A1 - Fenêtres sur le Temps
A2 - Vortex des Possibles
A3 - La Pierre des Mondes
B1 - Oracle
B2 - La Promesse au Soleil
B3 - Arcane 17

Favorite Recordings presents the new and second album of Parisian jazz-funk quartet Aldorande entitled deux.

In this new chapter, the four explorers pursue their interstellar trip on the Aldorande planet, deploying their ever deeper love for the 70's Jazz-Funk & Fusion scene. Classic and contemporary at the same time, Deux is built for the like-minded souls still looking for the perfect beat.

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TRACKLIST:
A1. Beauty Island
A2. Sir Boastful
B1. Praia Do Destino
B2. Sous La Lune
C1. Petite Cherie
C2. Straight To The Point
D1. Because Of You
D2. Rayon Vert
D3. La Fin Est Un Commencement

Ready for an adventure running parallel to their lives in common units, the quartet boarded a starship to set off on an astral expedition. The mission began perfectly, according to plan. From the very first measures, the travellers were released from the Earth's gravity. Very quickly, their home planet appeared tiny and distant, before disappearing completely. Comets and novae lit the way through the fathomless depths of interstellar space. Their preliminary, in-depth studies of seventies jazz-funk were a great source of inspiration. Very early on, they knew that this sonic esthetic would allow them to travel even farther, navigating only with organic instruments and no digital backing or enhancements.
Commander Virgile Raffaëlli's bass lines guided their journey, offering a calm, yet vibrant foundation for the smoother phases and turning up the power to bring them through turbulence and meteor showers safe and sound. Like a compass, the bass indicated the direction and traced a groove that the loyal, valued crew could follow as their travels continued. Mathieu Edouard's drums solidly locked down the rhythm to avoid any sudden jolts, working in tandem with Erwan Loeffel's jet-propelled percussion. On the keyboards, Florian Pellissier drew harmonies and riffs from the synthesizers and electric pianos to oil the machinery and lighten the load when the ensemble needed to rise a few feet. The crew's almost telepathic cohesion was key to their success, allowing them to express interior emotions with just a few notes.

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Aldorande is back! The French Jazz-Funk quartet returns with a strong new EP “Summer Body / Breakfast in Space” widening its musical universe to join the Favorite Recordings’ 2020 Disco Jazz-Funk series.

After their first eponymous LP released in June 2019, our explorers strike again with two club-friendly compositions joining the dots between Jazz-Funk and Disco/Boogie. Recorded with great care, reflecting Favorite Recordings’ journey towards the authentic analogue sound, both tracks coming with a Charles Maurice dub versions. With this new musical space trip, Aldorande confirmed – if needed – their solid position at the heart of the French jazz scene: a great appetizer before their upcoming 2nd album to be released later this year.

A-side opens with “Summer Body”, a boogie banger driven by a magnetic bassline, surrounded by lush synthesizers and catchy backing vocals arranged in the tradition of the best Brazilian songs. On the B-side comes “Breakfast in Space”, a sort of cosmic opera. The slap bass and drums set up a P-Funk foundation. On the top, Aldorande put psychedelic vocal lines making the whole journey a definitive trip into funkiness.

Behind Aldorande, you will find a team of great musicians including bandleader and founder Virgile Raffaëlli on bass (Setenta, Camarão Orkestra), Florian Pellissier on keys (Iggy Pop, Guts, Setenta, Cotonete,…), Mathieu Edward on drums (Chassol, De La Soul) and Erwan Loeffel on percussion (10LEC6, Camarão Orkestra). For this new EP, always looking for more funk into their groove, they’ve been joined by French guitarist Farid Baha (Cotonete, Camarão Orkestra).
A1. Summer Body
A2. Summer Body (Charles Maurice Dub Version)
B1. Breakfast in Space
B2. Breakfast in Space (Charles Maurice Dub Version)

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We’re thrilled to present this new 12inch single release, pursuing our digging into gems previously compiled in some of our various reissue compilations series.. On this occasion, it seemed only natural to highlight two exceptional tracks with numerous points in common.

"Hangin’ On to You" by Jonathan Jr. and "Flyin’ To Santa Barbara" by Special Occasion both hail from Belgium, produced in the mid-80s under the direction of Tony Baron, a producer and artist deeply involved in several New Beat projects and closely tied to the Nunk Records label. Both tracks also appeared in the 4th edition of our AOR Global Sounds compilation series, now sold out.

But beyond mere coincidence, these two tracks are perfect examples of the fusion between Disco rhythms and sound, with the smooth, colorful vibe of AOR productions from that era. Presented here in their 12-inch single versions, these gems are bound to delight DJs and music lovers alike.

A - Jonathan Jr. – Hangin’ On To You (12” Version)
B - Special Occasion – Flyin’ To Santa Barbara (12” Version)

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Magic Source is back with an exclusive 2 tracks single filled with their special rootsy cosmic funky touch.

Led by producer & notorious tape operator Björn Wagner (of Mighty Mocambos, Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band and Mocambo Records), the group follows up to the release of their 2nd LP last year, Voyage Spectral. This time again, the German band dives into the Tropical and international aspects of Disco and Funk music, always using 100% organic production and recordings material.

On this 2 tracks single, you’ll first find a blazing and unexpected covers of “Voodoo Ray” the classic acid-house track by A Guy Called Gerald, with special vocals by Mounam & Gizelle Smith. Following up to this already dancefloor classic, comes “Interplanetary Bounce”, a new and exclusive composition from the band also tailored to make you move, with its Boogie touch and heavy breaks.

A - Voodoo Ray
B - Interplanetary Bounce

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Favorite Recordings proudly presents this new 7inch single release, filled with 2 beautiful tracks previously compiled on the famous and now almost sold-out, AOR Global Sounds series.

First comes “What Its Meant to Me” by Jonathon Hansen. Self-produced and self-released in 1978 by Jonathon, this is another perfect recipe of AOR soulful style. Jonathon Hansen told us a bit about its story: “’What Its' Meant To Me’ was a song I wrote about the breakup of a band. As with a lot of my songs, I always write them to be about more than one thing. Primarily relationships. The song was recorded in Costa Mesa, CA at Sunwood Sound Studios. It was recorded with fellow bandmates and other musician friends.”

Another top track from the series comes next, with “It’s Always Something With You” by Jeff Silna. Originally only released on a promotional radio compilation, it was reissued by Favorite Recordings in 2017 on the 3rd edition of the AOR Global Sounds series and is still now in high demand. Here again Jeff Silna reminds: “This track was recorded at TK Studios, credited with the inception of disco music and pumping out what were considered the first Disco hits. TK created what’s known as the Miami sound. I was fortunate to work with some amazing musicians like guitarist Sheldon Stauber and players from the U of M Jazz Band, which was tops in the country at the time. My influences were funk and soul bands like Earth Wind & Fire and Average White Band.”


A Jonathon Hansen - What Its Meant To Me

B Jeff Silna - It's Always Something Wit

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8 years after the official reissue of the LP “An Eye For An Eye” by Byrne & Barnes, Favorite Recordings proudly presents this new single release.
The 7inch first includes the classic “Love You Out Of Your Mind”, extracted from the WestCoast classic LP, which was a one-stop collaboration between Robert Byrne and Brendan Barnes, however both display incredible music career and went on to produce for famous artists such as Pointer Sisters, Patti Austin, Earth Wind & Fire, or Phil Collins to name just a few. The song parades all the elements of the AOR style: a jazzy sometimes fusion approach, with modern soul and groove flavors.
The other side features an exclusive and unreleased track by Robert Byrne, dug by the original executive producer up in his archives for our great pleasure. “Do You Wanna Make Some Love” is also nurtured with Westcoast and AOR vibes, while leering to Boogie and Disco influences. We have no doubt it will delight all the Byrne & Barnes music lovers and many more.

A - Love You Out Of My Mind
B - Do You Wanna Make Some Love (Unreleased)

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For almost 10 years and with 3 albums on the clock, Voilaaa has established itself with a unique style, reviving African rhythms and atmospheres in the colors of Disco dancefloors and Funky arrangements, all often accompanied by lyrics and vocals tinged with humor and commitment.

As a result, the Afro-Tropical adventure launched by producer Bruno “Patchworks” Hovart today leaves behind a host of hits (“On te l’avait dit”, “Spies Are Watching Me”, “Ben Bene La”, …), as well as trips around the globe and as many gigs and festivals, but also and above all numerous and lasting collaborations with singers like Lass, Pat Kalla, Sir Jean, Ayuune Sule, Rama Traore, or Fouley Badiaga, the latter which also marks its great return on two tracks of the album.

With C'est tout, Voilaaa returns to us without revisiting this unstoppable recipe, while seasoning things with a more Latin and Caribbean inspiration, brought back in Bruno Hovart's suitcases after several stays in South America in recent years. Introduced last spring with the release of a first maxi single, this new opus once again delivers hit after hit.

As on the already famous “Faché” alongside Pat Kalla, which displays all the classic assets of Voilaaa’s sound: punchy Afrobeat horns, woozy chords and crunchy clavinet licks rising above a low-slung, hypnotic, dub disco-meets-Afro-boogie groove. The rest of the album is not to be outdone with a total of 14 wild tracks entirely composed by an unstoppable Bruno Hovart.

Two exceptions confirm the rule, a beautiful interpretation of the song "Love and Death" by Ebo Taylor, where Voilaaa's Afro skills perfectly melt with Angolan and Brazilian vapors, beamed by Joao Selva's lovely vocals; as well as a magical cover of “Too Young to Die”, transporting Jamiroquai to the crossroads of Africa and the Antilles, carried by the superb vocal performance of singer Olivya (Dowdelin) for a first collaboration.

Well, Voilaaa is back as its best, “that’s all” (C’est tout).

A1 - L'Intro
A2 - System System (ft. Lass)
A3 - Love and Death (ft. Joao Selva)
B1 - Trouble Travel (ft. Nai-Jah)
B2 - Anna est partie (ft. Pat Kalla & Ayuune Sule)
B3 - Too Young To Die (ft. Olivya)
C1 - Mtae Rock
C2 - Sane Kunda (ft. Lass)
C3 - Jolie Sarah (ft. Pat Kalla)
C4 - Les temps ont changé (ft. Fouley Badiaga)
D1 - Faché (ft. Pat Kalla)
D2 - Tu nous fatigues (ft. Fouley Badiaga)
D3 - C'est la danse
D4 - Life

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Brazilian Disco Boogie Sound is a compilation that brings together nine of the most important and obscure hits of the Brazilian Funk-Boogie-Disco scene during the years of 1978 to 1982.

Following its acclaimed release in late 2014, Favorite Recordings now present a great additional 12inch single package, including exclusive extended versions by Nick The Record, Waxist and Charles Maurice.

The 3 DJs provide new exclusive extended versions of Painel De Controle, Rabo De Saia, and Famks’ killing originals tracks.

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Voilaaa is one of the many projects led and produced by Bruno “Patchworks” Hovart, who’s proven over the past 15 years, his place amongst the finest producers of groove music in all genres. This time exploring the wide spectrum of the African and Tropical Disco scene, he received a massive international support for Voilaaa’s first album, On te l’avait dit, released last year on Favorite Recordings.
With a second effort already planned for spring 2017, Voilaaa has not finished to feed international dancefloors with heavy Afro-Disco vibes. If any would doubt that, here comes a hot remixes single package, which should end any debate about it, with Dimitri From Paris and Africaine 808 at the control!

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New single by legendary Brazilian singer DI MELO, 40 years after his classic self-titled Samba-Soul LP. Performed and produced by French brilliant combo COTONETE, this single and collaboration will be followed by a full album early 2019.


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Favorite Recordings presents Faché, a new long awaited EP by Voilaaa, including 3 brand new tracks from the Afro-Disco maestro, and tasty exclusive versions. This is also a first taste of the upcoming 4th album, which is planned to be released in September this year.
The EP opens with “Faché”, and it includes all the elements of Voilaaa’s famous style and skills: killer Afro-Disco production with heavy bass, hot percussions and playful horns and keyboards, coming with French spicy vocals by longtime partner Pat Kalla. A dub version is provided then.
Next track is “Trouble Travel”, which is displayed in a “Garage Version” fully exclusive to this release and perfectly tailored to kill any dancefloor. It features upraising singer Nai-Jah collaborating for the first time with Voilaaa.
On the B-side, you’ll find a surprising and blowing version of Jamiroquai’s “Too Young to Die”. The classic hit taking a new life in a Tropical perfect suit, with stunning Creole vocals by Olivya (Dowdelin).
Voilaaa is back and ready to delight your summer!!

A1 - Faché (feat. Pat Kalla)
A2 - Faché (Dub)
A3 - Trouble Travel (Garage version) [feat. Nai-Jah]
B1 - Too Young to Die (feat. Olivya)
B2 - Trop jeune pour ça

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5 years after his last and 3rd album, Lucas Arruda finally presents his long awaited new LP, Ominira.
Since the release of his first album on Favorite Recordings (Sambadi / 2013), Lucas Arruda has clearly established himself as one of the most talented contemporary artist and composer from Brazil. His music is filled with fusion style, mixing influences and elements from his Latin musical background, with his genuine admiration for Jazz, Soul, Pop and Funk music.
During these 10 years of collaboration with label honcho Pascal Rioux, Lucas Arruda’ music has always received great supports and feedbacks from international media and tastemakers, each album perfecting the level of composition and production. With Onda Nova (2019), Lucas dived willingly into Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti influences, aiming to capture the true essence of Brazilian Funk and AOR tradition. Now a father and family man, he turned more deeply into his native influences when composing this new beautiful album. Fully composed and produced by Lucas, Ominira also features appearances from friends local musicians and artists such as Italo Vinicius (Drums), Thiago Arruda (guitars), Roger Rocha (sax), or Flavia K and Andre Motta on vocals.
"Ominira is about freedom, art and music. It's also about honoring my ancestors and my musical influences. I delved a little deeper into my African roots, in addition to Brazilian music and rhythms, and my longtime passion for Soul/Funk. After a long production process I feel like I made my best album. So, I present to you OMINIRA, a new chapter in my career. Have a nice trip!"

A1 - Intro
A2 - The Bravest Heart
A3 - Novos Planos
A4 - Outras Dimensoes
A5 - Abraco Pro Ed
B1 - 4:28 Am
B2 - The Mountain
B3 - Ominira
B4 - Projecoes

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Favorite Recordings comes back with the 2nd edition of its compilation series: Fusion Global
Sounds. 8 rare and hidden tracks produced between 1976 and 1984 in various parts of the world.
As a fine collector of Jazz-Funk and Fusion for many years, Charles Maurice cooked another fine
selection of forgotten Fusion Jazz productions, this time driven by a common Brazilian influence.
On this 2nd edition, recordings come from Brazil, Philippines, Netherlands, Poland, and US, all
again from underrated artists mostly unknown from the masses. You'll find here the best elements of
the Fusion genre: fine vocal arrangements, catchy Fender Rhodes and synthesizers, irresistible
basslines, and classy horns section, altogether bringing a unique groove infused with Brazilian
flavors.
The compilation starts with Lerma dela Cruz, a quite occult songstress from Philippines. “Free” was
part of a very rare compilation titled “Tropical Jazz Fusion”, released in 1983 on A&W Horizon label
(also home of Boy Katindig). With its blowing Samba / Jazz-Funk vibes, it was an obvious match to
open this collection. The following song could only enhance this ambience, since that of Brazilian
saxophonist, Nivaldo Ornelas, present on this opus with 2 titles taken from his album A Tarde
(1983). On “Cactus”, Nivaldo is supported on keyboards by his friend Marcos Resende, both also
known for their album on the MPBC series released by Phonogram-Polygram between 1978 and
1981, which has clearly been an inspiration for Charles Maurice in building this second edition.
We could continue telling stories and details about the others great tracks included in Fusion Global
Sounds Vol.2, but we believe that the best way is to listen to it and pursue your trip through Fusion
Jazz combined with Brazilian styles, including surprising stopover in Poland, or Netherlands.

A1. Lerma dela Cruz - Free
A2. Nivaldo Ornelas - Cactus
A3. Krystyna Pronìko - Oto Przyczyna
A4. Bobby Martinez - Pendulum
B1. Tom Grant - Mystified
B2. Nivaldo Ornelas - Los Angeles
B3. Carlos Mendes - Oamoreìomar
B4. Dana Kaproff - Brownstones

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Magic Source invites you to a journey to the obscure side of disco music.

Led by producer & notorious tape operator Björn Wagner (of Mighty Mocambos, Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band and Mocambo Records), the group follows up on their rootsy cosmic debut LP Earthrising and last year's EP Riviera Drive, whose stunning flute jazz cover of “Genius of Love” is also featured on this longplayer.

Further exploring the more unusual facets of disco in its otherworldly and international stylings, Voyage Spectral travels through a wide musical scope, ranging from “lost” tropical grooves, Mediterranean funk, outernational boogie, to cosmic sci-fi soundtracks. All 100% organic - created by real musicians with real vintage instruments, captured on 16-track analog tape.

An all-star cast of musicians invites you to a fantasy trip where angelic voices blend with spaced-out synths, ethnic string instruments interplay with sharp horn lines while the rhythm section is holding down a polyrhythmic puzzle of guitars, clavinets, B-3, drums and percussions.

TRACKLIST:

A1. Saturn Moon Dive
A2. Superglider
A3. Spead Boat To Atlantis
A4. Dreaming Of You
B1. Pyramide
B2. Genius Of Love
B3. Rainy Afternoon In Paris
B4. Space Of Mind

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Favorite Recordings proudly presents its new series of 7" reissues with the following concept: each side dedicated to one Funky French track coming with its original artwork. You just have to flip it!

On the first side comes "Givin’ It Up" by Belgian funk band Charms. Compiled by Charles Maurice on French Disco Boogie Sounds Vol. 2, the original vinyl 7inch was released in 1982 on famous Biram label and is now a very hard to find gem for reasonable prices. Not really surprising considering the immediate power of this Disco track, filled catchy synths lines, sweet vocals and fateful chorus.

On the other side comes another French Disco underground hit with “Pour moi ça va” by France-Lise. It takes only a few seconds to get driven on the dancefloor by the heavily funky guitar and bassline and the immediate energy of this song. Also compiled by Charles Maurice on French Disco Boogie Sounds Vol. 1, this is also a quite hard to find OG. With its charming French vocals and bouncing percussions, it should delight any Disco player.

A. Charms – Givin’ It Up
B. France Lise – Pour moi ça va

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Favorite Recordings proudly present its new series of 7" reissues with the following concept: each side
dedicated to one Funky French track coming with its original artwork. You just have to flip it!
On the first side, you'll get the amazing track "Funky Biguine" by West Indies band Crystal. Originally
compiled by Charles Maurice on French Disco Boogie Sounds Vol. 2, the original eponymous album still goes
for crazy prices. And there's a reason for that: "Funky Biguine" will bring the heat on the dancefloor with its
enchanting synth bassline, its West Indies influences and melodious Funk arrangement. Don't miss the synth
solo in the end!
On the other side, you'll find a reissue of "Looking For You" by J.E.K.Y.S from the island of Réunion. The
song has just started and you're already overwhelmed by the strong bassline and the sirens of this French boogie
anthem - despite this one has English lyrics. Originally, you'll find it compiled by Charles Maurice on French Disco
Boogie Sounds Vol. 3. Expect lovely harmonic progressions and perhaps a more spacey groove, as in these
beautiful bridges leading to chorus where the lyrics blend perfectly with the synthesisers line and Fender Rhodes.

TRACKLIST:
A. Crystal – Funky Biguine
B. J.E.K.Y.S – Looking For You

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Favorite Recordings proudly present a new series of 7" reissues with a simple concept: each side dedicated to one French funky track coming with its original artwork. You just have to flip it!

Starting with "Funky Baby Love" by Paul Fathy, it could not get funkier! The French boogie track originally compiled by Charles Maurice on French Disco Boogie Sounds Vol. 3, is your perfect tool for the dancefloor. It brings together all the ingredients of a great production with irresistible disco strings, a catchy chorus supported by beautiful backing vocals and its final climax will bring the dancers to a point of no return.

On the other side, you get an exclusive reissue of West-Indies band Corail', with their song "Karukera C'est Comme Ça" taken from their eponymous album. This under-the-radar, zouky and funky track will surprise every listener with its appealing arrangement and lyrics: "Ça va danser / Sur l'île aux oiseaux". Soon, you won't be able to get it out of your head. The bass is groovin', the rhythmic guitar is infectious and digital keyboards are on point: we're pretty much sure this one will become sooner or later a banger of its own.

TRACKLIST:
A. Paul Fathy – Funky Baby Love
B. Corail' – Karukera C'est Comme Ça

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Lucas Arruda’s born in 1983, in a Brazilian state called Espírito Santo, near Rio de Janeiro. Coming from
a musical family (his dad and older brother are musicians) he started playing and listening to music very
young. At the age of 13, he was also playing professionally already.
After studying electric guitar and playing in various bands, Lucas passion quickly turned into Rhodes and
keyboards, expanding his musical range of skills. At the same time he started a project called Du Black,
with his older brother Thiago, quickly receiving various local support from people like Ed Motta, William
Magalhães (Banda Black Rio), Robert Lamm (Chicago) or Hyldon (Brazilian soul legend).
From the growing notoriety obtained, the band began to work with various other artists and singers such
as Tamy Macedo, or Bossa Nova’s legend, Leila Pinheiro, leading Lucas to build a recording studio with
Thiago in 2011. Now 2 years after he launched this home-studio, here comes “Sambadi”, first solo album
by Lucas Arruda!
On this recording he also started to team up with Fabricio di Monaco (Modo Solar), who clearly became
a fundamental piece, as Lucas relates: “Fabricio introduced me to Pascal Rioux at Favorite Recordings,
as they released his EP few years ago. He’s a brilliant musician and a great human being.”
In Lucas’ words, Sambadi is highly inspired by Rio de Janeiro. As for the musical side, the album almost
sounds like a tribute to his longtime heroes like Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Marcos Valle, Azymuth,
or Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti. And Lucas also humbly concludes: “I really hope to honor all the
guys who influenced me.”

TRACKLIST:
A1. Physis
A2. Tamba Part 1
A3. Batuque
A4. Who’s That Lady
A5. Rio Afternoon
B1. Na Feira
B2. Sambadi
B3. Carnival
B4. Alma Nova
B5. Tamba Part 2

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Over the course of 2025 IARC will be celebrating their eleventh year of existence by revisiting some of the most celebrated (and hard to find) entries in their decade of releases. These LP packages will be presented with new liner notes, new insert booklets, and the fresh 2025 redesign of their iconic obi and dome logo. They will also be at a price point intended to help make it easier for stores to stock and sell these essential pieces of their catalog.

Classic Black 140g LP inside a heavyweight reverse-board jacket with 8-page insert booklet (new for IA11, with additional photos and new liner notes written by IE bassist Luke Stewart), IARC 2025 obi strip and printed poly-lined printed innersleeve. Pressed at Pallas in Germany, with new lacquers cut by Daniel K at SST.

https://listen.k7.com/4f6ed595-3399-4ff1-8de6-d4ec011ef652

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Repress!

at mule musiq, we’ve focused on shining light on the many aspects of what electronic music can be, putting out house, techno and ambient releases on our main label, while releasing alternative-leaning dance music through our endless flight imprint. but with the launch of our new label, studio mule, we are stepping away from electronic club music for a bit. the label will not be tied to a specific genre, as we will instead focus on releasing any kind of music that we feel is a little bit different and interesting, but somehow make sense in this day and age. for our first batch of releases, we will be focusing on japanese music.

to be honest, i have been watching the recent rise of global interest in japanese music with a skeptical eye, not sure of how to feel about all these labels overseas licensing great albums that were birthed in our country. but then, i was told by somebody i greatly respect that i should do something similar with mule, and put our own spin on it, which sounded like a good idea to me. after a period of procrastination, i finally got around to doing it. we are starting things off with a compilation of japanese disco, boogie and soul music that we selected from a modern dance music perspective — the kind of songs that we feel would intrigue music fans across the world.

at first, i started seeking authentic-sounding disco that sound like it could have been recorded in the states, but after struggling to get licensing rights for many of those tracks, i started to wonder if that was really the direction we should be going in. when we start new labels or projects, we often come up with the title or artwork first, before deciding on the actual music. we came up with the title midnight in tokyo first, which dictated that we needed to find music that would be a perfect soundtrack to listen to at night in tokyo. we ended up compiling a selection of tracks that you could both listen to at home, and play in clubs at certain time slots. the compilation also ended up sounding a lot more pop than we initially imagined…

during the selection process, we did not care whether the tracks have been reissued already or not, and how rare the original copies of the records were. our sole purpose was to gather a handful of songs from across labels, major or otherwise, that we felt could be listened to for many years to come — even after this whole japanese music trend dies down. although we put together this release mainly for listeners outside of japan, the compilation can also be a chance for japanese music lovers to rediscover the greatness of domestic music, as we did during the process.

the compilation starts off with the afro disco classic “mi mi africa” by harmonica player nobuo yagi, which was also included in the compilation mastercuts.

“silver top” is a jazzy fusion disco taken from composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist nobuyuki shimizu’s first album, which he released when he was 19. the track features singer epo, whom he worked with many times over the years as an arranger.

“samba night” is by vocalist keisuke yamamoto and his band piper, from their masterpiece second album summer breeze. a delightful city pop number that should appeal to tatsuro yamashita fans.

“akogareno sundown” is a japanese soul classic, sang by singer haruko kuwana (the sister of well-known musi-cian masahiro kuwana). recorded in hawaii and produced by mackey feary band, known for the soulful classic “a million stars.”

“koiwa saiko (i’m in love)” is a mellow and groovy track by singer aru takamura, the great-grandchild of sculptor kouun takamura, whose son kotaro takamura is a famed poet and sculptor. can be thought of as japan’s answer to cheryl lynn’s “got to be real.”

“what the magic is to try” is a cult electropop track by honma express, a project helmed by producer kanji honma. hailed as japan’s trevor horn, he is also known as the producer of legendary techno pop band tpo.

“colored music” is a song by colored music, a duo of pianist ichiko hashimoto and her partner atsuo fujimoto, who have gone on tour with ymo. taken from colored music’s sole album, the japanese rare groove treasure is a mesh of new wave, synth pop and jazz influences.

the dubby electronic new wave disco “electric city” is a b side of pop idol group shohjo-tai’s debut 12” single, but the girls aren’t actually singing on it, making the instrumental one of japan’s greatest ’80s dance tracks.

“love is the competition” is a breezy disco jam by okinawa-born bilingual artist hitomi tohyama. featured on her album next door, the song’s melody seems like an interpolation of the whispers’ “it’s a love thing.”

taken from mariah project’s diva yumi murata’s first album, “krishna” is a funky and soulful rockin’ disco cut.reminiscent of chaka khan’s “i know you, i live you,” “live hard, live free” is a song by jazz vocalist eri ohno who is known for her work with dj krush and singing on the soundtrack to anime rupin the third.

“rocket 88” is a melancholic disco number by singer minnie. though the track was released through sapporo’s independent label paradise records, the superb production quality suggests otherwise.

closing out the 13-track compilation is japanese disco staple “tokyo melody,” sang by half african and half swedish american singer shoody and backed by tetsuji hayashi’s disco band the eastern gang.

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"The Closest Thing to Silence" is the result of a collaboration between Australia-based, French born fourth-world music legend Ariel Kalma and the International Anthem recording artists Jeremiah Chiu & Marta Sofia Honer, whose critically-acclaimed duo debut "Recordings from the Åland Islands" had been released last year

LPI colour is 'Silent Gray'

In August 2022, Australia-based, French born fourth-world music legend Ariel Kalma was invited to participate in BBC Radio 3’s Late Junction series of special collaborations. The program pairs artists that have not previously collaborated to create new music together. Kalma was quick to suggest working together with two musicians whom he has never met – the International Anthem recording artists Jeremiah Chiu & Marta Sofia Honer, whose critically-acclaimed duo debut Recordings from the Åland Islands had been released just a few months earlier. Kalma sent an invitation to Chiu and Honer, which was received with great enthusiasm. Chiu had been a fan of Kalma’s work for a long time, even citing him as a major influence on his approach to electronic music composition. After meeting their goal of 20 minutes worth of music for the program (which was four pieces total), the three musicians were satisfied in what they would present, and sent along their work to the producers of Late Junction; but simultaneously they felt like there was much more to be said, more work to be done. There were several pieces that they had nearly completed that weren’t sent for inclusion in the radio program, and there were many ideas for refining those that had. The three musicians collectively agreed that they would continue work together and try to push the music further. The Closest Thing to Silence is the result of their efforts to take the collaboration further.

Tracklist
1.1Ten Hour Wave
1.2Breathing In Three Orbits (Intro)
1.3Breathing In Three Orbits
1.4The Closest Thing To Silence
1.5Dizzy Ditty
1.6Une Ombre Légère
1.7New Air
1.8Écoute Au Loin
1.9A Treasure Chest
1.10Stay Centered
1.11Stack Attack

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Diving deeper into the story of Japanese reggae pop, Tokyo Riddim Vol. 2 explores an electronic, new wave and often experimental sound unlike anything Japan or Jamaica had ever heard before.

The first time Ryuichi Sakamoto left Japan, he did not go to the United States or Europe - he went to Jamaica. It was 1978, YMO were about to release their debut album, but Sakamoto was in Kingston, invited to play synths for Japanese idol singer Teresa Noda at Dynamic Sound Studios in a band alongside Neville Hinds and none other than Rita Marley. It’s not a story many know, but one which would spark Sakamoto’s fascination with dub and mark a new chapter in the ongoing Japanese love affair with reggae.

The Teresa Noda tracks they cut - ‘Tropical Love’ and ‘Yellow Moon’ - bookend this second volume of Time Capsule’s Tokyo Riddim compilation, which tells the wider story of how a fascination with Jamrock swept Japan, adding a dash of lime to that sweet city pop sound, embracing a globalised musical palette and creating a whole new genre in the process.

For some, like Sakamoto, a diversion into reggae was part of broader fascination with new sounds and styles, tipped into the global disco of homage and appropriation that made Japanese music of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s some of the most creative and undefinable in the world.

You had iconic shape-shifter Yosui Inoue, who toyed with reggae, afro-beat and electro-Balearic, (and whose For Life Records released several tracks on this comp), and Kay Ishiguro, who enlisted J-reggae originator Pecker on the ambitious Stevie Wonder-esque ‘Red Drip’.

Then there were the Compass Point devotees - producers and musicians alike who were enthralled by the sound of the Bahamas studio and drew on the detached cool of Grace Jones - as heard in the music of Juicy Fruits, and the disco noir of Casablanca-signed femme fatale Yuki Nakayamate. Sometimes, as was the case with Risa Minami, the J-reggae influence said more about Japan than it did about Jamaica.

But where Tokyo Riddim Vol. 1 focused on the city pop sound, this compilation goes further, digging out the more experimental collaborations and hybrids exemplified by Tomoko Aran, who in working with Yusuaki Shimizu and Mariah emphasised just how far reggae had travelled to be recast into something entirely new on the other side of the world.

Perhaps more than anything, in connecting the dots between Tokyo and Kingston, between Jamaica and Japan, the Japanese reggae was building a musical language that existed outside of the paradigms of US and European cultural hegemony - an encounter shaped by commerce, capital and creativity that is now being recognised more broadly for the first time.

Compiled by Kay Suzuki
Artwork by Noncheleee
Liner notes by Anton Spice, Kay Suzuki & Ayana Honma
Coordinated by Ken Hidaka & Kay Suzuki
Mastered by Mike Hillier at Metropolis Studios, London, UK
Time Capsule | TIME021 | 1979-1986 -> 2024
UPC: 748322322256

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SML is bassist Anna Butterss (Jeff Parker, Daniel Villarreal, Makaya McCraven), synthesist Jeremiah Chiu (Ariel Kalma, Marta Sofia-Honer), saxophonist Josh Johnson (Jeff Parker, Makaya McCraven, Nate Mercereau, Marquis Hill), percussionist Booker Stardrum (Amirtha Kidambi, Carl Stone, Lee Ranaldo, Patrick Shiroishi), and guitarist Gregory Uhlmann (Sam Wilkes, Meg Duffy, Perfume Genius). Their debut album Small Medium Large began as a collection of long-form improvisations recorded during two separate two-night stands at beloved Highland Park venue ETA

Tracklist
1.1Rubber Tree Dance
1.2Industry
1.3Herbie for Commercials
1.4Search Bar Hi Hat
1.5Window Sill Song
1.6Switchboard Operations
1.7Soft Sand
1.8Three Over Steel
1.9Chasing Brain
1.10History of Communication
1.11Feed The Birds
1.12Greg's Melody
1.13Dolphin Language

https://listen.k7.com/b7d4a647-d93c-4459-a87e-b6db0d5c8f29

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Louie Vega and Moodymann, two of the most celebrated and iconic talents in the world of House Music, come together for this very special single “Seven Mile.” Originally released as part of Louie Vega’s universally acclaimed “Expansions In The NYC” album on Nervous Records, the song is now being released as a Double Pack, Custom Art Remix Package with an all-star collection of producers on remix duty, including Dennis Quin, Kai Alcé, Rocco Rodamaal, Alex Finkin and Charlie Soul Clap

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