Jibbering

As 2007 draws to a close, we thought it would be nice to have a little look back over the year's releases and pick out the best of what has been a great year for music!  So here it is... Jibbering's Top 5 of 2007...

  1. G Corp meets The Mighty Tree "Dubplates from the Elephant House" (Endulge)

This is the finest Birmingham album of 2007. Under the guidance of Jah Grizzly at the controls many highly accomplished musicians (Jaffa + Moses of Crucial Music, and Conrad Kelly of Steel Pulse and UB40) contribute to produce a stunning dub/reggae album.  As if that wasn’t enough the CD is complemented by a limited edition Caribbean cookbook!

2. Orchestra Baobab     "Made In Dakar"   (World Circuit)

 Five years on from the GRAMMY nominated 'Specialist in All Styles', Orchestra Baobab return with 'Made in Dakar', an album that celebrates their roots in one of the world's most explosive musical cities. It updates their classic mellow sound with a new edge and energy for new times. Beautifully recorded in Dakar's Xippi studios, combining the gritty lo-fi feel of their early recordings with dynamic new arrangements.

  
3. The Haggis Horns   "Hot Damn!"   (First Word)

The Haggis Horns are an eight piece live funk extravaganza combining heavy breakbeat, funk, soul, reggae and afrobeat with the virtuosity of trained jazz musicians. This is easily one of the heaviest hitting funk albums of the year from the band that backs Mark Ronson when he is in the UK… hearty fayre indeed!

4. The Quantic Soul Orchestra   "Tropidelico"   (Tri Thoughts)

Quantic’s latest album is a product of years of digging and gigging across the globe. It is tropical, rhythmic, heavy and will stand the test of time. From South American Cumbias to J-Live on a Cuban lick, and from intricate afrobeat to a tribute to Holland’s late father, this album is a stunning listen!

5. Various Artists   "Rumble In The Jungle"    (Soul Jazz)

Everybody loves a bit of Jungle bells at Christmas! This is a great collection that traces the roots of jungle back to 80’s dancehall; looks at the influence of ragga in hip-hop; and has Zinc’s classic “Super Sharp Shooter” as nearly the newest joint on it. Run these tunes in the right environs and watch it kick off.  You remember the junglist scene-  akin to a religious experience at times!