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Two gypsies with pedigree backgrounds in Flamenco got together with a drum machine in a studio during the early 80's and the result was Chipen, a somewhat poppy chart oriented project featuring Peret Reyes the grandson of legendary Catalan Gitano musician Peret (aka "El Rey de la Rumba") and Johnny Tarradellas. "Volao" is a mid tempo effort to bridge Pop and Rumba, mixing catchy funk guitar riffs with elements of Flamenco in unprecedented ways. "Chiribiri" sounds like it could be the theme song to a Catalan morning show or even a Japanese 80's Toyota Camry ad, reeks of stereotype and cliche, except that Chipen is the real deal, as real as the darkness of the hair dye on the cover photo. Extended version of Volao on the B side. Remastered at Manmade Mastering in Berlin.

Ukrainian label Trance Pandemic continues to evolve, in this issue we have full black and white cover designed by Dima Phase. This EP is a split of goa trance-house from Kurilo and Roland's acids and drum machines from Komponente.

The sound is suitable for loud raves and secret afterparties.

Mastering by the legendary Lapucci at Burbidub studio as always, made the sound even more beautiful. Copies limited.

Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and leading UK jazz vocalist Zara McFarlane releases Sweet Whispers – Celebrating Sarah Vaughan on 14th June. The album honours the jazz great who inspired her on her own artistic journey and whose centenary year is marked in 2024.

‘Sweet Whispers’ is more than a run-through of some of Vaughan’s most popular songs. It’s not hard to imagine the immense task in selecting those songs, after all, Vaughan’s recording career spanned 50 years notching up almost 60 albums (plus nearly 30 again in compilations and box sets). Through a thoughtfully chosen selection of songs, formed across months in collaboration with producer, and the album’s clarinettist and saxman, Giacomo Smith – Zara journeys through the musical life of Sarah Vaughan, from her first to last recording, bringing to life and breathing new life into some of her best and less familiar songs. But importantly, the songs that mean the most to Zara.

Zara McFarlane said “It was when I started to listen to Sarah Vaughan that I really began to appreciate jazz vocals. She had such control across her range and a vocal command that was cheeky, playful and fun yet sophisticated and articulate. I really wanted to pay homage to her as I feel she has been somewhat overlooked amongst the jazz singers. Although I do love Ella and Billie, it's all about Sarah for me.”

‘Sweet Whispers – Celebrating Sarah Vaughan’ was recorded analogue at Durham Studios, London. Giacomo assembled a stellar cast of musicians - Joe Webb on piano, Ferg Ireland on double bass, Jas Kayser on drums, Marlon Hibbert on Steel Pan and Gabriella Swallow on cello – to record 11 tracks live to tape; with minimal overdubs, the recording has retained a live, vintage feel. A celebration of Sarah Vaughan could be in no better hands than that of Zara McFarlane, who makes an inspired homage to the ‘Divine One’. Beautifully performed in Zara’s own inimitable style, with her own playful swoops and slides, she has added her own
touch to the music. With a silken voice and timbre that bring emotional depth, attitude and personality to this collection of SaraH Vaughan songs, this is a masterful celebration

Daniela La Luz announces her highly anticipated 3rd album, 'System Reset'. For the first time, Daniela has compiled all the music and artworks featured in the album, showcasing her genre-blending style in this 11-track collection rooted in electronic dance music.

Recognized and celebrated for her exceptional live sets and productions, Daniela has garnered support from some of the industry's most esteemed DJs, including Solomun, Adam Port, and Sven Väth. Her track 'Did You Ever', featured on Moodymann's 'DJ Kicks' mix, has amassed nearly 3 million plays on Spotify, proof of her growing influence and popularity.

'System Reset' is a testament to Daniela's ability to reflect on personal crises and global issues through her music. The album features dancefloor-oriented tracks with influences from a diverse range of genres including house, techno, dub, electro, wave, jazz, and breakbeat. The linguistic diversity of the songs, in English, Polish, and Arabic, further adds to the album's global nuance. The AI-generated artworks are a unique visual representation of the music. The tracks were mixed by Tobi Neumann and J Manuel at Apollo Studio Berlin and mastered by Manmade in Berlin.

Daniela's music serves as a powerful call to action against climate catastrophe, underlining her belief in the unifying and inspiring power of music for a sustainable future. The album will be released on double vinyl on June 14th and digitally on June 21st via her label, Dimension Of Being Human.

Contains a third track that remains secret :p.

Dive into the electrifying world of Jellyfish with the latest release from BUD Records,"Je Series 5." Prepare to be transported to the neon-lit dance floors of the 80s with this infectious Italo Disco anthem. With pulsating rhythms and catchy melodies, "Musikman" is a testament to Jellyfish's mastery of the genre.

The party continues on the B-side with "Musik," a modern take on disco infused with elements of nu- disco. Groove-inducing basslines and funky guitar riffs converge to create a sonic landscape that is both nostalgic and fresh. Prepare to be amazed as Jellyfish takes you on an unexpected sonic journey.

But be careful, it may not end there...you might even find a special surprise, a hidden gem, an incredible track that defies expectations and pushes the boundaries of conventional disco.

DISCO011 by the amazing Carlos Benedetir - you know him from DISCO004 - has arrived!!

700 limited copies, hand numbered, vinyl only release!
Mastered by DJ Steaw

Hard piece of stepping digital from 1989 with the masters of the era on the rhythm track, Steely & Clevie. Likewise, Conroy is one of the iconic artists of the late '80s digital era with numerous classics to his name.

The 5th original release of Soultape.
The entire EP is permeated with the vivid influence of house music.
As always, in a masterful performance with
the characteristic unique handwriting of the maestro.
Four excellent grooves for the dance floor.
Enjoy it!

Originally released in 2021. This record will be re-released.. on Industry Standard. Well deserved re press of an iconic original from Todd Modes. Boss man Oliver Dollar steps up to create a hypnotic remix that will definitely take you to that other place in your head. A truly masterpiece is on the way on 7th June 2024.

inc. Tedd Paterson Remix

The final release of the year on his Afroterraneo imprint, Kiko Navarro presents a brand new version of 'Mama Calling', his timeless collaboration with Buika, featuring a remix by Ted Patterson.

Originally issued in 2004, Kiko Navarro and Buika revisited the 'Mama Calling' while preparing for a live show in November 2023, and their new version of the song became a highlight of the concert. Apart from those distinctive horn stabs, this is a brand new update of the energetic and life-affirming song, perfect to help propel dancefloors into the New Year and beyond.

Around 2003 Kiko Navarro first met House legend Ted Patterson, playing together with him at Pacha Ibiza, and Ted was so enchanted by 'Mama Calling' that he asked for a pre-release copy then and there. It took a few years for Ted to remix the song,
and it was then only ever released as part of a compilation in 2010. Finding favour with DJs across the globe, including heavy rotation from Honey Dijon over the years, it felt like the right time for a new mixdown and master for Ted's classic remix too,
which we present here in single form for the first time ever.

inc. Tedd Paterson Remix

The final release of the year on his Afroterraneo imprint, Kiko Navarro presents a brand new version of 'Mama Calling', his timeless collaboration with Buika, featuring a remix by Ted Patterson.

Originally issued in 2004, Kiko Navarro and Buika revisited the 'Mama Calling' while preparing for a live show in November 2023, and their new version of the song became a highlight of the concert. Apart from those distinctive horn stabs, this is a brand new update of the energetic and life-affirming song, perfect to help propel dancefloors into the New Year and beyond.

Around 2003 Kiko Navarro first met House legend Ted Patterson, playing together with him at Pacha Ibiza, and Ted was so enchanted by 'Mama Calling' that he asked for a pre-release copy then and there. It took a few years for Ted to remix the song,
and it was then only ever released as part of a compilation in 2010. Finding favour with DJs across the globe, including heavy rotation from Honey Dijon over the years, it felt like the right time for a new mixdown and master for Ted's classic remix too,
which we present here in single form for the first time ever.

Mood Child Presents 'Various Moods Vol. 2' VA; six multi-mood tracks from artists including DJ Sneak, Antss, Marian (BR), and more.

Mood Child, the brainchild of Manda Moor and Sirus Hood, is back with ‘Various Moods Vol. 2’, a captivating collection of six tunes, each possessing its own distinct mood and power.

The VA kicks off with ‘Pakit Ban’ a timeless percussive and funky anthem. Brazilian talents Marian (BR) and Freenzy join forces to create this highly requested track, which has graced not only Manda and Sirus’ sets but also those of Jamie Jones and The Martinez Brothers.

House legend DJ Sneak returns to Mood Child with ‘Wemen’s Groove’. Prepare to be hooked by Sneak’s bouncy rhythms and to feel a masterclass with the massive buildup and incomparable vibe. Making his debut on the label, Barcelona-based artist Dafgal delivers ‘Gozando’. This high-energy tune features a universal groove and a captivating female vocal that will undoubtedly get anyone in a good mood.

UK rising star Antss drops ‘La La Lala’, a simple yet immensely effective track. Its powerful bassline, combined with playful voices, is tailor-made for electrifying crowds.

Brazilian duo Rokke & Techin present ‘Diamonds’, a shiny gem. Its addictive bass-led loop is complemented by an unforgettable bubbly synth, leading to a drop that etches memories.
Riffel & Jack Baron’s ‘Flute’ boasts an irresistible groove, complete with wonderful flute melodies. It’s auditory candy for discerning listeners.

DJ Support: Mark Knight, CJ Mackintosh, Mousse T, Dr Packer, Eric Kupper, Lenny Fontana, Ricky Morrison, Laurent Garnier & many more.

Michael Gray’s star has been firmly in the ascendant in recent years, with a string of chart-topping, floor-filling productions and remixes under his belt. The excitement is therefore palpable for his soon come album Optimism, which sees Michael pour both his heart and his three decades + of experience into what will be one of THE albums of the year.

'This album has been a year and a half in the making,' states the ‘Weekend’ hitmaker and one half of legendary disco house pioneers Full Intention, clearly now keen to release his career-defining magnum opus out into the world.

In these confused and often frightening times, we need musical communion more than ever. Only too aware of this, Michael has 'set out to make an album full of positivity.' Needless to say, the resulting 'hybrid of classic disco mixed with modern disco and soul' hits the spot and looks set to provide a soulful summer soundtrack to lift spirits and fill dancefloors.

In an era of often generic, over-computerised sounds, Michael returns to the source of his lifelong musical inspirations. 'Most of these productions have involved working with live strings and horns,' he enthuses. The musicians include live drums by Derrick Mckenzie from Jamiroquai, percussion by Russ Tarley from Incognito and string arranger Stephen Hussey, known for his work on Soul II Soul’s early hits.

Michael’s much-needed musical missives for the ages are masterful manna from the heavens. Things just got optimistic.

2023 was a breakthrough year for EABS in many ways. It was all thanks to the well received, fully self-produced album entitled In Search of a Better Tomorrow, recorded in collaboration with the Pakistani band Jaubi. EABS' forthcoming sixth album is a return to their roots – literally and figuratively. It is an in-depth study on rhythm, which materialised in the form of the album titled Reflections of Purple Sun.

The back to the roots part not only manifests itself in the lack of guest instrumentalists, but also in a renewed focus on the history of Polish jazz. The band's debut album Repetitions... was dedicated to Krzysztof Komeda. This time, the band picked up the entire Purple Sun album, which Tomasz Stańko recorded half a century ago. From the POV of Purple Sun fans, a hard-to-find and somewhat forgotten album, it may seem like a doomed undertaking. However, in order to pay tribute to one of the most iconic figures of Polish jazz, it was worth embarking on this mission and attempting to engage in a non-verbal conversation with the Slavic spirit that Master Tomasz Stańko undoubtedly was.

You can learn more about Reflections of Purple Sun through the comprehensive booklet accompanying the record. The cover art was created by the label's regular collaborator, Animisiewasz, whose design pays tribute to Pia Burri's original Purple Sun concept. Release date is 10 May 2024.

‘Diré’, Idrissa Soumaoro new album, comes as a surprise to Malian and international audiences. Composer, singer, guitarist and master of the kamalen n’goni Idrissa Soumaoro presents here a beautiful collection of songs on his third album, Diré, named in honor of the town where he met his wife and where his first daughter, who is no longer with us, was born.
In 1971, after his studies at the INA in Bamako, Idrissa was transferred to Diré to teach music at the lPEG (Pedagogical Institute of General Education). He was 22 years old when he arrived in Diré. Idrissa has always been nostalgic for this beautiful place in the 333 Saints of Timbuktu region. As Idrissa sings in ‘Diré taga’ (Going to Diré), the track that opens the album, the city evokes deep emotions for the artist, as if it were a long-lost friend or lover. Celebrating the memory of the city of Diré leads the artist to retrace stories and lived situations that marked and animated him in years gone by: ‘I really miss the people, the colleagues, the friends and that period. Despite the time that has flown by, I would ardently wish to see Diré again’. Today, at the difficult time Mali is experiencing, remembering the city of Diré in the 1970s also means for the artist not giving up hope for peace: ‘The memory of Diré, a beautiful town in northern Mali, strengthens my hope for peace, union and real independence for the happiness of my people’; as he sings in ‘Sababou’, ‘Without hope, there is no life. Together we will succeed’.
The ten highly original compositions of the album are strongly based upon traditional music of Mali, but Idrissa’s life experiences, travels, education, collaborations and personal musical career have led him to compose and perform music with other influences. As Idrissa quotes: ‘My inspiration generally comes from the donso n'goni, a Bambara instrument played by and for hunters throughout Mali. This is a pentatonic instrument, similar to the blues exported to the USA by black African slaves. I've also spent so much time playing a variety of music that my music also reflects rumba, salsa (as well as Bamanan blues and a few derivatives: jazz, country, soul, rhythm and blues) etc. I have looked for and hope to have found my own form of expression from these influences’.
Throughout the album, his strong, clear voice sings in French, Bambara and English. It rides seamlessly upon a complex rhythmic sea of distinctly West African stringed instrumentation and percussion with accents of flute and balafon. There are keyboards in a few songs, but these, happily, do not dominate the music as we hear so often in today’s music. This album presents the music of a mature artist who has ‘been there, done that’ and returned to celebrate his country, his roots and his dreams in a flawlessly produced collection of songs of love, reassurance, fatherly advice and hope.
The album already has a long history: it was initiated in 2012 by Marc-Antoine ‘Marko’ Moreau, former producer and manager of Amadou and Mariam. Moreau had plans to produce the album and invited Idrissa Soumaoro to start recording in Manjul's studio in Bamako. When Moreau suddenly passed away, work on the album was still missing. The pandemic still added time for the production to continue. With the help of Climax Orchestra, arrangements and orchestrations were finalized in France. At the artist's behest, 'Diré' will finally be presented to the public by Mieruba, the independent label based in Ségou, the home of the blues in Mali. 'Let's stand together so that Mali can flourish': from conception to production and distribution, this is the message that 'Diré' carries.

Fata Morgana's concept draws from Ispirian ́s live sets in the USA. Then, back in Europe, Vasco refined his performance and the live takes were finally mixed and mastered in Madrid. The project sees the light in 2023, after the global impasse the world went through, as a two EP installment: Fata Morgana I & II.

Fata Morgana ́s second installment is a 4 track EP that kicks off with a bass- driven cinematic promise (Ohdee) which unfolds in titillating layers, crafting a superb lushness and building up momentum (Flashing on Flushing) and then, fiery reaching climax in a vague, abstract electronic background (Escape into the Sunset) only to usher the shape-shifter (My Pleasure), an edgy alt-ambient closer with a grounding dialogue on pleasure and pain which is Ispirian ́s reflective statement.