Signature hypnotic organic rhythms recorded in 1996 by Debbie Jones and Robbert Heijnen as an incarnation of eXquisite CORpsE. These tracks have existed in digital limbo for a number of years and now receive a long overdue remastered vinyl release. Kindred spirit Anatolian Weapons lends his hand on remix duties with a devastating acid rework. More

The 3rd EP (of 4) looking at the music of Exquisite Corpse's output from 1992 to 1994. As with the rest of the series the music included covers the palette of Robbert Heynen's output and is presented here, remastered and redesigned for club play.
Working as ever with friend and engineer Tim Freeman, as well as partner Debbie Jones, Heynen's post-Psychick Warriors Ov Gaia productions took his techno, trance and tribal explorations to a new conclusions.
With Point Zero all these elements come together with possibly the strongest tracks of the EPs. Opening EC's sophomore album, Inner Light, there is confidence in the interplay between oscillating sequencing and rattling drums, perfectly and infectiously interweaving between headspace and dance floor.
B K S from the Dream Night Dance Music album follows and takes things down a notch. Ethnic leanings interplay with light percussion and a deep bass to pull you till dawn.
Side two opens with the clattering, syncro-rhythms of Traditional Ties With Dreaming. Taken from their debut EP, Reassembling Reality is itself the perfect elude. Quasi-dreamlands, drumming for 1000 musicians that loops and builds, dismembers and starts over like a gentile, hypnotic orchestra.
To complete the EP, Dream Night Dance Music appears again with Elevator showing a love of the original deep house odes emanating from Fingers and Jefferson of late 80s Chi Town. Fluorescent keys overlay somber drum and bass to sink the most melancholy sunsets. An end to the beginning. A beginning to the end. A third ending. More

The 4th and final EP of music from Exquisite Corpse brings to a close this series of rebirth and definition. Together, Robbert Heynen, Debbie Jones and Tim Freeman released in just 2 years a stream of sacred, serotonin beats and hypnotic tribal rhythms that shape shifted dance floors. Returning to the source, the debut Reassembling Reaility EP, with Hollywood. A confluence of steppa rim, spoken mystics, found sounds, synth-strings and rolling basslines. Join us. Leading to Strange Attractor from the prized Dream Night Dance album, familiarity and progression. Euphoric onrush, bottom end pulsing, sentimental strings, serene keys, pitch shift, a master class of less becoming more. Aural injection. Calling The Quarters off 1993's Inner Light album starts the final side in bestowing beauty; above so below, in front, behind, around. Raw, natural, fluctuating, moody, obscure. The mystery. The release and series completes with Etoiles. Again (aptly) drawn from 1992's Dream Night Dance Music, the hallmarks' of this underrated project are there. Detroit bass, lazy hats, counter claps, harmonies for modern times. Tribal. Ambient. Techno. The terms do not justify the music included. As it should be. Primal, sanctified, conscious, living. The journey ending. More

Platform 23 presents the 2nd (of 4) EPs of music from Exquisite Corpse. In Between Rhythms II, a deeper, ambient, percussive selection again returns to the project of Robbert Heijnen.
As part of the post punk / alternative Tilburg music scene of the mid-80s, Robbert influences of expression and interest in industrial and EBM is apparent. The move from the metallic sounds (as a member) of the early incarnation of Psychick Warriors Of Gaia to embrace the sounds emanating from late 80s Chicago and Detroit saw the band develop from their early cassette '1989' to the fully formed and now revered 1992 debut album, Ov Biospheres And Sacred Grooves (A Document Ov New Edge Folk Classics).
The parallels between this deep, trippy and haunting melodies meets tribal percussions, highlights some similarities of PWOG and Exquisite Corpse's outlook during this period. Looking further, upon leaving the former, the bands sound developed a harder edge, with more focus on rhythm and their exploratory properties indicating the nature of Heijnen influence and part in PWOG and how this was further explored when going solo in 1992.
The release starts with Shadow Play from his second album, 1993's Inner Light. Darkness descends to echo'd drums as the vestiges of developing European techno worlds can be heard in the distance. What A Life, from the Reassembling Reality EP, brings things down with an ambient beginning moving to Reich loops and sequencing that create shifting melodic horizons. A personal favourite of the artist, the EP saw the realization of the collaborations with Debbie Jones in design and life.
With the consistent presence of 'third member' - in mixing, engineering and support - from Tim Freeman, the songs in the series have a unique, but familiar and inclusive nature. This can again be heard in Sacrifice from the highly sought after Dream Night Dance Music album. The interplay of drums, claps and swing are enough alone to warrant acceptance. To close, Tepu returns to the Inner Light album. Darkness, Questioning. Calling. Second(s) ending. More

Split EP of psychedelic techno carefully selected from the archives of UK label Hollistic Recordings. Remastered and restored for the modern acid purveyor.
Features the epic 13 minute Elevate on the A side, produced by Iestyn Polson and Steve Dungey of Projective Vision and the chugging Levitate on the B side, produced by Iestyn Polson and Jason Meherin. More

Transmigration opens the vaults of prolific UK psychedelic producer Jake Stephenson, compiling a selection of his rarest and most sought after tracks including the Detroit inspired acid techno track "Symbiotic" and two previously CD only productions under the alias "Shamanic Tribes On Acid". Licensed in collaboration with the Stephenson family and remaster by ManMade Mastering. More

Influential proto Berlin techno from Effective Force, a duo consisting of former Clock DVA member Paul Browse and Johnny Klimek, ex bassist of German-Aussie New Wave act The Other Ones.

Produced in Berlin shortly after the fall of the wall, the EP draws on influences from the Industrial and EBM scene as well as the Occult and psychedelic research. Originally released as one of the first records on Mark Reeder's fledgling MFS records. More

The track 'Abyadh Aswad' is a manifestation of Ali's self-described Middle Eastern beats with Southeast Asian twists, specifically influenced by Indonesia. It offers tropical cruising vibes and tranquil melodies, incorporating Arabic lyrics and repetitive desert-like riffs. Floating melodies and background vocals inject a psychedelic element into the track. The lyrics themselves translate to 'Black and white in one vision.'

On the B-side, there is an instrumental track titled 'White Stallion.' It's a simply cinematic funk track with psychedelic elements and hypnotic repetitive riffs. This track aims to capture the adventurous landscape of Indonesia through music, offering a flat, chill, and contemplative vibe that would suit a cinematic soundtrack. More

Transmigration celebrates the 20th release milestone with a repress of Coil's The Snow EP. Released as a promotional single for the 1991 album Love's Secret Domain, it marks the influential groups closest brush with the dance floor. Featuring a set of remixes from Peter Christopherson, Jack Dangers and an early collaboration with Drew McDowall prior to joining the group.

Licensed by Danny Hyde and remastered by ManMade mastering. More

Beautiful ambient techno from multiple Grammy award winner James Sanger released via acid techno label "Triumph Records" in 1993. Clocking in at over 10 minutes it’s an elegant trip that demonstrates the production skills that would see James earn collaborations with everyone from Brian Eno to Madonna. Restored and remastered with a rolling dance floor dub from Sunju Hargun’s Eternal Injection alias on the B side. More

A beloved after hours production from Marcel Hol, immortalized as the opening track in Andrew Weatherall’s seminal 1993 Massive Mellow Mix. Reissued with two versatile remixes from Anatolian Weapons channeling 90’s chill out rooms and cosmic inclined dance floors alike. More

2022 Repress!

No introduction needed here, the collectors version of 2 previously re-issued LPs on Transmigration no available as one double LP. Now complete with Obi strip and insert.

Susumu Yokota's vision of techno - house, lovingly collected in collaboration with Space Teddy and the Yokota family. Presented through linear notes in English and Japanese with archival photos from Uwe Reineke and Mijk Van Dijk. All tracks have been remastered by Steffen Müller.
Very limited quantities! More

Originally released in 95’ via CD on the seminal U.S ambient label, Silent, Numinous Island is the result of live jam sessions between Yokota and Castle. Several original tracks were recorded to DAT tape and then mixed to create a long form audio travelogue to an otherworldly destination. The result is something similar to the KLF’s Chill Out paired with Yokota’s unmistakable sound palette and Castle’s gift for storytelling. The vinyl edition has been faithfully edited by David Fogarty for uninterrupted hi–fidelity vinyl playback, maintaining the original track sequencing and energy of the CD version. More

Extremely rare UK techno - raw, beautiful and haunting all in equal measure. Originally pressed in 1996 on a run of just 500 copies, this was the only record to be released on Alien Liaison Recordings. With no production credits on the original label, the record remained mysterious for many years. Fortunately in recent years the producer was identified to be South London resident Arinze Uyanneh. Now officially licensed, restored and remastered for modern use. More

The album Malaka is Ali’s desire to incorporate Middle Eastern culture (specifically music) with the elements of 70s Indonesian rock, cinematic soul, funk, disco, and afro beat to create a new groove and sound straight from the contemporary and vibrant Indonesian music scene. The title “Malaka” itself, represents the entrance where the Middle Eastern first come to Indonesia through trading in Malacca Strait / Channel many centuries ago. With all lyrics written in Arabic, this album builds on the influence of Middle Eastern art and music, which over centuries has assimilated itself deep into Indonesian culture and way of life. This album is trying to capture those long journeys, the “cultural dialogues” of our ancestors way back in the past, and bringing it back with modern touch through musical language. Malaka promises to deliver diverse and unique sounds (experience), with the mix between Middle Eastern and South East Asian cultures, in term of music. Which can’t be found in any other parts of the globe.

Sound engineer - Yosaviano Santoso & Jonathan Pardede
Mixing - Viki Vikranta
Music - Ali
Bass, vocal - Arswandaru
Drums, vocal - John Paul Patton
Guitar - Kevin Septanto
Guitar, vocal in “Crystal Sand” - Absar Lebeh
Additional Percussions - Ayla Adjie
Lyrics & Titles - Arswandaru & Abdul Kadir
Photography / Artwork - Michael Tartaglia
Cover lay out & graphic design - Arswandaru More

Three choice cuts from the back catalogue of Isomise, oscillating between house and techno with a deeply psychedelic edge.

Originally released on separate EPs throughout 1995 via the short lived but influential London based Flagbearer Records. The A side Intersection blends UK rave with a nascent tech house groove and hypnotic vocal while the B side is reserved for two expansive acid techno trips. More

Ultra rare techno trance from the UK’s Alan Hill. Elliptical Headz was a once off project that flawlessly blends lush synthesis with tasteful exotic sampling and robust drum programming. Originally released on Junkanoo Recordings in 1993, all tracks have been faithfully remastered for modern use and licensed in collaboration with the artists family. More

Haunting industrial electro EP from the depths of the Belgian underground. Hybryds is the long term project of former The Klinik member Sandy Nijs. Active for over 30 years and involving a rotating cast of collaborators, Hybryds draw influence from ancient rituals, mythicism and S&M to create a sound that is truly their own.Lust was originally released as a limited edition mail-order exclusive in 2002 by Spectre and has since become highly sought after. All tracks have been remastered by Ruud Lexx. More

Vibraphone Records presents 49th Floor - Zamani. incl. Magic K aka Juan Atkins RMX!
It's the first new release for 49th Floor after 1992 - highy recommended! More

Originally released in 2011 on 2 different EPs & out of print for a long time, those 3 remixes done by the legend Chez Damier gets a re-issue. A timeless classic. More

An introduction to our next release that we name DOUBLE JOURNEY.

Featured When we are all truly Free composed by Kuniyuki Takahashi. Taken from the forth coming Translate Pt 2 by Joe Claussell. When we are all Free takes one on a journey into cosmic landscapes and deep though provoking sounds. Residue I Believe by Joaquin Joe Claussell of deep tech house that continues to tap into and express the darker side of Joe Claussell

SORA
It is times such as these that further supports our choice of remedy and why our pursuit to delve deeper into the creative process remains relentless and of profound importance. Due to the unfortunate and dangerous constant overlooking the special gift bestowed upon all of us by the higher power, it calls upon us to continue forward with our mission for productive change which has become ever more crucial to reach. What we're referring to isn't exactly in plain sight for all to see, but obvious enough to those who care to pay attention. However, what has become undeniably apparent to us; is the powerful moving vibration that emits from sound and art and how we connect with them. It is a higher calling that cannot be neither denied nor questioned, and we can only praise the wisdom, truth and love that they bestow upon us. Thoughts like the aforementioned is how and why SORA; an extension of Sacred Rhythm Music & Cosmic Arts, came into existence. Enjoy the Double Journey…
More

Repress!

Dark Entries and Honey Soundsystem Records have teamed up again to release another volume of gay porn soundtracks by San Francisco-based musician and producer, Patrick Cowley. “Muscle Up" is a collection of Cowley's instrumental songs recorded between 1973 and 1980 found in the Fox Studio vaults. This compilation also includes bonus compositions found in the basement of Megatone Records owner John Hedges and the attic of former bandmate Maurice Tani. More

Tracklist:

1.Tower of Meaning I
2.Tower of Meaning II
3.Tower of Meaning III
4.Tower of Meaning IV
5.Corky I / White Jet Set Smoke Trail I
6.Consideration
7.Tower of Meaning V
8.Tower of Meaning VI
9.Tower of Meaning VII
10.Tower of Meaning VIII
11.Tower of Meaning IX / Corky II
12.Tower of Meaning X
13.Give It to the Sky
14.Tower of Meaning XI
15.Tower of Meaning XII
16.Corky III
17.White Jet Smoke Trail II


This autumn, Erased Tapes are set to release ‘Give It to the Sky: Arthur Russell’s Tower of Meaning Expanded’ by composer and producer Peter Broderick and French 12-piece group Ensemble 0; a complete re-recording of Russell’s epic minimalist orchestral composition originally released in 1983. ‘Give It to the Sky’ also includes unreleased tracks by Russell which have been restored and re-recorded, resulting in an 80-minute reanimation that threads several lost songs into a meticulous and gorgeous rendering. The album was recorded live as a group in a small theatre in the Southwest of France with minimal overdubs.

For all its wonder and beauty, the musical output of the American cellist, composer, singer, and musical visionary also embodies irony, tragedy, and paradox. Russell famously recorded more than 1,000 hours of tape and left an otherwise-tremendous archive, now part of the New York Public Library. But before his death in 1992, Russell released just three albums under his own name. One of those was ‘Tower of Meaning’ (1983), a score commissioned for and then abandoned by a Robert Wilson production of Euripides' Medea. Composer and pianist Philip Glass helped preserve the music, at least, subsequently releasing a somewhat-thin recording on his own label of just 320 LPs.

A few years into his obsession with Russell’s work, Broderick paid $500 for one of those scant copies (it was remastered and reissued in 2006, followed by several subsequent editions). Still, he didn’t connect with that collector’s item the way he did with so much of Russell’s oeuvre. It felt a tad cold and distant, Russell’s usual tangle of intimacy and mystery perhaps lost in his frustrations with the process or maybe in the recording itself. Ensemble 0 founder Stéphane Garin realized he needed to pursue this project immediately after performing just a bit of the piece. In 2019, the group played a 25-minute chunk as a preamble to ‘Femenine’, the pulsing minimalist masterwork of Julius Eastman (a longtime Russell collaborator, Eastman conducted the initial recording of ‘Tower of Meaning’). He was struck by its splendor and subtle difficulty, the way that Russell shirked dissonance in favor of metric complexity. There was little else like it.

Garin was aware of Broderick’s stints interpreting Russell’s songs on stages and albums for the better part of a decade but also his work collaborating with Russell’s estate to restore previously unreleased tracks for the critically acclaimed album ‘Iowa Dream’ (2019). Broderick naturally did not hesitate when Ensemble 0 asked him to enlist, but he did offer a surprise: Rather than lace ‘Tower of Meaning’ with expected Russell standards, why not incorporate some of his cherished songs that had never found a home?

Early in the process, Ensemble 0 made the decision that they would not seek out Russell’s original esoteric scores, which had already been used to stage ‘Tower of Meaning’ elsewhere. They liked the fact that the recording felt unfinished, allowing them to consider what was missing and how the ever-restless Russell might have modified it over time. Ensemble 0 saxophonist Julien Pontvianne toiled over this task, scrutinizing recordings that Russell had slowed with a tape machine in order to find the melodies and undergirding arrangements.

‘Give It to the Sky’ is supple and dioramic. Pontvianne’s transcriptions add both muscle and nuance to the original recording, with a new low-end depth to balance the trebly tremble. Ensemble 0’s layers are as intricate as they are expertly rendered, the obfuscation of that rare Glass release replaced by a clarity that lets you peer inside this mesmeric music. New ideas appear, suggesting ‘Tower of Meaning’ as the scaffolding to something greater.

Ensemble 0 weave in and out of Broderick’s additions. ‘Corky’, a poignant cowboy ballad that Russell never finished, appears, disappears, and reappears three times, the droning exhalations of ‘Tower of Meaning’ making it feel sweeter and sadder. Arriving just after the triumphant halfway mark, the title track is a sublime meditation on mere existence, about staring at some simple rural scene and marcelling at the miracle of being anywhere at all. It is an apt encapsulation of how this entire project feels – a glorious way to hear something that might have seemed familiar as if for the very first time.

Russell was never much for definitive versions, of course. He was constantly rethinking the possibilities of a piece, of wondering what else it could do. ‘Give It to the Sky’ is a powerful affirmation of those principles, using Tower of Meaning’s framework to build outward and upward, to shape something that functions within Russell’s wondrous, paradoxical world. And ‘Give It to the Sky’ is also not intended to be some definitive last word. Broderick and Ensemble 0 speak already of the ways it may shift on stage, of where else it might lead.

Peter Broderick: voice, violin, acoustic guitar, drum kit
Pandora Burrus: french horn
Sylvain Chauveau: harmonium, ebow guitar, radio static
Vianney Desplantes: euphonium
Jozef Dumoulin: piano, synthesizer
Júlia Gállego Ronda: flute
Stéphane Garin: vibraphone, glockenspiel, percussion
Amélie Grould: vibraphone
Barbara Hünninger: viola da gamba
Tomoko Katsura: violin
Fanny Meteier: tuba
Lucas Pizzini: tape processing
Julien Pontvianne: tenor saxophone

Transcriptions and arrangements by Julien Pontvianne
Recorded and mixed by Lucas Pizzini
Mastered by Zino Mikorey
Lacquer cut by Jana Falcon at Schnittstelle
Design by Bernd Kuchenbeiser
Special thanks to Steve Knutson and Tom Lee

All music and lyrics written by Charles Arthur Russell Jr.
Published by Echo & Feedback Newsletter Music (ASCAP) / Domino Publishing Co. Ltd. (PRS)
Lyrics included by kind permission of the estate of Arthur Russell.

Executive Producer: Robert Raths More

Surya is a project from Rome formed by Joe Casagrande, Matthew Mountford and Roberto Lycke. Born in 1995 with consistent dub roots influenced with breaks and ethnic music samples.
The duo was quite active in the Roman scene in the late '90s, collaborating with clubs like GOA, Brancaleone, MCA and playing with seminal groups like ORB and Loop Guru.
"Wide Tuning" is Surya's first record, an extremely unique debut that goes beyond dance music boundaries. Self-produced in 1997 and released only on cd until now. More

Lovers Rock at its finest with a beautiful cover version of Merlyn Brooks' "You'll Never Need Somebody". Originally released in 1981 this release is the work of Reggae heavyweight Geoffrey Chung (who also worked on Dhaima with Phillip Michael Thomas, previously released on MISSYOU). This release features the original 7" version along with a small collection of other new mixes. On the A side, the Dub Organiser skillfully extends the original 3 minute track into a 7 and a half minute long trip along with a new "Dub" version, respectfully re-mixed from the original multitracks 40 years later. On the B-side, the mixing console is handed over to a dedicated student of Dub, the Swiss Androo who's clearly no stranger to studio work when it comes to dubby landscapes. Elegantly walking the tightrope between traditional approaches and raw experimentation with 3 new mixes, each with very unique feelings.
More

Repress!

Tracklist:
Big Shot
Surfside Sex
Hot Beach
The Runner
Furlough
One Hot Afternoon
Leather Bound
Bore & Stroke
Cycle Tuff
Jungle Orchids
Take A Little Trip
Love Come Set Me Free

Dark Entries and Honey Soundsystem Records have teamed up once more to release the final volume of gay porn soundtracks by San Francisco-based musician and producer, Patrick Cowley. One of the most revolutionary and influential figures in the canon of disco, Cowley created his own brand of Hi-NRG dance music, “The San Francisco Sound.” Born in Buffalo, NY on October 19, 1950, Patrick moved to San Francisco in 1971 to study at the City College of San Francisco. He founded the Electronic Music Lab at the school, where he would make experimental soundtracks by blending various types of music and adapting them to the synthesizer.

By the mid-70’s, Patrick’s synthesis techniques landed him a job composing and producing songs for disco superstar Sylvester, including hits like “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”, “Dance Disco Heat” and “Stars.” This helped Patrick obtain more work as a remixer and producer. His 18-minute long remix of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” and his production work with edgy New Wave band Indoor Life were both of particular note. By 1981, Patrick had released a string of dance 12" singles, like “Menergy” and “Megatron Man”. He also had founded Megatone Records, the label upon which he released his debut album, “Menergy”. Around this time Patrick was hospitalized and diagnosed with an unknown illness: that which would later be called AIDS. Throughout 1982, he recorded two more Hi-NRG hits, “Do You Wanna Funk” for Sylvester, and “Right On Target” for Paul Parker, as well as a second solo album “Mind Warp”. On November 12, 1982, he passed away.

In 1979 Patrick was contacted by John Coletti, owner of famed gay porn company Fox Studio in Los Angeles. Patrick jumped on this offer and sent reels of his college compositions from the 70s to John in LA. Coletti then used a variable speed oscillator to adjust the pitch and speed of Patrick’s songs in-sync with the film scenes. The result was the VHS collections “Muscle Up” and “School Daze” released in 1979 and 1980. “Afternooners” is the third collection of Cowley’s instrumental songs, recorded in May 1982. These recordings were culled from two 23-minute reels in the Fox Studio vaults. All songs were originally untitled, so we’ve used the titles from Fox Studio’s 8mm film loops. This compilation also includes three bonus tracks found in the archives of fellow Megatone Records recording artist Paul Parker and the attic of teenage friend Lily Bartels. Influenced by Tomita, Wendy Carlos, and Giorgio Moroder, Patrick crafted a singular sound from his collection of synthesizers, percussion, modified guitars, and hand-built equipment. The listener enters a world of forbidden vices, evocative of Patrick’s time spent in the bathhouses of San Francisco. The songs on “Afternooners” reflect the advances of the equipment available at the onset of the 1980s. Cowley's unadulterated electronic forms are stripped down and dubbed up. Lush electronic percussion, soaring synthesizer riffs and low slung funk grooves comingle on these magnificent soundscapes.

Featuring 70 minutes of music never before released on vinyl. All songs have been remastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA. The vinyl is housed in a gatefold jacket designed by Berlin-based artist Gwenael Rattke, featuring black and white photos of Patrick in his studio that opens to a full color array of x-rated scenes from the Fox Studio vaults. Included is a fold-out poster featuring a handmade collage using photography and xeroxed graphics of classic gay porn imagery and an essay from Drew Daniel of Matmos. For Patrick’s 67th birthday, Dark Entries and Honey Soundsystem Records present a glimpse into the futuristic world of a young genius. These recordings shed a new light on the experimental side of a disco legend who was taken too soon. More

Tracklist:

1.Yegle Nesh (Live)
2.Tizita (Live)
3.Belew Beduby (Live)
4.Anchihoye Lene (Live)
5.Abichu Nega Nega (Live)
6.Yetewat Hil (Live)

It’s been a little over ten years since Hailu Mergia re-emerged on the international music scene. Following the first in a series of his classic recordings reissued in collaboration with Awesome Tapes From Africa, Mergia assembled a band and began performing live again after many years driving a cab in Washington, DC. His first show back appeared on the front page of the New York Times along with a stellar review and he took off from there performing his flavor of Ethiopian jazz all over the world in the years since, including Radio City Music Hall and Montreal Jazz Festival.

Finally, we have a recorded document of the keyboard player’s powerful DC-based trio—which practices each weekend in his basement—featuring Kenneth Joseph on drums and Alemseged Kebede on bass. Beautifully captured at one of their fiery live shows at the venerable Brooklyn non-profit cultural center Pioneer Works on July 1, 2016, the concert was recorded by PW staff and mixed by Ted Young with mastering by ATFA’s expert audio extraction collaborator Jessica Thompson. The performance clarifies what many people across the globe already know: in his fifth decade of music-making Hailu Mergia continues to push the boundaries of his remarkable abilities.

Mergia and his veteran band energetically and playfully unpeel layer after layer of harmonic and rhythmic interest out of a spectrum of Ethiopian repertoire. Modern jazz demands constant reinvention and improvisation, night after night creating new works out of known modes and classic standards. This band is unstoppable when it comes to turning age-old melodies (like “Tizita” or “Anchihoye Lene”) upside down and inside out until they emerge as molten new works, often spontaneously. Mergia’s original compositions (like “Yegle Nesh”) shine brighter than ever here as well. Moving from keyboard to organ to accordion to melodica, he deftly switches instruments—often during the same song. Mergia at 77 years old seems to be working harder than musicians half his age.

"Pioneer Works Swing (Live)" brings into focus the kind of onstage group improvisation and deadly solo passages that reach for places Mergia and the band have never gone, on festival and club stages across four continents.

Now that Mergia has released two new recordings along with four classic reissues, he is eager to let everyone hear what he’s been doing on the road since he re-took the global stage for his victory laps. So much more than an old act from yesteryear, Mergia balances his legendary Ethiopian recordings with good old-fashioned sweat-soaked live concert triumphs such as the one we have here. More