Hip-Hop News

Das Quartett aus Mali präsentiert auf ihrem zweiten Werk zwölf Tracks, die zum Vorwerk "Music In Exile" lyrisch und klanglich noch mehr an Selbstbewusstsein gewonnen haben. Mit Elementen aus Blues, Rock, R&B, Soul und Hip Hop erschafft die Band um Sänger Aliou Touré einen ganz eigenen Sound, der schon Nick Zinner, Julian Casablancas, Damon Albarn und zuletzt auch Iggy Pop begeistert hat. Letzterer ist auch auf dem neuen Album "Résistance" als Gastsänger zu hören.

Recorded last year, "Power Of Peace" is a musical collaboration connecting The Isley Brothers & Santana on a musical journey through some of the immortal soul, funk, blues, jazz, rock & pop songs that continue to influence & inspire them. The album is produced & arranged by Carlos Santana, with Ronald Isley on lead vocals. A 12 track CD & double vinyl formats. Press ads, features & reviews.

Recorded last year, "Power Of Peace" is a musical collaboration connecting The Isley Brothers & Santana on a musical journey through some of the immortal soul, funk, blues, jazz, rock & pop songs that continue to influence & inspire them. The album is produced & arranged by Carlos Santana, with Ronald Isley on lead vocals. A 12 track CD & double vinyl formats. Press ads, features & reviews.

"Akua Naru comes storming back into the world with a vigorous exploration of the neo-soul canon, unveiling her feature-loaded "The Miner's Canary" LP for the heads to lap up. Though there's certainly a touch of that early 2000s soul steez deeply embedded, the album acts as a sprawling discourse in black music and history, reclaiming rock n roll, mutating the blues and keeping soul so close to heart it's almost an afterthought. Sharp, poignant lyricism spread over heady and at times raw treatments gets offset by just enough of those cool-out moments to give you some room to exhale. What's more,"The Miner's Canary" taps a legion of pioneers to help craft these luscious musical concoctions, including, but certainly not limited to Daru Jones, Cody ChesnuTT, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Christian Scott, the legendary Bernard Purdie and so many more. If this serves as an introduction to the endlessly dope styles of one Akua Naru, then jump back and peep the soulful styles."

With the release of the movie "Saturday Night Fever" and the soundtrack album of the same name featuring the Bee Gees in 1978, Discomania was sweeping across the nation. And in the Midwest, nearly every nightclub, bar, and bowling alley changed musical formats, quit using live entertainment, and spent millions of dollars remodeling every beer hall, hotel lounge, and VFW in the Twin Cities into a "Disco", all attempting to cash in on a fad that would ultimately only last not even two years.

For the next couple of years, Gangbusters brought disco music to the masses. Their original all disco show "Sunday Morning Fever (Where Did the Disco)" featured a tribute to Donna Summer, a medley of the greatest hits from the Bee Gees including their early music from the sixties, the best (and worst) of the Village People, and a "Dance Fever" style disco dance competition. Gangbusters survived and thrived during the disco years by playing disco music better than any other band in town.

Check out the predecessor of Gangbusters called Spangle which is featured on Tramp's "Countdown to... Soul" (TR-9067) compilation album.

It's time for another 7" foot-stomping bonanza from Rocafort Records, digging deep into the rich New Orleans repertoire of the Carbo family. All brothers were heavily involved in the 60s Crescent City funk scene, so tight and 'on the one' that it's easy to understand why Hank suspects a bit of plagiarism from the Godfather himself.

"Fox in a mini skirt" is slice of soulful cheek and attitude, based on foxy beauty who once slunk across the dance floor at one of his gigs. Popular on the Northern Soul scene, it matches vocal urgency with a driving beat fuelled along by manic drums, guitars and horns. The irresistible background hey hey hey's and funky funky broadway's make it instantly memorable and immediately danceable.

"Bad Luck" (not to be confused with the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes classic) is a slower paced funk stinker, screaming out JB horns and wah wah guitars à la 'Ain't it funky now'. In keeping with the depth of New Orleans songwriting, the lyrics are worth a listen and reveal a heartfelt plea "If it weren't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all". In fact, the whole song is based on a spell of unfortunate circumstances involving Hank's sideswiped new car and an erroneous warrant for his arrest. However, the only real crime committed here is that at 2'22", this track is shockingly over too soon!

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Reuben Bell began singing in local clubs. He first recorded for the local Murco label in 1967 before moving to the Silver Fox and House of Orange labels. In 1975 he released his first 45rpm single for Alarm Records ("Superjock" b/w "I Still Have To Say Goodbye") which was produced by Wardell Quezergue. Neither side made any noise back then but 24 years later "Superjock" was included in DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist's Brainfreeze mix.

Since then it has become a classic and it has been played constantly by hip hop and funk djs all around the world. It has appeared on a handful of (mainly bootleg) compilations over the years so we are proud to present the long-overdue, fully licensed re-issue on its original format.

You may check out Tramp's "Countdown to... Soul" (TR-9067) compilation which contains "Superjock" as well as some other fine Rare Grooves.

Leon Ware's self-titled 1982 album has long been a holy grail for rare groove record collectors. Indeed, mint copies are rarely found for less than £100. A truly unsung legend, Leon Ware has written a stunning variety of classic soul music over the course of six decades.

He joined Motown in the late 60s and became one of the label's key writers. His most indelible contribution at Motown was Marvin Gaye's masterpiece I Want You. Ware's production and songwriting memorably took Gaye to another creative level.

Despite recording a handful of critically acclaimed solo albums for Motown and Elektra, including this one here, he has remained a secret to many outside the music industry.

Be With Records hope this timely reissue goes some way to rectifying that.

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- INCLUDING 4-PAGE BOOKLET
- INCLUDES THE HIT NO DIGGITY'
- FEATURING DR. DRE & QUEEN PEN, FIX' AND I
WANNA BE YOUR MAN'
- FIRST PRESSING OF 1.000 NUMBERED COPIES
PRESSED ON SILVER VINYL

Powered by the massive hit single No Diggity,' Another Level is arguably the best album created by Teddy Riley, the leader of Blackstreet. This was the first album with new members Eric Williams and Mark Middleton. They joined the group after replacing departed members Dave Hollister and Levi Little. Released in 1996, it reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and No. 1 on the Top R&B Albums chart for five weeks and has sold over 4 million copies.

Teddy Riley was a very influential producer back in the days. He invented a whole new sound, a combination of soul harmonies, rap breaks and hip-hop beats called new jack swing. He links up to the drum-machine and creates beats, synthesizer chords, and uses his voice to make maximum impact with minimum presence. Giving his tracks a sleek leanness to it. But even so, the key to success is definitely Riley's songwriting skills, which are always catchy and inventive, whether he is writing ballads or party jams.

Another Level is heavily sought after but finally available again since its original first release on vinyl, the first pressing will be limited to 1.000 copies on silver vinyl.

Powered by the massive hit single “No Diggity,” (which sam- ples Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hand”) featuring Dr. Dre and Queen Pen, Another Level is arguably the best album created by Teddy Riley, the leader of Blackstreet. Riley is a very influ- ential producer, known for inventing a whole new sound, a combination of soul harmonies, rap breaks and hip-hop beats called new jack swing.

Another Level is the second album by the American R&B group. Released in 1996, it reached #3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and #1 on the Top R&B Albums chart for five weeks and has sold over 4 million copies. This was the first album with new members Eric Williams and Mark Middleton. They joined the group after replacing departed members Dave Hollister and Levi Little.

Another Level is available on black vinyl and includes a 4-page booklet.

Keither Florence was born in Wichita, Kansas and is the proud father of six children. He has pastored The Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Wichita for the past 30 years and he has always been musically inclined. At age 21 Keither rekindled his love for writing music. While attending Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia in the early 70's, he penned some of his songs which were later released on 45RPM single on his own label, Florence Records. The increase in his family size forced Keither to put his music plans on hold for the time being. Today, Keither Florence is singing professionally as a gospel solo artist. Feel free and check out his website

Tramp Records has licensed another one of his songs titled "Down Here On The Ground for the 5th volume in the famed Praise Poems series. Around the same time an agreement has been made to re-release "Future" and "Free" on 45RPM single.

For us, the one and only reason to re-release Keither Florence music was not for the money and not for being hip but the sheer quality of his recordings.

*After a spate of releases from talented French producer Naibu, he returns with two further sublime, emotional tracks, which feature a range of guests and remixers.

*To say there is a 'quality' about Naibu's music is to try to capture the ineffable. There is a certain something, a certain je ne sais quoi, about the way in which he treats his craft, and in turn the listener. He travels on journeys which others simply do not. On 010, his talent shines through like never before.
*Horizons continue to come up with the goods, and Naibu is as eclectic as ever. Seriously essential music.

*Support includes:
Laurent Garnier, Friction, A-Sides, Treo, DBR,
Doc Scott, Basher, Bop, Bachelors of Science,
Negus, Chris SU, Forward, Syncopix, Survival.
Laurent Garnier
'Brilliant work as always full radio & club support from me ' Doc Scott '5/5' Basher 'Serious music!'
Syncopix 'Naibu ´s production once again shows how diverse and still original some artists can be!'



F

REPRESSED !!
I stopped the music at the Mecca and made an announcement; 'This is a very special record that I heard on the radio in Miami and it's taken me 7 months to find it. You have to trust me, it's not like your normal Northern Soul record, its got something special. Give it a chance and you'll love it like I do.' So, I played it and a few people danced to it. Within an hour I had over 100 requests to play it again and I played it 3 times that night. Inside two weeks it stood to epitomise the sound of Blackpool Mecca and paved the way for other, similar sounding records to follow.' IAN LEVINE
The record in question is, of course, our opening track 'It Really Hurts Me Girl' by the Carstairs and the DJ that broke it and pioneered the changing sound of Northern Soul is Ian Levine. The 'something special' that Ian refers to is the more sophisticated groove that marked the transition between the traditional sixties stompers, preferred at Wigan Casino, and the emerging disco beat. The 'new sound' would divide the Northern Soul scene and fuel an intense rivalry between the two super clubs. The Mecca embraced the evolving funkier sound of the seventies breathing new life into an otherwise regressive and introverted soul scene. It finally closed its doors in late 1979 but, almost forty years on, the music sounds fresher than ever!

No musician embodies more the dramatic transformation in the British jazz scene over the past thirty years than Courtney Pine. His debut album, Journey To The Urge Within in 1987, was the first serious jazz album ever to make the British Top 40, notching up sales to qualify for a silver disc.

Aside from being the preeminent figure in the resurgence of British jazz, Courtney became a renowned presenter and broadcaster, best known for his long running radio show for BBC Radio 2, 'Jazz Crusade'. He was also awarded an O.B.E in the 2000 New Year's Honours, and was also made a C.B.E in 2009 for services to Music.

As an artist always looking to work outside of and across established musical genres, it is easier to list the musicians and artists he hasn't worked with, but now in 2017 Courtney releases brand new music featuring another British music legend of equal repute, his Freestyle Records label mate and an artist also honoured for his own creative endeavours, Omar Lyefook M.B.E.

Both tracks of this single are taken from Courtneys' forthcoming album Black Notes From The Deep - the 19th of his stellar career. The exciting and fresh interpretation of Herbie Hancocks' Butterfly demonstrates straight away that this is a dream team combination. With Alec Dankworth laying down the bass, Rod Youngs' drumming underpinning the groove, the song also gives the outstanding keyboards of Robert Mitchell space to stretch out - Omars fantastic vocal performance rides sweetly on top of the dreamy backing vocals of Charleen Hamilton - and of course Courtneys' flowing, imaginative and creative solo perfects this modern version of a much loved classic.

Rules is a brand new, collaborative composition by Courtney & Omar - the punchy drums and bass line patterns hints simultaneously at classic jazz and funkier club-centric sounds. Courtney cooks on tenor saxophone and also the organ - whilst Omar marinades the super catchy melody with that unmistakable voice.

As an introduction to the forthcoming album Black Notes From The Deep this single points the way to what 2 British legends, both exemplary in their own right - can come up with when joining forces.

Perfect Toy proudly welcomes new signing to its family: KORPIFUNK!

Originating from southern Finland, KORPIFUNK is made of a bunch of musician friends who have fun making music. Whenever they spend time together to work on new tunes their approach is simple: to create organic music with a contemporary feel, using live instruments mixed with programmed sounds.

On their debut EP you are going to discover the outcome of a fruitful collaboration of a handful of creative minds. Toni Lamberg acts as the producer but he also plays guitar, bass and synthesizer. On vocals and harmonica we have Toni Koskipuro, on trumpet Jarko Manninen and on keyboards Viljami Viippola. Tommi Veneskari on saxophone completes the line up. None of them is a beginner in the music field as each and everyone has worked in different bands and production teams since the mid 1990s.

This EP started off from jam sessions over some looped drums with bass and saxophone. After the basic tracks were laid down vocal melodies, guitar lines and other ingredients were added to sweeten the arrangement. The whole process of doing these tracks were pretty one shot ideas. "We just tried to go on with the songs own feel and mood and tried to keep it rough and original", says Toni Lamberg. The creation of these tracks happened straight forward and basic ideas came up quickly by playing along. He adds: "That's basically our main idea of making music. We jam, pick up ideas from each other and develop them further until all people involved are happy with the result." And the result is indeed impressive.

2017 is going to be an exciting year, not only for KORPIFUNK but for us at Perfect Toy too. We are extremely happy to have crossed paths with Toni and his fellas. This 7" is just the start of something exceptional, so stay tuned as there is more to come in the near future!

*A dozen more dynamite dancers that were originally unreleased at the time of recording, or covered up by the cream of U.K. Northern Soul DJs

*A unique collection that brings together Northern Soul favourites that shook the scene when they were discovered on acetates and master tapes or on crate diggin' trips to the U.S.A.

*An important collection mastered 'loud' for the enterprising DJ


ALMOST A YEAR ON, Outta Sight proudly presents the follow-up to one of the most talked about albums of 2016... NORTHERN & RARE SOUL COLLECTOR II featuring another batch of dynamite dancers that escaped release at the time or were covered up by pionering DJs.

A special nod must go to Bob Fisher for discovering our powerhouse opener Don't Start None' by the Mayfield Singers which unexpectedly surfaced amongst a bunch of Roulette tapes from EMI. Thanks also to John Madara for producing Len Barry on his super rare rendition of I'll Always Need You' and Charly Records for unearthing Roscoe Shelton's You're The Dream'. The latter was first played at Stafford's Top Of The World Club courtesy of DJ Guy Hennigan who was also behind George Jackson That Lonely Night' (covered up as Otis Pollard Remember Hurting Me So') and Oscar Wright Fell In love' (covered up as Hudson Alexandra I'm So Glad'). A shout out too, to Pat Brady for spinning Junior McCants Try Me For Your New Love' (covered up as Little Carl Carlton Hey Girl We Are in Love') and to Keb Darge for Thee Enchantments covered up as I'm In Love' by the Detroit Shakers. Rick Cooper, of Manchester's Global Records fame, first came across the incredible Show Stoppers Gotta Get Closer To My Love' which was subsequently popularised by Neil Rushton at Inferno Records.
A final special thanks to Ady Croasdell of Kent Records, who discovered many of the tracks on Volume 1 in our Collector series and on this album too including: The Platters Not My Girl', originally recorded by Johnny Hampton, and our final outing by the legendary Chuck Jackson What's With This Loneliness' which first appeared on a Kent anniversary 45.

REPRESSED !!
Must-have 16 track collection featuring tunes that defined the Northern Soul sound!
Timing is everything, the Golden Torch (OSVLP004) in Stoke-on-Trent had been forced to close prematurely and the burgeoning underground scene that had been slowly molding since the heady days of the Twisted Wheel (OSVLP002) was set to explode.
Wigan Casino, known locally as the Empress Ballroom, proved to be the ultimate venue. It featured a cavernous main hall with a wooden sprung dance floor and a first floor balcony on three sides. It also had an adjoining cabaret club, The Palais (aka Mr M's'), extending the already enormous capacity to over 1,500. It was an awesome prospect for an All-Nighter and a gamble for its then owner Gerry Marshall.
On the first night, September 23rd, 1973, club manager Mike Walker opened the doors to an unexpected but eager crowd of 652 and DJ Russ Winstanley played the first disc that heralded a new era of Northern Soul. 40+ years on and we're still living the nightlife!
- A uniquely themed set featuring classic oldies from the playlists of founding Northern Soul jocks Russ Winstanley, Richard Searling, and crew at the legendary Wigan Casino

Comes with a free Funky Chimes 45rpm adapter. Funky Chimes sampler 4/5: Experience -Pink Movement / The Indian Sound Of...Black Foot - Smoke Signal

'Funky Chimes' is a two-hour collection of excellent and unique grooves. It contains 27 of the most interesting yet long forgotten Belgian dance tracks from the seventies, when a generation of extremely gifted and versatile musicians experimented with funk, jazz, latin and other grooves.
'Funky Chimes' is in many ways the logical follow up to 2014's highly acclaimed compilation 'Funky Chicken'. Uncovering a blind spot in Belgium's musical heritage and unearthing a diverse collection of hidden treasures. 'Funky Chicken' has induced a renewed interest in Belgium's rare grooves from the seventies, which until then had never been regarded a genre worth mentioning. Having said that, this second instalment is much more than just a fast sequel or a batch of leftovers. The music's quality matches that of its predecessor, but the treasure hunt was even more adventurous, and the stories behind some of the nuggets even more gripping.

Funky Chimes sampler 4/5:
Experience -Pink Movement / The Indian Sound Of...Black Foot - Smoke Signal

A new mix of classic Soul, Funk and rare groove breaks sampled by the music artist Nas

A sublime slice of boogie-funk, Alec Mansion has steadily gained the status of a "crate-digging classic". Accordingly, it has been near-impossible to unearth a physical copy in good condition for many years. Be With is delighted to present the first ever vinyl reissue, remastered in time to grace the discerning terraces and boat parties of the coming summer months.

Originally released in 1983, the LP arrived with impeccable credentials, programming duties were handled by Dan Lacksman (the brains behind Telex, the "Belgian Kraftwerk") whilst production came from Marc Moulin (of jazz-rock fusion heroes Placebo). At the time its merits were mainly praised by radio and studio heads. Today, Mansion's masterpiece is lauded by boogie aficionados from Liege to Los Angeles.

It was during a stay in Chicago that the Belgian took inspiration from the communal spirit and sheer power of black American funk. In a recent interview with Vice's Noisey, Mansion cited The Whispers, Prince and Chic as key touchstones in his quest for his desired sound. Upon finessing his idiosyncratic European style of funk for his self-titled sophomore LP, Mansion flirted with perfection.

Showcasing a staggering run of instant (non)-hits, this sonically stunning album can be viewed as both of its time and, yet, aeons ahead of it.

Amongst the myriad highlights, "Ou Es-Tu" recalls neck-breaking G-Funk roughly a decade before it was ubiquitous. Its swagger conjures the fantasy sound of Dam-Funk producing fellow Francophone masters Phoenix, circa United, all buzzing synths and snapping drums underpinning vocals that ooze European style.

The glorious synth-workout "Dans L'eau De Nice" boasts an inordinate amount of instrumental flourishes. Augmented by Mansion's vocal class, it still feels tight and perfectly formed like all timeless pop music, and it has since become infamous as a joyous end-of-night singalong hit for house parties.

The startlingly confident "Marche" borders on the arrogant, its sun-drenched cool inviting both awe and irresistible movement. "Quand Je Serai Grand" blasts lazer-guided synth washes over an undeniable groove that would've made Nile Rodgers swoon as he prepped Like A Virgin.

The acid squelch that propels the strutting "Laid, Bête, Et Méchant" delivers infectious bounce with enviable abandon whilst the fantastically wonky "Trop Triste" garnered renewed attention after featuring on Zaltan's beloved Quartier Choc mixtape.

On the rare occasions it appears on the secondary market, it commands eye-watering figures. A record that has eluded even the most seasoned of vinyl freaks, this officially licensed reissue enables a wider audience to now discover its undoubted genius. Dovetailing neatly with the recent interest in forgotten boogie and obscure Euro-pop, this timely reappearance of a certified lost treasure is sure to be one of the summer's essential releases. As sophisticated and multi-layered as the best of the genre, this is highly recommended if you dig for analogue boogie/synth-funk as well as the more leftfield elements of slick 80s pop.

The original artwork of both jacket and sumptuous, full-colour inner sleeve has been faithfully restored, the latter featuring Mansion's memorable lyrics emblazoned across the pleasing jazzy early 80s design. Sonically, Simon Francis' deft mastering adds clarity and muscle throughout and, as ever, it has been pressed at a reassuringly weighty 180g.

RASKIT, Dizzee's sixth album and first in four years, returns the compliment of Drake's recent grime-flavoured mixtape - and with interest.
It teams precision-tooled beats from a stellar array of US producers (Valentino Khan, Cardo and Paul Salva among them) with the sound of Britain's finest MC - bar none, in a field of his own, champion of a league of one - rapping my arse off'. The result is a spiralling sub-bass vortex of introspective jeep-beats which takes the man Jeremy Paxman called Mr. Rascal right back to his roots, but with a hip-hop twist Jay-Z or E40 would be proud of.Dizzee is currentl on the Festival tours inclduing Glastonbury, V , Electric Fields and Bestival as well as a 4 Date Headline UK Tour in October 2017. Released on CD and a 2 LP set. Outdoor marketing and prress campaign.

RASKIT, Dizzee's sixth album and first in four years, returns the compliment of Drake's recent grime-flavoured mixtape - and with interest.
It teams precision-tooled beats from a stellar array of US producers (Valentino Khan, Cardo and Paul Salva among them) with the sound of Britain's finest MC - bar none, in a field of his own, champion of a league of one - 'rapping my arse off'. The result is a spiralling sub-bass vortex of introspective jeep-beats which takes the man Jeremy Paxman called Mr. Rascal right back to his roots, but with a hip-hop twist Jay-Z or E40 would be proud of.Dizzee is currentl on the Festival tours inclduing Glastonbury, V , Electric Fields and Bestival as well as a 4 Date Headline UK Tour in October 2017. Released on CD and a 2 LP set. Outdoor marketing and prress campaign.

The Willie Dale 45 was discovered about 7 years ago. A good friend on the scene in Manchester won the first copy from ebay after which a few of us chased up the seller getting some of the (roughly) 5 or copies of the record ever to surface. What was a $500 record when it was unknown is now a $4000 after the Neo and Northern Soul scenes got hold of it. But less about the history what about the record, I could not fit this into any one genre, it is funk, soul, psyche and garage and rolled into one and one of the best discoveries in the last 15 years. Beyond essential.

Just when you thought that the funk 45 game was becoming a little bit too predictable, Mocambo once again hits with a sureshot single to smash dancefloors across the pond.

Eric Boss (DJ E Da Boss, Myron & E, The Pendletons...) needs little introduction. His 2ndouting with the German funk heavyweights anticipates their forthcoming collaborative album " A Modern Love" with a raw uptempo funk track, oozing old school vibes, flipped live and uncut on tape with a fresh style that is all their own. Limited edition vinyl 45 includes instrumental for dedicated Djs.

The much awaited second album by UK's soul hurricane Hannah Williams, recorded and produced by The Heliocentrics' head honcho - Malcolm Catto.

Record Kicks proudly presents the new album "Late Nights & Heartbreak" by Hannah Williams & The Affirmations that will hit the streets worldwide next November 11th 2016. Recorded at Quatermass Studio in London - the HQ of the British cult band The Heliocentrics, - the new album has been produced by legendary UK drummer and producer Malcolm Catto. Alongside the Heliocentric albums on Now Again / Stones Throw, Malcolm is responsible for producing great albums such as "Inspiration Information" by Mulatu Astatke, "Jaiyede Afro" by Orlando Julius and "The Last Transmission" by Melvin Van Peebles. Not only this but Malcolm regularly collaborates with artists such as Floating Points, Quantic, Dj Shadow and Madlib.

So a new producer and a new life for Hannah, who is also now backed by the Affirmations, her new super tight band from Bristol - who will be touring the record too. The musicianship has ramped up several gears since Hannah's first album, bringing a welcome flare of excellence which punctuates Hannah's heartbreaking vocals and embraces Malcolm's tight, psychedelic production. Mixed totally analogue, and mastered on tape, "Late Nights & Heartbreak" includes 13 tracks of visceral soul with a touch of psychedelic atmosphere - as evidenced by the first single:"Tame in The Water". The sound is tighter and punchier than ever before - a trait of the Affirmations which has been brought out in several mind-blowing tracks - like the 8+ minutes of "Still in My Head". Which grooves hard throughout, and showcases Hannah up to her most show-stopping moment on the album. "Woman Got Soul" is another 5 minutes of groovy, addictive proof that this is next-level for Hannah and her band. The albums' grooves are interspersed with deep and layered soul tracks, like "Another Sunrise" or "Your Luck Can Change" which act as musical beds upon which Hannah explodes with genuine emotions of love, lust, longing and anger - and everything in between.All the songs are original and come from hands of the Bristol-based collective surrounding The Affirmations, led by MD James Graham. The only exception being a monster psychedelic soul version of "Dazed and Confused", which is strongly influenced by the original version by Jake Holmes.

Blessed by Sharon Jones, Hannah Williams exploded onto the soul scene with her debut album a "Hill Of Feathers" in 2012. The first single "Work it Out" was an independent hit on the airwaves all over the world. From US to Australia and all around Europe, the single became beloved, to the point where it spent time as the number 1 most downloaded song in Greece. The official video has also garnered over a million views on YouTube. The story of Hannah Williams seems to be written in lore from day one. Her father was a musically gifted minister, and her mother let her join the church choir at the age of 6. Hannah could read music before she could properly read words. Now she's an unstoppable force of incredible, once-in-a-lifetime talent. After the release of "A Hill of Feathers" in 2012, she was catapulted all around Europe, capturing the hearts of all they met including (among others): Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Cat Power, Charles Bradley and Craig Charles. Since then Hannah has made several trips to Europe to headline festivals and stun audiences in clubs such as the Mojo in Hamburg, Magnolia in Milan and Tempo in Club Madrid. Sold out shows at UK venues include Band on the Wall in Manchester, The Colston Hall, Jazz Cafe Camden, 100 Club and Pizza Express Jazz (3 times). As well as this, she has appeared on the UK festival scene, with sets at Shambala, Valley Fest, Wilderness, Cambridge Jazz and Larmer Tree Jools Holland's stage.

Recorded and originally released in 1999, The Bottle' has been released twice by Expansion on 12' single and now finally gets it's first 7' issue. The song is the most classic Gil Scott Heron song, vocalist Maysa still the finest contemporary soul singer with a unique voice and all here with the magic of a full Incognito production. It is coupled with Hooked On Your Love', both songs from the Incognito produced album All My Life'

The Allergies' debut album introduced the world to the way they effortlessly fuse funk, soul, disco, hip-hop and breaks into dancefloor-ready nuggets of ear candy. Taking classic sounds and reshaping for the modern age is the signature that won them plaudits across the globe.

Not ones to rest on their laurels, it hasn't taken long for them to deliver more of the goods on their second full-length album, 'Push On'. As well as taking the successful formula of the first record and expanding on the sound with raw Funk, Psych, Northern Soul, and Boogie influences, The Allergies enlisted two giants of underground Hip-Hop to bless mics on the album as well.

After a hugely successful collaboration on their debut LP, once again the dynamic lyricism and production skills of the inimitable Andy Cooper (Ugly Duckling) are present and correct in this new collection. Besides bringing the party on tracks like 'Main Event', he also settles scores with 'It Won't Be Me', before destroying all-comers on the battle Rap behemoth, 'Buzzsaw'. Also joining in on the action is UK MC veteran, Dr Syntax (The Mouse Outfit, Foreign Beggars) who prescribes some more healthy Hip-Hop advice on the track 'Remedy'.

Other highlights include the vintage Soul stomper, 'Entitled to That', Sixties uptempo groover, 'Hold You Close', and the fantastic little strutter, 'Get Down On You'. All in all it's a brand new set of future classics from your new favourite funky beatmakers, The Allergies.

After the success of their previous vinyl singles, 'Figo' b/w 'Keep Running' and 'You're Good To Me' b/w 'Her Name Escapes Me' plus their debut album "Forever Tomorrow", Darlington-based jazz/funk/soul/disco combo Weekend Sun return to Hero Records to release their new double A-sided single featuring the tracks 'Losers And Fools' and 'Hole In My Heart' on 17 June 2017. The single has already been BBC Introducing's 'Single Of The Week' on Bob Fischer's BBC Tees radio show and was played every day during the day time the following week.

'Losers And Fools' has been played heavily on Chris Donald's Soul Show (BBC Newcastle) and won his 'single of the week spin off' which apparently guaranties a hit record as well as a full season in Blackpool with Rod Hull and Emu!

Catch Weekend Sun playing Hardwick Live Festival, Stockton Stages Festival and supporting Smoove and Turell at the Boiler Shop over the summer.

Having welcomed in 2015 on BBC 6 Music with a guest mix on Craig Charles' NYE House Party to over 250,000 listeners, Diesler was welcomed back to the show in late January 2015 to launch the first 'A Little Something Radio' Compilation.
Along side Craig Charles the compilation gained support from fellow BBC 6 Music DJ Huey Morgan who featured it on his show too. Such high profile launch and support, along with the 15 wonderful tracks on the compilation of course, propelled the release to become one of Here & Now Recordings most successful debut compilations.Inspired by his podcast of the same name, Diesler returns with the 2nd installment of 'A Little Something Radio' - 'London Sessions'.
Diesler delves deep into the vibrant and rich Modern Disco, Electronic Soul & Balearic scenes which thrive across the global dance floors and festivals, with a selection which reflects the variety of music he plays in his London DJ sets.
The 14 track CD and LP features established acts including Leo Zero (with remixes including Madonna, Lana Del Ray & Florence & The Machine under his belt), Yam Who(remixer of John Legend, Zero 7 & Amp Fiddler), Darkhouse Family (regulars at Fabric), US producer Tall Black Guy (who's fans include Gilles Peterson, Jazzy Jeff & Questlove) and Plateau Gats (supported by Hacienda legend & M-People founder Mike Pickering) well as debuting new artists Narcsus Prye, Ubiquity and Rich Keyworth who have all been hotly tipped thanks to their amazing live shows and work on feature film scores.
Along side European DJ jaunts Diesler also enjoys a monthly sell out residency called 'You Dig', with his DJ partner Simon Ham, at Soup Kitchen in Manchester, which was rated in the Top 10 UK Clubs by The Guardian.

Reissued in its original form for Record Store Day 2016 for the album's 50th anniversary.

Limited Edition, Picture Disc 

Scrimshire's edits are synonymous with our imprint, and every one has been of the highest quality, often hand-picking the more obscure works you never knew you loved, from some of your favourite soul voices.

And as we turn 21 (release-wise) he pulls it out of the bag once again, rework Chaka's string-laiden "Some Love" into a monstrous dance-floor destroyer, adding some serious sliced and diced funk chops to Merry Clayton's percussion heavy version of "Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow", and finally, subtly and tastefully turning McNeal + Niles' rare slow and soulful treat, "Summertime Love" into a late night Balearic beauty.

The perfect summer soundtrack and another sure-fire Dubplate winner!

The second Yacht Trip comes with two more relaxing tracks. - On A String, originally from Australian band - Stylus , is a nice and soothing little number which reminds of the Bee Gees with his polyphonic vocals and harmonies.
The flipside's - The Beach takes the tempo a bit further and evolves into a percussive dancer.

July 7 sees Seramic release a limited 12' vinyl version of their I Got You EP on Parlophone Records.

The EP includes recent singles Greg's Love, with Parliament-Funkadelic legend Bootsy Collins, Same Mistakes and the title track I Got You, the video for which features two members of the Great Britain Olympic Synchronised Swimming team and was recently nominated for a Berlin Music Video Award.