Buscar:home recordings

This album, “Crystallization,” was released in 1978 as the second release on Vanity Records, a leading indie label in Osaka during the post-punk era.
The epic musical odyssey envisioned by the then 19-year-old musical prodigy known as SAB was 'crystallized' on magnetic tape using electronic music equipment.
It is a masterpiece of pre-New Age music that emerged before the term “New Age” became popular in Japan.
Although he was supported by two musicians on the recording, the majority of the work is so-called “home recording” based, produced by SAB himself with multiple recordings.
In the midst of the new age revival that has emerged in recent years and the rediscovery of Japanese environmental music, the music has taken on an even more brilliant musical value over time.
This definitive edition features AD conversion/the latest high-res mastering from the original masters, plus correct song titles that clear up long-standing misconceptions!

Steve Redhead returns to Mutual Rytm with second searing EP, 'Cosmic Alchemy'.

Belgium pioneer Steve Redhead is the founder of Reda Recordings and has spent his life immersed in techno. His potent take on the genre has appeared on labels like MB Elektronics, Zync, and Primate and has helped define the sound of the underground within his home country over the last 25 years. Returning to SHDW's Mutual Rytm imprint following his well-received 'Eastbook Isle' EP last year, he's back to impress again as he uncovers six new productions with his latest EP, 'Cosmic Alchemy'.

He shows his class from the off here with opener 'Sincfala', bringing the heat with banging drums and rusty percussive loops. Yelping vocals add raved-up intensity, while 'Rapidshare' is energetic and loopy with funky drum patterns and loose-limbed percussive madness. The fantastic 'Ad Valvas' is another straight-up linear banger with tightly woven drums, percussion and lithe synth lines that take you to the heart of the dance floor and 'Nusakan' is a muscular wall of drums and toms with urgent synth stabs powering it forwards with great intensity. 'Asmodeus'
brings a more zoned-out feel with soulful pads and subtle vocals layered over the elastic drums and bass, before digital bonus 'Voice Incident' delivers another perfectly textural techno workout with melancholic motifs and surging synths that bring warm rushes of emotion to the grooves.

On Soft Wish Oslo based soundartist Erik M merges noisy home recordings of acoustic instruments with fluctuating bass elements and his own voice to create a personal, muted landscape that carries notions of longing as well as contentment.

This is Erik Mowinckel’s first release on Kora and the first music arriving under his new moniker Erik M

Hot off his killer 2024 remix of Tiga and Hudson Mohawke’s “BUYBUYSELL,” UK-New Zealand DJ/Producer Keepsakes makes his proper Turbo debut with the Impossible (Eating the Sun) EP. From merciless techno bangers to caustic track titles that will absolutely shred your preconceived notions about the world and sneer at them as they writhe bleeding on the cold, hard ground, this release validates our label’s OCD-level commitment to living on the edge of something at all times.

The title track doubles as a massive forest rave bomb AND the No. 1 battle weapon for opening DJs looking to fuck over the headliner, while “Bongo Funeral” reimagines tribal techno as the chief export of a village ruled by emotionally unavailable gremlins. Next, “Snacks at Waco” makes skillful use of a hammering industrial beat to hammer home the importance of loyalty and community, and “Parasocially There for You” deftly soundtracks anxiety dreams about meeting your favorite podcaster. Finally, closer “Nimby Orgy” likely represents the very first sexual aftercare banger. NOTE: we’ve heard bad things about both NIMBYs and YIMBYs, and as such have adopted a militantly neutral position on the matter of who is f-ing and s-ing in our backyard.

Given that Keepsakes is a vinyl-only DJ, we’ve done him the courtesy of making this release available both on vinyl and digitally. While this would have been an incredible opportunity to completely shut him out of playing his own tracks, we decided that this would be unfair to the music itself. Because at the end of the day, Turbo takes its marching orders from Harmony, Melody, Rhythm, and Timbre, and to betray even one of our ethereal masters would be tantamount to kicking our own vision square in the nuts. IOW: ain’t never gonna happen.

Hifi Sean drops a moment we all need in our lives right now. Full on ‘Sly & the Family Stone’ meets ‘gospel’ vibes to lift even the weariest of hearts. Sunrise / sunsets all catered for.

In 2021 Sean released his iconic remix of the Fire Island version of ‘Shout To The Top’ on his Plastique label which sold out in a week on vinyl and then the 2nd pressing did the very same. ‘Waiting For The Sun’ is his first vinyl 12-inch release on his label since then.

Sean tells us 'I wanted to make the positive, the most uplifting, the most euphoric track I could muster. I was walking my dogs one morning and this nursery rhyme style phrase kept going round in my head and I rushed home and started to write it. Musically it’s taken me a year on and off to get it where I want with all the right musicians and singers. I was in no rush as I just wanted to make for myself the perfect sounding record and basically just get what was in my head nailed. Some might see this as a summer record but for me it is more a song about hope and always knowing whatever is putting you in a dark place at that certain time that the next day can take a completely different turn and bring that light back into your World'.

Featuring: Coby Sey, Mica Levi and Mark Pell (Good Sad Happy Bad / Micachu & The Shapes)

‘Affectionately’ is the debut album by London based songwriter and musician Raisa K. With self produced instrumentals supporting Raisa’s signature vocal performance, the record delves into the intricate emotional cycles of relationships with heartfelt sincerity. Melodies appear simple and direct, while the themes explored present a great level of complexity. Whether about trust, kindness, doubt, frustration, annoyance, regret, honesty, insecurity, loneliness or friendship, each of the album’s twelve songs lie somewhere in between a diary and a letter.‘Affectionately’ is almost entirely produced on Raisa’s laptop and written in her home in London, as well as finding small pockets of time on trains and buses, during breaks at work, during the kids' nap-times, at the playground, in the park. The production's backbone is formed by a synthesiser sample, weaving together a range of recordings and sonic textures.

This creates a consistent expression where diverse electronic styles merge with Raisa's crisp, candid vocals in unique and personal songwriting. Some listeners might recognise Raisa’s voice and musical language from records by the band Good Sad Happy Bad, which she is a part of. While ‘Affectionately’ certainly moves in its own space, a kinship with fellow London artists is also present, as the record includes a feature with Coby Sey as well as instrumental contributions from long-time collaborators Marc Pell and Mica Levi.

The Aachen Jazz Files

A collection of essential jazz from the NABEL record label (1980-1994), compiled by miche & Rainer Truby.

The Aachen Jazz Files celebrates the pioneering spirit of NABEL Records—one of Germany’s most underrated yet influential independent jazz labels. Founded in 1980 by Rainer Wiedensohler, NABEL became a home for innovative musicians blending classic acoustic jazz with fusion, Brazilian rhythms, and avant-garde flourishes.

This compilation collects some of the label’s finest moments, including the soulful and Latin-tinged brilliance of Monika Linges Quartet (whose album *Floating* was reissued last year by PANORAMA Records for RSD Black Friday), the cosmic jazz explorations of John Thomas & Lifeforce, the deep jazz-funk grooves of Hipsters In The Zone, and the stunning, expressive vocals of Maria João’s quintet.

Nestled in the far west of Germany, near the Dutch and Belgian borders, Aachen has long been a hidden gem for jazz lovers. Its vibrant scene, fueled by music schools and the legendary Malteserkeller jazz club, cultivated a unique sound that resonated far beyond its city limits. In fact, the city didn’t just birth a jazz movement—it also lays claim to opening Germany’s first discotheque in 1959.

From London to Tokyo, NABEL’s releases became secret weapons for jazz DJs seeking deep, danceable cuts. The label’s trademark blend of acoustic jazz, fusion, and Brazilian influences made its way onto turntables in underground clubs and festival stages worldwide.

Expect elegant samba jazz, spiritual grooves, and modal masterpieces that capture the essence of NABEL’s golden years. Monika Linges’ contributions shine with her rich harmonies and heartfelt compositions, while John Thomas & Lifeforce deliver a perfect storm of fiery instrumentation and deep soul. Maria João’s early recordings showcase her extraordinary vocal range, and Hipsters In The Zone bring a forward-thinking, acid jazz-infused perspective to the NABEL sound.

As co-compiler Rainer Truby puts it:

'NABEL Records always had this special ‘Aachen sound’—a jazz flavor that carried its own energy, somewhere between the cool sophistication of fusion and the warmth of Brazilian music. It’s a pleasure to finally bring together some of these classics in one essential collection.'

Compiled by miche & Rainer Truby.

PANORAMA Records is a London-based label dedicated to unearthing and reintroducing rare and essential music to new generations. With a focus on jazz, funk, and global grooves, the label has built a reputation for high-quality reissues that capture the spirit of the originals while providing fresh context for today’s listeners. Their past releases have garnered support from tastemakers like Gilles Peterson, Patrick Forge, and Mr Bongo DJs.

Amsterdam natives Maarten Smeets and Lars Dales, aka Dam Swindle, unveil their third long-player with the release of a new track, the first to be shared from the upcoming album, ‘Open’ - out on 30 May 2025 via Heist Recordings.

The new album sees the acclaimed duo dive far beyond the deep sonic waters they’re most known for, exploring lower tempos, synthwave, hip-house, and ambient across fourteen tracks. With a gestation period that traces back several years, ‘Open’ is their most intimate and personal body of work thus far, birthed during a time of self-reflection away from touring and personal transformation as individuals.

“We felt the need to tell a very personal story through our music as a translation of our personal development in the past years. We also wanted to make music without a specific goal in mind; We simply wanted to create. By taking away the grid of dance music and any expectations of what a Dam Swindle song should sound like, the creativity started to flow naturally with songs in many different styles and tempos. The result is an album that feels refreshing and uplifting and still very much true to the heart and soul of our sound.” - Dam Swindle, January 2025.

While the trademark Dam Swindle four-to-the-floor beats are still ever-present on tracks like ‘The Present Is Always Perfect’, ‘I Need You’, and ‘Is This Love?’, it’s the gentle waves of synths on opener ‘Home’, the contemplative piano chords of ‘Bloom’ featuring Joep Beving, and the lo-fi ambience of ‘It’s Okay, I Can Wait’ that showcase a melancholic, ethereal sensibility previously uncharted by the duo. Collaborations with vocalists such as NYC’s Haile Supreme on ‘Not Enough’ and Neo-soul singer Faye Meana on ‘Girl’ expertly find room in between the dancefloor and home listening sessions, and a clear standout on the LP is the title cut where message-heavy rapped vocals from UK artist Samson ebb and flow amongst iridescent grooves.

Under the helm of Maarten and Lars’ adept A&R, their Heist imprint has become a beloved home for house heads of both schools old and new, platforming some of dance music’s biggest names from Cinthie to DJ Sneak as well as the musical dawnings of artists such as Kassian and Makèz. The Dam Swindle alias has achieved house music royalty-like status across a storied 15-year career that includes two critically lauded full-lengths, collaborations with the likes of Tom Misch and Kerri Chandler, and a globetrotting touring schedule. This album stands as their most profoundly personal work of art to date, and they can’t wait to share it with you.

The notorious R-A-G team up once again on their homebase M>O>S to present four of their excellent acidic deephouse affairs. The whole squad featuring Aroy Dee, MaSpaventi and G-String giving a perfect representation of their long going Amsterdam studio sessions.

Auntie Flo finds a natural home for OUTERNATIONAL DANCE on Multi Culti Throughout his long career in music, Brian d’Souza aka Auntie Flo has made a name for himself for his adventurous and open minded approach to music making. Travel and collaboration is key to his work, and over the course of four albums and various singles, he’s showcased music made in Cuba, South Korea, Uganda, Brazil and more, often fusing long standing musical traditions, field recordings and artist collaborations with a modern production techniques. As Auntie Flo, he has bridged not only cultural gaps as a Scottish-Goan in hybrid genres like Afro-disco, Indian Classical and Dub-Techno, but recently crossed over into bioelectrical music, with his Plants Can Dance, Mushroom Music and full-blown ambient psychedelica all housed under his A State Of Flo label and Substack. Outernational Dance helps define this expansive sound with a set of tracks that brings dance culture back to nature, inspired by ‘Esperanto’, a form of universal language created by L. L. Zamenhof in 1887. The notion of music as the universal language has always been at the heart of Auntie Flo’s practise and makes this new EP a perfect fit for the boundary dissolving reverie of the Multi Culti ethos: pointing the way to a better world, borderless, free and in symbiosis with nature.

Iconic German producer Stimming takes flight with his new album Friedrich Friedrich is out on April 25th via Stimming Recordings A masterful blend of sonic experimentation and storytelling, Friedrich – the second chapter in Stimming’s trilogy – dives deep into life’s ordinary yet profound moments. Designed to ignite the dance floor while offering a rich, introspective home-listening journey, it showcases the producer’s unparalleled artistry. Stimming’s sound world has always been known for its high-level, cerebral architecture. The artist takes electronic music to a compositional extreme where every sound is imbued with meaning and nothing is left unthought of.

Archeo Recordings is a record label. Old, lost, obscure and forgotten gems and a boundless focus on the new Balearic scene for a wider audience of collectors, DJs and music lovers. All releases are limited edition. This release is a Limited Edition EP (250 on black vinyl). New life and an expanded treatment of Quiroga's epic Electronic/Future Jazz/House Snaporaz (Really Swing 2020), from none other than L.U.C.A. (AR029). Archeo delights us with this luscious and limited release featuring Quiroga's sleek jazz-house UFO "Snaporaz". This edition includes an exclusive extended version, a brand-new cut from the Neapolitan groover, and a completely cosmic overhaul from the mighty L.U.C.A. Operating at the nexus of future jazz, beatific electronics and deft house, Quiroga (Walter Del Vecchio to his nearest and dearest) has carved his own irresistible niche over the past two decades, gracing countless labels with nuanced body movers and forging his impressive Really Swing imprint, the original home to this melodic masterpiece. Tucked away on Del Vecchio's 2020 EP "Chords and Desire", the sunny and sultry Snaporaz fell foul of our communal pandemic preoccupation, missing out on the widespread acclaim, appreciation and ass-shaking it so richly deserves. Archeo steps in as patron, giving this Rhodes-led jazz-house heater the full 12" treatment it was born for. On the A1, Quiroga's extends the ecstasy of "Snaporaz", stretching its original elements into a loosely grooving, dopamine-deep delight. Sunkissed keys and tender pads ride the rhythm of a bubbling bassline while the sophisticated percussion snaps, crackles and pops in the background - the perfect environment for the P&P leadline to flourish. If that wasn't enough to have you slipping straight into your party pumps, Walter makes the most of the extra runtime with a HOT hand drum freakout down the final stretch, adding the most enticing icing to an already heady cake. A comparative cooldown follows in A2 offering "Escorpião", a fusion-tinged flirtation for aperitivo everywhere. Cutting back on the kick to save space for the swing, Quiroga leads us through a sublime sequence of hooks, riffs and solos, without ever overwhelming the ears but keeping the groove alive. It's a dizzying delight from start to finish and features one of the finest keytar and cowbell interplays you're likely to hear. The B-side belongs to the frankly legendary Francesco de Bellis, a house, disco, Italo and electro hero, appearing here under his deliciously downbeat alias L.U.C.A. Imbuing Quiroga's original with the atmospheric stylings of his Edizioni Mondo oeuvre, the Roman producer delivers a radical rework, slowing the tempo by 20 bpm and translating those jazzy tones into a drifting new age dancer for the cosmic crowd. Zero gravity rhythms meet mystical melodies uptown as the house hippies get down. Lest we overlook the batshit brilliance of the drum programming, L.U.C.A. caps it off with a bonus beats version sure to delight DJs and dancers alike in its otherworldly oddness.

Repress!

Emotional Rescue and Utopia Originals join forces to release the pop, new wave, funk of Obscure Desire, a one-off project and EP from effervescent 80s Auckland, New Zealand that saw three friends come together to make a perfect piece of club pop history.

Revolving around the musical talent of Andrew Waldergrave, a trained pianist, music degree drop-out, who moved to the island’s cultural centre of Auckland and emersed himself in the arts and nightlife scene the city had to offer.

Working at Obscure Desire, a Fashion Boutique meets Salon, he became friends with Grant Mitchell and Giselle Trezevant, together forming not a band, but as they saw it, a project to make a record for their scene and beyond.

Coming from outside of the established band route of endless rehearsals, local gigs, growing a fan base and home recordings, they fell did not have the support network of indigenous New Zealand labels. As so often the case in unearthing these lost reissue gems, the artists took matters into their own hands, seeking to write, record and release themselves.

After meeting Trevor Reekie, head of the local Pagan Records label, he took on production duties. Collating the necessary musicians, the project grew from the one song to become a full EP, recording between a home 16 track studio and a full 24 track desk at Harlequin Studios.

Centred around the title song, it is a perfect pop moment. Waldergrave’s piano leads into an infectious groove of slap bass, gated drums, Reekie’s acoustic guitar and cut vocals, before Trezevant’s vocals propel the song to an 80s swing out vibrations. Coming in Extended, Harlequin and Instrumental (digital only) mixes, this was an overload of White Funk.

Here reduced to the best two versions, more room is given to let the other recordings breathe, first the gloriously anthemic instrumental Bullet. Intricate programming and production, lead into the pop sensibility of I Wonder, some kind of wonderful antipodean reimagining of Chris & Cosey finest pop moments, an optimistic paene that permeates the whole EP. Closing 4A, espouses the Jazz Funk, with Trezevant’s simple French lyrics telling of dreams of a lover’s image.

Released in 1986 with no local support from radio and TV, it became something of a “hit” record in New Zealand’s more discerning clubs, however the members soon moved to London and the project remained a one-off moment. Over time the EP has gained cult status to become globally desired that sees copies of the original 12” selling for $000s. Now at last available for a global reach, while remaining a personal, uplifting moment of time.

"First Move" is the debut album from Luna Soul, founded by the German-Spanish duo Lisa Michèle Lietz and Jordi Arnau Rubio.

Lisa Michèle Lietz comes from Schwerin, learned the guitar from Ernst Ulrich Deuker, the bassist of German NDW heroes Ideal, and is a studied musicologist. Jordi Arnau Rubio was born in Barcelona. He left Spain as a teenager to work as a professional dancer throughout Europe. As a composer, Rubio draws inspiration from blues, jazz, soul and funk. They both started Luna Soul in 2019 and have since toured extensively through Germany, Spain and France. The ten songs from "First Move" carry the energy of countless live performances and were composed with sensitivity by Lietz and Rubio. Joel Sarakula, Daniel Fell and Paul Milne co-worked as songwriters on some of the songs. Sarakula also took over the production and gave the album its finishing touches.

The opener "Grow" is a heartfelt ode to resilience and self-discovery, before "No Way Home" paves the way to the dance floor with subtly interwoven funk and celebrates freedom and carefree joie de vivre. The first single "1979" gives the album a Mediterranean touch. The Spanish guitar provides an authentic and refreshing sound. With "Lights Out" and "City Lights," "First Move" delves deeper into the 1970s with a mood of nostalgia, optimism and urban promise: "The nighttime city skyline is a great metaphor for navigating through emotions when composing," Lietz and Rubio explain. "In our loneliness, we don't walk alone" it says in "City Lights": "We firmly believe that in moments of pain and coping with loss there are silent, invisible connections that carry us along, especially in challenging life situations, and provide a grounding. They provide support and hope in our increasingly digitalized world."

"Take yourself higher, you know you gotta do it" – that's the powerful message in "Hold On", the appropriate opener on the second side of the vinyl LP. With "Winterdance" and "Obvious" the album effortlessly glides through the sound aesthetics of the late Seventies and early Eighties.

"Just For Us Tonight" and "One More Night" finally sum up Lietz and Rubio's central credo: "It's about surrendering to the fascination of the moment," explain Luna Soul, "finding comfort in the midst of chaos and to celebrate those fleeting sparks of interpersonal connection that drive us and make us alive."

Liner Notes by Martyn Pepperell

A collection of ten hypnotic guitar renditions that dive deeply into the traditional compositional musicality that underpins Harakami’s hallucinatory beatscapes before reconsidering them under a fresh, innovative and engaging new light. River: The Timbre of Guitar #2 Rei Harakami signals a new level of awareness and understanding of both Rei Harakami’s significance and Ayane Shino’s undeniable talent.

VITAL SALES POINTS:

In 1996 Tokyo-based label Sublime Records received a cassette demo from Rei Harakami, a 26-year-old Japanese experimental filmmaker, and musician. Within one year Harakami’s debut LP ‘Unrest’ was released. As the 21st century dawned, Harakami was becoming a critically acclaimed figure, and there was a feeling in Japan that Harakami would be an inevitable successor to such luminaries as Haruomi Hosono and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Sadly Harakami passed away at age 40 in 2011, leaving behind a musical legacy that seemed to deserve more recognition. A fitting tribute now comes from the incredibly gifted classical guitarist Ayane Shino. Continuing her album series ‘The Timbre of Guitar’ (the inaugural release of which was ‘Sakura’ - a cover album of Susumu Yokota's seminal album, released through the Swiss label, Mental Groove Records in 2021), she now presents ‘River ???? : The Timbre of Guitar #2 Rei Harakami’. Ayane has reworked some of Harakami’s standout tracks into an album of tranquil yet complex compositions helping to build a new level of awareness and understanding of Rei Harakami’s significance. A collection of ten hypnotic guitar renditions that dive deeply into the traditional compositional musicality that underpins Harakami’s hallucinatory beatscapes before reconsidering them under a fresh, innovative and engaging new light.

In the years that followed Harakami’s untimely passing, Sublime Records continued to sign and support new artists emerging from Japan’s rich and fertile electronic music scene. This eventually led to a meeting with gifted classical guitarist Ayane Shino in 2020. Although a new name within electronica, Shino’s classical resume is impeccable. She has performed with a range of prestigious orchestras in concert halls and at music festivals across Japan, Europe, and South America while playing classical guitar for numerous animations, movies and television commercials and holding various educational roles. These days, she also hosts the Tokyo Harmonics radio show, which is syndicated through Hyogo prefecture’s Ashiya Radio and TJS Radio in Los Angeles.

During her time completing a masters at Tokyo’s University of the Arts, Shino became fascinated by Brian Eno, Aphex Twin, Oneohtrix Point Never, Steve Reich, and, closer to home, Harakami and Susumu Yokota. ”I found myself in an environment where I was surrounded by fellow students who produced computer music, live electronics, and installations,” she explains. Following her meeting with Sublime, Hideoki Amano, the producer and owner of Musicmine, the parent company of the label, asked Shino if she would be open to transcribing and recording an album of covers of the late, great composer, producer and DJ Susumu Yokota’s music in incorporate into then-upcoming events commemorating the 5th anniversary of his death and reissues of his past works. “Yokota made music with the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer and samplers, not in a way like a conventional instrumentalist, so I was aware it might be more of a challenge for her,” Amano explains. Fittingly, Shino was up for his suggestion, leading to ‘Sakura: The Timbre Of Guitars #1 Susumu Yokota’. Song by song, Sakura highlighted Shino’s free-flowing playing and prowess at translating electronic music into classical guitar shapes.
After considering Harakami’s background as an instrumentalist, Amano felt revisiting his catalogue should be the next step for Shino. Well-versed in how often classical versions of electronic music tend to fall flat, he asked her to examine Harakami’s songs closely, select the musical phrases suitable for guitar and create arrangements that would sound interesting to music listeners with a deep engagement with ambient, techno and electronica. In Harakami’s discography, Shino discovered “a sense of simplicity, warmth, moisture and a floating sensation.” “I was gripped by his songs, which had an array of sounds that gave me a sense of mystery but also coexisted with a sense of familiarity,” she explained. Moving beyond his official releases, Shino began digging through YouTube to find live recordings, radio appearances and obscure outtakes. Within her mind’s eye, imagining playing his songs on guitar was effortless. On her approach to the album, Ayane explains: “For this album, I succeeded in spinning some exquisite, silk thread like delicate tones, interwoven with human warmth, gentleness and simplicity. And I was also able to rework Rei Harakami's distinctive sound with a floating feel to it and transform it into a very classical guitar sound. I hope many people will be able to receive this group of sounds that I created in this album that I played with all my heart.” A record of limitless innate beauty, ‘River ???? : The Timbre of Guitar #2 Rei Harakami’ is a delicate and thoughtful body of work. A true masterclass in deconstruction and subsequent rebuilding, and an eternal lesson in how the art that we leave behind can outlive us all.

DJ support from DJ Sneak, Joss Moog, Jason Hodges, Austin Ato and Igor Gonya

From the wine country of Bordeaux, France Suburb Beat of Robsoul and Ondule Recordings fame brings us his first vinyl release titled the ‘Red Eyes EP’ with a bumpin Remix by Nenor! We have MPC magic on our hands with the title track Red Eye spreading vibes on thick! Hot on the heels of massive releases on Razor-N-Tape Reserve & Fossils it’s Nenor’s Bumpin Remix that’s sure to fire up dance floors the world over! We kick off the B Side with a solid groove titled It’s Time, Suburb Beat proves he knows how to D.I.Y. Nottingham style and inspires a shout out to Al Royale. Ain’t Got No Home has got ya chugging from the early morning through those early evening warm-ups. Dig it!

Swedish artist Martinou crafts deeply immersive electronic music, seamlessly balancing weight and delicacy. His productions oscillate between hypnotic intensity and introspective warmth, always evoking a visceral response on the dancefloor.
After releasing on acclaimed labels like Nous’klaer, Turbo Recordings, and Mule Musiq, the Malmö-based producer now makes his long-awaited debut on Stockholm’s Studio Barnhus. His Linked EP showcases six meticulously layered compositions, where intricate rhythms intertwine with luminous melodies – ethereal synths drifting in and out of the grooves, shaping an atmosphere that’s both expansive and deeply personal.
With Linked, Martinou further refines his signature approach, crafting music that feels at once free-flowing and deliberate. It’s a record that invites deep listening yet remains primed for the floor – a testament to the Malmö maestro's knack for blurring the lines between club functionality and sonic storytelling.

Announcing the debut album from one of London’s most electrifying acts, New Regency Orchestra. An 18-piece Afro-Cuban big band, inspired by the musical melting pot of NYC in the 1950s, but with the punch and power of a whole host of London’s best Latin and jazz musicians. Blowing new life into these compositions, the album is a reimagining of some of the finest music from that golden era. From early 1950s René Hernandez and Tito Puente, through to the 1970s salsa of Rafael Labasta and Orlando Marin, produced and performed with fresh fire.

NRO is the brainchild of its artistic director, and the man behind Total Refreshment Centre and Church of Sound, Lex Blondin. Through a long-held passion for jazz, Lex discovered the explosive Afro-Cuban rhythms of mid-1940s NYC via the godfather of Afro-Cuban jazz, Mario Bauzá. A time when two musical worlds collided in a fusion of creativity and energy, jazz luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker joining forces with Cuban greats like Machito and Chano Pozo. This vibrant sound was music to dance to and found a home at The New York Palladium, a formative space of freedom and expression that was key to the scene’s development.

Although dance-focussed in their makeup, those early recordings are not often heard in modern club environments and Lex dreamt of retelling their story with a contemporary dynamism. A slice of serendipity followed, as a slot at a new festival opened up and Lex jumped at the chance to make this idea a reality, an 18-piece big band breathing new life into these beloved songs.

Enlisting the expertise of some of the capital’s finest talent, Lex and co-captain Andy Wood, of Como No fame, put together a world-class line-up of talent. Bringing in Eliane Correa as musical director and bandleader, a fluid and interchanging 18-piece band was formed.

The album itself is a hand-picked selection of timeless Afro-Cuban jazz classics, reimagined with NRO’s unbridled energy. It contains ten incredible instrumental tracks including 'Pregon' with its anthemic horn stabs and the addictive head nod bounce of 'Mambo Rama', alongside two scorching vocal numbers in 'Papa Boco' and 'Labasta Llego'. Coupling a heavyweight rhythm section with a wall of horns, they provide a fresh spin on songs from Tito Puente and Chico O'Farrill, René Hernandez through to Rafael Labasta.

“Some of the tunes like Tito Puente’s ‘Mambo Rama’ and ‘Scarlet Mambo’ might sound like they went to a gym as extra drums and bass synth were added to them whilst the tune ‘Sahib & Tito’ is a mix of Tito’s ‘Mambo Buda’ and Sahib Shihab’s ‘Nus’. Our intention is to be both respectful to the innovators and inventors of this incredible music and to pay our dues, but also to add something special from London where the city’s new jazz scene connects with its Latin American musicians and the musical influences around us.”

This pure collective joy, shared experience and music you can’t help but move to.

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!

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180GWALP07 - Manufactured and distributed by 180g.

360 mcn white-white light cardboard paper / one side only hand plasticization / 2 separated parts prints / hand gluing / PVC outers / original artwork / gatefold sleeve / Bandcamp limited edition 30x60 cm insert with extended liner notes by Tony Higgins and Interview with Babs Robert and Sébastien Gorlé with exclusive pictures and self-portrait by Babs Robert himself printed on GF Smith "Takeo Tant Select" Canvas Paper tip-on left jacket panel / Exclusive never released Memorabilia from Babs Robert's vault.

Personnel:
Babs Robert - alt sax, tenor-sax, electric tenor-sax, Bin Recorder, Acme siren, Chinese-bell, sleigh-bells, maracas, tambourine,hand-rattle,claves)
John Van Rymenant - baritone-sax, fluegelhorn, Bala, tambourine, sleight-bells, cowbell, triangle, claves
Johnny Peret - vibes, bongo's, cowbell, maracas, castanets, rattle-snakes, tambourine, drums, woodclock, trinagle
Johnny Brouwers - piano, prepared-piano, triangle, cowbell, sleigh-bells, maracas, caves,hand-rattle, guiro, woodblock, tambourine
Paul Dubois - bass, triangle, cowbell, claves, rattlesnakes, hand-rattle, woodblock, tambourine
Michel Gobbe - bass,Chinese-bell, claves
Robert Pernet - drum, tambourine, seven-notes M'Bichi, guiro, alarm-siren, home-made metal xylophone, African telephone-drum, triangle, sleigh-bells, Siku

Notes:
Despite its modest role on the world stage, Belgium has produced a number of internationally renowned musicians and composers. There is the iconic gypsy jazz guitar maestro Django Reinhardt, whose position remains unassailable, and guitarist/harmonica player Toots Thielemans, who became an internationally renowned artist performing and recording with Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Shirley Horn and Quincy Jones. The other key Belgian figure is composer/arranger Francy Boland, co-leader with US bebop drumming legend Kenny Clarke of Europe's leading big band of the 60s, the Clarke-Boland Big Band.

The Love Planet performed in the main clubs of Brussels, such as Blue Note, Pol's Jazz Place, and Smog as well as in major musical events throughout Belgium including to big festivals in 1969 - the Avant-Garde Festival in Ghent and the First International Jazz Event in Liege – where the Love Planet shared the bill with Miles Davis - and the Bilzen Jazz Festival in 1970. The contrast between the musical architecture of the themes and sonic freedom in the improvised playing perfectly illustrated the polymorphism – an order within disorder – which the Love Planet aimed for.

The initial original quartet line-up was Babs Robert (sax), Paul Dubois (bass), Johnny Brouwers (piano), and Johnny Peret / Robert Pernet (dru- ms). On the album session, the quartet was augmented with the addition of John Van Rjimenant (saxes) and Michel Gobbe (bass). As well as their main instruments, the band members also played an array of unusual instruments, principally percussion. This is the first official re-release
of the 'Babs Robert and the Love Planet'. Original copies of the album fetch many hundreds of Euros on the collecting circuit and it remains a curious and fascinating window into a moment in time that still resona- tes some fifty years later. Come with us to the Love Planet. (Tony Higgins)