quête:the soul brothers

Jackie Mittoo is one of the most important artists in the history of Jamaican music. As founding member of the legendary Skatalites, as in-house arranger/producer at Studio One and as a solo artist in his own right leading groups such as The Soul Brothers, Sound Dimension and Soul Vendors.

These classic and rare recordings were made in the mid 1960's at Studio One. The Soul Brothers bridged the gap between Ska and the arrival of Rocksteady mixing it all up with Funk, Jazz and Latin styles. The Soul Brothers recorded at Studio One between 1965-1967. This was the transitionary period between Ska and Rocksteady where the music was a mixture of Funk, Latin and Jazz sometimes with a reminder of Ska and the hint of Rocksteady.

The previous era of Ska had been dominated by the Skatalites, the first in-house band at Studio One who created classic hits such as "Guns of Navaronne", "Man in the Street", "El Pussy Cat" and many more. Unfortunately the strong personalities in the group meant that The Skatalites stayed together for less than two years. It was also around this time that the mentally unwell Don Drummond was arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, the dancer Margerita.

In August 1965, barely a week after the demise of the original Skatalites, The Soul Brothers (featuring ex-Skatalites members Jackie Mittoo, Roland Alphonso, Johnny Moore and Lloyd Brevitt) were up and running as the new house band at Studio One.

The Soul Brothers were essentially a collective, releasing material under their own name or under a nominal leader (usually Jackie Mittoo or Rolando Alphonso). The group line-up changed over time with Bobby Ellis (trumpet), Bryan Atkinson (bass), Dennis Campbell (Sax), Harry Haughton (guitarist) and Joe Isaacs (drummer) replacing various members alongside the ever present Jackie Mittoo.

REVIEWS

"Jackie Mittoo was a true star of Jamaican music; a founder member of The Skatalites, a prolific composer and the keyboard powerhouse behind many a classic tune. His simple, often hypnotic approach, to ska, rocksteady and reggae made him one of the most distinctive sounding musicians of the era." BBC.

"Jackie Mittoo was one of the great names in Jamaican music, manning the keyboards for the Skatalites, the Soul Vendors, and Sound Dimension-- three of the greatest house bands of the 60's
(and I mean anywhere, not just in Jamaica)." PITCHFORK.

The iconic first album of the finest instrumental soul group from Stax Records including the " Green Onions " Anthem ! Originals Versions Remastered

Studio One Freedom Sounds Is The New Collection From Soul Jazz/studio One Focussing On The Intense Period In The Second Half Of The 1960s When Studio One's Vast And Unbeatable Output Of Ska, Soul, Rock Steady And Reggae Made It Literally One Of The Hottest Musical Empires In The World.
During This Highly Successful Period, Clement 'sir Coxsone' Dodd Released Hundreds And Hundreds Of Superlative Singles Seemingly On An Almost Daily Basis, In The Process Making Huge Stars Out Of Jamaican Singers Such As Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, The Wailers, Slim Smith, Jackie Opel And Many More.
Powered By The Finest In-house Musicians Working In Jamaica, Whether It Was The Skatalites, Jackie Mittoo's Soul Brothers, The Sounds Dimension Or The Soul Vendors, Studio One Functioned As Hit Factory On The Scale Of Motown In The Usa, Shaping And Defining Reggae Music For Decades To Come.
Singlehandedly Studio One's Founder Clement Dodd Was Able To Create The Most Successful Vertically-integrated Record Company That Jamaica Had Ever Known With Pressing Plant, Printers, Studio, Shops, And Sound Systems All Running At Once, With Over 50 Employees And Hundreds Of Artists Working With Studio One During This Time.
Studio One Freedom Sounds Tells The Story Of Studio One In The 1960s With A Stunning Set Of Ska, Soul, Rock Steady And Reggae Killer Tunes As Well As Informative Sleevenotes And Track-by-track Info By Noel Hawks. The Album Is Released As Heavyweight Double Vinyl (+ Free Download Code), Deluxe Cd And Digital Album.

THE CHESTNUT BROTHERS

IZIPHO SOUL is thrilled to announce that the soulful gospel anthem TRAVELIN’ ON is coming your way on a 7” single - for the first time!

There are not enough superlatives to describe this transcendent piece of music - it’s significance within the U.K. modern soul scene should not be overlooked; cited by many as the track they want played at their funeral - a morbid request? Certainly not, more like a song that has resonated in hearts and minds, seen as a celebration and empowerment of travelin’ to a better place

Presented on vinyl are both the radio edit and LP version, which is cut at 33RPM for a full six and a half minutes of heavenly bliss.

The two tracks featured in this latest Soul Direction Release are both prime examples of
the forgotten and obscure talents from this Wally Osborne production line.
The Natural Soul Brothers Ltd issued on vinyl for the first time ever.

The Isley Brothers “Knowledge is power. I’m a witness to that. Our parents wanted us to have a complete musical education. They exposed us to everything, classical to country, standards, show tunes.” Ronald Isley, Mojo Magazine, 2000 The Isley Brothers have delighted audiences since the 1950’s and are celebrating their eighth decade in show business. Morphing from their roots in gospel and doo-wop through funk, rock and then, finally, into slow-jam R&B, the Isley Brothers remain one of the most fascinating groups of all time.
This album contains some of the most life-affirming music ever recorded: Ronald Isley’s keening yelp offering strength and sensitivity as it is supported by brothers Rudolph and O’Kelly. Our collection picks up their story in 1969. By this time, they had been recording for 12 years for many legendary labels, from RCA, to Atlantic, to Motown.
The brothers decided to go it alone on their own label, T-Neck. The repurposed Isleys broke onto the scene with the US R&B No.1/Hot 100 No. 2, ‘It’s Your Thing’. The album of the same name was a Top 30 smash and the group’s decision was vindicated. ‘It’s Your Thing’ marked a meeting point of influences: Sly Stone, James Brown, gospel and one-time group member Jimi Hendrix, laying the template for the Isleys’ next decade, from the gritty rock covers of Givin’ It Back to the era-defining ‘3 + 3’ (with the formal addition of the two younger Isleys, Ernie and Marvin, plus brother-in-law Chris Jasper).
After the 1972 release of ‘Brother, Brother, Brother’ (featuring the classic ‘Work To Do’) T-Neck moved to CBS leading to their first Platinum-selling album (1973’s ‘3+3’). Produced with Malcolm Cecil and Robert Margouleff, ‘3+3’ was practically prescribed to every soul boy in the UK (witness Wham’s cover of ‘If You Were There’). For the Isleys to take their old R&B hit, ‘Who’s That Lady’ and turn it into hard-rocking psychedelic soul was a blazing statement of their
intent. Their version of Seals and Croft’s pretty ‘Summer Breeze’ became one of their biggest hits, with Ronald and Ernie stamping their authority on the ballad. A period of phenomenal success followed. For every standout ballad (‘For The Love Of You’, or ‘The Highways Of My Life’), there was strident, take-no-prisoners political funk - as typified by ‘Fight The Power’, a US R&B No. 1 in 1975.
It was written by Ernie on the same day as another of their greatest moments, ‘Harvest For The World’.
This collection is a beautiful overview to the group, a most fabulous re-introduction to old friends. This era is affectionately known by the Isleys as the ‘gold and platinum years’ - one listen and you will understand why.

The 4th release of ON A MISSION RECORDS is a double pack with not less than 7 original tracks and 2 interludes from label bosses JEF K and RHYTHM&SOUL... As original House Music lovers, they are reaching the whole spectrum of their inspirations throughout the years and send it directly to the dancefloor... The LP was done between Madrid and Paris in the last monthes of 2015... JEF K is one of Paris old-school legendary DJ and producer since 1992 and is also running the famous House label SILVER NETWORK... RHYTHM&SOUL is one of Madrid's House Music leaders and also runs the almighty Deep House label SLOW TOWN... House Culture !"

21 track Album from Various Artists released by Dub Store Records

2016 was another strong year for ZR as it continued its commitment to high quality compilation releases with Joey
Negro's hugely successful Remixed With Love Vol.2 album topping charts everywhere and receiving across the
board DJ and Radio support. There was also the 5th instalment of the ever-popular Under The Influence series which
saw long time ZR album co-compiler Sean P select some of his long held secret weapons.For 2017 Z Records will be back in the funk hot-seat, but this time Joey Negro presents a snapshot of the edgier, robotic sounds of the emerging early 80s Electro scene. From stone-cold classics such as Hashim's 'Al Naafiysh (The
Soul)', Tyrone Brunson's 'The Smurf' and Key-Matic's 'Breakin' In Space' to revered party anthem's such as
Aleem's 'Release Yourself (Dub)', Two Sisters 'High Noon (Part 2)' and Dwayne Omarr's 'This Party's Jam Packed' to
electro oddities like Paul Hardcastle's 'Rain Forest' and The Packman's 'I'm The Packman' we get a genuine labour of
love and a timely reminder of the raw drum machine sounds that were soon to define the beginning of the house
and techno scenes we have today

"...don't ask if there will ever be a Volume 2. We don't know yet. What we do know is that if we ever come across a similar tour de force as Don McCaslin's composition, Praise Poems, then there will certainly be one..." These were the final words of the sales notes for Praise Poems Volume 1 - which we proudly released earlier this year. And indeed, since then, we have discovered a tune which led us to continue to curate this series of obscure, soulful, jazzy and spiritual sounds from back in the day. The song to which we refer to is Abraham Battat's jazz-samba masterpiece, Fly Away. Fly Away is a righteous combination of sonorous jazz guitar, crackling drums and warm acoustic piano. Floating through the tones as if in a private concert for you in your very living room, it is an earnest, honest vocal performance bringing a rainbow message of freedom and liberty to the world. This is the standard by which we judged the entirety of this compilation. Though they may be known in some circles, selections by Richard Martian, Larry Covin, and The Gingerbread Express are in the same category of pure beauty. Of course, good luck finding a copy of Larry Covin's Masquerade or the Portis Brothers' Summer Love. The single hit you receive while doing an online search is the exact same copy from which we took the master. To find a needle in a haystack is a cakewalk compared to turning up a copy of some of these gems to be found here.

* Hospital Records present their latest compilation 'Fast Soul Music' - a welcomed lesson in the art of soul-inspired drum & bass of the high-speed variety. After nineteen years spent building upon it's lounge-core esthetic their extensive library of smooth-rolling sounds is at the ready, now it's time to get retrospective.

* From the work of thirty artists, a carefully selected forty-six tracks highlight the quintessential sounds of soul music in the Hospital Records back catalogue. Not only effortlessly blending classics from Hospital mainstays London Elektricity, High Contrast, Danny Byrd, Nu:Tone, S.P.Y and Logistics but also showcasing the fresh wave of talent that's reached our ears in recent years. The work of Fred V & Grafix, Hugh Hardie, Keeno, Etherwood, Anile, Tokyo Prose and Technimatic showcasing just how prominent soul music is in drum & bass today.

* Accompanying this two-CD collectors item is a perfectly polished mix by longstanding practitioner and newest member of the Hospital A+R team, Nu:Tone. With over two hours of soul-inspired sounds that effortlessly create the ideal soundtrack for any daydream-filled afternoon.

* With a nod back to London Elektricity's '03 classic 'Fast Soul Music' and a look forward to the fresh influx of talent passing through, Hospital Record's latest compilation provides any drum & bass fan with a chance to rediscover those once forgotten gems and dust off the cobwebs from their favourite nostalgia-fuelling drum & bass anthems.

* Digital Marketing: Youtube upload schedule for music and video content on Hospital Records YouTube channel - (260k subscribers), cross promotion exclusive mix upload with UKF Youtube channel.

* Press / Promotion: Comprehensive campaign in-house serving all UK music and dance titles as well as national, regional and student press - Mixmag, DJ, Trap, Notion, Music Week, Future Music, Time Out, Metro, London Evening Standard, The Guardian, The Independent, Dazed + Confused, Vice, The Wire, The Fly, Vice Magazine, Clash. Kmag (interview), D&BA (interview). UKF Website and Youtube Channel. Reddit AMA, FACT Mag TV interview.

* Radio / Internet: Comprehensive in house campain from Hospital Records. BBC Radio1 & 1Xtra support from Mistajam, Friction, B Traits, Annie Mac, Andi Durrant (Kiss), Eddy Temple-Morris (X-FM), DJ Hype (Kiss), D&BA TV Takeover, Rinse FM Hospital Records Show, Hospital Podcast Hospital Records Podcast USA series, Kmag Podcast, Ministry of Sound Podcast. D&BA Podcast, Hospital records Website, Hospital Facebook (262K Likes), Twitter (64K Followers), Soundcloud (48k followers), YouTube (238k subscribers), Hospital Records Mailing List (53k Subscribers)






aG CD 1-7 | Logistics feat. Nightshade and Sarah Callander 'Crystal Skies'
















DISC 2

Every coastline develops its own rhythm. The Adriatic is no exception.

For decades, Italy’s eastern coast has been shaped by funk, Cosmic Disco, Balearic sounds, Italo Disco, House, Latin rhythms, Brazilian music and countless other influences. Rather than blending into a single style, these musical worlds have lived side by side, constantly inspiring new generations of DJs, musicians and dancers. For more than fifteen years, Soul Fingers and Funk Rimini have explored that landscape from different perspectives. Founded by Claudio Cavallaro in 2013, Soul Fingers grew into a vinyl-driven community where groove matters more than genre. Its philosophy has always been simple: if the groove is right, genres stop mattering. Brothers Ricky and Francesco Cardelli developed Funk Rimini into a project rooted in funk, disco, live performance and electronic production. Anima Adriatica is where these two journeys meet.

The project didn’t begin with the ambition of making an album. It began behind the turntables. As DJs, Claudio Cavallaro and Ricky Cardelli found themselves constantly searching for records capable of connecting distant musical worlds inside their sets; from Afrobeat into disco, from hip hop into Latin, from Brazilian grooves into boogie, from cosmic electronics into deep funk. Sometimes those records existed. More often, they didn’t. So they stopped searching and started writing them. Not records designed to belong to one genre, but records designed to travel between genres. That space between musical worlds became Anima Adriatica.

The music grew through spontaneous jam sessions with Ricky and Francesco Cardelli, drummer Enrico Mao Bocchini and, gradually, a wider circle of musicians, singers and longtime friends, making Anima Adriatica less a traditional band than the beginning of an open collective. Recorded at SynthPosio Studio, founded by Ricky and Francesco Cardelli inside Rimini’s iconic skyscraper, the project also carries a symbolic connection to the building itself, where many Italo Disco classics (including records by Betty Miranda, The Creatures and many others) were recorded decades earlier.

Betty Miranda returns not as a nostalgic guest, but as a bridge between generations. On the title track she performs a spoken-word text written by Claudio Cavallaro, reflecting on the invisible thread connecting the Adriatic dancefloor across time. From Baia degli Angeli to Cocoricò, from the legendary clubs of Riccione to today’s independent communities gathered around projects such as Soul Fingers and Funk Rimini, the places have changed, but the dancefloor continues to tell the same story. Much like Pier Vittorio Tondelli’s Rimini captured the Adriatic through literature, Anima Adriatica imagines its soundtrack.

Brazilian musician Daniel Plentz (Selton) expands that vision on Açúcar and Alegria, bringing another coastline into the story. Across its four tracks, the EP moves naturally between analogue funk, boogie, Brazilian music, underground disco, cosmic textures and the wider Black musical tradition, with All Down The Line paying tribute to the Paradise Garage era.

Released by Bordello A Parigi, the project found its natural home through a shared love of adventurous dance music, records and club culture. More than the title of an EP, Anima Adriatica marks the beginning of an open collective; a meeting point where musicians, DJs, producers and friends continue building bridges between genres, generations and communities.

Because Anima Adriatica doesn’t live inside a genre. It lives between genres. If soul music has always reflected the places where it was born, Anima Adriatica is simply our own Adriatic Soul.

2026 Re-Release

After smooth detours into Soul covers, French Neo-Disco, modern Sunset Disco and Brazilian AOR, in 2022 DJ Supermarkt's Too Slow to Disco series makes a joyous return to its original Westcoast AOR/Yacht roots. Celebrating the 10th TSTD compilation. Who would have thought….
The Berlin curator releases a killer 4th edition of the original compilation art form, "Too Slow to Disco", featuring forgotten and overseen gems from the mid 70s to the early 80s from a global world of smooth, brilliant lost and overproduced tracks from Finland via London and L.A. to Trinidad and beyond.
The great 'un-vanisher' of lost lazy classics, DJ Supermarkt once again unearthed some incredible music that labels, publishers (in many cases also those, who actually own the rights to those tracks…) and streaming services have often long overlooked. You're welcome, world!

LP ltd colored vinyl, 140 gram, gatefold, mp3 Download PostCard

After smooth detours into Soul covers, French Neo-Disco, modern Sunset Disco and Brazilian AOR, in 2022 DJ Supermarkt's Too Slow to Disco series makes a joyous return to its original Westcoast AOR/Yacht roots. Celebrating the 10th TSTD compilation. Who would have thought….
The Berlin curator releases a killer 4th edition of the original compilation art form, "Too Slow to Disco", featuring forgotten and overseen gems from the mid 70s to the early 80s from a global world of smooth, brilliant lost and overproduced tracks from Finland via London and L.A. to Trinidad and beyond.
The great 'un-vanisher' of lost lazy classics, DJ Supermarkt once again unearthed some incredible music that labels, publishers (in many cases also those, who actually own the rights to those tracks…) and streaming services have often long overlooked. You're welcome, world!

The Nu’rons were a family group consisting of two sets of brothers and cousins, the four young men in question being brothers Daryl Howard and Raymond Gibson (Daryl’s mother registered him under his father’s surname of Howard and Raymond under her maiden name of Gibson) together with Otho Bateman and Charles Bateman. They were all born and raised in Salem, New Jersey and from the age of ten and eleven began singing with a fifth member and Gibson brother Rudolph as a group called The Gospel 5. They eventually decided to crossover to secular music and as a group known for their energetic dance routines they came up with the new performing name of ‘The Nu’rons’ (taken from the word ‘Neuron’ which is a cell that transmits nerve impulses). However Rudolph was soon to leave the group due to physical illness. Also Daryl Howard and Charles Bateman had also been part of a working group known as The Devotions prior to becoming The Nu-Ron’s.Following hours of practice The Nu’rons eventually felt confident enough to put their own shows together and began to perform at local dances and parties around New Jersey and Philadelphia, often being used as a non-paid warm up act for bigger named artists. They moved between several different managers including Jimmy Bishop (Duo Dynamic Productions) until they came under the tutelage of WDAS radio DJ Georgie Woods (his wife Gilda, being the owner of the Philadelphia Gil, Dion and Top & Bottom record Labels). It was Georgie who introduced them to Manny Campbell who in turn invited them to an audition at his and partner Charles Bowen’s Emandolynn Music studio in Chester P.A. The song The Nu’rons chose to audition with was the self penned “I’m A Loner”, the audition went well, as during late January/early February of 1970 Manny and Charles took The Nu’rons into the Sigma Sound Studio’s with Tom Bell and the TSOP musicians to record “I’m A Loner” and “All My Life” which was released on the Nu-Ron label in April of the same year. The two studio takes presente don this release came short after the band moved on from the collaboration with producer Emanuel Campbell to take music matters in their own hands. Beside recording "Disco Hustle" to be part of the disco boom in Philly of the times, they recorded also “You Came Thru”, a rough yet beautiful heavy bassline driven soul funk recording, and the just amazing “Hurry Up Tomorrow”, here presented in one of the original Studio takes.

Möge es den Menschen im bekannten Universum gefallen, dass das musikalische Ensemble mit zahlreichen Namen, das rechtlich unter dem Namen ,Kay-Bee Funk Music Group" firmiert, sein - alphabetisch gesehen - erstes Album mit dem Titel ,Access All Areas" veröffentlicht. Diese Aufnahmen, die mit der von Karate Boogaloo patentierten ,Lovely Recording Technique" entstanden sind, machen deutlich, dass jeder ein VIP ist, wenn man KB hört. ,Access" war das einzige Wort, das The Old Kar-Boo's bei diesem Projekt philosophisch leitete. Wurde ein Stück zu verworren, landete es im Papierkorb. Nur diejenigen, die von jedem und allen gesummt werden konnten, blieben erhalten. Dieses Sieb kam während des gesamten Prozesses zum Einsatz; Arrangements und Formen wurden straff gehalten, Schnickschnack auf ein Minimum reduziert. War ,Hold Your Horses" aus dem Jahr 2024 noch ein Epos, so ist ,Access All Areas" ein Haiku. Der bewährte Aufnahmeprozess der Band wurde gewissenhaft eingehalten, abgesehen von einer wunderbaren Ergänzung: den großartigen ,Sound Recordings" unter der Leitung ihres Inhabers und außergewöhnlichen Toningenieurs Alex Bennet. Alex, der den 4-Spur-Ampex 440 bei Bedarf abseits der ausgetretenen Pfade steuerte und stets dafür sorgte, dass die Stimmung stimmte, ist ein waschechter Booger. Auch wenn es sich nur wie ein Augenblick anfühlt, sagt uns die Uhr, dass fast 20 Jahre vergangen sind, seit Kay's Bees zum ersten Mal versuchten, die Songs ihrer musikalischen Helden - The Meters, Booker T & The MG's und The JB's, um nur einige zu nennen - zu spielen. Seitdem haben die Famous Flying Karate Boogaloo Brothers einen Schritt nach dem anderen gemacht und ihren eigenen Sound entwickelt - einen, der die Geschichte der instrumentalen Funk- und Soul-Musik respektvoll würdigt und die Zeit widerspiegelt, die sie damit verbracht haben, ihren unverwechselbaren Sound zu entwickeln. So sehr jedes Mitglied auch für sich allein glänzt, ist es doch ein besonderes Ereignis, wenn alle vier Planeten im Booger-System in einer Linie stehen. ,Access All Areas" ist eine solche Finsternis - ein künstlerischer Ausdruck, an dem jedes Mitglied gleichermaßen beteiligt ist und der einen Schatten wirft, der einzigartig für diesen Anlass ist. Jede Sekunde der Musik wurde unter voller Beteiligung aller Mitglieder komponiert und produziert; das Mixing übernahm Henry Jenkins, das Artwork stammte von Hudson Whitlock und Callum Riley, und Darvid Thor vollbrachte Dinge, die man gesehen haben muss, um sie zu glauben. Musik ist ein Mannschaftssport, und es gibt kein ,Ich" im Funk. Das Album erscheint bei den beiden großartigsten Plattenlabels der Galaxie: ,Colemine Records" aus Loveland, USA, und ,College of Knowledge" aus Coburg, Australien. Hören Sie sich bitte das neue Album ,Access All Areas" von Karate Boogaloo an.

Möge es den Menschen im bekannten Universum gefallen, dass das musikalische Ensemble mit zahlreichen Namen, das rechtlich unter dem Namen ,Kay-Bee Funk Music Group" firmiert, sein - alphabetisch gesehen - erstes Album mit dem Titel ,Access All Areas" veröffentlicht. Diese Aufnahmen, die mit der von Karate Boogaloo patentierten ,Lovely Recording Technique" entstanden sind, machen deutlich, dass jeder ein VIP ist, wenn man KB hört. ,Access" war das einzige Wort, das The Old Kar-Boo's bei diesem Projekt philosophisch leitete. Wurde ein Stück zu verworren, landete es im Papierkorb. Nur diejenigen, die von jedem und allen gesummt werden konnten, blieben erhalten. Dieses Sieb kam während des gesamten Prozesses zum Einsatz; Arrangements und Formen wurden straff gehalten, Schnickschnack auf ein Minimum reduziert. War ,Hold Your Horses" aus dem Jahr 2024 noch ein Epos, so ist ,Access All Areas" ein Haiku. Der bewährte Aufnahmeprozess der Band wurde gewissenhaft eingehalten, abgesehen von einer wunderbaren Ergänzung: den großartigen ,Sound Recordings" unter der Leitung ihres Inhabers und außergewöhnlichen Toningenieurs Alex Bennet. Alex, der den 4-Spur-Ampex 440 bei Bedarf abseits der ausgetretenen Pfade steuerte und stets dafür sorgte, dass die Stimmung stimmte, ist ein waschechter Booger. Auch wenn es sich nur wie ein Augenblick anfühlt, sagt uns die Uhr, dass fast 20 Jahre vergangen sind, seit Kay's Bees zum ersten Mal versuchten, die Songs ihrer musikalischen Helden - The Meters, Booker T & The MG's und The JB's, um nur einige zu nennen - zu spielen. Seitdem haben die Famous Flying Karate Boogaloo Brothers einen Schritt nach dem anderen gemacht und ihren eigenen Sound entwickelt - einen, der die Geschichte der instrumentalen Funk- und Soul-Musik respektvoll würdigt und die Zeit widerspiegelt, die sie damit verbracht haben, ihren unverwechselbaren Sound zu entwickeln. So sehr jedes Mitglied auch für sich allein glänzt, ist es doch ein besonderes Ereignis, wenn alle vier Planeten im Booger-System in einer Linie stehen. ,Access All Areas" ist eine solche Finsternis - ein künstlerischer Ausdruck, an dem jedes Mitglied gleichermaßen beteiligt ist und der einen Schatten wirft, der einzigartig für diesen Anlass ist. Jede Sekunde der Musik wurde unter voller Beteiligung aller Mitglieder komponiert und produziert; das Mixing übernahm Henry Jenkins, das Artwork stammte von Hudson Whitlock und Callum Riley, und Darvid Thor vollbrachte Dinge, die man gesehen haben muss, um sie zu glauben. Musik ist ein Mannschaftssport, und es gibt kein ,Ich" im Funk. Das Album erscheint bei den beiden großartigsten Plattenlabels der Galaxie: ,Colemine Records" aus Loveland, USA, und ,College of Knowledge" aus Coburg, Australien. Hören Sie sich bitte das neue Album ,Access All Areas" von Karate Boogaloo an.

First released in a long-out-of-print limited-edition 7" box set, this album, now released on LP and CD, brings together 10 amazing, unreleased Studio One tracks, only ever released as extremely limited-edition hand-etched one-sided dubplates (most of these sold out in less than 2 hours!). Studio One Dub Plate Special brings together all 8 of these exclusive dubplate unreleased cuts, plus two more also never before released alternate cuts. Featuring Alton Ellis, Cedric Brooks, Brentford Road All Stars, Jacob Miller and more! From Alton Ellis' righteous uplifting 'Black People' to Brentford All Stars’ hypnotic cover of War's classic 'The World Is A Ghetto', groovy instrumental cuts from Cedric Brooks and The Soul Brothers, deep cuts from Alton & Zoot, George Phillip and Jacob Miller's wicked alternate cut of Dennis Brown's classic 'Westbound Train', all make Studio One Dub Plate Special a truly unique Studio One release

Step back to the mid-1960s with NOW Yearbook Presents – The 60s – Volume 3: 1965–1966, featuring 54 essential tracks across a 3LP set, pressed on beautiful blue vinyl.

LP1 opens with some of the decade’s most iconic vocal performances; Dusty Springfield leads with ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’, a UK No.1 hit that also reached the US Top 5, followed by The Righteous Brothers’ classic ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’’, a chart-topper in both the UK and US. The Walker Brothers’ ‘The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore’ was a UK Top 3 hit, while The Beach Boys follow with ‘God Only Knows’, widely regarded as one of their finest moments. Huge chart hits from The Moody Blues, Manfred Mann, Small Faces, The Kinks and The Animals with ‘We’ve Gotta Get Out Of This Place’ completes the first side…and flip the LP over for The Mamas & The Papas with ‘California Dreamin’, a major hit on both sides of the Atlantic and The Byrds and capturing the rise of folk-rock with ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’, another US No.1. Cher announced one of the most successful and enduring careers in music with ‘I Got You Babe’ – a #1 duet with Sonny, and is followed by the pop brilliance of Sandie Shaw with ‘Long Live Love’. Following The Mindbenders and The Fortunes, LP1 closes with a pair of soul standards: ‘My Girl’ from The Temptations was a US No.1(and eventually a UK #2 in 1992), and Percy Sledge’s ‘When a Man Loves a Woman’, another US chart-topper and a UK Top 5 hit in 1987 when it featured in a TV ad campaign.

LP2 opens with the explosive sound of 60s soul and crossover pop. Ike & Tina Turner kick us off with the timeless ‘River Deep – Mountain High’, a UK Top 3 hit. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons had a huge hit with ‘Let’s Hang On’ and Motown is strongly represented with The Four Tops, whose ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’ hit the US No.1 spot, alongside The Supremes, who scored another US chart-topper with ‘You Can’t Hurry Love’, plus Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Stevie Wonder and a future Northern Soul Classic from Gloria Jones. Following James Brown, the side closes with the enduring soul classic ‘What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted’ from Jimmy Ruffin… while over on the other side Horst Jankowski’s instrumental smash ‘A Walk In The Black Forest’ leads in to pop classics from Tom Jones with ‘It’s Not Unusual’, a UK No.1, alongside Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames’ UK chart-topper ‘Yeh Yeh’ and Chris Montez with ‘The More I See You’. Sophisticated easy listening pop from Andy Williams and Frank Sinatra’s iconic ‘Strangers In The Night’ come ahead of Elvis Presley’s ‘Crying In The Chapel’, with LP2’s closer’s coming from Roy Orbison and Roger Miller, with the essential ‘King Of The Road’.

The Righteous Brothers’ undeniable ‘Unchained Melody’, a hit on release and a #1 in 1990 following it’s feature in the film ‘Ghost’ opens LP3 ahead of a wealth of huge pop hits from The Walker Brothers, Cilla Black and Cher – and rock oriented chart-toppers from The Troggs with ‘Wild Thing’ and The Spencer Davis Group with ‘Keep On Running’. The Everly Brothers’ ‘The Price Of Love’ leads into era-defining hits from Barry McGuire and Bob Dylan’s hugely influential ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’ reflecting the growing social awareness and changing approach to songwriting…and over to the final side opened by The Supremes with ‘Stop! In The Name Of Love’ ahead of The Toys with ‘A Lover’s Concerto’ and The Shangri-Las’ legendary ‘Leader Of The Pack’. Classic singles from Marianne Faithfull, Petula Clark and Sandie Shaw feature before the collection closes with a trio of timeless tracks: The trans-Atlantic top 5 ‘Sloop John B’ from the Beach Boys is alongside The Mamas & The Papas’ ‘Monday, Monday’ (a US No.1 and UK Top 5), whilst the aptly titled ‘Homeward Bound’ from Simon & Garfunkel – their first UK hit - signs off this superb collection.

NOW Yearbook Presents – The 60s – Volume 3: 1965–1966 – a snapshot of a rapidly evolving pop era where pure pop, soul, rock, beat, easy listening and songwriting sophistication converged.

*Glow In The Dark Coloured Vinyl*

Four years after its original release, Mochakk's breakout anthem 'Da Fonk' featuring Joni continues to define a generation of house music. Originally released via Nervous Records in 2022, the record has surpassed 60 million Spotify streams alone, becoming Mochakk's signature track and one of the most recognizable records in modern dance music.

Fronted by fellow Brazilian artist Joni's soulful vocals, "Da Fonk" bridges classic house and contemporary club energy. Its stripped-back bassline and timeless groove have made it a fixture on stages and dancefloors around the world, while also marking a turning point for Mochakk, who has since become one of electronic music's defining artists, widely praised for his vibrant live sets in which "Da Fonk" has remained a staple. To celebrate the track's continued success, Nervous Records releases the 'Da Fonk' Remix Pack today across all streaming platforms, alongside a limited edition three-vinyl release available during Mochakk's long-awaited New York City takeover from August 28, 29 and 30.

Spanning three parts, the remix pack brings together a wide range of artists, each offering a different take on one of house music's most enduring records of recent years.

The first vinyl features Mochakk’s Original Mix and OG Dub of “Da Fonk”, in addition to a new Bass Mix from Marco Carola, whose signature rolling grooves and understated approach bring fresh weight to the original without losing its unmistakable feel. The second vinyl moves across a broad spectrum of club sounds. Australian duo Confidence Man inject their playful, high-energy style into the track, while Berlin's DJ Gigola delivers a sleek, club-focused interpretation. Cinthie, known for her deep-rooted house sound and analogue production style, offers a warm and driving remix, with Brazil’s Bronka rounding out the record on a fresh, contemporary rework. The third vinyl shines a light on Brazil's electronic music scene with an all-Brazilian lineup. Solarce Brothers contribute a soulful reinterpretation that nods to the original's house roots, alongside remixes from DJ Fuzil, Classmatic, and Deekapz & kLap, each bringing their own perspective to one of Brazil's all-time most influential electronic releases on global stages.

Disco Collected celebrates the dance music which originally developed from R&B, soul, and funk from the late 60s and 70s and turned into a mighty subculture in discotheques, with Studio 54, Manhattan, New York as one of the most famous and extravagant discos all over the world. Disco used a steady four to the floor beat, string sections, horns which created a perfect setting for DJs who mixed their special 12 inches to an eager dance crowd.

Movies like Saturday Night Fever and Thank God It’s Friday contributed to disco’s mainstream popularity. Compiled on Disco Collected are some of the best, well-known and great disco hits by Rose Royce, Chic, Kool & The Gang, The Trammps, Thelma Houston, KC & The Sunshine Band and 16 more guaranteed floor fillers.

The 2LP Disco Collected is available as a limited edition on disco ball silver vinyl and includes an insert.

Released by Polydor Records on April 1, 1972, Mandrill Is is the second album by Mandrill, the Brooklyn seven-piece led by brothers Carlos, Lou, and Ric Wilson.


Recorded at Electric Lady Studios during the winter of 1971?72, it finds the band refining the adventurous blend of funk, soul, jazz, rock, and Latin rhythms established on their acclaimed debut. With its powerful horn section, deep grooves, percussion-rich arrangements, and flashes of psychedelia and jazz-rock, Mandrill Is sounds both tighter and more ambitious than its predecessor. "Ape Is High" and the horn-driven "Git It All" deliver the album's most immediate funk, while "Cohelo" and "Kofijahm" explore Latin and Afro-diasporic rhythmic traditions. "Children of the Sun" and "Lord of the Golden Baboon" stretch further into expansive, progressive territory, revealing a band as interested in atmosphere, arrangement, and instrumental interplay as in the groove itself. The album's strength lies precisely in that refusal to settle into one category. Mandrill use funk as a foundation for moving freely between soul, jazz, rock, Latin music, and psychedelic textures, creating a sound that is unmistakably their own.


Mandrill Is captures the group at an important early peak: more focused and confident than their debut, yet still willing to follow the music wherever it leads. Pressed on 180g vinyl.

Nine-time GRAMMY® winner Anderson .Paak and GRAMMY®-nominated rapper Cordae have been operating on the same wavelength for years. What started as pure chemical reaction on 2019’s “RNP” slowly turned into one of hip-hop’s most natural, low-ego partnerships, fueled by back-and-forth gems like “Two Tens” and “Summer Drop” and a series of dynamic TV performances that felt more like two best friends hanging out than a polished routine. On their debut collaborative album, Heavy Is The Crown, that organic bond gets the full-length treatment it’s always deserved.

At its core, the project is a tightrope walk between serious real-life stakes and uncompromising fun. The title isn't just bravado—it speaks directly to the shared weight both artists carry as the primary providers and anchors for their families. But instead of letting that pressure crush the vibe, .Paak and Cordae lean into each other. Meeting as total equals, .Paak’s elastic, soul-drenched musicality anchors Cordae’s razor-sharp lyricism, allowing both to unpack the heavy reality of success and family responsibility without ever losing their spark.

That balance is what makes the album tick. To drive the point home, the album art pays homage to the cult comedy Step Brothers—a nod to the silly, irreverent friendship that birthed the music in the first place. Heavy Is The Crown doesn't feel like a forced corporate crossover or a calculated career move. It’s a record about brotherhood, family, and what happens when two masters of their craft step into the studio simply because nobody makes them laugh, rap, or create quite like the other.

Nine-time GRAMMY® winner Anderson .Paak and GRAMMY®-nominated rapper Cordae have been operating on the same wavelength for years. What started as pure chemical reaction on 2019’s “RNP” slowly turned into one of hip-hop’s most natural, low-ego partnerships, fueled by back-and-forth gems like “Two Tens” and “Summer Drop” and a series of dynamic TV performances that felt more like two best friends hanging out than a polished routine. On their debut collaborative album, Heavy Is The Crown, that organic bond gets the full-length treatment it’s always deserved.

At its core, the project is a tightrope walk between serious real-life stakes and uncompromising fun. The title isn't just bravado—it speaks directly to the shared weight both artists carry as the primary providers and anchors for their families. But instead of letting that pressure crush the vibe, .Paak and Cordae lean into each other. Meeting as total equals, .Paak’s elastic, soul-drenched musicality anchors Cordae’s razor-sharp lyricism, allowing both to unpack the heavy reality of success and family responsibility without ever losing their spark.

That balance is what makes the album tick. To drive the point home, the album art pays homage to the cult comedy Step Brothers—a nod to the silly, irreverent friendship that birthed the music in the first place. Heavy Is The Crown doesn't feel like a forced corporate crossover or a calculated career move. It’s a record about brotherhood, family, and what happens when two masters of their craft step into the studio simply because nobody makes them laugh, rap, or create quite like the other.

Craig Alexander drops back with the Soul Revival repress — a raw, deep house cut built for heads who know. Originally released on Transparent Records, now back on wax through Phonogramme.
Limited-run energy, timeless groove, straight-up dancefloor business.

Feedbacks:

Dave Huismans (ex_libris, In Transit) : Nice to get Soul Revival digitally, thanks!
Ben UFO (Hessle Audio / Rinse FM) : absolute classic
Laurent Garnier : SOUL REVIVAL is super cool track Will play
Mike Shannon (Cynosure) : Nice to have this one back! thx
Prosumer : this a journey into sound
Red Eye (Crash Planet Rec, R.E.A.D., Red/Shift, Lavish Habits, Multipass) : ahh i have this original vinyl. Glad to have a digi!!!
Dorian Paic (Raum Musik) : good re release too. Soul Revival is the one for me, in the past and now as well. ;) Thx for the promo !!
Hunee (Rush Hour) : lovely reissue
DJ Bone (FURTHER) : Lovin Feelin works for me, thanks
Chloe Caillet (Smile Records) : love these!
Franck Roger (Real Tone Records) : soul revivais is dope as always !!!
Terence :Terry: (La Vie En Ros / Freak N Chic) : what a good remember we use to played it a lot " Soul Revival" super track to surprise everyone Terence :Terry:
Tripmastaz (Plant 74) : tight cutz
Jorkes (Freeride Millenium) : soul revival is cute
Girls Of The Internet (Classic) : Classic!
Geir Aspenes (G-Ha (Sunkissed)) : Thanks
Terry Francis (Fabric) : nice
Sven Weisemann (Mojuba Records) : absolute classic!!!
Pacific Coliseum (Dublab, Teen Daze, Noire & Blanche) : DEEP!!! These are gorgeous, thank you so much for sending!
Pat Hyland (Northside Loft Society) : A welcome release from Craig. Three pure dancefloor heaters with Soul Revival topping!
Fred P : Dope...
Doc Martin (Sublevel) : Good Grooves!!!!
Mark Farina : good stuff. thanks!
Samuel Deep (SlapFunk Records) : yes
DJ Steaw (Rutilance / Steaward) : Nice ep thanks :-)
Lea Lisa (Phonica Records / Folklor Club) : Soul revival for me !
Brothers' Vibe (Luv4Wax) : Bangers!
Anthony Collins (Frank & Tony / Scissor & Thread) : great record
Carlos Valdes (Is Burning) : Loved it since the first time I've heard it! Happy to have the digital file!

It’s that time of year again! Are your copies of “Now! That’s What I Ca l Christmas” and “A Motown Christmas” finaly feeling worn out? Strut has the ideal antidote this year, as we dive into the world of festive records made by African artists spanning the late 1960s to the 1980s with our new Krismasi: Christmas Sounds From Africa compilation.

Taking in music from across the continent from Nigeria and Ghana to South Africa and Zimbabwe, Krismasi draws from a wide range of sounds from fun novelty records and spur-of-the-moment jams to spiritual and gospel favourites. Featured artists include Ghanian great Kwadwo Donkoh with a meditative highlife praise song from his much-loved Christmas Africana album. Elsewhere, pop star turned pastor, Jerry Boifraind, has some fun with a song celebrating seeing friends at Christmas and Nigerian pop favourite Martha Ulaeto features with the lilting lead track from her own Christmas Africana release. We pick out some choice Central and East African sounds with Kakai Kilonzo’s bri liant Kilimambogo Brothers Band and Congolese legend Baba Gaston’s Orchestra Baba National capturing the joy of the festive season. We stop off in Zim for a rare Dorothy Masuka acoustic piece and one of the country’s great musicians post-independence, Paul “Dr. Love” Matavire with ‘Christmas Yaswedera’ (‘Christmas Is Near’). Township jazz star Reggie Msomi appears with a joyous township instrumental and, fina ly, we couldn’t release a Christmas co lection without some carols. Here we include here a great version of ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ by UK-based Nigerian highlife musician Flash Dominci and a hi-octane funky medley of favourite festive hymns by Ghana’s Oscar Suley.

The compilation is the first in-depth co lection of rare African Christmas recordings, uncovering a rich and often overlooked chapter of the continent's musical history. Krismasi is available on Red & White Inkplosion Vinyl LP and CD. Vinyl restoration is by Colin Young at See Why Audio, mastering is by Frank Merritt at The Carvery, and the album features striking new artwork by Liam Large.

From deep in the hard funk pocket, the Winston Brothers return to Colemine after four years with a second helping of sounds rooted in horn-heavy, 70s-style soul cinema, taking cues from the soundtrack work of Issac Hayes, Willie Hutch, Roy Ayers, and JJ Johnson. Helmed by multi-instrumentalist/producer Sebastian Nagel and longtime collaborator Lucas Kochbeck on drums, Sweets serves as a timely reminder of how Hamburg, Germany’s music scene helps shape and influence today’s soul sound.
Ultimately, bringing musicians like Kimo Eiserbeck (sax and flute) and Hans Stephan (trumpet), alongside some additional drum contributions by Max Whitefield (née Weissenfeldt), demonstrates the close-knit nature of these musicians. From influential bands like Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band to Angels of Libra and the Mighty Mocambos, Hamburg’s deep groove scene has sired its share of worthy soul and funk acolytes.
These musicians have shared stages and studios over the years, with various
configurations finding their way in the aforementioned bands. “We started as a school project… we were just kids,” Sebastian recalls. “It’s a family thing, and we really know each other well.” Sweets is more than just another addition to this scene’s collective musical canon; it is a vibrant dispatch from funk’s leading edge.

From deep in the hard funk pocket, the Winston Brothers return to Colemine after four years with a second helping of sounds rooted in horn-heavy, 70s-style soul cinema, taking cues from the soundtrack work of Issac Hayes, Willie Hutch, Roy Ayers, and JJ Johnson. Helmed by multi-instrumentalist/producer Sebastian Nagel and longtime collaborator Lucas Kochbeck on drums, Sweets serves as a timely reminder of how Hamburg, Germany’s music scene helps shape and influence today’s soul sound.
Ultimately, bringing musicians like Kimo Eiserbeck (sax and flute) and Hans Stephan (trumpet), alongside some additional drum contributions by Max Whitefield (née Weissenfeldt), demonstrates the close-knit nature of these musicians. From influential bands like Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band to Angels of Libra and the Mighty Mocambos, Hamburg’s deep groove scene has sired its share of worthy soul and funk acolytes.
These musicians have shared stages and studios over the years, with various
configurations finding their way in the aforementioned bands. “We started as a school project… we were just kids,” Sebastian recalls. “It’s a family thing, and we really know each other well.” Sweets is more than just another addition to this scene’s collective musical canon; it is a vibrant dispatch from funk’s leading edge.

College of Knowledge Records verkündet stolz das selbstbetitelte zweite Album von Let Your Hair Down. Let Your Hair Down ist eine siebenköpfige Boogaloo-Soul-Band aus Melbourne / Naarm , bestehend aus Hudson Whitlock (Karate Boogaloo, The Pro-Teens), Lachlan Stuckey (Surprise Chef), Tom Pettit (Temporary Blessings), Nic Ryan-Glenie (Owelu Dreamhouse), Will Morrissey (Saskwatch), Olaf Scott (The Teskey Brothers) und Luigi Portararo. Kurz nach der Veröffentlichung von Let Your Hair Downs mittlerweile sehr beliebtem Kult Klassiker-Debüt ,Waiting Room" kehrte die Band in das inzwischen stillgelegte Dachstudio zurück, in dem ihr erstes Album aufgenommen wurde, um ein zweites Album auf Band aufzunehmen. Mit dem gefeierten Toningenieur und Produzenten Henry Jenkins (alias Jnbo) erneut am Ruder entstanden bei einer fruchtbaren und fröhlichen Wochenendsession 11 brandneue Originalaufnahmen - und der einfache Teil war geschafft. Mit einem von Let Your Hair Down-Schlagzeuger Hudson Whitlock entworfenen Albumcover war das selbstbetitelte zweite Album von Let Your Hair Down fertig; 11 hammermäßige Instrumentalstücke, die den schrägen Funk in Moll, die perkussive Psychedelia und den bläserlastigen Boogaloo der undergroundigsten Gruppe aus der Soul-Underground-Szene von Melbourne dokumentieren. ,Let Your Hair Down" fängt die Band in Höchstform ein: spontane, energiegeladene Arrangements, dargeboten von einer erstklassigen Gruppe von Musikern, die es einfach lieben, gemeinsam Musik zu machen. Der ,Good Clean Fun"-Faktor verbindet sich mit messerscharfer Musikalität und fundiertem Gespür und kristallisiert sich zu einem wahrhaft erstklassigen Originalalbum heraus.

Black Sheep is the influential hip‑hop duo from Queens, New York, formed by Andres “Dres” Vargas Titus and William “Mista Lawnge” McLean. Although both members hail from New York, they met as teenagers in Sanford, North Carolina, where their families had relocated. The duo became part of the celebrated Native Tongues Collective, alongside Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul, a movement known for its creativity, positivity, and forward‑thinking approach to hip‑hop. After joining forces in 1989, Black Sheep made an immediate impact with their 1991 acclaimed debut album A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing. The record earned widespread recognition for its inventive rhythms and sharp, witty, often humorous lyricism.

Their second album Non‑Fiction arrived in 1994, continuing their signature blend of jazzy hip-hop and clever, tongue‑in‑cheek storytelling. The album featured two singles “Without a Doubt” and “North South East West”.

Following its release, the group remained largely inactive throughout the decade, with the exception of Dres, who recorded a solo project under the moniker Dres The Black Sheep. Black Sheep eventually returned in 2006 with their long‑awaited third album 8WM / Novakane. Shortly thereafter, Mista Lawnge departed, while Dres has continued to release music under the Black Sheep name.

After a string of amazing releases on labels like Straight Up Breakbeat and Silent Force, the jungle brothers from Finland Aeon Four make their debut on 3AM Eternal. They delivered 3 tracks that are Melodic, beautiful while still maintaining 100% dancefloor energy, switching between melancholic, soulful, subdued to ruff and full on amen choppage.

Finally, almost three years after the well-received Orange Wine EP, and three international tours, Okvsho is back with their fourth project “A place between us”. Georg and Christoph Kiss, the two brothers behind Okvsho, are showcasing a project that is more intimate and bolder than ever, offering an insight into their thoughts, feelings, and experiences during the last two years. The unique style Okvsho has become known for in recent years has once again evolved, combining organic and electronic elements with beautiful harmonies and expressive rhythms.


Okvsho’s second LP will also be the first full-length project to be released on the newly founded Zurich-based label Current Moves, with which the Okvsho-brothers aim to shape the young European jazz scene they are inspired by and also an established part of.


“A place between us is the frst step into a new era for us – We’re very grateful for the love and support we received during the past six years and we’ll continue to strive for the better. Thanks for becoming part of our journey.”

2026 Repress

Coming in hot on Berlin's Toy Tonics label: a new EP by the talented duo ALMA NEGRA!

Founded in 2013, Alma Negra is a Swiss collective centered around the brother duo Dersu and Diego Figueira, whose diverse roots in Switzerland and Cape Verde inform their sound. The project was launched with the ambitious vision to explore the world's diverse rhythms and drive musical innovation by mixing different styles. Their work is anchored in a process of digging and sampling, skillfully blending traditional sounds-from Fela Kuti-influenced Nigerian afrobeat and Angolan Lamento to Caribbean Zouk and the Maloya sound of Réunion-into a contemporary dance music context.

The Figueira brothers' eclectic DJ sets embody this ethos, peppering disco and house with salsa, samba, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean carnival rhythms, all under their guiding motto: "As long as it's Funky."

Since 2014, Alma Negra has made an important contribution to intercultural exchange in their hometown of Basel. Their international presence began in 2015 with their first shows abroad in countries like France, the Netherlands, and Portugal. From 2016 to 2019, their reach expanded significantly, with performances in major hubs like London, Paris, and Berlin, as well as Istanbul, Tel Aviv, and Tunisia. Highlights from this period include sets at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Dimensions Croatia, and Fuse Club in Brussels. Their standing is further cemented by releases on respected labels like Heist Recordings, Sofrito, and Basic Fingers, alongside remixes from an elite group of peers, including Soulphiction, Kuniyuki, and Yuksek.

Parallel to their studio and DJ work, the project expanded into the Alma Negra Live Band, formed with jazz musicians from Basel. While the band is currently on hiatus, this collaboration made live instrumentation increasingly central to their productions, creating a dynamic they feel is essential for any dancefloor. The live band has performed in cities like London and Hamburg and has led to collaborations with artists such as French singer Pat Kalla and jazz trumpeter Bodo Maier.

The Temptations Get High on Psychedelic Soul: Cloud Nine Soars with Ambitious Arrangements and Production, Features Standout Vocal Performances and Instrumentation by the Funk Brothers

The Temptations’ Cloud Nine announced that Motown — and “The Sound of Young America” — would never be the same. Influenced by the emergence of cutting-edge rock and pop currents, as well as increasing sociopolitical turmoil, the album broke down barriers between rock, psychedelia, and soul while heralding the arrival of visionary arrangements and production techniques. Bookended by traditional R&B numbers, the 1969 record sent the Temptations in bold new directions and signaled the advent of psychedelic soul.

Sourced from the original master tapes, strictly limited to 3,000 numbered copies, pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing, and housed in a Stoughton gatefold jacket, Mobile Fidelity’s 180g 45PM 2LP set presents Cloud Nine in audiophile sound for the first time on a domestic pressing. This collectible reissue bestows Norman Whitfield’s extraordinary production with the grand-scale dynamics, natural tonality, expansive openness, and low-end weight it deserves. The timbre of each of the five members’ voices is readily identifiable — even within the group harmonies — bestowing a realism never experienced outside the recording studio.

Making its debut on 45RPM, the album further benefits from the wide groove space by playing with greater separation and more realistic presence than prior editions. Everything from the brassiness of the horns to the dry snap of the snare comes across with reference-grade clarity and positioning. And since Motown’s renowned Funk Brothers backing band plays on many of the cuts, you’ll want to savor every note. The imaging, soundstaging, and organic bloom-and-decay of the notes make that possible.

Amid Cloud Nine, the instrumentation and architecture stand out as much as any element. Never before had a Motown album contained such ambitious patterns and complex passages. Seemingly conscientious of the departure from their past methods, the Temptations and Whitfield bunched together the tracks that mark a deep dive into psychedelic territory and counterbalance them with seven sterling soul cuts that dovetail with Motown tradition drenched with heartfelt vocals, swelling strings, and finger-snapping beats.

On the original 33RPM release, traditional Motown soul — laden with heartfelt vocals, swelling strings, and finger-snapping beats — occupies Side Two. These songs reveal an ensemble still very much on top of delivering pristine pop-soul material graced with romantic sweetness, persuasive insistent, and soaring highs. Re-energized after the departure of lead singer David Ruffin, who was fired for a variety of reasons in June 1968, the Temptations seamlessly meld with his replacement, Dennis Edwards, on one melodic gem after another.

The collective tackles five songs co-written by the legendary Motown team of Barrett Strong and Whitfield. Not the least of which are the smooth, shuffling “Why Did She Have to Leave Me (Why Did She Have to Go)” and deceptively simple, horn-spiked “Gonna Keep on Tryin’ till I Win Your Love.” On these tracks, as well as on a lush rendition of the ballad “Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing” and pleading, tender send-up of the Gerry Goffin-Carole King classic “Hey Girl,” Edwards and Paul Williams take turns on the lead with the estimable Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin, and Otis Williams providing backing support.

All five vocalists trade-off leads on the simmering title track, a groundbreaking composition shot through with wah-wah-pedal effects, liquid funk, deep bass lines, Cuban percussion, saturated reverb, and gang choruses. Whitfield mines each member’s natural vocal range with spectacular results, keeps time with cymbals, and channels both the heated temperatures and escapist desires of a society embroiled in war, conflict, and experimental drugs.

Amazingly, the Temptations top themselves on the similarly revealing “Run Away Child, Running Wild.” Nearly 10 minutes in length, the song explodes R&B parameters and harbors a cinematic scope. Urgent pianos, distorted guitars, stripped-down percussion, steamy Hammond organs, minimal bass motifs, five distinct voices narrating the tale of a boy who fled home and now finds himself amid the scary, unforgiving external world: They combine to give the urgent tune a walls-closing-in atmosphere where fear and desperation reign. Bolstered by an extended instrumental section that precedes a climactic return of the singers’ voices, “Run Away Child, Running Wild” equaled the success of the record’s title track, with both reaching No. 6 on the pop charts.