Exploring the water engineering relationship between Japan and the Netherlands across a trilogy of experimental releases, the third and final part of Field Records' Waterworks series is courtesy of Yui Onodera. Pairing delicate synthesis and instrumentation with field recordings and negative space, the accomplished artist and sound architect examines the impact of water engineering on Japan's Kiso Three Rivers.
The location refers to the confluence of the Kiso, Nagara and Ibi rivers on the Nōbi plain in Gifu prefecture. In the late 19th century, Japanese authorities collaborated with Dutch engineer Johannes de Rijke to separate the three rivers at the lower part of the Kiso delta. These extensive improvements, which were finalized in 1912, successfully shielded the city of Nagoya from regular flooding.
Onodera's minimalist palette and detailed approach to spatial sound design balances microscopic field recordings and tonally-rich traditional instruments, which he applies with stark focus to the subject of the Kiso Three Rivers across eight extended pieces of music arranged into two distinct parts. The A side's shorter tracks are delicately sculpted miniatures interweaving chiming bell tones, treated guitar impressions and hushed pads. The B side's two longer suites are more overtly minimal in nature, emphasising sampled water sources accented with patient brush strokes of synthesis.
This project is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Tokyo, Japan.
Поиск:e king
Все
- A1: So I Don’t Forget (Intro)
- A2: Nothing’s Gonna Fill You Up
- A3: No Joke
- A4: Catch Me
- B1: Pocketful Of Paranoia
- B2: Lay Low
- B3: Before It’s All Over
- B4: The Love That I Feel
- C1: Motel
- C2: Sell My Memories (Interlude)
- C3: Get Me Some Grief
- C4: I’m Alive
- C5: Caught (Catch Me Reprise)
- D1: Won’t Let This World Break My Heart
- D2: No One
- D3: Mallet Groove
DJ Support: Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2), Huey Morgan (BBC Radio 6), Gilles Peterson (BBC Radio 6), Deb Grant (New Music Fix, BBC Radio 6)
On debut album ‘While I'm Distracted’, London-based New Zealander Arjuna Oakes draws inspiration from contemporary soul and jazz, touches of global folk, electronica, modern classical, and post-rock, with dynamic arrangements and production. ‘While I'm Distracted’ is an album about fighting for your innocence and right to be a vulnerable and honest human. Arjuna’s songwriting explores themes of identity, depression, existentialism, social media, loss of innocence, and finding hope for the future through artistic expression.
'I'm obsessed with albums,' says Arjuna. 'I've made seven EPs, but needed time to tackle a full length record. I was using the EPs to learn the craft of how to make a great album, much like a director will make short films before they make a feature. I wanted to take the listener on a journey and spark their imagination. Hopefully the album expresses complex emotions, rather than having an intellectual concept. I'd rather ask questions than answer them'.
Across the album, Arjuna performs vocals, piano, keyboards, synths, production, and wrote the string arrangements. He’s joined by Harrison Scholes on bass, Jo Jenkins and Andre Smith on guitar, Sam Notman on drums, Louisa Williamson on saxophone, Nathan Haines on flute, Kate King on french horn, Leah Thomas on clarinet, Hilary Hayes and Emma Colligan on violin, Chris Van Der Zee on viola, Charley Davenport on cello, Zane Hawkins on percussion, James Macewan on trumpet, and additional production by Callum Mower.
Kiko Navarro & Pere Navarro land on Radio Slave’s Rekids with their first-ever EP, ‘Les Cousins’. Their debut release counts three tracks, merging infectious House grooves with Pere’s Jazz-inflected trumpet solos for a stylish EP rooted in classic sounds, yet with a distinct modern edge to it. Both hailing from the Balearic Islands, Kiko, a seasoned DJ and producer from Mallorca with music on King Street Sounds, Pacha Recordings, Shall Not Fade and more, and Pere, a multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer from Ibiza. Despite sharing a last name, the pair are not related, meeting for the first time at a private party where Pere spontaneously joined Kiko’s DJ set on trumpet, after which their partnership continued when Kiko invited Pere to record a trumpet solo for a Louie Vega remix, leading up to the creation of their debut ‘Les Cousins’ EP, landing on Rekids this May.
The label Remedy Music VLC has selected the song What We’ve Lost from the LP Groove Chronicles to release it in the king format of soul disco music: 7" vinyl.
This standout track features Angolan artist Mabreezee, whose powerful vocals are complemented by sweeping strings reminiscent of Morricone’s cinematic scores. It’s a stirring and soulful piece that captures the depth and emotion Freedust brings to their music.
Freedust, the duo of Italian composer Daniele Carmosino and Swedish singer Lisa Widmark, have spent two decades crafting their unique blend of jazz, funk, and hip-hop. Groove Chronicles marks a new level of sophistication in their work, delivering a vibrant, timeless sound filled with soul, sunshine, and unmistakable passion.
As bassist for dance-punk outfit The Rapture, Mattie Safer cut his teeth in the music scene alongside a wave of now-legendary early 2000s NYC acts like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, LCD Soundsystem and more (a time period recently immortalized in the documentary film ‘Meet Me In The Bathroom.’) Fast-forward nearly 2 decades and Mattie has found the sweeter side of dance music as the current lead vocalist for slo-mo kings Poolside, and now he presents his 2nd solo lovetempo project on Razor-N-Tape.
Championed heavily by Gilles Peterson, lovetempo’s modern soul classic 'But I Do' gets a vinyl release with a trio of remixes. Crackazat delivers in his signature style, weav-ing the organic elements and earworm vocals of the original into a deep and jazzy mix. Lon-doner Daisybelle bumps the BPMs up a few notches and adds pulsing synths to her take, and Brazilian duo From House To Disco turn in a dubby club remix to round out the record.
The first official reissue of Dorothy Carter"s folk-music exegesis comes 46 years after its original release, 20 years after Dorothy passed, and 11 years before the centennial of her birth. Yet it seems right on time for a new celebration of her music. Appalachian folk tunes, old and ancient psalms and hymns, Scottish, Irish, French and Israeli melodies, and original tunes flow together effortlessly in hypnotic gardens of eternal world musics. A highly energized, alternately meditative and proselytic recital whose vitality has only burgeoned in the decades since it appeared. As it should be: the music of Dorothy Carter is akin to a portal, linking her and us with the eternal. This edition of Troubadour reproduces the original album package, adding an insert adorned with additional photos of Dorothy and her collection of instruments, as well as notes from Eric Demby exploring the era - his childhood - from a vantage point of some 50 years. This reissue is a long-held family dream come true, and it is dedicated in loving memory to Bob Rutman, Constance Demby, David Demby and Dorothy Carter.
- A1: Dorothy Norwood - Big Boat Ride
- A2: Joe Hinton - I'm Tired Of Dreaming
- A3: Ripple - You Were Right On Time
- A4: Lee Brackett - You Get To Me
- A5: John Edwards - It's Got To Be The Real Thing
- A6: Charlie Thomas - Don't Let Me Know
- A7: Loleatta Holloway - Love Woke Me Up
- B1: Jimmy Lewis - Is That Any Way To Treat A Lady
- B2: Deep Velvet - Complain To The Clouds (But You Can't Change The Weather)
- B3: King Hannibal - Fight Fire With Fire
- B4: Arthur Alexander - You Ain't For Real
- B5: Joe Graham - I'm Leaving
- B6: Bobby Burn - I'm A Dreamer
- B7: The Counts - Since We Said Goodbye
Edits by Mr K
Edit heavyweight Danny Krivit edges close to full-on remixes with these two extended takes on soul genius Stevie Wonder’s timeless tunes. Using isolated instruments and vocals, the familiar classics take new shape in the able hands of Mr. K, providing a fresh look at cuts that have never faded in popularity. ‘Master Blaster’, Stevie’s tribute to Bob Marley, gets an attention-grabbing intro that is tailor-made to slide right into DJ sets, while the flip, the R&B essential ‘I Was Made To Love Her’, is filled with breakdowns and clever cuts that will open the eyes and ears of even the most jaded soul fanatic. Masterful work from NYC’s edit king and a fitting tribute to the Motown legend on a loud 12-inch readymade for club play. Record Store Day special!
- A1: Raz Fresco– Who Mapped The Earth
- A2: Romderful– Maybe With You
- A3: Dowker– Call Me
- A4: Speak– Sakuraba
- A5: Cookin' Soul, Ovrkast– Flying
- A6: Monster Rally, Demahjiae– Clooney
- A7: Mr Scruff– Flute Boom
- A8: 645Ar– Shooting Star
- B1: Peanut Butter Wolf, Waragainstgod?, Mikah 9– Organic A I
- B2: Chuck Strangers, Graymatter– Marigold
- B3: La Jay, Pigeon John– Thank You
- B4: Dj Harrison– Applechopchutney
- B5: Monster Rally, Homeboy Sandman– I Love You
- B6: Low Leaf– Faerie Function
- B7: Pouya, Boobie Lootaveli– Bitch, Park Backwards
- C1: Eddie Chacon, John Carroll Kirby– Comes And Goes (Live At Isc)
- C2: Devin Morrison– Givin Up
- C3: Suzi Analogue– King
- C4: Lee Perry– Morning Star
- C5: Dayytona Fox– Woooaaah
- C6: Bombay , Rvyo– Kflex
- C7: Crimeapple, Don Leisure– Vic Damone
- C8: Eyebriss– Don't Clap When I Win
- D1: Ncy Milky Band, Quelle Chris– High Speed Clouds
- D2: Mr Mumblz, Daniel Son – Snake Eyes
- D3: Girl Talk, Freeway, Waka Flocka Flame– Tolerated
- D4: Swum, Big Lordy– Shinto
- D5: Xavier Wulf– 2 Can Wulf
- D6: Tommy Wright Iii– Chrome Thang
- D7: Tjil– Metta
Cassette[13,87 €]
**Gangster Music Vol.3: The Most Gangster Music Trilogy of All Time Comes to a Triumphant Close**
Imagine curating a dream lineup of MCs and producers from every corner of the rap world—sounds impossible, right? Not for artist and illustrator Gangster Doodles, who has been bringing this vision to life for the past decade. Now, with “Gangster Music Vol.3”, the trilogy reaches its grand finale, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more unpredictable than ever before.
Gangster Doodles himself puts it best:
"It’s hard to believe that I’ve been actively working on this Gangster Music series for the past 10 years. The most gangster music trilogy of ALL TIME is almost complete!! And in my humble opinion Vol.3 is the most exciting out of the 3, both from a music standpoint (special shout-out to all my music heroes on Vol.3) and artistically speaking this is the most fun I’ve had in years”
Since launching Volume 1 in 2019 and following up with the second volume in 2022, Gangster Doodles has been shaping the Gangster Music series into a one-of-a-kind sonic universe—an unfiltered mix of underground titans, unsung legends, and rising stars. Volume 3 is the biggest installment yet, boasting a staggering 30 tracks that traverse the entire spectrum of rap and beat culture.
This time around, the lineup is as eclectic as ever. From legendary pioneers like Lee Perry and Tommy Wright III, to veteran producers such as Mr. Scruff and Peanut Butter Wolf, the album pays homage to hip-hop’s roots while pushing forward into fresh territory. The roster also includes established up-and-comers like Devin Morrison, Low Leaf, DJ Harrison, Quelle Chris, Homeboy Sandman, and Suzi Analogue, ensuring a mix of classic flavors and new-school innovation. The bubbling underground is well represented too, with artists like Raz Fresco, Atlanta’s 645AR, and Pro Era’s Chuck Strangers bringing their own distinct heat.
From pioneering SoundCloud rappers like Pouya to genre-bending composer John Carroll Kirby, from Birmingham’s Romderful to Chile’s RVYO, the album encapsulates a truly global soundscape, proving once again that Gangster Doodles’ ear for cutting-edge talent is second to none.
As always, the cover art is a vital piece of the puzzle. This time, Bootleg Garfield & Friends take center stage, bringing the same playful irreverence that has defined Gangster Doodles’ artwork for years. Fans are encouraged to engage, remix, and make the cover their own, staying true to the spirit of interactive creativity that has always fueled the series.
After years of meticulous curation, countless DMs, emails, and behind-the-scenes wrangling, Gangster Music Vol.3 is here to complete the trilogy in legendary fashion. Expect boundary-pushing beats, next-level lyricism, and a lineup that celebrates hip-hop in all its many forms.
“Thanks to everyone who’s actively supported and continues to tap-in. Believe & trust when I say I've got more dope stuff cookin’. STAY TUNED!! GANGSTER DOODLES 4EVER. 1LUV."
Gangster Music Vol.3 is out April 7th on All City. Stay tuned, stay tapped in, and get ready for the most gangster music experience yet.
Erudite, the upcoming album by Thomas Decock, is a powerful exploration of modern jazz fusion that uniquely intertwines literature and music. Inspired by iconic literary characters and novels, the album aims to bring the profound emotions and complex themes of these stories to life through music. This project reflects the collective creativity of Thomas Decock and his band, pushing the boundaries of jazz and redefining them with an innovative approach.
Compositions such as the exhilarating and dynamic Rodya, inspired by Dostoevsky's renowned novel Crime and Punishment, and the refined interpretation of Joni Mitchell's Cherokee Louise, showcase both technical virtuosity and profound emotional engagement. From the sharp, angular theme of Rodya to the lyrical melody of Emma-inspired by the character from Flaubert's Madame Bovary-which also highlights the acoustic qualities of the ensemble, Erudite offers a wide palette
of musical colors, ranging from intense improvisation to expressive, lyrical moments.
The music on the album is characterized by the remarkable interaction between the musicians, who are equally at home in jazz and electronic music. Both individual and collective improvisation form the core of the band's musical expression. The sound is crafted through a blend of electronic and acoustic instruments. Erudite is not only an album for jazz enthusiasts but also for listeners intrigued by how music can complement and deepen literary narratives.
Released under the W.E.R.F. label, the album promises an engaging listening experience for a broad audience, from jazz purists to fans of innovative music. Erudite is a work that brings the spirit of both music and literature to life, taking the listener on a journey through the musical translation of classic stories.
First release on Saucy Lady’s own new label Dippin’ Records features double sider smashers. Starting with the A side, cover of Carly Simon’s Why, a classic funk tune produced by Nile Rogers that got a fresh new boogie revamp, produced by Saucy Lady herself and Yuki “U-KEY” Kanesaka.
With a more dance-floor friendly up-tempo treatment, it will guarantee hands up in the air and hips moving round & round ‘n side to side.
Flip side is another heater, a cover of the 80s hit slow jam One More Time by Phil Collins but sped up and turned into broken beats flyness, followed with a deep house remix produced by Daisuke Miyamoto, member of Orienta-Rhythm who’s had numerous notable releases with King Street Sound.
B side ends with an acappella version so you too can play with your own creative version of the classic. With limited vinyl copies, you don’t want to sleep on this.
Early DJ support so far from AtJazz, Dave Lee, Yam Who?, DJ Spinna, and Star Creature label.
Drum and bass reggae legends, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespear, are the featured strongholds of The Revolutionaries, a conglomeration of many of reggae's finest studio musicians, brought together to create some of the best dub of the late 70's.
"Black Ash Dub" is a wonderful example of the group at its peak. Sly's drumming prowess is at its best on this lp, complete with his famous crash cymbals on the 4th beat in 4/4 time versus the 1st beat. His skills are legendary due in large part to the bass playing of Robbie. His grooves are intense, yet very supple, and perfectly augment Sly's grooves.
Each track is a tribute to a drug; the 2 major club hits are "Marijuana" and "Cocaine".
All cut at the legendary Channel One recording studio in Kingston and mixed by the genius touches of dub masters Scientist and Prince Jammy.
Originally released in 1980 on the mighty Trojan Records, "Black Ash Dub" is today widely heralded as one of the finest dub collections of the era and considered an essential addition to the collections of all serious fans of the genre.
PRODUCED BY: Jah Thomas RECORDED AT: Channel One MIXED BY: Prince Jammy, Scientist MUSICIANS BASS: Robbie, "Flabba" DRUMS: Sly Dunbar, "Santa" RHYTHM GUITAR: Bo Pee, Bingy Bunny HORNS: Bobby Ellis, Deadly Headley PIANO: Gladdy ORGAN: Ansel Collins PERCUSSION: Sticky, Skully
“… it was dance music, it had lyrics, it had songs, it wasn’t all instrumental, it was basically uptempo soul music, to be exact.”*
This quote from Timmy Regisford already sums up everything you need to know about his remix of Basic Black’s “Don’t Make Me Fall In Love.” Signed to Motown during Regisford’s reign as vice president and A&R, their self-titled debut album from 1990 is a testament to the massive popularity of new jack swing at the time. In his remix, the co-founder, resident DJ, and key figure of Club Shelter reconfigures the song’s structure with the signature sounds of New York’s prime dance floor scene, while preserving the heartfelt storytelling of the lyrics and the group’s voices on top of an irresistible groove and a bassline to die for.
At the time, it was only available in the record crates of the Big Apple’s DJ elite and later on as a white label in specialist shops. This soulful, yet driving piece, however, never saw an official single release—until now. Lifted from a DAT tape in Tony Humphries’ archive and carefully and faithfully restored, it now even features a condensed, never-before-released instrumental version of the remix, as well as a bass-and-beats-only edit for mixing purposes by yours truly. New jack swing transformed into New York club music by a king. This remix is a testament to Timmy Regisford’s prowess in the studio, but also honors the roots of the music he loves and grew up on—serving as a perpetual piece of the city’s vast history in underground dance music.
Gerd Janson
- A1: Bo Harwood & John Cassavetes - No One Around To Hear It
- A2: Chen Ming Chang - Rainwater
- A3: Bhairavi Raman & Nanthesh Sivarajah - Bittersweet Reflections
- B1: The King Of Luxembourg - Poptones
- B2: Slapp Happy - Is It You
- B3: O.g. Jigg - Jesus Is My Jam
- B4: Klang - As It Is
- C1: Scala - Fuser
- C2: Soft Location - Let The Moon Get Into It
- C3: Gyeongsu - Yzobel (Feat. Croche)
- C4: Omertà - Moments In Love
- D1: Kasumi Trio - Cabbage Butterfly
- D2: Un - Fast Money Blues
- D3: Delphine Dora - V
- D4: Harry Plunket-Greene - The Hurdy-Gurdy Man
2025 Repress
Searchlight Moonbeam is the new narrative compilation from Time Is Away (Jack Rollo and Elaine Tierney) whose eponymous monthly NTS Radio shows, tinctured fusions of fugitive sounds and reverie-inducing archival speech, have won them an ardent following. It follows from the London-based duo’s Ballads, a remarkable driftwerk released on A Colourful Storm in 2022.
Searchlight Moonbeam is an autumnal dreamscape, intimate and vespertine, pensive and irresolute. An imagined community where differences drop off and resonances emerge – between Maher Shalal Hash Baz affiliates Kasumi Trio, Taiwanese score composer Chen Ming Chang whose ‘Rainwater’ (written for Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s 1986 film Dust In The Wind) is exquisitely heartbroken, and the plangent improvisations of self-taught French pianist Delphine Dora.
Revelations are frequent: the bedsit isolationism of Bo Harwood and John Cassavetes’ ‘No One Around to Hear It’ (from The Killing of a Chinese Bookie); the narked minimalism of Klang (an early 2000s band formed by ex-Elastica guitarist and featuring prize-winning experimental novelist Isabel Waidner on bass); the etude-grooves and echoic wobble of below-the-radar French avant-gardists Omertà ; the beautiful, plaintively dubby ‘Is It You?’ by Slapp Happy; a psych-tinged reimagining of PiL’s ‘Poptones’ by Simon Fisher Turner (one half of Deux Filles, and here, recording for él as The King of Luxembourg) that's as perverse as the cover of Throbbing Gristle’s 20 Jazz Funk Greats.
Searchlight Moonbeam is the musical analog of an Italo Calvino novel or a medieval fable. Associative, intuitive, borderless. Emotional and mysterious. Endowed with the tactility of Braille. A private language that is both unknowable and understood. It is a record of the seasons, for the seasons.
2023 marks the tenth anniversary of Time Is Away’s first broadcast. Featuring an evocative essay by writer Jeremy Atherton Lin and disarming cover art by Penny Davenport, Searchlight Moonbeam showcases Rollo and Tierney’s still-unrivalled talent for gloaming melodies, disques du crépuscule, ensorcelled storytelling.
Mita Gami & EREZ join forces for collaboration ‘Where’s My Voice?’ Uniting the rich sounds of Tel Aviv and NYC via Los Angeles, Mita Gami and EREZ combine again for their latest collaboration, ‘Where’s My Voice?’. Marking their first collaborative appearance on Damian Lazarus’ esteemed Crosstown Rebels, the single follows their previous work together on Borders Of Light while welcoming EREZ to the label for the first time.
A mainstay within Tel Aviv’s thriving scene, Mita Gami returns to Crosstown Rebels following his acclaimed remix of Parallelle & Nicolas Masseyeff’s ‘Renegade’ alongside Adam Ten. With prior releases on labels such as Diynamic, REALM and his own Maccabi House imprint, he continues to showcase his artistry while pushing boundaries. Meanwhile, EREZ, an artist known for seamlessly blending her mesmerising vocals and intricate production, makes her label debut after recent standout material on Get Physical Music and Discotexas.
‘Where’s My Voice?’ is a driving composition that pairs EREZ’s intoxicating vocals with hypnotic rhythms. A journey through tension and release, the track builds a captivating and trippy atmosphere that showcases the duo’s ability to craft evocative trips for the late hours. On the flip, Brussels-based DJ/producer and Sanctuary Music founder Samer Soltan adds his own take and steers the original into deeper territory, guided by commanding stabs, brooding melodies and intricate textures.
Mita Gami’s artistic vision extends far beyond the studio, curating ‘Sunrise Kingdom’ at Midburn Festival and performing on global stages such as The Brooklyn Mirage, Lightning in a Bottle Festival, and Hï Ibiza. Similarly, EREZ’s dynamic live performances—effortlessly transitioning between instruments—have earned her spots at Coachella, Outside Lands, and The Brooklyn Mirage. With ‘Where’s My Voice?’, the pair explore sound, emotion, and rhythm, adding to their places as innovating talents in the electronic music sphere.
Two lyrical and spiritual forces meet, as Akae Beka and Ivorian veteran Tiken Jah Fakoly awaken the profound realisation that all is inherently blessed, encouraging us to accept life as it unfolds. Produced by Zion I Kings, Everything Bless is a gentle yet powerful reminder to embrace the present moment, cherish the divine connection with our spiritual kin, and nurture inner peace and contentment. Vaughn Benjamin meditates on the need for both determination and trust, while the ancient voiced Tiken sings in Bambara, over Mamadou Sidiki Diabate’s cascading Kora, reassuring that Jah will guide. The accompanying dub version pares down drums and vocals, maintaining the same sense of joy. Taken from 2021’s album Polarities, Everything Bless is released as a seven inch vinyl single for the first time on via Before Zero Records.
This series honours both the vocal and version culture of the reggae sound system and the profound lyricism of Vaughn Benjamin. We have consistently received two requests in relation to releasing the LPs: "Can we have dub versions?" and "Where can we read the lyrics?" Our response is the 'Akae Beka - vocal, version and word-sound collection.' Before Zero Records worked with Tippy I Grade to mix a series of dub mixes from a carefully curated selection of his extensive works with Vaughn Benjamin. The vocal and corresponding dub mixes were then cut to wax by Lewis Hopkin of Star Delta and wrapped in a collage made of Ras Marcus's artworks, which he crafted for various LP covers of Vaughn's works throughout the years with the lyrics transcribed and printed on the rear of each sleeve.
Before Zero Records present the Akae Beka Vocal and Version Series. This represents a turning point in the presence of Vaughn Benjamin, the voice of Akae Beka and Midnite’s presence in the sound system world, merging the vocal and version sound system culture with the deeply spiritual music and word sound of Akae Beka and Tippy I Grade.
Two of the deepest thinkers in reggae music, Vaughn Benjamin and Chronixx, trade reflections on their collaboration, ‘Black Carbon.’ Originally released on the 2021 album ‘Polarities,’ the song is available for the first time as a vinyl single, backed by its dub version. Adorned with the swirling flute of Sheldon Bernard (Beres Hammond, Harmony House) and David Pransky’s brittle, Kora-like mandolin, the twin reggae intellects, with their uniquely delicate voices, introspect on how ‘all ah we forward from the same carbon.’ The song’s message juxtaposes the unity that binds us with a critique of the prevailing narratives and structures that weaken this bond. It underscores the universal truth that we all originate from the same elemental blackness—a truth mirrored throughout humanity and the entire spectrum of creation. Yet, it pointedly highlights how this shared essence is often unrecognised or undervalued in the social and political realms, especially for nations and diasporas connected by the original human hue. The A-side vocal mix is followed by Tippy I’s lavish, questing dub, bringing the instrumentation to the fore. Produced by Vaughn and Zion I Kings.
Each 7” vinyl sleeve has the lyrics transcribed and printed on the back. This series represents more than a collection of music; it is a multifaceted, intellectual and spiritual revelation encapsulated in melody, tone and beat. The never before released dub versions complement each vocal mix with grace and innovation, creating the perfect settings for reflection and integration of the lyrics.
- A1: Mieko Hirota - Soul Lady
- A2: Shinji Maki &Amp; Black Jack - Nabeyoko Soul
- A3: Tan Tan - Happy Day
- A4: Kenji Niinuma - Airenki
- A5: Hatsumi Shibata - Furui Fuku Nanka
- B1: Strawberry Jam - Arimasen
- B2: Mieko Hirota - Anata Ga Inakute Mo
- B3: Akira Yasuda &Amp; Beat Folk - Kaeroka Kaeroka (Single Version)
- B4: Miki Hirayama - Hatachi No Koi
- B5: Masaaki Sakai - Baby, Yuki Wo Dashite
At the start of the 60s, a new wave of gospel-influenced jazz started to emerge, with hits such as Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers' "Moanin'" and Cannonball Adderley's "Work Song" epitomizing this evolution in the genre. The terms "soul jazz" and "funky jazz" were coined as a way to describe this new sound that was making an impact in the US and also on the other sides of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
In 1964, Ray Charles made his first visit to Japan. Then, in 1968, Martha & The Vandellas and Stevie Wonder set foot in the country, followed by Sam & Dave in 1969, Ike & Tina Turner in 1970, and B.B. King in 1971. The TV show "Soul Train" also began airing in Japan in the early 1970s. A watershed moment happened in 1973 when Sammy Davis Jr. was cast in a TV commercial for Suntory whisky — and the influence of the US Black entertainment world had really landed, with soul, jazz, and funk artists becoming household names.
Nippon Columbia played a pivotal role during this turning point. The company had contracts with Buddah Records and Blue Thumb Records, releasing notable works by artists such as Gladys Knight & The Pips, Curtis Mayfield, The Crusaders, and The Pointer Sisters. At the same time, the label was also releasing several Japanese soul, jazz, and funk projects under the lead of music director Jiro Inagaki. Inagaki, a saxophonist who began his professional career in the early 1950s, honed his skills at U.S. military camps, where he shared his love of music with the Black servicemen. In the 1960s, he played with drummer Hideo Shiraki's band, which was widely considered to be Japan's representative group of the funky jazz movement. Later, Inagaki went on to pursue more cutting-edge sounds with his Soul Media project, including being a pioneering figure in the "jazz rock" genre. By working closely with Inagaki and his various musical projects, Nippon Columbia really placed the company at the center of an exciting and important period in Japanese music.
In 1965, Nippon Columbia opened a recording studio in Tokyo's Akasaka neighborhood. Akasaka was also home to the first ever discotheque in Japan, the legendary MUGEN, which ran from 1968 to 1987 and where many acts performed, including Con Funk Shun, the Bar-Kays, Ike & Tina Turner, B.B. King, Sam & Dave, Three Degrees, and Edwin Starr, as well as many local Japanese singers and musicians. This melting pot of creativity in the area led to the recording of many singles and albums by Japanese artists that were infused with the sounds of soul and funk. Most of these recordings were not available outside of Japan and remain rare and unknown musical gems. The selection you are holding in your hands is an explosive collection of 10 essential tracks released by the legendary Nippon Columbia label between 1969 and 1977, capturing the raw, unapparelled energy that was flowing through the air of the Akasaka streets at this electrifying time. Enjoy!
---
180GWALP07 - Manufactured and distributed by 180g.
- A1: Groupies & Goofies
- A2: Count Money (Feat Bossman Dlow)
- A3: Rubberband Man
- A4: Shy Kid
- A5: I Need Some Motivation
- B1: Wavy Navy University (Feat. Veeze)
- B2: Watching My Page
- B3: Delusional (Feat. Hunxho)
- B4: Cherish (Feat. Dj Esco)
- B5: Stuck In My Ways (Feat. King Hendrick$)
- C1: Nights Like This
- C2: 2 For 6 (Feat G Herbo)
The Kid That Did is the fourth studio album from acclaimed rapper and Detroit staple, Babyface Ray. Known for his effortless, conversational flow and sharp wordplay, Ray has been building momentum over the past few years, and his latest project promises to be another milestone in his career.
Following the success of 2022’s FACE, which reached #3 on Apple Music’s all-genre chart and earned praise from outlets like Billboard and Complex, and MOB, which featured collaborations with heavyweights like Lil Durk and Blxst, Ray’s new work showcases an artist at the peak of his game. His recent singles “Green Carpet,” “Money On My Mind,” and “Understand” each pulled in over 1.5 million streams in their first week, setting the stage for The Kid That Did to be his biggest release yet.
Fresh off a label deal with EMPIRE and riding the success of his first RIAA-certified gold record, Babyface Ray’s influence continues to grow. After a sold-out tour and major appearances, including a performance on Jimmy Fallon and being named to XXL’s 2022 Freshman Class, Ray is ready to take things to the next level with The Kid That Did.
With his signature Detroit sound and an impressive lineup of collaborators including Bossman Dlow, Peezy, Fabolous, G Herbo, DJ ESCO & more, The Kid That Did is set up to be a defining moment for Ray as he solidifies his place in modern hip-hop.




















