Search:under 19

Zwei Garagen-Generationen treffen aufeinander! Reverend Beat-Man, das Schweizer Ein-Mann-Orchester und der König des Blues Trash, trifft auf Milan Slick, eine echt dunkle Seele und vielleicht Reinkarnation von Nick Cave (ach, noch zugegen)/Johnny Thunders, um Rock'n'Roll zu spielen, der so frisch und lebendig, wild und düster ist wie nie zuvor. Reverend Beat-Man und Milan Slick lernten sich 2020 inmitten der Pandemie kennen, als sie einen Soundtrack für den Vampirfilm "A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night" von Ana Lily Amirpour schrieben. Zusammen spielten sie Gigs bei Super Sonic Records oder im legendären SO36 in Berlin, um dann gemeinsam mit Beatrice Graf und Benjamin Glaus ein Album unter dem Namen "Reverend Beat-Man & The Underground" zu produzieren (im Rahmen des Rocklette PALP Festivals), eine makabre Tanzparty zum Untergang der Menschheit. Als Nächstes nahmen der superprimitive Rock 'n` Roll-Trash-Hi-Energy-Lo-Fi Reverend Beat-Man und der raffinierte, clevere, verspielte und düstere Milan Slick ihr erstes gemeinsames Album im ehemaligen Züri West Studio mit Sebastian Zwahlen und dem einzigartigen Robert Butler von Miracle Workers auf. Reverend Beat-Man ist eigentlich eine Ein-Mann-Band mit einer Mission: Blues-Trash und wilden Rock'n'Roll. Geboren 1967 in Bern, Schweiz, im Sommer der Liebe und des Hasses, ist er seit 1992 auf Tour, zuerst als Lightning Beat-Man, dann als Reverend Beat-Man One-Man-Band und mit seiner Band The Monsters. Er spielte in ganz Europa, Nord- und Südamerika, Japan, Vietnam, Neuseeland, Australien, Afrika, CBGBs, Montreux Jazz, Muddy Roots usw. Er ist der Gründer von Voodoo Rhythm Records (1992). Wäre er Politiker, würden ihn sogar seine Feinde respektieren (die Regierung). Er wurde 2014 für den Schweizer Musikpreis nominiert, gewann den lokalen Musikpreis als einflussreichster Musiker in Bern (Hauptstadt der Schweiz) und betreibt dort einen Platten- und Souvenirladen. Der Singer-Songwriter Milan Slick (Jahrgang 2004) steht noch ganz am Anfang seiner Karriere, hat aber bereits mit namhaften Künstlern wie Mario Batkovic oder Birdman Jäggi oder seiner eigenen Band Fatigues zusammengearbeitet. In seiner Musik sind Einflüsse von u.a. Nick Cave bis David Bowie zu hören, aber auch, dass sich eine eigenwillige junge Stimme herauskristallisiert, von der wir in Zukunft hoffentlich noch viel hören werden. Als Classic Black or limitiertes Glow In The Dark Vinyl, jeweils mit vierseitigem A4-Insert & DLC, Digisleeve-CD, Kassette sowie Tonband mit Extras erhältlich!

The title of Tom Skinner"s first release (2022) under his own name is a reference to cellist Abdul Wadud"s ultra-rare 1978 solo album By Myself, which Skinner listened to repeatedly during lockdown. Wadud"s album was privately pressed on his own label, Bisharra, and whilst Skinner"s title uses the more conventional spelling of this common Arabic name, they both have the same intention or meaning: it translates as "good news", or "the bringer of good news". The result is a tight, hypnotic and unique 31-minutes of music. Voices of Bishara is sculpted around timeless and deeply emotional music that contains masses of movement and exceptional harmonic depth and texture. It sweeps and soars through soundworlds, rich in musicality and always anchored by the deep doubling of cello and bass. It also, of course, contains Skinner"s percussive magic.

Zwei Garagen-Generationen treffen aufeinander! Reverend Beat-Man, das Schweizer Ein-Mann-Orchester und der König des Blues Trash, trifft auf Milan Slick, eine echt dunkle Seele und vielleicht Reinkarnation von Nick Cave (ach, noch zugegen)/Johnny Thunders, um Rock'n'Roll zu spielen, der so frisch und lebendig, wild und düster ist wie nie zuvor. Reverend Beat-Man und Milan Slick lernten sich 2020 inmitten der Pandemie kennen, als sie einen Soundtrack für den Vampirfilm "A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night" von Ana Lily Amirpour schrieben. Zusammen spielten sie Gigs bei Super Sonic Records oder im legendären SO36 in Berlin, um dann gemeinsam mit Beatrice Graf und Benjamin Glaus ein Album unter dem Namen "Reverend Beat-Man & The Underground" zu produzieren (im Rahmen des Rocklette PALP Festivals), eine makabre Tanzparty zum Untergang der Menschheit. Als Nächstes nahmen der superprimitive Rock 'n` Roll-Trash-Hi-Energy-Lo-Fi Reverend Beat-Man und der raffinierte, clevere, verspielte und düstere Milan Slick ihr erstes gemeinsames Album im ehemaligen Züri West Studio mit Sebastian Zwahlen und dem einzigartigen Robert Butler von Miracle Workers auf. Reverend Beat-Man ist eigentlich eine Ein-Mann-Band mit einer Mission: Blues-Trash und wilden Rock'n'Roll. Geboren 1967 in Bern, Schweiz, im Sommer der Liebe und des Hasses, ist er seit 1992 auf Tour, zuerst als Lightning Beat-Man, dann als Reverend Beat-Man One-Man-Band und mit seiner Band The Monsters. Er spielte in ganz Europa, Nord- und Südamerika, Japan, Vietnam, Neuseeland, Australien, Afrika, CBGBs, Montreux Jazz, Muddy Roots usw. Er ist der Gründer von Voodoo Rhythm Records (1992). Wäre er Politiker, würden ihn sogar seine Feinde respektieren (die Regierung). Er wurde 2014 für den Schweizer Musikpreis nominiert, gewann den lokalen Musikpreis als einflussreichster Musiker in Bern (Hauptstadt der Schweiz) und betreibt dort einen Platten- und Souvenirladen. Der Singer-Songwriter Milan Slick (Jahrgang 2004) steht noch ganz am Anfang seiner Karriere, hat aber bereits mit namhaften Künstlern wie Mario Batkovic oder Birdman Jäggi oder seiner eigenen Band Fatigues zusammengearbeitet. In seiner Musik sind Einflüsse von u.a. Nick Cave bis David Bowie zu hören, aber auch, dass sich eine eigenwillige junge Stimme herauskristallisiert, von der wir in Zukunft hoffentlich noch viel hören werden. Als Classic Black or limitiertes Glow In The Dark Vinyl, jeweils mit vierseitigem A4-Insert & DLC, Digisleeve-CD, Kassette sowie Tonband mit Extras erhältlich!

"Under the guidance of Norman Granz, Stan Getz and Gerry Mulligan collaborate for the first time as the primary horns on Getz Meets Mulligan in Hi-Fi. Recorded in 1957, this record offers the unique opportunity to listen to the two jazz stars trade instruments on the first three tracks (‘Let's Fall in Love’, ‘Anything Goes’, and ‘Too Close for Comfort’) with Getz on baritone sax and Mulligan on tenor. The music gels with the help of a world-class rhythm section featuring Lou Levy on piano, Ray Brown on bass, and Stan Levey on drums. While a massive musical success, the duo never recorded again in this quintet format, making this record a rarity.
Verve’s Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes and remastered 180-gram vinyl in deluxe gatefold packaging."

Trailblazing outlet for forward-thinking Danish Jazz, April Records proudly presents the debut from trumpeter/composer Rolf Thofte; a vivid and personal record that blends lyrical melodies, inventive rhythms, and subtle harmonic exploration. Written while Thofte adjusted to fatherhood - the album captures moments of joy, reflection, and experimentation, brought to life by a handpicked quintet of Denmark"s most exciting young jazz talents. Martha"s Dance is set for release on September 19th, 2025 via April Records. The title track is a tribute to Thofte"s three-year-old daughter - a playful, clapping, goat-hoof-stomping tune in quirky 5/4 that channels the spirit of childhood joy and spontaneity. "It"s just a fun tune to play, and I feel like it really captures Martha"s spirit," says Thofte. "This band came together at a time when I was trying to get a foothold in a new life situation as a father, so it felt perfect to make this the title track." The album moves between moods and textures with elegance: from the rich harmonic language of "Vice Versa" - inspired by Wayne Shorter"s ability to cast simple melodies in shifting harmonic light - to the understated power of "Changing Tides," a piece about imperceptible gradual changes in our lives, nature, and politics. "Bendico," written in 15 minutes as a conservatory assignment, showcases Thofte"s gift for strong melodic statements, while "Dunkelflaute" evokes melancholic Nordic greyness through sparse, emotive phrasing. From the swaggering second-line feel of "The Big 5" to the hypnotic pulse of "All...", the album explores rhythm as both a driving force and a canvas for creative interplay. Throughout, Thofte"s trumpet and flugelhorn lead the ensemble with warmth and clarity. The quintet features some of Copenhagen"s top next-generation players: Andreas Toftemark (tenor saxophone), a powerhouse improviser and composer who brings NYC-honed energy and detail to the group dynamic. Rasmus Sorensen (piano), a rising star of the European scene, known for his sensitive, exploratory playing and fearless interaction. Jakob Roland (bass) and Henrik Holst (drums) - two of Thofte"s oldest musical collaborators - round out the rhythm section with deep swing, taste, and musical empathy.

No-One Driving is a collection of John Foxx singles and B-sides, all released 45 years ago in 1980 and now set for release on black vinyl. Includes the singles ‘Underpass’, ’No-One Driving’, ‘Burning Car’ and ‘Miles Away’, the latter hinting at a new direction after the minimalism of his 1980 album, Metamatic. Some of Foxx’s strongest work is on the B-sides with the likes of ‘Film One’ and ‘Mr. No’ being particular Aphex Twin favourites, while ’This City’ could easily have been a single in it’s own right. An alternative take on ‘20th Century’ became the theme for the Janet Street-Porter TV magazine show, 20th Century Box which was first broadcast by London Weekend Television in 1980, but this B-side remains the definitive, full fledged version. To complete the album are two tracks - ‘Cinemascope’ and ’To Be With You’ - which were later constructed by Foxx out of original cassette recordings, notes and lyrics from the Metamatic sessions and have never been released on vinyl before.

1982 was a decisive year for The Fall. Their critically acclaimed album ‘Hex Enduction Hour’ was released in March on Kamera Records, closely followed by ‘Room To Live’ in September of that year. ‘Hex Enduction Hour’ was the fourth studio album by The Fall, building on their lo-fi production and featuring a two-drummer line-up. The album was recorded in Reykjavik, Iceland and Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Featuring the classic line-up of Mark E. Smith alongside Steve Hanley (bass), Craig Scanlon (guitar), Karl Burns (drums), Paul Hanley (drums) and Marc Riley (guitar). This is another fine addition to Cherry Red’s series of deluxe Fall re-issues – “Fall Sound Archive”. ‘Hex Enduction Hour’ and ‘Room to Live’ are also available on a 7-CD boxset – “1982” Founded by its only constant member, Mark E. Smith, The Fall formed in Manchester in 1976 and were one of the most prominent post-punk groups in the world. Musically, there may have been several stylistic changes over the years, but it was often characterised by an abrasive guitar-driven sound and frequent use of repetition, always underpinned by Smith's distinctive vocals and often cryptic lyrics. “They are always different; they are always the same.” John Pee

Satisfaction comes in many forms. When the magical word Motown is uttered, most people are hard-wired to The Four Tops, the Temptations and The Supremes. But to reduce Motown to the effervescent sixties is only part of the label’s remarkable legacy.
By the 1970s, a different sound was gathering. America was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. The Vietnam War had been a disaster, urban street crime was epidemic and the nation’s college campuses were alive with political resistance. The joyful hope that had inspired “Baby Love” now felt anachronistic and out of time.

The music industry was changing too. The vinyl pop single on 45rpm which had been the staple of Motown’s success was being challenged by concept albums.   This was the era of Edwin Starr’s anti-war album War and Peace (1970), The Temptations mind-bending Psychedelic Shack (1970) and Marvin Gaye’s state-of-the-nation classic What’s Going On (1971).
By the early 1970s Motown had a stable of male vocalists that was arguably the best in the world, among them former lead singers from The Temptations - David Ruffin, Dennis Edwards and Eddie Kendricks. Alongside them singer-producers like Leon Ware and Frank Wilson were asserting their presence.

David Ruffin’s “Crime in the Street” captured the epidemic of violence in Detroit allowing his exquisite voice to quietly rage against gun crime. Recorded a few years before his underground classic “Rode by the Place”, both sound more modern today than when they were recorded.
If there is a common thread here, it’s the mid-tempo shifting soul soon to be christened as “quiet storm” including groups on the margins of Motown such as The Originals and The Fantastic Four led by the impassioned “Sweet” James Epps.
Just to keep you satisfied, immerse yourself in the overlooked creativity of Detroit’s male voices in the early 1970s.

2025 Repress

More than once Jay Richford and Gary Stevan’s Feelings has been described as the greatest library record ever released. Of course Be With can’t be seen to be playing favourites, but we have to admit, it’s pretty good. Insanely rare and immensely sought-after, it’s a tough funk, street jazz masterpiece coveted for many years by collectors of all musical genres.

Since its original release on Italian label Carosello in 1974, Feelings has appeared on several labels with different sleeves and even under a different artist. Indeed cult library label Conroy put it out in one of their iconic red sleeves in 1976 and yes, Feelings has indeed had more than one modern re-issue since these “original” releases. But a record this special deserves to be kept in press and we think it deserves the Be With treatment.

No, Jay Richford and Gary Stevan aren’t two of the most Italian sounding names. As the story goes these were the pseudonyms adopted by Stefano Torossi and Giancarlo Gazzani who wrote the album but couldn’t use their real names on the original release for legal reasons. But Stefano Torossi himself later both clarified and confused the tale further by explaining that Feelings was the work of four people not just Gazzani and himself. Fellow composers and musicians Sandro Brugnolini and Puccio Roelens also worked on the album and as Torossi himself explained “we all worked together”, with all four gents “dividing the royalties in equal parts… that’s the story.” Right, so, with that all sorted out let’s get back to talking about the music. And what music it is.

Long hailed as a holy grail of library music, Feelings is the epitome of the sort of cinematic orchestral jazzy funk that is “that 70s library music sound”. Infectiously funky, deliciously melodic and with impeccible, elegant production, this record is the showcase for a stunning set of compositions and arrangements and with performances that are nothing short of virtuoso.

The record’s first side lifts off with “Flying High”, soaring brilliant and shimmering. Funk licks, menacing strings and swaggering horns combine for an ice-cold intro groove that Isaac Hayes would surely have envied, before the steady-paced drums deliver the slo-mo TKO. The string-drenched cop-funk of “Going Home” raises the tempo. All funky quick-fire bass lines and killer electric guitar soloing. A real thriller.

“Walking In The Dark” positively drips in blaxploitation-funk drama strings and horn struts, all laced with delicate drums, velvet piano and more filthy wah-wah. “Fighting For Life” is another funk-fuelled workout built around an effortlessly relentless drum track that refuses to give up until even the stiffest-necked head is nodding.

The loping, open drum break that guides the much-loved “Feeling Tense” through its early stages would be good enough on its own. The heavy bass gloss, swirling strings and ominous horns that follow take things to the next level.

The second side opens with another favourite “Running Fast”, and the track does precisely that. This is one fine rollicking chase theme underpinned by frenetic (yet funky) Fender Rhodes and skipping bass and drums. Those sweeping strings are a gorgeous extra. It’s a deliciously feel-good groove that sets the heart racing.

“Loving Tenderly” envelops us in warm, velvety night-time vibes with easy listening horns and slinky strings dialing up the seduction. Definitely one for the lithe lovers out there. The pace picks up on the electrifying “Fearing Much” where strings dart around deep bass, buzzing guitars and another funky drum break. The lush, melancholic “Being Friendly” is another easy beauty, all warm Rhodes and strings. Majestic stuff that puts an aural arm around you. The climactic “Having Fun” rides a pulsating, bass-heavy drum break with snatches of a funky guitar refrain, some luxurious keys, sweeping strings and triumphant horns. Sensational.

After the success of GEMS001 they have unearthed yet another GEM in the shape of Pure Science 'Sunset' EP this goes for big money on discogs now remastered and freshly pressed for 2025.

Pure Science Underground House Tech Master..

Phivo's music has been referred to as 'Other Worldly' and he has been referred to as the 'Prince Of Tech House'. Pure Science has been at the forefront of electronic music since 1990 and pushes a timeless sound which has stood the test of time.

In 2022, Meral Polat released her debut album "Ez Ki Me" as a singer under the name Meral Polat Trio. "Ez Ki Me" roughly translates to "Who am I?". The album was a search by the singer for her Alevi Kurdish roots. In her lyrics, Meral incorporated many poems from her late father, Adi Ihsan Polat. The album received positive reviews and was nominated for a Music Award by Songlines.

On her new album MEYDAN, Meral primarily showcases her own voice, that of a woman exercising her right to live on her own terms, free from the oppressive interference of patriarchy. The album celebrates female strength, inspired by the philosophy of "JIN, JIYAN, AZADI" (WOMAN, LIFE, FREEDOM), a phrase originating from Kurdish-led women's movements. JIN, JIYAN, AZADI symbolise resistance to oppression and the fight for women's rights.

Musically, MEYDAN takes it a step further than the debut album. Meral welcomes drummer Jens Bouttery to the band, along with many inspiring guest musicians. The track "Cenek" features a determined choir of 26 women of various ages and cultural backgrounds. In "Çiya Icaro", Meral shares a duet with Bolivian artist Ibbelise Guarda Ferraguti.

On MEYDAN, Meral and her band continue their exploration of Anatolian and Mesopotamian music, particularly the Turkish psychedelic rock revolution of the 1970s and the ancient Kurdish Dengbej traditions. The band travelled to Istanbul to record with Murat Ertel from Baba Zula and trumpet player Can Omer Uygan. In addition to Anatolian music styles, influences from Mali Blues and Nigerian Afrobeat are embraced. Another notable guest is Senegalese musician Mola Sylla, who lent his voice and improvisational talent to the track "Govend".

While the drums, keyboards or guitar, and Polat's voice still form the core of the album, each track also contains its own collage of synthesisers, vocal harmonies, percussion, organ, piano, distorted guitars, and guest musicians. All tracks were mixed by the exceptional Belgian mixing engineer Pieterjan Coppejans, who added depth to their sound. All of this results in a particularly rich and uplifting album with a message.

Saul Williams meets Carlos Niño & Friends at TreePeople is the first collaborative album from poet/vocalist Saul Williams and percussionist/producer Carlos Niño. The album was recorded live underneath black oak and walnut trees in Coldwater Canyon Park, Los Angeles, on December 18, 2024. The performance, which was organized by Noah Klein of Living Earth on the grounds of longstanding conservationist organization TreePeople, was the first of its kind for Williams and Niño, who have been friends since the late 1990s.

King Street Sounds return for the fifth sampler in the series. This release showcases four releases from six house music aficionados such as Mood II Swing, DJ Romain, Jon Cutler, Studio Apartment, Quentin Harris and Pal Joey under his Loop Trick guise.

The EP opens with New York duo Mood II Swing’s “Driving Me Crazy” originally released in 1995 and still sounds as good now, 30 years later. Up next is DJ Romain & Jon Cutler with De Ja Vu (Mr.V Roots Main Mix) featuring Jeannie Hopper delivering a mesmerizing vocal. This one’s built for those dim lit rooms.

Kicking things off on the B side is “Beat Freak” (The Shelter Dub) by Loop Trick (otherwise known as Pal Joey). An already outstanding record got a distinguished touch up from New York house legends Blaze.

Drawing this wonderful EP to a close is Studio Apartment featuring Terrance Downs with “We Are Lonely” (Quentin Harris Vocal Mix). The NYC legend adds his deft touch to the Japanese duo’s soulful offering.

Once more King Street Sounds have delivered a powerful EP that any respected collectors & DJ need in their collection.

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin’s iconic sixth album, and their first double LP, Physical Graffiti.

To celebrate this landmark, Led Zeppelin will release an updated 50th Anniversary edition of 2015’s Physical Graffiti Deluxe Edition 3LP vinyl set, on 180g black vinyl, still featuring the Companion Audio disc, and now including a new bonus replica Physical Graffiti promotional poster (sized 443mm x 610mm).

Released on February 24, 1975 in the US (and four days later in the UK), Physical Graffiti immediately achieved platinum sales status and has recently been certified 17x platinum in the United States.

Leila Gamal’s ‘Abaleeh Abalingi’

At the height of Pan-Arabism, when the United Arab Republic fused Egypt and Syria in a fleeting but bold experiment, a new wave of popular music was emerging—vibrant, infectious, and universally danceable. Among its lesser-known stars was actress Leila Gamal, whose voice—delicate yet rich with longing—embodied the golden era of Egyptian cinema. Born in Alexandria to Syrian roots, Gamal’s vocals were a magnetic blend of sweetness and passion, with a timeless allure that echoed the silver-screen sweethearts of her time.

Abaleeh Abalingi pulses with the hypnotic drive of funky organ riffs, reminiscent of the blind visionary Ammar El Sheriyi, creating a sound both cinematic and undeniably catchy. The delicate lyrics by Khairi Fouad place the track firmly in the lineage of the Middle East’s most iconic pop divas, from Angham to Nawal El-Zoughbi who he subsequently wrote for. This reissue, lovingly remastered, brings this long-lost gem back to life, where it belongs—spinning on turntables, teasing dance floors, and transporting listeners to Egypt in the late sixties.


Adel Osman’s “Oriental Eyes”

Oriental Eyes captures the essence of the 60s Egyptian Franco-Arab movement, blending Western (often jazz) influences with Arabic melodies to mesh mystique with sensuality. Osman’s commanding yet delicate vocals deliver the bilingual lyrics with captivating sincerity, his voice effortlessly gliding over the swells of the arrangement. The trumpet, possibly connecting him to Zaki Osman of Salah Ragab’s legendary Cairo Jazz Band, adds a layer of flair, enriching the track’s Tarantino-esque eclecticism. Now remastered, ‘Oriental Eyes’ is not only a nostalgic gem but a timeless reminder of the boundary-defying spirit that defined the 1960s musical landscape.

Given the ongoing war efforts against Israel, this record wasn’t pressed by Sono Cairo till much later in 1975 once Egypt had recaptured the Sinai and restored national pride. Sono Cairo (Sawt el-Qahira) was the first Arab-owned and by far the largest record label in the Middle East, amassing an unmatched catalogue of music. With exclusive rights over much of Umm Kulthum’s works, Sono Cairo played a crucial role in disseminating the sounds of Arab Nationalism and projecting Egypt’s soft power across the region.

Muhammad Al-Najjar
London, April 2025

credits
Audio restoration and vinyl mastering: Colin Young
Lacquer cut: Timmion cutting lab
Sleeve and label artwork: Grotezk Studio
Under License of Sono Cairo

Maggid Tewfik – Mazzika Nicab Parts 1 & 2:

Released in 1973, Mazzika Nicab by Egyptian film director and iconic figure Maggid Tewfik is a trippy instrumental journey into the experimental realms of baladi music. Known for his prolific career as a director and DOP in over 30 Coptic films, Tewfik’s composition, split in two parts, presents a moody yet undeniably cheeky tune that is unlike anything found in Egyptian music over the ages.

The track is a hypnotic blend of Eastern rhythms and Latin grooves, featuring an early drum machine that guides the track through its jubilant and stormy atmosphere. This mechanical beat is paired with funky garage sounds, creating a psychedelic fusion that evokes images of an epic cinematic score, where belly dance meets the raw energy of late-60s experimental rock. Belly-dance sci-fi perhaps..?

Muhammad Al-Najjar
London, April 2025

credits
Audio restoration and vinyl mastering: Colin Young
Lacquer cut: Timmion cutting lab
Sleeve and label artwork: Grotezk Studio
Under License of Sono Cairo

Georgette Sayegh & Melhem Barakat – Belghi Kull Mawaidi & Instrumental:

Finally, hopping across from Egypt to Lebanon for this infectious number, Georgette Sayegh delivers what some consider her magnum opus in a captivating duet together with Melhem Barakat, and on the flipside a stripped-down instrumental version that’s equally catchy.

Georgette Sayegh is a legendary Lebanese singer and actress known for her tender and dulcet voice that echoed the grace and beauty of the inimitable Fairuz yet carried its own unique warmth. Her passion for collecting vinyl at an early age formed her eclectic musical palette, and she eventually caught the eyes of the Rahbani brothers and played the lead role in a monthly play written by Fairuz’s son, Ziad. Georgette’s household classic "Yay Yay Ya Nassini” shot her to stardom across the Arab world in the 1970’s, and till this day carries the exact same nostalgia of a Lebanese summertime anthem – flirtatious, jolly, and unfettered. In Belghi Kull Mawaidi (I cancel all my appointments), Sayegh’s voice entwines with compatriot and fellow household staple, Melhem Barakat in an emotional display of longing and depth - her voice delicate yet powerful, effortlessly blending with Barakat's commanding baritone.

The instrumental version on the flipside (surprisingly a stereo mix) reveals a highly catchy arrangement that is lush and emotive, driven by strings that glide smoothly through the melody, while brass instruments add a touch of drama. The rhythm section, punctuated by a steady percussion, anchors the track, allowing the interplay of instruments to build a sense of urgency and longing, accurately reflecting the struggles and emotional resilience that defined Sayegh’s own life.

This reissue, remastered with painstaking care, brings both versions of Belghi Kull Mawaidi back to life, making it an essential addition to any avid listener, DJ or collector’s shelf. It captures the timeless beauty of two of Lebanon's most cherished musical icons, their voices and instruments merging to create a track that resonates through the ages.

Muhammad Al-Najjar
London, April 2025

credits
Audio restoration and vinyl mastering: Colin Young
Lacquer cut: Timmion cutting lab
Sleeve and label artwork: Grotezk Studio
Under License of Voix de L'Orient

"This is brilliant" - Gilles Peterson

Azymuth bassist Alex Malheiros doesn't remember recording this single. It's understandable—the sessions happened over forty years ago, and at the time, Malheiros, Ivan Conti and José Roberto Bertrami were backing countless MPB artists throughout the genre's golden age. As one of Brazil’s most influential groups, Azymuth's story is well known. Vocalist Luisa, however, remains something of an enigma. She recorded this, her one and only single, in 1981 for Carlos Lemos' Piramide Label.

With Luisa’s powerful yet understated vocal, Bertrami's futuristic synths and José Carlos Bigorna's brow-raising tenor sax licks, the stirring early-80s pop ballad "Romantica" should have been a radio hit. On B-side, "Lenha na Fogueira", Azymuth lock into an exceptional samba-funk groove with legendary guitarist Paulinho Guitarra. The record also features backing vocals from the lesser-known vocal group Arco Iris.

Luisa will be reissued for the first time on 7" vinyl and digital on September 5th, 2025, via Far Out Recordings.

DK takes ‘em to church! The connections between Black Gospel traditions and dance music are strong and deep, and in this latest masterclass from the Mr. K Edits series Danny Krivit explores two under-the-radar but powerful examples. After the success of his disco-funk hit ‘This Feelin’, the Washington DC-based Frank Hooker turned from the club to the chapel, releasing a full-length album of worship music set to the early ’80s sound of post-disco boogie. ‘Rise and Shine’ is a clear precursor to piano house — full of energy and giving all the hands in the air vibes of the best gospel. Danny’s edit extends the too short original and adds a sneaky isolation of the chorus vocals for an extra theatrical touch. Also hailing from the DC area, Lafreda’s ‘Church Girl Church’ is a quirky 12-inch from 1983 that has remained largely undiscovered, just the sort of left-field pick you’d expect the deep digging Krivit to have lurking in his crates. Mr. K’s edit melds Lafreda’s impassioned vocals with the stomping dub version to create an unexpectedly powerful cut that is the very embodiment of fierce.