Beats, soul, and fresh style from Electric Wire Hustle – the trio of Mara TK, Taay Ninh and Myele Manzanza – a group from New Zealand with a soulful approach culled from a world of funky soul influences! There's a lot going on here, but like the best modern acts working with soul, funk and hip hop beatcraft, they make it work. There's something of a gritty, murky jazz & soul beat style that reminds of a bit of the benchmark Soulquarian productions of the late 90s, space synth from the Sa-Ra school and more going on here – but it's done with a personal, passionate stamp and unique style they can call their own. A mix of moody beatcraft and soulful vocals. Includes "Waters", "Gimme That Kinda", "Again", "Experience", "Walk On" feat Stacy Epps, "This World" feat Georgia Anne Muldrow, "Burn", "They Don't Want', "Tom Boy" and more. CD

Beautifully dynamic work from drummer Myele Manzanza – an artist we've never heard work in this scope before, and we hope will soon do so again! The album's got Myele at the helm of a great large ensemble – a group who have a strong spiritual sense at the core, but often move in more vibrant rhythms driven by Manzana's work on the drums – not really funky, maybe more in an upbeat modal mode – which allows for great sounds from the rising crest of alto, trumpet, tenor, trombone, and flute in the lineup! Bass is by Ross McHenry, whose sound is a key core part of the record – and Ross also produced, as well – really capturing the right sort of vibe for the entire album. Myele's part of the Adelaide scene, in New Zealand – but we'd put this record right up there with some of the best work coming out of the London jazz world in recent years – with titles that include "Big Deal", "Madrid", "Itaru's Phone Booth", "Family Dynamics", "Ritual", and "A Love Requited". Includes the Japanese-only bonus track "Freedom Of Movement". (Jazz, New Grooves) CD