Song of Island is a private press album that very few people knew about. It is the third long player from pianist Yasuhiro Kohno's trio (he started his career as a member of Japanese rocker Eikichi Yazawa's band) and was recorded live at the jazz club and live house 'Again' in August 1985. This is the first time the album has ever been reissued before and captures a special time in Japanese jazz when it was all about exemplary acoustics performed live by skilled musicians. There is one take on a classic jazz standard here as well as four original pieces.
Side 1
1. "Song Of Island" (10:51)
Side 2
1. "Time For Peace" (7:47)
2. "Love For Sale" (8:37)
Side 3
1. "Mr Nilson" (13:26)
Side 4
1. "Village Festival" (12:20) More
Side 1
1. "Song Of Island" (10:51)
Side 2
1. "Time For Peace" (7:47)
2. "Love For Sale" (8:37)
Side 3
1. "Mr Nilson" (13:26)
Side 4
1. "Village Festival" (12:20) More
More records from bbe
Jessica Lauren has been a lynchpin of the UK scene for decades whose keyboard skills have augmented the live performances and studio recordings of all manner of legendary names, from Jean Carne, Tom Browne, Dexter Wansel, through to modern day heroes The Heliocentrics and she’s also a core member of Nick Woodmansey’s space jazz outfit Emanative.
Film is the latest and very welcome release by keyboard player, composer and producer Jessica Lauren, the long-time friend and collaborator of IMPRESS!VE Collective’s Greg Boraman. After assuming A&R control of Freestyle Records, Boraman’s first signing was ‘Jessica Lauren Four’ (2012) and also released ‘Almeria’ (2018). Both albums exhibited her minimalist approach: Jessica’s music is always sophisticated and complex but also accessible and listenable.
‘FILM’ has a fascinating backstory, inasmuch as it was originally recorded in 1997 and saw a CD only release in 1999 via the MELT 2000 label. That CD had been a firm favourite of Greg Boraman’s since then, and he recalls ‘I had it loaded onto my iPod and each time a track from Film came up on shuffle I thought just how much I thought it should be re-issued and given the attention it deserves’.
Jessica had also harboured plans to do something with this project, even treating the recordings to a 24 bit analog remastering by Guy Davie at Electric, but it remained on the shelf – until now.
In 2024, this 27-year-old album is quite remarkable in that it sounds simply and stunningly contemporary, and fits seamlessly with the current soundscape of explorative, genre bending 21st century jazz music.
Blending modal jazz, electronica, library music, field recordings and more, it melds acoustic and electric pianos, harpsichord with synthesisers, electronica and digital techniques as though it’s the most natural combination in the world.
Film cements Jessica’s reputation as a pioneering, far sighted artist who was years ahead of the crowd.
More
Film is the latest and very welcome release by keyboard player, composer and producer Jessica Lauren, the long-time friend and collaborator of IMPRESS!VE Collective’s Greg Boraman. After assuming A&R control of Freestyle Records, Boraman’s first signing was ‘Jessica Lauren Four’ (2012) and also released ‘Almeria’ (2018). Both albums exhibited her minimalist approach: Jessica’s music is always sophisticated and complex but also accessible and listenable.
‘FILM’ has a fascinating backstory, inasmuch as it was originally recorded in 1997 and saw a CD only release in 1999 via the MELT 2000 label. That CD had been a firm favourite of Greg Boraman’s since then, and he recalls ‘I had it loaded onto my iPod and each time a track from Film came up on shuffle I thought just how much I thought it should be re-issued and given the attention it deserves’.
Jessica had also harboured plans to do something with this project, even treating the recordings to a 24 bit analog remastering by Guy Davie at Electric, but it remained on the shelf – until now.
In 2024, this 27-year-old album is quite remarkable in that it sounds simply and stunningly contemporary, and fits seamlessly with the current soundscape of explorative, genre bending 21st century jazz music.
Blending modal jazz, electronica, library music, field recordings and more, it melds acoustic and electric pianos, harpsichord with synthesisers, electronica and digital techniques as though it’s the most natural combination in the world.
Film cements Jessica’s reputation as a pioneering, far sighted artist who was years ahead of the crowd.
More
1
Audrey Powne - Souled Out - The Cosmic Arts Interpretation Mix
2
Audrey Powne - Souled Out - Joaquin's Sacred Rhythm Version
3
Audrey Powne - Souled Out - Joaquin's Deep Version
4
Audrey Powne - Feed The Fire - musclecars Dream Dub
5
Audrey Powne - Feed The Fire - Atjazz Remix
Audrey Powne's eagerly anticipated debut album has been met with widespread acclaim from a host of tastemakers and musicians. Garnering over 500 plays on UK radio, her music has reached an audience exceeding 2 million listeners. Many have touted her work as a strong contender for Jazz Album of the Year—a remarkable achievement for a debut release.
This exceptional remix pack features a soulful interpretation from the illustrious DJ and producer Joe Claussell, profoundly inspired by the album cut "Souled Out." Claussell unveils three exquisite and spiritual remixes, each highlighting unique elements of Audrey's original production. Joaquin's Deep Version is quintessential Claussell, merging the bassy textures of a vintage King Tubby dub with vibrant percussion and dance-inducing beats. The "Sacred Rhythm Mix" is an essential for the dancefloor, weaving a seamless progression of expertly crafted sonic layers that culminate in a boogie-style crescendo, destined to be a summer anthem for DJs. The Souled The Cosmic Arts Interpretation mix completes the trinity expertly with an enchanting downtempo mix expertly seasoned with orchestral and percussive elements which breathes even more magic into Audrey’s incredible vocal display on this track. True to Claussell's renowned craftsmanship, these remixes speak for themselves— listen and be transported.
Adding to the allure of this remix pack are the superb renditions of "Feed The Fire'' by the legendary deep house producer Atjazz and the dynamic New York duo musclecars. Both remixes have garnered critical acclaim, elevating this package to an unprecedented level of excellence. Available for the first time on vinyl, these mixes are presented by BBE Music in a double pack, ensuring unparalleled sound quality that is spread out for maximum audio fidelity—a must-have for discerning DJs and vinyl aficionados who prize top-tier music pressed on wax.
This release is not just a collection of tracks but a treasure trove of sonic brilliance, making it indispensable for enthusiasts of high-quality, heartfelt music.
A1. Souled Out - The Cosmic Arts Interpretation Mix (08:17)
B1. Souled Out - Joaquin's Sacred Rhythm Version (13:53)
C1. Souled Out - Joaquin's Deep Version (08:20)
C2. Feed The Fire - Atjazz Remix (05:26)
D1. Feed The Fire - musclecars Dream Dub (09:05) More
This exceptional remix pack features a soulful interpretation from the illustrious DJ and producer Joe Claussell, profoundly inspired by the album cut "Souled Out." Claussell unveils three exquisite and spiritual remixes, each highlighting unique elements of Audrey's original production. Joaquin's Deep Version is quintessential Claussell, merging the bassy textures of a vintage King Tubby dub with vibrant percussion and dance-inducing beats. The "Sacred Rhythm Mix" is an essential for the dancefloor, weaving a seamless progression of expertly crafted sonic layers that culminate in a boogie-style crescendo, destined to be a summer anthem for DJs. The Souled The Cosmic Arts Interpretation mix completes the trinity expertly with an enchanting downtempo mix expertly seasoned with orchestral and percussive elements which breathes even more magic into Audrey’s incredible vocal display on this track. True to Claussell's renowned craftsmanship, these remixes speak for themselves— listen and be transported.
Adding to the allure of this remix pack are the superb renditions of "Feed The Fire'' by the legendary deep house producer Atjazz and the dynamic New York duo musclecars. Both remixes have garnered critical acclaim, elevating this package to an unprecedented level of excellence. Available for the first time on vinyl, these mixes are presented by BBE Music in a double pack, ensuring unparalleled sound quality that is spread out for maximum audio fidelity—a must-have for discerning DJs and vinyl aficionados who prize top-tier music pressed on wax.
This release is not just a collection of tracks but a treasure trove of sonic brilliance, making it indispensable for enthusiasts of high-quality, heartfelt music.
A1. Souled Out - The Cosmic Arts Interpretation Mix (08:17)
B1. Souled Out - Joaquin's Sacred Rhythm Version (13:53)
C1. Souled Out - Joaquin's Deep Version (08:20)
C2. Feed The Fire - Atjazz Remix (05:26)
D1. Feed The Fire - musclecars Dream Dub (09:05) More
Releasing in the autumn of 2024 Andy Smith's curation of the 3rd volume in his Reach Up – Disco Wonderland series brings us more carefully selected music from the Discosphere. With tracks from artists as far ranging as Buscrates, Trailer Limon and Rena Scott included in this 16 track killer compilation Andy has also included excellent edits and remixes from such stellar names as Full Intention, Yam Who and Skratch Bastid. Indeed, the CD and digital versions of the release also include a fully continuous Skratch Bastid mix of all 16 tracks. Reach Up-Disco Wonderland vol. 3 was curated during the lockdown periods of the pandemic after a series of virtual 'nights out' viewing DJs such as Skratch Bastid, The Nextmen, Chris Wheatley and others performing sets on the Twitch platform. Andy is now playing out in the real world with some of the DJs he 'met' online so now the time is right to drop this compilation on BBE Music. Andy Smith's pedigree in sourcing and mixing tracks from across eras and genres goes back to his debut compilation release The Document in 1998, he was the explorer and provider of samples and breaks for the first two Portishead albums and played as the band's international tour DJ. His compilation track record of some fifteen plus releases since 1998 has covered New Orleans Funk, Northern Soul, Reggae, the mixed genre follow ups to the The Document and, of course, the now three volumes of the Reach Up-Disco Wonderland series on BBE Music. Pressed as a triple vinyl LP, along with the aforementioned double CD and digital versions, not only is Reach Up-Disco Wonderland vol. 3 a delight for the DJ consul and the dance floor, but also an audiophile's dream on vinyl with all tracks mastered at the renowned and Grammy nominated Carvery Studios.
A1. Losers & Fools (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland Re-Edit) - Weekend Sun
A2. Body Work (Nick Reach Up Remix) - Hot Streak
A3. Lovin' You (Smoove Disco Dub) - The Honeyshotz
B1. I Like Funky Music (Skratch Bastid Turntable Mix) - Uncle Louie
B2. Beyond The Clouds - Quartz
B3. Five Days - Buscrates feat DJ Epik
C1. Please Don’t Break My Heart (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland Re-Edit) - The Affair feat Alyson Williams
C2. Change - Platinum City
D1. You're So Far Away (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland Re-Edit) - Rena Scott
D2. Free Yourself (Full Intention Extended Remix) - Birdee & Nick Reach Up feat Barbara Tucker
D3. Love Don't Pay The Bills - Trailer Limon
E1. Black Water Gold Part 2 (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland Extended Mix) - The Sunshine Band
E2. The Big Throwdown - Get To Know
E3. Make It Alright - BB Soul feat Laura Jackson
F1. Disco Hi-Life - Orlando Julius
F2. Bad Times (Yam Who Extended Vocal Remix) - Risk Assessment More
A1. Losers & Fools (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland Re-Edit) - Weekend Sun
A2. Body Work (Nick Reach Up Remix) - Hot Streak
A3. Lovin' You (Smoove Disco Dub) - The Honeyshotz
B1. I Like Funky Music (Skratch Bastid Turntable Mix) - Uncle Louie
B2. Beyond The Clouds - Quartz
B3. Five Days - Buscrates feat DJ Epik
C1. Please Don’t Break My Heart (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland Re-Edit) - The Affair feat Alyson Williams
C2. Change - Platinum City
D1. You're So Far Away (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland Re-Edit) - Rena Scott
D2. Free Yourself (Full Intention Extended Remix) - Birdee & Nick Reach Up feat Barbara Tucker
D3. Love Don't Pay The Bills - Trailer Limon
E1. Black Water Gold Part 2 (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland Extended Mix) - The Sunshine Band
E2. The Big Throwdown - Get To Know
E3. Make It Alright - BB Soul feat Laura Jackson
F1. Disco Hi-Life - Orlando Julius
F2. Bad Times (Yam Who Extended Vocal Remix) - Risk Assessment More
Tamil Rogeon, the Melbourne based multifaceted jazz, classical and electronic violin & viola player firmly cemented his reputation with the critical success of his 2021 album Son Of Nyx which was released on Soul Bank Music, Impressive Collective head honcho Greg Boraman's previous label. Lauded as a modal and spiritual jazz fusion opus, Son Of Nyx found favour with Gilles Peterson, Laurent Garnier, Rebecca Vasmant, BBC6 Music's' Cerys Matthews and Deb Grant, was a Jazz FM’ Album of the Week. Building upon that highly original sound concept, Wave Theory draws from the jazz fusion movements of the 70s and 80s and conjures up textured soundscapes rich with cosmic synths, soaring vocals and deep jazz funk, and sees Tamil once again joining forces with Son of Nyx contributors Rita Satch and Daniel Mougerman, plus new collaborators and special guests including Lance Ferguson and celebrated trumpeter, friend Audrey Powne. Listeners can expect the same modal experiments, driving percussion and cosmic synths of Son of Nyx as well as new and exhilarating experiments in electric string instrumentation. Across all 6 tracks the highlights are numerous, but of particular note are the album opener "Ascend it!"; a fusion masterpiece that seamlessly blends psychedelic elements, funk grooves, intricate melodies, and improvisation. When "Doom Date" takes flight we are transported to Mahavishnu Orchestra-like territory, before finishing with an angular melody that is pure jazz-fusion inventiveness. The irresistibly funky 'Gift Of The Gab” is built upon a hypnotic bass line over drum and percussion. Laden with synth and retro keyboards reminiscent of the deep funk of Herbie Hancock’s late 70s period. "Mountain Bug' alternates between minor and major keys, a hallucinatory violin solo is followed by a dazzling trumpet improvisation. A restatement of the melody accompanied by the gunfire of the drum set and percussion. Tamil says of Wave Theory “Sometimes themes reveal themselves through creative encounters and through life experience. I wrote and recorded the album in six months. A lot happened to me and my friends during that time so, for me, ‘Wave Theory’ is like a musical snapshot of life’s relentless ebbs and flows. It’s about the sadness and thrills of endless transformation and the power of creative connection".
Tracklisting
1. Beneath Her
2. Ascend It
3. Mountain Bug
4. Doom Date
5. Gift Of The Gab
6. Axe To Grind More
Tracklisting
1. Beneath Her
2. Ascend It
3. Mountain Bug
4. Doom Date
5. Gift Of The Gab
6. Axe To Grind More
Originally released in 1979 on the Orion label 'Music For Complete Jazz Dance Class With Lea Darwin' is an absolute double vinyl treasure vault of tracks composed by percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Rick Panzer. Re-discovered by Klinkhamer Record shop boss Michel Veenstra it is now being reissued on BBE Music as part of the Klinkhamer series. Michel Veenstra first heard the album in the early 2000s and spent years trawling through German phone directories to find the correct Rick Panzer to get his blessings to once again release the album to a music loving public. The album itself heralded the track 'Pre-Stretch Warm-up' which featured on the Klinkhamer Volume 2' compilation to great acclaim and airplay from broadcasters and DJs. Originally conceived as music for a Jazz Ballet or Jazz Dance theatre piece the album is a masterpiece of Jazz composition and musicianship. Starting with 'Pre-Stretch Warm-Up', which builds on a bedrock of amazing drum breaks and warm fender Rhodes interweaving with superb vocals from Paula Eastwood, the album takes the listener, and dancer, on a ride that captures deep Jazz-Funk grooves and heavy percussion as well as laidback grooves. 'Music For Complete Jazz Dance Class' is an album for the dance floor, for listening at home or in the car and one that adds to any discerning music lover's collection of vinyl must-haves.
Vinyl Tracklist:
A1. Pre-stretch Warm Up (16:18)
B1. Floor Stretch Warm Up (05:01)
B2. Adagio 04:03)
C1. Plies (09:04)
C2. Tendus 04:32)
C3. Attitude, Leg Swings And Developes (04:40)
C4. Isolations (03:59)
D1. Bar Stretch (04:12)
D2. Jazz Walks (04:52)
D3. Jazz Turns (05:48)
D4. Jazz Leaps (05:28) More
Vinyl Tracklist:
A1. Pre-stretch Warm Up (16:18)
B1. Floor Stretch Warm Up (05:01)
B2. Adagio 04:03)
C1. Plies (09:04)
C2. Tendus 04:32)
C3. Attitude, Leg Swings And Developes (04:40)
C4. Isolations (03:59)
D1. Bar Stretch (04:12)
D2. Jazz Walks (04:52)
D3. Jazz Turns (05:48)
D4. Jazz Leaps (05:28) More
This BBE released compilation is seriously a must have in any Black Music lover's collection. Compiled by the London DJ and promoter duo of husband and wife team, the Handson Family, as part of the massively important If Music presents: You Need This series and released on the UK's foremost independent Black Music label, An Introduction to the Handson Family has Black Music heritage coursing through its tracks. With a tracklist that includes music from Emanative, the much missed genius of south London's Ty, Cecilia Statin, Xantone Blacq and more, the album that Cyndi and Christian have put together is one that sheds light on the high quality and considered variety of selections in their DJ sets (Including Cross the Tracks, Southport Weekender and We Out Here), their hugely influential Off The Shelf radio show on Soho Radio and their south London residencies. If you are looking for knowledge in what is the sounds and styles of Black Music genres in recent years then this is a compilation that will be an education in absolute brilliance, if you are aware of these artists and tracks then this is a release that brings them together in a DJ set style of the highest order and if you are so far unaware of the Handson Family and their undoubted influence on south London place in the capital's (and the Uk's) club culture then here is their calling card. Releasing as both digital and a double vinyl LP, If Music presents You Need This: An Introduction to the Handson Family is simply superb and is unapologetically Black Music selected by Black DJs for everybody.
Viny Track List
A1. We Travel The Spacebeats - Emanative (05:10)
A2. Dreams - Ty (04:49)
A3. Sundown - MckNasty (feat. The MAC SiStars) (04:46)
B1. CPW - Cecilia Stalín (05:20)
B2. Hangers On - The Nabatean (06:00)
B3. Bologna - Jazz Chronicles (06:24)
C1. Dancing on Holiday - Souled (06:59)
C2. Bring Me to Your Life - One51 (feat. Heidi Vogel) (05:37)
C3. Illusions - Tommy Rawson (05:20)
D1. Staring at the Sun - P'taah (05:41)
D2. Search for the Sun (Platinum Remix) - Xantoné Blacq (05:23)
D3. Love Beams - Ian O'Brien (04:47) More
Viny Track List
A1. We Travel The Spacebeats - Emanative (05:10)
A2. Dreams - Ty (04:49)
A3. Sundown - MckNasty (feat. The MAC SiStars) (04:46)
B1. CPW - Cecilia Stalín (05:20)
B2. Hangers On - The Nabatean (06:00)
B3. Bologna - Jazz Chronicles (06:24)
C1. Dancing on Holiday - Souled (06:59)
C2. Bring Me to Your Life - One51 (feat. Heidi Vogel) (05:37)
C3. Illusions - Tommy Rawson (05:20)
D1. Staring at the Sun - P'taah (05:41)
D2. Search for the Sun (Platinum Remix) - Xantoné Blacq (05:23)
D3. Love Beams - Ian O'Brien (04:47) More
For 'The Ones', Chicago House and Disco producer, Rahaan has pulled together a plethora of musicians and vocalists to create a smokestack of soul fuelled excellence on this ten track album. From the amazing vocals courtesy of Marcus J. Austin and Nancy Clayton on the opener, 'We Are The Ones', through the amazing instrumental City Rain Supreme and the vocals of Spike Rebel on the anthemic 'Forever', this album absolutely excels. The promise made on the original three track EP released on BBE Music in the Summer of 2023 is well and truly delivered on. Working with live musicians throughout the recording process has added layers of finesse and genuinely unfeigned authenticity in the overall sound of this album. Carnell Newbill's basslines and keys, Todd Swope's Afrobeat inspired guitar licks and the horns of Ohio Players legend Kenny Anderson all blend organically with the aforementioned vocalists to create an album of sublime music befitting the best traditions of the Chicago House canon. Rahaan Young is a DJ and producer who has been DJing since playing at parties in his native Chicago the 1980s. As a DJ he's enjoyed residencies at both The Spot and Buddha Lounge as well as entertaining and moving dance floors around the globe with DJ sets that show his music knowledge and exquisite taste. The Ones is mastered at the Grammy nominated Carvery Studios and will be released on vinyl and digital on BBE Music, adding to the catalogue of innovative and highly pertinent releases from artists, musicians and producers from across the world.
Tracklisting
Disc: 1
1. What You Are To Me
2. We Are The Ones (Interlude)
3. We Are The Ones
4. Star Seed
5. City Rain Supreme
Disc: 2
1. Toy Boy
2. Promised Land
3. Manifest Into Movement
4. Forever
5. Fire More
Tracklisting
Disc: 1
1. What You Are To Me
2. We Are The Ones (Interlude)
3. We Are The Ones
4. Star Seed
5. City Rain Supreme
Disc: 2
1. Toy Boy
2. Promised Land
3. Manifest Into Movement
4. Forever
5. Fire More
1
musclecars - Tonight
2
musclecars - Tonight (Louie Vega Bronx Dub)
3
musclecars - Tonight (Louie Vega Remix)
4
musclecars - Hello? (Maurice Fulton Remix)
5
musclecars - Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)(Planetarium Mix)
6
musclecars - I Don’t Remember The Last Time I Saw Stars
After the highly anticipated debut album "Sugar Honey Iced Tea!," the dynamic NYC duo strikes once more with a double pack of alternate versions and remixes. Craig Handfield and Brandon Weems, better known as musclecars, have unveiled a dance music masterpiece, now graced by the touch of house music legends Louie Vega and Maurice Fulton.
This double pack showcases multiple versions of "Tonight," remixed by dance music maestro Louie Vega, who momentarily stepped away from his Masters At Work ventures to infuse this project with his magic. The main remix unfolds like an epic journey adorned with orchestral elegance, while the dub versions range from festival anthems (NV South Jersey Mix) to tracks that echo the early Masters At Work essence (Louie Vega’s Bronx Dub).
Additionally, we are gifted a new version of "Hello?" reimagined by Maurice Fulton. In this version, Maurice's signature live bass lines intertwine with exuberant, hard-hitting percussion, casting a whimsical light on the deep, introspective original.
Complementing the remixes from musclecars' esteemed inspirations, we encounter two new versions of "Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)" and "Water," both stripped of percussion to reveal the stunning arrangements, textures, and harmonies. These renditions are accompanied by a full side of musclecars’ dance odyssey "I Don’t Remember The Last Time I Saw Stars."
The Double Honey Pack is a tour de force. It’s a rarity to witness two legends unite to elevate an already stellar project, yet Vega and Fulton achieve just that. Meanwhile, Weems and Handfield meticulously peel back the layers, allowing the intricate details to shine. This promises to be the release of the summer!
A1. Tonight (05:55)
A2. Tonight (Louie Vega Bronx Dub) (05:50)
B1. Tonight (Louie Vega Remix) (08:22)
C1. Hello? (Maurice Fulton Remix) (06:44)
C2. Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)(Planetarium Mix) (07:38)
D1. I Don’t Remember The Last Time I Saw Stars (11:10) More
This double pack showcases multiple versions of "Tonight," remixed by dance music maestro Louie Vega, who momentarily stepped away from his Masters At Work ventures to infuse this project with his magic. The main remix unfolds like an epic journey adorned with orchestral elegance, while the dub versions range from festival anthems (NV South Jersey Mix) to tracks that echo the early Masters At Work essence (Louie Vega’s Bronx Dub).
Additionally, we are gifted a new version of "Hello?" reimagined by Maurice Fulton. In this version, Maurice's signature live bass lines intertwine with exuberant, hard-hitting percussion, casting a whimsical light on the deep, introspective original.
Complementing the remixes from musclecars' esteemed inspirations, we encounter two new versions of "Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)" and "Water," both stripped of percussion to reveal the stunning arrangements, textures, and harmonies. These renditions are accompanied by a full side of musclecars’ dance odyssey "I Don’t Remember The Last Time I Saw Stars."
The Double Honey Pack is a tour de force. It’s a rarity to witness two legends unite to elevate an already stellar project, yet Vega and Fulton achieve just that. Meanwhile, Weems and Handfield meticulously peel back the layers, allowing the intricate details to shine. This promises to be the release of the summer!
A1. Tonight (05:55)
A2. Tonight (Louie Vega Bronx Dub) (05:50)
B1. Tonight (Louie Vega Remix) (08:22)
C1. Hello? (Maurice Fulton Remix) (06:44)
C2. Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)(Planetarium Mix) (07:38)
D1. I Don’t Remember The Last Time I Saw Stars (11:10) More
Introducing “The Architecture of Oppression Part 2” – the highly anticipated follow-up to Jake Ferguson’s critically acclaimed debut album – Part 1. Ferguson is recognised as the ‘other half’ of The Heliocentrics, producing his solo work under the moniker, The Brkn Record. Effortlessly merging the realms of music and activism, he has created a groundbreaking album, which is set to be one of the most important bodies of work that illustrate ongoing systemic racism this side of the millennium.
Ferguson takes the listener to a world where artistry and social consciousness intersect. Crafting an array of captivating soundscapes and themes. This album showcases the vocal talents of both established artists and hidden gems discovered through Ferguson’s day-job as a former charity CEO and community activist.
While Part 1 served as a rallying cry to dismantle oppressive systems, Part 2 offers a compelling soundtrack of a Pro-Black world reclaiming its destiny. This thought-provoking art piece invites listeners to envision alternative paths while avoiding the pitfalls of past paradigms.
Unlike a broken record, this The Brkn Record album keeps pushing boundaries—
By enlisting the voices of The Global Majority, The Brkn Record creates a platform for genuine expression through sound. Renowned for his production skills, Ferguson has captured the admiration of industry heavyweights including Nas, Madlib and Kanye West. However, rather than seeking popular features, he chooses to amplify the authentic perspectives of the talented youth he collaborates with in Hackney.
One such initiative supported by Ferguson, Account Hackney, introduced him to two gifted artists showcased on this album – Great Okosun and Yolanda Lear.
‘This album serves as a visceral demonstration of my anger at the racially founded status quo in this country and globally. The continued oppression of people on the basis of their race is beyond evil, it’s common place and needs to end. Simple as.’
The album also sees Ferguson joining forces with award winning laureate Anthony Joseph and legendary hip-hop MC Percee P – their dynamic and thought-provoking lyrics seamlessly intertwine with expertly produced musical landscapes.
“The Architecture of Oppression Part 2” is not just an album; it is a transformative journey that challenges the listener and wants you to ‘feel’. It’s Art. A musical experience that inspires, compels, and empowers. Over to you! More
Ferguson takes the listener to a world where artistry and social consciousness intersect. Crafting an array of captivating soundscapes and themes. This album showcases the vocal talents of both established artists and hidden gems discovered through Ferguson’s day-job as a former charity CEO and community activist.
While Part 1 served as a rallying cry to dismantle oppressive systems, Part 2 offers a compelling soundtrack of a Pro-Black world reclaiming its destiny. This thought-provoking art piece invites listeners to envision alternative paths while avoiding the pitfalls of past paradigms.
Unlike a broken record, this The Brkn Record album keeps pushing boundaries—
By enlisting the voices of The Global Majority, The Brkn Record creates a platform for genuine expression through sound. Renowned for his production skills, Ferguson has captured the admiration of industry heavyweights including Nas, Madlib and Kanye West. However, rather than seeking popular features, he chooses to amplify the authentic perspectives of the talented youth he collaborates with in Hackney.
One such initiative supported by Ferguson, Account Hackney, introduced him to two gifted artists showcased on this album – Great Okosun and Yolanda Lear.
‘This album serves as a visceral demonstration of my anger at the racially founded status quo in this country and globally. The continued oppression of people on the basis of their race is beyond evil, it’s common place and needs to end. Simple as.’
The album also sees Ferguson joining forces with award winning laureate Anthony Joseph and legendary hip-hop MC Percee P – their dynamic and thought-provoking lyrics seamlessly intertwine with expertly produced musical landscapes.
“The Architecture of Oppression Part 2” is not just an album; it is a transformative journey that challenges the listener and wants you to ‘feel’. It’s Art. A musical experience that inspires, compels, and empowers. Over to you! More
BBE Music is thrilled to present J Jazz: Free and Modern Jazz From Japan 1954-1988, a remarkable large-format book covering some of the deepest, rarest, and most innovative jazz music released anywhere in the post-war era. Compiled by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden, co-curators of BBE Music's acclaimed J Jazz Masterclass Series, the book also features a foreword by Japanese jazz icon, Terumasa Hino.
This is the first time a book of this type has been has been published outside of Japan and the first anywhere of this size and scale. It is a unique collection of over 500 albums of free and modern jazz recorded and released in Japan during a period of radical transformation and constant reinvention. An era that saw Japan return from the ravages of World War Two to become a global economic power and emerge as both a technological leader and an international cultural force.
Through a unique gallery of albums, J Jazz charts the development of jazz in Japan from the first stirrings of the modern jazz scene in the mid to late 1950s and on through the hard bop and modal jazz of the 1960s. It steers the reader into the radical directions of the 1970s when free jazz, fusion, post-bop, and jazz-funk opened up a growing number of Japanese jazz artists to a new global audience before consolidating in the mid to late 1980s with a musical scene that laid the path for the contemporary jazz generation to follow.
Over 500 full-colour sleeves from many of the leading names in Japanese jazz sit alongside rare and private pressings that tell a story of constant change and musical exploration. J Jazz includes profiles of several leading record labels such as East Wind, Frasco, King Records, and Nippon Columbia as well as critical independents such as Three Blind Mice, ALM, and Aketa’s Disk. J Jazz includes interviews with celebrated jazz photographer Tadayuki Naito, and pianist Tohru Aizawa, bandleader on the totemic spiritual jazz album, Tachibana Vol 1, as well as free-jazz record collector and jazz musician Mats Gustafsson.
The book also features a chapter on albums by non-Japanese artists that only received a Japanese release, with collectible, rare, and obscure releases by figures such as Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Mal Waldron, Steve Lacy, and Art Blakey. J Jazz includes Japanese jazz charts from some of the world's leading jazz DJs including Gilles Peterson, Toshio Matsuura, Paul Murphy, and Shuya and Yoshihiro Okino. Among the specialist content is a feature on obi strips by record dealer and Japanese jazz expert, Yusuke Ogawa, plus a special article on Japanese Blue Note albums.
Across its 300-plus pages, J Jazz includes a detailed introduction contextualising the music, tracing the story of Japan's fascination with jazz back before the war. It also features biographical information on many of the key artists involved in shaping the post- war Japanese jazz scene including Sadao Watanabe, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Masabumi Kikuchi, Masahiko Togashi, Terumasa Hino, Yosuke Yamashita, Fumio Itabashi, Masayuki Takayanagi, Takeo Moriyama, Isao Suzuki, and many more. More
This is the first time a book of this type has been has been published outside of Japan and the first anywhere of this size and scale. It is a unique collection of over 500 albums of free and modern jazz recorded and released in Japan during a period of radical transformation and constant reinvention. An era that saw Japan return from the ravages of World War Two to become a global economic power and emerge as both a technological leader and an international cultural force.
Through a unique gallery of albums, J Jazz charts the development of jazz in Japan from the first stirrings of the modern jazz scene in the mid to late 1950s and on through the hard bop and modal jazz of the 1960s. It steers the reader into the radical directions of the 1970s when free jazz, fusion, post-bop, and jazz-funk opened up a growing number of Japanese jazz artists to a new global audience before consolidating in the mid to late 1980s with a musical scene that laid the path for the contemporary jazz generation to follow.
Over 500 full-colour sleeves from many of the leading names in Japanese jazz sit alongside rare and private pressings that tell a story of constant change and musical exploration. J Jazz includes profiles of several leading record labels such as East Wind, Frasco, King Records, and Nippon Columbia as well as critical independents such as Three Blind Mice, ALM, and Aketa’s Disk. J Jazz includes interviews with celebrated jazz photographer Tadayuki Naito, and pianist Tohru Aizawa, bandleader on the totemic spiritual jazz album, Tachibana Vol 1, as well as free-jazz record collector and jazz musician Mats Gustafsson.
The book also features a chapter on albums by non-Japanese artists that only received a Japanese release, with collectible, rare, and obscure releases by figures such as Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Mal Waldron, Steve Lacy, and Art Blakey. J Jazz includes Japanese jazz charts from some of the world's leading jazz DJs including Gilles Peterson, Toshio Matsuura, Paul Murphy, and Shuya and Yoshihiro Okino. Among the specialist content is a feature on obi strips by record dealer and Japanese jazz expert, Yusuke Ogawa, plus a special article on Japanese Blue Note albums.
Across its 300-plus pages, J Jazz includes a detailed introduction contextualising the music, tracing the story of Japan's fascination with jazz back before the war. It also features biographical information on many of the key artists involved in shaping the post- war Japanese jazz scene including Sadao Watanabe, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Masabumi Kikuchi, Masahiko Togashi, Terumasa Hino, Yosuke Yamashita, Fumio Itabashi, Masayuki Takayanagi, Takeo Moriyama, Isao Suzuki, and many more. More
Audrey Powne’s stunning debut album, From The Fire, is set to be one of those must have LPs in any music lover’s collection. Something of an auteur release it features nine tracks all composed by Audrey, with all string arrangements and all produced by her. Audrey’s decision to produce the whole album herself came from a desire to take creative control of her music and apply techniques developed from the influences of the producers she had previously worked with. If all of the above were not enough Audrey also wrote the lyrics for those tracks on which she sings, and as a multi-instrumentalist contributes piano, Rhodes and organ. She also features as a trumpeter with dextrous and soaring solos as evidenced by the two single releases so far; Feed The Fire and the title track, From The Fire.
Due to be released by BBE as both a vinyl and digital, From The Fire is an album of Soul- Jazz with a serious environmental and social messages as well as one which blends classical music, hip-hop and influences from Roy Hargrove, Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock. Indeed it is Roy Hargrove’s studio techniques evident in his work with the RH Factor that Audrey credits as a major factor in her producer role here. As well as her solo work, Melbourne born Audrey Powne has also worked as a session player with acts as diverse as Maceo Parker, Midnight Oil, Jimmy Barnes, Masta Ace and the Grammy nominated band The Teskey Brothers. More
Due to be released by BBE as both a vinyl and digital, From The Fire is an album of Soul- Jazz with a serious environmental and social messages as well as one which blends classical music, hip-hop and influences from Roy Hargrove, Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock. Indeed it is Roy Hargrove’s studio techniques evident in his work with the RH Factor that Audrey credits as a major factor in her producer role here. As well as her solo work, Melbourne born Audrey Powne has also worked as a session player with acts as diverse as Maceo Parker, Midnight Oil, Jimmy Barnes, Masta Ace and the Grammy nominated band The Teskey Brothers. More
Following the great success of BBE’s 2023 reissue of Remi Kabaka’s 1976 lost masterpiece ‘Son of Africa’ comes yet another neglected and hitherto-hidden slice of pure Kabaka goodness: 1980’s ‘Roots Funkadelia’.
While the 1976 album was recorded at Island Studios London, roots was recorded and mixed in L.A. in the midst of a golden period for the Motown studios, and the sheer quality of the mix shows in spades. An unexpected but welcome bonus is the appearance throughout of the ‘mean machine’- Motown artists the commodores’ brass section alter-ego.
Released in 1980 on Polygram Nigeria with no international distribution deal, and lurking almost unnoticed in a handful of dedicated afro vinyl collections, this is the first-ever reissue outside Africa of an album that regularly fetches £500 plus on the ‘those who know’ market’. More
While the 1976 album was recorded at Island Studios London, roots was recorded and mixed in L.A. in the midst of a golden period for the Motown studios, and the sheer quality of the mix shows in spades. An unexpected but welcome bonus is the appearance throughout of the ‘mean machine’- Motown artists the commodores’ brass section alter-ego.
Released in 1980 on Polygram Nigeria with no international distribution deal, and lurking almost unnoticed in a handful of dedicated afro vinyl collections, this is the first-ever reissue outside Africa of an album that regularly fetches £500 plus on the ‘those who know’ market’. More
In the time-honored spirit of excavating gold from the unlikeliest dark corners, we bring you the shiniest of gems which is guaranteed to thrill lovers of classic Brazilian bossa and MPB.
This self-titled album by Rio’s Grupo Ébano, an all-female gospel vocal group, was originally released on CD only in 1997 on a small independent label and in small quantities. The songs, all originals from the pen of group leader (and backing vocalist to the stars) Gil Miranda, are richly melodic and sophisticated in the mode of all the 60s and 70s Brazilian classics (think Quarteto Em Cy) while their positive spiritual message is more reminiscent of the Clark Sisters if they sang in Portuguese.
This first-time reissue, first-time vinyl & digital edition and debut international release will bring many new fresh ears to this lovely and very classy album which will appeal to different generations of Brazilian music lovers, from tastemaking DJs to their parents to even their grandparents.
Vinyl Tracklist:
A1. Ave No Ninho
A2. Serta~o Mar
A3. Tuas Obras Te Coroam
B1. Cristalina
B2. Verso E Rima
B3. Pe´ No Cha~o
C1. Pai Da Criac¸a~o
C2. Ele Chegou
C3. Esse Amor
C4. Rio Seco
D1. Horas
D2. Ja´ Vou Indo
D3. Meu Lugar More
This self-titled album by Rio’s Grupo Ébano, an all-female gospel vocal group, was originally released on CD only in 1997 on a small independent label and in small quantities. The songs, all originals from the pen of group leader (and backing vocalist to the stars) Gil Miranda, are richly melodic and sophisticated in the mode of all the 60s and 70s Brazilian classics (think Quarteto Em Cy) while their positive spiritual message is more reminiscent of the Clark Sisters if they sang in Portuguese.
This first-time reissue, first-time vinyl & digital edition and debut international release will bring many new fresh ears to this lovely and very classy album which will appeal to different generations of Brazilian music lovers, from tastemaking DJs to their parents to even their grandparents.
Vinyl Tracklist:
A1. Ave No Ninho
A2. Serta~o Mar
A3. Tuas Obras Te Coroam
B1. Cristalina
B2. Verso E Rima
B3. Pe´ No Cha~o
C1. Pai Da Criac¸a~o
C2. Ele Chegou
C3. Esse Amor
C4. Rio Seco
D1. Horas
D2. Ja´ Vou Indo
D3. Meu Lugar More
After the release of the first volume of music selected by Klinkhamer Record shop owner Michel Veenstra in 2022, the anticipation and expectation amongst the heads for a follow up compilation has been building. Now BBE Music can announce that Klinkhamer Volume 2’s collection of music from the 70’s and 80’s is ready to add to the series.
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1
musclecars - The Afro-American Conundrum (Where Does That Leave Us?)
2
musclecars - Dream Boy
3
musclecars - Tonight (feat Kamaal)
4
musclecars - Every Party Must Come To An End (feat Kamaal)
5
musclecars - Running Out Of Time
6
musclecars - Carlos Sanchez Interlude
7
musclecars - Hello? (feat Aden)
8
musclecars - Ha Ya! (Eternal Life
9
musclecars - Circles I (Prelude)
10
musclecars - Circles II (feat Toribio)
11
musclecars - There's Space For Us All
12
musclecars - Water (feat New Past)
Sugar Honey Iced Tea! is the highly anticipated debut album from musclecars, set for a May 2024 release on BBE Music. Having already established their presence in the club scene, from the joyous atmosphere of their Coloring Lessons parties to their residency at Nowadays in NYC, and with genre-bending performances worldwide, musclecars are eager to unveil this new world they've intentionally crafted.
This forthcoming album comprises 13 tracks that sonically come together to offer a profound lens into the Afro-American experience. Themes range from joy, to loss, intimacy, helplessness, perseverance, and all the facets that lie in between. From the very first tune, musclecars set the tone with an exploration of afro-dystopia, carrying listeners through the entire album whilst creating imaginary futures born out of self-preservation and self-discovery.
Through their practice of sonic storytelling, native New Yorkers Brandon Weems and Craig Handfield use this album to speak to the nuances of their daily lives and their environment. Join them on this musical journey as they delve into a collection that captures the essence of the black experience with authenticity, emotion, and rhythm. This album stands as one of their favorite bodies of work in recent memory, and they're so excited to share it with you. More
This forthcoming album comprises 13 tracks that sonically come together to offer a profound lens into the Afro-American experience. Themes range from joy, to loss, intimacy, helplessness, perseverance, and all the facets that lie in between. From the very first tune, musclecars set the tone with an exploration of afro-dystopia, carrying listeners through the entire album whilst creating imaginary futures born out of self-preservation and self-discovery.
Through their practice of sonic storytelling, native New Yorkers Brandon Weems and Craig Handfield use this album to speak to the nuances of their daily lives and their environment. Join them on this musical journey as they delve into a collection that captures the essence of the black experience with authenticity, emotion, and rhythm. This album stands as one of their favorite bodies of work in recent memory, and they're so excited to share it with you. More
5LP (with 20 page booklet)
Airto Moreira and Flora Purim, the legendary King and Queen of Brazilian Jazz, have captivated audiences for over six decades with their vibrant albums and exhilarating live performances. With a dedicated global fan base including the UK’s jazz funk and jazz dance scene to Japan’s concert halls, the power couple continues to make waves in the industry – Flora’s ‘If You Will’ (2022) album was even nominated for a Grammy!
The duo met and came together musically in Sambalanço and the Sambrasa Trio. The mixture of Airto’s rural Brazilian background and percussion talents and Flora’s classical training and involvement in the underground Bossa Nova movement, created a unique blend of sounds that resonates across generations. They have not only collaborated with music legends like Miles Davis and Chick Corea but have also produced ground-breaking music alongside the likes of Hermeto Pascoal.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including Flora’s arrest and incarceration in 1974, the duo’s close connection with friends-musicians like Thelonius Monk and Cannonball Adderley, their persistence and absolute passion for music have propelled them to the pinnacle of success. They worked with renowned musicians like Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, George Duke and producers such as Orin Keepnews and Creed Taylor.
Having been a part of numerous prestigious ensembles, including Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nations ensemble, Airto and Flora’s journey is a testament to their innovation and devotion to their craft. This collection offers a glimpse of that incredible journey, showcasing their extraordinary talent and unique sound and it’s also the first comp scanning their 60 year careers.
Compiled by Straight No Chaser editor/publisher Paul Bradshaw & Totally Wired Radio presenter Roberta Cutolo.
LP –
Tracklist
DISC 1
SIDE A
1. Jeito Bom de Sofrer – Flora Purim
2. Papo Furado (Jive Talking) – Airto Moreira
3. Xibaba (She-Ba-Ba) – Airto
4. Andei – Airto
5. Back Streets Of Havana – Airto Moreira
SIDE B
1. Flora’s Song – Airto
2. San Francisco River – Flora Purim
3. Vera Cruz – Flora Purim
DISC 2
SIDE C
1. Celebration Suite – Airto Moreira
2. Casa Forte – Flora Purim
3. From The Lonely Afternoon – Flora Purim
4. Black Narcissus – Flora Purim
SIDE D
1. When Angels Cry – Airto Moreira
2. O Sonho (Moon Dreams) – Airto Moreira
3. Summer Night – Flora Purim
DISC 3
SIDE E
1. A Secret from the Sea – Flora Purim
2. O Cantador / I Just Want To Be Here – Flora Purim
3. Light As A Feather – Flora Purim
4. O Canto da Sereia – Flora Purim
SIDE F
1. Open Your Eyes You Can Fly – Flora Purim
2. Hot Sand – Airto
3. Parana – Airto Moreira
4. Jump – Airto
DISC 4
SIDE G
1. Fingers (El Rada) – Airto Moreira
2. Toque de Cuica – Airto Moreira
3. Romance of Death – Airto Moreira
4. Peasant Dance – Airto
SIDE H
1. Samba De Flora – Airto
2. Amajour – Airto Moreira
3. The Road is Hard (But We’re Going To Make It) – Airto Moreira
DISC 5
SIDE I
1. Above The Rainbow – Flora Purim
2. Love Lock – Flora Purim
3. What Can I Say? – Flora Purim
4. Musikana – Airto
SIDE J
1. The Happy People – Airto Moreira
2. Dom-Um (A Good Friend) – Airto Moreira
3. Hungry on Arrival – Outernational Meltdown
More
Airto Moreira and Flora Purim, the legendary King and Queen of Brazilian Jazz, have captivated audiences for over six decades with their vibrant albums and exhilarating live performances. With a dedicated global fan base including the UK’s jazz funk and jazz dance scene to Japan’s concert halls, the power couple continues to make waves in the industry – Flora’s ‘If You Will’ (2022) album was even nominated for a Grammy!
The duo met and came together musically in Sambalanço and the Sambrasa Trio. The mixture of Airto’s rural Brazilian background and percussion talents and Flora’s classical training and involvement in the underground Bossa Nova movement, created a unique blend of sounds that resonates across generations. They have not only collaborated with music legends like Miles Davis and Chick Corea but have also produced ground-breaking music alongside the likes of Hermeto Pascoal.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including Flora’s arrest and incarceration in 1974, the duo’s close connection with friends-musicians like Thelonius Monk and Cannonball Adderley, their persistence and absolute passion for music have propelled them to the pinnacle of success. They worked with renowned musicians like Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, George Duke and producers such as Orin Keepnews and Creed Taylor.
Having been a part of numerous prestigious ensembles, including Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nations ensemble, Airto and Flora’s journey is a testament to their innovation and devotion to their craft. This collection offers a glimpse of that incredible journey, showcasing their extraordinary talent and unique sound and it’s also the first comp scanning their 60 year careers.
Compiled by Straight No Chaser editor/publisher Paul Bradshaw & Totally Wired Radio presenter Roberta Cutolo.
LP –
Tracklist
DISC 1
SIDE A
1. Jeito Bom de Sofrer – Flora Purim
2. Papo Furado (Jive Talking) – Airto Moreira
3. Xibaba (She-Ba-Ba) – Airto
4. Andei – Airto
5. Back Streets Of Havana – Airto Moreira
SIDE B
1. Flora’s Song – Airto
2. San Francisco River – Flora Purim
3. Vera Cruz – Flora Purim
DISC 2
SIDE C
1. Celebration Suite – Airto Moreira
2. Casa Forte – Flora Purim
3. From The Lonely Afternoon – Flora Purim
4. Black Narcissus – Flora Purim
SIDE D
1. When Angels Cry – Airto Moreira
2. O Sonho (Moon Dreams) – Airto Moreira
3. Summer Night – Flora Purim
DISC 3
SIDE E
1. A Secret from the Sea – Flora Purim
2. O Cantador / I Just Want To Be Here – Flora Purim
3. Light As A Feather – Flora Purim
4. O Canto da Sereia – Flora Purim
SIDE F
1. Open Your Eyes You Can Fly – Flora Purim
2. Hot Sand – Airto
3. Parana – Airto Moreira
4. Jump – Airto
DISC 4
SIDE G
1. Fingers (El Rada) – Airto Moreira
2. Toque de Cuica – Airto Moreira
3. Romance of Death – Airto Moreira
4. Peasant Dance – Airto
SIDE H
1. Samba De Flora – Airto
2. Amajour – Airto Moreira
3. The Road is Hard (But We’re Going To Make It) – Airto Moreira
DISC 5
SIDE I
1. Above The Rainbow – Flora Purim
2. Love Lock – Flora Purim
3. What Can I Say? – Flora Purim
4. Musikana – Airto
SIDE J
1. The Happy People – Airto Moreira
2. Dom-Um (A Good Friend) – Airto Moreira
3. Hungry on Arrival – Outernational Meltdown
More
With J Jazz volume 4, the BBE J Jazz Bullet Train continues its journey traversing the expansive landscape of modern Japanese jazz. Volume 4 is the latest in the universally praised compilation series exploring the best, rarest and most innovative jazz to emerge from the Far East. Please take your seats for a first-class ticket to J Jazz central.
This latest station stop off is with the famed Nippon Columbia label, one of the biggest labels in Japan, whose jazz output embraces every possible style imaginable. Focussing on the key years 1968-1981, J Jazz volume 4 sees compilers Tony Higgins and Mike Peden dig even deeper into their record collections and pull-out tracks that span styles ranging from solo to big band, jazz classical interpretations and heavy jazz rock, to febrile post-bop, white hot samba fusion, and modal psychedelic wig-outs.
J Jazz volume 4 features icons such as drum master Takeo Moriyama, keyboard magi Hiromasa Suzuki, Fumio Itabashi, and Masahiko Satoh, and guitar wizards Kazumi Watanabe and Kiyoshi Sugimoto, alongside big band maestros and innovators Nobuo Hara and his Sharps and Flats, and Toshiyuki Miyama’s New Herd. Thunderous basslines nestle alongside glistening runs of electric piano, bubbling synths and air-tight drumming as the heavy psychedelic modal blues of Jiro Inagaki flows with the infectious samba grooves of Takashi Mizuhashi featuring Herbie Hancock; Shigeharu Mukai’s fusion funk epics take the music to another level and Mikio Masuda’s driving keyboard rhythms brings the heat to an incendiary dancefloor zone.
With 7,000 words of extensive sleeve notes, J Jazz vol 4 comes in a triple 180g vinyl set inside a deluxe gatefold sleeve with obi strip plus a 4 page insert. The double CD features two bonus tracks not on the vinyl edition. Mastered at the Grammy-nominated Carvery Studio by Frank Merritt, this latest collection is a worthy successor to the preceding three volumes that have set the bar so high.
J Jazz is curated for BBE Music by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden.
Tracklist LP:
1. Exchange – Takeo Moriyama
2. The Ground For Peace – Jiro Inagaki & His Soul Media
3. Chakkiri Bushi – Nobuo Hara and his Sharps & Flats, Hozan Yamamoto
4. Trial Road – Tomoki Takahashi
5. A Muddy Muffin – Masahiko Sato
6. Samba de Negrito – Takashi Mizuhashi & Herbie Hancock
7. Scramble – Hiromasa Suzuki
9. Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun – Nobuo Hara and His Sharps & Flats
10. Jones Street – Kiyoshi Sugimoto
11. By The Red Stream – Hiromasa Suzuki, Jiro Inagaki & Big Soul Media
12. Kaleidoscope (Edit) – Mickie Yoshino & Kazumi Watanabe
13. Ougi Denju-shiki – Toshiyuki Miyama and His New Herd
14. Toppu – Shigeharu Mukai
15. Mickey’s Samba – Mikio Masuda
More
This latest station stop off is with the famed Nippon Columbia label, one of the biggest labels in Japan, whose jazz output embraces every possible style imaginable. Focussing on the key years 1968-1981, J Jazz volume 4 sees compilers Tony Higgins and Mike Peden dig even deeper into their record collections and pull-out tracks that span styles ranging from solo to big band, jazz classical interpretations and heavy jazz rock, to febrile post-bop, white hot samba fusion, and modal psychedelic wig-outs.
J Jazz volume 4 features icons such as drum master Takeo Moriyama, keyboard magi Hiromasa Suzuki, Fumio Itabashi, and Masahiko Satoh, and guitar wizards Kazumi Watanabe and Kiyoshi Sugimoto, alongside big band maestros and innovators Nobuo Hara and his Sharps and Flats, and Toshiyuki Miyama’s New Herd. Thunderous basslines nestle alongside glistening runs of electric piano, bubbling synths and air-tight drumming as the heavy psychedelic modal blues of Jiro Inagaki flows with the infectious samba grooves of Takashi Mizuhashi featuring Herbie Hancock; Shigeharu Mukai’s fusion funk epics take the music to another level and Mikio Masuda’s driving keyboard rhythms brings the heat to an incendiary dancefloor zone.
With 7,000 words of extensive sleeve notes, J Jazz vol 4 comes in a triple 180g vinyl set inside a deluxe gatefold sleeve with obi strip plus a 4 page insert. The double CD features two bonus tracks not on the vinyl edition. Mastered at the Grammy-nominated Carvery Studio by Frank Merritt, this latest collection is a worthy successor to the preceding three volumes that have set the bar so high.
J Jazz is curated for BBE Music by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden.
Tracklist LP:
1. Exchange – Takeo Moriyama
2. The Ground For Peace – Jiro Inagaki & His Soul Media
3. Chakkiri Bushi – Nobuo Hara and his Sharps & Flats, Hozan Yamamoto
4. Trial Road – Tomoki Takahashi
5. A Muddy Muffin – Masahiko Sato
6. Samba de Negrito – Takashi Mizuhashi & Herbie Hancock
7. Scramble – Hiromasa Suzuki
9. Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun – Nobuo Hara and His Sharps & Flats
10. Jones Street – Kiyoshi Sugimoto
11. By The Red Stream – Hiromasa Suzuki, Jiro Inagaki & Big Soul Media
12. Kaleidoscope (Edit) – Mickie Yoshino & Kazumi Watanabe
13. Ougi Denju-shiki – Toshiyuki Miyama and His New Herd
14. Toppu – Shigeharu Mukai
15. Mickey’s Samba – Mikio Masuda
More
apan has produced some exceptionally talented jazz drummers and among them is Tatsuya Nakamura, who joins the BBE Music J Jazz Masterclass Series with his album ‘Locus’ from 1984, a session covering several bases, from heavy percussive samba to meditative avant-ambient. This is the album’s first ever reissue, although a track from ‘Locus’, ‘1/4 Samba’, was included on J Jazz vol. 3.
Nakamura began his drumming career as a teenager, inspired after seeing the documentary film “Jazz on A Summer’s Day” and listening to his idols Art Blakey and Miles Davis. By his early twenties, Nakamura was working with such luminaries as free jazz guitarist Masayuki Takayanagi, pianist Masaru Imada and band leader & composer Mitsuaki Kanno. In the mid-70s, like several other Japanese jazz players, Nakamura decided to make the move to New York where he studied drumming with Roy Haynes, and performed with members of the AACM and players from the loft and free jazz scenes including Richard Davis, George Adams, John Hicks, and Pharaoh Sanders. Returning to Japan, Nakamura continued playing as leader of his Japanese band The Jazz Fellows and in 1979, he went into the studio as leader for the classic “Where Is The Quarter” session featuring Masaru Imada, Hideto Kanai and Kenji Mori... more
A1. Locus (12:16)
A2. Wow (07:50)
B1. ¼ Samba II (11:43)
B2. Ballad (07:58) More
Nakamura began his drumming career as a teenager, inspired after seeing the documentary film “Jazz on A Summer’s Day” and listening to his idols Art Blakey and Miles Davis. By his early twenties, Nakamura was working with such luminaries as free jazz guitarist Masayuki Takayanagi, pianist Masaru Imada and band leader & composer Mitsuaki Kanno. In the mid-70s, like several other Japanese jazz players, Nakamura decided to make the move to New York where he studied drumming with Roy Haynes, and performed with members of the AACM and players from the loft and free jazz scenes including Richard Davis, George Adams, John Hicks, and Pharaoh Sanders. Returning to Japan, Nakamura continued playing as leader of his Japanese band The Jazz Fellows and in 1979, he went into the studio as leader for the classic “Where Is The Quarter” session featuring Masaru Imada, Hideto Kanai and Kenji Mori... more
A1. Locus (12:16)
A2. Wow (07:50)
B1. ¼ Samba II (11:43)
B2. Ballad (07:58) More
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Field Records proudly presents the first complete vinyl edition of Monolake’s seminal excursion into experimental dub techno, Hongkong. Originally released on the now-classic Chain Reaction label in 1997, this collection of early singles by Robert Henke and Gerhard Behles has gone on to become a vital listening experience in its own right - a genre classic alongside the other groundbreaking works from the likes of Porter Ricks and Vladislav Delay.
The tracks which make up Hongkong were made while Henke and Behles studied computer science and immersed themselves in Berlin’s techno scene. Their early forays into computer-based music production were enabled by the use of the Max/MSP programming environment, forming a backdrop to the landmark work they would undertake in developing the Ableton Live DAW. Henke and Behles travelled to Hong Kong in 1996 to attend the annual International Computer Music Conference, and while there recorded extensive field recordings. These recordings became the glue that pieced together their collaborative tracks into a fluid listening experience for a CD-compilation at Chain Reaction’s request.
While absolutely rooted in the embryonic sound of European dub techno, Monolake’s early work possesses a back room, headphone-ready demeanour which lends itself to the album listening experience. In the cascade of rhythms created by precision engineered delays and subliminal, expansive spatial world building occurring throughout Hongkong, the stage is set for a full and thorough immersion. Before the Monolake sound progressed into a more pointillist form of computer music as Henke’s solo project, Hongkong presented a gritty, grainy sonic still tied in some way to the traditional methods of techno production, even as the artists’ ideas were sending the sequencing and arranging in exciting new directions.
Remastered and presented for the first time as a complete double 12” package, this is the definitive edition of an essential work in the evolution of experimental techno. As Henke himself explains, “twenty-five years later, this record still holds immense value to me in many ways.” More
The tracks which make up Hongkong were made while Henke and Behles studied computer science and immersed themselves in Berlin’s techno scene. Their early forays into computer-based music production were enabled by the use of the Max/MSP programming environment, forming a backdrop to the landmark work they would undertake in developing the Ableton Live DAW. Henke and Behles travelled to Hong Kong in 1996 to attend the annual International Computer Music Conference, and while there recorded extensive field recordings. These recordings became the glue that pieced together their collaborative tracks into a fluid listening experience for a CD-compilation at Chain Reaction’s request.
While absolutely rooted in the embryonic sound of European dub techno, Monolake’s early work possesses a back room, headphone-ready demeanour which lends itself to the album listening experience. In the cascade of rhythms created by precision engineered delays and subliminal, expansive spatial world building occurring throughout Hongkong, the stage is set for a full and thorough immersion. Before the Monolake sound progressed into a more pointillist form of computer music as Henke’s solo project, Hongkong presented a gritty, grainy sonic still tied in some way to the traditional methods of techno production, even as the artists’ ideas were sending the sequencing and arranging in exciting new directions.
Remastered and presented for the first time as a complete double 12” package, this is the definitive edition of an essential work in the evolution of experimental techno. As Henke himself explains, “twenty-five years later, this record still holds immense value to me in many ways.” More
BBE Music presents J Jazz volume 3, the latest in its definitive compilation series exploring the finest modern jazz from Japan.
Since the first volume in February 2018, the J Jazz compilation series has showcased some of the most creative, inspired, and sought-after jazz recorded in Japan during a golden period spanning the 1960s to the 1980s. Illustrating the richness and versatility of the composers and musicians on this collection, the music spans a wide yet coherent range of styles: samba, funk fusion, modal, spiritual, post-bop, and bossa all combine to present an aural portrait of a jazz scene that was constantly moving and shifting its multiple musical centres of gravity.
Mastered at the Grammy-nominated Carvery studio in London, many of the tracks featured are reissued for the first time, including mega-rare private press cuts from the Yasuhiro Kohno Trio, Masaru Imada Trio, and Hideyasu Terakawa Quartet. There’s heavy post modal bop by J Jazz legends Kohsuke Mine and Koichi Matsukaze; samba heat from Tatsuya Nakamura, Hideo Shiraki and Seiichi Nakamura; and funky dance floor energy by Hiroshi Murakami, Ryojiro Furusawa Quartet and Shigeharu Mukai.
Vinyl Tracklist
1. Yasuhiro Kohno Trio + One – Song Of Island
2. Shigeharu Mukai – Cumulonimbus
3. Kohsuke Mine – Morning Tide
4. Hideyasu Terakawa Quartet Featuring Hiroshi Fujii – Black Nile
5. Aki Takase Trio – Song for Hope
6. Itakura Katsuyuki Trio – Honey Sanba
7. Ryusei Tomoyose Quartet – Kirisame
8. Masao Nakajima Quartet – Kemo Sabe
9. Hiroshi Murakami & Dancing Sphinx – Phoebus
10. Masaru Imada Trio + 1 – Planets
11. Tatsuya Nakamura – ¼ Samba II
12. Eiji Nakayama – Cumorah
13. Koichi Matsukaze Trio feat Ryojiro Furusawa – Acoustic Chicken More
Since the first volume in February 2018, the J Jazz compilation series has showcased some of the most creative, inspired, and sought-after jazz recorded in Japan during a golden period spanning the 1960s to the 1980s. Illustrating the richness and versatility of the composers and musicians on this collection, the music spans a wide yet coherent range of styles: samba, funk fusion, modal, spiritual, post-bop, and bossa all combine to present an aural portrait of a jazz scene that was constantly moving and shifting its multiple musical centres of gravity.
Mastered at the Grammy-nominated Carvery studio in London, many of the tracks featured are reissued for the first time, including mega-rare private press cuts from the Yasuhiro Kohno Trio, Masaru Imada Trio, and Hideyasu Terakawa Quartet. There’s heavy post modal bop by J Jazz legends Kohsuke Mine and Koichi Matsukaze; samba heat from Tatsuya Nakamura, Hideo Shiraki and Seiichi Nakamura; and funky dance floor energy by Hiroshi Murakami, Ryojiro Furusawa Quartet and Shigeharu Mukai.
Vinyl Tracklist
1. Yasuhiro Kohno Trio + One – Song Of Island
2. Shigeharu Mukai – Cumulonimbus
3. Kohsuke Mine – Morning Tide
4. Hideyasu Terakawa Quartet Featuring Hiroshi Fujii – Black Nile
5. Aki Takase Trio – Song for Hope
6. Itakura Katsuyuki Trio – Honey Sanba
7. Ryusei Tomoyose Quartet – Kirisame
8. Masao Nakajima Quartet – Kemo Sabe
9. Hiroshi Murakami & Dancing Sphinx – Phoebus
10. Masaru Imada Trio + 1 – Planets
11. Tatsuya Nakamura – ¼ Samba II
12. Eiji Nakayama – Cumorah
13. Koichi Matsukaze Trio feat Ryojiro Furusawa – Acoustic Chicken More
apan has produced some exceptionally talented jazz drummers and among them is Tatsuya Nakamura, who joins the BBE Music J Jazz Masterclass Series with his album ‘Locus’ from 1984, a session covering several bases, from heavy percussive samba to meditative avant-ambient. This is the album’s first ever reissue, although a track from ‘Locus’, ‘1/4 Samba’, was included on J Jazz vol. 3.
Nakamura began his drumming career as a teenager, inspired after seeing the documentary film “Jazz on A Summer’s Day” and listening to his idols Art Blakey and Miles Davis. By his early twenties, Nakamura was working with such luminaries as free jazz guitarist Masayuki Takayanagi, pianist Masaru Imada and band leader & composer Mitsuaki Kanno. In the mid-70s, like several other Japanese jazz players, Nakamura decided to make the move to New York where he studied drumming with Roy Haynes, and performed with members of the AACM and players from the loft and free jazz scenes including Richard Davis, George Adams, John Hicks, and Pharaoh Sanders. Returning to Japan, Nakamura continued playing as leader of his Japanese band The Jazz Fellows and in 1979, he went into the studio as leader for the classic “Where Is The Quarter” session featuring Masaru Imada, Hideto Kanai and Kenji Mori... more
A1. Locus (12:16)
A2. Wow (07:50)
B1. ¼ Samba II (11:43)
B2. Ballad (07:58) More
Nakamura began his drumming career as a teenager, inspired after seeing the documentary film “Jazz on A Summer’s Day” and listening to his idols Art Blakey and Miles Davis. By his early twenties, Nakamura was working with such luminaries as free jazz guitarist Masayuki Takayanagi, pianist Masaru Imada and band leader & composer Mitsuaki Kanno. In the mid-70s, like several other Japanese jazz players, Nakamura decided to make the move to New York where he studied drumming with Roy Haynes, and performed with members of the AACM and players from the loft and free jazz scenes including Richard Davis, George Adams, John Hicks, and Pharaoh Sanders. Returning to Japan, Nakamura continued playing as leader of his Japanese band The Jazz Fellows and in 1979, he went into the studio as leader for the classic “Where Is The Quarter” session featuring Masaru Imada, Hideto Kanai and Kenji Mori... more
A1. Locus (12:16)
A2. Wow (07:50)
B1. ¼ Samba II (11:43)
B2. Ballad (07:58) More
Former member of A Forest Mighty Black and founder of Tru¨by Trio, Rainer Trueby presents his new compilation, Soulgliding, released on BBE Music.
Starting life as a group on Facebook, ‘Soulgliding’ is a phrase coined by Rainer Trueby to describe the more languid, smoother side of 2-Step, Boogie, Modern Soul and even Jazz. This silky collection spans several decades and sums up what Soulgliding is all about: evocative airy music that feels like a dream-flight across a friendly sky.
Or, as Patrick Forge puts it in his wonderful sleeve notes…
“Soulgliding….. It’s all in that word, a stroke of genius, no explanation needed, I knew what it was about before I even read the rules. Anyway there was only one rule that really mattered, the speed limit, nothing beyond 110bpm. What I didn’t know when Rainer first convened the eponymous Facebook group was just how addictive it would be. Several months of sharing, liking, commenting, loving and frantic dives into Discogs later, and Soulgliding has become a thing. A genre? Well, almost. This selection lovingly compiled by Rainer himself goes a long way to solidify the notion and stake a claim on the territory.
This set of gliders has all the elements; from the slow (enough!) boogie of Crystal Winds, to the jazzy excursions courtesy of Ambiance and Les Hooper, and a clutch of tunes that are closer to the original 2-Step blueprint from Demo Cates, Bridge, Cloud One and Donna McGhee. Then there are the eighties drum machine grooves of Patrice Rushen and Fifth Of Heaven and the ethereal beatless magic of Peter Brown’s “Without Love”. A selection that manages to amalgamate plenty of obscurities without losing the essence, a selection which shimmers, soothes, inspires……glides.”
Vinyl track listing:
A1 Ray & James: Nature Boy
A2 Crystal Winds: Lovers Holiday
A3 Cast: Sweetness
B1 Mellaa: Makin´Love In The Fast Lane
B2 Patrice Rushen: To Each His Own
B3 Les Hooper: Lady Of The Night
C1 Fifth Of Heaven: Just A Little More
C2 Bridge: Next To Me
C3 Ambiance: Camouflage
D1 Demo Cates: Memories Of Memories
D2 Personal Touch: It Ain´t No Big Thing
D3 Peter Brown: Without Love
D4 Cloud One: Dust To Dust More
Starting life as a group on Facebook, ‘Soulgliding’ is a phrase coined by Rainer Trueby to describe the more languid, smoother side of 2-Step, Boogie, Modern Soul and even Jazz. This silky collection spans several decades and sums up what Soulgliding is all about: evocative airy music that feels like a dream-flight across a friendly sky.
Or, as Patrick Forge puts it in his wonderful sleeve notes…
“Soulgliding….. It’s all in that word, a stroke of genius, no explanation needed, I knew what it was about before I even read the rules. Anyway there was only one rule that really mattered, the speed limit, nothing beyond 110bpm. What I didn’t know when Rainer first convened the eponymous Facebook group was just how addictive it would be. Several months of sharing, liking, commenting, loving and frantic dives into Discogs later, and Soulgliding has become a thing. A genre? Well, almost. This selection lovingly compiled by Rainer himself goes a long way to solidify the notion and stake a claim on the territory.
This set of gliders has all the elements; from the slow (enough!) boogie of Crystal Winds, to the jazzy excursions courtesy of Ambiance and Les Hooper, and a clutch of tunes that are closer to the original 2-Step blueprint from Demo Cates, Bridge, Cloud One and Donna McGhee. Then there are the eighties drum machine grooves of Patrice Rushen and Fifth Of Heaven and the ethereal beatless magic of Peter Brown’s “Without Love”. A selection that manages to amalgamate plenty of obscurities without losing the essence, a selection which shimmers, soothes, inspires……glides.”
Vinyl track listing:
A1 Ray & James: Nature Boy
A2 Crystal Winds: Lovers Holiday
A3 Cast: Sweetness
B1 Mellaa: Makin´Love In The Fast Lane
B2 Patrice Rushen: To Each His Own
B3 Les Hooper: Lady Of The Night
C1 Fifth Of Heaven: Just A Little More
C2 Bridge: Next To Me
C3 Ambiance: Camouflage
D1 Demo Cates: Memories Of Memories
D2 Personal Touch: It Ain´t No Big Thing
D3 Peter Brown: Without Love
D4 Cloud One: Dust To Dust More
1
letta mbulu - Sweet Juju
2
letta mbulu - Nomalizo
3
letta mbulu - Nkedama
4
letta mbulu - Hamba Nam We
5
letta mbulu - Vumani Makhos
6
letta mbulu - Down By The River
7
letta mbulu - The Village
2023 repress
Tracklist:
A1 Sweet Juju (4:45)
A2 Nomalizo (5:10)
A3 Nkedama (4:44)
A4 Hamba Nam We (4:36)
B1 Vumani Makhosi (4:57)
B2 Down By The River (5:09)
B3 The Village (4:25)
Release Notes
Originally released in South Africa in 1983, In The Music… The Village Never Ends is one of those holy grail African records that barely needs any introduction. Featuring the enormous “Nomalizo”, it’s a record that aficionados around the world have been waiting many years for. Now, Be With Records proudly presents the hugely anticipated vinyl reissue of this bona fide classic.
This release is officially licensed and has been lovingly mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis (Claremont 56 mastering engineer). It has been pressed on audiophile 180g vinyl for the first time and features the original, rarely seen artwork.
South African singer Letta Mbulu possesses one of the most beautiful voices the world has ever known. Her immaculate voice emits a sweetness that radiates from deep within, brimming with a joy of life and inspiring a spirit of hope and happiness. On this album, her voice soars over a strident musical force that veers between disco, soul and pop music of the most incredible kind. The gleaming guitars recall disco’s finest hours while the thump of the beats anticipate 80s British soul.
News of this reissue has already been causing a significant stir amongst those in the know so do not sleep on this - you have been warned! More
Tracklist:
A1 Sweet Juju (4:45)
A2 Nomalizo (5:10)
A3 Nkedama (4:44)
A4 Hamba Nam We (4:36)
B1 Vumani Makhosi (4:57)
B2 Down By The River (5:09)
B3 The Village (4:25)
Release Notes
Originally released in South Africa in 1983, In The Music… The Village Never Ends is one of those holy grail African records that barely needs any introduction. Featuring the enormous “Nomalizo”, it’s a record that aficionados around the world have been waiting many years for. Now, Be With Records proudly presents the hugely anticipated vinyl reissue of this bona fide classic.
This release is officially licensed and has been lovingly mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis (Claremont 56 mastering engineer). It has been pressed on audiophile 180g vinyl for the first time and features the original, rarely seen artwork.
South African singer Letta Mbulu possesses one of the most beautiful voices the world has ever known. Her immaculate voice emits a sweetness that radiates from deep within, brimming with a joy of life and inspiring a spirit of hope and happiness. On this album, her voice soars over a strident musical force that veers between disco, soul and pop music of the most incredible kind. The gleaming guitars recall disco’s finest hours while the thump of the beats anticipate 80s British soul.
News of this reissue has already been causing a significant stir amongst those in the know so do not sleep on this - you have been warned! More
(Pressed on Black vinyl, LP with OBI, Originally released in 1976) 2023 pressing Japanese Import of the Japanese Jazz-Funk classic. Deeply involved in the works of Terumasa Hino, Akira Ishikawa and Jiro Inagaki the 1976 Jazz-funk classic 'Flying-High,' showed his innovativeness, which was always one step ahead of the times, in the overall financial results.
TRACKLIST
A1. High-Flying
A2. Screwdriver
A3. Scramble
B1. Between O&M
B2. Smash
B3. Straight Flash
B4. Out of Focus
INFO
Hiromasa Suzuki is a composer/arranger/key player who has been active in the Japanese music world, including jazz as well as movies, television and commercials. In the late ‘60s and mid-’70s, he was deeply involved in the works of Terumasa Hino, Akira Ishikawa and Jiro Inagaki in the most radical times. The album “High-Flying,” recorded in 1976, showed his innovativeness, which was always one step ahead of the times, in the overall financial results.
Composed By, Arranged By, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Piano, Electric Piano – Hiromasa Suzuki
Drums – Shuichi Murakami
Electric Bass – Akira Okazawa, Kenji Takamizu
Electric Guitar – Fujimaru Yoshino, Kiyoshi Sugimoto, Masayoshi Takanaka
Keyboards, Synthesizer – Jun Fukamachi
Percussion – Larry Sunaga
Producer, Flute, Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Jiro Inagaki
Vocals – Kayoko Ishu More
TRACKLIST
A1. High-Flying
A2. Screwdriver
A3. Scramble
B1. Between O&M
B2. Smash
B3. Straight Flash
B4. Out of Focus
INFO
Hiromasa Suzuki is a composer/arranger/key player who has been active in the Japanese music world, including jazz as well as movies, television and commercials. In the late ‘60s and mid-’70s, he was deeply involved in the works of Terumasa Hino, Akira Ishikawa and Jiro Inagaki in the most radical times. The album “High-Flying,” recorded in 1976, showed his innovativeness, which was always one step ahead of the times, in the overall financial results.
Composed By, Arranged By, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Piano, Electric Piano – Hiromasa Suzuki
Drums – Shuichi Murakami
Electric Bass – Akira Okazawa, Kenji Takamizu
Electric Guitar – Fujimaru Yoshino, Kiyoshi Sugimoto, Masayoshi Takanaka
Keyboards, Synthesizer – Jun Fukamachi
Percussion – Larry Sunaga
Producer, Flute, Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Jiro Inagaki
Vocals – Kayoko Ishu More
1
The Mighty Cavaliers - Wacha Maneno
2
The Mighty Cavaliers - Baruwa Ya Soweto
3
The Mighty Cavaliers - Africa Tuungane
4
The Mighty Cavaliers - Mama Come Home
5
The Mighty Cavaliers - Mapendo Mapendo
6
The Mighty Cavaliers - Mambo Bado
7
The Mighty Cavaliers - Wacha Tabia Mbaya
8
The Mighty Cavaliers - Mimi Ni Wako
9
The Mighty Cavaliers - Bring Your Love
10
The Mighty Cavaliers - Nifanye Nini
The Mapendo album of the Mighty Cavaliers, up to today, has been shrouded in mystery. If you look at the original cover of this very rare Kenyan funk-infused album all you will find are the names of the engineer and the producer, as EMI Kenya omitted the names of the musicians and the songwriters. Digging deeper a rather sinister story of deceit develops whereby Mapendo becomes symbolic for all what was wrong about the Kenyan record industry in the 1970s, and the music industry in Africa as a whole. As this maltreatment of artists proved endemic throughout the continent, although little talked about.
One of the three surviving members of the Mighty Cavaliers, bass player Bonnie Wanda - who started his career in 1971 with Gloria Africana - vividly remembers participating in the recording of the two albums the band made in 1976 and 1977 - Fisherman and Mapendo - and how they, especially on the last album, got short-changed by shrewd record label executives. In the 1960s it was mostly Indian and European record bosses that called the shots and usually gave musicians the chance of a one-off payment for their session time and recorded songs or wait for - hopefully - a generous royalty check. In most cases records didn't sell more than a thousand copies with an occasional hit selling in the tens of thousands, so musicians were reluctant to register themselves with the Music Copyright Society of Kenya. Although without doing so one couldn't receive royalties.
'For two years the Mighty Cavaliers performed five nights a week at the Starlight Club for five hour sets.
The re-release of Mapendo, the first of the German Want Some Records label, is another exciting puzzle piece in the tapestry of groovy Kenyan music. It proves that there are still great gems out there to be re-discovered for audiences worldwide.
Text written by Michiel van Oosterhout
This Album is dedicated to the musicians
Bonnie Wanda, Rashid Salim, Vuli Yeni, Juma Waweru Njuguna and Athmani 'guitar boy'."
-------------------------
All songs, Composed, Arranged, Produced or Performed
by The Mighty Cavaliers.
Graphic Design: Benjamin Kühne (Cover restauration/Label Design); Tom Krailing (Sticker Design)
Written By: Michiel van Oosterhout
Text Editing: Nebil
Mastered by: Nick Robbins (Soundmastering)
All tracks are under exclusive license of Want Some Records. Licensed from Daudi Kabaka/Reuben Kabaka."
Tracklist:
A1: Wacha Maneno
A2: Baruwa Ya Soweto
A3: Africa Tuungane
A4: Mama Come Home
A5: Mapendo Mapendo
B1: Mambo Bado
B2: Wacha Tabia Mbaya
B3: Mimi Ni Wako
B4: Bring Your Love
B5: Nifanye Nini
More
One of the three surviving members of the Mighty Cavaliers, bass player Bonnie Wanda - who started his career in 1971 with Gloria Africana - vividly remembers participating in the recording of the two albums the band made in 1976 and 1977 - Fisherman and Mapendo - and how they, especially on the last album, got short-changed by shrewd record label executives. In the 1960s it was mostly Indian and European record bosses that called the shots and usually gave musicians the chance of a one-off payment for their session time and recorded songs or wait for - hopefully - a generous royalty check. In most cases records didn't sell more than a thousand copies with an occasional hit selling in the tens of thousands, so musicians were reluctant to register themselves with the Music Copyright Society of Kenya. Although without doing so one couldn't receive royalties.
'For two years the Mighty Cavaliers performed five nights a week at the Starlight Club for five hour sets.
The re-release of Mapendo, the first of the German Want Some Records label, is another exciting puzzle piece in the tapestry of groovy Kenyan music. It proves that there are still great gems out there to be re-discovered for audiences worldwide.
Text written by Michiel van Oosterhout
This Album is dedicated to the musicians
Bonnie Wanda, Rashid Salim, Vuli Yeni, Juma Waweru Njuguna and Athmani 'guitar boy'."
-------------------------
All songs, Composed, Arranged, Produced or Performed
by The Mighty Cavaliers.
Graphic Design: Benjamin Kühne (Cover restauration/Label Design); Tom Krailing (Sticker Design)
Written By: Michiel van Oosterhout
Text Editing: Nebil
Mastered by: Nick Robbins (Soundmastering)
All tracks are under exclusive license of Want Some Records. Licensed from Daudi Kabaka/Reuben Kabaka."
Tracklist:
A1: Wacha Maneno
A2: Baruwa Ya Soweto
A3: Africa Tuungane
A4: Mama Come Home
A5: Mapendo Mapendo
B1: Mambo Bado
B2: Wacha Tabia Mbaya
B3: Mimi Ni Wako
B4: Bring Your Love
B5: Nifanye Nini
More
Strut continue their in-depth work with Oneness Of Juju"s Plunky Branch with the first ever reissue of the powerful 1973 album for Strata-East, "A Message From Mozambique". The roots of JuJu started in San Francisco after Plunky had met his musical mentor, Zulu musician Ndikho Xaba, helping to form his band Ndikho and The Natives. Three members of The Natives (Plunky, bassist Ken Shabala and vibes / flute player Lon Moshe) then joined Marvin X"s theatrical production The Resurrection Of The Dead, joining local musicians Al-Hammel Rasul (keyboards), Babatunde Lea (percussion) and Jalango Ngoma (timbales).
Tracklist
1.1Struggle (Home)
1.2Soledad Brothers
1.3Freedom Fighter
1.4Make Your Own Revolution Now
1.5Father Is Back
1.6Nairobi / Chants (Traditional)
More
Tracklist
1.1Struggle (Home)
1.2Soledad Brothers
1.3Freedom Fighter
1.4Make Your Own Revolution Now
1.5Father Is Back
1.6Nairobi / Chants (Traditional)
More
1
Nucleus - Phaideaux Corner (6:17)
2
Nucleus - Alleycat (14:15)
3
Nucleus - Splat (11:41)
4
Nucleus - You Can’t Be Sure (4:14)
5
Nucleus - Nosegay (4:51)
Format Notes: 2022 re-issue, 140g vinyl, remastered from the original tapes
Territories: Worldwide no restrictions
Track List:
A1 : Phaideaux Corner (6:17)
A2 : Alleycat (14:15)
B1 : Splat (11:41)
B2 : You Can’t Be Sure (4:14)
B3 : Nosegay (4:51)
Release Notes:
Come for the leopard, stay for the stone cold jams. Yet another thrilling, funky-prog jazzy-rock fusion beauty from Ian Carr’s Nucleus. Originally released on Vertigo in 1975, Alleycat was never re-pressed so those original copies are now very tricky to score. Like all the Nucleus records, it’s aged ridiculously well and this Be With re-issue, re-mastered from the original analogue tapes, shows off just why this deserves to be back in press.
Genius trumpeter and visionary composer Ian Carr was one of the most respected British musicians of his era. He was a true pioneer and saw the potential in fusing the worlds of jazz with rock, just as Miles Davis and The Tony Williams Lifetime did in the US. In late 1969, following the demise of the Rendell-Carr quintet, and tiring of British jazz, Carr assembled the legendary Nucleus. Regarding music as a continuous process, Nucleus refused to “recognise rigid boundaries” and worked on delivering what they saw as a “total musical experience”. We can get behind that.
Under bandleader Carr, Nucleus existed as a fluid line-up of inventive, skilled musicians. This constant evolution and revolution was all part of the continuous musical exploration and discovery that took jazz to new levels. And the music has stayed relevant. To steal a line from a recent review of our re-issue of Roots, when it comes to anything Nucleus “it’s basically already hip-hop”.
Alleycat was the last Nucleus album recorded for the Vertigo label. Released in 1975, it was again meticulously produced by Jon Hiseman and is every bit as sinuous as anything else the group had recorded. As far as riff-laden accidental cop-funk goes, there’s so much energy coursing through the music that at times it sounds like a live recording. It’s pretty unbeatable.
Uptempo opener “Phaideaux Corner” is a funk-flavoured opus with a groove that simply swaggers. This trademark Roger Sutton piece benefits from Trevor Tomkins’s percussive expertise and some excellent sax and keyboard soloing. Check out Geoff Castle on squelchy, stabbing Moog duties. Ian Carr’s elegantly laidback title track is a lengthy suite of magisterial themes. Typically complex, it still gets you hooked and is just riddled with the funk. Carr builds up his initially “straight” trumpet solo with later use of echo to mesmeric effect. And there’s some excellent wah-wah guitar shredding by Ken Shaw too. Nice.
The second side opens with the killer “Splat” and finds Nucleus really ripping it up. A fat, funky bass guitar riff introduces us to the track and stays with us until the end. The often mangled bass groove is pushed along by rattling drums and percussion, dropping out for some restful moments of spacey calm, and along the way picking up some lengthy keyboard noodling by Castle. So so good.
The cool “You Can’t Be Sure” is a gentle jam with Shaw on 12-string acoustic guitar, together with Carr’s muted trumpet and some marvellous fretless work from Sutton for extra colour. The album closes with Bob Bertles’ galloping “Nosegay”, written perhaps as a response to some of the faster Mahavishnu Orchestra pieces. It’s an example of well crafted jazz-rock that doesn’t compromise any of its jazziness, yet it still very definitely rocks.
This Be With re-issue of Alleycat has been re-mastered from the original Vertigo master tapes, Simon Francis’ mastering working together with Pete Norman’s cut to weave their usual magic with these wonderful recordings. The cool AF cover - that leopard was just a cat before he heard Nucleus, you know - has been restored as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue.
More
Territories: Worldwide no restrictions
Track List:
A1 : Phaideaux Corner (6:17)
A2 : Alleycat (14:15)
B1 : Splat (11:41)
B2 : You Can’t Be Sure (4:14)
B3 : Nosegay (4:51)
Release Notes:
Come for the leopard, stay for the stone cold jams. Yet another thrilling, funky-prog jazzy-rock fusion beauty from Ian Carr’s Nucleus. Originally released on Vertigo in 1975, Alleycat was never re-pressed so those original copies are now very tricky to score. Like all the Nucleus records, it’s aged ridiculously well and this Be With re-issue, re-mastered from the original analogue tapes, shows off just why this deserves to be back in press.
Genius trumpeter and visionary composer Ian Carr was one of the most respected British musicians of his era. He was a true pioneer and saw the potential in fusing the worlds of jazz with rock, just as Miles Davis and The Tony Williams Lifetime did in the US. In late 1969, following the demise of the Rendell-Carr quintet, and tiring of British jazz, Carr assembled the legendary Nucleus. Regarding music as a continuous process, Nucleus refused to “recognise rigid boundaries” and worked on delivering what they saw as a “total musical experience”. We can get behind that.
Under bandleader Carr, Nucleus existed as a fluid line-up of inventive, skilled musicians. This constant evolution and revolution was all part of the continuous musical exploration and discovery that took jazz to new levels. And the music has stayed relevant. To steal a line from a recent review of our re-issue of Roots, when it comes to anything Nucleus “it’s basically already hip-hop”.
Alleycat was the last Nucleus album recorded for the Vertigo label. Released in 1975, it was again meticulously produced by Jon Hiseman and is every bit as sinuous as anything else the group had recorded. As far as riff-laden accidental cop-funk goes, there’s so much energy coursing through the music that at times it sounds like a live recording. It’s pretty unbeatable.
Uptempo opener “Phaideaux Corner” is a funk-flavoured opus with a groove that simply swaggers. This trademark Roger Sutton piece benefits from Trevor Tomkins’s percussive expertise and some excellent sax and keyboard soloing. Check out Geoff Castle on squelchy, stabbing Moog duties. Ian Carr’s elegantly laidback title track is a lengthy suite of magisterial themes. Typically complex, it still gets you hooked and is just riddled with the funk. Carr builds up his initially “straight” trumpet solo with later use of echo to mesmeric effect. And there’s some excellent wah-wah guitar shredding by Ken Shaw too. Nice.
The second side opens with the killer “Splat” and finds Nucleus really ripping it up. A fat, funky bass guitar riff introduces us to the track and stays with us until the end. The often mangled bass groove is pushed along by rattling drums and percussion, dropping out for some restful moments of spacey calm, and along the way picking up some lengthy keyboard noodling by Castle. So so good.
The cool “You Can’t Be Sure” is a gentle jam with Shaw on 12-string acoustic guitar, together with Carr’s muted trumpet and some marvellous fretless work from Sutton for extra colour. The album closes with Bob Bertles’ galloping “Nosegay”, written perhaps as a response to some of the faster Mahavishnu Orchestra pieces. It’s an example of well crafted jazz-rock that doesn’t compromise any of its jazziness, yet it still very definitely rocks.
This Be With re-issue of Alleycat has been re-mastered from the original Vertigo master tapes, Simon Francis’ mastering working together with Pete Norman’s cut to weave their usual magic with these wonderful recordings. The cool AF cover - that leopard was just a cat before he heard Nucleus, you know - has been restored as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue.
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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