Back catalogue: Broken Beat/Nu Jazz

Review: This year marks three decades since George Evelyn sat down with original Nightmares on Wax production partner Kevin Harper to make music for the first time. In those days, Evelyn was focused just as much on house and techno as reggae, soul, jazz and hip-hop. You'd forgive Evelyn if he got a little misty-eyed on Shape The Future, but bar the appearance of his old Leeds pal LSK (a rapper who rose up at the same time as the Yorkshire veteran), its really business as usual. With an impressive cast list of guest stars swinging by to lend soulful vocals, on-point raps and high quality musicianship, the album is as colourful, laidback and groovy as anything Evelyn has released. Given his longevity, that's remarkable.

Review: Over the years, George 'E.A.S.E' Evelyn has made some very good downtempo music as Nightmares on Wax, as well as some killer club cuts. Even so, he's previously made little quite as musically refined as Shout Out To Freedom. Made in cahoots a giant cast-list of guest performers, the album's 15 tracks rarely surprise - we know by now that Evelyn will blend elements of soul, hip-hop, jazz, reggae and smooth grooves - but are still capable of genuinely taking your breath away. Basically, Evelyn is doing what he does best, only better than ever, with more extensive use of live instrumentation and some genuinely stirring orchestration. Highlights include the Balearic ambient jazz brilliance of 'Wonder', the low-slung, flash-friend soul shuffle of 'Own Me' and the sunrise-ready bliss of 'Imagineering'.

Review: Carlos NiNo & Friends' Placenta is a deeply conceptual and collaborative album, marking the fourth collection of their imaginative music released on International Anthem in recent years. Inspired by NiNo's experience of becoming a father again, the album is dedicated to the spirit of family, birth, and the experience of bringing new life into the world. Each track is a sonic exploration, from the soulful 'Love to all Doulas!' to the ethereal 'Moonlight Watsu in Dub.' NiNo's refusal to confine himself to genres is evident in the diverse sounds and textures woven throughout the album, reflecting his belief that friendships drive the greatest creative collaborations. With contributions from an impressive list of collaborators, Placenta is a prime example to the power of community and the boundless possibilities of musical experimentation. It's a heartfelt and visionary work that invites listeners on a transformative journey of sound and emotion.

Review: Nubiyan Twist's album, Find Your Flame, heralds an electrifying fusion of genres, as evidenced by the vibrant single 'Lights Out,' featuring the legendary Nile Rodgers. Rodgers' distinctive guitar stylings infuse the track with an infectious blend of disco, jazz, and afrobeat, creating a dancefloor anthem brimming with energy and virtuosity. Fronted by new lead vocalist Aziza Jaye, 'Lights Out' shows the band's trademark big-band sound, characterised by anthemic horns and a catchy chorus that is sure to leave listeners exhilarated. The track epitomises the carefree spirit of Nubiyan Twist's music, inviting audiences to lose themselves in its infectious rhythms. Find Your Flame boasts a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Seun Kuti, Mamani Keita, Corto Alta, Ria Moran, KOG, and NEone the Wonderer, reflecting the band's commitment to global musical diversity. Hailing from Sheffield, Nubiyan Twist has garnered international recognition for their dynamic live performances and innovative sound. With a history of acclaimed releases, including their self-titled debut and the widely praised Jungle Run albums, the band continues to push boundaries in the contemporary jazz scene.