Hip-Hop News

IT'S TIME TO PAAAARTY! Why The Universe knows that Tramp is celebrating their 40th trip around the sun in 2018. And what about planet Earth Well... it is as blind as it is in so many other situations. Therefore, it is time to shine the light on Tramp for all of its unremitting efforts. As musical diversity is vanishing, especially in the field of African American music from the 1960s/70s, it is our duty to stop the extinction of threatened species of music in the same way an animal welfare activist would do anything to save a gorilla's life. Tramp Records keeps this beautiful heritage alive, every single day, again and again and again. So we are here wondering why Earth people and especially to those from our beloved home country, why why are you just sitting there, going about your life unaware of this historic event What a pity!

The announcement is especially striking when it comes to the prestigious "Movements" series. Like all its predecessors, this ninth volume contains Rare Groove nuggets recorded between the early 1960s and the late 1970s. The fact that only one of the songs appear anywhere else is a jaw-dropping phenomenon! The chronological track listing starts with two amazing cover versions: "Fever" by Gee Gee Shinn & the Boogie Kings and "I'm A Woman" by Connie Kaye Trio. Bus Brown, Earl Demus and Chuck Finney remain in the same direction although their contributions are slightly jazzier. Chick Willis' gut-wrenching "Sometime Soon" easily rivals James Brown's "It's A Man's World" and the recordings by Australia, J.R. and Joe Akens are beautiful examples of privately produced soul from the 1970s. The latin-soul of "Cho Cho San" by Hummingbird 4 heads the sound in another direction for the next three tunes, highlighted by one more stunning cover version, Oscar Brown Jr.'s "Brother, Where Are You". The album closes with some pre-disco tracks from The Counts, Reunion and Hot Cakes' dance floor bomb cover of "Harlem Shuffle".

Over a hundred great unknown songs have been re-released on the first eight volumes in the "Movements" series, the majority of which can not be found elsewhere, and Vol. 9 is no exception. The work of Germany's tiniest but grooviest record label is still incomprehensibly underestimated. We know you diggers, collectors, mavens, aficionados, fanatics, completists, enthusiasts, and just plain record geeks know what's up and we heartily salute you! Without your support there would be no Tramp Records. But now it's time for a broader cultural shift for good music and a sweeping move to uphold the legacy of the unsung heroes of funk and soul. Therefore, we humbly petition you: in 2018, Don't keep all this glory to yourself! Turn your friends and neighbors on! Thank you!


- the double vinyl LP comes with a full album download code

- deluxe double-gatefold LP with detailed liner notes, label scans & unseen photographs

- all but one song appear on vinyl-LP for the very first-time

Big Crown Records is proud to present a recording that could have easily been lost forever like so many others from it's era. Taken from the only known copy of this acetate that appears to be a rehearsal recording for the group to solicit local gigs, these stripped down versions of Get Hip To Yourself' and Every Time I See a Pretty Girl' are American relics. The only information about the acetate is handwritten on a piece of masking tape affixed to the A side, the name of the group, The Fabulous Dynamics, and the track listing. Of the 6 songs on the demo, we pulled the 2 most buttery, delectable, sweet & savory slices of mid 60's group soul. Stripped down to vocal harmonies and acoustic guitar, both sides of this 7 capture the lo-fi, intimate sonic landscape of yesteryear, something that is often emulated, but never quite duplicated. Another pretty cool detail about this acetate, it was found in the personal record collection of Lamont Dozier.

A prodigious guitarist at an early age, Willie George Hale earned the nickname "Little Beaver" from friends in family in Arkansas, remarking on his prominent teeth. Over the years Hale would make a name for himself as a reliable session guitarist, appearing on recordings by Betty Wright, Al Kooper, and Blowfly, and gradually developing his own distinct, rhythmic style of blues guitar playing.

As the mid-70s approached Hale would embark on his own solo career, cutting albums and singles with Florida's TK Records, working alongside famed musicians like Jaco Pastorius, Benny Latimore, and Timmy Thomas. His career effectively ended in the 1980s with TK's collapse, but he would find new life in 2003 after performing on several Joss Stone albums, and his works would be sampled in hip-hop tunes by the likes of Jay-Z, Slum Village, and People Under The Stairs. Hale's solo debut (Released under the Little Beaver moniker) came in 1972 and was titled Joey. The album found minor commercial success, and set the groundwork for Hale's continuing solo career. Joey featured a variety of takes on classic blues, ranging from the bounding, shuffling chart hit "I'm Losin' The Feelin'", to the lushly orchestrated BB King-like "That's How It Is", all bolstered with Hale's exclusive take on the blues guitar sound. Songs from Joey would later be covered by Gwen McCrae, and Blowfly, among others.

Rockin' jiver with infectious beat and big on the dance floor.

Massive strolling double header and a big hit in the clubs right now.

Blues In A Bottle... One of the most prolific of bluesmen, Sam 'Lightnin' Hopkins was equally one of the most revered - a musician who delivered a highly personalised line in country blues, but could also run a line in electric guitar boogie that made him a jukebox favourite. Recorded in Houston during July 1961, Blues In My Bottle is a fine example of Hopkins' storytelling skills and his unlimited ability to shape the blues in all its various forms.

Driving black female rocker backed with popcorn flipster

Driving Black Rock 'n' Roll killer!

'Intimate Connetion' by Kleeer on US 7' single is one record that's been indemand in recent times and has seen it's value soar in price. The rare 7' mix has never been previously released in the UK. 'Intimate Connection' is one of the smoothest of cuts of the early 1980s and that has a groove that glides effortlessly with great ease. For us in the shop it epitomises the changeover sound from full live bands to electronic based recordings with the amazing Deodato at the production helm overlording the groups synthesisers & drum machines. On the flip with 'Tonight' the jam continues with great aplomb and features it's distinctive vocoder lead. This was always one of the finest double headers of the 1980s and one that we're proud to be re-releasing in 2018

Repress!

PRINCE PHILLIP MITCHELL has been performing, writing and producing since the early sixties and even spent a little time with Alvin Cash's backing group the Cash Registers. He wrote hits for Mel And Tim and Millie Jackson but is best known on the Northern Soul scene for his 'Shout' recording Free For All' and our chosen side, the crossover soul anthem I'm So Happy'.
LOU RAGLAND shot to fame on the Northern Soul scene with his 4-figure rarity I Travel Alone', recorded for 'Amy' Records in May 1967. It was his home town buddy, Edwin Starr, that helped Ragland secure the deal and although a flop at the time it cemented his popularity in England. When Starr came to the UK in 1983 with his Ric-Tic Revue Ragland was invited along and, at last, got the recognition he deserved.

THE SOUL BROTHERS SIX hailed from Rochester, New York and have played a part on the Northern Soul scene for over 50 years. Their first recording, for 'Lyndell' Records in 1966, is now a 3-figure rarity, but it is their debut disc for Atlantic, I'll Be Loving You', that first graced the decks at the Twisted Wheel, The Pendulum et al and has become a perennial Northern Soul favourite. At the time of release tt was the B-side to Some kind Of Wonderful' which took the disc to No.91 on the R&B charts.
WILLIE TEE has also been a familiar figure on the rare soul scene since the early Mod clubs with his architypal New Orleans mid tempo soul sound. His early recordings on 'Gatur' rank as some of the most collectable 45s to emanate from the Crescent City. Here we feature his club classic from 1964, the anthemic Walkin' Up A One Way Street'.

"LaVern Baker Sings Bessie Smith" - LaVern Baker (voc), Paul Quinichette (ts), Jerome Richardson (bs), Jimmy Cleveland, Urbie Green (tb), Buck Clayton (tp), Nat Pierce (p), Danny Barker (g), Wendell Marshall (b), Joe Marshall (dr), a.o.

It was 1958 when a passably successful R&B singer entered the recording studio with an all-star band to tape a dozen songs from the global repertoire of a legendary blues vocalist. The old-fashioned style in LaVern Baker's tribute to Bessie Smith might seem somewhat strange in the midst of popular R&B numbers and the growing productivity of the Motown hit machines, but it certainly found favour with the public. And for a very good reason too! Right from the very first number, "Gimme A Pigfoot", the snappy bass line conjures up the ballroom atmosphere of the Twenties. A bluesy dialogue with the trumpet ("Baby Doll", "I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle"), alternating with robustly orchestrated swing rhythms ("On Revival Day"), and time and again cool, faltering blues ("Black Water Blues") guarantee great listening and entertainment. The great names in the band read like a Who Is Who of outstanding musicians - Nat Pierce, Buck Clayton, Paul Quinichette, Urbie Green and Jimmy Cleveland, all who crown the fantastic sound of their performance with relaxed and easy-going solos and finely balanced background playing that would hardly be more authentic on a live stage. And by the way, fans of traditional big-band swing will love this album too.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

EP3: 'Mov Clsr' is the third and final piece in a trilogy of releases, exploring the libraries of Spaceks recent hard drives. Encompassing House, Footwork, Techno, Garage and Broken Beat the legendary vocalist and producer has amassed a wealth of tracks created mostly on iPhone and iPad. South London to the core yet globally inspired, his off kilter swing and free flowing approach to music has always set him apart from the pack. From his work with J.Dilla (Eve/Dollar) to his collaboration with Mark Pritchard as one half of Africa Hitech, Steve Spaceks creative output has always been a million miles ahead.

The Tel Aviv based music label 'Raw Tapes Records' has been getting a lot of attention in the last few years, broasdcasted around the world (Gilles Peterson/BBC, The Gaslamp Killer, Toshio Matsuraa/Tokyo Moon FM, Dom Servini/Wah Wah 45 London, Peanut Butter Wolf/Stones Throw LA, Radio Nova/France, Wicked Jazz Sounds/Amsterdam, KCRW/LA, Andrew Jervis/Bandcamp).

With more than 70 albums released out of around 20 local artists within an 10-years work, this is no doubt the most productive independant music label in the history of Israel, and surely Tel Aviv's leading Beats/Hip Hop label and collective.

Puzzles vol.3 is the third volume in the Puzzles Compilations Series from Raw Tapes, featuring 13 of the current artists on the label, including Buttering Trio, Sol Monk & Nitai Hershkovits. The release features cooperations with MNDSGN, vocalist Jenny Penkin, Uzi Ramirez and more.

Curated by KerenDun, this album ranges from Beats & Hip Hop to Jazz and Electronics.

The album marks the 10-years-Anniversary for Raw Tapes.

A solid two sider for your soul box from the Old Town vaults, 'Say It With Feeling' is a great mid tempo soul track which i have used as a warm up track for many years and had remained popular on the soul circuit as well. For me the real magic happens on the flip. 'Conscience' is a haunting mid tempo off-kilter number, memorable in the extreme, challenging to work it into a set, a charming, fascinating record, no wonder it was a huge popcorn spin in belgium.

SUPREMEWAX is FUTUREBOOGIESPACEFUNKELECTROSOUL!
First release comes from the very talented DADPNTS - more to come!

'SPECIAL LATIN SOUL BOOGALOO & MORE' - Another great volume in one of the best compilation series ever! Again, this is an amazing selection of very rare and groovy cuts, this time focused on Latin soul, boogaloo and beyond!

'100% DOLCE VITA: SPACE AGE * COCKTAIL * MOD JAZZ * POP CORN * TIKI' - First volume in this cool lounge/exotica series. All tracks transferred from the original vinyl.

1972's "Life, Love and Faith" was Toussaint's first album for Warner Reprise. While a soul record through and through, this effort from the multi-talented New Orleans native shares some of the singer/songwriter vibe of his contemporary labelmates, such as Randy Newman, Joni Mitchell, Lowell George and Little Feat. Stand out tracks include "Soul Sister," "Victims Of The Darkness" and "On Your Way Down." A limited edition of 500 copies on blue vinyl.

A tasty 7" coming from two talents from up North, Toronto's freewheeling producer/DJ Birthday Boy and Canadian songstress Trish (plus songwriter and backup vocalist Joe Law) who link up for a lesson in positive vibrations and soulful, R&B-infused future grooves. "Magic" toys with a mellow bassline and warm guitar loop from Tom Misch while "Chance To Go Far" is a Kaytra-esque hip-hop number with big drums and hook that will stay with you all day.

CD INCLUDES 5 BONUS TRACKS

From doo-wop to disco, from Chess Records to Tamla Motown, Harvey Fuqua left his indelible mark on North American music. Yet his name remains largely unknown to the general public, excepting those few who obsessively scrutinize album backs. It must also be said that this native of Louisville, Kentucky pursued several concurrent careers, thereby covering his tracks a bit further...

Upon consideration, one could say his destiny was predetermined, for his uncle was none other than Charlie Fuqua, member of the Ink Spots, the group that during the 1930s and '40s had laid the foundations for the doo-wop of the '50s.

Continuing the family tradition, young Harvey, a trained pianist, saw his fate definitively sealed in 1951 when the early Moonglows (at that time Crazy Sound') first formed and settled in Cleveland, Ohio. The following year, the group caught the attention of the very influential DJ Alan Freed, a leading promoter of R&B, who would sign them under his own label, Champagne Records, in the process renaming them The Moonglows. There then began an intense decade of incessantly changing labels and going on tour, while enjoying both local popularity and recording genuine hits, such as Sincerely in 1954. Finally, covers of their repertoire by others firmly established their reputation. Most importantly, Harvey Fuqua learned the ins and outs of the trade, as a singer, composer, arranger and producer.

With his strong character giving rise to numerous disagreements regarding the particular path to follow (notably whether or not to emulate the Platters), the ensemble was permanently evolving, incorporating a certain Marvin Gaye along the way. In 1958, Fuqua set off on his own with Don't Be Afraid of Love, co-written with Berry Gordy Jr. and Billy Davis. His meeting with the former proved capital beyond the merely professional, for Fuqua ended up marrying Gordy's sister, Gwen, in 1961 (they would later divorce in 1967).

From the late 1950s to the early 1960s, Fuqua stepped behind the console, notably for the label Anna Records. With Anna Gordy (another Gordy sister) and Billy Davis, he recorded Lamont Dozier (future hit-maker for Tamla Motown) and Johnny Bristol. At the same time and still for Chess Records, he pursued his collaboration with the very popular Etta James.

Ever more interested in the creative side of things to the detriment of the stage, Fuqua decided to launch his own labels in 1961 - Tri-Phi (24 singles) and Harvey Records (12 singles) - signing The Spinners, Junior Walker & The All-Stars and Shorty Long. With his entrepreneurial skills seducing Berry Gordy Jr., he was named head of the Artist & Repertoire department at Tamla Motown, with his own labels being absorbed by Gordy's company in 1963. There, surrounded by his family' Gwen and Anna Gordy, Maxine Powell and Cholly Atkins, he managed to bring along The Spinners and Johnny Bristol and, above all, confirmed his own status as the artisan behind the success of the irresistible couple Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, with such splendors as Ain't No Mountain High Enough.

Leaving Tamla Motown in 1971, Fuqua became an independent producer for RCA. Despite a brief return of The Moonglows in 1973, he preferred expressing himself as a talent scout, bringing to light New Birth and most notably the disco diva Sylvester in 1977, for whom he became the executive producer at Fantasy Records.

Five years later, his genius struck gold yet again when he produced Midnight Love - including the hit single Sexual Healing - by his old buddy Marvin Gaye. A faithful friend, he remained close to Smokey Robinson during the 1990s, prior to his founding a new label, Resurging Artist Records, in 2000. That same year, The Moonglows were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. According to an anecdote, a VH1 press attaché, verifying accreditations, asked the reporter Bob Davis who Fuqua' was, thinking it must be a concierge! Cruel, but perhaps also revealing for this bigger-than-life yet nevertheless anonymous figure of the music industry.

Just as magnified record grooves reveal dust constellations and lunar landscapes, so too does Godblesscomputers' third album. 'Solchi' is a deep search into previous moments in Lorenzo Nada's lifetime, influenced by the presence and power of music. His process began with the recovery of some old cassettes, mixtapes nearly forgotten, audio recording of voices from his childhood, and lots of dusty jazz, soul, and hip-hop records. As the starting point of this travel merge with its end, past and present combine to form GBC's current sound. Warm electronic production rooted by grooving bass lines form the core of a kaleidoscope of sixteen tracks, colored by synthesizers, guitar echoes, scratches, samples, fading voices and kalimba. The album is a collection of sixteen stories, sixteen soundscapes; each of them GBC's tribute to the path taken thus far, an homage to his love for music. The recording and studio work took place over a year, with the adding and subtracting of many elements.

"The more I hear this the more I'm loving it. As a starter while we wait for the main course which will be the album this is just perfect."Craig Charles on S.T.A.Y. (feat Eric Boss)

"It's fabulous and it sees the return of one of my favourite UK vocalists - the pocket rocket that is Gizelle Smith" - Craig Charles on S.T.A.Y. (feat Eric Boss)

"such a powerful singer...a real british soul talent" - Eddie Piller (Acid Jazz)

Radio support:

BBC 6 Music: Craig Charles - 'STAY' (25.11.17) (2.12.17) (9.12.17), 'Sacred of Something' (13.01.17)

KCRW (USA): Garth Trinidad - STAY. Jazz FM (UK): John Osborne - Sweet Memories'

3Fach (playlisted), Delite (playlisted), Mi Soul , NTS, Solar, 1BTN, Radio Krimi, Ibiza Sonica, Radio Pepper, Republic 100.3, Kane FM, WUTK 90.3, Juice brighton (playlisted) , Colourful Radio, Crackers Fresh, Radio Cardiff, Starpoint Radio,

DJ: Felix Da Housecat, Benoit C, Yamwho,Doc Scott, Basement Freaks, Dom Servini, Mat The Alien, All Good Funk Alliance, Marc Hype

Mamas Gun are masters of modern soul music. Their blend of classic and contemporary influences have sparked millions of streams worldwide and garnered praise from The Sunday Times, Billboard, The Guardian, and Uncut Magazine. Collectively, the London-based group's first three albums, Routes to Riches (2009), The Life and Soul (2011), and Cheap Hotel (2014), spawned Top 10 hits on four continents, including #1 singles in Japan and Hong Kong, propelled by the band's sold-out tours and funky, full-tilt performances at the Billboard Music Awards (Tokyo), plus global music festivals like WOMAD, Greenroom, Java Jazz, and Pentaport. With the release of Golden Days (2018), Mamas Gun have delivered their defining masterpiece.

Golden Days is the culmination of a musical journey that spans ten years and has helped fuel the vanguard of 21st century soul alongside the Dap Kings, Charles Bradley, Lee Fields, and Mayer Hawthorne. Since 2007, group founder and frontman Andy Platts (singer, composer, producer) has piloted Mamas Gun with Dave "Eighties" Oliver (keyboards) and Terry "Spiller" Lewis (guitar), plus newest members Cameron Dawson (bass), and Chris Boot (drums). Their distinctive, full-band sound stems from a shared artistic vision among the five members in Mamas Gun. "The present lineup is the best version of the band to date, built on years of important creative exploration with previous lineups," Andy declares. "Those experiences definitely paved the way for where we are now and the decisions we've made for the direction of this new album," adds Spiller.

Produced by the band themselves for the first time, Golden Days captures Mamas Gun in peak form. "Everything is live on this whole album," notes Cameron. "It's all analog." The album also features notable contributions from horn players Andy Ross and Dominic Glover, who've performed and recorded with Amy Winehouse and Incognito, songwriters Conner Reeves (Tina Turner, Joss Stone, Joe Cocker) and Christopher Braide (Sia, Lana Del Rey, Paloma Faith), and artist/producer Shawn Lee (Jeff Buckley, Kelis, Saint Etienne), who lent his genius to the album's mix. No matter where the needle drops on Golden Days, the brilliance of Mamas Gun shines through the grooves. Album opener "You Make My Life a Better Place" is the perfect gateway to the proceedings. "That track is a bit of a mission statement," Dave says. "It's warm and inviting. It has that recognizability of the lineage we're drawing on from classic R&B and soul music." The song sets the tone for an album packed with potential singles, each fashioned by a sonic imprint that's unique to Mamas Gun. "It was really important for us that this album was a consistent listening experience from start to finish," says Chris. Indeed, they create a smouldering soundscape on "Diamond in the Bell Jar" while "I Need a Win" and "On the Wire", the band's tuneful retort to the Brexit referendum, both have an instant appeal on par with their very best work.

The sizzling and stylish "London Girls" holds a special place for Andy. "I wanted to write a tune with 'London' in the title," says the singer, who penned the song with his wife Jodie Seymour. "For most of my career, I've been making American-influenced music and it's nice to do stuff that kind of points to where you're from and the fibre of your being, having something with 'London' in it without it being too tongue-in-cheek. I also wanted to write something very empowering about the strong metropolitan London women, from the street to the board room." Elsewhere, Golden Days glimmers with vivid musical settings, from the velvety grooves of "We" to the spectral ambience evoked by "The Spooks" to the trail of interludes that conclude with closing track "This is the Day". In between, "Strangers on a Street" deftly juxtaposes buoyant melodies with a bittersweet storyline. "I love that idea of talking about something maybe serious, sad, or loaded emotionally, but dressing it up in something that doesn't have too much depth," says Andy. "The music calls you in, then you unwrap it and realize there's something a bit more at the center of it."

A sense of joy and fun, coupled with exceptional musicianship, has always distinguished Mamas Gun from their contemporaries, even as they've grown and experimented with each new release. It's those qualities that catapulted their first two singles from Routes to Riches onto BBC Radio 2 playlists and helped them surpass Madonna as the #1 international act on Japan's airplay charts. The Life and Soul won more support from BBC Radio 2 and solidified their draw as headliners across Europe and Asia. Cheap Hotel powered the group's profile even higher, reaching the Top 20 on the UK's Independent Album Chart with a Top 10 Airplay single ("Red Cassette"). However, Golden Days is the ultimate reflection of the band's approach to songwriting and recording. "Everything seems to feel consolidated," says Andy. "I feel like Golden Days is a high watermark, in terms of the songs, in terms of the camaraderie in the band, in terms of the outlook. I firmly believe that this is the best in the golden period of Mamas Gun."

Preservation Records dug out two killer blue eyed soul tracks from the Mirage vault.

Here is the original version of "Just Cause I'm Guilty", taken from the unissed tracks from the group. Shelved for over 40 years.

The soulful B side is another sureshot killer soulful track, you have probably heard it by Ruben Howell and Carl Carlton. This version made it to a mega limited demo 7" run on Warner Brothers, but never had an official release. The track is so good that it deserved a place on our Mirage releases.

Carefully remastered and cut by Timmion for Preservation Records.

Two great 45s with an early R'n'B / carnival vibe. Recorded in New York in 1953 but this is real New Orleans music.

The Soultrend Orchestra is the brainchild of author and arranger Nerio "Papik" Poggi (who has produced more than 20 albums in the last 10 years and has collaborated with several Italian and international artists including Mario Biondi , Matt Bianco, Sarah Jane Morris, Wendy D Lewis and Tom Gaebel) accompanied for this new project by producer and composer Luigi Di Paola with whom Papik has been working for over twenty years.
The first Album related to 'Soultrend' was released in 2011 and was titled 'Groovy Nights'.
Now out of the catalog, it had a glimpse of all their musical experiences and preferred genres : soul, funky, disco and acid
jazz. The Album was mostly appreciated in UK.
The new album by 'Soultrend Orchestra' is entitled '84 King Street', the band gets bigger and Present a more ambitious project than the previous one. The main inspiration is clearly the disco sound of Nile Rodgers & Chic who have been so popular of lately with a worldwide rebirth of this musical style , the sound of the Album is also dipping into the Italo House tradition, recently re-evaluated in today's world of dance, by Italian producers like Mauro Malavasi and his most famous projects 'Change' and 'Peter Jaques Band'.
More than 35 musicians and singers have taken part in the recording of the Orchestra's Album. among the featuring vocalists, Lucy Campeti (from the Duo Groovy Sistas), who has worked with Gabin, Franco Micalizzi, Gloria Gaynor and Mario Biondi, Ely Bruna, (who has featured in most of Papik's projects),
Frankie Lovecchio, (who has collaborated with Claudio Baglioni, Delegation, Mario Biondi, Mike Francis and Amy Stewart), the soul Band 'Adika Pongo', who in 2011 released an album for the historic UK soul label 'Expansion Records',
Frankie Pearl (from the Duo 'Groovy Sistas'), a very talented singer. Los Angeles born, who has featured in the recent years in various Rai TV Shows, Anna Fondi (one half of the 'More Blonde' duo), highly demanded as a vocalist for international dance projects, Letizia Liberati ('More Blonde'), Isabella Canana, Dario Daneluz, all three well-known Italian session vocalists, and to complete the list the Soul duo Janine Johnson and Eli Thompson, aka 'Westcost Soulstars'.
Endless are also the important collaboration of over 20 musicians involved with the Orchestra.
The title "84 King Street" refers to the address of New York legendary "Paradise Garage" disco where Larry Levan (world
renowned Disco DJ) was the main resident and where Disco Music had its highest peak in popularity during the second
half of 70's.

British pianist Ashley Henry makes his major label debut with the release of the Easter EP on Silvertone / Sony Music.

Drawing influences from jazz, hip-hop and R&B, the 6-track selection is an imaginative project that boldly explores new musical territory, marking Henry out as an important new artist on the Jazz scene

Born and raised in South London, Henry graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in 2016 and has gone on to perform and collaborate with the likes of Jason Marsalis, Terence Blanchard and Jean Toussaint. Within the Easter EP, audio and visual style touchpoints include the likes of Abdullah Ibrahim, Ahmad Jamal, Sinead Harnett, Digital Underground, ZuZu and even Margot Fonteyn, Era Istrefi, Freddie Mercury and Dreezy.

Henry is beautifully influenced by his Jamaican heritage and in particular the wave of Caribbean jazz musicians from the 1950s, including the likes of Joe Harriott, Harold McNair, Dizzy Reece, Harry Beckett and Wilton Gaynair, who arrived in Britain during the jazz boom of the late post war period. Despite this eclectic range of international influences, Henry's sound remains distinctively British, crazily present and in the true tradition of jazz is bold.

The Easter EP sees Henry tackle a broad range of material in his original tracks and re arrangements of tracks by revered US rapper Nas and indie punk trio The Enemy.

As featured on Feeling Nice Vol.4, we thought it is well worth to re-release Frederick Knight's "Steppin Down" on 45 too. Even better, the B-side "Heart Complication" is a monster deep-soul track which many of you may have not heard yet. We here at Tramp re-release good music, whether it is rare or not. This one is indeed rare so get your hands on it before all copies are gone.

First ever official reissue of Ice's rare and in demand North Carolina born soul funk jam 'Reality' via Athens of the North Records and Magnetic Recordings. Super rare modern soul / boogie tune. First played by Ian Wright and a Few others on the Deepfunk scene and then picked up by the Northern soul scene.

As featured on Movements Vol.9, we thought it is well worth to re-release "When The Well Runs Dry" on 45 too. Even better, what you find here is a previously unreleased alternate take! Listen to the first seconds of the B-side "A Brighter Day" and you know why this 45 should be in any DJs box. Essentiell re-release for the open minded DJ who does not only play tracks which are in demand but just plain funky.