It’s been a long delay between flights, but after a bit of a layover I’m airborne once again, spanning the globe to bring you up-to-date on the fresh music that is worth a minute or two of your precious time. Yeah, I had to leave my shampoo, bottled water, toothpaste and nail clippers behind, but thankfully I was able to bring my music—but my cherished mp3 player won’t be allowed on board as a carry-on. Screaming kids and loud passengers will rule the cabins again. Gotta ask myself--will my vinyl and CD collection be banned next?

I’ve griped enough. These are good times, musically-speaking. An incredible assortment of fine music is vying for your precious attention span. You may be the DJ on the endless search for that next club anthem, a listener needing an uptempo fix to put a step in your otherwise boring day, or maybe you're somewhere in-between. You love music--quality music. And damnit, you want more of it.

You, fellow music tourists, are in luck. It’s time once again to steer you on a global musical trip, so let's do it.

I never get tired of the UK. It’s a relatively small area of Europe, but concentrated with quality talent, as well as labels supporting them. So let’s start with Futuristica Music, the rising phoenix from the ashes formerly known as Abstract Blue. Simon S. is still the man in charge, and it’s off to a strong start. The first releases are out: Low Budget Soul’s “When I Call” is a beautiful late-night delight. Justin Matthews is the real deal with his delicious vocals; one friend of mine has compared him to Marvin Gaye, and he might not be too far off the mark. It helps that he has some yummy production backing him up in spades. Nice remixes come by way of the one-and-only Kev Brown, and one of my favorite pirates, Blackbeard. As good as the remixes are, the original version is really hard to top. The highly anticipated debut album from Low Budget Soul is coming soon.

Also from Futuristica is the new one from Kamara. “Rise” has that signature quality soul that the label is best known for, and we are treated to some fine vocals from Deborah Jordan (of Silhouette Brown, among other projects). Thanks to the Yam Who guys, they put the funky boogie bounce in the remix version. Not that often do we get an upbeat mix from them, so it’s nice to know that they still have the Midas touch. If this gem is any indication, we’re sure to hear more from Kamara in the future.

I have been meaning to talk about another release for awhile, so I’m going to put in my two cents and say that the current single from Simon Ward, better known as Dr. Rubberfunk, rocks…literally! From his forthcoming album on GPS, he does a nice one with “Riding With The Ratman,” a dancefloor bomb with some choice electric guitar samples and heavy beats that meshes into a cool buildup. The flip goes decidedly downbeat, but “Theme For A Latter-day Lothario” is a torch song sizzler with wonderful vocals from Rogier of Platinum Pied Pipers. Not many copies of the 7” left, so hunt this down before you miss out. The Doc’s long-playing debut, ‘Life At 33,’ is due come fall. And for you fans of the boot, out now on SoundlyBeaten is a great 4-track EP with solid mashups of tunes from Gang Starr and De La Soul among others, with Dr. Rubberfunk's fingerprints all over them goods.

Down the road, we have the eclectic nu-jazz label Further Out, fronted by the man Richard E. It's another small label that's built a reputation for solid and well-received music. Coming very soon from Mr. E is the tasty lounge delight “Dream Bossa.” It’s part of his new EP ‘The Call,’ the title track featuring the absolutely sensational vocals of Jennifer Moore. The Frenchman known as Patchworks ups the ante and does a splendid jazz-laced remix that will knock you senseless and into heaven. The EP drops very soon. Also seek out the ‘Higher Skies’ EP from Alessandro Oliviero (with Heidi Vogel helping on vocals) with a dope remix from K-Scope, and “Soy Y Luna,” the single from Bossa Futura with remixes galore courtesy of Sidewinder, Nu Tropic, DJ Chile and Perry Hemus. Uh-huh, Further Out moves forward with the quality chilled vibes.

A nice surprise popped in the mail this past spring. It was an EP from a UK outfit called Jazzreloaded called ‘Get This! Reloaded.’ I've never heard of the original album, but the EP is a wonderful collection of soul featuring some remixes from the album plus a few extra tunes. The soul on this one goes up there with the best neo-soul, and yet it doesn't come across as overproduced. It's just pure, blissful listening from beginning to end. Guests on the album include vocalists Julie Dexter and Zeke Edwards, plus some heavy-hitting London players that really have the soul down pat. This sucker really needs to find a label, but you can sample the goods, and maybe even buy the CD, from jazzreloaded.com.

It’s onward to Germany and the Compost peeps, whose dizzying output of music continues without pause. The biggie at the moment is King Britt’s newest project ‘The Nova Dream Sequence.’ With each track based on a particular dream that Britt has experienced, ‘Interpretations’ is a nice blend of his signature Scuba production and generous influences of Detroit techno. Slap that baby on, and lose an hour or so over it. I won’t guarantee that it’ll put you in a dream state, but you just might end up on the other side feeling a sense of satisfaction knowing that you’ve listened to something rather unique. The album is CD-only, but vinyl heads can seek out the first EP with three tracks. Another vinyl-only EP is on the way.

The Okino Brothers, Shuya and Yoshihiro “Yoshi,” are Kyoto Jazz Massive. They are movers and shakers of the nu-jazz scene in Japan, honing their wares and flexing their muscles starting from way back during the heyday of acid jazz. With a multitude of events, releases, and remix work (including its revered Especial label), ten years seem to have flown by. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of KJM, Compost drops ‘Kyoto Jazz Massive: 10th Anniversary,’ a 2-CD collection of classic tunes, remixes, covers tunes, and songs celebrating the musical spirit and energy of the brothers. Contributing tracks come courtesy of Louie Vega’s Element of Life Band, Domu, Afronaught, and Sleep Walker among many others, while remixes include those from Quantic, Kenny Dope, and Blaze. Tons of fine music here, so there’s surely something for every KJM fan.

And it doesn’t stop. Also out is a slow-burning groover that is the 10th release in the label’s Black Label Series featuring DJ Enne doing the biz. Another slow-burner that digs into the Italo-electro scene of the 1980’s, is ‘Elaste,’ a three-track EP of nice builders (or coolers, if you will). All the tracks are fiiiiiiine, but Love International’s “Dance To The Groove (…and Do The Funk),” originally out in 1980, is one addicting sing-along that you make you (and the dancefloor) happy. For something more current, check out the much talked-about Todd Terje remix of Felix Laband’s “Whistling In Tongue” from the new EP of the same name. With another remix of “Minka” by SiBot (as well as the original), you can find the unmixed tunes on Laband’s ‘Dark Days Exit’ long-player from last year (one of my favorites from 2005).

It’s on to Vienna to visit the good folks at Klein Records (shouts to zee-lovely Carina), and yet another winning release. Mummer, featuring Stefan Jungmair (one half of the former duo Mum) and Betty Semper, does a nice one on its debut album ‘SoulOrganismState.’ Yes, Vienna knows its soul too. In this case, it’s of the bridge between soul, trip-hop and electro. A good heaping of funk throughout, and Semper’s vocals compliment Jungmair’s production in fine style. Check it out soon; you’ll be glad you did.

Founded by the talented producer known as Gerd, the Dutch based 4Lux label has built a solid reputation for heavy future soul and broken beat delights. Out now is the new EP from Tantan. He's better known as crooner Ernesto (aka Jonatan Backelie) from the ultra-talented Gonkyburg massive, returning to form under his edgy musical production guise. The 4-track ‘Basement Spritual’ EP is a dope set of danceflooor killers, with all tracks in remix mode from the likes of Desha (aka Swell Session), Pinku Vaaty (another Ernesto sidename) and label mate the Stereo Twins.

Whereas Ernesto is well known for his chops, Swell Session is well known for his dope music production. Andreas Saag is the man known as Swell Session (“Sessions” when teaming up with some of his posse). Known for his stellar releases on Ubiquity, Freerange, and Gonky-based Hollow Recordings, he’s closing in on his new long player due out later this year. But over two years ago, a bomb dropped both on Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide radio show and at the famed Co-Op night in London that would send seismic waves throughout the broken beat scene. The bomb was “Gonky Girls,” a clever dub-broken hybrid whose release date was uncertain. Well peeps, it’s been picked up by 4Lux and now it’s out for all the DJs to unleash. In addition to the original with Younis Q teasing the girls with his toasting style, fresh-as-hell remixes comes from Delgui (can the beats get any bigger? Yes, it can!) and new playaz Rolllin’ Souls (quaking basslines and a bit of African chants for a primal monster). Yes people, Gonkyburg continues to represents big.

And while talking of Delgui, lest one forgets of its forthcoming debut album. With original tracks (including “Boogie Bridge” and “Gonna Be Alright”) and thumping remixes already in the wild, seek out the booming track featuring the hotter-than-hot Jenna G. on “Let The Music Play.” This one’s ready for party-hearty, y’all. Should blow up joints all over the place.

Time to move on to yet another label, this one with dual locations. Most everyone knows that Ninja Tune is based out of London. The founders are the duo Coldcut (who put on a wicked multimedia set at Coachella…catch them live, if you can). The label also has its North American operations based out of Montreal, and I was kindly treated to some really nice gems (thanks, Tash!). I'm very excited that the Brit duo Zero dB are finally coming out with a proper studio album. ‘Bongos, Bleeps and Basslines’ is bound to please longtime dB fans, as well as reign in new ones. It's pee-in-your-pants brilliant. Chris Vogado and Neil Combstock have raised the bar in spades with top production that could potentially cause a bit of spontaneous whiplash action. Guests include Pase Rock from Five Deez, NOLA's Voice (check out her works on Canada's Public Transit) and some choice vocal work that compliments the music. It is due out soon on Ninja, as are two more singles featuring cuts from the album. And hold on to your wine glasses…the basslines are heavy!

Another Ninja gem comes from L.A.'s Dwight Trible. Many may recognize him as part of the project released last year on his collaboration with the Life Force Trio (Carlos Nino (Ammoncontact and Build An Ark), Dexter Story, and a “third member” Nino claims is “floating”). ‘Living Water’ was actually released back in 2004, with a limited edition pressing of 500 copies. Riding on the wave of the success that was 2005's ‘Love Is The Answer,’ ‘Living Water’ is given new life for a new audience. It's a different trio from "Love" in that the album is in a more acoustic vein. It's easy to hear why jazz legend Pharoah Sanders has chosen Trible as part of his band. Trible's uplifting vocals soar in a way that few can match. When Trible sings, the emotions stir and cannot be ignored. We are so fortunate for Ninja Tune to share the album with the world. Jazz lovers, and all lovers of cosmic, spiritual music will be amazed. It’s out now, so do not miss it.

Canada's Public Transit Recordings, the label fronted by the man Moonstarr, has released a collection of choice remixes that he's been noted for over the years. ‘Moonstarr Remixes’ include touchups of tunes from Todd Sines, Ivana Santilli, Middlefield, Pase Rock, and others. There's also a previously unreleased remix he's done for Detroit-born/NZ-based Recloose called "Procussional." Also, do check out the second single from Voice, a female MC whose flow can definitely hold her own with the best MC’s of now. “Know Rhythm” and “Guerilla Hustlin” are produced by DJ Catalist & Moonstarr, respectively (she’s also featured on a track for the new Zero dB album). Both tunes do the business with heavy beats infused with jazz-tinged overtures.

Around the way is John Kong’s Do Right label, which is fitting since the label has yet to do any wrong. If you are jazz fan, expect to be dazzled by the Elizabeth Shepherd Trio. Shepherd is quite a talent, and not just another jazz chanteuse. With her skillful piano work and her heartfelt (and playful) vocals, once you’re into her world you are done for. And for about an hour, she goes all over the place without filler. By the time the end happens, all I could think was “more, more, more.” ‘Start To Move, co-produced by Kong,” this is a standout debut. For all jazz fans, this is a must. Remixes are coming soon from Eddy Meets Yannah and Alister Johnson. And speaking of Alister Johnson, look for his fine EP “Like A Star,” a solid outing of quality broken soul.

Some stateside music is goin' on, as well. Fort Knox Five, the outfit founded by Eighteenth Street Lounge recording duo Thunderball, have laid down the law in DC for blending world beats and funky breaks that have peeps talking. With about half a dozen EP's from its Fort Knox label, its first compilation, ‘The New Gold Standard,’ features many of the tunes for the first time on CD, along with some brand new cuts. From the loungy chill to the freaky bangers, now you can savor the Fort Knox experience on one CD.

Not far away in New York is Japanese-American songstress Monday Michiru. Her voice has graced many an artists in the nu-jazz, soul, and house scenes. ‘Routes’ is a fine collection of tunes that span those musical territories, and then some. She's also produced the album, and her wealth of musical knowledge and experience shines through brightly. Out now on Artistshare...seek it.

Also from New York is the dub-downbeat label Bastard Jazz Recordings. Founded by Aaron Schultz, aka DJ DRM. "Every Day" from Chronic Sonata is a seductive dub delight. Remix on flip comes from Grant Phobao. Fans of dub and reggae will dig its chilled rasta vibe…laid back, but can conversely get peeps rockin’. Better hurry up and find it because it’s a limited 45, ya know.

We don't get to hear much from Florida's Citrona Records these days. But when we do hear from them, the underground music world listens. Each upcoming release is highly anticipated, given the label's reputation for solid releases of the downtempo/funk variety. In my mail recently was the second test pressing for the upcoming Geriba EP ‘What?.’ Geriba are German's Quincy Jointz and Jörn Disch, and the duo’s named after a favorite Brazilian beach. After causing a stir on the All Good Funk Alliance's revered Funk Weapons label, Geriba brings to the title track a healthy slab of organic, funky sounds. It will rock you, for sure. Up-and-coming act K’Bonus strips the tune down and twitches up the tempo a bit for some dancefloor-rockin’ action. Flip the puppy over for the slow dub burner “Dancing Feet” and another funkified kicker “U Got 2 Get With It.” Better hope for another pressing of this baby, cuz for now it’s sold out. Ahhhhhhhh!! Hit up Citrona and let the peeps know you need your Geriba fix. Stay tuned for new goods from Canton and Michael Devellis.

And speaking of the All Good Funk Alliance and Funk Weapons, check out the new full-length taster ‘Social Comment.’ Getting some help from friends Swampburger & Alexandrah, it’s a cool blend of funk and hip-hop with a generous dose of lyrical rhyming goodness.

Well the long international voyage has ended for now, with passport tucked away until the next excursion. We’re gonna do our thing bi-monthly, you and me. Feel free to shoot me email if you dig the tunes, have a comment (pleasant or otherwise), or would like to send me your music (CD’s and vinyl only…no mp3’s please) via my web site. Check out the radioshow, Urban Landscapes, online and on-demand at http://www.urbanlandscapes.org. You can also send me a friends request for the show’s Myspace account. Safe travels to you all, and remember to leave your beverage at home.