Paul Hillery has once again handpicked a must-have compilation of little-known and high- quality tracks for his ongoing Folk Funk and Trippy Troubadours series. This third volume, the first on BBE Music, is an essential companion to Paul's Children Of The Sun trilogy, also released on BBE Music.
Featuring an array of funky folk, jazzy AOR grooves, fuzzed-out lo-fi dub, DIY folktronica, private-press grails and previously unreleased material, Folk Funk and Trippy Troubadours Volume 3 has 22 tracks over triple vinyl and comes with extensive sleeve notes. Includes such gems as the ethereal sound of Sheila Chandra, the euphoric groove of Tim Green, the infectious bass-heavy folk of Dave Smith & Judy Dinning, dreamy Alaskan soft-rock from Soapstone and a West Coast call to enlightened celebration by Rhythm & Bliss. This compilation could soundtrack a cross-continental journey with the music lover sat on a Greyhound bus with earphones on and a battered copy of Kerouac's On The Road.
Paul Hillery has curated releases by Will & James Ragar, Forest, and Monica Rypma for BBE Music. Described as an 'enlightened heathen' Paul has shared music via his highly influential Folk Funk and Trippy Troubadours persona on social media for over a decade, cultivating an unerring knack for uncovering rare and lost sounds.
Released on triple vinyl LP, CD and digital - Folk Funk and Trippy Troubadours Volume 3 is a must-have compilation.
1. Sheila Chandra - One 04:36
2. Tim Green - Got More Love
3. Stephen Whynott - What Have You Seen
4. February Montaine - Seven Letters
5. Gil De Ray - Something About Nothing
6. Robin Frederick - Night Blooming Thing
7. Bobbi Keith - Give Me Time
8. Jeff Putterman - Beside You
9. Kirk Edwards - Provincetown
10. Soapstone - You Brighten Up My Day
11. Jerry Thomas - Love Strain
12. Janelle Richey - Rainy Day Dreams
13. Dave Smith, Judy Dinning - Sail Far
14. Dwight Druick - Joshua
15. Franciscus Henri - Friendship
16. Tom Wasinger - Montse’gur
17. Charmer - Movin' On
18. Dennis Siren - Take It If You Try
19. Rhythm & Bliss - Love Is The Sun
20. Robert Carlton - Going All The Way
21. Roger Ekman - Motivationen Måste Vara Stor 02:38
22. Heaven & Earth - Feel The Spirit
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Featuring an array of funky folk, jazzy AOR grooves, fuzzed-out lo-fi dub, DIY folktronica, private-press grails and previously unreleased material, Folk Funk and Trippy Troubadours Volume 3 has 22 tracks over triple vinyl and comes with extensive sleeve notes. Includes such gems as the ethereal sound of Sheila Chandra, the euphoric groove of Tim Green, the infectious bass-heavy folk of Dave Smith & Judy Dinning, dreamy Alaskan soft-rock from Soapstone and a West Coast call to enlightened celebration by Rhythm & Bliss. This compilation could soundtrack a cross-continental journey with the music lover sat on a Greyhound bus with earphones on and a battered copy of Kerouac's On The Road.
Paul Hillery has curated releases by Will & James Ragar, Forest, and Monica Rypma for BBE Music. Described as an 'enlightened heathen' Paul has shared music via his highly influential Folk Funk and Trippy Troubadours persona on social media for over a decade, cultivating an unerring knack for uncovering rare and lost sounds.
Released on triple vinyl LP, CD and digital - Folk Funk and Trippy Troubadours Volume 3 is a must-have compilation.
1. Sheila Chandra - One 04:36
2. Tim Green - Got More Love
3. Stephen Whynott - What Have You Seen
4. February Montaine - Seven Letters
5. Gil De Ray - Something About Nothing
6. Robin Frederick - Night Blooming Thing
7. Bobbi Keith - Give Me Time
8. Jeff Putterman - Beside You
9. Kirk Edwards - Provincetown
10. Soapstone - You Brighten Up My Day
11. Jerry Thomas - Love Strain
12. Janelle Richey - Rainy Day Dreams
13. Dave Smith, Judy Dinning - Sail Far
14. Dwight Druick - Joshua
15. Franciscus Henri - Friendship
16. Tom Wasinger - Montse’gur
17. Charmer - Movin' On
18. Dennis Siren - Take It If You Try
19. Rhythm & Bliss - Love Is The Sun
20. Robert Carlton - Going All The Way
21. Roger Ekman - Motivationen Måste Vara Stor 02:38
22. Heaven & Earth - Feel The Spirit
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
More records from bbe
Madlib’s WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip Returns on Double Vinyl via BBE Music
BBE Music is thrilled to announce the long-awaited rerelease of WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip, the final installment in the legendary Beat Generation series from none other than Madlib. Originally released in 2008, this masterful collage of dusty loops, raw beats, and left-field soundscapes remains a high-water mark in the Stones Throw producer’s sprawling discography. Now, for the first time in years, fans can experience the album in all its analog glory with this deluxe double vinyl edition, carefully remastered to preserve Madlib’s signature warmth and grit.
A tribute to pirate radio culture and late-night airwaves, WLIB AM weaves together a rich tapestry of hip-hop, jazz, and soul, featuring an all-star cast of collaborators, including Talib Kweli, Guilty Simpson, MED, and Oh No. Each track showcases Madlib’s uncanny ability to blur the lines between genres, effortlessly flipping obscure samples into hypnotic, off-kilter rhythms. From the hypnotic bounce of “Blow the Horns on ‘Em” to the smoked-out groove of “The Plan Pt. 1,” this is Madlib at his most playful, unpredictable, and inspired.
This special double vinyl edition, released exclusively via BBE Music, brings one of the Beat Generation series' most celebrated albums back into circulation for crate-diggers and collectors alike. With original artwork and a high-quality pressing, this rerelease is a must-have for Madlib aficionados and vinyl lovers who appreciate raw, unfiltered beat craftsmanship. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of hip-hop history—WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip is back and sounding better than ever.
credits
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
BBE Music is thrilled to announce the long-awaited rerelease of WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip, the final installment in the legendary Beat Generation series from none other than Madlib. Originally released in 2008, this masterful collage of dusty loops, raw beats, and left-field soundscapes remains a high-water mark in the Stones Throw producer’s sprawling discography. Now, for the first time in years, fans can experience the album in all its analog glory with this deluxe double vinyl edition, carefully remastered to preserve Madlib’s signature warmth and grit.
A tribute to pirate radio culture and late-night airwaves, WLIB AM weaves together a rich tapestry of hip-hop, jazz, and soul, featuring an all-star cast of collaborators, including Talib Kweli, Guilty Simpson, MED, and Oh No. Each track showcases Madlib’s uncanny ability to blur the lines between genres, effortlessly flipping obscure samples into hypnotic, off-kilter rhythms. From the hypnotic bounce of “Blow the Horns on ‘Em” to the smoked-out groove of “The Plan Pt. 1,” this is Madlib at his most playful, unpredictable, and inspired.
This special double vinyl edition, released exclusively via BBE Music, brings one of the Beat Generation series' most celebrated albums back into circulation for crate-diggers and collectors alike. With original artwork and a high-quality pressing, this rerelease is a must-have for Madlib aficionados and vinyl lovers who appreciate raw, unfiltered beat craftsmanship. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of hip-hop history—WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip is back and sounding better than ever.
credits
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Impressive Collective & BBE Music announce 'Brighter The Days' – the 9th studio album by Omar - the world renowned UK soul star. This new album continues Omar's long-standing collaboration with Impressive Collective’s Greg Boraman, which began in 2013 on Freestyle Records with the critically acclaimed 'The Man' album and continued with 'Love In Beats' and 'The Omar Anthology'.
Omar Lyefook MBE, singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, solidifies his legendary status with his latest album, Brighter The Days. Over three decades, he has been a defining force in modern Black music, crafting a sound that seamlessly blends soul, funk, jazz, salsa, dub, and hip-hop, with roots in classical music. As he puts it, “Each album is an evolution, if you will. But I’d like to think this is my magnum opus.”
A dynamic collection, Brighter The Days builds upon Omar’s distinctive style with fresh inspiration. His warm, unmistakable voice—tinged with the richness of his Caribbean heritage —is complemented by lush arrangements. Organic drums, bass, brass, keys, and guitars meet the mechanical edge of samples and beats, creating a soundscape that is both timeless and innovative. Sweeping strings, inspired by his early training in orchestral music, add grandeur. “There’s nothing quite like that feeling of hearing all those strings play together,” he says, explaining their recurring presence in his work.
As always, Omar has gathered a stellar line up of collaborators. British legends like Paul Weller, arranger Chris Cameron, rapper Giggs and guitarist Tony Remy join forces with American icons including singers India Arie, Ledisi, Eric Roberson and Raheem DeVaughn, organist Ronnie Foster, and rapper Jeru The Damaja. The result is music that is ambitious in conception and flawless in execution.
The electric styles and highlights include There’s Much Love In The World, a hopeful anthem celebrating unity, Research featuring Honey Larochelle, a sexy and funky dance floor heater, and This Thing Called Life, which captures the album’s essence of optimism amidst challenges. Omar explains, “It’s a specific amount of time we have on this earth, so why waste it arguing and fighting? There are so many more things that connect us as opposed to driving us apart.”
In Brighter The Days, Omar reminds us that music and life are about finding light in the darkness. “Music is what I live for, but so too are my children. Brighter The Days just means something better is coming for all of us.”
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Omar Lyefook MBE, singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, solidifies his legendary status with his latest album, Brighter The Days. Over three decades, he has been a defining force in modern Black music, crafting a sound that seamlessly blends soul, funk, jazz, salsa, dub, and hip-hop, with roots in classical music. As he puts it, “Each album is an evolution, if you will. But I’d like to think this is my magnum opus.”
A dynamic collection, Brighter The Days builds upon Omar’s distinctive style with fresh inspiration. His warm, unmistakable voice—tinged with the richness of his Caribbean heritage —is complemented by lush arrangements. Organic drums, bass, brass, keys, and guitars meet the mechanical edge of samples and beats, creating a soundscape that is both timeless and innovative. Sweeping strings, inspired by his early training in orchestral music, add grandeur. “There’s nothing quite like that feeling of hearing all those strings play together,” he says, explaining their recurring presence in his work.
As always, Omar has gathered a stellar line up of collaborators. British legends like Paul Weller, arranger Chris Cameron, rapper Giggs and guitarist Tony Remy join forces with American icons including singers India Arie, Ledisi, Eric Roberson and Raheem DeVaughn, organist Ronnie Foster, and rapper Jeru The Damaja. The result is music that is ambitious in conception and flawless in execution.
The electric styles and highlights include There’s Much Love In The World, a hopeful anthem celebrating unity, Research featuring Honey Larochelle, a sexy and funky dance floor heater, and This Thing Called Life, which captures the album’s essence of optimism amidst challenges. Omar explains, “It’s a specific amount of time we have on this earth, so why waste it arguing and fighting? There are so many more things that connect us as opposed to driving us apart.”
In Brighter The Days, Omar reminds us that music and life are about finding light in the darkness. “Music is what I live for, but so too are my children. Brighter The Days just means something better is coming for all of us.”
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Joy Spheres Rees is the coming together of three essential innovators in contemporary music, who have fused their distinct individual sounds into a definitive collaboration for their debut album, ‘Solina’. Allysha Joy, Hidden Spheres and Finn Rees together forged a new sonic landscape which draws on vast inspirations from Balearic House to Street Soul, Alternative RnB and Jazz. This is an album that is conceptually driven from beginning to end, as overarching melodic themes and lyrical mantras weave in and out of hard hitting grooves to create a deeply moving and meditative experience for the listener. Combining Allysha Joy’s potent lyricism, effortless musicianship, unique production & incredible vocals with Hidden Spheres' production values and Djing sensibilities, honed in over a decade's worth of music across different labels, genres, and highly revered releases, alongside the final ingredient of synths, keyboards and skilled musicality of Finn Rees, renowned for his new wave Jazz and dance music output and heavy involvement with acts from the Melbourne/Naarm scene. Personal and poetic, ‘Solina’ speaks to both the intimate and collective desires for connection, through the differing lenses of romance, spirituality, connectivity to nature and the self. It is the culmination of each member's deeply honed skill set, with Hidden Spheres as lead producer, Finn Rees guiding the harmonic synthesis and Allysha Joy’s unmistakable vocal sound, intimately interweaving to create this rich, textural masterpiece ~ a collaborative magnus opus. Solina is released by London's world renowned label BBE Music, with a limited edition gate fold vinyl release this is sure to be a must in the collection.
Tracklisting
1. When Will The Day Come
2. Caught in a Wind
3. Trust the Feeling
4. Promised Me Love
5. Delta Spirit
6. Cave Sands
7. Surrender Love
8. Always Leaving
9. Surrender Love Reprise
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Tracklisting
1. When Will The Day Come
2. Caught in a Wind
3. Trust the Feeling
4. Promised Me Love
5. Delta Spirit
6. Cave Sands
7. Surrender Love
8. Always Leaving
9. Surrender Love Reprise
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
In the last decade, global audiences have increasingly explored Japanese music genres like city pop, rock, and reggae. Central to this resurgence has been BBE Music, known for its acclaimed releases on the J-Jazz and J-Jazz Masterclass Series. Guided by Ken Hidaka in Tokyo, BBE Music has now unearthed a treasure from an unexplored niche: the debut album of Japan's first authentic salsa band, Orquesta Del Sol, titled "Rainbow Love."
The roots of salsa in Japan trace back to Latin music pioneers such as Tadaaki Misago's Tokyo Cuban Boys, who played mambo and rumba post-World War II. However, salsa truly took hold in Japan in the 1970s, catalyzed by the Fania All-Stars' 1977 tour. Among those captivated was percussionist Masahito "Pecker" Hashida. Known for his reggae contributions through albums like "Pecker Power" and "Rasta Instantané Avec L'Effroyable Pecker," Pecker’s influence expanded after experiencing the vibrant salsa scene in New York City in 1977. Upon his return to Japan, he spearheaded the creation of Orquesta Del Sol, marking the inception of the salsa genre in Japan.
Orquesta Del Sol's popularity soared with performances that encompassed both covers and original pieces. The group’s rise was buoyed by Japanese session drummer Shuichi “Ponta” Murakami, whose participation in 1980 elevated their profile and led to a contract with Discomate, an arm of TBS Group. This label also featured artists like Toshiko Akiyoshi and Junko Yagami.
The band’s debut album, "Rainbow Love," was co-produced by Ponta and released in 1981. Apart from a cover of "Rumbambola" by Noro Morales, the album features original compositions performed in Japanese, Spanish, and English. The album cover, illustrated by renowned graphic artist and salsa enthusiast Yosuke Kawamura, mirrored the band’s pioneering spirit.
Masashi Takahashi, a noted Japanese Latin music specialist, observes in the newly commissioned liner notes that Orquesta Del Sol reflects shades of New Music, a genre linked to city pop. Takahashi notes that the musicians, deeply embedded in Tokyo’s vibrant studio scene, naturally gravitated towards creating a uniquely Japanese salsa sound. This sound, heavily inspired by Nuyorican salsa, has endured over the decades, warranting a worldwide reissue.
The reissue of "Rainbow Love" marks its first worldwide release on vinyl and digital formats, supplemented by seven bonus tracks previously only available on a CD reissue named "Legend Vol. 1" from the band's label, Uno Music, in 2000.
The band recorded these tracks some time after the release of their second album, Harajuku Live in the early 80s when they were offered album deals from many record companies. Four of the tracks were covers of songs of some of the favorite salsa artists of the band members that they performed at the time when they first started.
Juan Pachanga is a cover of Fania All-Stars included in the album Rhythm Machine, Campanero is a cover of José Mangual Jr. included in the album Tribute To Chano Pozo, Yo Soy La Rumba is a cover of Machito & His Orchestra included in their album Yo Soy La Rumba! and Duerme is a cover of the band Libre included in the album Con Salsa..Con Ritmo Vol. 2- Tiene Calidad.
All tracks have been remastered, with the original Japanese liner notes now available in English and accompanied by Takahashi's new insights.
The timing of this release dovetails with the growing global interest in historic Japanese music, spotlighting the origins of salsa in Japan. Orquesta Del Sol, whose former members later formed the Grammy-nominated group Orquesta De La Luz, have continued to influence the genre significantly. Their debut album remains a cornerstone, inviting new listeners to experience the innovative fusion of Latin sounds nurtured in Japan.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
The roots of salsa in Japan trace back to Latin music pioneers such as Tadaaki Misago's Tokyo Cuban Boys, who played mambo and rumba post-World War II. However, salsa truly took hold in Japan in the 1970s, catalyzed by the Fania All-Stars' 1977 tour. Among those captivated was percussionist Masahito "Pecker" Hashida. Known for his reggae contributions through albums like "Pecker Power" and "Rasta Instantané Avec L'Effroyable Pecker," Pecker’s influence expanded after experiencing the vibrant salsa scene in New York City in 1977. Upon his return to Japan, he spearheaded the creation of Orquesta Del Sol, marking the inception of the salsa genre in Japan.
Orquesta Del Sol's popularity soared with performances that encompassed both covers and original pieces. The group’s rise was buoyed by Japanese session drummer Shuichi “Ponta” Murakami, whose participation in 1980 elevated their profile and led to a contract with Discomate, an arm of TBS Group. This label also featured artists like Toshiko Akiyoshi and Junko Yagami.
The band’s debut album, "Rainbow Love," was co-produced by Ponta and released in 1981. Apart from a cover of "Rumbambola" by Noro Morales, the album features original compositions performed in Japanese, Spanish, and English. The album cover, illustrated by renowned graphic artist and salsa enthusiast Yosuke Kawamura, mirrored the band’s pioneering spirit.
Masashi Takahashi, a noted Japanese Latin music specialist, observes in the newly commissioned liner notes that Orquesta Del Sol reflects shades of New Music, a genre linked to city pop. Takahashi notes that the musicians, deeply embedded in Tokyo’s vibrant studio scene, naturally gravitated towards creating a uniquely Japanese salsa sound. This sound, heavily inspired by Nuyorican salsa, has endured over the decades, warranting a worldwide reissue.
The reissue of "Rainbow Love" marks its first worldwide release on vinyl and digital formats, supplemented by seven bonus tracks previously only available on a CD reissue named "Legend Vol. 1" from the band's label, Uno Music, in 2000.
The band recorded these tracks some time after the release of their second album, Harajuku Live in the early 80s when they were offered album deals from many record companies. Four of the tracks were covers of songs of some of the favorite salsa artists of the band members that they performed at the time when they first started.
Juan Pachanga is a cover of Fania All-Stars included in the album Rhythm Machine, Campanero is a cover of José Mangual Jr. included in the album Tribute To Chano Pozo, Yo Soy La Rumba is a cover of Machito & His Orchestra included in their album Yo Soy La Rumba! and Duerme is a cover of the band Libre included in the album Con Salsa..Con Ritmo Vol. 2- Tiene Calidad.
All tracks have been remastered, with the original Japanese liner notes now available in English and accompanied by Takahashi's new insights.
The timing of this release dovetails with the growing global interest in historic Japanese music, spotlighting the origins of salsa in Japan. Orquesta Del Sol, whose former members later formed the Grammy-nominated group Orquesta De La Luz, have continued to influence the genre significantly. Their debut album remains a cornerstone, inviting new listeners to experience the innovative fusion of Latin sounds nurtured in Japan.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
past present (tone poems across time)' is Mark de Clive-Lowe's exquisite new solo album and his debut for Greg Boraman's Impressive Collective label in partnership with BBE Music. Previously the pair released the Pharoah Sanders tribute album 'Freedom', and the equally lauded 'Hotel San Claudio' in collaboration with Shigeto & Melanie Charles.
A deeply personal sonic exploration by Mark, "past present" is a reflection on family, heritage, and healing which was created in tandem with retracing his late father’s journey across Japan 70 years ago. The project is a collection of ambient jazz, emotional cinematic soundscapes that weave analog synths with field recordings from Japanese sacred sites and nature locations.
'past present' partially came into existence thanks to the perseverance of producer, percussionist and Mark’s friend Carlos Niño, who after experiencing Mark's multi-layered motifs in the studio and in live contexts over many years explains, "I kept hearing him make an album like this, I kept telling him that he needed to, and that it would be his best album yet. Subtle, poetic, solo, texturally rhythmic, expressive, full of rippling layers, and arrangements representing such profound thoughts, feelings, relationships, and memories".
Mark also took on board Carlos' recommendation of recording the bulk of "past present" at Ken Barrientos’ analog synth studio, 'The Breath' in Pomona, California - where he utilized no less than 22 different keyboards to create the ethereal and engaging soundscapes across all 11 tracks, also intertwining his own field recordings made during a long, explorative stay in Japan.
Being such an individual and personal concept, it was only correct that Mark wrote the extensive album liner notes, to fully illustrate the decades-long backstory to this stunning collection. Mark completes the album's presentation using archive images from his family's private photo collection - an entire process he likens to time travel and signs off to the listener by stating that he hopes "it takes you on your own journey of imagination and reflection, leading to unexpected places, just as it has for me”.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
A deeply personal sonic exploration by Mark, "past present" is a reflection on family, heritage, and healing which was created in tandem with retracing his late father’s journey across Japan 70 years ago. The project is a collection of ambient jazz, emotional cinematic soundscapes that weave analog synths with field recordings from Japanese sacred sites and nature locations.
'past present' partially came into existence thanks to the perseverance of producer, percussionist and Mark’s friend Carlos Niño, who after experiencing Mark's multi-layered motifs in the studio and in live contexts over many years explains, "I kept hearing him make an album like this, I kept telling him that he needed to, and that it would be his best album yet. Subtle, poetic, solo, texturally rhythmic, expressive, full of rippling layers, and arrangements representing such profound thoughts, feelings, relationships, and memories".
Mark also took on board Carlos' recommendation of recording the bulk of "past present" at Ken Barrientos’ analog synth studio, 'The Breath' in Pomona, California - where he utilized no less than 22 different keyboards to create the ethereal and engaging soundscapes across all 11 tracks, also intertwining his own field recordings made during a long, explorative stay in Japan.
Being such an individual and personal concept, it was only correct that Mark wrote the extensive album liner notes, to fully illustrate the decades-long backstory to this stunning collection. Mark completes the album's presentation using archive images from his family's private photo collection - an entire process he likens to time travel and signs off to the listener by stating that he hopes "it takes you on your own journey of imagination and reflection, leading to unexpected places, just as it has for me”.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
'Altera Vita' is the first studio album by World renowned multi-award winning artists Tony Kofi (tenor saxophone) and Alina Bzhezhinska (harp) as a duo. The album is saxophone and harp in perfect harmony with Tony and Alina also providing the bulk of the percussion to accompany their recordings. Tony Kofi is widely recognized as one of the leading Jazz saxophonists in the UK and his duties include regularly lending his skills to legendary group Cymande for their live performances. Alina has been heralded as the "New Sound of Europe'' and the duo’s innovative and refreshing approach to recording is apparent on this album. The namesake and inspiration for this album; ‘Altera Vita’ (2023) was named in Downbeat’s jazz albums of 2023, which is very rare for a single release!
'Altera Vita' mirrors the human experience, from conception through to the inevitable end or new beginning. Throughout the journey the appreciation of our environments is paramount, 'Altera Vita' guides us through an intensified refocus on our senses through the medium of sound.
This homage to the ethereal is dedicated to the influential Pharoah Sanders —a lynchpin in the creative and personal lives of Tony & Alina. Sharing a platform during the 2017 EFG London Jazz Festival at the Barbican in a concert honouring Alice & John Coltrane, Pharoah's influence was profound. Riding the wave of inspiration following Pharoah's passing, Tony channeled his gratitude into the creation of 'Altera Vita (for Pharoah Sanders)' (single). With Alina's harmonious harp in counterpoint, a serene musical dialogue was born, echoing the grandeur of Pharoah's legacy. This track released in 2023 to critical acclaim was a major catalyst for the creation of 'Altera Vita' as an album.
'Altera Vita', the album, is a spontaneous response to a world in dire need for a reset. In a reality where billions find themselves hostage to the ‘doom-scroll’, where topics are disproportionately centred on the darker shades of our existence, and where our attempts to foster connection have only yielded deeper factionalism, 'Altera Vita' surfaces as an aural oasis. An audioscape that personifies tranquility, spirituality and peace — abstract concepts essential to the restructuring of our collective consciousness. 'Altera Vita' was designed by Tony & Alina to provide the listener with an opportunity to sit still and be aware.
The heart of 'Altera Vita' took shape during a busy summer schedule over the span of two electrifying days at Fish Factory Studios, London, The synergy between Tony & Alina underpinned these rapid-fire recording sessions. The ebbs and flows, the improvisational dance of saxophone and harp intermingled with the percussive beats also from the pair, with the phenomenal Muriel Grossmann contributing tanpura from her Ibiza base – all demonstrated the effortless energy harvest of a creative partnership seasoned over years of performance and practice. Their achievement is a testament to music as our communal solace and our binder.
Encapsulating the interplay of West African and Eastern European sonic traditions, notably expressed through jazz, Tony Kofi and Alina Bzhezhinska become symbols of our shared human fabric —a powerful reminder that our commonalities vastly overshadow our differences.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
'Altera Vita' mirrors the human experience, from conception through to the inevitable end or new beginning. Throughout the journey the appreciation of our environments is paramount, 'Altera Vita' guides us through an intensified refocus on our senses through the medium of sound.
This homage to the ethereal is dedicated to the influential Pharoah Sanders —a lynchpin in the creative and personal lives of Tony & Alina. Sharing a platform during the 2017 EFG London Jazz Festival at the Barbican in a concert honouring Alice & John Coltrane, Pharoah's influence was profound. Riding the wave of inspiration following Pharoah's passing, Tony channeled his gratitude into the creation of 'Altera Vita (for Pharoah Sanders)' (single). With Alina's harmonious harp in counterpoint, a serene musical dialogue was born, echoing the grandeur of Pharoah's legacy. This track released in 2023 to critical acclaim was a major catalyst for the creation of 'Altera Vita' as an album.
'Altera Vita', the album, is a spontaneous response to a world in dire need for a reset. In a reality where billions find themselves hostage to the ‘doom-scroll’, where topics are disproportionately centred on the darker shades of our existence, and where our attempts to foster connection have only yielded deeper factionalism, 'Altera Vita' surfaces as an aural oasis. An audioscape that personifies tranquility, spirituality and peace — abstract concepts essential to the restructuring of our collective consciousness. 'Altera Vita' was designed by Tony & Alina to provide the listener with an opportunity to sit still and be aware.
The heart of 'Altera Vita' took shape during a busy summer schedule over the span of two electrifying days at Fish Factory Studios, London, The synergy between Tony & Alina underpinned these rapid-fire recording sessions. The ebbs and flows, the improvisational dance of saxophone and harp intermingled with the percussive beats also from the pair, with the phenomenal Muriel Grossmann contributing tanpura from her Ibiza base – all demonstrated the effortless energy harvest of a creative partnership seasoned over years of performance and practice. Their achievement is a testament to music as our communal solace and our binder.
Encapsulating the interplay of West African and Eastern European sonic traditions, notably expressed through jazz, Tony Kofi and Alina Bzhezhinska become symbols of our shared human fabric —a powerful reminder that our commonalities vastly overshadow our differences.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
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A couple of years back, UK-based House DJ Jerry Frempong’s wife Katie was doing a spring clean at the family home. At the bottom of the garden, amongst a pile of rusty garden tools, she discovered a couple of mysterious bin-bags. She was about to assign them to the skip with everything else, but a sixth sense persuaded her to check the contents. It was a huge pile of rare soul, funk, disco, boogie and- yes – Ghana Highlife records. Katie brought this to the attention of Jerry, who immediately understood the significance of the treasure trove.
Jerry’s Father, Anthony Roberts Frempong, who had passed away in 2011, was the founder of one of the most significant Ghanaian record and music companies anywhere in the world: Asona Records. Asona was founded in the mid-80s, with little fanfare, in Peckham, South East London. It was a label with a firm mission: Burger Highlife. No, not a swanky fast-food chain, nor a 5-star German hotel chain, but a record label devoted to the new African dance music genre that was sweeping Europe, North America and West Africa at the time – Electric Highlife.
BBE Music owner Pete Adarkwah caught wind of the serendipitous discovery and approached Jerry to discuss the reissue of this historic catalogue. Before long a catalogue deal was hammered out: and here you have it!
BURGER HIGHLIFE AND THE ‘DIASPORA LOOP’.
So: why Burger? Like many music stories, it started with money- or the shortage thereof. Classic Ghana Highlife has a star-studded history dating back to the early 1920s, with 20-plus piece orchestras playing nightly at hotels and ballrooms across the country. By the 60s, American soul, funk and pop records had become available in small quantities, and their electric-based sound started to inspire Ghanaian musicians of every stripe. As with the history of Afro Cuban music, here was African music doing its transatlantic ‘loop’- African rhythms go across the sea, inspire others, and return to Africa some years later, to be rebuilt and tweaked anew by African musicians.
This came to wide general public attention on March 6 1971, when a group of African American and Ghanaian musicians came together for a memorable concert in Accra’s Black Star Square. Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, Carlos Santana and other African American artists performed head-to-head with the likes of Ghana jazz pioneer Guy Warren and funky highlife Basa Basa Soundz co-founder Amoah Azangeo.
Soon, Ghana Highlife spread across Europe and North America. But the honeymoon would soon be cut short. By the end of the 70s, Jerry Rawlings’ military government, desperate for funds in a sinking economy, imposed a 160% tax on imported musical instruments and equipment. The inevitable result was that artists and bands couldn’t make ends meet and had to go elsewhere: in this case, especially to North America, the UK- and Germany.
It’s generally accepted that the first major funky electronic disco/boogie Highlife tune was George Darko’s 1983 Hamburg-recorded Akoo Te Brofo – so, Burger Highlife – or sometimes, Borga Highlife. But the artists included in BBE’s Asona reissue series together span a panorama of Ghana’s music history, right back to the late 60s. It may be called Burger, but it’s also classic Highlife seen through a different lens: the lens of the Diaspora.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Jerry’s Father, Anthony Roberts Frempong, who had passed away in 2011, was the founder of one of the most significant Ghanaian record and music companies anywhere in the world: Asona Records. Asona was founded in the mid-80s, with little fanfare, in Peckham, South East London. It was a label with a firm mission: Burger Highlife. No, not a swanky fast-food chain, nor a 5-star German hotel chain, but a record label devoted to the new African dance music genre that was sweeping Europe, North America and West Africa at the time – Electric Highlife.
BBE Music owner Pete Adarkwah caught wind of the serendipitous discovery and approached Jerry to discuss the reissue of this historic catalogue. Before long a catalogue deal was hammered out: and here you have it!
BURGER HIGHLIFE AND THE ‘DIASPORA LOOP’.
So: why Burger? Like many music stories, it started with money- or the shortage thereof. Classic Ghana Highlife has a star-studded history dating back to the early 1920s, with 20-plus piece orchestras playing nightly at hotels and ballrooms across the country. By the 60s, American soul, funk and pop records had become available in small quantities, and their electric-based sound started to inspire Ghanaian musicians of every stripe. As with the history of Afro Cuban music, here was African music doing its transatlantic ‘loop’- African rhythms go across the sea, inspire others, and return to Africa some years later, to be rebuilt and tweaked anew by African musicians.
This came to wide general public attention on March 6 1971, when a group of African American and Ghanaian musicians came together for a memorable concert in Accra’s Black Star Square. Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, Carlos Santana and other African American artists performed head-to-head with the likes of Ghana jazz pioneer Guy Warren and funky highlife Basa Basa Soundz co-founder Amoah Azangeo.
Soon, Ghana Highlife spread across Europe and North America. But the honeymoon would soon be cut short. By the end of the 70s, Jerry Rawlings’ military government, desperate for funds in a sinking economy, imposed a 160% tax on imported musical instruments and equipment. The inevitable result was that artists and bands couldn’t make ends meet and had to go elsewhere: in this case, especially to North America, the UK- and Germany.
It’s generally accepted that the first major funky electronic disco/boogie Highlife tune was George Darko’s 1983 Hamburg-recorded Akoo Te Brofo – so, Burger Highlife – or sometimes, Borga Highlife. But the artists included in BBE’s Asona reissue series together span a panorama of Ghana’s music history, right back to the late 60s. It may be called Burger, but it’s also classic Highlife seen through a different lens: the lens of the Diaspora.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Yet another album of musical excellence compiled by If Music's Jean-Claude for the excellent and massively collectible 'You Need This' series. This release marks the 4th volume in the A Journey Into Deep Jazz portfolio in the If Music cannon released on BBE and will be available on a double vinyl LP and as a digital release.
Deep Jazz volume 4 continues to meet the high quality bar set by the previous releases in the series and the If Music presents... catalogue. Its global diversity of artists is represented in the tracklisting. This nine track offering ranges from the slow, lush Bobby Hutchersonesque, never repressed 'Process of a Cloud' from Japanese Drummer George Hirota to Oakland artist Phavia Kujichagulia's Congolese themed, black consciousness Fancy Footwork and the mighty combination of Ginger Baker and Ransome Kuti on their co-written N'Kon Kini N'Kon N'Kon, a chunky, Lo-Slung Afro-Beat celebration of Fela Kuti's Kalakuta Republic.
Jean-Claude's excellent track record of creating and curating compilation albums and rediscovering rare gems and private presses for re-issue follows a philosophy of cross- genre music appreciation that can be traced even further back than to his time as one half of the innovative, genre bending, DJ and production duo The Amalgamation of Soundz. Jean- Claude has been a mainstay of London's Black Music scene for some four decades with his record shop, his shows on NTS and Soho Radio, his excellent 'In Conversation with...' series of chat shows, his Djing and curation of event stages at Across the Tracks Festival and, of course, his excellent compilations.
Deep Jazz volume 4 will be released on BBE Music as a digital and a double vinyl LP and will add to any serious collector and music head's record racks.
1. Eero Koivistoinen, UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra - Kaamos
2. Ginger Baker - N'Kon Kini N'Kon N'Kon 03:58
3. Eko Kuango - Na Mawaso
4. Lonnie Smith - All In My Mind
5. Phavia Kujichagulia - Fancy Footwork
6. Kan Digor - Croonardise
7. Five Times Six - Five Times Six
8. Sathima Bea Benjamin - Africa
9. George Hirota - Process of Cloud
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Deep Jazz volume 4 continues to meet the high quality bar set by the previous releases in the series and the If Music presents... catalogue. Its global diversity of artists is represented in the tracklisting. This nine track offering ranges from the slow, lush Bobby Hutchersonesque, never repressed 'Process of a Cloud' from Japanese Drummer George Hirota to Oakland artist Phavia Kujichagulia's Congolese themed, black consciousness Fancy Footwork and the mighty combination of Ginger Baker and Ransome Kuti on their co-written N'Kon Kini N'Kon N'Kon, a chunky, Lo-Slung Afro-Beat celebration of Fela Kuti's Kalakuta Republic.
Jean-Claude's excellent track record of creating and curating compilation albums and rediscovering rare gems and private presses for re-issue follows a philosophy of cross- genre music appreciation that can be traced even further back than to his time as one half of the innovative, genre bending, DJ and production duo The Amalgamation of Soundz. Jean- Claude has been a mainstay of London's Black Music scene for some four decades with his record shop, his shows on NTS and Soho Radio, his excellent 'In Conversation with...' series of chat shows, his Djing and curation of event stages at Across the Tracks Festival and, of course, his excellent compilations.
Deep Jazz volume 4 will be released on BBE Music as a digital and a double vinyl LP and will add to any serious collector and music head's record racks.
1. Eero Koivistoinen, UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra - Kaamos
2. Ginger Baker - N'Kon Kini N'Kon N'Kon 03:58
3. Eko Kuango - Na Mawaso
4. Lonnie Smith - All In My Mind
5. Phavia Kujichagulia - Fancy Footwork
6. Kan Digor - Croonardise
7. Five Times Six - Five Times Six
8. Sathima Bea Benjamin - Africa
9. George Hirota - Process of Cloud
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Germany
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The late ‘70s were such a creatively fertile period for Roy Ayers and his associates that many of his finest recordings never made it onto the official releases. Ayers kept the master tapes in storage until Peter Adarkwah of BBE Records in London got wind of them, at which point they were collected on the aptly named Virgin Ubiquity. The songs feature all the different permutations of Roy Ayers’ band, which maintained a core philosophy through shifting rhythm sections and vocalists. The underappreciated Merry Clayton brings a husky edge to “Oh What A Lonely Feeling,” “I Really Love You” and “What’s the T?” her earthy voice contrasting with the liquid textures of Ayers’ arrangement. Carla Vaughn was another of Ayers’ singing vixens, her sensual presence blending seamlessly into “Boogie Down,” “Mystic Voyage” and “Together Forever.” Although performances here rich with detail, it is a pleasure to hear “I Just Wanna Give It Up,” an uncharacteristically spare arrangement that allows us to study the inner dynamics of the Ayers machine.
“Since his 1963 debut, Ayers has worked with everyone from Herbie Mann and Guru to Fela Kuti and Erykah Badu, and his shimmering sound has foreshadowed acid jazz and fueled hip-hop, as well as gracing contemporary R&B.; Though Virgin Ubiquity is billed as a collection of thirteen never-before-released tracks, it’s far more than a mere scrap heap of outtakes, as each of its “from the vault” cuts luxuriate on the comfortable musical bed that Ayers mastered from ’76 through ’81.” – Pitchfork Review
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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“Since his 1963 debut, Ayers has worked with everyone from Herbie Mann and Guru to Fela Kuti and Erykah Badu, and his shimmering sound has foreshadowed acid jazz and fueled hip-hop, as well as gracing contemporary R&B.; Though Virgin Ubiquity is billed as a collection of thirteen never-before-released tracks, it’s far more than a mere scrap heap of outtakes, as each of its “from the vault” cuts luxuriate on the comfortable musical bed that Ayers mastered from ’76 through ’81.” – Pitchfork Review
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1
Ginger Johnson and His African Messenger - I Jool Omo
2
Ginger Johnson and His African Messenger - Adura
3
Ginger Johnson and His African Messenger - Witchdoctor
4
Ginger Johnson and His African Messenger - Ire
5
Ginger Johnson and His African Messenger - Talking Drum
6
Ginger Johnson and His African Messenger - Lord Morocco
7
Ginger Johnson and His African Messenger - A You Momma
8
Ginger Johnson and His African Messenger - Watusi
9
Ginger Johnson and His African Messenger - Alege
10
Ginger Johnson and His African Messenger - Hi Life
11
Ginger Johnson and His African Messenger - Witchdoctor (Afro Rock)
12
Ginger Johnson and His African Messenger - Nawa
The story of percussionist, band leader, teacher, club owner Ginger Johnson and his African Party album is a fascinating tale that is only now being recognised for its significance. Born George Folurunsho Johnson in Nigeria,1916, of a Yoruba background, by the late 1940s Ginger was living in London and made an immediate impact playing live and recording with British jazz legends Ronnie Scott, drummers Phil Seaman and Tony Crombie, pianist Victor Feldman, and Kenny Graham’s Afro-Cubists.
In the 1950s he was the featured percussionist for the Edmundo Ros Orchestra, and also released several of his own 78s and 45s for Melodisc which were among the first examples of African music recorded and released in Britain. From his base in Pimlico, Ginger became the lynchpin of the African and West Indian expat musical community, including being mentor to a young Fela Kuti when he first came to London in 1957. By the mid-1960s Ginger was the highest profile Afro Cuban percussionist in Europe, with the ‘talking drum’ being his speciality, this led him to feature on all styles of recording sessions, from pop to jazz, also appearing in films, children’s television shows and live at The Royal Variety Performance and he was also instrumental in helping establish and expand the Notting Hill Carnival.
In March 1967 Ginger and his group entered Sound Techniques Studio, in Chelsea, to record the African Party album. The multi-layered drum patterns combined with jazz horn lines and vocals sung in the Yoruba dialect, the recordings were unlike anything else of the time and still sparkle with energy and vitality that remains undiminished almost 60 years later. The album is often cited as the foundation of Afrobeat – and his African Messengers group functioned as the finishing school for highly renowned musicians like Michael “Bami” Rose, as well as members of Osibisa and Cymande.
Ginger and his group continued to blaze a genre defying trail through contemporary music – recording and playing live with the likes of Art Blakey, with psychedelic rock outfits Pink Floyd and Soft Machine at the International Times 14 Hour Technicolour Dream – and most famously with The Rolling Stones in Hyde Park, in front of a crowd estimated to be well over 250,000.
Besides the 50’s Melodisc recordings and African Party album, it was thought that there were few other recordings, however in 2018 Uchenna Ikonne, a renowned African music collector discovered one battered original copy of a 45 single, released in the early 70s on the ‘Afrodesia’ label. These two bonus tracks have been given the best audio restoration possible and are included on this expanded, double vinyl LP version of ‘African Party’, providing a wider perspective on this significant musician’s career.
Some who were already aware of Johnson’s vital influence include:
– Mike Rose, Steve Scipio and Patrick Patterson of Cymande who recall playing with Johnson “was a unique experience, always enjoyable and always uplifting”.
– The late Afrobeat drum legend Tony Allen said “Ginger was the pioneer, the trailblazer for all of us, I loved everything he did, even before I met him’.
– DJ Louie Vega; “Masters At Work, Nuyorican Soul and Elements Of Life have all been inspired by his work; it is time for the world to see how the music is timeless”.
– Writer / musician David Toop; “Ginger Johnson was one of the great forgotten in British African music, but in the 60s, it was essential in jazz, R & B and especially the psyche scene.
He added a festive atmosphere at all events to which he attended, reminding his audience of his African roots“.
This deluxe version of African Party sheds further light on the trailblazing life and career of this pivotal yet underappreciated figure.
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Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
In the 1950s he was the featured percussionist for the Edmundo Ros Orchestra, and also released several of his own 78s and 45s for Melodisc which were among the first examples of African music recorded and released in Britain. From his base in Pimlico, Ginger became the lynchpin of the African and West Indian expat musical community, including being mentor to a young Fela Kuti when he first came to London in 1957. By the mid-1960s Ginger was the highest profile Afro Cuban percussionist in Europe, with the ‘talking drum’ being his speciality, this led him to feature on all styles of recording sessions, from pop to jazz, also appearing in films, children’s television shows and live at The Royal Variety Performance and he was also instrumental in helping establish and expand the Notting Hill Carnival.
In March 1967 Ginger and his group entered Sound Techniques Studio, in Chelsea, to record the African Party album. The multi-layered drum patterns combined with jazz horn lines and vocals sung in the Yoruba dialect, the recordings were unlike anything else of the time and still sparkle with energy and vitality that remains undiminished almost 60 years later. The album is often cited as the foundation of Afrobeat – and his African Messengers group functioned as the finishing school for highly renowned musicians like Michael “Bami” Rose, as well as members of Osibisa and Cymande.
Ginger and his group continued to blaze a genre defying trail through contemporary music – recording and playing live with the likes of Art Blakey, with psychedelic rock outfits Pink Floyd and Soft Machine at the International Times 14 Hour Technicolour Dream – and most famously with The Rolling Stones in Hyde Park, in front of a crowd estimated to be well over 250,000.
Besides the 50’s Melodisc recordings and African Party album, it was thought that there were few other recordings, however in 2018 Uchenna Ikonne, a renowned African music collector discovered one battered original copy of a 45 single, released in the early 70s on the ‘Afrodesia’ label. These two bonus tracks have been given the best audio restoration possible and are included on this expanded, double vinyl LP version of ‘African Party’, providing a wider perspective on this significant musician’s career.
Some who were already aware of Johnson’s vital influence include:
– Mike Rose, Steve Scipio and Patrick Patterson of Cymande who recall playing with Johnson “was a unique experience, always enjoyable and always uplifting”.
– The late Afrobeat drum legend Tony Allen said “Ginger was the pioneer, the trailblazer for all of us, I loved everything he did, even before I met him’.
– DJ Louie Vega; “Masters At Work, Nuyorican Soul and Elements Of Life have all been inspired by his work; it is time for the world to see how the music is timeless”.
– Writer / musician David Toop; “Ginger Johnson was one of the great forgotten in British African music, but in the 60s, it was essential in jazz, R & B and especially the psyche scene.
He added a festive atmosphere at all events to which he attended, reminding his audience of his African roots“.
This deluxe version of African Party sheds further light on the trailblazing life and career of this pivotal yet underappreciated figure.
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Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
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1
Omar - Lovey Dovey
2
Omar - This Thing Called Life (instrumental)
Impressive Collective & BBE Music announce an exclusive vinyl 45 single by Omar Lyefook MBE to celebrate signing the legendary UK soul star.
This new partnership continues Omar’s long standing collaboration with Impressive Collective’s Greg Boraman, which began in 2013 on Freestyle Records with the critically acclaimed ‘The Man’ album and continued with ‘Love In Beats’ and ‘The Omar Anthology’. To mark this auspicious news, we proudly announce the release of this limited-edition vinyl single featuring 2 tracks that is only available on this exclusive 45.
A side – ‘Lovey Dovey’ is box fresh but also classic Omar, and features his trademark assured vocal delivery over a bumping rhythm and synths provided by The Scratch Professor. The flip ‘This Thing Called Life’ is an opulent and epic instrumental piece, featuring swooping cinematic strings, over a funk laden arrangement that is part film soundtrack, part dancefloor filler.
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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This new partnership continues Omar’s long standing collaboration with Impressive Collective’s Greg Boraman, which began in 2013 on Freestyle Records with the critically acclaimed ‘The Man’ album and continued with ‘Love In Beats’ and ‘The Omar Anthology’. To mark this auspicious news, we proudly announce the release of this limited-edition vinyl single featuring 2 tracks that is only available on this exclusive 45.
A side – ‘Lovey Dovey’ is box fresh but also classic Omar, and features his trademark assured vocal delivery over a bumping rhythm and synths provided by The Scratch Professor. The flip ‘This Thing Called Life’ is an opulent and epic instrumental piece, featuring swooping cinematic strings, over a funk laden arrangement that is part film soundtrack, part dancefloor filler.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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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.
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]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.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]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)
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Germany
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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)
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
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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
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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
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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
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Tracklisting
1. Beneath Her
2. Ascend It
3. Mountain Bug
4. Doom Date
5. Gift Of The Gab
6. Axe To Grind
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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
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Strut presents the official reissue of a landmark album in the field of African music, Mulatu Astatke’s ‘Mulatu Of Ethiopia’ from 1972.
A1 MULATU 5:00
A2 MASCARAM SETABA 2:40
A3 DEWEL 4:00
B1 KULUNMANQUELESHI 2:05
B2 KASALEFKUT-HULU 2:25
B3 MUNAYE 3:15
B4 CHIFARA
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A1 MULATU 5:00
A2 MASCARAM SETABA 2:40
A3 DEWEL 4:00
B1 KULUNMANQUELESHI 2:05
B2 KASALEFKUT-HULU 2:25
B3 MUNAYE 3:15
B4 CHIFARA
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1
Luigi Ceccarelli - Vientiane
2
Gin no nami - Whispers Of Chikurin
3
Akira Mitake - Yasha
4
Akira Mitake - Modernism
5
Individual Sensitivity - Greece Ambientale
6
Steve Shehan - Evening In The Sahara
7
Private Joke - Peaceful Traffic
8
Adriano Maria Vitali - Velvet Blue Circles
9
Masami Tsuchiya - Nevermind
10
Akira Mitake - Spectrum
11
Gil Mellé - Mindscape
12
Gruppo Sound - African Interlude II
13
Ferris Wheel - Shipping Out
Collector, seeker and storyteller Charles Bals brings his curatorial finesse to Hamburg"s Bureau B with "Ambientale", a journey into otherworldly sounds from the years 1983 - 2000. Drifting effortlessly between digital exoticism, mellow fusion, new age groove and library electronics, the pieces range from largely obscure to utterly un-google-able, and coalesce into a stunning soundtrack to tranquil seas, desert sand and starlit skies. Cinematic & enigmatic, "Ambientale" is a stranger you"ve only just met but can"t stop thinking about.
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1
e s g - you're no good
2
e s g - moody
3
e s g - ufo
4
e s g - eam it
5
e s g - esg
6
e s g - hey!
Still sounding as fresh as when first released some 20 years ago, this EP, produced by Ed Bahlman for his label, 99 Records, is a classic. Much sampled by DJ's and record producers all over the world, includes 'You're No Good', 'Moody', and 'UFO', in pic
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Record Store Day Exclusive "Frozen Lake Michigan" Color 140g 2xLP, in a heavyweight UV-Gloss jacket, with 12"x12" insert booklet, with IA OBI Strip & printed inner sleeves.
Gilles Peterson presents International Anthem is a Deluxe Double LP compilation chronicling the infamous London-based radio host, DJ, label head, curator and cultural impresario's long-standing affinity for and interaction with artists and music from the Chicago-born record label International Anthem.
tracklist:
Side A
1) Chicago, January 13th, 2020
2) Makaya McCraven - The Jaunt
3) Junius Paul - Asé
4) Dezron Douglas & Brandee Younger - The Creator Has a Master Plan
5) Resavoir - Taking Flight
6) Irreversible Entanglements - Open The Gates
7) Angel Bat Dawid - We Are Starzz
8) Rob Mazurek - Exploding Star Orchestra - Abstract Dark Energy (Parable 9)
Side B
9) The Most Amazing Time
10) Damon Locks - Black Monument Ensemble - Rebuild a Nation
11) Dos Santos - A Shot in the Dark
12) Daniel Villarreal - In/On
13) Anna Butterss - Pokemans
14) SML - Industry
15) Jeremiah Chiu & Marta Sofia Honer - Snåcko
Side C
16) Jeff Parker - Cliche
17) Jamire Williams - And Then the Anointing Fell
18) Carlos Niño & Friends - Please, wake up.
19) Thandi Ntuli with Carlos Niño - Voice and Tongo Experiment
20) Tom Skinner - Quiet as it’s Kept
21) Ruth Goller - Next time I keep my hands down
22) Alabaster DePlume - A Gente Acaba (Vento Em Rosa)
Side D
23) Old Fashioned Chicago Music
24) jaimie branch - theme 001 (live)
25) Tomin - Angela’s Angel
26) Asher Gamedze - Melancholia
27) Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly - MESTIZX (Brownswood Basement Live)
28) Ben LaMar Gay - Oh Great Be The Lake
29) Charles Stepney - Step on Step
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Gilles Peterson presents International Anthem is a Deluxe Double LP compilation chronicling the infamous London-based radio host, DJ, label head, curator and cultural impresario's long-standing affinity for and interaction with artists and music from the Chicago-born record label International Anthem.
tracklist:
Side A
1) Chicago, January 13th, 2020
2) Makaya McCraven - The Jaunt
3) Junius Paul - Asé
4) Dezron Douglas & Brandee Younger - The Creator Has a Master Plan
5) Resavoir - Taking Flight
6) Irreversible Entanglements - Open The Gates
7) Angel Bat Dawid - We Are Starzz
8) Rob Mazurek - Exploding Star Orchestra - Abstract Dark Energy (Parable 9)
Side B
9) The Most Amazing Time
10) Damon Locks - Black Monument Ensemble - Rebuild a Nation
11) Dos Santos - A Shot in the Dark
12) Daniel Villarreal - In/On
13) Anna Butterss - Pokemans
14) SML - Industry
15) Jeremiah Chiu & Marta Sofia Honer - Snåcko
Side C
16) Jeff Parker - Cliche
17) Jamire Williams - And Then the Anointing Fell
18) Carlos Niño & Friends - Please, wake up.
19) Thandi Ntuli with Carlos Niño - Voice and Tongo Experiment
20) Tom Skinner - Quiet as it’s Kept
21) Ruth Goller - Next time I keep my hands down
22) Alabaster DePlume - A Gente Acaba (Vento Em Rosa)
Side D
23) Old Fashioned Chicago Music
24) jaimie branch - theme 001 (live)
25) Tomin - Angela’s Angel
26) Asher Gamedze - Melancholia
27) Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly - MESTIZX (Brownswood Basement Live)
28) Ben LaMar Gay - Oh Great Be The Lake
29) Charles Stepney - Step on Step
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1
Tommy Guerrero - Hello Again
2
Tommy Guerrero - The Under Dog
3
Tommy Guerrero - Badder Than Bullets
4
Tommy Guerrero - Tomorrow’s Goodbye
5
Tommy Guerrero - No Guns More Glory
6
Tommy Guerrero - War No More
7
Tommy Guerrero - Salve
8
Tommy Guerrero - Mission Flats
9
Tommy Guerrero - 1966
10
Tommy Guerrero - Don’t Fake It
11
Tommy Guerrero - Just Ain’t Me
12
Tommy Guerrero - Create And Destroy
13
Tommy Guerrero - Let Me In Let Me Out
14
Tommy Guerrero - Molotov Telegram
Format: LP
Format Notes: 2025 repress, Remastered, 180g vinyl, first time on vinyl
EAN: 4251648413387
Track List:
A1 : Hello Again
A2 : The Under Dog
A3 : Badder Than Bullets
A4 : Tomorrow’s Goodbye
A5 : No Guns More Glory
A6 : War No More
A7 : Salve
A8 : Mission Flats
B1 : 1966
B2 : Don’t Fake It
B3 : Just Ain’t Me
B4 : Create And Destroy
B5 : Let Me In Let Me Out
B6 : Molotov Telegram
Release Notes:
Yes! Tommy Guerrero’s much-loved 4th LP – the smooth West Coast classic From The Soil To The Soul - gets its first ever vinyl release. As the follow up to his revered Soul Food Taqueria, this album was originally released by Quannum Records 2006 but only on CD. Working with Tommy directly, the LP has been fully remastered, cut on to heavyweight wax, and comes with artwork freshly reworked by the man himself.
From The Soil To The Soul represents a continuation of Tommy’s blissful guitar-soul whilst demonstrating increasingly complex chops and a slightly darker side to his distinctive sound. His spare, effortless funk is blended here with elements of Americana, heavy psych, lo-fi fuzz and intoxicating Latin rhythms. Combined with his typically breezy, laid-back San Franciscan style, it’s a vibe from start to finish.
Recorded primarily in his home studio, Tommy wrote, arranged and played nearly all the instruments, including bass, guitar, keyboards, percussion and kalimba. Renowned street artist Barry McGee, aka Twist, designed the cover art which Tommy has now recast in a deep, deep red for the vinyl version.
As ever with Tommy, the highlights are many and memorable. From twinkling, sun-drenched opener “Hello Again” to the penultimate, punk-rocking track “Let Me In Let Me Out” (featuring the melodic yet fearsome rapping of Lyrics Born), the variety across the LP is relentless, but satisfying, and without once losing focus.
We’re treated to the gorgeous hip-hop blues of “The Under Dog”, Meters-style Hammond B-3 jams like “War No More” and “No Guns More Glory” and Balearic bangers like Bing Ji Ling’s star-turn on the sleazy “Don’t Fake It.”
Curumin’s soulful guest vocal elevates the already-great Brazilian lounge feels of “Salve” to hitherto unscaled heights and the heavy, driving basslines - funky and warm on “Badder Than Bullets”, sombre and intense in “Tomorrow’s Goodbye” and “Molotov Telegram” – never fail to move both body and soul.
But our favourite track is the beautiful breezy pop of “Just Ain’t Me”. A bittersweet, skipping ballad which boasts an incredibly rare instance of Tommy singing. “What you want from me, I can never give” he repeats throughout, lending the already-melancholic atmosphere greater poignancy. It would’ve been number 1 across the planet in a parallel universe.
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Format Notes: 2025 repress, Remastered, 180g vinyl, first time on vinyl
EAN: 4251648413387
Track List:
A1 : Hello Again
A2 : The Under Dog
A3 : Badder Than Bullets
A4 : Tomorrow’s Goodbye
A5 : No Guns More Glory
A6 : War No More
A7 : Salve
A8 : Mission Flats
B1 : 1966
B2 : Don’t Fake It
B3 : Just Ain’t Me
B4 : Create And Destroy
B5 : Let Me In Let Me Out
B6 : Molotov Telegram
Release Notes:
Yes! Tommy Guerrero’s much-loved 4th LP – the smooth West Coast classic From The Soil To The Soul - gets its first ever vinyl release. As the follow up to his revered Soul Food Taqueria, this album was originally released by Quannum Records 2006 but only on CD. Working with Tommy directly, the LP has been fully remastered, cut on to heavyweight wax, and comes with artwork freshly reworked by the man himself.
From The Soil To The Soul represents a continuation of Tommy’s blissful guitar-soul whilst demonstrating increasingly complex chops and a slightly darker side to his distinctive sound. His spare, effortless funk is blended here with elements of Americana, heavy psych, lo-fi fuzz and intoxicating Latin rhythms. Combined with his typically breezy, laid-back San Franciscan style, it’s a vibe from start to finish.
Recorded primarily in his home studio, Tommy wrote, arranged and played nearly all the instruments, including bass, guitar, keyboards, percussion and kalimba. Renowned street artist Barry McGee, aka Twist, designed the cover art which Tommy has now recast in a deep, deep red for the vinyl version.
As ever with Tommy, the highlights are many and memorable. From twinkling, sun-drenched opener “Hello Again” to the penultimate, punk-rocking track “Let Me In Let Me Out” (featuring the melodic yet fearsome rapping of Lyrics Born), the variety across the LP is relentless, but satisfying, and without once losing focus.
We’re treated to the gorgeous hip-hop blues of “The Under Dog”, Meters-style Hammond B-3 jams like “War No More” and “No Guns More Glory” and Balearic bangers like Bing Ji Ling’s star-turn on the sleazy “Don’t Fake It.”
Curumin’s soulful guest vocal elevates the already-great Brazilian lounge feels of “Salve” to hitherto unscaled heights and the heavy, driving basslines - funky and warm on “Badder Than Bullets”, sombre and intense in “Tomorrow’s Goodbye” and “Molotov Telegram” – never fail to move both body and soul.
But our favourite track is the beautiful breezy pop of “Just Ain’t Me”. A bittersweet, skipping ballad which boasts an incredibly rare instance of Tommy singing. “What you want from me, I can never give” he repeats throughout, lending the already-melancholic atmosphere greater poignancy. It would’ve been number 1 across the planet in a parallel universe.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Cat-No:MPD045
Release-Date:25.10.2024
Configuration:2LP
Cat-No:MPD045
Release-Date:25.10.2024
Configuration:2LP
1
Basement 5 - Silicon Chip
2
Disconnection - Bali Ha'i (US Discomix)
3
A Certain Ratio - Shake Up
4
23 skidoo - Language
5
PIL - Home Is Where The Heart Is
6
Mark Stewart And The Maffia - Jerusalem
7
The Unknown Cases - Masimbabele (The Original Version)
8
Allez Allez - She's Stirring Up (Dub)
9
Animal Magic - Standard Man
10
Lifetones - Distance No Object
11
Snakefinger - I Gave Myself To You
12
Startled Insects - Overrzoom
13
Maximum Joy - Silent Street / Silent Dub
14
African Headcharge - Throw It Away
15
EP-4 - Tide Gauge
16
400 Blows - Declaration Of Intent
(incl 40p fanzine written by Matt Annis with photographs by Simon Pyke and Ian Brodie) Postpunk Theory is a meticulously curated compilation by the legendary Tony Thorpe, known for his work with The Moody Boys, 400 Blows, and The KLF. These classic tracks were played at parties by Thorpe at the time, making them his personal classics. The compilation features 16 rare and sought-after tracks from the post-punk era, including works by Mark Stewart and The Maffia, Basement 5, 23 Skidoo and more.
Defining post-punk is no easy task. While punk was defined by a raw, rebellious simplicity, post-punk (1978-1986) expanded into a diverse array of sounds and ideas. It maintained punk's independent spirit but embraced experimentation, incorporating influences from various musical and cultural traditions, resulting in a movement far more eclectic and fragmented than its predecessor.
At its core, post-punk broke away from traditional rock structures, blending genres like industrial, goth, and punk-funk with emerging dance music cultures. This era's spirit of innovation and defiance against musical norms continues to inspire, making post-punk a pivotal moment in music history that defies easy categorization.
Tony Thorpe presents Postpunk Theory - Alpha ? is a meticulously curated compilation by the legendary Tony Thorpe, known for his work with The Moody Boys, 400 Blows, and The KLF. These classic tracks were played at parties by Thorpe at the time, making them his personal classics. The compilation features 16 rare and sought-after tracks from the post-punk era, including works by Mark Stewart and The Maffia, Basement 5, 23 Skidoo, African Headcharge, and more.
Growing up in a vibrant musical environment in South London, Thorpe was deeply influenced by the eclectic sounds around him, from jazz-funk to Brit-Funk, and later, the post-punk records he discovered. As Thorpe recalls, "Post-punk was a mishmash of different cultures and ideas. Out of post-punk came dance music culture. That period was the most creative time because the culture was in its experimental phase." This compilation captures that innovative spirit, offering a glimpse into the era that shaped Thorpe's musical journey.
The album comes as a limited 2xLP set, accompanied by an extensive 40-page fanzine. The fanzine, written by Matt Annis (Join The Future), dives deep into the post-punk movement, offering insight and context enriched with striking photographs by Simon Pyke and Ian Brodie.
Tracklist
A1. Basement 5 - Silicon Chip
A2. Disconnection - Bali Ha'i (US Discomix)
A3. A Certain Ratio - Shake Up
A4. 23 skidoo - Language
B1. PIL - Home Is Where The Heart Is
B2. Mark Stewart And The Maffia - Jerusalem
B3. The Unknown Cases - Masimbabele (The Original Version)
B4. Allez Allez - She's Stirring Up (Dub)
C1. Animal Magic - Standard Man
C2. Lifetones - Distance No Object
C3. Snakefinger - I Gave Myself To You
C4. Startled Insects - Overrzoom
D1. Maximum Joy - Silent Street / Silent Dub
D2. African Headcharge - Throw It Away
D3. EP-4 - Tide Gauge
D4. 400 Blows - Declaration Of Intent
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Defining post-punk is no easy task. While punk was defined by a raw, rebellious simplicity, post-punk (1978-1986) expanded into a diverse array of sounds and ideas. It maintained punk's independent spirit but embraced experimentation, incorporating influences from various musical and cultural traditions, resulting in a movement far more eclectic and fragmented than its predecessor.
At its core, post-punk broke away from traditional rock structures, blending genres like industrial, goth, and punk-funk with emerging dance music cultures. This era's spirit of innovation and defiance against musical norms continues to inspire, making post-punk a pivotal moment in music history that defies easy categorization.
Tony Thorpe presents Postpunk Theory - Alpha ? is a meticulously curated compilation by the legendary Tony Thorpe, known for his work with The Moody Boys, 400 Blows, and The KLF. These classic tracks were played at parties by Thorpe at the time, making them his personal classics. The compilation features 16 rare and sought-after tracks from the post-punk era, including works by Mark Stewart and The Maffia, Basement 5, 23 Skidoo, African Headcharge, and more.
Growing up in a vibrant musical environment in South London, Thorpe was deeply influenced by the eclectic sounds around him, from jazz-funk to Brit-Funk, and later, the post-punk records he discovered. As Thorpe recalls, "Post-punk was a mishmash of different cultures and ideas. Out of post-punk came dance music culture. That period was the most creative time because the culture was in its experimental phase." This compilation captures that innovative spirit, offering a glimpse into the era that shaped Thorpe's musical journey.
The album comes as a limited 2xLP set, accompanied by an extensive 40-page fanzine. The fanzine, written by Matt Annis (Join The Future), dives deep into the post-punk movement, offering insight and context enriched with striking photographs by Simon Pyke and Ian Brodie.
Tracklist
A1. Basement 5 - Silicon Chip
A2. Disconnection - Bali Ha'i (US Discomix)
A3. A Certain Ratio - Shake Up
A4. 23 skidoo - Language
B1. PIL - Home Is Where The Heart Is
B2. Mark Stewart And The Maffia - Jerusalem
B3. The Unknown Cases - Masimbabele (The Original Version)
B4. Allez Allez - She's Stirring Up (Dub)
C1. Animal Magic - Standard Man
C2. Lifetones - Distance No Object
C3. Snakefinger - I Gave Myself To You
C4. Startled Insects - Overrzoom
D1. Maximum Joy - Silent Street / Silent Dub
D2. African Headcharge - Throw It Away
D3. EP-4 - Tide Gauge
D4. 400 Blows - Declaration Of Intent
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Cluster - Hollywood
2
Cluster - Caramel
3
Cluster - Rote Riki
4
Cluster - Rosa
5
Cluster - Caramba
6
Cluster - Fotschi Tong
7
Cluster - James
8
Cluster - Marzipan
9
Cluster - Rotor
10
Cluster - Heiße Lippen
Limited Anniversary Edition: 180g vinyl, hand numbered, 1000 copies available!
In 1974, Cluster entered the sugar era. This doesn"t mean that they had finally arrived in their promised land, but they had simply moved from Berlin to the country, to a small place called Forst on the river Weser. Many a thing had changed for band members Moebius and Roedelius since Cluster II: They had moved from boisterous Berlin to this calm rural village, they had founded the band Harmonia, had set up their own studio and had bought new equipment. As a result of this and many other things, new impulses were noticeably spurring the evolution of their music. The album Zuckerzeit ("sugar era") launched a revolution for Cluster.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
In 1974, Cluster entered the sugar era. This doesn"t mean that they had finally arrived in their promised land, but they had simply moved from Berlin to the country, to a small place called Forst on the river Weser. Many a thing had changed for band members Moebius and Roedelius since Cluster II: They had moved from boisterous Berlin to this calm rural village, they had founded the band Harmonia, had set up their own studio and had bought new equipment. As a result of this and many other things, new impulses were noticeably spurring the evolution of their music. The album Zuckerzeit ("sugar era") launched a revolution for Cluster.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
You Never End is the third album from Valentina Magaletti, Tom Halstead and Joe Andrews (Moin) out via AD 93 on the 25th October. Its title alone expresses the teetering and shifting nature of both the album and band. This record marks the Moin’s shift into a new phase with vocal collaborations across the album from Olan Monk, james K, Coby Sey and Sophia Al-Maria.
Tracklist
1.1Guess It's Wrecked
1.2Cubby
1.3Family Way
1.4What If You Didn't Need A Reason
1.5Lift You
1.6It's Messy Coping
1.7We Know What Gives
1.8C'mon Dive
1.9Anything But Sopo
1.10Happy In The Wrong Way
1.11Just Married
https://listen.k7.com/122cae12-2075-44eb-8c56-21a043607f94
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Tracklist
1.1Guess It's Wrecked
1.2Cubby
1.3Family Way
1.4What If You Didn't Need A Reason
1.5Lift You
1.6It's Messy Coping
1.7We Know What Gives
1.8C'mon Dive
1.9Anything But Sopo
1.10Happy In The Wrong Way
1.11Just Married
https://listen.k7.com/122cae12-2075-44eb-8c56-21a043607f94
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Thought Leadership - I
2
Thought Leadership - II
3
Thought Leadership - III
4
Thought Leadership - IV
5
Thought Leadership - V
6
Thought Leadership - VI
7
Thought Leadership - VII
8
Thought Leadership - VIII
9
Thought Leadership - IX
10
Thought Leadership - X
Format Notes:
Hyper-limited (300 only) ethereal guitar soul originally cassette only. 2025 first time ever vinyl release, 140g vinyl.
Track List:
A1 I
A2 II
A3 III
A4 IV
A5 V
A6 VI
A7 VII
B1 VIII
B2 IX
B3 X
Release Notes:
Every so often an album of such deceptive genius, of such aesthetic clarity, comes across our desk and transfixes us. Thought Leadership's III Of Pentacles is one such work of art. It's an instant classic and glides into the pantheon of timeless guitar-soul totems. Originally out on cassette only, we present the first ever vinyl issue. It's a hideously limited pressing of 300 for the world, so don't sleep on this.
Thought Leadership has already garnered big support from such tastemakers as Ruf Dug, Jason Boardman, Nathan Gregory Wilkins, J Walk, Evan Woodward, Justin Robertson and Heavenly's Jeff Barrett. The first time we heard III Of Pentacles, we nearly wept at the thought that something so beautiful, so bursting with real hope, could even exist in this brutal world. To quote the Quietus, "imagine if Stockport was situated somewhere along the Pacific Coast Highway rather than the M60, and you’ll have some idea of the coordinates to the post-industrial, sunburnt dream space opened up here."
So, who is Thought Leadership? What do we know about them? They reside in Stockport and are obsessed with ethereal guitar records. That’s about it. That and these X ideas shared with you, the listener.
Captured on a multitrack recorder in a terraced house in Stockport, this is as DIY as it gets. Glaringly obvious is a love for classic Factory and early 4AD. Perhaps it is the proximity to the River Mersey where the ideas arrived, and there being but three miles between where this and the Durutti Column’s classic “LC” was recorded, as the two operate across a familiar aural plain. Be it geographic or otherwise, limited by a true economy of means, namely guitar, pedals and drum machine, the fruit borne from these humble tools has been indelibly shaped by the perma-gloom that hangs low over the Manchester and Stockport environs.
Ushered in on 808 kicks, “I” opens the record as a beautiful Sketch for Stockport; a chiming maj7 chord dripping in chorus and delay sets us on our way. The Vini Reilly comparisons are unavoidable. “II” is all John McGeoch, with its trippy goth-psyche arpeggiated pattern cascading across the stereo image. Do those drums swing? But goths don’t swing?! They do here. We’re treated to a bit of crunch on the lead guitar part and some really lush reverb. We even step forth into shoegaze territory, albeit briefly, for the middle eight. “III”, a firm Be With favourite, continues the dreamy psyche leanings of the previous track, with an even bigger melody this time. We’re hearing The Teardrop Explodes on quaaludes here. A proto-dream pop cut soaked in melancholy. But watch out! The coda finds Johnny Marr has gotten into the ‘ludes and gatecrashed the final bars with some incredibly ignorant B minor pentatonic noodling.
“IV” ditches the drum machine for the first in a suite of three beatless electric guitar duets. The first of these semi-improvised rubato ideas is a striking departure from the earlier playful pieces, coming over emo and moody. Greyscale sulking for Stratocaster. Sign us up. “V” contains some really lyrical phrasing; a gorgeous conversation between two guitars. Real Stopfordian Primitive; meditative, crude, rain-soaked. We cycle through the same feels, then end on an alluring chord that breaks the pattern. Sometimes thoughts are like this. “VI” creeps in all plaintive, then a huge reverberating descending guitar line comes tumbling in like something off those classic Dif Juz 12”s. There’s some Maurice Deebank in there too, for sure, and the coda nods to early Meat Puppets.
“VII” rounds out the A Side, and succinctly presents a summary of all ideas explored thus far on our journey. The drum machine is back, this time with some wispy delay, before both guitars enter together playing interlocking lines. As we start, we end, with the delayed 808 guiding us out.
Opening Side B, “VIII” sees us embark on the other side of our journey as we slow down and space out. The drum machine is here, but the guitars are different now. Think Sensations Fix or Göttsching at his most peeled out. Drones, ambient drifts of broken chords and distorted lead lines all swirl round the mix. Side B is one for headphones for sure. “IX” is almost too exquisite for words. A New Age Mixolydian voyage through the cosmos. If you’re unmoved by the end you’ve probably got no pulse. We were left blunted ineffable by this one, such is the smudged elegance radiating from this idea. All hail the Thought Leader.
“X” is a full circle moment, and a fitting end. If you’ve not already elsewhere across the platter, you will be getting heavy Robin Guthrie vibes from this piece. Like the rest of Side B, this improvised jam sticks within a framework of related chords but the celestial energies channelled might invite us to wander “outside”, especially when the Tubescreamer is engaged.
RIYL Durutti Coulmn, Cocteau Twins, Dif Juz, Sensations Fix, Spike and adjacent guitar musicks – but, ultimately, this is just its own thing; such is the strength of ideas presented. "It’s good music to chill out to." (??)
Be With is honoured to present the first ever vinyl release of III Of Pentacles, carefully remastered by Be With's engineer Simon Francisco to ensure it sounds better than ever after its initial tape release. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry, in Holland. The original tape cover artwork, so crucial to Thought Leadership's striking visual aesthetic, has been rejigged for vinyl issue here at Be With. Its stark presentation befits the music contained within. They inform us that they shuffled their tarot deck to ask what the album should be called and the card you see on the cover popped out. The III Of Pentacles tarot card represents teamwork, shared vision and the ability to achieve goals through collaboration. We like to think Thought Leadership and Be With have nailed this one.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Hyper-limited (300 only) ethereal guitar soul originally cassette only. 2025 first time ever vinyl release, 140g vinyl.
Track List:
A1 I
A2 II
A3 III
A4 IV
A5 V
A6 VI
A7 VII
B1 VIII
B2 IX
B3 X
Release Notes:
Every so often an album of such deceptive genius, of such aesthetic clarity, comes across our desk and transfixes us. Thought Leadership's III Of Pentacles is one such work of art. It's an instant classic and glides into the pantheon of timeless guitar-soul totems. Originally out on cassette only, we present the first ever vinyl issue. It's a hideously limited pressing of 300 for the world, so don't sleep on this.
Thought Leadership has already garnered big support from such tastemakers as Ruf Dug, Jason Boardman, Nathan Gregory Wilkins, J Walk, Evan Woodward, Justin Robertson and Heavenly's Jeff Barrett. The first time we heard III Of Pentacles, we nearly wept at the thought that something so beautiful, so bursting with real hope, could even exist in this brutal world. To quote the Quietus, "imagine if Stockport was situated somewhere along the Pacific Coast Highway rather than the M60, and you’ll have some idea of the coordinates to the post-industrial, sunburnt dream space opened up here."
So, who is Thought Leadership? What do we know about them? They reside in Stockport and are obsessed with ethereal guitar records. That’s about it. That and these X ideas shared with you, the listener.
Captured on a multitrack recorder in a terraced house in Stockport, this is as DIY as it gets. Glaringly obvious is a love for classic Factory and early 4AD. Perhaps it is the proximity to the River Mersey where the ideas arrived, and there being but three miles between where this and the Durutti Column’s classic “LC” was recorded, as the two operate across a familiar aural plain. Be it geographic or otherwise, limited by a true economy of means, namely guitar, pedals and drum machine, the fruit borne from these humble tools has been indelibly shaped by the perma-gloom that hangs low over the Manchester and Stockport environs.
Ushered in on 808 kicks, “I” opens the record as a beautiful Sketch for Stockport; a chiming maj7 chord dripping in chorus and delay sets us on our way. The Vini Reilly comparisons are unavoidable. “II” is all John McGeoch, with its trippy goth-psyche arpeggiated pattern cascading across the stereo image. Do those drums swing? But goths don’t swing?! They do here. We’re treated to a bit of crunch on the lead guitar part and some really lush reverb. We even step forth into shoegaze territory, albeit briefly, for the middle eight. “III”, a firm Be With favourite, continues the dreamy psyche leanings of the previous track, with an even bigger melody this time. We’re hearing The Teardrop Explodes on quaaludes here. A proto-dream pop cut soaked in melancholy. But watch out! The coda finds Johnny Marr has gotten into the ‘ludes and gatecrashed the final bars with some incredibly ignorant B minor pentatonic noodling.
“IV” ditches the drum machine for the first in a suite of three beatless electric guitar duets. The first of these semi-improvised rubato ideas is a striking departure from the earlier playful pieces, coming over emo and moody. Greyscale sulking for Stratocaster. Sign us up. “V” contains some really lyrical phrasing; a gorgeous conversation between two guitars. Real Stopfordian Primitive; meditative, crude, rain-soaked. We cycle through the same feels, then end on an alluring chord that breaks the pattern. Sometimes thoughts are like this. “VI” creeps in all plaintive, then a huge reverberating descending guitar line comes tumbling in like something off those classic Dif Juz 12”s. There’s some Maurice Deebank in there too, for sure, and the coda nods to early Meat Puppets.
“VII” rounds out the A Side, and succinctly presents a summary of all ideas explored thus far on our journey. The drum machine is back, this time with some wispy delay, before both guitars enter together playing interlocking lines. As we start, we end, with the delayed 808 guiding us out.
Opening Side B, “VIII” sees us embark on the other side of our journey as we slow down and space out. The drum machine is here, but the guitars are different now. Think Sensations Fix or Göttsching at his most peeled out. Drones, ambient drifts of broken chords and distorted lead lines all swirl round the mix. Side B is one for headphones for sure. “IX” is almost too exquisite for words. A New Age Mixolydian voyage through the cosmos. If you’re unmoved by the end you’ve probably got no pulse. We were left blunted ineffable by this one, such is the smudged elegance radiating from this idea. All hail the Thought Leader.
“X” is a full circle moment, and a fitting end. If you’ve not already elsewhere across the platter, you will be getting heavy Robin Guthrie vibes from this piece. Like the rest of Side B, this improvised jam sticks within a framework of related chords but the celestial energies channelled might invite us to wander “outside”, especially when the Tubescreamer is engaged.
RIYL Durutti Coulmn, Cocteau Twins, Dif Juz, Sensations Fix, Spike and adjacent guitar musicks – but, ultimately, this is just its own thing; such is the strength of ideas presented. "It’s good music to chill out to." (??)
Be With is honoured to present the first ever vinyl release of III Of Pentacles, carefully remastered by Be With's engineer Simon Francisco to ensure it sounds better than ever after its initial tape release. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry, in Holland. The original tape cover artwork, so crucial to Thought Leadership's striking visual aesthetic, has been rejigged for vinyl issue here at Be With. Its stark presentation befits the music contained within. They inform us that they shuffled their tarot deck to ask what the album should be called and the card you see on the cover popped out. The III Of Pentacles tarot card represents teamwork, shared vision and the ability to achieve goals through collaboration. We like to think Thought Leadership and Be With have nailed this one.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Donald Byrd - Think Twice
2
Donald Byrd - Where Are We Going?
Major Keys work their magic once more with the release of two iconic tracks by celebrated Jazz musician, Donald Byrd. Known for being one of the few jazz artists who successfully explored funk and soul music in the 70s, whilst remaining a leading figure in Jazz (much to the disgruntlement of purists)
This 2-track EP salutes 2 records from that exploratory era with the official license and 12 inch reissue of ‘Think Twice’ & ‘Where Are We Going’
Think Twice - Taken from his 1975 LP ‘Stepping into Tomorrow’ released in 1975 on Blue Note Records and produced by the legendary Mizell Brothers, responsible for producing other artists including Gary Bartz, Johnny Hammond, Bobbi Humphrey, as well as Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye. One of Byrd’s most recognisable records and a highly sampled song amongst a wealth of hip hop and house artists in recent years.
Where Are We Going – Taken from the 1973 album Black Byrd, the very first release of Byrd’s on Blue Note Records and was released in collaboration with Motown Records. Produced by Larry Mizell and Larry Gordon, then later performed by Marvin Gaye. The album still stands amongst some of Blue Note’s bestselling releases
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
This 2-track EP salutes 2 records from that exploratory era with the official license and 12 inch reissue of ‘Think Twice’ & ‘Where Are We Going’
Think Twice - Taken from his 1975 LP ‘Stepping into Tomorrow’ released in 1975 on Blue Note Records and produced by the legendary Mizell Brothers, responsible for producing other artists including Gary Bartz, Johnny Hammond, Bobbi Humphrey, as well as Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye. One of Byrd’s most recognisable records and a highly sampled song amongst a wealth of hip hop and house artists in recent years.
Where Are We Going – Taken from the 1973 album Black Byrd, the very first release of Byrd’s on Blue Note Records and was released in collaboration with Motown Records. Produced by Larry Mizell and Larry Gordon, then later performed by Marvin Gaye. The album still stands amongst some of Blue Note’s bestselling releases
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek - Çiçek Açiyor
2
Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek - Cool Hand
3
Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek - Yakamoz
4
Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek - Hop Bico
5
Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek - Bilemedim Ki
6
Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek - Yüz Yüze
7
Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek - Istanbul'un Kuslari
8
Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek - Direne Direne
9
Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek - Ceylan
10
Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek - Misket
11
Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek - Günes
Clear Pink w/ Purple Smoke Vinyl!
Big Crown Records is proud to present Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek’s latest album Yarin Yoksa. The show stopping intensity of Derya backed by the psychedelic soul of Grup Simsek with production by Leon Michels has yielded a stand out record that challenges genre with a broad appeal and a powerful message.
They refer to themselves as “outernational” over international as they say it suggests a sound that’s more inclusive or “beyond borders.” Derya, who sings and plays the baglama, is German born to Turkish parents. Drummer Helen Wells is Berlin-based by way of South Africa while keyboard player Graham Mushnik and guitar/bass player Antonin Voyant are both French. The collective influences they bring to Anatolian music make for a completely unique and fresh sound that both pushes the genre forward and champions its rich heritage.
Yarin Yoksa which translates to If There Is No Tomorrow delves into deeply personal pain and collective resistance with a central thread of loss, longing, and hope for change running throughout. The lyrics are poetic and rely heavily on symbolic language, metaphors, and storytelling while the music shifts track to track making each tune stand out on its own but work together perfectly as an album.
“Cool Hand”, the first single released on Big Crown in September of 2024, is a beautiful juxtaposition of intensity and lightheartedness over a thoroughly infectious groove. The message is poetic and complicated, repeatedly declaring “I love you, I’m crazy about you” but ultimately finding a sense of peace through accepting a broken heart. “Direne Direne” is a protest song that embodies the struggle and tireless pursuit of justice encouraging people to resist oppression. Derya’s lyrics soar over the psych-soul musical backdrop as her story of personal struggle transforms to a universal call for resilience and strength. The slow and weighty vibe of “Yakamoz” lets onto the meaning of the lyrics even to those who don’t understand Turkish. It is a deeply moving song that captures the profound emotions connected to displacement and loss without knowing if you will ever return. The steady groove of the band, along with the anguished vocals paint a vivid picture of the devastation experienced by the protagonist who ultimately realizes that her roots are within her and anywhere she goes is her home.
Nine of the tunes on the album are original compositions but they also take on three Anatollian folk songs with their own inimitable approach. The acapella introduction of “Misket”, a folk song from Ankara/Türkiye, will stop you in your tracks. The tune deals with death and how the living cope and continue a relationship with those who have passed away. Another traditional tune from Sivas that they put their signature sound to is “Hop Bico”, a tune about a playful character named Bico who is a symbol of vitality and spirit. The synth intro grabs your ear from the first note and the earworm chorus encouraging Bico to lead the group in celebration and embrace life through dance has the same effect on everyone who hears it.
The band has taken a big step forward that you can hear on this record. Derya’s passion and authenticity is front and center and the music is too moving to deny. Yarin Yoksa is sure to captivate the hearts and minds of all those who hear it, and just wait til you hear them play it live…
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Big Crown Records is proud to present Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek’s latest album Yarin Yoksa. The show stopping intensity of Derya backed by the psychedelic soul of Grup Simsek with production by Leon Michels has yielded a stand out record that challenges genre with a broad appeal and a powerful message.
They refer to themselves as “outernational” over international as they say it suggests a sound that’s more inclusive or “beyond borders.” Derya, who sings and plays the baglama, is German born to Turkish parents. Drummer Helen Wells is Berlin-based by way of South Africa while keyboard player Graham Mushnik and guitar/bass player Antonin Voyant are both French. The collective influences they bring to Anatolian music make for a completely unique and fresh sound that both pushes the genre forward and champions its rich heritage.
Yarin Yoksa which translates to If There Is No Tomorrow delves into deeply personal pain and collective resistance with a central thread of loss, longing, and hope for change running throughout. The lyrics are poetic and rely heavily on symbolic language, metaphors, and storytelling while the music shifts track to track making each tune stand out on its own but work together perfectly as an album.
“Cool Hand”, the first single released on Big Crown in September of 2024, is a beautiful juxtaposition of intensity and lightheartedness over a thoroughly infectious groove. The message is poetic and complicated, repeatedly declaring “I love you, I’m crazy about you” but ultimately finding a sense of peace through accepting a broken heart. “Direne Direne” is a protest song that embodies the struggle and tireless pursuit of justice encouraging people to resist oppression. Derya’s lyrics soar over the psych-soul musical backdrop as her story of personal struggle transforms to a universal call for resilience and strength. The slow and weighty vibe of “Yakamoz” lets onto the meaning of the lyrics even to those who don’t understand Turkish. It is a deeply moving song that captures the profound emotions connected to displacement and loss without knowing if you will ever return. The steady groove of the band, along with the anguished vocals paint a vivid picture of the devastation experienced by the protagonist who ultimately realizes that her roots are within her and anywhere she goes is her home.
Nine of the tunes on the album are original compositions but they also take on three Anatollian folk songs with their own inimitable approach. The acapella introduction of “Misket”, a folk song from Ankara/Türkiye, will stop you in your tracks. The tune deals with death and how the living cope and continue a relationship with those who have passed away. Another traditional tune from Sivas that they put their signature sound to is “Hop Bico”, a tune about a playful character named Bico who is a symbol of vitality and spirit. The synth intro grabs your ear from the first note and the earworm chorus encouraging Bico to lead the group in celebration and embrace life through dance has the same effect on everyone who hears it.
The band has taken a big step forward that you can hear on this record. Derya’s passion and authenticity is front and center and the music is too moving to deny. Yarin Yoksa is sure to captivate the hearts and minds of all those who hear it, and just wait til you hear them play it live…
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