Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

About a year ago, I had dinner with a special group of friends obsessed with food like me, we call it the Yum Yum Club. Max Pask is a member and while we were preparing a decadent meal, he played me that Evans Pyramid song « Never Gonna Leave You » that I didn't know of. It blew me away and I immediately tried to integrate it in my DJ mixes. But that proved to be a challenge as the beautiful song is very lo-fi in its production with very quiet beats. OK for a very end of a night, but I wanted to play it more than that, so we decided to make an edit with Max that quickly turned into something closer to a remix. Here it is now. There's a house mix for the pumping hours and a disco mix that is closer to the original. Very glad to introduce you to the amazing music of Evans Pyramid (if you never heard of him), a forgotten genius from Boston, the missing link between Shuggie Otis and Prince.

ShunGu is back on earth after his “Exile dreams” in the astral worlds.

On his journey to travel to a different horizon. Lost In the middle of eternity. A new sunlight on his way through the darkness of humanity. Victory in defeat, ShunGu has rebuilt his spaceship. Far away, further than we can hear, the producer has been working on different frequencies. It’s the beginning of the end of something… Symbolizing eternity, inspired by the work of Gods, ShunGu has mastered his perspective of music.

The new quest is just starting, the 10 tracks project was produced with the contribution of Gabriel Govea Ramos on guitar/bass guitar. Featuring Pink Siifu, Mamoyo and Spote Breeze on vocals and recorded in the Darkestra home studio in Brussels, Belgium.

The album can be encapsulated by one sentence, “So I lived my story in my dreams, not in this world”

Some Became Hollow Tubes floating in the ocean.

6 self recorded improvised drone rock waves from Eric Quach (thisquietarmy - relentless DIY powerhouse) and Aidan Girt (Godspeed You! Black Emperor).

Chords loop, pedals get pushed, pounding drum parts get added and subtracted, it starts quiet and gets loud. Eric no longer needs to worry about the rhythm, Aidan no longer has to worry about the song structure. All four ears stay cocked and listening even if neither of them are very good at keeping eye contact.

One life to live, pound drone and loop this moment into the present, hahaha let’s keep joking, it's ok.... the music has our sadness. This world is dying, the machines are getting better and better at eating material things to create nothing and all we can do is make wordless music in response.

The album was mastered by Harris Newman (Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Tindersticks etc).

Rock Sucks! is back with three mad boogie bangers made by three killer ladies. The Boogie Freakdown is real with this one.
Don’t sleep.

Kip Carmen and Danny Horton are seasoned men of music. In the early 70s, Kip was signed to Memphis’ legendary HI Records. He also had releases on independent labels, including Queen Bee, Reveille & AFE (with Danny), plus an LP in 1979 on Long Islands Sounds.
In August 1982 at Normandy Sound Studios, Rhode Island, the cream of New York and Boston session musicians assembled to record songs for an album release. Due to a prolonged recession in the music business and the onset of CDs, the recordings were shelved.
IZIPHO SOUL have captured two masterpieces: TECIHILA, which in Native American means ’I Love You’ in a powerful and spiritual way. It’s a post disco jam with sensuous lyrics - one of those songs where you can ‘picture the scene’. The B Side - THOUGHTS OF LOVING YOU - continues the alluring theme at a slower tempo.
Some releases require more complex licensing work, bravery and belief. I am personally thrilled for Kip and Danny that these unique pieces of music have been rescued, restored and released on vinyl.
Wanna get on the Tecihila train



Out on 3rd May. Limited to 300 copies

We are extremely proud to present these unreleased demos by New York Jazz/Soul singer Lou Watson. Recorded in October 1977, at the early stages of his singing career, these compositions were just too good to remain undiscovered!
Produced by Ronald Foster of Ecstasy Passion & Pain fame, Lou blends his sonorous baritone over a guitar, bass, piano and drum backing. We hope you enjoy their rawness and beauty!


Out on 3rd May. Limited to 300 copies.

Following the mighty rendition of "I Want You", Soul Sugar (a.k.a. Guillaume 'Gee'
Metenier) is back with another massive Soul-Reggae version, this time taking on Luther
Vandross' "Never Too Much".
Fearlessly taking on such timeless classics is serious business, and Leo Carmichael
delivers, once again, with a maximum dosage of finesse and feeling. Seductively delicate
backing vocals from Carl Lee Sharshmidt and Karene Brown keep it as warm and
intimate as one would hope, while Thomas Naim's tasteful guitar licks and Gee's minimal
production allow the song to breathe and flow steadily on its own.
Recorded in Paris, Kingston, Miami and London, the resulting blend of Soul and Reggae
riddims has rarely felt so natural. On the A-side, Gee's "Discomix" dubs a generous dose of
the sultry backing vocals over a minimal, bassy groove that dips, dives and flows on into the
sunset. UK producer Adam Prescott lets loose with an infectious 90's dancehall rerub,
aiming straight for the dancefloor... ladies' choice! Finally rhythm legends Sly & Robbie
drop the BASS with a heavy dancehall treatment, taking it low, letting it ride, while the
vocals float on... Never Too Much!

Founded by Larry Akles in 1971 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, The Chocolate Buttermilk Band, has been one of the busiest and most successful cover and backing bands in the Southern United States for the last 5 decades.
While they’re little known outside the region, their handful of singles from the early 1980s are, for record collectors, among the best and most desirable in Modern Soul and Boogie Funk.

Jerome Derradji & Past Due Records are proud to present “Head Games (The Story of Larry Akles & CBM Records)”. Released on a DLP / CD with printed inner sleeves (or booklet) that include never seen before pictures of the band and a story written by Jacob Arnold. Artwork is by the mighty Al Kent. As a companion to the compilation we are also reissuing the incredibly rare and sought after “Head Games” 7” with a picture sleeve.

This compilation includes every song released by the Chocolate Buttermilk Band, remastered and reissued for the first time.

Needless to say, this is an essential release for fans of Boogie, Soul and Funk as the Chocolate Buttermilk Band releases are known to fetch thousands in the collectors market.

In Larry Akles own words, “This girl in Atlanta told me one time, she said ‘Larry, I heard on the radio that Chocolate Buttermilk was going to be on the show, and I told my girlfriend, Oh, it’s gonna be onnnn if Chocolate Buttermilk on there, ’cause whoever come behind them, they got to go!’” He continues, “When we hit the stage, boy it’d be some fire. We wouldn’t have to get warmed up. We’d start off hot!”

Having previously collaborated with the likes of Shafiq Husayn, Chester Watson and Foreign Beggars, electronic space funk outfit Paper Tiger return from an explorative journey to the dark edges of the cosmos with their long-awaited third album ‘Rogue Planet’.

The Leeds and London-based outfit (whose collective playing credits include Yellow Days, Werkha, Nubiyan Twist, Cinematic Orchestra & more) once again seamlessly combine elements of live recording and improvisation, their emphasis on blending organic sounds with electronic production techniques. The result is music which is interesting and technically proficient, but remains vibrant, colourful and funky -captivating both in headphones and on the dancefloor.

Just like the journey from debut long-player ‘Laptop Suntan’ to sophomore album ‘Blast Off’, and in-keeping with the band’s space travel fascination, ‘Rogue Planet’ is a cosmic leap from its predecessor. Band leader Greg Surmacz explains: ‘There is still humour and a sense of playfulness hopefully -largely provided by our MC Raphael Attar -but the overall sound is much more lush, jazzy and soulful. We wanted to make something that fits into our universe but hits a deeper emotional nerve’.

With diverse guests ranging from the legendary Steve Spacek on lead single ‘The Cycle’ to Olivia Bhattacharjee (the vocalist of Gondwana Records-signed Noya Rao) on the shuffling, leftfield beats of ‘Bioluminescent’ and Chicago-born but LA-based MC Lando Chill’s quick-fire delivery on the ironically titled ‘Slow Motion’ the album is a rich and varied listen. It’s a record drenched in futuristic soul, brimming with textured samples and intriguing progressions demonstrating the enviable musicianship on show here. G-Funk-esque melodies run throughout, joined by reverberating celestial horns and scattered drum patterns.

2026 Repress

Celebrating dubwise origins, Mole Audio delivers two fresh remixes of their very first release: Andy Martin ft. Gavsborg's Plato & Caves.

Gavsborg is a towering figure in Jamaica's dancehall scene. So when Andy found an acapella, he set to work on a renegade edit. Subsequently approved and embraced by Gavborg himself, Andy's interpretation provided the launch point for Mole Audio - and is re-envisioned twice more here.

Paired with the original A-side, the B-side remix comes courtesy of south London’s legendary Dub War. Benny ill & Bill Robin are progenitors of the original London Dubstep sound, and their Dub War releases on Tempa are highly prized among collectors.. Pairing hypnotic beats with spacious textures, an insistent analog bass line weaves its way through an infectiously dystopian atmosphere.

Taking a minimalistic house-driven approach, Andy's all-new Mad Magnetism Version brings Gavsborg's original vocal to a prime time environment. Sizzling high hats and diving bass drops combine to keep the dancefloor in motion before insistent dub chords further elevate the urgent atmosphere.

Combined with the original and Nit Yardman's remix, the resulting package once again showcases Mole Audio's unique approach to modern dub aesthetics.

sssIn January 2016 arts and music organisation Santuri East Africa invited guest producer Jan Schulte to join the Nile Project gathering in Aswan, Egypt - an intensive two week musical experiment featuring musicians drawn from all around the Nile Basin that functioned as both a creative cauldron for cross-border collaboration, and a forum for artists and cultural activists to discuss the issues affecting the Nile river.

Wolf Mu¨ller aka Jan Schulte has been a resident of Dusseldorf's era-defining Salon des Amateurs for many years, releasing wildly inventive and dance music under various monikers - from his birth name to Wolf Mu¨ller, Bufiman and his Young Wolf collaboration with Young Marco. Schulte's feel for off kilter sounds and rhythms and a playful approach to the sometimes po-faced world of dance music have resulted in some incredibly well received releases (Instrumental Musik Von Der Mitte Der World and the compilation Tropical Drums of Deutschland being prime examples).

Santuri East Africa is an organisation set up to connect musicians and producers from around the globe, a process of co-collaboration that has led to some highly well received releases on Soundway (Msafiri Zawose) Sofrito (Auntie Flo's Soniferous Garden) and On the Corner (Makadem and Mugwisa).

Clocking in at a shade over 15 minutes, A-side 'Mabomba Dance' gradually layers Kasiva Mutua's needle-sharp percussion over a deep analogue bass pulse, building into a hypnotic dancefloor workout.

The B-side sees erstwhile Owiny Sigoma Band collaborator Rapasa Nyatrapasa showcase his Nyatiti harp before delving into an almost Afrobeat-esque slice of afro-minimalism. The EP rounds off with Adel Mekha's stellar vocals over traditional Nubian percussion.

A limited edition 7” release from the Holy grail library label FREESOUND. Schfiter is the meeting of two massive library musicians Jackie Giordano & Yan Tregger. DYNAMITE CUTS give you a super fresh loud 45 cuts. Including a re-production of the original sleeve. ALL tracks are first time on 45, don’t miss out x500 only.

Lost Soul is an uptempo funk song recorded and written in Kunming, China with a killer breakbeat that has already become an underground hit in the b-boy scene, finally receiving a release on 7" vinyl via Dinked Records. DJ DSK, The People's Rhythm & Angela Cory penned ideas for the song while touring the Chinese club circuit together.

DSK then approached different musicians living in different parts of China at the time for their help in recording the song. The song has been played at many high level b-boy battles including the final of the UK B-Boy championships by DJ Renegade.

We are please to announce our second release with Freddie Lager aka Red Astaire, Sweden’s Hip Hop DJ/Producer extraordinaire! 90’s Baby features Olivia Ruff, originally from Hawaii and now based in the Bay area. The track is a tribute to some of that 90’s tunes that Olivia grew up on and features her smooth vocals bumping along nicely to Red’s dope beats. Limited edition of 500 – don’t sleep!

There will only be 500 copies, all hand numbered on beautiful yellow vinyl (sunglasses advised). This configuration of “Give Me The Sunshine” and “I’m Back For More” has not been on 12” since 1980. Nearly 40 years ago. Once these yellow pressings are gone, that’s it!

The new album by Juno Award and Polaris Music Prize-nominated Canadian soul star Tanika Charles.

Produced by a stable of some of Canada's finest musical minds including among the others Chin Injeti (DJ Khalil, Eminem, Drake, Aloe Blacc..), Record Kicks proudly presents "The Gumption" the awaited new album by Canadian soul star Tanika Charles that will hit the streets worldwide on May 10.

"What gave you the gumption?" Tanika Charles rhetorically asks during the introductory notes of her sophomore album appropriately titled The Gumption. While the apprehensive lover at the receiving end of that inquisition should feel slighted by the remark, it also alludes to the assuredness Tanika has gained since the release of her Juno Award and Polaris Music Prize-nominated debut Soul Run. The Gumption picks up where Soul Run left off, continuing her tradition of marrying classic soul with modern production styles. Across a dozen songs spanning 38 minutes, Tanika addresses moments of vulnerability, vindication, uncertain love, forbidden fruit and the state of the world today. "It's a little more mature. It's not feeling guilty about being up front, not being afraid to address situations that aren't comfortable for me. I'm comfortable in my skin now in a way I never was before. The overall theme is growth. I feel the music reflects that, and my words reflects that. Even the album cover tries to convey the feeling too. I'm not putting up with unnecessary nonsense anymore."

Predominately guitar-driven mid-tempo soul, with a handful of dance floor friendly tunes and some psychedelic leanings, The Gumption was indirectly influenced by the likes of Alabama Shakes, The Supremes, Khruangbin, D'Angelo, and Moses Sumney. It is sonically moody at times, but with consistent silver-lining arcs. "I've grown up and learned to deal with situations significantly better. We have a tendency to hold back our innermost feelings for fear of hurting others. Even when we're happy we worry about over-sharing, as if joy is a competition you don't want to gloat about."

The success of Soul Run propelled Tanika in front of new audiences far and wide, with extensive touring in North America and Europe. "I've been touring, experiencing new places and meeting new people. And in that time also worked on completing this album". While criss-crossing Canada with festival appearances on both the east and west coasts, Tanika also embarked upon four overseas tours for a combined 45 European shows within a one year period. This included performances at the prestigious Trans Musicales Festival in France, the Lärz, Germany Fusion Festival, Mostly Funk & Soul and Jazz Festival in UK, the Holy Groove Festival in Switzerland, and the Canarias Jazz Festival in Spain.

Woxow is back with another 7 inch and this time it’s all about reggae. After pressing the original song and K+Lab Remix, now this is the turn for Dj Maars’ remix. “Chaos” is a track where the Italian producer Woxow managed to persuade not just rocksteady legend Ken Boothe to appear on it but also Akil from Jurassic 5 and Blurum13 as well. The Australian producer Dj Maars, co-founder of Easy Now Recordings and master of the reggae-hiphop vibes, “plumps for a warm reggae riddim which is a natural fit with Boothe’s voice” (Monkeyboxing). On the b-side secret producer “Smile Davis” make his debut throwing a reggae flip on Woxow’s jazzy vibes “Look Around", featuring conscious lyrics from New York MC “Stimulus". Powered by Little Beat More Records.

Margino (real name Kim Kallie) is a South African artist. She recorded her first song
at the age of eight, when she performed ''Montreal'' with her mother Judy Page. She
sang with the reggae group Kariba and jazz rock outfit Turbo in the early 80's, and
later did backing vocals for Future and others. She first shot to fame as a solo star
with a version of ''Holiday'' (written by Lisa Stevens and Curtis Hudson, credited as
Cathy Hudson), which was released at the same time as Madonna's version.
Margino also had a hit in 1983 with a cover of In-Deep's ''Last Night a DJ Saved My
Life'', that went to #16 on the South-African Top 30 and charted for 10 weeks. She
now runs a Performance Academy from her studio, and continues to perform on
stage at events around Cape Town.
Recorded at RPM Recording Studios (Johannesburg, South Africa) in 1985, Happy
People is a flawless album with dancefloor hits such as ''Happy People'', ''I'm
Getting Out'' and ''One Hot Night'' and downtempo tunes such as ''You Turn Me On'',
''You Need A Woman'' and ''You''. All rhythm tracks were played by Attie Van Wyk
(Keyboards, Synthesizer, Drum Machine) and Danny Bridgens (Guitar). The full
album is a cream of boogie funk, disco and pop.
For this reissue, Jamwax took the pleasure to remaster the sound from the original
tape. The artwork was also remake with Andy Warhol ''Marilyn Monroe'' pop art
style, for your eyes pleasure.

Tribe is a record label created by like-minded artists from Barcelona, with a bold purpose of generating and sharing their idea of timeless electronic music. The debut EP Tribe01 comprises four different yet catchy and charismatic tunes that meet at the same point - the dance floor.

As you take off from the A side, you discover an audioreactive tune 'Inertia' - a creation of Baraso & Sonodab aka Barson. The track has a genuine ravy soul spiced with an acid touch and a memorable pad that will get stuck in your head.

As you continue exploring A side, you recognize the 1996 masterpiece 'Hamstrung' by Freddy Fresh aka Modulator, head of Analog Records USA. This exclusive re-edit made with Freddy's permission has a legendary groove of 90's and filtered hats that make a good party great.

Moving on to the B side, you meet a serious dance floor burner 'Chromatic Life' - a creation of Artes. The track is a travel towards the unknown depth of acid, house and techno sounds - a journey you want to make.

As you finish your sound voyage, you discover a phenomenal 'Gravitron' by a mastermind John Shima. The track breathes a melancholic tune, garnished with John's unique charisma: detroitish pads, acid elements, and a well-balanced groove that will hypnotize with its vibe.

The now legendary turntablism festival 'National Phonographic' has been hosting some of the most prominent turntable wizards in between 2001-2005. The X-Ecutioners, Cutmaster Swift, Kid Koala, Grazzhoppa, the list goes on and on. Equally as legendary are the National Phonographic 'Turntablist Tackle' vinyl releases. They've been used during DJ battles and sampled by leading producers worldwide. Now, 16 years after the latest record, 'Tackle 3' will be released! Top notch producers Eni-Less, Mike Redman and DJ Optimus created an amazing tool for turntablists and producers alike. This volume, pressed on 7inch limited edition colored vinyl, contains exclusive sounds, phrases and beats. The record also includes a voucher with a unique download code. We're safe to say that 'Turntablist Tackle 3' is the best volume yet!

All producers on this timeless EP known for their contribution to Deep House Music.
Kerri Chandler & Joey Negro has been injecting soul & funk into music since the early 90s, making them one of house music's originators. With a career span of more than 30 years, Spen & Karizma has become one of the most sought-after DJs in the US. Studio don Vincent Inc always bring unforgettable impressions & inspiration for mind, body & soul. 4 tracks came together to tell music stories about hypnotic deepest stuff, depression, happiness, loneliness, love, miracles and magical experiences. And now we're asking other's to join the sound conversation

Helsinki duo Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen present strong body of work on their new LP which updates the sound of an acoustic sax+drums combo in a highly inspiring way. Lassy plays sax, Mäkynen plays drums and handles production duties. Consisting of 13 focused tracks each clocking in at around three minutes, the album's sound ranges from spiritual-tinged free playing all the way to delicious 4/4 groove hard-hitters, showcasing producer "Teddy Rok" Mäkynen's love for electronic music. That being said, the sound here is that of an acoustic jazz band, placed left of the timeline and thinking ahead of what this instrumentation could achieve. The overall sound is warm and inviting, with the various delicious details inspiring repeated listening.

As far as the term "award-winning" goes, here we have two of the latest "Finnish jazz album of the year" winners joining forces and doing what they do best. Both Lassy and Mäkynen are tried and tested stars of the vibrant Finnish jazz scene, and artists who have time and again proven to be highly inventive when moving forward. The new LP "Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen" adds a significant new chapter onto their collaboration, and presents a new formation which will surely be a force to be reckoned with on the live circuit.

In 2017 Blair French came out of hibernation to release contrasting but similarly sun-kissed EPs on Rocksteady Disco and Claremont 56.

Here, he returns to action with a scintillatingly sunny and sensual six-tracker on NuNorthern Soul that may well be his strongest release to date.

Given French's chameleon-like musical history, that's certainly a bold claim.
Over the years, he's been a member of a multitude of musical collectives - most notably Cosmic Handshakes and Formless Figures - established his own DIY record label (Fat Finger Cosmic) and released music that touches on a dizzying array of styles, from award-winning movie soundtracks and Afro-fired deep house, to skewed techno, blissful ambience and experimental hip-hop.

On Patio Pastel, French is in full on sand-between-the-toes Balearic mood, delivering a range of lucid, ear-pleasing compositions that will sashay their way into your consciousness.
Contrast, for example, the drowsy organs, glistening pedal steel and undulating hand percussion of opener 'Patio Pastel' with the Serge Gainsbourg style chanson-goes-tropical bliss of 'La Playa De Tercipelo', which features some deliciously breathy vocals from Stephanie Lyon.

Then there's 'Morning Sail', a sumptuously evocative soundscape rich in toasty, dub disco bass, shuffling percussion and lilting, Jonny Nash style guitar solos (see also the effortlessly horizontal Lounsbury Gardens'), and the kaleidoscopic, saucer-eyed Balearic pop brilliance of ;'Human Make Human', where new age synthesizer melodies and the fuzzy vocal refrain of Kasi Seguin gentle dances above an Afro-flecked, mid-tempo groove.

Throughout the EP, French mixes electronic and acoustic instrumentation, drawing together musical elements from a myriad of styles to create sumptuous new fusions.
It's particularly evident on superb closer 'Belle Isle Sunsets', where colourful synth motifs, eyes-closed guitar riffs and Mediterranean-warm chords wrap themselves around a gently pulsating, impressively layered groove.
Like the rest of the EP, it's perfectly pitched, expertly executed and wonderfully atmospheric.

A7 Edits is back with its second instalment from JD Twitch (Optimo). Following in the fashion of the first record by Stefano Ritteri, Volume 2 offers two edits alongside their sought after original counterparts from Africa Seven favourites’ M’Bamina and Tala AM.

The A-side sees JD Twitch take on M’Bamina’s 1982 ‘Kilowi-Kilowi’, from the group’s third album ‘Reflexion’. Twitch takes this already dance-friendly number and stretches it out, producing a a laidback disco groover with added effects for good measure. A delightful organ line pops us near the beginning, reappearing throughout the edit, often taking turns for centre stage with the vocals or the horns, whilst the funky bass keeps the pace and style throughout. Following Twitch’s version is the original which starts with a rather trippy, meow infused intro before slipping into the type of groove that M’Bamina became known for.

On the B-Side we have Tala AM first up re-edited in classic Optimo eclecticism. ‘Arabica’ was the lead track on Tala André Marie’s 1978 album on Fiesta records. JD Twitch goes large with his version, amping up the already powerful original into overdrive with heavy drums, plenty of reverb and some trippy Frankie-goes to Hollywood-esque effects glittering over the top. It’s not what you expect, but exactly what you wouldn’t expect from a man like Twitch, and definitely works on the floor. The B-side closes with the original version, more disco but all the same power behind it.

Hot out of Lisbon’s ghetto sprawl, 19 year old Puto Tito breaks thru on Príncipe with 20 tracks
produced when he was barely into his teens, all salvaged from an old Soundcloud account and
newly remastered for the dance.
The sound of ‘Carregando a Vida Atrás das Costas’ is patently influenced by Tito’s Angolan heritage
and faithfully employs the popular slow Tarraxho and tougher Kuduro rhythm styles. Yet, like the
best of Príncipe’s releases, it’s the way he injects a playful, weirdo character and uncompromising,
psychedelic vision to his trax that sets Tito’s music apart form the crowd, whilst being very much
connected to it.
With a direct fervour and naturally experimental quality to his productions, the album scales from
drowsy, red-eyed, to brightly coloured downbeats on one hand, while charging into jagged and
nagging uptempo styles on the other hand. But whichever way he goes, it’s always with an off-the-
cuff flair and rhythm-lead suss that works the dance to its best.
The 2LP highlights the full spectrum of Puto Tito’s early remit, diving in with the darkside drone
and rasping rhythm of ‘Noite Magica’, to swerve from the celebratory, drop-top cruise of ‘Mestre
Das Artes’ thru to wickedly screwed Tarraxho in ‘Malucao’ and the deadpan drag of ‘1 2 3’, while
he can hardly suppress his brilliant, weirdo tendencies in the zig-zagging arps of ‘C L Prod’, the
heat-warped funk of ‘OIHo JoOnAe’, and the heatsick, syrupy pressure of ‘Locura Tutal’. Further, the
digital bonuses extend the wigged-out fun in seven short, sharp shots, slipping farther down the
rabbit hole into a bittersweet beatless flex on ‘Melodia daquelas’ alongside the hypnotic uptempo
styles of ‘ABuzaNtesS’.
Tito’s arguably and understandably naif approach speaks to an ideal of dance music as punkish,
fresh and direct, rather than overworked and generic. It’s an approach that, in the past, has
yielded some of the finest underground music, from the UK’s early ‘90s hardcore and jungle, to
South Africa’s Gqom scene, Chicagoan footwork and the Singeli sound of Dar-Es-Salaam. More
specifically, its possible to place Puto Tito in the same dare-to-be-different, bedroom producer
category of grimy Kuduro, Batida and Afrohouse as young heroes Nídia or P.Adrix, as ‘Carregando
a Vida Atrás das Costas’ vividly demonstrates.










[j] [Puto Tito]










[j] [Puto Tito]

*** UNRELEASED JAZZ-FUNK FROM 1982 ***

Columbus, Ohio was a test market for cable and public access cable television in 1980. One time our band was playing an outdoor concert in a downtown park and I saw television cameras pointed in our direction. I couldn't resist talking to the people handling the cameras and was introduced to the man in charge of All-American Cablevision, Craig Schneider. He invited the band to do a concert in their TV studio.

By the time that actually happened, Randy Mather had gone on the road with Woody Herman. I'm pretty sure he recommended Paul Maslin to take his place. Paul learned our whole book in two weeks. I thought that was incredible!

When we got to the studio the day of the taping, one of the band members told me Jeanette Williams wouldn't be with us on the show. She already had an obligation for that day. We played the entire show live with no stopping and no retakes. For public access shows they didn't want to have to stop and start taping if they could avoid it.

They kept the master tapes for only two or three weeks at most for a quick rerun. Then they would reuse the master tape for another show unless you bought the master. By the time I learned this it was already too late to buy the master they'd made of our outdoor show.

As the studio was looking for volunteers I soon found myself behind the camera, then directing shows. I even wrote and directed three episodes of a comedy show I called Looney.

Little did I know Seeds of Fulfillment was in its last days. When it ended, Paul said he knew some musicians in the Chicago area, and asked if I would like to go along. I said yes. It was 1982.

All-American Cablevision and Seeds of Fulfillment, by David Drazin (February 2019)

Key selling points:

- all songs previously unreleased

- deluxe vinyl LP with old school tip-on cover

- incl. full album download code

- limited to 500 hand-numbered copies

The Band:

Gemma M: Lead Vocals & Songwriter

Robert P: Guitar, Songwriter & Producer

Marcus C: Drums

Alan B: Bass

Kevin H: Saxophone (Tenor & Baritone)

Gemma's message:

This album is about love, about fighting for human rights, accepting that we are not perfect human beings, enjoying life doing what we really want to do even if sometimes we think it is too late, but it's better late than never. Also, I talk about the real love, the one that has never gone, the one which gives you the power and strength every day of your life, the one which is always present, even when you do not see it anymore but then you realise that it is there in front of you for the rest of your life! Love is the answer, love is everything. Love conquers hate! Love is Funk & Soul !

Biography:

Gemma & the Travellers gives a nod to the early deep Soul, R&B, Northern Soul and Funk of the 60's but the unique songwriting gives a refreshing twist. Gemma has a powerful and immediately recognisable voice with personality. Although she is inspired by the likes of Dusty Springfield, Julie Driscoll, Etta James & Aretha Franklin, she has a voice like no other. The debut album "Too Many Rules & Games" was released on 28th April 2017. The second album "True Love" is due out in May 2019. Gemma & the Travellers' soulful tunes get regularly aired, particularly on Radio France FIP "Into the Groove" and on BBC radio's "Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show". The outfit has toured throughout Europe and are no stranger to large stages with the majority of the dates in Germany, France and the UK. A memorable concert was opening for Lee Fields & the Expressions. Mickey and the Soul Generation (DJ Shadow sampled a lot of their work) quoted "First time hearing the group and I gotta say you guys really captured that funk/soul beat. (for a lack of a better word) Funk On!.

Authentic 80's roots capturing the 70's vibes in solid manner. Female vocal on "Declaration of Rights" rhythm calling for repatriation although on the other hand a slick dancehall cut by Super Black on the very same rhythm.

This time the Polyversal Souls come along with the Bolga All-Stars, named after their hometone Bolgatanga up in the north of Ghana. The Bolga All-Stars are a choir consisting of the leading local Kologo and Frafra-Gospel artists: Guy One, Alogte Oho, Florence Adooni, Bola Anafo, Amodoo, Ana'abugre and Lizzy Amaliyenga.

This is Bolga! is a hymn of praise about the very vital music scene coming out of Bolgatanga. After an instrumental introduction with solos by Barou Kouyate on the Ngoni and Christian Magnusson on the trumpet, radio Dj Messy from Bolgatanga's leading station World FM is shouting out all names of the singers, before the choir finally comes in and take lead. Carried on by a heavily rocking rhythm section the piece reaches its peak throughout the eloquent solo of saxophone viking Søren Jagtkylling.

"These are wo songs from the very polarities of musical genres and style, but still sharing a similar universal message and sentiment. 'Do Anything You Wanna Do' made me want to 'break out of the city" many years ago and be in a band (which is exactly what I did!). 'Don't Want To Talk' made me question as a young man what is really important in life (which I still do). But it was only very recently that I felt any sort of fool hearted confidence to even possibly attempt my own very different musical spin on both- So it is with great relief that Eddie & The Hot Rods have just given their official thumbs up for our version of their timeless classic 'Do Anything You Wanna Do'. John Martyn sadly is no longer with us, so I can only but hope that somewhere out there beyond the 'Solid Air' he is digging our heartfelt, humble tribute to his fantastic song."

HUGH BROOKER (NIGHT TRAINS)

Night Trains were formed in 1987 by bassist, producer and DJ Hugh Brooker and along with Galliano became part of the first wave of acts to sign to Acid Jazz Records. Giles Peterson and Baz Fe Jazz released Night Trains' critically acclaimed debut album "Checkmate" on their B.G.P [Beat Goes Public] label in 1990. Returning to Acid Jazz Records in the early 90s, the band released two new albums "Loaded" and "Sleazeball" along with several singles and EPs. Night Trains played live extensively across Europe and Japan to promote these records supporting and touring with artists as diverse as Fatboy Slim, Jamiroquai, Gil Scott Heron and Afrika Bambaataa. Brooker currently DJs globally and has been co-writing with and remixing and producing for artists as diverse as Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Earth Wind and Fire. Summer 2012 saw the return of Night Trains to Acid Jazz Records with the 7inch vinyl release of "No More Heroes", a stomping northern soul reinterpretation of The Stranglers' 70s New Wave classic. A teaming with Tim Walkers Back Burna records in 2015 resulted in the uplifting soulful 7inch "Black Whip" and summer 2017 sees the band turning full circle and reuniting, for the first time in 27 years, with sublime vocalist Jennie Bellestar Matthias (Belle Stars) on "Do Anything You Wanna Do", co-produced by James Johnstone [Pigbag) and the magnificent Najwa on the Night Trains version of the John Martyn classic "Don't Want To Know".

Channel One artist The Jays' big dancehall tune for King Tubby. Although its pop element is clearly heard this one also consists of tougher side. Skillfully arranged in dancehall fashion yet deeply resonates with the spirit of roots reggae.

Tubbys, as well as Jammys tunes after the digital revolution, you can find many that sounds great but not all of them will stick to your heart forever. However this Michael Prophet digi killer comes with absolute presence and confidence reflecting his true soul.

Project Gemini is the brainchild of West London-based musician, producer and music journalist Paul Osborne. It makes its debut on Delights with a spooky library-influenced psych-funk double-sider, recorded by Osborne at his home studio, Gardens End, with contributions from the prolific Haifa-based producer Shuzin on drums, and the label's main man Markey Funk on lead keys and production duties. With its otherworldly electronics, fuzz guitars, sinister cinematic groove and sharp funky drums, the new 7inch is ticking all the boxes that define the Delights label's distinctive aesthetic.

Rcommended for fans of The Natural Yogurt Band/The Sign of Four, Mr Chop, Drumetrics, and the early 70's French and Italian library.

Cut Capers are a 9 piece funk and soul band from Bristol. Through their live performances they have built a large cult following. Last years festival tour saw them at Latitude, Bestival, Womad and Glastonbury. Works from their 2016 DIY album "Say What" saw strong local support from radio play including BBC Radio Wales (Adam Walton), BBC Radio Bristol (Steve Yabsley, Jonny Ray) and BCFM. (Cut Capers have sold 1179 of 1500 CD's pressed of "Say What")

Cut Capers new album - Metropolis, now released with the support of Freshly Squeezed Music is set to expand on physical sales from the labels customer network as well as the bands extensive tour schedule. The Album captures an energetic live sound, fusing Funk and hip-hop, mixing female lead vocals with both Spanish and English rap.