Category: FEATURED RELEASES

Malcolm Strachan — Point of No Return

Scottish trumpeter Malcolm Strachan returns with superb sophomore LP ‘Point Of No Return’

Scottish trumpeter Malcolm Strachan has been one of the most active UK musicians for over the past 20 years, recording and performing with Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jamiroquai, The New Master Sounds and many others, as well as leading the notable UK jazz-funk band The Haggis Horns. He steps out on his own again and follows up his critically acclaimed 2020 solo debut album About Time with a superb new full-length on Haggis Records, titled Point Of No Return.

Gerardo Frisina — Joyful Sound

Italian producer Gerardo Frisina continues to push the boundaries on new LP ‘Joyful Sound’

When it comes to seamlessly blurring the sounds of jazz, house, and Afro-Latin music, Italian composer and producer Gerardo Frisina has set the standard, releasing six highly acclaimed full-length albums and numerous essential EPs, 12inch singles, remixes and more over a two decade span. As a follow-up to last year’s superb Soul Drum EP, the modern-day jazz dancefloor pioneer has returned with a brilliant new 2xLP on Schema Records, titled Joyful Sound.

45trio — I Love You

Tokyo’s 45trio covers Weldon Irvine’s soulful classic “I Love You”

A record that seemed to receive a lot of worthy play across numerous notable online radio shows (Colin Curtis, Kev Beadle, and others) during the final two months of 2022, was 45trio’s brilliant instrumental of Weldon Irvine’s soulful 1976 classic ‘I Love You’. Led by pianist and producer SWING-O, the Tokyo-based group, which formed back in 2009, also features bassist Sunapanng and drummer Masahiko Kubo.

BeatCaffeine's Best Compilations of 2022

BeatCaffeine’s Favorite Compilations of 2022

As we wind down the final days of 2022, we take a look back at just some of the essential compilation releases over the past 12 months. From rare dance floor jazz to spiritual grooves and obscure Brazilian gems, there was a lot to absorb from some of the year’s best compiled releases. Similar to what we’ve seen with recent reissues, each year it seems like the quality of compilations continue to excel, with labels, record collectors, archivists, and DJs putting together some of the most interesting selections of music from all corners of the world.

BeatCaffeine's Best Albums of 2022

BeatCaffeine’s Favorite Albums of 2022

It’s that time again (hard to believe), where we revisit some of the best releases of the year. In regards of new music, 2022 was one of the best in recent memory. It was admittedly extremely challenging pulling together a top 30 list, as many their were many additional favorites that unfortunately didn’t make the list. If there is time before the month is up, I might go back and extend the list to 40 or 50 releases. As always, I’m sure I missed a few that were just not fully on my radar.