Search:soul of man

Mr Bongo is proud to present 'The Original Sound of Mali', compiled by Vik Sohonie & David Buttle.
Malian music is arguably deeper, more sophisticated and lyrical than any other form of African music. Those of us deeply entranced by Malian culture, and, in particular, the immense hypnotic beauty of Malian music, have put together a
selection of songs from across the country.
Compiled by Vik Sohonie & Dave 'Mr Bongo' Buttle, the story of this release began in 2015 when Dave happened upon the Soul Bonanza blog. A treasure chest of rare finds from around the world! One mix in particular stood out and totally enthralled Dave - le monde à change: a tribute to mali 1970 - 1991. He
already knew of Malian legends such as the Rail Band, Salif Keita, & Les Ambassadeurs du Motel de Bamako, but this mix was something else! Deep & culled from the collections of some of the heaviest African music collectors in the world, legends like Vik Sohonie, Hidehito Morimoto, Philippe Noel, Gregoire
Villanova, and Rickard Masip. Dave immediately contacted Vik and a journey of discovery tracking down the rights-holders began. He also turned to the font of Malian music knowledge, Florent Mazzoleni. Florent has written the definitive book about Malian music - 'Musiques modernes et traditionnelles du Mali'. He
proposed some incredible tracks to include and provided the back bone of the sleeve notes and photos that are used in the album. No Malian album would be complete without a striking front cover photo, and ours is sourced from the late great Malian photographer Malick Sidibé.
On this album you will find well-known artists sitting next to rarer
discoveries. The Rail Band, who are one of the best known of all the big bands in Mali, gave us the stars Mory Kanté and Salif Keita. Les Amabassedeurs du Motel de Bamako were another big act that had Idrissa Soumaoro, Kanté Manfila, and for a while Salif Keita in their ranks. Sometimes Salif would play in both bands in one night, quite a feat considering the bands were fierce rivals. As an albino Salif has had to face considerable prejudice from society, focussing on his musical career to help overcome this.

A major discovery on the album has been Idrissa Soumaoro et L'Eclipse de L'Ija. L'Eclipse de l'Institut des Jeunes Aveugles was a Blind teenagers institute and their record was produced by the German association that took care of blind Malian teenagers in Bamako. It was never properly released commercially and was the first recordings by the legends of Malian music Idrissa Soumaoro, Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia. Amadou & Mariam later got married and became household stars, including making an album with Manu Chao.
This album is a concerted global effort to showcase the most vital cornerstone of Malian culture in an attempt to preserve its reputation in the face of its current, grim reality. We hope our highlights of Mali's rich history of musical innovation will serve as a starting point for reclaiming an image tainted by unnecessary conflict. May peace and music return to Mali soon.
Dedicated to Malick Sidibé.

This anthology follows Now-Again's Loving On The Flipside, issued more than a decade ago. And that anthology itself got its start in a different time, a decade even earlier - the era in which Now-Again's Egon and his friends chased down funk 45s and the odd LP for their testosterone riddled, aggressive sound. Often times the funk song on one of their chosen is would be the throw-away b-side, the hasty afterthought the band cobbled together the night before hitting - or while in - the studio because they'd put all of their energies into writing the amazing ballad that would ensure their entry in soul's history books. Every once in a while, that funk song they coveted could have been - in an alternate universe - a ballad. The Third Guitar's "Baby Don't Cry," El Pooks* "I Could Do The Impossible" and Spider Harrison's "Beautiful Day" all fit into this category. That realization notwithstanding, more often than not they shined over the ballads to get to the tough stuff. Then they started flipping those funk records over to find some loving on the flip side. Some marvellous tunes were there to be found. This is the long awaited follow up. Contained within this anthology are some of the greatest soul ballads that go sweet with a beat - or, to follow our tagline, epitomize "sweet funk." Most of these songs have never been compiled. Some have never been issued in any form. Some, like the Ledgends entry here, were sampled to great success (in that case for Freddie Gibbs and Madlib's "Deeper"). Some haven't been sampled, but, like Herb Johnson's entry, are patiently awaiting their day. It should go without saying that we're proud to present this music in good conscience; with the full participation of everyone but the most obscure names contained within. And, for those who we've not yet been able to contact, this is our message: We've found your brethren, we've placed them beside you on an album that we hope you feel is befitting of your collective contributions to soul music and now we're just waiting for you. Though the music you recorded is from the years past, vour time is now.

One of the rarest and most sought after roots grails in existence from enigmatic Jamaican Canadian singer Prince Robinson aka R. Man Prince.

Funny Dream, an apocalyptic roots stepper from 1976 is a 45 so rare that it has developed its own mythology in the small circle of collectors who know of its existence.

One rumour suggests that so few copies exist because Robinson’s Russian wife took all the records from Canada back across the iron curtain in the late 70s when they split up. Some suggested he had died.

Shella Records eventually tracked down Prince Robinson not far from Toronto and learned the true story of why the original 45 is so impossibly rare- almost all copies were destroyed shortly after they were pressed, tragically reduced to ashes inside an incinerator.

Thankfully Prince has kept the original mastertapes stored safely in a briefcase for almost 50 years knowing that his music had value and biding his time.

*Repress*

180gr) 10 YEARS ON, ARTHUR VEROCAI'S ENCORE GETS A VINYL RELEASE. The highly anticipated follow up to Arthur's eponymous debut album from 1972, Encore saw Arthur joining the dots over 35 years to createa modern classic of Brazilian music that, like his debut, combined Brazilian influences with his take on American soul and cinematic experimentation, and shows Arthur's sound is as poignant now as it ever was.
To celebrate the album's 10th anniversary, Far Out Recordings announces the first ever vinyl edition of Arthur Verocai's 2007 masterpiece Encore. Remastered from the original tapes, Encore features 11 original compositions from Arthur with guest musicians including Azymuth, Ivan Lins and a nine-piece string section. The highly anticipated follow up to Arthur's eponymous debut album from 1972, Encore saw Arthur joining the dots over 35 years to create a modern classic of Brazilian music that, like his debut, combined Brazilian influences with his take on American soul and cinematic experimentation, and shows Arthur's sound is as poignant now as it ever was.

In the mid-2000's, following on from Marcos Valle, Joyce and of course Azymuth, Arthur Verocai joined the long-line of Brazilian musicians whose music was to be introduced to a whole new legion of fans by Far Out. The story of 'Encore' of course begins with Joe Davis, Far Out's head honcho who stumbled upon Arthur's debut in a dusty record store in downtown Rio in the late 80s. At the time of its release in 1972 critics panned Arthur's debut and both the album and artist subsequently vanished into obscurity. Fast forward to winter 2004 and Joe's at the studio of Far Out Recording artists Harmonic 313 - aka production duo Mark 'Troubleman' Pritchard and Dave Brinkworth - playing them some of his favourite Brazilian albums. Dave recalls the moment Joe put on Arthur's debut, 'As soon as the needle hit the record and we heard the fantastic arrangements, songs and sounds, Arthur completely blew our minds'.

Three months later and Dave was in Brazil with Arthur Verocai, and the plans for what was to become 'Encore' were being laid down. Produced by Dave, 'Encore' sees Arthur on incredible form, the 35 plus years between the recording of his debut and this the follow-up just melting away as Arthur picked up the (conductor's) baton once again to create 11 epic tracks of stirring samba-soul and experimental cinematic movements that sees him creating a record to rival his debut.


Born in Rio de Janeiro on 17 June 1945, Arthur Verocai began his professional music career in 1969 and over the next few years he was responsible for the orchestration of albums by Ivan Lins, Jorge Benjor, Elizeth Cardoso, Gal Costa, Quarteto em Cy, MPB 4 and Marcos Valle, among others. In the 1970s he was hired by Brazil's biggest TV station, TV Globo, as musical director and wrote the arrangements for many of the stations biggest shows. In 1972, following the success Arthur had with the production of Ivan Lins 1971 album "Agora", Arthur recorded his self-titled debut album on Continental Records. 'Arthur Verocai' challenged the musical conventions of the day, combining Brazilian influences with folksy soul and lo-fi electronic experimentations of American artists like Shuggie Otis or the orchestration of producer Charles Stepney.

These two vinyl records showcase the legacy left by the boogaloo movement in Peru between 1966 and 1975. They comprise twenty-two songs by seventeen artists who recorded on the remarkable local label MAG more than five decades ago and now invite today’s new generations to dance body and soul to these re-releases. You will find outstanding tracks by the likes of Tito Chicoma, Melcochita, Los Kintos, Otto Rojas, Coco Lagos among many others. MAG was one of the most important and prolific labels in Peru and, though it also was involved in releasing a lot of other types of music, its specialty was the tropical variety, which coincidentally, DJs and collectors seem to crave most. Peru developed a major boogaloo scene in the mid-60s, far from the genre’s place of origin, New York, where iconic songs like 'Bang Bang' and 'El Pito', fused soul and funk with Latin sounds, conquering dance halls and winning extensive radio airplay. The music trend soon spread to Caribbean countries and from there made the geographical leap to the city of Lima. 'El Pito', the collective creation of the Joe Cuba Sextet, was particularly popular. Shorn of overelaborate arrangements, the improvisation and spontaneity of the song resonated with the young generation who were avid for new music after the U.S. placed an embargo on the distribution of Cuban music. In July 1966, Rebeca Llave´s label, Disperú, released the 45 RPM of 'El Pito' (and Joe Cuba's LP), promoting the single in the most prestigious newspaper in the country: El Comercio. The press information stated that the record had sold seventy thousand copies in New York and fifty thousand in Los Angeles. That same year local dance versions by the bands of Alfredo Linares (MAG) and Lucho Macedo (El Virrey) were released, followed by another by the band of the Argentinean musician Enrique Lynch who was based in Peru (Sono Radio). These records were a hit with a new generation that embraced Lucho Macedo's band and the garage rock of Los York's with equal enthusiasm. Although Joe Bataan claimed that boogaloo was killed off at the end of the sixties by the labels and their veteran musicians (who conspired against the new generation of singers), Pete Rodriguez, Richie Ray and the Lebrón Brothers continued to release boogaloo records in Peru, but salsa music soon took over.

Brand new double LP on orange vinyl limited to 300 copies worldwide from Tyla (The Dogs D’amour) featuring the latest single ‘Cadillac Man’ - 'It’s becoming a bit of a cliche these days to say 'I dreamt this idea, song, story film book etc' But that's exactly what I did with the song 'Cadillac Man' the lyrics and the video idea and the melody as it was just after noon I jumped out of bed and scribbled the lyrics an picked up my trusty black Gibson J200 the guitar I've written nearly every song on since the day I bought it brand new in 1991. It was then I realised id dreamt the chords too!' I was 62 years old when I began writing and recording this album in the Autum of 2023 and I'm lookin' at 64 this July. I sent some of the songs to Simon (Hanson) who slapped on the drums then I sent them to Jamie Turnbull ('In Vino Veritas' / Tyla’s Dogs D'amour producer) knowing he was a great guitarist, but I didn't know just how good! This is the first album I have ever done that you can and even I do, play air guitar too! The songs flowed and i seemed to have captured most if not every human emotion in a Genie's lamp which I am now putting in your trusty hands and ears and eyes and soul. I beg you pop the cork, and I can guarantee that some if not all of your wishes will come true.' 'Gilding the Lily' Is the album I've been trying to write wanting to write, all my life.'

Von seiner Arbeit in der explosiven frühen Hollywood-Punk-Musikszene mit seiner Band The Plugz über das Produzieren von Bands wie The Gun Club bis hin zur Filmmusik, seiner beachtlichen Schauspielkarriere und der Gründung von Fatima Records - Tito Larriva verdient den Titel, den ihm die LA Times einst verliehen hat, durch und durch: "Renaissance Man".

The Plugz, 1978 in Los Angeles von Tito Larriva gegründet, waren inspirierend für die frühe Latino/Latinx-Punk-Gemeinschaft und ihr "West Coast Punk" hatte einen anhaltenden Einfluss auf ganze Generationen von Rockbands.
Kenner der Latino-Kultur würdigten die Band für ihre unkonventionelle Version von "La Bamba" und ihren Einfluss auf die Chicano/Xicanx-Rocker in Südkalifornien.

Mit "Hombre Secreto", einer spanischen Version des 60er-Jahre-Klassikers "Secret Agent Man", brachte Larriva seine einzigartige Handschrift in die Filmmusik des Kult-Klassikers "Repo Man" ein. Seine Karriere ging von hier aus kontinuierlich und vielfältig weiter; zu den wichtigsten Etappen zählen seine Arbeit als Produzent des Cast-Albums der "Pee-Wee Herman Show" und des Debüts "Fire of Love" von The Gun Club, sein Einsatz als Schauspieler in David Byrnes "True Stories" und die von ihm 1984 gegründeten The Cruzados. 1992 entwickelte sich aus The Cruzados die Band Tito & Tarantula, mit der Larrivas intensive Arbeitsbeziehung zu Robert Rodriguez und Quentin Tarantino begann. Er spielte in einem halben Dutzend ihrer Filme mit, unter anderem auch in "From Dusk Till Dawn", wo sein Song "After Dark" und sein musikalischer Auftritt im legendären "Titty Twister Club" eine legendäre Rolle spielt.

Nun veröffentlichen Tito & Tarantula ihr mit Spannung erwartetes Album "!Brincamos!". Das neue Werk ist eine Soundreise, die die Tiefen der menschlichen Seele erforscht, durchsetzt von der rohen Kraft des Rock und dem reichen Erbe des Latino/Latinx-Punkrock. Jeder Track ist ein Beweis für die Fähigkeit Larrivas, Grenzen, Genres und Sprache zu überwinden und einen Sound zu kreieren, der bei Fans auf der ganzen Welt Anklang findet. Mit rohen Balladen und emotionalen Rock-Hymnen ist Larriva mit "!Brincamos!" ein musikalisches Meisterwerk gelungen, das die Geschichte von Tito & Tarantula mehr als würdig fortschreibt.

Neben der Veröffentlichung dieses Albums bereiten sich Tito & Tarantula derzeit auf ihre "!Brincamos!"-Europatournee vor, um ihre berüchtigten Live-Performances auf die Bühnen des europäischen Kontinents zu bringen. Die Fans werden eine Verschmelzung von Rock'n'Roll und cineastischen Welten erleben und Teil unvergesslicher Konzerte sein. Mit Titos intensivem Gesang und der unvergleichlichen Bühnenpräsenz der Band schickt diese Tournee sich an, eines der großen Highlights des Jahres für Musik-Enthusiasten zu werden.

Mit der Veröffentlichung von "!Brincamos!" und dem Beginn ihrer Europatournee im März 2025 laden Tito & Tarantula alte und neue Fans ein, sie auf dieser aufregenden Reise zu begleiten. Die Musik dieser Band ist ein Zeugnis für die Energie des Rock und den vereinenden, kulturellen Stolz der Latinos.

"!Brincamos!" erscheint am 14.03.2025 als Vinyl (aufgrund der Spiellänge des Albums fallen 2 Live Tracks weg), limitierte Vinyl mit einer separaten 10" incl. der Livetracks, CD und digital auf allen gängigen Streaming Plattformen

The complete LP + 2 bonus tracks - pressed on 180g virgin vinyl - a limited edition of just 500 copies Ramon "Mongo" Santamaria Rodriguez ("Mongo" is Cuban slang for Ramon) is best known for being the composer of the jazz standard ' Afro Blue, recorded by John Coltrane among others. In 1950 he moved to New York where he became an integral figure in the fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with R&B and soul, paving the way for the boogaloo era of the late 1960s. Mongo's 1963 hit rendition of Herbie Hancock's 'Watermelon Man' wasinducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This release presents Mongo's complete LP 'Mongo Introduces La Lupe', on which he is joined on some tracks by singer Guadalupe Victoria Yoli Raymond, popularly known as, "La Lupe."

15 years after it's original release, Freestyle Records serve up reissue for The Apples' Kings LP - fully remastered with a fresh new cut, it's sounding better than ever!

In a musical first for the band, they wrote, arranged and recorded Kings with specific collaborators in mind. They held sessions with two of their heroes; a congregation with two musical and spiritual father figures from opposite ends of The Apples rich spectrum: Fred Wesley (pioneer of funk trombone in particular and funk horn arranging in general with James Brown, The JBs) Shlomo Bar (vocalist, percussionist, godfather of Israeli world music).

The exciting process of these recordings exposed the band's many roots and influences; elements of The JB's funky foundations, cut 'n paste, soul, middle eastern and dub are all clearly displayed - strained through the band's unique decks-horns-sfx-bass-drums lineup. This release signified the next step in The Apples ever thickening groove stew, primed for festival and club stages with a relentless live set filled with runaway grooves, countless twists and turns, dizzying transitions, spontaneous arrangements, the occasional reworking of early 90's alt-rock fist shakers - plus the basic jump-up-and-down crazyness for which The Apples are known across dancefloors, soundsystems, playlists, films, televisions, cars and ears worldwide.



e B1 | Batash (Alwoojdi) feat Shlomo Bar

At the start of the 60s, a new wave of gospel-influenced jazz started to emerge, with hits such as Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers' "Moanin'" and Cannonball Adderley's "Work Song" epitomizing this evolution in the genre. The terms "soul jazz" and "funky jazz" were coined as a way to describe this new sound that was making an impact in the US and also on the other sides of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

In 1964, Ray Charles made his first visit to Japan. Then, in 1968, Martha & The Vandellas and Stevie Wonder set foot in the country, followed by Sam & Dave in 1969, Ike & Tina Turner in 1970, and B.B. King in 1971. The TV show "Soul Train" also began airing in Japan in the early 1970s. A watershed moment happened in 1973 when Sammy Davis Jr. was cast in a TV commercial for Suntory whisky — and the influence of the US Black entertainment world had really landed, with soul, jazz, and funk artists becoming household names.

Nippon Columbia played a pivotal role during this turning point. The company had contracts with Buddah Records and Blue Thumb Records, releasing notable works by artists such as Gladys Knight & The Pips, Curtis Mayfield, The Crusaders, and The Pointer Sisters. At the same time, the label was also releasing several Japanese soul, jazz, and funk projects under the lead of music director Jiro Inagaki. Inagaki, a saxophonist who began his professional career in the early 1950s, honed his skills at U.S. military camps, where he shared his love of music with the Black servicemen. In the 1960s, he played with drummer Hideo Shiraki's band, which was widely considered to be Japan's representative group of the funky jazz movement. Later, Inagaki went on to pursue more cutting-edge sounds with his Soul Media project, including being a pioneering figure in the "jazz rock" genre. By working closely with Inagaki and his various musical projects, Nippon Columbia really placed the company at the center of an exciting and important period in Japanese music.

In 1965, Nippon Columbia opened a recording studio in Tokyo's Akasaka neighborhood. Akasaka was also home to the first ever discotheque in Japan, the legendary MUGEN, which ran from 1968 to 1987 and where many acts performed, including Con Funk Shun, the Bar-Kays, Ike & Tina Turner, B.B. King, Sam & Dave, Three Degrees, and Edwin Starr, as well as many local Japanese singers and musicians. This melting pot of creativity in the area led to the recording of many singles and albums by Japanese artists that were infused with the sounds of soul and funk. Most of these recordings were not available outside of Japan and remain rare and unknown musical gems. The selection you are holding in your hands is an explosive collection of 10 essential tracks released by the legendary Nippon Columbia label between 1969 and 1977, capturing the raw, unapparelled energy that was flowing through the air of the Akasaka streets at this electrifying time. Enjoy!

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180GWALP07 - Manufactured and distributed by 180g.

Spencer Parker returns to Rekids with ‘Better Days’. Tee Amara lends her voice to both English and Spanish versions, while Radio Slave steps up for a remix. Spencer Parker and Tee Amara arrive on Rekids with ‘Better Days’ in March, alongside a remix from label founder Radio Slave.

Originally the closing track ‘Faster Forward’ on 2018’s ‘DANCE MUSIC’ album on Parker’s Work Them Records, the track is reborn as full vocal cut ‘Better Days’ after the long search for a vocalist led the producer to fellow Berlin resident, Tee Amara. Known for work alongside Cromby, Ariel Me Llamo, and Ed Davenport, Amara’s heartfelt, soulful vocals in both English and Spanish versions bring new depth to Parker’s original track. As a longtime friend of Matt Edwards and a staple of the Rekids imprint since the mid-2000s, Parker returns to the label with ‘Better Days’, an occasion that calls for a remix from Radio Slave himself, who adds a jazzy swing vibe via additional melodic elements while he puts in a classic house groove. Spencer Parker, Tee Amara, and Radio Slave

‘Better Days’ is Rekids proper! Radio Slave’s Rekids was founded in 2006 and has since spawned successful offshoots with the Techno-focused Rekids Special Projects in 2017 and its newest sublabel, REK’D, in 2024. With Matt Edwards as the sole A&R, Rekids has been crucial in developing early artist careers and has become a haven for established acts operating in House and adjacent genres, having recently featured the likes of Hilit Kolet, William Kiss, Bushwacka, Mathias Kaden, Katerina, Sean Johnston, and many more.

Texas jazz, funk and soul group PHYREWORK were signed to Mercury Records in 1978 releasing an acclaimed self titled album. They measure up to the bands that inspired them: Sly and the Family Stone, Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power - to name a few.

PHYREWORK recorded a plethora of songs that went unreleased - this record documents the legacy of this brilliant band. We are proud to present eleven dazzling songs circa 1977 - 1982, nine of which are originally unreleased and two from the elusive early 80s 7” single.

We are honoured to have the liner notes written by David Ritz, author of the definitive books on Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and many more.

Texas jazz, funk and soul group PHYREWORK were signed to Mercury Records in 1978 releasing an acclaimed self titled album. They measure up to the bands that inspired them: Sly and the Family Stone, Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power - to name a few.

PHYREWORK recorded a plethora of songs that went unreleased - this record documents the legacy of this brilliant band. We are proud to present eleven dazzling songs circa 1977 - 1982, nine of which are originally unreleased and two from the elusive early 80s 7” single.

We are honoured to have the liner notes written by David Ritz, author of the definitive books on Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and many more.

For this special release, we’re excited to unveil something brand new: a triple vinyl, perfect for casting a spell on your Halloween night

Witches brew and cauldrons bubble, as Halloween stirs up an eerie trouble! Step into the world of spooky beats with Lofi Girl's 'Halloween 2024' compilation. Featuring talented artists from around the world, this potion of ghostly rhythms and haunting melodies sets the mood for a night of chills and thrills. Whether you're conjuring up potions or unwinding under the moonlit sky, let the witchy magic of these chilling beats take over your Halloween night!

Brian Auger’s Streetnoise, recorded in 1969 with Julie Driscoll and The Trinity, stands as a landmark of late 1960s eclecticism, where the boundaries of jazz, rock, folk, and soul blur into a cohesive, genre-defying masterpiece.

Auger was moving The Trinity on from their R&B, jazz beginnings and for Streetnoise, together with Driscoll, delivered a record that channelled their mutually progressive vision. Julie's haunting vocal performances were the perfect counterpoint to Auger’s innovative instrumentation, creating a sound that was both avant-garde yet deeply soulful. “We aimed to challenge expectations, ” Auger recalls. “Every track was a canvas to experiment and push the envelope.”

The album’s gatefold sleeve design, created by Ralph Steadman, inspired by William Hogarth's 18th-century satirical etchings, was as groundbreaking as its music. This was not just a cover, it was a bold statement about art and society, perfectly mirroring the music’s blend of historical reverence and forward-thinking innovation.

Musically, Streetnoise is a kaleidoscope of styles including jazz and R&B, fusion, folk, rock and gospel flourishes. "Ellis Island, " and “Finally Found You Out” are both intense instrumentals that embody the intense fusion of jazz and rock the group was known for. "Indian Rope Man" is one of the standout tracks. A cover of Richie Havens' original, that inspired The Charlatans ‘Indian Rope’ and All Blues, a bold reinterpretation of Miles Davis’ iconic Kind of Blue masterpiece, on which Driscoll's vocal performance may be the highlight. "Flesh Failures (Let the Sunshine In)" is a hauntingly beautiful cover of the finale from the musical Hair. Auger's own compositions from the opening instrumental 'Tropic Of Capricorn', to the introspective solo piano and vocal Looking In The Eye Of The World' display Brian's multiple talents.

Celebrated for its fearless creativity across all 16 tracks, the album is testament to Brian Auger and Julie Driscoll’s visionary artistry. It remains a must-listen for anyone exploring the dynamic intersections of jazz, rock, and soul. The album’s reputation has only grown with time, cementing its legacy as a cornerstone of experimental music.

Streetnoise; A wholly unique album from an equally unique group

A valentine for black hearts! An electric array of magic sounds! The shock return of a missing legend! The surprise formation of HOUSE Of ALL by five former members of The Fall was bound to provide some pleasant surprises, not the least of which being the creation of an identity distinct from that of any specific Fall line-up, and here the band offer an steep evolution of sound of their two previous albums . . . darker, more elliptic and can we say it? A more mystical sum of talents than most groups ever manage. They've kept their open door policy to former members of The Fall and expanded it. Phil Lewis, who's stepped in live for Pete Greenway, makes his studio debut, and the long-lost Karl Burns has emerged from his mystery lair to add a third set of drums to the line-up . . . besting The Glitter Band by 50%! How this will work live has yet to be determined, but the band has already scheduled dates in Spring, 2025. House Of All Souls is somewhat more psychedelic than its predecessors, and despite seven players, each with his own particular style, the songs and production are shockingly cohesive. From the breakneck pace of first tune, Tempest And Storm to the superb album closer, Born At Dawn And Dead At Sunset, there's quite a lot to unpack - it's an album-lover's album, each track magnificent in its own way and impossible for us to pick a fave from the lot of 'em. Plenty has been written about The Fall, whose 50th birthday is just a few years off, but rare is the group with an equally perverse and persuasive influence in that period. When HOUSE Of ALL debuted, Martin Bramah remarked on it being "part of the Fall family continuum" - a matter of actual fact, given the pedigree of its members. With this, HOUSE Of ALL's third full-length album, it's proven fact that the bright lights of those multiple talents behind the band have yet to dim.

Buffalo’s own Elcamino teams up with Los Angeles producer Real Bad Man for "The Game Is The Game", a gritty and cinematic body of work that showcases their chemistry, with thw two delivering a classic sound for fans of underground hip-hop.

As the first Real Bad Man project for 2024, "The Game Is The Game" captures Elcamino’s vivid street narratives of ambition, survival, and resilience, underscored by Real Bad Man's signature production style—a fusion of soulful samples, eerie loops, and hard-hitting drums that create a cinematic atmosphere.

This collaboration marks a new chapter for both artists, bridging Buffalo’s raw energy with LA’s experimental edge. Hip-hop fans can expect an album that is unapologetically authentic, gritty, and innovative.

To elevate the experience, the album features guest appearances from rap luminaries Benny The Butcher, Boldy James, Rick Hyde, King Ralph and Player K.

This album, recorded in 1957, brings together a dream team of jazz musicians. The singer, with her rich tone and soulful inflections, is supported by top-tier players. Sonny Rollins on tenor saxophone delivers exquisitely refined solos, while Max Roach on drums provides subtle yet impactful rhythms. Paul Chambers on bass and Wynton Kel1ly on piano offer impeccable harmonic support. Between poignant ballads and more upbeat tracks, each piece is a gem.

Helena Casella is a Belgian-Brazilian vocalist with a multicultural background who vocalizes her thoughts in her own passionate, soulful, and tasteful manner. She grew up in an incredibly musical family with strong ties to the broader artistic world. This rich background is clearly audible in her musical approach, where she blends genres such as R&B, soul, hip-hop, and modern jazz without breaking the connection to the vibrant sounds of Brazil, where part of her roots lie. The depth of her soft, warm voice pulls you into her story, floating between the realms of the intimate and the ethereal.

With her debut album 'Pit Of Impressions,' Helena shows that she is an artist from whom we have yet to hear the best.

File under: neo soul, nu jazz, R&B

Sounds like: The Internet, Hiatus Kaiyote, Michi, Solange, Erykah Badu, Charlotte Dos Santos, ...

Band leader, songwriter, arranger and producer of the now disbanded Pizzicato Five (1985-2001). Although having 2 successful world tours and 5 international albums under his belt, with fans ranging from London’s Karminsky Experience to Karl Lagerfeld, many of his fans know him as a DJ, spinning in Tokyo’s hotspots such as Shibuya’s ‘Organ Bar’. He tours regularly throughout Japan and abroad. In the Jackson 5 Remix Album, his remix ‘I want you back (readymade 524 mix)’ received an extraordinary amount of national radio play.
The remix album itself has scored healthy rankings in major record stores. In 1998, his own project ‘Punch the Monkey!’ (in which he remixes the theme tune of a popular Japanese cartoon series ‘Lupin the Third’) sold over 700,000 records, and this, some say, began Japan’s remix rush. His achievements truly invaded the mainstream when in 2000, he produced the No.1 single ‘Oha-Rock’ which became a social phenomenon in itself. Most
recently, he set up his own record label, ‘readymade international inc.’ from he which he plans to release new exciting solo works.
His talents also embrace film and photography and he is well known as a director in promotional videos, shows and advertisements. T-shirts and original goods which Konishi personally designed are sold in select shops such as BEAMS of Shibuya.
He is also a writer having regular columns in various magazines, and has also written several books. A collection of his essays have been published under the title ‘Kore wa koi de wa nai’ (’This is not love’)

SUNAGA tatsuo (sunaga t'experience)
DJ and Music Producer. Basing his activities around his own club ‘Shibuya Organ Bar’, holds regular club nights throughout Japan. Apart from his own mix CDs such as the ‘Organ b. SUITE’ which many say is in a class of its own, has produced remixes for the ‘Soul Source 2: Jackson 5 Remix’ and Yasuharu Konishi’s ‘Punch the Monkey’. He began his own label ‘AFTERS OR’ in 1998,acting both as artist and producer. Releasing records under the alias of ‘Sunaga t experience’ on avex/cutting edge records, the ‘It’s you’ 12 inch made record sales of 7,000 records, an incredibly large number in the vinyl market. His name is known in Europe through such labels as IRMA and SCHEMA records, and has remained in the forefront of the industry since the beginning of the Tokyo club scene.

Fust--the lyrical powerhouse Southern rock band from Durham, North Carolina--announce their new album Big Ugly, out March 7th on Dear Life Records, the record label that launched the careers of MJ Lenderman and Florry and that has become a haven for contemporary songwriters. Big Ugly arrives after the release of 2024's Songs of the Rail--"one of the best alt-country compilations_in a long, long time" (Paste) -- and 2023's standout Genevieve, which unassumingly introduced new listeners to Fust's unmistakable blend of "small-town poetry" (Mojo) with a familiar yet probing "country-tinged folk-rock" (KEXP) that made it "one of the most fun rock records of the year" (Pitchfork). Genevieve was their studio debut, recorded with producer Alex Farrar (Manning Fireworks, Rat Saw God, Tomorrow's Fire) in Asheville, North Carolina. The reception was far better than the band expected, stirring them to immediately start working on Big Ugly, their second collaboration with Farrar. Recorded over ten days in June of 2024, Big Ugly is the explosive sound of Fust uncovering a freedom within their sincere form of loose and fried guitar rock, realizing more than ever before an intimacy within bigness. The members -- Aaron Dowdy, Avery Sullivan, Frank Meadows, John Wallace, Justin Morris, Libby Rodenbough, Oliver Child-Lanning--weave their voices alongside guests like Merce Lemon, Dave Hartley (The War on Drugs), and John James Tourville (The Deslondes) to form a music that sounds like a conversation between old friends. And that's exactly what it is. At its heart, Big Ugly is a story cycle, following tough-skinned characters who seem to inhabit a shared and fictional small town--Big Ugly--that in reality gets its name from a lowly populated and unincorporated area in southern West Virginia around where Dowdy's family has deep roots. The album cover_a mural from the Big Ugly Community Center just off the Big Ugly Creek--was painted by locals for a 2004 play performed by the children that interpreted their elders' stories. In a way, Fust's Big Ugly does something similar as it takes the same area as its backdrop and reimagines a life depicted in the mural between the bars, gas stations, general stores, and double-wides. Throughout the album, we join the characters in finding history and meaning in the banal theater of their own private jerkwater.The songs on Big Ugly are hearteningly varied, moving from beer-fisted radio country to elegiac drones to deconstructed ballads. Songs like "Spangled" take up the theme of past traumas and present desensitizations colliding, of the small and cosmic coinciding in the life of a heedless protagonist. "Bleached" finds the soul-searching narrator recalling the feeling of inner vacancy in their childhood: thoughtless, speechless, herded around like cattle in backseats. And "Mountain Language" laments the poverties of Southern life at the same time that it promotes a higher poverty, a country utopia that's just out of grasp, where we could live if we could only "make it up the mountain again." The mystical hermeticism and the dime-store everyday are two sides of every insignificant thing in the town of Big Ugly.

When the late Jazz impresario and trailblazer Meghan Stabile first launched the Revivalist platform and Revive Da Live concert series in NYC, the goal was to bridge the gap between younger Hip-Hop audiences and traditional Jazz purists. Born from this vision in 2010 was the Revive Big Band, an inventive 20+ piece ensemble led by artistic director, trumpeter, and composer Igmar Thomas. Merging tradition with groundbreaking creativity since its inception, the multi-generational band’s world-class cadre of musicians unites for Like A Tree It Grows. As the Revive Big Band’s official full-length debut, this album represents not only a 14-year timeline of the Revive collective’s journey, but also a deeper tribute to the Black American Music lineage. It’s a celebration of community that uses the timeless power of music to tell a story of cultural legacy, innovation, and artistic collaboration. From original compositions like “R&P” and “The Coming”, to reinterpretations of classic records paying homage to musical legends (e.g. Wayne Shorter, Dizzy Gillespie, etc.) Like A Tree It Grows showcases Thomas’ intricate arrangements that blend Jazz, Hip-Hop, Soul, and a range of genres from the lineage of Black American music. With guest features from Talib Kweli, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Terrace Martin, Jean Baylor, Bilal, and more, the album provides a bridge between past and future, inviting listeners to explore the roots of Black music while reimagining its possibilities.

Profile 1
KONISHI yasuharu
Band leader, songwriter, arranger and producer of the now disbanded Pizzicato Five (1985- 2001). Although having 2 successful world tours and 5 international albums under his belt, with fans ranging from London’s Karminsky Experience to Karl Lagerfeld, many of his fans know him as a DJ, spinning in Tokyo’s hotspots such as Shibuya’s ‘Organ Bar’. He tours regularly throughout Japan and abroad. In the Jackson 5 Remix Album, his remix ‘I want you back (readymade 524 mix)’ received an extraordinary amount of national radio play.
The remix album itself has scored healthy rankings in major record stores. In 1998, his own project ‘Punch the Monkey!’ (in which he remixes the theme tune of a popular Japanese cartoon series ‘Lupin the Third’) sold over 700,000 records, and this, some say, began Japan’s remix rush. His achievements truly invaded the mainstream when in 2000, he produced the No.1 single ‘Oha-Rock’ which became a social phenomenon in itself. Most
recently, he set up his own record label, ‘readymade international inc.’ from he which he plans to release new exciting solo works.
His talents also embrace film and photography and he is well known as a director in promotional videos, shows and advertisements. T-shirts and original goods which Konishi personally designed are sold in select shops such as BEAMS of Shibuya.
He is also a writer having regular columns in various magazines, and has also written several books. A collection of his essays have been published under the title ‘Kore wa koi de wa nai’ (’This is not love’
)
Profile 2
IKEDA masanori (Mansfield)
Began his DJ career in London, 1991, while working in Soho’s Soul Jazz Records. After becoming resident DJ at ‘Blow-Up’ in London’s Wag Club, he has toured the country and the rest of Europe. With his friends Karminsky Experience and Gentle People, he has also organised numerous club events, compiled CDs and produced radio programs. Returning to Japan in 1997, as the DJ with the rarest records in the East, he immediately made his name Djing at many popular events up and down the country. He is recognised for rocking dancefloors on a global scale having completed a very well-received European tour in 2000.
Apart from his DJ work, he has contributed remixes for Konishi Yasuharu’s ‘Punch the Monkey!’. His solo releases include his mix CD series ‘Spin Out’ , ‘Spin Out 2’ (V2 Records Japan). His albums ‘6 Complexions of Mansfield’ and ‘It’s a mans’s man’s field’ (readymade records) released under his alias Mansfield have established his name as a sound creator. He is expecting to release a new album from readymade international early 2002. This
is the DJ/composer that everyone’s talking about.

Repressed LP on Neon Orange Vinyl. “ESG's fusion of sweet soul and punk attitude with an intuitive understanding of dance music remains.” The Guardian “This is still funk with an alien otherworldliness the likes of which George Clinton never envisioned, stripped to its barest essentials for maximum impact.” All Music “ESG are as cool as ever.” The Guardian Pumping their way out of the South Bronx of New York in the early 80s, this rhythm and dance-punk outfit made unforgettable funk that was also unusually rooted in post-punk. This powerhouse of raw and cutting edge music ultimately made them ahead of their time. ESG enjoyed success sharing stages with PiL and Gang Of Four and have been heavily sampled as many musicians including TLC, Wu-Tang Clan, Beastie Boys and Liars.

"The one and only single from Manchester band The Score was first released by Decca Records in November '66; if it is possible to improve upon a Beatles original then the twin guitar attack of Ken White and Frank Davies make this cover of the famed February '63 No. 2 a very strong contender. The raw delivery of singer Eddy Lamb is carried along by a bass line that nods to a more recent Fab Four release, 'Taxman', while the song's coda tips a hat to a Rolling Stones' hit from a year earlier. Things get even more exciting on the B-Side, where The Score turn in a blistering performance of Chuck Jackson's Northern Soul floorfiller, 'Beg Me', a favourite in clubs like the Twisted Wheel, and still popular with today's discerning Mod crowd, who have been known to part with £250 for an original copy.
"

This brand new deluxe edition of "Bag Talk", the acclaimed 2019 collaborative album by Pink Siifu and Yungmorpheus, is a masterful expansion of the duo's underground classic. Originally celebrated for its gritty beats, sharp lyricism, and boundary-pushing creativity, the album saw a first deluxe release in 2022, but with this one the duo is taking the original project to new heights, featuring six brand-new, unreleased bonus tracks that deepen its raw, introspective vibe.

From soulful loops to hard-knocking drums, the chemistry between Siifu and Yungmorpheus shines even brighter on these exclusive tracks, offering fans a deeper dive into their rich sonic world.

This brand new release features 6 brand new bonus tracks, new artwork by artist Alina, and has been mastered for vinyl by Davide "Bassi Maestro" Bassi for enhanced listening experience!

Das zweite Album von Spiritbox, Tsunami Sea, baut auf dem überaus erfolgreichen Debütalbum der Band
aus dem Jahr 2021 „Eternal Blue“ auf, das die Charts anführte und die Jahresendlisten der Kritiker dominierte, sowie auf der EP „Fear of Fear“ aus dem Jahr 2023, die der Band zwei aufeinanderfolgende
Grammy-Nominierungen einbrachte. Das von Mike Stringer und Dan Braunstein von Spiritbox koproduzierte Album zeichnet sich durch den typischen, gefühlsbetonten Sound der Band aus, der in den Singles
„Soft Spine“ und „Perfect Soul“ zu neuen Höhen der Intensität und Musikalität geführt wird.

Split Evolution from Chicago and released two singles. The first "Jumpstreet" (vocal/instrumental) on Wasp in 1978 (although copyright on the label states 1974 whilst publishing states 1978) followed by "If Only You Would Say (I Love You)" (vocal/instrumental) on Jumpstreet in 1984 as The Three Phases Of Evolution. Both pretty hard records to find and not even listed on 45Cat but appear to have been reissued by Magnetic Recordings in 2014 (both included below). Interestingly, on the label for the latter it states that it is from the LP "Jumsptreet" so perhaps an album was in the pipeline? They recorded a third single which only made it to a test pressing stage, as the full run was cancelled later on. This unreleased third single "Bedroom Eyes" / "Let Me Do It" is the one out in March on Canonnball Records. The only surviving copy was found by rare soul DJ Dave Thorley on a record hunting trip to the States in the early noughties.

Our 8th Anniversary release is totally, completely, wholeheartedly dedicated to LOVE. Written not to be a ballad neither to be a dancer “Bedroom Eyes” inevitably ended up being both, turning out in what I consider the definitive love song, up there with Sly, Slick and Wicked's Sho' Nuff. It just melts my heart. Warm basslines laying on a catchy drumming which anyone would likely mistake for an Enchantment groove. A man and a woman dueting like if they were actually laying in bed after a consuming day out, and finding relief in each other’s presence. The man, desperate for love, makes questions to which the woman answers in the choruses with a hidden prayer to stay together forever. All with mutual background voices and brass crescendos and strings pizzicatos counterpointing each others to make it a beautiful yet rough arrangement. Just pure Soul love heaven.

After releasing SOUL FICTION in May 2023! Cosmo Klein & The Campers release a "Soul Fiction Remix"ed album with remix-management by Berlin based DJ Daniel W. Best of Best's Friends Music.

Remixers inc. Art Of Tones, Opolopo, Philippa, DJ Friction (Germany). In the past the Cosmo Klein from Berlin has dedicated himself to different genres of music such as Pop, House Music, Soul, Jazz & Funk. Numerous hits like "Beautiful Lie", "Feel Alive", "All I ever need" or the Duet with German singer Maya Saban have made Cosmo Klein one of the few internationally successful music exports from Germany.

Dj Spinna’s very own Wonderwax record label is back with yet another soul-infused EP of trademark remixes from the man himself. This time around the Brooklyn producer unleashes for the first time on wax his brilliant vocal and dub versions of two tracks from critically acclaimed RnB duo King.

The 4 track EP includes the highly anticipated and unsurprisingly ace Galactic Soul remixes of “Mr Chameleon” plus the vocal and instrumental remixes of “Red Eye”, released digitally back in 2017 and never before on vinyl, showcasing once again Spinna’s amazing touch with downtempo beatdown jams.

Soul Jazz Records' Studio One Showcase 45 features a roll call of classic Studio One
reggae legends including Horace Andy, Cornell Campbell, Bob Marley and The
Wailers, Jackie Mittoo, The Heptones, The Skatalites and more – seminal reggae
artists who all launched their careers at the legendary Studio One label.
The album was previously only ever released as a long-deleted limited-edition
seven-inch box set for Record Store Day. This album has now been expanded into a
super double-vinyl album edition as well as first time on CD, with both featuring a
massive eight bonus tracks of wicked Studio One classics and rarities. The album
also comes with newly commissioned sleeve and track notes by Noel Hawks.
Featuring seminal cuts like Bob Marley and The Wailer's original version of 'One
Love', Freddie McGregor's take on the classic 'Beat Down Babylon', Judah Eskender
Tafari's re-version of 'Danger In Your Eyes' plus more from The Skatalites, Lone
Ranger, Johnny Osbourne and more!

"With all songs written by the band over the past year or so, the album was recorded and produced by Michael Giblin (The Split Squad) at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania in Sep 24 and mastered at Rare Form Mastering by Greg Reierson, Like all three previous Vapors releases, this album conveys an individual feeling of it's own, both lyrically and musically. The title derives from a line in the song ""Forever & Ever"" but it also describes perfectly the high velocity, guitar and bass, heavy punked up tempo that runs through a number of the songs, whilst conjuing up an image of bottled-up anger that runs through a number of the album's lyrics.
Best known for their major worldwide 1980 hit ""Turning Japanese"", The Vapors originally split in 1981 after two short years producing six singles, two albums, three major US tours and an Australian tour, and countless shows in the UK. After a 35-year hiatus, the band reformed for a series of four shows in Ireland and England in 2016 which were so well recieved that they continue to tour extensively, with over 160 gigs played since, with a comeback album ""Together"", in 2020 and several singles released along the way."

War "Funeral for Justice" der Klang der Entrüstung, so ist "Tears of Injustice" der Klang der Trauer. Mit dem neuen Album "Tears of Injustice", das am 28. Februar 2025 erscheint, hat Mdou Moctar sein Meisterwerk "Funeral for Justice" neu interpretiert. Dieses wurde vollständig neu aufgenommen und mit akustischen sowie traditionellen Instrumente arrangiert. Das Album ist die kontemplative Weiterentwicklung der Band - das ruhige Gegenstück zum intensiven Original. Im Juli 2023 war Mdou Moctar auf Tournee in den USA, als eine Militärjunta den nigrischen Präsidenten Mohamed Bazoum stürzte und ihn in der Präsidentenresidenz festsetzte. Aufgrund der geschlossenen Landesgrenzen konnten Mdou Moctar, Ahmoudou Madassane und Souleymane Ibrahim nicht zu ihren Familien zurückkehren. Obwohl bereits Pläne zur Aufnahme von Begleitmaterial zu Funeral for Justice - das zu diesem Zeitpunkt noch Monate vor der Veröffentlichung stand - existierten, gewann das Projekt plötzlich an Dringlichkeit und Tiefe. Nur zwei Tage nach Abschluss der Tour in New York City begann das Quartett im Bunker Studio in Brooklyn unter der Leitung von Toningenieur Seth Manchester mit den Aufnahmen zu Tears of Injustice. "Wir wollten unsere eigene Interpretation von 'Funeral" schaffen, die die Menschen auf eine andere Art erleben können", sagt Mikey Coltun, der in den USA lebende Bassist und Produzent der Band. "Bei unseren Konzerten experimentieren wir ständig mit den Arrangements. Nun wollten wir zeigen, dass wir diese kreative Vielfalt auch auf einem Album umsetzen können. Wenn wir ein reduziertes Set spielen, zeigt sich eine ganz neue Seite der Band - es wird zu etwas Eigenem." Sie entschieden sich, Tears gemeinsam in einem Raum aufzunehmen und die Session spontan und unstrukturiert zu gestalten. "Wir haben die Arrangements nicht im Voraus festgelegt", erinnert sich Coltun. "Wir haben einfach gespielt, das richtige Gefühl eingefangen und die Songs aufgenommen. Alles fügte sich schnell zusammen, und die Hauptaufnahmen waren in nur zwei Tagen abgeschlossen." Der hypnotische 8-Minuten-Track Imouhar besteht eigentlich aus zwei direkt hintereinander aufgenommenen Durchläufen - Moctar hörte kaum auf zu spielen, sodass die Takes nahtlos ineinander übergingen. Nach einem Monat konnte die Band schließlich nach Niger zurückkehren, und Coltun gab Madassane einen Zoom-Recorder mit. Damit nahm der Rhythmusgitarrist eine Gruppe von Tuaregs auf, die traditionelle Call-and-Response-Gesänge vortrugen, die später in den endgültigen Mix eingearbeitet wurden. Auf Funeral for Justice äußert sich die Wut über die schwierige Lage des Niger und des Tuareg-Volkes durch die Lautstärke und das Tempo der Musik. Auf Tears bewahren die Lieder dieses Gewicht, jedoch ohne elektrische Verstärkung. Sie sind von tiefer Traurigkeit durchdrungen und vermitteln das Leid eines Volkes, das in ständiger Armut, unter kolonialer Ausbeutung und politischen Umbrüchen lebt. Es ist Tuareg-Protestmusik in ihrer rohesten und essenziellsten Form. "Wenn Mdou die Texte schreibt, tut er das oft mit einer Akustikgitarre", erklärt Coltun. "Dadurch kommt man dem ursprünglichen Moment näher. Die Schwere bleibt, aber die Intensität ist auf eine eindringlichere Weise spürbar."

War "Funeral for Justice" der Klang der Entrüstung, so ist "Tears of Injustice" der Klang der Trauer. Mit dem neuen Album "Tears of Injustice", das am 28. Februar 2025 erscheint, hat Mdou Moctar sein Meisterwerk "Funeral for Justice" neu interpretiert. Dieses wurde vollständig neu aufgenommen und mit akustischen sowie traditionellen Instrumente arrangiert. Das Album ist die kontemplative Weiterentwicklung der Band - das ruhige Gegenstück zum intensiven Original. Im Juli 2023 war Mdou Moctar auf Tournee in den USA, als eine Militärjunta den nigrischen Präsidenten Mohamed Bazoum stürzte und ihn in der Präsidentenresidenz festsetzte. Aufgrund der geschlossenen Landesgrenzen konnten Mdou Moctar, Ahmoudou Madassane und Souleymane Ibrahim nicht zu ihren Familien zurückkehren. Obwohl bereits Pläne zur Aufnahme von Begleitmaterial zu Funeral for Justice - das zu diesem Zeitpunkt noch Monate vor der Veröffentlichung stand - existierten, gewann das Projekt plötzlich an Dringlichkeit und Tiefe. Nur zwei Tage nach Abschluss der Tour in New York City begann das Quartett im Bunker Studio in Brooklyn unter der Leitung von Toningenieur Seth Manchester mit den Aufnahmen zu Tears of Injustice. "Wir wollten unsere eigene Interpretation von 'Funeral" schaffen, die die Menschen auf eine andere Art erleben können", sagt Mikey Coltun, der in den USA lebende Bassist und Produzent der Band. "Bei unseren Konzerten experimentieren wir ständig mit den Arrangements. Nun wollten wir zeigen, dass wir diese kreative Vielfalt auch auf einem Album umsetzen können. Wenn wir ein reduziertes Set spielen, zeigt sich eine ganz neue Seite der Band - es wird zu etwas Eigenem." Sie entschieden sich, Tears gemeinsam in einem Raum aufzunehmen und die Session spontan und unstrukturiert zu gestalten. "Wir haben die Arrangements nicht im Voraus festgelegt", erinnert sich Coltun. "Wir haben einfach gespielt, das richtige Gefühl eingefangen und die Songs aufgenommen. Alles fügte sich schnell zusammen, und die Hauptaufnahmen waren in nur zwei Tagen abgeschlossen." Der hypnotische 8-Minuten-Track Imouhar besteht eigentlich aus zwei direkt hintereinander aufgenommenen Durchläufen - Moctar hörte kaum auf zu spielen, sodass die Takes nahtlos ineinander übergingen. Nach einem Monat konnte die Band schließlich nach Niger zurückkehren, und Coltun gab Madassane einen Zoom-Recorder mit. Damit nahm der Rhythmusgitarrist eine Gruppe von Tuaregs auf, die traditionelle Call-and-Response-Gesänge vortrugen, die später in den endgültigen Mix eingearbeitet wurden. Auf Funeral for Justice äußert sich die Wut über die schwierige Lage des Niger und des Tuareg-Volkes durch die Lautstärke und das Tempo der Musik. Auf Tears bewahren die Lieder dieses Gewicht, jedoch ohne elektrische Verstärkung. Sie sind von tiefer Traurigkeit durchdrungen und vermitteln das Leid eines Volkes, das in ständiger Armut, unter kolonialer Ausbeutung und politischen Umbrüchen lebt. Es ist Tuareg-Protestmusik in ihrer rohesten und essenziellsten Form. "Wenn Mdou die Texte schreibt, tut er das oft mit einer Akustikgitarre", erklärt Coltun. "Dadurch kommt man dem ursprünglichen Moment näher. Die Schwere bleibt, aber die Intensität ist auf eine eindringlichere Weise spürbar."

Ein Top-Album des Funk- und Fusion-Jazz – jetzt LP-Premiere remastered als 180g-Doppel-Vinyl!
Till Brönner braucht natürlich keine Vorstellung. Aber vielleicht haben einige seiner Fans „Midnight“
noch nicht entdeckt, sein brillantes Album, das er zu Beginn seiner Karriere aufgenommen hat, vor erfolgreichen Veröffentlichungen wie „Chattin’ With Chet“, „That Summer“ und „Oceana“, und bevor er eine
Grammy-Nominierung und drei ECHO-Jazz erhielt.
1995 bot sich dem damals 24-jährigen Trompeter die Gelegenheit, in den USA mit Musikern seiner Wahl
ein Album aufzunehmen. „Midnight“ präsentiert die erstaunlichen Sidemen Michael Brecker, sicherlich der
beste Tenorsaxofonist seiner Generation, Gitarrist Dean Brown, Bassist Anthony Jackson, Schlagzeuger
Dennis Chambers und Weather-Report-Perkussionist Manolo Badrena. Hinzu kommen David Mann von
Tower of Power und George Whitty von der Brecker-Brothers-Band.
„Midnight“ wurde auf einem Independent-Label veröffentlicht und sorgte damals noch nicht für das verdiente internationale Aufsehen. Jetzt kehrt das soulig-zeitlose Album, über das AllMusic in seiner VierSterne-Rezension schreibt es sei „nicht nur ein Höhepunkt in Brönners Werk, sondern ein Highlight des
zeitgenössischen Jazz”, zurück als remasterte 180g Doppel-LP im Gatefold-Sleeve.

Do It With Soul is back with another healthy dose of dancefloor fun featuring a pair of well-executed new edits. On the A-side of this limited edition 7" is 'Get Up Gaff,' a James Brown-inspired rework with some nice analogue 808s driving forward the raw vocal loops and jacked-up drum hits. On the flip, 'Mango In the Jungle' channels more James Brown energy as it collides 'Mango Meat' with 'Give It Up and Turn It Loose.' The result is a wild mix of funk breaks, squealing organs and soulful vocal details that keep things moving and grooving.

There is no one universe for Ben LaMar Gay, he just sonic booms from one sound to another." - NPR Music
Ben LaMar Gay’s de facto debut album, Downtown Castles Can Never Block The Sun, was our attempt to introduce the legendary Chicago composer / improvisor / renaissance man to the rest of the world with a compilation of tracks from “7 albums he made over 7 years but never made the effort to actually release. ” The material showcases Gay’s penchant for genre-hopping—from Reich-ian soundscape voyages to Don Cherry-esque polyrhythm treks to Jorge Ben-style vocal-and-string earworms—while keeping his singular musical voice in focus.
In the years since its release, this long OOP collection has become a touchstone, foreshadowing the breadth and scope of Ben LaMar Gay’s output since. The songs-between-the-songs warped Soul Americana madness and beauty of Open Arms To Open Us, the unhinged long form freedom of Certain Reveries—each fresh mode would defy expectation if without the context established by Downtown Castles. To quote the OG press release, “to call it ‘eclectic’ would only scratch the surface. This music is everything.

Following up his magical singles Rupees, Las-Vegas by way of Chicago underdog DJ LUCKY brings us his debut album Triple 7. Featuring fellow colleagues such as DJ Manny, Taso, and Weezy, this LP compiles work from a rather undocumented member of the Teklife family. These 10 tracks are pure modern footwork tailor-made for the dancers, but with tons of rave-friendly sonics in-between.

Opening things up with the ethereal DJ Manny collaboration War, Lucky sets the tone for the rest of the album with its thick, moody atmosphere. At times the vibe here is soulful, other times it’s eerie, often it’s all of the above. There’s rolling jungle breaks with a hip-hop lean on tracks like G.B.G.W., and there’s lots of sinister battle dramatics like those on Hit Da Flo. The synth work is masterfully crafted throughout the album, with lots of trance-inducing arpeggios like those on GAWD, and of course the drums are relentless, with huge swooshing snares bombarding your ears on Lost Without U. It’s a perfect soup pot of the emotions that make footwork great: dark and intimidating, yet full of passion. Triple 7 is a great introduction to a member of the footwork community that some fans might have slept on. Lucky grew up in the culture both making music and dancing, and this album proves how crucial his sound is to the art form. It’s uncut floor burning music sure enough to cause lots of trouble in the circle and beyond.

Stix Records, a sub-label of Favorite Recordings, proudly presents the new and 3rd single by Mato & Ethel Lindsey. Following to their stunning cover of the famous “What You Won’t Do For Love” by Bobby Caldwell, and “Baby Come Back”, the underground AOR/Blue-Eyed-Soul classic from The Player, the duo this time takes over “Georgy Porgy” by Toto.

As usual Mato’s unique reggae production skills delivers a blazing version of the multi-platinum worldwide hit, and Ethel Lindsey’s vocals match perfectly with his strong AOR influence and style. To complete and provide the release with a special twist, they also decided to cover the more underrated French version of the song, originally released by Dwight Druick on his Tanger album.

Ethel Lindsey is currently preparing his 1st album to be released on Favorite Recordings, Ethel has a long music and singing experience, unless an almost blank discography. From his very young age, he’s developed a deep passion for AOR and Blue-Eyed-Soul artists.

Starting his reggae production career in 2006, Thomas Blanchot (aka Mato) has released music through various projects on EDR Records, Big Singles or Makasound... In the meantime, he developed a real trademark: taking over classic French, Hip-Hop, OST, Classical or Pop songs, into roots reggae-dub new versions. His 15 years collaboration with Stix Records and label honcho Pascal Rioux gave life to many masterpieces and the story seems far from the end…

South African Modern Soul/Jazz-Funk - Originally released in 1979, Cape Town – Re-mastered by Simbad

First time re-issued on vinyl, “Expressions” is the 3rd album from one of the greatest South African bands ever, I named Pacific Express. Now think Stevie Wonder and Weather Report, then take a serious established local band, and you have here a “Cape Town version” with their own talents. Between Modern soul and Jazz-Funk, no doubts, this record is a gem!!! Fred Spider*

“This name evokes awe and admiration in equal measure among musicians across the country. They became a crucible where budding local musicians built their reputations before going on to become recording artists, band leaders, and musical legends (like Jonathan Butler did on Expressions*).
The greatest Pacific Express legacy, apart from the memorable music they made and recorded, was their role in helping establish the distinctive sounds of South African music generally and Cape Town jazz in particular. When Producer Tully McCully wanted straight, solid drumming for the Expressions album, Momple delivered the groove, swing, and drive for a funky album.” Michael Britton

Artwork by Fred Spider – Graphist designer by Graeme Arendse
Vocals, Guitar: Jonathan Butler, Bass: Paul Abrahams
Drums, Percussion: Jack Momple, Vocals, Percussion: Zayn Adams, Keyboards, Trumpet, Arranged By String: Tony Cedras, Guest, Saxophone: Barney Rachabaney, Guest, Trumpet: Stompie Manana,
Executive-Producer: Paddy Lee Thorp, Producer: Tully McCully