First Word Vinyl & CDs

Review: First Word Records present an AA side collaboration from [ K S R ] and Konny Kon (Children of Zeus) titled 'Part of the Plan/Faded From The Jump' on 7" vinyl and digital. 'Part of the Plan' channels classic soul, echoing the timeless feel of Stax and Atlantic, with [ K S R ]'s rich vocals and Konny's laidback production. 'Faded from the Jump' explores future r&b and neo-soul, capturing their Manny street soul essence. A true showcase of modern British soul music.

Review: Victoria Port, one half of the acclaimed electronic soul duo Anushka, steps into the spotlight with her debut solo EP, an accomplished exploration of soulful melodies and heartfelt lyricism delivered via powerful vocals and introspective songwriting. The EP features a diverse range of sounds, from the soulful grooves of 'Cigarette' and 'Haunting' to the more intimate balladry of 'Keep Love For Me' and the title track, 'Did It Again'. Port's lyrics delve into themes of vulnerability, resilience and the transformative power of motherhood, drawing inspiration from the legacy of her Dominican grandmother and the powerful women in her life. A very promising debut.

Review: Nothing Leaves The House: The Anthology brings together four talented producers who each bring their own flavour to instrumental hip-hop. Tall Black Guy kicks things off with 'One to One,' a jazzy, laid-back track with a smooth groove, followed by 'Solar Coaster For The People,' which ups the energy with its infectious rhythm. Eric Lau's 'Chop For Mr Thing' is a standout, with intricate beats and soulful layers, while Kidkanevil's 'Loopin' Ill' brings playful, quirky melodies. Mr Thing closes the collection with 'Changes,' a funky, groove-driven track that wraps things up on a high note. An essential compilation for fans of soulful hip-hop and jazzy beats.

Review: First Word Records thrill us with a brand new album from present-day jazz legend Kaidi Tatham. Miles Away marks his sixth solo full-length for the award-winning London label, with ten fresh tracks all performed by the multi-instrumentalist himself. This is a masterclass in forward-thinking, genre-blurring electronic jazz; Rhodes keys, pianos, synths, strings, horns, and flutes flow floridly over roomy percussion and drum intricacies, representing Kaidi's unmistakable sound. From the smooth funk of 'Misty Garden' to the infectious 'Sweet Cherry Punch', the album redshifts a kaleidoscope of styles: bruk, boogie, soul, and even reggae-steppers on the closing 'Ku Deh'.

Review: With a blend of warmth and virtuosity, Amanda Whiting's latest release is a seasonal collection that effortlessly blends jazz, classical and Welsh charm. Reinterpreting classic holiday tunes from the likes of Vince Guaraldi, Bill Evans and Tchaikovsky, Amanda's arrangements shine through with her signature harp, bringing a fresh yet nostalgic spin to beloved songs. Tracks like 'Peace Piece' (a reworking of Evans' 1958 classic) capture her ability to infuse rich jazz harmonies with the tender elegance of the harp. The album also features an array of original compositions, showing Amanda's deep love for Christmas and her Welsh heritage. With influences from artists like Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, this release radiates a cosy, soulful vibe, perfect for holiday gatherings. It's a true celebration of Amanda's musical talents and passions, offering a delightful blend of festive jazz and classical influences. A perfect addition to any holiday playlist.

Review: This enchanting album from Welsh jazz harpist Amanda Whiting is a heartwarming celebration of the festive season. Combining her deep love for Welsh culture, jazz, classical music and Christmas, it radiates warmth and charm throughout. Whiting's virtuosity on the harp shines as she reimagines seasonal classics by Vince Guaraldi, Bill Evans, Holst and Tchaikovsky, offering original arrangements that breathe fresh life into these beloved pieces. The 14-track collection exudes joy and nostalgia, with standout moments like the recent singles 'Peace Piece' and 'Skating'. Whiting's arrangements are both intricate and inviting, with a sound that's cozy and uplifting. Inspired by legendary artists like Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, her music is a perfect blend of jazz sophistication and classical elegance, creating a timeless atmosphere. Supported by her accomplished trio, the album is a fitting soundtrack for the holidays, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life with every note. Whether you're curled up by the fire or enjoying festive gatherings, this release offers a musical embrace that's truly comforting. A stunning work that showcases Whiting's exceptional talent and her ability to craft an unforgettable seasonal experience.