I’ve been throwing the word transatlantic around of late due to geography no longer posing boundaries. Mark de Clive-Lowe‘s new album Renegades pulls in people from different countries, cultures and what we have is a fusion of sounds and styles. Enlisting a wide array of talent, from UK’s finest vocalists Omar, recently signed to Warner Music underground artist Tawiah, Bembe Segue, from Los Angeles Ovasoul7 and newcomer nia andrews, French singer Sandra Nkake, and Sheila E. on percussion, Pino Palladino on bass, to name a few on this project. MdCL pull out an international project with this one!

“Under Orders,” with Tawiah on vocals caters to my broken beat heart. Love that she manages to sing with a London accent, and MdCL‘s musicianmanship, with Dego and Bembe Segue‘s finishing touches make it the rotation track. Musically Renegades covers much ground. I wanted to hear more from Bembe as the combination of MdCL and Bembe is perfect. Omar, as always, is pure butter on “Get Started” with the Ms. Sheila E. on timbale and bells. Sandra Nkake‘s vocals on “Alabi” are so expressive, taking us back to Miriam Makeba in style.

Check out the sampler provided by MdCL below then head over to iTunes or Amazon to get yourself a copy of Renegades on Tru Thoughts Records.

Renegades [FM Dial Album Preview] by mashibeats

The thought of leaving this planet sounds most inviting as the opening track, a cover of Gene Harris’s “Koko + Lee Roe,” goes down like that first sip of fine wine — bold and deliciously smooth. Instant goose bumps! Musical puritan Mark de Clive-Lowe is an all-time favourite of Muphoric Sounds. Leaving the Planet EP is a great precursor to his forthcoming release Renegades, which is scheduled to release this summer. What you get from MdCL‘s works, is his ability to bring joy through sounds, fusing classic soul, jazz, afrobeats, and pure innovation. Featuring the beloved Bembe Segue on “Dreams,” a dance-worthy track, with Ms. Segue’s gorgeous harmonies and phrasings; Sharlene Hector (Basement Jaxx) with her powerful and affectionate vocals on the title track “Leaving the Planet”; Tawiah, Nia Andrews, Ovasoul7, and Omar Phillips; and talented musicians across the globe such as Lil John Roberts (drums), Mike Feingold (guitar), and Nova Lima (percussions), and 2000black’s Dego mixing the instrumental track “Eight.” Five songs of pure listening pleasure. Enjoy!

It felt like an eternity waiting for the sophomore release from Silhouette Brown. And boy, was it worth the wait! Silhouette Brown is the musical masterminds of Kaidi Tatham (Agent K, Bugz In the Attic), Dego (2000 Black/4Hero, DKD), co-writer and producer Bembe Segue, and silky soul Philadelphia-native singer, Lady Alma (known largely for her work on 4Hero‘s “Hold it Down”, Soul Dhamma‘s “Happy” and Sylk 130‘s “When the Funk Hits the Fan,” to name countless club classics she’s sang on over the years).

The album two brings us the first full recording from Lady Alma, displaying her vocal versatility where the warmth of her voice shines through on every note; the production on two seems created just for her. Just beautiful.  two has a more soulful appeal than the debut Silhouette Brown release, however, the arrangements still contain the future soul sounds we expect to hear from Dego and Kaidi, with funk inspired basslines, scatting keyboards, and thumping drums, still ever present. Clever songwriting in care of Lady Alma and Bembe Segue and Dego, and the pleasant surprise of Sadat X appearing on “Get With It,” two is timed perfectly to turn up the heat on your cold nights. Not sure why Deborah Jordan doesn’t appear on the album, but with Lady Alma as the replacement — we’re more than cool de la with the union.

Listen to a couple of songs below and let me know what you think of Silhouette Brown‘s return. two can be purchased at 2000 Black‘s website. So get it!

“Casualties of Honey”

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“Strawberries in Vinegar”

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