Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

A true funk-soul masterpiece. Sampled by Madlib, Homeboy Sandman, Ghostface Killah, Black Milk, Roc Marciano, 9th Wonder, and more.

Beautiful, golden-era soul written by Leon Sylvers III, produced by Jerry Butler and Keg Johnson.

The Sylvers were a family from Los Angeles who were very successful during the 70's and into the early 80's, with chart hits - deep into pop-disco territory - including 'Boogie Fever', 'Hot Line' and 'High School Dance'. This is the group's second album, from 1973, and is one of their strongest.

Opening with the awesome mid-tempo 'We Can Make It If We Try' the record moves through funk, boogie and deep soul moods, finishing on a hazy, acapella version of The Beatles 'Yesterday'.

Official reissue in replica of original artwork.

Mod was a peculiarly British movement. It originated in early-Sixties London without spreading significantly to America or Europe, although it did pave the way for the Swinging London scene which fascinated the world. Yet if the influences which created the distinctive Mod look came from a variety of different locations, the music had to be American - and the less mainstream the better. This album reflects that philosophy.

Pressed On Deadrose' Coloured Vinyl! A lot has changed for Blackbear, the Los Angeles based singer and songwriter, since Deadroses was first issued on CD in 2016. At that time he'd already worked with artist such as Justin Bieber, G-Eazy, Pharrell Williams, Mike Posner, Childish Gambino and more. Since that time his scope as a solo artist has grown to monumental proportions. When Deadroses was first issued he was already one of the largest independent artists on Soundcloud and had Youtube videos that regularly hit millions of views. He's since moved on to a major deal with Alamo/Interscope who reissued his Digital Druglord full length and the all new Cybersex. And the hits just keep coming, about 62 million at present on Youtube for his video do re mi' featuring Gucci Mane. We now take you back to the first full-length from Blackbear with Deadroses' making its vinyl debut, appropriately pressed on deadrose' colored vinyl.

Hailing from Indianapolis, Caesar Frazier (spelled 'Ceasar' from time to time) was a funky soul-jazz organist who recorded several albums for the Eastbound/Westbound label family during the '70s. In addition to recording on his own, Frazier also played keyboards in Marvin Gaye's backing band.

Collaborations with contemporaries were numerous and to this day Frazier's legacy is still alive through samples & remixes from outfits such as 'Gang Starr' and 'Arrested Development'.

In 1972 Frazier cut his first album 'Hail Ceasar', which featured musicians commonly associated with the Prestige label's jazz-funk outings -- Melvin Sparks (guitar), Houston Person (tenor), and Idris
Muhammad (drums). Those names alone should give you a clear idea what's going down on this album: slick wa wa guitar lines, the crisp ultra bumpin' conga rhythms, Idris's slick funk beats, screaming sax solos and last but not least Caesar's trademark Hammond organ sound.

Next to his own material you can also find a few cover tunes on here (by Quincy Jones, Isaac Hayes, Bob Porter (responsible for many superb jazz productions for Prestige and Atlantic) and to top it all off, recording duties were handled by Rudy Van Gelder (known for recording Miles Davis in the early 1950's and the countless work he did for Blue Note, Prestige, Verve .. and many others). This record is a delight for anyone who likes that 1970s organ groove sound and is right up there with some of the best of the Soul Jazz coming out of the early seventies. Hail Ceasar! Is a monster album that could

Originally released in 1972 on Eastbound Records, super rare and fetching large sums on the collectors market, now finally back available as a limited deluxe vinyl edition featuring the original artwork by Tom Curry.

Very limited edition, only 500 boxes!!!

What can be said about Chuck Berry that hasn't been said before The greatest rock'n'roll poet has been celebrated tons of times, in books, records, essays, his music has influenced several artists' generations, his guitar style mimicked thousands of times... rock'n'roll cannot be conceived without Chuck Berry, being him the artist that probably better represents the genre's holy trinity: musician, singer and composer, all in one and at the same level of proficiency.
Far away from pretending to compile the greatest hits of Chuck Berry, the box that you are holding in your hands tries to give you a new perspective of what Chuck Berry's music meant during his beginnings at Chess Records. In the 6 EPs included in this collection you will find alternative takes of some of his greatest hits together with some of his less known songs, some of which were part of his LPs and some others that have remained unpublished in vinyl until today. To finish off we have included the two songs that integrated The Ecuadors' single, the vocal band that accompanied Berry in several of his hits and for whom Chuck contributed as guitarist for their only single for Argo, Chess subsidiary.
Unusual Chuck Berry, play it and enjoy!

7" LIMITED EDITION - 300 COPIES

Following up his now sold out Redef debut (1996 Beat Tape, Vol 1), veteran producer DJ Spinna returns with another wave of hard hitting instrumentals. Entitled, Unpicked Treats Volume 1, the Jigmasta' Spinna has prepared the first of an ongoing series of beats that all have a similar story. Making tracks for well over 2 decades, this latest project features a small collection of beats that were created with the intention of backing MC's and vocalists, but were never officially used. Rather than archiving the material, DJ Spinna realized his fan base would appreciate these compositions in instrumental form. After all, he is the same producer who has garnered respect from the likes of J Dilla, Pete Rock, Jazzy Jeff and yes, the one & only Stevie Wonder himself. Without giving too much of his process away, Spinna challenged himself using the latest cutting edge software in tandem with some of his favorite gear from over the years. The end result is a glimpse into the spontaneous execution of top notch creativity. Listeners will have an unobstructed view into the ears and mind of the artist. Employing several different approaches, Unpicked Treats Volume 1 maintains a consistent vibe throughout it's 12 songs. Whether, you love beat tapes, instrumental music or are entertained by the art of sampling, this record is a commodity. Plans for volume 2 are already in progress, but in the meantime, be sure to get acquainted with Unpicked Treats Volume 1 and the genius of DJ Spinna.

Re-mastering by: Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London

For a label that wasn't around long, Strata East achieved the same sort of label recognition that Impulse! or Blue Note managed to build. In other words, you knew what you were getting when you bought a record on the label, even if you didn't know the names on the outside of the cover.

"Don't Look Back" is an album led by American saxophonist Harold Vick recorded in 1974 and released in the wake of Harold Vick's recovery from a heart attack, which may partially explain the passion with which he approaches his playing throughout.

One of the best-ever Strata East sessions! The album's a masterfully conceived session by reed player Harold Vick - best known to the world as the funky tenorist from albums by John Patton and Jack McDuff in the 60s, but emerging here as an incredibly sensitive soul jazz player, capable of turning out some incredibly sophisticated and emotional compositions. Vick produced and wrote all the material on the album. A treasure all the way through. (Dusty Groove, Inc.)

For the 20th anniversary of Fela Kuti's death (August 1997), ex Saïan Supa Crew member Leeroy invites us to revisit the Black President's world through his Fela Is The Future' project. Leeroy is both the director and artistic director of this ambitious project which he chose to record in June 2017 in Lagos, the buzzing economical capital of Nigeria (20 million residents) and hometown to Fela Kuti. Across the span of his career, Leeroy has always taken an interest in other continents: he previously displayed his desire and skill for finding inspiration in world music with African Trip' (West African music remixes), Bollywood Trip' (Indian music remixes) and his early instrumentals for the Saïan Supa Crew.
Leeroy brought together the Kuti family (Femi and Seun Kuti, Fela Kuti's sons) with Féfé, Nneka, and Nakhane, who featured on the project, Fela Kuti's original musicians (Duro, his only ever keyboardist and Showboy, saxophonist turned vocalist) as well as with new Nigerian talents such as percussionist Wura Samba. Over the 20 days of on-site recording, younger generations were also given the opportunity to re-unite with (or simply discover) the
heritage of a man who has had an impact on both Nigeria and the world since the 70's: as one of the founding fathers of Afrobeat (a genre blending African American elements of funk and jazz with West African genres such as traditional Nigerian music and Yoruba rhythms), as well as being the founder of the Republic of Kalakuta (the self-proclaimed homeland surrounding his house), he was a relentless human rights activist (and spent multiple
years in prison because of it). Fela was close to the people and sang of the suffering of his peers, as did Bob Marley and Gil Scott Heron in the same years. He would write and sing in Pidgin English in order to ensure his message could be understood by everyone.
Leeroy chose 12 iconic songs from Fela's protean works and requested that musicians play the essential melodic and rhythmic elements of each, then remixing and chopping the strongest results, adding his own electronic and hip-hop twist. Leeroy then selected artists to feature on the album: Féfé's flow brings a Hip-Hop touch the final record, Nneka adds a mystical and militant feel while Nakhane brings class and sensitivity to the table. At 34 years old, Seun Kuti displays a directed fervor while Femi Kuti, 55, brings forth the wisdom of a man who has been through every battle.
Beasts Of No Nation' is the first single from the album: A Fela classic, the lyrics denounce the gangrenous corruption which has infected power (judges, politicians, police) and disregard for human rights. The names of the leaders cited in this hymn (Reagan, Thatcher) could also easily be substituted with those of current world leaders. The original artwork by Lemi Ghariokwu, his 27th for the musician since they first met in 1974, is a painting which depicts two interweaved copies of Fela's face in yellow and white. One could read the mix of both colors as a reference to the past and the future. The silhouette of the Black President can be made out in the background as well as some of his most famous quotes: 'Human rights are our property', 'Music is the weapon of the future'... Lemi thus builds upon Fela's works (the singer first discovered him in the street), renewing his style by
painting a singular picture of Fela Kuti and projecting him once again into his own era.

J Dilla's protégé Guilty Simpson first collaborated with Madlib's protégé MED on the hard hitting 'Jungle Love' track off J Dillas 'The Shining' LP. They continued to reunite on several tracks after and now offer us the Loyalty EP. With beats by Black Milk, MNDSGN, Exile and Preme, the duo have no choice but to come correct with the lyrics and they do. From Cali to Detroit, MED and Guilty Simpson deliver a 10 track EP to get you ready for the album dropping later this year on Bang Ya Head Entertainment.

She Is My Woman is Murphy William's loose, funky and spontaneous call to the dance floor. It's an infectious collection of good-time tunes that the band seem to be enjoying as much as the listener. Williams was a stalwart of the Nigerian music scene, joining Godwin Omabuwa's Cassanova Dandies at 17 before becoming one of the two lead vocalist of The Apostles from Aba. He was famous for his distinctive four octave voice, a voice that legendary label boss, Godwin Tabansi decided was perfectly suited to the new disco sound that was gripping Nigeria. The title track gets the party started with Felix Liberty providing the good-time guitar riffs, Friday Pozzo on congas and Sonny Enang keeping it light on keyboards. The vibe is tight and bright, breathy a breezy charm into disc-tied versions of Igbo folk songs 'Selense' and 'Ima Obi O.' The undoubted highlight of the album is 'Get On Up', a certifiable disco classic that would slay any dance floor anywhere in the world. It's funky, it's fun and by the time the lyrics implore the listener to get on up and dance their feet have already been convinced by the music. Put it on and it's guaranteed to get any party started. - Peter Moore

Re-mastering by: Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London

This jazz recording is considered as the 'magnum opus' of master "drummer extraordinaire'', composer, arranger, producer, and leader Norman Connor's in a career that has spanned 4 decades. This recording is what many will consider the debut of the legendary vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater who has since gone on to a brilliant career. Connor's put together an all-star group with Herbie Hancock and Onaje Allan Gumbs on piano and Fender Rhodes, Dr. Eddie Henderson on trumpet/flugelhorn, Carlos Garnett on tenor/soprano saxes, Gary Bartz on alto/soprano saxes, Buster Williams on bass, drummer/vocalist Bill Summers and Kenneth Nash on percussion, and effective, crucial cameos by master flautist Hubert Laws. On the song, "Love From the Sun'", Connors added Nathan Rubin on violin and Terry Adams on cello.

The 'best of the best' begins with the exotic theme of Hancock's "Revelation", doubled wordlessly and beautifully by Ms. Bridgewater over Williams bouncing ostinato bass pattern with flights of fancy from Hubert Laws on flute, and superb, luminous solos from Henderson's exotic trumpet, Garnett on soprano, and Hancock on Fender Rhodes. Garnett's "Carlos II" is another great composition with remarkable solos. Connors' own "Drums Around The Worlds'" is influenced by African and latin rhythms with emotional vocals from Summers and a drum-only section that builds in intensity. One of the high points of the album is Dee Dee Bridgewater's awesome, glorious vocalizing on Richard Clay's lovely "Love From The Sun", in one of the greatest performances in her career, arranged by Gumbs. Elmer Gibson's "Kumakucha" (The Sun Has Risen) is a blazing display of uptempo musicianship by Connor's driving drums, the propulsive congas of Summers and Nash, and exciting solos from Bartz, Henderson on trumpet, and Hancock's furious piano solo. The set ends with a marvelous "Holy Waters" composed and arranged by Garnett in a scorching performance by Bridgewater on vocals, Garnett unleashing one of the greatest solos in his storied career, followed by Gumbs' astute solo.

My Highest Recommendation.

By John Braswell

GROUND-BREAKING, CLASSIC BOOGIE & DISCO LP FROM 1979 NIGERIA, FEATURING 'AGBOJU LOGUN'
First official reissue of the extremely rare full-length album by Lagos-based bandleader Shina Williams. Clean copies of the original currently sell for up to £500.
The record was born in 1979 when Shina put Biddy Wright, Fred Fisher, Saliu Alabi, Prince Bola, Tutu Shoronmu, Tunde willimas and several other decorated Nigerian musicians - who played with the likes of Fela Kuti, SJOB Movement, Sonny Okoson, King Bucknor amongst others - together to record. The result is 'African Dances', a timeless fusion of afrobeat, electronics, boogie and disco.
Includes his most well-known song, 'Agboju Logun' that Williams knew was ground breaking - I want to show the whole wide world that Africa is alive with modern musicians to reckon with anywhere,'. This album version is a different mix to the two-track 12' that came out under on Earthworks, Rough Trade in 1984.
Official Mr Bongo reissue. Replica original artwork. Licensed direct from Shina Williams.

The late Nathaniel 'Snoopy' Dean is one of those many underrated southern soul and blues men who never reached great fame outside their home ground. His legacy is deeply treasured though by hardcore black music followers. In the late sixties he instigated the now very sought after group Third Guitar who recorded some great sides for the Rojac label out of NYC. He subsequently became a member of the Deep City Band and started recording under his own name. In the early to mid seventies Dean made five singles and an album Wiggle That Thing on Henry Stone's Blue Candle imprint which is being reissued here. The album - originally released in 1977 - contains a rare combination of deep, southern soul, funk and blues in such a way that the LP really does not fall straight in neither category. In the 80's Snoopy Dean became a much in demand session musician as a guitarist in Miami and recorded at least two more albums that belong more in the blues and indie soul field. Unfortunately Snoopy Dean died in 1998 due to complications arising from diabetes. Still, it is this great LP Wiggle That Thing he will be always and best remembered for.

Get On Down proudly presents another top-notch vinyl reissue, from their long-running series of collaborations with James Brown's famed 70s funk label People Records. As the 1970s wore on, the classic funk sounds that had defined James Brown's backing band, The J.B.'s, gave way to the rise of disco music. Fred Wesley and his collective of musicians couldn't resist the chance to make their mark, releasing Hustle With Speed in 1975, with Charles Bobbit and Don Love producing, and the godfather himself, James Brown co-writing and providing arrangements. Hustle With Speed didn't cross over like the band had hoped it would, but it was nonetheless remarkable album, featuring The J.B.'s signature funky style married with disco to exciting effect. All the while there's still plenty to be had for the funk die-hard, from the brass blow-out jam "Here We Come, Here We Go, Here We Are", to the trombone-heavy "All Aboard The Funky Soul Train", to the powerhouse opening salvo that is "(It's Not The Express) It's The JBs Monaurail". Songs from Hustle With Speed would take on lives of their own decades after the album's release, through sampled appearances in tracks by Jay-Z, Nas, Eric B. & Rakim, Ultramagnetic MCs, EPMD, and many more.

The debut 12" from the Chicago "Edit King" TIM ZAWADA, full of renegade reworks, loaded with tasteful, eclectic tune selections. Straddling house & disco while steering clear of "disco-house". 4 killer tracks: "SPINN", "SEND", "WANNA" and "GO DE". Ultra limited, hand stamped and numbered.

Having never received a full release in the USA (or any release at all in the UK), the 1979 US promo 12" (7:01 mins) of "Shining" by Venus Dodson continues to fetch considerable sums from collectors in 2017. The track was a staple Paradise Garage banger and is surely one of the finest Leroy Burgess penned tracks to come from the peak years of disco. In the interests of restoring some historical balance, Kinfine now present a remastered, limited press, replica 12". Cut with love at 45rpm to ensure a higher audio resolution (than the hard-to-find original).

Following on from the runaway success of Le-Edits number 1, Dimitri eases us into 2018 with style and grace by presenting us with another fine set of reworkings from deep within the vaults. In this era of cheap and nasty bootlegs, badly looped breakdowns and bedroom producers butchering the classics with no soul or quality control it was time for a change, an antidote. Le-Edits is exactly that, a platform for Dimitri to express his appreciation of this most influential musical artform in the best way possible - utilising the master tapes, pressing onto virgin vinyl, taking extra care with the label aesthetics and everything else in-between. What you hold in your hands is a labour of love, a journey! Once the needle hits the groove and you're immersed in the music it will all make sense, you will feel the force of the 'chic in the music'!
Firstly we find ourselves in the company of the legendary Phyllis Hyman, an artist whose stellar career saw her perform with artists like Norman Connors, Jon Lucien, Pharoah Sanders and the fatback Band among others. 'You know how to love me' is perhaps one of Hyman's best known tracks and is taken from her successful 1979 debut LP of the same title. A swirling, floating groove produced by the criminally underrated powerhouse production duo of James Mtume and Reggie Lucas 'You know...' is a wondrous slice of Disco-Soul, mellow in some respects but in the right hands also a dance-floor roof raiser. Dim's 'Super Disco Blend' version of this classy and elegant cut respectfully touches the arrangement up in all the right places, teasing us into the groove with a wonderfully percussive and vocal led intro before giving us the full funk of the strings, the rhythm section and the simply flawless arrangements and production. This is pure soulful bliss and brings new life and dynamism to an already classic record. This is how it should be done!
On the flip side of this beautifully presented piece of wax is another underground aficionado's choice, the slick 1981 sounds of the incomparable Keni Burke's 'Let Someone Love You'. Again, working from the RCA original master tapes and studying Philly legend Joe Tarsia and NYC master mixer David Todd's studio session Dimitri has blessed us with a brand new version of this popular jam. This mix is an absolute joy for the DJ's with the drums upfront and Keni's adlibs leading us into that monumental piano break and off we go! A truly uplifting piece of music, 'Let Someone...' is a surefire winner. Again, in keeping with the Le-Edits ethos, this new mix has been created with the full understanding of this music and most importantly with love and passion. Fans of both Phyllis Hyman and Keni Burke's work will undoubtedly fall in love with these spectacular mixes and make them their own. Essential for all Disco lovers.
Le Edit is off to a fantastic start and as expected, Dimitri has many more incredible mixes and edits hidden up his finely tailored sleeve. Join us on the dancefloor as we elevate the art of remix and present new visions of dance classics from the past - DFP style!

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- GATEFOLD SLEEVE
- FIRST TIME ON VINYL
- INCLUDES 4-PAGE BOOKLET WITH SONG LYRICS AND CREDITS
- LIMITED FIRST PRESSING OF 1.000 INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED COPIES ON RED VINYL

Frou Frou are an electronic duo composed of Imogen Heap and Guy Sigsworth from England. Heap and Sigsworth met each other on the London Scene in the mid-1990s. They released their first and only album Details in June 2002, which has elements of trip/hop, ambient, pop and rock, using a wide range of traditional instruments and the ethereal vocals of Imogen Heap. The warm sound of the songs lies in the use of the technology on the album. It's the atmospheric and dreamy feel created by combining the stunning vocals with creative electronic beats that makes the album to an outstanding piece of music. First single Let Go' is a dark exploration with strings and compelling vocals. Breathe In' is focused around a steady walking tempo and a skillful bassline.

The album received critical acclaim, several singles from the LP were released. Across the United States the duo had established a cult fan base where they promoted Details. After the disbanding of the duo in 2004 they reunited in 2017 and been touring ever since.

Details is now available for the first time on vinyl and is pressed on 1.000 individually numbered copies on red vinyl.

Having witnessed the utter devastation this causes on the floor, we embarked on no small amount of arm twisting, negotiation and downright begging to secure a release.
This absolute monster was destined to remain in a certain acclaimed DJ/Producer's private collection.
Now available on a super limited pressing!!!!!!!!!

Roddy Radiation is a legendary English musician who played lead guitar for The Specials, as well as many rockabilly bands such as the Bonediggers and the Tearjerkers. He wrote the Specials classics 'Concrete Jungle, 'Rat Race' and 'Hey, Little Rich Girl', later covered by Amy Winehouse. Roddy now leads The Skabilly Rebels, a band that mixes ska rhythms with rockabilly.

- The second album from the critically acclaimed ska band - The Hotknives.

Our latest examination of Esoteric, Modal & Progressive Jazz of the 20th Century has taken us to Japan. The liberating force of jazz has been created and felt all around the world, but few nations on earth embraced the jazz message with the passion and intensity of Japan. From the dawn of the jazz age to the present day, Japanese audiences have been renowned tastemakers, enthusiasts and champions of the music - in the 1980s, Japan was the biggest per capita market in the world for jazz records, and it has even been said that Japanese jazz fans kept the jazz record industry alive through the lean years of the 1970s, when the music fell from commercial favour in the land of its birth.

But while the jazz aficionados of Japan are celebrated as sophisticated fans and consumers of the music, comparatively little is known outside Japan of the remarkable and abundant music produced by generations of Japanese jazz musicians. Numerous Japanese jazzers have found enormous success on the international stage - Toshiko Akiyoshi, Sadao Watanabe, Teramasu Hino, and many others are household names among jazz listeners all over the world, and with good reason. But if such global figures are put aside, the stunning heritage of Japanese jazz remains poorly understood outside Japan. As a result, the work of many celebrated Japanese jazumen has remained largely unknown to international audiences, and the extraordinary scope and depth of Japanese jazz has not been widely recognised.

Compiled for the Spiritual Jazz series in collaboration with the celebrated collector and DJ Yusuke Ogawa (Deep Jazz Reality, Tokyo), this 2CD/twin set of double LPs aims to correct that omission by uncovering the uniquely deep sound of esoteric, modal and progressive jazz from Japan - music of the heart, soul and Japanese spirit!

Each 2LP set comes complete with OBI strip and thick, textured sleeve. Our extensive liner notes extend onto printed inners, and are in both Japanese and English.

- If only for his stewardship of the Who, Kinks and Creation, American Shel Talmy is revered as the producer responsible for distilling the cathartic, kinetic sound of mod rock to disc. Yet within his mid-60s production catalogue lie many other fabulous examples of a genre that wields considerable influence to this day, while remaining very much a way of life for those already converted.

- "Planet Mod" assembles two dozen examples of Talmy's work in the field, all drawn from a fresh excavation of his rarely tapped, thoroughly ear-opening tape vault. Many, such as the Thoughts, Wild Uncertainty and Tribe were recorded for his short-lived Planet label, while the Trackers and Pros & Cons and others were independent productions Talmy farmed out to major labels.

- The playlist balances black US acts John Lee Hooker, Ray Gates and Screaming Jay Hawkins with the homegrown club R&B of the Soul Brothers, Groundhogs and mod heroes the Untamed. There's rare early compositions from Bowie (Kenny Miller's 'Take My Tip') and Bill Wyman (the Preachers' 'Goodbye Girl'), while the beans are spilled on mysterious outfits the Total and the Corduroys.

- Complete with copious notes and illustrations drawn from the Talmy files, Planet Mod' is a fitting tribute to the American who injected some much-needed muscle into British rock in its glory days.

- Compilation and note by Alec Palao.

- 180g transparent red vinyl - double LP in heavy duty gatefold jacket.

Daytoner are a 7 piece funk & soul remix band based in Cornwall, UK fronted by Lucy Richards and led by 'vintage breaks' producer, Moss Daytoner. They have been touring UK festivals since 2016 playing stages including Bestival, Boardmasters, Boomtown, Wilderness, NASS along with special events such as the opening of the Blue Whale exhibit at The Natural History Museum and supporting Craig Charles at his Funk & Soul Club nights.

Daytoner's debut single release as a band features 2 live favourites: the new northern soul stomp of 'Needed You' and the remake of a 60s jazz dance classic 'Sicka' delivered by the southern soul powerhouse that is Lucy Richards, backed with a unique 6 piece band. A second single appropriately titled 'Second Stomp' is to follow on 7' vinyl in May ahead of Daytoner's debut LP in their full live band line-up. Daytoner head off on an LP tour in April, taking in festivals such as Shindig, Great Estate & Boomtown plus support gigs for The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show.

Radio Airplay: 4 plays on The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show on BBC6 Music // BBC Introducing Feature on BBC Radio One // Repeat daytime plays on BBC Radio Cornwall and evening on BBC Introducing in Cornwall

DJ Support: Smoove, The Allergies, Renegades Of Jazz, Mr Bird

Multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Adam Gibbons (aka Lack of Afro) is back in some style with 'Back To The Day', a beautifully produced summer sizzler crammed full of infectious hooks, top musicianship and most importantly, vibe by the bucketload! Taking a nod from classic material by artists such as The Jackson 5, Earth Wind & Fire (and more recently Vulfpeck), 'Back To The Day' is Lack of Afro doing what he does best and then some - blending the old and new with big drums and heavy percussion to come up with a crossover classic that's entirely his own, whilst all the while developing his abilities as a songwriter.

Providing a dynamite vocal once again is regular collaborator Elliott Cole. Not just the voice of the track, he also plays guitars and bass, whilst ably backed up by some stellar musicians including George Cooper (Haggis Horns) on keys, Rory Simmons (Blur, Jamie Cullum) on trumpet, string and horn arrangements and Harry Harding (Yola Carter) holding down the backbeat on drums.

Keeping the dancefloor packed and turning the party vibes right up to 11, 'Take It Up A Notch' (featuring the brilliant Wax & Herbal T and taken from the critically acclaimed 'Back In Business EP') completes what is arguably one of the strongest single packages of the year!

Lack of Afro continues to go from strength to strength. 2016's 'Hello Baby' (released on his own label LOA Records) picked up a BBC 6 Music 'Album Of The Year' nomination & appeared in the Top 10 of the iTunes R&B / Soul chart in 21 countries worldwide. More recently, Adam's music continues to be used across all aspects of film & TV by networks such as ABC, Fox, NBC, Sony Pictures & the BBC whilst he also has released music on Universal & Warner Brothers Records.

Both tracks are taken from the new album 'Jack Of All Trades', released on LOA Records in May 2018 and supported by a live band UK tour in May & throughout various festivals throughout the summer.

"The dazzling symphonic album he always threatened to produce" UNCUT 5/5
"A soulful symphonic masterpiece" ROLLING STONE

Originally released in Japan only on CD in 2002, Plush's Fed lives up to the cult-like adulation it has garnered ever since. A stunning symphony of Bacharach-inspired pop, Toussaint-swing andMelody Nelson-era-Gainsbourg, it's an album bound together by Liam Hayes' maverick genius, an uncompromising Brian Wilson-esque quest for sonic perfection. Positively indulgent in every way, this sumptuous record has long deserved to be treated to a deluxe vinyl edition. Lovingly overseen by Hayes and recent collaborator Pat Sansone (Wilco/The Autumn Defense), it will finally be available on the format it should've always been, this Record Store Day 2018. Remastered and presented as a double LP - cut specially at 45rpm - it comes housed in a beautiful gatefold jacket with expanded artwork throughout.

Its expansive, singular vision infamously took years to realise, involving Earth Wind & Fire's horn arranger (the legendary Tom Tom MMLXXXIV) amongst other elite personnel. Recorded with five different engineers (including Steve Albini and John McEntire), Hayes meticulously extracted every ounce of pop from each note. A long list of renowned studio ringers (including soul drummer Morris Jennings) and Chicago regulars (McEntire, Rizzo, Parker) among many others provide playing of demonstrably professional precision. As such, Hayes' complex, meandering melodies are rendered far more coherent and satisfying than they otherwise might have appeared, bringing his epic, anguished pop to a rarely seen level of perfection and depth. This unstinting dedication to the overarching vision was rewarded handsomely - artistically, at least.

However, as might have been expected, his deluxe approach resulted in a bill too steep for any American or European label to ultimately support. It has since seemed unlikely that it would see the light of day on either side of the Atlantic. Yet we were determined not to allow Hayes' lifetime achievement to go unnoticed or let music fans across the world miss out on one of the finest albums of this century.

A wide-eyed opus of stunning intensity, Fed oozes Hayes' impeccable influences without ever becoming overwhelmed by them. Incredibly, it touches upon Blaxploitation soul, Boz Scaggs-soft-rock, hints of jazz and blues, timeless baroque and skewed pop. In one long minute, the stabbing, soulful "So Blind" moves through five different melodic segments, horns shift easily from haunting backdrop to explosive forefront, smoothly giving way to strings as Hayes' voice casts its bewitching spell. The ambitious soul of "Having It All" has been described as the diffident cousin of Marvin Gaye's "Save The Children" whilst the breezy "Greyhound Bus Station" is pure 70s AM Gold, evoking the easy warmth of Jimmy Webb's beloved Land's End period. The sublime resignation of "No Education", a beautifully slow number that begins, "Never read a book in my life/ But I feel just fine" is post-rock ballad heaven. Arriving towards the end, the title track arrives as a majestic suite, moving from a horn-and-guitar-led instrumental via shifting melodies to Hayes' compelling vocal bursts.

An album of such brilliance, Fed can comfortably sit alongside such staggering statement pieces as David Bowie's Young Americans, Randy Newman's 12 Songs or Harry Nilsson's Nilsson Schmilsson. Indeed, for all the sprawling elements that went in - lengthy guitar builds, exploding horn sections, solemn strings, female backup chorus - it is a deeply personal and original record. Employing a distinct "more is more" aesthetic, he demonstrates remarkable restraint in producing an album of such intimacy. "My creation has drowned me," he memorably sings on languid opener "Whose Blues", yet he navigates the shifting styles and ideas with enviable ease.

Comprised of Vancouver producers and multi-instrumentalists Nick Wisdom and Astrological, Canadian duo Potatohead People boast a number of noteworthy accolades thanks to a their signature sound drawing influences from 90's boom-bap, future soul, classic jazz, deep house and boogie/funk. Beginning with a series of EP's, including their landmark "Kosmichemusik" EP, Potatohead People's productions quickly made their way to artists like Illa J who tapped the duo to produce his now critically acclaimed self-titled album, as well as producers like Kaytranada (who co-produced Illa J's "Strippers" with the pair). Supporters such as Soulection, Nightmares on Wax, Pomo, DJ Spinna, Big Boi, and Phife Dawg have also played formidable roles in championing the sound of Potatohead People worldwide.

Now with three years since their last release, 2015's critically acclaimed debut album Big Luxury, Potatohead People are back their long awaited new album Nick & Astro's Guide To The Galaxy (due out May 11th via Brooklyn label Bastard Jazz) The record picks up right where the pair left off, showcasing a leap forward in production chops, musicality, and songwriting. The first single "Quest For Love" "with it's neck snapping drum break, lush rhodes chords, cosmic synths, guitar & horn flourishes and unexpected musical changeups bring in the hip-hop infected musicality the duo has become so loved for, while Nick & Astro collaborate vocally on top. "Morning Sun" featuring Danish vocalist (and Anderson.Paak collaborator) Nanna.B is in part a melancholy piece with knocking drums, an infectious bassline and a soulful, shimmering hook, while "Do My Thing" featuring Canadian singer Kapok and Illa J is a neck-snapping Hip-Hop joint perfect for the dancefloor. "Liftin' Up" featuring San Francisco's K-Maxx ventures into West Coast boogie territories, while the album's closer "Rituals" goes for a deeper more atmospheric electronic vibe.

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- 33 MM SLEEVE
- LIMITED EDITION OF 750 INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED COPIES ON ORANGE VINYL

Hot Shots Of Reggae is an recording on which a bunch of popular reggae songs are brought together. The album was originally released in the autumn of 1970 and compiled by the legendary Chinese-Jamaican producer Leslie Kong. He had enjoyed many hits in in Europe and selected some of the true pearls from the reggae music to shine on the album. The album includes the Maytals' hit Monkey Man, the sparkling So Much Love by Joe White and the fine rythms of Ken Boothe's Freedom Street.

The influential producer Leslie Kong once discovered Jimmy Cliff and recorded him on his own record label Beverley's. In 1962 he recorded Bob Marley's first single and through the 60's het became known as the producer of many big artists, like Desmond Dekker and Joe Higgs. He died of a heart attack, at the age of 38, in august 1971.

The album is now available as a Limited Edition of 750 individually numbered copies and comes on orange vinyl.

Born in Cameroon, Vicky began banging the drums at the age of 9. By 13 he had moved onto bass and within a couple of years he was playing every night from 10pm to 5am in the Castel Douala Cabaret. At the age of 19 Vicky moved to Paris to study Banking and Commerce and cram in even more music. He took classes at Épinay-sur-Seine Conservatoire music school and it was here that he met Bandmates of his Dikalo project.

Word spreads and he soon becomes one of the most sought after bass players in the Afro arena. His session work features on many scenes stars, Manu Dibango, Eko Tala AM, Kemayo, Sammy Massamba, Toto Guillaume and many more. A chance meeting with the Gibson brothers also see him play on two of their hit albums. In the 80's Vicky moved to the US for spell and excels as a session bassist and touring musician.

We pick up the story in 1981. With his stature as a musician and bass player riding high he takes a detour to Nigeria to record with the Afrodisia label in Lagos. The "Thank U Mamma" album is the result. It is repressed for the first time, here in 2018 on the revitalised Afrodisia label.

Musical proceedings open up with the heartfelt ode to his mother "Thank U Mamma", smooth pop meets afrobeat boogie. "Marina Drive" slows things down with its smoldering jazz. Side Two opens with "Its Not Serious" a catchy vocal number underpinned with funky guitars and striding basslines. "Stormy Rain" is lazy guitar jazz swansong. We close off the album with the ever so funky "You". Slick funk grooves powered along with a dose of slap bass. As a side note Vicky actually plays left handed but with a "upside down" right handed bass. This upside-down precursor making his effortless slap playing even more impressive.

Vicky went on to record a two other albums and still tours and plays as an ever-in-demand session musician.

It is Melodies International's greatest pleasure to bring forth its latest reissue comprising two stripped-back, reflective pieces of US folk soul.

Largely forgotten for the past forty-odd years, Bobby Wright (now Abu Talib)'s "Blood Of An American" and "Everyone Should Have His Day" resurface as politically-infused works that shine bright and still hold meaning to this day.

The 60s and 70s constituted an exceptional era for its unique blend of popular culture and political radicalism. Household names such as Sly Stone, Marvin Gaye and Gil Scott-Heron used art to express their discontent with the current state of affairs, namely the US government's involvement in warfare and their inability to deal with critical social issues of the time. Though not a musician, Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay Jr) was advocating a similar anti-government stance in the boxing ring, and his objection to serving in the Vietnam War sealed his status as an icon for the wider counterculture generation.

Meanwhile in Queens, New York City, Abu used to work several jobs as a construction worker and cab driver - but still found time to play with his band in clubs for $100 a night to support his family. Against the backdrop of international conflict and violence, most of his surroundings failed to listen to how he felt. However, he considered music to be the greatest form of communication with the world and it was his belief that a positive message should be spread to future generations.

After one band member was killed in Vietnam and another went into the service, Abu resolved to pick up his guitar and record these songs as a duet in 1974 with his bassist - the only other remaining band member. Combining guitar, bass and a voice that quavers with emotion he self-released the record in 1974, one which holds its own alongside the all-time greats.

These songs of introspection remind us of the beauty there is in simplicity and how moving art can be when the feelings expressed come from the heart. MEL009 will be released in its original 7" format alongside a 16-page Melozine, featuring words from Abu Talib, social studies professor Paul Rekret and much more.

Here To Hell is an Australian label project conceived by The Presets' Kim Moyes, and Revolver resident DJ Mike Callander.
Inspired by a Johnny Cash song, by the record industry' in general, and by the spirit of commercial suicide, Here To Hell celebrates the pointlessness of everything: It's the perfect reason to do only what feels good.
Together Kim and Mike also record and remix as Zero Percent, and along for the ride they've invited Aussie musicians and remixers from all over to celebrate techno, electro, Aussie rock, ambient and whatever they think sounds good on repeat in your headphones.
The label's first release sees legendary Aussie band The Drones being remixed for the first time. Their song Boredom' from the album Feelin' Kinda Free' has been twisted into two dancefloor interpretations (plus a dub of each): Side A is by K.I.M, who takes the original's Aussie Rock to the disco, and Side B is by HTH label bosses Zero Percent, it's their first official published work and explores the darkness of the original instrumentation that underpins Gareth Liddiard's exceptional vocals.

Ganze zehn Jahre mussten die Fans des im Kongo geborenen und in Belgien lebenden Musikers warten, dass ein Nachfolger zum 2008er Debütalbum Hotel Impala erscheint. 14 Tracks präsentiert Baloji auf seinem neuen Album und perfektioniert dabei den musikalischen Brückenschlag zwischen traditionell-afrikanischen Klängen und afroamerikanischen Sounds aus dem Kosmos des Hip-Hops, Souls, Funks und Jazz. Wie - L'hiver indien , ein Track der Teil des aktuellen FIFA 18-Soundtracks ist, verfolgen alle Songs das gleiche Ziel: sie sollen den Hörer auf die Beine und zum Schwitzen bringen.

2LP- schwarzes Doppelvinyl im Gatefold Sleeve, inkl. Booklet & DL

Das langerwartete Debüt-Album der amerikanischen Soul und R&B Sängerin Deva Mahal erscheint am 23.03. und wurde von Sir Elton John bereits als fabelhaft' bezeichnet. Das verwundert auch nicht so wurde Deva ihr enormes Talent bereits in die Waage gelegt ist doch niemand geringeres als Taj Mahal ihr Vater.

Deva Mahal hat in der Vergangenheit bereits mit illustren Künstlern wie TV on the Radio, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings als auch Fat Freddy's Drop gearbeitet und ist bei zahlreichen Jazz Festivals aufgetreten. Als erste eigene VÖ erschien Ende 2017 die EP Run Deep', die sich ad hoc in der renomierten New York Times Playlist wiederfand und den Startschuss für ihre Solo Karriere bildete.

Das Album wurde produziert von Scott Jacoby (Vampire Weekend, Coldplay) und Jarett Wetherell (Beyonce, FKA Twigs) und bietet einen einzigartigen Sound der modernen R&B, Pop, Soul und Gospel verbindet und dabei immer von der überragenden Stimme Deva Mahal's getragen wird. Der ein oder andere Song auf dem Album würde auch einer Adele gut zu Gesicht stehen.

Die Single Snakes' ist aktuell in der Top 100 der deutschen Airplay Charts mit steigender Tendenz !









[i Optimist

Beautiful double LP, gatefold packaging, heavyweight 180g + digital download card. The vinyl features an etching on side D

Musically, Ventriloquism has the hallmarks of all of Ndegeocello's work, lush and investigative, subversive and sublime. As always, she pays tribute to her diverse influences and in these eleven covers, we hear them layered over one another. Ndegeocello filters "Tender Love" through a folky, Californian filter and brings Vaudevillian accents to "Sensitivity". She recreates Smooth Operator in five, and turns "Private Dancer" into a sultry waltz. The reimagining affords not just a new musical experience but also a comment on the narrow expectations of sounds and structures for black artists and black music.

This album was recorded in Los Angeles with the familiar family of partners and players that Meshell has worked with for years. Chris Bruce plays guitar, Abraham Rounds is on drums, Jebin Bruni co-produced the album and plays keys. S. Husky Huskolds engineered while Pete Min mixed and mastered. Lasting and collaborative relationships with her fellow musicians is among the most important parts of music making for Meshell, prompting her to say on more than one occasion: "Meshell Ndegeocello is a band".

A final note to the listener, Meshell chose art for the album package that hints at what's inside: A graphic V, a hidden M, the artwork is symbolic, sexy, and calls on the language of protest of the era these songs were mined from. With no words or pictures, the artwork is itself a declaration that even when you cannot imagine what to say, if you come together to create, you can find transformation and reinvention, the old can become new, today can become tomorrow.