For volume one in the series, Paul has compiled nineteen tracks that represent the journey he's been on with the Folk Funk and Trippy Troubadours sound to date. There's music here that has never seen the light of day, demo versions that never made the cut, new exclusive material and beloved classics from the FFTT vaults. The compilation is a sonic landscape of canyon rock, hot tub soul, Frisco folk, Balearic breeze and trippy troubadourial treasures, all lovingly handpicked for the series.
To whet people's appetites for this alluring funky, psychedelic collection, do listen to a first single in form of 'Sweet Sweet Stay A While' by American singer songwriter Jeb Loy Nichols above. Dubbed 'The high priest of country cool' by Rolling Stone Magazine, Nichols was raised on bluegrass and country in Missouri, lived in New York in the late 70s during the birth of hip hop and rap and shared a squat in the early '80s with The Slits' Ari Up, Adrian Sherwood and Neneh Cherry in post punk London. All meaning that his complete disregard for genre purity have been one of Nichols biggest influences, which is there in great abundance on the soulful 'Sweet Sweet Stay A While'.
TRACKLIST:
A1. Duncan Pryce Kirk - Space Out
A2. Eik - Mr Sadness
A3. Joe Hall and Eyeball Wine Company - Movable Feast
A4. Christian Besa Wright - Cherry Blossom Oak
A5. Wendy Grose - Blue Sunny Sky Day
A6. Ruth Finlay - Deep Calls To Deep ^
B1. Will and James Ragar - Clouds Lift §
B2. Scott Seskind - I Wonder
B3. Tim McKenna - Where Are You? ?
B4. Jeb Loy Nichols - Sweet Sweet Stay Awhile
B5. Gary Boyle - So Many Times Before
C1. Peter Wale - One Quiet Sultry Sunday
C2. Sorahan - With His Siller In His Hand
C3. Cindi Titzer - All For You ?
D1. Smokey - Topaz
D2. Geoff Bartley - Don't Want To Know About Evil
D3. Robin Woodland - One Golden Moment
D4. Richard Pass - We'll Find Love
D5. Kip Carmen - That's Enough For Me §
More
To whet people's appetites for this alluring funky, psychedelic collection, do listen to a first single in form of 'Sweet Sweet Stay A While' by American singer songwriter Jeb Loy Nichols above. Dubbed 'The high priest of country cool' by Rolling Stone Magazine, Nichols was raised on bluegrass and country in Missouri, lived in New York in the late 70s during the birth of hip hop and rap and shared a squat in the early '80s with The Slits' Ari Up, Adrian Sherwood and Neneh Cherry in post punk London. All meaning that his complete disregard for genre purity have been one of Nichols biggest influences, which is there in great abundance on the soulful 'Sweet Sweet Stay A While'.
TRACKLIST:
A1. Duncan Pryce Kirk - Space Out
A2. Eik - Mr Sadness
A3. Joe Hall and Eyeball Wine Company - Movable Feast
A4. Christian Besa Wright - Cherry Blossom Oak
A5. Wendy Grose - Blue Sunny Sky Day
A6. Ruth Finlay - Deep Calls To Deep ^
B1. Will and James Ragar - Clouds Lift §
B2. Scott Seskind - I Wonder
B3. Tim McKenna - Where Are You? ?
B4. Jeb Loy Nichols - Sweet Sweet Stay Awhile
B5. Gary Boyle - So Many Times Before
C1. Peter Wale - One Quiet Sultry Sunday
C2. Sorahan - With His Siller In His Hand
C3. Cindi Titzer - All For You ?
D1. Smokey - Topaz
D2. Geoff Bartley - Don't Want To Know About Evil
D3. Robin Woodland - One Golden Moment
D4. Richard Pass - We'll Find Love
D5. Kip Carmen - That's Enough For Me §
More
More records from Rewarm
xploring late-night, after-hours meditations on sound; ‘Everything Above The Sky (Astral Travelling with Luke Una)’ is a new compilation by the titular DJ, promoter and enigmatic cultural curator. Off the back of the E Soul Cultura phenomena, this compilation comes at a timely point in Luke’s rich career as he soars the heights of playing all over the world. Avoiding any chance of his sound being pigeonholed, Luke has put together a tracklist of songs and music that have a transcendental feel, after coming off the grid, going back to source, outside the city walls .
Music has long been believed to aid out of body experiences and many of us have searched long and hard for a combination of those elusive ingredients that might alleviate some of the monotony of everyday life, our daily routines and obligations, and those things that seem to block us from the spirit of the universe. In this collection, Luke selects music with all the right ingredients in just the right quantities, allowing the listener to engage in an esoteric journey of enlightenment through sound. Being a prolific collector of music, Luke initially delivered enough tracks to compile several compilations, making the licensing process the biggest effort to date for the label. The music moves softly and slowly, never becoming too intrusive, exemplifying the wonderful elevating properties of simple songs played from the heart.
Luke’s Everything Above The Sky manifesto reads, “Astral Travelling in the meadowlands with acid folk, spiritual jazz, around midnight hocus pocus, cosmic psychedelic soul, magical spellbound whirling swirling love songs, Brazilian ballads of light into machine soul gospel utopia dreaming, Balearic bossa, Outer Space ancient African drum, the breath of trees, escaping the big bad modern world, gathering round winter fires, walking amongst the bracken in Padley Gorge in late summer twilight, overlooking the Hope Valley, escaping ego, detaching and finally letting go amongst the stars with the slowly floating people. It’s beautiful beyond. Everything above the Sky”.
Beginning his career as an original Sheffield house young blood in the mid 1980s, Luke’s move to Manchester and partnership with Justin Crawford saw the birth of Electric Chair, a cornerstone cult night in the UK underground club scene. Then came Electric Elephant, a Croatian festival paying homage to their wild eclecticism from Balearic to Brazilian to É Soul, house, disco and techno. Luke’s much loved, long-running Homoelectric night and more recently Homobloc sell out festival for 10,000 souls has been at the forefront of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ cultural landscape. Luke’s Friday evening show on Worldwide FM captured imaginations and became a cult four-hour must-listen monthly journey for fans all over the world. Today, Luke remains, as ever, at the forefront of a changing milieu, pairing the momentous legacy of Manchester’s 80s and 90s scene with the delivery of what today’s club communities need to get down.
TRACKLISTING
1. John Martyn - Small Hours
2. Stephen Whynott – A Better Way
3. April Fulladosa - Sunlit Horizon
4. Sylvain Kassap - Plancoët
5. Manu Dibango - Night In Zeralda
6. Henri Texier - Hocoka Time
7. Nivaldo Orneleas - O Que Ha
8. 808 State – Pacific State (Massey’s Conga Mix)
9. Magma - Eliphas Levi
10. Homelife - Stranger
11. Michael Gregory Jackson - Unspoken Magic
12. Dora Morelenbaum - Avermelhar
13. Simone - Tudo Que Você Podia Ser
14. Experience Unlimited – People
15. Otis G. Johnson - I Got It
16. Mel & Tim - Keep The Faith More
Music has long been believed to aid out of body experiences and many of us have searched long and hard for a combination of those elusive ingredients that might alleviate some of the monotony of everyday life, our daily routines and obligations, and those things that seem to block us from the spirit of the universe. In this collection, Luke selects music with all the right ingredients in just the right quantities, allowing the listener to engage in an esoteric journey of enlightenment through sound. Being a prolific collector of music, Luke initially delivered enough tracks to compile several compilations, making the licensing process the biggest effort to date for the label. The music moves softly and slowly, never becoming too intrusive, exemplifying the wonderful elevating properties of simple songs played from the heart.
Luke’s Everything Above The Sky manifesto reads, “Astral Travelling in the meadowlands with acid folk, spiritual jazz, around midnight hocus pocus, cosmic psychedelic soul, magical spellbound whirling swirling love songs, Brazilian ballads of light into machine soul gospel utopia dreaming, Balearic bossa, Outer Space ancient African drum, the breath of trees, escaping the big bad modern world, gathering round winter fires, walking amongst the bracken in Padley Gorge in late summer twilight, overlooking the Hope Valley, escaping ego, detaching and finally letting go amongst the stars with the slowly floating people. It’s beautiful beyond. Everything above the Sky”.
Beginning his career as an original Sheffield house young blood in the mid 1980s, Luke’s move to Manchester and partnership with Justin Crawford saw the birth of Electric Chair, a cornerstone cult night in the UK underground club scene. Then came Electric Elephant, a Croatian festival paying homage to their wild eclecticism from Balearic to Brazilian to É Soul, house, disco and techno. Luke’s much loved, long-running Homoelectric night and more recently Homobloc sell out festival for 10,000 souls has been at the forefront of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ cultural landscape. Luke’s Friday evening show on Worldwide FM captured imaginations and became a cult four-hour must-listen monthly journey for fans all over the world. Today, Luke remains, as ever, at the forefront of a changing milieu, pairing the momentous legacy of Manchester’s 80s and 90s scene with the delivery of what today’s club communities need to get down.
TRACKLISTING
1. John Martyn - Small Hours
2. Stephen Whynott – A Better Way
3. April Fulladosa - Sunlit Horizon
4. Sylvain Kassap - Plancoët
5. Manu Dibango - Night In Zeralda
6. Henri Texier - Hocoka Time
7. Nivaldo Orneleas - O Que Ha
8. 808 State – Pacific State (Massey’s Conga Mix)
9. Magma - Eliphas Levi
10. Homelife - Stranger
11. Michael Gregory Jackson - Unspoken Magic
12. Dora Morelenbaum - Avermelhar
13. Simone - Tudo Que Você Podia Ser
14. Experience Unlimited – People
15. Otis G. Johnson - I Got It
16. Mel & Tim - Keep The Faith More
xploring late-night, after-hours meditations on sound; ‘Everything Above The Sky (Astral Travelling with Luke Una)’ is a new compilation by the titular DJ, promoter and enigmatic cultural curator. Off the back of the E Soul Cultura phenomena, this compilation comes at a timely point in Luke’s rich career as he soars the heights of playing all over the world. Avoiding any chance of his sound being pigeonholed, Luke has put together a tracklist of songs and music that have a transcendental feel, after coming off the grid, going back to source, outside the city walls .
Music has long been believed to aid out of body experiences and many of us have searched long and hard for a combination of those elusive ingredients that might alleviate some of the monotony of everyday life, our daily routines and obligations, and those things that seem to block us from the spirit of the universe. In this collection, Luke selects music with all the right ingredients in just the right quantities, allowing the listener to engage in an esoteric journey of enlightenment through sound. Being a prolific collector of music, Luke initially delivered enough tracks to compile several compilations, making the licensing process the biggest effort to date for the label. The music moves softly and slowly, never becoming too intrusive, exemplifying the wonderful elevating properties of simple songs played from the heart.
Luke’s Everything Above The Sky manifesto reads, “Astral Travelling in the meadowlands with acid folk, spiritual jazz, around midnight hocus pocus, cosmic psychedelic soul, magical spellbound whirling swirling love songs, Brazilian ballads of light into machine soul gospel utopia dreaming, Balearic bossa, Outer Space ancient African drum, the breath of trees, escaping the big bad modern world, gathering round winter fires, walking amongst the bracken in Padley Gorge in late summer twilight, overlooking the Hope Valley, escaping ego, detaching and finally letting go amongst the stars with the slowly floating people. It’s beautiful beyond. Everything above the Sky”.
Beginning his career as an original Sheffield house young blood in the mid 1980s, Luke’s move to Manchester and partnership with Justin Crawford saw the birth of Electric Chair, a cornerstone cult night in the UK underground club scene. Then came Electric Elephant, a Croatian festival paying homage to their wild eclecticism from Balearic to Brazilian to É Soul, house, disco and techno. Luke’s much loved, long-running Homoelectric night and more recently Homobloc sell out festival for 10,000 souls has been at the forefront of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ cultural landscape. Luke’s Friday evening show on Worldwide FM captured imaginations and became a cult four-hour must-listen monthly journey for fans all over the world. Today, Luke remains, as ever, at the forefront of a changing milieu, pairing the momentous legacy of Manchester’s 80s and 90s scene with the delivery of what today’s club communities need to get down.
TRACKLISTING
1. John Martyn - Small Hours
2. Stephen Whynott – A Better Way
3. April Fulladosa - Sunlit Horizon
4. Sylvain Kassap - Plancoët
5. Manu Dibango - Night In Zeralda
6. Henri Texier - Hocoka Time
7. Nivaldo Orneleas - O Que Ha
8. 808 State – Pacific State (Massey’s Conga Mix)
9. Magma - Eliphas Levi
10. Homelife - Stranger
11. Michael Gregory Jackson - Unspoken Magic
12. Dora Morelenbaum - Avermelhar
13. Simone - Tudo Que Você Podia Ser
14. Experience Unlimited – People
15. Otis G. Johnson - I Got It
16. Mel & Tim - Keep The Faith More
Music has long been believed to aid out of body experiences and many of us have searched long and hard for a combination of those elusive ingredients that might alleviate some of the monotony of everyday life, our daily routines and obligations, and those things that seem to block us from the spirit of the universe. In this collection, Luke selects music with all the right ingredients in just the right quantities, allowing the listener to engage in an esoteric journey of enlightenment through sound. Being a prolific collector of music, Luke initially delivered enough tracks to compile several compilations, making the licensing process the biggest effort to date for the label. The music moves softly and slowly, never becoming too intrusive, exemplifying the wonderful elevating properties of simple songs played from the heart.
Luke’s Everything Above The Sky manifesto reads, “Astral Travelling in the meadowlands with acid folk, spiritual jazz, around midnight hocus pocus, cosmic psychedelic soul, magical spellbound whirling swirling love songs, Brazilian ballads of light into machine soul gospel utopia dreaming, Balearic bossa, Outer Space ancient African drum, the breath of trees, escaping the big bad modern world, gathering round winter fires, walking amongst the bracken in Padley Gorge in late summer twilight, overlooking the Hope Valley, escaping ego, detaching and finally letting go amongst the stars with the slowly floating people. It’s beautiful beyond. Everything above the Sky”.
Beginning his career as an original Sheffield house young blood in the mid 1980s, Luke’s move to Manchester and partnership with Justin Crawford saw the birth of Electric Chair, a cornerstone cult night in the UK underground club scene. Then came Electric Elephant, a Croatian festival paying homage to their wild eclecticism from Balearic to Brazilian to É Soul, house, disco and techno. Luke’s much loved, long-running Homoelectric night and more recently Homobloc sell out festival for 10,000 souls has been at the forefront of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ cultural landscape. Luke’s Friday evening show on Worldwide FM captured imaginations and became a cult four-hour must-listen monthly journey for fans all over the world. Today, Luke remains, as ever, at the forefront of a changing milieu, pairing the momentous legacy of Manchester’s 80s and 90s scene with the delivery of what today’s club communities need to get down.
TRACKLISTING
1. John Martyn - Small Hours
2. Stephen Whynott – A Better Way
3. April Fulladosa - Sunlit Horizon
4. Sylvain Kassap - Plancoët
5. Manu Dibango - Night In Zeralda
6. Henri Texier - Hocoka Time
7. Nivaldo Orneleas - O Que Ha
8. 808 State – Pacific State (Massey’s Conga Mix)
9. Magma - Eliphas Levi
10. Homelife - Stranger
11. Michael Gregory Jackson - Unspoken Magic
12. Dora Morelenbaum - Avermelhar
13. Simone - Tudo Que Você Podia Ser
14. Experience Unlimited – People
15. Otis G. Johnson - I Got It
16. Mel & Tim - Keep The Faith More
For volume one in the series, Paul has compiled nineteen tracks that represent the journey he's been on with the Folk Funk and Trippy Troubadours sound to date. There's music here that has never seen the light of day, demo versions that never made the cut, new exclusive material and beloved classics from the FFTT vaults. The compilation is a sonic landscape of canyon rock, hot tub soul, Frisco folk, Balearic breeze and trippy troubadourial treasures, all lovingly handpicked for the series.
To whet people's appetites for this alluring funky, psychedelic collection, do listen to a first single in form of 'Sweet Sweet Stay A While' by American singer songwriter Jeb Loy Nichols above. Dubbed 'The high priest of country cool' by Rolling Stone Magazine, Nichols was raised on bluegrass and country in Missouri, lived in New York in the late 70s during the birth of hip hop and rap and shared a squat in the early '80s with The Slits' Ari Up, Adrian Sherwood and Neneh Cherry in post punk London. All meaning that his complete disregard for genre purity have been one of Nichols biggest influences, which is there in great abundance on the soulful 'Sweet Sweet Stay A While'.
TRACKLIST:
A1. Duncan Pryce Kirk - Space Out
A2. Eik - Mr Sadness
A3. Joe Hall and Eyeball Wine Company - Movable Feast
A4. Christian Besa Wright - Cherry Blossom Oak
A5. Wendy Grose - Blue Sunny Sky Day
A6. Ruth Finlay - Deep Calls To Deep ^
B1. Will and James Ragar - Clouds Lift §
B2. Scott Seskind - I Wonder
B3. Tim McKenna - Where Are You? ?
B4. Jeb Loy Nichols - Sweet Sweet Stay Awhile
B5. Gary Boyle - So Many Times Before
C1. Peter Wale - One Quiet Sultry Sunday
C2. Sorahan - With His Siller In His Hand
C3. Cindi Titzer - All For You ?
D1. Smokey - Topaz
D2. Geoff Bartley - Don't Want To Know About Evil
D3. Robin Woodland - One Golden Moment
D4. Richard Pass - We'll Find Love
D5. Kip Carmen - That's Enough For Me §
More
To whet people's appetites for this alluring funky, psychedelic collection, do listen to a first single in form of 'Sweet Sweet Stay A While' by American singer songwriter Jeb Loy Nichols above. Dubbed 'The high priest of country cool' by Rolling Stone Magazine, Nichols was raised on bluegrass and country in Missouri, lived in New York in the late 70s during the birth of hip hop and rap and shared a squat in the early '80s with The Slits' Ari Up, Adrian Sherwood and Neneh Cherry in post punk London. All meaning that his complete disregard for genre purity have been one of Nichols biggest influences, which is there in great abundance on the soulful 'Sweet Sweet Stay A While'.
TRACKLIST:
A1. Duncan Pryce Kirk - Space Out
A2. Eik - Mr Sadness
A3. Joe Hall and Eyeball Wine Company - Movable Feast
A4. Christian Besa Wright - Cherry Blossom Oak
A5. Wendy Grose - Blue Sunny Sky Day
A6. Ruth Finlay - Deep Calls To Deep ^
B1. Will and James Ragar - Clouds Lift §
B2. Scott Seskind - I Wonder
B3. Tim McKenna - Where Are You? ?
B4. Jeb Loy Nichols - Sweet Sweet Stay Awhile
B5. Gary Boyle - So Many Times Before
C1. Peter Wale - One Quiet Sultry Sunday
C2. Sorahan - With His Siller In His Hand
C3. Cindi Titzer - All For You ?
D1. Smokey - Topaz
D2. Geoff Bartley - Don't Want To Know About Evil
D3. Robin Woodland - One Golden Moment
D4. Richard Pass - We'll Find Love
D5. Kip Carmen - That's Enough For Me §
More
1
Fug / Bobby Lee & Mia Doi Todd - FUG - "From Little Seeds We Grow" (4hero Folk Soul remix) (4:26)
2
Fug / Bobby Lee & Mia Doi Todd - FUG - "From Little Seeds We Grow" (4hero Folk Soul instrumental) (4:27)
3
Fug / Bobby Lee & Mia Doi Todd - Bobby Lee & Mia Doi Todd - "Walking With Trees" (A Mountain Of One Rushing with
4
Fug / Bobby Lee & Mia Doi Todd - Bobby Lee & Mia Doi Todd - "Walking With Trees" (A Mountain Of One dubbing with
For the first physical remix singles to be taken from the well-received HOME compilation we are very happy to present RE:WARM 012 a double AA side 12" with remixes of two of the most talked-about tracks from the compilation, Fug - From Little Seeds We Grow & Bobby Lee & Mia Doi Todd - Walking With Trees.
We are delighted to have none other than 4hero & A Mountain of One on board for remix duties for these wonderful tracks.
For the A-Side 4hero takes the wonderfully laidback style of the original track by Fug - From Little Seeds We Grow and turn in a full-on tearjerker. The strings and orchestration on this remix are reminiscent of some of our favourite 4hero moments from over the years. The drums shuffle along nicely with Jess Williams voice perfectly complimenting this take on the track. This one is set for summer glory by any standard.
Flip this over to the AA side for the complete analogue journey that is A Mountain of Ones spaced out dubs of Bobby Lee & Mia Doi Todd - Walking with Trees. Mo & Zeben take this track by its scruff and give it a full-on tropical overhaul using crazy old fashioned dub techniques, stringing it out into a low end slow motion house dub ready for sun-drenched moments with sand between your toes and the smell of sun lotion on the breeze.
More
We are delighted to have none other than 4hero & A Mountain of One on board for remix duties for these wonderful tracks.
For the A-Side 4hero takes the wonderfully laidback style of the original track by Fug - From Little Seeds We Grow and turn in a full-on tearjerker. The strings and orchestration on this remix are reminiscent of some of our favourite 4hero moments from over the years. The drums shuffle along nicely with Jess Williams voice perfectly complimenting this take on the track. This one is set for summer glory by any standard.
Flip this over to the AA side for the complete analogue journey that is A Mountain of Ones spaced out dubs of Bobby Lee & Mia Doi Todd - Walking with Trees. Mo & Zeben take this track by its scruff and give it a full-on tropical overhaul using crazy old fashioned dub techniques, stringing it out into a low end slow motion house dub ready for sun-drenched moments with sand between your toes and the smell of sun lotion on the breeze.
More
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Danny Scott Lane - A Shower At Six
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Danny Scott Lane - Must Have
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Danny Scott Lane - Star Thing
6
Danny Scott Lane - Spy On Me
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Danny Scott Lane - Shower Dance
8
Danny Scott Lane - 11PM
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Danny Scott Lane - Smells Like Flowers
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Danny Scott Lane - Showering Sad
WORLDWIDE
LP: Biovinyl, Limited Edition of 500, Heavy 350gsm Sleeve, Sticker
Tracklisting LP
A1. Three Is Company
A2. A Shower At Six
A3. Share
A4. Must Have
A5. Star Thing
B1. Spy On Me
B2. Shower Dance
B3. 11PM
B4. Smells Like Flowers
B5. Showering Sad
Info
WRWTFWW Records is so happy to announce Shower, the brand-new album by New York born, Los Angeles based ambient / jazz / downtempo musician Danny Scott Lane, following the recently released and very well-received cozy soundscape, Home Decor. The limited edition LP (500 copies worldwide) is available on biovinyl housed in a heavy 350gsm sleeve featuring an illustration by Gabrielle Rul and design by Jazlyn Fung. The album is also available digitally.
Continuing to gently push (caress?) the boundaries of chill out music, smooth jazz, and comfy electronica, Shower draws inspiration from “the feeling of a steamy shower shared with a stranger after a night on the dance floor”, a warm immersive affair for the mind and the body. This latest funky auditory experience once again invites Matt Elliot Gooden’s soothing saxophone, and this time also welcomes the vibrant beats of drummer David Ruiz. Organic, discreet in the most relaxing and elegant ways, and just the right amount of sexy – Lane’s new creation offers the finest in audio cocooning.
As you tilt your head back and close your eyes, let the hot and dripping sounds of Shower transport you to a world of sonic serenity. Feel the rich textures and appeasing harmonies wash over you, enveloping your senses in pure musical bliss.
Shower is the first new release by WRWTFWW Records made with biovinyl, a sustainable alternative to traditional vinyl. Biovinyl replaces petroleum in S-PVC by recycling used cooking oil or industrial waste gases, resulting in 100% CO2 savings in bio-based S-PVC production. Furthermore, it is 100% recyclable and reusable, embracing the circular economy ideology.
Points of interests
- For fans of ambient, smooth jazz, minimalism, saxophone, solo showers, duo showers, shower à trois, and the fresh side of the pillow.
- Limited edition biovinyl of Danny Scott Lane’s new album featuring saxophone by Matt Elliot Gooden and drums by David Ruiz.
More
LP: Biovinyl, Limited Edition of 500, Heavy 350gsm Sleeve, Sticker
Tracklisting LP
A1. Three Is Company
A2. A Shower At Six
A3. Share
A4. Must Have
A5. Star Thing
B1. Spy On Me
B2. Shower Dance
B3. 11PM
B4. Smells Like Flowers
B5. Showering Sad
Info
WRWTFWW Records is so happy to announce Shower, the brand-new album by New York born, Los Angeles based ambient / jazz / downtempo musician Danny Scott Lane, following the recently released and very well-received cozy soundscape, Home Decor. The limited edition LP (500 copies worldwide) is available on biovinyl housed in a heavy 350gsm sleeve featuring an illustration by Gabrielle Rul and design by Jazlyn Fung. The album is also available digitally.
Continuing to gently push (caress?) the boundaries of chill out music, smooth jazz, and comfy electronica, Shower draws inspiration from “the feeling of a steamy shower shared with a stranger after a night on the dance floor”, a warm immersive affair for the mind and the body. This latest funky auditory experience once again invites Matt Elliot Gooden’s soothing saxophone, and this time also welcomes the vibrant beats of drummer David Ruiz. Organic, discreet in the most relaxing and elegant ways, and just the right amount of sexy – Lane’s new creation offers the finest in audio cocooning.
As you tilt your head back and close your eyes, let the hot and dripping sounds of Shower transport you to a world of sonic serenity. Feel the rich textures and appeasing harmonies wash over you, enveloping your senses in pure musical bliss.
Shower is the first new release by WRWTFWW Records made with biovinyl, a sustainable alternative to traditional vinyl. Biovinyl replaces petroleum in S-PVC by recycling used cooking oil or industrial waste gases, resulting in 100% CO2 savings in bio-based S-PVC production. Furthermore, it is 100% recyclable and reusable, embracing the circular economy ideology.
Points of interests
- For fans of ambient, smooth jazz, minimalism, saxophone, solo showers, duo showers, shower à trois, and the fresh side of the pillow.
- Limited edition biovinyl of Danny Scott Lane’s new album featuring saxophone by Matt Elliot Gooden and drums by David Ruiz.
More
1
Ryo Fukui - It Could Happen To You
2
Ryo Fukui - I Want To Talk About You
3
Ryo Fukui - Early Summer
4
Ryo Fukui - Willow Weep For Me
5
Ryo Fukui - Autumn Leaves
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Ryo Fukui - Scenery
The Standard Edition - Territory - NO Sales to Japan
Ryo Fukui's 1976 highly sought-after jazz masterpiece SCENERY-
LP Edition: Mastered at half speed, 140g vinyl, Sticker
We Release Jazz (WRWTFWW Records' new sister-label) is proud to present its first release, the official reissue of Ryo Fukui's highly sought-after masterpiece Scenery (1976), sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180g vinyl mastered at half speed for audiophile sound and on digipack CD.
Unquestionably one of the most important Japanese jazz albums ever recorded, Scenery reveals Ryo Fukui as a miraculously brilliant self-taught pianist fusing modal, bop, and cool jazz influences for a very personal, dexterous and game-changing take on classic standards made famous by Bing Crosby and John Coltrane among others. From "It Could Happen To You" and its serene and calm intro which magically flows into a jubilant and upbeat piece, to the out-of-this-world piano solo of "Early Summer", or the incredible teamwork of "Autumn Leaves" where Fukui leads Satoshi Denpo (bass) and Yoshinori Fukui (drums) into groove heaven, every single note on the album oozes precision, confidence and flair and every single section slides seamlessly into one another, creating a supreme and elegant blend of jazz. Often compared to McCoy Tyner or Bill Evans, Ryo Fukui was a genius in his own right, a true master of his craft whose perfectionism gave birth to some of the greatest music ever recorded. Scenery is his magnum opus and an absolute must-have.
The Hokkaido wizard-pianist followed Scenery with the soulful gem Mellow Dream (also available on We Release Jazz) in 1977. He then focused on improving his live skills, often performing at Sapporo's Slowboat Jazz Club (which he co-founded with his wife Yasuko Fukui) and releasing 2 live albums. Ryo Fukui sadly passed away in March 2016, leaving behind a legacy of works that is sure to captivate jazz lovers for generations to come.
Tracklisting Vinyl LP
A1 It Could Happen To You
A2 I Want To Talk About You
A3 Early Summer
B1 Willow Weep For Me
B2 Autumn Leaves
B3 Scenery
More
Ryo Fukui's 1976 highly sought-after jazz masterpiece SCENERY-
LP Edition: Mastered at half speed, 140g vinyl, Sticker
We Release Jazz (WRWTFWW Records' new sister-label) is proud to present its first release, the official reissue of Ryo Fukui's highly sought-after masterpiece Scenery (1976), sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180g vinyl mastered at half speed for audiophile sound and on digipack CD.
Unquestionably one of the most important Japanese jazz albums ever recorded, Scenery reveals Ryo Fukui as a miraculously brilliant self-taught pianist fusing modal, bop, and cool jazz influences for a very personal, dexterous and game-changing take on classic standards made famous by Bing Crosby and John Coltrane among others. From "It Could Happen To You" and its serene and calm intro which magically flows into a jubilant and upbeat piece, to the out-of-this-world piano solo of "Early Summer", or the incredible teamwork of "Autumn Leaves" where Fukui leads Satoshi Denpo (bass) and Yoshinori Fukui (drums) into groove heaven, every single note on the album oozes precision, confidence and flair and every single section slides seamlessly into one another, creating a supreme and elegant blend of jazz. Often compared to McCoy Tyner or Bill Evans, Ryo Fukui was a genius in his own right, a true master of his craft whose perfectionism gave birth to some of the greatest music ever recorded. Scenery is his magnum opus and an absolute must-have.
The Hokkaido wizard-pianist followed Scenery with the soulful gem Mellow Dream (also available on We Release Jazz) in 1977. He then focused on improving his live skills, often performing at Sapporo's Slowboat Jazz Club (which he co-founded with his wife Yasuko Fukui) and releasing 2 live albums. Ryo Fukui sadly passed away in March 2016, leaving behind a legacy of works that is sure to captivate jazz lovers for generations to come.
Tracklisting Vinyl LP
A1 It Could Happen To You
A2 I Want To Talk About You
A3 Early Summer
B1 Willow Weep For Me
B2 Autumn Leaves
B3 Scenery
More
1
Triangle - Doty Walk
2
Triangle - Tribes Of Gargantua
3
Triangle - 20 Miles
4
Triangle - Bossa Luv
5
Triangle - Planet X
6
Triangle - Mantra Dub
7
Triangle - Ceremonial T
8
Triangle - Natural Living
9
Triangle - Todo
Tracklist 12" Album:
A1. Triangle - Doty Walk
A2. Triangle - Tribes Of Gargantua
A3. Triangle - 20 Miles
A4. Triangle - Bossa Luv
B1. Triangle - Planet X
B2. Triangle - Mantra Dub
B3. Triangle - Ceremonial T
B4. Triangle - Natural Living
B5. Triangle - Todo
Short Info:
The sonic movement once known as downbeat continues to cast a long and intimidating shadow over the Austrian electronic music scene, with influential figures like Kruder & Dorfmeister reigning atop a metaphorical mountain of venerable dubplates, resembling ancient gods.
Now, emerging from the depths of this mountain, comes "Triangle," poised to rejuvenate the genre with its eponymous album, brimming with the purest liquid downbeat gold.
Featuring an abundance of dusty breaks, reggae vocals, atmospheric keys and strings, dub stabs, wonky acid sequences, and deep basslines, these tunes check all the right boxes without ever feeling like mere imitations. The overall vibe remains warm, mellow, and hazy, while each track seamlessly weaves in an array of peculiar soundbites.
Dive into the depths of "Triangle," an album that bridges eras of timeless electronic soundscapes.
More
A1. Triangle - Doty Walk
A2. Triangle - Tribes Of Gargantua
A3. Triangle - 20 Miles
A4. Triangle - Bossa Luv
B1. Triangle - Planet X
B2. Triangle - Mantra Dub
B3. Triangle - Ceremonial T
B4. Triangle - Natural Living
B5. Triangle - Todo
Short Info:
The sonic movement once known as downbeat continues to cast a long and intimidating shadow over the Austrian electronic music scene, with influential figures like Kruder & Dorfmeister reigning atop a metaphorical mountain of venerable dubplates, resembling ancient gods.
Now, emerging from the depths of this mountain, comes "Triangle," poised to rejuvenate the genre with its eponymous album, brimming with the purest liquid downbeat gold.
Featuring an abundance of dusty breaks, reggae vocals, atmospheric keys and strings, dub stabs, wonky acid sequences, and deep basslines, these tunes check all the right boxes without ever feeling like mere imitations. The overall vibe remains warm, mellow, and hazy, while each track seamlessly weaves in an array of peculiar soundbites.
Dive into the depths of "Triangle," an album that bridges eras of timeless electronic soundscapes.
More
1
Steve Hiett - Blue Beach - Welcome To Your Beach
2
Steve Hiett - Never Find A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)
3
Steve Hiett - By The Pool
4
Steve Hiett - Roll Over, Beethoven - Out Of The Beach
5
Steve Hiett - In The Shade
6
Steve Hiett - Looking Across The Street
7
Steve Hiett - Long Distance Look
8
Steve Hiett - Hot Afternoon
9
Steve Hiett - Crying In The Sun
10
Steve Hiett - The Next Time
11
Steve Hiett - Miss B.B. Walks Away
12
Steve Hiett - Sleep Walk
13
Steve Hiett - Standing There
World excluding Japan
2024 repress
LP Format Notes:
First re-issue since its original release in Japan in 1983, remastered from the original masters, 140g vinyl, gatefold sleeve, 16 page photography book with liner notes.
LP Track List:
A1 : Blue Beach - Welcome To Your Beach
A2 : Never Find A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)
A3 : By The Pool
A4 : Roll Over, Beethoven - Out Of The Beach
A5 : In The Shade
A6 : Looking Across The Street
A7 : Long Distance Look
B1 : Hot Afternoon
B2 : Crying In The Sun
B3 : The Next Time
B4 : Miss B.B. Walks Away
B5 : Sleep Walk
B6 : Standing There
Release Notes:
For the first time since its inception 36 years ago, Steve Hiett’s elusive Down On The Road By The Beach is finally made available outside of Japan. Most recognized in the fashion sphere as an English photographer and graphic designer, Hiett‘s transportive audio portraits amplify his serpentine guitar to the infinite blue, recorded across Paris, Tokyo and New York with no coastline in sight. Now widely celebrated as a desert island disc, very little is actually known of its unfathomable genesis.
A career devotee of Brian Wilson’s ground breaking harmonies, Hiett shot The Beach Boys for Rolling Stone - as well as The Doors, Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix (in one of his final performances at the 1970 Isle Of Wight Festival) - while establishing himself as a fashion photographer. Decamping to Paris in 1972, he began what would become 20-year collaborations with Vogue Paris and Marie Claire, printing his signature warm, saturated and vibrantly hued snapshots.
In 1982, representatives from Tokyo’s Galerie Watari visited him to propose a solo exhibition. Asking if he could insert a 7” of original music into the back of the exhibition catalogue, Hiett laid down ‘Blue Beach - Welcome To Your Beach’ in a Parisian radio station, playing all of the instruments himself, and two more cuts in New York with Yoko Ono, The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan hired-gun Elliot Randall. Once dispatched, the phone began ringing off the hook with requests for him to fly to Tokyo. Assuming these long-distance callers were wanting him to check proofs for the book, it wasn’t until he arrived that he discovered CBS/Sony had facilitated an entire album. Heitt hastily gripped some petty cash, bought a guitar and retreated to his hotel room to start writing.
Entering the studio the following day, he was further surprised by a waiting room of session players known as Moonriders - one of Japan’s most acclaimed rock bands of the 1980s. Intimidated by their indecipherable sheet music, Hiett suggested Randall join them and with money being no object for major labels at the time, his wingman was on the next plane out of New York to finalise the high production indulgence. Near-ambient arrangements that float in a space between The Durutti Column, Steve Cropper and Ashra, Down On The Road By The Beach also crowns Hiett the master of recontextualization with his zero-gravity blues visions of Roll Over Beethoven, Santo & Johnny’s Sleep Walk and the 1967 Eddie Floyd soul hit Never Found A Girl.
Produced in coordination between Be With, Efficient Space and the artist, this definitive reissue is restored from original masters with vivid reproductions of the Down On The Road By The Beach exhibition catalogue, intended to accompany its original release, and extensive liner notes penned by fellow Steve Hiett obsessive Mikey IQ Jones.
More
2024 repress
LP Format Notes:
First re-issue since its original release in Japan in 1983, remastered from the original masters, 140g vinyl, gatefold sleeve, 16 page photography book with liner notes.
LP Track List:
A1 : Blue Beach - Welcome To Your Beach
A2 : Never Find A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)
A3 : By The Pool
A4 : Roll Over, Beethoven - Out Of The Beach
A5 : In The Shade
A6 : Looking Across The Street
A7 : Long Distance Look
B1 : Hot Afternoon
B2 : Crying In The Sun
B3 : The Next Time
B4 : Miss B.B. Walks Away
B5 : Sleep Walk
B6 : Standing There
Release Notes:
For the first time since its inception 36 years ago, Steve Hiett’s elusive Down On The Road By The Beach is finally made available outside of Japan. Most recognized in the fashion sphere as an English photographer and graphic designer, Hiett‘s transportive audio portraits amplify his serpentine guitar to the infinite blue, recorded across Paris, Tokyo and New York with no coastline in sight. Now widely celebrated as a desert island disc, very little is actually known of its unfathomable genesis.
A career devotee of Brian Wilson’s ground breaking harmonies, Hiett shot The Beach Boys for Rolling Stone - as well as The Doors, Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix (in one of his final performances at the 1970 Isle Of Wight Festival) - while establishing himself as a fashion photographer. Decamping to Paris in 1972, he began what would become 20-year collaborations with Vogue Paris and Marie Claire, printing his signature warm, saturated and vibrantly hued snapshots.
In 1982, representatives from Tokyo’s Galerie Watari visited him to propose a solo exhibition. Asking if he could insert a 7” of original music into the back of the exhibition catalogue, Hiett laid down ‘Blue Beach - Welcome To Your Beach’ in a Parisian radio station, playing all of the instruments himself, and two more cuts in New York with Yoko Ono, The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan hired-gun Elliot Randall. Once dispatched, the phone began ringing off the hook with requests for him to fly to Tokyo. Assuming these long-distance callers were wanting him to check proofs for the book, it wasn’t until he arrived that he discovered CBS/Sony had facilitated an entire album. Heitt hastily gripped some petty cash, bought a guitar and retreated to his hotel room to start writing.
Entering the studio the following day, he was further surprised by a waiting room of session players known as Moonriders - one of Japan’s most acclaimed rock bands of the 1980s. Intimidated by their indecipherable sheet music, Hiett suggested Randall join them and with money being no object for major labels at the time, his wingman was on the next plane out of New York to finalise the high production indulgence. Near-ambient arrangements that float in a space between The Durutti Column, Steve Cropper and Ashra, Down On The Road By The Beach also crowns Hiett the master of recontextualization with his zero-gravity blues visions of Roll Over Beethoven, Santo & Johnny’s Sleep Walk and the 1967 Eddie Floyd soul hit Never Found A Girl.
Produced in coordination between Be With, Efficient Space and the artist, this definitive reissue is restored from original masters with vivid reproductions of the Down On The Road By The Beach exhibition catalogue, intended to accompany its original release, and extensive liner notes penned by fellow Steve Hiett obsessive Mikey IQ Jones.
More
LP 180g, beautiful embossed Chess Board Artwork Print, inner sleeve with artist picture and text by David Elliott, Sounds June 16, 1984
In anticipation of the 35th anniversary next year one of electronic music´s most influential recordings, the legendary E2-E4, from 12.12.1981 does get an official rerelease by Manuel Göttsching on his own Label MG.ART.
Carefully overseen by the Master himself
Total Time: 59:34
Tracks:
Ruhige Nervosität 13:00, Gemäßigter Aufbruch 10:00, ... und Mittelspiel 07:00, Ansatz 06:00, Damen-Eleganza 05:00, Ehrenvoller Kampf 03:00, Hoheit weicht (nicht ohne Schwung...) 09:00, ... und Souveränität 03:00, Remis 03:00
More
In anticipation of the 35th anniversary next year one of electronic music´s most influential recordings, the legendary E2-E4, from 12.12.1981 does get an official rerelease by Manuel Göttsching on his own Label MG.ART.
Carefully overseen by the Master himself
Total Time: 59:34
Tracks:
Ruhige Nervosität 13:00, Gemäßigter Aufbruch 10:00, ... und Mittelspiel 07:00, Ansatz 06:00, Damen-Eleganza 05:00, Ehrenvoller Kampf 03:00, Hoheit weicht (nicht ohne Schwung...) 09:00, ... und Souveränität 03:00, Remis 03:00
More
1
Ryo Fukui - Mellow Dream
2
Ryo Fukui - My Foolish Heart
3
Ryo Fukui - Baron Potato Blues
4
Ryo Fukui - What's New
5
Ryo Fukui - Horizon
6
Ryo Fukui - My Funny Valentine
The Standard Edition - Territory - NO Sales to Japan
Ryo Fukui's 1976 highly sought-after follow up to SCENERY!
LP Edition: Mastered at half speed, 140g vinyl, Sticker
We Release Jazz (WRWTFWW Records' new sister-label) is thrilled to present the official reissue of criminally overlooked Japanese jazz gem Mellow Dream (1977) by Hokkaido pianist wunderkind Ryo Fukui, released in conjunction with the its legendary predecessor Scenery, sourced from the original masters and mastered at half speed.
Firmly standing on the foundation he laid down with Scenery, Ryo Fukui continues his exploration of modal, bop and cool jazz sounds with meticulous grace and absolute mastery. As its title suggests, Mellow Dream ventures into slightly mellower, more soulful, and sometimes more contemplative territories (the Bill Evans-reminiscent "Mellow Dream" and "My Foolish Heart") while still packing the commanding punch Fukui's work is loved for, as heard on the amazingly bombastic "Baron Potato Blues" or the gigantic McCoy Tyner/John Coltrane-influenced "Horizon" which sees each member of the trio (Satoshi Denpo is on bass and Yoshinori Fukui is on drums) demonstrating their virtuosity for 9 exhilarating minutes. With his sophomore album, Ryo Fukui swings from melancholy to vibrant joy with ease, reminding us that jazz is best served with a pinch of blues, and displays an immensely rare combination of pure talent, unique personal approach and focused discipline. The man undeniably deserves a spot in the pantheon of all-time great jazz pianists.
After releasing the outstanding Scenery and Mellow Dream back to back, Ryo Fukui worked on developing his live skills, often performing at Sapporo's Slowboat Jazz Club (which he co-founded with his wife Yasuko Fukui), and even releasing 2 live albums. He sadly passed away in March 2016, leaving behind a legacy of works that all jazz lovers should explore.
Tracklisting Vinyl LP
A1 Mellow Dream
A2 My Foolish Heart
A3 Baron Potato Blues
B1 What's New
B2 Horizon
B3 My Funny Valentine
More
Ryo Fukui's 1976 highly sought-after follow up to SCENERY!
LP Edition: Mastered at half speed, 140g vinyl, Sticker
We Release Jazz (WRWTFWW Records' new sister-label) is thrilled to present the official reissue of criminally overlooked Japanese jazz gem Mellow Dream (1977) by Hokkaido pianist wunderkind Ryo Fukui, released in conjunction with the its legendary predecessor Scenery, sourced from the original masters and mastered at half speed.
Firmly standing on the foundation he laid down with Scenery, Ryo Fukui continues his exploration of modal, bop and cool jazz sounds with meticulous grace and absolute mastery. As its title suggests, Mellow Dream ventures into slightly mellower, more soulful, and sometimes more contemplative territories (the Bill Evans-reminiscent "Mellow Dream" and "My Foolish Heart") while still packing the commanding punch Fukui's work is loved for, as heard on the amazingly bombastic "Baron Potato Blues" or the gigantic McCoy Tyner/John Coltrane-influenced "Horizon" which sees each member of the trio (Satoshi Denpo is on bass and Yoshinori Fukui is on drums) demonstrating their virtuosity for 9 exhilarating minutes. With his sophomore album, Ryo Fukui swings from melancholy to vibrant joy with ease, reminding us that jazz is best served with a pinch of blues, and displays an immensely rare combination of pure talent, unique personal approach and focused discipline. The man undeniably deserves a spot in the pantheon of all-time great jazz pianists.
After releasing the outstanding Scenery and Mellow Dream back to back, Ryo Fukui worked on developing his live skills, often performing at Sapporo's Slowboat Jazz Club (which he co-founded with his wife Yasuko Fukui), and even releasing 2 live albums. He sadly passed away in March 2016, leaving behind a legacy of works that all jazz lovers should explore.
Tracklisting Vinyl LP
A1 Mellow Dream
A2 My Foolish Heart
A3 Baron Potato Blues
B1 What's New
B2 Horizon
B3 My Funny Valentine
More
Label:Smallville Records
Cat-No:smallvillelp16
Release-Date:24.11.2023
Genre:Deephouse
Configuration:2LP Excl
Label:Smallville Records
Cat-No:smallvillelp16
Release-Date:24.11.2023
Genre:Deephouse
Configuration:2LP Excl
1
Joe Davies - Hi Life (feat. Ossia)
2
Joe Davies - Echo Form
3
Joe Davies - Two Hours Earth Room
4
Joe Davies - Smile And Wave
5
Joe Davies - Cygnus (feat. Space Drum Meditation)
6
Joe Davies - AMY (feat. Johan Kaseta)
7
Joe Davies - Movement In The Breach
8
Joe Davies - Nefyn
Tracklist 2LP:
01/ A1 Hi Life (feat. Ossia)
02/ A2 Echo Form
03/ B1 Two Hours Earth Room
04/ B2 Smile And Wave
05/ C1 Cygnus (feat. Space Drum Meditation)
06/ C2 AMY (feat. Johan Kaseta)
07/ D1 Movement In The Breach
08/ D2 Nefyn
DJ Assam delivers his inaugural project under his own name Joe Davies this November. Entitled ‘Shields In Full Sunlight’ and comprising eight original cuts, his debut album is full of beautiful shades, unexpected twists and twirling melodies.
The past decade has seen DJ Assam releasing material for the likes of (his own imprint) Lehult, that he runs with a few friends, KANN Records, Super Tuff and Smallville Record sub-label Down by the Lake, as well as Djing regularly at hotspots across Europe and beyond. We are very happy to have him appearing under his own name- Joe Davies- to our main Smallville imprint with some serious longplayer material.
Through the project, Davies offers up textural ethereal numbers like opener ‘Hi Life’ (featuring his brother Daniel aka Ossia, ‘Smile and Wave’ and closing track ‘Nefyn’. Also on offer is the more signature deep and dubby Smallville house sound with tracks like ‘Two Hours Earth Room’, ‘Cygnus’ (featuring Space Drum Meditation) and ‘AMY' (featuring Johan Kaseta), while the likes of ‘’Echo Form’ sees Davies deviate into Bruk with broken rhythms and jazzy melodies or ‘Movement Into The Breach’, which embraces a more mystical, Balearic-tinged aesthetic.
Once again Smallville delivers raw deep and understated music for the heads with Joe Davies ‘Shields In Full Sunlight’ LP out this November.
Full cover artwork by Stefan Marx.
All tracks written & produced by Joe Davies, 2017 - 2023
Plus additional production on A1 by Daniel Davies, on B1 by Lucas Gloe, on C1 by Eddie Ness & Lars Krug, on C2 by Hannes Hehemann
Additional mixing by Gentle Soul, Ossia
Cover Artwork by Stefan Marx
Mastering by Helmut Erler
Vinyl Cut by Lathesville
Distributed by Wordandsound
Smallville 2023
More
01/ A1 Hi Life (feat. Ossia)
02/ A2 Echo Form
03/ B1 Two Hours Earth Room
04/ B2 Smile And Wave
05/ C1 Cygnus (feat. Space Drum Meditation)
06/ C2 AMY (feat. Johan Kaseta)
07/ D1 Movement In The Breach
08/ D2 Nefyn
DJ Assam delivers his inaugural project under his own name Joe Davies this November. Entitled ‘Shields In Full Sunlight’ and comprising eight original cuts, his debut album is full of beautiful shades, unexpected twists and twirling melodies.
The past decade has seen DJ Assam releasing material for the likes of (his own imprint) Lehult, that he runs with a few friends, KANN Records, Super Tuff and Smallville Record sub-label Down by the Lake, as well as Djing regularly at hotspots across Europe and beyond. We are very happy to have him appearing under his own name- Joe Davies- to our main Smallville imprint with some serious longplayer material.
Through the project, Davies offers up textural ethereal numbers like opener ‘Hi Life’ (featuring his brother Daniel aka Ossia, ‘Smile and Wave’ and closing track ‘Nefyn’. Also on offer is the more signature deep and dubby Smallville house sound with tracks like ‘Two Hours Earth Room’, ‘Cygnus’ (featuring Space Drum Meditation) and ‘AMY' (featuring Johan Kaseta), while the likes of ‘’Echo Form’ sees Davies deviate into Bruk with broken rhythms and jazzy melodies or ‘Movement Into The Breach’, which embraces a more mystical, Balearic-tinged aesthetic.
Once again Smallville delivers raw deep and understated music for the heads with Joe Davies ‘Shields In Full Sunlight’ LP out this November.
Full cover artwork by Stefan Marx.
All tracks written & produced by Joe Davies, 2017 - 2023
Plus additional production on A1 by Daniel Davies, on B1 by Lucas Gloe, on C1 by Eddie Ness & Lars Krug, on C2 by Hannes Hehemann
Additional mixing by Gentle Soul, Ossia
Cover Artwork by Stefan Marx
Mastering by Helmut Erler
Vinyl Cut by Lathesville
Distributed by Wordandsound
Smallville 2023
More
1
Wally Badarou - Dance In The Dust
2
Wally Badarou - Amber Whispers
3
Wally Badarou - Where Were We
4
Wally Badarou - The Lights Of Kinshasa
5
Wally Badarou - Pictures Of You
6
Wally Badarou - Serendipity For Two
7
Wally Badarou - Smiles By The Millions
8
Wally Badarou - Higher Still
9
Wally Badarou - Oriental
10
Wally Badarou - Days To Wonder
11
Wally Badarou - Dawn Of Europa
12
Wally Badarou - Crystal Falls
13
Wally Badarou - Purple Lines
Territories: Worldwide no restrictions
Format Notes: First time vinyl release, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Dance In The Dust
A2 Amber Whispers
A3 Where Were We
A4 The Lights Of Kinshasa
A5 Pictures Of You
----
B1 Serendipity For Two
B2 Smiles By The Millions
B3 Higher Still
B4 Oriental
B5 Days To Wonder
B6 Dawn Of Europa
B7 Crystal Falls
B8 Purple Lines
Release Notes:
Synth pioneer and musical polymath, Wally Badarou is a genius. But you know that already. A vinyl version of his majestic Colors Of Silence has been craved by the Balearic cognoscenti ever since its low-key 2001 release. Indeed, when we first started work on Be With, we asked some pals with exquisite taste what their dream release would be. We asked Balearic legend Moonboots and, without hesitation, he said Colors Of Silence by Wally Badarou. We didn't know Wally had made this album. And most still don't. But that's about to change.
Colors Of Silence is ostensibly a new age album. As ever though, Wally's sophisticated synth textures and expressive keyboard runs are so full of character, so full of life, that this work of art transcends any easy genre categorisation. It's simply stunning, throughout. It sounds like A.r.t. Wilson or Suzanne Kraft, with traces of CFCF and Jonny Nash. But it was made a good decade earlier than the work of these modern giants. Sometimes, it doesn't seem far from some Larry Heard albums.
Island Records founder Chris Blackwell's friend Nathalie Delon asked Wally to provide music for the yoga DVD she was to release. Lack of time on both sides made them agree on using "quality demos" Wally had in his ideas bank. It's understandable why Colors Of Silence remains somewhat of a lost gem. As Wally explains: "Total lack of promotion made it an 'intimate' release, which was exactly what I was looking for: just a buzz-maker and time-buyer that would allow me to concentrate on the real thing as soon as I'd have time, which could also turn into a rare collecting item later, once the final versions made their way to success. You never know."
Over the years, Colors Of Silence has become a true cult record for the ambient/Balearic heads.
The beguiling but brief "Dance In The Dust" is the shuffling, hyper-percussive, hypnotic opener. It gives way to the deep serenity of "Amber Whispers". It's a gliding, divine, mini melodic masterpiece. It'll make you swoon in its extreme beauty. The bright and breezy "Where Were We" follows, a tropical, reggae-tinged bounce through the islands.
The uptempo groove is maintained on the keys-drizzled soca-funk of "The Lights Of Kinshasa" before Side A is rounded out with "Pictures Of You". It starts with stately, melancholic, unadorned piano and this alone would make for a beautiful song. But Wally always gives us that bit extra and he effortlessly introduces warm, dreamy pads and minimal, slo-mo percussion to augment a frankly stunning piece of work.
Ushering in Side B, Wally's mesmeric piano playing is to the fore again, in the intro to uber-chilled "Serendipity For Two". The playing becomes more mellifluous as the track progresses and adds warmth through exotic percussion, woodwind, sweeping synths and digi-drums. It has echoes of, er, Echoes. It segues seamlessly into the more propulsive, wavy "Smiles By The Millions". If you're not nodding and grinning along widely to the gently throbbing bassline underpinning this, we can't help you. The meditative "Higher Still" follows, cinematic in feel and ever so slightly sinister with the strings. It sounds particularly Badalamenti-esque, if you ask us.
That unmistakable, almost peculiar Badarou funk - so lyrical, so texturally rich and so rhythmically spacious - is all over "Oriental". Next up, "Days To Wonder" brings the serenity back, insistent yet melodic keys, as if played in a place of worship, coupled with birdsong, conjure a kind of instant nostalgia for halcyon days of youth. The contemplative "Dawn Of Europa" is a sombre, beatless, ambient journey whilst the glorious, too-brief "Crystal Falls" features soft percussion and sparkle before fully glistening with some gentle head-nod beats. Wally brings this incredible collection to a mellow, tender close with the graceful "Purple Lines".
There can be few artists more under-appreciated given their vast influence than Wally Badarou. His solo work practically defined the sound of the Balearic DJs of the 1980s, and thus the more sophisticated sound of dance culture thereafter. A synth specialist, Badarou was the long-time associate of Level 42. He was one of the Compass Point All Stars (with Sly and Robbie, Barry Reynolds, Mikey Chung and Uziah "Sticky" Thompson), the in-house recording team of Compass Point Studios responsible for a series of albums in the 1980s recorded by Grace Jones, Tom Tom Club, Mick Jagger, Black Uhuru, Gwen Guthrie, Jimmy Cliff and Gregory Isaacs. Badarou's keyboard playing could also be heard on albums by Robert Palmer, Marianne Faithfull, Herbie Hancock, M (Pop Muzik), Talking Heads, Manu Dibango and Miriam Makeba. He also produced Fela Kuti. Phew!
Meticulously remastered and cut by both Simon Francis and Cicely Balston respectively, it has been pressed to the highest possibly quality at Record Industry in Holland. Special thanks must go to Apiento from Test Pressing who first introduced us to Wally and facilitated all those early zoom meetings. It couldn't have happened without his help. Not least on pulling the art together, too, which features striking original photography by Mads Perch. Benji Roebuck of Roebuck Press did his thing brilliantly in art working the whole package to completion. All in all: essential. More
Format Notes: First time vinyl release, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Dance In The Dust
A2 Amber Whispers
A3 Where Were We
A4 The Lights Of Kinshasa
A5 Pictures Of You
----
B1 Serendipity For Two
B2 Smiles By The Millions
B3 Higher Still
B4 Oriental
B5 Days To Wonder
B6 Dawn Of Europa
B7 Crystal Falls
B8 Purple Lines
Release Notes:
Synth pioneer and musical polymath, Wally Badarou is a genius. But you know that already. A vinyl version of his majestic Colors Of Silence has been craved by the Balearic cognoscenti ever since its low-key 2001 release. Indeed, when we first started work on Be With, we asked some pals with exquisite taste what their dream release would be. We asked Balearic legend Moonboots and, without hesitation, he said Colors Of Silence by Wally Badarou. We didn't know Wally had made this album. And most still don't. But that's about to change.
Colors Of Silence is ostensibly a new age album. As ever though, Wally's sophisticated synth textures and expressive keyboard runs are so full of character, so full of life, that this work of art transcends any easy genre categorisation. It's simply stunning, throughout. It sounds like A.r.t. Wilson or Suzanne Kraft, with traces of CFCF and Jonny Nash. But it was made a good decade earlier than the work of these modern giants. Sometimes, it doesn't seem far from some Larry Heard albums.
Island Records founder Chris Blackwell's friend Nathalie Delon asked Wally to provide music for the yoga DVD she was to release. Lack of time on both sides made them agree on using "quality demos" Wally had in his ideas bank. It's understandable why Colors Of Silence remains somewhat of a lost gem. As Wally explains: "Total lack of promotion made it an 'intimate' release, which was exactly what I was looking for: just a buzz-maker and time-buyer that would allow me to concentrate on the real thing as soon as I'd have time, which could also turn into a rare collecting item later, once the final versions made their way to success. You never know."
Over the years, Colors Of Silence has become a true cult record for the ambient/Balearic heads.
The beguiling but brief "Dance In The Dust" is the shuffling, hyper-percussive, hypnotic opener. It gives way to the deep serenity of "Amber Whispers". It's a gliding, divine, mini melodic masterpiece. It'll make you swoon in its extreme beauty. The bright and breezy "Where Were We" follows, a tropical, reggae-tinged bounce through the islands.
The uptempo groove is maintained on the keys-drizzled soca-funk of "The Lights Of Kinshasa" before Side A is rounded out with "Pictures Of You". It starts with stately, melancholic, unadorned piano and this alone would make for a beautiful song. But Wally always gives us that bit extra and he effortlessly introduces warm, dreamy pads and minimal, slo-mo percussion to augment a frankly stunning piece of work.
Ushering in Side B, Wally's mesmeric piano playing is to the fore again, in the intro to uber-chilled "Serendipity For Two". The playing becomes more mellifluous as the track progresses and adds warmth through exotic percussion, woodwind, sweeping synths and digi-drums. It has echoes of, er, Echoes. It segues seamlessly into the more propulsive, wavy "Smiles By The Millions". If you're not nodding and grinning along widely to the gently throbbing bassline underpinning this, we can't help you. The meditative "Higher Still" follows, cinematic in feel and ever so slightly sinister with the strings. It sounds particularly Badalamenti-esque, if you ask us.
That unmistakable, almost peculiar Badarou funk - so lyrical, so texturally rich and so rhythmically spacious - is all over "Oriental". Next up, "Days To Wonder" brings the serenity back, insistent yet melodic keys, as if played in a place of worship, coupled with birdsong, conjure a kind of instant nostalgia for halcyon days of youth. The contemplative "Dawn Of Europa" is a sombre, beatless, ambient journey whilst the glorious, too-brief "Crystal Falls" features soft percussion and sparkle before fully glistening with some gentle head-nod beats. Wally brings this incredible collection to a mellow, tender close with the graceful "Purple Lines".
There can be few artists more under-appreciated given their vast influence than Wally Badarou. His solo work practically defined the sound of the Balearic DJs of the 1980s, and thus the more sophisticated sound of dance culture thereafter. A synth specialist, Badarou was the long-time associate of Level 42. He was one of the Compass Point All Stars (with Sly and Robbie, Barry Reynolds, Mikey Chung and Uziah "Sticky" Thompson), the in-house recording team of Compass Point Studios responsible for a series of albums in the 1980s recorded by Grace Jones, Tom Tom Club, Mick Jagger, Black Uhuru, Gwen Guthrie, Jimmy Cliff and Gregory Isaacs. Badarou's keyboard playing could also be heard on albums by Robert Palmer, Marianne Faithfull, Herbie Hancock, M (Pop Muzik), Talking Heads, Manu Dibango and Miriam Makeba. He also produced Fela Kuti. Phew!
Meticulously remastered and cut by both Simon Francis and Cicely Balston respectively, it has been pressed to the highest possibly quality at Record Industry in Holland. Special thanks must go to Apiento from Test Pressing who first introduced us to Wally and facilitated all those early zoom meetings. It couldn't have happened without his help. Not least on pulling the art together, too, which features striking original photography by Mads Perch. Benji Roebuck of Roebuck Press did his thing brilliantly in art working the whole package to completion. All in all: essential. More
1
Bo Harwood & John Cassavetes - No One Around To Hear It
2
Chen Ming Chang - Rainwater
3
Bhairavi Raman & Nanthesh Sivarajah - Bittersweet Reflections
4
The King Of Luxembourg - Poptones
5
Slapp Happy - Is It You
6
O.G. Jigg - Jesus Is My Jam
7
Klang - As It Is
8
Scala - Fuser
9
Soft Location - Let The Moon Get Into It
10
Gyeongsu - YZOBEL (feat. CROCHE)
11
Omertà - Moments In Love
12
Kasumi Trio - Cabbage Butterfly
13
Un - Fast Money Blues
14
Delphine Dora - V
15
Harry Plunket-Greene - The Hurdy-Gurdy Man
2LP
Tracklist
1. Bo Harwood & John Cassavetes - No One Around To Hear It
2. Chen Ming Chang - Rainwater
3. Bhairavi Raman & Nanthesh Sivarajah - Bittersweet Reflections
4. The King Of Luxembourg - Poptones
5. Slapp Happy - Is It You
6. O.G. Jigg - Jesus Is My Jam
7. Klang - As It Is
8. Scala - Fuser
9. Soft Location - Let The Moon Get Into It
10. Gyeongsu - YZOBEL (feat. CROCHE)
11. Omertà - Moments In Love
12. Kasumi Trio - Cabbage Butterfly
13. Un - Fast Money Blues
14. Delphine Dora - V
15. Harry Plunket-Greene - The Hurdy-Gurdy Man
Short info:
Searchlight Moonbeam is the new narrative compilation from Time Is Away (Jack Rollo and Elaine Tierney) whose eponymous monthly NTS Radio shows, tinctured fusions of fugitive sounds and reverie-inducing archival speech, have won them an ardent following. It follows from the London-based duo’s Ballads, a remarkable driftwerk released on A Colourful Storm in 2022.
Searchlight Moonbeam is an autumnal dreamscape, intimate and vespertine, pensive and irresolute. An imagined community where differences drop off and resonances emerge – between Maher Shalal Hash Baz affiliates Kasumi Trio, Taiwanese score composer Chen Ming Chang whose ‘Rainwater’ (written for Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s 1986 film Dust In The Wind) is exquisitely heartbroken, and the plangent improvisations of self-taught French pianist Delphine Dora.
Revelations are frequent: the bedsit isolationism of Bo Harwood and John Cassavetes’ ‘No One Around to Hear It’ (from The Killing of a Chinese Bookie); the narked minimalism of Klang (an early 2000s band formed by ex-Elastica guitarist and featuring prize-winning experimental novelist Isabel Waidner on bass); the etude-grooves and echoic wobble of below-the-radar French avant-gardists Omertà ; the beautiful, plaintively dubby ‘Is It You?’ by Slapp Happy; a psych-tinged reimagining of PiL’s ‘Poptones’ by Simon Fisher Turner (one half of Deux Filles, and here, recording for él as The King of Luxembourg) that's as perverse as the cover of Throbbing Gristle’s 20 Jazz Funk Greats.
Searchlight Moonbeam is the musical analog of an Italo Calvino novel or a medieval fable. Associative, intuitive, borderless. Emotional and mysterious. Endowed with the tactility of Braille. A private language that is both unknowable and understood. It is a record of the seasons, for the seasons.
2023 marks the tenth anniversary of Time Is Away’s first broadcast. Featuring an evocative essay by writer Jeremy Atherton Lin and disarming cover art by Penny Davenport, Searchlight Moonbeam showcases Rollo and Tierney’s still-unrivalled talent for gloaming melodies, disques du crépuscule, ensorcelled storytelling.
More
Tracklist
1. Bo Harwood & John Cassavetes - No One Around To Hear It
2. Chen Ming Chang - Rainwater
3. Bhairavi Raman & Nanthesh Sivarajah - Bittersweet Reflections
4. The King Of Luxembourg - Poptones
5. Slapp Happy - Is It You
6. O.G. Jigg - Jesus Is My Jam
7. Klang - As It Is
8. Scala - Fuser
9. Soft Location - Let The Moon Get Into It
10. Gyeongsu - YZOBEL (feat. CROCHE)
11. Omertà - Moments In Love
12. Kasumi Trio - Cabbage Butterfly
13. Un - Fast Money Blues
14. Delphine Dora - V
15. Harry Plunket-Greene - The Hurdy-Gurdy Man
Short info:
Searchlight Moonbeam is the new narrative compilation from Time Is Away (Jack Rollo and Elaine Tierney) whose eponymous monthly NTS Radio shows, tinctured fusions of fugitive sounds and reverie-inducing archival speech, have won them an ardent following. It follows from the London-based duo’s Ballads, a remarkable driftwerk released on A Colourful Storm in 2022.
Searchlight Moonbeam is an autumnal dreamscape, intimate and vespertine, pensive and irresolute. An imagined community where differences drop off and resonances emerge – between Maher Shalal Hash Baz affiliates Kasumi Trio, Taiwanese score composer Chen Ming Chang whose ‘Rainwater’ (written for Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s 1986 film Dust In The Wind) is exquisitely heartbroken, and the plangent improvisations of self-taught French pianist Delphine Dora.
Revelations are frequent: the bedsit isolationism of Bo Harwood and John Cassavetes’ ‘No One Around to Hear It’ (from The Killing of a Chinese Bookie); the narked minimalism of Klang (an early 2000s band formed by ex-Elastica guitarist and featuring prize-winning experimental novelist Isabel Waidner on bass); the etude-grooves and echoic wobble of below-the-radar French avant-gardists Omertà ; the beautiful, plaintively dubby ‘Is It You?’ by Slapp Happy; a psych-tinged reimagining of PiL’s ‘Poptones’ by Simon Fisher Turner (one half of Deux Filles, and here, recording for él as The King of Luxembourg) that's as perverse as the cover of Throbbing Gristle’s 20 Jazz Funk Greats.
Searchlight Moonbeam is the musical analog of an Italo Calvino novel or a medieval fable. Associative, intuitive, borderless. Emotional and mysterious. Endowed with the tactility of Braille. A private language that is both unknowable and understood. It is a record of the seasons, for the seasons.
2023 marks the tenth anniversary of Time Is Away’s first broadcast. Featuring an evocative essay by writer Jeremy Atherton Lin and disarming cover art by Penny Davenport, Searchlight Moonbeam showcases Rollo and Tierney’s still-unrivalled talent for gloaming melodies, disques du crépuscule, ensorcelled storytelling.
More
1
Hako Yamasaki - Bokyo
2
Hako Yamasaki - Sasurai
3
Hako Yamasaki - Kazaguruma
4
Hako Yamasaki - Hashi Mukou No Ie
5
Hako Yamasaki - Sayonara No Kane
6
Hako Yamasaki - Taketombo
7
Hako Yamasaki - Kage Ga Mienai
8
Hako Yamasaki - Kibun O Kaete
9
Hako Yamasaki - Tobimasu
10
Hako Yamasaki - Komori Uta
Genre: Folk, Alternative, Psychedelic
Tracklisting LP
A1. Bokyo
A2. Sasurai
A3. Kazaguruma
A4. Hashi Mukou No Ie
A5. Sayonara No Kane
B1. Taketombo
B2. Kage Ga Mienai
B3. Kibun O Kaete
B4. Tobimasu
B5. Komori Uta
Release Info:
WRWTFWW Records is proud to present the first official worldwide reissue of the debut album from fabled Japanese folk singer-songwriter/actress/writer Hako Yamasaki, Tobimasu. The limited edition 180g vinyl LP comes in a heavy sleeve with the original artwork, and the digipack CD has one bonus track. Tobimasu is also available in digital formats.
Originally released in 1975 on legendary independent label Elec Records, Tobimasu is a masterpiece of melancholy carried by one of the most beautiful, moving, melodic, and haunting voices in the history of Japanese music. An extraordinary singer and guitar player, Hako Yamasaki wrote the album at only 18 years old, showing incredible emotional maturity and music making skills, and creating, out of nowhere, a downright classic of folk music, brilliantly arranged and sequenced.
Hako Yamasaki’s folk is bluesy, psychedelic, soft, and poetic, perfectly fitting the themes of nostalgia, love, and nature she covers with heartbreaking intensity. Her songs capture sorrow ravishingly, offering glimpses of empowering hope and uplifting wisdom. A unique voice, a unique approach, and nothing less than magnificent music.
Hako Yamasaki, a pioneer in both the creative boom and the rise of feminism in 1970s Japan, went on to release over thirty albums, building an impressive discography and a fascinating career filled with ups and downs. Her work, inimitable and timeless, deserves the utmost recognition and should be celebrated. Again and again and again.
Tobimasu is released in conjunction with Hako Yamasaki’s beautiful follow-up Tsunawatari, also available on WRWTFWW Records.
Points of interests
- For fans of folk, alternative, ballads, psychedelic, poetic music, the joy of love, the sorrow of love, nostalgia, nature, life, just life life life.
- Official reissue of Hako Yamasaki’s debut album in pristine 180g vinyl.
More
1
The Cat's Miaow - Not Like I Was Doing Anything
2
The Particles - Driving Me
3
The Ampersands - Affected
4
Pearly Gatecrashers - In The Summer
5
Ya Ya Choral - Waiting Time
6
Bart & Friends - There May Come A Time
7
Even As We Speak - I Won't Have To Think About You
8
Maestros and Dipsos - Dot
9
Love Positions - Light Of Day
10
Shapiros - Gone By Fall
11
Hydroplane - Completed Extract From The Previous 7"
12
The Cannanes - Lamington Lane
LP - Australian Release - Compiled by Bayu and Moopie
Tracklist
A1. The Cat's Miaow - Not Like I Was Doing Anything , A2. The Particles - Driving Me , A3. The Ampersands - Affected , A4. Pearly Gatecrashers - In The Summer , A5. Ya Ya Choral - Waiting Time , A6. Bart & Friends - There May Come A Time
B1. Even As We Speak - I Won't Have To Think About You , B2. Maestros and Dipsos - Dot , B3. Love Positions - Light Of Day , B4. Shapiros - Gone By Fall , B5. Hydroplane - Completed Extract From The Previous 7" , B6. The Cannanes - Lamington Lane
Shortinfo:
Sublime compilation of long-lost Australian indie-pop, acoustic jangle and beat happenings gathered by Melbourne-based collector and DJ Bayu and label head Moopie. Twelve tracks of singular vision spanning up- and downbeat pop, post-punk and minimal synth rarities recorded between 1982 and now. Australian twee pop royalty the Cat's Miaow shares the stage with the Cannanes and the Particles; Ya Ya Choral with Sarah Records' own Even As We Speak. Included is the previously unreleased 'Dot', by Mutant Sounds cult band Maestros and Dipsos.
Full colour reverse-card sleeve with printed insert and lyrics sheet.
More
Tracklist
A1. The Cat's Miaow - Not Like I Was Doing Anything , A2. The Particles - Driving Me , A3. The Ampersands - Affected , A4. Pearly Gatecrashers - In The Summer , A5. Ya Ya Choral - Waiting Time , A6. Bart & Friends - There May Come A Time
B1. Even As We Speak - I Won't Have To Think About You , B2. Maestros and Dipsos - Dot , B3. Love Positions - Light Of Day , B4. Shapiros - Gone By Fall , B5. Hydroplane - Completed Extract From The Previous 7" , B6. The Cannanes - Lamington Lane
Shortinfo:
Sublime compilation of long-lost Australian indie-pop, acoustic jangle and beat happenings gathered by Melbourne-based collector and DJ Bayu and label head Moopie. Twelve tracks of singular vision spanning up- and downbeat pop, post-punk and minimal synth rarities recorded between 1982 and now. Australian twee pop royalty the Cat's Miaow shares the stage with the Cannanes and the Particles; Ya Ya Choral with Sarah Records' own Even As We Speak. Included is the previously unreleased 'Dot', by Mutant Sounds cult band Maestros and Dipsos.
Full colour reverse-card sleeve with printed insert and lyrics sheet.
More
1
Keni Burke - Shakin' (5:52)
2
Keni Burke - Hang Tight (4:10)
3
Keni Burke - Can't Get Enough (Do It All Night) (4:10)
4
Keni Burke - Who Do You Love (5:23)
5
Keni Burke - Changes (4:48)
6
Keni Burke - One Minute More (4:48)
7
Keni Burke - Risin' To The Top (5:16)
8
Keni Burke - All Night (4:46)
Territories: Worldwide no restrictions
Format Notes: 2023 reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Shakin' 5:52
A2 Hang Tight 4:10
A3 Can't Get Enough (Do It All Night) 4:10
A4 Who Do You Love 5:23
---
B1 Changes 4:48
B2 One Minute More 4:48
B3 Risin' To The Top 5:16
B4 All Night 4:46
Release Notes:
Keni Burke's seminal Changes yielded the eternal club classic "Risin' To The Top". You need this record for this iconic steppers anthem alone. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the whole of Changes, first released in 1982 on RCA but now a tricky one to find, is something truly special. It's a masterpiece of sophisticated 80s groove, containing first class funky soul that sounds as fresh as ever. This is multi-tempo soul music conceived in heaven.
Ace bass player, songwriter, arranger and producer, Keni Burke was discovered by Curtis Mayfield and a childhood member of the Five Stairsteps. Emanating from that magical 81-83 era and pristinely recorded at Philadelphia's legendary Sigma Sound Studios, his third solo album Changes really perfected Keni's groove. It incorporated tight, snappy rhythm arrangements which, despite the era, featured *real drums* courtesy of Steve Ferrone (from Average White Band) to compliment Keni's meaty bass lines. With Dean "Sir" Gant on synths and keyboards and Ed Walsh handling the Vocoder-OBX and Prophet 5, wonderful lines from Earth, Wind & Fire's legendary horn section and hooky rhythm and lead guitar riffs courtesy of Ed "Tree" Walsh, Keni was truly spoiled for excellence. With Doc Gibbs on percussion and Vince Montana on vibes elevating the sensational writing and arrangements, Keni couldn't really go wrong.
“Risin’ To The Top” is undoubtedly the defining crown and lasting legacy of this album. Wth its instantly captivating bassline, slowly creepin' groove and uplifting lyrics, it was a favourite among both the 80s soul steppers and hip-hop crowd and remains canonical to this day. Written by Burke, Allan Felder, and former Chic member Norma Jean Wright, it incredibly failed to garner much American radio play or really trouble the soul charts. Whilst it was an instant classic in the U.K., in the States it took the hip-hop generation and later R&B and hip-hop samples of the tune to finally make it popular, many years later. Of note, Big Daddy Kane sampled it for "Smooth Operator", LL Cool J for "Around The Way Girl", Pete Rock & CL Smooth for "Take You There" and O.C. with "Born 2 Live".
But the highlights are not restricted to this one behemoth. For example, the track which precedes "Risin'" on Side B is another steppers favourite. "One Minute More" is a perfect mid-tempo ballad and the epitome of deep modern soul. A truly timeless work of genius. We, for one, struggle to think of a better song segue than the moment you're still reeling from the intense beauty of "One Minute More" and "Risin'" elegantly stirs into action. Frisson in excelsis. The propulsive, bass-heavy opener "Shakin" is an indisputable cracker and its followed by the timeless mid-tempo class of "Hang Tight". Just gorgeous. Next up, "Can't Get Enough" is another emotional, horn heavy chugger. The side closes with the sparse, tender, floating sl-o-o-w jam "Who Do You Love"; a truly divine ballad. The B-side beings with the title-track, "Changes", a squelchy, melodic boogie banger with fantastic keys, incredible vocals, ace shuffling percussion and spacey synths. It's followed by the ultimate one-two in "One Minute More" and "Risin'" before this sensational set closes with the glorious easy glide "All Night".
An absolutely essential record for fans of deeply soulful modern-funk, Changes was mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis and cut by Cicely Balston for Alchemy at AIR Studios. The artwork was restored at Be With HQ over many painstaking months so, hopefully, this fresh new edition ensures this long-lusted after album is no longer so awkward to find. More
Format Notes: 2023 reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Shakin' 5:52
A2 Hang Tight 4:10
A3 Can't Get Enough (Do It All Night) 4:10
A4 Who Do You Love 5:23
---
B1 Changes 4:48
B2 One Minute More 4:48
B3 Risin' To The Top 5:16
B4 All Night 4:46
Release Notes:
Keni Burke's seminal Changes yielded the eternal club classic "Risin' To The Top". You need this record for this iconic steppers anthem alone. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the whole of Changes, first released in 1982 on RCA but now a tricky one to find, is something truly special. It's a masterpiece of sophisticated 80s groove, containing first class funky soul that sounds as fresh as ever. This is multi-tempo soul music conceived in heaven.
Ace bass player, songwriter, arranger and producer, Keni Burke was discovered by Curtis Mayfield and a childhood member of the Five Stairsteps. Emanating from that magical 81-83 era and pristinely recorded at Philadelphia's legendary Sigma Sound Studios, his third solo album Changes really perfected Keni's groove. It incorporated tight, snappy rhythm arrangements which, despite the era, featured *real drums* courtesy of Steve Ferrone (from Average White Band) to compliment Keni's meaty bass lines. With Dean "Sir" Gant on synths and keyboards and Ed Walsh handling the Vocoder-OBX and Prophet 5, wonderful lines from Earth, Wind & Fire's legendary horn section and hooky rhythm and lead guitar riffs courtesy of Ed "Tree" Walsh, Keni was truly spoiled for excellence. With Doc Gibbs on percussion and Vince Montana on vibes elevating the sensational writing and arrangements, Keni couldn't really go wrong.
“Risin’ To The Top” is undoubtedly the defining crown and lasting legacy of this album. Wth its instantly captivating bassline, slowly creepin' groove and uplifting lyrics, it was a favourite among both the 80s soul steppers and hip-hop crowd and remains canonical to this day. Written by Burke, Allan Felder, and former Chic member Norma Jean Wright, it incredibly failed to garner much American radio play or really trouble the soul charts. Whilst it was an instant classic in the U.K., in the States it took the hip-hop generation and later R&B and hip-hop samples of the tune to finally make it popular, many years later. Of note, Big Daddy Kane sampled it for "Smooth Operator", LL Cool J for "Around The Way Girl", Pete Rock & CL Smooth for "Take You There" and O.C. with "Born 2 Live".
But the highlights are not restricted to this one behemoth. For example, the track which precedes "Risin'" on Side B is another steppers favourite. "One Minute More" is a perfect mid-tempo ballad and the epitome of deep modern soul. A truly timeless work of genius. We, for one, struggle to think of a better song segue than the moment you're still reeling from the intense beauty of "One Minute More" and "Risin'" elegantly stirs into action. Frisson in excelsis. The propulsive, bass-heavy opener "Shakin" is an indisputable cracker and its followed by the timeless mid-tempo class of "Hang Tight". Just gorgeous. Next up, "Can't Get Enough" is another emotional, horn heavy chugger. The side closes with the sparse, tender, floating sl-o-o-w jam "Who Do You Love"; a truly divine ballad. The B-side beings with the title-track, "Changes", a squelchy, melodic boogie banger with fantastic keys, incredible vocals, ace shuffling percussion and spacey synths. It's followed by the ultimate one-two in "One Minute More" and "Risin'" before this sensational set closes with the glorious easy glide "All Night".
An absolutely essential record for fans of deeply soulful modern-funk, Changes was mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis and cut by Cicely Balston for Alchemy at AIR Studios. The artwork was restored at Be With HQ over many painstaking months so, hopefully, this fresh new edition ensures this long-lusted after album is no longer so awkward to find. More