VA - Pale Shades Of Grey: Heavy Psychedelic Ballads and Dirges 1969-1976

Third in a trilogy from Now-Again Records with Forge Your Own Chains (2009), Tickets for Doomsday (2021), Pale Shades of Grey is a Various Artists compilation of rare, largely un-compiled, and sometimes barely heard heavy psych-rock. Pounding drums, scathing fuzz guitar and morose, contemplative lyrics will bring you up on a downer.

Pale Shades of Grey, as the title hints, is and perhaps the most contemplative of the series, ruminations dark themes of love, death, pain and triumph, as performed by high school and college bands, Brazilian intellectuals, Nigerian rockers and even an Irish pub band from Michigan. A unique and compelling listen, and surely a worthy companion for these times.

Tracklist:
1. Heaven – Down By The Ocean
2. Image – Out Station
3. WITCH – Evening Of My Life
4. Ofege – Sorrow
5. Kaleidoscope – Let Me Try
6. Pat's People – December Sequel
7. Eye Q – I Am Selfish
8. Trevor McNamara – Digging
9. Ed Whiting & Joe Lano Trio – Know Yourself
10. Ant Trip Ceremony – Pale Shades Of Gray
11. Group 1850 – I Know
12. Christophe – Io Prego, E Preghero

VA - Jazz Dispensary: The Freedom Sound! The People Arise

Let the sound of the night drums and the cry of the horns empower you! We’re proud to present The Freedom Sound! The People Arise—a brand-new compilation of jams coming to independent record stores globally for Record Store Day 2024. Propelled by the unbreakable spirit of protest and freedom, this blend of energizing rhythms and captivating horns focuses on the ‘60s and ‘70s, with deep cuts from such pioneering artists as Joe Henderson, Gary Bartz, Ran Blake, Azar Lawrence, A.K. Salim, and The Dungills.

The Freedom Sound! The People Arise is presented on Freedom Blue Swirl vinyl and features original designs by Lou Beach, the renowned German artist whose vibrant collages have appeared on albums by Stevie Wonder, Yellow Magic Orchestra, and The Police, among many others.

Tracklist:
1. Joe Henderson – Afro-Centric
2. Gary Bartz Quintet – Freedom One Day
3. Azar Lawrence – Theme For A New Day
4. A.K. Salim – Afrika
5. The Dungills – Night Drums
6. Ran Blake – Three Seeds (A Suite): I) Regis Debray; II) Che Guevara; III) Malcolm X

Mr. Scruff - Ninja Tuna (Vinyl Debut Edition)

Released on Friday 29th March, the brilliant “Ninja Tuna” is the latest Mr. Scruff album to get a fancy makeover. Originally released as a CD in 2008 it’s now available for the first time on vinyl as a deluxe triple LP with bonus tracks, pressed on biovinyl with an “infinity peelable” tuna sticker on the cover.

“Everything came together really well for this album,” reflects Scruff looking back fondly at the times spent composing and recording “Ninja Tuna”. “Some amazing collaborators (Roots Manuva, Andreya Triana, Alice Russell, Quantic, Danny Breaks, Skuff & Inja, Pete Simpson, Jon Thorne and Kaidi Tatham), old friends in the studio (multi-instrumentalist Andy Kingslow and my long time engineer Phil Kirby), and fat sonics that took the chunky and playful spirit of my early productions forward. We were on a roll and recorded enough material for a full album and a bonus CD. ‘Kalimba’ was a surprise success after being included on the Windows 7 music (thus intruducing many new ears to my music), and ‘Music Takes Me Up’ has been a highlight of my DJ sets since its release. Though many 12” singles were released, the album never came out on vinyl. 15 years later, I am really happy that it is finally getting a hefty triple vinyl release.”

From the breaksome soul-jazz of “Music Takes Me Up” (featuring the golden lungs of Alice Russell), through the cartoonish tail-swishing of “Donkey Ride”, on into the monstrous bass parps of “Whiplash,” past a superb cameo from Roots Manuva (“Nice Up The Function,”) and across the bit where the bass comes back and is Stronger And More Dangerous Than Ever (“Bang The Floor” with Danny Breaks), this is an album which just keeps on growing on you. Every tune has been road-tested at Scruff’s all night club sessions, and it shows on the disco-builder “Get On Down”, the muddy funkster “Hold On” (featuring Andreya Triana), the utterly massive “Give Up To Get” and a latino finale held together by “Kalimba” and the endearingly ramshackle “Stockport Canrival”. As is customary, Scruff is in total command of the dancefloor and gives the bassbins a comprehensive workout from beginning to end.

Bolstering this new 3LP edition are no less than 6 bonus tracks. The record opens with an extended version of ‘Test The Sound’ and also included are the delightfully squelchy and functional instrumental of Scruff’s ‘Nice Up The Function’ remix, the glorious 10+min keyboard workout that is ‘Bunch of Keys’ (featuring Mssrs. Kaidi Tatham and Andy Kingslow on outstanding form), plus ‘Rocking Chair’, ‘Fix That Speaker’ and ‘Zen’ featuring UK rap mainstays Skuff and Inja.

Mr Scruff’s combination of taking his music very seriously while managing not to take himself too seriously has made him unique in British dance music. “Ninja Tuna” moves with all the power and grace of a fifty ton whale deep below the ocean, its cavernous belly packed with happy, partying potato people.

Tracklist:
1. Test The Sound  (Extended Version)
2. Music Takes Me Up
3. Donkey Ride
4. Hairy Bumpercress
5. Whiplash
6. Nice Up The Function
7. Bang The Floor
8. Get On Down
9. Hold On
10. Give Up To Get
11. Kalimba
12. Zen
13. This Way
14. Stockport Carnival
15. Fix That Speaker
16. Bunch Of Keys
17. Rocking Chair
18. Nice Up The Function  (Remix Instrumental)

Meshell Ndegeocello - Red Hot & Ra: The Magic City

Red Hot + Ra: The Magic City is a profound musical journey curated by Grammy Award-winning bassist-composer-producer Meshell Ndegeocello. Recorded with a diverse ensemble, including the legendary 99-year-old saxophonist Marshall Allen and hip-hop/punk-jazz vocalist Pink Siifu, this album transcends traditional covers, offering entirely new compositions inspired by Sun Ra’s philosophy. With a multi-generational cast of community musicians, the project recontextualizes Sun Ra’s work, avoiding clichés and presenting a brighter perspective than its predecessor, 2023’s Red Hot + Ra: Nuclear War.

Immerse yourself in the dreamlike and soulful interpretation of Sun Ra’s composition as The Magic City marks the third installment in the Red Hot & Ra series. With it’s upcoming album release on April 5th, 2024, and vinyl release on April 12th, 2024, this album is a testament to Ndegeocello’s visionary approach. Meshell Ndegeocello, an iconic singer-songwriter and artist, brings forth a present-time experience that honors Sun Ra’s legacy while navigating the complexities of our society.

Join the celebration of Sun Ra’s music with Red Hot + Ra: Magic City, a transformative musical experience that invites listeners to design their own path in the cosmic realm of sound.

Tracklist:
1. Solipsistic Panacea (Black Antiques) (feat. Immanuel Wilkins, Deantoni Parks, & Justin Hicks)
2. Departure Guide of the 7 Sisters (feat. Deantoni Parks, Jade Hicks, & Christopher Bruce)
3. Bedlam Blues (feat. Justin Hicks, Marshall Allen, Immanuel Wilkins, & Stuart Bogie)
4. #9 Venus The Living Myth (feat. Immanuel Wilkins & Marshall Allen)
5. El-soul The Companion, Traveler (feat. Pink Siifu, Marshall Allen, & Stuart Bogie)
6. LQ1TY - 29 Years (feat. Deantoni Parks & Stuart Bogie)
7. Yet Differently Not - Mars Hall (in) (feat. Pink Siifu, Immanuel Wilkins, & Hanna Benn)
8. Reproductive Manatees - Sunny Said Up! (feat. Deantoni Parks, Justin Hicks, & Darius Jones)
9. The World Of Shadow (feat. Immanuel Wilkins)

Eris Drew - Raving Disco Breaks Vol. II - Rock the House

T4T LUV NRG is about to rock your stereo this spring with a sequel to the label’s first release “Raving Disco Breaks Vol. I” (2018). Eris Drew wanted to create a new sound for the second volume of her acclaimed mixtape series instead of simply retracing the pure disco vibes of the original. Setting her sights and intentions on creating a rock ‘n’ roll infected house mix, Eris worked on building crates for the last five years, finally reaching an inflection point—a moment of concrescence—when she was ready to put the needle on the records and let the beats flow. “Rock The House” was born, a concept for Volume II built from musical fragments, memories, and synchronicities. There are no classic Big Beat tunes on Volume II, instead Eris kicks out the jams for this mix with non-stop house and breaks cuts featuring plenty of rockin’ vocal vamps, as well as the likes of Janis Jopin, Joe Strummer, Ramones, and Led Zeppelin—all sampled, scratched and dropped along the way. Both sides of the mix include some of her most personally coveted recordings. To gather these records, Eris spent decades identifying tracks from older mix cassettes recorded by her DJ heroes, such as Terry Mullan and Mystic Bill, as well as discovering many of the featured tracks through happenstance and countless hours digging through dusty bins and YouTube rips. Each of the tracks on Volume II are at least 20 years old—some much older—but fresh is the word here, and the word is freeeesh!

Now, as the snow melts and the flowers of rave romance start to bloom, T4T wants to know one thing…Are U ready to rock right?

Tracklist:
1. Side A: Ready 2 Rock Right?
2. Side B: 2 A Nation Rockin' (Legends Of Rock)

VA - Timeless Jazz Classics, Vol. 1.

Tracklist:
1. Moon Child
2. Gibraltar (Alternate Take)
3. Why
4. No Me Esqueca
5. La Carnival
6. Articulation
7. In Case You Missed It
8. Bolivia
9. Haiti B
10. Zen Turtles
11. World Peace
12. Mode For Joe

Olli Ahvenlahti - Mirror Mirror

Mirror Mirror is the new album by the Finnish jazz legend, pianist-composer Olli Ahvenlahti. Championed by the likes of Gilles Peterson and Kenny Dope, Ahvenlahti is a master of hard-grooving jazz funk. Here, he continues the evolution of his style, much-beloved since the legendary 1970s albums such as The Poet and Bandstand. Ahvenlahti's new group highlights some of the best talent on the Finnish scene, including trumpeter Jukka Eskola, saxophonist Joonatan Rautio, bassist Ville Herrala and drummer Jaska Lukkarinen.

"I'm always striving to make one more great record", Ahvenlahti says. "I'm 75 years old this year and as the years pass, this goal seems all the more concrete. Thus, Mirror Mirror feels a bit like 'now or never', an album that reflects all of my career and searches for something new at the same time."

For fans of the classic Fender Rhodes driven Ahvenlahti jazz funk sound, Mirror Mirror is manna from heaven. Earlier performances of the current group were billed as "The Poet II", which speaks of Ahvenlahti's desire to continue on the lineage of his classic 70's period, while adding new layers and hues into his signature sound. The present album is a further continuation of the idea, the next step for the band tried and tested on such sought-after performance spots as Helsinki's Flow Festival, Odysseus Festival, and Pori Jazz.

Mirror Mirror is a well balanced affair for Ahvenlahti & group, showcasing both their hard-driving funky edge and Ahvenlahti's knack at composing effortless and melodic "slow music", which strolls along at its own pace. The singles "Paint It Blue" and "Rhythm and Rhymes" drive the groove hard, with each band member bringing their soul into it, while especially on the album's last two selections, an honest form of serenity reigns supreme.

Perhaps "honesty" is the key here. At 75, there is no extra effort to gain recognition or short-term goals with Olli Ahvenlahti. This is "simply" beautiful new work from a seasoned artist and a scene legend, whose wisdom extends beyond mere composition and performance into the social workings of a jazz quintet. He knows how to make music where everyone can bring in their core musicianship and also be challenged to top what they knew before getting in. 

Tracklist:
1. Mirror Mirror
2. Paint It Blue
3. For Dizzy and Lionel
4. A House in Montagnola
5. The Opening Game
6. Rhythm and Rhymes
7. The Redwood Story
8. Bedtime Snack

DJ Green Lantern - Searchin... (A Jazz Mixtape)

Green Lantern chefs up a Jazzy ride with some familiar and not-so-familiar elements stripped and re-flipped into new creations..enjoy !!!

Tracklist:
1. Searchin… (Continuous Mix)
2. Simple Excursions
3. Falling For Jazz
4. Anita Scat
5. Searchin For Mary J.
6. Searchin For Nancy Wilson
7. Ice Cold
8. Who Got The Vibe feat. Zakiyyah
9. Kingdom feat. Menagerie (Green Lantern Remix)
10. Piano Man
11. Come Down feat. Anderson Paak & Oh Gosh Leotis (Green Lantern Remix)
12. Tidal Wavy Cortex Baby
13. Mysterious Vibes (Green Lantern Remix)
14. Rich In Soul Juice
15. Get In My Zone
16. The Sunshine Did It

VA - ASW is Live - Mixed by Carl Cox (DJ Mix)

Tracklist:
1. Ehsan Gelsi – Take Me to Your Leader (Mixed)
2. Julien Chaptal – To Be Ob (Mixed)
3. An On Bast – Climb the Tree (Marc Romboy Remix) [Mixed]
4. Harmonik Kontrol – Pablo Assan (Mixed)
5. hannes bieger – Poem for the Planet (Christopher Coe Remix) [Mixed]
6. Marc Romboy – Gangwon (Mixed)
7. De Sluwe Vos – Subterranean Cloud (Mixed)
8. Christopher Coe – My Dark Materials (Mixed)
9. Charlie Thorstenson – Handlingskraft (Mixed)
10. Robert Babicz – Magic Club Nights (Mixed)
11. hannes bieger – Pacana (Mixed)
12. Giorgia Angiuli – Purple Eye (Mixed)
13. Stimming – Dfam on the Field (Mixed)
14. Momec – Wormhole (Mixed)
15. Hybrasil – Tailtiu (Mixed)
16. Mat Playford – Shifu (Mixed)
17. Honeysmack – Fortunate 500gb (Mixed)
18. Digital Afrika – Lavapies (Mixed)
19. Monolith – Cowdry (Mixed)
20. Vitalic – And It Goes Like (Mixed)
21. Cox and Coe – Nocturnal (Rebūke Edit) [Mixed]
22. Klauss Tejger – Fire! (Mixed)
23. NANCY Live – Cressick (Mixed)
24. Jani Ho – Angry Minimal (Mixed)
25. Saytek – Non Stop (Mixed)

Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few - The Almighty

Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few return with a new musical journey, "The Almighty". The first quartet offering since 2021's Cosmic Transition. Collier's compositions and lyrics focus on using music to communicate deeper principles that are part of everyday. Isaiah showcases these principles through sounds that evolve within the titles: Love, Compassion, & Perspective. These principles once taken fully in are arranged to deliver the message that there is a Divine energy connecting through us all and is seen within all things.

The album opens up with LOVE, featuring the legendary Chicago vocalist Dee Alexander channeling her energy to deliver the message of love to the human family. With lyrics written by Collier specific to Alexander's qualities as a maternal figure to him and other musicians, the message remains strong within the music throughout the album. Searching deeper to share more sincerely through our interactions with others, is the albums objective. Collier & The Chosen Few showcase those Principle with Musicianship and an unyielding commitment to put their all into each breath of this episodic journey. The album features the legendary Saxophonist Ari Brown, who has mentored Isaiah for over a decade in their native Chicago. The conversation between student and master evolves on the song "Compassion". Collier's steps into the vocalist roll on the infectious, Perspective (Peace & Love) which serves as Collier's acknowledgement of Pharoah Sanders for his musical contributions, that features percussive sounds that connect the ancestors of the diaspora. Throughout "The Almighty" the group explores elements heard on 2021’s Cosmic Transitions and 2022’s Beyond by I AM (Isaiah Collier and Michael Shekwoaga Ode), and streamline the sound with laser focus in this incarnation.

This sound resonate the most in "The Duality Suite" a Four part movement that focuses in on the balance of polar opposites forming together to bring balance and harness the grace of understanding from different perspectives, with the movements of: +(Plus), -(Minus), Divine Masculine, and Divine Feminine. The Suite sways between fiery and peaceful sounds all molded together like all the elements of nature.

The Suite leads into a new layer of orchestration with the title track "The Almighty". Collier showcases his gifts on Saxophone as well as, conductor of a large ensemble known as, The Celestials. The sounds of nature are represented by with chimes and wind sounds, building up into a heart pounding overture. With Strings and brass joining Isaiah on this journey about resilience and dedication to reach divine levels with the Higher Source as the guiding light. The Almighty. 

Tracklist:
1. LOVE (feat. Dee Alexander)
2. Compassion (feat. Ari Brown)
3. Perspective (Peace and Love)
4. Duality Suite (I. Plus, II. Minus, III. Divine Masculine IV. Divine Feminine)
5. The Almighty

Bruk Rogers - Loopholes

‘Loopholes’ is the latest offering from London-based Irish producer Bruk Rogers, also known as Cian McCann (Zero T/Zero Tolerance/Searchlight). This 11-track album serves as a testament to the depth and range of Cian’s musical influences, all seamlessly integrated within the framework of Broken Beat. ‘Loopholes’ emerges as a vibrant melting pot, blending jazz, soul and funk with dub and reggae flavours, notes of bossa nova, samba, and hip hop, and a UK Bass Music touch. The album follows the release of split singles “Deusa feat. Roberta Silva & Onj / Get Low” and “Lalela feat. ASAP Shembe / Asalato Riddim”.

‘Loopholes’ space-age title, in tandem with Bruk Rogers' moniker, is inspired by the cosmic adventurer and sets the stage for the exploration of Broken Beat’s evolution. The release pays tribute to its roots and musical heritage, while delving into the Bruk Renaissance and a new-age soundscape.

Opening the album is “South Facing” with long-time collaborator Ishfaq, who has worked with Cian throughout his production career, appearing on the ‘Searchlight LP’ and across the Zero T catalogue. The track warms up with manipulated woodwind effects and skipping percussion, with a cohort of bells and tweaked oscillations.

“Mais Um”; combines warm Latin keys, jazzy basslines and fractured beats. The title is inspired by the small vocal snippet "Mais Um”, translating to "another" in Portuguese. The improvisational Rhodes, distant Agogo, and samba whistle infuse the track with a nostalgic Latin-American groove, complemented by futuristic synths that whir away, as if gearing up for take-off. The instrumental was part of what Bruk Rogers and Onj called the “Latin Sessions”, along with “Deusa” and “Feel Alright”.

“Gravity” takes the tempo up, with harmonies from labelmates MELONYX that are reminiscent of an old-school call to the dancefloor, with the unmistakable bruk rhythm. On "Pioneers", Bruk Rogers explores the classic Broken Beat sound, drawing inspiration from vintage Bugz In The Attic vibes. The addition of LyricL, a legend from that era, adds a nostalgic touch, connecting the current work to the first generation of bruk, with lyrics that touch on the genre's roots. The album takes a more experimental turn with "Jelly Head”, a collaboration with Wipe The Needle, a trailblazer of the second wave of broken beat. Here, alien funk chords and strings playfully dip in and out of the foreground, taking unexpected turns with each progression.

Rewinding 20+ years, Cian (as Zero Tolerance) had his first jungle tracks signed to 4hero’s Reinforced Records and was exposed to the heart of the burgeoning broken beat scene just by hanging out at their Dollis Hill studio. He was also highly influenced by going to CoOp at Plastic People and frequenting Jazz:Refreshed at MauMau Bar.

Back to the present: Cian was booked to play a DJ set at the ‘virtual’ We Out Here Festival in 2021 and decided to play a bruk set. He had so much fun that he decided to start making some bruk beats straight afterwards. Debut releases on Afronaut & Mark Force’s CoOperation label have been very well received, with wide-ranging support from BBC 6Music, Gilles Peterson, Jazz FM, Spotify Japan and many more. 

Tracklist:
1. South Facing
2. Deusa
3. Lalela
4. Asalato Riddim
5. Get Low
6. Feel Alright
7. Gravity
8. Pioneers
9. Jelly Head
10. Murder Sound
11. Mais Um

Arnau Obiols, KAYYAK - Faith / San Diago Ep

The visionary electronic music producer team Arnau Obiols and KAYYAK, known for blending cultural influences into captivating soundscapes, present two new tracks seamlessly fusing afro-inspired rhythms with groovy organic beats. Splendid remix works by the masterminds Prins Thomas, Medlar & Dele Sosimi and Rahaan are the icing on the cake.

Arnau Obiols and KAYYAK return to Compost Records with their third release for the esteemed German label. Following their debut EP, 'Chang'an', and the single 'Tunacheza', which was also featured in the compilation 'Future Sounds of Jazz Vol. 15', the duo presents their latest offerings: "Faith" and "San Diago".

Recorded between Zurich and Barcelona, these tracks embody a fusion of disco, funk, and jazz infused with a strong West African influence drawn from genres such as highlife, afrobeat, and juju. Their passion for psychedelia and krautrock is evident in the recordings, characterized by raw tape echoes, primitive drum machines, heavily processed analog synthesizers and dream-like atmospheres.

While the original tracks maintain an organic vibe, the remixes offer club-ready versions tailored for the dance floor. Featuring outstanding remixes by the Norwegian space disco pioneer Prins Thomas, the Chicago legend Rahaan, and the British house producer Medlar, along with Nigerian musician Dele Sosimi, renowned for his work as a keyboard player for Fela Kuti in the late 70s and early 80s.

Don't miss your chance to experience these captivating tracks. Grab it while you can, as this release is expected to go fast!

Tracklist:
1. Faith
2. San Diago
3. Faith (Medlar & Dele Sosimi Remix)
4. San Diago (Rahaan Remix)
5. San Diago (Prins Thomas Diskomiks)

Audrey Powne - From the Fire

Audrey Powne's stunning debut album, From The Fire, is set to be one of those must have LPs in any music lover's collection. Something of an auteur release it features nine tracks all composed by Audrey, with all string arrangements and all produced by her. Audrey's decision to produce the whole album herself came from a desire to take creative control of her music and apply techniques developed from the influences of the producers she had previously worked with. If all of the above were not enough Audrey also wrote the lyrics for those tracks on which she sings, and as a multi-instrumentalist contributes piano, Rhodes and organ. She also features as a trumpeter with dextrous and soaring solos as evidenced by the two single releases so far; Feed The Fire and the title track, From The Fire.

Due to be released by BBE as both a vinyl and digital, From The Fire is an album of Soul- Jazz with a serious environmental and social messages as well as one which blends classical music, hip-hop and influences from Roy Hargrove, Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock. Indeed it is Roy Hargrove's studio techniques evident in his work with the RH Factor that Audrey credits as a major factor in her producer role here. As well as her solo work, Melbourne born Audrey Powne has also worked as a session player with acts as diverse as Maceo Parker, Midnight Oil, Jimmy Barnes, Masta Ace and the Grammy nominated band The Teskey Brothers.

With testimonies and positive reviews from Gilles Peterson, Earmilk, Bandcamp Daily, tracks on the Sunny Side Up compilation and performances on Boiler Room Audrey Powne is a supreme talent whose star is on the rise. From The Fire is destined to become a future classic.

Tracklist:
1. Overture
2. Feed the Fire
3. Sleep
4. Interlude 1
5. Indigo
6. Survive
7. Interlude 2
8. From the Fire
9. Souled Out

El Michels Affair - Boy Kills World (Songs From The Original Motion Picture)

Boy Kills World is a 2023 action comedy-thriller film directed by Moritz Mohr, in his feature directorial debut, from a screenplay by Tyler Burton Smith and Arend Remmers, and a story by Remmers and Mohr.

El Michels Affair is an instrumental soul group led by producer and multi-instrumentalist, Leon Michels.

1. Mutantes
2. Lal Mahal (feat. Piya Malik)
3. Strings and Hammers
4. Butterflies
5. Arping
6. Pushing Rocks
7. No Friends
8. I Get Mine
9. BK Theme

Greg Foat - Live at Villa Maximus, Mykonos

Greg Foat's Greek Jazz quartet featuring Sokratis Votskos, Warren Hampshire and Ayo Salawu recorded live in Mykonos. Big fat Synth bass lines with Psychedelic Guitar, Hypnotic Bass Clarinet, Mystical Flute and Killer Drums. File under: Live cosmic synth jazz.

Tracklist:
1. Tsamykonos (feat. Warren Hampshire & Ayo Salawu)
2. Kiki's Tavern (For Vasilis) [feat. Warren Hampshire & Ayo Salawu]
3. On the Rose Bush (feat. Warren Hampshire & Ayo Salawu)
4. Secret World, Pt. 1 (feat. Warren Hampshire & Ayo Salawu)
5. Secret World, Pt. 2 (feat. Warren Hampshire & Ayo Salawu)
6. Secret World, Pt. 3 (feat. Warren Hampshire & Ayo Salawu)

Bread & Souls - A Family Gathering Chapter 2

Bread & Souls is a new project dreamt up by Italian entrepreneur and music lover Franco Fusari. Franco invited Mark de Clive-Lowe on board to direct and produce an album of collaborations with some of our favorite artists including the likes of Bembé Segué, Vanessa Freeman, Paul Randolph, Rich Medina, Tommaso Cappellato and more. Under the banner of Bread & Souls: A Family Gathering, the 8 originals and 6 remixes (by some very special extended family) are being released as four chapters over 4 months on digital and streaming platforms + limited edition vinyl complete with additional instrumental versions.

Chapter 2 EP continues with more future classics, kicking off with the jazz dancefloor workout Never Gonna Leave featuring the Queen of Broken Beat Bembe Segue on vocals and shredding sax solos courtesy Teodross Avery. In classic soulful broken beat fashion, Bembe reunites again with Vanessa Freeman for Technicolor Sunshine - drenched in MdCL’s signature production sound. Two remixes complete this installment with Mr Scruff and Kaidi Tatham’s downtempo reworking Anybody Out There (check out the original version on Chapter 1) and Italy’s G&D coming through with the house dancefloor treatment on Together featuring Vanessa Freeman.

Tracklist:
1. Never Gonna Leave (feat. Bembe Segue & Teodross Avery)
2. Technicolor Sunshine (feat. Bembe Segue & Vanessa Freeman)
3. Anybody Out There (Mr Scruff Remix with Kaidi Tatham)
4. Together (G&D Boccaccio Remix)

Kaidi Tatham - Fusion Moves

Reel People Music breathes new life into its gleaming vault of back catalogue classics with brand new series Fusion Moves. The series will offer talented music-makers the opportunity to remix and reinterpret label releases of their choosing, kicking off with soulful progressive Kaidi Tatham in the hot seat.

Tatham’s modus operandi is clear from the get-go. Opening selection Sebb Junior feat. Paula’s All Of My Life flows dreamily upon that trademark Tatham mix of organic beats, polished horns and immersive keys. As Paula rightly sings, “the beautiful can happen.” And keep happening…. Reel People feat. Mica Paris’ reworked I Want To Thank You gains elegant funk and boogie bounce, a bubblin b-line and those upweighted backing vocals adding new urgency and depth, whilst some extended bass-end manoeuvrings on the collective’s 2020 hit Save a Lil Love provide a hugely effective counterpoint to Eric Roberson’s super-smooth vocals.

Tatham switches things up for his re-take of The Realm x Atjazz x Kelli Sae’s deep afro-house burner On The Road, adding wonderfully carefree jazz-funk flow ‘n’ feeling replete with sweet synth solos and guitar licks. The snappy syncopated rhythms propelling Daz-I-Kue feat. Hadiya George’s Pedigree and Monkey Brothers feat. Sean Escoffery’s stunning Losin’ My Head align to the rich broken beat heritage for which most admirers associate him but, true to form, he continues to glide compellingly between mood and moves….

From the loose bass-guitar groove of Eric Ericksson & Reel People feat. Debra Debs’ Don’t Hold Back On Love and sultry strut and swagger of AAries’ Don’t Give It Up to Sebb Junior feat. Muhsinah’s infectiously jammin’ Special – lovingly framed by nimble jazz-piano play – and the liberatingly upbeat dressing applied to Tony Momrelle’s seminal Fly, Tatham’s sonic upholstery right across Fusion Moves is as skilful as it is impactful. One expert body of work built upon another.

“I know Reel People Music’s discography so well that I had a pretty immediate sense of the tracks I wanted to work with once they gave me the keys to their kingdom,” Tatham explains. “For each song I closed my eyes, imagined playing them live on stage and let the chords and musicality fire from there. My sound incorporates so many different styles, from hip-hop and broken beat to soul and disco. It’s a perfect fit for Fusion Moves. The Reel People team share my mission statement to make people dance, smile and think.”

Based in Belfast, Kaidi Tatham is the multi-instrumentalist, producer and DJ who helped to define West London’s iconic broken beat sound during the late Nineties but who has continued to operate beyond genres and pigeonholes – be that via albums including In Search Of Hope, Bandana and Don’t Rush The Process, his dance music-focused pseudonym Agent K and a raft of collaborations including those with Bugz In The Attic, 4Hero, Amp Fiddler, Amy Winehouse and Slum Village.

Reel People Music is a label borne out of the soulful success of acclaimed collective Reel People but representing so much more. Launched in late 2009, the imprint has built a fiercely loyal international fanbase through its passion for artist development, musicianship, song-craft and soulful groove. Label alumni include Tony Momrelle, Portia Monique, The Layabouts, Kelli Sae, Sebb Junior, Opolopo, Angela Johnson, Emmaculate and Mothers Favorite Child.

Expect to hear further Fusion Moves in the coming months. Fresh twists on quality songs and sounds. Always with soulful authenticity at the heart.

Tracklist:
1. Sebb Junior, Paula & Kaidi Tatham – All Of My Life (Kaidi Tatham remix)
2. The Realm, Atjazz & Kaidi Tatham – On The Road (feat Kelli Sae - Kaidi Tatham remix)
3. Reel People, Mica Paris & Kaidi Tatham – I Want To Thank You (Kaidi Tatham remix)
4. Daz-I-Kue, Hadiya George & Kaidi Tatham – Pedigree (Kaidi Tatham remix)
5. Eric Ericksson, Reel People & Kaidi Tatham – Don't Hold Back On Love (feat Debra Debs - Kaidi Tatham remix)
6. Reel People, Eric Roberson & Kaidi Tatham – Save A Lil Love (Kaidi Tatham remix)
7. AAries & Kaidi Tatham – Don't Give It Up (Kaidi Tatham remix)
8. Monkey Brothers, Shaun Escoffery & Kaidi Tatham – Losin' My Head (Kaidi Tatham remix)
9. Sebb Junior, Muhsinah & Kaidi Tatham – Special (Kaidi Tatham remix)
10. Tony Momrelle & Kaidi Tatham – Fly (Kaidi Tatham remix)

The Sindecut & Ijeoma - Early

“Lovin' the groove ‘n' vocal delivery” Don Letts (BBC 6Music)

“British Hip-Hop Pioneers!” Break to the Beat

“The Sindecut return better than ever with a tough, soulful, bottom-heavy delight of an album. A great mix of deep and catchy...” Mr. Scruff

Pioneering British Hip-Hop crew The Sindecut, featuring founding member DJ Fingers, and New York-based Geordie singer-songwriter Ijeoma, follow up their debut album ‘Late’ with an EP titled ‘Early’. This release showcases a collection of tracks reflecting the duo’s 20 years of collaboration.

Since joining the Tru Thoughts Family, the duo has been deeply immersed in recording new material. Speaking about the concept of this EP, Jess, aka Ijeoma, explains, “The EP is a timeline for me. Some of the tracks were written years ago and years apart. It tracks our journey.”

‘Early’ isn't bound by a singular theme but rather serves as a chronicle of The Sindecut and Ijeoma’s two-decade journey together. The name reflects a sense of nostalgia and anticipation, encapsulating the duo’s past selves and future aspirations. Across tracks such as “Falling”, “Wrecks” and “Cool Your Head”, they explore a complexity of similarities and differences in production styles. Collaborating on this release is a testament to their musical timeline, spanning from early compositions like “My Mam Said” to recent creations like “Brother Lloyd” and “Get Over.” 

Tracklist:
1. Get Over
2. Cool Your Head
3. Brother Lloyd
4. Wrecks
5. Falling
6. My Mam Said

VA - Klinkhamer Records Vol. 2 Compiled by Michel Veenstra

After the release of the first volume of music selected by Klinkhamer Record shop owner Michel Veenstra in 2022, the anticipation and expectation amongst the heads for a follow up compilation has been building. Now BBE Music can announce that Klinkhamer Volume 2's collection of music from the 70's and 80's is ready to add to the series.

An eclectic selection of tracks which crosses genres and styles, Michel has once again curated a compilation album of music that will appeal to the heads, the collectors and the lovers of the groove. A melange of folk, Jazz and funk for the headphones and the dancefloor, Klinkhamer juxtaposes instrumentals with vocal tracks in English, Swedish and French over a double vinyl release and a track order that creates as much a journey as a flow.

Michel, alongside his brother Stephen, is the owner of the Klinkhamer Record shop in Groningen and a regular trader at the globally known Utrecht Record Fair since the 1990s. It is this wealth of experience, a nose for a gem and an ear for a tune that that has fed into a compilation that has music lover stamped throughout its eight tracks, all remastered from original vinyl.

Coming as a double vinyl and digital release, Klinkhamer Volume 2 is a Godfather II level of follow-up to the previous compilation in the series and really is a must for all true music collectors, vinyl junkies and lovers of tunes curated for the mind, the heart and the feet.

Tracklist:
1. Anne-Marie Giørtz - Philosophy
2. Urban Hansson - Sengakuji
3. Sara Alexander - On dit
4. Afrodisax - On a Winter's Day (A Love Song)
5. Dave Plaehn - For You (I'd Undo Anything)
6. Rick Panzer - Pre-stretch Warm Up
7. Roger Ekman - Du är frisk
8. René van Helsdingen - Alcohol
9. Rick Panzer - Pre-stretch Warm Up

VA - Congo Funk! - Sound Madness From The Shores Of The Mighty Congo River (Kinshasa/Brazzaville 1969-1982) (Analog Africa No.38)

The making of Congo Funk!, our long-awaited journey to the musical heart of the African continent, took the Analog Africa Team on two journeys to Kinshasa and one to Brazzaville. Selected meticulously from around 2000 songs and boiled down to 14, this compilation aims to showcase the many facets of the funky, hypnotic and schizophrenic tunes emanating from the two Congolese capitals nestled on the banks of the Congo River.

On its south shore, the city of Kinshasa – capital of Democratic Republic of the Congo, the country formerly known as Zaïre – is often seen as Africa’s musical Mecca, the city that spawned such immortal bands as African Jazz, O.K. Jazz and African Fiesta, and the place to which aspiring musicians from throughout the continent would go to make a name for themselves.

But the city of Brazzaville on the north shore of the river – capital of the Congo Republic – played an equally important role in spreading Congolese sounds continentally. In addition to producing legendary bands such as Les Bantous de la Capital, it was the powerful transmitters of Radio Brazzaville that allowed the unmistakable groove of Congolese Rumba to be heard as far away as Nairobi, Yaoundé, Luanda and Lusaka thus turning the electric guitar into the continent’s most important instrument!

Although the musical landscape of these cities had been defined by a core group of bands in the late 1950s, the modernisation of Congolese music has been steadily evolving until the events surrounding the Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman boxing match marked a turning point. The promoter of that event known as “Rumble In The Jungle” was none other than the notorious Don King who needed 10 millions dollars to get Ali and Foreman into a boxing ring. The only candidate willing to put this kind of cash on the table was Mobutu Sese Seko, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mobutu - the megalomaniac dictator who got to power with the support of the United States and Belgium in exchange for unlimited and affordable access to the riches of the country - had a soft spot for music and it doesn’t come as a surprise that he agreed to a three-day live music festival being organised prior to the “Rumble”. Zaïre 74 - as the festival was dubbed - was meant to hype the boxing match and many stars were invited.

Although a myriads of artists flocked in for the occasion, it was the performance of James Brown on Zairian soil that caused havoc among the younger generation, inspiring hundreds of would-be musicians to take up their electric guitars and reverbs cranked to the max in search of a new sound in which hyperactive Rumba was blended with elements of psych and funk. While the results were very different from the popular music of the three Musketeers - as Tabu Ley, Franco and Verckys were known - they weren’t a complete break with tradition.

These new sounds emerged at a time when the Congolese record industry – previously dominated by European major labels – was experiencing a period of decline due to rising production costs and needed a radical change. The void was filled by dozens of entrepreneurs willing to take chances on smaller scale releases. It was the beginning of a golden age for Congolese independent record labels, and the best of them – Cover N°1, Mondenge, Editions Moninga, Super Contact – preserved the work of some of the region’s finest artists, while launching a generation of younger musicians into the spotlight.

The movement was greatly helped by legendary radio shows but it was the dynamic productions of Télé-Zaïre that set the dynamite on fire. Legend has it that TV shows were so huge that president Mobutu himself ordered RTV du Zaïre to put on daily concerts since it halted criminal activities for the duration of the evening.

Congo Funk! is the story of these sounds and labels, but most of all it is the story of two cities, separated by water but united by an indestructible groove. The fourteen songs on this double LP showcase the many facets of the Congolese capitals, and highlight the bands and artists, famous and obscure, who pushed Rumba to new heights and ultimately influenced the musical landscape of the entire continent and beyond. 
 
Tracklist:
1. Petelo Vicka et Son Nzazi - Sungu Lubuka
2. Groupe Minzoto Ya Zaïre - Mfuur Ma
3. M.B.T's - M.B.T's Sound
4. Abeti et les Redoutables - Musique Tshiluba
5. Trio Bydoli - Lalia
6. Tabu Ley et L'Orchestre Afrisa - Adeito
7. Les Bantous de la Capitale - Ngantsie Soul
8. Les Frères Soki et L'Orchestre Bella-Bella - Nganga
9. Orchestre Celi Bitshou - Tembe Na Tembe Ya Nini
10. Lolo et L'Orchestre O.K. Jazz - Lolo Soulfire
11. Zaïko Langa Langa - Femme Ne Pleure Pas
12. Franco;Le T.P OK Jazz - Kiwita Kumunani
13. G.O. Malebo - Fiancée Laya
14. Orchestre National Du Congo - Ah! Congo

Michelle David & The True-Tones - Brothers & Sisters

Gospel-soul sensational Michelle David & The True-Tones return with brand new album "Brothers & Sisters".

Dutch combo Michelle David & The True-Tones make a triumphant return with their new album "Brothers & Sisters", which will be released next April 05 via Milan label Record Kicks. The awaited album follows their 2022 full length "Truth & Soul", which was named one of the Albums of the Year at BBC Radio 6. Raised in New York in a church, Michelle David started singing at the age of four and joined her first group, The Mission of Love, when she was five. During her career, she toured the world with Broadway musical "Mama", contributed to successful theatre shows such as "The Sound of Motown", "Glory of Gospel" and "Mahalia" and recorded for artists such as Diana Ross and Michael Bolton. This all happened before releasingsix critically acclaimed gospel-infused albums with the True-Tones.

Michelle David & The True-Tones know how to put on a glowing evening of classic soul. With their upbeat grooves, powerful vocals, and strong melodies, they have already conquered many festivals and numerous clubs. Having played renowned Dutch festivals such as Pinkpop and North Sea Jazz, the band toured from Spain to Scandinavia, leaving memorable impressions wherever they play; delivering an unforgettable live experience. In addition, the band's discography has also been praised; receiving an Edison nomination (the Dutch Grammy) for "The Gospel Session" in 2019, while their previous record "Truth & Soul" was named Album of the Month on FIP radio in France and Album of the Year at Craig Charles' BBC Radio 6 Music show. The group did numerous radio and TV performances and were even invited to play their music on the biggest National TV show during the Winter Olympics 2022.

In the new album – arguably their finest work to date – the band have once again masterfully captured the infectious energy and soulful vibe of their live performances in the studio. This band's ability to seamlessly translate the raw, dynamic essence of their live shows into recorded tracks is a testament to their musical prowess and dedication to preserving the authenticity of their sound; rougher and more energetic than before, drawing inspiration from old gospel to the classics of the renowned Stax label.

Michelle David (vocals), Paul Willemsen (guitars, organ, percussion, backing vocals), Onno Smit (guitars and backing vocals) and Bas Bouma (drums, percussion) form a tight-knit unit that seamlessly blends their individual talents, resulting in the distinctive sound that defines Michelle David & the True-Tones. The band's instrumentation, characterized by groovy basslines, and Michelle David's powerhouse vocals, becomes a vibrant tapestry in the studio setting. The prominent addition of horns on the album brings a dynamic dimension to the songs, adding layers of texture and a sense of grandeur to the band's already compelling sound. The meticulous production work – by Paul Willemsen and Onno Smit – ensures that every nuance of their live sound is captured.

The new record is recorded live – with the full band; simultaneously in one room, making it sound energetic, authentic, and captivating. The influence of early soul records is recognizable; drawing from the timeless sounds of Curtis Mayfield and Bobby Womack, Michelle David & the True-tones infuse their recordings with soulful melodies, impassioned vocals, and tight, rhythmic arrangements. This dedication to a collective studio experience contributes to the warmth and authenticity that defines Michelle David & The True-Tones' new record; breathing new life into a genre while paying homage to its roots.

On "Brothers & Sisters" you'll hear the distinctive sound and message of Michelle David & The True-Tones. The music on "Brothers & Sisters" encapsulates the band's signature blend of soul, rhythm, and groove, elevating the album beyond a mere collection of songs to a resonant narrative. Michelle David & the True-Tones use their artistic platform to inspire positive change, encouraging listeners to join them on a journey of reflection, compassion, and collective responsibility. In a world filled with challenges, "Brothers & Sisters" emerges as a musical beacon, illuminating the path towards a future where the legacy of love and light endures.

Michelle David's introspective liner notes provide a profound insight into the thematic core of the album, echoing the age-old question, "Am I My Brother's Keeper?" Her resounding answer, a vibrant "YES, I AM," sets the tone for an album that goes beyond a mere self-absorbed journey, evolving into a collective exploration of "US & WE." At the heart of "Brothers & Sisters" is a reflection on the world around us, acknowledging the multitude of challenges that demand immediate attention. Michelle David channels her observations of the world, drawn from various sources such as TV, radio, social media, and publications, into the album. Rather than turning a blind eye to the pressing concerns, she embraces the power of music as a medium of expression: "I decided to express it through the only medium I knew how: singing into the mirror and allowing the mirror's light to reflect upon you."

With "Brothers & Sisters" Michelle David & the True-Tones have crafted a sonic journey which resonates with the soulful spirit of their live shows, inviting audiences to groove along with them on a timeless musical voyage.

Tracklist:
1. Brothers And Sisters
2. That Is You
3. If You Don't Try
4. More Grace
5. Miracles
6. Let Me Tell It
7. Karma
8. Peace
9. Cold Cold World
10. Little Girl
11. Sweet Spirit
12. P.U.S.H.

*Bonus (Michelle David & The True-tones - Brothers And Sisters (Live at MDTT HQ))

Elusive - Natural Resolve

Planting a flag in the evolution of the beat scene's sound over the last two decades, Elusive has embarked on an emboldened voyage, marked by feature contributions from some of LA's finest musicians. Trumpet, harp, saxophone, bass guitar, and many other instruments extend the musicianship and scope of his latest works, defining a bridge between electronic, hip-hop, and jazz in a very personalized and technical form. 
 Garnishing recent love from BBC, KCRW, The FADER, L.A. Record, XLR8R, self-titled, WWFM, NestHQ, The Wire, and Amoeba Records, Elusive has become a force to be reckoned with and continues his prolific path of album releases with over a dozen albums, EPs, and singles launched in the last four years alone. Elusive has called Alpha Pup Records and Dome of Doom home for many years now, producing his best work to date under the LA based labels. As a frequent contributor Low End Theory's decade plus run of weekly showcases, Elusive walks in the same footsteps as Ras G, Samiyam, TOKimonsta, Dibiase, Jonwayne, Mono/Poly, Daedelus and so many more.

Tracklist:
1. Light Years (feat. Josh Howard)
2. New Visions (feat. Bubby Lewis, Ian Roller)
3. Silhouette Sketches (feat. Bubby Lewis, Diego Hedez)
4. Unknown Connections (feat. Bubby Lewis)
5. Peripheral Hearing (feat. Josh Koslow, Josh Howard)
6. Audible Transmission (feat. Josh Howard, Ian Roller)
7. Exoplanet (feat. Bubby Lewis, Ian Roller)
8. Mental Illustration (feat. Matt Little, Bubby Lewis, Ian Roller)
9. Aloof (feat. Josh Howard, Diego Hedez)
10. Lush Lyfe (feat. Bubby Lewis)

Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge - Sugar Season 1 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack)

Sugar is an American drama television series created by Mark Protosevich, directed by Fernando Meirelles and starring Colin Farrell who also serves as executive producer. It premiered on Apple TV+ on April 5, 2024.

Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad both have impressive resumes as purveyors of modern soul, jazz, and hip-hop. Younge, a bassist, keyboardist, composer, and producer, has scored films such Black Dynamite and collaborated with artists ranging from Philly soul legends the Delfonics to Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah. Meanwhile, Muhammad was a member of A Tribe Called Quest and has worked on various projects outside that group. Together, Younge and Muhammad formed the Midnight Hour, a versatile band that brought a modern edge to retro soul and jazz sounds.

Tracklist:
1. Searching & Swimming
2. Questions
3. I Won't Come Back Without Her
4. Ticket To The Movies
5. Chef Extraordinaire
6. Aspirin
7. Doctor Visit
8. Door Kicked In
9. House Attack
10. Fight And Run
11. Stallings
12. Closing In
13. Hello Stranger
14. Lament
15. Whiskey Shakes
16. Tell Me
17. Needle To The Neck
18. Goodbye

Yellowtail - Seasons In My Mind (Remixes)

"Bending the old with the new this package of remixes is crossing the borders seamlessly. My fave is the Emanative / Jessica Lauren remix here. Will support for sure. As the whole brilliant compilation anyway! Thanks!" - Michael Rütten (Soul Searching)

"I have been playing the Patchworks mix of this for a few years now and these excellent remixes have taken the track in new directions including Hiro's original version which I didn't know and Frankson's remix which are my particular favourites." - Kev Beadle (Mind Fluid) / Totally Wired Radio

"Capturing Mark Murphy's sophisticated voice beautifully, the mix keeps 'Seasons in My Mind' fresh and relevant for today. I love the laid-back feel, and it has the Right Tempo feel about it - Boogaloo with Soul." - DJ Perry Louis (JazzCotech)

After 27 years and more than 100 releases on its various sub-labels, Right Tempo returns to being a label itself. RT PRO is the new Right Tempo line “for professional use”, addressed to a discerning audience and released Digitally and on 12” Single housed in a curated packaging.

This first, seminal instalment is a follow-up to the internationally acclaimed "The Congregation - Jazz Alliance International" compiled by Jazzcat for Mono Jazz label. It features never previously released remixes of the slammin’ "Seasons in My Mind" track by Japanese producer Hiro Awanohara aka Yellowtail featuring legendary beat generation jazz singer Mark Murphy. The track, originally recorded in 2011 - Murphy was 77 at the time! - was kept in Hiro’s drawer for 13 years and brought to public attention by Right Tempo during its 30th anniversary celebrations.

In addition to the Original version, the release includes Remixes by Further Out Recordings’ head Richard E (who exceptionally refreshed his version to the respect of his 2013 original work) featuring flutist/saxophonist Jake Telford, and by Ross Wakefield aka Frankson - one half of the British electronic duo Part Time Heroes - plus a brand new rework by London-based, all-round musician and producer Emanative, who invited his longtime friend and collaborator, keyboardist Jessica Lauren, to join him for this special project.

RT 001 PRO is available Digitally and on 140g black vinyl in a Standard Edition, which comes in a personalized printed inner sleeve and plain outer cover adorned with spine and awareness stickers, as well as in a Bandcamp exclusive, 100-numbered copies Limited Edition, boasting a high-quality, personalized die-cut cover, printed inner sleeve, spine and awareness stickers and an exclusive postcard individually personalized by Right Tempo’s boss for each single buyer. Moreover, the full digital release and the purchase of a physical copy on our Bandcamp come with exclusive Bonus Tracks, namely an Original Alternate take, an Extended version of Richard E’s Remix featuring Jake Telford and a Dub version of Emanative’s rework featuring Jessica Lauren.

RT 001 PRO marks the beginning of a new season for us and aims to set a landmark within the broader process of restructuring and resurgence we’ve been undergoing in the past few years. It’s a new day, it’s the dawn of the Right Tempo PRO Series.

“‘Seasons In My Mind’ sweeps in like a cool Autumnal breeze and Mark Murphy rides the waves of the horns and the gentle pulse of percussion to reveal a jazz master, a poet, at work. He takes a well-earned break over a sensuous guitar solo and returns to scat his way to a sensuous climax. Beautiful.” [Extract from liner notes by Paul Bradshaw (Straight no Chaser / ancienttofuture.com)]

With early support by Patrick Forge (NTS), Toshio Matsuura (U.F.O.), Dom Servini (Wah Wah 45s), Harv-inder Singh (Point Blank FM), David Patterson (JFSR), Raffaele Costantino (Rai Radio 2), Alex Paletta (Radio Capital), Alan McKinnon (TWR), Vito Santamato (RKO), Sly Jazid (Radio Delta 1) & more.

Tracklist:
1. Seasons In My Mind
2. Seasons In My Mind (Richard E Remix)
3. Seasons In My Mind (Frankson Remix)
4. Seasons In My Mind (Emanative Rework)

Jeff Mills - Neo Tantric Parts

Axis Expressionist Series vol.5

“Rationalizing our place amongst the Stars is a referendum. A mandate in the scale of a space-time continuum, which is a task that might seem infinitely cavernous to most, but a lifelong mandate to others. As nature’s allowance of time just isn’t favorable to an average human lifespan of a 100 years, this task must be inherited and handed down in the method of an acoustical trust. Rhythm considered as a safe depository. Neo Tantric Parts is about high premium thought processes about simplicity and oneness. Diagnostic in the way it blends time, rhythm and harmony together as a proposal to consider placement in this moment of time”. – Millsart

Tracklist:
1. Tear Drop Nebula (Reworked Mix)
2. The Phonetic World
3. Neptunian Landing
4. Unidentified

Sly5thAve - Liberation

“It sounds like Isaac Hayes and Steely Dan got together and had a baby” Lauren Laverne

“I felt compelled to switch on main character mode and stroll the streets of Brooklyn” NPR Music

‘Liberation’ is the third solo LP from composer, arranger, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sly5thAve. Layered with orchestral arrangements, jazz improvisation and Hip-Hop production, ‘Liberation’ is an accomplished record of courage, musical conviction, and growth. Trusting his inner voice and personal taste, Sly5thAve found himself liberated from fear by the ease with which the original orchestrations of ‘Liberation’ manifested themselves: “This record exploded out of me. I couldn’t write it fast enough.

I ran from it for so long but when I finally sat down to face it, to face myself and embrace who I am, I learned something about my limits and what I was capable of. I realised that I couldn’t find the missing element from my sound in other people or other artists. They couldn’t make it whole; they couldn’t make me whole.”

Known for his sophisticated compositions, Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka II AKA Sly5thAve’s first experiences with large scale arranging were with the Club Casa Chamber Orchestra and recording instrumental covers of popular modern songs. Notably, his orchestral tribute to Dr. Dre, ‘The Invisible Man,’ garnered widespread praise and attention, even earning the admiration of Dr. Dre himself. Through these recordings Sly5thAve felt he had found a way to make people connect with orchestral music; “I’ve long felt orchestras around the world are inaccessible to most people – whether it be the programming or the cost, or the location”.

The LP is Sly5thAve’s first full album of original orchestral arrangements and features the musicianship of Sly5thAve’s collaborators and Ghost Note bandmates - headed by Snarky Puppy's multi-Grammy–winning percussion duo Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth, alongside previous collaborator Roberto Verástegui. Sly5thAve’s passion for collaboration is expressed on singles from ‘Liberation’, as he revitalises the beloved Destiny’s Child classic “No, No, No Pt. 2” with help from Jonathan Mones; through the MonoNeon bassline of “Monoxide” featuring MacKenzie on vocals and guitar from Peter Knudsen; and on closing track“Big Brother feat. Daniel Wytanis”, a track that features and pays tribute to both Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth, alongside Ghost Note member and mixing engineer Ben Burget.

Title track “Liberation” epitomises the whole machine of the album’s recording process; “The orchestra is in full swing, there’s a bit of my personality in there with lead sax, Roberto [Verástegui] and the soli at the end are arranged within an inch of their life, and Peter [Knudsen] takes one of the baddest guitar solos I’ve ever heard”, Sly5thAve enthuses. Taking inspiration from Blaxploitation soundtracks of the 1970s and the music of Curtis Mayfield, Willie Hutch, Herbie Hancock, Gordon Parks, and J. J. Johnson, “Liberation” is – as the name suggests - a true expression of fearless musical freedom.

The vinyl version of the album features Instrumental versions "No, No, No Pt. 2 feat. Jonathan Mones", "Actin’ Whyte" and "Monoxide feat. MonoNeon & Peter Knudsen" that are not available elsewhere. 

Tracklist:
1. Water Suite (Thirst)
2. Water Suite (Drown)
3. Water Suite (Sanctuary)
4. Water Suite (Renewal)
5. Liberation
6. No, No, No, Pt. 2
7. Actin' Whyte
8. Exodus
9. Proverbs
10. Monoxide
11. Big Brother

Henkel - MILS011: Slow Down

Entry #11: Madlib sampled composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Kevin Henkel on his Bandana album with Freddie Gibbs, leading to this collection of decelerated rare grooves.

Tracklist:
1. Fools Gold
2. Goldenseal
3. In The Dark
4. Slow Down
5. No Surprises
6. Area codes
7. Faith
8. Follow The Numbers
9. Grazin’
10. Ruse
11. String Ups

Prefuse 73 - New Strategies For Modern Crime Volume 1

Prefuse 73 aka Guillermo Scott Herren announces his new album, New Strategies for Modern Crime Vol. 1, out 22nd March 2024 and shares the lead single, “A Lord Without Jewels". His first new album since 2018’s Sacrifices, New Strategies for Modern Crime Vol. 1 sees Herren delving further into his ground breaking take on experimental hip-hop through orchestrated arrangements via the optic of the media’s sensationalism of crime, blended with influences from lost soundtracks, musique concrète, jazz and beat-tape music to create something wholly unique.

1. Forever Chase (Scene One)
2. A Lord Without Jewels
3. Clean Up Scene Apprentice
4. The End Of Air
5. She Needs No Introduction
6. Onboard, Overboard
7. Fare La Coma (Full Scene)
8. Full Recollection
9. Lullabyes and Awakenings
10. Empath Lords
11. Desperate Demise
12. Wrong Suspect

Aki Takase Trio - Song for Hope

BBE Music welcomes pianist Aki Takase to the J Jazz Masterclass reissue series, with her 1982 live album ‘Song for Hope’.

A musician of poise and precision who has been a noted composer, performer and recording artist for over 40 years, Takase’s ‘Song for Hope’ continues BBE Music’s exploration of Japanese modern jazz from a golden period spanning the late 1960s to the mid-1980s.

The ‘Song for Hope’ album is taken from a recording of Takase’s debut European performance taped in November 1981 at the Berlin Jazz Festival and was originally issued in 1982 by Enja Records, a key European jazz label founded in Munich 1971 by Matthias Winckelmann and Horst Weber. On Enja, Takase found herself labelmates with some of the world’s leading jazz pianists like Mal Waldron, Dollar Brand and Randy Weston, and she followed in the footsteps of other leading Japanese artists on the label such as Terumasa Hino and Yosuke Yamashita.

The hypnotic title track was included on J Jazz vol. 3, and it features J Jazz stalwart Takeo Moriyama on drums, joined by Nobuyoshi Ino on bass. Moriyama’s career has been well documented on J Jazz vol. 1, and his sublime ‘East Plants’ album was reissued as part of the J Jazz Masterclass Series. Bassist Ino has been an active member of the Japanese jazz scene since the mid-1970s and has performed and recorded with many leading artists and groups including Fumio Itabashi, Masahiko Togashi, Hiromasa Suzuki, Masaru Imada and Masayuki Takayanagi.

Aki Takase was born in Osaka in 1948 and began playing piano aged 3. Raised in Tokyo, she studied classical music at the Toho Gakuen Academy, and her musical interests developed from a starting point in classical, before going on to encompass contemporary music and jazz. Among the first jazz compositions she explored were works by Charles Mingus and Ornette Coleman and, in 1972, she moved to New York, working with, among others, Lester Bowie, John Zorn and Dave Liebman.

She recorded her debut album for Seven Seas/King Records in 1978 and appeared on some key J Jazz album such as Yoshio Ikeda’s ‘Sketches of my Life’ and Seiichi Nakamura’s ‘Wolf’s Theme’. Takase has lived in Berlin since 1987 and is married to German pianist and composer Alexander von Schlippenbach, with whom she records and performs, sometimes as part of the Berlin Contemporary Jazz Orchestra. She has also performed and recorded extensively with many other leading figures in contemporary jazz and improvised music including David Murray, Fred Frith, Evan Parker, and Maria João.

The J Jazz Masterclass Series is curated by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden for BBE Music.

Tracklist:
1. Monologue
2. Song for Hope
3. Minerva's Owl
4. Mountain Forest
5. Mountain Forest (Edit)