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Stolen Body is delighted to be working with Bristol progressive psych and jazz legends The Brackish for their fifth album ‘Donor Zone’. Attempting to capture our live sound and intensity, Donor Zone was recorded live at gig volume without the tyranny of headphones. The album kicks off with an ADHD epic ' Willox for a new Age' , apocalyptic coda morphing into the fuzz bass drone of 'Donor Zone'. Forboding chord sequences set up ' J und J' before a gargantuan riff drops, motorik middle section developing into a highly satisfying ripping fuzz guitar finish. Last tune BUABB has the faved Tortoise/ beefheart stylings around a Kraut- inspired improv section. The single 'J und J' draws the listener in to a false sense of uneasy security with it's pensive and motorik sections before it's gargantuan riff payoff. The track shifts dynamically back to it's uneasy base, developing into an extremely satisfying and belligerent ripping fuzz guitar ending.

George Clinton’s imagination knew no bounds and, defying normal music industry convention, by 1978 had five bands signed to three different record labels. One of these comprised of three Parliament / Funkadelic female backing singers working under the name of Parlet, whose debut single, ‘Pleasure Principle’ was released on Casablanca Records in March 1978.

It was Clinton’s idea that two other backing singers, Lynn Mabry and Dawn Silva, become the Brides Of Funkenstein, a character he invented for the 1976 Parliament LP, “The Clones Of Dr Funkenstein”. “I have to be honest – at first, I hated the name and I thought George was kidding,” Mabry told Blues & Soul, “But I have gotten to like it – especially just the Brides.”

Clinton got the Brides signed to Atlantic Records and their first single was ‘Disco To Go’ / ‘ When You’re Gone’. The A-side was written and produced by Clinton and Bootsy Collins and had originally featured in live shows by Collins’ live band. Clinton was asked by Black Echoes why the song was recorded by the Brides rather than Bootsy. “He could, and it would have been a smash too,” he replied. “But we thought it sounded too much like James Brown, so we gave it to the girls. Now it don’t sound like James Brown.” It certainly did not and this electronic bass and horn-powered banger – complete with an Old MacDonald nursery rhyme refrain – debuted on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart at #80 on 30th September 1978. By the time the P-Funk crew were flying across the Atlantic in early November it had peaked at #7. Sadly for UK fans, ‘Disco To Go’ was only available on import although a Black Echoes review stated it was a “Slow chunky handclapper. It sounds not unlike Funkadelic’s own ‘Coming Round The Mountain’”.

‘Disco To Go’, went gold in America selling over 500,000 copies. It was the perfect springboard for the Brides debut LP, “Funk Or Walk” which quickly climbed into the upper reaches of the R&B chart and even saw the duo embark upon a signing tour of record stores. All of the songs on “Funk Or Walk” were written by legends of P-Funk, such as Bootsy Collins, Rodney Curtis, Bernie Worrell, Gary Shider and Clinton. “George has got thousands of tracks,” Mabry told Black Echoes. “When we go into the studio he says, ‘Like this one?

The band name is a nod to the eponymous album by Sonny Rollins from 1962, but the project refuses to sound nostalgic. Every performance leads to completely new music, with every player bringing influences from their own generation and background. Recorded by Bartosz Szkielkowski at Pardon To Tu, Warsaw, October 3rd, 2022 (except for LP format extra track). In this quartet Amado gathers three of his strongest longtime influences: German pianist Alexander von Schlippenbach, Norwegian double bass player Ingebrigt Håker Flaten and American drummer Gerry Hemingway. For Amado this band represents a deep dive into his own formative roots, something he has been dealing with more and more in these last few years. With Schlippenbach, Håker Flaten and Hemingway by his side, Amado has the perfect context to explore the classic materials he considers to be the basis of his journey as a musician, an impulse that is part him and part history. This is a quartet whose name really represents, aside from a direct homage to Sonny Rollins, a bridge between different languages, backgrounds and generations, all united through improvisation. Rodrigo Amado - tenor saxophone Alexander Von Schlippenbach - piano Ingebrigt Håker Flaten - bass Gerry Hemingway - drums

Introducing "The Architecture of Oppression Part 2" - the highly anticipated follow-up to Jake Ferguson's critically acclaimed debut album - Part 1. Ferguson is recognised as the ‘other half’ of The Heliocentrics, producing his solo work under the moniker, The Brkn Record. Effortlessly merging the realms of music and activism, he has created a groundbreaking album, which is set to be one of the most important bodies of work that illustrate ongoing systemic racism this side of the millennium. Ferguson takes the listener to a world where artistry and social consciousness intersect. Crafting an array of captivating soundscapes and themes. This album showcases the vocal talents of both established artists and hidden gems discovered through Ferguson's day-job as a former charity CEO and community activist. While Part 1 served as a rallying cry to dismantle oppressive systems, Part 2 offers a compelling soundtrack of a Pro-Black world reclaiming its destiny. This thought-provoking art piece invites listeners to envision alternative paths while avoiding the pitfalls of past paradigms. Unlike a broken record, this The Brkn Record album keeps pushing boundaries— By enlisting the voices of The Global Majority, The Brkn Record creates a platform for genuine expression through sound. Renowned for his production skills, Ferguson has captured the admiration of industry heavyweights including Nas, Madlib and Kanye West. However, rather than seeking popular features, he chooses to amplify the authentic perspectives of the talented youth he collaborates with in Hackney. One such initiative supported by Ferguson, Account Hackney, introduced him to two gifted artists showcased on this album – Great Okosun and Yolanda Lear. ‘This album serves as a visceral demonstration of my anger at the racially founded status quo in this country and globally. The continued oppression of people on the basis of their race is beyond evil, its common place and needs to end. Simple as.’ The album also sees Ferguson joining forces with award winning laureate Anthony Joseph and legendary hip-hop MC Percee P - their dynamic and thought-provoking lyrics seamlessly intertwine with expertly produced musical landscapes. "The Architecture of Oppression Part 2" is not just an album; it is a transformative journey that challenges the listener and wants you to ‘feel’. It’s Art. A musical experience that inspires, compels, and empowers. Over to you!

Inspiriert von den schattigen Cabarets und verrauchten Jazzclubs des Weimarer Berlins der späten 1920erJahre, präsentiert Bryan Ferry mit seinem Orchester auf „Bitter-Sweet“ sein Solo- und Roxy-MusicRepertoire in neuem Gewand – mit einer raffnierten Jazz-Sensibilität. Das Album besticht durch elegante
Bläserarrangements, gedämpfte Trompete, Klarinettenklänge und eine Atmosphäre urbaner Melancholie,
die Klassiker wie „Alphaville“, „Reason or Rhyme“ und „While My Heart Is Still Beating“ neu interpretiert.
Ferry selbst steuert auf acht Titeln den Gesang bei, während die übrigen Stücke als instrumentale Neuinterpretationen präsentiert werden, arrangiert mit dem Können von Colin Good und gespielt von einem
Ensemble erfahrener Jazzmusiker. Das Konzept des Albums entstand aus Ferrys Tätigkeit als Musikberater
für die gefeierte deutsche Fernsehserie „Babylon Berlin“, in der einige Titel ursprünglich verwendet wurden
und die filmisches Drama mit authentischem Jazz verbindet. Perfekt für langjährige Fans, Jazzliebhaber
und Sammler: „Bitter-Sweet“ bietet eine neue Perspektive auf Ferrys Songwriting und ist damit ein herausragendes Album zum Ausstellen, Entdecken und Verschenken.
Das Album erscheint erstmals seit 2012 wieder als limitierte rote LP und CD.
Tauchen Sie ein in eine Welt, in der klassischer Art-Pop auf die wilden 20er Jahre trifft. „The Jazz Age“
interpretiert Bryan Ferrys Roxy Music- und Solo-Katalog als elegante Jazz-Instrumentals neu, präsentiert
vom Bryan Ferry Orchestra. Von „Virginia Plain“ und „Do the Strand“ bis hin zu „Love Is the Drug“ und
„Avalon“ – jeder Titel erstrahlt in authentischen Arrangements im Stil der 20er Jahre mit Banjo, Klarinette,
gedämpfter Trompete, Baritonsaxophon und Kontrabass, komponiert vom renommierten Arrangeur Colin Good. Britische Jazz-Größen wie der Trompeter Enrico Tomasso und der Saxophonist Alan Barnes erwecken
diese zeitlosen Melodien zum Leben, während die Mono-Produktion den Charme alter 78er-Schallplatten
heraufbeschwört. Ferry selbst verzichtet auf den Gesang und fungiert als Dirigent und Produzent. Dieses
innovative Projekt entstand aus seiner Liebe zum Jazz und seiner Neugier, wie seine Songs ohne Gesang
klingen würden. Perfekt für langjährige Fans, Jazzliebhaber und designorientierte Sammler: „The Jazz
Age“ bietet eine neue Perspektive auf Ferrys Werk und ist damit ein herausragendes Sammlerstück zum
Entdecken, Ausstellen und Verschenken.
Das Album erscheint erstmals seit 2012 wieder als limitierte Edition auf waldgrünem Vinyl (1LP) und
als CD.

Inspiriert von den schattigen Cabarets und verrauchten Jazzclubs des Weimarer Berlins der späten 1920erJahre, präsentiert Bryan Ferry mit seinem Orchester auf „Bitter-Sweet“ sein Solo- und Roxy-MusicRepertoire in neuem Gewand – mit einer raffnierten Jazz-Sensibilität. Das Album besticht durch elegante
Bläserarrangements, gedämpfte Trompete, Klarinettenklänge und eine Atmosphäre urbaner Melancholie,
die Klassiker wie „Alphaville“, „Reason or Rhyme“ und „While My Heart Is Still Beating“ neu interpretiert.
Ferry selbst steuert auf acht Titeln den Gesang bei, während die übrigen Stücke als instrumentale Neuinterpretationen präsentiert werden, arrangiert mit dem Können von Colin Good und gespielt von einem
Ensemble erfahrener Jazzmusiker. Das Konzept des Albums entstand aus Ferrys Tätigkeit als Musikberater
für die gefeierte deutsche Fernsehserie „Babylon Berlin“, in der einige Titel ursprünglich verwendet wurden
und die filmisches Drama mit authentischem Jazz verbindet. Perfekt für langjährige Fans, Jazzliebhaber
und Sammler: „Bitter-Sweet“ bietet eine neue Perspektive auf Ferrys Songwriting und ist damit ein herausragendes Album zum Ausstellen, Entdecken und Verschenken.
Das Album erscheint erstmals seit 2012 wieder als limitierte rote LP und CD.
Tauchen Sie ein in eine Welt, in der klassischer Art-Pop auf die wilden 20er Jahre trifft. „The Jazz Age“
interpretiert Bryan Ferrys Roxy Music- und Solo-Katalog als elegante Jazz-Instrumentals neu, präsentiert
vom Bryan Ferry Orchestra. Von „Virginia Plain“ und „Do the Strand“ bis hin zu „Love Is the Drug“ und
„Avalon“ – jeder Titel erstrahlt in authentischen Arrangements im Stil der 20er Jahre mit Banjo, Klarinette,
gedämpfter Trompete, Baritonsaxophon und Kontrabass, komponiert vom renommierten Arrangeur Colin Good. Britische Jazz-Größen wie der Trompeter Enrico Tomasso und der Saxophonist Alan Barnes erwecken
diese zeitlosen Melodien zum Leben, während die Mono-Produktion den Charme alter 78er-Schallplatten
heraufbeschwört. Ferry selbst verzichtet auf den Gesang und fungiert als Dirigent und Produzent. Dieses
innovative Projekt entstand aus seiner Liebe zum Jazz und seiner Neugier, wie seine Songs ohne Gesang
klingen würden. Perfekt für langjährige Fans, Jazzliebhaber und designorientierte Sammler: „The Jazz
Age“ bietet eine neue Perspektive auf Ferrys Werk und ist damit ein herausragendes Sammlerstück zum
Entdecken, Ausstellen und Verschenken.
Das Album erscheint erstmals seit 2012 wieder als limitierte Edition auf waldgrünem Vinyl (1LP) und
als CD.

(REMASTERED)

Strut continue their work from the archives of Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids with a first ever vinyl release of Ackamoor"s debut avant-garde / Afro-jazz recordings from 1971 with The Collective, based out of Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Releasing as a vinyl 45, Bad Night is the lead offering from The Cromagnon Band's new album Mode. This is the band's second LP and the first of theirs to be released on BBE Music. Mode itself is an album of cinematic and psychedelic dark Funk tinged and tinted with Nordic psych/jazz, classical, boom-bap Hip-Hop breaks and riff heavy rock. Bad Night is backed with Quadrant, a stand alone track that won't be on the album, thus making the vinyl single release a unique addition to the music lover's record collection. That said, these are are two tracks which give both a genuine flavour of the forthcoming album as well as the band's own musical influences and heritage as instrumentalists and producers. The Cromagnon Band's recording technique of taking breaks, riffs and melodies from favourite tracks and then improvising from there with completely live jam sessions in the studio allows them to record in their distinct and trademark 'reverse engineering' style. The trio of Drummer Tom Watt, Bassist Lenny Walker and multi-instrumentalist Bert Page work by making music as a team, playing for hours and united by a love of Hip-Hop breaks and psychedelic Jazz/Rock/Funk and classical music. They choose to record only instrumentals which allows space for Bert to weave intricate soundscape with Fender Rhodes, Moog, Sax and Clarinet over the beats and breaks they have written from their improvised jams. Bad Night b/w Quadrant are the lead releases from The Cromagnon Band's new album Mode. They will be released as a 7" vinyl and digitally.

Keyboardist, bandleader and composer Dave Brubeck is the man
the New York Times credited with ‘helping make jazz popular
again in the Fifties and Sixties. He did not always please the
critics (but) the oppositional push and- pull between his piano and
Paul Desmond’s alto saxophone make the Brubeck Quartet’s best
work still sound original.’ In Britain, the Daily Telegraph called
Brubeck ‘one of the most famous jazz musicians of the 20th
century’, adding that ‘his recording of “Take Five” remains one of
the few jazz records instantly recognised by members of the
general public.’ But, as fans know, there was more to Dave
Brubeck’s music than one composition or album. Dave Brubeck
left a legacy of material that outlives the time and place it first
came into being.

Part of the Jean-Pierre Leloir 180 gram vinyl Collection, Time Out, released in 1959, was an unusual album from the start. While most tunes in occidental popular music are in 4/4, alternating with the 3/4 waltz form here and there, Time Out was devoted to rhythms that had never been previously heard in jazz.
Most of the songs were composed by Brubeck himself. However, one of the most catchy melodies, “Take Five”, was a Paul Desmond composition, and it would become the quartet’s most celebrated tune. “Dave Brubeck’s defining masterpiece,Time Out is one of the most rhythmically innovative albums in jazz history”, wrote Steve Huey in All Music Guide, giving the album five stars.

Prolific songwriter and guitar virtuoso David
Tattersall presents 11 new songs on themes of
memory, dreams, loneliness and love, featuring
nylon string guitar improvisations in the vein of
gypsy jazz legend Django Reinhardt.
 The David Tattersall Group are old friends who
rehearsed together for months in a small, smoky,
sweaty room, before recording the album on a
huge red boat moored on the River Thames, all
vintage microphones and wooden walls inside.
Friendship is a vital part of the record’s magic.
 Stylistic influences include Ronnie Lane, after
whom one song is named, and the nylon-string
guitar work of Jonathan Richman and Willie
Nelson. A pastoral mood prevails, with swells of
melancholic violin and Spaghetti Western
harmonica, backed by honky-tonk piano and the
dry drum sounds of Neil Young’s ‘Harvest’ period,
while the golden voice of Holly Holden adds a
touch of glamour to proceedings.
 David’s process includes much musical
improvisation and stream of consciousness writing,
but his end goal is to couple classic songwriting
with the collective chemistry of musicians playing
live in the studio. His lyrical influences include Tom
Verlaine, John Cooper Clarke and the New York
School of Poets, particularly James Schuyler.
 Pressed on 140g white vinyl with OBI strip.
 Includes digital download code

The only album by Descendants Of Mike and Phoebe, a family band made up of Bill Lee and his brothers, who are also known as the father of Spike Lee, the director of films such as 'Crooklyn' and 'Do The Right Thing'. A Sprit Speaks. The great song 'Coltrane' by Bill Lee, also famous for his performance of Clifford Jordan, is a miraculous balance of dignified and beautiful piano tones and a heavy waltz beat. M3 'Chick Chick', which seems to have been dedicated to Chick Corea, is an up-tempo, fast-moving song. From there to the last track, 'Too Little, Too Late', a beautiful, tear-jerking piece that conveys the depth and greatness of 70s spiritual jazz!

"Minute By Minute" - Tom Johnston (voc); Patrick Simmons (g, voc); Michael McDonald (keyb, voc); Jeffrey Baxter (g); Norton Buffalo (hca); Tiran Porter (b, voc); John Hartman, Keith Knudsen (dr); Bobby LaKind (cga); a.o.

How the Doobie Brothers came to form a “family” is not only a fateful event but also a good story. While getting high on a marihuana joint (or doobie) that was passed from one to the other in a practice room, one of the group apparently uttered the following momentous words: »We are all Doobie brothers«. Later, when in possession of all his faculties, the co-founder of the group, Tom Johnston, was thinking along the lines of a Motown sound, with a bass line resembling that of Seals and Crofts, and vocals in the style of Stevie Wonder. That "Minute By Minute", the first album to appear in the post-Johnston era, so perfectly reflects the mature style of the group is mostly thanks to the two experienced former Steely Dan musicians Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and singer Michael McDonald.

Subtle, gently electrified groove epitomizes the main focus of this album. Its laid back, colourful and glittering sounds are rounded out with powerful rhythms and warm sounds ("What A Fool Believes"). Solo vocals are layered over rolling chords on the piano, a snappy bass and a multi-voiced background to create an appealing harmony ("Here To Love You"). Perfectly tempered and accomplished solos from the lead guitar and saxophone are welcome extras that never drown out the impressive leader of the group. So much brotherliness on a record certainly deserved to be recognized with three Platinum Records and a Grammy Award.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under pure-analogue

All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: 1978 at Warner Bros.-Studios, North Hollywood, by Donn Landee and Loyd Clifft

Production: Ted Templeman

Brand new 7-inch from the incredible duo The Double. Their first release since their debut album Dawn Of The Double in 2016. The Double are Emmett Kelly and Jim White—two dudes with resumes so massive it's not even worth bothering to try and drop names. For the recording session that produced this single they brought in bassist Matt Lux. The music The Double make is rhythmic, hypnotic and percussive. Says The Double of this new single, “after the Dance Craze, we took off to go relax in the jungle with our buddy Matt Lux”. 400 copies made.

Es ist eine futuristische Musik, die auf dem Debut-Album von THE DRAW zu hören ist - mit einem elektroakustischen Set-Up aus modularen Synthesizern und akustischem Schlagzeug. Ursprünglich hatten die beiden Musiker Uwe Haas und Eric Schaefer, die sich für dieses Projekt zusammengefunden haben, zwei Alben geplant. Deshalb besteht das Doppel-Vinyl MAIKRO eigentlich aus zwei Teilen, die thematisch und musikalisch klar voneinander abgegrenzt sind - und doch in einem Spannungsverhältnis zueinander stehen. So sind auf dem ersten Longplayer mit dem Titel MAKRO Spielformen des Dub, Industrial und Noise zu hören. Mit ihrer Kraft und Vitalität von verzerrten Drums und pumpenden Bässe erinnert diese Musik an den akustischen Raum repetitiver Clubmusik. Im Gegensatz dazu ist MIKRO von der Anmutung und dem Detailreichtum der Musique concréte und des Ambient geprägt. Nahe mikrophonierte Perkussion, Field-Recordings und Oszillatoren führen in eine Welt, in der feine, kaum hörbare Klänge, wie unter ein Mikroskop gelegt, vergrößert werden. Die beiden Musiker lassen ihre Improvisationen auf MAIKRO organisch wuchern, lassen Klanglandschaften entstehen, aufregend, ungehört und unberechenbar - und halten ihre Kompositionen doch stets in der Schwebe zwischen Spontaneität und struktureller Klarheit.

In 1971 Henry and Stanley were approached by guitarist Adolphus ‘Bunny’ Luthuli to get a band together to compete in the Alco Best Band Competition at Jabulani Stadium in April 1971.
Bunny had played with Henry in Almon’s Jazz 8. This approach was the genesis of South Africa’s greatest soul jazz band The Drive comprising the Sithole brothers Henry, Danny and Stanley, Bunny Luthuli, Mike Makhalemele, Lucky Mbatha, Nelson Magwaza and Anthony Saoli.

TURQUOISE VINY

The English translation of Allt Är Intet is "All Is Nothingness" - an apt enough title for a band already possessed of the scorched earth sonic tendencies and nihilist-leaning name of The End. Yet there's some ambiguity to that philosophy; the most bleak and despairing interpretation can be countered by a more all-embracing, one-with-the-universe meditativeness. Perhaps surprisingly, either conclusion proves to fit Allt Är Intet, the remarkable second full-length album by The End. The powerhouse international quintet is made up of Swedish saxophonist Mats Gustafsson (Fire!, The Thing), Norwegian saxophonist Kjetil Moster (Moster!, Zanussi 5), Ethiopianborn vocalist Sofia Jernberg (Fire! Orchestra, PAAVO), Norwegian guitarist Anders Hana (MoHa!, Ultralyd(, and Norwegian drummer Borge Fjordheim (Cloroform). Anyone familiar with these boundary-leaping musicians' work is familiar with their throttling ferocity and ability to stretch their music into brutal extremes with focused intensity, as evidenced throughout The End's audacious 2018 debut, Svarmod Och Vemod Är Värdesinnen (which featured Deerhoof drummer Greg Saunier in lieu of Fjordheim). But their follow-up, achieved after two years of continued exploration together, strikes an exhilarating balance between its predecessor's blistering maelstroms and a more densely layered and haunting beauty.

The Exciters began as the Masterettes, a girl group formed by high school friends Brenda Reid, Carol Johnson, Lillian Walker, and Sylvia Wilbur. A single was cut for Brooklyn’s Le Sage label before Wilbur was replaced by Brenda’s husband, Herb Rooney, and after auditioning for Leiber & Stoller, the Exciters recorded the international smash ‘Tell Him’, a song so popular that it spawned foreign language renditions. Our edition of this marvellous debut LP includes the spectacular follow-up hit, ‘Do Wah Diddy,’ another immortal nugget of irresistible pop soul. Bright, light grooves for your dancing feet!

Ten of Tee Fujii’s favourite Three Blind Mice tracks, including “Misty” have been freshly remastered and finally available for the first time on Impex Records’ deluxe 180-gram LP. Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Isao Suzuki, Ayako Hosokawa, Shoji Yokouchi, and other popular TBM musicians showcase their artistry and passion for jazz under the guidance of Fujii-san and engineer Yoshihiko Kannari. Impex’s 2-LP set is placed in a special gatefold jacket and features heavy board backing, new art and special finishes for a truly bespoke audiophile package.

Limited to 3,000 individually numbered pressings, the famous sound of Tee Fujii won’t be the same when they’re gone.

Pieced together with musty samples from children’s exercise records, vintage drama, clunky British jazz and library records, this is an archaeology of emotion, an exploration of the power of not only childhood memories, but of the collective unconscious.

Julian House’s own The Focus Group; oddly assembled sampledelic collages, stitched together from fragments of library cues and forgotten soundtracks. A beautiful, unhinged stream of consciousness that seems to prod at buried memories.
REVIEWS
Julian Houses's Focus Group should appeal to anyone who grew up in Britain in the '70s: its a condensed memory of that decade's daytime and after hours television. These 19 soundbites ape the incidental music for The Tomorrow People, The Clangers and Follyfoot, jazz drums, bass flutes, continuity men and grubby science-lab electronica. Like Boards of Canada minus beats, the feeling of smothered innocence evokes powerful intimations of the uncanny.

Rob Young, UNCUT
June '05

The second Foreign Exchange album reverses the rapping/singing split of the first. Not only is Leave It All Behind much more an R&B album than 2004's Connected -- it's more an R&B album than a lot of modern releases filed in that section, given that Phonte slips into MC mode only twice while otherwise putting his sensitive singing voice to full use. Even more nuanced and textured, and therefore more musical than Connected, Leave It All Behind is a concise and complete set of songs that brings out the best of both producer Nicolay and Phonte. More than ever, Nicolay's mellow but moving productions have that lingering, memory-triggering effect mastered by the late J Dilla, and a multitude of shades is cast: dreamy folk-soul that ranks with the Beauty Room and latter-day 4hero, lean and contemporary constructions that would fit within any adult-oriented R&B station's playlist, deceptively frictional backdrops that bridge hip-hop to West London broken beat, and even the intermittent unclassifiable moment, with several styles thrown into swirls of crescendo-enhanced dramatics. Joined by Connected accomplices Darien Brockington and YahZarah (her lead turn on "If She Breaks Your Heart" sounds even more like a lost Stevie/Minnie collaboration than the Jungle Fever soundtrack original), as well as Muhsinah (an earthbound Georgia Anne Muldrow), Phonte does not deliver knockouts, yet he is not out of his depth and never reaches beyond his grasp, exuding warmth and sincerity as effectively as anyone praised for inhuman range. Even when his lyrics deal in the less complicated aspects of relationships, his voice provides a gently bittersweet tint, as a man with his guard down whose articulations are neither reactionary nor based on some false posture. And with love as its core rather than impulsive lust, as well as its unified feel, Leave It All Behind is not just a unique and exceptional R&B album but also a soundtrack or means of communication -- when heat-of-the-moment resentment, a lump in the throat, or anxious longing get in the way -- for a real-life adult relationship.

Impossible-to-find gem from 1969 finally reissued in a deluxe edition.
ULTRA RARE South African Jazz from District Six with legendary musicians Clifford Moses, Richard Schilder, Basil Moses and Basil Coetzee.

True Jazz today is becoming a rare art whose existence depends not only on the Jazz-musician but also on the medium by means of which it is propagated. This album is the combined effort of musician and Trutone Record Company to add their contribution to the interest of the arts. The theme for this album is set in "District Six", the community which brought forth "The Four Sounds".

Basil Moses is perhaps most widely known, in the context of South African jazz history, as having recorded prolifically – including performing on seven or eight of Abdullah Ibrahim’s 1970s recordings. He also features on Sathima Bea Benjamin’s African Songbird (The Sun, GL 1839).

Guitarist Cliffie Moses, three years older than brother Basil, was also a professional musician and the two, along with Richard Schilder and Billy Bowers (aka Billie Dollie), formed the Four Sounds in the early 1960s. The group with Basil ‘Manenburg’ Coetzee and Roy Nolly recorded their debut album, Jazz from District Six, in 1969 for Trutone (TBLC 1).

In 1970 Basil, Cliffie, Roy Petersen and Monty Weber were all hired to tour the country as the core of Percy Sledge’s backing band for a seventeen-week sell-out tour of South and southern Africa. Percy Sledge described it as the “greatest tour of his career”.

Notes by Siemon Allen at Flatinternational”

Drummer Frank Derrick III (born 1950) grew up in Harvey, Illinois in a musical family_his father Frank Derrick Jr. was a professional musician and arranger who played with notables such as Duke Ellington and Earl Hinges. Frank Derrick III began playing the drums when he was ten years old and at the age of nineteen, he was already playing professionally in the renowned Chicago jazz scene. Frank has led a multifaceted national and international music career. He is a virtuoso performer, composer, and educator. Next to his own recordings he has performed and recorded with numerous legends and artists including Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Eartha Kitt, Roberta Flack, Donna Summer_and countless others. Frank Derrick III toured worldwide with Cab Calloway for ten years and was the drummer for 'The David Letterman Show' on NBC. He is also no stranger to symphonic fans around the world (he was a member of many renowned symphonic 'giants' such as The Royal Philharmonic). As an educator, he served as Chairman of Percussion at 'Henry Street Settlement' in New York, presents master classes, is the respected author of 'Focus On Technique For Drummers', is a contributing author to various educational publications, and is the Drum set editor for 'The Percussive Arts Society'. Last but not least_he was honored with an A.S.C.A.P. Special Award. Frank has a WIDE range of musical experience_his precision, driving rhythmic style and "Straight Ahead" jazz compositions make him unique and a master of his craft. He is a powerfully swinging (yet tasteful) drummer who always makes sure his skills 'serve' the music he's performing. On the album we are proudly presenting you today (You Betcha!) you'll find recordings written by both Frank Jr. and Frank III. All songs are performed by one of his many incarnations: "THE FRANK DERRICK TOTAL EXPERIENCE". Some serious all-star players from the likes of Bill Payne (John Cale-Lionel Richie) and Edwin Williams (Syl Johnson) can also clearly be heard backing up Frank here on this exceptional album. You Betcha! was recorded in 1974 at the legendary Chicago nightclub Fiddler's. The sound quality is top-notch and intimate with a noticeable vibe that conveys the enthusiasm of the audience. Only 1000 copies of this album were privately pressed back in 1974, so it comes as no surprise that this record continues to be one of the rarest sought-after vinyl albums by jazz collectors worldwide. If you enjoy uplifting and hard-swinging jazz, slightly mysterious at times (bordering on the spiritual), lots of funky/soul influences and bouncing energetic grooves_then this is a highly recommended gem for your record collection (and a must-have for seekers of rare grooves).

Named after a (US) West Coast grocery store chain, The Whitefronts started out in 1982 as a quartet of art and theater students attending UCSB. The band quickly mutated into a sextet. In 1984, they moved north to establish themselves as part of the SF DIY culture. Live shows usually consisted of open jams drawing from what the band was obsessing about at the time—free jazz, The Velvet Underground, Caribbean music, improv noise—as well as their own unheralded genres that popped in and out of existence like subatomic particles. Shows with local bands like Slovenly, Camper Van Beethoven, Caroliner Rainbow, Vomit Launch, Barnacle Choir and Barbara Manning provide some context as to their eccentric position within the indie scene of the era.

In 1985, the band released their sole LP, Roast Belief, on their own Bogden label. This was an ambitious attempt to document the various ideas that were happening live. Though practically unknown today, it’s an extraordinary record—a mid-80s classic serving up eclectic derangement on a par with contemporaries like the Butthole Surfers, Meat Puppets, Sun City Girls, Tuxedomoon and Eugene Chadbourne.
The Mamo Waves LP was compiled from recordings made between 1982-1987. As with Roast Belief LP, it’s a mind-melting jumble of the genres explored by Whitefronts throughout their existence. It was originally supposed to be released by Camper Van’s Pitch-A-Tent imprint, as a couple of WF members were touring with CBV in 1987, but the release fell through the cracks when CBV was airlifted to Virgin Records in 1988. Today, it’s clear that Mamo Waves belongs to the same 1980s Californian sub-underground aesthetic that nurtured mythical 80s bands like Departmentstore Santas and Prominent Disturbance. It’s a real WTF m.o. that still sounds like the future.

Reissue of 1970 New Orleans classic back in stock. Featuring songwriter, keyboardist and vocalist Willie Tee. Legendary in Acid Jazz circles and with fans of the Meters. Tee went on to lead the Wild Magnolias in 1974. Rare & unreleased early 70's recordings by New Orleans legendary jazz funkateers.

Recorded during the 105th NDR Jazzworkshop, November 19, 1974 at the Funkhaus Hamburg, großer Sendesaal.
This album was originally released on FMP in 1979 (FMP 0560) - Remastered for vinyl by Martin Siewert in 2021.
Liner notes on the back cover by Alexander von Schlippenbach (in German only)

The Go! Team burst onto the scene back in 2004
with their debut album 'Thunder, Lightning, Strike'
putting the disco in discordant & red limiting all the
levels.
They scored Pitchfork Best New Music and a
Mercury Prize Nomination with their debut LP and
from a small bedroom concern in Brighton
emerged to take on the world.
Now, fourteen years on, 'Thunder, Lightning,
Strike' is released on the format it was made for
the first time.
Limited to only 150 copies worldwide.

When The Greyboy Allstars convened in 1994, the legendary California jazz-funk revivalists flaunted the carefree essence of their collective youth. Their fabled residency at San Diego’s Green Circle Bar spiraled into a series of concerts that stretched toward dawn, as they triangulated their take on the revolutionary funk of Grant Green and Idris Muhammad, Leon Spencer and, of course, James Brown’s infamous J.B.’s. In subsequent years, they played hundreds of shows, becoming a tireless party syndicate that delivered a new brand of spirited instrumental exploration.
A quarter-century later, with those late nights of abandon long since passed, past and present will again intersect for Greyboy Allstars this summer with the release of Como De Allstars, their ecstatic and elastic first new album in seven years
Recorded in a three-day burst, “Como De Allstars” is an exuberant reminder of the playful sense of power that has forever been their hallmark. It also acknowledges our anxious times. The record begins with its title track, a rallying cry for perseverance in the face of oppression, for fighting for the ability to not just survive but thrive. Delivered in unison over an undaunted rhythm section, the first track on the record “Como De Allstars” (available now) is a stirring and timely testament to the revolutionary origins and powers of jazz, funk, and their boogaloo blend—and the Greyboy Allstars’ continual ability to deliver them.
Later this summer will see the first-ever reissue of the revelatory and electrifying debut LP, 1994’s “West Coast Boogaloo”, recorded in a single blistering session with J.B.’s trombonist Fred Wesley.

Pop music history is littered with albums whose provocative covers promised something steamy and sensual inside but delivered a musical cold shower instead. This is not one of those albums. Fresh from arranging/conducting such Broadway shows as The Wiz and also forging a successful career penning jingles for such clients as McDonald’s, Pan Am Airlines, Boone’s Farm Wines, Kool Aid, and Coca Cola, composer/keyboardist Wheeler released this 1975 cult classic, a soulful, slinky masterpiece of bedroom jazz-funk. It’s Wheeler’s only album, but it may have been singly responsible for an increase in the mid-‘70s birth rate…light some candles and break out the lotion for this one. First reissue in any format, available in orange with black swirl vinyl limited to 750 copies!

Stickly Limited Edition 3000 copies.
Re-mastered from the original stereo master tapes.
Cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Mastering.
180g vinyl LP pressed in Marciac, France by Garcia & Co.
Deluxe flipback album jacket.
Artwork by Jean-Louis Duralek.
Double insert using an original photo by Thierry Trombert.
Each record has been visually checked to prevent defects.

Strut proudly presents Nuclear War, a powerful collaboration between UK collective The Heliocentrics, Sun Ra Arkestra legends Marshal Alen and Knoel Scott, and vocalist Bilal - issued on limited-edition “hazardous” orange and yellow vinyl exclusively for Record Store Day 2026.

The Nuclear War recordings stem from a rare session at Malcolm Catto’s Quatermass Sound Lab in January 2015. The group had assembled in London to rehearse for their performance at Giles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards, where Alen received the Lifetime Achievement Award and Catto the John Peel Award. With The Heliocentrics’ trademark raw, psychedelic energy as the backbone, the ensemble captured a series of reimagined Sun Ra classics in a spontaneous, one-off studio moment, and these tapes that have remained unheard in Catto’s archive until now.

The 4-track EP features a sinuous take on Ronnie Boykins’ ‘Angels And Demons At Play’, originally recorded in 1960, a strident version of ‘Where Pathways Meet’ which was originally created for the much-loved Sun Ra Lanquidity album in 1978, and a dense and deep re work of 1972’s ‘Astro Black’ featuring Bilal’s incredible otherworldly vocals. The title track ‘Nuclear War’ is re-worked into a cavernous groove featuring Heliocentrics vocalist Barbora Patkova. Nuclear War is mixed by Malcolm Catto, mastered and cut by Frank Merritt at The Carvery, and designed by Alex Evans of Reason For Being Studio.