VA - Naive Melodies

Naive Melodies is a bold and visionary tribute to the music of Talking Heads, reinterpreted through the lens of Black musical innovation. Curated by Drew McFadden — the creative mind behind BBE’s acclaimed Modern Love (David Bowie tribute album) — this new collection dives deep into the Afro-diasporic rhythms and experimental soul roots that helped shape Talking Heads’ unmistakable New Wave sound. Inspired by artists like Fela Kuti, Parliament, and Al Green — whose influences loomed large in the band’s rhythmic DNA — Naive Melodies shines a light on the Black music traditions that underpinned their artistry.

Far from a conventional tribute, Naive Melodies reframes the band’s catalog through the voices and visions of a new generation of genre-defying artists. These interpretations illuminate the foundational grooves and sonic textures that fueled Talking Heads’ rhythm- forward aesthetic, bringing them full circle with authenticity.

“With Naive Melodies, I wanted to spotlight the deep and often overlooked influence of Black music on the sound of Talking Heads, drawing from the rhythmic foundations of Afro- diasporic traditions, soul, gospel, Latin, and spiritual jazz. This project is a chance to reimagine Talking Heads’ legacy through the lens of the very innovations that helped shape it, bringing those influences to the forefront through the voices of today’s most forward- thinking artists.” — Drew McFadden

The album features a globally minded lineup, including Liv.e, Bilal, Rogê, Miguel Atwood- Ferguson, Aja Monet, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Theo Croker, Kenny Dope, Rosie Lowe, Pachyman, W.I.T.C.H., and more — spanning Afrobeat, jazz, soul, funk, gospel, dub, electronica, orchestral, and Latin styles. It reflects not only the boundary-pushing ethos of Talking Heads, but also the influence of Black music as a cultural force that helped shape it.

This is not just a tribute album — it’s a recontextualization. A cultural conversation. A rhythmic reawakening.  

Tracklist:
1. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson - Heaven
2. Pachyman - Sugar On My Tounge (Dub) 
3. WITCH - Once In A Lifetime
4. Georgia Anne Muldrow - Girlfriend Is Better
5. Wu-Lu - Mind
6. Astrønne - Psycho Killer
7. KENNY DOPE - Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)
8. Liv.e - I Zimbra
9. Aja Monet - The Book I Read
10. Rosie Lowe - Burning Down The House
11. Ebba - Uh-Oh Love Comes To Town
12. Rogê - Road to Nowhere
13. Vicky Farewell - And She Was
14. Florence Adooni - Crosseyed and Painless
15. Bilal - Seen And Not Seen
16. Theo Croker - Born Under (More) Punches
17. Dominique Johnson - Take Me To The River
18. Leon Jean-Marie - This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)

VA - Ronnie Herel Presents Neo Soul Sessions Vol. 2

Blues and Soul Award winner and double MOBO Awards nominee Ronnie Herel is back with his 2nd volume of his excellent compilation series Neo-Soul Sessions. Ronnie, a massively important figure in the UK Black music scene, is a radio presenter with Mi Soul and includes BBC 1xtra in his broadcasting credits. He is a DJ of international renown and was one half of the Quartz production duo which scored memorable hits with Dina Carroll. His undisputed love for and knowledge of the Neo-Soul genre shines through in the Neo-Soul Sessions and this latest, volume 2, is no exception.

Featuring tracks from artists such as Vula, Terri Walker, Aname Rose and Slakah the Beatchild, among others, Neo-Soul Sessions volume 2 is a brilliantly curated and pieced together selection of twelve tracks that absolutely nails the beauty of the later releases in the Neo-Soul genre. Played from start to finish the track selection and order is a pre-made DJ set that flows in a way that would soundtrack a dancefloor, a house party and an excellent backdrop of tunes for any time and day of the week.

Ronnie's passion for championing independent artists is also evident in his selections here and the compilation serves as a platform for those voices who deserve to break through. The decision to choose six of his favourite tracks to sit alongside six exclusive and unreleased gems means that a light is now shined on every artist featured on the compilation.

An absolute must for serious lovers of Neo-Soul, RnB and Black Music, Neo-Soul Sessions volume 2 is released on a double vinyl LP and as a high res. download.  

Tracklist:
1. Vula - Want Ur Love
2. Terri Walker - Missing You (Ronnie Herel Remix)
3. Lukas Setto - Can You Feel the Love
4. Bon Garçon - Love Is Real
5. Tyler Daley - All I Need
6. Legato - Thug Luv
7. Zoe Kypri - Holding You
8. Vula - Tru Luv
9. Tyler Daley - 4So Long
10. Sebastian Mikael - Next Chapter
11. Aname Rosé - I Am
12. Beatchild - The Cure

Frollen Music Library - Exponential Generator

F.M.L. presents Exponential Generator—a tribute to the hip soul-jazz era that defined much of 1970s library music.

Built on a foundation of Rhodes and percussion, these 15 original compositions showcase the Korg Monopoly synthesiser, weaving hooky melodic narratives over the chunky, bottom-heavy ARP Odyssey bass. The music gleams with early '70s soul-jazz and mid-tempo, funk-informed arrangements where propulsive congas cook beneath charging horn-like synth lines and dreamlike Rhodes swirls. Exponential Generator captures that sophisticated library music aesthetic: utilitarian yet transcendent, mood-setting yet personality-driven, evoking both the playful experimentation of KPM's golden era and the sleazy, lumbering grooves of DeWolfe's most sought-after cuts.

F.M.L. creates some of Australia's most meticulously crafted, groove-driven library recordings. The trio—Darvid Thor, Henry Jenkins, and Hudson Whitlock—brings decades of combined experience to every session. With two Grammy nominations and samples with Leon Thomas, ScHoolboy Q, and more, their work channels the spirit of golden-era library music.

Every sound has been meticulously captured using vintage preamps and carefully selected microphones, ensuring authentic tonal character and warmth. All compositions are BPM labelled, performed and recorded on real instruments, and mixed with attention to the dynamic interplay between Rhodes, percussion, and synthesiser.

Gear list:
- Korg Monopoly
- Fender Rhodes
- ARP Odyssey
- Kangaroo Hide Drum Kit
- Percussion

Tracklist:
1. Away We Go
2. Window Seat
3. Gas
4. Drifters
5. Complimentary Snack
6. Mildly Soft
7. Member's Lounge
8. Hot Air Balloon
9. Crash Landing
10. Leg Room
11. Qantas
12. Cockpit
13. Safety Bell
14. First and Last Flight
15. Sniffers

DJ Harrison - ElectroSoul

ElectroSoul is the most collaborative and personal record yet from two-time GRAMMY Award-nominated producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist DJ Harrison.

Sparked by a sudden health scare in 2024, the album brought the Richmond, VA, native’s close-knit creative community into the studio. The result is a genre-melding testament to healing, recovery, rejuvenation and making the most of the present. Grounded in his Richmond roots and inspired by family, ElectroSoul moves with warmth, purpose, and groove.

Featured artists include Yazmin Lacey, Yaya Bey, Fly Anakin, Pink Siifu, Stones Throw labelmate Kiefer, Angélica Garcia, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, and many more.

Tracklist:
1. Fresh Squeezed Drums
2. OG Players
3. Can’t Go Back (feat. Nigel Hall)
4. Sepia Visions
5. It’s All Love (feat. Yazmin Lacey)
6. Ballade de Vixen (feat. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson)
7. Recycled
8. End of Time (feat. Grebes)
9. Y’all Good? (feat. Pink Siifu)
10. Curtis Joint
11. SmokeSetBreak
12. Stay Ready (feat. Yaya Bey)
13. NeverFold
14. Beginning Again (feat. Kiefer)
15. Seek God (feat. Fly Anakin)
16. The Floyd
17. Turn Away (feat. Angélica Garcia)
18. Ain’t Going Back (SoundGenesius Remix)

Land of Leaves - Delicate & Peaceful

A tender sound, using carefully chosen, minimal cello & piano melodies to portray a caring ambience.

Tracklist:
1. Gently Evolves
2. Touching Moments
3. Waiting
4. Light At The End Of The Tunnel
5. Sentimental
6. Future Fears
7. Everyday Wonders

Apollo Brown - Night Moves

It's in this rarefied air where you'll find Detroit's Apollo Brown, constantly conjuring fresh innovations out of a tried-and-true formula. For the last decade, the Mello Music Group artist has singularly re-defined and expanded the foundation of what boom bap production can sound like. No less than DJ Premier declared the latter "hip-hop for the people," naming "Trophies" the best album of the year. He makes music for old and young heads-bone bruising beats that summon visceral images of back alley brawls in '81 pool hall melees and metropolitan griminess.

Tracklist:
1. Aquarius
2. Night Moves
3. Opulence
4. Moon at Midnight
5. Hold On

SAULT - Chapter 1

Sault return and in fine form with Chapter 1 - their 13th album. The elusive collective led by producer Inflo unleash another masterpiece that features contributions from R&B singer Cleo Sol, singer-songwriter Jack Peñate, and legendary hitmakers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

In a statement accompanying Chapter 1, the group noted that the album “moves with patience and belief. Rhythm, breath, and silence sit side by side, creating a space that is reflective yet charged. There is warmth and expectation. A sense that something is gathering.”

Tracklist:
1. God, Protect Me from My Enemies
2. Chapter 1
3. Fulfil Your Spirit
4. Protector
5. Good Things Will Come After the Pressure
6. Create Your Prophecy
7. Love Does Not Equal Pain
8. Lord Have Mercy
9. Don't Worry About What You Can't Control
10. Puppet

JJ Whitefield & Forced Meditation - Birth Of Consciousness

The latest instalment in Whitefield's Temple Jazz series brings you an enhanced collective improvisation inspired by the meditative styles of Pharaoh Sanders, Alice Coltrane and Sun Ra. An aural approach to soothe ones soul in overly hectic environments. 

Tracklist:
1. Movement One: Stimulation
2. Movement Two: Inception
3. Movement Three: Awareness
4. Movement Four: Perception
5. Movement Five: Experience
6. Movement Six: Knowledge

Kaidi Tatham - Miles Away

First Word Records are very proud to bring you a brand new album from the legendary Kaidi Tatham.

'Miles Away' is the sixth full-length solo project for the award-winning London-based independent label.

Comprised of 10 new tracks, performed entirely by the multi-instrumentalist himself once again, this is an array of forward-thinking eclectic electronic jazz. Rhodes, pianos, synths, strings, horns and flutes weave in & out atop of vibrant percussion and mind-bending drum patterns, forming a sound that is uniquely King Kaidi.

We begin with the delicate groove of 'Misty Garden', before the infectious synth-boogie of 'Sweet Cherry Punch'. The almost-Quincy / EWF vibes of lead single 'So Happy' follow, ahead of the mid-tempo stomp of 'Kanji'. 'Silkie Bantam' keeps the energy nice while picking up the BPM a touch, as we reach the half-time title track 'Miles Away', which also features Kaidi on vocals. 'Hipsteppin' does what it says on the tin; another slice of infectious bruk-tinged jazz-boogie. Then it's the return of frequent collaborator, the super-dope MC Uhmeer (aka Jazzy Jeff's son!) on the smooth soulful hip hop bounce of 'Wave'. 'Hydration' brings the funk; clavi keys and some weighty live bass accompany some truly knockin' drums that switch in & out. The set closes with a real treat for the reggae steppers; 'Ku Deh' is a short sweet touch of uplifting rock steady.

For those that don't know, Belfast-based Kaidi Tatham has been an innovative powerhouse in the world of British black music for decades. From his early days as one of the pioneers of the broken beat movement, to his recent prominence as a key-player for DJ Jazzy Jeff's PLAYlist project, he has inspired an array of artists and tastemakers across the globe, from Madlib to Gilles Peterson.

The list of artists he's worked and collaborated with reads like a fever dream - Amy Winehouse, Mulatu Astatke, Soul II Soul, Leroy Burgess, Nubya Garcia, Slum Village, Andrew Ashong, Marcos Valle and beyond. Additionally to a number of releases with 2000 Black's Dego and The Herbaliser, he's also dropped records for Theo Parrish's Sound Signature and Alex Nut's Eglo Records, taking in a number of aliases along the way, including Agent K, Shokazulu, Blakai, Da One Away and Likwid Biskit - the latter two projects alongside IG Culture (New Sector Movements / LCSM). He's also worked with fellow First Word label-mates like Children of Zeus, Allysha Joy, Darkhouse Family and Eric Lau.

As ever, this album is another truly diverse set from the Grammy-winning Kaidi Kyat, exuding quality and good vibes throughout, crossing genres and borders with intergalactic energy, taking us 'Miles Away'.

Tracklist:
1. Misty Garden
2. Sweet Cherry Punch
3. So Happy
4. Kanji
5. Silkie Bantam
6. Miles Away
7. Hipsteppin'
8. Wave (feat. Uhmeer)
9. Hydration
10. Ku Deh

Samm Henshaw - It Could Be Worse

With hundreds of millions of streams worldwide, Samm continues to bring sincerity and soul to every note he sings. London-born Nigerian singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist is redefining modern music with emotion and rich storytelling. Blending soul, R&B, indie, and alternative influences, his music captures the highs and lows of love, growth, and self-discovery. After breaking out with fan favorites like “Broke” and “Grow,” Samm earned critical acclaim from COLORS, Clash Magazine, The Guardian, NME, and NPR and collaborated with artists like Pharrell Williams, John Legend, Quincy Jones, and more.

Samm Henshaw’s new album It Could Be Worse captures the raw beauty of heartbreak, healing, and growth. Samm Henshaw channels vulnerability and emotional honesty through live instrumentation and powerhouse vocals. The project reflects on love, loss, and the humor in pain with songs like “Float,”, “Get Back,” and “Tangerine.” The result is a soulful, hopeful, and deeply human record that reaffirms Samm’s place as one of today’s most authentic voices in modern soul/R&B.

Tracklist:
1. Don't Give It Up
2. Closer
3. Wait Forever
4. Float
5. Sun and Moon
6. Stay on the Move
7. Hair Down
8. Don't Break My Heart
9. Get Back
10. Heavy Measures
11. Tangerine

INCOGNITO - Music. Magic. Ironic.

London jazz-funk institution Incognito return with Music Magic Ironic, the 20th studio album in a career that began with Jazz Funk in 1981 and later drank the waters of eternal life with Talkin' Loud, released during the 90s acid-jazz tsunami. It dialyses veteran and new blood, echoing the historic heartbeat of bandleader Bluey Maunick's childhood memories of street musicians in Mauritius, where on-the-fly percussion blurred "music" and "magic". That formative mix still powers Incognito's ensemble ethos, brought into sharp focus here with 17 tracks voiced by long-time collaborators Joy Rose, Tony Momrelle and Maysa Leak, plus Zebulon Ellis and Natalie Duncan. The family-sized lineups remains unestranged, a trait going back to the group's early days when Richard Bull's drum programming and Maysa's arrival shaped their Talkin' Loud breakout.

Incognito is getting ready to celebrate yet another career milestone. The iconic British group created by the maestro Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick is scheduled to release their 20th studio album Music. Magic. Ironic. this month. The historic set will drop on Thursday, December 25th, so make some room for it under your Christmas tree and in your music collections.

Music. Magic. Ironic.’s arrival on Christmas Day is the perfect release date for this collection because it’s shaping up to be quite a gift. The project is a double album showcasing 17 tracks, including a groovy cover of Roy Ayers’ hit “Running Away” featuring lead vocals by Tony Momrelle and Joy Rose and the return of Incognito mainstay Maysa on the song “Lost Until I Want To Be Found.”

Aside from those esteemed collaborators, the collective known for its soulful roster of vocalists has a few more in the mix. There’s Zebulon Ellis who can be heard on the lead single “Strangers Become Friends” and the cut “Changes In Me,” Natalie Duncan, Cleo Stewart, Imaani, Megan Khan and Chicco Allotta.

Incognito wants their fans to get their groove on this holiday season and well into the new year and beyond with the release of Music. Magic. Ironic., but there’s more to this album than catching a vibe and working up a sweat on the dance floor.

“Music is the message, the power and the key. Hope that you enjoy this 20th chapter of the Incognito story,” Bluey said in a teaser video recorded alongside the album’s co-producer and mixer Mo Hausler. Bluey also touched on what inspired the title, sharing, “You see, I was five years old when I mistakenly called ‘music’ ‘magic.’ Feeling trapped in a broken world 63 years later, this album has magically set my soul free.”

With 46 years and now 20 albums in, Incognito is still going strong and sounding better than ever. Music. Magic. Ironic. will be released worldwide on Splash Blue and available on all streaming platforms and on vinyl and CD, which can be pre-ordered from Bandcamp. Preview the album with the singles “Strangers Become Friends,” “It’s About Time” and “Running Away,” view Bluey and Mo chatting it up in the studio and check the full tracklist below.

Tracklist:
1. It's About Time (feat. Joy Rose)
2. Running Away (feat. Tony Momrelle)
3. Can't Be A Fool (feat. Natalie Duncan)
4. Lost Until I Want To Be Found (feat. Maysa)
5. Reasons To Love (feat. Cleo Reign Stewart)
6. Can't Give Up On This Feeling (feat. Joy Rose, Imaani & Cleo Reign Stewart)
7. In Time We’ll Love Again
8. This Is Your World (feat. Cleo Reign Stewart)
9. Changes In Me (feat. Zebulon Ellis)
10. Like Fire In The Rain (feat. Natalie Duncan)
11. (Your Lovin' Is) Everywhere (feat. Tony Momrelle)
12. Zahra Smiles
13. Strangers Become Friends (feat. Zebulon Ellis)
14. Sweet Enough (feat. Tony Momrelle & Megan Khan)
15. Rain On A Hot Tin Roof
16. Late Night On The Subway (feat. Tony Momrelle)
17. Music. Magic. Ironic. (feat. Chicco Allotta)

VA - WaJazz: Japanese Jazz Spectacle Vol.II - Deep, Heavy and Beautiful Jazz from Japan 1962-1985 - The King Records Masters - Selected by Yusuke Ogawa (Universounds)

Following the highly acclaimed first volume in the series, Japanese jazz expert Yusuke Ogawa continues the WaJazz exploration with another essential collection of music that contains something uniquely Japanese — focusing this time on the King Records catalog. Featuring timeless music by Isao Suzuki, Toshiaki Yokota, Akira Miyazawa, Takeru Muraoka, Yasuaki Shimizu, Masahiko Togashi, George Otsuka, and more!

"It is my great pleasure to introduce you to the second volume of the "Japanese Jazz Spectacle" series. Following the first compilation which focused on recordings from the Nippon Columbia catalog, this time we are digging into the King Records archives. It is almost impossible to capture the whole picture of Wa-Jazz in a couple of compilation albums since it is such a broad and deep genre, however, by extracting tracks from the Nippon Columbia and King Records collections - both labels having an extensive archive of jazz music - we may be able to glimpse a part of its allure and essence. This time again, I have made the music selection with this idea in mind. The music in this compilation was recorded between 1962 and 1985 and is a brief history of Japanese jazz on King Records. Listening is believing, so I hope these tracks will capture your heart and that you will enjoy the charms of Japanese jazz." - Yusuke Ogawa

Yusuke Ogawa has been running the Universounds store in Tokyo since 2001, specializing in jazz and second-hand, rare, and collector records. He is also a reissue supervisor, label manager, DJ, and music writer. Known for his vast musical knowledge, eye for detail, and archival skills, Ogawa has worked on more than 250 reissues and compilations – including the highly praised Deep Jazz Reality and Project Re:Vinyl series. He is the co-author of the Wa-Jazz Disc Guide and the Independent Black Jazz of America books.

Tracklist:
1. Toshiaki Yokota & The Beat Generation - Clair Deluge
2. Tadao Sawai - Constant Rain
3. Akira MIyazawa - Yamame
4. Various Artists - Ma Mère L'Oye
5. Masao Yagi - Blossom In The Water
6. Masahiko Togashi - A Day Of The Sun
7. Yasuko Nagamine - Summer Wind
8. Hideo Shiraki - Sayonara Blues
9. Masahiko Togashi & His Improvisation Jazz Orchestra - Desireless
10. Takeru Muraoka & His New Group - Lady Boogie
11. Yoshio ikeda - Down To The Sea
12. George Otsuka Quintet - Loving You