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Mysticisms returns, looking to the source, Detroit City, with the beautiful house music of Soiree Records International and their 1995 deep vocal bomb, That's How Lovers Be.

Established in 1990 by Derrick Thompson, Soiree has long focused on the deeper side of house, late night rhythms across over 70 releases. Never making a shout out about it, the label might not of garnered the kudos it deserves while laying down a tight standard of cosmic sonic delight.

Featuring in the main Thompson's own Drivetrain releases, his production skills are deployed on this one time project. Written and sung by Montaze Armstrong, alongside the smooth accompaniment of Merchon Bower, the production is ubiquitous Drivetrain. His main mix sets the scene; hats proffering swing and impetus while bass and chords underpin the vocal interplay to skyward perfection.

Once again the label conjoins a latter day contemporary and admired producer to offer their own retake and who better than the essential producer of all things deep, Nail. A huge influence on the label during the formative years of (free party) house music's ascent, his recent return has been widely welcomed. His 'mix' is full of respect and perfect pitch, adding his distinctive low-end rumble, hypnotic hats, skips, loop and shake.

To close, it's all about the legend that is Scott Grooves. Nothing more needs be said, his 9-minute ride show jazz roots worn firmly. Rhodes, claps, piano and vocal are all that's needed. Loose, funky and soulful from a true master.

Love the Mystery.

In an ever-expanding musical universe, Azymuth have long existed as a celestial giant, drawing countless artists, musicians and followers into their orbit. Marking fifty years since their 1975 debut album Azimuth, their new album Marca Passo proves that the band’s alchemic brew of Brazilian jazz-funk and cosmic samba soul remains as vital as ever, as the group honours the profound legacy of their departed founders.

Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Marca Passo is the first full-length release since the passing of founding drummer Ivan "Mamão" Conti in 2023, following the earlier loss of keyboardist José Roberto Bertrami in 2012. Alex Malheiros, the sole remaining original member, sees his stewardship of the band’s musical legacy as his spiritual duty. He is joined by the equally devoted Kiko Continentino (Milton Nascimento, Djavan) on keyboards, who has been with the group since 2016, and new recruit Renato Massa (Marcos Valle, Ed Motta) on drums.

Yet since their earliest recorded music, Azymuth have always been far greater than the sum of their parts. The "three-man orchestra’s" unmistakable sound is rooted in Brazil's MPB studio scene of the 1970s and early 1980s—a time when artists blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with global jazz, rock, and emerging psychedelic and progressive elements. Marca Passo continues this legacy, seamlessly fusing Brazilian musical traditions with global influences while showcasing the exceptional musicianship that powers Azymuth's distinctive, multi-dimensional sound.

The album is produced by studio mastermind Daniel Maunick, responsible for Azymuth’s two previous studio albums, Fênix in 2016 and Aurora in 2011. Daniel’s credits also include albums by Marcos Valle, Sabrina Malheiros and Terry Callier. Azymuth also invited Daniel’s father, British jazz-funk royalty Jean Paul “Bluey” Maunick, of Incognito, to play guitar on a new version of Azymuth’s eighties classic “Last Summer In Rio”, in tribute to the song’s composer, José Roberto Bertrami. Equally, “Samba Pro Mamao” is a new composition dedicated to Azymuth’s beloved original drummer, Ivan “Mamão” Conti.

Credits:

Alex Malheiros - Bass, Acoustic Guitar & Vocals: 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Kiko Continentino - Keyboards, Organ, Vocoder & Vocals: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Renato Massa - Drums & Vocals: : 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Ian Moreira - Percussion: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Sidinho Moreira - Percussion: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10
Dudu Viana - Keyboards & Vocals: 1
Victor Bertrami - Drums: 1
Mangueirinha - Repinique: 3
Jean Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick - Electric Guitar: 5
Jose Carlos Bigorna - Soprano Sax: 9
Daniel Maunick: Additional Percussion, Synths & EFX: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Produced, Engineered, Mixed & Arranged by Daniel Maunick
Co-Produced & Arranged by Alex Malheiros
Executive Producer: Joe Davis


Recorded by:
Daniel Maunick & Leonardo Vieira @ Estúdio Nos Trilhos, Santa Teresa, Rio, Brazil
Daniel Maunick & Amadeu Signorelli @ Sigstudio, Niterói, Rio, Brazil
Daniel Maunick & Alex Malheiros @ Estúdio Basslab, Piratininga, Rio, Brazil
Mixed by Daniel Maunick @ The Sugar Shack, Carluke, Scotland


Artwork & Design: Tyler Askew

Steve Bicknell, Lost recordings 3. 'When Things Of The Spirit Come First', remastered by Peter Van Hoesen at Memento Mastering and reimagined label art.
Steve Bicknell's releases on Lost recordings were produced for, and to reflect, theLost dance-floor, the legendary event series in London, which ran from 1991 to 2014.

'When Things Of The Spirit Come First' was originally released in 1997 on Lost recordings, a subsidiary of Cosmic Records. Lost recordings emerged in 1996 with two seminal releases from Steve Bicknell that year: Lost recordings 1 'Why? And For Whom? And Lost recordings 2 'How Can We Know?.
Steve Bicknell's productions continuously open the door to a whole new side of techno which is still to this day often emulated, cementing Steve Bicknell's landmark status.

'When Things Of The Spirit Come First'. The first in a series from Steve Bicknell's past productions to be released on his s-b-productions imprint.

2025 Repress

Long-overdue repress of the 1998 classic Ural 13 Diktators debut release. From Ghetto Techno to Hi-NRG influenced Neo-Soviet Electroclash and traditional melodies. Mastered from the original tapes and lacquer cut in 2025 by Mike Grinser at Manmade Mastering, Berlin. Slava Ukraini!

Over the last decade, Emerald has become a torchbearer of underground UK dance culture on many fronts: a tastemaking selector as host of Rinse FM’s flagship Friday night slot, a DJ who has made her mark everywhere from Glastonbury to Fabric, and a producer with an experimental sound on labels like Unknown To The Unknown. Add in frequent talks at industry panels from ADE to AVA and her award-nominated Afters With Emerald club night and livestream, and you have an artist very much at the vanguard of the underground sound. Now, Emerald adds a new string to her bow in 2025 with the launch of her Precious Stones label.

Opener 'Attraction' kicks off with full-bodied analog goodness. A taut and reverberating synth drills through the drums as steamy vocal sounds, bird calls, big claps and twisty motifs all get the floor jacking. The techno-leaning 'Obsession' features London-based musician and producer Claus Fuss with its high-speed kicks, warped pads and intense hi-hats that all keep the head down and heart rate up before 'Frustration' follows with another frayed, masterfully undercooked production where dirty basslines and sleazy drums come together under strobe-lit rave motifs in irresistibly sweaty fashion. 'Resolution' closes out with a more lithe rhythm that leans on electro and runs through pixelated synth details and corrugated bass to round out a huge statement of intent from Emerald and her all-new Precious Stones label.

Fanzine Records is proud to present its 022nd release: "Heavy Mental", the highly anticipated new work from the master of dark electro, Dark Vektor.

Dark Vektor, known for his powerful sound and immersive atmospheres, has been a key figure in the electro scene since the early 2000s. His discography includes works on influential labels such as Electrix, Fundamental, and, of course, his previous releases on Fanzine Records. With "Heavy Mental," Dark Vektor promises to take his distinctive blend of hypnotic rhythms and unsettling melodies to a new level. Get ready for a sonic journey that fuses the raw intensity of electro with the depth of an introspective mental trip.

It’s that time of year again… DEXT Recordings returns with the next instalment in our strictly limited vinyl series. DEXT LIMITED COMP VOL. 2 brings together four essential cuts from the DEXT catalogue, two recent digital standouts now making their wax debut, alongside two brand new exclusives you won’t find anywhere else.

Mak & Pasteman kick things off with the 2-step mind-bender "Gold Teeth", which has been tearing up clubs all summer, while Pugilist delivers deep, dubby percussive pressure on "Machinic". Flip the record for L Major’s rave-ready "Hole in the Speaker", and Hooverian Blur’s futuristic breakbeat workout "Twice Removed".

Limited to just 200 copies and mastered for maximum dancefloor impact, this one’s for DJs & collectors.

From the deep underground Di'jital is back with his Detroit brother Isaac Prieto for the Mind Of The Corporate Master EP. A funky mix of techno and electro pumping the dancefloor this summer!

Romanian producer and DJ Andrew Red Hand has carved a unique niche in the world of underground electronic music.
His work stands as a tribute to the raw energy of Detroit techno and electro, yet it retains a deeply personal, emotional tone that gives it timeless depth.
Over the years, Andrew has released a steady stream of high-impact records across some of the most respected labels in the scene. His catalog includes standout EPs on Detroit Underground, Matrix Records Detroit, Twilight 76, and others —each showcasing his mastery of analog-driven textures, sharp 808 rhythms, and melodic melancholia. His work with Diffuse Reality, Subsonic Release, and Shipwrec further solidifies his reputation for pushing boundaries while staying true to the roots of electro.
This EP “For My Father EP” marks his second appearance on Time Passages. He first contributed to the label’s V.A. compilation with the track D2 – “In the Cemetery”, remixed by the legendary Hardfloor. Now, he returns with a full four-track EP, offering his most focused and expansive vision yet. Notably, the B1 “Gritty Bass” is a remix from another icon of the scene—DJ Hell— .

Mr TiDy is a DJ and producer straight out of Sydenham in South London who has until now been something of a secret, but this debut 7" is such a good edit that he's likely to break out into wider consciousness. 'Share The Love Devine' is a masterful tweak of an easy listening classic that takes flight on mellifluous synth ripples and gentle breaking waves with a carefree vocal shimmering about the mix, and it's all taken from one of rare groove's most admired writers and producers. 'Style City' is another horizontal flex with underlapping rhythms and pulse-slowing drums.

Ottagono Italian Dojo presents the second release on the Ottagono Retro outlet imprint label through South America. This special occasion marks the opening of a second Ottagono headquarters in Argentina, introducing an exclusive project that blends the essence of the Italian music family. If you’re familiar with Latin American music genres like Rock, Post Punk, Industrial, Minimal Synth, New Wave, Synth Pop, and the broader electronic music scene of the last 40 years, you’ve surely heard of iconic bands such as Virus, Soda Stereo, and Sumo. Among these bands, having in common their birth in Argentina, Alfredo Peria is another influential music pioneer and key figure in the entire Latin American underground movement. In the mid-80s, he founded the techno duo Mimilocos. Because of this, over the years, Alfredo has been renamed the “Juan Atkins de Latino America”. Later in the 90s, he joined major labels like Polygram and BGM, living between Spain and the United States. He founded another project called Limbo with Julio Moura, a member of Virus and brother of Federico Moura. In the late ’90s, he released his first solo album with Fonovisa. After spending years travelling the world, Alfredo returned to Argentina and, alongside Cecilia Olariaga, founded his own production company, Pulpería Discos. The music world once again showcases the strong connection between Argentina and Italy, evident in the heritage of artists and figures like Maestro Alfredo Peria and la familia Ottagono, including the new Latin America manager, Federico Luchetti.

A.1: Sentidos is a new wave Latin American classic! After over 30 years, it finally received its first vinyl release. Originally written in the early ’90s by Alfredo and Julio Moura, then members of Limbo, a band formed after Virus disbanded following the passing of Federico Moura, Julio’s brother, Virus frontman. This updated version, enhanced with synthesizers and additional production by tech wizard Franco Colombo , transforms the original lyrics into a retro-futuristic club anthem with 80s vibes, It captures the essence of early Depeche Mode, Nitzer Ebb, and the Chicago Warehouse scene, while also being a great fit for fans of Juan Atkins and Yellow Magic Orchestra as well.

A.2: Yo soy su Cuba – 3.0 Adicta mix is the latest version inspired by the original demo from the 80s. This mix showcases Electro Tech Synth Pop music created by Alfredo, Rudie Martínez, Joaquín Franco, Juan Pablo Bidegain, Germán Moreno, and Pablo Torterolo, collectively known as Adicta.

A.3: Castillitos de arena – original ’87 demo, it’s a classic in Argentina underground music movement, among fans and people lost in club culture, even though it never got an official release in any format. This was frequently performed during the early years of Mimilocos live shows, but it was never officially released. A few years later in Spain, a Latin pop tropical house version was released, presenting a fresh and entirely different take from the original’s obscure essence marked by minimal synth, EBM, and deep, atmospheric sounds, which thanks to Ottagono family will see the light.

B.1: Gesell – From Villa Gesell to Ibiza, from Alfredo with love to another renowned
“Argentino” known as DJ Alfredo. This is an Ottagono tribute to one of the Isla masters and the Balearic sound. Gesell feels like a fresh 90s UK track by Farley & Heller or DJ Harvey, immersed in the emotive Alfredo Peria landscape—something you could easily hear at Café del Mar during sunset, played by another maestro we all miss, José Padilla.

B.2: Yo soy su Cuba – Now available on vinyl for the very first time, featuring the original demo. There’s not much to add—just sit back and enjoy this pure 80s treasure in all its glory.

B.3: Over the past months, Claudio and Federico have listened to many unreleased
demos and tapes from Alfredo’s extensive musical career. Among them, “7 Days” stood out for its simple beauty and potential as a hit for underground enthusiasts. This track seamlessly combines post-punk, new wave, and tropical Balearic vibes. From ’95 to ’25, it has remained fresh and innovative, once again proving that the Ottagono crew understands the essence of timeless music.

432HERTZ BERLIN Returns With a Fierce Second Vinyl: “303rd Dimensions”

After the hypnotic depths of its debut release, 432HERTZ BERLIN surges back with a blistering six-track compilation crafted for the more daring corners of the dancefloor.
“303rd Dimensions” is a raw and relentless journey through acid-laced techno and electro, where analog grit meets mind-expanding energy.

The label continues to push boundaries, cementing its place in Berlin’s underground with a second release that’s as functional as it is uncompromising.

Side A: Acid Pressure and Dancefloor Dynamics

• A1: Cognitive Dissonance – Dan Piu
An acid-drenched techno voyage from Dan Piu, where 90s-inspired psycho vocals intertwine with layered pads and driving TB-303 lines. Tension builds, reality blurs.

• A2: Reverse – Rinaldo Makaj
Rinaldo Makaj delivers a raw analog workout with “Reverse”: pounding drums, sizzling acid riffs, and sensual vocal snippets collide in a late-night warehouse ritual.

• A3: TAR 1000 – Electric City
A full-throttle electro weapon — massive analog sound design, laser-sharp grooves, and pure machine funk engineered for peak-time destruction.


Side B: Acid Tension and Mind Games

• B1: Drop The Bass – Gela
Obscure, elegant, and acid-infused — Gela crafts a stripped-back electro trip that hypnotizes dancers with subtle menace and percussive clarity.

• B2: Pressure – Mathii
Mystical vocals echo through a lattice of electro arpeggios, as Mathii channels tension and atmosphere into a slow-burning, magnetic groove.

• B3: Functionality – Gianluca Pellerano
A masterclass in minimal effectiveness — Gianluca Pellerano’s contribution is pure dancefloor utility, built with MPS precision, rhythmic control, and vocal finesse.

A Testament to Underground Electronic Music

Curated by Rinaldo Makaj, 432HERTZ BERLIN's second vinyl release is a powerful testament to the boundless creativity and diversity of underground electronic music.

Butterfly Records is proud to release a vinyl reissue of Radio Babilonia, the fourth electrifying studio album by Uruguayan alternative band Traidores. The album was originally released on CD and cassette in 1995 and it stands as one of the most representative works of their career. In Radio Babilonia voices of Juan Casanova and Víctor Nattero converge into a symphony of intense emotions and profound reflections. Each note resonates with their musical legacy, rising as a testament to the reality that surrounded them, where pain and beauty intertwine in a powerful auditory experience. With a style that defies convention, their lyrics transport us to a world of poetic chronicles, inviting us to explore the catastrophes of the present and future through their vibrant and critical lens. This album from 1995 is a masterpiece for those who seek an authentic and moving sound - a sonic journey that reflects its time and makes a bold statement. Released in August 1995, Radio Babilonia opens with its title track- a sonic storm that sets the tone with poetic urgency and avant-garde defiance. Songs like "Máquina" and "Crónica del Sur" explore inner turmoil and fracture realities, wrapped in melodic brilliance and sharp arrangements. Nattero's guitar work shines, especially in tracks like "Ella sabe bien" and "Pasajero de un tren," where a sense of déjà vu echoes through the lyrics. Side A closes with the haunting waltz "Como una plegaria," evoking blood-stained devotion. Side B deepens the album's mystique, offering lucid hope through punk anthems like "Enemigo del mundo" and "Fragmentos de mí." It culminates in the defiant "Canción rebelde": "There is no worse evil than chaining oneself to pain." Traidores channel poetic rage into a powerful, redemptive soundtrack for a disenchanted era.

Right now, right this second and of course right this moment while you listening to it or even while reading this line of text may be witnessed the real royalty of the underground of Thailand - DOTT. Pakarapol, the mastermind behind this release has made his name in concrete actions towards the development of the local and international scene whether it’s to play sweaty basements or grand festivals, releasing quality music or being one of the driving forces behind the record store called “More Rice” which is located in the heart of the capital city - Bangkok. On the title track of the release there has been intensive remix work done by the Uruguay’s own diamond level producer Luis Malon. Luis has brought his view and vision of how things are done and has flawlessly executed this doing so. With this Thai - Uruguayan connection the release is born for our ears and souls to indulge in and of course without any doubt to raise that dust from the floors, roofs or any given surfaces once the low ends of the record starting to give off its vibrations.

2023 Repress

We are delighted to present you the upcoming VIBRAPHONE #23 by basiC realitieS - Sommer Love/ Desert Valley (12")
An incredible release by Stefano Curti including two remixes by Master Larry Heard aka Gherkin Jerks. Highly recommended!

8th release by Fresh & Low on their own RAWAX Treasures Series!
This time we have the honor to re-issue "Burnin Love" - origially released 25 years ago on i! Records!
Re-mastered & vinyl only!

Minnesota-born, L.A.-based musician, mastering engineer, and co-founder of the Jungle Gym label Jared Carrigan records solo and in collaboration under a web of guises: V. Kristoff, Congo River Club House, Freaks of Nature, Easy Rider, Lac Seul, Las Cuevas, M.M.C.J., Scout Island, Twin Lakes. Of these, René Najera is his longest running and most liquid. One decade after the project's 2015 debut (as Jungle Gym's inaugural release, JG01), he presents his first vinyl full-length.

Painted Life took shape from the seeds of a 2023 set prepared for a string of shows in Japan. Elements were later remixed, finessed, and expanded by a cast of inner circle collaborators: Leech, Tile Plazas, Precipitation, Maria Minerva. Carrigan calls the album a “memory book” – each track a snapshot of cities and sessions, filtered through a fusion of club smoke, mood house, psychic acid, and sunrise electronica. It's music of movement and discovery, celebratory and semi-improvised, chasing the pure essence of fleeting moments.

Norman Connors' Mr. C is a masterclass in sophisticated modern funk and boogie-infused soul that was way ahead of its time. Originally released in 1981, the album finds the renowned jazz drummer/producer at a creative crossroads, boldly diving deep into street-level boogie-funk without losing his soulful, jazzy touch. What once might have puzzled jazz purists now delights soul/funk aficionados; it has quietly become a cult favourite and now, nearly 45 years later, Mr. C sounds fresher than ever. Brimming with infectious heavy funk, lush arrangements and soul-stirring performances, it's an album that flirts with perfection, ensuring its enduring significance in the boogie/jazz-funk-soul canon.

From its opening moments, Mr. C makes one thing clear: this is Norman Connors at his funkiest. The majority of the album is a straight-up party: think dancefloor-ready beats complemented by punchy horn riffs and slick early-80s boogie vibes. There’s heavy use of synths and drum-machines, demonstrating Connors' gleeful embrace of contemporary funk trends. Each track shines in uniquely thrilling fashion, showcasing Connors’ versatility and happy knack for blending genres whilst crafting unforgettable melodies.

Irresistible thumper “She’s Gone” opens the album with a dyno-Rhodes electric piano groove and a seriously thick boogie-funk rhythm. Lush string accents and horn stabs weave through the funky bassline, while the vocals (handled by a young Beau Williams) soar with gospel-tinged emotion. Over four decades later, it endures as a masterpiece. Living up to its name, the shimmering “Party Town” brings deep Electro-Funk Energy by layering bubbling synth bass and shiny lead synth lines. The groove is downright addictive, a brisk, brass-kissed jam that implores you to move. Up next, the sophisticated funk of “Keep Doin’ It” is a low-slung post-disco glider, propelled by a sleek vibe, leaning into the late-night boogie sound. Funky guitar, tight drumming (with Connors’ jazz-honed chops in the pocket) and smooth vocals urge you to “keep doin'” whatever it is that's working. “Stay with Me” works a bit of island flavour into the mix, riding a thick Caribbean groove complete with tropical percussion and an upbeat tempo that could almost be calypsoul. The fusion of Caribbean rhythm elements into an R&B context demonstrates Connors’ willingness to experiment with global sounds while keeping things soulful and danceable.

Side B opens with the sassy funk-deluxe workout, "Anyway You Want" dripping with that soulful strut. Bringing a real quiet storm swagger, “Sing a Love Song” slows the tempo ever so slightly into a sexy, swaying jazz-funk gem, featuring a young Glenn Jones on lead vocals. The arrangement is elegant, built on warm keys and an undeniable groove. The celestial “Love’s In Your Corner” is all about soulful uplift. Featuring the legendary Jean Carn's powerhouse vocals soaring over a brass-kissed driving funk, it's an R&B burner. The refined, jazzy instrumental “Mr. C” is a slinky, smooth, funk-filled mid-tempo groove, with sax and warm keys gliding effortlessly. Connors combines jazzy arrangements into the post-disco/boogie framework one last time, and the result is sublime. It’s sophisticated and cool and, as a finale, “Mr. C” wraps up the album in classy style.

On release, Mr. C flew under the radar but time has been exceptionally kind to this record. DJs, collectors and soul connoisseurs alike have since rediscovered its magic. As ever, this crucial reissue has been lovingly remastered by Simon Francis, cut by engineer of the year Cicely Balston at Abbey Road Studios and pressed to perfection by Record Industry in Holland. Norman Connors was something truly extra. He was a visionary. And Mr. C is proof.

First time vinyl reissue, expanded and deluxe double gatefold 140g double vinyl, remastered audio with restored artwork and fresh liners written by Paul Hillery (Folk Funk & Trippy Troubadours)
Alan James Eastwood's glorious Seeds is a certified folk-funk lost-classic.

But who was Alan James Eastwood? He had never hit the big time and commercial success eluded him. By the mid-1970s, his musical career was pretty much over and he was almost unknown except among deep heads, amongst whom he would gain cult status.

Original copies of the 1971 vinyl release of Seeds exchange hands for high sums, if you can find one. This expanded 2LP contains an extra record, collecting 9 rare non-album singles and is presented in a gatefold sleeve complete with freshly commissioned liner notes courtesy of Paul Hillery (Folk Funk & Trippy Troubadours).

With the long overdue deluxe reissue of this prized artefact, we hope to finally shine a light on the unheralded genius of Alan James Eastwood. RIYL Nick Drake, Rodriguez, Richie Havens.

Alan James ‘Bugsy’ Eastwood was a renowned musician and singer who came to prominence in the late 1960s with The Exception, an unsung but excellent band from Birmingham. The Exception released many singles, the first featuring friend Robert Plant on tambourine, before an album, The Exceptional Exception. However, by this time, Bugsy was feeling constrained and restless; he left the band within weeks of the release.

Having vanished from the scene, he was honing a deeper, introspective edge to his songwriting. His demos found their way to the sound engineer and producer Mike Cooper at Pan Music Studios in Denmark Street. Loving what he heard, Eastwood soon entered a recording session with Cooper. The session was just Alan, his guitar and harmonica and - by all accounts - it was remarkable. With the songs, the voice and such an exceptional talent, it was hard to go wrong. Says Mike: "We had John Hawkins do the big string arrangements and Richard Hewson arranged the string quartet. We overdubbed the orchestrations on Alan's original session recordings, adding Chris Karan on tabla and various percussion. We considered re-recording the vocals but found that the magic on that original session was so exceptional overdubbing would not be as good as the atmospheric 'live' performance."

Mike and Alan viewed each track as a different entity, giving the album a diverse sonic palette. Assessing each song individually, they decided which would be suitable for each arranger. Top-flight session musicians were added to the roster to complete the sound, with Byron Lye Fook (father of musician Omar) on drums, bassist Mike Ward, Brian Pickles on marimba and jazz drummer Chris Karan on tabla and percussion. Recorded in a matter of days in Pan's small 8-track studio, they carefully added overdubs, rhythm sections and four string sessions arranged by Hawkins, with Hewson's arrangements recorded at Trident Studios.

Seeds was Alan James Eastwood's debut solo album – indeed, his only solo album - and was originally issued on President in 1971. It melded Eastwood’s impressive rock sensibilities with a folk thread to superb effect. His arresting voice - its deep, rough-hewn soulfulness - coupled with gorgeous string-drenched backing, make this a phenomenal listen. It really is a great 70s singer-songwriter record - with touches of acid-folk and folk-funk throughout.

It opens with "She's Getting Married In August", a mellow tune with Richard Hewson's strings arranged around Alan's straightforward guitar structure. Up next, the joyous, sun-dappled guitar and strings workout "Evenin' Rain" glides by before the fragile, accordion-enhanced "Les Papillons" breezes out of the speakers. The bluesy "Zeena" follows, featuring vocals and acoustic guitar and showcasing Eastwood's effortless harmonica. Starting out as a ballad, "Virgin Morn" builds with soaring strings and gospel-tinged backing vocals from Marilyn Powell and jazz singer Josephine Stahl. The A-side closes with the title track, "Seeds". With a chugging mid-tempo beat, soulful vocals and a beautiful Bacharach-esque string arrangement, it truly is stop-you-in-your-tracks spectacular.

Side B opens with "Crystal Blue", gilded by Lye Fook's marimba, lush gospel-esque backing vocals and handclaps. Eastwood's acoustic guitar begins "Lady Carole", which starts as a bluesy ballad and builds with more string arrangement, lifting the track to another height. A towering highlight of epic proportions, "Lotus Child" is a true masterpiece of arrangement. It opens with simple yet stunning do-do-dah vocal harmonies blended with John Hawkins's strings, bass lines and rhythmic beats, forming a vibe very much in conversation with the sounds coming from LA's Laurel Canyon. Next up, the heartwarming "Last Prayer", dedicated to Alan's first and last love, contains a melancholic vocal with a wistful string-drenched arrangement that would sit comfortably in a Federico Fellini score. Bringing the album to a close, "Hymn For Today" is a melodic raga with tabla, strings and a soft-psych feel. Eastwood's prophetic whisper - "I am real. At last, I am real" - profoundly hits home.

Kicking off the extra disc is the sparsely funky and country-tinged "Boston", released as the flip to the astonishing "Seeds". Next up are the two tracks that comprised Alan’s debut solo 7" single from 1968. The laconic, Bobby Charles-esque "Blackbird Charlie" evidences a real depth and charm in Eastwood's songwriting whilst the starkly brilliant flip, "My Sun", was a horizontal, atmospheric folk-tinged soundtracky precursor to his later work on Seeds.

In 1972, two further standalone singles followed. The first was the evergreen flute-driven folk-funk bomb, "Closer To The Truth", backed by the funky blues of "Strange News". The second, a deeply moving Havens-inspired "Moonchild" - rightly fawned over to this day - was flipped with "Red Shoe Truckin'", a groove-infused track. Eastwood also paired up with Marilyn Powell for a single produced by Powell's partner, Mike Cooper. Under the name Eastwood & Powell, they released their staggering rendition of "Beautiful", a rock-blues-pop song arranged by Ivor Raymonde and written by Carole King. Over on the flip, a funky Eastwood original "Opal Blue Sunday" lurked. This is not to be overlooked.

Over the years, Alan remained active on the music scene, but problems with alcohol and health complications from diabetes severely impacted his career. He spent his latter years living in London until his untimely death from heart failure on 25 October 2007, just one day before his 62nd birthday and without his music having received the real acclaim it so dearly deserved.

This deluxe reissue, spellbinding from beginning to end, should hopefully go some way to rectifying this tragic fact. Mastering for this special double vinyl edition was overseen by Be With regular Simon Francis and it was cut by the esteemed Cicely Balston at Abbey Road Studios to be pressed in the Netherlands by Record Industry. The original artwork has been lovingly brought back to life at Be With HQ, with the addition of passionately written liner notes specially for this landmark reissue by none other than Paul Hillery.

RAWAX proudly presents the second part of Ricardo Villalobos' Salvador "Trilogy"!
The three Masterpiece records which came out between 1998 - 2000 on Frisbee Tracks,
are part of Ricardo's own series on RAWAX - including new tracklistings!