” sees a fine balance between innocent & dark, while “Barefoot in Your Kitchen” has you guessing whether it is a smart analogy or just a loving tribute.

Jazz pop with an intriguing twist.
Bev Lee Harling – Private Life of a Puppet (acoustic)
Bev Lee Harling – Barefoot in Your Kitchen
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dream-folk // scottish singer-songwriter

Rachel Sermanni’s EP Black Currents (2012) may only offer 4 tracks, but it certainly earns the Scottish songstress a spot among the most promising talents of the year. Rachel’s ethereal, some times husky Sarah Blasko-like vocals ride the delicate guitar, breezy strings and subtle piano arrangements of her debut EP. The lead track “The Fog” showcases Rachel’s rich vocal range from delicate to haunting dark tones. Don’t let this gem slip under your radar.

Heartfelt, refreshing debut.

Rachel Sermanni – The Fog
Rachel Sermanni – Breathe Easy
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northern rock

Whether digging country roots or rocking guitars, these hearty rascals from Greenwich, NY produce incredibly appealing tight rhythms, choral elation and rollicking stomp. Eastbound Jesus has a vibe I cherish at bluegrass festivals: kids running freely, families sharing meals, camping areas for jamming all night, and tents for free lessons. People are real and their good nature is alive. Thoroughly uplifting, Holy Smokes instills a sense of everything being alright even if you’re far from it. Songs reveal boyhood girl troubles, the workingman’s plight, and helpful lore with a refreshing dash of revolt. Open your windows and doors; feel sun-fueled air kite stymie issues. Hang laundry, clean dishes – dance, sing, paint! Let pieces puzzle together as you lead where life takes you.

Folksy romp with humble foundations.
Eastbound Jesus – For the Ride
Eastbound Jesus – Without You
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jazz // thunder

Hopefully your speakers can fully embrace the percussive salvo of Bottom Rhythm Jam. Featuring Indigo Jam Unit‘s drummer, Takehiro Shimizu, and pianist Yoshichika Tarue, led by Kosuke Tsuji, with Gandhi on contrabass, this is the hardest hitting, relentless pounding jazz I’ve ever enjoyed. A ferocious and awesome Encounter binding earthly tremors to your body.

Explosive jazz from Japan.
Bottom Rhythm Jam – Crisis
Bottom Rhythm Jam – Core G
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acoustic jazz // world

Moroccan-born, Paris-based songstress and multi-instrumentalist Hindi Zahra is truly a world artist. Her debut album Handmade (2011) embodies the spirit of American jazz and blues traditions, Django Reinhardt’s gypsy guitar rhythms and North African beats. Sung nearly entirely in English with occasional Berber whispers, Handmade ranges from smoky ballads to soulful urban blues. In “Beautiful Tango” Hindi’s sweet vocals, acoustic guitar, light hand percussion, and overall easy jazz style steal your heart away.

Soulful grooves with a tinge of Morocco.

Hindi Zahra – Beautiful Tango
Hindi Zahra – Imik Si Mik
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