In 1975, the late DJ / producer and jazz distributor Jimmy Gray and James "Plunky" Branch joined a musical revolution, founding Black Fire Records and releasing the label"s debut album, the classic African Rhythms by Oneness of Juju. This July, Plunky brings this important musical relationship full circle with Made Through Ritual, produced by Plunky"s son Jamiah "Fire" Branch and Jimmy"s son Jamal Gray. The resulting album is a fascinating listen. Opening with the meditative soul chant "Share This Love" voiced by regular Oneness vocalist Charlayne "Chyp" Green, the album opens out into a series of jazz vignettes including the title track, "In Due Time" and "Free Spirit". The powerful album closer, "Children Of The Drum" celebrates black culture and legacy through the poetry of Roscoe Burnem.

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Matthew Herbert and drummer/vocalist Momoko Gill announce the release of new album Clay, via Strut Records in collaboration with Accidental.
A soulful, elastic collaboration, Clay treads nimbly between the dancefloor and the more introspective moods of the early hours, both reminiscent of Herbert’s iconic album Around The House while taking off in a compelling new direction. Agile and open-hearted, Clay is a thrilling, sonically adventurous record from two of the UK’s most forward-thinking artists.

Tracklist:
A1. CALM WATER
A2. NEED TO RUN
A3. MOWING
A4. MORE AND MORE
A5. HEART
A6. ANIMALS
B1. FALLEN AGAIN
B2. BABYSTAR
B3. SHOW ME
B4. SOMEONE LIKE YOU

Listen: listen.k7.com/97599f47-9f5f-4c87-ae52-111f6740d1a4

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A cosmic fusion of deep funk, interstellar jazz, and avant-garde soundscapes, On Jupiter stands as one of Sun Ra’s most iconic releases. Recorded in 1979 during a prolific period at Variety Arts Studios in New York, this album captures the Arkestra at the height of their creative powers, blending futuristic improvisation with infectious rhythms and otherworldly textures.

Listen: listen.k7.com/78f6879e-8431-498c-b3fb-4fa6cea8b2e7

Track list:
A1. On Jupiter (03:58)
A2. UFO (08:30)

B1. Seductive Fantasy (17:08)

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Strut proudly reintroduces a sought after independent disco gem from the Topomic catalogue: Beckie Bell’s ‘In Need Of...’, reissued in full for the first time. Originally released in 1980, In Need Of... quickly became a cult classic of the French disco scene

TRACKLIST
A1. SUPER QUEEN
A2. SO MANY WAYS
A3. MAGIC LADY
B1. JOHNNIE'S HOME
B2. IN THE RIGHT PLACE
B3. MUSIC MADNESS
B4. WHAT YOU NEED I CAN BRIN

Listen: listen.k7.com/74dff3c8-1fe1-4ae3-abac-5262a8d2afc6

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6LP Box Set, 24-page booklet & Original programme housed in a hardboard box
Sun Ra’s Nuits de la Fondation Maeght recordings are legendary within his extensive canon. Across two nights in August 1970, these were the first concerts Ra and the Arkestra had performed outside North America and formed part of a stellar festival line-up alongside Albert Ayler, Cecil Taylor, LaMonte Young and Marian Zazeela.



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In honour of fifty years in the performing arts—dating back to the founding of the legendary band The Pyramids in 1972—Idris Ackamoor proudly presents “Artistic Being” for Record Store Day 2025. This special recording features celebrated San Francisco actor, activist, and author Danny Glover, alongside renowned stage actress Rhodessa Jones.

TRACKLIST
A1. AFRO FUTURISTIC DREAMS 13.10
A2. IN GOD’S COUNTRY 4:42
B1. CHINA LANE SUITE 17:36
C1. TEMBEKA 7:50
C2. GRANDMA COLE STORY 10:44
D1. NOW! 8:49
D2. MOONLIGHT AND SUNSHINE 9:41


Listen: https://listen.k7.com/47891699-1332-4a17-bc6b-cdfe1c0ad93d

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Originally released in 2014, Strut re-introduces Hardcore Traxx: Dance Mania Records 1986-1997, the highly sought-after definitive retrospective of one of Chicago’s most important and innovative house music labels.



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Strut Records is proud to announce a new official reissue of Simigwa by Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, launching a series of releases on Strut celebrating the legendary Ghanaian label Essiebons. Essiebons, founded by Ghanaian music producer Dick Essilfie-Bondzie in 1959, is one of Ghana"s most important independent labels featuring prominent artists such as Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, C.K. Mann, and Ebo Taylor. Ambolley"s Simigwa is a groundbreaking album, recognised as a Ghanaian classic and boasting one of the most iconic covers of the 1970s. Originally released in 1975, the album introduced Ambolley"s unique "Simigwa" style, which combined highlife with funk and soul, influencing the evolution of a new generation of Ghanaian artists. This new Strut LP reissue features an exclusive interview with Ambolley himself, offering fresh insights into the creation of this classic album.

TRACKLIST
Side 1
Kwaakwaa (5:19)
Akoko Ba (5:23)
This Hustling World (4:14)
Side 2
Toffie (6:49)
Adwoa (4:08)
Fa No Dem Ara (4:33)

Listening Link - https://listen.k7.com/8b2c844a-72e6-4214-ab35-b391d0238f0b

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Strut introduces the highly anticipated third volume in the Disques Debs International series, diving deeper into the archives of one of the greatest French Caribbean labels, Disques Debs, based in Guadeloupe. Founded by the visionary Henri Debs in the late ‘50s, the label and studio operated for over 50 years, releasing more than 300 7” singles and 200 LPs, making it a cornerstone of Caribbean music history.

Tracklist
1.1Sadi Lancreot - Dou Se Vou Ki Siwo
1.2Max Et Henri - Sé Pou Demen
1.3Dominique Panol - Come On Baby
1.4Mariz - Si On Jou
1.5Jocelyn Mocka Et Kassav - Mizik Maladi
1.6Christian Yéyé - Misyé Zanndo
1.7Ramon Pyrmée - An Mwe
1.8Expérience
2.1Ka Lévé - Apre Nou Byen Cheche
2.2Horizon - Neg Mawon
2.3Ti Celeste - Testaman
2.4Yo - Fo'w Maye
2.5Alex Rosa - L'Appel Des Champions
2.6Gwo Siwo - Bèlè

Listening Link -https://listen.k7.com/272e528a-d568-4927-8726-a14ddd538b08

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Strut introduces the highly anticipated third volume in the Disques Debs International series, diving deeper into the archives of one of the greatest French Caribbean labels, Disques Debs, based in Guadeloupe. Founded by the visionary Henri Debs in the late ‘50s, the label and studio operated for over 50 years, releasing more than 300 7” singles and 200 LPs, making it a cornerstone of Caribbean music history.

Tracklist
1.1Sadi Lancreot - Dou Se Vou Ki Siwo
1.2Max Et Henri - Sé Pou Demen
1.3Dominique Panol - Come On Baby
1.4Mariz - Si On Jou
1.5Jocelyn Mocka Et Kassav - Mizik Maladi
1.6Christian Yéyé - Misyé Zanndo
1.7Ramon Pyrmée - An Mwe
1.8Expérience
2.1Ka Lévé - Apre Nou Byen Cheche
2.2Horizon - Neg Mawon
2.3Ti Celeste - Testaman
2.4Yo - Fo'w Maye
2.5Alex Rosa - L'Appel Des Champions
2.6Gwo Siwo - Bèlè

Listening Link -https://listen.k7.com/272e528a-d568-4927-8726-a14ddd538b08

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Strut proudly reintroduces a classic from the Topomic catalogue, Ice’s ‘Each Man Makes His Destiny’, officially available on vinyl for the first time.

Tracklist
1.1Too Little Room
1.2Suicide
1.3One Chance
1.4Love Can
1.5There's Time To Change
1.6Put An X On The Spot (In The Sky)
1.7Losin'
1.8Dgunji


Listen: listen.k7.com/ebb673d1-436f-4601-af63-077b3488dec9

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Strut is celebrating the holiday season with an exclusive reissue of The Qualities’ 1961 single, “It’s Christmas Time” b/w “Happy New Year To You!” Originally released on Sun Ra’s Saturn label, this mysterious harmony group 45 captures a unique moment in music history.

Listen: listen.k7.com/e0fa2242-9db7-4671-9ec1-85303cead98f

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UK supergroup Flock return with their anticipated sophomore album ‘Flock II’. Comprising an exceptional line-up featuring Bex Burch (fresh from her debut solo album on International Anthem), Sarathy Korwar, Tamar Osborn (Collocutor, Dele Sosimi, Unknown To Known), Danalogue (The Comet Is Coming / Soccer96) and Al MacSween (Kefaya), the new recordings showcase Flock’s ability to push the boundaries of the composition process and craft unique tracks based on their collective spirit.

Tracklist
1.1Druidstone Incantation
1.2Turned Skyward
1.3Cat's Paws Effect
1.4Meet Your Shadow
1.5Large Magellanic Cloud
1.6No One Is Spared Who Goes Down The Deep Well
1.7Dance Until You Shatter Yourself
1.8A Thousand Miles Lost
1.9Capillary Waves
1.10Edge Of Empty

listen: https://listen.k7.com/9203b88a-600b-45e1-9345-af6c0e0943d9

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UK supergroup Flock return with their anticipated sophomore album ‘Flock II’. Comprising an exceptional line-up featuring Bex Burch (fresh from her debut solo album on International Anthem), Sarathy Korwar, Tamar Osborn (Collocutor, Dele Sosimi, Unknown To Known), Danalogue (The Comet Is Coming / Soccer96) and Al MacSween (Kefaya), the new recordings showcase Flock’s ability to push the boundaries of the composition process and craft unique tracks based on their collective spirit.

Tracklist
1.1Druidstone Incantation
1.2Turned Skyward
1.3Cat's Paws Effect
1.4Meet Your Shadow
1.5Large Magellanic Cloud
1.6No One Is Spared Who Goes Down The Deep Well
1.7Dance Until You Shatter Yourself
1.8A Thousand Miles Lost
1.9Capillary Waves
1.10Edge Of Empty

listen: https://listen.k7.com/9203b88a-600b-45e1-9345-af6c0e0943d9

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LP housed in tip-on sleeve with OBI, poster & insert
Strut proudly presents a special edition, deluxe repress of Sun Ra’s classic ‘Lanquidity’, for the 25th anniversary of the label. Housed in a tip-on sleeve with OBI strip, this new special editions features an A2 poster including a rare Veryl Oakland photograph of Sun Ra in his home, as well as liner notes by Tom Buchler (Philly Jazz), Michael Ray and Danny Ray Thompson (Sun Ra Arkestra) and Bob Blank.

Tracklist
1.1Lanquidity
1.2Where Pathways Meet
1.3That's How I Feel
1.4Twin Stars Of Thence
1.5There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of)


Listen: listen.k7.com/3ae09f5d-3fca-4e24-bd57-c28788baddb0

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Kicking off a new edit series on É Soul Cultura, head honcho Luke Una hands over the keys to three secret weapon edits of transcendental dancefloor tackle. Having spent a lifetime getting his hands dirty digging in crates, Luke’s collection of off-the-beaten-track gems is second to none. For this three-track É Soul edit release, Luke delivers a one-way ticket to the outer reaches of the universe soaking up sounds from Barbados, the UK and Cameroon along the way. Strap in for a triple threat of signature Luke Una edits reworking Ella Andall, Slick Mission and Manu Dibango for the modern dancefloor.

Up first, Luke twists and tweaks the Caribbean radiance of Ella Andall ‘My Spirit Is Music’, enriching this high-energy heater. Speaking about the track he said, “It’s a remarkable, ‘90s, swerve ball, machine soul, afrobeat groove from Barbados. Incredibly rare, but most importantly it’s a wonderful fusion of drum machine and this almost carnival-like feel to this afrobeat rhythm that just turns it into the outer cosmos.”

Following that, Luke gets suitably cosmic on the dub dials with his 5am Shabeen Proto House Edit of Slick Mission ‘Times Up’. Produced by Jerry Pike of Atmosfear / Elite Records fame, Luke recounts, “This is a very much missed slice of UK house pressure which has its foot firmly in a proto-house feel. Very DIY, rough and raw – it’s an absolute gem. This is one that has definitely escaped most eyes.”

Last but not least, it’s a stop in Cameroon shining a light on the legendary Manu Dibango and his cover of ‘Jingo’ featuring King Sunny Adé. “Their version of ‘Jingo’ takes the original classic into a whole new level of outer space, afro brilliance. It’s such a beautiful cover and really turns the track into something else. The musicianship and vibes just scream out. Oddly no one really seems to know it.”

Three certified winners from Luke’s underground arsenal, reworked, refined and ready to be deployed on any dancefloor when the feeling hits.

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13 years in the making, Mr Bongo proudly presents a new compilation of beloved Brazilian disco and boogie finds from the legendary London disco connoisseurs, Horse Meat Disco. A labour of love, it showcases a tantalising cross-section of disco, funk, boogie, samba and MPB, from past to present. Unearthing tracks from the seemingly endless gold mine of Brazilian gems, the compilation features legends such as Jorge Ben, Gretchen, Marcos Valle and Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti, alongside unsung heroes including Zé Carlos and Carlos Bivar.

Over 20 years ago, the Horse Meat Disco crew (James Hillard, Severino Panzetta, Jim Stanton and Luke Howard) began their weekly residency at Eagle London back in 2003. That same year, Luke made his first visit to Brazil, beginning a musical love affair that is still going strong.

“I had always wanted to go to Brazil since I was a kid, and when I finally had the opportunity to go with Princess Julia, I was just blown away. I’ve visited Rio every year since 2003, and in that time, I’ve learned Portuguese and tried to discover as much as I can about Brazilian music and popular culture. I learned to dance samba with the Paraiso School of Samba in London and paraded three times at Rio Carnival. Brazilian music was a brand-new world for me to explore and get excited about—a whole universe of genius musicians, singers, and styles.”

9 years later, Mr Bongo invited Luke down to their Brighton HQ for a listening session of some of his favourite Brazilian boogie and disco 7" finds. A compilation was green-lit, but multiple licensing delays and the release of other HMD compilations meant that it lay dormant for years.

Fast forward to 2024, and with the help of esteemed, Rio-based record collector Tee Cardaci, along with suggestions from HMD’s James Hillard, the dream of an HMD Brazilian compilation finally materialised. It’s a carefully curated collection that includes the electronic-boogie/italo-disco-esque 1984 groover 'Venha (Remix)' by the singer Ze Carlos, two cuts by Luiza Maura taken from her sought-after Deixa Girar 7", and Gretchen's sultry 'Ela Tem Raça, Charme, Talento E Gostosura' written by Jorge Ben.

At its core, this compilation captures the excitement and sense of discovery that won over Horse Meat Disco’s heart more than 20 years ago. A vibrant mix of feel-good flavours, it homes in on a sun-soaked strand of disco and boogie that has been enriched with the spirit of a nation where music serves as a central pillar of life.

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Limited edition 300 copies
Matte Green Coloured vinyl
180 gram pressing
Originally released in 1973
Pressed in Brazil
Produced by Milton Miranda and Marcos Valle



When João released “Quem é Quem” in 1973, he had already been in the music industry for over 20 years, gaining national and international recognition. Nevertheless, the album marked the beginning of a new phase in his career: the surprising multi-instrumentalist included lyrics in his songs for the first time. It is one of his most important albums, which now returns to shelves pressed on 180gr matte green coloured vinyl.
The album was produced by Milton Miranda and Marcos Valle, with arrangements by João Donato, Maestro Gaya, Lan Guest, Laércio de Freitas, and Dory Caymmi. It features 12 tracks, the vast majority of which are authored by him, with collaborators such as Geraldo Carneiro, Lysias Ênio, Paulo Cesar Pinheiro, Caetano Veloso, and João Carlos Pádua. The only exception is the song “Cala Boca Menino” by Dorival Caymmi.



Tracklist

A1. Chorou, Chorou
A2. Terremoto
A3. Amazonas (Keep Talking)
A4. Fim De Sonho
A5. A Rã
A6. Ahiê

B1. Cala Boca Menino
B2. Nãna Das Águas
B3. Me Deixa
B4. Até Quem Sabe?
B5. Mentiras
B6. Cadê Jodel?


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In an ever-expanding musical universe, Azymuth have long existed as a celestial giant, drawing countless artists, musicians and followers into their orbit. Marking fifty years since their 1975 debut album Azimuth, their new album Marca Passo proves that the band’s alchemic brew of Brazilian jazz-funk and cosmic samba soul remains as vital as ever, as the group honours the profound legacy of their departed founders.

Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Marca Passo is the first full-length release since the passing of founding drummer Ivan "Mamão" Conti in 2023, following the earlier loss of keyboardist José Roberto Bertrami in 2012. Alex Malheiros, the sole remaining original member, sees his stewardship of the band’s musical legacy as his spiritual duty. He is joined by the equally devoted Kiko Continentino (Milton Nascimento, Djavan) on keyboards, who has been with the group since 2016, and new recruit Renato Massa (Marcos Valle, Ed Motta) on drums.

Yet since their earliest recorded music, Azymuth have always been far greater than the sum of their parts. The "three-man orchestra’s" unmistakable sound is rooted in Brazil's MPB studio scene of the 1970s and early 1980s—a time when artists blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with global jazz, rock, and emerging psychedelic and progressive elements. Marca Passo continues this legacy, seamlessly fusing Brazilian musical traditions with global influences while showcasing the exceptional musicianship that powers Azymuth's distinctive, multi-dimensional sound.

The album is produced by studio mastermind Daniel Maunick, responsible for Azymuth’s two previous studio albums, Fênix in 2016 and Aurora in 2011. Daniel’s credits also include albums by Marcos Valle, Sabrina Malheiros and Terry Callier. Azymuth also invited Daniel’s father, British jazz-funk royalty Jean Paul “Bluey” Maunick, of Incognito, to play guitar on a new version of Azymuth’s eighties classic “Last Summer In Rio”, in tribute to the song’s composer, José Roberto Bertrami. Equally, “Samba Pro Mamao” is a new composition dedicated to Azymuth’s beloved original drummer, Ivan “Mamão” Conti.

Credits:

Alex Malheiros - Bass, Acoustic Guitar & Vocals: 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Kiko Continentino - Keyboards, Organ, Vocoder & Vocals: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Renato Massa - Drums & Vocals: : 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Ian Moreira - Percussion: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Sidinho Moreira - Percussion: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10
Dudu Viana - Keyboards & Vocals: 1
Victor Bertrami - Drums: 1
Mangueirinha - Repinique: 3
Jean Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick - Electric Guitar: 5
Jose Carlos Bigorna - Soprano Sax: 9
Daniel Maunick: Additional Percussion, Synths & EFX: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Produced, Engineered, Mixed & Arranged by Daniel Maunick
Co-Produced & Arranged by Alex Malheiros
Executive Producer: Joe Davis


Recorded by:
Daniel Maunick & Leonardo Vieira @ Estúdio Nos Trilhos, Santa Teresa, Rio, Brazil
Daniel Maunick & Amadeu Signorelli @ Sigstudio, Niterói, Rio, Brazil
Daniel Maunick & Alex Malheiros @ Estúdio Basslab, Piratininga, Rio, Brazil
Mixed by Daniel Maunick @ The Sugar Shack, Carluke, Scotland


Artwork & Design: Tyler Askew

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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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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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Preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BnIsUtVgw4

Mr Bongo proudly presents the third album by Melbourne/Naarm multi-instrumentalist, Don Glori, entitled ‘Paper Can’t Wrap Fire’. A kaleidoscopic genre-surfing odyssey that brings together the worlds of jazz, soul and funk. Feeling both contemporary and classic, familiar yet novel, it’s an assured third release that sees an artist in full flight, showcasing their creative prowess and the uniqueness of their musical voice.

Steering in a new direction, Don Glori (aka Gordon Li) has delved headfirst into his songwriting with ‘Paper Can’t Wrap Fire’. Deftly showcasing his talents as a writer and bandleader, he brings with him a whole host of friends from the creative crossroads that is Naarm. It’s an album enriched with more soul, R&B, and funk-oriented songs than his previous jazz-rooted productions, yet there’s still plenty of jazz material for those familiar fans of Don's earlier works.

The album’s title is an old Chinese proverb, roughly translated as 'you can’t deny the truth'. This underlying thread is woven between the songs. “A lot of them are in some way about truth-seeking, observations and the masks you put on to deal with life (hence the cover art)”, Don mentions. Take, for instance, the sensational soul single 'Brown Eyes' featuring silky lead vocals by ML Hall. A dissection of the minority experience, and the power and comfort in building those communities. Elsewhere, 'Disaster' is a satirical take on the structures serving everyone but the artists, and 'Flicker' tackles notations of truth and clarity after introspection.

To marry that meaning with the level of musicianship on these tracks is what really stands out. Don has set out his stall here as an artist who can write songs that hit home in the heart, as much as they do in the head. It’s a journey infused with a glistening jazz finesse, layered with nourishing vocal harmonies and powered by an instantly relatable human soul.

Recorded over two hot summer days in Rolling Stock Studios in Collingwood, Naarm, the lineup of musicians is built up of Don's friends and family. Featuring the backbone team of Tim Cox, Al Kennedy, Joel Trigg, Robyn Cummins and Lachlan Thompson, who were part of Don's touring band before he relocated to London, and a stunning selection of vocalists in the form of ML Hall, Ruby Dargaville, Isadora Lauritz, and Bianca Kyriacou. Also gracing the album are trumpeter extraordinaire Audrey Powne, saxophonist Joshua Moshe, and Alcides Neto who sprinkles some Brazilian magic into the record.

Taking influence from artists including Azymuth, SAULT, Jordan Rakei and Lynda Dawn, as well as from London musical beacons such as NTS and Total Refreshment Centre, Don has run with this, leaned in and come out with a record truly unique to himself and his distinctive core, with no mask necessary.

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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