All roads look set to lead to LoveBox this year as organisations have just announced the first round of artists/DJ’s confirmed on the bill. Among some of them are SBTRKT, Flying Lotus, Azealia Banks, Jurassic 5 (!), Julio Bashmore, Purity Ring, Gold Panda, AlunaGeorge and the man-God himself D’Angelo! Aside from Mark Ronson and Goldfrapp a full list of headliners has yet to be announced but something tells me there’ll be some pretty legendary names thrown in the mix – watch this space.

Lovebox takes place in London on July 19th-21st, for more line-up and ticket information head over to their official website.

Off the hotly anticipated Black Radio Recovered EP dropping this week comes an absolute gem featuring Solange Knowles. Covering one of my favourite Little Dragon tracks, thumping percussion (do you hear the Crooklyn Dodgers-esque bells!) coupled with the pure-silk vocals courtesy of Knowles over the Glasper chops. Apparently recorded as part of the original Black Radio sessions, this refix by everyones favourite drummer and producer extraordinaire beefs it up on a whole new level. Others who feature on the new album include the likes of Pete Rock, Phonte and Black Milk. Real Hip Hop in the building. Make sure you catch Glasper as part of the London Jazz Festival with featured guest MF Doom. Expect a musical journey of epic genre crossing proportions.

This is the latest single off the upcoming long-player ‘No Beginning No End’ that is set to drop next January. For those like me who can’t wait that long the ‘It’s All Over Your Body’ EP is available now. This single enlists the help of some serious heavyweights including Takuya Kuroda on trumpet, Corey King on trombone, Chris Dave on drums, Robert Glasper on keys and D’Angelo’s own Pino Palladino on bass. As you would expect the groove is on a next plane. You can catch Robert Glasper being supported by Jose James on Sunday as part of the iTunes festival at the Roundhouse. For those not lucky enough to win tickets you can catch Robert Glasper as part of the London Jazz Festival for his annual show in November, this time with the experiment in tow. A show not to be missed. Keep up to date with all the London Jazz Festival programming with Serious and watch out for the review of Sunday’s show next week!

Marking the one year anniversary of her untimely passing is a rare previously unheard Amy Winehouse song titled ‘Jazz N’ Blues’. It’s not clear when this was recorded (sounds like Frank era material to me) or where it came from but either way, fans of the late singer will be happy it found its way out.

The new mid-tempo is another reminder of what was lost on July 23rd 2011 – she was not only a consummate vocalist, but also a songwriter for a generation; Like many of her songs ‘Jazz N’ Blues’ features unmistakable Winehouse London-isms – “I cross my fingers at the cash machine / as I check my balance / I kiss the screen / I love it when it says I got the means / to go to Miss Sixty and pick up my new jeans”.

Damn. This might turn into an ‘Album of the Year’ story.

After revealing the album track ‘Deep River’ off his forthcoming LP The Bravest Man in the Universe, Bobby Womack shares another new single – this time featuring retro-breakout star Lana Del Rey. As has been the case with literally every other song we’ve heard thus far from this project – ‘Dayglo Reflection’ is another impeccably crafted, exciting piece of music. Binding Jazz and Soul through piano, scattered percussion and rhythmic bass – both vocalists sound brilliantly attuned.

A sold out night at one of the city’s most credible venues.  With much expectation for a little known jazz pianist and much ado about what he could deliver and more importantly WHO he would bring on stage. There was a clear buzz in the atmosphere. Robert Glasper had arrived…

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That singing bass virtuoso is back, this time taking a leisurely stroll through the neighbourhood with his rather pretty friend. Encountering happy-go-lucky neighbours, the Faceless family, Mr. Horsehead, Mrs. Zombie who ever so kindly offers a steaming plate of her own ish. Obviously it all has to culminate in a laser induced head explosion. Way out there and nothing more than you would expect from extended Fly-Lo fam. Luckily for those in the big smoke he’s playing a gig (16th May) as part of the Tiger Beer Hidden Depths series (get your tickets here), alongside PinBoard favourites Floating Points, Slugabed and Offshore. If you are yet to see the man and his serious, serious band live, it’s a must. The Golden Age Of Apocalypse is out now and trust us, it’s fire.

London’s own Soulpersona, after hearing of the passing of be-bop legend Hubbard, decided to rework his classic ‘Neo Terra’ from his Windjammer album in tribute. This subtle remix passes on using the signature trumpet solos of the original and focuses on the hard bass line groove with the addition of  some highlighted strings. It sounds like it could have been an early 4Hero reworking circa 2001 and that works for me. Keep it locked on Soulpersona’s soundcloud for more reworkings of classic OG’s.

Having made a name for themselves covering Tyler, the Creator, James Blake, Flying Lotus, Slum Village among others – Jazz-fusion band BadBadNotGood unleash an all-original composition set to feature on their upcoming BBNG2 album. ‘Vices’ the LP’s first single is an intoxicated amalgamation of styles that BBNG fans will surely understand and appreciate. Different from their covers, it’s a telling insight into where their sound is going…

(via OKP)

Monday night saw a world music double header at the Barbican. Buena Vista Social Club prodigy and Havana Cultura star Roberto Fonseca accompanied by full band, coupled with London’s own Ayanna Witter-Johnson as support, made for a truly complete evening. Read my review after the jump.

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