The Sorcerers - I Too Am A Stranger

I Too Am A Stranger was recorded at ATA Studios by the core Sorcerers trio, featuring the compositional vision and timeless lines of bassist Neil Innes, truly rare grooves from drummer JoostHendrickx (Gott Street Park, Eddie Chacon) and a little cosmos of tones and melodies from reed/flute/vibes/keyboard player Richard Ormrod. Up-and-coming Leeds trumpeter Olivia Cuthill was chosen to augment the brass sections, and regular collaborator Danny Templeman fills out the percussion palette.

As ever, the Ethiopique sound is front and centre, as evidenced in flute features Bebaynetu and Kid Mahout, and the final track, alto sax feature She Who Perceives The Sounds Of The World. Beyond the Addis influences, I Too Am A Stranger references other unique and striking sounds that have always enthralled members of the ATA family: the declamatory baritone sax-heavy chanbara soundtracks of Fumio Hayasaka [Yasuke In Roppongi, Oromo Moon], the fuzzed-out vibes sound of Vibrafinger-era The Stark Reality [side openers The Warrior Code and He Who Kills With One Leap], and Moondog’s popping woodblocks [Moth, The Road Forward].

I Too Am A Stranger is a resolutely maximal endeavour, reflecting the cosmopolitan and cross-cultural networks that comprise our world; wherever we’ve come from, wherever we are and wherever we’re going, we are all new to the future.

Comprised of multi-instrumentalist and label boss, Neil Innes, drummer Joost Hendrickx and fellow multi-instrumentalist Richard Ormrod. The band was conceived after Neil (with former band member, Pete Williams) wrote and produced some Ethio-inspired music intended for release as a 7" single. The music garnered such a popular response that they developed the sound further before recording the debut album The Sorcerers. Emboldened by the success of their initial venture, the band dived deeper into the rich Ethio-inspired soundscape, crafting a truly unique identity. The Sorcerers pay homage to the rich history and cultural significance of this influential style of music while bringing their own unique energy and perspective to the table. The culmination of this artistic exploration is their eagerly anticipated third album, "I Too Am A Stranger."

Tracklist:
1. He Who Kills with One Leap
2. Moth
3. Yasuke in Roppongi
4. Bebaynetu
5. The Warrior Code
6. Kid Mahout
7. The Road Forward
8. Oromo Moon
9. She Who Perceives the Sounds of the World

Ezra Collective - Where I'm Meant To Be (Deluxe Edition)

Ezra Collective’s new era, a venture in discovered maturity and raised stakes, will be defined by the anticipated second album.

'Where I’m Meant To Be' is a thumping celebration of life, an affirming elevation in the Ezra Collective’s winding hybrid sound and refined collective character. The songs marry cool confidence with bright energy. Full of call-and-response conversations between their ensemble parts, a natural product of years improvising together on-stage, the album - which also features Sampa The Great, Kojey Radical, Emile Sandé, Steve McQueen, and Nao - will light up sweaty dance floors and soundtrack dinner parties in equal measure.

Tracklist:
1. Life Goes On (feat. Sampa the Great)
2. Victory Dance
3. No Confusion (feat. Kojey Radical)
4. Welcome To My World
5. Togetherness
6. Ego Killah
7. Smile
8. Live Strong
9. Siesta (feat. Emeli Sandé)
10. Words by Steve
11. Belonging
12. Never the Same Again
13. Words by TJ
14. Love In Outer Space (feat. Nao)
15. JOY (Life Goes On)
16. Welcome To My World (King Crowney Goes Deep Mix)
17. Ego Killah (Channel One Remix)
18. Smile (Children of Zeus Remix)
19. Siesta (B-Side)

*Bonus (Ezra Collective: Tiny Desk Concert)

Lefto Early Bird - Motherless Father

Across its ten tracks, the album sees Lefto delving deeper than ever, crafting a melancholic collection while throwing sonic shifts and shapes onto the dancefloor.

It’s a mix of the quiet and reflective; and the big, bold and beautiful, from the soulful opening of ‘Diane Charlemagne’ featuring the in-demand vocalist Iman Houssein to the Detroit vibes of latest single ‘Electric’. Elsewhere, the epic slow burner ‘Love Supreme (Part 1 and 2)’ unfurls with dreamy synths, mellow grooves and Aint About Me’s spoken word vocals across a seven minute odyssey, lead single ‘I Sing To Find Peace of Mind’ is a journey through uptempo jazz featuring Lefto himself on vocals and DJ/multi-instrumentalist Simbad on saxophone, while ‘The Birth of a New You’ and ‘One Day You Smile, One Day You Cry’ make the most of Pierro Spataro’s poignant saxophone tones.

"This record feels like the starting point of a new era; the tracks I recorded, the ones I’m singing over and the guests I invited have been my way to deal with the pandemic, the motherless child that I am and the father that I am”, Lefto says.

“I call this record a deep pre-club record, one that will give you the energy to go out there and party but with a feeling of letting go of everything."

Tracklist:
1. Diane Charlemagne (feat. Iman Houssein)
2. Love Supreme (Pt. 1 and 2)
3. The Elegance of a Dancing Body
4. The Birth of a new You (feat. Pierre Spataro)
5. Electric (feat. Aint About Me)
6. I Sing To Find Peace Of Mind (feat. Simbad)
7. Live In Darkness and Wait for Brighter Days
8. I Feel The Pain but Can't Describe It (feat. Aint About Me)
9. One Day You Smile, One Day You Cry (feat. Pierre Spataro)
10. The Soundtrack to a Beautiful Sunset on your way home

Tour Maubourg, Ismael Ndir - The Panorama Sessions

After the success of his second album Spaces of Silence released in early 2023, Tour-Maubourg returns to the forefront with his latest opus, The Panorama Sessions. Four tracks, extracted from his live performances, that have been rearranged and interpreted in collaboration with saxophonist Ismaël Ndir, then recorded at Panorama Studio in Brussels. This EP is a unique sonic journey resulting from the encounter of two singular artists.

Tracklist:
1. Opening Theme
2. La Berceuse Des Vieux Amants (Panorama version)
3. Ode To Love (Panorama Version)
4. Saint Thé à la Menthe (Panorama version)

Terrace Martin - Two Drink Minimum

Jazz composer/producer Terrace Martin releases new collection Two Drink Minimum, a 5-track collection of dynamic standards, evoking the sound of a late night jazz club.

A three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist/producer/multi-instrumentalist from the Crenshaw District, Terrace Martin is renowned as being one of the top jazz musicians in the world and has become a creative engine at the epicenter of LA's progressive hip-hop scene. His noteworthy production has included major collaborations with Kendrick Lamar (good kid, M.A.A.D. city & the GRAMMY-winning To Pimp a Butterfly), Travis Scott, Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Herbie Hancock, and many other influential artists. Among the most versatile musicians and producers of his generation, Terrace's path is leading him in parallel with the greats including Quincy Jones and Dr. Dre, while also launching his vibrant, progressive, genre-crossing record label, Sounds of Crenshaw.

Tracklist:
1. Nardis
2. Like Someone In Love
3. Stablemates
4. Straight No Chaser
5. Bolivia

Soul Sugar - Just a little talk

Authenticity is important in music culture, at least to those whose relationship with it is a lifelong love affair. As listeners, we instinctively respond to artists whose musical output is an authentic representation of their inspirations, experiences and working methods.

By any measure, Guillaume Metenier’s collaborative Soul Sugar project oozes authenticity. It began in the late 2000s as an outlet for the virtuoso organist and producer’s updated takes on ‘60s and ‘70s soul-jazz and Hammond funk, but over the years it has evolved into something entirely different: a vehicle for classic dub and reggae inspired musical fusions made in collaboration with friends and like-minded musicians. As a result, Soul Sugar albums mix impressive musicianship with great grooves and untold nods to the sounds and artists that have helped shape Metenier’s musical outlook.

This authentic approach and soul-enriching sound is naturally in evidence on Soul Sugar’s firth studio set, Just a Little Talk, which is set to be released by Metenier’s own Gee Recordings label in March 2024. This time round, Metenier’s close circle of musical collaborators includes Blundetto, Samuel Isoard, Yvo Abadi, Jolly Joseph, Jahno, Shniece, Slikk Tim and Leo Carmichael. While many are old friends who have appeared on previous albums and singles, there are some first-time collaborators too.

This familiar-but-also-fresh approach is mirrored by the blend of tracks on offer on Just a Little Talk. New songs and instrumentals sit side by side with a small selection of on-point cover versions – something Metenier has been doing since the inclusion of Jimmy Smith and Dr Lonnie Smith covers on 2009 debut album Nothing But The Truth. Memorable covers since have included ‘Why Can’t We Live Together’, ‘I Want You’ and ‘Never Too Much’, all featuring the honeyed voice of Leo Carmichael.

This time round, the headline-grabbing covers are undeniably special. You’ll find takes on Curtis Mayfield’s ‘Makings Of You’, re-framed as a languid roots reggae song featuring voiced by the returning Carmichael, and Donald Byrd’s ‘Blackbyrd’, which Metenier has brilliantly re-imagined as a fabulous fusion of Studio One dub and Blaxploitation funk.

Yet it’s the album’s original compositions that arguably stand out. For proof, check lovers rock-influenced reggae-soul treat ‘The End of Your World’ (featuring heart-aching roots style lyrics and Junior Murvin-esque lead vocals by Jolly Joseph), the similarly conscious ‘Just a Little Talk’ and recent single ‘Top of My List’– an effortlessly emotive gem marked out by Metenier’s weighty dub bassline and Shniece’s incredible lead vocal.

The original instrumentals, in which Metenier often trades licks and solos with guitarists Slick Tim and Samuel Isoard, are similarly impressive – and, to return to our theme, as authentic as they come. Fittingly, one of these – ‘Tubby’s Ghost’ – was originally written and recorded in 1998 with bassist Patrick Bylebyl, who was then Metenier’s partner in a project called Seven Dub. It is, then, a new cover of one of Metenier’s own tunes – and a pleasingly heavyweight one at that. It delivers a genuinely pleasing conclusion to Soul Sugar’s most true and authentic album to date.

Tracklist:
1. The makings of you
2. Happy riddim
3. The end of your world
4. Blackbyrd
5. Top of my list
6. Fly away
7. Just a little talk
8. Tubby's ghost

Four Tet - Three

Kieran Hebden is arguably at the height of his career so far, making Three his most highly anticipated Four Tet album yet. Since the 2020 triple drop of Sixteen Oceans, Parallel, and 871, Hebden has been pretty much ubiquitous in the scene, from all dayers with Skrillex and Fred again.. to revered collaborations with Madvillain, Burial, Thom Yorke, and William Tyler. And as multifaceted as the cover design by Jason Evans and Matthew Cooper would imply, Three capitalises on a busy decade in progress with an amalgamation of all things we love from Four Tet: ambient sonics meeting crisp club beats, glorious MIDI instruments paired with noise and intricate texture, celebrations of his eclectic influences from hip hop, folk, electronic and abstract sound art that coalesce ever so sweetly into a concise tracklist bursting with life.

There’s always a sense of brightness and joy to the feasts of electronic articulations that Hebden prepares, where gauzy psychedelic guitars open a hypnagogic portal to boom bap inflected grooves and mosaics of choral synths. The cerebral, enigmatic moments of scribbling glass plucks amplified into distorted ethereal waves are offset by rejuvenating pools of ambience, lax downtempo beats with reverb throws like skipping stones, and rosy hued melodies swaying and slingshotting across the scales.

For the ravers, there’s the battery acid soaked electro rhythm of ‘Daydream Repeat’, evidence of the dance muscles Hebden’s been flexing with his KH singles as a roiling throttle is overtaken by idyllic glittering harps, flipping the track from sweat-drenched heater to luscious euphoric aftermath. For the romantics, there’s the frothing drums and subtle snatches of vocals commanding space all over the album, capturing a full, heartfelt sense of depth that hums, buzzes, and vibrates in the awestriking closer ‘Three Drums’.

Whether you’ve just become acquainted with Four Tet or you’ve known him for a lifetime, Three is a stunning work from an inimitable talent.

Tracklist:
1. Loved
2. Gliding Through Everything
3. Storm Crystals
4. Daydream Repeat
5. Skater
6. 31 Bloom
7. So Blue
8. Three Drums

Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band - BRSB

Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band, the mysterious steel pan outfit hailing from Hamburg, Germany have amassed a cult following around the globe. With a slew of classic 7”s and three critically acclaimed full length albums, they set a high bar for themselves, one they clearly intend on pushing even higher with this new offering. On their fourth album BRSB, Bacao are back with more of the same, but more of the same with them is inherently different. Covering songs that span genres and range from mega hits to underground album cuts, they make them their own with their unique approach to the traditional steel pans of Trinidad and Tobago.

While part of the allure of a new Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band album is finding out what covers they do it is equally intriguing to see what original tunes they cooked upland this record is foul of stand out originals. The album opener, “In The Crosshairs” is a rough and tough mid tempo head nodder while both “Grilled” & “Treasure Quest” pick up the tempo with heavy African Funk influences on both. Bacao goes deep with “Hazy Memories”, a bass heavy slow burner that walks a line between hypnotic and hype. All these originals stand as testament that the term “cover band” is a shoe that could never fit Bacao. However, in the tradition of steel pan music, they do a heavy amount of covers. This time around there is a big West Coast Hip Hop influence with covers of Game & 50 Cent’s “How We Do”, Dr Dre & Snoop Dogg’s “Nuthin But A G Thang”, and Tupac’s “Got My Mind Made Up” all of which take on new energy and lend themselves to the BRSB steel treatment. Bacao puts another certified dancefloor filler on their resume with their cover of Claudja Barry’s uber Disco classic “Love For The Sake Of Love” which they flip into a dubbed out affair aptly changing even the title to “Love For The Sake Of Dub”. Pulling from the contemporary smash hit section of Hop Hop they cover Drake’s “Hotline Bling” and “Love$ick” by Mura Masa & A$AP Rocky. Then they go very unexpected with “Stranger Things Theme” where they take the synth heavy theme song to the hit show and give it a more hypnotizing tone than the original.

By the time BRSB is through, Bacao has taken the listener on a journey spanning a myriad of energies, tempos, and moods while keeping it all under one umbrella. For all that, these songs are alive, and they will be taken out of the context of this album and sewn into the fabric of DJ sets around the globe for many years to come. Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band continues building their legacy and pushing the boundaries of steel pan music forward with another rock solid musical offering. Enjoy.

Tracklist:
1. In The Crosshairs
2. How We Do
3. Hazy Memories
4. Love For The Sake Of Dub
5. Hotline Bling
6. Grilled
7. Love$ick
8. Stranger Things Theme
9. Treasure Quest
10. Nuthin' But A G Thang
11. Got My Mind Made Up
12. The Champion's Walk

Jahari Massamba Unit - YHWH is LOVE

Madlib and Karriem Riggins are Jahari Massamba Unit, a collaboration between two beacons of modern music joined by an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional music. Beginning as a genuine friendship and mutual admiration for one another's craft, Jahari Massamba Unit became a project with no rules or guidelines. The result is an extraordinary fusion of creativity, an embrace of artistic freedom, and a testament to what music can be when given the chance to roam beyond convention.

Tracklist:
1. Rubato Love
2. Stomping Gamay
3. Otis' Tambourine
4. ALL THINGS...
5. Anointed Soul
6. Karriem's Bolero
7. JMU's Voyage
8. Six 8ight (Interlude)
9. The Clappers Cousin
10. Massamba Afundance
11. e11even (interlude)
12. WITH YHWH LOVE.
13. Boppin'
14. Seven Mile to Oxnard

Greg Foat - Live at Can Rudayla, Ibiza

Special Poolside Analogue Synth and drum machine session recorded live in Ibiza. File under: LIVE COSMIC BALEARIC JAZZ SYNTH TRIO.

Tracklist:
1. Pool Side Part 1
2. Pool Side Part 2
3. Pool Side Part 3
4. Pool Side Part 4
5. Dining Table Grooves
6. Sunset Part 1
7. Sunset Part 2

Knxwledge - 家.V3

Tracklist:
1. Greed
2. Hopent
3. Oishii
4. Soko
5. Onme
6. Sewfar
7. Knewit
8. Atleast

VA - DJ Notoya Presents Funk Tide - Tokyo Jazz Funk From Electric Bird 1978-87

A STYLISH SELECTION OF JAZZ-FUNK FROM JAPANESE LABEL ELECTRIC BIRD, SELECTED BY DJ NOTOYA AND FEATURING YASUAKI SHIMIZU, SHUNZO OHNO, BOBBY LYLE, TOSHIYUKI HONDA AND RONNIE FOSTER

Following the success of the 'Tokyo Glow' compilation, Wewantsounds once again teams up with Japanese Tokyo-based DJ Notoya to dig the rich Electric Bird catalogue and come with a versatile selection of sunny Jazz-Funk gems recorded between 1978 and 1987 for the label. A tasty selection featuring Yasuaki Shimizu, Toshiyuki Honda and Mikio Masuda, together with a few American musicians such as Ronnie Foster and Bobby Lyle. Most tracks make their debut outside of Japan and the album has been designed by Optigram/Manuel Sepulveda and is annotated by DJ Notoya. Audio newly remastered in Tokyo by King Records.

Tracklist:
1. Shunzo Ohno - In The Sky
2. Mikio Masuda - Let's Get Together
3. Yasuaki Shimizu - Summer Time
4. David Matthews;Electric Birds - Special Delivery
5. Toshiyuki Honda - Living In A City
6. Ronnie Foster - Night Life
7. Bobby Lyle Trio - Night Breeze
8. Katsutoshi Morizono - Space Traveller

Liam Bailey - Zero Grace

Big Crown Records is proud to present Zero Grace, Liam Bailey’s sophomore album on the label. Following the success of 2020’s Ekundayo album, the tried and true chemistry of Bailey and producer Leon Michels (El Michels Affair) is on full display again as they take the sound they established and push it further. On Zero Grace they lean more into the bleeding heart singer-songwriter side of Liam. The result, much like Bailey himself, is impulsively honest without reserve.

Born and raised in Nottingham, England, the son of an English mother and 2nd generation Jamaican English father, Liam will admit his early childhood was fairly chaotic and filled with "all the cliche racism that happens when people started mixing up in the '80s in England." Liam got his early influences from his mom’s record collection. Bob Marley and Dillinger, Stevie Wonder and The Supremes, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix would eventually shape the singer/songwriter we know today. Fast-forward to 2005, Liam is in London performing at every open mic and acoustic night he could, hustling with hopes of landing a record deal. It was through this time that Liam first teamed up with Michels, musician/producer luminary, and the co-founder of Brooklyn's own Big Crown Records. Liam flew out to New York and those first sessions together produced the now classic tunes “When Will They Learn” and “I’m Gonna Miss You” which still gets spins at Reggae spots around the globe and were co-signed by heavy hitters like David Rodigan & Don Letts.

That first trip to NYC brought a lot of industry attention to Liam, including being noticed by a just-famous Amy Winehouse who heard one of Liam's apartment-made, lo-fi recordings, and liked what she heard. Regardless of the audio quality, Liam's particular sound shone through—all guitar, warm-rough and genuine soul. Eventually Liam signed to Polydor and wound up bumping against the typical major label industry obstacles. They already had an idea of the Liam they wanted to make, promote, and push. With the typical large advance enticement, Liam did his best to trust that path. "Maybe I can make it work,' that's what you're thinking," Liam remembers, "but, you quickly find out that you can't."

Zero Grace is full of freedom and love, in fact, working with Leon Michels and Big Crown Records has encouraged Liam to be himself. On album opener “Holding On '' Bailey speaks to his observations & fears when looking out at the world in front of him and also to the dedication it has taken to get on the other side of his personal trials & tribulations. “Dance With Me" is an instantly infectious two-stepper that nods to those incredible soul records that were coming out of Jamaica during the early Reggae days. Bailey steps into the dance with hopes of finding a new love and pulls us all out on the dance floor with him. “Disorder Starts At Home” is another close to the chest tune that addresses the difficulties he struggles with from his early chaotic childhood and his progress in getting past them. "Mercy Tree" is a powerhouse of Reggae Rebel Music. Bailey addresses the racial tensions that plague humanity and encourages everyone to step up and do their part to help foster equality. What starts out as a declaration of injustice turns into a call for action and an inspiration for hope.

Bailey has managed another album that moves across genres but remains entirely cohesive. The title Zero Grace represents his uninhibited energy. He wears his heart on his sleeve, he speaks his mind without filters, and he has little concern for formalities where his ambitions are concerned. He won't be held back ever. One thing is for sure, his talent speaks for itself, and it is on full display on this album. 

Tracklist:
1. Holding On
2. Dumb
3. Sekkle Down
4. Boy
5. Dance With Me
6. Disorder Starts At Home
7. Mercy Tree
8. Sour Wine
9. Canary In The Coal Mine
10. Winter Is Within Thee
11. I Got No Answers
12. Light Up The Darkness

VA - Soulful Deep & Dope 2024

One of the UK's best loved independent imprints, Reel People Music, continue to push their love and passion for all things Soulful as they drop the new installment of compilation series SOULFUL DEEP & DOPE.

The album is made up of 20 gorgeous slabs of Soulfulness and features wonderful contributions from the likes of TURBOJAZZ, CRACKAZAT, TERRY HUNTER, MARK FRANCIS, ATJAZZ, EMMACULATE, COFLO, THE REALM, SEAN MCCABE, SEBB JUNIOR, EZEL, REEL PEOPLE, OPOLOPO, THE LAYABOUTS, MICHAEL GRAY, GLENN UNDERGROUND, GRANT NELSON & more.

Tracklist:
1. Opolopo, Angela Johnson & Mark Francis – Stay This Way (Mark Francis Remix Edit)
2. House Gospel Choir, MORGAN & Crackazat – Angels (Crackazat Remix)
3. Atjazz & Shea Soul – Home (Vocal Mix Edit)
4. Harold Matthews Jr, Sean McCabe & Glenn Underground – This Place (Glenn Underground Remix)
5. Deon Cole, Emmaculate & Coflo – Where the Freaks At (feat. Teresa Griffin) [Emmaculate & Coflo Remix Edit]
6. Mothers Favorite Child, Saeeda Wright & Ezel – Dance for Me (Ezel Remix Edit)
7. Phil Beaudreau & Terry Hunter – Another Nature (Terry Hunter Radio Mix)
8. Turbojazz, Sean McCabe & Monica Blaire – Don’t Look Down (Vocal Mix Edit)
9. Funkky, Nuzu Deep & The Realm – Sixth Sense (The Realm Remix Edit)
10. Reel People, Angela Johnson & Michael Gray – Can’t Stop (Michael Gray Remix Edit)
11. Risk Assessment, Monica Blaire & Grant Nelson – It’s Not Right but It’s Okay (Grant Nelson Remix Edit)
12. Sebb Junior – Sound of Life (Edit)
13. Nathan Haines & The Layabouts – Believe (feat. Shelley Nelson) [The Layabouts Vocal Mix Edit]
14. Hallex M, Bongi Mvuyana & Atjazz – Day by Day (Vocal Mix Edit)
15. Mothers Favorite Child, Robin S & Opolopo – Tonight (Opolopo Remix Edit)
16. Matthew Bandy – Wish (feat. Josh Milan) [Edit]
17. N'Dinga Gaba & Raw Artistic Soul – Summer Breeze (feat. Sahffi) [Raw Artistic Soul Remix Edit]
18. Dominique Fils-Aimé, Atjazz & D-Malice – Good Feeling (Atjazz & D - Malice Vocal Dub Edit)
19. MdCL, Ovasoul7 & Frankie Feliciano – Feels Like Home (Frankie Feliciano Ricanstruction Vocal Mix Edit)
20. Sebb Junior & Richard Earnshaw – Got Yo Lovin’ (Richard Earnshaw Rework Edit)

gum.mp3 - Black Life, Red Planet

Tracklist:
1. Spacey
2. Believe
3. Compression
4. Mars and Its Moons
5. Knowingness
6. Deimos
7. Blue Period
8. Colors

VA - The Congregation - Jazz Alliance International

“The new compilation from Massimiliano "Jazzcat" Conti called "The Congregation" is an absolute masterpiece of contemporary jazz gems. Whereas most of the jazz compilations mainly focus on rare vintage music it is nice to see that some current talent gets its well deserved recognition. Jazzcat has compiled this with love and very good taste. A definite contender for "compilation fo the year"." Rainer Trüby (Compost Records)

“Jazzcat has assembled such a great wealth of music here, diverse aspects of today’s jazz scene that hang together beautifully, my kind of congregation.” Patrick Forge (NTS / Dingwalls)

“The Congregation compilation is Essential!! It captures the Essence of Cutting Edge, Fire and Passion in Modern Jazz Music and hugely reflects my own taste featuring some seriously talented artists! Congratulations to Right Tempo and the Jazzcat. All Killa no Filla!!!" Colin Curtis (Z Records)

Paul Bradshaw: “The 30th anniversary of Milan based Right Tempo records and the arrival of this compilation – ‘THE CONGREGATION’ – is cause for a serious nod of respect and a celebration. While the label’s main man, Rocco Pandiani, has done his share of diggin’ in the vaults of the numerous Italian record labels and beyond, he has engaged Massimiliano Max Conti (aka Jazzcat) to hone this innovative, largely contemporary selection.

Hailing from Pescara, an Italian city on the Adriatic Sea, ‘Jazzcat’ is a DJ, broadcaster and internationally respected Mixcloud selector with over 150,000 followers checking his 800+ eclectic mixes. On ‘The Congregation’ he has ventured far and wide to lock down and deliver a selection of music that they feel is representative of the current era. That’s quite a task, as fans, dancers, listeners, dj’s and journos – like this scribe – are definitely trippin' on the overwhelming amount of jazz related music out there.

As the 30th anniversary was happening a near mythical, unreleased recording emerged that would set the vibe for 'The Congregation’ album. It was discovered by Right Tempo’s art director Giulio ‘Jazzy Jules’ Maini. The track was recorded and produced in 2011 by NYC based Hiro Hawanohara aka Yellowtail and features the deep, smokey vocals of legendary beat generation jazz singer, Mark Murphy. He was 77 at the time!” [extract from liner notes].

Deep, nostalgic and utterly intriguing, the selection of songs built around the vocalist’s sensuous excursion - here in a brilliant version by Patchworks - ventures far and wide: soulful offerings by Anthony Joseph and Jimetta Rose & The Voices of Creation, spiritual renditions by the likes of Scottish born, Leeds based band leader Malcolm Strachan, Right Tempo’s usual suspect Nicola Conte and house artist Francesco Sotgiu, Latin-flavoured journeys by Mexican giant Tino Contreras and Acid Jazz’s signed Mama Terra and an hip-hop spiced tune by Portuguese producer Azar Azar are some of the many moods that can be found in ‘THE CONGREGATION’ - a true ‘jazz alliance international’ manifesto!

Exclusive remixes of ‘Seasons in My Mind’ will soon be released on 12” in a very limited run, on the first instalment of the newly established Right Tempo Pro series.

All tracks were fully remastered following Right Tempo HQ standards. Wax pressed with love by Mother Tongue (Italy).

With early radio support by Patrick Forge (NTS), Colin Curtis (Hitmix Radio), Kevin Beadle (TWR), Harv Nagi (Point Blank FM), Alan McKinnon (TWR), Raffaele Costantino (Rai Radio 2), Ilya Rasskazov (Headz.FM), David Patterson (JFSR), Simon Harrison (Basic Soul), Michael Rütten (Soul Searching), Si Cheeba (Echo Chamber), Daz-I-Kue (Sonic Stream), Alex Paletta (Radio Capital) & more. 

Tracklist:
1. Voices of Creation - Let The Sunshine In
2. Mark Murphy - Seasons In My Mind (Patchworks Version)
3. Malcolm Strachan - Cut To The Chase
4. Raffy Bushman - For Horace
5. Francesco Sotgiu - Afro Blue
6. Tino Contreras - Naboró
7. Mary Ancheta Quartet - Envoy
8. Nicola Conte - Freedom & Progress
9. Organic Pulse Ensemble - Formative Stages
10. Mama Terra - Ruptura
11. AZAR AZAR - Subway
12. Anthony Joseph - Who Will Save The World?

VA - Original Junglist - The Album Vol 2

Embark on another exhilarating journey into the heart of Jungle music with "Original Junglist - Volume 2" – the sequel to the album that pays homage to the roots of Jungle. Dive into a fresh collection of tracks that preserves the raw, untamed energy of the original Jungle sound, delivering a sonic experience that resonates with the authenticity of the 90's Jungle movement.

"Original Junglist - Volume 2" continues to celebrate the pioneers of Jungle music and Drum and Bass, presenting a curated selection of tracks that showcase iconic beats, thunderous basslines, and infectious rhythms. The album brings together a roster of esteemed artists who played pivotal roles in shaping the foundations of Jungle music, making it a must-listen for both dedicated enthusiasts and those exploring the genre for the first time.

1. Splash - Babylon
2. Undercover Agent - Oh Gosh!
3. Marvellous Cain - Everyday Junglist
4. DJ Dextrous - Jungle Theme (94 Exclusive Joint remix)
5. Dream Team - Raw Dogs Relik
6. Remarc - In Da Hood
7. Junglites - Hey Mr. DJ
8. Johnny Jungle - Killa Sound
9. Lick Back Organisation - Music Of The Future
10. DJ Dextrous - Rapid
11. Basic Movements - Bubble & Wine
12. Qbass & Skeng Gee - Gun Connection (M-Beat remix)
13. DJ Dextrous & Rude Boy Keith - Bad Boy Tune
14. DJ Hype - Dawn Of The Fever
15. Johnny Jungle - The Devoted Drummer

VA - Colin Curtis presents Jazz Dance Fusion Volume 4

Colin Curtis is back! with another finely curated selection of the best Jazz Dance Fusion records he could find.

Volume 4 reflects a combination of new music, unreleased music, and tracks that have never been on vinyl before or have not attained the recognition they deserve. Packed with great Jazz Dance music from the UK and all around the world. The whole purpose of these compilations is to introduce you to fantastic talent and allow you to then go and explore all their works and keep this movement moving!

With brand new & exclusive releases, extremely rare tracks, and many only available on Vinyl for the first time from Brazil, Cuba, Japan, Italy, USA, UK, and beyond. Showcasing another insight into Colin Curtis's world of Jazz Dance Fusion and highlighting the sheer diversity & talent on offer from Vocal Jazz, Salsa, and Latin Spoken Word to Sambas & Fusion, It’s All Here!

“Fasten your Seatbelts for a Jazztastic ride !!” - COLIN CURTIS

Tracklist:
1. Bill Ortiz - Fusion/Noche Cubana
2. Born 74;ONJ - Tape Your Beat
3. Geew - Still In Love
4. Mary Greer Mudiku;Oneness of Juju - Happy Sunrise
5. The Sultan's Swing - 46 to Somewhere
6. Stefano Di Santis - Unreachable Galaxy
7. Charro Band De Emilio Guerrero - Movin
8. Somos Amigos - Pa'gozar
9. Telmo Fernandez & The Latin Soul Beat - Cuchifrito Pa’ Los Pollos
10. JuJu - Clã Samba
11. Moreen Meriden - Caught in a Fever
12. Alfredo Dias Gomes - Samba de Negro
13. Alonso Gonzalez & Jazz Latino - Mr. Fool
14. Venus Dodson - Mother of the Future
15. Jacques Schwarz-Bart - Mendé
16. Guinu - Eletromandinga
17. Stefano Di Santis - Nova Laze
18. Geew - Kyoto
19. Mary Greer Mudiku;Oneness of Juju - I Face East
20. Alfredo Dias Gomes - Vaya Mulatto
21. JuJu - Wanting Touch
22. Chris Bangs & Nova Vida - My Only
23. Lifetime - I'll Bet You Thought I'd Never Find You
24. Tres-men - Samba De-La Cruz
25. Miho Nobuzane - Ponteio
26. El Caballo y Su Orquesta - Mambo De Papi

Matthew Halsall - Bright Sparkling Light

Originally conceived as a tour only exclusive, Bright Sparkling Light was recorded alongside, 2023's expansive beguiling long-player An Ever Changing View and draws on the same trademark blend of jazz, electronica, global and spiritual jazz influences.

The original pressing sold-out on Matthew’s EU and UK tour last October and November and so many people got in touch with us here at Gondwana asking how they could get a copy that we decided to make a further 2000 copies available.

The title track is a hypnotic meditation built on one of the lushest loops Halsall has ever created and featuring stellar work from Halsall and flautist Matt Cliffe. Newborough Forest is a brisk, uplifting composition celebrating one of Halsall’s favourite landscapes and the wonderous Tide and the Moon paints a sonic picture of late-night waters and deep mindfulness and features some of Matt Cliffe’s most beautiful tenor playing.

Like An Ever Changing View, Bright Sparkling Light comes in a package as striking as the music, with handmade fonts designed by Ian Anderson and a beautifully realised embossed artwork that offers a perfect compliment to the LP. Strictly limited and featuring a download code, Bright Sparkling Light will not be re-pressed.

Tracklist:
1. Bright Sparkling Light
2. Newborough Forest
3. The Tide and the Moon

Otis Sandsjö - Y-OTIS TRE

Berlin-based Swedish tenor saxophonist Otis Sandsjö returns with his third album Y-OTIS TRE on We Jazz Records, February 23. Y-OTIS TRE finds Sandsjö in close collaboration with his long-time working partner and friend, bassist/producer Petter Eldh, and Dan Nicholls, the keyboardist of the Y-OTIS live band and a solo artist on his own right. Composed by the three and produced by Eldh & Sandsjö, Y-OTIS TRE lives up to its name ("tre" means three in Swedish) and stands strong in the continuum of layer-caked liquid jazz, a staple of the Eldh/Sandsjö production duo lauded for their string of releases as Y-OTIS and Koma Saxo.

While recognisable in form, Y-OTIS TRE adds new dimensions to what has come before. Borne out of hours of tripped-out studio jams by Sandsjö & Eldh, Y-OTIS TRE feels natural, neon, 3D, at times laser sharp, at times gooey like jelly, and at all times ripe with ideas that would make albums on their own. Golden riffs are taken, twisted, thrown away, then recycled, and always evolving.

Perhaps evolution is key here, as Y-OTIS reuses and cross-refers its own ideas but never exactly repeats. The music has a mixtape-like DNA, and it seems to be breeding and multiplying at each beat. In color terms, Y-OTIS TRE is more RGB than CMYK – that is, it might appear unrealistically bright and full of tones not found in the natural world. But when you listen to the music closely, you'll likely find it acoustic to the bone. There's no illusion: hearing the band live tells you what Y-OTIS is all about. It's a live band turned studio tool, morphed back into a live band. Or something like that anyway.

Putting a tag onto this music feels a bit like trying to hold a very colorful, somewhat thick liquid substance on the palm of your hand. You can see it, feel it, but never fully pinpoint just what's it made of. But it works, so best just to enjoy the ride.

Tracklist:
1. OOMY
2. midi day job, pt. 4
3. pluralregn
4. perla / moln
5. CLICKS 2023
6. earrings
7. UNKNOW / SLICK
8. sol 94
9. RHUBARBS
10. orkaneon
11. LOOMY
12. donatt gonatt

Squarepusher - Dostrotime (Japan Edition)

The "Dostrotime (Gatefold CD)" album by Squarepusher, released by Warp, is a captivating and innovative musical journey that showcases the unique talent of this electronic music pioneer. With a runtime of approximately 200-300 words, this album offers an immersive experience for fans of experimental electronic music. Squarepusher, also known as Tom Jenkinson, has been pushing the boundaries of electronic music since the early 1990s. His distinctive style combines elements of drum and bass, jazz fusion, and glitchy IDM (Intelligent Dance Music), creating a sound that is both complex and mesmerizing. "Dostrotime" is no exception to Squarepusher's boundary-pushing approach. The album features a collection of tracks that seamlessly blend intricate rhythms, intricate melodies, and unexpected sonic textures. Each song takes the listener on a sonic adventure, with unpredictable twists and turns that keep you engaged from start to finish. The gatefold CD edition adds an extra layer of visual appeal to the listening experience. The gatefold design allows for larger artwork and additional information about the album. It also provides a more substantial physical presence compared to standard jewel case CDs. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Squarepusher's music, "Dostrotime" is sure to captivate your ears and expand your musical horizons. So sit back, relax, and let Squarepusher take you on an exhilarating journey through his sonic universe.

Experience the groundbreaking sounds of Squarepusher with his latest album "Dostrotime (Gatefold CD)". Released by Warp Records, this innovative collection of tracks showcases Squarepusher's unique talent for blending genres and pushing musical boundaries.

With its intricate rhythms, unexpected twists, and mesmerizing melodies, "Dostrotime" offers an immersive listening experience that will captivate fans of experimental electronic music.

Tracklist:
1. Arkteon 1
2. Enbounce
3. Wendorlan
4. Duneray
5. Kronmec
6. Arkteon 2
7. Holorform
8. Akkranen
9. Stromcor
10. Domelash
11. Heliobat
12. Arkteon 3
13. Heliobat (Tokyo Nightfall)

musclecars - Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)

The second single to come from musclecars’ debut LP “Sugar Honey Iced Tea!” is a transcendent sonic masterpiece by the name of “Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)”. This captivating broken beat, Afro-jazz composition delves into the enigmatic realms of the afterlife, offering a mesmerizing exploration of what lies beyond our mortal existence.

A nod to the Clark Sister’s original tune bearing the same title, “Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)” gracefully unfolds with the captivating vocal performance by German Jazz Award Winner, Natalie Greffel. Chanting the same spiritual tongues of the original, the vocal arrangement seamlessly invokes profound feelings of devotion and endurance. Paired with a phenomenal flute solo from Underground System’s Domenica Fossati, and a transcendent string ensemble, the track's intricate rhythms and soulful melodies serve as a portal to a realm where the afterlife is painted in hues of cosmic wonder.

This sonic revelation is more than a tribute to the afterlife; it's a celebration of life's continuity beyond death. musclecars’ evocative storytelling through sound invites audiences to ponder the echoes of their own existence, finding solace in the idea that life persists through the legacy of their passion, devotion, and profound connections.

Releasing as a digital single, “Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)” serves as an enticing precursor to the forthcoming vinyl LP release "Sugar Honey Iced Tea!" scheduled for May 2024. This Jazz odyssey offers a glimpse into the diversity of musclecars' highly anticipated debut album, seamlessly blending House to Techno, to Soul and Jazz, to R&B, to Ambient, and beyond. Crafted with meticulous artistry, the album transcends musical boundaries, providing a sonic journey for both the dance floor and introspective contemplation. As a harmonious convergence of the music genres that inspire them, Brandon Weems and Craig Handfield invite listeners to explore the rich tapestry of black experiences embedded within its musical narrative.

Shannon Harris elegantly marries the past and future. And he does it again by remixing an already superior "Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)" by musclecars. Just as the Clark Sisters' build the sonic majesty on the 1981 "Ha Ya" on their album Is My Living in Vain, Harris, who is a well established musical journeyman, builds this remix in fine and unsuspecting form. The track opens up with a straightaway to the closest dance floor. The celebratory introduction is warm and melodic, and then the track takes a turn toward and leads to a festive crescendo. Listen for the joyous party and play. Feel the mesmorizing harmonies. musclecars chose the exceedingly capable Harris, and he leaves listeners with a fine journey for the mature ear. 

Tracklist:
1. Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)
2. Ha Ya! (Eternal Life) (Shannon Harris' A Love 4 Joy Journey Mix)
3. Ha Ya! (Eternal Life) (Instrumental)

Knowsum - snowflakez

Tracklist:
1. jazz prism
2. the nucleus
3. freeze
4. reflecto
5. snowdance
6. ice ice phasy
7. fat rainbow
8. crystal soup

Zamova - MILS010: Expositions

Entry #10: Motif Alumni joins forces with Music Research Library as Zamova, bringing together contemporary and futuristic cues inspired by motion and the passage of time.

Tracklist:
1. Soft Haze
2. Sudden Death
3. Luna
4. Trials
5. Journey To...
6. Bt4u
7. Awakening
8. Horizon
9. Maria
10. Aviary
11. Ancient Ritual
12. Crystallization
13. Peaceful Dream
14. Bassa
15. Syndicate
16. Momenti
17. Familia
18. Fate