Ben Westbeech is back, and back in style, by the sounds of this new track “Slowly.” He’s currently giving it away in exchange for your email address at his official site, so head over there and grab it while you can. Meanwhile, take a listen below. His new album, There’s More To Life Than This, is slated for an April release via Strictly Rhythm records.

Listen:
[See post to listen to audio]

Here’s what Ben’s saying about his absence and return:

It’s been a mad four years of ups and down’s, peaks and troughs and enlightenment. Lost Projects, unlikely prophets, new prospects. I have been on journey’s far and wide after the first record, and have met and had great/horrible experiences with so many inspiring people. Travelled the world and seen a lot of madness. Experience is the essence of moving on and learning is the provider of wisdom, and so we must move on and learn.

I first came across Kero One several years ago on MySpace and was diggin’ his jazzy, souful hip-hop sound. Since then his career has been blossoming and he recently dropped his second album Early Believers which is really dope. I’m not sure what it is about the Bay Area that produces such sunny, organic hip-hop, but cats up there sure do make music like it’s summer all year round!

Early Believers is definitely on a feel-good tip – from the smooth, melodious tracks to the positive, no-drama lyrical content. And I ain’t mad about it. Production-wise the album has a very organic and live feel. While it’s mostly hip-hop, there’s touches of house (Keep Pushin’) as well as more exotic rhythms (Bossa Soundcheck, A Song For Sabrina), so the album has a multi-dimensional vibe. While Kero handles most production/label/MC duties himself, he does have a couple of quality guests stop by, namely Ohmega Watts and Ben Westbeech. This album is definitely recommended!

Download Kero One – Welcome To The Bay
[See post to listen to audio]

Download Kero One – When The Sunshine Comes ft. Ben Westbeech
[See post to listen to audio]

I found this video on Vimby which I think is a little older but gives some good background on Kero One.

This is one of the best tracks (IMHO) from Jazzanova’s recent release Of All The Things. Maybe I’m biased cos I also happen to love Ben Westbeech. In any case the song is lovely and the video provides suitable eye candy:

And here’s a bonus for ya. Ben’s recent mixtape featuing lots of electro-y, break-y kinda choons.
DOWNLOAD mixtape

1. The Thrill of it All (M.A.N.D.Y. vs Booka Shade Re-Work) -Roxy Music
2. Everybody Cha Cha – Soda Boys
3. Azido da bass – Crookers mix
4. Balle! shava (sinden remix)- Tigerstyle
5. If wer’e not talking (Ben Mono mix) – Vivek Shraya
6. Erotic discourse – Paul Woodford
7. Mushroom man – Butch
8. Don’t go – Puzique
9. Dang – Atari era
10. Dollar Sign – Stush
11. Lovers – C&S
12. Conga – Tempa
13. Lekstep – Mrk1
14. Eastern Promise – Chase and Status
15. Where’s my money (Caspa & Rusky Banton Remix) – TC
16. Borrowed time (vip mix) – TC & Subfocus
17. Without you – Marky & Makoto
18. Feelings VIP (Nutone mix) – Shy Fx & T Power

The wonderful Jazzanova are set to release a new album on October 21st – Of All The Things on Verve. It’s set to be a hot one, featuring collaborations with Phonte, Ben Westbeech and more. Check the tracklist below. Props to Soulbounce’s Butta who was amongst the first to get the word about this on Twitter.  No props whatsoever to Verve for their absolute lack of promotion on this release.

01. Look What You’re Doin’ To Me (feat. Phonte)
02. Let Me Show Ya (feat. Paul Randolph)
03. I Can See (feat. Ben Westbeech)
04. Lie (feat. Thief)
05. Little Bird (feat. José James)
06. Rockin’ You Eternally (feat. Leon Ware & Dwele)
07. So Far From Home (feat. Phonte)
08. What Do You Want? (feat. Joe Dukie)
09. Lucky Girl (feat. Paul Randolph)
10. Gafiera (feat. Azymuth & Pedro Martins)
11. Morning Scapes (feat. Bembe Segue)
12. Dial A Cliché (feat. Paul Randolph)

Get a taste of what’s in store in this EPK:
JAZZANOVA “Of All The Things” EPK 2008