Xmas present wrap up - Qantic and the Combo Barbaro - Tradition in Transition & Kylie Auldist - Made in Stone

I always enjoy Christmas, catching up with family and friends is good but I really enjoying seeing what presents I'll receive and which of my musical gift wish choices come to fruition. I also exchange the obligatory Xmas CD with my wife, a tradition that has been running for the last four or so years. Both this years albums are from the Tru Thoughts label and are both excellent albums in their own right. Firstly I received the latest LP released by Quantic this time moving away from the Quantic Soul Orchestra and releasing his first release as Quantic and the Combo Barbaro.



In 2007 Quantic moved from the UK to Cali, Columbia and set up shop to record his third Quantic Soul Orchestra album Tropidelico which expanded the sound of the Soul Orchestra to encompass the funk & soul from Central and South America. Combo Barbaro goes one step further and takes the listener on journey into the heart of South America, capturing the rhythm and soul of the continent and transporting it to the ear of the listener. 'Tradition in Transition' is one of those rare albums where there is no filler, no track to skip over, no sitting there wondering why did they spoil an sensational album with including this track. It's a quality journey or entry into latin funk and soul, one that has this music fan salivating for more.

Quantic and his Combo Barbaro - Mas Pan (off the album)



Quantic and his Combo Barbaro - Live performance in LA

Quantic & his Combo Bárbaro @ the Echoplex, LA from Quantic on Vimeo.

Next up is Kylie Auldist - Made in Stone



'Made in Stone' is the sophomore release from Kylie Auldist and follows the same successful formula as her debut album 'Just Say'. The Bamboos provide the soulful musical backdrop that allows Kylie to deliver her tantalising tales of love, heartbreak and daily tribulations. If you enjoy the music of Sharon Jones and the Dap King's or Alice Russell you will thoroughly enjoy 'Made in Stone', plus be supporting Australian funk and deep soul artists.

For anyone in Sydney heading out to Days like This festival this weekend you can catch both Quantic and Kylie Auldist plus the Bamboos performing live, wish I was there.

Kylie Auldist - Title Track 'Made in Stone' - First 6 sec intro is courtesy of the youtube user who uploaded the track.