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Utterly magnificent, sublimely soulful survey of the Gospel Roots label, subsidiary of the mighty TK Records at the height of the Miami Sound. Beautifully presented... the LPs with a 12"-square, full-colour, sixteen-page album of photos and original artwork. Check!!
A&R was co-ordinated by Gospel legends Ira Tucker — from the Dixie Hummingbirds — and Ralph Bass, veteran producer with Savoy, King and Chess. The label was run by Timmy Thomas, who had recently smashed with Why Can't We Live Together, for another TK spin-off, Glades. Operations were overseen by Henry Stone himself, unlikely King of Disco, who had recorded a young Ray Charles, and pushed forward James Brown. They drew in artists from all over the US, from St. Louis, Columbus, Memphis, Brooklyn, Cabrini Green in Chicago: unknowns like Camille Doughty, reluctant to jeopardise her job at GM ('Generous Motors') in Detroit, and huge-sellers like the revered Brooklyn All Stars, who started out on Peacock in 1958.

Choral belters, deep ballads, harmony quartets, epic city-blues, gritty funk, powerhouse female soul... Killer-diller Philly like a scorching version of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes' Wake Up Everybody, and Jean Austin's raw Spirit Free, co-written by Ronnie Dyson, produced by Jesse James at Future Gold. Chicago Sound like The Fantastic Family Aires — named after the family's furniture store on North Cicero, but reminiscent of the Staple Singers at their best — through to the full-blown glory of The Fountain Of Life Joy Choir, led by Marvin Yancy from The Independents, and featuring Natalie Cole... Singers like Versie Mae Gibson, from the Jordans, by rights up there with Irma, Etta and Ree... Bangers 100%-guaranteed to find their way into Theo Parrish sets, and mortal delirium for the prissiest of soul and gospel purists.

Italian rudeboy Ivan Iacobucci brings his brand of lowdown funk-influenced tech house to Apollonia with this sterling three-tracker. Over two decades of hard work and dedication to his craft has culminated in Ivan's untainted reputation and widespread respect within the underground from true heads like Zip and, of course, the Apollonia boys. His love of jazz in evident throughout this EP which is full of subtlety and depth, pulsating b-lines and smooth chords are interlaced with razor-sharp percussion and delicate keys. The first track 'Old In On' has a laid back, though driving, groove, pushing forward with a hefty bassline that is perfectly counterbalanced by the light twinkling keys and barely-there pads. 'Scris Frumos' encapsulates more of an ominous, tribal feeling with intricate effects trickling through every pore of its deep, dark exterior. Its atmospherics keep you intrigued, voices echo in the background and a few moments of softened chimes really intensify the already mysterious vibe. 'Mini Ass' channels more of that electro-funk that forms the foundation of Ivan's love for music, haywire radio pulses prance around stuttered beats, giving it a slightly cosmic feel, while pipes add a more organic nuance to the track. Absolutely masterful work from Ivan, and another inspired addition to the Apollonia catalogue.

Our little Dirt Crew sub label Spiel started out in late 2013 with three excellent releases, the first two by "Clancy" featuring remixes by "Urulu" and "Prins Thomas" followed by a stellar EP from "Mercury". After a hiatus SPIEL
is back for 2016. Renewed and inspired we have a bunch of both fresh faced and established artists on board packing quality releases for the year. With sounds spanning from Indie Dance and Electronica to Disco and spaced out Balearic jams, we're proud to present you the first of our outings for 2016.

First up is close friend and rock solid producer "Good Guy Mikesh". Out of Leipzig, Germany, he's the guy with the Perfect pitch, forward thinking ideas, an impressive discography of 12"s to his name, and a huge range of influences from funk and soul, to 80's new wave electro and back again. He's come to the table with four tracks we've been busting to share with you.

'Whim' is the steady builder. Spacious and very much alive with sliding leads and layers of analogue synths that sparkle, it's melancholic bliss, it's a deep breath inducing, dance floor lifting, thought provoking piece of beauty. 'Why Not' is something deeper, the bass slips and slides dancing with the top line, while a palette of plucked strings, tuned percussion and Mikesh's signature synth soundscapes reach into the distance as the track continues to roll.

On the B side, 'Cookie' is joyful, its playful keys and poolside energies toast to warm weather and good times. Bouncing arpeggios lead the charge in the break, rising before giving way to euphoric synthetic strings which lead us back into the elated refrain. 'Corone' hints towards Mikesh's disco history, boasting a burly bass and a funk all of its own, this indie dance shaker's got a solid groove and vibe to spare.

A listening pleasure and a dance floor treat, Mikesh's far reaching and assured musical vision is inescapable on this record. The perfect welcome back for SPIEL.

we are very happy to annouce the debut single of mighty jacque renault on endless flight.
a side is two version of groovy philly disco house and b side is killer funky disco house.
enjoy!

Wenn du jemandem erklären willst was genau eine drückenden Bassline' ist, spiel ihm oder ihr einfach diese beiden Nummern der Vogelperspektive vor. Mighty Fat' ist untenrum nämlich so fett wie es nur sein kann. Umso verblüffender zu hören, wie fluffig und beweglich sich die Atmosphäre in den Mitten und Höhen gestaltet - hier ist schwebende Vogelperspektive vom Feinsten angesagt. Die energetischen Breaks, aufputschenden Filter-Sweeps und lässigen Synthie-Akkorde von Noise No Girls' erinnern an klassische House-Nummern, klingen aber extrem frisch und modern. Das reicht dir noch nicht, du willst noch mehr Abwechslung Dann sei ergänzend zum 10' Vinyl noch die Digitalversion empfohlen. Stephan Zovsky gibt Mighty Fat' einen deepen, hypnotischen Anstrich, ohne jedoch die housige Leichtigkeit des Originals über Bord zu werfen. Zusammen mit Pophop und J.Patterson hat er aus dem Track außerdem eine jazzige Downbeat Nummer mit verträumtem Trompeteneinsatz gezaubert.

A. Ayaléw Mèsfin ft. Black Lion Band - Ghedawou

Ethiopian dance floor Funk rarity originally released on Kaifa 7' (KF 31) in 1976. Hand claps, guitar lines and call and response lead vocals punctuate the driving bass line and understated drum groove.

Mesfin played primarily at the Lumumba Club in Addis Ababa's red light district and released many 45's and cassettes during the mid seventies.

He worked very closely with the Black Lion Band (or Tequr Ambessa Orchestra)


AA. Mulatu Astatke ft. Feqadu Amdé-Mesqel - Asmarina

Laid back, drum-heavy, Ethipian jazz taken from the legendary Ethio Jazz' LP on Amha (AELP 90). Typifies the sound of the country and the period, truly classic stuff.

Mulatu will be touring heavily in 2016, which we are very much looking forward to.

A sweet groover from the Italian scene of the 70's - music that's got a lush feel, but a funky one too - a great mix of strings and electric instrumentation that rivals the best cop/crime work of the time - yet also has a nice sexy feel too! There's almost a blaxploitation vibe to the record at times - and although some instruments solo at points, the real groove lies in the tight vamping of the orchestra - which hits all the right notes to really send the whole thing soaring - often with a nice use of tone and color too!

Following two EP releases on Delusions Of Grandeur the time felt right for thatmanmonkz to get working on his debut LP. The Sheffield b-boy is no newcomer to production having been releasing music since the mid-noughties but has seen a definite rise in interest the last few years following essential releases on his own Shadeleaf label as well as remixes and productions for the likes of Classic, Kolour LTD and Kon's StarTime.
With his first musical love being Hip Hop it's easy to understand how his approach to house turns out so refreshing. Inevitably MPC's, big, bold samples, Jay Dee inspired grooves and a raw, underproduced sound all play a big part and never one to shy away from an interesting collaboration he has enlisted the skills of several vocalists including Detroit MC Ta'raach (whose credits include Slum Village and Jill Scott), Erik Rico (collabs include Ron Trent and DJ Spinna), Khalil, Dave Aju, Pete Simpson (as A Brother Is...) and Malik Ameer.
Things kick off with a low-slung soul jam entitled Air featuring Kahil Anthony complete with sparkling Rhodes arps and a dub-wise bassline underpinning a beautifully lazy groove. Jus Anutha Wunna Deez follows with a rough and ready house jam that clearly doffs its cap to those old Sound Signature and Mahogoni Music releases we know and love so much. Next up we have Boogie Down with Erik Rico rocking some Parliament inspired vocal business bringing the feelgood vibes to this rolling P-Funker. Some Ol' Nex' Ish goes for a jazz samba meets house fusion whilst A Fly New Tune goes strictly old school with a classic combo of dusty break, filtered fusion rhodes n bass sample, movie dialogue snippets and a masterful flow delivered by Ta'raach. Dave Aju steps up next on Turn It Out laying down a unison vocal refrain to compliment the bumping disco groove complete with a call and response section for some singalong party participation!
As we continue, Another Night Under The Glitterball sees thatmanmonkz back in familiar territory with a rock solid, deep jazz-house jam. On I Can Hardly Breathe we're treated to a downtempo gospel-infused affair which leads us perfectly into the most bumpy club- friendly track of the LP For Bae. Moon On The Hill is a collaboration with Italian DJ Kali and his Raw Standard crew and treats us to some distinctly mid 90's Kruder and Dorfmeister vibes to zone out to before heading off in an altogether more bonkers, psychedelic dancehall direction on Vampires. Baked is another classy thatmanmonkz take on Hip Hop featuring Malik Ameer on the mic. Take U 2 My House sounds like something Prince might have made in the mid-80's if he'd just come off a 3 day bender at Panorama Bar. And closing the show in perfect style and fashion we have For Those I've Lost Along The Way which is a blunted yet beautifully optimistic number that has echoes of Lonnie Liston Smith and a brilliant spiritual vocal sample which provides the perfect closer to an amazing debut LP.

With a solid collection of productions and remixes to his name, Arturo's music has helped define the unique and emerging Silicon Valley sound. This approach blends the driving, beat-laden beauty of techno with the soulful, deep melodies of house.

Born and raised in San Jose, California, Arturo Garces has been surrounded by dance music his entire life. The son of a serious collector of funk, soul and disco records, Arturo grew up listening to the roots of house music. Interested in making his own music, Arturo got hold of a sampler in 1995 and hasn't looked back since. These early influences are evident in his works as a DJ and producer today for labels such asMagnetic Recordings (DJ Sneak) and Phil Weeks' Robsoul imprint.

He has new projects and remixes coming out continually on the underground scene, hitting the right mood for the dance-floor consistently. In addition Arturo is the label manager for San Jose's house imprint Jump Recordings, Beat Bum Music, and techno label Resource Records. He also has a new Tuesday night residency in downtown San Jose, Ca Rhythm Ritual. With his hard work, dedication and passion for dance music, Arturo is definitely one to watch.

This is Arturo's 3rd release on Cross Section with the label boss Chris Simmonds on remix duties.

Black magic, what is that supposed to be A spell that seeks to do harm to others Usually yes, however Taron-Trekka are animated by the best intentions, rather aim for the magic of the night and as always want to merely destroy the dancefloors of this world in a symbolic way. In fact, nobody has comes to grief with the four tracks of their "Black Magic EP" (the last part of their "Magic" triology) - nevertheless, they possess a certain magic.

However, Taron-Trekka don't make jumbo jets disappear, they don't walk through the Chinese wall or initiate other cocky tricks à la Copperfield. They are more like thimbleriggers. Or card jugglers. You know, those guys who surprise you when you least reckon with it. Those who have already outsmarted your mind when you were still thinking that it was just about to really begin. Taron-Trekka have the groove and cast a net of loops, which magically creates a tremendous energy. Loops with which the smallest shift can open up worlds. Worlds, which admittedly appear accessible, but are hardly decipherable. This way, tools become magical tracks. Furthermore, house becomes a music, which brands itself to the last corners of a soul. Just like the trick that you haven't understood until today.

A1 Black Magic Taron-Trekka's ride through the night starts funky and dry with the title track of the EP. The effects bleep here and fade away there, however over distance a magical pull develops. A pull that can only be escaped from with great difficulty.

A2 Monofile Regarding "Monofile", Taron-Trekka conjures a groove as selfwilled as enchanting by initially making vocals and keys appear on a dead straight beat and then letting this very same one stumble over itself. At the right moment it engenders at least as much "Ohs" as "Ahs" in a club, you bet.

B1 Red From black to red, from night until morning. For exactly this moment "Red" was made, which brings every last person to the next afterhour with its swing and depth.

B2 Distance Entirely against its own title, "Distance" may indeed affect one deeply. Namely then, when one wants to delve into funk as subtle as extensive. That is Jan Jelinek at a gallop or SND with more punch. Both are fantastic

Due to popular demand; a double A side from the one and only, Marcos Valle. This is the second time he has appeared in this Brazil 45's series LINK'Democustico' is a lush, uptempo MPB constructed from guitars, rolling percussion and soaring woodwind. Taken from his 1972 LP 'Vento Sul' on Odeon Brazil.

'Freio Aerodinâmico' is an uptempo piano driven, bossa/MPB, laden with hooky vocals, strings and horns, underpinned with a funk drum groove. Aeroplane sound effects thrown in for good measure! Taken from his 1970 self-titled LP on Odeon Brazil.

Hailing from Ghana, The Apagya Showband was formed by the legendary Ebo Taylor and Ambolley after they left 'Uhuru Dance Band'. The group produced only a couple of singles.

'Tamfo' is a joyous, uptempo Afro-funk groover, laced with horns and highlife guitar lines.

'Mumude' is a fast paced, drum and percussion-heavy, folklore-based song from 1974. Originally released on Essiebons 7'.

Over the course of five albums, Manchester based trumpeter, composer, arranger and band-leader Matthew Halsall has carved out a niche for himself on the UK music scene as one of it's brightest talents. His languid, soulful music has won friends from Jamie Cullum and Gilles Peterson to Jazz FM and Mojo as well as an ever-growing international following. His new album Into Forever, puts the spotlight on Halsall the composer, arranger and producer. Halsall draws on a diverse range of influences from Alice Coltrane, Dorothy Ashby, Phil Cohran and Leon Thomas to the more contemporary sounds of The Cinematic Orchestra, Max Richter and Nils Frahm to deliver his most complete recording to date. Into Forever features renowned Manchester based soul poet Josephine Oniyama and rising star vocalist Bryony Jarman-Pinto (Werkha) as well as regular collaborators, flautist Lisa Mallett, harpist Rachael Gladwin, koto player Keiko Kitamura, pianist Taz Modi, bassist Gavin Barras and drummer Luke Flowers (The Cinematic Orchestra) and two percussionists Sam Bell and Chris Cruiks. The result is arguably Halsall's finest record, asublime melding of stripped back soulful funk and deep, minimalist, spiritual jazz, that will take you on a journey deep into forever!

Confirmed reviews Mojo, BBC Music Mag, Jazzwise, Record Collector Independent On Sunday, Guardian, Quietus, all main jazzy blogs, Airplay from Jamie Cullum, Gilles Peterson, 6 Music, Jazz Line-up, Patrick Forge, Ross Allen and many more

9 date national tour including Liverpool Capstone Theatre Oct 1, Bristol St Georges Oct 15, Manchester St Peter's Church Oct 23, St Mary's Hastings Oct 28 and London Union Chapel Oct 29 plus Uber Jazz Hamburg Oct 31

Newly established Berlin-based vinyl-only label Dreiklang dive straight into the physical world with First Contact. The label's distinctive triangular concept is reflected in its name with Dreiklang pursuing a three-fold approach to electronic music. Each release presents three contrasting takes on the same source material, juxtaposing and unifying three particular electronic music sub-currents. For their first outing, Dreiklang call upon an international team of producers with OCH, Hydergine and Kelovolt dropping in for their respective shots of tech-house, dub techno, and dark drone techno. The tight three-tracker will see the light of day on a 500 limited edition run of 180gr high-quality wax with the beautiful hand-drawn designs of Berlin artist Nils Altland gracing each sleeve, transforming the covers into individual works of arts. First up on Dreiklang001 is Londoner OCH (Autoreply / Stuga Musik), who takes a simple keyboard line into menacing territory, steering the dancefloor towards the grittier ends of tech-house. A funky bassline leads the way as distant synths exhale in glossy metalic fashion and the road is adequately paved for the reinterpretations that follow. Second up, comes Hydergine. The Italian producer lives up to his brain enhancement drug name by dropping a smart dub-techno rework where mind-numbing kicks bring the listener on an atmospheric joyride through the deeper ends of narcosis. Kelovolt complete the triangle with an immersive remix where drone-heavy soundscapes take center stage for a delicately hypnotic finale. First Contact is out December 16th on Dreiklang.

A. Taiguara - Aquarela De Um País Na Lua
Extremely unique, psychedelic uptempo Brazilian jazz fusion. Flutes, piano and vocal harmonies drift in and out of the mix, creating a lush soundscape.
Taiguara was a prolific and hugely successful singer and songwriter - primarily within pop/MPB - whose career spanned nine albums in the late 60's and 70's. He is also thought to be one of the most censored Brazilian artists and was exiled to London in the 1970's by the Brazilian dictatorship.
'Aquarela' is taken from his most experimental album 'Imyra, Tayra, Ipy' originally released in 1976 on Odeon.

AA. Marisa Rossi - Deixa Eu Te Amar
Killer uptempo psychedelic funk/soul track, highly sought after, originally released on Copaconana 7' in 1970.
Marisa, and the backing track, sound very much like the wonderful 'Doris' whose album 'Did You Give The World Some Love Today Baby' we have previously reissued.
Rossi recorded an album arranged by the legendary Arthur Verocai.

This deluxe overview Of Boston's creative jazz scene is presented as a double LP Set, packaged in deluxe box with each piece of vinyl housed in its own euro-style glossy jacket. Also Included is an 8 ½ x 5 ½, 80 page book documenting the rich history of the music with in-depth analyses and photos. Check!
In the 1970s Boston was a fertile ground for a very creative jazz scene. Small, independent venues ranging from lofts to churches to clubs opened up to support this thriving backdrop while jazz musicians set up their own labels. One man was there through it all, playing music and documenting the musical landscape. His name was Mark Harvey and here is his story....

Mark Harvey and Deano Sounds pulled together the most comprehensive package of Boston
Jazz released to date. The album has been assembled as a deluxe package that includes, in
addition to the music, an 80-page book documenting the rich history of this music scene with in-depth analyses and photos of the jazz musicians involved.
The music on this album is culled from rare private press Jazz LPs that were pressed in small
quantities of a few hundred for members of the band and the local jazz community at the time.
The music here runs the gamut of funky jazz from Arnie Cheatham's "Thing" to the deep free jazz
of the Phill Musra Group or the spoken word brilliance of Worlds, to the complex metric structures of Stanton Davis' "Play Sleep." This is a collection of very rare eccentric jazz pieces for your
enjoyment!

Sifu Hotman are here to remind you why you fell in love with hip hop. Known for sharp, up-tempo hip hop, the group is comprised of two-time National Slam Poetry Champion Guante, deM atlaS who also has a solo deal with Rhymesayers Entertainment and SP-1200 maestro producer Rube.

Matches follows the ground work laid out on the now sold out debut 10' the 'Self-Titled EP' released on Stashin' Records and delivers more superb quality Hip Hop in the vein of heavy Jazz sampling that will have your neck snapping in no time. Mr Fantastic's remix of Embrace the Sun on the flip samples a well-known Disco Break which is chopped and spliced with some Eastern European Funk which completely changes the feel of the original version found on the forthcoming EP coming soon on AE Productions and so gives you 2 flavours on one 7' single.

Madeira-born Robert S makes his Konstruktiv debut after appearances on Sleaze, Arts, Planet Rhythm and his own Robert Limited imprint.

Moderna is straight shooting techno, hard-hitting with hints of rolling funk and a bleak contrast to the sun-drenched Portuguese setting that saw its inception.

The synth stabs of EP opener Moderna steadily rise and open up, driving the track forward while low-slung drums keep the beat in check. Label-boss Rekord 61 drops in on A2 with his remix of the title-track. The original stabs take an aerial backseat and a compact beat powers through vapor and wear.

Trilha Acida sets things straight from the first second on the flip. A threatening acid line pummels the listener with mechanical consistency while a startling chord rehearses a monosyllabic monologue. Black Jocker, the fourth and final cut closes on a dystopian note, with austere drums and a dark souvenir triggering arpeggiator.

'Sidetracking - Part 1: Prologue' is the first vinyl taste of Jona's de- but album project for Alex Niggemann's forward-thinking AEON la-bel. The musical puzzle will be completed in February 2016 with the release of a second vinyl instalment, featuring 6 more original tracks, and the full 10-track album on CD format. Created over the course of two highly creative years, the concept for 'Sidetracking' was for Jona to invite some of his musician and producer friends to collaborate with him in the studio and compli- ment his album's solo productions. This impressive coming together (to be fully revealed over the coming months) features Varoslav (Rue de Plaisance, Paris), Usio (Studio Barnhus), David K (Cocoon), Bo- livian percussionist Daniel Aguilar, Italian pianist Giovanni Verga, and Edinburgh-based producer The Reverse Engineer. Driven by his desire to explore new sound perspectives and ideas, Jona has carefully forged his career path by consistently creating exciting and forward-thinking music. His previous label outings: 'Traffic' on 'Lost Tapes Volume 1' (AEON010) and 'Gemini EP' (AE- ON016) have seen him fine-tune his own unique sound. By incor- porating a wide range of styles into his tracks, Jona strives to break down unnecessary boundaries and explores new ideas and ways to ignite that hallowed dancefloor flame. It is therefore no wonder that his collaborative creations for 'Sidetracking' have yielded such stimulating aural delights. Fittingly, the album prologue opens with a track whose style is heav- ily influenced by the jazz music that Jona was so in love with dur- ing his formative years. Calling on the somewhat mysterious Usio (whose 'Kuwa Huru' LP on Studio Barnhus should be checked by everyone) to join him in a studio jam, has resulted in 'The Chase', an utterly compelling afro-beat influenced percussive groove, topped with swirling funk-fuelled stabs and strings, mesmerising chiming piano, and a large helping of pure, hip-swinging goodness. Taking 'The Chase' on an entirely different and yet perfectly com- plimentary twisted trip, AEON family members Simone Sinatti and Marco Paladin (aka Speaking Minds) conjure up a futuristic technoid disco demon that is all about throbbing energy, sweat, darkness and hissing smoke machines - perfect ingredients for an unforget- table strobelight serenade. Changing the mood entirely and cutting the tempo to a dublicious skank, 'Transmission Breakdown' sees Jona's experimental creative juices in full flow, as he teams up with Edinburgh-based digital com- poser and sound artist Dave House (aka The Reverse Engineer) for a delightfully hazy downtempo jam. Both as an artist and a DJ, Manchester's Marcus Intalex has been at the forefront of soulful, musical drum & bass for what seems like forever. A passion for techno has always run deeply through his music and under his Trevino moniker he is also a powerful creative force (check his recent 'Front' album to get the full picture). Here, he takes 'Transmission Breakdown' on a magical excursion, filled with subtle, hypnotic, evolving energy, anchored with an irresistible pul- sating bassline throb - a perfectly synergetic interpretation to round off Jona's 'Sidetracking' album prologue in style.

Welcome to the new output of HueHelix. For our 4th vinyl release, Tomohiko Sagae represents his interpretation of HueHelix along with an awesome Makaton Blood Alone Mix. Tomohiko mixes several elements up including: dark, dirty, strong, harsh, distorted, funky, rocking aspects. No matter what BPM you play, all tracks keep the unique groove and atmosphere that only Tomohiko can create. Makaton completely reconstructs 'Abducted' to make it extraordinary crazy. Stay tuned for the next vinyl releases, you won't be disappointed.

The Filthy Six are back with a cover of Michael Jackson's 1983 mega hit 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'. Available from January 22nd on 7' vinyl (& digital download).

Already something a floor filler for a handful of DJs lucky enough to have a copy. It is expected to become the funk floor-filler over Christmas and the New Year, as well as a regular feature on Craig Charles Funk 'n' Soul Show.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' is the bands' first single from their third album for Acid Jazz, More Filth' which will be released in February next year.

Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' comes accompanied with jazz-soul instrumental, 'Iguana Strut', which also features on the album.

Limited to 500 units, pressed on black vinyl and delivered in an Acid Jazz house bag.


(feat Brendan Reilly - radio edit)

French heavy weight producer and long time friend of the label, Rocco, is now back on Colourful Recordings! Going back to his techno roots sporting a gritty Lyon sound, A-side Viana, is building around a funky hook and housy beats. B-side sees Rocco picking it up a notch with a techno groover Basic Channel-esque style. On remix duty, romanian Marcman steps up to deliver an almost toolish remix of Viana that's been hammering the dance floors during the summer. Mastering by Andreas at Schnittstelle.

Mental jacktrax by Gerry Read. Easy to resist these non-formulaic jack tracks in the days of conformist dance music cause its not the tunes that will make your crew do the fist pump thing during the weekly big headliner rave... but we like!! Mr Read is funky as fuck and reminds us a bit of dutch Techno punks Unit Moebius (which is always a good thing!!).
Some feedback from family and friends:
Moxie Feeling the darkness of this and the percussive beats. Thanks'
Leon Vynehall really great'
Mosca Ur Head and The Grand National are wicked genreless things'
marcel dettmann thx'
Aera I love the romantic melodies. Will definitely play on my next wedding party!'
Ambivalent I've been a big fan of Gerry Read's stuff for a while. His stuff definitely doesn't sound like anyone else. I love Tango, Woosy and Ant Eater Robot. Thanks for sharing!!'
Danny Daze freaking huuuuuuuge gottttt daaaayum!!!'
Vin Sol WIld ass trax! Woosy gonna make it's way in to my sets'
RANDOMER Enjoying 'Tango''
Arttu Bonkers! and I LOVE all of it!!! :D'
Paul Woolford Truly demented in all the right ways. I'm going to play 'Stand By...' out for sure.... Thank you !'
Marco Bernardi liking this mad shit'
DJ Haus BIG'
DJ Deep Dope!'

perfect, from Detroit schooled funky to minimalist jacking Techno set

This is France in the Mitterrand years: fashions fleet as fast as governments. In the early eighties, the happy-go-lucky gather the nectar of each and every new release.
Believing in a bright future for videotex, and loosened up by the sexy talks broadcasted on the budding pirate radios, the new generation dreams of dance floors and holiday clubs. French Boogie, which preserves the spirit of these years of boodle and bunkum, is the ideal soundtrack to their dreams.

What the web now refers to as French Boogie is some synthetic funk reflecting the spirit of those days when nothing was impossible, or so it seemed. Its syncopated flow heralded the dawning of French rap. Often considered as some kind of post-disco, inspired as much by black music as by new wave, this carefree pop music with bawdy lyrics indulged in simple pleasures: holidays, swank and sun were recurrent themes. Totally in tune with its time, it incidentally glorified luxury, success, and a certain consumerism embodied, for instance, in Bernard Tapie.

In popular clubs such as La Main Bleue in Montreuil, or L'Echappatoire in Clichy-sous-Bois - where Micky Milan could be seen behind the decks - an enthusiastic audience discovered this new sonic wave, influenced as much by French pop as by Sugar Hill Gang or Kurtis Blow. The artists who first launched the movement engaged in it wholeheartedly, but as often the case with new music trends in France, humour and casualness quickly became a decoy to impose a new style. This explosive mixture, in which startling and typically Frenchy French lyrics go along New-York-style tunes, is sometimes reminiscent of the kinky comedies directed by Max Pécas or Claude Zidi. On this prolific scene, partly originating from the Jewish community, everybody was looking for success, trying to hit the jackpot with what was to hand. Famous media personalities, one-hit wonders or John Does in quest of fame, all had a go at French Boogie - more or less successfully. Apart from « Vacances j'oublie tout » by Elégance, « Un fait divers et rien de plus » by Le Club, or « Chacun fait ce qui lui plaît » by Chagrin d'amour (produced by Patrick Bruel), very few songs became hits: the story of funk in France is that of a half-baked robbery.

In this myriad of new musicians, the very young François Feldman and Phil Barney pioneered a fresh and hybrid style. Other well-known artists like Gérard Blanc from Martin Circus (Attaché Case), Richard de Bordeaux (Ich), or Jean-Pierre Massiera (Anisette, Pirate Scratch Band, Mandrake, Scratch Man...) added an eccentric touch to this sound-wave, making it often entertaining, and sometimes showy.

Capture d'écran 2015-10-26 à 12.55.43Singers like Agathe (the author of 'La Fourmi' and of the hit song 'Je ne veux pas rentrer chez moi seule') were far more than just window dressing. They even tried to give an ironic and subversive twist to this rather harmless genre. The very vindictive rebel Gérard Vincent shared in this spirit, but as a whole, French Boogie became associated with nonchalance and sauciness. Thus, Stéphane Collaro, Gérard Jugnot, Alain Gillot Pétré and other TV clowns would clumsily contribute to this French variation on funky sounds. In a few but intense years, French Boogie gave all the tips to party with style.

If some hits made it possible for the happy few to get a real house under truly exotic palm trees, the wave actually ebbed away very quickly, leaving quite a few musicians stranded on the shore. Whether they were sincerely motivated, or simply opportunistic, they had failed. In 1984, French Boogie was already breathless, and got merged with other genres: on the one hand, rap and breakdance adapted its flow to a more urban world, especially with Sydney's show, H.I.P.H.O.P, and Dee Nasty's broadcasts on Radio Nova; on the other, italo, new beat and house began to rule over dance floors, even more strongly asserting the will to develop music for clubs.

Squeezed in between the age of disco and that of modern electronic music, French Boogie was a transitional phase, but it remains an amazingly refreshing testimony to the intermingling of pop and underground cultures. The genre was hastily categorized as anecdotal in spite of its pioneering synthetic groove and matchless bass lines. An attentive ear will discover the poetry of the ephemeral beyond the eccentricities of the genre, as well as a certain unexpected avant-gardism. At the origin of major music trends, always cheerful and catchy, French Boogie is what you need to party.

Manchester based producer Sameed delivers us a very nice EP for the Skylax n°141. After his first weapon "Spend EP" on the swedish label Local Talk, he confirms here his taste for house music with "Ma'Thang". This new release is perfect to bring a dark and sensual amosphere to a warm up set.The first side begins with "Bad You", a perfect mix between a deep bassline, a mysterious background and soulfull vocals. The only element that kept you stuck on the floor is the raw clap. "No one else" is more focused on the beat and the repetition of the funky voice sample through the patterns. By using flanger effects, Sameed gives even more energy to this track, moving away from the keyboard softness. The third one, "Blue", could be the expression of what you hear while dreaming. We find again a mystic musical background but it is added to a very light melody, the sound of the sea and what seems to be whoops of joy."Hustle", the first track of the second side, is definitely darker and more nostalgic. Remebering us some Rick Wade sounds, the melody seems to confuse itself but keeps a clever coherence. The hi-hats manage to provide the sensation of speed and continuity all along the musical trip. "Watching U", is really about rythm and bass : the raw beat and heavy bassline deliver to this title all its identity. The jazzy notes and asexual vocals fit very well with this body oriented track. "Grg-Jam" is certainly the most particular element of this EP. Even if we can find the same kind of melodies as in the other titles, the beat is really different, remembering drum'n bass but in a very soft way. During this imaginative jam session, Sameed alternates the textures of the hats, bringing a frenetic rhythm to the conclusion of Ma'Thang.Sameed proves us that he is definitely a safe bet of the "Madchester" house scene. To be continued.

One of Sweden's best kept techno secrets, KAB, is back with a vengeance. Remix done by Karl M. Dreamy, deep and funky EP for your soul!

We have released several of Brazilian jazz legend Dom Salvador's records on Mr Bongo. He worked with artists including as Elis Regina, Jorge Ben and Edu Lobo and led Salvador Trio, as well as releasing under his own name. Dom lives in New York and plays a Hotel piano bar daily.'Barumba' is an uptempo funk-jazz monster with heavy drums and piano right from the off. Soaring horns add to the drama.Originally released on his self titled LP on CBS Brazil in 1974.

'Morre o burro, Fica o Homem' is the third Osmar Milito track to feature in our Brazil 45's series. A classic samba-rock track; funk drums fills and punchy horns underpin the MPB vocals, building in tempo slightly over the track. The song was originally written by Jorge Ben.Taken from his expensive and hard to find 'Nem Paletó, Nem Gravata' LP released on ATCO Brazil in 1973.r

On his first release for Droid Recordings, master sound technician Brian Sanhaji drops two hard, gritty tracks. A1, Macronomena,' is an unmissable, surprising thrill. A filthy, grainy bass synth gets mangled by filters and LFO, pushed out of time, and forced back into a perfect, funky lock with the pummeling beat. Nearly five minutes in, the machine breaks down and falls apart, only to slam back into groove with new, jack-oriented elements. B2, Synphone,' plays things straighter, manipulating the optimal gears and levers of the techno toolkit for an undeniable dance floor mover.

3024 welcomes a bright young lad from Denmark to the label by the name of Erosion Flow. These three vibrant little nuggets of funk are the introduction to his ambitious Spectrums series. Artwork by Erosie (no relation)

Stephen Brown presents his next new Mirage EP for Mojuba sub label a.r.t.less. The Scotish techno mainstay who just released an EP for the magnificent Indigo Aera returns after his huge debut Illuminance EP with a killer techno tune called 2FM in finest Robert Hood / M-Plant tradition on the A-Side! The B-Side is a very emotional synth laden track that will work perfectly for those opening or closing set moments when everyone is in the zone, eyes closed floating on the dance floor following the funk created by rhythmic melodies!

Tom Ze - Jimmy Renda-se

Ze's 'Jimmy Renda-se' is instantly recognisable thanks to the driving lead
guitar intro and funk drums; Tropicalia at it's finest. The track is taken from
his 1970 self-titled LP. As sampled by Ameriie on 'Take Control' and recently
included in the soundtrack to 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E'.


Jorge Ben - Take it Easy My Brother Charlie

We thought it was time to release this all-time classic samba-rock/MPB song by
Jorge Ben, also known as 'Take It Easy My Brother Charles'. Taken from his
self-titled 1969 LP on Philips Brazil and also released on a 7' EP the year
before.

Sampled by Drumagick on their Drum & Bass big hitter 'Easy Boom'.

Since the release of his first album in 2013, Lucas Arruda has quickly established himself as one of the most talented young artist and composer from Brazil. His music is filled with fusion style, mixing influences and elements from his Latin musical background, with his genuine admiration for Jazz, Soul and Funk music.

In spring 2015, it was also not surprising to find Lucas Arruda back with a new LP called SOLAR, receiving great supports and feedbacks from international medias and tastemakers. One of the highlight of SOLAR was the track 'Melt the Night', on which Lucas asked legendary producer Leon Ware for his help, reminding his collaborations in the 80s with Marcos Valle, when they perfectly merged together the sophisticated Boogie and AOR touch from California, with the blazing sense of rhythm from Brazil.

Willing to enlighten even more this timeless song, which could easily be produced in the early-mid 80s, Favorite Recordings decided to give it a brand new suit and found the perfect tailor with Nu-Funk raising producer, XL Middleton. Part of the modern-funk movement and based in Pasadena, XL has released volumes of work, the sound of which embodies the party feel, bringing music back to where it was before it found its way into upscale clubs, while at the same time mixing it with a futuristic brand of funk inspired by legends such as George Clinton, Roger Troutman, or Morris Day.

The result is a stunning remix, bringing 'Melt the Night' into a futuristic Boogie-Funk world with massive basslines and heavy beats!! This great vinyl 12inch comes with Original and Instrumental Versions on the B-Side, to finalize a perfect package for DJs and diggers.

Funky Dub Minimal tracks from the german duo Neverm!nd + 1 remix of Tom Ellis.

Absence Seizure Is a new Limited Edition vinyl NYC imprint. Brought to you by NYC's own Matuss and Abe Duque. This EP includes four beautiful late night tracks, deep and hypnotic, with a bit of dark funky spice. Musical art combined with one of a kind Rorschach artwork by Anastasia Podolskaya. Deep Techno, Soulful Minimal, Shallow House, Mesmerizing Music, Absence Seizure!

Alex from Tokyo presents new label world famous debut release from Tokyo Black Star - Edo Express EP out in October, 2015


Paris-born, Tokyo-raised, New York-based international eclectic French DJ, music producer and sound designer Alex from Tokyo is very excited to announce the October 2015 launch of his record label 'world famous" with a new Tokyo Black Star EP (the first release in three years)!


The four different straight up house music club tracks here on the "Edo Express EP" showcase Alex from Tokyo's versatile and funky DJ style and come from a very special fun jam session that took place in January 2015 at Isao's Tokyo Black Star and phonon studio with the help of their great musician/analog equipment otaku friend Kenichi Takagi leading to Kenichi san officially becoming the third Tokyo Black Star member, bringing along some of his favorite old, new and handmade (modular) synths into the mix.


The stunning artwork for the release is done by long-time collaborator the very talented New York based Japanese artist Tomokazu Matsuyama, who has been creating the Tokyo Black Star visual identity since their first release on Innversions in 2005.


Working in harmony with music partner and sound/mastering engineer Isao Kumano in Tokyo, Alex from Tokyo formed Tokyo Black Star in 2000 while remixing Big Moses feat. Jan'elle's house classic "For you" for Kerri Chandler's label Bassmental records. Since then Tokyo Black Star has released five EPs including the first-ever release on high-profile Berlin label Innversions (the "Psyche Dance EP," 2005) and their full length debut album 'Black Ships' (April 2009, also on Innervisions), an EP on DJ Deep's Deeply Rooted House label and remixes for artists like Tony Allen (P-Vine records Japan, 1999), Carl Craig (Psyche 'Neurotic Behavior' on Planet E, 2011), Phenomenal Handclap Band (Tummy Touch Records, 2013), Bing Ji Ling (Lovemonk), and Kuniyuki (mule music), and among others.


Always looking for new challenges and sonic adventures, in the summer of 2010 the Tokyo Black Star duo were joined by top Japanese audio professionals at Isao's studio in Tokyo, leading to the creation of a new 'revolutionary' audio brand called phonon , which makes exceptional pro-audio equipment for studio and DJ use.


Tokyo Black Star's last release, in 2013, was a special musical contribution called "X" for a unique celebratory 10th anniversary compilation for Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas fashion brand Y-3. Alex from Tokyo co-directed the exclusive compilation


world famous will be presenting a wide range of dance floor and eclectic music by Tokyo Black Star, Alex from Tokyo's collaborative projects with other artists and his affiliated japanese and international connections! Mastering for all releases will be done by Isao Kumano.

Essen's own Glenn Astro has called his first album Throwback, and the name is at once a perfect fit and not nearly the extent of the story. On the one hand, Astro has filled the double-LP with a wealth of old-school gestures and textures—the warm whoosh of analog synths, the rattle of Rhodes tines and the sizzle of jazzy drums,all held together by the comforting glue of tape hiss and vinyl crackle. If you're used to the clean sonic lines and stylistic streamlining of so much contemporary house music, then Throwback is sure to feel less like a record you just pulled out of plastic wrap than a well-seasoned one salvaged from a flea market or unfinished basement. And yet like so many Tartelet releases—particularly the label's last two full-lengths,
Max Graef's Rivers of the Red Planet and Uffe's Radio Days—it feels fresh and keenly contemporary no matter how vintage the fabric. Rather than throw back to any one moment, he's given us a collage of styles that's quite literally timeless. Astro makes brilliant work of his influences, drawing on hip-hop, house, funk and soul in such equal measure that it's hard to argue that one impulse dominates the other. The sound certainly flirts with the dance floor, with Astro applying highpressure
deep house pads on the title cut, gliding on shimmering keys for "One For Viktor," and taking us on a vibraphone-fueled workout with "Kilometer Disco," one of a pair of cuts featuring Max Graef. But Astro obviously relishes the time he spends on the sidelines absorbing the atmosphere, or at home head-nodding to the dustiest corners of his record collection. For every house beat you hear, you'll also dip into juicy, 90's-style beat science, toasty ambience and buttery chord progressions.
Expertly paced but never hustling you along, Throwback begs to be heard as a whole but explored at your own easy pace—a record for hazy mornings-after, vibey
nights in and endless summer afternoons.

One half of Scottish duo Clouds, Perth Drug Legend tear off a solo EP of rugged, apocalyptic bloke-techno. Stunners, all of them. Freak genius at work.
What more can be said about Clouds, young prodigies who have put out as much innovative techno in the past few years than anyone. The story takes a twist with a wealth of material being released by PDL, hot off a remix of Tiga's Bugatti and releases on Resin and Westend Communications. The sound is reminiscent of Ghost Systems Rave, but there's the feeling that things have gotten even more refined, something that smacks of a real subcultural movement.

Opener Balquhidder Ruins is a stomping gate-crasher, the tempo pulled back just enough to feel the grit of industrial funk, everything restrained to it's bare essentials. Monzievaird swings heavily around a few twinkling bleeps, sparse, chunky kicks that thunder through the greased hats. Pushing things even more into the dark corners with overdriven, haunting resonance is Clackmannanshire Crusaderz, which sounds like the soundtrack to being blacked out on the ground in a Berghain tunnel. Thisistullohnottibetpal adds a mystical, multi culti dimension with some mountain flute inexplicably soaring through the air before a bell breakdown zens things into a forceful yet tranquil climax.

If that madness weren't enough, there's a digital bonus track which is an absolute bomb if you're into lower tempos and hip hop inflected bangers.

Stunners, all of them. Freak genius at work.

Toby Tobias has been responsible for some fine quality music over the past 10 years with labels such as Rekids, Nang, Let's Play House and Quintessentials all dropping his unique brand of raw, analogue house and techno. A DJ's DJ who always seems to pull out a lesser known gem and make it sound like a classic, Toby knows his music as well as his studio, inside out. We've been proud to deliver three EP's from him on Delusions but we all felt the time was right for a full length, especially considering that 7 years have passed since his debut LP Space Shuffle on Rekids. Toby fully embraced the scope and breadth that an LP affords a producer, holing up in his Hackney studio and losing himself in his machines. Rising Son is the result of those sessions and it's brilliant!

From the opening machine funk of The Wonder featuring vocals from Atwell we can hear that Toby is quite sure about the direction he's taken for the LP. 808 beats bring vintage electro vibes whilst Atwell's vocal hints at the golden era of Chicago house, adding a soulful touch to the rigid groove. Love Affair continues the theme of off-world utopia where the droids have a heart and soul and sing torch songs of love lost, the Moroder-esque influences bringing a retro sheen to the LP. As we continue through tracks such as Sloflava and Sending Signals we find blissful, downtempo jams which perfectly soundtrack this imagined night time world which Toby seems so happy to immerse himself and his listeners in.

I Robot follows, providing the one cover version on the LP from the Alan Parsons Project as well as being an LP defining focal point. A track which shows that when the machines are working for you, it could just be a perfect world. But Broken Computer soon shows us what can happen when things go wrong. Incidentally, this is from a genuine computer crash which Toby managed to capture using his phone. A beautiful glitch in the system which spewed out such a mournful noise and a very happy accident that would be completely impossible to create if you set out to try.

As we continue we're treated to the likes of Friday Analogue Jam, Whisper It and Weird Danger, all echoing bleeps, squelching bass notes, heavenly pads and precision beats. In some ways we get a feeling of a land that time forgot, in others something of sublime beauty and futurism. That Toby can paint pictures with his music in this way speaks volumes, knowing instinctively when to draw out a mood or feeling or flip things on their head to command your attention and beg another listen. And another.....