The intersection of country with electronica may not seem an
obvious one, but Kieran Hebden and William Tyler have tapped into an
enticing transatlantic fusion as their worlds collide. The 2020s so far
have been abundantly collaborative for both of them: Hebden AKA Four Tet
has joined Skrillex and Fred again.. for electrifying DJ sets, and
relinked with Madlib, Thom Yorke, and Burial; William’s guitar mastery
meanwhile has seen records with Marisa Anderson and his band The
Impossible Truth. Now, the duo release the first taste of their talents
combined.
‘Darkness, Darkness’ is a generous ten minute introduction to Hebden
and Tyler’s musical partnership. Gentle sparks open with the natural
plucks of acoustic guitar swimming in the electrical soundbath, the
strings rippling tangibly as they are bent and manipulated. Soulful
brass loops soon fade in, pouring desert sand onto the track as it
shifts from ambiently informed experimentalism to roaring psychedelia
with gritty guitars, downtempo rhythms, and a sample of Gloria Loring’s
eponymous inspiration.
Meanwhile, ‘No Services’ brings the darkness the A side foretold, but
in a much more peaceful manner, going off the grid and painting
countryside solitude with a nighttime backdrop of chirping crickets.
Glistening piano chords, plucks, and blurry ambience are cut and
stitched with smooth edges, as fingers slide down frets mimicking the
warm breeze.
Kieran Hebden and William Tyler’s first collaboration is a captivating and evocative synthesis of the two’s individual sounds.
Grammy-nominated artist and producer Terrace Martin has released his new album Fine Tune. Focused on developing new talent and incorporating the legacy of jazz, this is Martin’s first project via the Sounds of Crenshaw and BMG multi-album partnership of a series of six jazz albums set to be released throughout 2023, all curated and executive produced by Martin.
Martin’s musicality is on full display across Fine Tune’s 12 tracks. Alongside him on the record is an all-star lineup of musicians and trusted collaborators, including Cory Henry, James Fauntleroy, Keyon Harrold, and Dinner Party contemporaries Robert Glasper and Kamasi Washington. A masterclass in curation from the genius of Martin.
Previously, Martin shared the lead single from the album, his own slinky take on SZA’s hit song ‘Snooze’. While his saxophone stays true to the song’s original intoxicating melody, the surrounding instrumentation adds a new dimension only accessible by Martin. A lush daydream of a track, Martin breathes new life into ‘Snooze’ as easily as he breathes purpose into his instrument.
Martin began his partnership with BMG with the release of his Grammy-nominated album DRONES (2021), featuring artists including Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Ty Dolla $ign, YG, Cordae, Robert Glasper, Leon Bridges, James Fauntleroy, and more.
Martin has been a guiding force in contemporary music for more than a decade. Beginning at a young age, Martin was an exceptional instrumentalist; from the drums, to piano, to the saxophone, Martin’s talents have known no bounds. Renowned as being one of the top jazz musicians in the world and a creative engine at the epicenter of Los Angeles’ progressive hip-hop scene, Martin’s productions have included major collaborations with Kendrick Lamar (good kid, M.A.A.D. city and the Grammy award-winning To Pimp a Butterfly), Travis Scott, Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Herbie Hancock, and many other influential artists.
Tracklist: 1. Degnan Dreams (feat. Keyon Harrold, Justin Tyson & Dominique Sanders) 2. Snooze 3. Too Late (feat. James Fauntleroy & Elena Pinderhughes) 4. Mind Your Business (feat. Ben Wendel & Allakoi Peete) 5. Final Thought (feat. Kamasi Washington, Robert 'Sput' Searight & Larry Goldings) 6. Frowning Smiles (feat. Robert Glasper & Marlon Williams) 7. Afraid (feat. Malaya) 8. 3am Traffic (feat. Keyon Harrold) 9. La Brea & Stocker (feat. Alex Isley & Paul Cornish) 10. Damage (feat. Brandee Younger & Derrick Hodge) 11. Sweeter (feat. Cory Henry) 12. The Island (feat. Calvin Keys)
*Bonus (Terrace Martin - Fine Tune Documentary Trailer)
Bastard Jazz is proud to present the debut EP from producer and
multi-instrumentalist Simon Mavin. Most well known as the Grammy
nominated keyboardist/co-producer and co- writer of the celebrated
Australian band Hiatus Kaiyote, Simon’s had a hand in multiple projects
across the spectrum, but has yet to release under his own moniker until
now.
The EP, which features two original tracks and two remixes from fellow
Aussies Harvey Sutherland and Close Counters starts out was recorded
in-between projects at the Grove, a small recording sanctuary in
Melbourne. In Simon’s studio, he had installed a library of keyboards.
30-40 synthesizers, all of which were painstakingly patched in to be
simultaneously accessible and ready to record in an instant. A drum kit
in the corner was constantly mic'd up, and everything routed through a
multitude of analog mixing desks providing different flavours of tone
and texture. The Grove had such appeal that it was chosen as the studio
to record the Gilles Peterson compilation ‘Sunny Side Up’ on
Brownswood Recordings.
Things kick off with “Good Hair Day”, a track originally blossoming from an infectious piano loop in which fellow
collaborators Nick Lam and Henry Hicks added guitar parts and bass
parts. What’s resulted is a danceable, infectious feel-good dancefloor
jam with an ultra funky synth bassline that harkens back to Herbie
Hancock’s 1970’s repertoire. Harvey Sutherland takes the tempo up and
takes the track deeper into outer space with deep synth work, four on
the floor drums, and a punchy bassline for late night sessions.
On the flip, “Only You & Me” is a lower tempo, slow burning joint
with a live drum loop played by Nick Martyn, with an alien bassline,
squelching keys, otherworldly oscillating vocodor parts and jazzy
keyboard solos. Up and coming trio Close Counters take the song into new
territory, stripping things down with a classic Broken Beat vibe, a
driving bassline and synth stabs from the original, moving things
squarely on the dancefloor – definitely a track for the breakers in the
building. Tracklist: 1. Good Hair Day 2. Good Hair Day (Harvey Sutherland Remix) 3. Only You & Me 4. Only You & Me (Close Counters Remix)
*Bonus (Simon Mavin | Good Hair Day | Breakdown Video)
John Carroll Kirby's new album Blowout was written on a recent
stay in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Between 5am wake-up calls from
oropendola birds and psychedelic sunsets, he wrote Blowout, inspired by
the local people, music and nature. Though its songs are joyful, that
joyfulness is tinged with melancholy. Kirby says, “Blowout is about
enjoying yourself even though life is tough, before the candle blows
out.”
Tracklist: 1. Oropendola 2. Mates 3. The Takedown 4. Hotel Jonny Chingas 5. Vertigo 6. So So So 7. Sun Go Down 8. Gecko Sound 9. Flying Cat 10. Mates (Dub) 11. So So So (Dub) 12. Hotel Jonny Chingas (Dub)
*Bonus (John Carroll Kirby - Oropendola - Live from Stones Throw Studios)
Renowned Italian spiritual jazz master, DJ, producer, guitarist, and
bandleader Nicola Conte proudly presents his new album Umoja via London
based label Far Out Recordings.
A joyous exultation across ten tracks, Umoja taps into the abundant well
of knowledge Conte has amassed over his career as connoisseuring
compiler and archivist of deep jazz, latin, afrofuturist, bossa-nova and
soul music from around the world. Expressing unity, oneness and harmony
in Swahili, Umoja coalesces universal feelings through the multifaceted
global music Conte has spent his life studying and researching.
Having released music with Blue Note, Impulse! and Schema records,
Nicola Conte’s relationship with Far Out began over a shared love of
hard-edged bossa-nova and swinging samba-jazz. Between 2009-2013 Nicola
Conte compiled five volumes of forgotten 60s Brazilian music for his
Viagem series. He then released his critically acclaimed Natural album: a
collaboration with vocalist Stefania Dippiero, featuring jazz standards
alongside covers of lesser known Brazilian gems.
The music of Umoja draws on the deep-dug 70's independent spiritual and free jazz sounds, private-press soul records, and
African and Afro Caribbean rhythms in Conte’s collection. But he
equally recognises his debt to many of the decade’s more celebrated
musical icons, such as North American cosmic jazz masters Lonnie Liston
Smith and Gary Bartz, and Afrobeat originators Fela Kuti and Tony Allen.
Since founding the Bari-based bohemian cultural movement and club night
Fez at the dawn of the nineties, Conte has proven to be a pillar of the
contemporary, international soul-jazz scene. Composed alongside his long
time friend, guitarist Alberto Parmegiani, Conte brings together a
dazzling host of guests from around the world, including award winning
British vocalist Zara Mcfarlane, acclaimed Finnish saxophonist Timo
Lassy, french vibes player Simon Mullier, US vocalist Myles Sanko,
rising South African drummer Fernando Damon, former Roy Hargrove bassist
Ameen Saleem and Serbian flute sensation Milena Jancuric.
Proudly revivalist, Umoja was recorded direct to analog tape, with just
two takes for each track. “Searching for an unadulterated, spontaneous,
almost improvised feeling”, Nicola made sure that the few overdubs were
also transferred to tape in order to retain the colour and warmth of the
analog sound. “Very little post production or editing has been added,
so what you hear is largely what happened in those magical live
sessions”.
Umoja will be released on the 30th June via Far Out Recordings on double
vinyl LP, CD and digital. The vinyl release has been cut at 45rpm for,
super-loud, high definition sound.
Tracklist: 1. Arise (feat. Zara Mcfarlane) 2. Dance Of Love And Peace (Part 1) 3. Life Forces 4. Flying Circles 5. Freedom & Progress (feat. Zara Mcfarlane) 6. Soul Of The People 7. Heritage 8. Into The Light Of Love (feat. Myles Sanko) 9. Umoja Unity 10. Dance Of Love & Peace (Part 2) 11. Arise (Instrumental) 12. Into The Light Of Love (Instrumental)
Another volume in the '45rpm single
collection' series. 19 tracks representing a wide selection of rare
grooves, covering genres like vocal jazz, mod-jazz, modern soul, deep
funk and afro beat. Tracklist: 1. The Echomen - Let's Get Together 2. The Echomen - Talk Is Cheap 3. Dianne Elliott - When He Speaks 4. Dianne Elliott - The Ring 5. Wayne Powell Octet - Tutzy 6. Wayne Powell Octet - Blue and Easy 7. Van Buren - Bronco Queen, Pt. 1 8. Van Buren - Bronco Queen, Pt. 2 9. Frederic Rabold Crew - Beatschön 10. Frederic Rabold Crew - Open House 11. Rosie & Eddie - Undun (Short) 12. Earl Turner - S'Port City Rock 13. Earl Turner - Sunshine 14. Hanns G. Schmidt-Theissen - Dedicated to the Stars 15. Hanns G. Schmidt-Theissen - Blowing Blue Beat 16. The New Lucky Seven - Woodhead (Pt.1) 17. The New Lucky Seven - Woodhead, Pt. 2 18. The KutiMangoes - Fire 19. The KutiMangoes - Money Is the Curse (45 Edit)
Following the first two successful volumes, Valique is finally back with
the third volume of Adventures in Acid Boogie! As expected this release
is full of various styles, from deep house to boogie and nu disco
vibes, all under the unique style of our beloved Valique.
First remix is Valique’s take on one of Bulgaria’s funkiest bands, Dj
Macron & the Palos Santos. Dime Amor is transformed to a deep acid
electro boogie track, genius arrangement and flare.
Following up is a deep house take on another favourite from Bulgaria,
Koka Mass Jazz and their Play The Game that features US based Tiffany
Blu on the vocals. Next up is his remix transformation on Afrodisia
track from Funky Destination. This time with a deep boogie and Balearic
vibe.
Fourth and fifth tracks of the release is another remix Valique made for
Dj Marcon & The Palos Santos. Here he remixes their latest track A
Journey South, presented in two versions, the first is an organic
interlude jam working like an intro while the second version is reaching
deeper into electro and tech orientated with super dirty bass and
groovy guitars cooked with a touch of psychedelia.
Next remix on the track list is for UK’s Smoove & Turrell feat. Izo FitzRoy and his refreshed take on You’re Gone.
The songs is transformed into a boogie acid, disco house groove kicking
up the bpm! Last but not least is Valique’s balearic remix on Timewarp
inc’s Disco Girls. With simple words this release is a full filled with
strong beats and grooves made with a dance floor concept!
Tracklist: 1. Dj Marcon & The Palo Santos - Dime Amor (Valique Remix) 2. Koka Mass Jazz - Play the Game (Valique Remix) 3. Funky Destination - Afrodisia (Valique Remix) 4. Dj Marcon & The Palo Santos - A Journey South (Valique Intermission) 5. Dj Marcon & The Palo Santos - A Journey South (Valique Deeper South Remix) 6. Smoove & Turrell - You're Gone (Valique 2023 Refreshed Dub) 7. Timewarp inc - Discogirls (Valique Sunrise Version)
Phi-Psonics is a meditative, deeply soulful, immersive instrumental
group from Los Angeles, led by bassist Seth Ford-Young and featuring
Sylvain Carton on woodwinds, Mitchell Yoshida on electric piano, and
Josh Collazo on drums. Their beautiful music draws on jazz and classical
influences together with Ford-Young’s own musical experiences,
relationships, and his introduction to spirituality, yoga and philosophy
at a young age. Along the way they create something uniquely their own,
sharing beautiful landscapes for your spirit to roam freely within.
Octava is their second album and like their debut The Cradle, it’s
emotional, introspective, and unusual approach to meditative jazz offers
us a beautiful space for uplifting contemplation and wields a quiet
power to create a spiritually inspiring world of timeless, warm melodies
and instrumental exploration for the deep listener and thoughtful
voyager. Seth explains:
“This album is about change and evolution to a higher version of
ourselves. Understanding this journey through the idea of ascending a
musical scale and arriving at a new, higher octave is natural especially
for a musician. We move, struggle, and work through the various steps
or tones and arrive at the octave a new version of ourselves, still the
same person, but vibrating at a higher frequency.”
Tracklist: 1. Invocation 2. An Offering 3. We Walk in the Gardens of Our Ancestors 4. Green Dreams 5. Where We've Been 6. Lunar Reflections 7. Becoming 8. New You
‘This Is Ours’ is the new LP from South London-based producer, DJ,
illustrator, and graphic designer Greg Haynes AKA Fybe:One. Stemming
first from collaborations with singer and songwriter Liam Bailey, the
sophomore album features previous Double A single “Don’t Let Go feat.
Liam Bailey”/“We Go Down Smooth feat. Georgia Blackwell”, alongside
tracks taken from Fybe:One’s “Sky Loops” EP. His first full album with
Tru Thoughts, the release is a cumulation of experimental production and
a celebration of varied vocal offerings.
“Greg’s great at creating feelings through the textures and patterns he
uses and that gave me confidence to relax and trust where the music was
taking me” – Liam Bailey
Taking its name from a Liam Bailey lyric, each track on ‘This Is Ours’
exists in its own space and subject matter, bound together by Fybe:One’s
innovative production and the universality of the human experience. The
collaborations are organic and respectful, wrapped in the glow of the
positivity that comes from appreciating what you have; be it family,
surroundings, nature, or your own creativity. “I wanted to find a lot of
vocalists I hadn’t worked with before. A friend would introduce me to a
singer they knew, I had made a track that day, and the track and the
vocalist would go together perfectly,” Fybe:One highlights, speaking of
the serendipity and understanding that went into piecing together ‘This
Is Ours’.
The LP features “Gone”, “Flip That” and “Too High”, taken from the “Sky
Loops” EP. The beat-driven release was created at the height of summer
during a difficult year as a positive remedy; laced with organic sounds
and underpinned with eclectic production. Swirled with the joy of these
instrumental productions are fresh UK vocal stylings from Katey Brooks,
recent Wu-Lu collaborator Breezy Lee, Georgia Blackwell and Liam Bailey.
Known for his releases on Amy Winehouse’s Lioness Records and Big Crown,
alongside collaborations with Chase & Status, Shy FX, Salaam Remi,
Breakage, and Alix Perez, the collaborations between Fybe:One and Liam
Bailey underpin the most radiating elements of ‘This Is Ours’. On “Don’t
Let Go” Liam Bailey make a heartfelt plea, driven by spontaneously open
and honest lyrics, taking inspiration from the breakdown of a close
friend’s marriage. Meanwhile, “Bliss” was the last track the pair worked
on together, creating the perfect tune to daydream to with your eyes
closed. Across all tracks, the organic chemistry between the two shines
through the delight of ‘This Is Ours’.
Fybe:One set up the Shades label in 2011 (joining forces with DJ Herse,
Duct and Owen Howells) and has been releasing, remixing and
collaborating on music for the better part of a decade with supporters
of his work including Gilles Peterson, Mary Anne Hobbs, Lauren Laverne
and Laurent Garnier. Having self-released his debut EP “Harp” in 2012
followed by a remix album featuring reworkings from Deft, Troy Gunner
and Blaksmif, his debut LP ‘Elements’ was released in 2014.
His “Sky Loops” EP was released on Tru Thoughts in 2020. Alongside his
own releases, Fybe:One produced for Jono McCleery (Ninja Tune) as well
as remixes for Monokle, Skip&Die, Howson’s Groove, Part Time Heroes,
and Warsnare. These tracks have appeared across releases from WahWah45,
Eton Messy, Project Mooncircle, Substruct and more Fybe:One has spent
the past few years exploring new genres and sounds. He has regular shows
on Music Box Radio and AAJA radio and has compiled mixes for brands
such as Shore Projects and Brydon Brothers. He also creates album
covers, graphics and illustrations for Project Mooncircle, EMI,
Cavendish Music and more.
Tracklist: 1. Sensetory Space (feat. Katey Brooks) 2. Don't Let Go (feat. Liam Bailey) 3. Too High 4. Bliss (feat. Liam Bailey) 5. Lovin' Me 6. You Go Down Smooth (feat. Georgia Blackwell) 7. What Have I Done (feat. Liam Bailey) 8. Flip That 9. Let Me Come Home (feat. Liam Bailey) 10. Gone 11. Refuge (feat. Breezy Lee)
Manchester jazz-funkers, Secret Night Gang return with their sophomore
album “Belongs on a Place Called Earth”, due for release on Digital, CD
& 12” vinyl formats on 23rd June 2023 via Brownswood Recordings.
“Belongs on a Place Called Earth” is a record birthed from the emotional
rollercoaster the world collectively faced over the past few years, as a
result of the pandemic.
A time which cultivated self-reflection
and profound life questions leading to an evolution for the Manchester
natives. This new record is undeniably a fresh & bold new sound,
with the leading purpose of permeating hope & light through their
music. In continued strength to strength, Secret Night Gang are carving
their own lane across the British jazz & street soul scene and this
upcoming album, is set to take them to new heights.
Tracklist: 1. Respect Me 2. Don't Know What Tomorrow Brings 3. One and Only 4. Never Ever 5. Find a Way 6. When Will the Sun Rise Again 7. Do for You 8. Out of My Head 9. Every Nation 10. Things Will Work Out
*Bonus (Secret Night Gang - When Will the Sun Rise Again (Live at TRC))
In collaboration with Timmion Records, Daptone is proud to present My
Echo, Shadow and Me, the debut album from the soulful Chicano brother,
Jonny Benavidez. Hailing from San Diego (via El Paso, TX), Jonny's
desire to sing was influenced by his grandfather, John Lorenzo Guzman,
who as a teen in the early sixties spent some time harmonizing with
groups in El Paso–most notably Sonny Powell and the Night Dreamers. When
he was 13, Jonny was given a record player and a box filled with
R&B, Doo-Wop, and Soul 45s that he studied obsessively, employing
the harmonies and meloldies therein to cultivate his own unique voice.
After a chance encounter with the legendary Dimas Garza, Jonny's career
began to blossom and soon he would find himself singing alongside stars
like Eugene Pitt and Archie Bell–garnering the interest of Timmion
Records.
Backed by the incomparable Cold Diamond & Mink (Bobby Oroza, Pratt
& Moody) two incredibly successful singles were cut and plans for a
full length were struck, culminating in 11 original songs penned by
Benavidez. From the uplifting bounce of the title track, the doo-wop
dinged "Dedicated to You", the Latin flare of “Uncle Sam,” to the Sweet
Soul masterpiece "Somebody Cares" (licensed and released on a Penrose
Records 45), My Echo, Shadow and Me is not only
an aweinspiring display of Jonny's versatility as an artist but also
serves as a window into the eclectic array of soulful sounds that
inspired him to fall in love with music and become a singer. A must have
for fans of Daptone, Timmion, Penrose, et al.
Tracklist: 1. My Echo, Shadow and Me 2. Playing the Fool 3. Uncle Sam 4. Tell Me That You Love Me 5. Slow Down Girl 6. Dedicated To You 7. Somebody Cares 8. Do What You Wanna Do 9. Your Last Song 10. Let's Get Together 11. Dear Mother and Father
Tracklist: 1. Prelude 2. Jazz Dreamin 3. Ladies and Gentlemen 4. Step Into A World Pt. 1 (feat. Amber Navran and Daniel Crawford) 5. Jazz From The Soul 6. Shine Your Light 7. Can You Feel It 8. For The Love Love 9. The Garden 10. Let It Get Into You (feat. Kelsey Gonzales, Christian Meraz, Jason Duarte) 11. Satellites 12. Vibrations In Your Mind 13. Lonnie Larko 14. Creep Wit Me (feat. Kelsey Gonzales) 15. Scorpios Stepchild 16. Step Into A World Pt 2 (feat. Amber Navran) 17. Nauty Looks 18. Humble Eagle 19. Peace Go With You
Freestyle Records are proud to reissue Ambiance II Fusion's mid-80s
fusion rarity "Come Touch Tomorrow" - originally recorded in Hollywood
CA October/November 1984 and released in 1985.
Following a yearly run of 4 albums self-released between 1979 and 1982,
Nigerian-born saxophonist, flutist, and clarinettist Daoud Abubakar
Balewa then took a few years off before returning with 1985's "Come
Touch Tomorrow", the first of two albums issued under the updated name
of Ambiance II Fusion. Combining the afro-spiritual jazz & be-bop
inflected fusion of his earlier work as Ambiance, this record took the
project into more modern & distinctly cosmic planes with the
introduction of spacey pads and drum machines working alongside somewhat
tighter arrangements and solid rhythm sections. Of particular note here
is the B1 track "Boy What a Joy" on which a sublimely funky synth &
drum machine throwdown is presented in prophetically lo-fi fashion -
recalling recent stylistic approaches from the likes of Dâm-Funk among
others.
Tracklist: 1. I Dream Too Much 2. Come Touch Tomorrow 3. Don't You Ever Take Your Love 4. Samba Para Mi 5. Boy What a Joy 6. The Camouflage 7. Naima
That one of the great Spiritual Jazz albums of the era could be found in
duplicate New Orleans thrift store in the 1980s goes a long way in
illustrating the lack of acclaim this special and overlooked album
maintained, even in a city where the Batiste name is musical royalty.
The Southern University albums Alvin Batiste offered the world were
novelies, not worthy of serious consideration, a moment captured, but
not necessarily worthy of being collected or preserved by anyone not
immediately involved in its creation.
That changes now. With the release of the two Southern University
albums, Now-Again continues a conversation begun with the late Kashmere
Stage Band director Conrad O. Johnson and the issue of his high school
students’ music as 'Texas Thunder Soul', and the continued belief that
beautiful music created by youth – even under the most adverse
circumstances – can always inspire us.
Tracklist: 1. Samba Dee 2. Ah Ja Ge Da Ba 3. Clean Air 4. Music Came 5. Nanigo 6. Holdin' Meetin'
The Worlds First Ever Drum & Bass titled album brand, the
legendary trailblazing compilation album from the inception of D&B
returns! For many it was their first introduction into D&B and
Jungle, and as the worlds first ever TV advertised Jungle or D&B
album it holds an important place in the expansion of the genre. Now
the Drum & Bass Selection Series takes off from where we last visited the brand… straight into Volume 6 as if its never been away!
Drum & Bass Selection Vinyl Collectors Edition
is packed this time with collectible foundation tracks hailing from the
period of the creation of this iconic album series and the evolution of
Jungle to Drum & Bass, cut with two tracks per side on heavyweight
black vinyl for DJ use.
The triumphant return is a must for all
collectors and especially vinyl completists that loved the original
series of releases, and as you’d expect its packed full of exquisitely
curated D&B cuts from some of the jungle music scenes most
recognised producers. This amazing compilation collects together
foundation jungle pioneers such as Mampi Swift, Dextrous, Marley Marl, Dubtronix, Sponge, and Cool Hand Flex.
Vinyl collectors will be excited to see the high value tracks that have not been repressed since the golden age of jungle. ‘Heavenly Body’ by DJ Dextrous, has been moving on reseller sites for up to £100! And Marley Marl’s track ‘Feel It’ has been incredibly hard to find and has changed hands for over £80, making this release incredible value for money.
Tracklist: 1. DJ Gunshot – Soundboy 2. Dubtronix – Fresh Step 3. Dextrous – Heavenly Body 4. Marley Marl – Feel It 5. Atlas – Drifting Thru The Galaxy 6. Mampi Swift – Just Roll 7. Flex – Rude Boy 8. Sponge – The Crash
Fast-rising Dutch producer, Baril, returns to Intercept Records with the
emphatic release of his debut album, For You, Forever. Set for release
June 23rd, the project see’s Baril build upon his chillwave approach to
dance music which serves as a warm embrace to listeners. Merging
contemporary songwriting with a plethora of electronic influences, the
album transcends ambient, breakbeat, and Deep House - the result is one
that fits perfectly both on the dancefloor, as well as home listening.
The project arrives two years on from his six track EP ‘One More Rush’
which gained the artist worldwide recognition from the likes of Bicep
and Fred Again.
What’s instantly clear throughout For You, Forever’s nine tracks is the
deeply emotive undertones of the album. Spearheaded by the artist's
desire to spend as long as required in the studio, without a deadline,
until he was truly satisfied with the messaging behind the release.
Through a range of stunning vocal deliveries and an often atmospheric
production style, this concept is brought to life. It’s a style
reminiscent of Bicep, Caribou, and Four Tet, where the lines between
dance music and the mainstream become blurred and the resulting
possibilities are endless.
Conceptually, For You, Forever serves as a love letter to
the artist’s fans, whilst offering a heartwarming embrace to anyone
listening who was unfamiliar with his work prior. Baril’s devotion to
all those who consume his creative output is the cornerstone of his
artistic identity and therefore he wants to make the best possible music
not only for himself, but also for his fans. Such dedication also
spearheaded the album title, which openly declares this sentiment to the
world.
On his creative thought process behind the album, Baril proclaims:“I
wanted to make an album that felt really personal to me. Therefore I
really thought about what I find important when listening to electronic
music. It had to feel energetic, yet also melancholic. Something you
could listen to with your eyes closed on the couch, but also something
you could dance to when hearing it live. It had to feel sweet, but also
tough. Make you laugh or cry.”
For You, Forever will be steadily released over the course of four
months with four emotionally charged singles that offer listeners a
glimpse of what's to come. The first of which lands on March 1st in the
form of ‘I Need You’. Followed by ‘Are You With Me’ on March 22nd,
‘Something’ is set to land April 26th, before ‘Feel This Way’ completes
the run of singles from the album on May 24th.
For Baril, For You, Forever marks the culmination of a lifelong ambition
to create an album and one that he’s particularly proud of. In fact,
upon Fred Again’s visit to Amsterdam last year, he visited Baril’s
studio to create music and was the first person to hear the album in
full. After giving his seal of approval, Fred Again shared Baril’s music
on Instagram and the young talent saw his followers double overnight.
Such feedback gave the artist an additional sense of belief in the album
and everyone at Intercept Records is excited to hear people’s response
to the project.
Tracklist: 1. Eyes 2. I Need You 3. Are You With Me 4. Something 5. Forever 6. Feel This Way 7. Stay 8. Never Leave Me 9. If You Really
Dee Byrne is an artist swimming freely in a sea of creative
possibilities. Her Entropi project established her reputation as a
fearless explorer of the interface between composition and
improvisation, structure and freedom, driven by a constant urge to
create. To reconnect with the roots of that urge, she took a deep dive
into her own process, using visual art as a medium to unlock fresh
approaches to composition.
The results can be heard on her latest Whirlwind release, and seen on
the cover art: Outlines is a set of nine pieces for a specially
assembled sextet of some of the UK’s most adventurous and genre-busting
musicians. Bassist Olie Brice, drummer Andrew Lisle and piano/keyboard
player Rebecca Nash are all bandleaders in their own right, capable of
navigating the complexities of Byrne’s complex multi-modal compositions
while allowing the spontaneity to flow freely: Tom Ward’s collection of
clarinets and Nick Malcolm’s trumpet complete the frontline with Dee’s
alto sax, spinning tales and painting pictures. “There are a lot of
strong, deep musical and personal relationships in this band - the sort
that can’t be fast-tracked. It’s a real band!”
Dee describes the writing process: ‘I decided to peel everything back to
the basics of being creative. I started drawing and set rules for
myself, retraining my mind to stop criticising - to follow impulse
without being attached to outcome! Then I applied the same approach to
writing music - they’re genuine musical sketches!’ Collecting together
the musical fragments, she assembled them into compositions that could
move easily from carefully structured written parts into free
improvisation and back again. ‘Capsule’ encapsulates this approach: like
a time pod of artefacts launched into space, with the horns’ unison
shifting and fragmenting over the insistent bassline - ‘I often start
with the bass! Olie Brice is so versatile and such a great musician. He
gives so much’. ‘Flow State’ is named for the ideal state of creation,
with bold full colour statements from Dee and Andrew Lisle ‘Andrew is
just putting out so much information all the time! He has a kind of
hyper-
interactivity!’
On both ‘Arrow Of Time’ and ‘On The Other Side’ the listener is drawn
along contrasting pathways of complex interlocking rhythms that suddenly
break apart to reveal unsuspected sonic landscapes, coloured by Tom
Ward’s rich-toned clarinets and the inspired keyboard work of Rebecca
Nash, with memorable statements from Olie Brice and Nick Malcolm that
steer the flow into new directions - ‘All the players in this project
are able really dig into playing tunes, but are also completely
confident in being free.’
‘Liberation’ establishes a lyrical, optimistic feel, gently pulsing into
a forward motion, while ‘Immersion’ deepens the flow state with almost
big-band like textures over contrasting sections to evoke a sense of
awe. By contrast, ‘We Are Experiencing Turbulence’ deliberately pushes
the ensemble into unpredictable zones of tempo and texture to deliver a
powerful air of foreboding, and ‘Don’t Mess With Me’ develops an
equivalent heaviness in an opposite direction with almost funky swagger
driven by Lisle’s powerhouse drumming. Finally ‘The Dance’ mixes five
different
lines played simultaneously, shifting in and out of sync across each other to create a kaleidoscope of sound.
Outlines is a bold and fully realised work that daringly reimagines the
interface between control and freedom, writing and improvisation. The
pieces develop naturally from written to free and back again, guided by a
group of players in perfect harmony with the music and with each other:
challenging and comforting the listener, and drawing them deep into Dee
Byrne’s complex and beautiful soundworld.
Tracklist: 1. Capsule 2. Flow State 3. Arrow of Time. 4. On the Other Side 5. Immersion 6. Liberation 7. We Are Experiencing Turbulence 8. Don't Mess with Me 9. The Dance
Acclaimed GRAMMY-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello makes her Blue Note Records debut with The Omnichord Real Book, a visionary, expansive, and deeply jazz-influenced album that marks the start of a new chapter in her career. Following her 2018 album Ventriloquism, Meshell returns with an album of new original material that taps into a broad spectrum of her musical roots. The Omnichord Real Book was produced by Josh Johnson and features a wide range of guest artists including Jason Moran, Ambrose Akinmusire, Joel Ross, Jeff Parker, Brandee Younger, Julius Rodriguez, Mark Guiliana, Cory Henry, Joan As Police Woman, Thandiswa, and others.
Tracklist: 1. Georgia Ave (feat. Josh Johnson) 2. An Invitation 3. Call The Tune 4. Good Good (feat. Jade Hicks, Josh Johnson) 5. Omnipuss 6. Clear Water (feat. Deantoni Parks, Jeff Parker, Sanford Biggers) 7. ASR (feat. Jeff Parker) 8. Gatsby (feat. Cory Henry, Joan As Police Woman) 9. Towers (feat. Joel Ross) 10. Perceptions (feat. Jason Moran) 11. THA KING (feat. Thandiswa) 12. Virgo (feat. Brandee Younger, Julius Rodriguez) 13. Burn Progression (feat. Hanna Benn, Ambrose Akinmusire) 14. onelevensixteen 15. Vuma (feat. Thandiswa, Joel Ross) 16. The 5th Dimension (feat. The Hawtplates) 17. Hole In The Bucket (feat. The Hawtplates) 18. Virgo 3 (feat. Oliver Lake (Arr.), Mark Guiliana, Brandee Younger, Josh Johnson)
On June 16th, 2023, Steven Julien and Kyle Hall return with their first
EP together in ten years, CROWN. The record follows earlier EPs the duo
created under their former alias Funkinevil, 2013's Ignorant and 2012's
Night/Dusk. The record once again brings together two artists from
opposite sides of the pond—Julien hailing from London and Hall
representing Detroit—with a shared love for soul in its purest essence.
Opening "Page 1", a pitched-down vocal by James Massiah pronounces, "My
plan— won't let you take it from hand." That alone could be considered
the nut graph of a record about taking ownership, created by two
vanguards in the electronic music scene that, a decade ago, insisted on
infusing their music with soul in a commercial club circuit lacking in
it.
Assembled from a few years-worth of studio jams in Julien's studio,
Crown dials up the staticky warmth present on earlier Funkinevil tracks
like "Dusk" and "In The Grid." Across seven songs, Funkinevil shaves off
some of their tougher elements, instead shooting for pastoral melodies
and funky basslines, like on "Page 2", where Vicky Flint's flute
flutters sleepily over breaks and a groovy Korg synthesizer. But the
atmosphere on the EP is also grander than ever—on "Page 5," Cloud's wistful melisma soars over Flint's bleating saxophone and wandering sci-fi synths.
With all this attention to funky musicality, it's only fitting that two
legends specializing in the craft would land on the B-side—Däm Funk revs
up "Page 3" with a slamming kick and his unmistakable coolness, and
Reggie B turns "Page 5" into a sludgy, jazzy dance party.
In the words of Julien, "I think a lot of people have forgotten about
what this whole thing is about. Musically, artistry and everything. So
I'm happy this is what we represent on this project."
Strut presents an exclusive new
collaboration between UK jazz keyboardist Greg Foat and Venetian ambient
/ electronic maestro Gigi Masin on ‘Dolphin’.
Recorded remotely
during 2021-2022 the album took shape in the form of mutual
compositions, gradually developed and embellished online. Final
recording sessions took place at the majestic Chale Abbey Studios on the
Isle Of Wight with Moses Boyd (drums), Tom Herbert (bass) and Siobhan
Cosgrove (flute, clarinet) adding elements to several pieces. Tracks
include the reflective, wistful single ‘Viento Calido’ and drifting
ambient piece ‘Sabena’, a beautiful tribute to Gigi’s wife who sadly
passed away during 2022.
Greg Foat has recorded prolifically in
recent years for Athens Of The North, Jazzman and Strut including
acclaimed albums Symphonie Pacifique (2020) and The Mage (2019). Best
known for his 1986 ambient masterpiece Wind and as a member of Gaussian
Curve, Gigi Masin has enjoyed a revival in recent years through his
Calypso album on R&S’s Apollo label and renewed touring. Dolphin
represents Greg and Gigi’s first landmark recording collaboration
together. “I first heard Gigi’s album Wind in 2016,” remembers Greg. “I
was living in Miami and I heard it playing one Summer evening. Since
then, it has always been in my mind to be able to record together.”
Dolphin
is mastered by Mark Ashfield at Cosmic Audio with newly commissioned
artwork by Niul Foat. The LP comes as transparent vinyl in a thick card
outer sleeve.
Tracklist: 1. Lee 2. London Nights 3. Love Theme 4. Dolphin 5. Sabena 6. Leo Theo 7. Viento Calido 8. Your Move
Barcelona record
label Canela En Surco is proud to present Un Nuevo Amanecer (A New
Dawn), the debut collaborative LP by rising star Pedro Ricardo and
candombe broken beat maestro Damián Botigue.
Four long years in
the making, this album is born out of the friendship between the two
artists. After meeting at a Canela En Surco party in Barcelona, they
began hanging out, listening to folk and jazz fusion records. They also
began experimenting with new forms of expression based on returning to
their roots (Pedro is originally from Portugal, Damián an Argentine
raised in Galicia). Un Nuevo Amanecer is a journey between two worlds.
Pedro
and Damián gathered a group of friends in Damián’s home studio in the
Poble Sec neighborhood of Barcelona with the sole desire to have fun,
but the end result is a timeless masterpiece. A record that
progressively increases in intensity, going from the cosmic, cinematic
folk of “Como El Viento” and “Atlantico” to the Latin fusion of “Un
Nuevo Amanecer” and “Sem Dizer” on the A-side.
The album reaches
its maximum intensity on the B-side of the record with two 140 BPM love
letters to the 70’s Latin jazz-funk “Juntos y a Distancia” and “Cerca de
Mi” plus the Bossa Nova meets Candombe jam “Mar de Fora”
Pedro
Ricardo's recently acclaimed debut LP on Soundway Records (2023) as well
as Damián’s solo efforts in broken beat fused with Latin rhythms as
Karmasound have both garnered DJ support from Gilles Peterson, John
Gómez and Mafalda, among many others. This album marks the first
appearance of the two musicians together and, as the title indicates,
heralds a new path in the fusion of traditional music with a
contemporary vision.
Tracklist: 1. Un Nuevo Amanecer 2. Como El Viento 3. Atlántico 4. Sem Dizer 5. Juntos y a distancia 6. Mar de Fora 7. Cerca de Mi
Introducing El Flaco Collective's latest
masterpiece: "Acid Streets of Brazzaville," an afro-psychedelic funk
album that will take you on a wild and soulful journey. With infectious
beats, groovy basslines, and electrifying guitar riffs, this album
blends traditional African rhythms with modern psychedelic funk to
create a sound that is both timeless and fresh.
Coming off a run of singles and an LP on
Ubiquity Records, UK DJ/Producer Tigerbalm (aka Rose Robinson) brings
her vibrant global sound to the RNT catalog with the Nina EP. Of the two
original songs that grace the A side, Nina is a pulsing boogie affair
with driving percussion, catchy chants and punctuating sax, and Sisters
is shows a more balearic side of tropical with African guitar work and
lilting soulful vocals. The B-side sees two distinct remix takes on the
title track, the first by RNT regular Elado who bumps up the tempo for a
stomping acidic club mix, and Voilaaa who transforms the song into a
driving and authentic classic Zouk arrangement. Grab this tiger!
Following last year’s extremely popular LP compilation, Ed and Dean
follow with another in the ‘Acid Jazz Not Jazz’ - ‘Street Soul’.
Featuring the likes of The Brand New Heavies, Tyson and The Quiet Boys,
this digital album is another opportunity to celebrate the club
atmosphere of the ‘90s, focusing on the soulful sounds of London’s
streets. Impeccably curated as ever, this is one to enjoy as the sun
shines!
Tracklist: 1. The Brand New Heavies - Got to Give 2. Inner Soul - Don't Walk Away 3. Janette Sewell - Peace and Love 4. Index - Til The Morning Comes (Vocal) 5. Pure Wildness - Ain't No Use (Mo' Soul Mix) 6. Mister Exe - One Million Smiles 7. Snowboy - Where Is the Love? 8. Tyson - Falling 9. The Quiet Boys - Don't Make Me Say It Again
Tracklist: 1. We All Groove With It 2. Love Is The Answer 3. Searching For A Feeling 4. Rainy Day (feat Athena Yasaman) 5. Never Changed 6. The Legend Interlude 7. Missing U 8. Clubland 9. Love Is Love 10. Sensations
