quête:au

After three so elegant, as well as successful EPs on the mother ship, you can sometimes get cocky. Jonathan Kaspar invites himself to the Speicher Party and really lets his hair down. “Topper” may or may not refer to Charlie Sheen’s epic performance in ‘Hot Shots’. It certainly takes no prisoners either. The track rattles and squeaks like an old feather bed while… oh, let’s leave that to your imagination. After such an exhilarating burst of exuberance, comes “FEZ” to smooth the waters. An arpeggio that seems quite serious at first glance doesn’t quite manage to get past Jonathan’s riotous mood unscathed. Half he pulled it, half it sank into him. Nobody gets out of here without a hangover.

Nach drei so eleganten, wie auch erfolgreichen EPs auf dem Mutterschiff, kann man schon mal frech werden. Jonathan Kaspar lädt sich nun selbst zur Speicher Party ein und lässt so richtig schön die Sau raus. “Topper” nimmt vielleicht Bezug auf Charlie Sheen’s epische Schauspielkunst in den ‘Hot Shots’ Filmen. Er nimmt jedenfalls auch keine Gefangenen. Der Track rattert und quietscht wie ein altes Federbett beim… ach, überlassen wir das Eurer Fantasie. Nach einem derart erquicklichen Ausbruch von Übermut, kommt “FEZ” um die Wogen zu glätten. Einem auf den ersten Blick recht seriöses Arpeggio gelingt es nicht ganz, ungeschoren an Jonathans Krawall-Laune vorbeizukommen. Halb zog er es, halb sank es in ihn hinein. Ohne Kater kommt hier keiner raus.

Repress!

One of the gems on the smash hit album 'Soulmatic', Purple Disco Machine & Boris D'Lugosch's, 'Love For Days' gets the remix treatment three ways.

First up the master Kenny Dope - crisping up that shuffling rhythm with some added percussion and synthesiser arps to turn what was already a peak time soulful anthem, into a close to 8 minute extended journey drawing you in more and more with each build up and breakdown. Next up the PDM offers up an extended mix of the original, a welcome sight for those DJs on the club scene who have been rinsing this since the album dropped last year.

Finally, Motez takes you into raunchy, r&b tinged, garage territory, really honing in on Karen Harding's incredible vocals whilst incorporating brooding pads and sweeping fx's to create a special twist on the original.


DJ Support:

Aeroplane (Aeropop / Eskimo Recordings), Klingande / Kungs / Michael Calfan c/o (Unity Group Promo Sorter), Autograf (Counter Records), Treasure Fingers (Psycho Disco! / Fool's Gold), Malente (Southern Fried Records), Satin Jackets c/o (Eskimo Recordings / N.E.W.S.), Eric Sharp (9G Records), Gregor Salto c/o (Spinnin' Records), DJ Blake Jarrell (Armada Music), Jerome Price (Throne Room Records), DJ Licious (Spinnin' Records), Travis Emmons (Weapons Music), Electronic Youth (KMS), Solidisco (Fool's Gold / Ultra) :: Mark Knight c/o (Toolroom Knights), Mike Mago (Boemklatsch), Muzzaik (Spinnin' / Toolroom), The Disco Boys (We Play Music), Trevor Mac (Jalapeno Sound System), Ferdinand Weber (Spinnin' Deep), LCAW (Ultra), Plastic Plates (Sweat it Out), Mark Lower (Nurvous), Don Diablo c/o (Axtone / Spinnin' Records), Eton Messy, Après (Love & Other Records), Spada (Ego Music / Hysterical), Eelke Kleijn (Spinnin' / Suara), Horsemeat Disco (Strut Records / K7! Records), Horsemeat Disco (Strut Records / K7! Records), Adriana Lucia (Get Physical), Broc Roc (Dj B-Roc of The Knocks), Chordashian (Mullet Records), Hector Romero (Saw Recordings), Just Kiddin (Nervous Records)

Idris Elba c/o (Connaisseur Records / 7Wallace), Klingande / Kungs / Michael Calfan c/o (Unity Group Promo Sorter), Shiba San c/o (Suara / CUFF), Malente (Southern Fried Records), Rudimental (Asylum / Big Beat), Sirus Hood (Under No Illusion / Dirtybird), Marc Spence (This Ain't Bristol / Skint), Martin Solveig c/o (Spinnin' Records), Horsemeat Disco (Strut Records / K7! Records), Riva Starr c/o (Hot Creations), Mike Mago (Boemklatsch), Kokiri (Love & Other), Fred Falke (Work It Baby Records), Claptone c/o (Exploited), Roger Sanchez (Stealth Records / Astrx), Don Diablo c/o (Axtone / Spinnin' Records), Icarus (FFRR / SubSoul), Pezzner (Dirtybird), Jourdan Bordes (Phonetic Recordings), Mahalo (Toolroom / Bunny Tiger), AC Slater (Night Bass), Chordashian / Felix Feygin (Mullet Records), Fei-Fei Wang, Kristina Sky (Ultra / Armada), Thee Cool Cats (Toolroom / Bunny Tiger), Solidisco (Fool's Gold / Ultra), Infected Mushroom c/o (HOMmega Productions), DJ Blake Jarrell (Armada Music),Travis Emmons (Weapons Music), Human Life (LIFEX / Exploited), Treasure Fingers (Psycho Disco! / Fool's Gold), Hector Romero (Saw Recordings), and Danny Howard (BBC Radio 1 / Nothing Else Matters)

Eine Italo Disco Rarität aus dem Jahre 1985 jetzt wieder als farbige 12“ Maxi Single erhältlich:

Gary Richard – That’s Mine
Die limitierte Auflage dieser Maxi Single enthält die original Vocal Version und die Instrumental Version.

„That’s Mine“ enthält alle typischen Beats, Melodien und Vocals, die ein Italo Disco Song aus den 1980er Jahren brauchte.

Ein absolut zeitloser Klassiker, der in keiner Italo Disco Sammlung fehlen darf.

Drumcode is set to release ‘Elevate’ a 10-track compilation showcasing cuts from a fresh array of label family and friends, including BEC, Juliet Fox and rising talent Chelina Manuhutu, Tini Gessler and DJ Dee. The project is also testament to techno’s global appeal with artists coming from Japan, China and Australia, as well as across the UK and Europe.

Always with an eye on the future, ‘Elevate’ sees a total of seven artists make their Drumcode debut split across three vinyl EPs. The third and final part sees Tini Gessler, Marie Vaunt and BEC let loose three future Drumcode classics.

Terence, returns with a new EP titled “State of Disorder” for Planete Rouge records following the release of his album “Shifting Signal” on Mute records. The 4 tracks on this EP are a fusion of different sound universes that are characteristic of Terence’s music. There is a blend of dark, energetic, and hypnotic elements with a hint of EBM for some of the tracks. Terence’s mastery of sound design is on full display, delivering an immersive atmosphere that captivates the audience and energizes the dance floor.

If 2021’s “Sometimes I Might Be Introvert” catapulted Simz into the big leagues, crashing into the top 5 of the albums charts, collecting Mercury Music Prize, Mobo, Ivor Novello and Brit Award wins and earning her the biggest live audiences yet in the UK and Europe yet, “NO THANK YOU” is yet another delicious left field turn for 29-year old Simbiatu Ajikawo.

Sleek, succinct and utterly propulsive, it’s Simz’ defiantly punk rock, two fingered salute to conformity and fame, and all the expectations and restrictions that come with. Recorded with her regular collaborator Inflo, this is Simz at her most free, daring and spontaneous.

Erstes Soloalbum des Queenryche Sängers Todd La Torre. Die durch die Pandemie verschobene Queenryche Tour bot Todd La Torre die Gelegenheit,das lang geplante Soloalbum zu verwirklichen. Todd tat sich mit seinem langjährigen Freund Craig Blackwell zusammen. Wie bei Queensrÿche's The Verdict spielte La Torre Schlagzeug und übernahm die Vocals, Blackwell spielte Gitarre, Bass und Keyboards. La Torre und Blackwell produzierten das Album selbst, zogen jedoch Queensrÿche- Produzent Zeuss hinzu. Gastauftritte von Jordan Ziff (Age Of Evil, Metalhead, Ratt) und Al Nunn. Insgesamt zeigt sich der Solo-Output vielseitig, ohne die progressive Basis von Queensryche zu vernachlässigen. Die Grundlagen sind allerdings mehr im klassischen Metal verortet und werden mit verschiedenen Einflüssen kombiniert. . Der Opener "Dogmata" oder "Vanguards Of The Dawn Wall" kommen mit mächtig Speed um die Ecke und mixen Heavy mit Speed und Thrash. "Pretender" erhält einen leichten epischen Touch und La Torre bewegt sich stimmlich in überraschende Höhen. Metallisch klassisch wird es mit "Hellbound And Down", dem starken "Vexed" und "Rejoice In The Suffering". Der progressive Part kommt bei "Darkened Majesty", "Apology" oder "Critical Cynic" zum Tragen. Die Balladenfreunde hören in "Crossroad To Insanity" rein.Zum Schluss gibt es mächtig dunkle Töne zu entdecken - "One By One . Craig Blackwells Gitarrenspiel setzt den Gesang von La Torre musikalisch perfekt in Szene. Todd findet sogar Vocals, die noch nie zuvor von ihm gehört wurden, wie auf dem Titeltrack und dem bestechenden "Vanguards of the Dawn Wall" zu hören ist. 2021 nur in den USA veröffentlicht, macht ROAR dieses Juwel nun endlich auch in Europa erhältlich, zusätzlich in 2 luxuriösen Vinyl Versionen. "Rejoice The Sufffering"ist ein herausragendes Opus von einem spät berufenen Sänger, der völlig losgelöst beweist, wie man eine wuchtig-moderne und vitale Metal Scheibe schreibt, arrangiert und produziert Für alle Queensryche Fans und Liebhaber des klassischen Metal.

Opeth wurde von den Kritikern für ihre Kombination aus progressiven Einflüssen und vernichtendem schwedischem Death Metal gelobt. Diese farbigen 140g Re-Issues sind ein Muss für Fans und Sammler, denn sie wurden von keinem Geringeren als Jens Bogren (Opeth, Katatonia, Amorphis, Sepultura) mit Unterstützung von Mikael Åkerfeldt ein liebevoll remastert. Die Aufnahmen wurden mit halber Geschwindigkeit in den berüchtigten Abbey Rd von Miles Showell (ABBA, Beatles) geschnitten, und das gesamte Artwork wurde von Dan Capp sorgfältig restauriert und so gestaltet, wie es die Band ursprünglich beabsichtigt hatte.

Es gibt nur wenige Bands, die es mit den Schweden von Opeth aufnehmen können oder wollen. Seit ihrer Gründung 1990 in dem kleinen Stockholmer Vorort Bandhagen haben die Schweden alle Konventionen über den Haufen geworfen, sich trotzig gegen alle Widrigkeiten durchgesetzt und - was am wichtigsten ist -12 atemberaubend schöne und intensive Alben geschaffen und sich damit zu einer der besten Bands der Welt entwickelt.

Streng limitierte Stückzahlen!

Beijing based Leele, Tokyo based S.O.N and Detroit transplant Camille has come together to give you something soothing from Adeen records. Their debut live studio album A Band Of Brothers is a nice warm welcome from the label that's known for house and techno. The late 70's early 80's Japanese fusion jazz influenced offering is split into two discs with one being all jazz, and disc two being remixed into breezy house tracks. Rather is an easy chilled out vibe or a night on the dancefloor, A Band Of Brother got you covered for all occasions.

Emotive sweetness from the one they call Gratts, coming correct via those ever-reliable purveyors of all things house, WOLF Music. Two dream-state gems from the Belgian-born, Australia-based DJ and producer, complete with a signature, deep and delectable remix from one of Dublin’s finest exports Glenn Davis.

On the A, ‘Pretty Lights’ is a bittersweet saunter beachside, sun setting in the distance, bass striding beside as keys dance across the horizon. A melancholic narrative over a blissful groove, Brandon Markell Holmes’ heavenly vocals add an undeniable elegance to proceedings, combined with Leïto’s deft touch on the keys. Subtle house music with soul from a producer that’s been toiling away for nearly 25 years.

Flip it to find ‘Polaroids’, a late-night trip across the underground with Tee Amara leading the way. Her sublime vocals are laid over a bumping, piano-laden beat, bit-crushed synths and all. A track that keeps that distinct soulful thread, yet laces it with a club-ready dose of the good stuff.

Glenn Davis then rounds off the package laying down a remix of ‘Polaroids’ that hits in all the right spots. A deeper journey, that sees Davis reworking the drums, dousing it in ethereal pads and dreamy synthwork, elevating Amara’s vocals to stratospheric heights. One for the dancers and romancers.

Kraak & Smaak, eine treibende Kraft der elektronischen Musikszene der letzten zwei Jahrzehnte, Meister des Nu-Disco, Funk und allem, was mit Electronic zu tun hat, feiern 2023 ihr 20-jähriges Bestehen - mit einer handverlesenen Auswahl ihres herausragenden Katalogs auf Jalapeno Records und dem eigenen Label Boogie Angst. Das Doppelabum mit dem schlichten Namen TWENTY bringt 20 Band- und Fanfavoriten und viele der unglaublichen Gäste, mit denen das niederländische Duo im Laufe der Jahre zusammengearbeitet hat: von Lee Fields bis Parcels, Romanthony bis Mayer Hawthorne, Ben Westbeech bis Durand Jones. TWENTY ist von Anfang bis Ende ein abgefahrener Hörgenuss, der nie enttäuscht.

The Key To Our Love compilation series is an in-depth exploration of Black & Brown American soul artists from back in the day.

Focusing on the sweeter side of these obscure singles, the album comprises of musicians who shared their hope & dreams through independent vinyl releases. The obscurity of these private pressed singles has limited their audience; originally released in small quantities and sold locally, the artists remained largely unknown but created some of the most poignant & timeless tracks.

Each song released in direct collaboration with the artists & producers.

Artwork by El Ponk

The fourth Rebound Lounge EP. DJ Dog and Double Dancer keep on pushing the boundaries of their weird and wonderful genre Basketball House! The sound always changing and evolving into different territories, but still keeping their flavour and strickt concept. Here we got five new tracks as always, and a new fantastic color scheme and pic on the back of the sleeve. Limited edition and vinyl only. So not to miss!

Rebound Lounge a label and production project consisting of DJ Dog (aka DJ Fett Burger) & Double Dancer. They have been 'Rejuvenating the basketball house scene since 2016' as they like to say. A genre they claim to have invented and thus rejuvenated since day one. The music presented with sounds from the basketball world and weave this in to the productions. It can be a shoe rubbing on the wooden court, a cheering audience, a yelling coach or a heavy slam dunk. Sometimes clearly audible, sometimes hidden deep in the mix. From this mixture the unique Rebound Lounge sound is created.

The formidable Rex The Dog returns with his first single for Kompakt in three years, “Change This Pain For Ecstasy”, a slow-burning disco-glitter stomp that’s charged with analog energy. Pushing his self-built modular hardware set-up to its limits, “Change This Pain For Ecstasy” is taut and thrilling, stripped-back and pulsating, with sweeping chords shimmering through a classic Moroder arpeggio, as a delirious voice sings out a psychedelic raver’s plaint for liberation, pleading for you to "take away my sorrow and this pain”. Deeply emotional, it’s also a masterwork in tension and release, dizzy with snare-rush peaks, and dark, humid valleys where Rex is bound to the patchbay.

On the flipside, Rex gives us “Moto”, which tickles your ear with cymatic phenomena, its gentle vibrations building, beautifully, into a monster-piece of stealth techno. Rex’s DIY synths work overtime as he chases patterns and phases through circuitry, wielding the tones until they erupt into a spray of pointillist pizzicato. The sounds here crackle and corrode, the textures so tantalizing, so sensual, you can almost grab hold of them with your hands. It’s great to have Rex The Dog back, making livewire, yet deeply human techno, alive and bursting with electricity.

Der formidable Rex The Dog kehrt mit seiner ersten Single für Kompakt seit drei Jahren zurück, “Change This Pain For Ecstasy”, ein mit analoger Energie aufgeladener, stürmischer Disco-Glitter-Stomper. Man kann förmlich spüren, wie Rex’ selbstgebautes modulares Hardware-Setup an seine Grenzen gerät. “Change This Pain For Ecstasy” ist eine Hymne an das Nachtleben, an die kathartische Qualität einer durchtanzten Nacht. Über schwungvolle Akkorde und ein hochenergetisches Moroder-Arpeggio bittet eine delirierende Stimme um Befreiung von allem Leid und Schmerz. Das ist zutiefst rührend und emotional – da es sich hier aber um ein Meisterwerk der Spannung und Entspannung handelt – schwingt sich der Track plötzlich auf in schwindelerregende Höhen der Euphorie.

Auf der anderen Seite gibt Rex uns “Moto”, das das Ohr mit zymatischen Phänomenen kitzelt, deren sanften Vibrationen sich zu einem Monster von Stealth-Technotrack aufbauen. Rex’ DIY-Synthesizer machen Überstunden, während er Muster und Phasen durch die Schaltkreise jagt bis sie in einen Sprühregen aus pointillistischem Pizzicato ausbrechen. Die Sounds hier knistern und korrodieren, die Texturen so verlockend, so sinnlich, dass man sie fast mit den Händen greifen kann.

Es ist großartig, Rex The Dog zurück zu haben, der hochverdrahteten und doch zutiefst menschlichen Techno macht, voller Leben und Elektrizität.

Im Zentrum von Grandbrothers Musik stand schon immer die Verbindung von Altem und Neuem. Auf ihrem vierten Album "Late Reflections", welches am 14. April auf City Slang erscheint, stellen sie nun ihr Schaffen in Verbindung zu einer Institution, die ihrer eigenen Musik sieben Jahrhunderte vorausgeht: der Kölner Dom.

Das ikonische Monument gotischer Architektur, UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe und Deutschlands meistbesuchte Sehenswürdigkeit, diente als Aufnahmestudio für das neue Album des deutsch-schweizerischen Duos. Das Ergebnis ist ein Album mit einem präzisen Sinn für Geschichte und Architektur, ein Album, das die räumlichen Eigenschaften dieses prachtvollen Baus zum Teil seiner hypnotischen Komposition selbst werden lässt und in Klang überführt. Für ein Konzeptalbum ist "Late Reflections" eindringlich und immersiv, und es stellt ebenso viele Fragen, wie es Antworten gibt: Was bedeutet es für Musik, mit Architektur und Raum zu interagieren? Wie klingt eigentlich eine Kirche, die seit Jahrhunderten wegen ihrer Opulenz verehrt wird? Was kann zeitgenössische Kunst aus 700 Jahren Geschichte ziehen? Und wie können Musiker ihren eigenen kompositorischen Ansatz nach mehr als einem Jahrzehnt frisch und unverbraucht halten? Von Beginn an haben Grandbrothers Musiktraditionen in Frage gestellt. So gelang es dem vor mehr als einem Jahrzehnt in Düsseldorf gegründeten Klavierduo mit seiner vielschichtigen Musik immer wieder, die Grenzen zwischen Ambient, Minimal und Electronica zu verschieben. Das Ergebnis klingt immer anders, doch immer geprägt durch die außergewöhnliche Zusammenarbeit zwischen dem deutsch-türkischen Pianisten Erol Sarp und dem Schweizer Elektroniker und Software-Entwickler Lukas Vogel. Auf bisher drei Alben – Dilation (2015), Open (2017) und All The Unknown (2021) – zog das Duo seine besondere Inspiration aus einer konzeptuellen Beschränkung: Jeder Klang, jede Note stammt von nur einem einzigen Instrument – dem Konzertflügel.

Repress!

Let the celebrations begin, 10 Years of a vision Anané created and called Nulu, her independent label letting the world know about a genre we now know as Afro House, today after many years of dedicated work you'll find it as main stream.

Nulu means 'Nothing Ultimately Leaves Us' and just in time for Winter Music Conference in Miami Nulu presents a special vinyl sampler including 4 tracks representing 'Past, Present & Future' of the labels sound.

Side A includes an elegant and melodic remix of 'Ubatuba (Roots Mix)' by Grammy Award winner Louie Vega & Agev Mungsen feat. Anane, originally produced by Brazilian Soul Crew, where the fusion of Afro House and Soul help to soothe the spirit, followed by the African duo AMRoots aka Filipe Narciso and Fresh Nunas who deliver a fantastic combination of melodies and sounds ready to make dreamers dream with a fresh remix of their original release back in 2009 'Old Times At Barracuda (Cielo Roots 09 Remix)' and was also the first release for Nulu.

Side B includes a superb beat and unmistakable touch of Dj Angelo, bringing you straight to dance floor on a journey you'll wish to never leave and finish this 4 track sampler is the incredible talent of Manoo always setting the contemporary route of Afro House music with his modern style, creativity and authentic sound. The special vinyl sampler will be available exclusively at Winter Music Conference 2019 in Miami, and later for all Nulu followers. Take your time to know the Past, experience the Present and understand the Future of Nulu, a pioneering label of Afro House Music.tti

Der Begriff 'Nuit Américaine' (Day for Night) erinnert an François Truffauts legendären 1973er Film und bezeichnet die Technik, Tagesaufnahmen so aussehen zu lassen, als wären sie nachts aufgenommen worden. Diese Stimmung vermittelt auch das gleichnamige Album des französischen Jazztrompeters Robin Mansanti, der zusammen mit einer Rhythmusband, unwiderstehlichem Charme und poetischer Sensibilität zeitlose Jazzklassiker und -Balladen von Glenn Miller über Henry Mancini bis Leonard Bernstein neu interpretiert.

Drumcode is set to release ‘Elevate’ a 10-track compilation showcasing cuts from a fresh array of label family and friends, including BEC, Juliet Fox and rising talent Chelina Manuhutu, Tini Gessler and DJ Dee. The project is also testament to techno’s global appeal with artists coming from Japan, China and Australia, as well as across the UK and Europe.

Always with an eye on the future, ‘Elevate’ sees a total of seven artists make their Drumcode debut split across three vinyl EPs. The third and final part sees Tini Gessler, Marie Vaunt and BEC let loose three future Drumcode classics.

Originally released in the mid 80's on UK cassette label Bite Back!, this nearly lost gem finds new life 30 years later on Cocktail D'Amore Music. Steve has cobbled together a superbly melancholic electronic concept album. Wistful melodies often evoke sentiments of a lost childhood and hazy English mornings.

Each song within remains untitled allowing full perceptive freedom as to what they all communicate, a language for the feelings that have no name.

Untitled A1 - A6 leads one along intimate soundscapes of pattering drums and tinkering piano, a sense of closeness and trust develops with the introduction of each new idea much like the beginning of a bed time story. Untitled B1 - B3 then begin to breathe more openly awash in angelic colours before abruptly turning downward on B4, a wall of booming drums and atmospheres from the furthest reaches of the galaxy before the last trio of songs settles gently back on Earth.

Repress!

Amazingblaze is the latest red-hot new talent to be signed up by Charlotte de Witte's KNTXT label. The Russian artist serves up four fierce techno weapons on his Venture EP, due for release on 25th February 2022.

Though a relative newcomer, Amazingblaze is already making big moves mixing up heavy-hitting hard trance and techno. He has a sound that combines old school influences with new school sound design, and it never fails to captivate the dance floor. On this first EP for KNTXT, all of the signature Amazingblaze essentials are here: weighty drums, massive synths and authentic atmospheres.

Says the artist, "The Venture EP was started when I was living in Saint-Petersburg and there was a pandemic situation. Experimenting with different shades of techno I created a pretty authentic sound which works very well on the dance floor. After leaving Saint-Petersburg I decided to move to Moscow, gladly the pandemic restrictions there were lifted and I became inspired by the new city and parties where I've never been before, I completed the EP adding some new bangers with an already experienced touch.”

Says Charlotte de Witte, “My eye fell on Amazingblaze for the first time during the preparation of my Tomorrowland Around The World Set, where I closed with his beautiful track "Stratosphere". A couple of months later, I fell head over heels in love with his track "Venture", which, I'm proud to announce, turns out to be the title track of the newest EP on KNTXT. Venture captures every crowd of people I’ve played it to, ever since I debuted it in my set at Exit Festival. The entire EP is an out of the box masterpiece.”

First up is the mighty 'Venture' with its pummelling drums and turbo-charged trance stabs. They are bright and bring the energy while a rapped vocal adds something utterly fresh. 'Inner Fire' ups the ante further with a diva female vocal straight from the classic trance era. She brings waves of euphoria and, after a spine tingling breakdown, the machine-gun grooves fire on. There is terrific turbulence in the synth stabs of techno gem 'Flashback' as well as industrial textures and walls of white noise that bring real tension. ‘Neutron’ closes down with the most fierce groove of the lot, this time rippled with cosmic psy trance chords and irresistible video game synths to take you into the next dimension.

Venture EP is a superb outing from Amazingblaze.

"L'Hiver Des Crêtes" is THE new vinyl chapter that signs 40 years of existence of Ludwig Von 88!

It's in a real marathon of approximate punk that they lead their audience, all together (hey hey), to blow out 40 candles joyfully lit by Archives de la Zone Mondiale! A festive and frantic anniversary that will last all year long in 2023!

Judge for yourself: a song to be discovered every week, an album every quarter and a tour of some 50 dates across the country. These true legends of French alternative rock come back full of energy and derision in this first opus with 14 new tracks (including an unreleased one that nobody knows, not even them!) Let the deaf wake up! In 2023, the world belongs to the Ludwigs (or will self-destruct).

At long last, hi-tek whizz-kid Metrist returns to Timedance with the third addition to the ‘Pollen’ series and brings his epic trilogy started in 2019 to a breath-catching end.

Elevating an already unique approach of sonic craftsmanship to whole new levels, the London based producer delivers some of his wildest and most dramatic compositions to date while pushing further his signature blend of 22nd century dancefloor pyrotechnics.

From the angelic vocal cascades of opener « Leven Lever Liver Love » to the heart-wrenching heights of « Bullet Time », a playful and intricate display of cross-pollinated emotions shines through this collection of boundary pushing tracks, giving them a life of their own while bringing a stormy cycle of auditory experiments into human nature to completion

As thunderstorms form, pollen grains often ascend into clouds, soaking up humidity to a point they inevitably burst out, liberating innumerable particles that tumultuous winds send back to ground-levels.

With a false sense of distance and safety, we sit back and watch the lightning strike in complete awe, unaware of pollen slowly descending from the skies, making its way through our lungs and deep into our bodies ; the storm may be over, but Pollen has now fully become a part of us.

The fourth release on Denis Horvat's Vokabularium brings you the fresh sounds of none other than Auggië. Having had multiple releases and remixes on the likes of Innervisions, Borders Of Light, Sum Over Histories, Auggië brings us 3 new tracks weaving together groove and emotion. the EP will also feature a remix from Horvat himself. Expect to hear these making the rounds this year.

In the footsteps of the jazzed out, synthetic experimentations of Doma Music inaugural release, The Platinum Wave EP, dance music journeyman Hugo LX returns with a new instalment on his own imprint - a four tracker entitled « What Does It Do? »
Four tracks that showcase the Parisian producer’s ability to switch styles and tempo while keeping a very unified audio signature.This new batch showcases the producer’s ability to switch styles and tempo, while keeping a very unified audio signature.Starting with the breezy « Offcut », a simple incomplete house session turned into a vaporous ambient shakedown, the EP quickly shifts into higher gears with «Firewater », a powerful yet silky dance composition, highlighting Hugo’s taste for synth layering and subtle arrangements. Building upon this sonic intensity, LX takes us on a ride with the spaced out « Canary Gold Rims », an ode to all things polyrhythmic where the beatmaker translate dance music « 4 to the floor » habits into some a less traditional 12/8 odyssey, with great helps from pianist Florian Pellissier cheeky Hohner Clavinet solos, before the program concludes with the second of iteration of « Surrender », a sensual, deep house floater tailored for late early morning dance floor situations.

Nothing tells you that the summer is approaching than a tip-top scorching hot remix package, with 3 fresh perspectives causing UV rays to pierce out the soundsystem with the hit of every bongo.
Take it as a soundtrack for the balearic block party of fantasy; a communal affair of trance-dance conjuring and conjugation, genetic cellular beings fusing via common sound and familiar yet distant rhythms. Time to stretch, whether your face or legs, with the odd glance and side-eye around to your fellow dancers to confirm ‘mmmm yes’.

Each mix seemingly holds a place with the movement of the sun; Telephone’s mix bringing the street together through the day, Audrey Danza’s descending into dusk, Jogada’s ascending for the dawn, and the essential bonus track for when the daydream finally melts away...

Denham Audio return to Dance Trax with 3 OG breakbeat rave infused rollers backed with a Triple Point remix.

re:discovery records is proud to release for the first time, a vinyl edition of 'Two Zeroes' by Grain for it's 25th anniversary.

Grain was a west coast project that emerged out of the psychedelic music and art scenes in Los Angeles in the early 1990s. After a few of their tracks were featured on the key chill out compilations United State of Ambience 1&2 and Excursions in Ambience
and many local live performances, they released two ep's on local labels. Shortly after in 1998, 'Two Zeroes' the full length project appeared. A west coast chill out classic that unfortunately did not get much disribution outside the west coast let alone to the world.

To classify this album is very hard. Think early Jammin Unit with a touch of the Orb and dash of west coast breakbeat and chill out styles and you still can't fully pin it down. A unique album that sonically, was leaps and bounds ahead of most albums in this style thanks to sound designer, audio instalation architect, scientist and artist Jimmy Johnson along with illustrator and fellow sonic artist Peter Ehrlich. Featured on double vinyl with updated artwork by the original designer, Kevin Hanley and presented on beautiful gatefold with a shimmering silver vinyl to match. This could be one of the discoveries of the year for those that have never heard this album. Dare to Dream with us.

Annett Gapstream is back on Artminding with her first EP. Two originals show her distinctive and characteristic musical variety drawn by vivacious DJ gigs all over Europe. Just as her international career, also her latest productions are picking up speed and reflect the constant process of heading a little further.
For the title track “Halluzination” Annett Gapstream premiered herself in the recording booth of the studio and created a dynamic, highly memorable iteration towards illusional, hallucinatory messages that wreathe the audience in a higher mental state while dancing. Surrounded by a lofty melody and very present drums the track reveals an entire new range of melodic techno creativity.
Meanwhile “Surrealism” and its warm bassline conveys a more soothing or relaxed atmosphere with lots of potential to dream away during clubby mornings.
The whole idea of this release is fulfilled by three extraordinary remixes. Amsterdam based electronic music gem Hollt, shootingstar Max von Sternberg from Vienna and Live artist Concious complete the EP with their majestic note right on top of modern electronic music production.

"Drums from heaven, keys from Mars, a bass made from mother earth's soil and guitars from a guy who's time-traveling from German Kraut in the last 60ies into the next 60ies and who happens to gift us today with this funky, dirty, pulsating, delicious music that's everything which music is supposed to be: ALIVE! (Note to self: Always keep a copy of this record in your suitcase!)." (Malakoff Kowalski)

"Afrokraut" is a stylistic expression of Krautrock, primarily associated with Can, and their creative use of time and space in music. "A Guide To Afrokraut III" is David Nesselhauf´s third and last contribution to the dusty shrine of this long forgotten style.

Next to "Afrokraut" (2016) and "Afrokraut II: The Lowbrow Manifesto" (2018), this album completes a humble sonic Trypticon in honour of David Nesselhauf's musical heroes. Experimentation was key in the immersive process of producing this album, which encompasses elements of Funk, Afrobeat and Krautrock as well as otherworldly Drones, early Elektronische Musik and even field recordings.

Inspired by the unfinished manuscript 'History Deletes Itself' by the late science fiction author Joseph Sabiers, Nesselhauf decided to produce a b-movie soundtrack to the original plot, ignoring the fact that there will likely never be a movie to this music.

In the original script, a virus has infected history, the resulting changes of historical facts leading to an unpredictable present and future for mankind. Every attempt to solve the problem – including time travelling – only worsens the situation. But three planets at the end of the known universe seem to be unaffected by the phenomenon, they become a sanctuary known as 'Afrokraut III'. Three brothers arrive there to start new lives. They are introduced to The Guide, their mysterious advisor...

The striking parallels to today's uncertainties, a strong feeling of hope and the idea to never stop exploring (come what may) certainly have encouraged the making of this album, which sees a belated release due to the obstacles everyone faces right now.

David Nesselhauf lives in Hamburg/Germany and appears as a bass player/songwriter in bands like Hamburg Spinners, The Drawbars, Diazpora, and Angels Of Libra.

Ain’t no stopping him now. Krystal Klear’s streak continues with Automat Kingsland. The recipe remains, perfectly seasoned to taste. The extended menu of four tracks is musical testament to the artist’s life of the last six months. Emphasizing movement at a pace that is hard to hold on to, but embraced nonetheless. Trying to transport that „lost in translation“ (and transit) sense of normal life due to constant motion to a dance floor near you. Euphoric melancholia meets rave romance, shutters open to let happiness crawl in and anxiety turns into excitement through the usual cocktail of tearjerkers and white noise risers. Recorded between Paris, New York, Dublin and London and brought to your city via Running Back. Automatic non stop existential output.

Stripped back essential cuts for body and mind. Frankfurt’s next generation is ready for takeover.

In the Middle of Nowhere is the fourth studio album by Modern Talking. It was released on 10 November 1986 in Germany and in other territories. The album contains the international hit single “Geronimo’s Cadillac”, which reached a top-5 position in Germany and Austria while entering the top-10 in many other countries including Switzerland, Sweden and Norway. The album also features follow-up singles “Give Me Peace on Earth” and “Lonely Tears in Chinatown” as well as fan-favorite “Angels sing in New York City”.

In the Middle of Nowhere entered the No. 1 position in Germany on 1
December 1986. After spending total of seven weeks within the top-10 in the German album chart, it eventually reached a gold status selling well over 250,000 units in Germany alone.

Speicher 125 is a most auspicious collaboration between two great, inimitable voices in techno: Kompakt co-founder Michael Mayer, and Magazine’s own Barnt. They’ve both been productive of late, Mayer with his “Brainwave Technology” EP in 2021, Barnt with his first release on Kompakt, "ProMetal Fan Decor Only Product" in 2022. Of course, they’re also busy with their respective record labels, and international DJing schedules.

You may already have heard their first track, which appeared on Michael’s "&" album from 2014, the psychedelic “Und Da Stehen Fremde Menschen”. For Speicher, though, they set their sights firmly on the peak time dance floor – the result is two stunning cuts of techno euphoria.

On “Teller” Barnt and Mayer unleash a synth storm, tense and thrilling. Percussion piles up against the incessant buzz, but before too long we’re submerged in waves of dense texturology, making the track an object lesson in tension and release. “Duration” is a bittersweet anthem about "life long love". A moving voice tells us about "faith in life" while gleaming, synths, choral swarms and snares shower down from above to form an epic tale about duration and devotion.

Weirding the groove and updating the emotions, Speicher 125 is a monster.

Speicher 125 ist die Zusammenarbeit zwischen zwei unnachahmlichen Stimmen des Techno: Michael Mayer, Mitbegründer von Kompakt, und Barnt von Magazine. Beide waren in letzter Zeit nicht unproduktiv, Mayer mit seiner "Brainwave Technology" EP, Barnt mit seiner ersten Veröffentlichung auf Kompakt, "ProMetal Fan Decor Only Product". Natürlich sind sie auch mit ihren jeweiligen Plattenlabels und internationalem DJing beschäftigt.

Vielleicht hast Du schon ihre erste Kollaboration gehört, die auf Michaels "&"-Album von 2014 erschienen ist, das psychedelische "Und Da Stehen Fremde Menschen". Für "Speicher" haben sie den Peak-Time-Dancefloor ins Visier genommen - das Ergebnis sind zwei atemberaubende Stücke voller Techno-Euphorie.

Auf "Teller" entfesseln Barnt und Mayer ein Synthie-Gewitter, spannend und mitreißend. Die Percussion türmt sich gegen das unaufhörliche Summen auf, aber schon bald tauchen wir in Wellen dichter Texturen ein, was den Track zu einer Lehrstunde in Sachen Spannung und Entspannung macht. "Duration" ist eine bittersüße Hymne über "lebenslange Liebe". Eine bewegte Stimme erzählt uns vom "Glauben an das Leben", während schimmernde Synthies, Chorschwärme und Snares von oben herab eine epische Geschichte über Ausdauer und Hingabe prasseln.

Speicher 125 ist ein Monster, das den Groove neu erkundet und die Emotionen auffrischt.

2026 Repress

Originally released in 2007 on CD and now re-released on double vinyl. "Heimische Gefilde" was the second full-length release on Traum at that time from Westerwald based DJ, producer and park ranger, Dominik Eulberg. Dominik has since then expended his activities enormously now appearing as a book author with best selling books in the German official bestseller list. He ist he ambassador of the most popular Conservation Union in Germany NABU, he has created a bird quartet and a hand made insect hotel and appears on national German TV regularly next playing in clubs world wide and producing stunning music. "Heimische Gefilde" includes spoken words by the man himself and the release won the price of the German critic awards for music. It is the only compilation that comprises a selection of Dominik Eulberg’s best early works and it is for the first time available on vinyl now.

As Dominik Eulberg says in his own words: „After more than 16 years, "Heimische Gefilde" is finally released on vinyl. At that time it was still a daring experiment to combine music with lustful science communication. Quickly one was thrown into the pot of the "weird eco-techno sound owl". Today, we are increasingly finding that we cannot stop the impending ecocide in a cognitive way. For more than 60 years we have known about the concrete threats to humanity from global warming and species extinction; yet nothing changes. Many alarmist efforts fail miserably, red lists grow longer and longer each year, and global temperatures continue to rise unchecked. It is becoming clearer and clearer that we have to reach out to our fellow human beings in a positive emotional way in order to make a difference, because we only protect what we love. Then sentimental minorities become majorities that change something. Art and culture are low-threshold vectors to make things majority-friendly. They are a fertile and valuable breeding ground to sensitize people outside the eco-bubble and to let their environment become a co-environment again. Today my transdisipilnary work is inseparable. I write books, develop games, lecture, make film, and am a visiting scholar at museums. "Heimische Gefilde" was a valuable cornerstone for my creative work, a very intrinsic work to go my very own way.“

We would also like quote here the description of Forced Exposure done at the time when the album was originally recorded and released to keep the authentic feel: „The influence of nature (bird twitters, owl hoots, flowing water, crunching leaves) and other domestic sounds has made his music easy to identify with. „Heimische Gefilde" means "native habitat," and this release takes the concept of his debut a step further and at the same time is a retrospective of his major hits. Tracks like "Die Rotbauchunken vom Tegernsee" and "Björn Borkenkäfer" are included here in unreleased edits that are even stronger than the originals, and as a bonus, previously vinyl-only

Degiheugi presents his new project “Remixed Treasures”. A project that bears its name well. Like seabed adventurers, the remixers have been asked to rework in their own way some of the most significant tracks of a career spanning more than 20 years.

Starring L’Orange, Moderator, Souleance, iZem, The Architect, Senbei, Al Tarba, Mounika, DJ Vadim, La Fine Equipe, Kognitif, ProleteR and Scratch Bandits Crew, the XXL cast of this impressive crossover melts genres (hip-hop, electro, ambient, drum & bass, jazz…) and brings together no less than 13 beatmakers from different scenes and generations.

"A Place For Love" is a captivating electronic house music endeavor, expertly crafted by the synergistic partnership of San Proper and Figi, hailing from the vibrant city of Amsterdam. The project boasts an impressive roster of guest contributors, including Tom Trago, Seth Troxler, and the esteemed label heads of Guti & David Gtronic, each imbuing the compositions with their signature style. The project exudes a funky, charming, and inviting energy, inviting listeners to fully embrace their individuality and lose themselves in the hypnotic beats. Whether it be the electrifying dubby techno, the shimmering and ethereal twists, or the razor-sharp edges injected into the club-ready tracks, "A Place For Love" offers a diverse array of auditory delights. It is truly a sanctuary for those seeking to indulge in the boundless beauty of electronic music and the euphoria of self-

AMAS_JAHRE



das album JAHRE ist ein musikalischer abriss der letzten 15 jahre zweier freunde und weggefährten. alle persönlichen höhen und tiefen sind auch hier musikalisch zu finden und sollen durch einen typischen abend unserer generation führen.

es beginnt mit dem prolog, der alle ängste und hoffnungen auf einer einsamen straße zum gemeinsamen sein skizziert. was erwartet einen, wird man sich wieder mit seinem besten freund streiten, oder liebt man sich mit einer fremden auf dem klo? all das läuft langsam die straße hinunter…

die abenddämmerung beschreibt das zusammenkommen mit deinen liebsten und freunden und die erste euphorie auf das was kommen mag. man sitzt gemeinsam beim essen oder im wohnzimmer, redet über alte geschichten oder neue liebschaften, alles schwingt und swingt im richtigen groove der zeit.

in aufbruch kommt die ganze nervosität und vorfreude auf das gemeinsame ausgehen zum ausdruck. alle werden hibbelig und springen umher, einer zieht sich etwas durch die nase, die andere tanzt auf dem sofa und schreit ihre liebe in die nacht. wenn endlich alle fertig sind kann man dann auch mal aufbrechen.

getanze beschreibt den moment des betretens einer musikalischen szenerie und tanzerei, die alle sofort mitreist und befreit. der geruch im club ist stark und leicht süßlich von rauch und schweiß, alles bewegt sich, alles fließt, man wird einfach geführt und lässt sich gehen.

mit begierde kommt der sexualisierte augenblick, verstärkt durch alkohol und drogen jeglicher fasson, über uns alle - man möchte alles begehren und besitzen, man liebt alles, fickt alles und beweint alles und jeden, bis man wieder klar wird und den ursprünglich pfad zu seiner gemeinschaft findet.

ricardo zerlegt kurz vor dem ende des abends nochmal völlig wild und ekstatisch das gehör, den raum und die zeit. alles biegt sich wie in einem schwarzen loch, überall ist gravitation und klang, alles zerschmilzt zu einem brei aus liebe, angst, geborgenheit und wahnsinn.

das morgengrauen ist der moment des erwachens, sowohl der sorgen und des grauens der folgen dieser nacht, aber auch der geborgenheit der freundschaften die einen umgeben. man schwankt freudig und zitternd nach hause, manch einer alleine, andere wollen noch weiter in ihren armen liegen, ob aus furcht oder liebe ist eigentlich egal, hauptsache man spürt!

am ende soll der epilog heilen, er zeigt uns wie gut und selten unsere fast schon schizophrene lebensweise war und immer noch ist :).

ANGEL delivers a new dub techno EP, “Sous l’eau”, on the in Stuttgart-based label AMAS_Studio. The EP unveils 4 dub techno tracks including a remix by the Amas crew and Estrato Aurora.

it is a deep journey through and under the water of her mind and soul. listen and swim through her sound of berlin streets.
The original versions of “Particule I” and “Particule II” highlight a contemporary vision of dub techno, boasting some vocals and deep layers, while being aligned to the broader dub techno genre. AMAS Remix provides a singular vision of “Particule II”, with reverbs and harmonics that are more electronica-oriented, while the version of Spanish producer Estrato Aurora, working exclusively on analog instruments, unveils a deeper and more atmospheric touch.

A juicy 4-track EP from Eine Welt. 700WET is an art pop project by queer opera singer Marja Christians (award-winning dancer) and Cid Hohner (Moonwalk X Records, OTTO, Aufgang B). Luring outsider synth-pop with touching and honest opera vocals. It reminds of Grace Jones doing minimal wave in a Chicago house.

They call it “Lovers-Dance”. While you may melt on the slow and extended dubbed out title jam “Gimme Love”, the sassy “Cannoli Amore” is a catchy, fun dancer at 120 bpm. Recorded during the pandemic primarily with nothing but cheap 1989 Yamaha keyboards.The project also reflected what they wanted to hear when there was a big void.

11th release by O’FortyFour (Pahatam, Closer resident DJ) on the label Sequalog run by TC80.

Guy J is one of the leading artists in the world of underground dance music. However, his artistic appetites are far more diverse. His Malta-based label is a platform for cutting-edge producers, but Guy J rarely releases his production on the label. He has released only one of his musical pieces on Armadillo, an opening track (Aurora AM Mix) on a V.A. Fields Vol.2, until now.

94 Blossom is his twelve-minute showpiece, revealing his skill in the context of the finest electronica. The material is a sonic expedition based on contrasts of a hypnotic arrangement taking a conceptual journey from darkness to light. Guy J fuses arpeggio soundscapes and electronic percussions with improvised elements enabling the balance of mathematical structure and freestyle. The most memorable part of the journey is the Balearic-influenced end theme, thoroughly sticking the landing. Will electronic music be the classical music of the future? J is one of the artists who could make that possibility come true.

'I'll Show You How' von Cinnamon Soulettes ist eines der mit Abstand schönsten Liebeslieder, die je aufgenommen wurden, und erscheint in neuer Auflage auf dem Reissue-Label von Floating Points, Melodies International. Es gibt kaum Informationen über diese Aufnahme, die in den 1970ern in einer privaten 7" Pressung des legendären Seattle-Produzenten Kearney Barton erschien und von einem mysteriösen Songwriter namens L. Leavy geschrieben wurde, da sämtliche Details während einer Flutüberschwemmung verloren gingen.

Vinyl Only

ETO is a live project with VENDi and Trans-Neptunian Object created in 2021. They are oriented deep minimal to deep techno passing by ambient drone music.

etorecordings.space

Introducing the first volume on the “Aquapelagos" series - a collection of split LPs where selected artists offer their own take into water surrounded cultures and communities. After the initial release of the Anthology compilation Aquapelago in 2022 (Discrepant ,CREP91) this first volume opens up the series with a sound journey inspired by the majestic and sometimes furious Atlantic Ocean. The music was recorded throughout special artists residencies held during the Keroxen Festival in 2020 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife where throughout a week each band recorded their own free vision of an aquapelagic Atlantic culture. Philip Hayward, the Australian researcher who coined the term Aquapelago also joins the proceedings with extensive sleeve notes.

Side 1 is provided by LAGOSS – a band comprised of Tenerife based veteran producers, Gonçalo F. Cardoso, Mladen Kurajica and Daniel García while Side 2 is provided by Banha da Cobra, comprising Lisbon-based musicians Mestre André and Carlos Godinho. Both ensembles have addressed aquatic themes in their prior work, LAGOSS having represented phantom islands on a series of vivid cameo tracks released as Imaginary Island Music Volume 1 (Discrepant, 2020) and Banha da Cobra having staged a performance within the Mãe D'Água reservoir in Lisbon in 2018, drawing on recordings of place and objects within it to conjure the liquid history of the city.

Junior Jack’s timeless 2004 disco/house fusion ‘Stupidisco’ receives a spread of dynamic remixes from some of the most talented remixers around.

Kicking things off is Spanish DJ and producer David Penn, who takes the stems and gives them an immaculate polish! Taking JJ’s Pointer Sisters sampling goodness and working into a re-sliced, disco-house filter journey with punchy kicks, tremulating basslines and an anthemic piano that is guaranteed to bring the sun out from the clouds.

Next up is Germany's Deeperlove with the toughest mix in the package with it's tech house inspired drums and bassline.

On the flip side, Aussie based Kiwi Jolyon Petch jumps in, delivering 2 killer remixes with his Italo inspired Jolyon Petch Remix and a nu-disco treat under his Elektrik Disko alias.

Jazz music has more than its fair share of overshadowed figures that whilst contributing much to the music have little presence in its collective conscious. One such musician is the talented multi-reedist, Sahib Shihab. Born Edmond Gregory, as he was known before he adopted the Muslim faith in 1946, Sahib Shihab's music background shows a deep and significant evolution, influenced by Thelonious Monk, Dizzie Gillespie (his experience in Dizzie's band marked Sahib's switch to Baritone, the instrument he became most readily associated with), and above all by Charlie Parker's Bop. Had it not been for the post-war migration of many top American jazz musicians to Europe, it is quite likely that the legendary Clarke-Boland Big Band might never come into existence. Sahib, one of this musicians disillusioned with the politics and racism of the United States, accepted to join the band of Quincy Jones for an European tour in 1959. When the tour ended, Shihab he remained in Europe where he joined, in 1961, the Clarke-Boland Big Band. The collection 'Companionship', whose line up consists of seven elements which derives from this original band, spotlights the consummate musicianship and individuality of Sahib Shihab and is testimony to his special musical gifts - not only as a top-rank flautist and baritone saxophone but also as a composer. Furthermore, it provides a welcome reminder of the high quality of the Clarke-Boland Big Band's rhythm section, the lively style of vibraphonist Fats Sadi and the power and personality of two of the C-BBB's horn-playing stalwarts, Benny Bailey and Ake Persson. Here's a real rarity, surely a desert island disc. This double album has it all from frantic banging percussive workouts to modal numbers to beautiful ballads. It's a staggeringly good piece of music and worth every penny of the price tag it commands. Let's have a look to the most significant pieces. Francy Boland's "Om Mani Padme Hum", taken from a Tibetan prayer, shows Shihab in exuberant mood, playing against a vigorous percussion background and making dramatic use of his special technique of combining voice and flute. Boland contributes an incisive, effervescent solo. "Bohemia After Dark", a classic original by bassist Oscar Pettiford which he first recorded back in August 1955, finds Shihab in exultant form on baritone. "Companionship" has a Bossa Nova beat and features Bailey on flugelhorn and Shihab on flute, playing with a limpid, floating sound. Bailey's minor-key original, "Stoned Ghosts" was, he says, inspired by listening to some music written by Bela Bartok before he emigrated to the United States. The piece has an infectious back-beat pulse and showcases the superb walking technique of Jimmy Woode. In "Con Alma" Shihab's mellow flute set against a churning 12/8 beat in this stylish Boland arrangement. Woode's performance of the superb Mei Torme ballad, "Born To Be Blue", reveals his great affection for the song. "lt is the perfect combination," he says, "a beautiful melody married to a great lyric. I really love that tune." It is a song of rueful resignation, putting a brave face on the blues. "Balafon" is an up-tempo Francy Boland original written for the French mime artist, Marcel Marceau. The rhythm section really cooks on this track with Kenny Clarke's cymbal work outstanding. Boland's solo here is notable for its neat, left hand punctuations. "Calypso Blues" has been written by Nat King Cole and Don George. lt tells the wry and wistful tale of a Trinidadian in New York desperately homesick for the land where everything 5 so much cheaper (in New York "a dollar buy, a cup of coffee and a ham on rye") and the girls more natural than the artificial, painted beauties of New York. Woode's composition, "Sconsolato" is a haunting theme in A minor and it brings to a close a truly fascinating album. This is dynamic music played with vigour, verve and vitality - and it is an enormous pleasure to rediscover it. A shadowy fugitive from his home in the land of jazz, Sahib Shihab remains a true unsung figure, worthy of more attention. With his equally expert technique on Baritone, Flute, Alto and Soprano saxophones and his capacity to adapt easily to a variety of musical settings. His warm, individual, singsong sound in improvisation and his unusual and interesting compositions mark him out as a hidden treasure in the dusty corners of jazz archive.