VA - BBE Staff Selections 2023

2023 has certainly kept us on our toes at BBE Music, with no shortage of exciting happenings. Releasing more than 100 projects this year, we're thrilled to highlight our team's favorite musical selections.

With each beat and rhythm, we've sequenced beloved tunes from yesteryears to bring back to life timeless classics. Historic reissues on BBE - available both digitally and physically - highlight these masterpieces that have now been remastered. All thanks to the Grammy- nominated The Carvery Studio, tracks such as cannons from Perception / Today Records, gems from Strata Records, highlife from Asona Records, J Jazz series expansions, and so much more all unveiled a new, captivating sonic experience.

Many of these reissued originals were previously only available at exorbitant prices online. Thanks to The Carvery Studio for their meticulous remastering process, we've made them more affordable and accessible. This includes tracks such as Soul Liberation, Remi Kabaka's Son of Africa, J&F Quintet's masterpieces, Forest, Sphere’s Inside Ourselves and more.

This compilation snapshot captures the essence of all the music BBE brings to life: real music for real people. A wonderful initiation for any budding audiophile or simply a music lover starting their journey with BBE.

This year, we also marked hip hop's golden jubilee with the release of Illa J's album. The exclusive track, 'Relapse (Instrumental)', featured on this album, is a critics' choice that rightfully continues the powerful Yancey music legacy.

But our voyage into musical celebrations didn’t stop there. We paid tribute to the long, illustrious careers of Airto Moreira and Flora Purim, the reigning king and queen of Brazilian jazz.

So here's to all who cherish jazz, folk, afro beat, hip hop, funk, soul or Americana. This compilation celebrates the diversity of music, a testament to authenticity and our dedication to making real music for real people. 
 
CD1
1. ILLA J & Amp Fiddler - Get Down
2. Tony Kofi & Alina Bzhezhinska - Altera Vita (For Pharoah Sanders)
3. Dizzy Gillespie - Summertime
4. Hideyasu Terakawa Quartet & Hiroshi Fujii - Simone
5. Kirk Degiorgio - Beersheba
6. Jazzanova - Beyond the Dream
7. Astrud Gilberto - Take It Easy My Brother Charlie
8. Forest - Fly Away
9. Rahaan & The Ones - We Are The Ones
10. Johnny Pate - Brother on the Run (Opening)
11. Remi Kabaka - Kabaka
12. Boddhi Satva & Coréon Dú - I Don't Want Your Love
13. Brian Jackson - Mami Wata
14. Sam Yeboah - Maame
15. Black Ivory - Spinning Around
16. The Soulmates - People We Got to Do Better
17. Nana Budjei - Asamando
18. Kris Tidjan - Lords of War
19. Black Ivory - Don't Turn Around
20. Julius Brockington - Forty-Nine Reasons
21. Larry Young - Sunshine Fly Away
22. Ihsan Al-Munzer - Yassmin

CD2
1. Tyrone Washington - Submission
2. Julius Brockington - Do Your Thing
3. ILLA J - Relapse
4. Soul Liberation - Touch Me Again
5. Benny Johnson - Visions Of Paradise
6. Kantata - It's High Time Now
7. Eric Agyemang & Kokroko Band - Nananom
8. A.K. YeboahK.K's No. 2 Band - Nde Yen Da
9. Mr Cee - Nye Wonko
10. Thomas Frempong - Mada Meho So
11. Sam Yeboah - Konkonsani
12. Boddhi Satva & Dino d'Santiago - Moda Boddhi
13. MF Robots - The Love It Takes
14. Jazzanova - Saturday Night Special
15. Roy Ayers & Sylvia Cox - Liquid Love
16. Dizzy Gillespie - Olinga
17. Isao Suzuki & Masahiko Togashi & Hideo Ichikawa & Akira Shiomoto - Make Trip
18. Tatsuya Nakamura - Wow
19. Iman Houssein - House of Light
20. Jazzanova & Sean Haefeli - Creative Musicians
21. Boddhi Satva & Raheem DeVaughn - Finesse Me
22. Will & James Ragar - Oregon

VA - Paul Hillery presents: We Are The Children of the Setting Sun

Paul Hillery's third compilation in this series of rare and hard to find grooves is as much a geographical journey as it is a musical one. With acts, artists and tracks linked to London, Florida, Atlanta, the Netherlands, Switzerland, California, India and Germany and more this compilation is very much proof of the global language that is music.

With many of the recordings only previously existing on sold out and obscure private pressings and small runs on indie labels this collection of tracks really is a must have. Complementing the previous two albums curated by Paul Hillery we really do get to see and hear the history of studio recordings from a plethora of touring and travelling troubadours, jobbing composers and song-writers, session musicians, producers and engineers.

Again, as with the previous two volumes in the 'Children of the Sun' series, this is an eclectic gathering of styles and genres that have been curated into an accessible fusion of Jazz, Rock, AOR and Folk tinged grooves that all have soul.

With many tracks getting a first time digital release this 3 LP album sits nicely alongside the previous albums in the series and rates as an essential compilation for any serious lover and collector of music.

In Paul Hillery's words:

"Let us gather one more time on another journey through the rhythmic sands of time, traversing continents and genres one track at a time. Taking in joyful places and wide-open spaces while dropping out to the musical pulse that unites us all.

An album to remind us that we are all made of stardust with more to connect than drive us apart, for . . . We Are The Children of the Setting Sun" 

Tracklist:
1. Graeme Gash - The Shadows Dance
2. Carm Mascarenhas - Fields Of Green
3. Parker MacDonell - It All Comes Around
4. MCF - Colorado - Red Sky
5. Hardin & Russell - Mojave
6. Trisha Watts - Mystery Man
7. Hagan's Fanshawe Friends - Storm in the Sky
8. Floyd Hunchback Group - Wet Dreams
9. Simon Anholt - Autumn
10. Kimberle - In-Passing
11. Sonlife - She Misses You
12. Emerald Web;Barry Cleveland - Von Aspen Shaden
13. Pat Rahming - Be With Me
14. Blaine L. Reininger - Playin' Your Game
15. Persona La Ave - Surfer Girl
16. Beşçay;Jochen Schrumpf - Nur Gitarre
17. Andy Davis - Over & Over
18. Christine Schaller - Aranha
19. Ya Ya - Don't Ever Say Never
20. REGGIO - The Light

VA - If Music Presents: You Need This: If Music Is 20 compiled by Jean​-​Claude

Celebrating two decades of IF Music's scrupulous curation through its record shop, a thriving website, album reissues and compilations in collaboration with BBE Music, parties and radio shows, “IF Music Presents You Need This: 20 years” is a 9 track, double vinyl LP beautifully put together by Jean-Claude.

Coming, as it does, as the 9th release in the “You Need This” series of compilations curated by Jean-Claude, this album features music that ranges from 1980 (Christine Schaller's spectacular “Fidji”) to exclusive tracks from the likes of Emanative & Liz Elensky (‘Fall Into Me’) and Tenderlonious (‘Dennison Point’) which both bring us up to the present day.

It is Jean-Claude's remarkable ear for music that, as with all the previous “You Need This” releases, creates a wonderfully coherent journey through the decades across the four sides of this masterpiece of a compilation album.

As mentioned earlier “You Need This: 20 Years” will be released as a double LP pressed on 180 gramme heavy vinyl, cut at 45rpm and on digital. Whether this starts, adds or completes your collection of Jean-Claude's “You Need This” series of compilations, “20 Years” is a must-have and indeed, you really do need this!

Tracklist:
1. Tamar Osborn - Sunday Sea Improvisation
2. Christine Schaller - Fidji
3. Emanative;Liz Elensky - Fall In To Me
4. Atilla Engin Group - Turkish Showbiz
5. Tenderlonious - Dennison Point
6. Sylvain Kassap - Adelie (For Lady D.)
7. Ola Szmidt - We Are Not Invisible
8. Greetje Bijma Kwintet - Big Kalimba
9. Sarathy Korwar - At the Speed of Light

Brian Jackson - Mami Wata - Joaquin Joe Claussell Sacred Rhythm and Cosmic Arts Remixes

"Mami Wata" - A Captivating Journey through West African Rhythms.

Experience the mesmerizing fusion of traditional African sounds and modern Latin house in Brian Jackson's latest single package, "Mami Wata." Drawing inspiration from the depths of West African mythology, this track takes you on a captivating sonic adventure that spans vast regions of the continent.

Brian Jackson's rendition of a traditional African song resonates with the richness and abundance symbolized by the mythical figure of Mami Wata. From the sacred lands of the Dogon in Mali to the vibrant rhythms of Ghana, and even reaching into the heart of Central and Southern Africa, this composition pays homage to the diverse tapestry of African cultures.

To further elevate this masterpiece, Brian has collaborated with the masterful Joe Claussell, who lends his expert touch to craft a remix that intertwines a modern Latin house thread with the African fabric of the original composition. The result is the Sacred Arts Mix, a true testament to the power of music as it effortlessly merges genres and weaves an enchanting spell over the dancefloor.

This single package boasts not just one, but six distinct versions of "Mami Wata," each carefully crafted with its own unique tempo and subtle seasoning. Whether you prefer the rhythmic intensity of the Sacred Rhythm version, the deep dub vibes of the Deep Dub edition, or the extended album version that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the composition, this release offers a diverse range of musical experiences.

The remix package brings to life Brian’s immersive vocals, flute, kalimba, and organ playing. And for those seeking a slower, introspective groove, the Cosmic Arts Future Instrumental Slow version provides a celestial atmosphere that will make you feel as though you're floating among the stars. 

Tracklist:
1. Mami Wata (Joaquin's Sacred Rhythm Version)
2. Mami Wata (Joaquin's Extended Album Version)
3. Mami Wata (Joaquin's House Dance Dub Reprise)
4. Mami Wata (Joaquin's Sacred Arts Story Mix)
5. Mami Wata (Joaquin's Deep Dub)
6. Mami Wata (Joaquin's Cosmic Arts Future Instrumental Slow Dub)
7. Mami Wata

VA - Once Again We Are the Children of the Sun Compiled by Paul Hillery

Gather together beneath the sun as we journey through the rhythmic sands of time, Paul Hillery, an esteemed collector and vinyl hunter, presents his follow-up to the highly acclaimed "We Are The Children Of The Sun." Andrew Male of MOJO Magazine calls the album "One of the most emotionally uplifting and hazily beautiful compilations of recent years."

"Once Again We Are The Children Of The Sun" is a shimmering collection of rare finds, reminding us that we have more to connect us than to divide us. The music encompasses a broad range of sounds, starting in Cajun country with Will & James Ragar, their handmade acoustic guitars allowing for soaring vocals. Along with many of the tracks featured on this compilation, "As the Day Grows Tired" is reissued on vinyl for the first time.

Experience the previously unreleased cover of "Milk and Honey" featuring Kat Barnard and Greg Foat, a versatile mainstay of the UK jazz scene. Discover the first-ever vinyl release of "Kayenta Crossing" by William Eaton Ensemble, capturing the austere presence of Monument Valley. Immerse yourself in Wendy Grace's jazz-folk masterpiece "More Than Hope" and the acoustic ambience of "Golden Hour" by Aria Rostami.

Paul Hillery and BBE present a compilation of styles and genres, fusing together to make private press wants accessible as a springboard for further listening pleasures. "Once Again We Are the Children of the Sun'' is an eclectic selection mixing styles, year and tempo, painstakingly gathered and presented with a great deal of love. 

Tracklist:
1. Will & James Ragar - As the Day Grows Tired
2. Forest - Crazy Days
3. Cunningham Corner - Free and Easy
4. Wendy Grace - More Than Hope
5. Bengt Liedman - Tight Tonight
6. Corill - Soul Shadow
7. Varela - Come and Take Me by the Hand
8. Just Us - Just a Thought
9. Mike Baumann;Thom Huntington - Time
10. Darrell John - Write Your Lucky Number
11. The Freeze Band - Going Back in Time
12. Godspeed - Ice Cold
13. William Eaton Ensemble - Kayenta Crossing
14. Orion - Moonshine
15. The Greg Foat Group;Kat Barnard - Milk and Honey
16. Aria Rostami - Golden Hour
17. Bugatti & Musker - Fate
18. Garth Fletcher - Peace Train
19. Mark Capanni - If Life Was a Ferris Wheel

Jazzanova - Face at My Window (Kyoto Jazz Massive Remixes) / Beyond the Dream (musclecars' Reimaginations)

Taken from the album ‘Strata Records – The Sound of Detroit – Reimagined by Jazzanova’, BBE Music, DJ Amir and 180 Proof records present the 3rd single from this monumental project.

This release features remixes by Japanese Club Jazz pioneers Kyoto Jazz Massive, and Genre Blending New Yorkers, musclecars.

Kyoto Jazz Massive were enlisted to remix the Jazzanova reimagining of Sam Sanders’s iconic song Face at my Window. Their mix adds an intimate Jazz Club feel to vocalist Sean Haefeli’s recording, which highlights the dynamics of Sean’s voice. The subtle tempo increase maintains the feel of the original and adds a punch to the brass section, making the track an entirely new experience.

musclecars add that traditional New York / Chicago House vibe to Jazzanova’s reimagining of Kenny Cox’s ‘Beyond the dream’, and the result is a skippy afro/latin dancefloor filler which can go on forever. musclecars demonstrate their genre blending superpowers on this mix which adds a garage swing to a jazz record, definitely going to be a jam for the dancefloors in 2023.

Both remixes showcase the importance of DJ Amir's unearthing of these strata gems, and Jazzanova’s reimagining, how they have breathed new life into one of Detroit’s hidden gems - Strata Records. They will definitely on board new audiences to the treasure trove that is Strata, and the iconic stories surrounding the often overlooked record label.

Tracklist:
1. Face at My Window (Kyoto Jazz Massive Remix)
2. Face at My Window (Yoshi's Edit)
3. Beyond the Dream (musclecars' Reimagination)
4. Beyond the Dream (musclecars Radio Version)
5. Beyond The Dream (musclecars' Reimagination Instrumental)
6. Beyond the Dream (musclecars’ Dub)
7. Face at My Window
8. Beyond the Dream

Various Artists - BBE Staff Selections 2022

Our Staff Selections are carefully curated highlights of our favourite tracks from the year.

2022 has been another year of consistent quality music from BBE. The fantastic J Jazz series rolls on with 5 releases this year, whilst we have also issued highly sought after Jazz re- presses from Norway and Germany, both of which have been fetching insane prices via online collectors. BBE also released an album from the legendary composer and artist Brian Jackson who received Worldwide fm’s lifetime achievement award this year.

2022 has also seen a return to the dancefloors and to festivals for many in this post- pandemic world. We Out Here being a particular highlight. Jazzanova delivered delightful recreations of some Strata Records classics.

Two Soul Fusion ( Josh Milan & Louie Vega) remixes of Brian Jackson and MF Robots are must haves for the discerning house music DJs. Boddhi Satva also provides some strong Afro beat dancefloor fillers from his masterpiece album ‘Manifestation’.

Alina Bzhezhinska & HipHarpCollective also made their debut on BBE Music this year with the wonderful album ‘Reflections’. Pépé Bradock and Âme stepped up their remix game for J Dilla’s classic track B.B.E.

With over 20 tracks of real music for real people - Staff Selections delivers more of what you’ve come to know and love from BBE Music.

Thank you for all your support this year; if you’ve bought a record or two, streamed our music or been fortunate enough to attend our historical instore events, we appreciate your support as always. We hope to see you in 2023 and beyond. 

Tracklist:
1. Koichi Matsukaze Trio;Ryojiro Furusawa - Theme Of Seikatsu Kojyo Iinkai
2. Jazzanova;Sean Haefeli - Creative Musicians
3. Brian Jackson - All Talk
4. Sly Johnson - Trust Me
5. Alina Bzhezhinska;HipHarpCollective;Sanity;tom theythem - Paris Sur Le Toit
6. David Wertman;Sun Ensemble - Forest Dance
7. Jazzanova - Saturday Night Special
8. Boddhi Satva;Spilulu;Kaysha;H. Baraka - Kilulu
9. Sean Khan;Heidi Vogel - Naima
10. Monica Rypma - Let Love Flow
11. Jazzanova - Joy Road
12. Roy Ayers - Baby Doll
13. Louie Vega;Leroy Burgess;The Universal Robot Band;Patrick Adams - Barely Breaking Even
14. Brian Jackson - C'est Cette Comète
15. Boddhi Satva;ÉLLÀH - Storiá Storiá
16. Masao Nakajima Quartet - Tell Me A Bedtime Story
17. Noriko Miyamoto;Isao Suzuki - Monologue
18. Alina Bzhezhinska;HipHarpCollective - African Flower
19. Brian Jackson - Little Orphan Boy
20. J Dilla;J Dilla - B.B.E. - Big Booty Express
21. Dennis Farnon;Sound Studio Orchestra - Tournament
22. Sly Johnson - Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin
23. Shamek Farrah;Norman Person - Negative Forces
24. MF Robots - Make the Call Two Soul Fusion Boogie Remix
25. Eji Oyewole - Unity in Africa (Kasowopo Kasekan)
26. Per Husby Septett - The Peacemaker
27. Wütrio - Hallo Höppel
28. Masaru Imada Trio + 1 - Sea's Pasture
29. Yasuhiro Kohno Trio + One - Village Festival