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.
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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.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
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Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
More records from bbe
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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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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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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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.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
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Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
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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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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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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“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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
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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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
1
musclecars - Tonight
2
musclecars - Tonight (Louie Vega Bronx Dub)
3
musclecars - Tonight (Louie Vega Remix)
4
musclecars - Hello? (Maurice Fulton Remix)
5
musclecars - Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)(Planetarium Mix)
6
musclecars - I Don’t Remember The Last Time I Saw Stars
After the highly anticipated debut album "Sugar Honey Iced Tea!," the dynamic NYC duo strikes once more with a double pack of alternate versions and remixes. Craig Handfield and Brandon Weems, better known as musclecars, have unveiled a dance music masterpiece, now graced by the touch of house music legends Louie Vega and Maurice Fulton.
This double pack showcases multiple versions of "Tonight," remixed by dance music maestro Louie Vega, who momentarily stepped away from his Masters At Work ventures to infuse this project with his magic. The main remix unfolds like an epic journey adorned with orchestral elegance, while the dub versions range from festival anthems (NV South Jersey Mix) to tracks that echo the early Masters At Work essence (Louie Vega’s Bronx Dub).
Additionally, we are gifted a new version of "Hello?" reimagined by Maurice Fulton. In this version, Maurice's signature live bass lines intertwine with exuberant, hard-hitting percussion, casting a whimsical light on the deep, introspective original.
Complementing the remixes from musclecars' esteemed inspirations, we encounter two new versions of "Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)" and "Water," both stripped of percussion to reveal the stunning arrangements, textures, and harmonies. These renditions are accompanied by a full side of musclecars’ dance odyssey "I Don’t Remember The Last Time I Saw Stars."
The Double Honey Pack is a tour de force. It’s a rarity to witness two legends unite to elevate an already stellar project, yet Vega and Fulton achieve just that. Meanwhile, Weems and Handfield meticulously peel back the layers, allowing the intricate details to shine. This promises to be the release of the summer!
A1. Tonight (05:55)
A2. Tonight (Louie Vega Bronx Dub) (05:50)
B1. Tonight (Louie Vega Remix) (08:22)
C1. Hello? (Maurice Fulton Remix) (06:44)
C2. Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)(Planetarium Mix) (07:38)
D1. I Don’t Remember The Last Time I Saw Stars (11:10)
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
This double pack showcases multiple versions of "Tonight," remixed by dance music maestro Louie Vega, who momentarily stepped away from his Masters At Work ventures to infuse this project with his magic. The main remix unfolds like an epic journey adorned with orchestral elegance, while the dub versions range from festival anthems (NV South Jersey Mix) to tracks that echo the early Masters At Work essence (Louie Vega’s Bronx Dub).
Additionally, we are gifted a new version of "Hello?" reimagined by Maurice Fulton. In this version, Maurice's signature live bass lines intertwine with exuberant, hard-hitting percussion, casting a whimsical light on the deep, introspective original.
Complementing the remixes from musclecars' esteemed inspirations, we encounter two new versions of "Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)" and "Water," both stripped of percussion to reveal the stunning arrangements, textures, and harmonies. These renditions are accompanied by a full side of musclecars’ dance odyssey "I Don’t Remember The Last Time I Saw Stars."
The Double Honey Pack is a tour de force. It’s a rarity to witness two legends unite to elevate an already stellar project, yet Vega and Fulton achieve just that. Meanwhile, Weems and Handfield meticulously peel back the layers, allowing the intricate details to shine. This promises to be the release of the summer!
A1. Tonight (05:55)
A2. Tonight (Louie Vega Bronx Dub) (05:50)
B1. Tonight (Louie Vega Remix) (08:22)
C1. Hello? (Maurice Fulton Remix) (06:44)
C2. Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)(Planetarium Mix) (07:38)
D1. I Don’t Remember The Last Time I Saw Stars (11:10)
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
Introducing “The Architecture of Oppression Part 2” – the highly anticipated follow-up to Jake Ferguson’s critically acclaimed debut album – Part 1. Ferguson is recognised as the ‘other half’ of The Heliocentrics, producing his solo work under the moniker, The Brkn Record. Effortlessly merging the realms of music and activism, he has created a groundbreaking album, which is set to be one of the most important bodies of work that illustrate ongoing systemic racism this side of the millennium.
Ferguson takes the listener to a world where artistry and social consciousness intersect. Crafting an array of captivating soundscapes and themes. This album showcases the vocal talents of both established artists and hidden gems discovered through Ferguson’s day-job as a former charity CEO and community activist.
While Part 1 served as a rallying cry to dismantle oppressive systems, Part 2 offers a compelling soundtrack of a Pro-Black world reclaiming its destiny. This thought-provoking art piece invites listeners to envision alternative paths while avoiding the pitfalls of past paradigms.
Unlike a broken record, this The Brkn Record album keeps pushing boundaries—
By enlisting the voices of The Global Majority, The Brkn Record creates a platform for genuine expression through sound. Renowned for his production skills, Ferguson has captured the admiration of industry heavyweights including Nas, Madlib and Kanye West. However, rather than seeking popular features, he chooses to amplify the authentic perspectives of the talented youth he collaborates with in Hackney.
One such initiative supported by Ferguson, Account Hackney, introduced him to two gifted artists showcased on this album – Great Okosun and Yolanda Lear.
‘This album serves as a visceral demonstration of my anger at the racially founded status quo in this country and globally. The continued oppression of people on the basis of their race is beyond evil, it’s common place and needs to end. Simple as.’
The album also sees Ferguson joining forces with award winning laureate Anthony Joseph and legendary hip-hop MC Percee P – their dynamic and thought-provoking lyrics seamlessly intertwine with expertly produced musical landscapes.
“The Architecture of Oppression Part 2” is not just an album; it is a transformative journey that challenges the listener and wants you to ‘feel’. It’s Art. A musical experience that inspires, compels, and empowers. Over to you!
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
Ferguson takes the listener to a world where artistry and social consciousness intersect. Crafting an array of captivating soundscapes and themes. This album showcases the vocal talents of both established artists and hidden gems discovered through Ferguson’s day-job as a former charity CEO and community activist.
While Part 1 served as a rallying cry to dismantle oppressive systems, Part 2 offers a compelling soundtrack of a Pro-Black world reclaiming its destiny. This thought-provoking art piece invites listeners to envision alternative paths while avoiding the pitfalls of past paradigms.
Unlike a broken record, this The Brkn Record album keeps pushing boundaries—
By enlisting the voices of The Global Majority, The Brkn Record creates a platform for genuine expression through sound. Renowned for his production skills, Ferguson has captured the admiration of industry heavyweights including Nas, Madlib and Kanye West. However, rather than seeking popular features, he chooses to amplify the authentic perspectives of the talented youth he collaborates with in Hackney.
One such initiative supported by Ferguson, Account Hackney, introduced him to two gifted artists showcased on this album – Great Okosun and Yolanda Lear.
‘This album serves as a visceral demonstration of my anger at the racially founded status quo in this country and globally. The continued oppression of people on the basis of their race is beyond evil, it’s common place and needs to end. Simple as.’
The album also sees Ferguson joining forces with award winning laureate Anthony Joseph and legendary hip-hop MC Percee P – their dynamic and thought-provoking lyrics seamlessly intertwine with expertly produced musical landscapes.
“The Architecture of Oppression Part 2” is not just an album; it is a transformative journey that challenges the listener and wants you to ‘feel’. It’s Art. A musical experience that inspires, compels, and empowers. Over to you!
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
BBE Music is thrilled to present J Jazz: Free and Modern Jazz From Japan 1954-1988, a remarkable large-format book covering some of the deepest, rarest, and most innovative jazz music released anywhere in the post-war era. Compiled by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden, co-curators of BBE Music's acclaimed J Jazz Masterclass Series, the book also features a foreword by Japanese jazz icon, Terumasa Hino.
This is the first time a book of this type has been has been published outside of Japan and the first anywhere of this size and scale. It is a unique collection of over 500 albums of free and modern jazz recorded and released in Japan during a period of radical transformation and constant reinvention. An era that saw Japan return from the ravages of World War Two to become a global economic power and emerge as both a technological leader and an international cultural force.
Through a unique gallery of albums, J Jazz charts the development of jazz in Japan from the first stirrings of the modern jazz scene in the mid to late 1950s and on through the hard bop and modal jazz of the 1960s. It steers the reader into the radical directions of the 1970s when free jazz, fusion, post-bop, and jazz-funk opened up a growing number of Japanese jazz artists to a new global audience before consolidating in the mid to late 1980s with a musical scene that laid the path for the contemporary jazz generation to follow.
Over 500 full-colour sleeves from many of the leading names in Japanese jazz sit alongside rare and private pressings that tell a story of constant change and musical exploration. J Jazz includes profiles of several leading record labels such as East Wind, Frasco, King Records, and Nippon Columbia as well as critical independents such as Three Blind Mice, ALM, and Aketa’s Disk. J Jazz includes interviews with celebrated jazz photographer Tadayuki Naito, and pianist Tohru Aizawa, bandleader on the totemic spiritual jazz album, Tachibana Vol 1, as well as free-jazz record collector and jazz musician Mats Gustafsson.
The book also features a chapter on albums by non-Japanese artists that only received a Japanese release, with collectible, rare, and obscure releases by figures such as Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Mal Waldron, Steve Lacy, and Art Blakey. J Jazz includes Japanese jazz charts from some of the world's leading jazz DJs including Gilles Peterson, Toshio Matsuura, Paul Murphy, and Shuya and Yoshihiro Okino. Among the specialist content is a feature on obi strips by record dealer and Japanese jazz expert, Yusuke Ogawa, plus a special article on Japanese Blue Note albums.
Across its 300-plus pages, J Jazz includes a detailed introduction contextualising the music, tracing the story of Japan's fascination with jazz back before the war. It also features biographical information on many of the key artists involved in shaping the post- war Japanese jazz scene including Sadao Watanabe, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Masabumi Kikuchi, Masahiko Togashi, Terumasa Hino, Yosuke Yamashita, Fumio Itabashi, Masayuki Takayanagi, Takeo Moriyama, Isao Suzuki, and many more.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
This is the first time a book of this type has been has been published outside of Japan and the first anywhere of this size and scale. It is a unique collection of over 500 albums of free and modern jazz recorded and released in Japan during a period of radical transformation and constant reinvention. An era that saw Japan return from the ravages of World War Two to become a global economic power and emerge as both a technological leader and an international cultural force.
Through a unique gallery of albums, J Jazz charts the development of jazz in Japan from the first stirrings of the modern jazz scene in the mid to late 1950s and on through the hard bop and modal jazz of the 1960s. It steers the reader into the radical directions of the 1970s when free jazz, fusion, post-bop, and jazz-funk opened up a growing number of Japanese jazz artists to a new global audience before consolidating in the mid to late 1980s with a musical scene that laid the path for the contemporary jazz generation to follow.
Over 500 full-colour sleeves from many of the leading names in Japanese jazz sit alongside rare and private pressings that tell a story of constant change and musical exploration. J Jazz includes profiles of several leading record labels such as East Wind, Frasco, King Records, and Nippon Columbia as well as critical independents such as Three Blind Mice, ALM, and Aketa’s Disk. J Jazz includes interviews with celebrated jazz photographer Tadayuki Naito, and pianist Tohru Aizawa, bandleader on the totemic spiritual jazz album, Tachibana Vol 1, as well as free-jazz record collector and jazz musician Mats Gustafsson.
The book also features a chapter on albums by non-Japanese artists that only received a Japanese release, with collectible, rare, and obscure releases by figures such as Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Mal Waldron, Steve Lacy, and Art Blakey. J Jazz includes Japanese jazz charts from some of the world's leading jazz DJs including Gilles Peterson, Toshio Matsuura, Paul Murphy, and Shuya and Yoshihiro Okino. Among the specialist content is a feature on obi strips by record dealer and Japanese jazz expert, Yusuke Ogawa, plus a special article on Japanese Blue Note albums.
Across its 300-plus pages, J Jazz includes a detailed introduction contextualising the music, tracing the story of Japan's fascination with jazz back before the war. It also features biographical information on many of the key artists involved in shaping the post- war Japanese jazz scene including Sadao Watanabe, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Masabumi Kikuchi, Masahiko Togashi, Terumasa Hino, Yosuke Yamashita, Fumio Itabashi, Masayuki Takayanagi, Takeo Moriyama, Isao Suzuki, and many more.
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Audrey Powne’s stunning debut album, From The Fire, is set to be one of those must have LPs in any music lover’s collection. Something of an auteur release it features nine tracks all composed by Audrey, with all string arrangements and all produced by her. Audrey’s decision to produce the whole album herself came from a desire to take creative control of her music and apply techniques developed from the influences of the producers she had previously worked with. If all of the above were not enough Audrey also wrote the lyrics for those tracks on which she sings, and as a multi-instrumentalist contributes piano, Rhodes and organ. She also features as a trumpeter with dextrous and soaring solos as evidenced by the two single releases so far; Feed The Fire and the title track, From The Fire.
Due to be released by BBE as both a vinyl and digital, From The Fire is an album of Soul- Jazz with a serious environmental and social messages as well as one which blends classical music, hip-hop and influences from Roy Hargrove, Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock. Indeed it is Roy Hargrove’s studio techniques evident in his work with the RH Factor that Audrey credits as a major factor in her producer role here. As well as her solo work, Melbourne born Audrey Powne has also worked as a session player with acts as diverse as Maceo Parker, Midnight Oil, Jimmy Barnes, Masta Ace and the Grammy nominated band The Teskey Brothers.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
Due to be released by BBE as both a vinyl and digital, From The Fire is an album of Soul- Jazz with a serious environmental and social messages as well as one which blends classical music, hip-hop and influences from Roy Hargrove, Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock. Indeed it is Roy Hargrove’s studio techniques evident in his work with the RH Factor that Audrey credits as a major factor in her producer role here. As well as her solo work, Melbourne born Audrey Powne has also worked as a session player with acts as diverse as Maceo Parker, Midnight Oil, Jimmy Barnes, Masta Ace and the Grammy nominated band The Teskey Brothers.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
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Tracklisting
A1 Kito Jempere - New Life
A2 Kito Jempere - Love Filter (Strings Of Love)
B1 Kito Jempere - Killer Line (De-Part Mix)
B2 Kito Jempere - Put Love Into Your Heart (Club Mix)
Sales Note
Kicking 2025 off with a NEW LIFE, Kito Jempere resumes operations retro-outfit shining, all machines blazing, pulling up with a boiling four-trackpackage bound to get dance floors quivering in excitement. A stick ofdynamite flung into the mouth of today's corporate dance music blandness, 'New Life' finds the Saint Petersburg producer spitting multi-strain madnesswith reckless fun and adventurous panache. Take New Order in theirTechnique days, sprinkle with early hip-hop breaks and finish it with a funk-savvy mix of acid, happy hardcore and ghetto tech jack, and you prettymuch have the opening track and lead-single 'New Life' capsulized to a tee.
A blissed-out, choppy ride spinning recklessly into dance-y abandon, 'LoveFilter' takes us on a heavy-lidded trip across dreamy electronic folds andonto vaporous apexes, where drum-heavy jolts and sliced vocals collidewith spacious pads from outer space. As hypnotic as it reveals hard-hitting, 'Killer Line De-Part' deploys a warped kaleidoscope of trancey shades,grunge-y grit and largely '80s informed analogue wizardry, convergingtowards the most hair-raising finale with your feet in the air and a dumbsmile across the face. Rounding off the record, 'Put Love Into Your Heart(Club Mix)' is a luminous slice of trippy, feelgood electronics engineered fordance floor communion and uplifting let-go. Fill your heart with love.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
A1 Kito Jempere - New Life
A2 Kito Jempere - Love Filter (Strings Of Love)
B1 Kito Jempere - Killer Line (De-Part Mix)
B2 Kito Jempere - Put Love Into Your Heart (Club Mix)
Sales Note
Kicking 2025 off with a NEW LIFE, Kito Jempere resumes operations retro-outfit shining, all machines blazing, pulling up with a boiling four-trackpackage bound to get dance floors quivering in excitement. A stick ofdynamite flung into the mouth of today's corporate dance music blandness, 'New Life' finds the Saint Petersburg producer spitting multi-strain madnesswith reckless fun and adventurous panache. Take New Order in theirTechnique days, sprinkle with early hip-hop breaks and finish it with a funk-savvy mix of acid, happy hardcore and ghetto tech jack, and you prettymuch have the opening track and lead-single 'New Life' capsulized to a tee.
A blissed-out, choppy ride spinning recklessly into dance-y abandon, 'LoveFilter' takes us on a heavy-lidded trip across dreamy electronic folds andonto vaporous apexes, where drum-heavy jolts and sliced vocals collidewith spacious pads from outer space. As hypnotic as it reveals hard-hitting, 'Killer Line De-Part' deploys a warped kaleidoscope of trancey shades,grunge-y grit and largely '80s informed analogue wizardry, convergingtowards the most hair-raising finale with your feet in the air and a dumbsmile across the face. Rounding off the record, 'Put Love Into Your Heart(Club Mix)' is a luminous slice of trippy, feelgood electronics engineered fordance floor communion and uplifting let-go. Fill your heart with love.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
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Magari - Mars Bar
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Ilija Rudman - Danceteria
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MAD012 has arrived! or as we’ve been referring to it the ‘M.A.D Garage’ EP. (as in Paradise Garage)
After receiving Magari and Ilija Rudman’s tracks within a short time of each other it felt like a perfect fit to pair them together. Both productions give a nod to the 80s House sound whilst expertly bringing the aesthetic up to date.
Magari has provided us with an eyes closed dub’d out groover and Rudman supplies a winding and weaving synthesised journey, giving a sonic glimpse in to his fully stocked studio.
It’s always been top of our list to work with the inimitable Mark Seven. His music is a staple of our sets and as many of you know, is somewhat of guiding light of our scene. Any fan of Parkway Records knows it’s always an exciting day when they announce something new, needless to say we are proud to present a Parkway Powermix on M.A.D.
Finally, our good friend, the extremely versatile Producer/DJ Manuel Darquart finishes off the record with a sublime rolling take on ‘Danceteria’. If somehow you didn’t know him already consider yourself informed.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
After receiving Magari and Ilija Rudman’s tracks within a short time of each other it felt like a perfect fit to pair them together. Both productions give a nod to the 80s House sound whilst expertly bringing the aesthetic up to date.
Magari has provided us with an eyes closed dub’d out groover and Rudman supplies a winding and weaving synthesised journey, giving a sonic glimpse in to his fully stocked studio.
It’s always been top of our list to work with the inimitable Mark Seven. His music is a staple of our sets and as many of you know, is somewhat of guiding light of our scene. Any fan of Parkway Records knows it’s always an exciting day when they announce something new, needless to say we are proud to present a Parkway Powermix on M.A.D.
Finally, our good friend, the extremely versatile Producer/DJ Manuel Darquart finishes off the record with a sublime rolling take on ‘Danceteria’. If somehow you didn’t know him already consider yourself informed.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
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N1_SOUND - Horizontal Hang
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N1_SOUND - Us All
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N1_SOUND - Mauzy
DIN SYNC DUB is an exploration of communication through sound. Six tightly packed experimental dub tracks use bass-heavy vibrations to rattle both body and mind, pushing the limits of self-expression in the hope of fostering deeper human connection.
The drive for more efficient and precise communication tools—whether between man and machine or machine and machine—has been a foundational force in the evolution of technology. This duality, the way we interface with computers and the way we speak to one another, is at the heart of DIN SYNC DUB. For this album, N1_SOUND looks back to 1980, drawing inspiration from Roland’s Din Sync—a 40-year-old synchronization technology once used to link musical machines in perfect harmony. While connecting machines to produce precisely sequenced music is nothing new, it’s the tension between perfection and imperfection—the mistakes of both man and machine—that gives DIN SYNC DUB its voice, its emotional rawness.
The journey begins with “Horizontal Hang”, which crashes through the door with a relentless bassline and crystalline synths. “Such Love” introduces a throbbing, guitar-driven groove, while “Intuition Dub” channels the spirit of Jah Shaka, offering a rhythmic pulse that echoes dub’s deep roots. “Us All” provides a moment of introspection with its sparse, three-dimensional melodies, before “Joy” reintroduces chaos, creating a post-dubstep soundscape that dismantles everything in its path. The album closes with “Mauzy” , a hopeful yet fragmented conclusion, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of technology and connection.
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DIN SYNC DUB, the first full-length LP from Spiritual World, pulses with energy, on the edge of malfunction—a manifestation of the tension between the digital and the organic, the past and the present.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
The drive for more efficient and precise communication tools—whether between man and machine or machine and machine—has been a foundational force in the evolution of technology. This duality, the way we interface with computers and the way we speak to one another, is at the heart of DIN SYNC DUB. For this album, N1_SOUND looks back to 1980, drawing inspiration from Roland’s Din Sync—a 40-year-old synchronization technology once used to link musical machines in perfect harmony. While connecting machines to produce precisely sequenced music is nothing new, it’s the tension between perfection and imperfection—the mistakes of both man and machine—that gives DIN SYNC DUB its voice, its emotional rawness.
The journey begins with “Horizontal Hang”, which crashes through the door with a relentless bassline and crystalline synths. “Such Love” introduces a throbbing, guitar-driven groove, while “Intuition Dub” channels the spirit of Jah Shaka, offering a rhythmic pulse that echoes dub’s deep roots. “Us All” provides a moment of introspection with its sparse, three-dimensional melodies, before “Joy” reintroduces chaos, creating a post-dubstep soundscape that dismantles everything in its path. The album closes with “Mauzy” , a hopeful yet fragmented conclusion, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of technology and connection.
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DIN SYNC DUB, the first full-length LP from Spiritual World, pulses with energy, on the edge of malfunction—a manifestation of the tension between the digital and the organic, the past and the present.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
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Repress!
Om Unit surprises us with a second volume of his 'Acid Dub Studies' project, once again fusing his love for the 303 with studio techniques given to us by musical heroes such as King Tubby, Adrian Sherwood, Jammys and Basic Channel
This second volume further solidifies the convincing narrative created by its best-selling predecessor, heading in a more groove-based direction in places whilst being underpinned by the same sonic narrative that has been enjoyed by many music fans from a variety of different spheres for the past 18 months or so
Support so far for the Acid Dub Studies project has come from many corners including some of the most highly respected names in UK Radio such as Don Letts and Steve Barker, Benji B and Tom Ravenscroft as well as a whole host of truly global worldwide underground support both via radio and in the dance
Om Unit says of this record: 'I felt encouraged by the sheer love for the original selection of works to go back in again and continue to experiment with this approach to writing whilst refining some of the process. Being able to combine processes and influence has been the mainstay of my creative life and I hope this next volume of Acid Dub will be enjoyed by everyone who was a fan of the first'
The beloved 303 bassline continues to inspire every new generation and Acid Dub Studies II is another storybook of sound in that vast continuum that shows no sign of slowing down.
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Om Unit surprises us with a second volume of his 'Acid Dub Studies' project, once again fusing his love for the 303 with studio techniques given to us by musical heroes such as King Tubby, Adrian Sherwood, Jammys and Basic Channel
This second volume further solidifies the convincing narrative created by its best-selling predecessor, heading in a more groove-based direction in places whilst being underpinned by the same sonic narrative that has been enjoyed by many music fans from a variety of different spheres for the past 18 months or so
Support so far for the Acid Dub Studies project has come from many corners including some of the most highly respected names in UK Radio such as Don Letts and Steve Barker, Benji B and Tom Ravenscroft as well as a whole host of truly global worldwide underground support both via radio and in the dance
Om Unit says of this record: 'I felt encouraged by the sheer love for the original selection of works to go back in again and continue to experiment with this approach to writing whilst refining some of the process. Being able to combine processes and influence has been the mainstay of my creative life and I hope this next volume of Acid Dub will be enjoyed by everyone who was a fan of the first'
The beloved 303 bassline continues to inspire every new generation and Acid Dub Studies II is another storybook of sound in that vast continuum that shows no sign of slowing down.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
1
Om Unit - Frosted
2
Om Unit - Hungry World
3
Om Unit - The Chase
4
Om Unit - Lost And Found
5
Om Unit - Usurper
6
Om Unit - Ascension
7
Om Unit - Circulate / Thunderflies
8
Om Unit - Altitude
9
Om Unit - Lonely Cities
Jim Coles’s fifth instalment of his best-selling ‘Acid Dub Studies’ series arrives in the form of the third set of original works exploring the infectious sound of the 303 bass-line in a dubwise setting. The album takes in traditional dub mixing approaches in a digital and roots/digi-dub style whilst also making space for more electronic and ambient processes to close the project.
‘Acid Dub Studies III’ arrives after 2 years of touring the material in a live setting at festivals and clubs including CTM at Berghain, Les Nuits Sonores, and Andrew Weatherall's Convenanza festival and is the culmination of some 5 years of experimenting with a style that has been met with critical acclaim, reaching far and wide into many a DJ’s box having been noted by some as a truly ground-breaking approach to working with the 303.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
‘Acid Dub Studies III’ arrives after 2 years of touring the material in a live setting at festivals and clubs including CTM at Berghain, Les Nuits Sonores, and Andrew Weatherall's Convenanza festival and is the culmination of some 5 years of experimenting with a style that has been met with critical acclaim, reaching far and wide into many a DJ’s box having been noted by some as a truly ground-breaking approach to working with the 303.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
1
Shelter - Kings, Knights And Rooks
2
Shelter - The Queen's Sacrifice
3
Shelter - King's Indian Dub
4
Shelter - Shutting Out Bishops
Emotional Response is proud to welcome renowned multi-instrumentalist Alan Briand aka Shelter, to the label with a striking new EP that delves deep into the realms of modern Digi-Dub.
Over a myriad of releases Shelter’s dextrous ability to straddle genres, from ambient, Balearic, improvisation and most recently a series of acid ragas, releasing on an impressive roster of today’s electronic labels including Antinote, Growing Bin, International Feel, Séance Centre and his own Protopost imprint.
After making waves on Emotional Response's All Trades compilations with his standout track "The Four Knights Dub," Briand returns to further explore his passion for digital dub and UK roots. Across four tracks, all recorded live, he merges sound design, found sounds, and world music with seismic basslines, creating a truly immersive sonic experience.
The rise of Digital Dub is often traced to the groundbreaking "Under Me Sleng Teng" by Prince Jammy / Wayne Smith, but it was the UK's later reversioning – adding electronic drums to roots and steppers rhythms – that gave birth to the unique sound of Digi-Dub.
Shelter pays homage to this tradition, drawing inspiration from the likes of Alpha & Omega, Bush Chemist, and Jonah Dan. His process is as raw as it is innovative: building an analog setup with a MIDI sequencer, DCO synth, live vocals, and sound effects fed through Boss pedals. Digital drums from the KPR77 and DD10 are layered in, with everything mixed live to tape, no overdubs, capturing the raw, live energy of the performance.
This EP must be experienced as a whole – a continuous live set of steppers 4/4 rhythms, cryptic titles (a nod to chess tactics) that acts as rewinds, paying tribute to dub classics of the past.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Over a myriad of releases Shelter’s dextrous ability to straddle genres, from ambient, Balearic, improvisation and most recently a series of acid ragas, releasing on an impressive roster of today’s electronic labels including Antinote, Growing Bin, International Feel, Séance Centre and his own Protopost imprint.
After making waves on Emotional Response's All Trades compilations with his standout track "The Four Knights Dub," Briand returns to further explore his passion for digital dub and UK roots. Across four tracks, all recorded live, he merges sound design, found sounds, and world music with seismic basslines, creating a truly immersive sonic experience.
The rise of Digital Dub is often traced to the groundbreaking "Under Me Sleng Teng" by Prince Jammy / Wayne Smith, but it was the UK's later reversioning – adding electronic drums to roots and steppers rhythms – that gave birth to the unique sound of Digi-Dub.
Shelter pays homage to this tradition, drawing inspiration from the likes of Alpha & Omega, Bush Chemist, and Jonah Dan. His process is as raw as it is innovative: building an analog setup with a MIDI sequencer, DCO synth, live vocals, and sound effects fed through Boss pedals. Digital drums from the KPR77 and DD10 are layered in, with everything mixed live to tape, no overdubs, capturing the raw, live energy of the performance.
This EP must be experienced as a whole – a continuous live set of steppers 4/4 rhythms, cryptic titles (a nod to chess tactics) that acts as rewinds, paying tribute to dub classics of the past.
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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1
Om Unit - Intro
2
Om Unit - Bristol Theme
3
Om Unit - Treading Earth
4
Om Unit - Dissolved
5
Om Unit - Celestial Envoy
6
Om Unit - Ghosts
7
Om Unit - Circled
8
Om Unit - Rolling Stock
9
Om Unit - Tapped
10
Om Unit - The Struggle
Repress!
Jim Coles once again turns the tide towards a new horizon and travels further into the echo chamber. Leading on from the much-lauded ‘Secret Location’ mini-album with Seekersinternational, one-offs such as ‘Open Palms dub’ (Dub Stuy) and other teasings, ‘Acid Dub Studies’ is the fully-fledged result of the merging of the calligraphic expression of the 303 Acid bassline with the stern sway of Dub Reggae and the hazier edges of Dub Techno and Ambient music.
For those who have been paying close attention, this project will come as a welcome return to the vulnerability and playfulness of early Om Unit records such as his sub-radar single from 2010 ‘Lightgrids/Lavender’ (All City Records) or the unearthed chugging ambience of ‘Friend of Day’ (Idle Hands) and indeed in some sense draws from similar wellsprings as moments on 2013’s Bass classic ‘Threads’.
Whilst being perhaps an ‘interim project’ this is still a vital and important expression of exploration and playfulness. A study in the true sense and borne out of a subtle but pervasive frustration with the rigidity found in musical words he has up to now been cohabiting, Acid Dub Studies comes from the pressing need to break with perceived expectation and to explore an honest and natural space away from the genre labels and tags that had been often lazily applied to his sizeable catalogue of music.
With no desire to reinvent the wheel, rather to paint pictures in an honest framework, the LP was crafted using a medley of classic analogue mixing techniques inspired as much by the adventurous dubbing of Adrian Sherwood as by the inward-delving haze of Scott Monteith’s Deadbeat project. Created during a period of lonely introspective walks through his home town of Bristol, the cover art is a photograph of some of the iron kerbstones that are found almost exclusively in the characterful and hardy city which were installed in the late 1800’s to protect pavements from cart wheels. Something about the permanence of those iron slabs and cobblestones inspired a sense of comfort and determination.
Acid Dub Studies is due for release as yet another self-released label-free project leading on from recent EP titles ‘Violet’ and ‘Submerged’ both of which hinted at some of the shapes found in this full length album.
Once again Jim has shown a rare convincing adaptability that few electronic artists can embody. Another step on the journey of personal and creative curiosity that fans are sure to appreciate.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
Jim Coles once again turns the tide towards a new horizon and travels further into the echo chamber. Leading on from the much-lauded ‘Secret Location’ mini-album with Seekersinternational, one-offs such as ‘Open Palms dub’ (Dub Stuy) and other teasings, ‘Acid Dub Studies’ is the fully-fledged result of the merging of the calligraphic expression of the 303 Acid bassline with the stern sway of Dub Reggae and the hazier edges of Dub Techno and Ambient music.
For those who have been paying close attention, this project will come as a welcome return to the vulnerability and playfulness of early Om Unit records such as his sub-radar single from 2010 ‘Lightgrids/Lavender’ (All City Records) or the unearthed chugging ambience of ‘Friend of Day’ (Idle Hands) and indeed in some sense draws from similar wellsprings as moments on 2013’s Bass classic ‘Threads’.
Whilst being perhaps an ‘interim project’ this is still a vital and important expression of exploration and playfulness. A study in the true sense and borne out of a subtle but pervasive frustration with the rigidity found in musical words he has up to now been cohabiting, Acid Dub Studies comes from the pressing need to break with perceived expectation and to explore an honest and natural space away from the genre labels and tags that had been often lazily applied to his sizeable catalogue of music.
With no desire to reinvent the wheel, rather to paint pictures in an honest framework, the LP was crafted using a medley of classic analogue mixing techniques inspired as much by the adventurous dubbing of Adrian Sherwood as by the inward-delving haze of Scott Monteith’s Deadbeat project. Created during a period of lonely introspective walks through his home town of Bristol, the cover art is a photograph of some of the iron kerbstones that are found almost exclusively in the characterful and hardy city which were installed in the late 1800’s to protect pavements from cart wheels. Something about the permanence of those iron slabs and cobblestones inspired a sense of comfort and determination.
Acid Dub Studies is due for release as yet another self-released label-free project leading on from recent EP titles ‘Violet’ and ‘Submerged’ both of which hinted at some of the shapes found in this full length album.
Once again Jim has shown a rare convincing adaptability that few electronic artists can embody. Another step on the journey of personal and creative curiosity that fans are sure to appreciate.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
Tracklisting
A1 Mr G - Narcoticz pt 2
A2 Mr G - Practices 2 back when?
G1 Mr G - Home Truths G’s underground dub
Sales Note
New year new vibes from me, after the success of my greenhouse session for RA in ambient mode it's time to get back to the floor via 3 rollers found on various old cd's over Xmas.
Mr. G's annual Record Store Day release!
Additional info:
- Anyone can pre-order
- Sales allowed only to physical stores till Record Store Day
- We will ship to online stores starting 14th of April
NO AUDIO TILL AFTER RECORD STORE DAY
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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A1 Mr G - Narcoticz pt 2
A2 Mr G - Practices 2 back when?
G1 Mr G - Home Truths G’s underground dub
Sales Note
New year new vibes from me, after the success of my greenhouse session for RA in ambient mode it's time to get back to the floor via 3 rollers found on various old cd's over Xmas.
Mr. G's annual Record Store Day release!
Additional info:
- Anyone can pre-order
- Sales allowed only to physical stores till Record Store Day
- We will ship to online stores starting 14th of April
NO AUDIO TILL AFTER RECORD STORE DAY
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
Re-issued for the very first time on vinyl, finally we have the chance to collect the only two EP's published by the influential post-punk combo from Bristol. Both records have been released on Recreational in 1982 and still sound fresh and highly influential. Their infectious hybrid of d.i.y. punk attitude and straight funk rhythms made the difference throughout the local club scene. A mandatory re-issue ! Also heard on the incredible Cherry Red box set ‘Shake The Foundations: Militant Funk & The Post-Punk Dancefloor 1978-1984’
Tracklist:
Side A
1 Get It Right
2 Grip
3 Crow Black
4 Go Funky-Doo-Lally
Side B
1 Standard Man
2 Trash That Blad
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
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Tracklist:
Side A
1 Get It Right
2 Grip
3 Crow Black
4 Go Funky-Doo-Lally
Side B
1 Standard Man
2 Trash That Blad
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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1
Vakula - A1.Quantum Voyage
2
Vakula - B1.Sky?s Whisper
3
Vakula - B2.Sunny Konotop
Cosmic frequencies and deep rhythms straight from Vakula's universe. A 13-minute journey backed by dubby grooves and sunlit vibes. Essential wax for the heads. Dropping April 2025 – stay tuned.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
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1
Brainwave Research Center - Open Your Mouth
2
Brainwave Research Center - Orange Drop
3
Brainwave Research Center - Transmitter Park
4
Brainwave Research Center - I Find Myself
5
Brainwave Research Center - Open Your Mouth (Nathan Dawidowicz Remix)
6
Brainwave Research Center - Transmitter Park (Benedikt Frey Remix)
7
Brainwave Research Center - I Find Myself (DALO Remix)
Limited Edition to 200 copies incl. Remixes by DALO, Benedikt Frey and Nathan Dawidowicz
R.i.O. welcomes Brainwave Research Center, a NYC-based duo consisting of house/techno producer Chase Smith and documentary filmmaker Christa Majoras. In early 2023 they freed their debut album "figure 1" via their own label BRC. Two more albums followed. All documenting their love for experimental yet charming music of all kinds.
Their influences span a vast spectrum, from Steve Reich, Laurie Spiegel, and Edgar Froese to Martin Rev, John Carpenter, early Kraftwerk, or the ambient techno of Pete Namlook's Fax +49-69/45046 label. Yet, Brainwave Research Center forges a sound distinctly their own, seamlessly blending analog synthesis with electro-acoustic experimentation.
On "Psychic Antenna", the duo takes a gentle rawer approach. The tracks range from the manic verbal Die-Tödliche-Doris-like loops of "I Find Myself" to the meditative cosmic trance of "Open Your Mouth." "Orange Drop" and "Transmitter Park" toy with the dancefloor, channeling slow-motion acid trance and krautrock echoes.
The release is rounded out by three remixes: R.i.O.'s own Benedikt Frey delivers a deep, trippy groover full of inner musicality, while close companion DALO crafts a dark, echo-drenched pop rework, and Berlin's Nathan Dawidowicz injects psyched nu-disco rhythms, expanding "Psychic Antenna" into seven notions of intense neural oscillations.
ML
Genre: Electronic, Ambient, Experimental, Downtempo, IDM
A1) Brainwave Research Center - Open Your Mouth
A2) Brainwave Research Center - Orange Drop
A3) Brainwave Research Center - Transmitter Park
B1) Brainwave Research Center - I Find Myself
B2) Brainwave Research Center - Open Your Mouth (Nathan Dawidowicz Remix)
B3) Brainwave Research Center - Transmitter Park (Benedikt Frey Remix)
B4) Brainwave Research Center - I Find Myself (DALO Remix)
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
R.i.O. welcomes Brainwave Research Center, a NYC-based duo consisting of house/techno producer Chase Smith and documentary filmmaker Christa Majoras. In early 2023 they freed their debut album "figure 1" via their own label BRC. Two more albums followed. All documenting their love for experimental yet charming music of all kinds.
Their influences span a vast spectrum, from Steve Reich, Laurie Spiegel, and Edgar Froese to Martin Rev, John Carpenter, early Kraftwerk, or the ambient techno of Pete Namlook's Fax +49-69/45046 label. Yet, Brainwave Research Center forges a sound distinctly their own, seamlessly blending analog synthesis with electro-acoustic experimentation.
On "Psychic Antenna", the duo takes a gentle rawer approach. The tracks range from the manic verbal Die-Tödliche-Doris-like loops of "I Find Myself" to the meditative cosmic trance of "Open Your Mouth." "Orange Drop" and "Transmitter Park" toy with the dancefloor, channeling slow-motion acid trance and krautrock echoes.
The release is rounded out by three remixes: R.i.O.'s own Benedikt Frey delivers a deep, trippy groover full of inner musicality, while close companion DALO crafts a dark, echo-drenched pop rework, and Berlin's Nathan Dawidowicz injects psyched nu-disco rhythms, expanding "Psychic Antenna" into seven notions of intense neural oscillations.
ML
Genre: Electronic, Ambient, Experimental, Downtempo, IDM
A1) Brainwave Research Center - Open Your Mouth
A2) Brainwave Research Center - Orange Drop
A3) Brainwave Research Center - Transmitter Park
B1) Brainwave Research Center - I Find Myself
B2) Brainwave Research Center - Open Your Mouth (Nathan Dawidowicz Remix)
B3) Brainwave Research Center - Transmitter Park (Benedikt Frey Remix)
B4) Brainwave Research Center - I Find Myself (DALO Remix)
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
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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.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore
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.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore