Поиск:u brown

Michigan Band EJ & the Echoes: Rediscovering a Soul Legacy

The story of EJ & the Echoes represents a remarkable chapter in Michigan's music history and the early American soul scene. Its origins date back to the late 1950s, when Everett J. "EJ" Gronda was already active as a young musician. While studying at Central Michigan University in the early 1960s, he met the talented vocalist Manuel "Manny" Holcolm. Together with other musicians, they formed vocal groups that soon performed throughout the state and even recorded near Detroit's legendary Motown studios.

In 1963, Gronda founded EJ & the Echoes, a band that quickly gained popularity at dances, clubs, and weddings across Michigan. With Manny Holcolm as lead singer, the group developed a distinctive harmony-driven sound, blending influences ranging from the Beatles to James Brown. The band served as a house band in Traverse City, opened for national acts, and performed regularly at well-known Detroit venues.

Between 1964 and 1967, EJ & the Echoes released several singles on the Diamond Jim Records label. Although major commercial success eluded them at the time, their recordings later found international recognition. Today, their songs remain staples of the British Northern Soul scene.

After the band dissolved, the members pursued different paths. EJ Gronda became a schoolteacher but remained devoted to music throughout his life. In 2006, the musicians reunited for an emotional jam session. EJ Gronda passed away in 2022, followed by Manuel Holcolm in 2024. Their musical legacy endures-on this vinyl release, dance floors, and in the memory of a remarkable era.

Our sincere thanks go to author and blues historian Fred Reif. He wrote the accompanying text and provided all the pictures of the band printed in the gatefold cover. Without him, this project would not have been possible.

Vanisher, Horizon Scraper is the highly anticipated follow-up to Quadeca’s 2024 critically acclaimed mixtape Scrapyard, which received a coveted score of 9/10 from Anthony Fantano (The Needle Drop) and currently sits as the #28 highest-rated mixtape of all time on RateYourMusic.


Vanisher, Horizon Scraper is a concept album—a modern apocalyptic folklore about a man who sails into the ocean alone in pursuit of freedom and cosmic understanding, subconsciously driven by his own self-destruction.


With a runtime of nearly 70 minutes, the album takes listeners on a transformative sonic journey, blending genres such as world music, ambient, hip hop, bossa nova, folk, rock, and other experimental styles.

Soul Jazz Records’ long out of print classic ‘Studio One Funk’ collection is being re-released in three new one-off limited-edition coloured pressing 18th anniversary format editions!
Firstly, a heavyweight special limited edition one-pressing only red 2xLP vinyl + download. Secondly, there is also a new special limited-edition one-off pressing edition red-pressed CD enclosed in jewel case and slipcase. And thirdly there is a very limited unique new one-off pressing red-cased cassette format (200 copies only)! 18 years on from its original release Studio One Funk remains one of our Studio One releases most in-demand titles and like all our earlier special coloured editions is sure to sell out fast!
Studio One Funk is made up of rare and unreleased Reggae Funk from the vaults of Studio One. Ever since the birth of Funk in America, the sound has been an ever-present ingredient in the melting pot of Studio One’s musical output.
The music on this release is a combination of originals, US covers and versions of existing Studio One cuts. Jackie Mittoo shows his appreciation for Booker T and The MGs, the studio group at Memphis’ famous Stax Records with ‘Hang Em High’, itself a cover of a film soundtrack by Dominic Frontiere. Incredibly this version has never before been released. Booker T’s super-funky ‘Melting Pot’ is also covered by the little-known Underground Vegetables.
Other versions include Isaac Hayes’ classic Blaxploitation soundtrack ‘Shaft’ again by Cedric Im Brooks track - another unreleased gem, straight from the tape master. Motown gets a look in with Alton’s stripped-down version of the Spinners classic ‘It’s A Shame’, written by Stevie Wonder and Syreeta.
James Brown is apparent in spirit with the JBs-inspired groove on the super rare cut “Now” by Lee Arab. Lloyd Williams similarly does a fine Kingston-style version of the hardest-working man in showbusiness on ‘Reggae Feet’.
Version-wise, we have ‘Idleberg’, Cedric Im Brooks tough instrumental cut on Horace Andy’s seminal ‘Skylarking’. The little-known Prince Moonie gives us a rare DJ cut of another Horace Andy classic, ‘See A Man’s Face’.
Pablove Black’s cut of Sidewalk Doctor (A/K/A Poco Tempo) is one of a handful of Studio One releases featuring Augustus Pablo’s trademark instrument, the melodica, played by Black himself.
Add to these original cuts from Studio One’s heavyweight session players including Leroy Sibbles, Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles, Eric Frater, Leroy ‘Horsemouth’ Wallace, Richard Ace, Vin Gordon and more and you have one of the finest selections of reggae and funk you will ever hear.







"This collection goes deep into the Brentford Road vaults and unearths a rake of previously unreleased gems alongside hard to find classics. Heavy and inspirational, totally unique and essentially timeless." Straight No Chaser
"An absolute treasure trove for the collector as well as being great for the ears and feet. Jackie Mittoo's 'Hang Em High' is worth the price of the album on its own." Echoes
"A superb collection that shows how much many Jamaican musicians were influenced by the heavy funk belting out of American studios from the early seventies onwards.” Touch
"The most satisfying listening experience so far in the Studio One series." The Wire
"Rare and unreleased grooves from Jamaica's house of excellence." Mojo

Soul Jazz Records celebrate 25 years of working in partnership with Studio One with brand new editions of FIVE of their best-selling CLASSIC Studio One collections all released on limited-edition one-off pressing coloured double vinyl. Also available in new limited-edition card wallet CD editions. The new edition featured albums are Studio One Funk, Studio One Dub, Studio One Ska, Studio One Roots and Studio One Classics.

Studio One Classics features a non-stop selection of stone-cold classic Studio One killers! Spanning 40 years of the legendary label, this album is a celebration of the music of Studio One Records and features a who’s who of Jamaican Reggae: Bob Marley, The Heptones, Horace Andy, Sugar Minott, Don Drummond, Prince Jazzbo & more. This collection contains numerous legendary tracks, including Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “Simmer Down”," "Love Me Forever" by Carlton & His Shoes, Slim Smith's "Rougher Yet," Horace Andy's "Fever,", Alton Ellis’s “I’m Just A Guy’, The Skatalites’ blazing ‘Confucious’ and loads more. Timeless stuff - every track here is indeed a classic, no-one can argue about that! Studio One produced literally hundreds of hits and this selection includes some of the label’s most enduring songs.

It is simply impossible to imagine modern Jamaican music without Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, founder of the iconic Studio One where virtually every singer and musician of note in Reggae cut their teeth. Studio One's output spans over four decades, all represented here. Coxsone Dodd pioneered nearly every new form of Jamaican music as it developed over time and this album includes Ska, Dancehall, Roots, Rocksteady, DJ, Lovers and more. This is probably the best entry of the many Soul Jazz Studio One releases if you're after a primer in the Studio One sound. Like it says on the wrapper 'Classics' pretty much sums it up

companion album to their 2024 debut on PPU.
mess/age is the music of Kyoto-based friends Khan Brown and Ohhki.

artwork by Munguni.

Phonica welcomes Mattias El Mansouri, a Swedish-born DJ and producer of Moroccan/Chilean descent who has been behind some of our favourite releases over the past few years on labels such as Aniara and Nous'klaer.

On the 'Sense Data' 12", El Mansouri expands on his atmospheric House and Techno explorations with three deep yet dancefloor primed pieces that hold personal resonance for him.

El Mansouri, who holds a degree in Theoretical Philosophy, explains:

"'Sense Data' are the immediate elements of perception; what is directly given to the senses before any judgment or interpretation. In vision, these appear as colored, shaped patches; in other senses, as sounds, tastes, smells, or tactile qualities. For example, seeing a brown table with a white coaster involves sense data of a brown patch and a white roundish patch, from which one infers the presence of a table and coaster."

On the record's flip, we have the beautiful "Cielo Vacío' and 'Ouzo Hallon' dub version of 'Sense Data'. El Mansouri continues:

"Cielo Vacío translates to “empty sky” in Spanish. The track serves as a eulogy for my brother, who passed away in December 2023. I chose this title because it resonates with the sonic and emotional atmosphere of the piece. Its ambiguity is intentional, carrying both the weight of grief that lingers after losing someone you love, and a strange, fragile peace you extend toward the departed. It reflects the hope that, wherever they are, whether or not one believes in an afterlife, they have found rest.

Ouzo Hallon translates to Ouzo (the Greek liquor)+Hallon (Raspberry). It’s a long drink that my (Greek) ex came up with last summer, mixing ouzo, raspberry syrup/raspberry juice and ice. It became a thing in our little friend group, consisting of mostly Greeks, and every time we all hang out we would all just drink ouzo hallon until we couldn’t stand straight. I always wanted to name a track Ouzo Hallon, just for the fun of it, and what better way to get the chance than now!"

Gary Bartz und das neue Londoner Ensemble Your Brother’s Keeper präsentieren mit "Where Rivers Meet" ein tiefgründiges und intuitives Studioalbum, das die seltene Begegnung zweier Generationen von Jazzmusikern einfängt. Das Album, das pünktlich zum 20-jährigen Jubiläum von Brownswood erscheint, vereint Bartz' Tradition mit der jungen, pulsierenden Szene Londons. Das Ergebnis ist Musik, die sich mit Offenheit und Intensität entfaltet, getragen von tiefem Zuhören und gemeinsamer Improvisation.

Im Zentrum des Projekts steht Bartz, eine der einflussreichsten Vertreter des modernen Jazz. Der Saxophonist, dessen Karriere sich über mehr als fünf Jahrzehnte erstreckt, machte sich einen Namen durch Auftritte mit Charles Mingus, Max Roach und Art Blakey, bevor er sich Miles Davis in dessen elektrisierender Phase der frühen 1970er-Jahre anschloss. Mit seinen gefeierten Aufnahmen mit der NTU Troop wurde er schnell zu einer prägenden Figur des Spiritual Jazz und schuf ein Werk, das Generationen von Musikern und Zuhörern gleichermaßen begeistert. Sein Spiel – lyrisch, tiefgründig und unverkennbar gefühlvoll – zählt nach wie vor zu den markantesten Stimmen des Jazz.

Das Album markiert zudem die Gründung von Your Brother’s Keeper, einem neuen Kollektiv um Schlagzeuger und Produzent Jake Long (Maisha), dessen musikalischer Dialog und die Improvisation tief in der Musik verwurzelt sind. Mit Ali MacSween (Piano, Synthesizer, modulare Effekte), Axel Kaner-Lidstrom (Trompete), Twm Dylan (Kontrabass), Tim Doyle (Percussion) und Chelsea Carmichael (Tenorsaxophon) sowie Long am Schlagzeug spiegelt die Gruppe eine Szene wider, die den Sound des zeitgenössischen Jazz im letzten Jahrzehnt maßgeblich geprägt hat.

(*Previously unreleased)

Telling a tale of house music’s early days or roots without mentioning Tony Humphries as a club DJ, remixer and radio disc jockey would make it an incomplete, forged and most of all a bit of a yawn.
Born in Brooklyn in 1957, Humphries’ musical journey is synonymous with New York City’s dance music history and the evolution from uptempo soul music to house: from being a dancer at David Mancuso’s infamous Loft parties to becoming a mobile DJ and getting the call from Shep Pettibone to become his right hand at
the then new Kiss FM radio station, followed by countless remix offers and a legendary residency at Newark’s Club Zanzibar. Next to that one, is was especially his work as a radio disc jockey for said station during most of the 1980s until 1994 that gave him majestic clout. Breaking new records week in, week out,
putting New Jersey acts like Adeva and Jomanda or countless up-and-coming producers from there on the musical map, while simultaneously playing the hottest imports from Europe, trax from Chicago, dance classics and all things straight from New York’s music factory that never seemed to stop.
Going to his vast and almost complete archive of radio shows from way back when he graced those airwaves, we at Running Back Records have pickedNew Release Information original recordings that symbolize his importance as an industry giant and ambassador of this style of music.
„But one thing I would like to point out is that, as a DJ, the music I play is not my music. I want to make it perfectly clear that it is music that is released, and it’s everyone’s music. I do not take any other credit than being the middle person exposing this music.“
(Tony Humphries in: What Kind of House Party Is This?, Jonathan Fleming, 1996)

Should you happen to have been paying attention to progressive house and trance in the mid 1990s, you may well be familiar with Brendan McCarthy's most celebrated release as Aquartherium, 1994's Full Moon EP. It was a massive record across Europe but also found favour in San Francisco's freewheeling free party scene. 'Full Moon' itself is especially potent - an all-action chunk of hallucinatory progressive house/trance fusion full of star-burst synth motifs, bubbly electronics and ambient techno sonics - though the heavier, bleep-sporting, Brown Album-era Orbital flex of 'Luci In Deep Hypnosis' is just as good.

Since establishing his Stereo:type imprint, former Papa Records contributor Risk Assessment (real name Glyne Braithwaite) has released a dizzying amount of material, both digitally and on vinyl. His latest wax outing boasts four superb, tried-and-tested cuts. He gets straight to the point on opener 'Get Up', a chunky, emotive and life-affirming affair that appears to make liberal use of orchestral and vocal samples from what sounds like a luscious, maximalist Philly Soul workout of the mid 1970s, before going percussion crazy on 'Circus' (which also boasts samples from a much-loved disco record). 'I Had Enuff' is a colourful and piano-rich classic house number boasting fine vocals from Kathy Brown, while 'Man Like Mike Delgrado' is a swirling, filter-heavy chunk of swirling disco-house hedonism.

2x12" Brown Marbled Vinyl 2026 Repress

A foray into deep, organic, cinematic dance music. Subterranean bass, intercepted alien transmissions, and stripped down dance-beats meld with sheets of sounds that roll over the listener like waves lapping up on the shore. Shimmering, watery, brain hemisphere synchronization tones caress and melt stress away. Dance floor friendly tracks that work equally well in one s private listening space. Immersive music with a distinctive aquatic quality. Inspired by Detroit & Berlin s dance genres, but tempered by more ambience / atmosphere than one would expect from those genres. Music without harshness or rough edges. Fuzzy, out-of-focus, soft-sounds that slip in and out of the listener's consciousness. Uniquely melds current dance rhythms with lushness and spirituality. Synesthetic sounds that trigger sensory experiences in cognitive pathways other than hearing smells of perfumes, thoughts of colours, and altered perception of time and space. Psychoacoustic, cerebral, electronic listening music for those wanting a different experience than the current harsher, darker dance trends are offering. Responsibly made gentle music designed from the ground-up to have a positive effect on the nervous system and leave the listener invigorated and recharged. Chi-building sonic balm. Timeless, exotic dance tracks for a new school of electronic music enthusiasts who are searching for beautiful sounds, crafted with a higher purpose in mind.

International superstar Pitbull presents his 'Greatest Hits' album. The compilation features his chart-topping singles from 2009 to 2014, alongside electrifying tracks like 'Jungle' (feat. E-40 and Abraham Mateo) and 'Locas' (feat. Lil Jon). 'Greatest Hits' serves as a powerful testament to Pitbull's prowess in crafting infectious, energetic, and celebratory anthems. The album features monumental hits such as 'Give Me Everything' (feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer), 'Timber' (feat. Kesha), 'Time of Our Lives' (feat. Ne-Yo), 'Fireball' (feat. John Ryan), and many more.

Mit Tether veröffentlicht die preisgekrönte Saxophonistin, Improvisatorin und Komponistin Alden Hellmuth ihr neues Album - der kraftvolle Nachfolger zu Good Intentions, das als Debut Album of the Year International beim Deutschen Jazzpreis ausgezeichnet wurde. Hellmuth, Absolventin des renommierten Herbie Hancock Institute, verbindet hier kompositorische Präzision mit einem markanten, modernen Bandsound. Das Herzstück von Tether ist ein seltenes Zwei-Bass-Quartett, getragen von zwei der radikalsten Musiker der LA-Szene: Logan Kane, ein genreübergreifender Bassist zwischen Jazz, Avantgarde und Punk-Funk, und Miller Wrenn, einer der furchtlosesten Improvisatoren der Westküste. An den Drums sorgt Justin Brown für energetische Dynamik - ein herausragender Musiker, der u. a. mit Ambrose Akinmusire, Christian McBride und Vijay Iyer gearbeitet hat. Besondere Gäste wie Paul Cornish, Finalist großer internationaler Klavierwettbewerbe und auf Blue Note veröffentlicht, sowie Yakiv Tsvietinskyi, eine prägende Stimme des modernen ukrainischen Jazz, erweitern den Klang zusätzlich. Tether ist ein energiegeladenes, modernes Jazzalbum, das Avantgarde-Mut, kompositorische Tiefe und unmittelbare Spielfreude vereint. Hellmuths Quartett erschafft eine kraftvolle, eigenständige Klangwelt zwischen Modern Jazz, zeitgenössischer Improvisation und experimentellen Low-End-Texturen.

Reissue 2026

The track "I'm So Crazy" by Par-T-One vs. INXS (a remix of INXS's "Just Keep Walking")

is widely praised in dance/electronic circles for successfully fusing classic rock attitude with driving house beats,

retaining the iconic guitar and vocals while adding powerful drums,

making it a timeless and energetic club anthem that captured the spirit of the original for a new generation.

Produced in 2001 by the Italian electronic duo Par-T-One (Sergio Casu aka Sergione and Andrea Pareo),

reviews highlight its infectious energy, inspiring guitars, and effective dancefloor appeal.

The song has been classified as "Punk House" because the video depicts people performing the Pogo move and Michael Hutchence's skinhead-like vocal style.

The song also features samples of Dennis Parker's "Like an Eagle" and "I'm So in Love."

The single reached number 19 in the UK singles chart and the video (directed by Sam Brown and Paul Gore,

who later found success directing videos for James Blunt and The Bravery) won and was nominated for various awards

in the Short Film category and Best Promotional Video.

2026 re-release remastered by Gianni Bini at HOG Studio

2026 Repress

Weiss has made a bit of a welcomed habit in recent years of dropping a Sun-drenched bomb on Toolroom around this time of year and following on from 'You're Sunshine' last year, 'Feel My Needs' is his submission for 2018!

Recent Weiss highlights have included him playing the main stage at Dirtybird's own Campout festival, regular dates at the world-renowned Fabric as well as a US tour and an album in the making.

In true Weiss style, this record will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing to attention in a matter of seconds. Lush, old skool piano riffs and sublime vocal licks, all laid over the top of a crisp and infectious house backing.

This is a sure-fire future anthem with two killer remixes to add to the vinyl from Purple Disco Machine and Gorgon City, both of which have been premiered on the mighty Radio 1 Dance shows.

DJ Support:

Pete Tong, Annie Mac, Danny Howard, MistaJam, Huxley, Gorgon City, Claptone, S-Man, Dario D'Attis, Robosonic, Dosem, Tube & Berger, Steve Lawler, Groove Armada, Sonny Fodera, Man Without A Clue, The Magician, Eli Brown, TCTS, Martin Ikin, Mat.Joe, Richy Ahmed, Low Steppa, Kry Wolf, Kraak & Smaak, The Golden Boy

London-based producer IZCO is set to release his latest single, “Guiding Star (feat. Reek0)”, blending soulful nostalgia with the raw energy of the capital’s underground sound.

Drawing from influences that span UK dance music, hip hop, and soul, IZCO’s music captures both the energy of the dancefloor and the emotion of lived experience. Over the years, IZCO has become a key figure in London’s cross-genre underground scene, collaborating with artists like Reek0, Greentea Peng, Sam Wise, Liam Bailey, and Novelist, and performing at iconic venues and festivals across the UK and Europe.

His previous releases, including tracks like soulboy - IZCO Remix, Beauty Inside, and OBiNRin - IZCO Remix, showcase his knack for crafting warm, sample-rich productions that balance classic influences with a distinctly modern edge. Whether behind the decks or in the studio, IZCO continues to push boundaries, creating music that feels timeless, authentic, and deeply rooted in community.

“Guiding Star” is no different. It pairs warm, vintage soul textures with the sharp percussion and bass-driven pulse that have defined IZCO’s sound across his discography. Featuring long-time collaborator Reek0, the single bridges eras and styles; a homage to the past while firmly rooted in the energy of today’s London.

Speaking on this release, IZCO says:
“Guiding Star. That classic shit, Combining the soulful sample with the London grit, real London track. Inspired by a mixture of 70s soul, US hip hop and UK grime.

Made this track without thinking much, the sample spoke for itself.
Reek0’s vocal was from one of the first sessions we ever did years ago, and it had never been released but it sounded perfect on this track. A taste of nostalgia, this track reminds me of good memories and friendships. Simple but meaningful. And an honour to use such a beautiful sample”

Later this year, fans will be able to own an exclusive 7-inch vinyl edition of Guiding Star, featuring both the original and instrumental versions - a collector’s piece for crate diggers and fans alike. Out on the 5th December.

With “Guiding Star (feat. Reek0)”, IZCO continues to carve out his place as one of the most versatile and soulful producers in UK production, grounding every beat in authenticity, emotion, and connection

With Sunrise and the Life We Live, John Beltran returns to his ambient techno roots, the sound that garnered him global appeal in the 1990s.

Through ten tracks, the album journeys through lush, aerated textures and beatless expanse. Hypnotic grooves deepen and bloom in a flow of shapes and colors, creating a sound that is both meditative and full of life.

Thirty years after the release of his seminal Ten Days of Blue, Beltran's musicianship, vision and desire to produce remain at a fever pitch. With Sunrise and the Life We Live his gift of extracting emotion from the universe and turning it into
a unique musical experience puts him in a class of his own.

Hate Love Trio made a low-key debut last year on this label with the slow, dreamy, dance-pop charms of 'Chan-O-Rama'. We have found out little more about the producer or producers behind it but here they or he or she returns with a full-length album of elegant and inventive downtempo and Balearic that starts off with those singles. Elsewhere, slow, mournful rhythms and melodies encourage inward reflection. 'Loosey Goosey' is a funky dancer for grown-ups, 'Billie Brownie' merges dub pacing with sunny guitar echo and 'Sunday I Don't Know' is a shimmering, jazz-flecked neo-classical warmer for intimate moments. An accomplished and adventurous album that is as good for the mind as it is body and soul.

Eine Disco-45 mit zwei heißen Tracks von Say She She's neuester LP ,Cut & Rewind". Die NYC Punk-Chic, Discodelic Funk Band hat letzten Oktober ihr drittes Studioalbum rausgebracht. Es ist ein politisch aufgeladenes, Dancefloor-zerstörendes Album, angeführt vom kraftvollen Gesangstrio Piya Malik, Sabrina Mileo Cunningham und Nya Gazelle Brown. Die A-Seite, der Titeltrack ,Cut & Rewind", ist ein Post-Punk-Femme-Funk-Track mit den mitreißenden Harmonien der Gruppe und einer unverkennbaren Funk-Base/Basslinie. Der Song ist hauptsächlich autobiografisch, enthält aber auch subtile Hommagen an Songwriting-Legenden. Die Gruppe hat kürzlich die B-Seite ,Disco Life" live bei Jimmy Kimmel gespielt. Der fröhliche, groovige Track verurteilt den Rassismus und die Homophobie von Steve Dahls ,Disco Demolition Night" aus dem Jahr 1979 und fordert die Tanzfläche als ,Spielfeld, auf dem alle frei sind" zurück.

Boogie Back Records proudly reissues BBR008 on 7-inch vinyl — a timeless slice of soulful innovation from Max Beesley, whose deep roots in the UK’s acid jazz and soul scene have influenced generations of musicians and listeners alike. A multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer, Beesley has collaborated with some of the most iconic artists of our time — Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Earth, Wind & Fire, James Brown, Incognito, Jamiroquai, and many more — contributing his signature touch on drums, percussion, keyboards, and vibraphone.

Originally released as part of Boogie Back’s 12” series, BBR008 captures Beesley’s unmistakable sound: rich harmonies, heavy grooves, and that soulful energy that bridges classic street soul and contemporary jazz-funk. This 7” reissue distills the essence of his acclaimed Boogie Back Records impacting era — a period defined by vibrant musicianship and cosmic jazz grooves ready for both the dancefloor and the deep listener. These two tracks showcase the full range of Beesley’s musical vision. “Night Daze” rides a hypnotic groove of cosmic Rhodes chords, tight percussion, and lush vibraphone lines, creating a cinematic, late-night atmosphere. On the flip, “Painful Truth” features the unmistakable voice of Omar, one of the UK’s most iconic soul vocalists — delivering a deep, heartfelt performance over Beesley’s rich, jazz-funk arrangements. This is another special and exclusive 45/7“ release via Soulkitchen Distribution…