Record of the Week
Celebrated Afro-jazz ensemble Ubunye are proud to present their new album Tell Me the Truth Or Don’t Tell Me Anything, forthcoming on 33 Jazz Records. Featuring two powerful vocalists from South Africa’s Kwa Zulu Natal region, combined with a dynamic rhythm section and an array of guest artists, Ubunye’s music is a unique blend of contemporary jazz, Afro-pop and traditional ‘Isigqui’ Zulu music.
On their new album, Ubunye immortalise the energy and spirit of their revered live shows and distinctive, high-energy sound. Ubunye’s inspirational fusion of jazz, dance and afro-beat encapsulates the soul of South Africa, swiftly winning the band a legion of fans across the UK and beyond, leading to the ensemble winning ‘Best UK Jazz Ensemble’ at the prestigious Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2023. Ubunye (loosely translated as ‘Oneness’ or ‘Unity’), is the conception of keyboard player and lead songwriter David Evans, first collaborating with baritone singer Xolani Mbatha and eventually developing a line up consisting of Steve Hanley on drums, Nik Svarc on guitar, Sam Dutton-Taylor on bass and vocalist Nokuthula Zondi (working alongside Mbatha). Joining the band on this new album are the incredible Soothsayers horn section of Idris Rahman and Robin Hopcraft, legendary percussionist Dave Hassell, horn players Emma Johnson (tenor sax) and Aaron Wood (trumpet), Norweigen experimental cellist Maja Bugge and poet Michelle Scally Clarke.
Ubunye aims to be an antidote to the divisive activity the country is experiencing at present. It stands by its original commitment to address racism through love and creativity. It was founded by Dave Evans and Xolani Mbatha, who first met at Garforth Arts Festival and fuses a range of musical genres, particularly Zulu-rooted African rhythms and vocals with jazz. An Afrojazz fusion that highlights the innovation that can be released when diverse artists collaborate, whilst creating sounds that resonate across and connect different communities. A true iteration of music as a unifying force.
Speaking about the new album, David Evans says: “Our second album explores connection - to ourselves and to others, of going beyond the ego - of recognising our struggles. Much more acoustic than our eponymous debut and a deeper reflection of how the band sound live, the album traverses a number of themes: ‘Hey Now’ emphasises the importance of honesty, authenticity and truth - it talks about the visceral honesty from Charlie Parker and how as musicians we look to Parker, Miles, Coltrane and others as leaders - people who expressed honesty and humanity in and through music. ‘On The Road’ is inspired by the Kerouac classic, exploring Zen Buddhist ideas. ‘Let Me Stay Here’ is a song about when everything is right and wanting to stay in those moments and ‘Flowers’ is a gratitude song for people who have helped us - maybe people who are no longer here - a special person - maybe a Mother.”
These ideas are enhanced by Ubunye’s unique melodies and engaging harmonies, showcasing both their compositional prowess and charismatic performance – a standout recording from a one-of-a- kind band who are more relevant than ever.
Formed by the rhythm section of in-demand session bassist Luke Hodgson and drummer Graeme Pogson (GL / The Bamboos) who were also both long time players with Harvey Sutherland, Mondo Freaks are the next outfit ready to break out internationally from the world renowned Melbourne soul scene, which has acts currently riding high like Hiatus Kaiyote and Surprise Chef.
Inspired by the crisp funk and rnb of the late ’70s and early ’80s as they eased out of disco, Mondo Freaks stand apart with their live instrumentation and a focus on vocals and great songwriting. Creating something beyond just instrumental grooves their sound transcends mere homage and without any knowing winks, Mondo Freaks breathe new life into a timeless sound and make it feel more relevant than ever.
The self-titled album was produced by Hodgson and Pogson but was mixed by multi Grammy winner Michael Brauer who is known for working on recordings by the likes of Coldplay, Springsteen, Dylan, McCartney and Rolling Stones. But Mondos reminded him of the rnb records he started out working on in the late ’70s / early ’80s, which had huge influences on the band such as Change, B.B. & Q. Band, Was (Not Was), Gwen Guthrie, Grace Jones, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Pleasure, Cheryl Lynn, Cerrone, Jones Girls, Kid Creole, Teddy Pendegrass, Morris Day and many more..
Gathering some of the finest musicians from Melbourne’s soul scene, the band include a roster of five incredible vocalists including Jade MacRae, Susie Goble, Francisco Tavares, Aaron Mendoza and Jason Heerah.
Mendoza (formerly from world renowned Melbourne act Electric Empire) adds his sweet vocals to “Won’t You Decide” while Tavares “stretches it like elastic” on the Cameo-esque Funk track “Pumped!”. Jade MacRae shows why she is one of Australia’s best soul voices of the last decade with her lead vocals across six of the album’s tracks.
Formed originally as a concept band, equipped with an ever-evolving setlist of late ’70s and early ’80s funk classics, their journey has seen them invited to be the backing band for the Australian tours of such US soul music luminaries as Leroy Burgess (the producer and artist behind boogie and disco favourites Black Ivory, Logg, Aleem, Inner Life, and Universal Robot Band) and the iconic Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King.
The album has been a true labour of love for all members of Mondo Freaks, stretching over a long period. It was recorded and put together in the middle of the painful lockdown that Melbourne suffered but the result was a true vindication of passion, perseverance, talent and friendship.
Friend: The rupture is filled with sounds and a translation is made from blazing starlight to harmony and weather. Laid down in our silken dreams, the tripped out flows in the dubbed footpath, and with our hands wet, we root down. Her voice fades and gathers from this place, where we hold the water of our bodies against the speaker of time, and let the ripples give us pleasure and vision. Spin slowly around the open air room, dripping with the undertone of two hearts, to hear the warming of her sun come across our deep cold space.
Hot off extensive tours worldwide, playing the likes of Pitchfork Festival, Dekmantel, iii Points, and Mutek, following in the footsteps of her last two critically aclaimed singles, Play is the lead single for her upcoming album ‘Friend,’ out on AD 93 September 5, 2025. “Carried foremost by feeling, the curvature of her lyrics capture the fleeting moment in which euphoria sinks into quiet melancholy”-RA RIYL: Cocteau Twins, Yves Tumor, Prodigy, Oklou, Grimes
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Sheffield multi-instrumentalist and producer Yarni presents the first collection of singles from his forthcoming album "Anemoia," showcasing three distinct facets of the project's ambitious sonic palette. This initial sampler features the disco-soul of "Temperature's Rising" (ft. Nathaniel Short), the hypnotic instrumental jazz-funk of "Silent City," and the soul-stirring "Sealed With A Loving Kiss" (ft. Scarlett Fae).
As a purely self-taught multi-instrumentalist, Yarni (aka Benjamin Harris) continues to draw praise from influential voices, with Gilles Peterson describing his work as "lovely," Luke Una calling it "a beautiful gift to the world," and huge support from BBC Radio 6's Huey Morgan & Deb Grant who declared “Pigna” as "chef's kiss delicious." His previous release "Boro" landed on Spotify's Class of 2021 for Fresh Finds UK and Ireland.
The sampler opens with "Temperature's Rising," where Nathaniel Short's soulful vocals meet Yarni's first-ever string quartet arrangement, creating a perfect blend of classic disco and modern production. "Silent City," an instrumental piece inspired by Malta's ancient city of Mdina, featuring James Atashroo's evocative trumpet work against a backdrop of psychedelic funk. The collection closes with "Sealed With A Loving Kiss", evolving from a simple two-chord idea first recorded 24 years ago into a sweeping epic that channels both Fleetwood Mac's timeless songcraft and LCD Soundsystem's building intensity.
This trio of tracks offers the first comprehensive glimpse into "Anemoia's" exploration of nostalgia and time, demonstrating Yarni's ability to craft authentic, innovative music across multiple genres while maintaining a coherent artistic vision. From string-laden disco to epic soul and jazz-funk instrumentals, each track reveals a new facet of this ambitious project.
Temperature’s Rising is released 16th July 2025. S.W.A.L.K lands August 13th 2025
Silent City arrives with the Anemoia album - full release 3rd October 2025
This new album with Afroblaster is not only a masterclass in contemporary Afrobeat infused with funk, soul jazz, and rare groove, but also a deeply personal tribute to the late Cameroonian bassist Hilaire Penda.
Penda—whose career took him from Douala to Paris and London, performing with icons like Salif Keita, Mory Kanté, and Thione Seck—was a tireless champion of Afrobeat and African music until his passing in 2018. One Race honours his legacy of inclusivity, creativity, and uncompromising groove.
From the politically charged opener “Bad Situation” to the fiery remake of Fela’s classic “Gentleman”, and the defiant title track “One Race”, Kiala delivers shorter, sharper Afrobeat bombs designed for today’s dancefloors.
With standout contributions from vocalists Swala Amati and Julia Sarr, flautist Magic Malik, and co-composer/drummer Papa Tef, this is Afrobeat for a new era—rooted in tradition, driven by revolution, and dedicated to brotherhood.
Yukimi - Get it Over
The celebrated vocalist and co-founder of Grammy-nominated band Little Dragon shares a new single titled “Get It Over”, co-written by Canadian musician Saya Grey.
“Get It Over” is about being lost in your own inner world, unable to find a way out into the real world” commented Yukimi on the new single, “it’s about feeling too lost to reply or take on responsibilities”. The single arrives after Yukimi’s stunning debut solo album ‘For You’ released in March 2025 on Ninja Tune.
Strut presents Mulatu Plays Mulatu, the first major studio album in over 10 years from the father of Ethio-jazz, Mulatu Astatke.
Featuring masterful new arrangements of some of his classic compositions, Mulatu Plays Mulatu finds Mulatu revisiting the sounds that helped to change the face of Ethiopian music during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. The album was recorded between London and Addis Ababa, working with his long-standing UK band, a tight, intuitive ensemble honed through years of live performance, alongside cultural musicians resident at his Jazz Village club in Addis.
Mulatu Plays Mulatu realises Mulatu’s long-term vision of Ethio-jazz, intricately balancing Western jazz arrangements with the rich sounds of traditional Ethiopian instruments including the krar, masenqo, washint, kebero and begena. Throughout the album, he reshapes familiar material with rich textures, expanded improvisations and a deepened rhythmic complexity, creating a body of work that feels as vital and contemporary as it does steeped in tradition. Familiar compositions like ‘Yekermo Sew’, ‘Netsanet’ and the celebratory ‘Kulun’ are reinvented here as elegant big band performances.
“Ethio-jazz brings us together and makes us one,” explains Mulatu. “This album is the culmination of my work bringing this music to the world and pays respect to our unsung heroes, the original musical scientists in Ethiopia who gave us our cultural music.”
Bridging continents and generations throughout his 50-year career, Astatke now offers us an invitation to hear his music again, with a completely fresh perspective. Ethio-jazz, like its creator, is always in motion.
Mulatu Plays Mulatu was produced by Dexter Story and features contemporary artists LA-based artists Carlos Niño and Kibrom Birhane. The album was recorded and mixed by Isabel Gracefield at RAK Studios in London and by Dexter Story in Addis. The inspired album artwork was created by acclaimed Oslo-based Ethiopian artist, Wendimagegn Belete with photography by Alexis Maryon.
Following the success of his previous release 'House of Desired Funk', mysterious electronic artist Tryangle Man returns with self-released single 'Lemon Squeeze', a groovy, fun-filled and jazz-fuelled instrumental jam.
Tryangle Man is an electronic artist and live performer whose music blends jazz, ambient, deep house, and visual arts into immersive sonic journeys. A self-described “peace-seeking space being,” he crafts concept-driven albums that explore themes of discovery, memory, and cosmic connection.
Trained as a classical pianist and jazz drummer, Tryangle Man later pursued a master's degree in music, eventually attending Berklee College of Music. His releases have garnered over half a million streams across platforms and have been featured on the BBC and 5FM Radio, among others. He has also performed on stages across Europe and the Middle East, including Afrikaburn, Sofar Sounds, Rituel Festival, Madame Loyale, Souq Festival, Fire Club London, Phonox, and many more.
Following the success of his previous release 'House of Desired Funk', the next single I 'Lemon Squeeze' is the 2nd song taken from his upcoming album (title TBA), which will be coming out at the beginning of 2026. A fun experience that captures Tryangle Man in his element. This new single is filled with grooviness, jazzy licks, and entertainment throughout.
Fun fact: the whole track is a perfect loop and can be repeated forever. Beware.
Bringing a sultry,1970s soul aesthetic to Billie Eilish’s introspective pop ballad “My Future” and adding the powerhouse vocals of Rita Satch…
New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based multi-hyphenate Lance Ferguson blends live instrumentation and lush harmonic layers with Rita Satch’s compelling vocal delivery on his rich reinterpretation of Billie Eilish’s 2020 hit "My Future", the third single from the forthcoming album Rare Groove Spectrum Vol. 3, due out Friday 21st November via Tru Thoughts.
Ferguson is also a guitarist, DJ and recording artist. He divides his time between leading Australia’s premier soul/funk outfit The Bamboos, releasing music with his other projects Menagarie, Rare Groove Spectrum, Machines Always Win and lending his production, songwriting and guitar skills to a multitude of artists.
Throughout his career Lance has produced 45 full-length albums and more than 100 singles and remixes for an array of respected labels, including Atlantic, Universal, Warner, BMG, Sony, TruThoughts (UK), Ubiquity (USA), Inertia (Australia), Freestyle (UK) and his own imprint Pacific Theatre. His work has earned him seven ARIA Award nominations and five APRA Music Award nominations, cementing his influence.
His songwriting and production work achieved global chart domination in 2016 with the hit “This Girl” by Kungs vs Cookin’ On 3 Burners, co-written and originally produced by Lance. The track reached Top 5 in 29 countries, hit #1 in 10 territories, and achieved Diamond, Multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold certifications across the US, UK, France, Germany and beyond. It currently boasts over 1.27 Billion Spotify streams and 545 million YouTube views.