Hip-Hop News

Clear vinyl 1 x LP including download. Cora Novoa's second album 'Fight Love Faith' which mixes to perfection experimental pop with electronic music. Early support from Ewan Pearson, dOP, Nick Warren, Sasha, Groove Armada and Pathaan

2015 marks the 40th anniversary of the production of the Black Fairy album. We began on the journey in 1975 to produce the album following the successful production and tour of the jazz funk musical. My first call for consultation was to one of my mentors, the late, legendary Oscar Brown Jr., for his advice. My second call was to the late Paul Serrano, owner of P.S. Recording Studios. Paul, a former trumpeter with Count Basie, agreed to personally engineer the album. I was also able to assemble great musicians such as the amazing Chico Freeman, Anthony Llorens and Jerry "Jami" Johnson to support the incredible singers from the original cast of the play. I must mention Patricia Crawford the Black Fairy, Masequa Myers the Queen Mother, Denise Llorens as Black Bird, Vincent Hardman as Johnny, Barry Ray as Uncle Remus and the vocals of Gregory Curry. The continued positive impact of the songs after all these years on so many generations are testimony to the extraordinary talent assembled for this project. "Black Fairy" is a fairy tale, but not in the traditional sense. When writing this play, I did not want to re-create the types of fantasies which are so common in children's theater. There is no kind of magic that can relieve Black children from the oppression that retards their development. However, I do feel giving them a better understanding of their heritage can help them achieve their true potential. And those of us who are concerned with their development should try to expose them to knowledge that gives them a positive sense of identity. Although I do feel a children's play should be entertaining, I also feel it should be educational. Also, because there are so few children's plays which reflect the Black Experience, I wanted to write a play that Black children could identify with. "Black Fairy" is a musical drama about a Black Fairy who lacks pride in herself and feels she has nothing to offer Black children. But when she meets Black Bird and Queen Mother (who take her to ancient Egypt, East Afrika, a southern slave plantation and the streets of Harlem) she begins to get a better understanding of her heritage. Her journey through the past enables Black Fairy to meet Aesop, Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Uncle Remus, Stag-o-lee, Leadbelly, and many other characters in Black folklore and Black history. At the end of her journey, Black Fairy realizes that "being Black is nothing to be ashamed of" and is then able to share her knowledge with other Black children. Even though Black Fairy doesn't completely resolve her dilemma, having a knowledge of her heritage does give her more confidence to cope with the future. It is only fair to mention that "Black Fairy" would never have come to life if it were not for the creative directorship of Pemon Rami and the music composed by Tony Llorens and Jerry Johnson. These people, more than anyone else, have made Black Fairy the success it has become. I also feel that without the full support of Better Boys Foundation and its Board of Directors, the production and this album would not have been possible. "Black Fairy" was the second play at the LaMont Zeno Community Theater, a cultural program of the Better Boys Foundation, a family agency located in North Lawndale in Chicago. Many of the youngsters who perform in the play are members of our Youth Theater Development Program which is partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. Under the capable guidance of Pemon Rami and his staff, we were able to take youngsters who had no previous theater experience and train them to become competent performers and also to teach them other technical theater skills. The result of this effort has made "Black Fairy" a favorite among both children and adults who have had an opportunity to see it. During the summer of 1974, "Black Fairy" was performed for over four thousand children in Chicago. And in April 1975, it played to over two thousand children in Detroit at Mercy College. "Black Fairy" is only the first of many children's plays we hope to produce at the Better Boys Foundation. There is an Afrikan proverb which says: "Children are the reward of life". We at Better Boys Foundation are dedicated to this belief, and feel that helping children to appreciate their heritage is one means of showing our concern for their development.

Side A of the single features The Twilite Tone's original track "Lovin' On High" inspired by Twilight's original "Love's High" with his version taking on a decidely more sultry, smoke-filled and hazy quality replete with swinging off kilter drums, droney warbled syth bass and whispery vocals washing in and out of the groove. Tone's take of "We'll Be Special" on the flip showcases his talent in creating a classic dance remix, highlighting his roots in Chicago's house scene. The mid-tempo 4 on the floor beat is backed by a rolling, seemingly reversed bassline and interspersed with the beautiful vocal melodies and acoustic guitar rhythm from the original.

Introduced and brought into the mix at Ubiquity by fellow Chicago native and noted House/Disco producer Zernell, Anthony Khan aka Twilite Tone has a long and varied music history and is accredited for bringing a wide variety of music to the Chicago club scene which bridged the gaps between musical genres in Chicago. A Grammy-nominated, BMI Award winning artist, he's currently working with artists such as Kanye West, Cody Chestnutt, Pusha T, Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), Rainy Milo, Judith Hill, Common and others. Tone was recently featured in Billboard Magazine's Back to Brill: New York's Top Publishers Unite to Bring Creative Buzz Back to the City and chosen by Downtown Music Publishing to lead their New York City based writers. He co-wrote 3 tracks on Kanye West's & GOOD Music's Cruel Summer including the lead single "Mercy" which reached No.1 on Billboard's US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and US Rap Songs Charts and went 2x Platinum, "Don't Like.1", and "The One". Tone contributed on the tracks "MILF" and "Mona Lisa" on Big Sean's sophomore album, Hall Of Fame, released by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. He also co-wrote "Who Do We Think We Are" and "What If I Told You (Interlude)" on John Legend's Grammy-nominated album Love Is The Future. Tone's most recent work comes via Pusha T "Nosetalgia" featuring Kendrick Lamar, a standout track on My Name Is My Name. Responsible for crafting Common's sound, and now working as his music director, Khan has clocked more than two dozen years in the music industry.

Coming off of the success of his critically acclaimed sophomore LP 'A Dream Deferred' and the heralded 'Barrel Brothers' collabo album with Torae, Skyzoo returns with his third solo effort 'Music For My Friends'. The album finds Sky back to what he's known for best: vivid storytelling, using elite lyricism to paint the scenes. Backed by production from !llmind, Apollo Brown, Jahlil Beats and more, with guest features from the likes of Jadakiss, Black Thought, Elzhi and Bilal, #MFMF is sure to fill the void of NYC soundtrack storytelling that Skyzoo's fans have been yearning for since his last solo release.

Pizzazz is the fifth album by American Jazz singer Patrice Rushen. Pizzazz was her second highest charting album, reaching #39 in 1979. It features the hit single "Haven't You Heard". The single soared to the top of R&B radio play lists and remains among Rushen's biggest hits.

When Patrice Rushen was being lambasted by Jazz fans for making the switch from Jazz instrumentalist to R&B/ Pop singer, she was also winning over a quite a few people: R&B fans loved her singing. Her profile in the R&B world continued to increase with Pizzazz.

The whole album is excellent, drawing on influences as Earth, Wind & Fire, Minnie Riperton and Stevie Wonder. Pizzazz might have received some negativity from Jazz critics, but from an R&B/Pop perspective, it's among Rushen's most rewarding and essential albums.

Tito Wun and Lorenzo Merluzzo presents their new 12" EP on AVA. 'DISCO RIGIDO'. This project contains the whole range of Afro, Disco, Psychedelic and Soul influenced House music. A new producer collaboration is born

Holy Guacamole! African Road Trip takes the bus via West Africa, Paris and Chicago via Guadeloupe.

No Funk No Chop is our vinyl only series of dancefloor killers we picked up whilst "on de road"

Robert Helms is probably the most requested bomb from Stevie Kotey DJ sets. Blowing people minds on the Adriatic dance floors of Electric Elephant 2014. The secret weapons can no longer remain a secret. Loving rearranged by the super talented Raphael Top Secret, by way of his Brussels emporium. "Wanna see you dance" Enough said!

Albion steps up with the in demand Experience 7 smasher "Disco Choc" feel the vibes wash over you as you take another sip of that cocktail.


Last stop is Afro National "Push Am Forward" Forward we go with the mysterious Afro National straight out of Sierra Leone. This track is epitome of joyous afro funk. Don't let ride end!!

Mr Confuse returns with two brand new up-tempo funk tracks on Confunktion Records.

The first track "Rush Zone" is a funky mover with exciting heavy drums that really keeps you moving till the end. On the flipside "Gain Station" offers a driving bass line and a breathtaking afro-funk feeling.

The 7 Inch vinyl version is limited to a 150 units - so you better be quick on this one!

Limited vinyl version of the UK number one album from Welsh soul diva Duffy

Cafe Lanai is a duo in paradise. Friendship and music at once led vocalists/producers Michael Brock and Forever to adventure together to Pahoa, Hawaii. Originating with the absorption of tropical sounds and antiquated island imagery, the project made a ' sweet, sweet double espresso debut' with their deep first single 'Lanai'. On their debut 'Paradise' EP, Cafe Lanai enlists the spirit of humid rainforests and black sand beaches, imploring you to close your eyes and throw your body to the beat. Infused with interweaving vocals, sultry lyrics, sweaty synths and the flyest rhythms for house heads and disco souls, Entitled Paradise, the record pairs subtly tropical textures with the more subdued strains of house and disco, as well as bits of dark-tinted R&B. Lanai' is one example of what that sonic concoction can yield.' - XLR8R Split in two, Lanai' narrates from light to dark, with a naked synth breakdown as the divide. Precise percussive hits cut through layers of warm analog streams, the mood alters, and vocals fade away.' - Thump/Vice

London 2015, Los Charly's Orchestra team up with UK legend of Jazz & Neo Soul, Xantone Blacq, who takes a turn this time to lay down an stunning vocal delivery for this new release entitle "All Around The World".

Unarguably London / Venezuelan production duo Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel Aka: Los Charly's Orchestra have proven to be one of the prime and most consistent purveyors of Soulful Disco, Jazz Funk & Latin fusion in the current global scene. On the other hand, Mr Xatone has been busy over the past few years doing some serious things, which range from playing keys for Amy Winehouse's band, to collaborations with Earth Wind and Fire and lately for the amazing album of Personal Life and his own material.

So I think you are already getting an idea of where is this collaboration of LCO and Mr Xan heading to, right

The soul of Al Hudson's Spread Love, Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder & The Salsoul Orchestra, they all come together under the sound this massive groover "All Around The World" for an truly immersive experience of instant joy!

"...don't ask if there will ever be a Volume 2. We don't know yet. What we do know is that if we ever come across a similar tour de force as Don McCaslin's composition, Praise Poems, then there will certainly be one..." These were the final words of the sales notes for Praise Poems Volume 1 - which we proudly released earlier this year. And indeed, since then, we have discovered a tune which led us to continue to curate this series of obscure, soulful, jazzy and spiritual sounds from back in the day. The song to which we refer to is Abraham Battat's jazz-samba masterpiece, Fly Away. Fly Away is a righteous combination of sonorous jazz guitar, crackling drums and warm acoustic piano. Floating through the tones as if in a private concert for you in your very living room, it is an earnest, honest vocal performance bringing a rainbow message of freedom and liberty to the world. This is the standard by which we judged the entirety of this compilation. Though they may be known in some circles, selections by Richard Martian, Larry Covin, and The Gingerbread Express are in the same category of pure beauty. Of course, good luck finding a copy of Larry Covin's Masquerade or the Portis Brothers' Summer Love. The single hit you receive while doing an online search is the exact same copy from which we took the master. To find a needle in a haystack is a cakewalk compared to turning up a copy of some of these gems to be found here.

New PMR Records signing SG Lewis releases his debut single on sister singles label Beat Club. The 20 year old producer and DJ who had a long standing residency as Liverpool's Chibuku club, has already received incredible support from club from the likes of Tensnake, Todd Edwards, TCTS, Sinden, DJ EZ, Icarus, Breakage, Motez, Moxie and Tom Findlay. Plus strong radio support which has included Annie Mac, Pete Tong and Toddla T. The Warmed Up Edit which features on the B side, is exclusive to this heavy weight vinyl release.

Two of our favourite female funk45's from Tragar out of Atlanta. The first an insanely rare Holy Grail - Sandy gaye "Watch The Dog That Bring The Bone", never been on ebay and in my years collecting i have only seen one copy played out. The second Franciene Thomas "I'll Be There" is a batshit crazy funk destroyer was a staple of our clubMotherfunk (A night we ran for 15 years playing ruthless deepfunk and Modern 45s). Special thanks to Numero for helping us out of this one, for more from Tragar please check their amazing compilation: Eccentric Soul : The Tragar & Note Labels.

A A1 | Watch The Dog That Bring The Bone (feat. Sandy Gaye)

Blackstreet's R&B anthem gets a welcome reissue almost 20 years since it dropped in '96 but still sounding fresh - originally available on an obscure Italian promo 45 which is rare as hell! On the flip is a fresh rework by UK producers Bondax which has been played over 3.5 million times on Soundcloud and is their first release on this precious format....very limited!

Peggi Blu has a colourful life in the music business, recording her debut album for MCA in 1987 and then Blu Blowin'' for Capitol in 1987. Expansion first worked with Peggi on Livin' on Love' in 2002 and is delighted with the opportunity to step back to Blu Blown'' and release it for the first time on CD. Peggi's role in more recent years has been under the spotlight of TV's American Idol' where she is fondly known as the 'Vocal Coach from Hell' to the many wannabe future soul starts.
Peggi Blu has the credentials as an outstanding vocalist, Blu Blowin'' being a defining moment in her career as a solo recording artist. She has also recorded with an array of artists from Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen to Barbara Streisand, Quincy Jones, Archie Shepp, The Weather Girls, Cool Million and Kylie Minogue. Her voice, personality and songs are all explosive.
Blu Blowin'' has remained popular with soul fans since its original release, popular songs including the singles Tender Moments', All the Way With You' (duet with Bert Robinson), and album cuts Over And Over' produced by Nick Martinelli, and Once Had Your Love' composed by The Isley Brothers.

01. Tender Moments
02. Love's Just A Mystery
03. Once Had Your Love (And I Can't Let Go)
04. All The Way With You
05. Over And Over
06. Mesmorize Me
07. Feel's Good To Me
08. All And All
09. Two Can Play At That Game
10. I Believe In You
11. Two Can Play At That Game (Radio Edit)
12. All The Way With You (Late Night Mix)
13. All The Way With You (Day Time Mix)

Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel team up once again with UK singer Andre Espeut for the second release of "The Boogie Man".

Crafting their sound and production to the most optimun level so far, The Boogie Man gang deliver it's ultimate floor filler where Kool & The Gang meets Parliament Funkalic for the opening track of the EP -"Shake Your Body" while Jazz Funk meets Disco for the flip side with and uplifting groove called "Keep On Moving" that brings memories of David Bendeth's immortal Feel The Real and many other references.

Colourful melodies and arrangements flow from the moment the needle hits the groove, driving the funky bass line and steady beat through a journey of many harmonic changes that don't let you other alternative but dance and enjoy.

Riding high on the crest of the global love for Hawaiian 'Island Funk', Be With Records team up with Aloha Got Soul to present a timely vinyl reissue of Nohelani Cypriano's Nohelani. Sure to be one of the year's essential reissues, the album's irresistible blend of tropical-tinted soul, funk and rare groove sounds every bit as fresh today as it would've in 1979.

Perhaps the most sought-after record of its type, locating a vinyl copy of 'Nohelani' would previously have set you back a small fortune. Her records are something of a Balearic holy grail, with this album the holiest of the lot. Original copies are in such short supply - trading for upwards of £100 on secondary markets - it's easy to see why news of this first ever reissue has been welcomed by so many.

This release is officially licensed and has been lovingly mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis (Claremont 56 mastering engineer) It has been pressed on audiophile 180gram vinyl for the first time and features the original artwork.

A record to surrender to in full rather than consume in pieces, it pivots around centrepiece 'Island Boy'. A record of many colours, the LP is at once spaced-out boogie and sweet soul. The legendary 'Lihue' is worth the entry fee alone. A gloriously carefree showcase of a uniquely Hawaiian musical hybrid, this reissue provides a vital reminder of just how beautiful and important Nohelani is.

Players:

CHICAGO DAMIANO: Fender Rhodes, Bass Guitar, Wurlitzer 200 A, Roland Sp-404, Roland MC-303, Technics SL 1210 MK2 (FOR TRACK: A1)
RETROGOTT: YAMAHA SAMPLE UNIT 700, ZOOM RHYTHMTRAK RT-123, Technics SL 1210 MK2 Technics SH-DJ 1200, BOSS BR-600 (FOR TRACK: A2)
HODINI: AKAI MPC 2000XL, Technics SL 1210 MK2, BOSS SP-303 (FOR TRACK: B1)
GERALD ASTRO: AKAI MPC 2000XL, ROLAND SP-404 (FOR TRACK: B1)
KALIFORNIA KINEM: Computer (FOR TRACK: B2)
TITO WUN: AKAI MPC 1000 (FOR TRACK: B3)
Credits:
TONY TRAVOLTA RECORDS ® Production
PRODUCED BY: Damiano von Erckert, Hodini, Glenn Astro, Retrogott, Am Kinem, Tito Wun
RECORDING ENGINEER: Tony Travolta
Recorded in TONY TRAVOLTA STUDIOS ®, SOUTH-MEXICO CITY
Mastering at Brewery Studios
LOUIS FRANKY TAPATIO: Cover Design

Beginning the musical quest in 1969, Sage started the journey - never taking the typical path - staying true to the mission of playing good R&B funk and soul. The eight-piece band were always about the live experience and that big-full sound they like to deliver at performances. Their love of playing live seems to have left little in the way of a vinyl legacy, about 8 years ago sage one 45 'Alive' popped up from nowhere on the collector's scene causing some controversy for its Latin horns and sunshine soul sound, not real soul to some old grump collectors. A rare marmite of a record with fantastic poppy changes and driving breaks nobody will be disappointed, got to be a big festival record and a fantastic ballad on the flip, it's a winner.

"Not Get Caught" is a great 7inch limited edition release by The Mighty Mocambos from their latest album "Showdown".

Featuring the vocals of independent US soul celebrity DeRobert "Not Get Caught" tells the story about committing a crime on a low down funk beat and secondly the track "Never Get Caught".

The instrumental B-side "Never Get Caught" is exclusively available in this format.

In Anticipation of their long-awaited third album "What Comes To MInd" scheduled to drop in the fall, UK's premier funkateers The Haggis Horns present "Return of the Haggis EP", a 12" taster of what to expect on the new full length album with 3 tracks of funk, soul & boogie goodness!

Leeds-based instrumental outfit The Haggis Horns first hit the music scene in 1999 and rose to prominence through their part in the seminal Keb Darge presents The New Mastersounds album on BBE Records. They have since recorded and performed with artists such as Jamiroquai, John Legend, Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, Lou Donaldson, Martha Reeves, The Cinematic Orchestra, Morcheeba, Roots Manuva, Lily Allen, Finley Quaye and Nightmares On Wax, to name a few. Mark Ronson called the band "the best horn section in the world" and was so impressed he recuited them for his TV appearances and tours. With over a decade of activity, 2 full-length albums released on independent UK label First Word Records, variuos sold-out singles and countless worldwide gigs under their belt, The Haggis Horns have steadily gained a loyal following among soul boys, jazz brothers, funk sisters and break dancers alike.

"Return Of The Haggis EP" contains two brand new tunes from the upcoming album plus a previously unreleased remix. Side-A "I Can't Stop The Feeling" sees soulstress Lucinda Slim wax lyrical over a boogie-funk disco inspired groove. Side-B "Return Of The Haggis" is an uptempo funk instrumental with a contagious rhythm in The Haggis Horns' unmistakable style with Snowboy guesting on congas. Both tracks enlist Pete Shand from The New Mastersounds on bass. The final song on the EP is a remix of the band's very first single "Hot Damn!" featuring the powerful vocals of singer John McCalllum. This new version adds some boogie/disco spice to the original's funk flavour and is exclusive to this 12". With DJ support from Craig Charles (BBC6), DJ Lubi Jovanovic, keb Darge, "Return Of The Haggis" appears set to confirm The Haggis Horns are one of the stalwarts of the funk renaissance.

CROSSROADS is a production team set up by Alex De Ponti & Paolo Rey, they are both djs and they run the Vinylbrokers Record Store in Milan. After the success of the first two singles, they are now working on the first album which will feature a lot of new unsigned singers together with the collaboration of the most talented producers in the independent soul scene.NATASHA SPRINGER Originally from Coventry, is a singer, songwriter and pianist currently based in North London. A compelling performer, she is a wonderful communicator and a captivating presence. With ten years of professional experience spanning function gigs and session work to festivals and television she is full of ideas and takes to new challenges effortlessly. Currently busy creating her new album she is also collaborating with several other artists of varying genres. SOUL TALK PRODUCTIONS is a music production team set up by Toby Baker and Ernie McKone. They are veterans in the Music Industry with record and tour credits going back to the 80's with household name artists like Michael McDonald, Paul Weller, BB King, Candi Staton, Tom Browne, Evelyn King and Incognito to name a few. It was after many years of working on countless modern contemporary records that they decided to go back to what they do best, making real Soul and Jazz- Funk music, with real instruments, played live in the studio. Thus came about the Soul Talk album.
Now, with their own recording facility, which is fully equipped with vintage instruments, recording and outboard gear, they are writing and producing tracks for classic Soul and Jazz Funk artists from the USA and the UK.
Recent Productions include cuts for Lisa Stansfield, Paul Johnson, Glen Goldsmith, Al Castellana,The Valentine Bros, Candi Staton and Sheree Brown, and they are currently topping many of the Soul Charts with their mixes.

Monster two-sided disco funk banger from Mighty Ryeders man Rodney Matthews. The O.G of this very rare and collectible piece of Miami musical history always hits $1000+ when and if it comes up for sale, now you can keep your large and buy this Athens of the North 45 instead.

First championed in clubs by UK funk DJ Ian (The Praying Mantis) Wright who had it on rotation in the mid-2000s, he also helped us compile out 'Henry Stones Miami Sound' LP we just released last month.

If you like the 45 be sure to pick up the Mighty Ryeders LP which is essentially the same band, there is a wonderful reissue on Ubiquity Records.

Gene Anderson started singing and dancing at a very early age. By the time he was six years old he was performing at his mother's parties and other social gatherings. At age 12 Gene was cutting background tracks for Ike Turner, and performing on the St. Louis Hop television shows. In his teens he started his recording career and found his own label, Royal-Tone Records. The fifth release was "The Gigolo" b/w "The Loneliest One", which is, in our humble opinion, one of the best funk 45 double-siders of all time.

After releasing his debut album on his own imprint Soulbros. Records back in 2012 Rowpieces now returns with a crackin' sophomore album on the ever expanding Fokuz Recordings.

Starting his career focussing on soulful drum & bass and having produced many releases for legendary labels such as V Records, Good Looking, Phuzion and ofcourse Fokuz Recordings, Paradigm Shift is a perfect manifestation of Rowpieces' influences and artistics views.

Paradigm Shift contains twelve tracks with that distinctive, soulful Rowpieces sound we love so much. Spread across various tempos featuring Pulsaar, P-Fine and Kryptomedic this album is shaping up to be his best work yet.

The new 45 from The Cactus Channel, Cobaw, takes its name from a small town in the gold rush end of the Macedon Ranges. Scrubby forests, disused mine shafts and quiet dark lagoons border the grazing land and history hides in all the shadows. Straight out, The Cactus Channel's heavy, ominous drums and reverb-drenched guitars take this record into soundtrack land. It's not clear whether it's a road movie or a horror movie. The B-side,Fool's Gold, a warning that all is not what it seems, is a slower, thicker tune on the same tip.

The Cactus Channel are pioneers in Australian cinematic soul music, taking their cues from the likes of Menahan Street Band, Budos Band, hip hop breaks, moody scores and electronic music. Their previous vinyl releases have sold out, and this new 45 marks the beginning of a new sound and writing style for the band. Previous releases have had solid support across USA's university radio stations as well as recognition in various blogs.

The song 'St. James Infirmary' existed in American folk traditions since the 18th or 19th century, but it entered the modern popular music lexicon with Louis Armstrong's 1928 rendition. Since then, it became a standard for many blues and jazz singers, recorded perhaps a thousand times or more. Hal Waters' fantastic version from 1960 is notably uptempo and swinging, complete with conga drum breakdowns and jazzy horn stabs. On the flip, Gene Stridel's 'Let Her Go' is a riff on 'St James Infirmary' with lyrics which play out as a kind of sequel to the original. The backing music, mid tempo and heavy on atmosphere and drama is pure popcorn!

Wah Wah 45s are proud to present the sophomore album release from forward thinking horn driven funk music machine, The Gene Dudley Group.

Following on from 2013's debut long-player, Saturday Shifting, where Gene Dudley played almost every note himself, his second offering is very much a product of the relationships he's built up over the past two years. Most notably these have been with vocalists, and particulary when the group got the chance to tour Europe with Stones Throw artists Myron & E in the summer of 2014. This resulted in E contributing to two vocal cuts to the new album, along with hotly tipped U.S. vocalist Ishtar.

Another collaboration that blossomed was with London powerhouse soul vocalist and acclaimed funk DJ Anne Frankenstein. The pair hooked up for Gene's cover of Richard "Groove" Holmes' No Trouble on the Mountain, released as a 7" single last year. It's a tune that appears on the album alongside two hot new offerings from Dudley and Frankenstein - namely the disco flavoured soul monster Dynamite in the Still of the Night, and mid-tempo funk nugget, Jackpot.

Add to that some classic Dudley horn work on The Arm Wrestling Channel and Do The Cookie Dough Throw, albeit with one eye firmly on the dance floor, some tasty tropical and dub flavours on Tiger Jaw, Stevie Flare and the title track, plus a very cheeky Todd Terje cover (approved by the man himself!) and you have a statement of intent from one of the UK's finest and most exciting producers and multi-instrumentalists.




(feat. Anne Frankenstein)

Next up on Africa Seven is the second instalment of our series of Manu Dibango CD re-issues from the Fiesta label. Manu Dibango is probably the most famous musician from Cameroon and quite possibly one of the most internationally well-known African musicians ever. Manu Dibango is a most versatile musician, having played and recorded almost every style of music you care to mention - soul, reggae, jazz, spirituals, blues, African, electro.

Manu DiBango originally trained in classical piano, His musical career began in Brussels and Paris in the 1950. The 1960s finds him in Congo as a member of African Jazz led by Joseph Kabasele (Le Grand Kalle). He formed his own band in Cameroon in 1963, moving to Paris in 1965. His international breakthrough came in 1972 with international hit "Soul Makossa". This went on to be inspire the chant in Michael Jacksons "Wanna Be Startin Something" (and many others).

For the "Manu 76" album we head off to (predictably) the year of 1976, in Paris. Four years after is international breakthrough with Soul Makossa Manu actually recorded two studio albums that year. Here he assembles a supremely talent bunch of musicians wh include our very own Jo Tongo (on bass) and one of Africa Sevens favorite producers, Slim Pezin on guitar. Lucien Dobat (Kassav) on drums, Alex Francfort on Piano and Georgia Dibango (at age 7) on the guest vocals.

The albums six tracks, which are all lengthy, straddle a series of styles from the Soukouss beats of "Bokikos Boogie" and "Qui Est Fou De Qui", the Afro Boogie jazz with the highly catchy "Mimbo", the driving afro future-jazz of "Mouvement Ewondo", the pensive soundtrack moods of "Besoka" and bombastic, afrofunk soul "Angola" which sounds like it could have come of the Shaft in Africa soundtrack. Arguably one of Manus finest artist albums. You be the judge.

Following the success of his first full length album release "Forever Dreaming" in September 2014, the lovechild of soul music Myles Sanko is excited to announce the release of the "Born In Black & White" 'as a limited, expanded CD edition.

Originally released as a seven track EP in 2013, this CD consists of the studio recordings "High On You", "Come On Home", "So Hard To Stop" plus two tracks recorded live in Holbæk, Denmark and the unreleased acoustic 'Vocal & Rhodes' original demo of "City To Crumble" recorded in 2010 - all re-packaged in a beautiful jewel case with images from the live studio session.

"Born In Black & White" is played in the style of soul greats such as Bill Withers, Otis Redding, Al Green and James Brown, all of whom Sanko names openly and proudly as his main musical influences. A stop-to-finish work of deep groove and jazzy musical perfection which has already become a must have album for soul & jazz fans.

Having been one of the bands that has spearheaded the resurgence in deep, gritty funk and soul for over 10 years, and having collaborated with luminaries like Eddie Bo, Marva Whitney, Sharon Jones, Billy Wooten, Sir Joe Quarterman and most recently ex James Brown vocalist Martha High, Speedometer enjoy a worldwide reputation as a class act.

And now in 2015, band leader Leigh Gracie and the group bring a welcome spotlight to a fresh vocal talent - James Junior.

James has been part of the UK soul and gospel scene mainly as an in-demand session vocalist and arranger. He has generally stayed of out the limelight until now. Having grown up on a diet of classic soul and Motown, his collaboration with Speedometer on this album brings together the band's heavy grooves with James' rich vocal tones to produce an authentically old school sound - yet totally fresh.

You only have to listen to the album opener Don't Fool Yourself to immediately grasp that this young man's voice is the perfect choice to grace this new Speedometer collection. Likened to a young Donny Hathaway or Stevie Wonder, James has all the perquisite tone, phrasing and soul to make a big impact on a world awoken to genuinely soulful sounds by acts such asSharon Jones & The Dap Kings, but is also fully adept to adapt to the varying genres Speedometer specialise in - the latin/bossa nova groove of the title track No Turning Back, the deep, funky afrobeat of Troubled Land and the stomping Northern Soul style trackHomebreaker.

After our first year in business Athens of the north is happy to open the door on our new Sub label for everything wiith a funky edge, AOE (Owl of Athens) .

For our first outing we have the two strongest tracks from Beginning of the End's rare Self-Titled L.P. "Superwoman" a next level funk anthem of the highest order. Flipped with the almost afrobeat style guitar of "That's what I get" Both solid classic since back in the day yet never issued before on single, what better way to start a new label.

Both songs were written by Alessandro "Teddy" Randazzo a New York City born pop songwriter who composed hit songs such as "Goin' Out of My Head", "It's Gonna Take a Miracle", "Pretty Blue Eyes", and "Hurt So Bad" in the 1960s, Teddy wrote many hit records for Little Anthony and the Imperials, The Manhattans, The Stylistics, Linda Ronstadt. He also wrote "Super Woman" for the The Dells. After signing with Don Taylor Raphaeland the Beginning of the End were introduced to Teddy Randazzo and Vicky Pike, they loved five of the duos songs "Jamaica", "Falling Apart at the Seams", "Superwoman", "That's what I Get" and "Blues Train" which they took recorded their second album in Jamaica and New York. Many of Randazzo's tunes became pop classics, recorded by a gamut of industry giants from Ella Fitzgerald to Frank Sinatra. These two slices of Funky soul may not have fared so well but not for lack of quality or delivery, lets change that.

Sarp Yilmaz. The turkish producer teams up with apparel. 'Electronic Music Artist From Istanbul... I like to do stuff like doing records and spinnin them.Some people take interest in what I do, This is what this is all about. ' So self-describes Sarp Yilmaz , apparently not being fond of talking in big letters about himself . We on the Apparel team however are aware that Osunlade talks of him as the best new Artist on his Guardian interview, that Maya Jane Coles drops his tunes on Pete Tongs Essential Selection, that he's been charted by many top Djs and Artists ( Stacey Pullen,Osunlade , Bill Patrick, Dapayk, Marco Resmann, Niederflur to name a few) across the globe, that his tracks are chosen Track of the day on Beatportal, his stuff is 2 times bestseller on Whatpeopleplay charts and his tracks pops on every important podcast lately, be it a Cadenza podcast or Compost Black sessions.Recently released his debut albumon Apparel music that climbed the charts on all major stores, reaching pole position on WPP charts again ,he's been praised now for his unique take on House music by many , and now is at service to everyone who likes his,her House with a little bit odd Flavour and open mind.

Bilal is an artist who needs little introduction to fans of neo soul, and his ever-growing following must surely be among the most loyal and supportive in the scene. To know Bilal is to love him, so ever since his new album was with a taste of first single 'Satellites', expectation has been running at fever pitch.

More grounded and earthy than 2013's 'A Love Surreal' (also on BBE), 'In Another Life' was made in collaboration with eclectic producer and composer Adrian Younge. Although Bilal's soul and jazz chops are clearly evident here, there is also an underground indie undertone running through many of the tracks, complete with agonised vocal acrobatics worthy of Thom Yorke. In fact, if Prince & Radiohead had made an album together, well, it would probably make a lot less musical sense than this does. From opening track 'Sirens' the lyrical subject matter of the album provides a timely and human reflection on the confusion and paranoia of modern life, asking Marvin's age-old question, 'What's Going On'

Heavyweight guest appearances come in the form of Def Jam's Big K.R.I.T., who provides a brilliant verse on the fun, 80's boogie inspired 'Pleasure Toy'. Man of the moment Kendrick Lamar spits lyrical fire on frenetic anthem 'Money Over Love', while the brilliant Kimbra turns up on languid, sensual soul/jazz gem 'Holding It Back'. Dedicated by Bilal 'to the victims of injustice all over the World", 'In Another Life' is surely destined to become one of those rare and special records which actually make the world a better place for all those who experience it.

Family (Kosi Kos Mélange)