Kamasi Washington - The Epic (Brainfeeder Records)

Let's talk Jazz.

A 34-year old American saxophonist, Kamasi Washington rose from a difficult LA hood, to now affirm himself as one of the most promising musician of his generation, with the recent release of a debut LP that should leave a lasting mark on the long history of Jazz music.

The Epic's genesis is an intense 2011 month-long recording session with his friends from the West Coast Get Down band. From spiritual ballads, to groovier parts with vocalists to Pharoah Sanders-like furious musical riots, his sax leads a 20+ musicians pack in an almost 3-hour long journey, that takes you away, far away. And who else than Alice Coltrane's nephew, Flying Lotus, and his groundbreaking Brainfeeder label, could host such a cosmic effort? A perfect match.

So, make some room on your iphone/ipod/whatever, because, Jazz fan or not, I guarantee this fascinating one will durably eat some memory space!


Extracts below, but this one is a long-haul album experience, "single culture" freaks beware!

Taylor McFerrin - Early Riser (Brainfeeder Records)

I'm so into this great World Cup start, that I could not find the time to properly listen to US producer Taylor McFerrin long-awaited debut LP. I finally did this week, and I just can't get enough of it!

If you're into futuristic soulful vibes, this one is an absolute must-have, first and foremost to enjoy Taylor's talent to design ultra-deep keyboards-led atmospheres.

Another absolute gem coming from Flying Lotus label Brainfeeder!

Snippets below:

Trop absorbé par ce superbe début de coupe du monde, je n'avais pas pris le temps d'écouter le premier album attendu du producteur new-yorkais Taylor McFerrin. J'ai rattrapé mon retard cette semaine, et je suis tout de suite devenu accroc à ce superbe disque qui ravira les fans de Soul futuriste. Mention spéciale pour les nappes de claviers ultra-deep, et les atmosphères chaleureuses qui émanent de la plupart des morceaux. Une perle de plus issue du label de Flying Lotus, Brainfeeder!

V4YS Album Review - Thundercat - Apocalypse (Brainfeeder Records)

Back in 2011 Thundercat (aka Stephen Bruner) made himself a special place in the hearts of futuristic soul lovers, with his (now turned classic) debut album, The Golden Age Of Apocalypse. A charismatic musician playing with his bass like others would play with their electric guitars, he also revealed himself at the time as a tremendous singer, able to convey as much feelings when going through mellow or funky moments.

Under the colourful producing umbrella of Brainfeeder label founder Flying Lotus, he is now spreading more spacy vibes around with his second LP, Apocalypse, which will be released early July.

From laid-back soulful astral moments carrying sweet "FlyLo" signs flashing (Tron Song, Tenfold, Seven...) to the wicked modern disco Oh Sheit It's X or classic Thundercat-made grooves like Lotus And The Jondy or Evangelion, the versatility and creativity of this groundbreaking artist once again works wonders. The magical interlude saluting the memory of Brainfeeder artist Austin Peralta (a truly amazing young pianist who sadly passed away a few months ago) is an extra source of emotions in an album I strongly endorse !

Extracts below :




En 2011 Thundercat (aka Stephen Bruner) se faisait une place de choix dans le coeur des fans de soul futuriste avec un premier album novateur, The Golden Age Of Apocalypse.
Musicien charismatique, jouant de sa basse comme d'autres jouent de leurs guitares électriques, il s'y révélait aussi un chanteur talentueux, aussi émouvant dans des passages mellow, qu'explosif lorsque le beat devient funky.
Avec l'aide de l'incontournable producteur Flying Lotus, il tire une épatante nouvelle salve cosmique, sous la forme d'un second album intitulé Apocalypse à sortir début Juillet sur le label californien maison Brainfeeder. On y retrouve des morceaux qui fleurent bon l'abstract beat astral de "FlyLo" (Tron Song, Tenfold, Seven...), un ovni modern disco (Oh Sheit It's X) et bien sur des grooves apaisants dont il a le secret  (Lotus And The Jondy or Evangelion). La polyvalence et la créativité sans bornes de Thundercat font une nouvelle fois merveille, tout comme son émouvant interlude en hommage au jeune pianiste Austin Peralta (espoir de Brainfeeder malheureusement disparu trop tôt l'an passé) procure une extra dose d'émotions, dans un album qui n'en manque pas.

Extraits ci-dessus.

V4YS LP Review - Lapalux - Nostalchic (Brainfeeder Records)

Eagerly expected by those (including me) who crave for Flying Lotus' Brainfeeder groundbreaking productions, UK producer Lapalux (aka Stuart Howard) first LP Nostalchic is a perfect addition to the Californian label discography.

Experimental at times, easily accessible at others, but always carrying lots of emotions, this album nicely blends abstract beats to soulful atmospheres. The addition of brilliant guests on the vocals (Kerry Latham, Jenna Andrews, Astrid Williamson) adds a decisive sensual touch to an incredibly creative production.


Extract below :


Très attendu par tous ceux qui aiment s'immerger dans les productions avant-gardistes du label de Flying Lotus Brainfeeder, le premier album du britannique Lapalux (aka Stuart Howard) répond amplement aux espoirs placés en lui.
Alternant les passages expérimentaux aux mélodies plus facilement accessibles, il dégage beaucoup d'émotions en mariant subtilement abstract beats et atmosphères soulful. La participation d'excellents guests aux vocals (Kerry Latham, Jenna Andrews, Astrid Williamson) est un ajout sensuel parfait à un univers musical d'une incroyable créativité.
Extrait ci-dessus.

Lapalux - Without You

A couple of weeks before the release of his debut LP Nostalchic on Brainfeeder, Uk producer Lapalux offers us a  delightful teaser with the singles Without You & Guurl.

As was the case with his previous EPs, I'm just addicted to his dreamy melancholic universe, even more so when it comes with a mesmerizing video...