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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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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

Curated by Reference Point residents Mark GV Taylor and George Arthur, this 15 track compilation album features tracks the pair have played at their peripatetic, Europe wide events since 2012.

Stretching from the 1970s to the present day the Reference Point compilation spans a whole range of genres, tempos, languages and grooves where the quality of music is paramount whether $1.00 bin records or $1000 rarities.

Reference Point, 'a place to hear the music', is a truly trans-global album with music from Argentina, Brazil, Oakland, Detroit, Texas, London and more, including tracks from private press albums, from artists who have played at Reference Point events and from current
artists such as MF Robots and Caixa Cubo.

Releasing as a CD, digital and a double LP, Reference Point is another essential compilation from BBE Music and one that belongs in the collection of all collectors and lovers of great music

Tracklist:
1. Jeff Scott – Mystery of You
2. Caixa Cubo – Palavras
3. Peter Gallway – I Had a Friend
4. Bell Helium – We Don’t Have to Talk About It
5. Litto Nebbia, Los Músicos del Centro – Como Aprendi a Soportar Tus Inseguridades
6. Joe Thomas – A Place In Space
7. Crosswind – Heaven
8. Bugs Beddow – Life
9. Astronauts, etc. – I Know (Demo Version)
10. JR Quintet – Factory Rhythms
11. MF Robots – Make the Call (Extended Version)
12. April Fulladosa – For Us
13. Kirk Reed – California (Shawn Lee Mix)
14. The Ambassador College Band, The New World Singers – Smile Upon Your Brother
15. John Standefer – Easter Suite (Edit) More

Love International and Test Pressing commemorate yet another cracking festival with the latest instalment in their collaborative compilation series for their LIXTP label. For The Sound Of Love International #006 they’ve chosen Jay Donaldson aka Palms Trax as their selector. He’s a regular at Love International.

The Berlin-based DJ, known for his eclectic sets and long-running NTS show "Cooking With Palms Trax," delivers a diverse selection of tracks gathered from his global journeys.

The majority of the tracks included were self-released / privately pressed and in many cases the often mysterious artists’ only recorded outings. So, in putting this together Palms Trax has unearthed hidden gems, creating a magical, floor-filling journey through music. More

Blood Smoke Vinyl. The Instrumental version of the underground classic El Michels Affair & Black Thought collaborative album Glorious Game When Leon Michels and El Michels Affair released their rst record, Sounding Out The City, in 2005, it was hard to guess what was next for Michels and his then-introduced, now-patented "cinematic soul" sound. Now, four EMA studio albums and scores of tribute and remix projects later_all while producing for some of the biggest names in the industry_Michels has trademarked his sound, with each project taking audiences somewhere new and pushing the boundaries of what he is known for. The man is a river, not a lake and this time he takes his golden touch into the realm of hip-hop laying down a musical bed for one of the greatest to ever rhyme into a microphone: Black Thought of The Roots crew. Releasing on Big Crown Records, the LP is called Glorious Game and it is a remarkable debut partnership in more ways than one. Michels provides his bottom-heavy, soul-tinged production for Black Thought who gives us some of the more personal and transparent verses we've ever heard from him. Michels and Black Thought have been in each other's orbit for a while now. The two rst met in the 2000s when Thought was rst getting familiar with the contemporary soul scene. "Out of that whole world, Menahan Street Band was probably my favorite," recalling the funk and soul group Michels was a founding member of back in 2007. Fast forward a few years and musicians from that collective_Dave Guy on trumpet and Ian Hendrickson-Smith on sax _are now full time players with The Roots. This connection eventually led Leon and Thought to doing a few fundraising events around NYC and Philly together. "Before long, Black Thought was coming around the studio and would jam with us from time to time," Michels explains. "Then, fast forward to 2020 and COVID lockdowns, he just hit me up out of the blue, wanting me to send him stuff to write to. We both were looking to stay busy." Being that Black Thought is the co-founder and emcee for, hands down, the best live-band group in hip-hop. Michels took a decidedly different approach to this project and instead of sending recorded tracks of live compositions, he pulled out the sampler and sampled himself and some records from his collection. "I'm a big fan of soul music," as if Michels has to remind us. "And part of hip-hop's appeal to me has always been the sample-based production" For Glorious Game, Michels would make wholly composed and recorded soul songs in his studio, sample himself, then chop and/or loop up his sounds and create instrumentals for Black Thought. On some tracks he took a more traditional hip-hop approach, starting from samples of other people's music but then adding live instrumentation on top. More

Very first version of the first single by Cortex, reissued as 7inch for the 1st time. “I remember that I and Alain Gandolfi wanted to put ‘Mary & Jeff’ on the A side, but the producer decided to set ‘L’Enfant Samba’ instead because he thought that the voice of Mireille would be more selling than my piano… 6 months after, at the beginning of 1976, ‘Mary & Jeff’ was a hit in a lot of Disco clubs and radios!” (Alain Mion).

Limited to 500 copies.

La Rue 4:23
Automne (Colchiques) 2:35
L'Enfant Samba 3:00
Troupeau Bleu 5:00
Prelude A "Go Round" 3:52
Go Round 1:20
Chanson D'Un Jour D'Hiver 5:20
Mary Et Jeff 2:40
Huit Octobre 1971 4:22
Sabbat (1ère Partie) 1:00
Sabbat (2ème Partie) 3:15
Sabbat (3ème Partie) 0:26
Madbass 2:50 More

Just had to do it, this timeless classic "Sugar man" by Sixto Rodriguez. An immense tune. OG released on the funk and soul label; Sussex records. With a top line up of musicains - Bob Babbitt on bass and Dennis coffey on Guitar; Gordon Staples did the stunning Strings arrangment and Mike Theodore producer...This was previously issued as a 7" in the 70s, but sell for well over £100.00. We have used the OG White colour sleeve design instead of the South African issue with a black sleeve, in keeping with format styles. On the flip we have take another track from the LP "Only good for conversation" Heavy groove with nice bass drum loop, it has a Eugene McDaniels vibes. More

Frédéric Rabold was born on November 23rd, 1944, in Paris, France. His father was a jazz musician and had dreams of all three of his children becoming musicians as well. Frédéric started out learning the violin but always gravitated to the trumpet. The violin actually ended up on the wall at some point, which may have revealed Rabold's tendency toward impulsiveness. He came into contact with jazz music at an early age when he lived with his parents in France. Later on, his father had a big band with which he performed at dances in health resorts. At the age of 16, he often played with his father in American Army Clubs. From 1961 to 1964, Frédéric studied at the University of Music in Karlsruhe. In 1965, he moved to Stuttgart where he still lives today. In the same year drummer Axel Lauser approached him and asked if he wanted to play in his trio. Then, for a few years, Frédéric played in the Axel Lauser Quartet. In 1968, Frédéric founded his own band, the Frédéric Rabold Crew. The music of the "Crew" was well received in the 1968 era and the band quickly gained recognition in the German modern jazz scene. Invitations to several major festivals followed, including the jazz festival in Zurich. Later, they toured extensively through Eastern Europe on behalf of the Goethe Institute. In 1968, the first recordings were made by a friend of the band during a rehearsal. However, they were not to be released until 1980 on the LP "Berlin". "Noon In Tunisia" is one of these tracks. In March, 1970, the crew performed at the 12th German Jazz Festival in Frankfurt am Main amongst such Jazz greats as the Albert Mangelsdorff Quartet, the Klaus Doldinger Quartet and the Dave Pike Set. Two years later, the Frédéric Rabold Crew released their debut album entitled "Flair". This was followed in the 1970s by more than half a dozen albums for various labels. These included the album "Open House" with guest guitarist Martin Ederer, as well as three albums with singer Lauren Newton between 1975 and 1979. Rabold also worked with avant-garde jazz musicians such as Gunter Hampel, Leszek Zadlo, Lester Bowie, Manfred Schoof, Albert Mangelsdorff and Jeanne Lee. In the mid-1970s, a second formation was formed, the "Frédéric Rabold Jazz Inspiration Orchestra", which, unlike the crew, continued to exist with the same line-up well into the 2010s. In 2018, Frédéric Rabold celebrated the 50th anniversary of his group, the Frédéric Rabold Crew. Today, Rabold can look back on more than 1000 original compositions. Sometimes certain events led him to a composition, other times he just sat down at the piano and something happened, or not. Even though his real love is modern jazz, he has played all styles himself, including classical trumpet. In this respect, his role models were actually always American jazz musicians, who were sometimes quite unconventional in this respect. Frédéric Rabold's motto has always been: there is good and not so good music in all styles. This album brings together only the former. More

2LP on 180g vinyl. Housed in a deluxe gatefold 'tip on' sleeve with full liner notes (Jeff Mao) and studio photography. Street Date Friday 5th July.

On a quest for cosmic grooves of unity, Àbáse is the imagination of Hungarian producer and keyboardist Szabolcs Bognár. Now based in Berlin, he’s become a protagonist of a fast-rising jazz movement in the German capital. Bringing together musicians from Hungary, Germany, Ghana and Australia for moving project with a global outlook - here is his highly anticipated new album ‘Awakening’ released by Analogue Foundation and Oshu Records

Created following a move to Berlin, marriage, new parenthood, and the inevitable interrogation of mortality that takes place when a loved one has transitioned, ‘Awakening’ demonstrates a deep understanding of music’s ability to cross time and geographic boundaries, conveying a message of unity, dialogue and self-reflection. Recorded in four days at Berlin's Brewery Studios, the album coalesces Àbáse’s varied musical influences and reference points (classic Lagos Afrobeat, traditional Hungarian folk, Yoruba rhythms, house and techno, hip-hop et al) with exquisite modalimprovisation à la Coltrane, spurred by Szabolcs’ introspection.

“Awakening was the first working title I gave to the project, and I decided to stick with it as it felt authentic and descriptive of what I wanted to express. The name comes from the concept that babies can hear and remember their parents voices from the belly, they recognise the voices upon birth and can be soothed with them. Being born is to enter an elevated state of existence, transitioning from just sounds and feelings to sight upon birth. I believe the way we experience life on earth and trying to make sense of the universe will shift upon our transition or ‘death’, and its only a pathway to something higher. The imagined moment of rebirth and entering to this new realm of existence is what I call “Awakening”.

Mostly composed of first and second takes with minimal overdubs, a striking level of intimacy is achieved between Szabolcs, Ziggy Zeitgeist (drums), Ori Jacobson (saxophone), Fanni Zahár (flute), Andras Koroknay (bass, synths), Ernö Hock (double bass) and Eric Owusu (vocals, percussion). This intimacy extends to the listening experience, with moments like atmospheric opener ‘Greeting Mother Sea’ and ‘Bloom (Flora)’ welcoming listener’s into Ábàse’s world through trance-inducing, glistening piano motifs, swirling synths and fluttering woodwinds.

Singles ‘Destruction Everywhere’ and ‘Menidaso’, paired with ‘Shango’, perhaps best highlight Szabolcs’ worldview and efforts to bridge creative ideas and cultural viewpoints. All three tracks are a bold fusion of spiritual jazz and afrobeat, with the latter two featuring the Twi vocal and driving percussion of Eric Owusu. Elsewhere, Szabolcs explores his own heritage with a stirring iteration of Hungarian folk song ‘Gyászba Borult Isten Csillagvára (God’s Star Castle Has Fallen To Grief)’, whilst also nodding to musical lineage through J Dilla homage ‘Shining’, and ‘Sunisaway’, a tribute to Sun Ra upon which Sun Ra Arkestra members Cecil Brooks and Knoel Scott are warmly welcomed to contribute.

‘Awakening’ is a new chapter for Àbáse, whose work has already drawn widespread critical acclaim. Debut album ‘Laroyê’, recorded entirely during a five- month trip to Brazil, found global praise from the likes of The Guardian, BBC Radio 6, Soulection, KEXP and Complex. Szabolcs has toured and collaborated as a keyboardist with the likes of Wayne Snow, Dele Sosimi, Pat Thomas and Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange. The new album begins an era of partnership with Analogue Foundation, who are dedicated to preserving and furthering analogue creation via record releases, international events, and activities at its recording studio and hi-fi listening bar. The Foundation is headed up by Grammy-winning New York City recording and mixing engineer Russ Elevado (D’Angelo, Erykah Badu), Audio-Technica, Soundwalk Collective, and Berlin recording and mix engineer Erik Breuer.

Personnel:?? Fanni Zahár, Ori Jacobson Szabolcs Bognár, Eric Owusu, ? Erno Hock & Ziggy Zeitgeist, drums??

With Special Guests: Flóra Bognár, Youka Snell, Cecil Brooks Knoel Scott, Dumama, Rhea Sodemann, Wayne Snow.

Liner notes by Jeff 'Chairman' Mao and session photos by Dario Raspudic.

"Certainly a producer to watch" -Gilles Peterson
“ Hungarian producer Àbáse blends west African and Brazilian rhythms with a satisfying and uncluttered efficacy on Laroyê” -The Guardian
“We were instantly gripped upon hearing the work of Hungarian jazz collaborative project Àbáse” Stamp The Wax More