Lafayette Afro Rock Band - Disco Frankenstein

From the crypts of Parisian funk obscurity comes the long-lost Halloween holy grail, Disco Frankenstein from Ice AKA Lafayette Afro Rock Band. A teasing album of horror-disco oddities originally released as a compilation—a misnomer cloaked in mystery, as the tracks themselves hail from the group’s playful experiments in the mid-to-late ’70s.

This album unearths a twisted treasure trove of grooves, originally scattered across obscure side-projects and international pressings, brought back to life by Strut on blood-soaked vinyl exclusively for Halloween 2025.

Originally released as a 1976 Japan-only compilation featuring the Lafayette Afro Rock Band under a plethora of pseudonyms—Sweet Exorcist, Captain Dax, Hot Blood, Krispie and Co., and more, the release was masterminded by producer Pierre Jaubert and led by bandleader Frank Abel with the funk-virtuosity of the Lafayette Afro-Rock Band group, the minds behind the much sampled ‘Soul Makossa’ and ‘Malik’ albums.

Disco Frankenstein represents the band at their most creative—layering wah-wah guitars, thunderous Afrobeat rhythms, and creepy-crawly synths into a funky stew of horror-disco gold. Tracks like “Dr. Beezar (Soul Frankenstein),” “Disco Vampire,” “Zeke the Zombie,” and “Igor’s Reggae” blur the line between Halloween novelty and dancefloor fire, conjured with full seriousness by studio wizards who knew how to raise the funk.

Resurrected by Strut Records and remastered by The Carvery, this compilation finally gets the deluxe treatment it deserves: pressed on limited blood-stained vinyl just in time for Halloween 2025.

Tracklist:
1. City Beast
2. Disco Vampire
3. Godzilla
4. Creature From The Freak Lagoon
5. Disco Frankenstein
6. Dr Beezar "Soul Frankenstein"
7. Zeke The Zombie
8. Vampire Blob
9. Igor's Reggae
10. She Devil

Vier - IIII

VIER is HIER with their grand opening. Their debut album 'IIII' is coming, available now for pre-order on vinyl.

VIER = Thys, Machinedrum, Holly, and Salvador Breed.

Tracklist:
1. IS HIER
2. CONTROL
3. SOLAAR 42
4. THE SOURCE
5. WHERE WERE YOU
6. FRANKFURT
7. SOLITU
8. VAI PULANDO
9. QUEMA QUEMA
10. LOOK AT THE TREES

Carlos Dafé & Adrian Younge - Carlos Dafé JID025

Carlos Dafe, born in Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, grew up surrounded by music and poetry. His father, a chorinho player, and his mother, a poet, nurtured his talent from a young age. By four, he was correcting
notes in his father’s rehearsals; by eleven, he was studying at the Conservatory of Music, and by fourteen, he was performing with ensembles and orchestras. In the 1970s, Dafé became a pillar of Brazil’s Black music movement, alongside Tim Maia, Cassiano, Wilson Simonal, and Banda Black Rio. Known as “The Prince of Soul,” a title bestowed by Nelson Motta, Dafé brought samba, soul, and funk into harmony, creating enduring hits like A Beleza É Você Menina.

Dafé’s career spans decades of collaborations, accolades, and cultural influence. From touring internationally with the Marine Corps band to composing film soundtracks, his contributions have shaped Brazil’s artistic identity. In Trem do Soul, a 2021 documentary about Rio’s Black cultural scene, Dafé’s work is celebrated as a cornerstone of the movement. His deep voice, poignant lyrics, and innovative sound have made him a mentor and a cultural icon for generations.

Adrian Younge first discovered Dafé’s work through the song “Pelas Sombras” from Arthur Verocai’s groundbreaking 1972 album, a work sampled by artists such as Dr. Who Dat? and Michael Da Vinci. They were introduced by Verocai himself, which led to their collaboration on Jazz Is Dead 025, which marks a bold new chapter in Dafé’s career. In Los Angeles, Dafé was captivated by Younge’s creative process. “I was in awe of the stupendous arrangements Adrian had created, so I made sure to leave plenty of space for the instrumentals to shine,” Dafé said. Alongside collaborators BID, Gabriel Moura, his wife Marilda, and son Jorge Mário Dafé, he wrote melodies, lyrics, and spoken-word passages inspired by stories he once told his children.

Dafé also sought spiritual inspiration during the recording process, visiting a nearby church to pray for guidance. Reflecting on a conversation with Tim Maia from the 1970s, he noted how Maia had predicted the rise of spoken-word pop music, foreshadowing rap. With this in mind, Dafé infused the album with vocal textures inspired by Barry White and rhythms that echo his soulful roots while embracing modern innovation. With Jazz Is Dead 025, Carlos Dafé reaffirms his legacy while venturing into uncharted musical territory.

The album celebrates Dafé’s extraordinary ability to bridge the past and present, blending soul, samba, and funk with contemporary experimentation. His story, voice, and artistry continue to inspire, making him not only a cornerstone of Brazilian Black music but a timeless figure in global music history. 

Tracklist:
1. Amor Enfeitiçado
2. Bloco da Harmonia
3. Jazz Está Morto
4. Verdadeiro Sentimento
5. E Um Pouco de Paz
6. O Baile Funk Vai Rolar
7. Como Entender O Amor
8. É Real … É Verdade…
9. Esse Som é Verdadeiro

Jazzanova - In Between (Remixes)

To continue the celebration of the 20th anniversary of In Between, Jazzanova and Sonar Kollektiv present a forward-looking reinterpretation of the original 2002 landmark release: In Between (Remixes) — a full-length remix compilation that breathes new life into the original LP’s iconic tracks.

In Between helped define the sound of nu-jazz, broken beat, and future soul. Now, over two decades later, a new generation of producers—alongside longtime collaborators—revisit the Jazzanova catalog with genre-bending approaches, fresh ears, and global perspectives.

The album features 11 brand-new remixes from a carefully curated lineup, including:
Jacana People, Eric Hilton (Thievery Corporation), The KBCS, Nautilus, DJ Slowz, Magro, Crackazat, Paskal & Urban Absolutes, Kid Fonque, Groove Chronicles, and Satin Jackets.

Each remix honors the spirit of In Between while reimagining it through a different lens—ranging from deep house, nu-disco, and broken beat to downtempo, jazz-funk, and future soul.

Tracklist:
1. Another New Day (Jacana People Remix)
2. No Use (Eric Hilton - Trust A Thief Remix)
3. The One-Tet (The KBCS Remix)
4. Mwela, Mwela (Here I Am) (Nautilus Rework)
5. L.O.V.E. and You & I (DJ Slowz Remix)
6. Keep Falling (Magro Remix)
7. No Use (Crackazat Remix)
8. That Night (Paskal & Urban Absolutes Remix)
9. Another New Day (Kid Fonque Refix)
10. The One-Tet (Groove Chronicles Broken Step Refix)
11. No Use (Satin Jackets Remix)

Theo Croker - Dream Manifest (Deluxe)

Theo Croker’s seventh studio album "Dream Manifest" pushes his blend of post-bop, neo-soul, hip-hop and more to new recombinations, showing more dimensions of his heady style with each track. On today’s preview, the Grammy-nominated trumpeter and composer embraces electronic abstraction to tremendous, hypnotic effect.

This album marks a milestone moment for an artist who has worked with the Berlin Philharmonic, received multiple GRAMMY nominations, and contributed to platinum-selling albums by J. Cole, Ari Lennox, and Common. Collaboration is at the heart of this album, featuring an all-star lineup including Estelle, Kassa Overall, Tyreek McDole, MAAD, Gary Bartz, Natureboy Flako, Malaya, and D’LEAU—each bringing a distinct energy to the record.

Croker first picked up the trumpet after being inspired by his grandfather, the GRAMMY-winning jazz trumpeter Doc Cheatham, and later attended Oberlin Conservatory, where he was mentored by Donald Byrd. After graduation, he split seven years between Shanghai and New York, immersing himself in diverse musical collaborations that shaped his signature sound. His major label debut album Afrophysicist (Sony Masterworks)—produced with Dee Dee Bridgewater—is a result of these collaborations. On Dream Manifest, Croker continues to honor jazz and funk while seeing how far he can take them through his exploration of other genres.

“[Theo’s music is] timeless and of the moment.” - Wall Street Journal

"Theo Croker [has] an unmistakable air of chill… That chill is the result of a clear musical approach and determination." - NPR

“Theo Croker is a trumpeter, vocalist, composer and bandleader whose powerful and eclectic take on modern jazz pays respect to the tradition of the music while moving the genre forward.” - TIDAL

"[Theo] seeks to break away from narrow definitions of jazz" - Jazzwise

“With two feet planted firmly in the jazz world, as well as tentacles reaching into hip-hop, R&B, ambient, world music, and experimental genres, Grammy-nominated producer, composer, and trumpeter Theo Croker makes his voice heard far and wide.” - Tape Op

Tracklist:
1. prelude 3
2. one pillow
3. 64 joints
4. up frequency (higher)
5. light as a feather
6. high vibrations
7. crystal waterfalls
8. we still wanna dance
9. postlude 3
10. sound(e)scape
11. my friend
12. eyes wide open (noema)
13. beyond
14. mantra (outerlude)

Erin Buku - Self Titled

Erin Buku Unveils a Soulful Sonic Tapestry in Highly Anticipated Self-Titled Album. Brace yourself for an immersive musical experience as soulful artist Erin Buku announces the eagerly awaited release of her self-titled album on March 1. This musical masterpiece intricately weaves together elements of R&B, Neo Soul, and Hip-Hop, all enveloped in a conscious message that transcends the ordinary, promising listeners a journey through the depths of soul and consciousness. Already receiving early support from Triple J, Happy Mag and Lefto Erin has previously worked with the likes of Talib Kweli, Inkswel and Atjazz, and will debut her full length album in March at the world renowned Womadelaide Festival.

The album kicks off with the poignant 'Hey Mumma,' a heartfelt narrative that explores the challenges faced by a young mother seeking guidance in a world tainted by the destructive forces of money and greed. It sets the emotional tone for the album, inviting the audience into Buku's introspective world. 'Check Your Self' emerges as a clarion call for evolution in the brand-new century, prompting listeners to reflect on their values and ensure alignment with their actions. The song serves as a musical mirror, urging introspection and growth. 'Dreamers,' an anthem dedicated to all dreamers, follows suit, emphasizing the transformative power of creativity. Buku's lyrics inspire persistence and resilience, reminding dreamers that their creations are not only needed but essential for the preservation of a world at risk of being lost. The album's standout track, 'Ley Lines,' takes the listener on a profound journey through the energy grid that traverses our planet. This musical exploration encourages a deep connection and respect for the sacred places along these ley lines, offering a retreat from the distractions of the modern world. 'Only One Me' shifts the focus inward, inviting listeners to surrender to their true selves. Buku's lyrical prowess shines as she celebrates the unique diversity within each individual, promising that authenticity holds more glory than any attempt to fit into societal molds. In 'Connected,' the album delves into the aftermath of establishing a connection to a higher power. Buku's ethereal vocals and thought-provoking lyrics guide the listener through a transformative experience, fostering a newfound love for all of God's creations. 'See You Shine' emerges as a heartfelt tribute to those facing adversity, resonating with a message of mutual support and the importance of lending a helping hand. It stands as a testament to the strength found in community. 'The Way' beckons the listener to embark on a journey of self-discovery, encouraging surrender to one's true self and stepping into greatness. It serves as a musical guide towards personal empowerment and authenticity. The album reaches its crescendo with 'Why,' a powerful anthem calling for awakening.

Buku's vocals carry a message that urges people to recognize and resist the corruption and lies perpetuated by the media, emphasizing that the lifting of the veil will lead to freedom through truth. Erin Buku's self-titled album will be globally available on March 1, accessible on all major streaming services. Featuring additional production from Leonard Charles & Inkswel. Additionally, a limited edition vinyl and CD release.

Tracklist:
1. Hey Mumma
2. Check Your Self
3. Dreamers
4. Ley Lines
5. Only One Me
6. Connected
7. See You Shine
8. The Way
9. Why?

Alina Bzhezhinska - Altera Vita (Sly5thAve Remix)

Two-time BBC Jazz Award winner Tony Kofi (Jazz Warriors, Abdullah Ibrahim, Cymande) and harp innovator Alina Bzhezhinska (Jazz FM Award nominee, HipHarpCollective) created Altera Vita as a heartfelt tribute to Pharoah Sanders. Composed by Kofi in the wake of Sanders’ transition, this masterpiece has been adroitly remixed by Texas’ own Sly5thAve — the saxophonist/producer Prince once called “the cat with the golden horn” — tears it up with two killer versions.

Known for turning Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, and Nas into orchestral epics — and for rocking stages with Questlove, Quantic, Ghost-Note, and Prince himself — Sly takes Kofi’s soulful saxophone and Alina’s hypnotic harp and drops them into head-nodding hip-hop beats and lush, lofi-jazz soundscapes.

Altera Vita means Another Life, and this two tracker remix is aptly dropping on the eve of Pharoah Sanders’ heavenly birthday — Keeping the spirit and appreciation for the career of Sanders’ alive. It’s a bold, boundary-smashing salute to a spiritual jazz giant who constantly redefined what music could be. DJs, selectors, and crate- diggers: expect deep grooves, serious musicianship, and two cuts built to stay in your rotation.

Tracklist:
1. Altera Vita (Sly5thAve Extended Remix)
2. Altera Vita (Sly5thAve Extended Remix Instrumental)
3. Altera Vita (Sly5thAve Remix)
4. Altera Vita (Sly5thAve Remix Instrumental)

Black Milk - BLURS

Tracklist:
1. 20/20
2. THE YAP
3. Giant Stepped
4. Steps of Wah
5. Face Odyssey
6. OG
7. Have A New
8. Noooo Where
9. Brazil Feels
10. All I Ever
11. I Wonder
12. BLURS
13. G'TAR
14. willialwayshearyou
15. Hippie
16. Numb
17. No Uh
18. Lucid Luv
19. GEEZE
20. Shuggy
21. So So
22. Bravo

Krautrock Discovery - A Journey from Jazz to Prog Rock

When rock music from Germany gained international recognition under the label 'krautrock' in the 1970s, it was far more than a mind-expanding phenomenon.

In basements, youth centers, and improvised studios, a vibrant scene emerged-shaped by fearless curiosity and a strong will to transcend traditional musical structures.

Some bands produced only a single recording; others became experimental platforms for established musicians or transient fixtures in local underground milieus.

What united them was a desire to cross boundaries: rock met jazz, folk merged with electronics, soul touched the avantgarde.

These intersections produced soundscapes that remain powerful documents of a creatively restless era.

The recordings collected here reflect that spirit-not only from the krautrock period, but also from the decades that followed, including contributions from both Germany and Austria.

Tracklist:
1. Skyline – Tashiro
2. PSI – Unter Der Schurze Liegt Die Wurze
3. Toto Blanke – PPG
4. Ragawerk & Max Clouth – Das Modul
5. Lychee Lassi – Shades Of Mosley
6. Abadie – Lady
7. Zoppo Trump – Wellengang
8. Epsilon – Before
9. Radio Noisz Ensemble – Space Fasching
10. Mocolage – Caspar
11. Dschinn – Let's Go Together
12. Frob – Wassertropfen
13. Emotion – Take Your Time
14. Join In – Dreams
15. Morpheus – Oktober '74
16. Opossum – Amina
17. Zyma – We Got Time
18. The Terrible Two – Staubig

Greg Foat - 6 Days in Leysin

Unstoppable London-based keyboardist and composer Greg Foat returns with his new album, '6 Days in Leysin'. Greg's first memory with the piano goes all the way back to his Aunt's house at aged 3 - where he fell off the piano stool. Since then, his relationship with the piano has evolved into a fulfilling, and successful career. He began taking an interest in composing at the age of 11, and truly ignited his love for Jazz after attending a workshop with Jeff Clyne, Olaf Vas, Trevor Tomkins and Nick Weldon at the age of 15. He then studied jazz at Middlesex University, followed by 6 months in Sweden on an Erasmus grant which lead to his first professional studio session there at 21. Greg has worked as a professional musician ever since, and has moulded a wonderfully multifaceted career within the Jazz music genre. 

'6 Days in Leysin' is a concept album is inspired by the beautiful Swiss Village of Leysin. Written and recorded over 6 days high in the Alps, the album features Moses Boyd on drums, Alex Burke (Forest Law) on guitar and the legendary Swiss bass player Elie Ghersinu. The Quartet effortlessly glides through Spiritual Jazz, Italian Library Funk, Alpine Ambient and New Age Synthesiser sounds. The album is a musical postcard and the compositions commemorate the highlights of 6 wonderful days Greg, his family and friends spent in Leysin.

Tracklist:
1. Oxygene des Alps
2. Source de Bryon
3. Les Airelles
4. Zalfa's BBQ
5. Forest Walk
6. The Pigeon
7. Mountain Cat
8. Leo & Marina
9. Rainy Day in Leysin

The Sugarhill Gang - Essential Cuts

This will be the first time, that classic cuts on this compilation, will be made available on Zoetrope vinyl, including a brand new remix of “Rapper’s Delight”, the biggest selling track in the history of The Sugarhill Gang.

Rapper’s Delight is widely regarded as one of the biggest, if not the biggest, commercial hip-hop tracks in the history of Hip-hop. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop tracks of all time, credited with bringing rap music to a mainstream audience. Artist’s influenced by this track include; Jay-Z & Nas, Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg, Run DMC, to name a few.

Tracklist:
1. Rapper's Delight
2. Apache (Jump On It)
3. 8th Wonder
4. Rapper's Delight (Greg Wilson & Ché Wilson Remix) (Edit)
5. Kick It Live from 9 to 5
6. Livin' In the Fast Lane
7. The Lover In You (Edit Version)

Antibalas - Hourglass

With Hourglass, Antibalas returns to its instrumental roots. Previous albums featured lyrics that addressed topics like patriarchy, climate change, militarism, late stage capitalism, oligarchy, white ethnonationalism, and the genocide of Native Americans. In this album the group rearticulates these themes, however speaking through melody and rhythm. “Once a song has lyrics, everyone who doesnʼt speak that language is on the outside. We use rhythm and melody to translate the emotions in the album and make it universally accessible,” explains the co-producer/founder Martín Perna.

The new album draws on compositions written by several current and emeritus members of the group. "Hourglass" begins with a plaintive and ecstatic tenor saxophone solo before digging into an intense 12-8 groove. The group pivots with “Lo-Life” highlighting the groupʼs ability to swing a lá Machito or the 1970s Ghanaian dance band leaders like Gyedu Blay-Ambolley. Others like “Solace,” “Escape” and “La Ceiba,” conjure echoes of the classic Lagos afrobeat sound, albeit spoken with a Brooklyn accent. “Oasis,” the albumʼs finale, is a step into a psychedelic unknown future, with a deep sense of liberatory funk eternally at its core.

Tracklist:
1. Solace
2. Lo Life
3. Escape
4. Hourglass
5. La Ceiba
6. Oasis

August Fanon & billy woods - Gowillog

PRODUCT DETAILS: Limited to 200 units! VHS contains the full gowillog movie with pad printed titles on front and spine packaged in a printed cardboard sleeve, with artwork by Ashes57. Purchase includes personal link to view full gowillog movie & digtal download of audio album

Producer August Fanon and rapper billy woods present gowillog, a collaborative reimagining of woods’ critically-acclaimed album from earlier this year. A combination of remixes, original songs, and everything in-between, gowillog is also being presented as a movie that can be viewed online for a limited time, and also as a series of limited edition VHS tapes.

While woods and Fanon have a longstanding relationship, this is their first full project together. Featuring guest appearances from Aesop Rock, Moor Mother, Fatboi Sharif, Bruiser Wolf, ELUCID, Cavalier, Al Divino, and Despot.

Happy Halloween!

Tracklist:
1. Rifle on the Wall
2. Misery
3. BLK XMAS (feat. Bruiser Wolf)
4. Mascara on Mengistu
5. Counterclockwise
6. Lotus Eaters
7. Corinthians (feat. Despot)
8. All These Worlds Are Yours (feat. Elucid)
9. Maquilladores (feat. Al.Divino)
10. Golgotha
11. Funny Games (feat. Fatboi Sharif)
12. BLK ZMBY
13. Lead Paint Test (feat. Cavalier & Moor Mother)
14. Born Alone
15. Complications (feat. Aesop Rock)
16. Christine
17. House in the Woods 

Supreme X Wu-Tang Clan

Medline feat. Roni Alkekengi - Wind Parade

Second single of a series of five 7" vinyl by Jet Set records / Kyoto.
Each limited to 300 copies manufactured in Japan.

Twins killer covers made by Medline and Roni Alkekengi, reissue picked by Jet Set from his debut album released in 2012 "People Make The World Go Round".

Like Leon Michels of El Michels Affair, Medline plays every instruments himself, delivering a fine and exquisite reinterpretation of two jazz funk classics.

Side A features a new version of Wind Parade, adding fresh vocals, violins section, bass and guitar as huge musical update. 

The song sounds at his best in respect to the legacy of the Mizell Brothers and Dr Donald Byrd. The classic jazz funk anthem will make your dj set shine.

On the B-side, Medline's cover of "People Make The World Go Round" make an impressive and soulful fusion between, soul, jazz, funk, hip hop and classical arrangements. 

The song is a universe in itself, with many layers of emotions and a core of swetness while it keeps you pulsing all along. Unique and ultimate cover.

Tracklist:
1. Wind Parade (45 Edit)
2. People Make The World Go Round

2000Black - 27

The album is a continuation of an afro-futuristic sonic exploration, kept in its raw form. The music is a blend of London boogie and house (not house) with strong jazz influences, crafted for dancers' footwork in heavy club grooves.

Tracklist:
1. Searching for Ntu People
2. You Can Not Kill Ideas
3. Hungry Again
4. You (feat. Lady Alma)
5. No Time to Waste
6. GG2
7. 950 Runnings
8. Early but so Hungry
9. Constant Disappointment

The Diasonics - Ornithology

Cinematic funk visionaries The Diasonics deliver another solid set of Eastern-infused psychedelic, cinematic, disco-funk with their new album “Ornithology”, set for release on October 3 via Record Kicks.
 
Following their 2022 critically acclaimed debut album “Origin of Forms”, named Library Music Album of the Year at PopMatters, the Moscow-based instrumental outfit The Diasonics return with “Ornithology”, a sophomore album that pushes their sonic boundaries forward while staying true to their unmistakable style. Recorded at their custom-built Studio 23—housed in a repurposed Soviet-era lamp factory—the album captures the result of two years of intense creative exploration and experimentation.

With their very signature blend of cinematic funk, Eastern-flavored melodies, instrumental hip-hop and analog soul, The Diasonics have carved out a unique space in the global funk scene. “Ornithology” marks a new chapter: inspired by recurring avian themes in their surroundings, from trains and stations to local folklore and the cries of birds circling their studio, the record channels ideas of movement and freedom, both thematically and musically.

“The theme of birds and ornithology emerged all by itself – we simply began noticing birdlike names all around us: trains and stations, shops, places, people’s surnames, books, and films,” the band says. “We got our hands on some vintage synthesizers and have been tuning oscillators while listening to the cries of seagulls flying around the factory where our studio was based. The ideas of flight, freedom, and space became central to the new album’s music.”

Sonically, the essential features of Ornithology include not only synthesizers but also Diana Greb’s mesmerizing vocals, which blend seamlessly into the sound palette, breathing life and soul into instrumental funk. “Balancing in our imagination between the earth and the skies like birds, we’ve tried to create our own musical language within the concept of ornithology, reflecting every human’s desire to get closer to birds and soar freely, beyond physical or mental limits.”

Formed in 2019, this five-piece instrumental unit — Daniil Lutsenko (electric guitar), Kamil Gazizov (keyboards), Maksim Brusov (bass), Anton Moskvin (drums), and Alexander Shingaling (previously Anton Katyrin) (percussions) — quickly gained cult status through a series of sought-after 45s on Mocambo and Funk Night Records. Their critically acclaimed debut album “Origin of Forms” mixed by Henry Jenkins, producer of the Australian cult band Surprise Chef, came out on Record Kicks in 2022. The vinyl went sold out in few weeks and is now in-demand on the international cinematic funk scene. “Origin of Forms” was chosen as record of the month on FIP (Radio France) and received great reviews from outlets such as Wax Poetics, Mojo, Rolling Stone FR, Clash, Uncut and support by Jamie Cullum (BBC2), KEXP, Radio France and Huey Morgan, Don Letts, Cerys Matthews and Tom Ravenscroft of BBC 6 Music.

With the new album Ornithology, The Diasonics dive into lush synthesizers, stripped-down grooves, and raw instrumental interplay, drawing from 1970s library music, Soviet jazz fusion, and disco-funk, and deliver another super solid release that confirms and pushes forward all the uniqueness that made “Origin of Forms” so alluring. Unmissable for fans of Khruangbin, Surprise Chef, and instrumental funk grooves.

“With The Diasonics funk rises in the East” Wax Poetics Magazine
“From Russia with love. The Diasonic are simply cool, you have to say it” Rolling Stone France
“A cinematic, ‘70s-steeped blend of funk, soul, psych-rock and various East European influences, combining guitars and keyboards with chunky funk and hip hop rhythms” KEXP
“Russian Federation instrumental combo embraces the groove” Mojo Magazine
“The champs of the Russian vibrant funk scene” FIP Radio France (Album of The Month)
“Elevating psychedelic soul to new levels, their cinematic sweep displays an awareness of hip-hop culture, and its crate-digging tendencies” Clash Mag (UK) 

Tracklist:
1. Jay
2. Black Owl
3. Мockingbird
4. Larks
5. Peregrine
6. Finch
7. Storm Petrel
8. Oriole
9. Guineafowl
10. Chickadee
11. Cuckoo

Wun Two - Cobra

With „Cobra“, German producer and lofi pioneer Wun Two presents an 18-track LP showcasing his signature boombap sound with the gentle sway of bossa nova and jazzy melodies. Warm guitar loops, hazy textures, and raw drums shape a journey through tropical moods and laid-back nostalgia.

Featuring instrumental contributions from FloFilz, Gabiga, and dennisivnvc, the album also includes a standout rap feature by Oakland-born, New York-based newcomer Ovrkast. Known for his collaborations with Conway the Machine,Rejjie Snow and many more, Wun Two once again proves his unique ability to create timeless, raw atmospheres with his instrumentals.

Cobra will be released digitally and as a limited 300-copy vinyl edition on September 26th, 2025 via Sichtexot Records.

Tracklist:
1. Rio Pinsa
2. Borraro
3. Bonfabulissimo
4. Agosto (feat. FloFilz)
5. Risteza
6. Jequibau
7. Frutos
8. Bumbatino
9. Bonfabulis
10. Seeso Rio
11. Flyjequibau
12. Albero Wasser
13. That Time in Brasil (feat. dennisivnvc)
14. Gala Brashill
15. Nifu
16. Ormir (feat. Gabiga)
17. Totenlied
18. Pregui (feat. Ovrkast)

Mulatu Astatke - Mulatu Plays Mulatu

Strut presents Mulatu Plays Mulatu, the first major studio album in over 10 years from the father of Ethio-jazz, Mulatu Astatke.

Featuring masterful new arrangements of some of his classic compositions, Mulatu Plays Mulatu finds Mulatu revisiting the sounds that helped to change the face of Ethiopian music during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. The album was recorded between London and Addis Ababa, working with his long-standing UK band, a tight, intuitive ensemble honed through years of live performance, alongside cultural musicians resident at his Jazz Village club in Addis.

Mulatu Plays Mulatu realises Mulatu’s long-term vision of Ethio-jazz, intricately balancing Western jazz arrangements with the rich sounds of traditional Ethiopian instruments including the krar, masenqo, washint, kebero and begena. Throughout the album, he reshapes familiar material with rich textures, expanded improvisations and a deepened rhythmic complexity, creating a body of work that feels as vital and contemporary as it does steeped in tradition. Familiar tracks like ‘Yekermo Sew’, ‘Netsanet’ and 'Azmari', composed by Either/Orchestra's Russ Gershon, are reinvented here as elegant big band performances. 

“Ethio-jazz brings us together and makes us one,” explains Mulatu. “This album is the culmination of my work bringing this music to the world and pays respect to our unsung heroes, the original musical scientists in Ethiopia who gave us our cultural music.”

Bridging continents and generations throughout his 50-year career, Astatke now offers us an invitation to hear his music again, with a completely fresh perspective. Ethio-jazz, like its creator, is always in motion.

Mulatu Plays Mulatu was produced by Dexter Story and features contemporary artists LA-based artists Carlos Niño and Kibrom Birhane. The album was recorded and mixed by Isabel Gracefield at RAK Studios in London and by Dexter Story in Addis. The inspired album artwork was created by acclaimed Oslo-based Ethiopian artist, Wendimagegn Belete with photography by Alexis Maryon.  

Tracklist:
1. Zèlèsègna Dèwèl
2. Kulun
3. Nètsanèt
4. Yèkèrmo Sèw
5. Azmari
6. Chik Chikka
7. The Way To Nice
8. Motherland Intro
9. Motherland
10. Mulatu
11. Yèkatit

Cochemea - Vol III: Ancestros Futuros

The 3rd and final chapter in Cochemea's epic quest to explore and express the spiritual connection between his art and ancestry. For Vol 3: Ancestros Futuros, Cochemea entrusted his vision to a core group of longme collaborators—a powerful octet composed of New York-based percussionists and members of Daptone’s famed rhythm section. Gabriel Roth (aka Bosco Mann) reprised his role as producer, recording and mixing the album live to 8-track analog tape. Cochemea continues to push the boundaries of his sound, blending past, present, and future into a ritual offering—an evolving sonic narrative where memory, survival and creativity converge.

Tracklist:
1. Transmisión del Soñar
2. Otros Mundos
3. Ancestros Futuros
4. Omeyocan
5. Pyramid of the Sun
6. The Land Swallowed Them Whole
7. Seeing
8. Procession Of Spirits
9. Chiokoe

Lady Wray - Cover Girl

Lady Wray makes her highly anticipated return with Cover Girl, her third album on Big Crown Records. The album opener “My Best Step” says it all, “my next step is my best step”, and indeed she is taking her artistry to a new high and making the best music of her life. The celebratory Cover Girl takes listeners on a free-spirited joyride glittered with ‘60s and '70s-inspired soul and disco, ‘90s hip-hop and R&B, and perhaps the most defining element, gospel. Following the healing journey that was 2022’s Piece of Me, Nicole has performed on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, NPR’s Tiny Desk, and toured the world. After this period of growth, Lady Wray is now ready to let her hair down and embrace all of what life has to offer. Reunited with producer Leon Michels (Norah Jones / Clairo / El Michels Affair) for the record, the outcome is effortless and undeniable, a reflection of their longtime collaboration that extends over a decade.

“I've gravitated more towards love and self-care with this album. Piece of Me was realizing that I was going to be a mother, and all those feelings were on my heart,” Lady Wray says. “Now I'm able to sit back and be a real boss. I got my career, my motherhood, and my marriage by the horns. I've grown into this more self-aware and beautiful flower for Cover Girl.” With an almighty voice, soul-stirring lyrics, and a magnetic personality, the singer-songwriter reflects her appreciation for her family, her faith, and her renewed love for herself—all of which drive her new record.

Lead single “You’re Gonna Win” is a report to the dance floor, feel good banger. Cole lets loose while naming and claiming her power “I do not care who came before me, after me there will be none” as she likens her company to winning the lottery. The Fabulous Rainbow Singers choir joins on the chorus taking the whole affair to church and putting it next to the finest gospel-disco records ever pressed. “Be a Witness” is a funky, mid-tempo powerhouse that would make Prince proud. Nicole finds the perfect groove over punchy drum machines and infectious synthesizers, singing about a love destined to happen, and spreading the good vibes to everyone in earshot. Cover Girl’s title track is one of the album’s most vulnerable moments. Lady Wray delivers a show-stopping performance over the stripped down track as she details her journey to finding herself again: “I lost myself trying to please someone else / I want to be me again.” The title stems from a childhood nickname she earned for her consistently manicured style. Lady Wray explains. “As I grew up and got into the music business, I lost that happy part of me. I see that happiness in my daughter, who’s just beautiful, talented, and smart. ‘Cover Girl’ is me going back to that little girl. It’s about getting back to loving yourself and healing.” Similarly on “Where Could I Be,” she reclaims the happiness and sense of identity that she lost focus of through life’s struggles. Nicole gushes about her love and respect for her marriage on “Best For Us” & “Hard Times”, both acknowledging the imperfection and referencing the strength and resilience of true love. She sings to her daughter on “Higher,” teaching her how to love and be loved, encouraging her to be confident and persistent.

Lady Wray was born to sing, sharing her soul and her life with us through her music. She has amassed a diehard worldwide fanbase with her relatable messages and incomparable voice. Whether singing of her struggles or strengths, there’s a comfort that comes from the way she makes us know we are not alone in any of it. Nicole Wray is inspiring and uplifting. Having been through a lot, she’s taken all of it and made herself a better person and a better artist.

“You need to rule your own world. Don't let anybody get in your way. You rock with your dreams until the wheels fall off,” Lady Wray says. “That's what I've been doing with my career since 1998. I know who I am and what I bring to the table. It's been a heck of a journey, and I feel so happy to be making the best music of my life.”  

Tracklist:
1. My Best Step
2. Be A Witness
3. Where Could I Be
4. Hard Times
5. Best For Us
6. Cover Girl
7. You're Gonna Win
8. Time
9. What It Means
10. Higher
11. Calm

Homeboy Sandman & Guidance - Tears of Joy

Tracklist:
1. Artist's Creed
2. Nick of Time (feat. Scarub)
3. The Veil
4. It's You
5. Use It or Lose It
6. Meadowlark

Frollen Music Library - Harp After Dark

Frollen Music Library presents "Harp After Dark", a soulful journey through the mystical realms of homemade stringed instrumentation and 70s library music sensibilities.

Discovered at a suburban garage sale and lovingly restored, the centrepiece of this collection - a one-of-a-kind handcrafted harp - weaves its ethereal voice through each composition. Recorded at The College of Knowledge HQ, the F.M.L. house band contrasts the sparseness of delicate harp plucks with the fullness of vibraphone shimmer and kangaroo-hide percussion, creating a sonic landscape that feels both intimate and expansive.

Like Jack Arel and Pierre Dutour's experimental yet accessible compositions, "Harp After Dark" seamlessly blends the DIY ethos of handcrafted instruments with distinctly melodic structures, rendering the strange and unfamiliar utterly approachable.

The collection moves effortlessly between moments of lazy day introspection and forward-moving Mood Music energy. Vintage parlour guitar adds warm, woody textures while electric bass provides the grounding foundation for these explorations. When the vibraphone enters, it creates moments that are equal parts meditative trance and funky euro production - a delightful contradiction that permeates the entire work.

Each track is meticulously labelled with BPM and key, performed on real instruments, and captured with precision to ensure seamless integration into your next production. The distinctive tone of the kangaroo-hide drum kit adds a unique percussive signature that sets these recordings apart from typical library fare, giving your projects that distinctive F.M.L. touch.

Tracklist:
1. Darkest Before The Dawn
2. Apricity
3. Filigree
4. Moon
5. Only Shadows
6. First Light
7. Hands at Midnight
8. Hot and Cold
9. Hour Glass
10. Unnecessary Evil
11. Take What You Need
12. Repetition
13. No Stone
14. Pirouette
15. The Sun Comes Up

Ohbliv - LewseJoints 17

Tracklist:
1. Play to Win
2. Generation Traps
3. Ticket to the End of the World
4. Ripples to Waves
5. Testify
6. Choose Your Battles
7. Release Your Chains
8. Look for the Lesson
9. Contradictions
10. Remember the Source
11. Late Night Meeting 

Sven Wunder - Daybreak

At daybreak, as sunlight travels through the atmosphere and begins to reach Earth’s surface, daylight gradually emerges. This marks the transition from night to the beginning of a brand-new day. As the temperature rises—especially after clear, calm nights—relative humidity decreases, and mist, formed of tiny suspended droplets, begins to evaporate. Warm air rises and cool air sinks, creating an interplay of temperature, humidity and sunlight that gives way to a soft, diffuse glow. The sea breeze slowly clears the morning mist, setting life in motion once again as the world wakes up.

‘Daybreak’ is Sven Wunder’s fifth full-length album, seamlessly continuing the progression of his musical oeuvre. It takes the listener on a vivid maritime expedition, beginning the moment the first rays of light break the darkness of the night and embarking on a lush journey through the early hours of the day and far beyond, until the light slowly fades and night falls once again. True to Wunder’s now-distinctive artistry, ‘Daybreak’ is marked by elaborately crafted compositions and elegant pop-jazz arrangements for flute, percussion, brass and strings—supported by a decisive rhythm section, all of which add depth and build on his body of work, continuing to unfold his creative path.

Tracklist:
1. Setting Off
2. Misty Shore
3. Take A Seat
4. Daybreak
5. Still Moorings
6. Scenic Byway
7. Leeward
8. Windward
9. Resting Place
10. Warmer Air
11. Deep Sea
12. Turning Tides
13. Liquid Mountains

Potential Badboy - Elusive

London-based, legendary jungle pioneer, Potential Badboy (aka Chris Mcfarlane) releases his jungle album, Elusive, featuring previous singles such as the dubwise Ticker featuring JODIAN NATTY, Do What They Say featuring Indigo Reign and Syren Rivers, and Rise with Blackout JA, Talisman, and Coozie Mellers.

With Elusive, Potential Badboy reminds us that he was and always will be a heavyweight in UK rave culture; since the early ‘90s, Potential Badboy has remained a key architect of jungle, drum and bass, and garage, pushing the scene forward for over three decades.

Give Me A Sign symbolises a special moment in the album, where Potential Badboy’s daughter, alternative R&B/Soul artist Havana, brings her own soulful, laid-back voice and perspective to a track that was her favourite in her Dad's archives. “It became a beautiful full-circle moment, allowing her to express herself on a song that once meant so much to her”.

Commenting on the collaborative nature of the album, Potential Badboy adds: “This project is a departure from the norm. It’s built from collaboration with artists who reflect my identity and taste, blending elements of jungle and drum and bass in ways that feel raw, honest, and entirely my own.”

Elusive presents a fresh lens on jungle and drum and bass. Drawing on Potential Badboy’s deep production pedigree and his instinctive feel for what’s next, it stays rooted in the culture while carving out bold new directions for the genre.

The project blossomed from a period of seclusivity, when Chris, by his own admission became “became increasingly hard to reach—intentionally.” He adds “I took a step back from the public eye to reflect, recalibrate, and quietly reinvent myself…. For the first time, I had the freedom and autonomy to create without outside expectations—just me, the sounds I love, and the styles that speak to me. I named the album Elusive as a reflection of that period of transformation—when disappearing became a way of reclaiming myself creatively.”

Following suit is the track “Bun Dem Out,” born out of frustration with outside opinions, expectations, and the pressure they place on the creative process. “Bun Dem Out” is the pair’s response: raw, unapologetic, and heavy. Fusing metal energy with jungle rhythms, it pushes back against conformity and reclaims creative control through sound.

With collaboration at the core of Elusive, Potential Badboy invites a handful of artists to appear on multiple tracks. Junior Dangerous, appears twice —on both “Banger” and “Dangerous is Dangerous”—two powerhouse, floor-shaking tunes built for peak-time play. “Banger” blends the energy of the dancefloor with the grit of drum and bass, anchored by an undeniably catchy hook delivered with unflinching ragga-style panache.

Also making a second appearance on the album are Indigo Reign and Syren Rivers, singing about human nature, community, and trusting your instincts. Their contributions carry the theme of staying strong as a unit in the face of systems that feel as though they’re working against you. The track “Life,” featuring Blackout JA, Mikey General, Talisman, and Coozie Miller, also tackles these issues—reminding listeners that “love is the only solution to find peace within” and to “Stand up and fight like buffalo soldier.” To give this powerful message space, Potential Badboy creates a mature, grounded production. “The message in the lyrics called for a sound that felt intentional and respectful, and the result is a track that speaks to life’s truths with strength, soul, and experience,” he adds.

This message of standing your ground continues on “Dough,” where TrueMendous brings her assertive energy, demanding to be paid what she’s owed over stripped-back, hard-hitting production that drives the message home.

The track “Five Papers” featuring Uncle Nuts is a heartfelt nod to the roots of the scene. Potential Badboy recalls looking up to Uncle Nuts in his youth—watching him run sound systems and shape the local sound culture. “Five Papers” serves as a tribute, “a way to pay homage to the old school man dem—the pioneers who laid the foundation and inspired my own journey through sound,” he explains.

Staying true to his commitment to honouring the genre’s origins, the album closes with “We Are Dangerous” featuring the legendary Ragga Twins. Known for their razor-sharp flow and unmistakable energy, the Ragga Twins deliver a bold warning to the scene. “This track is a tribute to their legacy and everything they’ve contributed to the genre. We Are Dangerous is both a celebration of their impact and a nod to the foundation they helped build,” says Potential Badboy. 

Tracklist:
1. Ticker (feat. JODIAN NATTY)
2. Battle Of The Senses (feat. Indigo Reign & Syren Rivers)
3. Give Me A Sign (feat. Havana)
4. Rise (feat. Blackout JA, Coozie Mellers & Talisman)
5. Bun Dem Out
6. Five Papers (feat. Uncle Nuts)
7. Do What They Say (feat. Indigo Reign & Syren Rivers)
8. Dangerous Is Dangerous (feat. Ragga Twins)
9. Life (feat. Blackout JA, Mikey General & Coozie Mellers)
10. The Lesson
11. Banger (feat. Junior Dangerous)
12. Dough (feat. TrueMendous)
13. We Are Dangerous (feat. Junior Dangerous)

Alfa Mist - Roulette

On his sixth studio release Roulette, the prolific producer, songwriter, pianist and MC Alfa Mist has created his own sci-fi universe - a vast dystopia where themes of revenge, forgiveness and redemption loom large.

Alfa Mist’s albums have always tackled big themes. This time, however, he explores an imagined near-future in which reincarnation is discovered to be a potent tool linking dreams and past lives. But with this discovery comes consequences: ethical, moral and philosophical. “If reincarnation is real, how does that shape society?” he explains. “If reincarnation means accumulation of knowledge, would you share it and enable everyone to understand more about the world? Or do you struggle for power? And do some people want to stop others from remembering who they were?”

Over 15 tracks, Alfa explores these ideas with heady potency. Each song is a spin of the wheel – a different song and character. The musician’s signature is still there – lambent keys, intuitive groove, free-flowing jazz improvisation – but Roulette is imbued with a smoky psychedelia. An immersive listen, this album is designed “to feel” on every level, says Alfa. It also contains some of his most impressive arrangements yet - see the eight-minute title track that effortlessly flips through time signatures – “because life’s like that,” says Mist; it’s not always linear.

Roulette underlines Alfa Mist as one of the most forward-thinking composers in UK music, with poignant, plaintive melodies that lodge deep in your psyche. “I’m exploring different parts of myself,” he says. “But obviously, as I grow, all of those parts change. Music is a constant; it’s my state of mind that I constantly chisel and work on and make sure that’s always growing and staying interested in new things. As long as I do that, it’ll come out in the music.”

Tracklist:
1. Reincarnation (feat. Homeboy Sandman)
2. Roulette
3. You're Not Blind
4. All Time (feat. Tawiah)
5. Between Lives
6. 9 Months
7. Found You
8. Dersen Cafe
9. Always Be (feat. Kaya Thomas-Dyke)
10. Avoid The Drones
11. Who Were You?
12. Give Nothing
13. Give Anything
14. From East
15. Black Snow

Àbáse - Awakening Remixes

With Awakening Remixes, Hungarian-born, Berlin-based producer Àbáse takes the journey of his 2024 album into new territories, inviting collaborators from across the globe to re-imagine his sonic universe. What unfolds is a blend of deep grooves and electrifying textures, cultures in conversation in the context of contemporary club music.


The original Awakening album is a carefully sculpted fusion of jazz, folk, Afro-diasporic and electronic influences, grounded in Àbáse’s roots yet expansive in vision. In the hands of his collaborators, these tracks evolve, taking on new life. From Budapest’s underground beats (BluntOne, Thomas High) to South Africa’s raw, hypnotic rhythms (Sundé), Brazils’s baile funk, London’s soulful house pulses (D'Monk), Detroit’s rap (Phat Kat, Guilty Simpson) and Berlin and LA’s abstract textures (Petter Eldh, Mekala Session) - each remix tells a new story, honouring the spirit of Awakening, yet challenging the listener to hear its essence in unexpected ways.

The project will also be released on a limited vinyl run of 300 copies.

Tracklist:
1. Menidaso (D'Monk rework feat. King Owusu)
2. Abase, Phat Kat & Guilty Simpson – Shango (BluntOne remix)
3. Bloom (May Flip remix feat. Fanni Zahar)
4. Destruction Everywhere (Sunde's Clover edit)
5. Destruction Everywhere (Funk edit)
6. Shango (BluntOne remix - instrumental)
7. Bloom (Thomas High Flip)
8. Menidaso (My Hope) (feat. King Owusu)
9. Shango (Chant To The God Of Thunder) (feat. King Owusu)
10. Bloom (Flora)
11. Destruction Everywhere (feat. Fanni Zahar)

Calibro 35 - Blanca terza stagione (Colonna Sonora Originale della serie TV)

The Italian band Calibro 35 is releasing the official soundtrack for the third season of the TV series "Blanca," which premieres on Rai 1 on September 29, 2025. The music album will be available on all digital platforms on the same day.

In the new season, the visually impaired investigator Blanca will face personal difficulties and new challenges in her relationships, and a new character will be introduced to the plot. The music by Calibro 35, which has played a key role since the beginning of the series, evolves along with the characters. The soundtrack for the third season features updated musical themes for investigations, compositions for new characters, as well as the band's signature funk tracks. The album is enhanced with two new songs, including the lead single "Drowning & Burning," recorded in collaboration with soul singer Davide Shorty.

Tracklist:
1. Drowning & Burning (feat. Davide Shorty)
2. Nuove Indagini Primi Sviluppi
3. Tema di Domenico
4. Tema di Eva
5. Serenade of the White Shark (feat. Elisa Zoot)
6. Vico delle Fate
7. Interrogatori e Sospetti
8. Tema della Meraviglia
9. Nuove Indagini Proseguono
10. Sentirsi Madre
11. Crimini in Corso
12. Quinto al Mare
13. Domenico Neoclassico
14. Shakerato non Mescolato
15. Musical Box
16. Nuove Indagini Brutta Piega
17. Vico del Dragone
18. Arenzano

Johnathan Blake - My Life Matters

Drummer-composer Johnathan Blake is set to release his powerful new Blue Note album My Life Matters on Sept. 19, a suite of music he composed as a commission for The Jazz Gallery that serves as a dual treatise on the importance of family values and the social imperative to stand up in the face of injustice. Co-produced by acclaimed bassist and labelmate Derrick Hodge, the album features saxophonist Dayna Stephens, pianist Fabian Almazan, vibraphonist Jalen Baker, and bassist Dezron Douglas plus special guests DJ Jahi Sundance and vocalist Bilal.

“Right around that time when I was writing this music, it seemed like every other day I was watching or listening to the news, and it was another person of color — another Black and Brown person — being taken away from us at the hands of people that were supposed to serve and protect us,” says Blake. “I didn’t want to become numb to the things that were unfolding in front of me. I wanted to speak up through my music.”

He also drew inspiration from the lessons his parents taught him. “When my sisters and I were growing up, my folks used to always say that if you see injustice happening and you do nothing, you are just as much the problem.”

What resulted are 14 original compositions, many of them aptly titled by Rio Sakairi, Artistic Director of The Jazz Gallery, who heard the music at its inception. “All of the interludes, and most of the album’s songs, she came up with those titles. I allowed her to sit with the music, and she just understood what I was trying to convey.”

My Life Matters often oscillates between two opposing forces: present and future, tragedy and hope, reality and conception. Known for pushing the boundaries musically, whether it is with groups like Robert Glasper Experiment or on numerous projects for film and television, Hodge’s hand in the production can be heard and felt throughout the album.

The lead track “Last Breath” is a nod to the late Eric Garner, who died after an officer placed him in an illegal chokehold. Baker’s command of the vibes is immediately apparent as he opens the track, before a tidal wave of contrasting sounds crashes in, notably the vigor of Stephens on EWI and Almazan’s piano. Much like Garner’s last words (“I can’t breathe”) helped define the Black Lives Matter movement, “Last Breath” reverberates that palpable rallying cry.

While Blake never set out to make a protest album in the vein of Max Roach’s We Insist! Freedom Now Suite, he will gladly take up the charge established by his predecessors as part of this music’s continuum. “Those musicians set the bar very high for us to follow. If we’re not following their lead, then we are doing them a disservice.”

Blake’s acclaimed 2021 Blue Note debut Homeward Bound will receive its first-ever vinyl release on Dec. 5 as part of the Tone Poet Vinyl Series. The album was a celebration of life and legacy featuring Blake’s quintet Pentad with alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, keyboardist David Virelles, and bassist Dezron Douglas.

Tracklist:
1. Broken Drum Circle for the Forsaken
2. Last Breath
3. A Prelude to An Unnecessary Yet Tragically Banal Oratorio
4. Requiem for Dreams Shattered
5. In A Brown Study
6. I Still Have A Dream
7. My Life Matters
8. Can You Hear Me? (The Talking Drums Have Not Stopped)
9. Always the Wrong Color
10. That Which Kills Us Makes Us What?
11. Can Tomorrow Be Brighter?
12. Lullaby for An Eternal Rest
13. We’ll Never Know (They Didn’t Even Get To Try)
14. Prayer for A Brighter Tomorrow

VA - Peace Chant Vol.8 - More Private Jazz from Germany 1974-1986

The term “private” is used quite liberally in the promotion of rare groove compilations these days. The team at Tramp Records tends to be rather defensive when it comes to such terms. Although, and this should not be misunderstood as arrogance, label boss Tobias Kirmayer & his crew have been doing nothing else for 22 years, strictly speaking. Every compilation series from the Upper Bavarian label, be it the “Movements,” “Feeling Nice,” “Praise Poems,” or “Can You Feel It” series, specializes in independently produced music from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s released on small private labels. This means extremely time-consuming work to track down the musicians, write down their stories, and, last but not least, invest a high four-digit amount to release such compilation projects as deluxe (double) LPs and CDs.

The industrious creators of the label have already released seven volumes in the Peace Chant series. Parts 1 to 6 were single LPs with predominantly American tracks. Part 7 was the first to be dedicated to purely German productions. Furthermore, the decision was made to release a double LP with a gatefold cover, not least to accommodate the extremely comprehensive accompanying text and images.

The 8th edition once again focuses on German productions. It includes rare (Fences), unreleased (Music Community), but also the odd €10 record. The mere fact that a record is rare/expensive doesn't make it interesting for Tobias Kirmayer and his team. They are primarily interested in the music. And if a song convinces them, it makes it onto the shortlist. In fact, many established reissue labels too often ignore records or individual songs and don't re-release them simply because they are not sought after by collectors. Kirmayer and his fellow campaigners have made it their mission to combat this injustice. A good example of this would be Sabanone, a title by Büdi Siebert's formation with the wonderful name HerrGottSax. The original LP costs around €15.

In addition to presenting the music in combination with detailed information about the artists, the label has another concern close to its heart. For the sake of the environment (short delivery routes) and to support the domestic economy, the CDs and vinyl LPs are manufactured in Germany”. And the record was pressed on BIO🌿VINYL in the most environmentally friendly way possible. But enough talking. Have fun exploring!

~DJ Roman Bloecker (July 2025) 

Tracklist:
1. Jazz Workshop Ensemble - Aya Tolla
2. Music Liberation Unit - Monday Morning
3. Community Music - Groove Rock
4. HerrGottSax - Sabanone (Schlachtruf Der Affen)
5. Ad Libitum - Take Five
6. Fences - Mein Alter Hut
7. Spirit - Work Song
8. BZN-Big Band - Nr. 6
9. Ulmer Jazz Quintet - Grandfathers Waltz
10. Brainstream - B27
11. Trio Wolf-Sperl-Bräuer - Bulgarian Flirt