Suche:who is who

SATYA is thrilled to announce the next chapter in its vinyl-only catalog: an evocative EP by São Paulo-based producer Dru. Scheduled for release on March 21, 2025, this record captures the serene yet dynamic energies of Dru's distinctive sound, blending aquatic themes with dubby textures and grooves.

Dru is a producer and DJ with a passion for minimal and microhouse. He has steadily risen through the scene, earning the support of luminaries such as Mihai Pol, Arapu, and Barac. With previous releases on his own labels, Totoyov and Microdots, Dru has honed a sound that is both personal and universal, reflecting his unique journey.

Rooted in the calming beauty of Brazil’s pristine beaches, Dru explains that the EP emerged during a reflective chapter of his life. "I was looking to produce tracks on a more dubby vibe," he shares. "The aquatic and fresh feel of the tracks reflects my connection to the sea and the tranquility I find there." This theme flows through the EP, offering listeners a refreshing escape into soothing yet intricate soundscapes.

The EP comprises two standout originals:

"Lax" captures a serene moment in Dru’s life, characterized by personal harmony and simplicity. The title itself is an 
abbreviation for "Relax," reflecting the calm state of mind during its creation.

"Afterbreak" marks a transitional period post-breakup, yet the track maintains a composed energy, symbolizing growth, 
renewal, and forward momentum. 
Dru draws on a broad spectrum of influences for this EP, from the African-reggae-inspired percussive touches to the intricate dubby aesthetics of Andrey Pushkarev’s Luck of Access label. These elements intertwine with Dru’s Brazilian roots, creating a fusion of global sounds with a personal twist. 
One of the most exciting milestones during the production process was securing remixes from Nicolas Duvoisin and Superlounge, both of whom enthusiastically joined the project early on. With contributions from these respected artists, the EP transcends boundaries, bridging dubby minimalism and deep house groove.

The vinyl-only release marks an exciting new chapter for Dru and SATYA. With its aquatic themes, dubby energy, and heartfelt storytelling, this EP promises to captivate both seasoned collectors and fresh ears alike.

There's iconic. Then there's *iconic*.

A MASSIVE speaker-smashing release, decades overdue. It's been bootlegged - shamefully so, many times over the years - but finally we present the first ever officially licensed reissue of this truly special Afro-disco-not-disco LP from 1979. A favourite of Harvey, Antal, Young Marco and, er, every great DJ to ever play deep records ever, basically. It's not hard to see - or, indeed, *feel* why.

Gem after gem of relentless, irresistibly funky gold, it's an incredibly revelatory album with endlessly complex drum patterns and basslines to dive into, throughout. Truly, this is uniquely FIRE music, unlike anything else you've ever heard, based on Gwo ka music from the gorgeous islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. A thrilling synthesis of primal, hypnotic drums - the most tribal of percussive elements high in the mix throughout - with the loping synth pyrotechnics of, amongst a whole host of other greats, Wally Badarou and bass power of disco funk don Sauveur Mallia (Arpadys, Spatial & Co.)

Originally released on the seminal French label Barclay, you'd be hard pressed to even find an original copy in nice condition anywhere, let alone for a reasonable price, so it's high time an officially licensed, remastered reissue came around. It's just the latest in a long line of Be With reissues where the music sounds like the - drop-dead dazzling - cover. This here is a true drum attack. BUY ON SIGHT!

Tumblack was a short-lived project, produced and arranged by electronic wizard Yves Hayat and it can certainly be regarded as one of the first examples of Zouk, mixing powerful disco-funk arrangements with Gwo ka, traditional music from Guadeloupe. Gwo ka is an Antillean Creole term for "big drum". You can say that again! It refers to both a family of hand drums and the music played with them, which is a major part of Guadeloupean folk music.Whilst the first side is credited to the exceptional Tumblack band, the flip is given over to "Tumblack & Friends". These weren't just any old friends. Oh no, they were the absolute cream of the French scene (think Arpadys, Voyage, Le Club, Giant, CCPP, Synthesis, Swing Family) such as Sauveur Mallia, Wally Badarou, Marc Chantereau on percussion, Slim Pezin on guitar and Jean-Paul Batailley and Pierre Alain-Dahan handling drum duties.

The urgent, frantic "Fracas" gets things moving straight away with a cavalcade of drums and percussive funk before giving way to the stratospheric "Invocation", one of the album's many, many highlights. It's effectively one long heavenly drum break, a really hard, raw, tribal drum workout without a whole lot else going on - and all the better for it! One to make you sweat, no question. Up next, "Jubilé" is announced with a bellowing accapella voice, chanting the titular name before the heaviest of kicks smashes out your system and lulls you into an absolute state of bliss for nearly 6 minutes. Whoooooosh! Rounding out the sensational A-Side, "Vaudou" is a scratchy, funky patterned drum workout which - yep, yet again - absolutely slays your neck muscles, making them snap and contract in extraordinary fashion. TURN IT UP!

Ushering in the B-Side, the brief, fidgety, African chant-funk of "Parlement" segues seamlessly, beautifully into "Waka", an overwhelmingly rich gem of percussive funk. You do not want this to end, once it hits its stride. For maximum heavenly drum pleasure, you'd need to go a long way than the moment "Waka" feels like it's fading out before it kick-drum-blend into the mighty "Caraïba (Intro)". It's just staggeringly good. It's a minute-long layered drum prelude to the gigantic track which follows. Indeed, "Caraïba" is arguably the best loved and most well-known cut off the LP. And with good reason...featuring that Mallia bass, warm Rhodes and clavs, synth magic, memorably alto sax lines and, of course, tribal chanting.

Another mighty super-ahead-of-its-time classic, the bouncing bass heavy synth funk of "Chunga Funk" deploys Mallia and Wally Badarou (on Mini Moog) exceptionally well. I mean, come on, that bassline is just ridiculous. Try not to move to this one. This extraordinary record closes out with the more traditional Gwo ka sounds of "Bateau La Passé", the tribal chorus making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Tumblack really is a gorgeous late-70s disco-not-disco essential. It's an absolute MONSTER that will completely blow you away; and, yes, it's as compelling and trance-inducing as the cover. The audio for Tumblack has been carefully remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring it sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The cover of Tumblack is so iconic and we sought special permission from original artist Hélène Majera to recreate this at Be With HQ. It absolutely zings off the print and serves as the perfect finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the release of John Lee Hooker's 'Boogie Chillen'. Recorded in Detroit in September 1948 by Bernard Besman - who had his own Sensation label - it was licensed to Modern Records in Los Angeles and released on 3rd November. The flip side was 'Sally May'.

To say that the single caught fire is an understatement. It is believed that 'Boogie Chillen'' shifted in the region of a million copies in 1949 placing Hooker on the map as a blues guitarist and singer of the first rank - where he stayed until his death in 2001.

The original was, of course, released as a 78rpm single. In 2020 we issued 'Boogie Chillen' with 'Boogie Chillen' #2 on the flip as a limited edition of 500 copies that played at 78rpm.

We now present 'Boogie Chillen'' and 'Boogie Chillen' #2' as a limited edition 7" single that plays at 45rpm. Despite being 75 years old, this classic recording still sounds so fresh and rhythmically propulsive it is hard to believe that you are listening to one man and his guitar playing live and stomping his feet in a room. Besman caught lightening as it flashed, just like Sam Philips did some years later with Elvis Presley in Sun Studios.

There are classics. There are stone cold classics. And there is 'Boogie Chillen''.

Depthful is the new label runs by Dotan Bibi aka Dot - dedicated to the exploration of the vibrant and immersive worlds of house and techno music. strive to unearth tracks that resonate with both the mind and body, creating an auditory experience that transports listeners to a deeper state of being. You can expect releases from Dot himself and close friends who share the same style & vision.

first release comes from label owner Dot :

A1.'The Setting Of The Sunrise' opens with an ethereal atmosphere, inviting listeners into a world where time seems to stretch and bend striking a perfect balance that encourages movement on the dance floor while also inviting moments of reflection. Along with the vocal pieces that are scattered throughout the section and create a lovely flow.

A2.'That Place' is a vibrant house track that radiates energy and warmth from the very first beat. The pulsating bassline sets a solid foundation, driving the rhythm forward with an infectious groove that invites movement.
From the outset, the track features lush synth chords that create a euphoric atmosphere, transporting listeners to a sun-soaked dance floor.

B1.'Past And Future' is a captivating deep duby track that immerses listeners in a rich, atmospheric soundscape. From the very beginning, the track unfolds slowly, enveloping you in its lush textures and resonant basslines and small pieces of vocals that connect amazingly with the atmosphere of the track. deep, hypnotic rhythms that create a sense of space and time, inviting introspection and exploration.

B2.'Hide & Seek is the closing track of the EP and is a mesmerizing breakbeat deep track that masterfully weaves intricate rhythms with atmospheric soundscapes. From the first beat, listeners are drawn into a world where playful breaks and deep basslines create an engaging and dynamic listening experience.“Hide & Seek” is a standout track that perfectly highlighting Dot’s innovative approach. It’s ideal for both the dance floor and intimate listening sessions.

Next stop... Second reference in the PHASELAB catalog and twenty-third of our PHASE IMPRINT label! What a satisfaction to finally present this project (vinyl and digital) by Aizikovic, the yout from Madrid who is trying to bring an especially fresh, as well as profound, vision to our city. This EP transmits us; altered visions in music, many experiences linked to the dance floor and feelings of light in a dark space. And in case anyone wanted a little more, Comissar Lag aka Lag has prepared a melting remix for us.

Many thanks for the designs to the snowboarder of the strokes @judyisangry, to Mario Castillo for the Master and to Pedro O'Connor for the Mix.

DR MYSTERY marks her debut release with Ono. ‘Far From Home’ is an eight-track album that glides across the dreamscape of another world. DR MYSTERY’s world, set in the future, exploring sounds that excite the mind and body, underpinning an eclectic take on leftfield techno.

DR MYSTERY’s talent to traverse the intersections between dreams and reality through sonics, positions her as an electric producer who is only just at the beginning of her journey. Ono wishes to capture this moment in a way that feels special, they have handmade 300 sleeves for the ‘Far From Home’ vinyl out of old record sleeves and screen-printed the artwork onto them. Therefore each sleeve is bespoke and one of a kind.

‘Nothing Iz Sacred’ is a statement, a collection of tracks that resist the pull of the fleeting, throwaway nature of today’s music scene. In an age where everything is often stripped down, consumed, and discarded, this 8-track LP stands as both a nudge and a reminder—a poke at the culture that surrounds it - it isn’t here to blend quietly into the background, nor to satisfy the urge for quick hits and shallow thrills.

Each track on the LP is woven with the sounds and textures Workforce has become known for, yet there’s a rawness here—a willingness to push boundaries, to blur the edges of genre and style. The LP is a blend of the familiar and the experimental, where thoughtful moments meet jagged beats, and where soulful undertones collide with darker layers. It’s a space that resists easy categorization, daring listeners to explore without expectation, to find meaning in the spaces between the sounds. This isn’t a record designed for the disposable playlists of tomorrow; it’s for those who know that music can mean more, and who understand that it is meant to live with us, to grow, and to shape the communities around it. This record isn’t about the chase for the next hit or the endless scroll; it’s for the ones who value artistry, who find culture in the smallest details, who want something real to hold onto.

‘Nothing Iz Sacred’ is brought to life with the voices and musicality of some incredible collaborators. Tyler Daley’s unmistakable warmth, Bobbie Johnson’s sharp lyricism, Tamara Blessa’s haunting soul, Leroy Horns’ textured brass, and Ed Zuccollo’s nuanced piano work all carve their own paths through the record. Together, they amplify the album's heartbeat, adding layers of richness and depth.

Since his early days at Chain Reaction, K. Soublis (Fluxion) has carved his own unique style, combining elements of dub, ambient, techno, score, textural, and even jazz elements, all glued together with his distinct production aesthetic.

Haze is a broad selection of pieces that was recorded between 2023- 2024. The music is moving from more slow cyclic compositional pieces on Life Motif, Nexus, Desiderium, to ambient dub pieces, on Magenta and Touch, on to more euphoric and uplifting ones on Footsteps, Berlin and What Tommorow Brings, reflecting on artist's need to tell stories. As a whole Haze showcases the artist's versatility on moving and combining different genders with his own distinct crafted sound, bringing a bold always fresh unique view, making the album an indulging and intriguing listening experience as a whole.

Fluxion has managed to constantly adding to his sound through the years always evolving and Haze is a testament of his restless nature and the artist's need to move towards more uncharted territories without alienating the listener.

BMP Crew introduces a new opus cooked by Luke Seager, a young and promising newcomer hailing from Paris.
We have the honor to host his first vinyl release, after a dope digi pack released on Mari.Te's Tresydos.

On the menu: 4 energy-fueled tracks that we fell in love with instantly and heavily played!
Catchy grooves, square wave B-lines, sizzling hi-hats, haunting chords, wholesome ambiances... Everything necessary to mesmerize sunny dancefloors is in there.

If you're more into dark basements and gritty sounds then the remix by mysterious duo Techline ™ is made for you. Mental!

Somewhere between techno, early 90s Italian progressive, and goa trance, the debut EP by Astral Renegades is difficult to pigeonhole, but works wonders on a saucer-eyed dancefloor.

The brainchild of a mysterious but established producer, Astral Renegades takes things in a whole new headspinning direction.

EP opener Planetarium sets out its stall early, getting straight into trippy, trancey territory within the first few seconds, an acid bassline underpinning the swirl to devastating effect.

Wunderland goes even deeper, with a mind-bendingly detuned melody and that ever-present acid bass.

Pluto FM on the B-side pushes the repetition to the limit with pulsing synth loops, while EP closer Milchstr brings an element of funk to the bassline.

Collecting orders for 2024 Repress

One of the two The Other People Place releases (the Warp full length and this 12). Drexciyan involvement in this classic release is obvious. One of the deepest and intense tracks with such a warm positive vibe. Flipside contains a track by Mystic Tribe. (not very mystical of course for those who know the history of Detroit techno. Unique track from a unique project... and there are not many projects with Tribe in its name. Their release on Retroactive is one Detroit techno collector items). One of those records that get you through the day. Classic!!!
Re-issue on the Clone Aqualung Series with new artwork.

Vibes Addikt is proud to unveil its latest EP, brought to you by N.O.B.A, an artist whose tracks have consistently made their way into Beatport's Top 100, with support from major figures like Amelie Lens, Mark Sherry, Nusha, Klaudia Gawlas, Charlotte De Witte, Mha Iri, and many more. N.O.B.A continues to captivate the scene with powerful, emotional productions, and this new release on his label is no exception.

This EP, with its powerhouse tracks, is a true collection of sonic bombs. "Shadows From The Darkness" is a masterpiece of intensity and emotion, featuring a remix by INIGMA, the Orlando-based artist now residing in Spain, who brings a hypnotic tech-trance touch to the track.

The track "The Unit" is a techno-trance gem, built on a bed of acid basslines, with an irresistible groove and punchy sounds that sweep the listener into a whirlwind of energy. Meanwhile, "Sunset" takes us back to the golden days of the 90s, with a pure trance vibe and uplifting melodies that evoke the nostalgia of the scene’s finest moments.

An unmissable EP, available in an exclusive purple vinyl edition, reflecting N.O.B.A's artistic vision. A release that will delight fans of techno, trance, and everything in between.

Early support from Mha Iri (Drumcode, Filth On Acid), Charlotte De Witte (KNTXT), M.I.K.E. Push (Bonzai), DJ Fire (Bonzai), Dave Davis (Laark, Cherry Moon), CP Cedric Piret (Bedrock), Tom Leclercq (Versuz)…

Français

Vibes Addikt est fier de dévoiler son dernier EP, porté par N.O.B.A, un artiste dont les tracks ont régulièrement figuré dans le Top 100 de Beatport, avec le soutien de figures majeures comme Amelie Lens, Mark Sherry, Nusha, Klaudia Gawlas, Charlotte De Witte, Mha Iri, et bien d’autres. N.O.B.A continue de captiver la scène avec des productions puissantes et émotionnelles, et cette nouvelle sortie sur son label ne fait pas exception.

Cet EP, avec ses morceaux explosifs, est une véritable collection de bombes sonores. "Shadows From The Darkness" est un chef-d'œuvre d’intensité et d’émotion, sublimé par un remix de INIGMA, l'artiste originaire d'Orlando, maintenant basé en Espagne, qui apporte une touche hypnotique et tech-trance à la composition.

Le titre "The Unit" est une perle techno-trance, construite sur un lit de basses acides, avec un groove irrésistible et des sonorités percutantes qui emportent l’auditeur dans un tourbillon d’énergie. Quant à "Sunset", il nous plonge dans les années dorées des 90s, avec une vibe trance pure et des mélodies exaltantes qui ravivent la nostalgie des plus belles heures de la scène.

Un EP incontournable, disponible en édition exclusive sur vinyle pourpre, à l’image de la vision artistique de N.O.B.A. Une sortie qui ravira les fans de techno, trance et tout ce qui se trouve entre les deux.

Support de Mha Iri (Drumcode, Filth On Acid), Charlotte De Witte (KNTXT), M.I.K.E. Push (Bonzai), DJ Fire (Bonzai), Dave Davis (Laark, Cherry Moon), CP Cedric Piret (Bedrock), Tom Leclercq (Versuz)…

2025 marks the triumphant return of Sitaro, the iconic track that once lit up dancefloors worldwide. Originally released in 2007 and championed by the likes of Carl Cox—earning its place on Carl Cox Ultimate (Universal Music)—Sitaro is back with a fresh 2K25 Edition on Move Recordings, the newly minted sublabel of Diki Records.

The Belgian techno duo End-Jy & Dimitri Andreas, known for their heavyweight releases on Lupp, Intec, Terminal M, Music Man, and Systematic, deliver an updated version of this melodic anthem. The remastered original brims with Sitaro's signature sound: hypnotic sitar riffs, emotive atmospheres, and a groove that’s as irresistible as ever—a true dancefloor odyssey packed with intensity and raw emotion.

And for the remix? Who better than Dimitri Andreas himself. With an illustrious career spanning decades and releases on Systematic, Music Man, Kling Klong, and Token, Andreas takes Sitaro to new heights. His remix is a masterclass in contemporary melodic techno, drawing comparisons to the work of Guy J, Sébastien Léger, and Roy Rosenfeld. Expect driving Latin-inspired percussion, lush synths, and dreamy soundscapes that seamlessly blend piano-laden breakdowns with deep, pulsating grooves.
The result is a stunning reinterpretation—eclectic yet cohesive, powerful yet delicate. Dimitri Andreas once again proves why he remains a pivotal figure in the global techno landscape.
Press play, and let the journey begin.

Early support from Adriatique (Afterlife), Nick Varon (Sudbeat), Raw Main (Lost Miracle), Dclviii Ofc (Cod3qr), Alex Neri (Wildflower)…

Français

End-Jy - Sitaro (2K25 Edition) featuring Dimitri Andreas Remix

2025 marque le retour triomphal de Sitaro, le morceau emblématique qui a illuminé les pistes de danse du monde entier. Initialement sorti en 2007 et soutenu par des DJ comme Carl Cox—qui l’a même inclus dans Carl Cox Ultimate (Universal Music)—Sitaro fait son grand retour avec une toute nouvelle édition 2K25 sur Move Recordings, la nouvelle subdivision de Diki Records.

Le duo techno belge End-Jy & Dimitri Andreas, connu pour leurs sorties majeures sur Lupp, Intec, Terminal M, Music Man et Systematic, propose une version actualisée de cet hymne mélodique. L’original remasterisé regorge de la sonorité signature de Sitaro : des riffs hypnotiques de sitar, des atmosphères émotionnelles, et un groove aussi irrésistible que jamais—une véritable odyssée sur la piste de danse, remplie d’intensité et d’émotion brute.

Et pour le remix ? Qui de mieux que Dimitri Andreas lui-même ? Avec une carrière illustre qui s’étend sur plusieurs décennies et des productions sur Systematic, Music Man, Kling Klong et Token, Andreas emmène Sitaro vers de nouveaux sommets. Son remix est une véritable masterclass de techno mélodique contemporaine, qui rappelle le travail de Guy J, Sébastien Léger et Roy Rosenfeld. Attendez-vous à des percussions latines entraînantes, des synthés luxuriants et des paysages sonores oniriques qui fusionnent parfaitement des breakdowns pianistiques avec des grooves profonds et pulsants.

Le résultat est une réinterprétation impressionnante—éclectique mais cohérente, puissante mais délicate. Dimitri Andreas prouve une fois de plus pourquoi il reste une figure incontournable du paysage techno mondial.
Appuyez sur play et laissez le voyage commencer.

Support de Adriatique (Afterlife), Nick Varon (Sudbeat), Raw Main (Lost Miracle), Dclviii Ofc (Cod3qr), Alex Neri (Wildflower)…

OCTOTRAX comes to life through a double LP. A debut that lays the foundation for a catalogue driven by exploration and evolution, revealing a snapshot of what has and will be.

A collection of works, each a facet of the same stone, expressed with progressive arrangements and trance essences.

Emerging from a time of rediscovery, this is the result of a pursuit to birth something enduring. More than a definitive statement, it captures a moment of clarity and renewal, a step toward the future with purpose.

octobo is to be written ALL IN SMALL!
Mastered and Cut by Graeme "Grazz" Durham at The Exchange

Release number 30 from Píldoras Tapes, celebrating 5 years of dedication and promotion of underground music from South America and around the world.

Anatomía del Control brings together six exceptional tracks from artists who have been an integral part of the label’s journey. On side A, track number 1 is delivered by Happy707, the electrifying Techno Trash Jackin’ duo from Buenos Aires; the second track, signed by Argentinian artist Black.n, stands out with its powerful New Beat and EBM sound complemented by captivating vocals; and closing the side is Invalid User, co-founder of the label, contributing an impactful track filled with Noise, EBM, and Industrial influences.

On side B, Chris Mitchell kicks things off with a raw composition infused with Electro and Acid influences; the second track comes from Fillmmaker, showcasing his dark take on Electro sounds; and closing it all, Graphiel, the new alias of our co-founder and label director, delivers the final touch to this vinyl debut.

Since the first release 5 years ago, Jazz Room Records has released an eclectic and interesting selection of releases.

From the Jazzy commercialism of the Take Vibe version of The Stranglers "Golden Brown" (5,000 vinyl single sales) to the 1960's Headshop Sounds of West Coast Fluteman Eric Ghost.

Other notable releases on Jazz Room include the critically lauded album by Vibraphonist Khan Jamal "Infinity", a compilation of Japanese tough funk fusionists indigo jam unit put together by DJ Colin Curtis, Nuyorican Latin House from Tata Vasquez, Jazz Dance Madchester Rave from Cruisic and some South African Holy Grail grooves from Abacothozi! The latest release is the Underground Latin J-Jazz of Copa Salvo, first introduced to London by DJ & Music Legend Jean-Claude.

Next up is an in demand Jazz Funk Obscurity from Educator and Trumpet Player John Lamkin whose self released album "Hot" saw the light of day in 1984 then disappeared into the Rare Jazz ether.

Currently changing hands for €300 and upwards it's again about to see the light of day in 2025!

This is an album that is aptly named with all the elements we love: Latin, Funk, Soul, Jazz and all round Double Hipness. What a Hot item it is too. From the Funky as it gets opening bars of "Ticket" through the Rio bound flight "722", taking in a visit to Wonderland with some Soul Jazz Vocal stylings on "Flower Power" and the Funkiest 17 minute Journey to Trumpet Enlightenment in the Title track "Hot" which is, true to its name, Scorching by the finish line is reached.

Already getting Big Ups on UK Jazz Funk Scene Founder Colin Curtis's Cult Radio Show "Jazz Dance Fusion" it's gonna be getting plenty of plays worldwide at the "Hottest" radio stations and funkiest jazz dance nights near you soon!

Ross Allen: It's brilliant!! Perry Louis: Massive! Dr Bob Jones:I Love Big Time!Colin Curtis: Killer!

360 mcn white-white light cardboard paper / one side only hand plasticization / 2 separated parts prints / hand gluing / PVC outers / original artwork / gatefold sleeve / Bandcamp limited edition 30x60 cm insert with extended liner notes by Tony Higgins and Interview with Babs Robert and Sébastien Gorlé with exclusive pictures and self-portrait by Babs Robert himself printed on GF Smith "Takeo Tant Select" Canvas Paper tip-on left jacket panel / Exclusive never released Memorabilia from Babs Robert's vault.

Personnel:
Babs Robert - alt sax, tenor-sax, electric tenor-sax, Bin Recorder, Acme siren, Chinese-bell, sleigh-bells, maracas, tambourine,hand-rattle,claves)
John Van Rymenant - baritone-sax, fluegelhorn, Bala, tambourine, sleight-bells, cowbell, triangle, claves
Johnny Peret - vibes, bongo's, cowbell, maracas, castanets, rattle-snakes, tambourine, drums, woodclock, trinagle
Johnny Brouwers - piano, prepared-piano, triangle, cowbell, sleigh-bells, maracas, caves,hand-rattle, guiro, woodblock, tambourine
Paul Dubois - bass, triangle, cowbell, claves, rattlesnakes, hand-rattle, woodblock, tambourine
Michel Gobbe - bass,Chinese-bell, claves
Robert Pernet - drum, tambourine, seven-notes M'Bichi, guiro, alarm-siren, home-made metal xylophone, African telephone-drum, triangle, sleigh-bells, Siku

Notes:
Despite its modest role on the world stage, Belgium has produced a number of internationally renowned musicians and composers. There is the iconic gypsy jazz guitar maestro Django Reinhardt, whose position remains unassailable, and guitarist/harmonica player Toots Thielemans, who became an internationally renowned artist performing and recording with Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Shirley Horn and Quincy Jones. The other key Belgian figure is composer/arranger Francy Boland, co-leader with US bebop drumming legend Kenny Clarke of Europe's leading big band of the 60s, the Clarke-Boland Big Band.

The Love Planet performed in the main clubs of Brussels, such as Blue Note, Pol's Jazz Place, and Smog as well as in major musical events throughout Belgium including to big festivals in 1969 - the Avant-Garde Festival in Ghent and the First International Jazz Event in Liege – where the Love Planet shared the bill with Miles Davis - and the Bilzen Jazz Festival in 1970. The contrast between the musical architecture of the themes and sonic freedom in the improvised playing perfectly illustrated the polymorphism – an order within disorder – which the Love Planet aimed for.

The initial original quartet line-up was Babs Robert (sax), Paul Dubois (bass), Johnny Brouwers (piano), and Johnny Peret / Robert Pernet (dru- ms). On the album session, the quartet was augmented with the addition of John Van Rjimenant (saxes) and Michel Gobbe (bass). As well as their main instruments, the band members also played an array of unusual instruments, principally percussion. This is the first official re-release
of the 'Babs Robert and the Love Planet'. Original copies of the album fetch many hundreds of Euros on the collecting circuit and it remains a curious and fascinating window into a moment in time that still resona- tes some fifty years later. Come with us to the Love Planet. (Tony Higgins)

UK-born DJ, producer and label boss Jimpster debuts on cult label Nu Groove in 2025 with a fresh set of four originals, The Phoenix EP, now on wax. Across this four-track collection, Jimpster showcases over two decades of production expertise, starting with a title track that showcases a club-ready sound built for the underground; ‘The Phoenix’ builds a tight groove through the ebb and flow of overlapping rhythmic patterns. What follows is ‘Lightening In Me’ featuring vocals from East London’s Oliver Night, an electronic artist and songwriter whose work has been supported by the likes of tastemakers Kerri Chandler, Gilles Peterson and Honey Dijon.

Rounding off the EP is ‘Beat Of An Era’ and ‘You Got My Love’, two select cuts that demonstrate Jimpster’s mastery of the deep house scene, complete with dreamy synthwork and jazz inflections. With vinyl alive and well in 2025, The Phoenix EP is a must-have for the modern wax aficionado.

At the start of the 60s, a new wave of gospel-influenced jazz started to emerge, with hits such as Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers' "Moanin'" and Cannonball Adderley's "Work Song" epitomizing this evolution in the genre. The terms "soul jazz" and "funky jazz" were coined as a way to describe this new sound that was making an impact in the US and also on the other sides of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

In 1964, Ray Charles made his first visit to Japan. Then, in 1968, Martha & The Vandellas and Stevie Wonder set foot in the country, followed by Sam & Dave in 1969, Ike & Tina Turner in 1970, and B.B. King in 1971. The TV show "Soul Train" also began airing in Japan in the early 1970s. A watershed moment happened in 1973 when Sammy Davis Jr. was cast in a TV commercial for Suntory whisky — and the influence of the US Black entertainment world had really landed, with soul, jazz, and funk artists becoming household names.

Nippon Columbia played a pivotal role during this turning point. The company had contracts with Buddah Records and Blue Thumb Records, releasing notable works by artists such as Gladys Knight & The Pips, Curtis Mayfield, The Crusaders, and The Pointer Sisters. At the same time, the label was also releasing several Japanese soul, jazz, and funk projects under the lead of music director Jiro Inagaki. Inagaki, a saxophonist who began his professional career in the early 1950s, honed his skills at U.S. military camps, where he shared his love of music with the Black servicemen. In the 1960s, he played with drummer Hideo Shiraki's band, which was widely considered to be Japan's representative group of the funky jazz movement. Later, Inagaki went on to pursue more cutting-edge sounds with his Soul Media project, including being a pioneering figure in the "jazz rock" genre. By working closely with Inagaki and his various musical projects, Nippon Columbia really placed the company at the center of an exciting and important period in Japanese music.

In 1965, Nippon Columbia opened a recording studio in Tokyo's Akasaka neighborhood. Akasaka was also home to the first ever discotheque in Japan, the legendary MUGEN, which ran from 1968 to 1987 and where many acts performed, including Con Funk Shun, the Bar-Kays, Ike & Tina Turner, B.B. King, Sam & Dave, Three Degrees, and Edwin Starr, as well as many local Japanese singers and musicians. This melting pot of creativity in the area led to the recording of many singles and albums by Japanese artists that were infused with the sounds of soul and funk. Most of these recordings were not available outside of Japan and remain rare and unknown musical gems. The selection you are holding in your hands is an explosive collection of 10 essential tracks released by the legendary Nippon Columbia label between 1969 and 1977, capturing the raw, unapparelled energy that was flowing through the air of the Akasaka streets at this electrifying time. Enjoy!

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180GWALP07 - Manufactured and distributed by 180g.