Santo Sangre is a project by San Francisco-based artist, producer and DJ Gonzo Manuel. On its first release, Quetzal, perhaps a reference to the central-American bird with bright, ornate plumage Gonzo taps into a Latin-accented, tribal feel that is ably carried on rolling, syncopated percussion with an organic essence, a birdsong-like chant, sporadic and light bursts of actual song and haunting string chords that cut across the sound spectrum, adding dark energy and urgency to the track. This one will sit nicely out on its own, bringing a hybrid organic/robotic essence to the dance or would work equally well rinsed around in the mix, with all its elements appearing and disappearing at just the right time as a transition ascends and peaks.
Oakland producer Indy Nyles remix builds on the tribal theme by enhancing the syncopated aspect of the percussion. He augments this further with a pretty and drifting melody line composed of glassy keyboard sounds. The sense of drama this creates is boosted further by a breathy and repetitive voice sample. This concoction drives along nicely until around the 5 minute mark when Nyles drops a menacing, snaking thread of 303 bass, stabs of icey strings and echo and delay effects that amplify the shadowy, seductive allure of his remix. Its a new sounding track but the acid line and syncopation bring to mind some of the psychedelic, breakbeat classics of San Franciscos halcyon, rave era.
Rounding things up is the Slope 114 Remix. Here Dmitri Ponce and partner
Elise Gargalikis take the track on a house journey that is, like Indys mix, brand new sounding but possessed by the spirits of the classics. Elises vocal flourishes bring to the mind the Latin house, tribalist dynamism of Louie Vega and Indias River Ocean numbers while Dmitri nudges the bassline from chunk and funk to acid and massive without sacrifcing the subtlety of the maneuver. The subtle aspect being that a techno, a tech-house and a straight up house heads will be able to bounce this one to the box without leaving her generic comfort zone: the true mark of a classic.
This release is a strong start for this new artist, look out for more fire from this Bay Area talent
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'Cala Bassa' oozes nostalgia with a nod to the Balearic sound of Ibiza. Those piano keys, combined with the faint female vocal bring that perfect House sound. On the B-side, 'Girl' from Sirkea - The perfect track to compliment 'Cala Bassa', making for more easy listening. Capturing the laid-back side of Nu Disco, with soft piano keys and broken vocal, this is some seriously stunning production skills and a must for every vinyl enthusiast.
Sunda Arc are brothers Nick Smart and Jordan Smart. Best known as key members of Norwich based alternate-jazz trio Mammal Hands, Sunda Arc channels the duos love of electronic and dance music, without losing any of their deep musicality. Drawing on techno, electronica, neo-classical and post-rock influences, Sunda Arc compose and perform using both electronic and acoustic instruments, including analogue synthesisers, home-made software patches, piano, saxophones and bass clarinet - all finessed and channelled through their own unique creative strategies. Integrating electronic elements and experimentation with the expressiveness and energy of acoustic instruments and live performance, Sunda Arcs music is expansive, compelling and fun in equal parts.
- A1: Let There Be Flutes
- A2: Midlander (There Can Only Be One...)
- A3: Why Is A Frog Too
- B1: Mind That Gap
- B2: Run On The Spot
- B3: Bentley's Gonna Sort You Out!
- C1: Ragtopskodacarchase
- C2: Whoosh
- C3: Who Put The Bom In The Bom Bom Diddleye Bom
- D1: Spacehopper
- D2: Return Of The Hardcore Jumble Carbootechnodisco Roadshow
- D3: On Her Majesty's Secret Whistle
- D4: Spy Who Loved Moose
Limited Edition: 500 x 2 LP Gatefold Pressing. Bentley Rhythm Ace formed in Birmingham in 1996 when ex Pop Will Eat Itself bassist Richard March and DJ Michael Stokes discovered a shared love of obscure, oddball and eccentric tunes. Utilising lo-fi cut and paste sampling techniques combined with analogue synths and some wild turntable action their debut EP was picked up by Fatboy Slim's Brighton based Skint Records and released to widespread acclaim. The BRA live show added Fuzz Townshend on drums and James Atkin (ex EMF vocalist) on keyboards and the latter years of the 90s saw BRA firmly established as festival favourites with appearances at Glastonbury, Reading, V, T in the Park, Montreux Jazz and Fuji Rock amongst many others. Their irreverent approach mixed with big beats, thundering bass, wild synths and esoteric samples proved to be a hit with fans and critics alike. 1998 saw Bentley Rhythm Ace crowned 'Best Dance Act' in that year's NME awards. Their eponymous debut album was given a worldwide release after the Bentleys signed to Parlophone records and the band toured extensively in the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia and USA. As well as releasing a highly regarded DJ mix album on Ministry of Sound, and releasing a second album for Parlophone (featuring vocals from Black Grape/Ruthless Rap Assassins frontman Kermit), BRA also produced well received remixes for the Beastie Boys and Supergrass as well as soundtracking several TV shows and adverts. This "21st Birthday - Bonus Tracks Edition" of the album has been compiled by Richard March of the band and includes the original 11 track album along with 2 bonus tracks remastered and repressed to vinyl for the first time in almost two decades! Presented in a deluxe gatefold sleeve, complete with original artwork and comprehensive sleeve notes for all thirteen tracks written for this release by Richard March. Bentley Rhythm Ace (21st Birthday - Bonus Tracks Edition)
Fina's next release comes from Mathew Ferness, an exciting and already hotly tipped rising star for just his second ever EP. It features three tracks that showcase his musical house style with a remix from Helsinki's Saine.
Ferness hails from a small town near Montreal in Quebec, where he was an outcast obsessed with music. With no access to record shops, parties or scenes Mathew started taking matters into his own hands DJing in his teens taking inspiration from J Dilla, he soon began producing his own beats on a sampler and drum machine.
An exploration of analogue sounds, DAWS and most recently electronic music have all lead him to the rich sound he has now. His last EP on Beat changers was championed by Rhythm Section International and Radio 1 tastemaker Bradley Zero and this latest EP is likely to prove just as popular.
Pad laced opener 'Escapade' is a summery deep house jam with breezy acoustic guitar and warm, punchy drums of the sort to get any floor cutting loose. 'Solitude' is more paired back, with thoughtful piano keys laid over deep rolling drums. There is a musical romance and beauty to the synths that elevate this one above purely functional fodder, and then 'At First Sight' awakens your senses once more with broad synth smears and perfectly rough-edged drums which create pure deep house soul.
Saine is a producer with a range that goes from hazy hip hop to dusty house on labels like Odd Socks, Andy Hart's Voyage and this one before now. After his 2017 EP Mint, he returns with a remix that is bubbly and laden with colourful melodies and open-air house grooves.
This is EP full of rich house music that is for mind, body and soul.
- A1: As I Breathe On The T. T. C
- A2: Anna King
- A3: Space Age Punks
- A4: God Is A Machine
- A5: Feable
- A6: Got To Get Off The Earth
- B1: *Electronic Pink Panther
- B2: Human Question
- B3: Traffic
- B4: Loneliness
- B5: Jungle Chant
- B6: Hidden Melodies
- C1: This Time
- C2: Come On Over
- C3: Old Hollywood
- C4: A Kiss Without Lust
- C5: You Are The Special One
- C6: The Movement
- C7: Nuclear Waste
- D1: Fusion
- D2: Shadows
- D3: Interlude (Demo)
- D4: Feable (Demo)
- D5: Anna King (Demo)
- D6: Come On Over (Alt Version
Drama were the Canadian duo of Eric Simpson (Vocals, Bass Guitar, Guitar) and Don Stagg (Keyboards). Formed in in Mississauga, Ontario in 1978, the pair had previously played together in progressive psych bands Majik and VIIth Temple. Almost every Saturday, Eric and Don would record one song on a TEAC 4 track tape recorder after a couple of takes with very little over dubbing. The pair were influenced by what was playing on the radio during the recording sessions. Everyone else at that time was in a rock or pop band yet Drama were making electronic music. The pair released their debut LP 'Loneliness' on Psycho Records in 1979. There were 500 albums made and about 200 ended up in the garbage as band members shuffled from apartment to apartment. This was followed by a 4-track 7' later that year featuring live drums and additional guitar.
Seance Centre says it best, 'On Loneliness, the pair traded in their velvet and chord charts for thin ties and a cheap drum-machine. The LP still carries a whiff of patchouli, but the sound stings of solder and electricity, and inhabits a nascent zone somewhere between krautrock and new-wave. The vocal cuts are all clustered on the A-side, starting with an ode to the inefficiency of the Toronto Transit Commission - some things never change! The dystopian sci-fi themes are par for the League, and highlights are the love ballad 'Anna King' and the charming 'Feable'. The instrumentals on the B-side feel decidedly more Teutonic, and have a certain CBC charm that sounds like JP Decerf recording for Parry Music. It even opens with a slinky stoned Pink Panther.' For this first time vinyl reissue we've expanded to a double LP with a bonus album of the 4 songs from Old Hollywood 7' and 9 previously unreleased tracks and demo versions. All songs are remastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. The vinyl comes housed in a jacket with original photo by Don Stagg taken from his apartment rooftop overlooking Toronto of a young teenager sniffing glue and includes an insert with photos and liner notes by Drama.
German electronic originator Gudrun Gut's latest solo collection distills a lifetime of persuasions and obsessions into a compelling 14-track statement: "Moment." Stark, somber, sultry, and clever, the sides slide between ballad and lament, synth-pop and spoken word, anthemic and abstract.
Gut's background as a key figure in Berlin's first-wave industrial uprising still casts an aura in the music's mechanized rhythms and frozen emotional palette but decades of improvisation and collaboration have deepened her sense of composition and melody beyond any easy genre categorization.
If anything "Moment" finds Gut's muse at its most enigmatic, threading shades of motorik hypnosis, technoid laboratory, coldwave pop, glitchy gauze, and even a gender-bent Bowie cover ('Boys Keep Swinging') into its eclectic web. It also showcases the depth and detail of her voice, reserved but suggestive, intoning blunt truths and opaque poetry in both German and English.
This is music of history and heartache, modernity and desire, alienation and expression, by a singular creative committed to the complexities of sound. - Britt Brown
Gudrun Gut's story spans many years, scenes, and sounds, from the 'ingenious dilettantes' subculture of early 1980's Berlin as part of Mania D, Einstürzende Neubauten, and Malaria! to her twilit industrial pop trio Matador into an expansive solo catalog of later work scoring films, videos, and radio plays. Her talents extend beyond musician, however, to include founding record labels (the influential imprints Moabit Musik and Monika Enterprise), club nights (progressive electronic pop collective Oceanclub), and experimental feminist collaborations (Monika Werkstatt).
Gut also works extensively in the technical sector of the recording industry, as a producer. Recent projects have included collaborations with Antye Greie (AGF) and Hans-Joachim Irmler of Faust, participating on the advisory committee for Musicboard Berlin, and performing at The Royal Albert Hall with Âme as part of an Innervisions label night.
SJ Tequilla continues to build on his small but well formed discography with a new EP on Bright Sounds. His three originals come backed with a remix from cult producer SW. SJ Tequilla has released on his own Shot Of T imprint and DJ Fett Burger s Freakout Cult since debuting in 2017. The Japanese born, Berlin based artist is also close to Sex Tags Mania and regularly holds it down at OHM Club as well as for busking on his live, vintage hardware jams around the streets of Kreuzberg.
The opener is a six minute house bumper with a classic lead acid line and plenty of Detroit pads. The pinging analogue drums are lively and elastic while more thoughtful keys are draped over the top. SUED man SW. steps up to remix and brings a mixture of pad laced serenity old school rave basslines to his hard hitting drums. The B1 is another rugged mix of live sounding drums, acid snuggles and rueful keys while ambient synths stretch off to infinity. Last but not least, B2 sinks into a blissed out dub house vibe, rolling deep and smooth and showing off Tequilla s ability to cook up far sighted synths that have real emotion. This is an EP well school in traditionalism but that also brings some fresh skills and ideas to the grooves.
inner Sea' Is A Journey Inwards, Delving Into The Hidden Ocean Of Unconscious Dreams And Memories. Melodies Tell Stories Of Key Moments, Anchoring Certain Points In One's Life And The Experiences And Sensations They Reflect. Giving Them Sounds To Breathe And Mirroring The Soul In Unseen Depths, These Memories Are Stored Eternally In A Shelter Floating Within This Inner World.
all These Memories Lay In The Depths Of My Inner Sea. It's Surface Reflects Pictures Of All The Worlds That I Want To Dive Back Into, Over And Over Again.' - Takeleave Nicolas De Araújo Peixoto
'inner Sea' Comes Out Worldwide On Limited Double Blue Vinyl (including Download Code)
After Heading Up The First Three Releases Of His Akoya Circles Label, Look Like Brings A Brand New Name Into The Fold.
On The Motorsport Ep, New Swiss/ Serbian Talent Parco Palaz Takes Familiar Club Sounds And Reanimates Them Through His Own Prism Of Rhythm And Sound Design, Presenting An Unconventional And Sophisticated Debut Release. The Tracks Show A Mouth-watering Combination Of Heady Textures And Impulsive Movement That Mark The Young Producer As One To Watch For The Future.
The Lead Track, Motorsport Takes An Acid Trip Through An Imaginary, Nocturnal Landscape Of Hissing Percussion. Raw And Hypnotic, The Track Has A Looseness And Swing To It That Tempers A Tight Rhythmic Focus, Swelling And Pulsing For Sure Fire Dance Floor Heat.
On The Flip Side Palaz Steps Away From The Peak Time With A Pair Of Spacey, Ambient Leaning Electronic Pieces. Prelude To A Dream Is Wandering And Cinematic, Tinged With Psychedelic Melodrama. Slow Motion Is More Upbeat But Similarly Wide-eyed And Explorative. The Young Producer Experiments With Junglist Rhythms Against Soft Keys, Creating A Meditative Rave Homage To Round Off The Ep.
*Landing on Alchemy Dubs is our third release on 12' format, a very special collaboration between Ojah, Fikir Amlak, Don Fe and Nik Torp.
The A side contains the track 'On my mind', a vocal version of Ojah's 'Mind' riddim that features beautiful vocals and harmonies by Fikir Amlak paired with inspiring and emotional lyrics. The second cut is a vocal dub version mixed in analog live by Ojah.
On the B side we find Don Fe's excellent flute version 'Remind' that takes the riddim to a different dimension with its deep and meditational melodies. The second cut on this side is a haunted flute dub version, also mixed live by Ojah in classic fashion.
The Hammond and melodica featured on both sides have been played by Nik Torp (keyboard player from The Specials) and masterfully recorded through an MCI desk that used to belong to Island Records (hundreds of seminal records where recorded through it, including for example Bob Marley's Exodus).
Also available complementing this release is ALDBS7007, a 7' that contains an additional Hammond & melodica solo version and an additional dub.
Limited edition of 600 copies, 180g heavyweight vinyl, hand-numbered, served in a thick custom sleeve with amazing artwork by Victor Castro.
Produced by Ojah, recorded at Alchemy Dubs Studio, London, UK
Hammond & melodica by Nikolaj Torp Larsen 'Nik Torp', recorded by George Murphy at Eastcote Studio 1, London, UK
Vocals on A1 by Fikir Amlak, recorded by Manuel Guerra Rubio at Arkchant Studio, Barcelona, Spain
Flute on B1 by Don Fe, recorded by Don Fe at Don Fe Studio, Murcia, Spain
Mixed & mastered by Oscar Pablos 'Ojah" at Alchemy Dubs Studio, London, UK
Graphic design by Victor Castro
In summer 2015 Andreas Oskar Hirsch finished constructing the Carbophone, an electroacoustic invention pushing the concept of the African Kalimba or Mbira. Vertically set up carbon rods, metal bars as well as a rubber band gamut make up this plucking instrument which opens up a whole variety of sound possibilities and features rather particular overtones.
Initially, Early Carbophonics was produced upon invitation by Radiophrenia, a Glasgow based temporary art radio station run by Mark Vernon and Barry Burns, and the pieces were broadcasted for the first time in late summer 2016. Here, Early Carbophonics are compiled on vinyl, and in contrast to the digitally distributed tracks, the pieces are mixed into each other on the record. Sketches from the rehearsal room are combined with more refined pieces through editing processes, sampling and effects resulting in electronic music with a warm analogue lo-fi feel of its own. Straightly rhythm driven tracks are followed by ambient oddities like the promenade of an octopus or a probably senile shipwrecked robot that emerges from a castle moat and starts speaking to you with a haunting voice. Occasionally, the Carbophone is accompanied by some other instruments like a Morse key, a Moroccan flute or the Electric Palm Leaf.
It is with great honour that Emotional Rescue comes back to the music of Jaki Whitren & John Cartwright for a special 7" of two previously unreleased songs on to vinyl for the first time in That Will Be That and This Time. Originally part of the International Times reissue project (ERC004) in 2013, the songs have previously only been available on CD and digital formats as 'out-takes'. However, all that time the plan was to release the songs as a stand-alone vinyl release at some point.
Discussion with John continued over the years and the plan was for a release as part of the label's fifth anniversary, until sadly the project was put on hold due to the untimely loss of both Jaki and John in late 2016. The recent repress of their masterpiece that is their privately pressed album, International Times, led to these songs being revisited for the first time since and so here at last are both available together, as much in homage to these two wonderful musicians. More than studio-plus recordings, That Will Be That actually appeared in rerecorded form on the couple's Rhythm Hymn album of 1983. Here though is the original (and superior) version, with all the hallmarks of classic Whitren and Cartwright song writing craft, musicianship and production skill. Again remastered by their son (and at the time, teenage drummer) Joby Baker, the song drips with a confidence of masters of their instruments, full heartfelt, righteous and as relevant today as then lyrics, all backed with some deep white funk and enough soul to move mountains. This is accompanied by one of their greatest compositions in the spine-tingling This Time. Only ever known on this live recording from Glastonbury Hall, Jaki's vocals and light accompaniment from John's keys let the song shine. If the sheer power of her voice and words don't move you, then something is missing in life. A pure, sad, joyous way to thank and remember this wonderful music and people.
Neville Watson returns to DBA with The Midnight Orchard, his first full-length in five years. Watson is a key figure on the electronic music scene at large and has made regular appearances on Don't Be Afraid, as well as on celebrated imprints such as Crème Organization, Clone and Rush Hour, where he released some of his best-known work alongside Kink.
In a crowded landscape of factory-line jack trax and synthesis for the sake-of-it, it's little surprise that Watson's physical, arresting takes on house and techno have been such a staple in the record bags of the world's leading DJs for the past twenty years. Throughout The Midnight Orchard, Watson seamlessly bridges his futurist leanings gleaned from a lifelong commitment to electronic music with the anarchic spirit of his acid-house heritage.
The record still finds catharsis in the relentless pulse that has defined Watson's life since his early residencies where he peddled ecstatic escapism to towns on the commuter belts of London, notably via his involvement in seminal Reading party Checkpoint Charlie. However, there's a more somber, arguably introspective and perhaps even somewhat wistful tone at play throughout. This might surprise those who've invested their feet and hearts in tracks with titles like Night Of The Inflatable Muscleheads and Everything I Know About House (I Learned on Facebook).
In a move away from his previous musical leanings, The Midnight Orchard embraces a distinctly more UK sound, unapologetically chronicling the paranoia that can be found skirting the euphoria of rave. And while Watson has avoided the eyebrow-arching pitfalls of the self-serious DJ full-length, it must be noted that the rhythms here are more skittering, the atmosphere less jubilant and the signature lo-fi hiss, fully popularised and bastardised since Watson's last album, has taken on a more fore-boding tone.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere elsewhere harks to a more idealistic world, particularly on the cascading and subdued Eine Kleine Emusik, and the euphoric We Own The Night. Twin Tub and Reet Dux provide dubby, sensual moments of escapism. There's uncompromising, hard-nosed rhythms on Dee Sides, and cosmic electro throughout 4am in the Trees. The album then concludes in a bold fashion with Displays of Brotherly Love and the resolutely hopeful atmosphere of Phosphorescent.
Reflecting decades of immersion in club culture and taking inspiration from wider-found sounds, The Midnight Orchard is loaded with thrilling parallels and a sense of genuine unpredictability. Tracks like Come On In and Anarcho Midnight are layered with unease, utilising pitch dark arpeggios and skittish, growling electronics to devastating effect.
Having dedicated the last eighteen months of his life to the studio, Watson has rec-orded what is undeniably the most unexpected music of his career. Amid the dark-ness, The Midnight Orchard has borne fruit.
One thing The Vryll Society aren't short of is admirers, Lauded at just about every turn by press and public alike, the release of their debut LP for Deltasonic Records is hotly anticipated thanks to the promise this band have shown through their live sets and recent single releases.
Discovered and nurtured by the late and much missed Deltasonic founder Alan Wills, they fitted the type for him perfectly. He instantly saw in them similar attributes he'd previously found in the early days of The Coral and The Zutons. The confident swagger, the solid union formed by their band-of-brothers gang mentality, their willingness to stand outside the conventional and often stifling jangly Liverpool scene, and the work ethic. Always the work ethic.
Wills instilled in The Vryll Society something which has become over the ensuing years a key element of what they are, what they've become, and of the music they produce. He gave them belief. A belief that hard work and determination will bring them to the place they wanted to reach.
'Alan taught us that all you need to conquer the world is a rehearsal room, your instruments, a good work ethic and a positive attitude and you'll get there. He kind of taught us the rules and the attributes that you need to have to be successful so we've just continued on that path' says frontman Mike Ellis.
Ellis has stated that it was that attitude and that work ethic which got them through the subsequent tragic loss of their friend and manager in 2014, driving them forward through those times, propelling them to harder work, and bonding them even closer together as a unit.
That unit have spent the intervening time creating and honing their own brand new-psych sound, and building up a fanbase with their superlative live shows. Drawing from an eclectic palette of influence from deep funk to Krautrock, electronica and prog, they've created a heady, intoxicating, pin sharp, and tightly wound mellifluous groove, washed over with cyclical motifs, acres of effects laden guitar hooks, and shimmering, textural technicolour soundscapes. It is at once blissful, dizzying and madly infectious. It's that eclecticism, that kaleidoscopic swirl of influences which brings together hip hop flavours, with the prog stylings of names such as Aphrodite's Child and The Verve - pre Urban Hymns - when the drugs were still working. The dynamic leaps and folds through all these influences is where you find The Vryll Society's own brand perfect pop. Its all there in the loops, in the hooks, the drive and the vibe of this unique band. But this isn't frippery, these aren't throwaway cheap thrills for our disposable times. No, this is heavier. This is music too feed your head.
Live too, The Vryll Society are a formidable force. That gang mentality binds them together over the ideas formed by spending long hours together in the rehearsal every day. Hotwiring these ideas into the heads of the crowd through extended psych jams and deep solid grooves gives a different show every time, and with each and every set, the offer gets better. Recent travels have seen them take SXSW 2017 by storm as guests of BBC Introducing as well as major festivals such as Glastonbury and Leeds/Reading.
The songs that fill the delicious grooves of Course Of The Satellite weren't so much written as devised or developed, brought together organically over months in the band's underground lair, or over weeks in Liverpool's Parr Street Studios. Working closely with producers, Wills' right hand man and Deltasonic brother-in-arms Joe Fearon and Tom Longworth, the album took shape organically, biding its time and finding its way. The result is a work of impressive confidence and stature. It's a record that believes in itself, and for all the right reasons. This is an effortlessly cool album, the sort of record that makes friends easily. The world is ready, willing and more than able to take The Vryll Society even deeper to their heart. The path Alan Wills showed them awaits. It's a path that leads to greatness.
a1 | Course Of The Satellite
a2 | A Perfect Rhythm
a3 | Andrei Rublev
a4 | Glows And Spheres
a5 | Tears We Cry
a6 | When The Air Is Hot
b1 | The Light At The Edge Of The World
b2 | Shadow Of A Wave
b3 | Soft Glue
b4 | Inner Life
b5 | Give In To Me
Digging 80s pop obscurities has long been part of Emotional Rescue's mission statement and the unearthing of this cover of the Talking Heads classic by the little known, Italian new wave band Politrio for a limited 7" press is a worthy addition.
Formed by guitarist, songwriter and producer Giorgio Canali alongside Massimo Sbaragli and Roberto Zoli for the short-lived project. With just one album released of new wave, pop rock, it was their contribution to an Amnesty International benefit LP that spawned this excellent version of Byrne, Franz and Weymouth penned classic. Coming out of the CBGBs scene of post-punk downtown NYC, the song, released on their aptly titled 1977 "77" debut album, has gone on to become one of the defining songs of it's time. Further enhanced with their mesmeric performance in the 1984 Stop Making Sense film and album, it has been ripe for reinterpretation. Politrio's version keeps and captures much of the original, but with their own swing, rhythm, Italian-English vocal delivery, rock guitar, bells and keys. While remaining instantly recognizable, this is a unique version, with the straightened drumming giving it some added punch and kick.
This is backed by a systematically cool, delicate but additional re-edit by the Berlin based Italian duo Dama and Budino aka Double Wave. Rising names in the Berlin scene they are part of the Oscillator collective, label and parties and can be heard at some of the best parties right now.
Letting the instrumental interplay of funky, slap bass and rock guitar have more time to shine, the edit builds and drops, dubs and builds again to the vocals and lyrics known so well, offering an alternative sing-a-long for the more wonky DJs and dancers out there.
Tumultus Cras - Oder Wie Der Anarchismus Das Shaken Zur Marschmusik Lernte.
Bevor Die Ohren Und Beine Mit Warp-geschwindigkeit Durch Ein Knallbuntes Und Mit Allen Wassern Gewaschenes Soundgroovefourtotheflooroderauchnicht-universum Geschossen Werden, Wird Im Intro Gleich Mal Der Zünder Eingestellt, Der Dieser Neuesten Konkord-release Den Fetten Boost Mit Auf Die Reise Gibt.
Das Dynamit Heißt Schlicht ... Spielen, Ausprobieren, Experimentieren, Regeln Kennen, Regeln Brechen, Neue Regeln Aufstellen, Langeweile Abstellen, Neue Situationen Aufploppen Lassen. Spielen Heißt Performen, Die Crowd Zum Shaken, Instrumente Zum Tanzen Bringen. Kinder Können Am Besten Spielen, Und The Kinder Können Es Am Allerbesten.
Der Sound Von The Kinder Bei Einem Live Konzert Versprüht Einen Charme, Der Sich Genau So Schwer Ohne Kompromisse Auf Studioaufnahmen Bändigen Lässt, Wie Die Improvisationen Einer Frühchristlichen Garagenband, Die Beim Pilzepflücken Im Wald Das Tamburin Gegen Ein Casio-keyboard Tauscht.
- Lp (inklusive Cd)!
Ever since Onom Agemo & The Disco Jumpers broke the dreaded curse of the difficult second album by releasing "Liquid Love", a cocktail so spicy and delectable that it could warm the cockles of the grumpiest man alive's heart, even in the most Arctic conditions, everybody wondered how the Onom crew could top that one. But now you have an opportunity to whip out your "Magic Polaroid" as proof that this wasn't an impossible Project. Never before has the band so successfully captured their full-on live sound as they do here, thanks to three days of recording frenzy at Daniel Nentwig and Sebastian Maschat's Butterama studio, a haven of analog hardware hidden in a remote part of Berlin's Neukölln district. The exploding kaleidoscope of styles that make up this album, perfectly reflected by the stunning cover artwork from Nick Henderson and photography by Christoph Rothmeier, means that they can no longer be confined to their early description as an "Afro-Funk Quintet" or merely described as a lively tribute to the artists which have influenced them: their sound is 100 per cent pure uncut Onom Agemo, even though every track feels like a new beginning. The presence of a charismatic in-house vocalist who brought her own lyrics along has also boosted their confidence considerably and provided a further knock-out punch to their onstage performances.
And no one will be disappointed as soon as the first bars of "The Trumpets Of Denmark" stomp on stage like a boisterous fanfare, with Johannes Schleiermacher's impressive wall of sound production making the musicians sound like a much bigger band than what their line-up suggests (with Maria Schneider from Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra adding some extra percussive clout) and just the right amount of dizzying cross-rhythms to steer it away from potential bombast. When Onom Agemo's powerhouse vocalist Natalie Greffel starts chanting what at first sounds like a string of Onomatopoeia, it soon becomes clear that she's laying down her manifesto for a nostalgic Space-Age yet to come, with a few key words serving as Mantra (Focus, patience, tears and creation): an invitation to drive off the Information Superhighway and its endless litany of polite noises, to redirect our gaze inside ourselves and learn to understand and sometimes question how others perceive us.
Major Keys is a brand-new audiophile label focusing on fully licensed reissues of jazz classics, pressed on 12' for a fuller, louder version compared to the original album cut. What better way to kick of the series than housing Herbie Hancock's imitable 'Chameleon' and 'Watermelon Man', loud and proud on either side of a 12' - remastered and cut by the engineer of the original Head Hunters LP from 1973.
They don't get much more iconic than 'Chameleon'. Nestled on the incredible 1973 'Head Hunters' album it's a 16-minute exploration of legendary jazz funk - having all the sensibilities and solos of a jazz record, yet grounding its rhythms in funk, soul and R&B. Even, as its title suggests, morphing from a low slung slow jam into a full-on, fast paced spiritual gem. Lock in for one of the most iconic basslines around courtesy of Paul Jackson, alongside some of the sweetest synth and Rhodes playing you're likely to hear from Herbie, all tied together with Harvey Mason's mythical drumming. Sampled the world over by the biggest and the best this is a truly timeless and hugely influential piece of music.
On the B side, the equally intriguing 'Watermelon Man'. This version, again taken from the Head Hunters LP, differs from the Blue Note bop '62 original, with Hancock developing it into a jazz fusion expedition. Bill Summers top and tails the track with a style of beer bottle blowing imitating a type of whistle playing found in Central African Pygmy music, giving a unique flavour to Hancock's jazz funk stylings that focus on the rhythmic interplay between each instrument. From Dilla to Digable Planets, Madonna to Massive Attack it's a classic that's sampled time and time again for good reason.
"In 1978, Nova performed for Obama. Well, kind of: Nova was the band for the Punahou School prom in Honolulu, Hawaii, and a young student named Barack (known then as 'Barry') was in attendance.
Backtrack to 1976, and Nova was the opening band for Donald Byrd at the nearby Blaisdell Arena. The day was Sunday, June 27. The following day, Isaac Hayes would perform on island for the admission price of $1.
Nova, led by singer Checo Tohomaso, was one of several go-to party bands during the golden era of Hawaii funk and soul music in the mid-1970s through early 1980s.
The band's infectious gospel-funk-disco can be heard on their sole release, a self-titled 1980 LP that feels like one big party recorded live in the studio. (Check out the Marvin Gaye-inspired 'I Feel Like Getting Down' on the 2016 'Aloha Got Soul' compilation on Strut Records).
The story is all too familiar, however: funk band releases LP, the music goes dormant in years to follow, and today original copies sell for hundreds online.
Not long after the album's 1980 release, Checo met Marvin Gaye, who was living on Maui (where George Benson also resided). Shortly after, Marvin invited Checo and his counterparts to join his multi-city tour across Europe. Videos of Checo rocking keyboards, percussion and singing background vocals for Marvin Gaye's last European tour can be found online.
Checo, born in Florida yet raised in lush Manoa Valley as well as Okinawa, Japan, now resides in Vancouver, Canada, where he leads the VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir and continues to deliver his signature sound: high energy, positive, 'sweet soul' music.
AGS-7010 features two non-stop groovers with a 7' edit by Roger Bong on the A-side. LP reissue in the works!"
'Sounds from the Great House! Outernational Sounds proudly presents a Nimbus West spirit jazz essential: the Creative Arts Ensemble's classic debut One Step Out. Mastered at 45rpm on double vinyl for enhanced sound, this release features all tracks at full length for the first time on wax.
One of the most sought after and highly regarded titles to have appeared on Tom Albach's celebrated Nimbus West imprint, the Creative Art Ensemble's One Step Out is a timeless work of spiritualised jazz. A true gem from the Los Angeles jazz underground, the album was pianist and composer Kaeef Ruzadun Ali's first recording as leader of the Creative Arts Ensemble, the only large ensemble group that emerged directly from Horace Tapscott's legendary Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra community jazz group.
A Los Angeles native, Kaeef was introduced to the Tapscott circle in the late 1970s. His first experience of the Arkestra's ethos was through PAPA tenorist Michael Session, who took him to the famous 'Great House' at 2412 South Western Ave., LA - a large mansion house which members of the Arkestra had taken over as a space for communal living. Life in the Great House was a continuous stream of music, dance and community events. 'When I walked in there,' recalled Kaeef, 'it was like this whole rush came over me, just from going in the front door...It was like a very, very warm feeling of love. I went and I came out with 'Flashback of Time', and that was my first arrangement.'
Kaeef quickly became a significant contributor of compositions to the Arkestra's songbook - his piece 'New Horizon' would be recorded by Horace Tapscott for the latter's Tapscott Sessions series. But 'Flashback of Time' would eventually appear on One Step Out, played by the new group he had put together from stalwart Arkestra members. Inspired by both Tapscott's example and by the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Kaeef had wanted to follow their lead by assembling a larger unit. 'I would like to form a group that would be an extension of the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra,' he told Tapscott. The group was to be known as the Creative Arts Ensemble, and One Step Out, released in 1981 by Nimbus West, was their debut.
Featuring seasoned Arkestra regulars including reedsman Dadisi Komolafe, drummer Woody 'Sonship' Theus and altoist Gary Bias, with veterans Henry 'The Skipper' Franklin on bass and George Bohannon on trombone, One Step Out is a key document of the Los Angeles radical jazz underground. Featuring the sanctified vocals of Kaeef's sister, B. J. Crowley, the album is a tour de force of spiritually energised independent jazz music. Community uplift and sacred vision straight from the Great House, back on vinyl for the first time since 1981!
Keysound Recordings are proud to announce the unearthing and release of a collection of lost deep tech dubs from Hugo Massien. After releases on labels such as XL Recordings, E-Beamz, Tectonic and Audio Rehab comes a 12' of tracks that date from 2014 -2016. Dark, percussive yet catchy, the productions originate from the peak years of London's underground deep tech scene, at a time where the movement bubbled with an abundance of energy and creative possibilities. Massien was one
Lixo - The Production Alias Of Alex Hislop, Founder Of Influential London Party Collective, Getme! - Returns To The Crew's Label Arm With New Ep 'cicada'.
The Follow-up To 2016's 'writer's Block'single Feat Trim And 2017's "ida" Ep In Collaboration With Quays.the "cicada" Ep Sees Lixo Explore The Gamut Of Electronic Music With Washed Out Vocal Sampling, Warm, Tribal Bass Sounds And Fluttery, Dreamscape Melodies That Tug At The More Experimental, Exploratory Corners Of London's Club Music Landscape.
With A Back Catalogue Already Spanning 19 Records - Including Key Releases From The Likes Of Lil Jabba , Slime, Trim And Dam Mantle - The London Party-come-label Getme! Have Established Themselves As One Of The City's Key Electronic Hubs Over The Last 10 Years. Formed By Alex Hislop (lixo) In 2006, The Brand Now Spans Events, Radio And Their Aforementioned Label Arm.
Strut present the frst ever international reissue of in-demand '80s zouk LP 'Las Palé'
by Feeling Kréyol, out of Guadeloupe.
Producer Darius Denon explains: 'This was 1988 and bands like Zouk Machine and Kassav
were huge. I had met producer Frankie Brumier when I was performing at festivals and
parties and he wanted to record a girl group so we began scouting venues, mainly around
the Grande-Terre district in the island's capital, Pointe-à-Pitre. I ran auditions and picked out
the best three voices - Fabienne, Leïla and Yolande. One was singing in a choir and none of
them had met each other previously.'
Recording at a studio in Le Gosier, Denon trained them to sing the songs and spent around
6 weeks recording the album: 'I gave them a couple of compositions that I had planned for
my own solo album. I remember that we all got on really well; the sessions were fun.'
The title track 'Las Palé' was the lead track pushed as a single and achieved modest
success domestically. The band did a few promotional performances in the island's
discotheques but, in the end, the album stalled. 'Studios were expensive and there was
no cheap technology as we have now. So, the producer ended up cutting corners with the
production - the mix was not completely fnished and the voices were not synchronised
right to some of the tracks.'
For Denon, he continued his career to the present day, successfully moving to Paris and
breaking through with the hit 'Je t'emmene' in 1998. Meanwhile, although 'Las Palé' turned
out to be Feeling Kréyol's only recording, the interest in the album has grown in recent years
with the title track's lo-f charm fnding its way into sets by Invisible City and onto Red Light
Radio and more. This frst full reissue is remastered by The Carvery and features full original
artwork along with a new interview with Darius Denon.
KEY POINTS:
- First ever reissue of sought after original zouk LP from 1988
- Sleeve notes by modern day zouk star and album producer Darius Denon
- Remastered by The Carvery
- Tracks already cult classics through plays by Invisible City, Motor City Drum
Ensemble and more
FOR FANS OF:
Sofrito, Digital Zandoli, Kassav, William Onyeabor, Soundway, Invisible City, Motor
City Drum Ensemble, Disques Debs, zouk, Haitian compas, Gilles Peterson, Darius
Denon, Les Vikings
Russian born and very gifted musician Aleceo is a new addition to the ongoing rooster of Copenhagen's prolific Music For Dreams label - Aleceo came to attention of label boss Kenneth Bager with the brilliant first Ep 'Clouds' - (all tracks included here.).
Aleceo has his own musical voice, he produces and composes music that is rich in harmonies and melodies - he sits somewhere between Balearic and Deep House - combining the past and moving forward and this double vinyl 'Teletrip' is an excellent taster of his many talents and a real body of work.
'Liebe Tanzen' is a sunny mood full of vintage Roland vocoders, imagine yourself in a Zeppelin watching the earth from the skies and hearing handclaps, acidic noodling and beautiful rhodes combined with a high-pitched soulful voice repeating 'Take My Love' and you have the mood of a modern soul track supported by the balearic brigade. 'Dipping Into You' is a deep house mood featuring the beautiful voice of Jelila- sounding like a late 80 ties Boy's Own track played in a barn just when the Sunrise appears.
One of the outstanding killer tunes and a real grower on the debut album by Aleceo is the single 'Whisper To the Wind' a track recorded with Canadian singer Wulf SoulFire - ten minutes of powerful Roland 909 drums, talking verses and a sublime chorus.
'Nevesomost' - a cinematic, melancholic acidic journey that was inspired by the old USSR Sci Fi movie 'Moscow - Cassiopeya' where a group of children was sent to Mars. 'Monotone' recorded in Bali and sung by guest singer Masha Verymaryland - a french song about a girl who loves to dance and sing with arpeggios, Xylophones that sets the mood for a dreamy French Riviera. 'Clouds' is first class ambience feat the Siberian multi-instrumentalist Sergi
Kampanella playing the Mandolla. The title track 'Teletrip' is tv samples mixed with 80 ties new wave drum machines. 'Priceless' is a downtempo documentary live recording Aleceo did with his American native friend Kita. 'Dome' full of accordions, balalaika, handclaps and melancholic keys tells the story of Dome of God - the place of peace and happiness and makes you wanna sit by the seaside.
'Know Him' is inspired by gospel from the Mississippi church. 'Mzi' wouldn't sound out of place in a Leo Mas warm up tape from Amnesia in Ibiza - middle 80ties with its obscure breakdown full of 30/40ties voices.
Bonus is the inclusion of Kenneth Bager's reprise of 'Dome'.
The album 'Teletrip' by Aleceo feels like a forgotten balearic album with a modern twist suddenly washed upon the shores on the White Isle.
LP,180, 2018 REISSUE - REMASTERED FROM ORIGINAL TAPES, CAREFULLY REPRODUCED ORIGINAL ART
Piano Viberations' 'small group jazz featuring piano and vibes with rhythm' makes for a gorgeous Francis Coppieters showcase, surely one of Belgium's best-kept musical secrets. Released in 1975, and arguably the most low-key of the KPM and Themes records we're re-issuing, this is easily our current favourite.
'The Open Highway' is the appropriately-named opener, and immediately demonstrates Coppieters' dexterous interplay between piano and vibes in assured, joyous fashion. The shufing bossa of 'Sales Notes' is a jaw-dropper, well-mined by samplers with impeccable taste. The mellow head-nod drum-break
that is 'Funky Chimes' brilliantly demonstrates Coppieters' quiet majestic side with its slow-motion funk rhythm with beautifully refective notes throughout.
The upbeat and joyful 'Cross Talk' closes out side A. Vibes and piano are defnitely at the heart of the arrangement here. The quick cut movement of 'Piano In Transit' is another gem, driven principally by piano but those vibes along for more than just the ride. On a more gentle, elegiac note, 'To Shearing With Love' is a warm, slow, romantic piece in the style of George Shearing. It's
plaintive and sublime.
Piano Viberations is one of those rare library records the original description of which makes as much sense now as it did when it was frst released. Piano and vibes with rhythm indeed.
As with all ten re-issues, the audio for Piano Viberations comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. We've taken the same care with the sleeves, handing the reproduction duties over to Richard Robinson, the current custodian of KPM's brand identity.
Horace Andy first recorded 'Life In the Ghetto' back in the 1990's with Victor Cross and William the Conqueror as an anti racist broadcast. Here the Mad Professor and Horace vamp up the monster Lovers Rock meets
Roots track and with a flash here it is so slap this sucker on ya turntable and listen to a righteous tune! Produced by The Mad Professor and featuring Black Steel on keyboards, guitar
and bass, Victor Cross on piano and William the Conqueror the vibe is back with a bang.
- A1: A. Hawkshaw* / B. Bennett* - Mon Amour
- A2: A. Hawkshaw* / B. Bennett* - Oddball
- A3: A. Hawkshaw* / B. Bennett* - Daytripper
- A4: Alan Hawkshaw - Mile High Swinger (Vers. A)
- A5: Alan Hawkshaw - Mile High Swinger (Vers. B)
- A6: A. Hawkshaw* / B. Bennett* - Auto-Pilot
- B1: A. Hawkshaw* / B. Bennett* - Pacesetter
- B2: A. Hawkshaw* / B. Bennett* - Home Run
- B3: A. Hawkshaw* / B. Bennett* - Driving Force
- B4: A. Hawkshaw* / B. Bennett* - Action Man
- B5: Alan Hawkshaw - Funky Chicken
- B6: Alan Hawkshaw - Jolly Roger
- B7: Alan Hawkshaw - Dumbo
- B8: Alan Hawkshaw - Plain Song
- B9: Alan Hawkshaw - Fanfair
LP,180, 2018 REISSUE - REMASTERED FROM ORIGINAL TAPES, CAREFULLY REPRODUCED ORIGINAL ART
Released in the same year as Synthesis over on KPM, 1974's Synthesizer and Percussion is its essential companion piece. 'This record features the many distinctive sounds of the ARP Synthesizer plus percussion in various moods and tempos' is the even more underwhelming than usual library record sales pitch for
Alan Hawkshaw and Brian Bennett's second collection of what is basically minimal G-funk, with overtones of primitive acid house. This is ridiculously good.
This is one of Hawkshaw and Bennett's wilder joints and aeons ahead of its time.
Bennett's tough drums provide the underpinnings for the prominent bass, keys and bubbling synths high up in the mix, alongside Hawkshaw's deranged clavinet-funk-rock. There are heavenly break loops galore.
Opener "Mon Amour" is ultra-smooth funk, all inter-weaving melodic lines whilst the seminal "Oddball" is an incredible hard electro strut with a knocking break.
"Mile High Swinger" is a tranquil Spaghetti Western whistling theme over double tempo rhythmic movement and the pulsating "Auto Pilot" has a percussive groove elevated by electric piano and synthesizer. Check "Driving Force', 'Home Run' and "Pacesetter" for electroid prog-funk dripped in acid squelch.
All fve fnal tracks are beatless synth workouts, because they can.
As with all ten re-issues, the audio for Synthesizer and Percussion comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. We've taken the same care with the sleeves, handing the reproduction duties over to Richard Robinson, the current custodian of KPM's brand identity.
Emotional Rescue returns to the music of Takenoko, the Bordeaux based synth-pop project from 1982-1988, to follow their LP collection L'Amour Est Mon Arme (ERC062), with an EP of remixes from Dresden's cult-like producer, Sneaker DJ.
The meeting of Takenoko and Sneaker offers a perfect marriage of left field cold wave tones, inventive drum programming and pop lyrics, with a master-mixer, programmer and DJ of today.
Following releases on cult labels like Uncanny Valley, Rat Life and Frigio as Sneaker and numerous labels such as Macadam Mambo, Bordello A Parigi and Bahnsteig 23 under several pseudonyms, Sneaker first contacted the label after his trance-inducing, drum heavy remix of C Cat Trance , with the suggestion to research an idea to create a reissue / remix project out of a band he had discovered, Takenoko.This was soon expanded to become a stand-alone album and remixes EP after the discovery in the vaults of a cache of unreleased songs. The breadth of styles found on L'Amour Est Mon Arme is matched with these "Mixes", as Sneaker takes 3 of their singles and indelibly puts his marker on them.
Starting with his retake of their second single, Lee Harvey Oswald, he reworks their pop ode to the Kennedy tragedy and strips it groove back for a near 9 minute vocal-meets-discodub that lets the lyrical structure remain, before stretching it out and letting the instrumental interplay between keys, guitar and rhythm machines glide before bringing it all back for finale.
Next, their 1988 single Trans Amor Express is given what is becoming a trademark Sneaker treatment. In a similar vain to his remix of C Cat Trance, here he rips the original apart to extend a single vocal refrain with the raw percussion elements for mind-inducing results.
Finally, his mix of the anthemic John Wayne is almost gentle in comparison, adding 909 overdubs but letting much of the original stay, showing again a modern mastery of mixing desk technique and craft.
The journey continues... deeper into the unknown universe, stretching the seams of time and space.
The maiden voyage for this new label out of Birmingham was a success. The second release is a collaborative effort from Nicky B (Simple Elements/HOG) and fellow Brummie, Anthony Ellis - working together as Koheziv Mindz.
The tracks are the result of years of tuning in to the sounds seeping out of the speakers in choice local clubs and buying the latest imports on vinyl from Europe, Chicago and Detroit.
The day-to-day living in Birmingham has certainly etched into their creative consciousness, the hustle, bustle and alien like chorus of a vibrant environment resonates through their work, from a city that never sleeps.
Emotive, incredibly lush and shot through with the kind of romanticism displayed in the work of second generation Detroit pioneers Kenny Larkin and Carl Craig. This is a glimpse through a keyhole, a snapshot of two producers taking steps into a bigger world, a whole galaxy.
There are two remixers on board, hand picked to see how the artists would interpret the originals - Darren Nye (Firescope/polarity) and Mihail P (Verdant Recordings/Distant Worlds)- both artists add weight to their already impressive back catalogue of work and display why they are hot and tipped for the top.
Submerge your mind into the rich celestial tapestry of sound, safe in the knowledge you're among good company.
The new album from Danish electronic trio System is a special kind of collaborative effort with piano magician Nils Frahm. His purpose-built improvisations on synth, organ and piano served as source material for the members of System (Thomas Knak, Anders Remmer & Jesper Skaaning), who merged his warm acoustic tones with their minimalist digitalism and set out to translate their distinctive clicks 'n' cuts electronics into vivid soundscapes. Over two years in the making, the resulting nine tracks are as sonically intriguing as they are touching. Ranging from the mellow bliss of the title track to echoes of 90's and 2000's electronica and ambient sequences frequented by mesmerizing movements and sounds. The blending of piano and digital tones and noises into emotive pieces might instantly recall the work of Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto, though System and Frahm come to quite different results.
Thomas Knak met Nils Frahm at one of his concerts in Copenhagen. They stayed in touch, exchanging thoughts and ideas. Two years later, Anders Remmer was also introduced to Nils. From then serious ideas for a collaboration formed. As Nils was a fan of System's self-titled debut album (released in 2002 via Pole's Scape label) their talks centred around Dub and minimalism, elements that constitute most of System's music as well as their side and solo projects. This in mind, System began producing sketches and brought them to Nils´ Durton Studio in Berlin in December 2015, where they recorded ten hours of him playing keys and effects to their drafts. Back in Copenhagen, they decided to change direction. - As Nils had told us about his fascination with our debut album, we tried to rediscover this minimal clicks 'n' cuts era. But hearing Nils playing to our rhythmic beds, we felt the need to scrap those beats and instead head in a more cinematic direction.'
So they started building new pieces from the Durton recordings, maintaining some of the minimal and static quality while new layers of synth sounds and noises created a richer and more organic quality compared to older System albums. The solo projects of Thomas (Opiate), Anders (Dub Tractor) and Jesper (Acustic) always relied on steady beats or rhythmic material, so the productions of 'Plus' with their focus on acoustic and melodic elements, ambient layers and cinematic moods, sees them pushing forward into new areas.
This way, the trio avoided copying what they had already done years ago, when they built a reputation as Denmark's prime originators within electronic music in the 90's and 2000's. 'Plus' is a triumphant example of collaborative experimentation and may be the dawn of a new era for System: - For us it was really satisfying to focus more on actual sound rather than rhythmic aspects. There is a lot of potential in this field, so it would only be natural for us to pursue this, maybe as a series of collaborations with other people who's music we admire.'
- A1: Wildstyle Crew - Intro (Edit)
- A2: Bryozone - Juicy Quiddity
- A3: Ratti Nielsen Nikolaienko - M2
- A4: Mark Templeton - Soft Education
- A5: Andrew Pekler - Underwater Nocturne
- B1: Native Instrument - Thud
- B2: Nisantashi Primary School - Flaneur
- B3: Aem Rhythm Cascade - Biruza
- B4: Ol - Nutmeg
- B5: Vakula - Afromadness
Ukrainian label Muscut celebrates its anniversary - Muscut X (10) Test Pressign II - is the tenth record in a row. The first release was published in 2012 on 7 inches and was called simply Test Pressing. Like six years ago, the current vinyl is a compilation of Muscut's 'residents', as well as new friends of the label. Test Pressing II is 12 inches on which there are exactly ten tracks. Both sides are significantly different in color of mood. Party A starts with dub-drone sketches of key figures of the Odessa underground - Wildstyle Crew and Bryozone. Then we hear the mantra-like M2 - the work of the creative union of Nicola Ratti, Mads Emil Nielsen together with Nikolaenko. The Canadian sound-artist Mark Templeton continues the line of rhythmic textures crowned with unhurried percussion - it is in all senses of Soft Education at number four. The first part is completed by an exquisite curtsy from the Andrew Pekler label frequenter called Underwater Nocturne as a soundtrack for the perfect tea ceremony.
The second side confidently sets a completely different compilation rhythm from the very start - the tribal tribal dance from the Berlin project Native Instrument instantly introduces into a trance. It is followed by a warm, enveloping minimal synth track from the Ukrainian trio Nisantashi Primary School. The middle of the second side is decorated with the pensive house-ballad of St. Petersburg producer Fadeev known as AEM Rhythm Cascade. Another Russian settled next to him - Muscovite Oleg Buyanov, aka OL, with a massive broken dub Nutmeg. The final composition consists of burning afrosint motifs from luminary Odessan Vakula.
After A Six Year Hiatus Producer Captn K Is Back Recording Under His Dj Alias Blind Tiger. The First In A Collection Of Lo-fi, Dreampop And Dance Recordings, The Dying Stockman Single Is The Inaugural Release On The New West Australian Label Corella Records.
Backed With Vintage Drum Machines And Keys, This Balmy Interpretation Of A Classic Australian Bush Ballad Sees Blind Tiger Retelling The Story Of The Dying Stockman Lamenting His Last Moments On Earth. The Track Will Appeal To Those With Beck, Robyn Hitchcock And Jj Cale In Their Record Collections.
Continuing The Theme, The Flipside Ride To The Beyond Is A Cinematic, Instrumental Interpretation Of The Stockman's Last Ride, Moody Keys And Bass Set The Backdrop With Reverb Drenched Synths Strings Soaring Through, Bringing To Mind Classic Synth-led Australian Film Soundtracks Of The '80s.
- 1: White Wedding (Cray Remix)
- 2: Dancing With Myself (Rac Remix)
- 3: Eyes Without A Face (Tropkillaz Remix)
- 4: Rebel Yell (The Crystal Method Remix)
- 5: (Do Not) Stand In The Shadows (Moby Remix)
- 6: Flesh For Fantasy (St. Francis Hotel Remix)
- 7: Catch My Fall (Juan Maclean Remix)
- 8: One Breath Away (Paul Oakenfold Remix)
- 9: To Be A Lover (Djds Remix)
- 10: Don't Need A Gun (Shiba San Remix)
- 11: Hot In The City (Shotgun Mike Remix)
Los Angeles - September 7, 2018 - Billy Idol's 1980's remix collection, Vital Idol, is getting a modern-day upgrade with Vital Idol: Revitalized, set for release on CD and digital by Capitol/UMe on September 28. A 2LP 180-gram black vinyl in addition to a limited edition, color variant will follow on November 16.
More than 30 years after his groundbreaking Vital Idol compilation cemented the vibrancy of the dance-rock remix genre in the second half of the 1980's, Idol's Revitalized collection features 11 brand-new remixes of his most classic and enduring hits. Lending their hands to the Revitalized proceedings are electronic dance luminaries Moby, The Crystal Method and Paul Oakenfold as well as current innovators including Tropkillaz, Shiba San, Juan Maclean, CRAY and RAC, who's remix of 'Dancing With Myself' debuts today.
Vital Idol, initially released in Britain in 1985 and subsequently issued in the United States in 1987, was the first remix record released by a rock superstar. Besides being certified platinum, Vital Idol was accompanied by a version of 'Mony Mony' that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart, as well as hitting the Top 10 on the U.K. Singles chart.
Highlights found within the grooves of Revitalized include The Crystal Method's percussive, explosive stab at 'Rebel Yell,' CRAY's bass-and-keyboard-blessed 'White Wedding,' Tropkillaz's trop-house framing of 'Eyes Without A Face,' St. Francis Hotel's shimmering stop/start caress of 'Flesh For Fantasy,' and RAC's retro-harmonic, fist-pumping 'Dancing With Myself.'
Meanwhile, the digital version of Revitalized features four additional exclusive remixes, namely the brand new Billy Idol/Steve Stevens Remix of 'Mony Mony,' Paul Oakenfold's Extended Remix of 'One Breath Away,' Moby's 'Half Time Version' of his take on '(Do Not) Stand In The Shadows' and 'Save Me Now (Lost Dog Remix),' reworked by Billy Idol's son, Willem Wolfe with Brandon Rauch and Ed Bedrosian.
- 1: Runway
- 2: Righteous
- 3: Do You Like Music
- 4: Val In Time
- 5: One And Two And
- 6: Without A Doubt
- 7: Even
- 8: Favourite Truth
- 9: Ne (Good En)
- 10: Take Me To Brasil
- 11: Mirage
- 12: Oh Dara
- 13: Groovin Sweet
- 14: Training
- 15: Jeff's Piano
- 16: Dr Slump
- 17: What Was On Your Mind
- 18: Super Moon
- 19: Feeling Connected
- 20: Tape's Rolling
- 21: Between Piano
- 22: By The Sea
- 23: Uploading
- 24: Slow Down
- 25: In Plane Astral
- 26: The Best Good
- 27: Time Is The Greatest Teacher
- 28: Our Future
We head into the final quarter of the year with a very
welcome return to First Word from London producer,
musician, engineer and DJ, Eric Lau. Following on
from his acclaimed early 2017 album, 'Examples',
we proudly present the second volume - another
delectable 28-track beats opus.
'Examples Volume Two' is Eric's fourth
instrumental album, and ably continues where he
left off with an assortment of sonics, ranging through
hip hop, jazz, funk, soul & Brazilian beats. An
elaborate sketchpad of ideas and grooves, this again
gives a taste of the genius production skills of 'The
Commissioner', Mr. Lau.
A mixdown perfectionist, his services have been
drafted into service on a number of albums over the
past few years, including Yussef Kamaal's 'Black
Focus', Mansur Brown's 'Shiroi', The Playlist's
'Chasing Goosebumps', DJ Jazzy Jeff's 'M3',
Masego's 'Lady Lady', and Kaidi Tatham's 'It's A
World Before You', released on First Word recently.
It's through these recent collaborations that we have
a few unique ingredients peppered through this
project, the track 'Jeff's Piano' is based on a sample
taken from Eric's iPhone, capturing a moment when
Kaidi was teaching Masego a few chords at Jeff's
studio. Both integral players to the Playlist Retreat,
Eric and Kaidi have also provided remix duties for
Moonchild, Omar and Leon Ware, and Kaidi Kat also
lends his key playing talents to a few tracks here.
Eric has also worked as a producer for artists like
Oddisee, Guilty Simpson, Dego, Tawiah, Rahel and
Fatima, whilst his DJ skills have seen him tour the
globe with luminaries such as Erykah Badu, Robert
Glasper and Questlove. He's received props over the
years from tastemakers across the world, including
Rich Medina, 9th Wonder, Bobbito, Dam Funk, Phonte, Gilles Peterson, James Poyser (The Roots) and Ali Shaheed
Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest).
For its next release, No.19 Music welcomes one of dance music's most celebrated contemporary artists in Ryan Crosson for a new single coming on vinyl and digital.
Crosson is a true techno tastemaker who hails from Detroit. He's released on long established labels like Minus, as well as going on to form Visionquest with Seth Troxler, Shaun Reeves and Lee Curtis, and the label of the same name where he also put out key EPs and LPs with Merveille. From headline sets at festivals round the world via club gigs at the most tasteful venues in the scene, he is a real giant of underground dance music with studio skills to match, as this standout three tracker proves.
Superb opener 'Comet Pills' is a deep and thoughtful track that encourages your mind to wander off into the cosmos. Slick drums and melancholic chords set the tone, while the bass fleshes things out and sci-fi details bring out a cinematic quality.
The brilliantly mysterious 'Roscoe' is expertly stripped back and reduced house music that takes you on a trip. It's quick and smooth, with watery sound design, soft hits and muffled vocals adding intrigue to a track that is both cerebral yet designed to make you move.
Last of all, 'Snake Oil' is another fully realised offering which journeys to the edges of the galaxy, with long lingering ambient pads suspending you in mid-air as squelchy synths and shuffling drums keep one foot on the dance floor.
These are three terrific cuts of seriously atmospheric house and techno.
Billy Milligan Trio, 3rd release of the label Lowlife Cartel, collects new ambient music that reflects our present moment. The musical aesthetic is described as a unified primitive/futuristic sound combining features of world ethnic styles with advanced electronic techniques. Predominant melancholic atmosphere, work on textures and hybridation with acoustic inherited by experimental jazz. Its title "Billy Milligan Trio", is a reference to sci-fi book from Daniel Keyes "The Minds of Billy Milligan".
The EP begins with "The Sky Was Pearl Grey" , by Shcaa (Archipel, Sharingtones), track, without beat, a guitar note accompagnied by a drone lament releases a trippy and introspective atmosphere. A light vocal, by Shcaa himself, comes subty at the middle of this gloomy exploration.
"Useless Man" by Mårble (Hair Del Records) is a leftfield saturated complaint, mixing jazzy and electronic elements. A distorted voice accompagnied by a piano as the key melody. "Para La Olimpiada" by Mårble is defined by fourth world music genre. The release ends with "Toll Fraud", by L:E:R (Archipel), cut from a full electronic live session, oscillating between a minimal beat and slightly evolving ambiance. In its entirety Billy Milligan Trio is a spirograph of uniquely experimental artists merging together to create something even more beguiling. A truly arresting listen.
FANTASTIC TWINS, the solo artist formerly known as The Twins, has always carried an air of transmutability - not only in a name creating its own hall of mirrors, but also in a constantly fluctuating sound, from the first spoken word interludes recorded as The Truly Fantastic Dessagne Twins From Saint-Etienne (for the Pachanga Boys' infamous 'We Are Really Sorry' album) to myth-building solo releases on Hippie Dance and Optimo Music, as well as style-bending remixes for La Mverte Vs Capablanca, Moscoman and - most recently - fellow Hippie Dancer Rebolledo.
Following the echo-drenched 'Holiday' on 'A Very Nice Combinado Volume Dos', the project from Julienne Dessagne has embarked on yet another transforming journey, leading to the latest outing with the well-suited title THE NEW YOU. Its four tracks prove Dessagne's ongoing commitment to an open sound aesthetic that works the techno blueprint from the inside out, mutating from foreboding, post-industrial landscape to dazed interzone opera in a heartbeat.
Uncanny rave polaroids from last night's ill-memorized peak floor flash up on opener SHAKE IT's mental screen, while follow-up HEY tries to herd its nervously rushing percussion to no - albeit banging - avail. The title track slowly implodes in reverse, pitting Dessagne's obsessing, molting vocals against a stubbornly no-wave-ish synth bassline and octave-hopping freeform keyboards blown to gaseous smithereens. Post-punk closer TIME SCIENCE kicks into motion with a confused diary entry turned subconscious commentary - while the psych guitar gently weeps all over the neatly arranged furniture. Welcome back, newcomers!
Utopia Cloak arrives on FILM with six track EP, Marina Gardens. Utilising both electronic & acoustic components, the British producer crafts hazy, dynamic electronica with a decidedly emotive bent. The music explores a curious production aesthetic - at once half sunk and at the same time gloriously crisp and direct. Caustic drum machine hits underpin the majority of the work, compete with polyrhythmic rolls & glitches, while softly warping synth lines occupy the majority of the remaining sonic space. Rather than working explicitly with nostalgia, Utopia Cloak makes more subtle references to the classic sounds of yore - riffing on Downtempo & IDM with gentle and considered nuance, eking out arcane hooks & rich melodies with a pleasing focus on compositional structure & songcraft. Contrast is the key here, though - and Utopia Cloak works hard to find the balance between metallic per-cussion strikes and wide-angle instrumental elements, avoiding chaos in favour of a lush, rewarding lis-tening experience. FUTURE.IS.LISTENING.MUSIC
Raw formed during the summer of 1990 in Athens, Greece when keyboardist Giannis Papaioannou and percussionist Makis Faros started composing music for imaginary waiting rooms. They combined the traditional cut-up technique of tape-loops, the industrial timbres of musique concrète with the harmonics of world music, all filtered through digital sampling and computer programming. Their first recordings generated an 8 track demo, which was freely distributed among friends and the local underground press. After 6 months of work and several sessions with guest musicians on acoustic and electric instruments, Raw self-released their first album 'Land' in December 1991 on Elfish Records. In 1992 they recruited the band's sound engineer, Coti K., as a third member, both on stage and studio sessions. 'City' was their second album fully inspired by the mechanisms of their home town. Presenting a different electronic face of Raw, manipulating rhythms with analogue synthesizers and harsh sampling to evoke the atmosphere of Athens. 'City' was released on CD only by Elfish Records in 1994. 'Fragments' is a collection of 4 songs from 'City' presented on vinyl for the first time plus bonus track recorded during the 'City' sessions previously released on a compilation in 1992. All songs have been remastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. Each copy includes a double sided postcard with photos and notes.
- A1: Introduction
- A2: City Of Dreams
- A3: Over The Edge
- A4: The Night Shift
- A5: Paper Chase
- A6: Outside Looking In
- B1: Midnight Sun
- B2: Behind The Wheel
- B3: Thicker Than Blood
- B4: A Sort Of Homecoming
- B5: Winner Take All
- C1: Death Mask
- C2: Jackie's Eyes
- C3: The Fading Faces
- C4: Mind Games
- C5: The Maze
- C6: Threshold
- D1: Flashback
- D2: Blood Sport
- D3: Survival Instinct
- D4: Hall Of Mirrors
- D5: Eulogy
- D6: The Messenger
- E1: Love Theme
- E4: Cruise Control
- E5: Wave Goodbye
- E6: Magic Gardens
- E7: An Eye For An Eye
- F1: The Point Of No Return
- F2: Cremation
- F3: The Nightshift (Reprise)
- F4: Memories Are Forever
- F5: Echoes Of The Mind
- F6: Streets Of Fire
- E2: Through The Gauntlet
- E3: Ghost Town
The neon lights that decorate a dive bar's window cast a vivid reflection in rainwater on the pavement outside, as steam rises from deep beneath the ground. A slow pan across the scene, past alleys cast in shadow, twilit corners & glass doorways streaked with the mist of humid bodies fuming inside: the camera catches the denizens of an unnamed city, studying faces heavy with secrets too sad to bear. Cut to the motorway. Sleek cars barrel through the night. Sirens moan. Engines rev. You're behind the wheel, over the edge as the credits roll.
This film does not exist — but the soundtrack does. Symmetry is Johnny Jewel & Nat Walker, & Themes For an Imaginary Film is their two-hour cinematic opus pokus, a sprawling score for a movie that screens only in your mind. A 'conceptual tangent between Glass Candy, Chromatics, Mirage, & Desire's more abstract sides,' as Jewel himself describes the project, Symmetry is a vigorous, electric, restless exploration of ideas on the bleeding edge of instrumental sound. Analog synthesizers roll and crest, drums collide, keys cascade clear & crystalline. These themes evoke the phantasmic images that inspired them: urgent and ethereal, sinister & romantic. It's a neo-noir epic of pink fog & femme fatales hidden behind rain drenched windshields after dark.
Produced By Johnny Jewel & Nat Walker
Return of the UK producer Allen Saei aka Aubrey on the mighty Barba label is another bold statement in the discography of this well-versed artist. Building on the relationship with the Burek/Barba/Pomalo family established through remixes of Information Ghetto's "Inspiration" track (Burek 2013), DJ Stingray's "Communication System" (Barba 2015) and his solo "Clock Funk EP" (Barba 2017), for this record Aubrey presents us with a continuation of his previous Barba release, simplistically titled "Clock Funk 2" EP. As is to be expected from a guy who's been spending time in the studio for better part of the last three decades, this 12" is pure techno, in the best sense of the word. As mature and consistent as the previous record of the series, we have Aubrey building on that ground and expanding the range into more abrasive and rough on one side, and even more subtle and humane on the other. A1, titled "Clock Funk 2" is among the subtle ones. Beautiful cascading keys, glitchy synth bleeps and lead lines intertwine into a gorgeous composition grounded by a driving bassline and counterpinted with distorted ride cymbals. Uniquely sounding track which draws influences from many corners of the planet. A2, titled "Sel Moulo" sets a point for the other side of the spectrum. The heaviest and roughest, it locks the frame in which this EP works. Direct, abstract and firmly aimed towards the dancefloor, this cut is for the peak moment of the night when its combination of jacking beats and trippy leads will just push the craziness off the edge. B1, the most humane and gentle track on the EP, "Triads" is a perfect match for the A1 cut, although slower and calmer. Again, the similar approach is used, where the perfectly tuned combination of small synth and keys elements form a complex image which will stay ingrained into anyone's mind once you play it in the right moment. Again, it's hard not to reach for the word "beautiful" when describing this one. B2, Ghost Mist, is on the other hand a match for the heavy A2, but also not as intense. A repetitive affair, with abstract synth lines and disharmonic pads serving as an emotion injection just when they're needed. Common thread moving through all four cuts is an infectious groove intertwined with synth lines that would not be misplaced amongst the best examples of space-influenced techno music firmly grounded on the floor. All that, pressed onto a heavy duty 180 gram vinyl and beautifully packaged in an original artwork by local artist EmaEmaEma.
In 1990, raising their voices over the sound of Neuropolitique's 'Mind you don't trip' Sebastian S. and Mike DMA (Direct Memory Access) met, breaking the ice by swapping opinions on LFO and 808 State. They later went on to create the first live configuration of BWP Experiments (Bad Woofer Posse Experiments, for more info see basicmoves), and produced dozens of tracks together which, for the most part, were live takes and remain unreleased. Only
a few made it out into the world, and to this day have stayed well under the (discogs) radar:
Our Techno Theory' was put out on an 8-tracker cassette by Research and Development,
while only two productions 'Escape' and 'Pay your taxes' were pressed on vinyl for the same
imprint. Now Sebastian S. (aka Caustic 14) returns to the label with two previously unreleased tracks
found in his personal archive. 'Excalibur' was produced in tandem with Mike during the last
session the pair ever did in Sebastian's studio (Z'ha'dum) in 1996. It's a vibrant hommage to
their common passion outside of music: Sci-fi. This track refers specifically to the series Babylon
5 , which was a revolution in the genre, and the first tv series to outdo Star Trek (the intergalactic
reference since the early 1960's). The idea of being 'united against darkness' was key to the
series, and the motto remained essential for Sebastian, Mike and Deg's music productions,
collaborations, live shows and dj sets. The influence of what had been a passion since
childhood can be felt in their sound: unconsciously they had dreamt up the soundtrack to their
own space journey. The second track 'Cliffhanger', a solo production by Sebastian S., is a dig from several years
earlier (1994). The Detroit influence is strong here, yet the signature Caustic 14 "space opera"
melodies hold their ground and shine out.
We are very proud to propel this Belgian electronic music heritage out into the world.
In memory of Matt Cogger.
walrus & islas , September 2018.
Please meet the young production duo of Davin Coady and Geoff Foley known as 'Between Ourselves' from Water-ford/Ireland, one of the Irish key cities for the more deeper flavours of underground House-music. They have previously released on labels such as Republik and Galaktika. Their offering is comprised of 2 tracks. The first track 'Red Mist' is a melodic driven tune with an epic monster-break that hur-tles the listener to an uplifting climax. The 2nd Track 'Guidance' hits the spot with a catchy bassline in the break, the 'hook' of the tune. None other than Berlin based Ruede Hagelstein created a remix for 'Red Mist'. Indeed he is a man for those special tunes that will always stay on your mind. He stripped down the original to its bare essence keeping the epic feel - a dirty dark masterpiece. Andre Lodemanns edit of 'Red Mist' pushes the floor potential to the max with his customized drum sounds.
- A1: I.o.t.a. (Instrument Of The Ancestors)
- A2: Play It Up
- A3: Overload
- A4: Blam
- A5: Williehook (Skit)
- A6: Aerosol
- A7: Vital Transformation
- B1: You Can Always Count On Me (Ft Shana Jenson)
- B2: These Are The Things I Really Like About You (Ft Dudley Perkins)
- B3: Canadian Hillbilly
- B4: Conmigo (Reprise)
- B5: Bobbie's Dittie
- B6: Ciao
Georgia Anne Muldrow returns with a modern soul classic in the
making - 'Overload', via Flying Lotus's Brainfeeder record label.
An incredibly talented vocalist, songwriter and producer,
Georgia Anne Muldrow effortlessly spans jazz, soul and hip hop
and, during her 12 year career, has collaborated with Madlib,
Erykah Badu, Dev Hynes aka Blood Orange, Bilal and Robert
Glasper.
'Overload' was executively produced by Flying Lotus, Aloe Blacc
and Dudley Perkins.
For fans of NxWorries, Erykah Badu, The Internet, Madlib.
Notable collaborations on 'Overload' include Dudley Perkins,
Shana Jenson, Moods, Lustbass and Mike & Keys (50 Cent,
Nipsey Hussle, Snoop Dogg, G-Eazy), who contribute
production to four tracks including the sleek, anthemic title
track alongside Khalil (Dr Dre).
CD digipack. LP pressed on 180g heavyweight black vinyl in an
artworked innersleeve housed in a 3mm spined outer sleeve
with digital download card included.
Artwork by Martin Norwood (Nice Dreams Studio). Layout by
Adam Stover.
'No one sings a heavy love song like Georgia Anne Muldrow' -
Pitchfork Best New Track
'Beautifully poised between classic 90s R&B and something
strange, disorientating and psychedelic.' - The Guardian
Emotional Rescue returns to the music of Elaine Kibaro with a special 7" single to accompany the Pour L'Amour album collection (ERC066). Here then are two bonus versions of songs from the LP with a unique Arabic recording of her "hit" Aurore and also, the previously unreleased on vinyl instrumental version of her balearic / boogie jam, Ne Doute Pas.
Having moved from Tunisia to France at the age of 13, Kibaro's duel sensibility has long been apparent in her music and performance. The early success of her debut 7" De L'autre Cote Du Miroir in 1977, was soon followed by her most 'successful' song in Aurore, first released as a 7" in 1978, before appearing again as 9 minute extended version on the 1979 Miroirs LP.
In the same year she recorded a special 7" single on the little known World Music label. Singing the lyrics in Arabic - renamed here to its true translation - much else remained the same. The music of the original, the spoken intro soon gives way to what is essentially a leftfield disco groove, with building strings, funky bass and some late archetypal 70s Euro drumming. Atop this the vocals are delivered in Kibaro's ubiquitous chanson delivery, her heartfelt singing, the congos breakdown and then chorus, as the songs builds, all lead to head-nodding smiles all round.
With this is Ne Doute Pas. A stand out from Pour L'Amour, the vocal version appeared in 1989 as a single and on the now sought after, Kiroel album. This instrumental simply let's the music shine. A Linn rise and fall bassline, soft, layered keys and mode horns are run and rerun in a catchy, incessant flow like a PWL demo. The 10 years between the 2 tracks is apparent in the instrumentation but the link between the two - Kibaro herself - is clear and worth enjoying for that.
In the sweltering North-Eastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco lies the coastal city of Recife, where Amaro Freitas is pioneering the new sound of Brazilian jazz. For the prodigious young pianist, the spirit of his hometown runs deep. From the Afro-Brazilian maracatu born on the sugar plantations of slavery, to the high intensity carnival rhythms of frevo and baião, Amaro's heavily percussive approach to jazz is as indebted to these Pernambuco traditions as it is to Coltrane, Parker and Monk.
As with many of the greats before him, Amaro began playing piano in church aged 12, under the instruction of his father, leader of the church band. As his natural talents became obvious, the young prodigy quickly outgrew his father's instruction. He won a place at the prestigious Conservatório Pernambucano de Música but had to drop out as his family could not spare the money for the bus fare. Undeterred, Amaro gigged in bands at weddings and worked in a call centre to fund his tuition. The transformative moment came at age 15 when Amaro stumbled across a DVD of Chick Corea concert, 'he completely blew my mind, I'd never seen anything like it but I knew that's what I wanted to do with a piano'.
Despite not actually owning a piano, Amaro devoted himself to studying day and night - he would practice on imaginary keys in his bedroom, until eventually striking a deal with a local restaurant to practice before opening hours. By the age of 22 Amaro was one of the most sought-after musicians in Recife and resident pianist at the legendary jazz bar Mingus. It was during this time he met and begun collaborating with bassist Jean Elton and the pair went in search of a drummer. 'We kept hearing about this crazy kid who was playing in 7/8 or 6/4, we knew we had to meet him'. Hugo Medeiros joined, and the Amaro Freitas Trio was born.
'I want to show the simplicity of music, to break the stigma that the piano is for a particular social class. Yes, it's a difficult instrument, which many people do not have access to, but with it you can express everything.'
Following his critically acclaimed debut album Sangue Negro (black blood), the title of his sophomore release Rasif is a colloquial spelling of Amaro's home town. A love letter to his native northeast, Amaro explores its traditional rhythms through the jazz idiom, employing complex mathematical patterns reminiscent of some of the most challenging works by fellow Brazilian masters Hermeto Pascoal, Egberto Gismonti and Moacir Santos.
Preferring to see the piano as a though it were a drum with 88 unique tones, Amaro's intelligence and emotion intertwine on every track, from album opener 'Dona Eni': a scorching reconstruction of the baião rhythmic structure, played in seven measures instead of two, to the serene homage to the coastal reef and its ecosystems on the title track 'Rasif'. 'Aurora' is a suite of three parts, representing the sun's journey from the light and soft of the rise, to the aggressive dissonance at its midday zenith and descending chromatic cadences as the sun sets.
Due for an Autumn release on Far Out Recordings, Rasif sees Amaro Freitas take a deserved step onto the world stage. Having already made a name for himself in Brazil, Amaro and his phenomenal band will embark on their first European tour later this year.
Amaro Freitas - Piano
Hugo Medeiros - Drums & Percussion
Jean Elton - Double Bass
Henrique Albino - Baritone Sax, Flutes & Clarinet
All compositions by Amaro Freitas
Produced by Amaro Freitas
Recorded by Bruno Giorgi @ Carranca Studio, Recife, Brazil
Mixed and mastered by Bruno Giorgi @ Quarto Studio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Executive producer and management: Laercio Costa
Keni Burke's signature hit 'Risin' To The Top' gets an official remastered, reissue alongside the 12 inch mix of his '81 killer jam 'You're The Best'.
'Risin' To The Top' quickly became a clear favourite of the soul crowd back in the '80s, with Keni's sensuous vocals, a timeless bassline of epic proportions and those dreamy, sunshine chords proving a winning combination. Since then countless producers, from the likes of Doug E Fresh and Slum Village, to LL Cool J and Mary J Blige, have utilised 'Risin' To The Top' as a choice sample for their own productions. A quick glance at this seemingly endless list, just goes to show how much of an impact this record ended up having.
On the flip, 'You're The Best', takes a more boogie paved path, filled with an undeniably groove laden bass synth, cosmic keys and Keni's infectiously soulful vocals. It's early eighties synth boogie at it's best, placing the electronic elements at the forefront whilst holding onto that unquestionable funk at its core.
Two Keni Burke classics for soul heads, sample spotters and anyone with a keen ear for a gem.
Landing on Alchemy Dubs is our seventh release on 7' format, a special collaboration between Ojah and Nikolaj Torp Larsen 'Nik Torp', keyboard player from The Specials.
The A side contains the track 'Mindset', a Hammond and melodica version of Ojah's 'Mind' riddim, both played by Nik Torp and masterfully recorded through an MCI desk that used to belong to Island Records (hundreds of seminal records where recorded through it, including for example Bob Marley's Exodus). Next up on the label will be a 12' featuring versions of this riddim with vocals by Fikir Amlak ('On my mind') and flute by Don Fe ('Remind').
On the B side we find a dub version as usual, mixed in analog live by Ojah in classic style & fashion.
Limited edition of 500 copies, hand-stamped and hand-numbered, served in a thick custom reversed kraftliner sleeve.
Produced by Ojah, recorded at Alchemy Dubs Studio, London
Hammond & melodica by Nikolaj Torp Larsen 'Nik Torp', recorded by George Murphy at Eastcote Studio 1, London
Mixed & mastered by Oscar Pablos 'Ojah" at Alchemy Dubs Studio, London
Graphic design by Victor Castro
Continually pushing the boundaries of jazz, funk, electronic music and disco, as expressed through their signature samba swing, the Brazilian mavericks have recreated the energy of those spellbinding seventies' sessions which would launch them into international recognition and confirm their status as one of Brazil's most successful bands. Since the passing of keyboard maestro Jose Roberto Bertrami in 2012, remaining members Ivan Conti and Alex Malheiros have worked tirelessly to keep the spirit of Azymuth alive, and to continue the legacy of Bertrami's genius. But Fênix also marks a new era as the Azymuth trio is complete once again, by special guest keyboardist Kiko Continentino. A hugely talented pianist, composer and arranger, Kiko has worked with the likes of Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil and Djavan, and the fresh energy and inspiration he has brought to the group is undeniable. The album also features Brazilian percussion legend Robertinho Silva, one of Brazil's most important and influential players.
From the disco-carnival title track to sunny jazz-funk head-nodder Orange Clouds, through to the deep-space samba Corumbá, Azymuth have drawn upon five decades of consummate craftsmanship - which coupled with their endless desire for experimentation and improvisation - has resulted in a 10-track journey encapsulating the full spectrum of Azymuth's brilliantly coloured expressionist fusion. With all the cosmic energy and masterful musicianship you'd expect from the three-man orchestra, Azymuth rise from the ashes!
Recorded in Rio De Janeiro in May 2016 with producers Daniel Maunick and Joe Davis the official release date is set for December 2016, on super-heavyweight vinyl.
The Concept Of Visions Recordings Is To Propose Different Styles And Visions Of What We Love And What We Play.
On This Release We See A Fresh Collaboration Between Alex At
Tias And Mali Star Sidi Touré.
This A Frican Vibe Track Is Bumping On A Soulful Afro Funk Rhythm With Some Simple Bassline And Keys To Give A Very Fresh Shuffle For The Summer! On The Flipside
There Is No Need To Introduce The Incredible Talent Of New York's Finest Joaquin 'joe' Clausell Who D Elivers Here An Amazing Remix Version; A Journey Into Dance, Love And Passion.we Are Very Happy And Proud To Be Releasing This Beautiful Music
Re-mastering by: Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London
Four-and-a-half decades after the event, saxophonist Charles Lloyd's Love-In, recorded live at San Francisco's Fillmore Auditorium in 1967, the counterculture's West Coast music hub, endures as much as an archaeological artifact as a musical document. From sleeve designer Stanislaw Zagorski's treatment of Rolling Stone photographer Jim Marshall's cover shot, through the album title and some of the track titles ("Tribal Dance," "Temple Bells"), and the inclusion of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's "Here There and Everywhere," Love-In's semiology reeks of the acid-drenched zeitgeist of the mid 1960s, a time when creative music flourished, and rock fans were prepared to embrace jazz, provided the musicians did not come on like their parents: juicers dressed in sharp suits exuding cynicism.
It is likely that more joints were rolled on Love-In's cover than that of any other jazz LP of the era, with the possible exception of saxophonists John Coltrane's A Love Supreme (Impulse!, 1965) and Pharoah Sanders's Tauhid (Impulse!, 1967). Chet Helms, a key mover and shaker in the West Coast counterculture, spoke for many when he hailed the Lloyd quartet as "the first psychedelic jazz group."
It is to Lloyd's credit that, at least in the early stages of his adoption by the counterculture, he resisted dumbing down his music. The adoption stemmed from Lloyd's espoused attitude to society, his media savvy, his sartorial style and his sheer nerve in playing jazz in the temples of rock culture. He took the quartet into the Fillmore West three years before trumpeter Miles Davis took his into the Fillmore East—as documented on Live at the Fillmore East, March 6 1970: It's About That Time (Columbia)—by which time his pianist, Keith Jarrett, and drummer, Jack DeJohnette, were members of Davis' band (although Jarrett didn't appear at the 1970 gig).
Making his first appearance on the label, Argy lays down a three-part heavyweight production for Crosstown Rebels this October. The Greek producer effortlessly showcases his unique style and ability to create music that is sure to create heat on the dance floor.
Title track Worthless opens up the EP with a bouncy groove and sensual, breathy male vocal. Next, La Vida introduces a more percussive-led beat, creating an industrial soundscape. Get Ready closes the EP with its darkly hypnotic beat, lending itself to a more tribal aesthetic.
The word 'diverse' is most definitely one that can be used to describe Argy. Having been in the game for more than a decade, he's released music on Poker Flat, Cocoon, Objektivity, Desolat and Cuttin' Headz. He's worked alongside a range of key figures in the industry including Kerri Chandler and Manuel Göttsching. Argy has proved his prowess as a DJ holding down residencies at Amnesia, Space, Destino and Pacha as well as regular appearances at Berlin's Panorama Bar.
Moss Co., sister label to Archie Hamilton's Moscow imprint, returns with its 10th release, a four tracker from Hanfry Martinez & Alexis Cabrera that is both club ready and forward thinking in equal measure. A cross-continent collaboration, the 'Minutas' EP plays perfectly to the strengths of Tenerife's Hanfry and Argentina's Alexis, emanating the precise sound that Moss Co. loves to champion.
'Facas' leads the way with an unabashed breakbeat and zephyr-like hook, leaving space for playful midbass tones and experimental keys, behaving in a purposefully erratic manner. 'Buli´n' follows with driving, dissonant synths that maintain momentum as a weighty and funk-laden bassline enters the fray.
On the flip is title track 'Minutas', rich in sparkling frequencies, snappy percussive programming and the kind of lazy bass motif that is primed for the beaches of Mamaia. 'Copeti´n' closes the EP with a hazy bassline and gentle, rolling subs complimented via crystalline drum patterns and tripped out FX processing.
Danish producer Asmus Odsat debuts on Iceland's FALK DISKS with four leftfield dancefloor cuts entitled 'Ecstatic Half Truth' this September.
Before moving to Iceland, Asmus Odsat was a key figure within Copenhagen's electronic music scene for nearly a decade. A former resident at Culture Box, Odsat was also co-founder of Ritual Malmö as well as the BULK club night, which has hosted artists like Surgeon, Dasha Rush, Lucy and Sleeparchive. Odsat now joins FALK DISKS, the club focused sub-label of FALK Records (Fuck Art Lets Kill) with his 'Ecstatic Half Truth' EP, receiving early support from names like Courtesy who included it in her guest mix on B.Traits' BBC Radio 1 show.
'Deal With It' sets the tone of the package with frenzied synths, warped atmospherics and a crunchy kicks before title track 'Ecstatic Half Truth' delivers a cacophony of percussion alongside twisted melodies and off-kilter breaks.
Up next, fast paced arpeggios meander alongside metallic top lines and a filtered 303 that unfolds throughout, making way for 'Soften The Clocks' which rounds off the package utilising disjointed rhythms, intense acid sequences and thundering low-end throbs.
Supreme Breakbeat House, Floor-focused Leftfield Grooves, And A Rhythmic Ambient Chiller. Cromie's Latest Four Tracker For Material Image, His First For The Label, Fires On All Fronts With Some Help From A Couple Friends From Across The Pond (iron Curtis And Royer). Cromie Has A 'habit' Of Coaxing Hooks Out Of Unassuming Sources, And Fitting Them Into A Cohesive Groove. That's The Secret Sauce Here: Pure Groove And Infectious Melodies From Who-knows-where. Listen For A Perfectly Placed, Driving Guitar Riff In A1, Pitched Percussion And Pan Flutes In A2, And Euphoric Keys With Chunky Bass On B1 (with Help From Iron Curtis). Our Man Royer, A Repeat Offender On The Material Image Roster, Serves Up An Extended Ambient Remix Of A2 'told' To Close Out The Record.
The elusive producer 'Nortasun' hasn't released a record since his debut 'One' through SAFT back in 2016. After two years, it's time for a follow up which is fittingly named 'Two'. The track titles also resume in a fashionable manner with the opening track being titled: 'Untitled 3'. On this track, Nortasun introduces a firm rhythm that is supported by the impossibly beautiful strings that serve as the tracks key element and appear throughout. Next up is the 'AntonZap' remix. AntonZap doesn't do the stereotypical remix take on the original. His version is dub laden, otherworldly, and only implements miniscule pieces from the original take. With just under 7 minutes, the remix version is a true sonic voyage.
On the B-Side, Nortasun takes a more dubbed out approach to modern day house music. 'Untitled 4' is a work of precision. The carefully crafted hats and dub elements sizzle throughout the entire track and help the track morph into a stunning piece of dance floor music around the four minute mark. Nortasun cleverly introduces a thumpientire ng bass that changes up the mood for the work.
Two all-time George Duke greats, 'I Want You for Myself' & 'Brazilian Love Affair', get the official remastered, reissue treatment.
First up, 'I Want You For Myself' Duke's 1979 jazz funk, R&B tinged gem has got all the ingredients of classic from his illustrious catalogue. A funked up guitar and exuberant percussion, compliment Lynn Davis' fabulously soulful vocals perfectly to make this a love song that's sweeter than most. A Duke classic wouldn't be complete without a killer, keys solo and 'I Want You For Myself' shows off his talents in abundance. The infamous Tom Moulton takes on edit duties splicing it into a 10-minute exploration of this fusion powerhouse, extending and enhancing elements in the mix, alongside adding an epic breakdown in a way that only he knows how.
On the B side, the stone-cold killer 'Brazilian Love Affair' is a Latin American, jazz funk classic. Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Duke drafted in a host of greats to guest on the track, each bringing something unique to the table. From Airto Moreira's expert latin drumming, to Byron Miller's heavyweight bass and Roland Bautista's overdriven guitar. Duke supplements this to a tee with his blissful vocals and an otherworldly Rhodes solo. Much sampled, much loved, this is a masterpiece that needs a place in the collection.
The New York Downtown Producer/Composer Returns With His First New Album In 3 Years
EIGHTEEN: the year of release, 2018. EIGHTEEN: the age at which I first used a synthesizer.
In creating EIGHTEEN I worked independently in the studio, initially building up tracks with synthesizers and found sounds recorded in my daily comings and goings. After working with the tracks over a period of months,I shared them with a few musicians, who added their own instrumental layers. Though working independently, we all shared a similar working process: working in our personal recording spaces, as opposed to larger recording studios.
The musicians are: Gabe Gurnsey (drums) of Factory Floor, with whom I collaborated on the Beachcombing EP and performed live at London's ICA. I appear on Gabe's newly released album Physical;
Larry Saltzman (guitar) has played in my Love Of Life Orchestra since the 1970's. Well-known for his work with Arthur Russell ('Kiss Me Again', Flying Hearts), he is in high demand in NYC by acts such as Simon and Garfunkel;
Paul Nowinski, (bass) has played with LOLO since the 1980's. Paul has an impressive list of credits, including Les Paul, Keith Richards, Bernard Purdie and the Boston Pops; Matt Mottel, (electric piano), is the newest addition to the Love Of Life Orchestra. He is half the duo Talibam!, a leading act in the noise jazz scene; Lewin Barringer, (guitar), is a talented guitarist and producer in Philadelphia.
After mixing the final tracks, I brought the mixes to Berlin. There I worked with the brilliant mastering engineer Mike Grinser who helped to give the album a unified sound.
I think of this album as electronic music. It was created in my home studio, using analog and digital synthesizers, found sounds recorded on my phone, and instrumental parts contributed by friends. Finely crafted melodies and harmonies are set against subway noises, street construction, and distant foghorns. Sometimes there are sustained clusters, generated by my leaning against the keyboard. Deliberateness paired with randomness: this is what guided the artistic process.
This album is atypical for me as I am not playing saxophone. (I do play one reed instrument - a harmonica.) I grew up with the sax as my primary instrument. Yet my father was a radio journalist so the reel-to-reel tape recorder was a ubiquitous presence in the family home. From an early age,
I experimented with the tape machine: recording, overdubbing and splicing tape. I learned about Varese from Frank Zappa liner notes; I read John Cage's 'Silence.' Electronic music was on my radar.
My first exposure to an actual synthesizer came when I recorded my first single at the fabled Sound City Studio in Van Nuys, CA. The studio had a custom Neve board, but it also had a firstgeneration Moog modular synthesizer sitting unused in the maintenance room. I asked and they kindly let me experiment with it. Soon, I enrolled at the University of California - San Diego after I discovered they had separate studios for their Moog and Buchla systems. These large modular synthesizers were affordable then only by institutions and rock stars. But these would be soon eclipsed by smaller, cheaper synths in the 70's and early 80's. In the same way, recording studio technology became accessible in the 90's. . And thus the personal computer and digital audio allowed studio quality production in the home studio. Electronic music had become democratized.
Handmade music by way of digital technology: this is the music of EIGHTEEN
In 1975, the prolific and multi-talented Brazilian comedians Chico Anysio and Arnaud Rodrigues recorded an album based on the protagonist of one of their most celebrated TV series. Sporting a dodgy moustache and an equally troubling haircut, Carioca conman Paulo Maurício Azambuja (played by Anysio) would flog his own mother's leg if he could, and his ever-ridiculous scams are inevitably always destined to fail. This soundtrack/musical re-imagining of the series combines jazz-funk with samba soul and MPB, with the help of cult Brazilian trio Azymuth. Keyboard maestro Jose Roberto Bertrami, who arranged the album alongside renowned conductor and composer Jose Menezes, elevates the groovy odd-ball sound to another dimension, with his set up including Fender Rhodes, Arp Strings, Arp Omni, Clavinet and Hammond organ. Remaining Azymuth members Ivan Conti (drums) and Alex Malheiros (bass) provide the signature Azymuth foundation, and saxophone prodigy Victor Assis Brasil and legendary multi-instrumentalist producer Durval Ferreira also feature.As well as its distinctly comedic character, what makes the music so special is the coming together of traditional samba roots, and Azymuth's ahead-of-its-time psychedelic funk influence. Each side ends with a comedy monologue, complete with live audience laughter, but before that you get seven tracks of weird and wonderfully emotive Brazilian groove music.
- A1: Mr Brown In Town
- A2: Mr Brown Dub
- A3: Trendsetter
- A4: Trendsettting Dub
- B1: Your Shadow Is Black
- B2: Your Shadow Is Dub
- B3: Dead Meat
- B4: Dead Meat Dub
- C1: Dub At Abbey Road
- C2: Abbey Road Version
- C3: Bumpy Road Of Life
- C4: Bumpy Dub
- C5: Captain Perry
- D1: Captain Dub
- D2: Killing Dancehall Softly
- D3: Killing Version
- D4: Solid State Communication
- D5: Solid State Dub
At 83 Years Of Age, Lee Scratch Perry Is Proud To Present To The World His Next Full Length Solo Album (with Dub Versions) , Continuing His Inimitable Roots Reggae Legacy.
Lee's Brief For The Album, Was To Blend The Vintage And The Obscure, During The Sessions Lee Referred To The Sound And 'black' And Wanted Space, Light And Darkness In The Songs And Their Respective Dub Versions.
The Result Sees Lee Having Mixed Up An Analogue Concoction Of Ultra-rare Effects, Sonic Wizardry And Deep Heavy Roots Rhythms.
Over 2017 and 2018, Lee Scratch Perry re united with Producer and Mixer Daniel Boyle, to start work on their second Solo album project for Lee.
Picking up where their last efforts ''Back on the Controls'' left off. Lee wanted to continue the raw analogue sound they had cultivated together over multiple past releases, and take it to the next level with new effects devices to create another sonic signature.
They entered the studio in 2017, to begin to put together ideas for the tracks, which were then taken to RAK studios in London with their ever changing Rolling Lion All Stars session band; to lay down the rhythm versions.
Using strictly vintage analogue equipment, they employed Neuman valve and RCA Ribbon microphones, and RAK's early model vintage API desk to record, the 'sound' for the album was sculpted in these sessions. Vintage, but punchy, which was then blended with Lee's choice of super rare and custom analogue effects. Ursa Major Space Station and Stargate delays and reverbs, old choruses, Plate and spring reverbs, and tape delays were used to create a tight vintage feel but retaining the rawness of the 'Low Fi' roots sound Lee was aiming for.
With the music coming together, the vocal sessions were held in Abbey Road studio 3, again using vintage RCA ribbon mics, over driving their EMI TG console and Fairchild compressors to create a pleasantly distorted Lo Fi vocal sound.
Lee and Daniel then returned to Daniels Rolling Lion Studio, to mix and Dub the album, live, on the mixing console.
'Rolling Lion All Stars' Musicians: Vocals: Lee 'Scratch' Perry Drums: Ed West Bass & Guitar: Hughie Izachaar Keys: Robbie Lynn Additional Keys: Calvin Bennion Percussion: Daniel Boyle Kete Drum: Mathias Liengme Hurdy Gurdy: Brian McCoy Horn Section: Rory Sadler, Robert Landen Melodica: Puraman Backing Vocals :
Hosono's solo career would take many twists and turns from this point forward, with forays into exotica, electronic, ambient, and techno, culminating in the massive success of techno pop group Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO), who made their debut in 1978. Admired by artists ranging from Van Dyke Parks to Mac DeMarco, Hosono continues to forge ahead as he heads into his fifth decade as a musician. With the re-release of his key albums for the first time outside of Japan, his genius will be discovered by a whole new generation of fans around the world.
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The unbelievably prolific Haruomi Hosono is one of the major architects of modern Japanese pop music. With his encyclopedic knowledge of music and boundless curiosity for new sounds, Hosono is the auteur of his own idiosyncratic musical world, putting his unmistakable stamp on hundreds of recordings as an artist, session player, songwriter and producer.
Born and raised in central Tokyo, his adolescent obsession with American pop culture informed his early forays into country music, which he would revisit later in his career. Hosono made his professional debut in 1969 as a member of Apryl Fool, whose heavy psychedelia was somewhat at odds with his influences, which leaned towards the rootsy sounds of Moby Grape and Buffalo Springfield. The latter was one of the main inspirations for his next group, Happy End, whose unique blend of West Coast sounds with Japanese lyrics proved to be highly influential over the course of three albums. After the band’s amicable break up in 1973, Hosono began his solo career with Hosono House, an intimate slice of Japanese Americana recorded inside a rented house with recording gear squeezed into its tiny bedroom.
This is a very limited 7" picture disc of the brand new Clutch tracks "How To Shake Hands" (Blue Side) and "Gimme The Keys" (Green Side). It comes in a PVC sleeve with flap and has a product sticker on the front. The Pennsylvania Dutch hex motif of the two sides of this 7" goes with the general Americana feel of this overall release campaign. A Clutch collector's item if there ever was one.
Phonogramme, the house subdivision of parent label and integral Parisian record shop Syncrophone dedicates itself directly to the French music scene, with previous releases from the likes of Professor Inc, John Jastszebski, Aleqs Notal and a handful of other local heads. Phonogramme continues to keep things close-to-home through the labels next edition presented by Gibs, who's most notably known for works on his own imprint, 'An.Art Records' - a family run label with music shared by himself and his two brothers.
'Find an Oasis' kicks off the release with rolling organic percussion before progressing elegantly into layered emotive lead synths and mellow bass stabs. 'Jarkarta' is a subdued deeper house cut, filled with an uplifting, undulating melody and raw lo-fi elements collectively creating a luscious calming effect. Last up, 'Der Germain' offers up a fluid, groove filled number balanced with charming, jazzy flutters and tender keys providing a warm, breezy atmosphere to the end the release.
Experiential composer Tim Hecker's ninth official full-length, Konoyo ('the world over here') was largely recorded during several trips to Japan where he collaborated with members of the gagaku ensemble Tokyo Gakuso, in a temple on the outskirts of Tokyo.
Inspired by conversations with a recently deceased friend about negative space and a sense of music's increasingly banal density, Hecker found himself drawn towards restraint and elegance, while making music both collectively and alone.
As with the Icelandic choir he arranged on 2016's Love Streams, the heights of Hecker's talent emerge in his manipulation of source material, bending and burnishing it into fantastical new forms. Keening strings are stretched into surreal, pixelated mirages; woodwinds warble and dissipate as fractal whispers of spatial haze; sparse gestures of percussion are chopped, isolated, and eroded, like disembodied signals from the afterlife. Both in texture and intent, Konoyo conjures a somber, ceremonial mood, suffused with ritual and regret. Visions flutter and fade; dreams gleam and decay.
Hecker will stage a series of special performances in tandem with the album's release, featuring members of the gagaku ensemble on sho¯, ryuteki and hichiriki, accompanied by Kara-Lis Coverdale.
tim jones, also known as Preacherman and recorded under midi man, ironing Board Band and t.j. hustler. he made one very rare lp, and two even rarer cD's. these tracks are from the cD's. he was a salesman for iBm in Las Vegas, where he sold selectric t ypewriters and then word processors during the day and at night he would perform in the Las Vegas lounges. he was somewhat of an engineer and adapted a hammond B3 organ to play a moog synth with some of the organ keys, (some still played the organ),
and he adapted the organ's foot controlled bass levers to play two moog synth bass pedals (a failed item moog made for a few years.) thinking he wasn't much of a live performer he had a wooden puppet made that he named t.j hustler, and together with the puppet, he would engage in long philosophical soliloquies, (some of which are featured on this album).if you meet tim, he is not someone who stops talking. in fact he even created a little book called universal Philosophy. he has a lot to say about everything. currently he lives with his 103 year old mother in
Oakland. there he infrequently plays shows on his casio where he fashions himself a live Karaoke performer, who comes complete with 5 wireless mics and P.a. and a list of about a 100 songs he can play. his invented organ contraption and puppet are in storage in Las Vegas, and he seems intensely
uninterested in getting them out, as 'the kids these days want to hear the sounds the casio makes.'
is it the best jazz record from japan, as the french-born english disc jockey, record label owner and music collector gilles peterson once assumed or is it maybe the best jazz record of all jazz records
well, everybody needs to decide by himself and has to listen to 'watabase', the second solo piano album of the japanese jazz pianist fumio itabashi, that was originally released in 1982.
tokyo based mule music unearth it, remastered the original recordings and brings it back to the global stores in order to seduce all music lovers that embrace notes who come straight from the heart and soul.
while diving deep into the seven compositions on 'watarese', any sensible listener finds out, that the instrumental piano pieces are somehow soulfully connected to what keith jarret plays on his legendary 'the köln concert' live album for the munich based ecm record company.
like jarret, itabashi does not play his notes academic. he let them fly, gives them some kind a life of their own, hits the piano keys deeply emotional and injects his compositions and interpretations some kind of nervous human soul.
in terms of style some call his 'watarase' recordings post-bop, others contemporary jazz. none of such definitions fit really, as all is just that kind of agitating jazz that melts spirituality with humanity. three tunes, the epic 'someday my prince will come' as well as 'msunduza' and 'i can't get started', are interpretations of compositions by the us-american movie score pioneer frank churchill, south african pianist dollar brand and russian-american composer and songwriter vernon duke.
all other four compositions been written and recorded by the 1949 born itabashi who started to play the piano when he was eight years old. while studying at the tokyo based kunitachi college of music, he fell in love with jazz.
his love was so deep, that he starts to work in the 1970's with such legendary japanese jazz musicians like trumpet player terumasa hino, drummer takeo moriyama and saxophonist sadao watanabe.
till today fumio itabashi is a vital part of the japanese jazz culture as a live performer and film score composer. those who want to see how he makes love with his piano should check the world wide web for the french documentary 'jazzed out', that captured his unique way of playing in one episode.
but as music is always firstly for the ears, and not for the eyes, this little letter in-front of you would rather like to recommend to play the 'watarase' recordings loud to get hooked by the highly infectious piano gems that have been recorded at nippon columbia 1st studio in tokyo on 12th and 13th of octo-ber 1981.
they will haunt you. they will come for good. and they will force you to be a good friend with the repeat button - whatever medium you chose to surrender to the piano jazz music of fumio itabashi.
- A1: Sonrise
- A2: The Season
- A3: Good Times
- A4: Shades Of Green
- A5: Keep Up
- A6: Slim Pickings
- A7: Everyday
- A9: The Feeling (Part 2)
- B1: Dusk To Dawn
- B2: Uhuru
- B3: Call It Love
- B4: Never Walk Alone
- B5: Old Soul
- B6: Love
- C1: Sonrise (Instrumental Edit)
- C2: The Season (Instrumental Edit)
- C3: Good Times" (Instrumental Edit)
- C4: Shades Of Green" (Instrumental Edit)
- C5: Keep Up" (Instrumental Edit)
- C6: Everyday" (Instrumental Edit)
- C7: The Feeling" (Instrumental Edit)
- D1: Dusk To Dawn" (Instrumental Edit)
- D2: Uhuru" (Instrumental Edit)
- D3: Call It Love" (Instrumental Edit)
- D4: Never Walk Alone" (Instrumental Edit)
- D5: Old Soul" (Instrumental Edit)
- D6: Love" (Instrumental Edit)
Wir Freuen Uns Mit "uhuru" Das Debütalbum Der Summers Sons & C.tappin Zu Veröffentlichen. Das Trio Besteht Aus Turt (rap), Slim (beats) Und C.tappin (gesang + Keys) Und Lebt In London Und Bristol. Turt Und Slim Heißen Mit Nachnamen Summers Und Sind Brüder. Mit Tappin Sind Sie Seit Frühen Jugendtagen Befreundet. Die Musik Der Summers Sons Lässt Sich Als Rap Mit Viel Jazz Beschreiben. Wir Nennen Es Cool Bap. Fans Von Loyle Carner, Mos Def Und Alfa Mist Kommen Hier Genauso Auf Ihre Kosten Wie Beatheads, Die Gerne Flofilz Oder Twit One Hören (mit Letzteren Haben Die Sons Bereits Zusammengearbeitet). "uhuru" Heißt Auf Swahili "freiheit". "uhuru Peak" Ist Gleichzeitig Der Name Des Höchsten Gipfels Des Kilimandscharo-massivs, Den Die Band Während Eines Längeren Aufenthalts In Tansania Vor Drei Jahren Gemeinsam Bestiegen Hat. Der Trip Legte Den Grundstein Für Die Arbeit Am Gleichnamigen Album. Dass Die Sons & Tappin Ihre Ersten Musikalischen Gehversuche Mit Grime (turt), Uk Garage (slim) Und Indie Rock (tappin) Gemacht Haben, Hört Man "uhuru" Nicht An. So Entspannt Und Ausgejazzt Und Mit Viel Soul In Den Hooks Kommt Das Album Daher. Dazu Raps, Die Neben Cleveren Rhyme-patterns Durch Kluge, Persönliche Und Philosophische Texten Überzeugen. So Gesehen Sind Die Frühzwanziger Das, Was Man Auf Englisch "old Souls" Nennt. Dabei Fangen Sie Gerade Erst An ...
Hot on the heels of Rapid Eye Movement's journey of discovery and growth comes the EP 'Split: Remixes' featuring reworks of the quartet of cuts originally signed by label founders Memorial Home and VII Circle.
Invited to apply their own reflections onto the material are rising producers Nur Jaber and Wrong Assessment as well as renowned artists on the underground experimental scene Edit Select and Reggy Van Oers.
First up is Nur Jaber's take on VII Circle's 'Metaphysical Functions' showing how the young Berlin-based Lebanese artist is as much inspired on remix duties than in crafting her already much acclaimed productions. The perfect mixture of dark and intense driving techno beat with haunting ambient-driven melodic motifs and dramatic breakdowns encompasses much of what her sophisticated sense of sonic exploration is about.
Up next on a heavier kicking note is 'Dogma' refashioned by Milanese fellow Wrong Assessment who transmits his vision of both minimal and hard pounding techno by merging a strait rugged beat with undulating synth lines and bouncy cymbals that will drive the audience to an insane rave-spirited dance floor venture.
Following the path, Tony Scott a.k.a Edit Select's interpretation of Memorial Home's 'Second Floor' is a clear example of the unique and forward-thinking sound that the Scottish techno scene 'veteran' has developed throughout the years. Deftly combining a tension-building drum and bassline work with layers of hypnotic synth textures that makes the track both suggestive and trippy-hitting in equal measure.
Concluding the journey is Reggy Van Oers (RVO)'s rework of Memorial Home's 'Ampere' which evinces this quest for organic and mental techno soundscapes inspired by classical and cinematic music, characterising the both complex and powerful crafting signature of Dutch Telemorph label's owner.
Between dark shadows and brightness, REM confirms with this new release that quality and free-minded artistry are the key pillars of the platform's curation philosophy.
The spiritual and uplifting music of Clifford White is highlighted with two of his most sought after songs, taken from his 1989 album The Lifespring, and presented here in a special extended 12" for the first time. Starting in music production at just 15, White could be described as a protegee, however his take is that they were part of a music journey that continues today. With a centre found in electronic music and spirituality, his progress, from simple home use 4-track stereo to working in professional 16-tracks studios was swift, but matched by a deeper appreciation, greater confidence and wider palette of music styles. Utilising his love of early samplers, his first use of the Akai S612 to accompany and expand his keyboard recordings saw continued development from his debut album at just 17 with Ascension (1985), to the follow up Spring Fantasy (1987) and on to The Lifespring (1989). A small review in the local paper literally led to a knock at the door and offer of a deal from the Start (State Of The Art ) label to record his next album. With a subsequent advance, professional studio equipment was hired and out of these sessions his sound expanded to include ambient, orchestral, synth pop and even ballads. From this both Lifestream and Rain Trek emerged. With a love of Jean Michel Jarre's Oxygene in mind, Lifestream's smooth beginning soon gives way to the pulse of an arpeggio driven groove. Aiming for "relaxation with an edge", the track has become a secret play for the more Balearic minded DJ in the decades since and now sees the LP trade for dizzying sums. However, the original is achingly brief, gracefully fading as part of the album's journey. Here though, with DJs and collectors in mind, White returns to the song to craft a specially extended version that completes the song and will be appreciated at sunsets across the globe. Seeking to take the music and listener to another place, Rain Trek took White's interest in Sci-Fi and the mystic powers of water to a rightful conclusion. The healing nature of his music is apparent, the mystery, yearning and travelling, all emotions evident, but with a kick that will grace the more enlightened dance.
Bill Brown and Al Hall jr met around 1971, they were both in south central L.A and shared the same apartment building, also in the same building was Doug Carn and brownstone singer billy Wilson.
These studio sessions were don't at Paramount studios Hollywood where Al Hall jr was working for producer Art Smith a&c music.
The main distributor for A&C was Accent records. So the Soul Injections very first single "Stay off the moon" was released via Accent, as was Bill Browns "Bip Bam" The group wasn't that pleased with how Accent handle the releases so Bill took it upon himself to set up his own label called Brownstone records. Many musicians were called in for studio sessions these included
Doug Carn, organ; Kirk Lightsey, keyboards; Mel Bolton,
guitars; Mel Lee, drums; Al Hall jr (trombones), Willaim 'Bill'Henderson strings.
The label was met with some confrontation from other Hollywood labels and many of the Brownstone releases were told not to hit the shops by Mafia run labels. Later around 1975 Brownstone released a track by Everyday people feat Alexis "world full of people"....A now cult soul 45 ....But wait, we at Super disco edits have unearthed the original tapes with the very first incarnation of that song and music, different lyric content and sung by Bill Brown. Not just this you get the instrumental on the b side!!
Legendary Ghanain album - with one of the music iconic covers ever! - that fuses Highlife, afrobeat, folk and funk. Ambolleys debut solo album originally released in 1975, written and produced with Ebo Taylor.
Ambolley grew up during the peak of Highlife in Ghana and was a key figure in its fusion with soul and funk influences from the USA. He played in many bands including Houghas Extraordinaires, Meridians Of Tema, Ghana Broadcasting Band and the Uhuru Dance Band, for which he was recruited by his friend, Ebo Taylor. The group went to Nigeria in 1973 to play with Fela at his legendary Shrine spot.
'Simigwa' was a chance for Ambolley to release his own productions and to experiment to a certain extent. A main inspiration for this album was the work of the mighty Mr. James Brown, something that is evident from the rhythm section, horns, vocal stabs and percussion breaks throughout the record.
LumieresLaNuit (alias LLN) is glad to welcome back Paris-based music composer, live performer and DJ Vadim Svoboda for the 10th release of the label.
Besides being a close friend of the LLN crew and a regular of the label's showcases, Vadim Svoboda has also become a key artist of the label. Indeed, it's with him that it has all started, about three years ago, when he released his 'Syntherapie' EP (LLN000). Eight releases later, we're glad to have him back on board on the occasion of his debut album 'Seed' (LLN009+1).
'Seed' is made up of two records: 'Roots' (vinyl 1: LLN009) and 'Canopy' (vinyl 2: LLN009+1). Whereas 'Roots' sounds like a mini-album in the album, where melodic and melancholic notes alternates with dark and strong beats, Canopy seems - according to its composition - to refer directly to his 'Syntherapie' EP, even though the listener might find the same inspirations in both records.
Recorded during Spring 2018 as Marc and Dave collaborated on the tracklist for their career box set, 'Northern Lights' and 'Guilty (Cos I Say You Are)' represent the first new music from the ever-fascinating Soft Cell. This limited edition double-A-sided 7' single features special radio edits created by Dave Ball. Original versions can also be found on the 1CD collection 'The Singles - Keychains And Snowstorms' also out September 28th.
Paying tribute to the Northern Soul scene which had such a pivotal influence on British electronica's most influential and fascinating band, 'Northern Lights' is the brand-new single from Soft Cell - their first since 2002.
Featuring all the magic and class of vintage Soft Cell, the track has an interesting origin. At the beginning of 2018 Marc Almond and Dave Ball dropped the bombshell announcement that they would reform for one night only at London's O2 Arena. In April it was also revealed that the September 30th gig would be preceded on September 7th by a 10-disc career retrospective box set, titled 'Keychains & Snowstorms'.
Those of you who have followed Lucky Brown's tireless efforts since joining the Tramp family in 2007 can hear without a doubt the progress he and his various ensembles have made in almost every musical aspect. His songwriting skills amazed us right from the start of our relationship. What deserves much more respect is that during the past years he has proved to be probably one of the most authentic and steady but at the same time most innovative creative minds on the contemporary funk scene. Sure, many of today's funk bands are able to deliver a two-and-a-half minute funk killer, what distinguishes Lucky Brown, however, is his ability to create compositions which also employ the idiom as a means to deliver an artistic message, a hard-to describe feeling, or a conscious concept, just like James Brown and Fela Kuti mastered in the 1970s. Furthermore, Lucky has developed his own trademark production and sound whose depth and honesty form a basis from which his work will ever remain timeless.
But that's nothing new as you can hear on both of his first two albums for Tamp ("Lucky Brown's Space Dream, 2011 and "Mystery Road", 2015) On "Mesquite Suite" he is forging new paths by soaking up musical styles from all over the world to infuse with his own totally unique way of producing. Perfect examples are the Mulatu Astatke-ish tracks "Pauraque" and "Mother Corn Stalk" with its distinctive New Orleans Swamp-Jazz flavor. Fans of the Menahan Street Band or El Michels Affair may see in "Taterbug" and "Estrellas De La Tierra" their favourite tracks. But it's the entirety which makes this album standout.
It has been Lucky Brown's aim to paint for the world a picture of the vernacular jazz that America's neighborhoods once crafted as their own homegrown cultural heritage. Lucky Brown's music is a rejection of the elitism, classism, and status of the music industrial complex and is an antitoxin to it's resultant homogeneity. He wants with his heart and his art to transmit an everyday people's sound, made by everyday people, dedicated to the upliftment of all people.
Tobias Kirmayer, August 2018
key-selling points:
- limited to 500 hand-numbered copies
- incl. full album download code
- double vinyl LP with deluxe gatefold cover
A captivating collection of early singles by the renowned Zimbabwean Mbira master and a true African music icon. The songs were mostly recorded in the 1970's, during the buildup to the Chimurenga revolution,
and were only ever released in Stella's home country. Deep resistance & culture. 'I am a rebel', smiles the 70-year-old Stella Chiweshe. Her album 'Kasahwa: Early Singles' offers a fascinating introduction to the world
of Mbira, with the term not only referring to the instrument, consisting of 22 to 28 metal keys mounted on a wooden healing tree body, but also to a musical genre - and on a much wider level, to an entire culture and deeply spiritual
lifestyle, very much at the core of the young Zimbabwean nation. 'Kasahwa' is a collection of impossible-to-find early seven inches, eight cuts spanning the period from 1974 to 1983 and representing Mbira in its purest
form. None of these songs has been released outside of Africa so far.
After more than a decade of deep, expansive productions on labels such as Detroit Underground and CPU, Annie Hall arrives on MUSAR for a record typically rich in texture and understated grooves.
Opening track 'Linium' immediately seduces listeners with a complex drum pattern that somehow feels spacious, subtly twisting and turning its way around Hall's analogue world. Dutch artist Mattheis maintains this understated feel but adds a soft, compelling kick in response on his suspenseful remix of 'Lavandula'. The original, moodier version of this cut the follows to open the B side, gradually erupting around a killer distorted bassline. The EP continues to hit a more urgent note with the tense machinations of 'Silene', where dense layers of stuttering, frenetic drums interweave with Hall's trademark, melancholy keys. The record concludes on a weightless, transcendent note with 'Santolina', taking each visceral element featured thus far and slowing each down, with affecting results.
Indebted to vintage electro and IDM, Hall's music is no throwback, always looking forward and moving dancefloors in the most unexpected ways.
DJ FEEDBACK
Early support from
Michael Mayer (Kompakt) : Nice vibes from Mattheis... will play for sure!
James Zabiela (Born Electric) : Linium is a nice one, thanks.
Arnaud Le Texier (Cocoon / Chronicle) : Nice music. Thx!
Marcel Dettmann (Ostgut Ton/MDR) : Thx!
Carl Craig (Planet E) : Thx!
Gonno (Beats In Space Records / Endless Flight) : I like Mattheis' :)
Thomas Hessler (Index Marcel Fengler) : Nice one! Thank you!
Slam (Soma) : Thanx
Âme (Innervisions) : Thanks
Blasha & Allatt (Meat Free / Manchester) : Amazing!
EREZ / John Byrun : A superb EP
Tom Lye (Melodic Distraction - Liverpool) : Big fan of the whole EP. Strong, building electro with different moods. Essential!
Afrodeutsche (NTS / LuckyMe / Skam) : Glitchy melodica... Right up my Strasse...
DJ Shiva / Noncompliant (Valence / Detroit Underground) : Stellar music here. Moving beyond "DJ music", this is just really fantastic to listen to in headphones. Gorgeous stuff.
Lonya (Asymmetric Recordings) : Great stuff here!
Nori (Posivision) : Cool work.
Cinnaman (Rush Hour / Naked Naked) : Lavandula and Santolina are my favorites! thanks
Dj Windows XP (E-Beamz) : Dope E.P. Will play Lavandula.
Ambivalent/LA-4A (Delft/Cocoon/Ovum) I'm a huge fan of Annie Hall and Mattheis!!! This is a FANTASTIC release!! One of my favorites of recent months just on first listen!!
Benoit C (Tsugi) : Linium for me
Ian Blevins (ESP Institute / Sulk Magic) : Linium and another bit of top work from Mattheis. Santolina is pushing my buttons too. Aphexy vibes.
Joe Europe (Ransom Note) : Very nice!
Azterisco: Very interesting record. Nice remix!
Oded Peled : What a fantastic release! Was hard to choose a favourite between Linium and the Mattheis Remix of Lavandula. Both will come in handy in my sets. ....Thanx a lot and keep em coming.
Naduve (Cocktail d'Amore / Disco Halal) : Both A1 and A2 are great!..Thanks.
Anastasia Kristensen (Nous) : I dig this a lot, it's a crazy well produced record.
Demia E.Clash (Darknet) : Such a good ep-.i love them all,quality production yess.
Pedro Martins (Karakter Records) : Nice EP overall. Linium, Silene, and Santolina are my favorites. Thank you so much!
Xinobi (Discotexas) : Great record. I'm specially enchanted by the original version o Lavandula. Congratulations.
Scan Mode (DJ Mag Spain) : Lavandula in both mixes for me
John Osborn (TANSTAAFL) : Can't pick a fav. it is all Devine. thank you.
Madloch (Sound Avenue) : Nice EP, Linium & Lavandula original are my favs, thanks.
DVS NME (Transient Force) : The standout track is Lavandula.
Divine gospel modern soul boogie LP written, composed and produced by Jeffrey Roberson, first released in 1982 on Black Diamond Records.
Every once in a while, an exceptional talent impacts the gospel industry and leaves an incredible impression. The anointed and Grammy nominated Jeff Roberson is one of the those rapidly expanding gospel artist who have done just that.
Jeff Roberson was born and raised in Long Island, New York, the son of Pentecostal parents who had a compelling love for music. Actually, he is endowed by God with a melodic intrinsic distinctive rooted and grounded in the splendid tradition of the church. His keen interest and focus in music was so intense that his
parents encouraged him by purchasing a piano. During his teenage years, he was significantly blessed to be tutored by the late Rev. Timothy Wright, and the late Professor Benny Cummings and the Kings Temple Choir. It was during this season of his life that he continuously developed his skills as a keyboardist and songwriter.
Not only is he a skillful world-class vocalist, his talents transcend various creative art forms such as a skillful musician, innovative producer, accomplished pianist and organist. He simultaneously projects his uncompromising vocal talents and musical gifts to an unprecedented level of artistic achievement. Simply stated
he excels in the excellent - (Excerpt taken from Jeff Roberson's biography).
'Ever since I can remember, music has been to me, as a mother is to her child. Just as the sun enhances daylight, music is my life throb. Music puts life and joy in that sacred dimension. It fills the void of darkness and brings with it New Life.'
Jeffrey
Through the years Intacto Records became a household name. The label was founded in Amsterdam in 2004 under the collaborative genius of Shinedoe and 2000 and One.It was nlaunched as a platform for the by then strongly emerging Amsterdam scene supporting a pack of local artists shaping a fresh distinctive sound which took over the electronic scene by storm. Intacto's defining sound included many styles and its catalogue is a melting pot of influences of which house and techno are the key elements. After running Intacto Records successfully for 14 years, Shinedoe and 2000 and One have joined forces on their very first collaborative release. A ten year old unreleased 2000 and One track 'World of Acid' have been played out by Shinedoe for years and received ecstatic feedback from the clubbing crowds. Convincing him to release this timeless tune to scorch the dancefloors worldwide, Shinedoe was inspired to do a remix. In return 2000 and One remixed her track 'Acidploitation' which she recently produced. 'Acidploitation' EP is the culmination of two Dutch legends, defining their brilliant take on music once again.
Almost three decades after he put out his first record as one half of Tummy Touch twosome Tutto Matto, Paulo Guigliemino continues to produce effortlessly brilliant music that joins the dots between vintage disco, boogie, proto-house and sun-kissed Balearica. For proof, just check the heavyweight dancefloor sunshine that is 'Bella Topa', his first release on Leng Records.
Slow, sensual and blessed with all manner of delay-laden drum machine percussion hits, the track fixes the producer's usual colourful, boogie-era synth flourishes and ear-pleasing instrumentation (think fluid electric pianos, fluttering flutes, eyes-closed jazz guitar solos, lilting saxophones and spacey electronic chords) to a chugging, head-in-the-clouds groove reminiscent of Lindstrom and Prins Thomas's early collaborative work. 'Bella Topa' cleverly shifts shape several times throughout, utilising jazzier rhythms and bolder melodies to light up key moments.
Remixes come from Guigliemino's old pal Federico Marton, a producer best known for being one half of sometime Get Physical, Superfiction and Snatch Recordings artists Italoboyz. He lays down two distinctive revisions, starting with a 'Slow' club reconstruction that adds additional percussive heaviness and sparkling electronics to Super Paolo's twinkling, sun-baked original.
His other version, a 'Fast' club reconstruction, drags Guigliemino's track towards peak-time dancefloors kicking and screaming. Making the most of his friend's killer groove and finding sufficient time and space for each life-affirming musical element to sparkle, his mix bobs, weaves and eventually soars for 12 mesmerizing minutes. The mix, like his slow version, makes use of additional percussion and wisely gives more prominence to the A-side's spacey electronics and boogie-influenced synthesizer flourishes. The results are little less than breathtaking.
Following the release of lo-fi electronic masterpiece I Don't Remember Now / I Don't Want To Talk About It and his brilliant follow-up Plaster Falling, Cincinnati-based artist John Bender began assembling his third and last album, Pop Surgery, in late 1982.
While all of Bender's work draws from intimate home recordings - featuring the artist alone with various keyboards, analogue sequencers and tape delays - Pop Surgery remains the one that perhaps best distills his arrant deconstruction of the "pop" concept. These twelve frenetic tracks, meticulously stitched together with dubbed-out vocals and disjointed drum machines, stretch the boundaries of bedroom electronics.
Bender would forgo the handmade LP sleeves typical of his Record Sluts imprint. The cover depicts an imposing scrapyard crane, ready to pick up discarded objects with its bright red electromagnet, while the center labels détourn Columbia's classic '70s style.
"I pressed a single run of 500 copies," Bender recounts. "The only review I remember railed at the poor production quality. The DIY era had clearly come to an end."
This first-time standalone reissue is recommended for fans of Suicide, TG's 20 Jazz Funk Greats and early Cabaret Voltaire. Liner notes by John Bender.
Flevans returns with a killer 45 for the funky dancefloor! Leading the way is 'Who's Got Me' - an up tempo disco/boogie cut with more slap bass than a clone army of Larry Grahams... It's a tasty dancefloor number with a BIG top line from none other than Laura Vane (MJ Cole, Gnarls Barkley, Laura Vane and the Vipertones) who absolutely owns the vocal duties as anyone who is familiar with her work would expect. Oooh Weee!
Over on the other side we have more classic-sounding Flevans material with the party starting funk breaks of 'Take Your Money'. His signature jazzy keyboard and guitar licks converse with cheeky vocal samples all flying in and out of this slick production in a delightful fashion. It's all about the beats on this one - it's a guaranteed foot mover!
Singer, pianist, writer, poet and creative being, Allysha Joy, is a key member of Melbourne collective, 30/70. Their growing success over the last two years has led her to further challenge her expression in a project of her own, pushing boundaries as a female keys player, poet, singer and producer. Whether performing solo on Fender Rhodes or accompanied by her band, Allysha's steady groove, husky vocal tone and unique style of writing emanates her own personal truth and illuminates a powerful feminine energy learning to be peaceful, giving and considerate of others.
What works reliably is to know the raw silk, hold the uncut wood. Need little. Want less. For- get the rules. Be untroubled.Laurel Halo presents six instrumental pieces that form a meditative, cinematic listening ex- perience. Inspired by recent film score work for Metahaven and Ursula Le Guin's translation of the Tao Te Ching. Featuring cello work by Oliver Coates and percussion by Eli Keszler.Working in abstraction leads to a deeper lon- ging for touch and closeness.The tactile sen- sation of struck organ keys and bowed strings, wood and felt on drum heads. Smoke and dirt and stone. Febrile and tactile, hairy and hissy. A clover of highway onramps, a continuous flow, like old leaves melting on their way down a stream at the back of a house. Constant contradiction, the truth's nowhere.
- A1: Musical Ontology
- A2: Musical Lexicon Chapter 1
- A3: The Serenading Doc
- A4: Nomatopeiareresisticalpabilitilogistically Musical
- B1: Jamaican De Coverley Musical
- B2: Musical Rondeau
- B3: Musical Selenographyseismic Rock
- B4: Autumn Sunshine Musical
- B5: Zulu Warrior Musical
Transmission incoming from Mr. Incognito's secret lab. Rat Life presents eight psycho acoustic models made by the low key East German producer. You probably never heard of him, but he is doing this thing since half an eternity. Rather than playing a lot of shows he focuses on studying the craft of electronic sound manipulation and what else can be said that: he is on top of his game! He shows us that it is still possible to create sonic structures that are beyond the usual by just using classic devices such as the TR 808 rhythm composer and a TB 303 monophonic synthesizer. Next level funk composing at various tempi!
Lockjaw introduces his upcoming LP 'Human Research' with the release of the 'Human Research Sampler EP' on Locked Concept. A longtime curator of adroit, technical drum & bass through his Locked Concept imprint, Lockjaw now steps to the foreground, revealing four tracks from his forthcoming album that exemplify a continued dedication to this guiding principle, whilst displaying his expert abilities across an eclectic array of tracks that give a tantalizing taste of what is to come from the full LP.
The titular 'Human Research' opens with glistening chimes and a pensive drone, quickly joined by a wandering bassline that sweeps through the shadowy milieu of the track's opening, winding its way forwards amongst a series of increasingly sharp and distorted pulses towards the track's main section, where the combination is joined by a frantic drumbeat that rushes forwards with single minded determination.
'Without You' bears a tangible nostalgia, its opening drums carrying a classic, rave inspired piano riff and vocal reminiscent of an earlier era that reaches its climax amongst rising saw stabs, before locking into a dynamic bassline groove still rippling with the same jubilant energy introduced at the track's beginning.
'Velveteen' features the vocals of QUAILS, who provides an ethereal verse that daydreams about possible affection over soft, floating keys and a pulsating bassline, which drift aimlessly until the track grows with excitement in the second chorus amongst rising percussion & desirous guitar. 'Second Chance' considers the prospect of beginning again, as its sweeping pads grow from muted beginnings to produce an originally subdued drumbeat which exudes a humanizing growth in confidence that waxes as its complexity increases, with a rolling bass and stirring percussion introduced alongside wistful pads still wary from the outcome of the unspoken first attempt.
With the 'Human Research Sampler EP', Lockjaw, demonstrates in brief his unique ability to bestow deeply human qualities to his musical productions across a wide array of tones. In debuting these four sample tracks, he issues firm assurance that the forthcoming 'Human Research LP' will be no less mystifying as its researches the condition of humanity and the emotions most central to it.
Limited Edition of 500 handnumbered Box Set including 4LPs (180g), 1 CD, Download Coupon and a high quality 120 page booklet. NOTE: BOX IS SHRINK-WRAPPED BUT WILL BE OPENED FOR SHIPPING TO AVOID SEAM-SPLIT.
Black Truffle Together With Bernhard Rietbrock And Zhdk Are Honoured To Reissue This Stunning Boxset Celebrating Alvin Lucier's 85th Birthday Celebrations Which Took Place In Zurich, 2013.
Alvin Lucier Is One Of Most Important Figures In More Than A Half Century Of Avant-garde And Experimental Sound Practice. He Has No Equivalent. He Is Among America's Most Important Composers - A Towering Pillar Of Intellect, Creativity, And Beauty Realized Through Sound. His Singular And Unparalleled Body Of Work, Focused Around Acoustic Phenomena And Auditory Perception, Which Included, Among Many Others, The Groundbreaking Works Bird And Person Dyning, Music On A Long Thin Wire, And I Am Sitting In A Room, Each Quietly Shifting The Understanding Of What Music Could Be - Deceptively Discrete Gestures, Laying Their Mark On History And The Expectations Of Nearly Everything To Come, While Radically Expanding The Field. It Is Such A Life, Defined By Such Striking Accomplishment, Which This Release Celebrates Across The Four Lps, Cd, And Book Which Make Up The Lavish Illuminated By The Moon Release.
Recorded In October Of 2016 At The Alvin Lucier 85th Birthday Festival At The Zurich University Of The Arts, The Box Gathers A Remarkable Range Of Performances Of Works From Lucier's Life In Music, From The Iconic To The Lesser Known. It Begins With Wonderful Stagings Of I Am In A Sitting Room And Music For Solo Performer Performed By The Composer, Before Presenting The Work Charles Curtis Performed By The Cellist For Whom It Was Composed, And Double Rainbow, A Recent Work, Performed By The Incredible Joan La Barbara. Over The Course Of The Set's Many Discs, We Encounter Works Ranging From Nothing Is Real (strawberry Fields Forever), Braid, Two Circles, Hanover, Step, Slide And Sustain, And One Arm Bandits, Performed By Oren Ambarchi, Stephen O'malley, And Gary Schmalzl, With Further Contributions By Charles Curtis And Many Others Involved In The Celebrations Of Lucier's Life And Work. The Collection, By Offering An Expanse Of Material Otherwise Unavailable In The Composer's Discography, Opens A Rare Window Into The Breadth And Range Of Territory Which He Has Approached, As Well As Into The Unique Humor Which Has Quietly Bubbled Through His Entire Career. It Is A Singular Recording Event, The Likes Of Which Are Unlikely To Be Repeated.
A Worthy Tribute To One Of The Last Century's Most Important Composers, Offering Insight, Recognition, And Critical Investigation, Long Overdue And Lovingly Produced. Including An Extensive, Lavish 120 Page Book, With Numerous Unseen Images. Pressed On 180 Gram Vinyl, This Limited Edition Of 500 Individually Numbered Copies Is Unquestionably One Of The Most Beautiful And Important Releases Of 2018.
Key Selling Points: - Limited Edition Of 500 Handnumbered Units From Legendary Electronic Music Pioneer Alvin Lucier
- Lavish Box Set Including 4lps, 1 Cd, And A High Quality 120 Page Booklet.
- 180g Vinyl
- Incl. Download Coupon To Redeem All Tracks
- Over 190 Minutes Playtime
- Remarkable Collection Of Performances Of Works From Lucier's Life In Music, From The Iconic To The Lesser Known.
- Mastered & Cut By Helmut Erler At Dubplates & Mastering, Berlin.
- A1: Gunnar Haslam - Versione Antica
- A2: Minimal Violence - Travel By Night
- B1: Matrixxman & Riccardo Limiti - Inferno
- B2: Russell E.l. Butler - Run Away With My Heart
- C1: D'marc Cantu - Regular People
- C2: Earth Trax X Newborn Jr. - Paradox
- D1: X-Altera - Entry (Jtc's Sparkz Mahlecyul Remix)
- D2: Nigel Caenaan - January's End
For over 18 years, Spectral Sound, the dance music imprint of Ghostly International, has thrived at the forefront of techno and house. It has been a source of support for numerous DJs and producers during that time, from Matthew Dear and Benoit & Sergio to Avalon Emerson and Hieroglyphic Being. Now, Spectral brings the past alongside the present with its latest release, a compilation that offers a vibrant cross-section of the current moment in underground dance music. Despite the wide-ranging selections on Spectral 139, a throughline of classic style and infectious energy emerges from the up-and-coming and established artists alike. Rising talents such as Minimal Violence, Russell E.L. Butler, and Earth Trax x Newborn Jr. bring unique perspectives to their hardware-centric productions. Veteran producers bring their own edge as well: D'Marc Cantu blows the roof off with the outsized funk of "Regularly People," and Nigil Caenaan's "January's End," a low-key Detroit classic from the late '90s, closes Spectral 139 with a whirlwind of manic rhythms and sedate synths. Gunnar Haslam opens the tracklist with his acidic mindbender, "Versione Antica." And Ghostly regulars like Tadd Mullinix, who drops a lush JTC remix of his new X-Altera alias, and Matrixxman, who collaborates with Riccardo Limiti on the cavernous "Inferno," tie everything back to the label's roots. The double-12" compilation, as well as each individual single, features original work by Los Angeles-based artist Nina Hartmann. Her designs have appeared on releases from labels such as Ascetic House and Big Love, and the pieces for Spectral 139 continue to develop her cryptic aesthetic. The marriage of Hartmann's striking, high-contrast symbols with such bold dance music speaks to a collection that aims to stand out.
- A1: Los Amigos Del Beta Bandidos Ep - Push It Out
- A2: Los Amigos Del Beta Bandidos Ep - It's Over
- B1: Los Amigos Del Beta Bandidos Ep - Dr. Baker
- B2: Los Amigos Del Beta Bandidos Ep - Needles In My Eyes
- A1: The Patty Patty Sound Ep - Inner Meet Me
- B1: The Patty Patty Sound Ep - The House Song
- C1: The Patty Patty Sound Ep - Monolith
- D1: The Patty Patty Sound Ep - She's The One
Die Beta Band war eine britische Musikgruppe, die ihren
eigenen Stil als Folktronic bezeichnete, was eine Mischung aus
Folk, Rock 'n' Roll, Trip Hop und hemmungslos
experimentellem Jammen darstellt.
Die Beta Band wurde 1996 in der Nähe von Edinburgh von
den Musikern Steve Mason (Gesang, Gitarre) und Gordon
Anderson gegründet. Als sie gemeinsam Songs für ihre Debüt-
EP Champion Versions verfassten, stießen mit Robin Jones
(Schlagzeug) und John MacLean (DJ, Sampler, Keyboard-
Pianist) noch zwei weitere Mitglieder hinzu. Im Juli 1997
veröffentlichten sie die von Nick McCabe produzierte EP
Champion Versions, die von Kritikern vor allem aufgrund des
innovativen "Cut'n'Paste"- Sample-Konzepts umjubelt wurde.
Zwei ähnliche EPs folgten bald darauf: The Patty Patty Sound
im März des folgenden Jahres und Los Amigos del Beta
Bandidos im Juli. Alle drei erschienen im September 1998
unter dem passend gewählten Titel The Three EP's in einer
Kollektion.
Quadratschulz Is Famed For His Unmistakable Blend Of Smooth Electro Grooves And Playful Melodies. It Is This Combination That The German Synthman Brings To His Debut 12' On Bordello A Parigi, La Boum. Four Cheer Soaked Pieces Make Up The Ep With The Radiant Title Piece Opening. A Cocktail Of Crisp Beats, Clean Keys And Just A Twist Of Acid Are Blended To Produce A Fresh And Uplifting Tune. Braindance And Chiptune Influences Abound, Coming To The Fore In The Squirming And Squelching Energy Of unfriend.' Drums And Stabbing Keys Are Washed In A Light 303 Rinse For A Mischievous Musical Medley. The Flip Is Introduced By The Rich Analogue Tones Of beta Industries.' Lush, This Subtle Work Is Moulded With Layers Of Understated Snares, Crystalline Keys And Textured Pads To Create A Beautifully Delicate Piece. The Last Order, for Your Mind', Is A Tall Glass Of Electrofunk. Razor Sharp Rhythms Are Further Honed By Slashes Of Vocoder Lyrics, Cascading Notes And Some Bitter Knob Jerks Culminate To Round Of The Superb La Boum.
This is already our seventh Deep Love compilation and we dare to say our most complete yet in sound and flow. The ten pieces on this sampler blend in perfectly with that laid back 'late' summer mood. We are very pleased to welcome yet again some new acts to Dirt Crew with the likes of 'Jaxx Madicine', 'Ouer', 'Times are Ruff' and 'S3A'. We cross many borders not only in genres but also country wise. From the heavy Disco sampled jam by French producer 'S3A' to the Jazz and Funk laden epos of the Italian 3 piece 'Jaxx Madicine' over to the Dutch deep house boys 'Times Are Ruff' who are well known from their, same named, label and finally to the Berlin duo 'Ouer' who also run an own label and released with our good friends at 'Heist Recordings', delivering an ecstatic electronic floating tune here.
This is all completed by some excellence from long time Dirt Crew artists. '25 Places' have been with us for many years now and their two Ep's have gotten so much love from the deeper deep house community. Here they drop an epic almost IDM techno like tune that closes this great album in the best possible way. Our Icelandic stall wart 'Felix Leifur' drops a heavy hitter named 'Buster'. After his recent 'Bobby Donny' Ep earlier this year we are thrilled to have him back on Dirt Crew! 'Harry Wolfman' and 'Ponty Mython' need no introduction really, they are adding Electro/ Disco/ Electronica fuelled cuts that form a great middle part to this mix of tunes. Harry going in very smooth and relaxed, something else than his usual House workout which we really loved to present to you. 'Ponty Mython' drops an irresistible 'good times' indie acid track in his unique 'free' style.
Last, we must of course not forget 'Dan Only' and key wizzard 'Lorenz Rhode'! With another beautifully smooth cut 'Dan Only' follows up on his latest debut Ep with us. Again a smart cross over in Techno and House with a distinct relaxed groove and atmosphere to it. Lorenz is back 'On Top' here after his super successful first offering to the Deep Love series last year and his 'And I Said' EP which stormed many charts. In the middle of touring and working with Detroit Swindle on their 'High Life' album we are super happy that he found the time to make another gem with that raw n funky live feel to it... We couldn't have started this compilation off with a better joint than 'Marakuja'.
Enough words for now ... just put these vinyl on your decks or stream/play it on the go and don't forget to drop them at a sweaty club night. Deep Love is here to stay!
Ltd Edition!
Battle Lines Ist Das Zweite Album Von Bob Moses. Es Folgt Dem Debütalbum "days Gone By" Das Ende 2015 Veröffentlicht Wurde Und Zu Einem Auftritt In Der Ellen Degeneres Show, Zwei Nominierungen Bei Den Junos Und Den Grammys (und Einem Grammy-gewinn) Und Einem Top 15 Us Alternative Radio-hit Mit Der Single "tearing Me Up" Führte. Ineinandergreifende Gitarren-licks, Dancefloor-ambiente Mit Lyrischer Tiefe Und Klassischem Songwriting, Der Sound Von Tom Howie Und Jimmy Vallance Spricht Clubbesucher Und Rockmusik-fans Gleichermaßen An. Das Neue Album "battle Lines" Baut Natürlich Auf Dem Vorgänger Auf, Verstärkt Aber Den Groove Und Die Unmittelbaren Chöre, Um Eine Platte Mit Zukünftigen Hymnen Zu Liefern.
Battle Lines Wurde Von Bob Moses In Los Angeles Geschrieben Und Aufgenommen Und Von Lars Stalfors (health, Local Natives, Cold War Kids) Koproduziert.
- Keyfacts: Bunt Marmorierte Heavyweight Doppel-lp In Gatefold Sleeve Mit Mp3-downloadcode
Donor, the Brooklyn-based artist, known for his releases on Stroboscopic Artefacts, Semantica and Prosthetic Pressings, steps up on Sublunar with a brand new EP. The record consists of three original cuts plus a remix from the key figure in the legendary 'No Way Back' parties and 'The Bunker NY' resident Patrick Russell.
'Identity Revealed' is the first track of the EP, a half-stepping creature clanking and booming like steelworks surrounded by a claustrophobic noise that increases in intensity during its development.
Patrick Russell, with his interpretation of 'Identity Revealed', raises the temperature level pushing even further the noisy elements of the track and its thick atmosphere while the bassline takes an unpredictable route becoming something sparse and syncopated.
On the B-side 'Lesser Forms' merges booming kick drums with finely sculpted industrial drones, everything is perfectly lined up until the last microscopic sonic detail.
'Forgotten' closes the EP, a tortuous path carved into glitches and twists where every broken beat hits with brute force and moves onward with a curious poly-rhythmic gait.
- A1: All I Ever Wanted
- A2: Nervous
- A3: Love Me Madly
- A4: Shameless
- A5: 122.3 Bpm
- A6: Never Give Your Heart
- A7: Ran
- B1: The Snake
- B2: Ringinglow
- B3: Liar
- B4: Lament
- B5: Reflections
- C1: Brute
- C2: Sin City
- C3: Release
- C4: You'll Be Sorry
- D1: Tranquility
- D2: All I Ever Wanted (Oliver Lieb's Main Full Vocal Mix)
- D3: You'll Be Sorry (Marc Anthony Black & Blue Mix)
- D4: Love Me Madly (Voice Of Buddha Mix)
Following a greatest hits compilation in the late 90s the Human League signed to the Papillon label. The line-up
of Philip Oakey, Susan Sulley and Joanne Catherall recorded the 'Secrets' album, with keyboard player Neil
Sutton, who co-wrote most of the songs with Oakey, and programmer David Beevers providing the trademark
Human League sound.
The album's release in 2001 was preceded by the single 'All I Ever Wanted', but both the single and album lost
promotion and sales when Papillon ran into financial difficulties and was closed shortly after the album's release.
This 2LP edition features the original album over the first three sides, while the newly-added fourth side
features a non-album B-side, along with one rare remix each of 'All I Ever Wanted', 'You'll Be Sorry' and
'Love Me Madly'.
Housed in a gatefold sleeve, the inner sleeves features all the lyrics.
The music contained in this album invokes the vibes and spirit that were so crucial to much of the music recorded during the 1960's & 70's in Jamaica. If you talk to the musicians and singers of this era, they will tell you that the driving force behind the songs they created was the sheer love of music. This is one of the reasons these recordings are so powerful and move listeners to this day. Music like this can only be made by those who were schooled in the studios and yards around Kingston and is not something that can be easily reproduced outside Jamaica. The Kingston All Stars represent some of the most legendary musicians to ever grace the little island & it is thanks to their passion and dedication that we have a lifetime of music to enjoy.
The members of KAS have been working & recording with each other in some of Jamaica's most legendary studios for over 50 years. The vibes and music that are created when they get together is nothing short of magic. This is the 3rd KAS LP showcasing the talents of Jamaica's top session musicians from the golden era of Jamaican music. These are the artists who laid the foundation for Rocksteady, Reggae, Roots and beyond in countless recording sessions around Jamaica & without them the music we love would not exist.
The album's intro piece 'Boo Rock', is a tribute to the legendary drummer Mikey 'Boo' Richards. Mikey has recorded with many of the Kingston All Stars in some of Jamaica's most fabled studios. It is obvious that Mikey is revered by all of the Kingston All Stars and it is fitting that this is the 1st track on the album.
Singer Allen Jahsana who is known for his work with Mikey Chung in the early 70's brings two amazing songs to the project. The first 'Jungle Justice' is a commentary on the lack of justice in the tough streets of Kingston, one which Alan knows firsthand as a longtime Kingstonian. The second vocal 'Rising from the Ghetto' is a call to the youth to rise up out of sufferation with some seriously heavy basslines courtesy Jackie Jackson.
New to the KAS family Carol Brown's 'Only Jah Knows' on a sweet dubbed out Rocksteady riddim shines that much brighter with the help of her daughter, Krystal Mittoo. Carl was married to Jackie Mittoo before his untimely passing.
Greenwich Farm rasta and legendary roots vocalist Prince Alla adds a real classic vibe to a new he wrote titled 'My Vision". The deep and powerful style Alla is known for was voiced on a riddim built by keyboard legend Ansel "Stagalag" Collins.
'Guns & Pulpit', the companion vocal for 'Clappers Dub' which saw release on the KAS Dub LP, finally sees the light of day. A proper roots anthem from singer RZee Jackson with conscious lyrics and RZee's unique vocal style.
The Kingston All Stars include Sly Dunbar, Hux Brown, Mikey 'Mao' Chung, Ansel Collins, Jackie Jackson, Robbie Lyn, Everton & Everald Gayle with the guidance of musician, writer & engineer Moss ' Mossman ' Raxlen. Members of the Kingston All Stars have been part of / or recorded with The Revolutionaries, Lynn Taitt & The Jets, Studio One's Sound Dimension and Soul Vendors Band, Lee 'Scratch' Perry's Upsetters, Peter Tosh's Word Sound and Power Band, Toots and the Maytals, Now Generation, In Crowd, Wailers Band and countless others.
The music contained in this album invokes the vibes and spirit that were so crucial to much of the music recorded during the 1960's & 70's in Jamaica. If you talk to the musicians and singers of this era, they will tell you that the driving force behind the songs they created was the sheer love of music. This is one of the reasons these recordings are so powerful and move listeners to this day. Music like this can only be made by those who were schooled in the studios and yards around Kingston and is not something that can be easily reproduced outside Jamaica. The Kingston All Stars represent some of the most legendary musicians to ever grace the little island & it is thanks to their passion and dedication that we have a lifetime of music to enjoy.
The members of KAS have been working & recording with each other in some of Jamaica's most legendary studios for over 50 years. The vibes and music that are created when they get together is nothing short of magic. This is the 3rd KAS LP showcasing the talents of Jamaica's top session musicians from the golden era of Jamaican music. These are the artists who laid the foundation for Rocksteady, Reggae, Roots and beyond in countless recording sessions around Jamaica & without them the music we love would not exist.
The album's intro piece 'Boo Rock', is a tribute to the legendary drummer Mikey 'Boo' Richards. Mikey has recorded with many of the Kingston All Stars in some of Jamaica's most fabled studios. It is obvious that Mikey is revered by all of the Kingston All Stars and it is fitting that this is the 1st track on the album.
Singer Allen Jahsana who is known for his work with Mikey Chung in the early 70's brings two amazing songs to the project. The first 'Jungle Justice' is a commentary on the lack of justice in the tough streets of Kingston, one which Alan knows firsthand as a longtime Kingstonian. The second vocal 'Rising from the Ghetto' is a call to the youth to rise up out of sufferation with some seriously heavy basslines courtesy Jackie Jackson.
New to the KAS family Carol Brown's 'Only Jah Knows' on a sweet dubbed out Rocksteady riddim shines that much brighter with the help of her daughter, Krystal Mittoo. Carl was married to Jackie Mittoo before his untimely passing.
Greenwich Farm rasta and legendary roots vocalist Prince Alla adds a real classic vibe to a new he wrote titled 'My Vision". The deep and powerful style Alla is known for was voiced on a riddim built by keyboard legend Ansel "Stagalag" Collins.
'Guns & Pulpit', the companion vocal for 'Clappers Dub' which saw release on the KAS Dub LP, finally sees the light of day. A proper roots anthem from singer RZee Jackson with conscious lyrics and RZee's unique vocal style.
The Kingston All Stars include Sly Dunbar, Hux Brown, Mikey 'Mao' Chung, Ansel Collins, Jackie Jackson, Robbie Lyn, Everton & Everald Gayle with the guidance of musician, writer & engineer Moss ' Mossman ' Raxlen. Members of the Kingston All Stars have been part of / or recorded with The Revolutionaries, Lynn Taitt & The Jets, Studio One's Sound Dimension and Soul Vendors Band, Lee 'Scratch' Perry's Upsetters, Peter Tosh's Word Sound and Power Band, Toots and the Maytals, Now Generation, In Crowd, Wailers Band and countless others
Tired of reading the words 'classic', 'masterpiece', 'missing link', 'cult', in every press release Just trust us on this one: We have no choice but to use those words and urge you to(re)discover one of the ultimate Afro-Disco lost classics.
How could such a masterpiece stay in obscurity for so long Well, no one knows where N'Draman is. He's presumed dead, and so is Mr Patrick, the label owner, an ex-football player
who turned his focus into fashion after suffering a career ending injury. Selling jeans from an outlet in Monrovia (Liberia), he only ventured in the music business for a short period of time,
releasing a handful of incredible albums on his Cosmic Sounds imprint. The word on the street was that Nigerian legend William Onyeabor was somehow involved with the production of the album, or maybe playing synths on it. Both were inaccurate, although N'Draman Blintch's previous and first record Cikamele, was indeed recorded at Willfilms, Onyeabor's studio. And some of the musicians playing here were also key members in his pool
of session musicians. Cosmic Sounds is many things: Psychedelic, politically engaged, funky to death, full of synths,
with an artwork to die for, a perfect crossover of African and Western culture: Music for the body and soul, Cosmic disco before the genre even existed. Did DJ Danielle Baldelli hear it
Was it ever played by Larry Levan or Mancuso In a pre-internet era, it's unlikely but not impossible. We are extremely honored in carrying the reissue of this gem and have treated the task with
utmost respect: both artwork and audio were restored by specialists, and liner notes were written by Temitope Kogbe, Afro-Funk expert who runs the Odion Livingston label, founded
with legendary producer Odion Iruoje. 38 years after its original release, the world is finally ready to hear Cosmic Sounds in all its glory.
LP in printed innersleeve + download code. STUFF.'s highly anticipated new album is a cross genre groove, spanning broken hip-hop, electronica and jazz-influenced future funk, bringing forth a completely different and exciting sound.
STUFF.'s highly anticipated new album is a cross genre groove, spanning broken hip-hop, electronica and jazz-influenced future funk, bringing forth a completely different and exciting sound.
With fans that include Plaid, Kev Beadle, Kutmah, Lefto and Gilles Peterson, STUFF. began life in 2012 when drummer Lander Gyselinck was asked to play live music in-between DJ sets. Collecting together like-minded musician friends, they would keep the vibe of the room bubbling, with spaced-out jams and improvisation, taking elements of funk, RNB, electronica, jazz and hip-hop, forming their own compositions as a result.
Hotly tipped in Belgium as one of the country's brightest new hopes, they released their first EP the same year, which included the track D.O.G.G. and it caught the attention of bloggers, 22tracks and DJs across Paris and Brussels. Supports slots with D'Angelo and Robert Glasper soon followed and the band would go on to share the stage at the Dour Festival with Hiatus Koyote, Flying Lotus and Lefto.
In 2014, STUFF. were invited to perform a Boiler Room session for the prestigious global, online music broadcasting platform, the first European live band to do so.
The band's self-titled debut album, released in 2015, received critical acclaim, with the Belgian press citing the release as the "record of the year" and "the best thing that happened musically in Belgium since the last 25 years". Mastered by Daddy Kev (Flying Lotus, Thundercat, Jon Wayne), several tracks from the album received airplay on leading dance and electronica radio stations across Europe, and included support from Gilles Peterson on BBC Radio 6 Music and Phil Taggart on BBC Radio 1.
STUFF. have performed sold out shows across Europe and have gained a growing reputation for their explosive eclectic live sets, playing over 150 shows on such diverse stages as the North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands), Pukkelpop (Belgium), Secret Garden Party (UK), Shambala festival (UK), Dimensions (Croatia) and Fusion (Germany). The band were also personally invited by Gilles Peterson to perform at On Blackheath, London.
Accolades in Belgium include two MIA's (Belgian Music Industry Awards) for 'Best Musician' (Lander Gyselinck) and 'Best Artwork' (Rinus Van de Velde).
STUFF. are Andrew Claes (ewi/sax), Lander Gyselinck (drums), Joris Caluwaerts (keyboards), Dries Laheye (bas), Mixmonster Menno (turntables)
Sagmen Co-founder Aert Prog Prepares His New Single 'c.i.t.y.'
With Remixes From Kreature, Lee Webster & Lina Prey, Uglh &
Guglielmo Duranti, And More.
Hailing From Paris, Aert Prog's Discography Includes Appearances
On Popof's Form Music, Laboratory Records And Anima Somnis.
Launching Sagmen Alongside Andre Salmon Towards The Tail End
Of Last Year, The Label Has Featured Originals And Remixes From
Names Like Matt Tolfrey, Mark Jenkyns And Climbers To Name A
Few.
'c.i.t.y.' Opens The Package Utilising A Thunderous Kick, Robotic
Vocals And Acidic Synths Before Uglh & Guglielmo Duranti's
Rework Brings A Disco-infused Piano Alongside A Bouncing
Groove. Kreature's Remix Delivers A Heavy, Modulated Low End And
An Amalgamation Of Resonant Atmospherics As Lee Webster & Lina
Prey Team Up For A High Octane Version With Syncopated Drums
Supported By A Rumbling Bass.
Next, Jovan Vucetic & Vaxx Opt For A Swinging Version As Shufed
Drums And A Vacillating Sub Are Introduced Before Hypnotic Keys,
Wandering Arpeggios And Angelic Pads Are Used In Uglh &
Guglielmo Duranti's 'heart' Remix In A Refined Conclusion.
For the dance film essay - The Body as Archive Gregor Schwellenbach chose a simple yet radical approach: he created a kind of catalog of sounds, clearly structured, presented with sobriety and boldness. The sounds are not embedded in the familiar frame of rhythm-harmony-melody, rather, they are introduced smoothly, presented one after the other, sometimes going together, then standing alone. It is a sensual approach, at the same time executed strictly systematically. Or vice versa: Schwellenbach's composition is strictly systematical, giving maximum space for sensuality and the unfolding of sounds.
Schwellenbach strives to create a system that doesn't become rigid, by treating the material gently and with sincerity.
In composing - The Body as Archive he sets clear rules: everything is played by hand, he only uses instruments he plays himself: Keyboards (Rhodes, piano, synthesizer) and double bass. Almost all material is played in the same key, the chords can be used in any combination, everything fits to everything. The ten parts of - The Body as Archive , mastered by Taylor Deupree, could be played all at the same time without sounding cacophonous.
Everything is pure presence, a gently woven stream of elegance and attentiveness. The organization of sounds - usually an action of preparation, didactic and discipline - turns into poetry.
When looking for music to be released on Magazine, our guideline has always been energy. The key question remains the same: Does the artist have something important to say Does it have a sense of urgency Alex played us these tracks while visiting the Magazine studio in Cologne earlier this year and we were consumed by unadulterated rage. This is anything but a conceptual release, Alex has not released this kind of music before. A side of Alex manifests itself through these techno tracks, that most might not have known before. Brutal yet beautiful, furious yet fragile. A Berlin native who shaped his sense for techno by striving through his hometown and its infamous raves, Alex is now one of the prominent protagonists of that scene - not only when regularly playing at Berghain. The EP harnesses this experience perfectly, fully preserving the energy of the creation process by recording directly to tape. Most productions may have suffered from this primitive method of locking sound into position, but not these tracks from a techno master.
- 1: Landing
- 2: Beneath The Ice
- 3: Endless Tide
- 4: Station Life
New 4-track Ep From Austin, Texas Analogue Hardware Enthusiast Bill Converse. Immersed In The Early Days Of The 90s Midwest Rave Scene, Bill Began Djing At A Young Age In Lansing, Michigan. Luminaries Such As Claude Young, Traxx, And Derrick May Were Key Early Influences. Techno, Noise, Ambient And Tape Processing Are All Part Of His Uncanny Sound Palette. His Debut Album 'meditations/industry' Was Released On Cassette In 2013 And Edited For A Vinyl Release On Dark Entries In 2016 Followed By Two 12' Singles 'warehouse Invocation' And '7 Of 9' The Same Year. In 2017 Converse Released His Second Album 'the Shape Of Things To Come' Followed By The Double Ep 'salt Of Mars'.
'hulled' Is A 25 Minute Journey Spread Across 4 Tracks Of Glacial Abandon. All Tracks Were Recorded Directly To Tape With No Overdubs, Made At Converse's Home Studio. Bill Says These Tracks Represent 'ocean Waves In Stormy Conditions, Dark Grey Blue Water, Or More Generally Speaking Something Ominous And Beautiful.' The Songs On This Album Reveal A Sublime Influence From Detroit Techno, Idm, And Acid. Built Around Vintage Synthesizer Lines And Gritty Drum Machine Percussion, The Tracks Ebb And Flow Like The Effect Of Sun Shimmering On Water, Woozy, Gauzy And Ephemeral. All Songs Were Mastered For Vinyl By George Horn At Fantasy Studios In Berkeley.
Each Ep Is Housed In A Die-cute Jacket Designed By Eloise Leigh With Peachy Pink Patterns Landing On An Alien Water Planet And Seeing Mysterious Playing Forms Under The Turquoise Water. Each Copy Includes A Postcard Featuring Photo Of Bill With Notes.
Cat.no.: De 222
Format: Ep
Tracklisting
or 22 years now Zhark Recordings Berlin has been operating relentlessly on an alternative technoid vision. The keystone of this vision is an approach of full artistic autonomy in full front against the demons of the momentariness, reproduction and stagnation, which were ever present in these past 20 years. This endeavor intensified over the years leading to numerous releases on all types of medium. With the vinyl catalogue number 30 the big K is setting out ONE more TIME to settle the score presenting yet another wrenching collection of DANCE Variations.
The Haunting chains of a demoralized sorcerer in HINRICH, the shattering congas of a sinister entity in RATTLE DISCO, the euphoric bawling of a merciless god in LET ME FLY AWAY FROM YOU, the alternating motives of growing tension, clarity and unavoidable obscuration in the UNDERNEATH the 4th Alignment. All these motives are entangled in layers of a fierce percussive bombardment.
Originally from West Yorkshire, but now resident in Manchester, composer, bassist and producer Phil France is probably best known as a key collaborator alongside Jason Swinscoe in the Cinematic Orchestra, where he co-wrote, arranged and produced on classic albums including Everyday, Man With The Movie Camera, Ma Fleur and also the triple award winning soundtrack for The Crimson Wing nature documentary. In 2013 France released his debut solo album, The Swimmer (GOND016), an emotive, epic record influenced by the great second wave of film composers including John Carpenter and Vangelis, as well as minimalist composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass
Five years later, France presents the follow up, the enigmatically titled, Circle, which again represents a very personal journey for the artist. For France the album is an extension of work he began on The Swimmer. A process he has described as: " blocks of sound containing intricate minimal arpeggiated patterns and electronic textures that develop and shift in subtle, original and melodic ways. The trancelike quality, mood and electronic character of title track Circle led France to think of the circular patterns which eventually became a potent concept for the album. "Ideas and fashions repeat themselves in cycles. Events are said to travel 'full circle' and this is important to me because it represents my own recent personal and musical journey after 15 years touring as bassist and composer with The Cinematic Orchestra. I consider circles to be a strong symbol of unity, strength and inclusiveness and ultimately I've aspired to make something beautiful with those values at its heart".
The album opens with the title track, Circle, built on a minimal looped pattern with melodic embellishment and shifting additional harmonic textures. Bells was developed from the arpeggiator and offers a nod to the melodicism and atmosphere of French electronic music. The Jackal features an idea originally developed for The Crimson Wing score but which finally bears fruit here. Cathedrals features an improvised intro, Philip Glass inspired organ and vocal textures inspired by the work of Colin Stetson. Finally, the album ends with a reprise of Circle this time featuring layered pianos. But it isn't the conclusion of the journey, for France: "The Circle is infinite - During the process of making this record, I have been constantly reminded that nothing ever stays the same and that all is in constant flux. The challenge for me is always to respond positively, be aware of and seize the opportunity for progression constant change provides" And it is that sense of movement and flow, but also calm and beauty that permeates Circle and make it such a worthy successor to The Swimmer.
The 3 release. 3 artists. 3 solid tracks.
Rex Hansson has made a solid original version. You clearly hear his skills as a past percussionist. The beats together with Skånska vocals, Low key Rhodes and some 303 knob twiddling make this track special and great.
Emil Nyman. This mix is something. It's tossing and turning from a metallic sound to the softest wood. From the deepest parts of the ocean we follow the pads and organ up in the sky.
The b side is dedicated Clark Eng. A minimal offbeat version with low toms and rattling high sticks, claps and snares. The track is moving like a Newcomen engine. The minor changes all the time makes it to a hypnotic minimal house track.
Already played by:
Craig Richards
Seth Troxler
RPR - Soundsystem
Mennie and Julien Sandre team up under their Jarau alias for an impressive EP on One Records. Dubnova features two originals that span hypnotic synths, warm, sonic basslines and intricate spacey layers. For the remix, musical craftsmen DeWalta and Voigtmann join forces for the first time since their monumental Ground Effect EP on Jan Kruger's Hello Repeat in 2014. Here they showcase the more techno side to their production skills.
Friends and colleagues, Mennie and Julien, began the Jarau project in 2017 to experiment and push creative boundaries. 2018 saw the release of their Interstellar EP on respected vinyl imprint Pleasure Zone, which will be followed by this heavy-weight offering on One Records. Tenax resident Mennie was named by DJ Mag as one of the most prominent emerging Italian producers. Born in France and now based in Italy, Julien runs the acclaimed Blind Box vinyl only label, which he started in 2015.
Meander boss DeWalta a.k.a David Koch is one of the most admired artists in the industry, not only a talent behind the decks he delivers a remarkable live set and has released a wealth of music on key underground labels. Claus Voigtmann was originally born in Germany but bases himself in London, where he co-founded the underground and conceptual party, Toi.Toi.Musik. This year sees the release of his eagerly anticipated album and a focus on his Subsequent imprint, also playing regularly alongside Adam Shelton and Subb-an for their One Records showcases.
On The Latest Release From Make Mistakes, Roy England And Friends Take Us On A Ride Into The Beautiful, Soulful Depths. From Uplifting Love Jams, To The Chunkiest House Funk, As Always, The Gang Has You Covered.
Roy England's Original Mix Soars Through The Night Skies. Pitter-patters, Emotive Pads, And A Driving Groove Bring Us The Softer Side Of Our Little Boogie Baron. Perfect For The Euphoric Abandon Of A Sweat Soaked Dance Floor.
Alexi Delano, A Man Who Needs No Introduction, Kicks Things Up A Notch, Taking The Original And Giving It A Restructured, Pumping Groove. A Dubby Line Runs Through, With Echoing Pads, A Pulsing Bass, And Fluttering Keys And Synths. A Beautiful Dance Floor Meditation, With Plenty Of Junk In The Trunk.
Fredy Grogan Takes A Hard Left, And Steps Confidently Into A Psychedelic, Tribal Funk. Teasing New Vibes Out Of The Original Material, Grogan Transforms Beauty In Rhythm Into A Classic House Groove, Before Settling Us In To A Hypnotic Groove.
Make Mistakes Keeps On Keepin' On. That's All We Know. the Tears Of The World Are A Constant Quantity. For Each One Who Begins To Weep Somewhere Else Another Stops. The Same Is True Of The Laugh. Let Us Not Then Speak Ill Of Our Generation, It Is Not Any Unhappier Than Its Predecessors.
Samuel Beckett, Waiting For Godot
Mirror Box is the solo analog synth project of Dallas musician Sean Kirkpatrick. With an extensive resume that includes keyboard duties for Kill Rock Stars' 00s noise rock band The Paper Chase as well as his concurrent projects, dark post-punk-synth-rockers Nervous Curtains and darkwave duo Little Beards, Mirror Box is Kirkpatrick's first foray into the purely electronic realm. Blending together elements of Giallo moodiness, dub texture, techno propulsion, a passing nod to your favorite wave music, and a flare for the kosmiche, Mirror Box' debut release, Minimal Compliance EP, is a tour de force of the veteran musician's exploration of a wide range of influences and experience.
Released by Dallas-based Gavin Guthrie (TX Connect)'s TRU (Texas Recordings Underground), the 5-track EP kicks off with the immediately-gripping title track. A huge mid-tempo 808 beat drives the menacing Moog bass while cosmic synths explore the skies over gritty, urban terrain. 'The Body,' grounded by its stuttering and singular bass line, is an expansive reworking of a track from Little Beards' debut album which features Nan Kirkpatrick on the release's only vocal appearance. Side A closes with 'Destabilized Agent,' a retro-futurist dream that effortlessly voyages from Sagan's Cosmos to a melodic minimal wave refrain.
While the first side's lush synthesizers and sophisticated syncopation are somewhat of a departure for TRU, a label that has so far defined itself by bringing the electronic sounds of Texas' underground warehouse scene to dance floors across the sea, the flip side of the record is where the four hits the floor. 'Grifter React' opens with a hard kick and electro zaps, letting the rhythm take the lead until a distorted bass finally enters to provide the hook. Minimal Compliance EP finale, 'Critical Blitz,' weaves together all of Mirror Box' finer elements into a concise mission statement. Pulsing, hypnotic mono-synth, vintage mellotrons, classic hats and claps, sweeping production (courtesy of Alex Bhore at Dallas' Elmwood studios) and sparse synth melodies converge in dark analog pleasure that will guide you along like on a cool air-conditioned drive through a devilishly hot Texas night.:
Crazy 12 Track Library Music Style Album On This Ace Italian Label. All Based Around Bumping Live Rhythms Triggering An Obscure Japanese Drum Synth Module..recorded In 2017.
.
It Was November 2017 When I Received A Call From An Old Friend, "hi Fabrizio, I Found A Rare Japanese Drum Machine, You Should Come And See It Before I Put This On Ebay." I Went To Check It Out And Immediately Realized It Had More Potential Than Just Drum Sounds Generation, It Was Able To Produce Quirky And Creepy Sounds If Triggered By Any Sound Source. So I Bought It And Brought In The Studio, Where Me And Alex Were Laying Down New Beats And Ideas. It Took Just Three Days Of Jams To Get The Skeleton Of This Record Done: I Programmed The Module To Receive Alex's Drum Hits And The Device Started Creating Synth Lines, Almost As It Was Speaking Its Own Language.i've Found A Soul In This Machine, And I Wanted To Bring It To Life In These Tracks, A Mix Of Arranged Compositions And Improvised Jams. No Root Keys, No Grids, No Clicks, Everything Came Out In An Instinctive And Natural Way
As Far As We Know It's The First Time This Synthesizer/drum Machine Is Been Used In This "improper" And New Way.
"The album's one of Ra's greatest from the 70s -- recorded in Italy in 1978, and featuring some incredibly otherworldly keyboards that are some of his most enigmatic on record! Original tracks from the album include "Disco 3000", an incredible workout on synthesizer, with a tiny bit of drum machine, a little "Space Is The Place" breakdown, and all of the wild sound you'd expect from a Sun Ra album -- plus more long tracks -- the sweetly soulful "Friendly Galaxy", a great soul jazz number, and "Dance Of The Cosmo Aliens", which has spooky organ, frenetic bass, and somber percussion" Check!
- Direct from Spain and totally lost in time the orchestra Enterprise was a great blend of the ''Disco Orchestral'' and ''Space Disco'' styles.
- Amazing project, wisely conducted by Josep Llobell Oliver, a Spanish keyboard player, composer, engineer and producer.
- Enterprise was the perfect soundtrack to your space trip, that dancing hidden treasure you always wanted to discover.
- Remastered reissue includes pictures and linernotes by Dr. Vinilo (Madmua Records).
#funk #soul #spacedisco #cosmicdisco #josepllobell #oliversplanet #spanishgrooves
In 1975 he was commissioned by the label's artistic director to produce a studio album with a hefty budget. It was his first company and he named it after the intergalactic ship Enterprise. He assigned the bands logo (inspired by the musical group Chicago) to a friend-musician and selected the tracks: Barry White, Chick Corea, the everlasting Beatles, sonidos calientes and other well-known hits, all played by Llobell along with the labels other musicians, all on payroll thanks to Belter. Javier Cubedo, Enrique Tudela, Gabriel Martinez, Kitflus, Ricard Roda, etc. all gave their best on a magnificent first album that would be followed by 3 more, one per year, all including original compositions by the group along with international hits that are currently part of our countries wonderful music library, even though they still haven't received all the recognition they deserve, Garcia Segura, Santisteban, Calderón, Pepe Nieto, José Solà, Manolo Gas, Adolfo Waitzman and Algueró, Ramón Farrán, Miguel Ramos, Albert Peter, Jaume Cristau, Josep Llobell and many others, published albums in the 70's.
Josep has been inexhaustible, for many years he has influenced the career of soloists and bands, modernizing their sound, Manolo Escobar, Peret, Junco, arrangements and productions for Marfil, Bachelli, Ana Reverte, even great artists from 'La Movida' and rock music like Burning or El Último de la Fila.
Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons have released their new track 'Feedback Loop'. This is the latest single to be taken from their forthcoming new album Heart of Sky, out on July 20th through Crosstown Rebels/BMG. Showcasing the warm textures of Jesse Appiah's soulful vocals and the Ancient Moons' top notch production, 'Feedback Loop' already sounds like a classic and is undoubtably one of the album's key moments. The song is about A.I., a conversation between man and machine, and rolls out of the speakers like a 21st Century update of Bristol's Wild Bunch sound system. Remixes for the dancefloor from Bedouin and Serge Devant, plus dubs from the legendary Mad Professor, follow on all formats next month.
Set for release on June 23 via Asylum Records, x (multiply) is the hugely anticipated new album by Ed Sheeran.
It follows his critically acclaimed and hugely successful 2011 debut +; an album that was certified 6 times platinum in the UK alone and has achieved worldwide sales of over 4 million copies to date. It also saw Ed asthe recipient of various awards for the record, including 2 Brits, an Ivor Novello and multiple Grammy nominations.
Never an artist to stand still, Ed recorded x at various locations around the globe (all the while drawing on experiences and influences encountered on his over three years of unrelenting touring) with such luminary producers as Rick Rubin (Eminem, Jay-Z, Red Hot Chilli Peppers), Pharrell Williams (Daft Punk, Robin Thicke, N.E.R.D), Benny Blanco (Rhianna, Wiz Khalifa) and Jeff Bhasker (Alicia Keys, Jay-Z) adding new flavours to the classy work of key collaborators Johnny McDaid (Snow Patrol) and Jake Gosling (who produced +). xhas the musical ingredients to make it one of the most important global releases of this year.
The new set showcases the exponential growth (both vocally and musically) of an incredible artist, who at 23 exhibits the poise of a seasoned veteran. The songs for x came together whilst touring + and, in the same way as the latter was a snapshot of his life and relationship to-date, x charts his loves and life since. Only 'One', the perfect album opener and first song written for the record (in 2011 whilst on tour in Australia) looks back to that time and is the link between the two records. With 'One' under his belt, almost before he noticed he was writing, Ed had ten new songs and counting.
The breath-taking album-closer 'Afire Love' was written about his grandfather who passed away last Christmas. 'Always the hero of the family - such a cool guy - he'd been suffering with Alzheimer's for some time and I actually started writing that song two weeks before he passed away," Ed says. "I was thinking 'What if' and then he did...' Then there is the timeless ballad 'Photograph' written in May 2012 in a hotel room in Kansas whilst on tour with Snow Patrol. McDaid had a piano loop playing on his laptop while Ed was making a Lego X-wing Fighter to give to a charity auction. He just started singing as he put the pieces together and the song grew from there. 'Don't' started life as a riff on his phone and grew into another of x's massive moments. The deluxe version of the album also includes the original song, 'I See Fire', which Ed wrote, produced and recorded for the second Hobbit movie. This was after Academy award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson personally commissioned him. With no promotion besides 3 tweets from his personal twitter account, it reached #2 on the UK iTunes chart.
However it's the Pharrell-produced lead single 'Sing', due out in the UK on June 1, that's pushing the envelope for Ed. #Sing was the number one trend on twitter globally ahead of launch with the track immediately tearing up airwaves nationwide including a 7-week add to Radio 1 and an unprecedented addition straight to the Super Hit list at Capital FM and Kiss Network. The audio upload on YouTube was Ed's biggest ever video launch, clocking 650k views in its first 24 hours. Already i-tunes Top 5 in 15 different countries (number 3 in the US), Top 20 in 36 countries and with all chart positions climbing, 'Sing' is well on the way to being a global smash.
On the back of 'Sing's' launch, x reached No.7 in the UK iTunes chart on pre-order alone with that success mirrored internationally with No.1 positions in the US and Canada, Top 5 in New Zealand, Sweden, Australia and Top 10 in 20 countries.
'I'm really proud of my new album and can't wait for people to hear it.' Ed says. 'It's definitely my best work.'
It is said that every generation casts its mind back to a previous era in times of crisis; the resources that will allow us to decode the questions of our moment may lie in the myths of another era.
Le Renard Bleu, the new musical and cinematic collaboration between Lafawndah and composer Midori Takada, and filmmakers Partel Oliva, takes a cross- generational echo as ground zero for recovering a crucial myth for uncertain times: the blue fox.
As transmitted by Takada, the fox appears in both ancient Senegalese and Japanese folktales as the trickster archetype; belonging both to the heavens and to the earth, the fox is the agent of chaotic good, shaking the world up when its energy has become stagnant. Above all else, the fox is famous for its cunning nature.
Renard Bleu marks the first new music released by Takada in nearly twenty years; it would be difficult to overstate the importance of her return to the public eye. Her first solo record, 1983's Through the Looking Glass, has been rediscovered and heralded as a lost classic; the influence of her percussion trio, the Mkwaju Ensemble, continues to permeate and inspire a new generation entranced by its lucid beauty, playfulness, and sensual patience. Takada has performed in numerous film score orchestras, including the ensemble for Akira Kurasawa's Dreams, coincidentally a key influence on Renard Bleu.
In the ensuing years, Takada has worked closely with theater group the Suzuki Company of Toga on productions of Electra and King Lear, an experience, she says, that allowed her to pursue 'a unity of music, body and space.' Recent live solo performances have evinced the depths of her exploration of all three.
Equally, it is Lafawndah's freedom of tone, decentralized maps of ancient and modern music cultures, and alloying of devotional intensity with modern songcraft casts her as a distinct relative of Midori Takada's.
Over the course of two EPs, self- directed music videos, and countless live performances, Lafawndah has drawn out an uncompromising exploration of how theater, situational intervention, and choreography can amplify the affective palate of forward pop music. One can trace the influence of artists such as Meredith Monk, Carlos Sara, and Andy Kaufman as much as musical antecedents AR Rahmann, Missy Elliott, or Geinoh Yamashirogumi.
It is in a mutual commitment to this unity that Lafawndah, Takada and Partel Oliva find fertile aesthetic common ground.
The music of Renard Bleu originated in Takada's preoccupation with the legend of the fox; after constructing a vivid instrumental composition dramatizing the spirit animal's journeys through waterphone, bells, marimba and various forms of drums, Lafawndah responded - in her inimitable mix of fairytale and undertow-- with melodies and lyrics capturing a dialogue between her and the fox himself. Eventually, the duo met in Tokyo for a week of communing with the material at Avaco Creative Studios, where new elements were composed on site.
Created in partnership with KENZO and premiered today via their channels, it was Partel Oliva who imagined a contemporary cinematic frame for the myth of the fox to re- appear, creating a hybrid of choreography and narrative around Takada and Lafawndah's performance of their joint composition (also titled Le Renard Bleu.) Returning to film in Japan for the third time, Partel Oliva's moving image work (Club Ark Eternal, The Pike and the Shield) has set the standard for and revolutionized the fashion art film. Their deployment of original music, dance, and a highly stylized mis en scene coalesces here in the casting of Los Angeles krump artist Qwenga as the eponymous fox, stalking the halls of the ancient Noh theater in which Takada and Lafawnda's performance takes place.
Why call up the myth of the fox now In Le Renard Bleu, Lafawndah and Takada's collapsing of distance between generations, styles, and milieus intimates that the relationship to time must be shaken. The future lies in fragments in the past; to remember is to recover it; the fox rises to thicken the plot.
'A love project' from the heart and mind of UK broken beat stalwart and iconic keyboard maestro Kaidi Tatham, alongside an outstanding group of Danish musicians led by percussionist Peter Stenbæk.
12 Senses debuts with the Movement EP, a record drawing on jazz-funk, broken beat and disco, laced with the distinctive melodic progressions and boogie touches Kaidi Tatham is known for. Recorded over an intensely productive three-day session, which produced 20 plus songs, this EP is a first taste of what's to come from this creative gathering.
With recent records on First Word, Sound Signature and 2000Black, plus a brand new solo album 'It's A World Before You' it appears there is no letup in Kaidi Tatham's prolific output spanning a 2 decade long career, that has seen him work with artists such as Bugz In The Attic, 4Hero, Slum Village, Jazzy Jeff & Will Smith, Amy Winehouse, Leroy Burgess, Moonchild, Soull II Soul, Amp Fiddler, Mr Scruff and Dego, to name but a few.
Touch starts with the heavily syncopated rhythms of drummer Anders Meinhardt, accompanied by a bed of airy Rhodes, synths and guitar on top of a ruthless, disco-tinged bassline. Life evolves on a spiritual and hypnotic tip with a driving lick that just keeps on building, sprinkled with beautiful intertwining organ, piano and synth solos by Kaidi and pianist Poul Reimann. Movement slows the mood to a soul-tinged stepper with soothing choir and deft touches from the trumpet of Rasmus Juel. Kaidi changes up the pace on his remix with a smooth boom bap vibe before hitting the halfway point and switching up to his signature, breakneck latin bruk funk.12 Senses evolved from yearly marathon concerts at the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, arranged by percussionist Peter Stenbæk, who simply e-met Kaidi Tatham and insisted on him coming to Denmark to share the festival stage. Over the course of five years the friendship and musicianship between the two has gone from strength to strength, reinforced by the skilled musicians around them; drummer Anders Meinhardt, guitarist David Rosenkilde, bassist Andreas Hatholt, trumpeter Rasmus Juel and pianist Poul Reimann. The record was brought to life by Morten Trust (aka. Soulmagic), who kindly contributed his heart, studio and mixing skills to Movement.
Todres Records, the uprising middle eastern boutique label from Tel Aviv, is proud to present it's first official 7" reissue release: A double A side bombshell comprising of all the elements searched for by Dj Shadow, J Dilla & Kid Koala.
Led by Dj Todres (The Apples, CRuNCH 22), the label's vision is to expose the world to Israel's finest artists, past or present, all joined by the same common ground: the groove.
A Side:
Composed by organ and keyboard great Haim Shmueli, "Halilit Kesem" was the theme song of his group, "The High Voices", the famous house band at the legendary "Calypso Club" in Ramle, Israel, during the early to mid 70's. The psychedelic, spanish-phrygian flavoured track is built around the Sonata form, with Shmueli's captivating oriental synth solo is shining right at the middle, between beautiful Stop-Time breaks and the African triplet-feel segment. Inspired by Keith Emerson and Jimmy Smith, Shmueli's masterful playing and composing is a unique world to explore.
B Side:
Based on Bach's prelude no 1 in C Major, Shlomo Gronich's re-composing was created while he was under the influence of an Acid trip. The vicious drums, the fat bass line and the flying flute melody, illuminated the track in psychedelic colors, making it one the most unique arrangements a classical piece ever received.
RAWAX welcomes Sepp to the Family! We're happy to present you the "Ritm Timpan EP" as it's one of the most wanted releases this year. Many people heard it for the first time at Sunwaves last month where it was on massive support by Petre Inspirescu & Raresh as one of the festivals key tracks!
If the Outside Agency's new release on Genosha 175 was to be summarized with a few keywords, they would most likely be 'twisted' and 'evil'. On an ever ongoing crusade to bring high-quality tracks to a tainted genre, another word to describe this release could be 'uncompromising'. 'The Legacy of Cain' refers to the story of the first murderer, which symbolizes the first act of evil. For the Outside Agency, it is a return to their roots with a track that combines a very dark atmosphere with relentless breakbeats and kickdrums. The vicious, freakish nature of 'I Saw My Grave' is conveyed through distorted, dissonant pads and eerie sounding children's voices. There is an underlying sense of dread in this music that will remind you that evil is not just a set of jump scares, which might startle you momentarily but otherwise will not affect you. It does not just reveal itself when you quickly glance in the mirror, noticing something 'off' behind you. It is everywhere, both around us and inside us... all the time.
At first, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes Our Girl so special, or why the Brighton-formed, London-based trio's music stands out within a busy crowd of fellow guitar-wielding-types. But if an explanation didn't jump out when they first emerged with a debut EP of mighty fuzz-soaked songs in November 2016, it surfaces with 'Stranger Today', a debut album of personal, emotional juggernauts that could have only been made by these three people: Guitarist / vocalist Soph Nathan, bassist Josh Tyler and drummer Lauren Wilson.
Since forming in Nathan and Tyler's Brighton home four years ago - Wilson joining as a late recruit when she was wowed by a demo of their self-titled debut track, and 'Stranger Today''s opener - Our Girl's members have only had pockets of time to work together. A day booked in a local studio here, a soundcheck there, full-time jobs and other projects meant the three rarely had a concentrated, collective patch. This changed in September 2017, when they stayed in Eve Studios in Stockport for a week, recording with Bill Ryder-Jones. Their week in Stockport became a crucial catalyst for what would follow. Ryder-Jones is a guitar virtuoso himself ('He did stuff neither me or Soph had ever seen anyone do before,' Tyler remarks), and he became an unofficial fourth member of the group.
'Stranger Today' is a special debut for several reasons: First, because it's the sound of a band beginning to grasp their own value and place in the world. Secondly, because you can hear the trio's hunger to finally get in the same room and put to tape years' worth of scrapbooks, half-finished ideas, and a slowly-forming feel for how their first album would actually sound. 'What band isn't itching to make their debut But it's quite frightening, knowing you're about to do it,' Wilson remembers.
The real clincher, however, is Our Girl's dynamic, and how it plays out across 'Stranger Today'. Best friends in person, the trio share the same close kinship and chemistry on record. On one side is Nathan's visceral lyricism, which has a habit of detailing and chipping away at precise moments; the first heart-flutter of a new crush; the moment a long-term friendship begins to ebb away. Around her, Tyler and Wilson's rhythm section carefully mirrors each feeling Nathan conveys. When she sings pointedly about love ('I Really Like It'), she's backed by a major-key afterglow. When the subject turns on its head ('Josephine'), out steps a wall of taut, earth-shaking noise. They each 'serve the song,' in Wilson's words, moving in sync but with their own personal slant. Not least on the closer 'Boring', where all restraint is thrown aside and the trio let out one final, violent thrash. They inhabit a space bigger than the first loves, sleepless nights and growing pains that define this record.
Nathan remembers being in Brighton four years ago, shortly after Our Girl formed, and realising, 'I was finally in the band I wanted to be in.' Almost half a decade later, and this eureka moment is sewn up on 'Stranger Today'. It's the sound of three friends totally at ease in their own space, discontent with being anywhere else; a vibrant document of what it's like to be young, invigorated and amongst people who feel the same.
Over the last several years, the Zappa Family Trust and UMC have lovingly been restoring Frank Zappa's iconic catalog together by reissuing his classic albums on CD and pressing long-out-of-print records back on vinyl. Next up in the ongoing vinyl initiative, coming on the heels of the reissue of his enigmatic Burnt Weeny Sandwich, is Zappa's 1970 stylistically diverse and subversive album, Chunga's Revenge, which will receive a 180-gram audiophile repressing on black vinyl on July 20. Supervised by the ZFT, the record, which has been unavailable on vinyl for more than three decades, will be press pressed at Pallas In Germany and feature reproductions of the original artwork. Chunga's Revenge, although released under Frank Zappa's own name, introduced a new Mothers lineup that included former Turtles members Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, aka Flo and Eddie, as well as keyboardist George Duke, drummer Aynsley Dunbar and multi-instrumentalist Ian Underwood. The album is one of Zappa's most eclectic efforts, encompassing the improvisational title track, the raucous guitar jam "Transylvania Boogie," the bluesy "Road Ladies" and the jazzy "Twenty Small Cigars," along with more conventional rock numbers like "Tell Me You Love Me," "Would You Go All the Way" and "Sharleena."
Fresh from touring with Hugh Masekela ( The Boy's Doin' It'), Gboyega Adelaja goes into the lab to drop heavy keyboard science on his Moog and Fender Rhodes. Its Joe Sample meets the Afro Funk of BLO. With names like Jake Sollo on guitars, Mike Odumusu (BLO, Osibisa) on bass guitar and Gasper Lawal on percussion. This is a top quality, Afro-Funk, all-stars affair that shines from the inspired interventions, masterly arrangements to the sublime production.
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Additional Notes:
I was already following Hugh Masekela when I met him, he was an outstanding musician and I knew of his collaboration with
Hedzoleh, that band brought him nearer to many of us, because he was playing authentic African melodies with the Hedzoleh
sound which was mostly percussion oriented. Yes I knew about Hugh's music before I met him. Infact when we started playing
together, he insisted that I stay with him in our three bedroom apartment, other members of the band had their own apartments,
but Hugh and myself shared the same 3 bedroom apartment'.
We were touring, under Casablanca owned by Neil Boggart, we toured as professional musicians, flying to our gigs. There was
a time when we were touring with George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic we had two luxury buses deployed for our use.
We made many friends where ever we went to play, we met many big and popular musicians who came to watch our shows, the
Spinners came to see us in Detroit, we met Wayne Shorter of Weather Report, Freddie Hubbard, we played a gig with Herbie
Hancock at the Carnegie Hall New York City, we toured almost all the 50 States of the US.'
The music on this EP was conceived in China, between 1989 and 1993. The original tracks were mixed to DAT in real time, in a small neighbour-proof studio inside my apartment in Macau, a 19th floor with a view to the hurricanes. There's a small, unexpected or improbable story behind each track, some little magic fused with the local atmosphere, certainly guaranteeing their lasting authenticity 25 years later.
TAIPEI DISCO
Late 80s Guangzhou was an exotic city where the traditional past coexisted in harmony with the present and even already with the future.
I'd rather spend my weekends in Guangzhou than diving into Hong Kong consumerism - as most ex-pats in Macau did. I took a cab at the border and travelled 150 Km through chaotic roads with family and friends until reaching the hot, humid, mega South China metropolis.
We ate on street joints in the evenings, went on to a karaoke bar and ended up at Taipei Disco, the only proper club in town. All the others were inside hotels and played generic music or they were seedy, sleazy, smoky cabarets.
Taipei Disco used to be a cinema and played cantonese pop music and anglo-saxon pop/rock (that was new). The spacious dance floor was generously lighted, the atmosphere was airy and modern. Boys and girls were in the habit of dancing in pairs, one in front of the other, observing a respectful yet sensual distance. When the girl took a few steps back, the boy went along and vice versa. With legs and feet (more than the upper bodies) synchronized with the music, they never exceeded in extroversion. Cool.
I always carried a MicroComposer and a portable DAT recorder in my travels through China and weekends in Canton. Any spontaneous musical idea was imediately recorded and memorized. The MicroComposer allowed multitrack recording, which was very handy on the road. Based on the emphatic choreography of Taipei Disco's dancers, i started to compose a rhythm track while sitting at a table, with headphones, listening to Cantopop in the background. As if by magic - not a rare occasion in music - everything began fitting together. Odd as it may seem, the track ended up sounding more germanic (Kraftwerkian) than Cantonese pop.
The story ends in a circle: the cantonese DJ at Taipei Disco, whom i used to ask to play certain records, wanted to play my music at the disco when it was basically only just a rhythm track and little else. From a cupboard under his set up he took out a battered keyboard (unrecognizable brand) and invited me to play over the track with the available sounds on the keyboard. The circle was complete, with Cantonese clubbers happily dancing forwards and backwards, as if it were another Cantopop hit.
I didn't get payed but the house offered us free ice cream cups in which little Portuguese flags were sticked.
The track would be finished later, in studio, with vocoder strings ensemble and synth solos.
TAIPEI DISCO (LIVE)
The live version of 'Taipei Disco' was recorded during a live set at the China Pop venue, in Macau, 1993. China Pop was a rock club built in the ample space of an old fishing warehouse, located in the labyrinthic Inner Harbour area. It was decorated with large Mao Zedong and Cultural Revolution posters and memorabilia and had a unique atmosphere, fusing Pop Art with film noir. We began our performance at 1AM, pretty early for Macau's nightlife standards. We were lucky. An audience showed up. And in Macau there were always several friends among the audience, which tranformed a musical performance into a relaxed party.
The atmosphere was particularly surreal on that night. The front row was dominated by French Crazy Horse dancers, a sort of Oriental Moulin Rouge. The girls had finished their last performance of the evening at the Crazy Horse and were still energized from their show. During our performance, right in front of us and perfectly synched, we could hear the famous irreverent screams of can-can dancers. You always had to expect the unexpected in Macau.
RED MAMBO (IMPROMPTU)
I was familiar with the Portuguese-speaking African countries well before having lived in China. I found myself returning several times to one in particular, always attracted by its magic and very distinct, identitary culture and music: Cape Verde.
During the early years of DWART a lot of the inspiration for drum machine rhythms (Roland's TR series) came from African music, especially from new musical trends that gained full autonomy with Cape Verde's independence from Portugal, as was the case with funaná.
I had the privilege of having known and befriended some of the greatest Capeverdian composers, musicians and singers during the 70s and 80s, such as Bana, Luís Morais, Cesária Évora, Paulino Vieira, Chico Serra, Tito Paris, and historical bands such as Bulimundo (ambassadors of funaná) and Os Tubarões (great innovators of morna, coladera and funaná, with the sonic impact of an afro-beat big band).
When Luís Filipe de Barros began playing Os Tubarões for the first time on Portuguese radio, that was the turning point for African music in Portugal. The 'Tabanca' album was so widely heard and talked about that it quickly got a Portuguese release through one of the big labels of the time.
The mystic of this band from the Santiago Island would reach the East. Os Tubarões played to a packed room in Macau in 1992, and after the bombastic gig we arranged a dinner and party at my place.
We ate and drank generously and the moment came for a jam session at the small studio on the 19th floor. Because Os Tubarões didn't all fit in the studio, we recorded an impromptu with only three of the musicians: Tótó Silva (electric guitar), Mário Russo Bettencourt (bass) and Zeca Couto (piano). And there we were improvising without barriers, suddenly detached from cultural roots, labels and constraints, a truly unique moment. The track is now being released exactly as it was recorded, imbued with the real communion between the musicians. And it could only be titled 'Red Mambo'. I wish to dedicate it to the memory of Ildo Lobo and Jaime do Rosário, founders of Os Tubarões, sadly and too soon departed from the land of music.
* Bristol dubstep mainstay Gemmy, a key figure in pioneering the city's electronic music identity alongside fellow 'purple trinity' producers Joker and Guido, is set to release his latest EP 'Unruly' on his World Of Wonders imprint.
* Since his acclaimed 2008 debut with 'Bk 2 The Future' on Peverelist's Punch Drunk imprint, Gemmy has released on respected labels including Pinch's Tectonic, Mike Paradinas's Planet Mu, Soul Jazz and Earwax before forming his own imprint in 2011. The new three-track EP follows on from his 'Bamboozled' EP for World Of Wonders last year and shows off Gemmy's keen talent for crafting purple wave influenced dubstep.
* 'Unruly' offers three tracks that serve as measured excursions in melody and restraint. 'Na Tek Bak Chat' is an intensely rhythmic and darkly spacious production, whilst the searing 'Sonicboom' bristles with funky, grime-inflected rhythm. The propulsive 'Stop Dat!' is a vividly expansive and minimal exploration of bass music.
* 'Unruly' brings another solid release from one of dubstep's most influential producers. World Of Wonders will release 'Unruly' on July 27th.
Confused Machines' are excited to release an E.P by the composer and producer Ishai Adar (aka Oosh). Adar started his musical journey in the mid 80's as the keyboard player of the legendary Israeli post-punk band 'Nosei Hamigbaat', together with his high school friend Ohad Fishof.After his withdrawal from the band, he released 'Her': An innovative, experimental, electronic dance album, rare in the Israeli music scene of the late 90's. In this album, he fused 80's synth-pop influences ('Depeche Mode', etc.) with a cutting edge techno sound, which still sounds up to date. This album influenced the local underground electronic music scene of the late 90's.Following the album 'Her', Adar became a prominent composer and created soundtracks for motion pictures such as: 'Year Zero' (2004), Oscar-nominated 'Beaufort' (2007), 'A Film Unfinished' (2010), 'Bethlehem' (2013) and 'Mr. Gaga' (2015).In his current project '12', Adar revisits the synth-pop sounds which shaped his musical taste. He infuses profoundness and character to musical genres such as new-wave, Italo-disco, Euro-pop and contemporary dance music forming - multi-layered, euphoric and romantic melodies. A killer acid-techno remix of the track 12 by the legendary Rude 66 is included in the E.P.
Woven Entity are Patrick Dawes, Lascelle Lascelles and Paul May, three percussionists and drummers with a huge range of playing experience between them, from dance music to jazz, rock and folk to free improvisation and all points inbetween.
Their credits have included Groove Armada, Brand New Heavies, Campag Velocet, The Herbaliser, Petra Jean Phillipson, Richie Havens, Duke Garwood, Beth Orton to name a few.
Woven Entity is an improvisational group, inspired by a diverse range of influences from 70s free jazz to Krautrock to post punk to dub, Afrobeat and Tropicalia. They make a lush, joyful noise that tickles the brain and mobilises the body at the same time. Loose clothing is advised when listening.
Joining the core trio on a regular and irregular basis are keyboardist Ben Cowen, trumpeter Andy Knight, bassist Peter Marsh, saxophonists Alan Wilkinson, es, Lascelle Lascelles and Paul May, three percussionists and drummers with a huge range of playing experience between them, from dance music to jazz, rock and folk to free improvisation and all points inbetween.
Their credits have included Groove Armada, Brand New Heavies, Campag Velocet, The Herbaliser, Petra Jean Phillipson, Richie Havens, Duke Garwood, Beth Orton to name a few.
Woven Entity are Patrick Dawes, Lascelle Lascelles and Paul May, three percussionists and drummers with a huge range of playing experience between them, from dance music to jazz, rock and folk to free improvisation and all points inbetween.
Their credits have included Groove Armada, Brand New Heavies, Campag Velocet, The Herbaliser, Petra Jean Phillipson, Richie HavensWoven Entity are Patrick Dawes, Lascelle Lascelles and Paul May, three percussionists and drummers with a huge range of playing experience between them, from dance music to jazz, rock and folk to free improvisation and all points inbetween.
Their credits have included Groove Armada, Brand New Heavies, Campag Velocet, The Herbaliser, Petra Jean Phillipson, Richie Havens, Duke Garwood, Beth Orton to name a few.
Woven Entity is an improvisational group, inspired by a diverse range of influences from 70s free jazz to Krautrock to post punk to dub, Afrobeat and Tropicalia. They make a lush, joyful noise that tickles the brain and mobilises the body at the same time. Loose clothing is advised when listening.
Joining the core trio on a regular and irregular basis are keyboardist Ben Cowen, trumpeter Andy Knight, bassist Peter Marsh, saxophonists Alan Wilkinson, , Duke Garwood, Beth Orton to name a few.
Woven Entity is an improvisational group, inspired by a diverse range of influences from 70s free jazz to Krautrock to post punk to dub, Afrobeat and Tropicalia. They make a lush, joyful noise that tickles the brain and mobilises the body at the same time. Loose clothing is advised when listening.
Joining the core trio on a regular and irregular basis are keyboardist Ben Cowen, trumpeter Andy Knight, bassist Peter Marsh, saxophonists Alan Wilkinson,
Woven Entity is an improvisational group, inspired by a diverse range of influences from 70s free jazz to Krautrock to post punk to dub, Afrobeat and Tropicalia. They make a lush, joyful noise that tickles the brain and mobilises the body at the same time. Loose clothing is advised when listening.
Joining the core trio on a regular and irregular basis are keyboardist Ben Cowen, trumpeter Andy Knight, bassist Peter Marsh, saxophonists Alan Wilkinson,
Meet Me On The Corner is taken from the band's sophomore album, Orange Whip, which itself was BBC 6Music's Album of The Day on its release. It follows previous singles Whatever You Do and Sinner, which garnered support from Craig Charles, Tom Ravenscroft and Huey Morgan. The song showcases Honeyfeet at their funkiest and chunkiest. A pounding beat beefed up by bass, guitar and brass propels forward while Rioghnach Connolly sings lyrics that could be straight out of the playground, but suggest something deeper, possibly mystical even, in its demands for a dalliance on the street.
Remixes on this more foot friendly single come courtesy of homegrown legends of funky house music, Crazy P who come through with both a vocal and dub version. Honeyfeet's latest opus is turned into a straight up soulful disco monster by the boys from Nottingham, with Rioghnach's rasping vocals playfully meandering over Hot Toddy and Ron Basejam's crisp beats and trademark live bass. Elsewhere, much hyped Russian production don, I Gemin, delivers his take - still aimed at the dance floor of course, but a slightly deeper house affair based around jazzy keys and chopped up vocals that take the song into more sonorous territories.
As a bonus, the 12" package also features the acclaimed remix of previous single, Sinner, courtesy of erstwhile Polish Innocent Sorceror, Envee - his shuffling, moody take only previously being available on vinyl via a super limited (and now impossible to find) 7-inch release late last year. For the last couple of years Honeyfeet (whose name comes from a line in the Blues Brothers film) have been a conduit for the ideas and expressions of an exotic mixture of Manchester based musicians. This genre-defying band incorporate styles including jazz, folk and hip hop into their music.
The band are fronted by Rioghnach Connolly - also known for her work with Real World artists Afro Celt Sound System and The Breath - "A remarkable singer and flutist who...can ease from Irish traditional influences to soul" (The Guardian). The line-up is completed by Rik Warren (vocals/harmonica), Gus Fairbairn (tenor sax), Biff Roxby (trombone/vocals), Ellis Davies (guitar), Lorien Edwards (bass guitar), John Ellis (keyboards) and David Schlechtriemen (drums).
Since their self-released debut album, 2013's It's a Good Job I Love You, keyboardist John Ellis jumped on board as full-time member, bringing his unique musical presence. This enabled the development of a more texturally adventurous style, as witnessed with the dual atonal solo between himself and guitarist Ellis Davies on Sinner. Similarly, for their current LP, Orange Whip, engineer, bassist and spiritual guide Lorien Edwards makes his Honeyfeet recording debut, so completing the 'kitchen' of this very special band.
- The album, Orange Whip, is out now.
Two Words is the debut release from the duo of Canadian sound artist crys cole and Australian songwriter Francis Plagne. Building on a series of experimental live performances in which the pair toyed with possible common languages for their seemingly unrelated approaches to music, the LP's two sides present a single piece that brings together abstract texture and slow-motion song in a sonic space where genre cedes to the logic of dreams.
The piece begins with a long, nearly static sequence built primarily from rubbed surfaces, using movement in the stereo field and changing mic placements to create a unified but unstable sonic environment that mimics wind, water, and breath, opening an impossible space between nature and artifice. This artificial outdoors ultimately makes room for Plagne's electric organ, which sounds a series of melancholic chords to accompany a wandering Wyatt-esque keyboard line as cole's intimate contact mic textures sizzle and pop in the foreground.
From here the piece makes a surprise detour into song, as the majority of the second side finds Plagne intoning a series of obtuse two word phrases (from a text by Berlin-based poet Marty Hiatt) to an austere organ accompaniment. Working closely with engineer and producer Joe Talia, cole and Plagne extend the studio-as-an-instrument tradition of Teo Macero and This Heat, introducing subtle yet unexpected production shifts that lead the listener from the initial austerity of the organ and voice to an oneiric space of asynchronised vocal doubles, creaking textures, and distant whistling, ultimately arriving at something like an imagined meeting of Organum and Arthur Russell.
Packaged in a suitably mysterious sleeve featuring a lush work by Australian painter Anne Wallace on the front and text by Hiatt on the back, Two Words is both comforting and strange, a disorienting blend of seemingly discrepant elements.
The Caribbean House Is A New Billy Bogus Project. It's The Perfect Meld Of Creepy Atmospheres, Sunset Grooves, Analog Sensibilities And Incessant Rhythms. Bogus Leads This Collective Formed By Federico Bologna (ohmega Tribe, Technogod) And Cristiano Santini (disciplinatha, Dish-is-nein,). This Triumvirate Of 90's Underground Italian Masterminds Come From The World Of Electronica, Noise Rock And Psychedelia. Here They All Combine To Rise Again Rise And Unite To Create Something Entirely New.
And So To The Music. Their Debut Lp Opens Up With The Dark And Haunting "night Drive". Recent Single "gong Bong" Is Next. It Is One Part Slo-mo Disco, One Part Psychedelic Moondance And One Part Sci-fi Horror Movie. If The First Two Thirds Of The Track Is A Caterpillar Then The Last Third Is A Butterfly As Uplifting Riffs And Swirls Of Layered Keys Bring Things To A Crescendo. "lonely Man" Is A Quirky Detuned Monster Tour-de-force Which Leads Nicely Into "love By Proxy". Layered Keys And Intertwined Arpeggios Mingle To Create The Closest Thing To A Love Song Possible From This Trio.
Flip The Vinyl Over For A Hippy Drive With "jesus Freaks" And Its Groovy Guitar Licks And White Noise Synth Blasts. "nature Nature" Is All About The Pulsing Bass Guitar And Sample Like Guitar Stabs Before Heading Completely Off-piste For A Synth-bass Ending. "africa Addio" Presents Us With Meandering Synth Lines Before Layering On A Waft Of Sound Effects And Spooky Keys. Movie Territory. We Close Off The Lp With The "streets Like Noodles". New Wave Nyc Chic Meets Underground Italy Psych.
New album from Anthony Ferraro aka Astronauts, etc, who for most of his music career, served as Toro y Moi's keyboardist, with this album 'Living In Symbol' being his debut solo record.
Sonically, the album weaves its influences into an alien drapery. 'The Border' introduces Latin psychedelia to a groove à la David Axelrod, setting the stage for a vocal performance that manages to be equal parts Lee Hazlewood and HAL 9000. On 'The Room', a Borgesian story gets dressed up in an eerily graceful string arrangement reminiscent of Les Baxter. And 'Who I Talk To' nods to George Harrison in a soft rocking arrangement that supports Ferraro's ghostly croon.
Living In Symbol Is An Ode To Ambiguity, The Future, And Saying 'so Long' To The Known. A Member Of The Last Generation To Experience Life Before Total Interconnectedness, Anthony Ferraro (digitally Known As Tony Peppers) Aims To Be A Bridge Between Two Very Different Realities.
The Spirit Of Change Is Especially Pronounced In California's Bay Area, Where Technologies Dawn And Disruption Is The Noblest Goal. Critics And Advocates Of All Stripes Write Columns And Fill Talk Radio Hours With Their Analyses Of The Times. Ferraro Is A Funny Case: A Sometimes Luddite With A Romantic Streak, He Would Probably Be A Doomsayer If It Weren't For His Being Situated In The Middle Of It All. As It Happens, He Ended Up Writing A Generative Music Algorithm That Sold On Auction At The Smithsonian For $5,000.
His Take On Tomorrow Is Nonjudgmental, Meditative, Imaginative. It Keeps Away From Unqualified Hope Or Outright Alarmism, Choosing Instead To Embrace The Indeterminacy As Food For Dreaming.
Ferraro's Friendship With Chaz Bear, Who Co-produced The Album, Began Modestly Enough: Bear Walked Into The Coffee Shop Where Ferraro Worked While Attending Uc Berkeley. The Two Became Friends, And When Ferraro Graduated The Following Summer, He Signed On As Touring Keyboardist For Toro Y Moi. Musical Bonds Were Forged Over The Next Few Years, And The Pair Began Collaborating On What Would Become Living In Symbol.
Living In Symbol Is A Series Of Rooms, A Choose-your-own-tomorrow Story. Step In And Peer Through Its Open Doors.
Earthboogie's debut album, Human Call, rightly earned praise on its release earlier in the year, with listeners responding positively to its sticky and humid dancefoor fusions of African and South American rhythms, chunky dub disco, retro-futurist house,
spacey analogue electronics and sun-kissed Balearica. Hot on the heels of that release, Leng Records has sourced new remixes of two album highlights - 'High Minded Man' and 'Silken Moon' - from Running Back label boss Gerd Janson and synthesizer-wielding Balearic boogie stalwart Pete Herbert.
It's Janson who steps up frst, offering up two total overhauls of 'High Minded Man' that re-cast the undulating, Afro-fred original as a dreamy, drum machine-driven chunks of vintage deep house goodness. Where Earthboogie's album version bobbed
and weaved around horns and live bass, Janson's Deep House Mix places the duo's original chanted vocals above a bouncy, polyrhythmic rhythm track, Larry Heard style chords, Kwaito-esque electronic bleeps and a smooth, soul-stroking bassline. Janson's
Deep House Dub, which strips out the vocal for a more sparse and ethereal listening experience, is also included on the EP.
The EP's other remix comes from sometime Reverso 68 member Pete Herbert, who gets his mitts on previous single 'Silken Moon'. While he retains some key elements from Earthboogie's original - specifcally the vocals, Afro guitars and house stabs - he
naturally adds a little of his own rubbery electronic disco favour via spacey synthesizer fourishes and a massive electronic bassline that brilliantly tracks the rising and falling
movement of the main melody. It has the feel of a terrace anthem in the making.
A long time ago, in a Norway far far away in time, keyboardist Bugge Wesseltoft introduced his New Conception of Jazz to the world. We're talking about the late 90s, when Bugge's cosmopolitan blend of jazz, hiphop and techno beats was pretty much the coolest music coming out of Norway at that moment. That was a golden time for Norwegian music, in fact, when the rest of the world began to sit up and take notice that something was stirring up north, and realised the music was more than just glacial tones hurtled from icy mountaintops and frozen lakes. This was the sound of urban Scandinavia.
A few years later came the electronic dance genre 'space disco'. Along with Todd Terje, Bjørn Torske and Lindstrøm, Prins Thomas was at the epicentre of this next big wave to surge out of Norway. Now, the two generations have come together in this exclusive collaboration between Bugge and Prins Thomas on the Smalltown Supersound label. Jazz and electronics combine for that energising vitamin D shot of Nordic sunshine.
The Rainbow Studio in Oslo is a familiar name to anyone who follows the ECM label - many of its classic 1970s jazz albums were recorded there under the eye of resident producer Jan Erik Kongshaug. Bugge and Thomas booked a couple of sessions at the legendary space with Kongshaug at the controls, and improvised some tunes in the style and spirit of some of their favourite ECM moments, like the fresh, open sounds of Codona, Egberto Gismonti, Oregon and Kenny Wheeler. Bugge had previously done a remix of Thomas's 'Bobletekno' in 2015 but this is the first time they have worked together as active musicians. The results - also partly taped at Thomas's home studio - fuse programmed rhythms, live synths and percussion, all captured in a sumptuously spacious acoustic.
For an even more authentic touch they called up one of their all time local heroes and one of Norway's most famous jazz drummers, Jon Christensen, who's been the go-to guy for Jan Garbarek, Terje Rypdal, Keith Jarrett and many more. At 75 years he's still pretty spry behind the kit, as you'll hear on several tracks here.
Make no mistake, though, this is not retro pastiche but contemporary music, coasting on gently insistent programmed grooves and bubbling basslines. The whole thing feels not so much like a consciously hip fusion of DJ and jazz musician, more like two great musicians totally enjoying themselves. Which is exactly what it is.
Key facts:
Bugge Wesseltoft is one of Norway's leading jazz figures. He set up Jazzland Recordings in 1996. His solo Christmas LP It's Snowing On My Piano remains Norway's best selling jazz album!
Prins Thomas's real name is Thomas Hermansen. His label, Full Pupp, means 'full breast'. He's released several albums under his own name, as well as collaborations with Bjørn Torske and Lindström. Check out his amazing Paradise Goulash mixtapes.
Taking a turn to some of its roots, Emotional Rescue offers a reissue of Ramjac Corporation's UK house/breaks anthem Cameroon Massif!. First released on the increasingly cult-status Irdial Discs in 1990, this was very much the sound of the big bang explosion of Acid House morphing and splintering, as subsequent multi-genres developed, formed, imploded and reformed in new ways that still subsists today.
Within the melting pot of anything goes, chemically-enhanced optimism that spread across the UK during that return to the summers of love from 1987 onwards, the nascent sounds coming from Chicago and Detroit were mixed with a hybrid of 80s British influences, taking in European synth pop, US electro, new beat, hip hop and reggae. Out of this appeared a new sound, mixing that love of techno and house with dub bass and break beats into a proto-jungle swirl.
Like many growing up through the ever-evolving 60, 70s & 80s British music scene, Paul Chivers' early years of learning piano and guitar, moved from Beatles era pop to take in punk, jazz and anything an eager musical mind could explore. Developing a long-term interest and study of Cuban and Afro-drumming, his acquisition of an Atari and sampler soon moved to programming of both drum machines and TB303 and with that, Ramjac Corporation was born.
Playing live at some of the earliest raves in 1988, as often through luck and "right time, right place", including the infamous Back To The Future and Energy parties, Ramjac went from playing from 50 to 10,000 ravers in a matter of months, as the nation was gripped, depending on your cultural standing, by either a mixture of drug apocalypse paranoia or ecstatic celebration.
It was a meeting with Akin Fernandez, founder of Irdial Discs, that led some of the first studio experiments and creation of Cameroon Massif!. Utlising Akin's in-house studio and production skills, alongside Chivers' jazz influenced outlook of improvisation over arrangement, the track took shape, mixing the live programmed percussion, heavy doses of phase, delay and reverb and Sun Ra inspired keys that resulted in a number of mixes of Massif!.
Collected here are the original 12" "Massive" and "Massing" mixes, plus a special live version taken from the "Live At The Brain" reunion gig of 2009. The sought after 1990 versions and original Live mix are taken a step further with this 13 mins + mix, in essence a resampling and remixing reversion with didgeridoo and live on mic MCing, that gives a real glimpse of those early live sets. With more Ramjac Corporation material upcoming and a live reel-to-reel show appearing soon, the return of Cameroon Massif! is now.
Next up on Francis Harris' exceptional imprint Scissor & Thread comes a collaboration with American Producer, DJ Aakmael. Aakmael has built a reputation for some of the deepest, rawest house music sounds coming out of the States, releasing well-received tracks on the likes of Freerange Records, Release Sustain, Kolour Dogmatik and NDATL. Returning to Scissor & Thread, Aakmael and label boss Harris cook up an intoxicating vibe across this 5 track EP. Each shares a track and work together on the fifth, while also remixing each other's solo cuts. First up Aakmael's Deep Muzik- a quintessential nod to its self-proclaimed mission statement. Skittering drums, a shuffling groove, deep keys, and chords make up this essential opener. Frank's (aka Francis Harris) All That Light Mix shows another side, finding pockets of space and developing the fizzing percussion to produce an equally affecting piece of dancefloor bliss. Sharing production duties from the outset on Mercy of Means, the guys slip into an easy mid-tempo groove with plenty of depth - the rhythm rolls along and offers the perfect basis for some sublime melodic touches. Frank's Part Song also hones in on the subtle deep grooves. Bumping, slightly filtered and saturated drums provide the main body, with beautiful washes and keys finding their way through, Aakmael's remix beefs up the groove somewhat, making the snares snap harder and kick hit a little stronger, but the essence of the tracks melodic atmosphere remains perfectly in place.
* "Of all the dubplates in my bag from this last few years, the ones I've selected most often have Walton's name scribbled on the sleeve. 'Black Lotus' is a unique creative statement; I'm very proud to release it on Tectonic and to support Walton, who I believe is a true talent." Pinch
* On July 6th Tectonic recordings presents the game-changing second album by 26 year old Mancunian Sam Walton, better known as simply Walton.
* 'Black Lotus' follows his inclusion on Tectonic's landmark 100th release - Riko Dan's 'Hard Food' EP, plus the 'Praying Mantis'/ 'Koto Riddim' 12' (also on Tectonic) and the 'Taiko' EP on Kaizen - the latter two of which hinted at the album's sound, but didn't fully prepare us for the brilliance to come.
* Abstract electronics, grime, dubstep and new styles that don't even have a name yet coalesce perfectly on this classic in the making. It finds Walton at peak power, reaching just as far (if not more so) than anything on the Pan, Different Circles, Boxed or Tectonic catalogues for pure futurism and new-terrain-traversing brilliance.
* Spacious and modern sounding, with just the right amount of grit, on 'Black Lotus' Walton has taken things the next level - setting an impressive new high bar. This is the best music to take inspiration from far eastern culture since Photek's seminal 'Ni - Ten - Ichi - Ryu' and 'The Water Margin'.
* Cinematic may be a term bandied about too often, but on this record it unquestionably applies, with the whole thing playing out like an epic movie, full of highs, lows, action, reflection and changing scenes.
* The album kicks off with 'Black Lotus', which makes it quickly evident that this isn't just another generic longplayer; a weightless/sino style intro segues into a mystical kalimba line, which is then is enveloped by huge waves of synthesized, pitched-down brass.
* 'Point Blank' offers locked, harsh mechanical funk, full of aggravated excitement, before sleek, spacious grime and disguised pop garage achieve twisted anthem status, on the hugely satisfying 'Koto Riddim'.
* 'No Mercy''s Yakuza crime riff is perfect for Riko Dan's threatening menace, especially at the point his voice gets distorted into a guttral and unsettling, demon-like wretch.
* 'Mad Zapper' is abstract, comprised of simple yet challenging beats, tones and stutters, whilst 'Angry Drummer''s taiko/kumi-daiko style percussion has a rousing, heavy thump.
* 'Pan' sounds equally enthralling whether soundtracking a dark movie scene of impending danger, or carying enratptured ravers on a danceflor journey, especially one suited to the synapse-prodding drama of a high production, lazer-heavy festival set.
* Choppy drums and bouncy bass tones are laced with the georgeos melody of 'Ehru', and 'Vectors' is sleek 'n' deep breakbeat-garage-meets-IDM.
* Although already known for elements of musicality, Walton raises his game even higher with the beautiful closing track 'White Lotus', which has a wow factor akin to hearing Aphex's Twin's 'Jynweythek Ylow' for the first time.
* 'The title came from the idea that I wanted it to be sweet and melodic in areas, but dark and grimey at the same time', recalls Walton. 'I never really listened to much Japanese and Chinese music before working on this, and that element originally came from listening to a lot of Sino grime stuff. It wasn't until I was deep into the process of making the album that I started listening to loads of traditional stuff on YouTube for melodic ideas, which changed how it turned out. The whole dubstep techno crossover thing was also a big influence.'
* 'I'm really happy to have Riko Dan & Wen on there', he adds. 'I've done a few remixes of Riko tunes which have had a great response, so it's been wicked to get some original material done together. The track with Wen was first started a while back, so I'm glad it was finally finished and will see a release.'
* Walton has been steadily gaining serious clout through releases since 2011 on Hyperdub, Keysound, Tectonic and Kaizen, with supporters including Mumdance, Logos, Slimzee, Laurel Halo, Wen, Hodge, Mary Anne Hobbs, Giles Peterson, Paleman, Teki Latex, Commodo, Loefah and Kode9. Key club, festival and radio shows include FWD at Plastic People, Fabric, Outlook, NTS, Rinse and BBC 1xtra.
'syncho Sound System & Power' Features The Music Of Nigeria Fuji Machine,
Which Includes Some Of The Country's Finest 'fuji' Master Drummers And Singers, And Is Newly Recorded By Soul Jazz Records In Lagos, Nigeria. Fuji Is The Heavily Percussive And Improvisational Style Of Nigerian Popular Music, At Once Modern And Yet Deeply Rooted In The Traditional Islamic Yoruba Culture Of Nigeria.
Here On This Album Nigeria Fuji Machine's Striking And Powerful Lead Vocalist Taofik Yemi Fagbenro Soars Above A Wild And Energetic Backdrop Of Polyrhythms Played On Traditional Talking Drums, Trap Drums, Electronic And Street Percussion To Create A Powerful Wall Of Intense Sound. Fuji Is A Hi-energy Street Music, Heavily Percussive Which Evolved Out Of The Islamic Celebration Of Ramadan, Which Became A Major Event In Mid-20th Century Lagos. Groups Of Young Men Walked Through Muslim Neighbourhoods At Night Singing Improvised 'wéré' Music To The Accompaniment Of Pots, Pans, Drums, Bells
And Anything Else Available, Waking Believers For The Early Morning Prayer. By The Early 1970s This Music Had Crossed-over Into Popular Nigerian Culture Where It Came To Be Known As Fuji, First Made Popular By The Artist Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, As The Music Began To Be Performed Commonly At Parties And Social Events. In The 1970s And 1980s Three Nigerian Artists - King Sunny Adé, Chief Ebonezer Obey And Fela Kuti - All Secured International Major Record Deals Bringing Popularity To The Nigerian Musical Styles Of Juju (adé And Obey) And Afro-beat (fela Kuti's Unique Mixture Of Highlife, Funk And Jazz) Abroad, But In The Process Ignoring Much Of Nigeria's Rich Musical Landscape. Fuji Is, Alongside Highlife, Juju, Afro-beat, Sakara, Afro-reggae, Waka, Igbo Rap, Apala And Numerous Others - One Of These Central Styles Of Nigerian Music. The Singer Barrister Described The Music As Follows: 'fuji Music Is A Combination Of Music Consisting Of Sakara, Apala, Juju, Aro, Afro, Gudugudu, And Possibly Highlife.' Juju Performer King Sunny Adé Described The Difference Between The Two
Styles Of Fuji And Juju Somewhat Competitively Thus: 'fuji Music Is More Or Less Like My Music Without Guitars. It's Like I'm Singing In A Major Key And They Are Singing In A Minor. The Music Itself Is The Music Of Juju Music.' Today Fuji Remains A Powerful Popular Music With Deep And Powerful Islamic Roots
Which Continues To Modernise And Attract New Generations Of Young Nigerians And Nigeria Fuji Machine's 'syncho Sound System & Power' Is A Powerful And Intense Musical Experience. This Album Is Released As A Limited-edition Heavyweight Vinyl Edition (+free Download Code), Deluxe Cd And Digital Format.
- A1: Horace Andy - Illiteracy
- A2: The Heptones - Be A Man
- A3: The Manchesters - Natty Gone
- A4: The Gladiators - Down Town Rebel
- A5: Willie Williams - Calling
- B1: Roland Alphonso & Brentford All Stars - Sir D Special
- B2: Keith Wilson - God I God I Say
- B3: Alton Ellis - Almost Anything
- C1: Bobby Kalphat & The New Establishment - Adis A Wa Wa
- C2: Peter Broggs - Sing A New Song
- C3: Mystic Revelations Of Rastafari - Let Freedom Reign
- C4: Larry & Alvin - Free I Lord
- C5: Ernest Wilson & The Sound Dimension - Freedom Fighter
- D1: Jackie Mittoo - Happy People
- D2: Prince Lincoln - Daughters Of Zion
- D3: High Charles - Zion
- D4: Winston Jarrett - Love Jah Jah
This Is The Second Installment Of Deep Roots Rastafarian Reggae At Studio One And Features Classic Music From Some Of The Most Important Figures In Reggae Music - Alton Ellis, The Heptones, Jackie Mittoo, The Gladiators - Alongside A Host Of Rarities And Little-known Recordings, Such As A Truly Rare Mystic Revelation Of Rastafari Seven-inch Single, Willie William's First Ever Recording 'calling' And Horace Andy's Righteous (and Equally Rare) Masterpiece 'illiteracy. Black Man's Pride 2 Extends The Legacy Of Studio One's Ground-breaking Path In Roots Reggae Which Began At The End Of The 1960s And Continued Throughout The 1970s. The Album Tells The Story Of How The Rise Of Studio One Records And The Rastafari Movement Were Interconnected, Through The Adoption Of The Rastafari Faith By Key Reggae Artists - Everyone From The Skatalites And Wailers In The 1960s, Major Singers Such As Alton Ellis And Horace Andy At The End Of The Decade, Through To Major Roots Artists Such As The Gladiators In The 1970s - And How Clement Dodd Consistently Recorded This Heavyweight Roots Music Throughout Studio One's History.
The Sleeve-notes To This Album Also Discuss The Links Between Rastafari And Studio One In Time And Place, Noting How Both The Religion And Clement Dodd's Musical Empire Had Their Roots In The Intense Period Of Pre-independence Jamaica In Kingston, Expanded In The 1960s Following The Visit Of Haile Selassie In 1966, And How Roots Music Then Came To Dominate Reggae Music In The Early 1970s. Also Discussed Is How The Outsider Stance Of Both Reggae Music And The Rastafari Movement Relate Back Many Hundreds Of Years To The Original Rebel Stance Of The Maroons, Escaped Slaves Who Set Up Self-sufficient Enclaves In The Hills Of The Jamaican Countryside.
"phantom Dancehall" Is The Exploration Of The Greensleeves / Vp Records Catalogue By Dj Spooky Aka Paul Miller. The Musical Tapestry Is Built On Samples From Familiar (and Not So Familiar) Reggae Tracks Over Electronic Beats And Melodies Produced By Miller And Protégé Stephen Levitin (stage Name Apple Juice Kid). Selected Tracks Include The Keyboard Work Of Alex Thompson Aka Fourth Shift. Guest Vocals From Walshy Fire (major Lazer) And Dancehall Newcomer Sanjay Added To Vocal Samples Of Busy Signal, Lady Saw And Garnett Silk Give The Project An Eclectic, Modern Dancehall Flavor!
Paul Miller, Better Known By His Stage Name Dj Spooky Is A Music Producer, Arranger, Dj, Author And Performance Artist. His Unique Brand Of Experimental Hip-hop, Dubbed 'illbient' Has Resulted In Collaborations With A Diverse Range Of Artists Including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Kronos Quartet, Lee "scratch" Perry And Killa Priest. With Remix Projects For Trojan Records, Manifold Records And Six Degrees Among Others To His Credit, Miller Created "phantom Dancehall" For His Exploration Of The Greensleeves/ Vp Records Reggae Catalogue.
For Fans Of: Major Lazer, Dj Shadow, Kevin Yost
The Album From 1978 Gets A Limited Repress! Recorded And Mixed At Harry J Recording Studio With Sylvan Morris At The Controls. The Trio Of Culture Met The Producer Team Of Jaime Hatcher And Seymour Cummings And The Backing Band High Lites Sons Of Jah To Perform And Record Songs For The Short Lived New Jersey, Usa Label April Records.
C R E D I T S
Bass: Clynton Rowe
Drums: Glen Washington
Guitar: Merrick Dyer
Keyboards: Phillip Williams
Percussion: Bernard Shaw, George Subratie
Lead Vocals: Joseph Hill
Vocals: Albert Walker, Kenneth Dayes
Backing Band: High Lites Sons Of Jah
Engineer: Sylvan Morris
Recorded And Mixed At Harry J Recording Studio.
Produced By Jaime Hatcher And Seymour Cummings
After releasing their Yantar LP digitally last year, Hell Yeah now serve up a much anticipated vinyl version of Richard Somerville and Craig Wilson's perfectly horizontal sounds. It features two of the superb originals with remixes from The Beat Broker and Los Gatos Escobar.
Somerville & Wilson have appeared on ISM Records, DWDK (Danny Was A Drag King), Paper Records and Music for Dreams and count the likes of Tensnake and Gerd Janson as fans of their laidback and charming grooves, and this EP is a real slab of heat that will surely sizzle souls across the world this summer.
First up, The Beat Broker proves he is on fire right now with a remix of the classic 'Melt'. His heart swelling remix has impossibly mellow chords ringing out into a yellow-orange sky as melodies rise and fall like a yacht bobbing on gentle waters. It's a blissed out musical sunset of the highest order.
Then comes Somerville & Wilson's 'Cero Gravity', eight minutes of cosmic synth workouts, yawning chords and long legged drums offset by soft acid. Drenched in reverb and rippling out in all directions, it's a warm musical rush that keeps washing over you until your soul melts away.
From New York, Los Gatos Escobar duo offer a more driving but just as tropical remix of 'Yantar' with big rubbery drums, zoned out chords and smeared pads. It's beautifully innocent and honest, heartfelt and meditative music that encourages you to escape to a seaside paradise.
Last of all, a melted Space Edit of Yantar is drowned in saturated chords, scorched pads and heat damaged keys that leave you adrift in a sea of sumptuousness.
Music doesn't come much more majestic, melodic and mellow than this.
* Debut single from Eva Keyes from Limerick, Ireland who has hooked up with Partial Records and the Echobus stable out of Dublin to create an incredibly catchy, uplifting tune without losing any edgy militancy associated with the releases on Partial Records.
* Production-wise, encompassing both the digital and live sound with a subtle minimalist dub wise excursion from Dan Taliras.
Sun Yellow Vinyl[19,29 €]
Helsinki's We Jazz Records Presents "y-otis", The Debut Lp From Berlin-based Swedish Saxophonist/composer Otis Sandsjö, Joining Forces With Keyboardist Elias Stemeseder, Bassist Petter Eldh And Drummer Tilo Weber. The Album Is A Forward-reaching, Multilayered Collection Of Eight Originals Penned By Sandsjö And Produced By Sandsjö And Eldh. What You Get Is A Form Of "liquid Jazz", Born In An Era Where The Understanding Of Jazz As A Musical Language Has Evolved Way Beyond The Concept Of The Previous "modern". Informed By Hiphop And Electronic Music, "y-otis" Is Pure Jazz In That The Quartet Stays True To Its Constant Mission Of Creating A New Form Of Musical Communication. Sandjö's Circular Sax Riffs, The Album's Rich Production Touch, And The Chopped-up Jazz Form Creates A Musical Concept Which Stays Melodic And Beat-laden While Being "free" Right To The Edge Of Avantgarde. It's As If The Music Is Sampling Itself, Constantly Keeping Ahead Of The Curve In The Musical Lineage Of Jazz.
Otis Sandsjö (b. 1987) Hails From Gothenburg, Sweden. He Is Known Previously For Example For His Inspired Work On Singer Lucia Cadotsch's Globe-trotting Trio Formation "speak Low", Also Featuring "y-otis" Co-producer And Bassist Petter Eldh. Elias Stemeseder Was Dubbed One Of The Top 15 Young European Musicians To Watch By All About Jazz In 2017. Tilo Weber Ranks Among The Most Creative Young Drummers In The Scene. Stemeseder Is Currently Based In New York, While The Remaining Three Musicians Here Live In Berlin. Live On Stage, The Band Performing The Material On The New Release Is Called Y-otis.
- 1: Intro
- 2: Octopussies - Don't Skip That
- 3: Octopussies - Future Classic (Feat. Mista Min)
- 4: Blockboy - World Against Us (Feat. Mista Min)
- 5: Primatune - King Kong Rap (Feat. Masta Ace)
- 6: Blockboy - Bunnybreak
- 7: John Pussner - Riesen Himbeer Bonbon
- 8: Big Mama's Boys - Müncheeen (Feat. Epi.kur)
- 9: Epi.kur - Bis Wann
- 10: Mike Sense - Grown As Man
- 11: Danny Decock - Mosca
- 12: Blockboy - The Renaissance
- 13: Blockboy - Runaway (Feat. Ethic)
- 14: Primatune - Primat City Radio
- 15: Primatune - Oleg, Oleg (Feat. Gasreiz & Thk)
- 16: Primatune - Primat City Radio Werbepause
- 17: Dharmabums - Wassn Dassn!!
- 18: Primatune - So Sieht's Aus (Feat. Wordsworth)
- 19: Epi.kur - Wohin Die Reise Geht
- 20: Mikzn70 - Keinsommertrack (Feat. E.p.eazy & Pat Riot)
- 21: Blockboy - Blasdudler
- 22: Octopussies - Slidin
- 23: Mike Sense - Green Gold (Feat. Declaime)
- 24: Blockboy - Well Wicked
- 25: Blockboy - Woodbox Sonata No. 4
- 26: Blockboy - E E E (Jon Kennedy Remix / Pussner Edit)
- 27: Blockboy - Apache Walk (Asagaya Remix / Pussner Edit) (Feat. Nahawa Doumbia)
- 28: Lippovic - C.u
At a time when on every street corner, adolescent wannabe gangstas believed they had to tell everyone and their dog about their greatness and the inferiority of all others, there was a cadre of Munich-based Hip-Hop artists producing incredibly fresh and imaginative music, inspired, of course, by the golden era of the 90s. They played gigs in small clubs in front of some dozens of people, spread mixtapes and Eps and were celebrated by their friends and the rest of the scene. The world took no notice - until now ! Tramp Records, specializing in unearthing forgotten pearls of musical art, documents with "Golden Hits", an era of Munich underground Hip Hop which flew completely under the radar, spanning ten years from 2005 to 2015. The musical bandwidth and quality of the tracks is astonishing, but so much more could have been possible. Much of this music remained fragmented or unreleased for a host of reasons, families, stressful jobs, musical reorientation, and even lost hard disks... but one story has a happy ending! When Masta Ace had a live show at the legendary Atomic Cafe, Primatune's Fid Rizz was able to hand over a CD with demo beats. Unfortunately the CD was blank by mistake! But the curiosity of Masta Ace had been piqued, and he got back to him, the rest is history. Features of other stateside rap heroes like Wordsworth or Declaime followed.
The very best of this era, including tracks never before heard and ideas remaining fragmented, has now been compiled by Tramp Records to take you for a fascinating listening journey.
Hip Hop, as it was since it's inception in the Bronx, fresh and real, and made with passion by neighborhood kids spitting truth about life and the struggle!
Key selling points:
- including many unreleased songs
- the vinyl LP comes with a full album download code
In 2015, something magical happened. We met a couple of talented young Swedes named Artur Bra¨ndstro¨m and Egil Kahlbom who excelled at composing and producing these lighthearted, breezy disco-hued house tracks (or house- hued disco tracks, perhaps) that both fit the aesthetic and character of LPH and brought something new into the fold. The result of that first encounter was Marathons, a full-length album, their debut to the world, and now, two years later, we're back for the much-anticipated follow-up.
Rehearsal is a little briefer than its predecessor—it's five tracks—and has a markedly different tone, one that's less about dusty, sun-bleached samples and more about tightly-engineered and delicately-crafted songs. If the first effort was marked by its carefree naivete´, the sophomore effort is, well, something a bit more advanced or, perhaps, rehearsed.
What hasn't changed, though, is these guys' ability to home in on grooves and coax something trasncednetally hooky, memorable out of them. The five tracks contained here are low-key in attitude but powerful and punchy in approach. They're uniquely juicy, nourishing numbers for mellow hours and fearlessly fun ditties for party hours.Lots of love went into the lot of them, and we hope all's you feel when you let them wash over you is that. Love.
After three major releases by Tell, Nachtbraker and S3A, its time for debuting Italian artist Verner to close our beloved Trophy Quartet. This Milanese key virtuoso is ready to blow your mind with this eccentric yet humble ep, taking you on an emotional journey. Long stretched pads, playful chord progressions, organic percussion all produced with analogue 70's and 80's vintage synthesizers and drum computers in Verner's studio reminding us a bit of Harvey Sutherland and Nu Guinea's style. We're talking groove, funk, jazz but also house and soundtrack style compositions which together form a very complete record carefully A&R'd by Nachtbraker.
Drop the needle on the A side and you'll start off with L'inizio, a majestic piece of synthwork. Hurdling through different emotions and vibes, this could easily be the intro of one of your favourite 80's tv series. Upset takes you on a happy groovy tour whilst Crash of the Web Era and The Motion Pictures take us on a trippy and ambient voyage that is hard to wake up from. When flipping the record to the B side, Verner is stepping back into the groove and funk with Tecladista, arguably the dance floor hit of this debut EP. Starting of with again a majestic synth intro Area drops into a festive funk and jazz bomb with some intricate synth work treating us with some lovely solos. Closing this versatile EP is Late Night Job, a deep, deep tune with a thriving baseline and mesmerizing synths.
We suggest to don't sleep on this one and have a listen to this piece of art by the very talented Verner.
Transcendentally Beautiful, The Space Lady's Music Is Returning To Earth. Transmitting Messages Of Peace And Harmony, The Space Lady Began Her Odyssey On The Streets Of Boston In The Late 70s, Then San Francisco Ten Years Later, Playing Versions Of Contemporary Pop Music With An Accordion And Dressed Flamboyantly. Following The Theft And Destruction Of Her Accordion , The Space Lady Invested In A Then-new Casio Keyboard, Complete With A Phase Shifter And Headset Mic, Birthing An Otherworldly New Dimension To Popular Song That Has Captured The Imaginations Of The Underground And Its Leading Exponents Ever Since Having Toured Successfully All Around The World With Her Greatest 90s Hits Record, She Felt It Was Time To Record New Songs... And So She Did!
Side A Tracks 1-4 1977 Spirit Of The Age Tour. De Montfort Hall, Leicester Band Line-up: Bob Calvert (vocals) Dave Brock (guitar, Vocals) Simon King (drums) Simon House (keyboards, Violin).
Side B Tracks 1-2 1979 Unknown Venue: Band Line-up: Dave Brock (guitar, Vocals) Huw Lloyd Langton (guitar) Simon King (drums) Tim Blake (keyboards) Harvey Bainbridge (bass Guitar). Side B Track 3 1982 Autumn Choose Your
Masques U.k. Tour Hammersmith Odeon, London. Band Line-up: Bob Calvert (vocals, Generator) Dave Brock (guitar, Keyboards, Vocals) Martin Griffin (drums) Steve Swindells (keyboards) Harvey Bainbridge (bass Guitar,
Keyboards) Huw Lloyd Langton (guitar) Nik Turner (saxophone, Flute). Side B Track 4 1978 Unknown Venue. Band Line-up: Bob Calvert (vocals, Generator) Dave Brock (guitar, Vocals) Martin Griffin (drums) Steve Swindells (keyboards)
Harvey Bainbridge (bass Guitar) Advertising In Record Collector, Shindig, Vive Le Rock
L_cio DOC Records welcomes L_cio for a beautiful full-length album entitled 'Poema'.
L_cio is a Brazilian artist who brings his own flute playing to his music. He has previously collaborated with the likes of Portable on the huge hit 'Surrender' and is a live act who has held residencies at plenty of key clubs in Brazil. He's also toured all over the world from Egg London to Robert Johnson in Frankfurt and released on labels like Perlon, Soul Clap Records and D.Edge. His eight-track album is an emotive affair with deep house grooves embellished with his own spine tingling instrumentals and flute.
'Paqe' kicks things off with five minutes of springtime sounds and fluttering flutes that carry you off into clear blue skies. 'Canto' is more driving, with crisp drums and synth stabs all getting you into a groove. 'Forte' then drops into techno mood with powerful kicks and busy snares then 'Complet' re-sets with two minutes of blissful flute lead ambience that is utterly calming.
'Poema' is another beautiful interlude with floating synths and shimmering synths and 'Avante' brings back house drums with dramatic synths and icy hi hats. 'Canto2' again blesses you out with more exquisite flutes and some melancholic organ work and closer 'Lagoa' is a dreamy track with animal sounds, flutes and languid chords all encouraging you to get horizontal. .
Continuously growing serious followers, L_cio live performances and recent releases on DOC Records ('Chico Buarque Construção Revisited'; 'Vazio'; 'Traffic'; 'People Talk'; 'Schwantes'), will definitely secure a major place in the realm of electronic music.
Beautifully crafted in collaboration of DOC Records label boss Gui Boratto, 'Poema' is a truly unique album that showcases L_cio's truly uniquess and magical sound.
Smoove & Turrell's second single outing from their album 'Mount Pleasant' is a double helping of up-tempo dancers for those that like to shake it...
Never one's to stop experimenting and pushing their musical boundaries, this single is a perfect example of exactly that, featuring two tracks with massively contrasting styles but with a quality of song writing and production that these guys have got down to a fine art in their years together.
'I Feel Alive' is a tasty electro disco cut inspired by a hedonistic night in Paris. It's the perfect blend of Smoove's trademark groovy productions with Turrell's sweet tones and honest relatable lyricism. Keys man - Mike Porter gets a chance to engage the arpeggiator function on his synth collection as he and the rest of the band create a host of spacey sounds to form the backdrop of this catchy number.
On the B side is 'Mr Hyde' - a beast of a track that opens with energetic live drums and a memorable guitar riff that form the backbone of a rocking tune that sees John Turrell manically singing through a distortion effect delivering the lines "I'm Jekyll and baby you need to hide" in a suitably menacing style...
Fusing garage rock, psyche, northern soul and pop sensibilities it's a Frankenstein's monster of a track that works on multiple levels with the lyrical subject matter.
the producer, multi-instrumentalist, DJ and record collector Gabriel Cyr AKA Teleseen releases 5th album 'The Emotional Life of Savages' via French imprint Goldmin Music.
African rhythms, Latin heat and otherworldly electronics collide like neurons, processed through a New York state of mind. The pancontinental sounds are mirrored in his own life, which has oscillated back and forth between various countries.
A jazz background combined with a love for house and techno are ingrained in the grooves. Also key is the samba, baile funk and MPB that inspired him while living in Rio de Janeiro, plus the sounds he reabsorbed on returning to NYC's club scene.
This wide range of influences spanning the global underground coalesces into a rich, vital and coherent whole. Warm and soulful, but also evoking an intoxicating, heady atmosphere, the hypnotic and ultra-rhythmic tracks subtly shift and build to fever pitch, due primarily to deft polyrhythmic drums and percussion - both played and sequenced.
"Working on this record I finally found myself able to manifest a certain sound I'd been hearing in my head for years, combining the rhythmic intensity of afro-house and afro-Brazilian music with the more cosmic sounds of Detroit and deep house", explains Cyr on his musical vision.
The gentle sundowner glow of 'Myrtle Avenue' with its textured synth waves and wandering Parrish-esque keys acts as a precursor to the potent nocturnal adventure to follow: 'Espelhos' captures a similar essence to Black Science Orchestra's classic 'Save Us (The Jam)', before the heat goes up and heads go down for the eastern-tinged, autotune-laden fire of 'Khalil'.
The album then intensifies further still on the percussion-heavy, big bottomed cosmic throb of 'Jaguar', whilst Brazilian flavour meets tech house rush on 'Fundos', before the party reaches its feverish close on the wiggling batucada- meets-tribal-house of 'Temporada De Seca'.
Born in the north eastern United States, as an adult Cyr has always been nomadic. He has sought to live and immerse himself in other cultures and absorb their sounds, but eventually always succumbs to the Big Apple's magnetic pull. Back home, a key inspirational catalyst for the album was the Brooklyn-based party Africainoir, where he's a resident DJ.
Alongside cutting his teeth producing illbient/hip hop and working as an engineer, he ran his own studio for period, before starting his own label Percepts, on which to release his dub techno style debut. He has since released on 100% Silk, Boomarm Nation and Feel Up Records, and now 'The Emotional Life Of Savages' marks Teleseen's first album for Goldmin.
Following on from the release of FBA21 Collected Works 1996 -2017, which was released November 2017 Matthew Puffett decided to wrap up the project, with a handpicked selection of artists to remix key tracks from the compilation. Amongst these figures are some significant influences on Puffett`s early years The set includes Kirk Degiorgio, whose reworking of 'Cross Dissolve' reimagines the track in full machine mode, serving up a slab of driving techno for the main room. A fan since the early 90s, Kirk and Matt have been in contact over the years, culminating to this powerful re-creation. Steven Rutter (B12) has also reworked 'Cross Dissolve', but in contrast to Degiorgio, Rutter's mix brings out an almost abstracted, ambient mood, a characteristically expressive and textured piece from one of the leading figures in UK electronica. Hardway Bros, Sean Johnston (Andy Weatherall's partner in 'A Love From Outer Space) tackles 'Mourning', a piece of melancholic euphoria. In typical Johnston style, Sean slows it all down, bringing it to a mid-tempo Balearic vibe. A big influence on Matthew in the 1990s, Lee Grainge used to work at the infamous Fat Cat records. A renowned arbiter of sounds, Grainge turned Matt onto countless records from Detroit and beyond, which was crucial in shaping FBA's sound. Here, he remixes 'Diagram', in a manner reminiscent of classic dub techno, Basic Channel. Another influence on FBA's sound is former Eevo Lute Muzique boss from Eindhoven, Stefan Robbers. FBA recorded a mini album for EevoNext in 2009, and the pair team up again here to reinvent 'Machines Can Help'.
As a Dutch label, we're proud supporters of the homegrown sounds of guys like Nachtbraker, Frits Wentink and Fouk. Adding another Dutchie to our list of exquisite producers, we present you 'Pitto' with his debut on Heist Recordings. Pitto is a musically omnipotent creature, venturing into deep house with the underground hit 'Richklap' on Wolfskuil back in 2012 and dreamy electronic pop with his album 'Breaking up the Static' on Sonar Kollektiv and Virgin. He has also moved beyond producing his own music, running 'Studio Stekker'; a Dutch music festival that focused on freeform creative interactions between musicians where the artists performing on the festival locked themselves up a week in advance in Kytopia (Colin Benders' synth paradise) to make new music together. Through this, he's worked with people like Kyteman, Matthew Johnson, Sebastian Mullaert and Colin de la Plante, better known as 'The Mole', who is also present on Pitto's Heist debut with a remix.
The 'Late night studio moves' ep is one of varied styles, where Pitto's inspiration from African music, jazzy and soulful samples becomes evident. He finds his 'funk' in repetition, clever sample combinations and combining electronic and live elements in the most organic way.
'Late night studio moves' finds its basic groove in an African percussive loop. Over the 9:26 minutes, the track slowly adds elements, chopped African chants and piercing synth hits. It's all really dreamy and energetic at the same time, but it is when the bass and main keys kick in, that you really feel the euphoric vibe of the track. The Mole chose to remix this track and he turned it completely upside down, both in vibe and tempo. His version is an atmospheric and mesmerizing downtempo track, where the percussion works in an intoxicating way and bells, birds and chants move in and out of the spotlight.
Pitto's second original track on the ep is the mesmerizing 'Treat me like a fool'. 16th hi-hats, claps on the hats, and a chopped piano loop set the mood here, but it's the vocal that steals the show. A mantra like 'You love me' builds up and breaks down into 'you love me like an angel, but you treat me like a fool'. Each time, the track builds and builds, never quite giving in to a massive drop, but instead, focuses on the stripped back soul that is the heart of the track.
'Jazz kids' evolves around a jazzy bass loop and a set of quirky African percussive elements that you could imagine Henrik Schwarz making if he were in a more leftfield mood. A syncopated synth melody filters in and out throughout the track and a basic kick and hi-hat combo keeps the energy going strong on this on.
We're proud to bring you this deep, dreamy and provocative EP by Pitto and hope you'll enjoy it as much as we do.
A classic slice of Philadelphia funk from People's Choice, officially remastered and reissued for 2018.
'Here We Go Again' is a definitive, feel-good disco stomper combining a full frontal bassline, infectious keys and staccato guitar licks that effortlessly build and build throughout the track. Cries of 'Here We Go Again' ring out at it's peak epitomising the feeling that this groove could last forever.
Keeping up that perpetual good time groove the B side houses the mighty 'Jam, Jam, Jam (All Night Long)'. A track doused in the funk, from the rugged vocals to the addictive hooks, it'll worm it's way into your head for weeks.
Cassette[10,29 €]
Helsinki's We Jazz Records presents "Y-OTIS", the debut LP from Berlin-based Swedish saxophonist/composer Otis Sandsjö, joining forces with keyboardist Elias Stemeseder, bassist Petter Eldh and drummer Tilo Weber. The album is a forward-reaching, multilayered collection of eight originals penned by Sandsjö and produced by Sandsjö and Eldh. What you get is a form of "liquid jazz", born in an era where the understanding of jazz as a musical language has evolved way beyond the concept of the previous "modern". Informed by hiphop and electronic music, "Y-OTIS" is pure jazz in that the quartet stays true to its constant mission of creating a new form of musical communication. Sandjö's circular sax riffs, the album's rich production touch, and the chopped-up jazz form creates a musical concept which stays melodic and beat-laden while being "free" right to the edge of avantgarde. It's as if the music is sampling itself, constantly keeping ahead of the curve in the musical lineage of jazz.
Otis Sandsjö (b. 1987) hails from Gothenburg, Sweden. He is known previously for example for his inspired work on singer Lucia Cadotsch's globe-trotting trio formation "Speak Low", also featuring "Y-OTIS" co-producer and bassist Petter Eldh. Elias Stemeseder was dubbed one of the top 15 young European musicians to watch by All About Jazz in 2017. Tilo Weber ranks among the most creative young drummers in the scene. Stemeseder is currently based in New York, while the remaining three musicians here live in Berlin. Live on stage, the band performing the material on the new release is called Y-OTIS.
Sun yellow vinyl, comes with download.
Airplay: Worldwide FM
Jimi Tenor's mind will travel where his body can't go. Living in isolation in east-Helsinki suburb he picks mushrooms and has exotic musical fantasiesin the calmness of the endless. He has made a quantum connection in Berlin with rhythm geniouses Ekow Alabi Savage and Max Weissenfeldt to create his latest tour de force "Order of Nothingness".
Mind travel is easy and music is a perfect way to illustate the possibilities. Using historical failed experimental keyboard Extravoice from Hammond organ company has opened the floodgates of Jimi's creative passages. Philophon studios in Berlin has a plethora of exotic instruments and they have been extensively used in making this album. JIMI likes to switch between wind instruments and keyboards to get a creative edge.
Is there any meaning in Mysteria Did Salvador Dali design the Chupa Chups logo Was Finland part of the Soviet Union Order of Nothingness might not aswer these question, but instead will confuse you a little bit more.
































































































































































