Next up on Fake's Various Artist Series we have a stellar lineup, Lee Daines leads the line with the minimal groover 'Stokkie', One of the undergrounds legends Gel Abril teams up with Berlin Based Oskar Szafraniec with a peak time track for dancefloor 'Energy Flow'. On the flip we have two stalwarts of the minimal scene, Ukranian Pharba and long time friend of fake Just_me with a super cool track that's full of energy 'ride', And to finish off we have up and coming talent Soyro with his minimalistic breaks track 'Moonset'
out of Stock
Last delivered 21 months ago available to reorder, subject to availability
2XM are back on our shores with another sun kissed and emotive EP.
Four new tracks covering 2-step garage, deep percussive house and synth laden electronic grooves with a powerful vocal performance from rising star Neil Macleod.
These two are really developing their own signature sound and we’re all in.
out of Stock
Last delivered 3 months ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Porridge Bullet reveals it’s third “Bullets” compilation with five dancefloor lifters.
AIWA is on warm up duties stomping away with bubbly saturated electronics. He hails from Budapest by the way. On to Madis Puuraid aka Profile and “Teramachi's” shimmering ambience lead by a funky drummer. Let this one roll a while before you show off your mixing skills. Estonia’s ug-scene oldtimer Neuronphase makes his second appearance on the label with nods to breakbeat. “I Have None” will make them come closer. Fact. There’s a second track by him on here too… Ruutu Poiss stretches his wires between Amsterdam & Tallinn with ease –– “Mjau” purrs in his unique broken-not-broken style.
Hey kids –– no digi!
out of Stock
Last delivered 4 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Charles Trees. Myth, tall tale, legend of a human being, one of those people who one minute you'll be scouring reddit for obscure content and the next, stepping on stage to casually DJ to thousands of people like “no big whoop” at a French music festival. Charles is unassuming, the kind of person who effortlessly mixes ghettotech into soul for lulz, who samples a speech (/rant) by Funkmaster Flex in an acid track, or rides BMG & Derek Plaslaiko’s “True Story of a Detroit Groove” with Velvet Underground’s “Sister Ray” for 8 minutes straight.
Charles' relationship with electronic music started early. In high school, Dave Shayman (Disco D) introduced Charles to DJing and he was a regular at Dubplate Pressure*– Todd Osborn's now-legendary record store in Ann Arbor. By 1998, he was already playing on raves in Detroit. A year later, he was the first person to show Zach Saginaw (Shigeto) to Ghostly International, arguably altering the course of our lives forever. In the late 2000s, they became label mates on Moodgadget, the record label of Jakub Alexander (Heathered Pearls).
Through out the years, Charles has been a musical mentor (whether DJing, producing or throwing shows) to many, danced at every weekly at every venue in Ann Arbor & Detroit, produced Hip Hop, and fronted a psych rock band. He has released music on Moodgadget (US), Musique Large (FR), Lovemonk (ES), Vanity Press (US) and JFX Lab (FR). Today, between DJing, hosting radio shows and producing new music, Charles regularly throws shows/parties/raves, and hosts a monthly at Deluxx Fluxx.
We love Charles Trees and we're proud to present "2019," the eighth record on Portage Garage Sounds.
*Additional reading: Dubplate Pressure: was the precursor to Technical Equipment Supply; how Todd Osborn was discovered by Richard D. James and signed to Rephlex Records; where Sam Valenti IV, the founder of Ghostly International, met Tadd Mullinix (Dabrye, JTC, Charles Manier, X-Altera); one of the reasons why we're all here
"Got No"
Hit the ground running.
Chopped up vocal stabs and a playful syncopated melody accompany this percussion heavy two-step shuffle as it speeds down the Lodge on a Friday night in Detroit.
"Think First"
Undeniable rhythm section pocket.
Acoustic bass and dirty ride symbols swing alongside lush keyboards and sprinkles of light melodicism in this psych house banger.
Think St. Germain with CAN playing a warped version of "Rose Rouge."
"In Arms"
Crave the rave. Whips crack and sizzle in this dubbed out techno slapper. A modern take on a classic sound. Trees conjures an era close to his heart: when the warehouse was church and service didn't stop until the sun came up.
"Acja feat. Marcus Elliot ("12 club mix)
Beautifully understated and triumphant.
This closer marks the return of Detroit Saxophonist Marcus Elliot (Detroit pt II - PGS 001). His notes dance and soar over a creeping acid line, while driving drums and warm pads effortlessly take you home in this powerful house anthem.
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
• Aretha’s sister hits her stride with the 1969 Brunswick release ‘Soul Sister’ with this is a rare groove classic
• Includes classic versions of ‘Light My Fire’, Hold On, I’m Coming’, ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ and ‘Gotta Find
Me a Lover’
• Reissued on 180g heavyweight classic black vinyl, with printed inner sleeve
• This is Erma’s second album, with her first being on Epic’s Shout label where she recorded the original
‘Piece of My Heart’
out of Stock
Last delivered 6 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Timeless Legend came from Columbus, Ohio. Their ‘Synchronised’ album from 1980 is one of the rarest ‘rare grooves’ and both original copies and the ‘northern soul’ single “I Was Born To Love You” still sell for over £1,000 a copy.
By 1985 music styles had changed and the group with shortened name Timelesscapitalized on the burgeoning boogie scene with the 12” double header we reissue here. Of the two sides “You’re The One” has become the most enduring and in demand, again an original reach which has been sold for £1000 on the collectors scene. The French reissue from 2011 is also extremely sought after. In this edition the release has been restored to how the original first looked and sounded on Pendulum Records artwork from Expansion.
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
'Broken Toys' showcases the prodigious talent of Eshan Gopal andcaptures the essence of 70s soul and disco, yet it sparkles with more than enough retro-futurist fireworks to light up the pop horizon.Arranged and performed to perfection, this soulful track delivers feel good nostalgia and is elevated further by the young lead singer voice, which can only describe as the king of pop's second coming.
Carrying heartfelt messages about love, moving on and growing up, coupled with warm and uplifting instrumentation; 'Broken Toys' is a breath of fresh funk and soul without being marred by controversy. Its pure, exciting and enjoyable music for any age and The Tribe of Good have totally nailed down every element of this soul groove.
On the flip of the vinyl is a 'Percapella' which features these stunning vocals layered with a stripped down percussion backing. Offers a weapon clean enough to shake things up in your DJ mixes.
The Tribe of Good are the secret weapons behind your favourite chart hits. The super group steered by Grammy-nominated producer Hal Ritson (Chemical Brothers, Katy Perry, Duke Dumont, High Contrast) features an array of producers who have worked with the likes of Nas, Cee Lo, Taylor Swift, alongside a cast of musicians such as Basement Jaxx singer Vula Malinga and Jamiroquai guitarist Rob Harris to highlight a few.
out of Stock
Last delivered 5 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
The label and production project from DJ DOG (aka DJ Fett Burger) & Double Dancer is back! Uplifting house, emotional Ibiza and free flowing grooves in the best possible way! Basketball house once again, stronger than ever! Rejuvenating the basketball house scene since 2016.
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
LOFTSOUL x Miruga release cover version for Nina Simone's masterpiece See Line Womanon
10inch vinyl format. LOFTSOUL is the project by DJ/Producer UCHIKAWA MASAHIKO well known as Rhythm Of Elements (R2 Recordings/UK).For this Nina Simon's cover song,LOFTSOUL collaboration with Miruga (Moods & Grooves/Detroit) And featuring London's JAZZ/SOUL singer Fae Simon.
Also there include great "DUB" version by DJ D a.k.a Dominic Dawson (well known as release from Noid Otherand Reel Houze project with Rob Mello).
Marking the 15 year of Nina Simone's death,LOFTSOUL release cover version of her masterpiece See Line Womanas tribute.
See Line Womanis fantastic afro percussive number.This song is popular for club scene by 98's Kerri Chandler(Songstress)'s remake and 07's Feist's cover. LOFTSOUL x Miruga cover this song vibrant
Jazz/Soul Number. Original Versionis superlative Jazz/Soul version. There features beautiful harmony with Fae Simon's vocal and Soul-T's piano on the afro mystic groove (about BPM 90)
On the flips side ,Dominic Dawson a.k.a DJ D deliver fantastic "Dub Version" as (Dominic Dawson Dub Reversion)with afro percussive rhythm and dub wise sound&groove.
Release from UNKNOWN season x Jazzy Sport as special limited 10inch issue.
out of Stock
Last delivered 6 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
This release contains twelve of the tracks from the 2000 CD release, a collection of working and master
versions of some of T. Rex’s biggest hits, including “Telegram Sam”, “20th Century Boy”, “Metal Guru” and
“Solid Gold Easy Action”. Mastered from the original tapes, this is a debut vinyl release for these tracks.
a A1. The Groover [master version with false start]
[b] A2. Jitterbug Love [working version]
[c] A3. Dishing Fish Wop [master version]
[d] A4. Telegram Sam [working version]
[e] A5. Laser Love [rough mix]
[f] A6. 20th Century Boy [master version with false start]
[g] B1. Silver Lady [working version]
[h] B2. Metal Guru [master version]
[i] B3. Fast Blues (Easy Action) [working version]
[j] B4. Light Of Love [master version]
[k] B5. The Soul Of My Suit [working version]
[l] B6. Thunderwing [alternate master mix]
[a] A1. The Groover [master version with false start]
[b] A2. Jitterbug Love [working version]
[c] A3. Dishing Fish Wop [master version]
[d] A4. Telegram Sam [working version]
[e] A5. Laser Love [rough mix]
[f] A6. 20th Century Boy [master version with false start]
[g] B1. Silver Lady [working version]
[h] B2. Metal Guru [master version]
[i] B3. Fast Blues (Easy Action) [working version]
[j] B4. Light Of Love [master version]
[k] B5. The Soul Of My Suit [working version]
[l] B6. Thunderwing [alternate master mix]
Originally released in 1983 on independent label For Sale (sub-label of the highly influential Baby Records, home of some of the most striking italo-disco ever), this album is quite a different monster. Produced, composed and arranged by Maestro Gian Piero Reverberi (once part of the progressive cult heroes Le Orme and then the man behind the ‘classical gone disco’ project Rondò Veneziano) Presage lives in a ‘twilight-zone’ where new-wave, post-prog and disco weirdness collides. Some of these numbers could have been easily played at the Hacienda in Manchester or even used as a soundtrack for some mid-eighties Argento movie. Part of the musicians used to be involved in the prog band from Genova Struttura & Forma, while others spent time behind the desk with some minor disco stars. All in all quite an unusual heavy rare-groove collection.
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
You just can't keep a man like Carlton Jumel Smith down. This time around we get another soulful K.O. from his debut album in the form of "Love Our Love Affair", a mid-tempo groover drawn from that sweet well of southern soul.
One of the fortes of Carlton's "1634 Lexington Ave." LP is that it flows along as an entity but also revels in the strengths of its individual parts. This fourth single brings out another stylistic strain from Carlton and Cold Diamond & Mink's repertoire. After the tight intro and the vibraphone licks have set the scene there are twists and turns plus some classy action from Jukka Eskola on trumpet, did we mention the instrumental on the flip side?
This single might be just the thing you needed to jump start the morning or blast in your Sunday evening radio show.
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Around the year, the sturdy red brick walls of an old Cable Factory stand there like a mountain, facing weathers of all kinds rising from the Gulf of Finland. It might be freezing winter winds whipping the whole shore line into submission, fog heavy as concrete, or the relentless sun of the summer months, softening the asphalt to a boiling point. Whatever the weather may be, the narrow courtyard of the old factory embraces those musicians, who are looking to get down. They gather from all directions, making their way towards a pair of doors that lead towards a flight of stairs, again through a few doors all the way to the last portal, where an open padlock and a loosely hangin crossbar signal that Cold Diamond & Mink are inside, locked in a groove.
Who could it be with them this time, perhaps the jazz prophet Jimi Tenor beaming out of his space ship, maybe it's the golden voiced knight of soul Tuomo "Pratt" Prättälä, the number one trumpet wielding dandy Jukka Eskola or the saxman Pope Puolitaival, who loses nothing in coolness compared to the former? The reel to reel is always there in the monitoring room, catching each analog layer of sound, even the silences and banter between takes. Seppo lays down the guitar and tries to catch the riff on organ instead, Jukka throws a rare tune on the turntable, hoping to guide their unit through that wobbly chorus, Sami waits there bass in hand, maybe already thinking about the next production.
After a whole lot of playing instruments, arranging and taking care of business, after the moon has travelled around the old industrial building for some rotations, Carlton Jumel Smith comes waltzing through those same doors. There's a handful of unnamed tracks waiting for him. He sits there listening and then starts writing, maybe echoes of soul classics from his own record collection in New York projecting inside his mind. Then the tape is rolling again. Starting with a short intro rap Carlton lets it out, singing on the edge of shouting "Woman you made me...". After the vocals are in the can, Carlton ascends out of the basement and heads out to entertain an audience somewhere. Some months later, after the mix is said and done, there's the question of the instrumentals. It seems they're pretty good as they are. And here they are.
d 4 Help Me (Save Me From Myself) [Instrumental]
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Label Quote "Turquoise Colored French Tourists are back with six pool-party essentials for your next lousy bathing event in your parents' backyard. Early support by everyone you know and your mama"
Short Info:
Turquoise Colored French Tourists release their Pöseldorf Poolparty EP, a 6 track extravaganza of high end production, House music know how mixed with Funk and a flair for live drum sounds which elevate this EP.
The artists behind this - Scharbatke and Bias joined forces having met years ago in their favourite bar Goldengrün and agreed after a few gin's to establish the live performing House music super group Turquoise Colored French Tourists. With their differing backgrounds both coming to play in this EP, adding a depth to the groove.
This record is essential for the most in the know Poolpartys, for the most exclusive parts of town - we begin the EP with the title track, motes of DamFunk and a truly groovy opener that should loosen things up nicely as the still hyper funky but more straight up and dance-able Altona im Sonnenschein carry's us onwards.
Crepes takes us deeper, Housier but still with a tweaked aesthetic that marks this out from others. A true adventure in jacked rhythm. The EP continues to turn gently into the more filtered House vibe with Spätfolgen, whilst not forgetting its funky roots with Jameson. The latter bringing a slight 80's touch to the vibe - if there is one thing this EP does well its keeping it fresh at each and every turn.
Closing the EP "Feels so good" lets the melody flow a little, warm and inviting with a little bit of everything that has come before it.
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
The first official reissue of ‘Good Lovin’’ – a modern soul dancer with a killer groove, heavy low-end, delectable string & horn trade-offs and the husky tones of the inimitable Al Mason, that blew up on the scene in 1980 and now commands eye watering prices between collectors. This dinked 7 inch comes backed with ‘We Still Could Be Together’ off the original promo 12 Inch, with both tracks fully remastered and officially licensed for the first time since its original release.
‘Good Lovin’’ stormed dancefloors back in the early ‘80s taking Al’s undeniable, raspy vocal prowess and stirring it up with an energetic combination of funk guitars, full frontal basslines, on-point harmonies and a perfectly arranged string and brass section. It’s been a rare treasure on the second-hand market with original copies trading hands for £400 so an official reissue will be music to many an ear.
The B side, ‘We Still Could Be Together’, is an emotive ballad filled to the brim with Mason’s tangible passion alongside smoky pianos, cinematic strings and velvety backing vocals. A slow stepper with a bittersweet message behind it.
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
All producers on this timeless EP known for their contribution to NuDisco/Deep House Music. 1 Life records has enlisted the services of top talents. U.S deep house veteran Vincent Floyd wrap drifting deep spheres, lilting electronics & warm synth rhodes chords around a chunky groove on his fine beat interpretation for a brighter & breezier deep house vibe on a remix that benefits greatly from a squeezable synth bassline & some undulating TB-303 style acid motifs, while Rico De Almenda deliver a driving chunk of dub-disco/deep house fusion rich in sparkling synthesizer lines, sun-kissed chords & his own rubbery post-punk bass. Studio don Vincent Inc always bring unforgettable impressions & inspiration for mind, body & soul. 4 tracks came together to tell music stories about hypnotic deepest stuff, depression, happiness, loneliness, love, miracles & magical experiences. And now we're asking other's to join the sound conversation
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Following 2018’s full-length, Dominance, Deep’a & Biri reemerge on their Black Crow imprint for Black Crow 012, presenting three immediate yet sophisticated cuts traversing techno and electro, brimming with character and detail.
‘Approaching Skopje’ is a tunnelling slice of techno, landing with enough bass weight to drive a wormhole through any heaving rave, coupled with layers of trippy electronic textures that blend inherent heaviness with sheer hypnosis.
On the contrary, ‘Quantum Hypnosis’ sees an instantaneous swung-groove gradually blossom into a weightless electronic lullaby, wrapped in fluttering modulations and a sense of shimmering intrigue.
Finally, ‘Roots‘ builds a bridge between both tracks and bodies and minds beside; a loose breakbeat flirts a circling analogue signal, demonstrating the duo’s subtle craftsmanship at it’s most psychedelic and soaring.
out of Stock
Last delivered 6 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Pacific Breeze is a collection of choice cuts that range from silky smooth grooves to innovative techno pop bangers and everything in between.
Long-revered by crate diggers and adventurous music heads, this music has never been released outside of Japan until now. Including key artists like Taeko Ohnuki and Minako Yoshida, as well as cult favorites Hitomi Tohyama and Hiroshi Sato, the long-awaited release also features newly commissioned cover painting by Tokyo-based artist Hiroshi Nagai, whose iconic images of resort living have graced the covers of many classic City Pop albums of the 1980s.
Many of the key City Pop players evolved from the Japanese New Music scene of the early '70s, as heard on Light In The Attic's acclaimed Even a Tree Can Shed Tears: Japanese Folk & Rock 1969-1973, the first release of the ongoing Japan Archival Series. In fact, you could say City Pop set sail with a champagne smash from Happy End, the freakishly talented subversives who included amongst their ranks Haruomi Hosono and Shigeru Suzuki, both featured on this compilation. As Michael K. Bourdaghs noted in his book, Sayonara Amerika, Sayonara Nippon, this music was, 'Deconstructing the line between imitation and authenticity.' Some of the best City Pop teeters in this zone—easy listening with mutant exotica, tilted techno-pop, and steamy boogie bubbling beneath the gloss.
2xLP housed in a deluxe wide spine jacket with over sized fold-out booklet, full color printed inner sleeves, and custom die-cut obi card
out of Stock
Last delivered 4 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Available on vinyl for the first time in 40 years, Outernational Sounds proudly presents a cornerstone document from the Los Angeles jazz underground, Flight 17 – the first appearance on record of the legendary Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, led by their founder and mastermind, Horace Tapscott.
"The Arkestra would allow the creativity in the community to come together, would allow people to recognize each other as one people and ask, “Now what can we do to make this community better? What can we do for this community together?”...That’s how the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra – the Ark – began, with the knowledge that we wanted to preserve the black arts in the community."
Horace Tapscott
Horace Tapscott’s Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra (P.A.P.A.) was one of the most transformative, forward-thinking and straight-up heavy big bands to have played jazz in the 1960s and 1970s. Countless musicians passed through its ranks, and in Tapscott it was led by a musical visionary who should be ranked with the very greatest names in the music. If P.A.P.A. doesn’t have the interstellar rep of that other famous Arkestra, and if the name Tapscott doesn’t ring bells like Monk or Tyner, there’s a reason why: in an industry dominated by record labels, a band that doesn’t record doesn’t count. And the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra didn’t record for nearly twenty years. But recording success was never their concern – they weren’t about that.
First formed as the Underground Musicians Association in the early 1960s, Tapscott always wanted his group to be a community project. From their base in Watts, UGMA got down at the grassroots. They played for the people, organising fundraisers in parks and coffee houses, hosting teach-ins and workshops for young and old, and mixing it with radical theatre groups, firebrand poets, political radicals, Black separatists, community groups and churches. They lived communally, supporting each other and their people, and built an ark for the Black arts in the heart of the city. The group was renamed the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra in 1971, and soon after they established a monthly residency at the Immanuel United Church of Christ which ran for over a decade, while still playing all over LA and beyond. But through all this, they never released a note of music.
It was the intervention of Tom Albach, a fan of Tapscott and the group, that finally got them on wax. Determined that their work should be documented, Albach founded Nimbus Records specifically to release the music of Tapscott, the Arkestra, and the individuals that comprised it. The first recording sessions in early 1978 yielded enough material for two albums, and the first release was Flight 17. From the surging avant-gardism of Herbie Baker’s title track to the laid- back summertime groove of Kamonta Lawrence Polk’s ‘Maui’, or Roberto Miranda’s uptempo Latin jam ‘Horacio’, Flight 17 showcased the radical voices of the Arkestra’s members. Led out by Tapscott’s hard-swinging piano, this is the first flight on wax of the West Coasts’ foundational community big band – energised, hip and together. Open up the gates and prepare for departure!
This edition of Flight 17 contains two tracks previously only available on the 1997 CD edition: ‘Coltrane Medley’ and ‘Village Dance’, recorded live at the Immanuel United Church of Christ. It is released as a limited vinyl-only edition on a 180g pressing by Pallas. Fully licensed from Nimbus West founder Tom Albach.
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Italian duo Howl Ensemble team up with Turquoise Blue to release four infectious cuts entitled ‘Be Punk As Fuck’ EP.
Italy’s Howl Ensemble – made up of Giovanni Verrina and Germano Ventura enrich a deep, effervescent production style concentrated on the freedom of expression and creativity. In addition to releasing music on Tour Records, Nilla and Infuse, the pair established their Howl Records imprint that embodies a philosophy of releasing dancefloor focused music contributed to by the likes of Dana Ruh, Bassa Clan, 100 Hz and more. Howl Ensemble’s ‘Be Punk As Fuck’ EP sees the duo join the Turquoise Blue family following the likes of DJ Jes, Dan Curtin, Phonogenic and Ekkohaus to name a few.
‘In An Age Of Cruelty’ begins proceedings with alleviating melodies, low-slung bass chords and raw, shuffling percussion before ‘Kindness’ deploys dynamic synth sweeps, rolling low-frequencies and effervescent rhythms maintaining a consistent energy throughout.
On the flip, an organic drum sequence fused with eccentric modulations and undulating deepness takes the focus in ‘Is Punk As Fuck’ until ‘Be Punk As Funk’ rounds things off with broken-beat rhythms and irresistible vocal flutters floating over sparse pad work and funk-infused bass grooves
out of Stock
Last delivered 4 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
In the early eighties, Edmond Mondésir, professor of philosophy and Léon Bertide, trade unionist, founded the Bèlènou group. They were actors of the great agricultural strike of 1974, which resulted in the death of two workers (Ilmany and Marie-Louise) and left many wounded. Activists of the patriotic movement Asé Pléré An Nou Lité (Stop crying, Fight), they were part of the identity and the cultural affirmation la revendication identitaire et culturelle of the time. Like the Guadeloupean musician Gérard Lockel and his work on the Gwo Ka, they put the Bèlè, in its traditional form, back in the spotlight during Swaré Bèlè (Bèlè nights).Minimalist and spiritual, a true rural ancestral art from Martinique, the Bèlè combines dance and music from responsorial monodies, which is a choir that responds to the lead singer (Respondè / La vwa dèyè), on codified drum rhythms and ti-bwa (2 sticks that hit the back of the drum or a piece of bamboo). It comes in a series of collective choreographies, working up into the trance. The texts are simple, short and tell the story of everyday life and struggle. While preserving the emotion and the drum’s central place, the fundamental contribution of Bèlènou is to keep the traditional form of Bèlè while adding a modern instrumentation: bass, guitar, saxophone, drums...
Emosyon Tambou-a (Emotion of the Drum) was released in 1990. This third opus of the band expands the musical spectrum in harmonies, arrangements and influences to create a contemporary music anchored in the Bèlè matrix, while keeping the beat, the energy and ancestral roots of music. Bèlènou adapts some classic rhythms: Bélya, Gran Bèlè, Bèlè Pitjé or Ting-Bang rewritten here for an orchestra.With the appearance of long couplets and a complex harmonization of the choruses, Bèlènou's music brings a form of modernity, it opens notably to jazz territory as well as to other forms of music and grooves. Also, Bèlènou leaves the musicians with space for improvisation: not only on the saxophone or the guitar, but also with the drums (cleverly adaptating traditional rhythms to the drums).
The texts sung in Creole are of a social nature, appealing to the solidarity and self-denial of the people (Bélya pou péyi-a, Tout pèp-la sanblé), to the struggle for political emancipation towards a new democracy (Wi ny ké rivé, Ni dé jou, Démokrasi); land protection (Sové tè-a); finally, to the vitality of the Bèlè culture ... (Emosyon Tambou-a, Dansé Ting-Bang)...Culture participates, according to the expression of Aimé Césaire, as "Miraculous Weapons". Bèlènou sings a project of a new and united society. A precursor group, experimental in the its early years, Bèlènou reconciles with talent tradition, modernity and cultural identity.
When the Tramp Records crew read the internet-sweeping spam/story of Nigerian Astronaut and Air Force pilot Abacha Tunde, they knew that they had to spring into action to help this unfortunate fella out. Dr. Bakare Tunde, the cousin of Abacha Tunde explained the situation as follows: "My cousin was the first African in space when he made a secret flight to the Skylab Space Station in 1979, shortly before it crashed to Earth. 19 years later he was on his second spaceflight, this time to a secret Moon Base located on the far side of the Moon. In 1999 his crew members returned to earth, but his place was taken up by return cargo. There have been occasional supply flights to keep him going since that time. Although he is in good humor, he wants to come home, now, after 20 years in space."
After this hilarious story the idea of a compilation album was born - and "Trip To The Moon" is the result. The goal to raise three million dollars to cover the cost of Abacha Tunde's return flight may never be achieved. Nevertheless, a 41 year experience in the music business is the basis for a fantabulous track listing of 11 amazing and highly underrated Rare Grooves about the Moon!
The Swinging Astronauts open the set, followed by La La Wilson's equally great rhythm & blues rocker "The Moon Man Is Back". With The Moon-Dawgs, this album makes a slight turn into the 1960s garage rock era while Hase Cäsar (backed by none other than the famous Ingfried Hoffmann and his orchestra!) contributes one of two songs of german origin. Now it's time for some funk: Rev. Jamel & Bob Johnson's "Walking On The Moon (Men Are Starving)" criticizes the US government for spending millions of dollars for their space program instead of supporting their own people. "Mars in 75" is deepfunk at its best although some may lament the lack of production. Sidney Ownen's breakbeat-laden "Sputnik" is sought after in collector's circles and needs no justification as to why it is included on this album. Ernest & D.L. Rocco's "Moon Child" is our personal favourite, closely followed by the hypnotic groove of "Mondgesicht" by legendary german saxophonist Ambros Seelos. Scott Cunningham's name should ring a bell as he was featured on several Tramp compilations over the past few years. Finally, the album closes with a psychedelic folk track titled "Voyage To The Moon".
Tramp Records is absolutely convinced that this album will surely be the best way to shorten the wait for Abacha until a rescue space mission finally brings our African soul brother back home.
Key selling points:
- deluxe gatefold LP with detailed liner notes and unseen photographs
- the vinyl LP comes with a full album download code
- most of the songs appear on a 12" album for the very first-time
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Primarily based in Leeds, The Lewis Express is comprised of many of the musicians that have graced previous ATA releases: George Cooper, Piano (Abstract Orchestra) Neil Innes, Bass (The Sorcerers, The Magnificent Tape Band, Tony Burkill), Sam Hobbs, Drums (Dread Supreme, Tony Burkill, Matthew Bourne) and Pete Williams, Percussion (The Sorcerers, The Magnificent Tape Band, Tony Burkill).Recorded over an intense two-day session, 'Clap Your Hands' is heavily influenced by the classic soul jazz recordings of The Young Holt Trio / Young Holt Unlimited, and Ramsey Lewis, from who this group take their name. As with many of the classic Ramsey Lewis cuts this album was recorded live, capturing the rich inter-relationship between the players and leaving in some of that chunky room noise.
'Clap your hands' builds on the template set by their eponymous debut album and further explores the 60's soul-jazz of Ramsey lewis, Young-Holt and Ray Charles as well as the latin boogaloo of Eddie Cano and Pete Terrace. The band's intention was to produce an album of dancefloor friendly, uplifting, funky soul-jazz with a stripped back line up of Piano, Bass, Drums and Percussion. Ranging from the mod-jazz of 'Stomp Your Feet' (a Ramsey-esque groover that's just made-to-measure for dancers) and 'Out From The Rock' (Funky drums and plenty of blues-dipped soul from the Piano) to the driving boogaloo of title track 'Clap Your Hands' and the Ellignton-esque 'Moola Umemo' (Remeniscent of Ellington's 'Money Jungle'). Each track is, in it's own way, aimed squarley at the dancefloor and sure to go down well with both DJs and listeners alike.
"Clap Your Hands" is certainly a more contained album from The Lewis Express, whose debut moved around different camps. It's a tighter, more focussed record that wears it's inspiration proudly on it's sleeve.
Radio support expected from Gilles Peterson (BBC6 Music, Worldwide Fm), Craig Charles (BBC6 Music, Radio 2), Jamie Cullum (Radio 2) and Huey Morgan (BBC6 Music).
out of Stock
Last delivered 4 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Birthed from Arizona’s regaled Ascetic House collective, Body of Light is a dark synth-pop outfit comprised of young brothers Andrew and Alexander Jarson. What began as a vehicle for their exploration of noise and sound during their early teens has evolved into an established production over the last decade, as Body of Light continues to carve out their own style of complex, structured, and moving dancefloor electronics.
Their music is not only individually personal, but drawn from experiences shared between the two brothers – and calls on elements of new wave, freestyle, goth, and techno to create timeless and singular tracks without fear of trend or passing fashion.
On their third album Time to Kill, Body of Light refines their brand of cold and driving synth pop with a bold pallet of sounds and a focus on uncharted technique and purpose. Like the pale digital stare of the modern devices surrounding our daily lives, the album weaves stories of love and obsession in an era of technical bondage and fleeting exhilaration. Written over a period of intense and profound change, Time to Kill stands as a startling reminder of how important our existence truly is. Haunting keys, swelling pads, and punching rhythms score their work as Alex Jarson presents an alluring and romantic dialogue with confident projection. The title single “Time to Kill” kicks off the album with a merciless signature beat, complimented by distorted sample patterns against an infectious, moving bass groove
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
In an era of boundless self promotion, anonymity is a rare and precious thing. Listening to Trevor Jackson's NTS show one night we heard a glorious piece of music by something called Elite Beat. A quick search found 10 years worth of recorded material but not a single photo or youtube clip. They had made a record with Niger born guitarist Mdou Moctar but were based in Portland, Oregon. More questions than answers but we knew we had just heard one helluva cosmic link up!
We still don't know what they look like but we can tell you Elite Beat is a 6 piece ensemble now in their 12th year as a musical collective. Their sound is non prescribed rhythm music with an emphasis on live playing, free form expression and dubbing techniques. Players who have absorbed the plethora of global grooves from dub, Ethiopoques and Tuareg guitar music (probably the odd Dead bootleg too). They aren't retromaniacs or here to revive a genre. Just some cats from Oregon talking that universal language, fueled by laugher and a vision of the eternal.
"By The Light Of The Pyramids" and "Postcards From Gortupal" are their latest and greatest offerings, birthed out of live sessions.
*The vinyl versions are shorter edits of the original / digital to preserve sound quality.
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
'There's a lot of serendipity involved in wrestling grooves out of these awkward machines', says Richards about the process behind the record. 'A large part of the composition is making the machines and the patches. They define the limitations of the pieces coming together. Then the performances are happy accidents - found using intuition and practice.'
Made up of two studio sessions and one live recording, PINK NOTHING reflects the unusual space Richards inhabits musically. It's partly informed by his background as a PhD student at Goldsmiths, where he re-imagined and built the Mini Oramics machine – a 'drawn sound' instrument first conceived by electronic music pioneer Daphne Oram, and finally realised by Richards in 2016.
But Richards is also an autodidact beat-maker, and much of the structures and sounds on PINK NOTHING derive from dance music, while his influences also include ritual trance, Ghanaian drum choir music, and the cellular rhythms of Steve Reich. 'It's polyrhythmic abstract electronica' – and he emphasises – 'listening music'.credits
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Elina Shorokhova aka SOELA is a multi-talented artist hailing from southern Russia who now calls Berlin her home. It is there where she continues to build her presence in the community through her live and DJ sets alongside documenting the local scene and artists through her lens as a photographer.
LILY EP may be 4 tracks but as a collected whole, sounds and feels like an album when heard from beginning to end. The title track emits her talent as a pianist by setting a tone of gracefulness that is carried throughout the EP – broken beats float in and out of dub drenched ambience that flows with cascading vocals. CLOSE YOUR EYES echos a spirit of Detroit House with refreshing new intensities. Again, her vocals caress the track but as an incredibly catchy hook. WHITE BECOMES BLACK shows her own interpretation of dub techno and combines that into a classic house beat. I HAVE A DREAM sounds like she bridges all of the previous track elements into a single whole which makes this tune the perfect closing track for any DJ set and of this release. A steady low-end groove keeps the ricocheting snares and somber synths cruising to an up-tempo rhythm.
out of Stock
Last delivered 12 months ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Hélder Russo returns after serious releases on Groovement and Tomorrow Is Now, Kid!. For his fourth 12” EP on Percebes, he’s crafted three solid, deep cuts. Clear homages to the more spiritual side of house and techno from Chicago and Detroit, complete with a killer techno remix by Leonidas (Hobbes Music) that is all about that UR vibe. Can’t be missed!!
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Light up the BBQ and turn up the soundsystem, Leoparden invites everybody for a sunny garden party, or more precisely 'Hagefest' as Norwegians call it.
A deep organic groove with a heavy dub version on the B side !
out of Stock
Last delivered 6 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Daughter of the mighty George Kerr, Sandy set the scene alight in ’82 with the explosive classic, ‘Thug Rock’. Badass slap basslines, zapping synths, ethereal pads and Sandy’s iconic rap were a timeless recipe of pure ‘80s, boogie-infused power that’s blasted from many a boombox, sung on all manner of club systems and sound tracked endless open road cruises over the years.
Released on the South Carolina label Catawba Records, two prolific duos blessed ‘Thug Rock’ alongside Sandy and co. Her father, who produced for the likes of Alice Clark and The O’Jays and Sugarhill wizard, Reggie Griffin, headed up the production and arrangement, with ever-dependable M&M aka John Morales & Sergio Munzibai taking the reins on the mix. Their combined talents can be heard in the tangible weight of the track, each element getting the space it deserves to facilitate that crystal-clear clout - from the huge bass riffs and sublime keys, to the punchy drums and Kerr’s infectious rap. An earworm if ever there was one!
Take to the flip to find the much in-demand dub version, echoing out choice snippets of Sandy’s rap to focus in more on that killer boogie-funk groove. Original copies are tough to come by in the UK, so an official reissue will be music to many an ear.
out of Stock
Last delivered 13 months ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Over the last few years, K15 has been visiting Simbad's studio, where they delved deep in conversation, as well as into an arsenal of analog gear. The result? A revered collection of raw grooves...but what to do with all this heat? Enter Apron boss and mutual friend Steven Julien, who was compelled to share some of these works.
Welcome to Earth State
out of Stock
Last delivered 5 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Next up on Church, the London label turn to Germanys Julius Steinhoff. As a label head himself, Julius has crafted an undeniable sound that resonates deep within the underground scene, and one that fits well within the Church ethos.
The Forgotten Garden EP kicks off with the title track , a deep and moving house cut with a driving bass line taking centre stage alongside reverb drenched vocals. 'To Your Care' welcomes a sunrise triggering piano part, deep with orange is floats elegantly around an irresistible drum groove and rising bass line.
'So Very Close' again features the punchy bass line, trippy vocal snippets but with more of a rolling groove for the B side. 'Gonne Be With You Forever' takes its all a little punchier and minimalistic, carried by deep and emotive synth lines it closes the show in fine form.
out of Stock
Last delivered 4 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Eduardo De La Calle presents his new 12 inches in the new Rhod platform...
4 very sequential techno cuts with synoptic reviews and clearly syncopatic reactions produced with the intention and need of an intense search for new sounds and structures.
Eduardo always shows influences from the early and old pioneers who took control in the techno music business on previous decades...
we can name a few artists like New World Aquarium, Luke Slater or more recently Aubrey that have strongly influenced Eduardo in recent and format times also labels like Shelter Records or Solid Groove are important to be mentioned, they are platforms where Eduardo has also received notable influences when making this record.
In general terms a very solid 12" inch with character an over all... a work with personality for the most demanding DJs.
Mastered by Javier 'KTC Mastering'
Design - Antonio Romero
Late-summer joy from two long-time Glaswegian party-makers, James “Harri” Harrison, a resident at the legendary Sub Club for over thirty years, now crossing the aisle from DJ to producer, and Max Raskin, together known as Manakinz.
The four tracks (five on the digital version) contained are saucy, sassy late-night bangers meant to keep you locked into a permanent groove hovering right around that 124-BPM sweet spot. Sharp, punchy house oiled with groovy disco grease.
out of Stock
Last delivered 5 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Franc Spangler makes a welcome and long overdue return to Delusions with a mighty-fine three tracker packed with the good stuff. The throbbing bump of the title track with it’s bouncing square-wave bassline and drifting stabs leads the charge, crunchy hats driving along the groove whilst a cut up vocal ratchets up the energy.
Flipping over we have Somewhere Else, a much deeper and jazzier affair based around a repeating four bar horn part. Never straying too far from the dance floor, Franc keeps things percussive and dynamic whilst conjuring up a moment of musical bliss, chiming synths dripping down like golden rays of sunshine on the densely textured orchestral layers.
Closing off the release, Dreamworld takes us by the hand on a tropical excursion, low slung beats punctuated by echoing xylophone riffs and Apito whistle. Dubby atmospherics and warm Juno106 chords give the track a Balearic mood perfect for the summer months ahead.
out of Stock
Last delivered 5 months ago available to reorder, subject to availability
As spring dawns, Rhythm Section International go from Local Artist to a pair of very 'local' artists - Peckham's very own Chris Watson + Chris Coupe; otherwise known as FYI CHRIS , who present the 'Back In The Millennium' EP as the labels 5th offering.The EP was born after a rather hazy late night listening session at Rhythm Section HQ, where bossman Bradley Zero was instantly beguiled by the Duo's hypnotic and rhythmically complex arrangements.The record begins abrasively with the trance-inducing mechanical stutter of 'back in the millennium', before shuffling into downbeat number 'Jeru' and then picks things up with the peak time groove of 'need i say more' before bringing us back down to earth with the melancholic acid bump of 'dedication'. Early support from Osunlade, MR.G, Ryan Elliott & Damiano Von Eckhert
Ready for Club Use..
Reed Records presents the fifth single from Mohawkestra ‘Mo Heavy’ b/w ‘Buffalo Bill’ available on 7” vinyl
Mo Heavy is the first Mohawkestra single to feature one of their original compositions as the A Side and it’s a belter! Replete with the signature Mohawkestra heavy organ working alongside driving guitar chops and the percussion gets plenty of time to shine.
As the a-side is a Mohawkestra original on this one the B-Side is ‘Buffalo Bill’ which is a rather unique funk fuelled take of ‘The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill’ from The Beatles’ White Album. The hint of the title and the melody are the only similarities though as Mohawkestra take the groove far out into the Funk spectrum and stripped back to raw elements.
Available on 7” vinyl
The fifth and final Mohawkestra 45 in this series for Reed, and for this final donut they have gone into the realms of soundtracks vibes, a lost 70s cop show theme immediately comes to mind. This is a wide open joint, a spaced-out arrangement with super tough drums n' bongo breaks that keeps building into a killer jerkin' funk burner, just needs a cop car's siren wailing at the end! Special mention to Joe Wilkins for the raw as **** guitar riffs, heavy stuff. All in all a wicked and furious 45 for B-Boys & B-Girls.
"AGS-022 brings to the surface a rare midtempo groover from Honolulu-based jazz vocalist Maggie Herron. The original 1984 LP has appeared only a few times on eBay.
On these songs, Maggie shows the soulful side of her jazzy chops over two mid tempo groovers that live somewhere in the great sweet spot between AOR and modern soul, with Jazz as the foundation.
Recorded right before the advent of the digital era, the organic grooves of her band lay the foundation for her impressive vocal range that she is taking to great heights at the end of the A-side.”
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Yeketelale is the third album from Franco-Ethiopian group uKanDanz, combining a heady brew of rock energy, saxophone zigzags and Ethiopian melodies, all fronted by veteran singer Asnake Gebreyes grooving harder than ever.
In Ethiopia, sons follow fathers and, together, their names tell a story. Some discographies are the same way. After Yechelal (''It's Possible''), Awo (''Yes!''),here's Yeketelale (''It Continues''), the third album from Ukandanz.
The adventure that links Damien Cluzel (guitars) and Lionel Martin (tenor sax), the two founders of the group, with the Ethiopian singer Asnake Guebreyes continues and, with this album, takes on new colors and a new dimension. It is a polished synthesis that keeps the rock energy of their first recordings and gives even more space to the subtle vocal ornamentations that mark great Ethiopian singers. Add to that a groove that is more danceable than ever, carried by Adrien Spirti's synth bass and Yann Lemeunier's drums, and you have the magic formula of Yeketelale.
This came about slowly over the course of a dialogue that began in the early 2000s when Damien Cluzel, arriving with a circus in Ethiopia, met up with the occupant of the next room in their hotel. A stroke of luck: this was Francis Falceto, high priest of the Ethiopiques collection (Buda, 30 volumes to date) which had introduced to the West the treasures of swinging Addis, the capital that vibrates to the sound of big brass orchestras. With him, he dives into the capital's nightlife and meets a galaxy of musicians. The singer Asnake Guebreyes is among them.
Recruited by the famous Police Orchestra at the tender age of 16, he already had all the power, energy and class of his role model, Tlahoun Guessessé ''the Ethiopian James Brown''. He began his solo career at the beginning of the 1990s with several major successes, most famously an explosive duo with the singer Fekker Addis.
This experience made a big impact on the French guitarist. Having learned how to blend in with a uniquely Ethiopian groove, he was now ready to take it to other places and in other directions. In his old friend Lionel Martin, he found an ideal partner to engage in such experiences. But they needed a singer. The idea of Asnake Guebreyes was mentioned. Then Francis Falceto called and suggested going to see him at the Addis Music Festival. Ukandanz, a rock version of Ethiopian groove, was born.
Some pieces, like the disturbing Yene Hassab, call to mind Herbie Hancock's experiments in the seventies, as well as the Juju guitars of the Gulf of Guinea. Others, like the dark Fetsum Deng Ledj Nesh, allow Asnake's voice to soar above the synthetic waves, like a siren song for a freighter in distress. Dance and trance are not left out, with inspiration from the inexhaustible Ethiopian traditional repertoire. In a nod towards Asnaké's first album (Ahadu, also reissued by Buda) Ukandanz returns to its track Ajiré, transfigured by the guitar, claps and synthetic bass and takes us back to the glory days of breakdancing. Listening to the two versions gives the key to understanding the unique touch of Ukandanz and of the rich musical colours of Yeketelale (''It Goes On''), a fusion musical journey that brings the electric spark of the Frendj (Westerners) to Ethiopian lyricism.
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability
STAR CREATURE’s space funk bass hunk hero OURRA drops this stylish disco boogie groove featuring London’s ALENA on vocals. Originally slated for release in the Fall, but rush released due to demand. Peaktime summer dance floor heat in both vocal and instrumental versions.
out of Stock
Last delivered 7 years ago available to reorder, subject to availability