release date: 28,01,2013 barcode: 827170477568 tracklist:A1 Ayoka - Joe Claussel Mix B1 Ayoka - Rootsmix B2 Ayoka - Raoul K's Club Edit
Mr Raoul K finally got one of his personal 'heroes' to do a remix on one of his tracks. Joe Claussel takes 'Ayoka' (taken from 'Neo-Evolution 02') to a whole new level. He adds a lot of jazz-tingend sounds (especially percussion) and athmosphere but manages to keep the overall african timbre of the original. This adds quite a bit of turns and twists to the already epic journey of the original 'Ayoka'. Your trip will now last more the 14 minutes. The flipside hosts Mr Raoul K's own remixes. His 'Rootsmix' is exactly that: Just plain percussion and vocals arranged in a kind of call and response style. Just throw it in the mix. The last track on this release is Mr Raoul K's own edit of Joe Claussel's remix. For those who like their tracks more condensed. Starts off with Claussel's beautiful piano play and before you even know it, the track jumps into full gear. Percussion, bassline and even a little vocal in the back.
More

Tracklist 12":
A1. Intro A2. Raoul K's Street Mix B1. Irfan Rainy Africa Mancunia Rmx B2. Kaito Heaven's Dance Rmx


Short info:
Raoul K is known for blending the sounds of real westafrican instruments and modern electronic clubsounds into one mesmerizing soundscape. This time, he takes a new approach: The original mix is produced without the use of any electronic instrument. Just pure african sounds, chopped and melted together into one groovy slice of contemporary clubmusic. This is the first release in a series celebrating the tenth year of baobab music... which will lead to a new Raoul K album. Electronics aren't completely left out. The blending, however, was left to the remixers this time:
Irfan adds a good measure of energy in his mix, setting up some analog synths with Raoul's beats. Watch out for the break... Kaito delivers a very dreamy remix which seems to lose its kickdrum but does not lose its groove. Dance into the sunrise.
choose vinyl, please



More

Tracklist 12:
A1: Break Your Chains And Return To Botswana - Kaito Remix
A2: Break Your Chains And Return To Botswana - Mr Raoul K's Percussions Version
Short Info:
Two mixes of Mr Raoul K's opus 'Break Your Chains And Return To Botswana'. Kaito takes a step back and uses parts of Mr Raoul K's tricky beats as a rock solid base to build his soundscapes on. His mix is like the soundtrack to a movie dealing with alienated individuals who try to escape imprisonment through an endless desert. They cross this cold and dark place full of rocks with strong hearts. Stopping and hiding occasionally to avoid being seen. At last, the slowly rising sun shows them the way to freedom. Keeping their eyes fixed on the gloomy red light far away keeps their hope alive and their faith strong.
Mr Raoul K's own mix takes the already beat heavy track to a whole new level by adding even more percussion. His mix illustrates the preparation of the escape. Planning, setting up decoys, be prepared to response to any move the other side takes. Timing is everything. Every unnecessary step my lead to failure. The atmosphere is dense. Hide in the shadows, take only small steps forward until you reach your goal: leave your chains behind and step out into the desert to finish your journey to freedom.
Enjoy.
More

UPC: 827170142824 Release : 26.08.2014
Tracklist CD:
1. Dounougnan Magni Intro - 2. Dounougnan Magni Chapitre 1 - 3. Dounougnan Magni Chapitre 2
- 4. Dounougnan Magni Chapitre 3 - 5. Break Your Chains And Return To Botswana
- 6. Intelligent Revolution - 7. Enchained Tribe Chapitre 1 - 8. Enchained Tribe Chapitre 2 - 9. Enchained Tribe Chapitre 3 - 10. Djeli - 11. Sene Kela (Mr Raoul K & Laolu version)
Short Info:
'Still Living In Slavery' is Mr Raoul K's third album. It is, however, the first one that will be released on his own label 'baobab music'. He thought for quite some time about to shift the African instruments and African rhythm structures that uses in his production processs into a more dominant, more exposed position. Giving them a role of there own and freeing them from being bound to a groove coined by a four-to-the-floor kickdrum. While using dominating drumsounds when producing records aimed for the dancefloor seemed reasonible , they weren't needed for the storytelling concept throughout this album and are left to the accompanying remixes. Remixes will be released as vinyl and download. As usual, Mr Raoul K works together with artists heading from Africa. Here, Hamed Sosso, Sona Diabate, Batakali A.K. Tenekdash and Adama Conde present their skills. His friend Kuniyuki Takashi demonstrates his talent to play the flute and provides some piano too. This album deals with aspects of inner and outer slavery. It is known that people - wether knowingly or not - often get into habits that start to limit their possibilities and narrow their view. Slavery is no longer people put in chains by others, but people put in chains by themselves. But only one group of the enchained will admit to their chain. Mr Raoul K's other concern is to share traditional African grooves and sounds with an audience that hasn't experienced this kind of music before. He presents an authentic surrounding that proivdes the listener with the chance to fall in love with the unsual rhythmic patterns - without getting trapped in neocolonial-folkloristic stereotypes.
This album stands against cultural hegemonism and commits itself to getting together without prejudice. Enjoy.
More

UPC: 827170555365 Release : 26.08.2014
TRIPLE LP INCLUDES THE CD VERSION! 100 Copies only.
Tracklist 3xLP:
ONE A1 Dounougnan Magni (3 Chapitre) B1 Sene Kela - Mr Raoul K & Laolu Version B2 Enchained Tribe (Chapitre 1 & 2)
TWO A1 Intelligent Revolution B1 Sene Kela - Ron Trent Remix B2 Dounougnan Magni (Chapitre 3) - Simbad Suite Mix
THREE A1 Dounougnan Magni - Kuniyuki Remix; B1 Enchained Tribe (Chapitre 3); B2 Break Your Chains And Return To Botswana
'Still Living In Slavery' is Mr Raoul K's third album. It is, however, the first one that will be released on his own label 'baobab music'. He thought for quite some time about to shift the African instruments and African rhythm structures that uses in his production processs into a more dominant, more exposed position. Giving them a role of there own and freeing them from being bound to a groove coined by a four-to-the-floor kickdrum. While using dominating drumsounds when producing records aimed for the dancefloor seemed reasonible , they weren't needed for the storytelling concept throughout this album and are left to the accompanying remixes. Remixes will be released as vinyl and download. As usual, Mr Raoul K works together with artists heading from Africa. Here, Hamed Sosso, Sona Diabate, Batakali A.K. Tenekdash and Adama Conde present their skills. His friend Kuniyuki Takashi demonstrates his talent to play the flute and provides some piano too. This album deals with aspects of inner and outer slavery. It is known that people - wether knowingly or not - often get into habits that start to limit their possibilities and narrow their view. Slavery is no longer people put in chains by others, but people put in chains by themselves. But only one group of the enchained will admit to their chain. Mr Raoul K's other concern is to share traditional African grooves and sounds with an audience that hasn't experienced this kind of music before. He presents an authentic surrounding that proivdes the listener with the chance to fall in love with the unsual rhythmic patterns - without getting trapped in neocolonial-folkloristic stereotypes.
This album stands against cultural hegemonism and commits itself to getting together without prejudice. Enjoy.
More

E1 Dounougnan Magni - Kuniyuki Remix; F1 Enchained Tribe (Chapitre 3); F2 Break Your Chains And Return To Botswana
UPC: 827170549265 Release : 08.09.2014
The third and last twelve inch of the 'Still Living In Slavery Remixes' series. Please remember: The last twelve inch came in a neat sleeve that easily stores all three records in it. The first side contains Kuniyuki Takashi's remix of ' Dounougnan Magni'. He enriches the track with lively percussion and softens the somewhat sparse and minimalistic style of the original. A perfect backing for Hamed Sosso's story about live,death and the pursuit of happiness. The flipside contains the last chapter of the epic 'Enchained Tribe'. A deep glowing track with a haunting vocal and progressing drums that literally break free in the middle. Kuniyuki Takashi's flute provides additional athmosphere and keeps the track moving into a lush (and almost beatless) outro. Next is 'Break Your Chains And Return To Botswana'. Eight and a half minute of slow paced african percussion - and an accompanying chant that fades in and out of the mix.It's all about beats, beats, beats - Mr Raoul K's talent in arrangement and beat programming is very much on display and delivers a real groover without any bassline, Makes you shake your... whatever you want to shake. Enjoy.
More

UPC: 827170549067 Release : 07.07.2014
Tracklist 12": A1 Dounougnan Magni (3 Chapitre) B1 Sene Kela - Mr Raoul K & Laolu Version B2 Enchained Tribe (Chapitre 1 & 2)
Short info:
The next part of Mr Raoul K's album 'Still Living In Slavery'. It is delivered in a picture sleeve that will hold all three records and will also look very good on your record shelf. Musicwise, the first side features all three chapters of 'Dounougnan Magni' stretched over almost eighteen minutes. Pure afrofunk bliss with beautiful keyboards played by Kuniyuki Takahashi. The track also features the vocal talents of Hamed Sosso who accompanies the listener throughout his journey. An emotional trip, starting in hot desert plain and ending on cloudy hilltops. The line 'En ye bori la dounougnou ko, saya la en ko' means: 'We are chasing the good life but death is chasing us'. There is nothing we can do in life that prevents us from being outrun in the end.
The flipside opens with the Mr Raoul K & Laolu Version of 'Sene Kela'. A summery groover with a prominent Balafon melody, a driving bassline and beautiful vocals by Sona Diabate. Reminds the listener of sundrenched landscapes or terraces without being too relaxed to dance to it. The record closes with two parts of 'Enchained Tribe' - a track inspired by war dances of the Massai tribe. It shows a rolling groove with dominating percussion led by the sound of the 'Water Kalebasse' - a dried pumpkin filled with water. As soon as the flutes kick in, it's all about letting yourself loose and get lost in the groove. Enjoy.

More

UPC: 827170549166 Release : 7.7.2014
Tracklist 12": A1 Intelligent Revolution B1 Sene Kela - Ron Trent Remix B2 Dounougnan Magni (Chapitre 3) - Simbad Suite Mix
Short info:
This twelve-inch is the first in triple that will make up the vinyl version of Mr Raoul Ks album 'Still Living In Slavery' - his first album on his own label. The second twelve-inch will be release in a picture sleeve that will be able to hold all three records. Recently, Mr Raoul K started to add some kind of soundtrackesque touch to his tracks. On this release, this development is represented by 'Intelligent Revolution' - an epic thirteen minute plus rollercoaster ride of a track without any dominant kickdrum. Traditional African instruments fuel an irresistible groove that keeps pulling you in and in. Don't take anything for granted and stay alert. That is what the Peul-Flute melody keeps saying over and over - never losing its groove or its grip and keeping on pushing. On the flipside, veteran producer Ron Trent flexes his remix muscle on 'Sene Kela' and applies his trademark warm deephouse sound to this vocal driven track. The catchy vocal is accompanied by a very lively baseline and some strings to keep the dancers' feet moving.
Up next is Simbads treatment of Dounougnan Magni (Chapitre 3) - a track that features Kuniyuki Takahashi on piano and Sossoba Keita on vocals. The remix pushes this already dynamic track even further and heads toward a climax that melts European and African soundscapes into an outburst of pure dancefloor magic. Enjoy.
More

Evolution takes a lot of time to achieve the best results. In his track, Mr Raoul K uses the concept of evolution to travel with you through this musical journey. Every section of the track seems to evolve. Simple patterns grow into complex patterns. More instruments join in. Some stay, some are dropped after a few bars. Listen closely and you can follow Mr Raoul K's on his path along the production process. The only sound, that accompanies you throughout the track is the choir that chants in an ancient African language - the world is nothing without humanity. The track closes with some minutes of beats for your mixing pleasure. choose vinyl, please
More

This time Mr Raoul K not only wants you to dance - he wants you to go crazy on the dancefloor. In his well known way he crafts a relentless groover that sends everyone on the floor into the higher state of concsciousness called trance. He layers track upon track and builds a solid grooving base.... for the Balafon. A handmade percussion instrument not unlike a Marimba that gives Guinean music its characteristic flavor. The vocal loop on top draws you deep into the vortex of nested percussion, african melodies und thick baselines. Thistrack will never let you go - like Moebius' Band. Its main theme will stay in your head for a very long time. It will shake your hips after you left the dancefloor. And it will escort you on your way home after you've left the club. Maybe it even serves as a lullaby after a long night out. Already tested by Âme with stunning results.
More

As some of you may have already noticed, each release of Mr Raoul K’s ‘Peul’ series features a specicific African instrument as its main sound. This time it’s the Balafon - a kind of sticcado, which uses calabashes as resonancebodies and is often handcrafted by its player. Here, the Balafon is used as a rhythmic and a melodic instrument. After a long intro, the track gathers momentum and takes off for one of those long buildups. When the tension is released, in come the vocals! Rising from a sparse chant to an energetic vocal that empathically pleads for unity. Then you get your beats back and off goes another African-European joyride. For those of you who aren’t that much into vocals, a less vocalized mix is provided on the flipside. Enjoy another Mr Raoul K special treat. More

Dark and Demanding High Class Housemusic in Raoul K´s signature Style. Despite the somewhat strange title ('Jenseits' meaning 'afterlive' - originating from a play of words in the baobab music office), the record delivers in real life! Rich instrumentation, including traditional African instruments as well as long build-ups and a dramatic breakdown. And a shimmering atmosphere to get you in the right mood. All you can ask for in a contemporary housemusic release. Especially enriched with the special Mr. Raoul K twist, just the way you’d expect it. More

With his second release on baobab music, producer Mr Raoul K heads into new territories. Like he did on his first release 'Le Cercle Peul', he combines traditional African instruments and the African approach to rhythm with european production techniques and soundscapes. This time he examines the depths of sound of dubtechno. This effort results in an epic musical journey, an almost soundtrackesque piece of music that accompanies the travelling mind as easily as the dancing body. Mr Raoul K manages to stay focused troughout this long trip through the land of haunting grooves and irie sounds with ease. Driving, yet calm at the very same moment. And full of surprises, too. The flipside delivers – besides a condensed edit of 'Himalaya' - a grooving piece of Afrofunk-Goes-House, perfectly fitting in the sunnier time of the year. Fellow Ivorian Doungous delivers the infectious vocals to round up
this track.
More