Dele Sosimi & The Estuary 21 - The Confluence

Afrobeat ambassador Dele Sosimi’s new album 'The Confluence' has been recorded and produced with Essex musician Sam Duckworth, aka Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly; and a team of specially assembled musicians under the banner of “The Estuary 21” - with the name of the nearby river and the year, being a clue to future Confluence projects. Recorded over a multitude of sessions in 2021, this new set of songs flow with the sounds of Afrobeat, jazz, and worldly pop, and feelings of freedom, strength, and collaborative dynamism as a balm for life changing events.

Dele and Sam were introduced at Felabration 2012, the annual commemoration of the music of Fela Kuti, and promised to work together in the near future. With many live collaborations, at Afrobeat Vibration, Kentish Town Forum and lots of hanging out and mutual love, nearly ten years passed before the two musicians connected in Sam’s hometown of Southend-On-Sea in a post-lockdown creative boom, recording the album over a burst of week-long sessions in 2021. The Estuary 21 band is completed by Callum Green (The Sleeping Souls, GCWCF), Philip Van Den Brandeler (Pocket Dragon, GCWCF), Pete Fraser (The Pogues, Field Music), Afla Sackey (Afla Sackey & Afrik Bawantu, Ibibio Sound Machine), Aby Dosunmu (Dele Sosimi), Sam Ewens (Myles Sanko) with special guest appearances from Sam Eagle and Essex percussion legend, Snowboy.

Born in Hackney, East London, but soon to return to his parents’ native Nigeria at the age of four, Dele Sosimi was schooled and raised in Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s commune (which he now refers to as his university of life). After Fela’s passing in 1997, Dele went on to focus on developing his solo career and, honing his creative talents, and with much patience on his part, carved out his own Afrobeat crown. His last album, ‘You No Fit Touch Am’ (2015), was a critical success with Songlines writing “Afrobeat will never die so long as Dele’s around”, Clash declaring it “blistering Afro-funk from a true legend”, The Quietus calling it “so fresh, while staying true to the template”, and David Hutcheon’s four star Mojo review said it was “a deeper, moodier collection than other Shrine veterans have released lately”.

A veteran at 36 years old, Sam Duckworth has been releasing music as Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly for half of his life. A catalogue that includes four top 40 singles, two top 40 albums (including the gold certified ‘Chronicles of A Bohemian Teenager’ that recently celebrated its 15th anniversary), a German club number 1 single and collaborations with artists ranging from Shy FX, Baaba Maal, Lily Allen and Jehst. Recently, Duckworth produced Benjamin Frances Leftwich’s album ‘To Carry A Whale’ and has been working on the forthcoming album by Kate Nash.

Album ‘Dele Sosimi & The Estuary 21’ is set for release on 7th April 2023 on LP and digital. The band play live at London’s Jazz Cafe on the same date with tickets available now. 

Tracklist:
1. Ẹ Si M'ẹ̀dọ̀ (feat. Lizzy Dosunmu)
2. Mo Ṣe B'ọ́lá Tán (feat. Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly)
3. Ride out the Storm
4. Open Up (feat. Sam Eagle & Snowboy)
5. Òtítọ́ Ti Jáde
6. Orí Mi

Beat Bronco Organ Trio - Another Shape Of Essential Sounds

The Beat Bronco Organ Trio is back with 10 heavy-weight instrumental tracks of the finest quality. “Another Shape of Essential Sounds” sees the Madrid trio stick to their winning formula with a psychedelic twist: sublime Hammond organ grooves, nifty guitar work and dynamic drums combine to produce a rich, uplifting, and vintage sound. Straight to the point, no fillers, and no messing around with the longest cut just over 4 mins, these are irresistible, foot-tapping tunes which sound as good on the dance floor as at a dinner party.

Tracklist:
1. Dr. Kiffi
2. Not Yet
3. More Space
4. Special Party
5. Outro Lugar
6. Better Together
7. Let's Talk!
8. Lost Avenue
9. Sector 3
10. One Way

VA - Ecuatoriana - El Universo Paralelo de Polibio Mayorga 1969-1981 (Analog Africa No.37)

On 12 February 1949 an angry mob stormed into the centre of the Ecuadorian capital of Quito, burning the offices of the city’s main newspaper and its oldest radio station to the ground. 

On that tragic day Radio Quito had just broadcast a local adaptation of H.G. Wells’s The War of the Worlds. The novel – first published in 1898 and famously adapted into a radio series by Orson Welles – is one of the earliest stories to depict a conflict between mankind and a hostile race of extra-terrestrials. The large audience - not understanding that it was pure fiction - believed that intergalactic intelligence had invaded the country as all hell broke loose. Thousands began running the streets of Quito looking for shelter, chaos broke out, causing a deadly stampede. People blamed the broadcaster for the tragedy, formed a dense crowd and stormed Radio Quito, setting it ablaze. Several musicians, who were there performing, were killed.


In the decades after the second world war, outer space was on everyone’s mind and the ‘space race’ of the 1950s and 60s not only produced groundbreaking efforts to launch artificial satellites, send space probes to Mars and land a human on the moon, it also had a huge impact on the movie and music industry which was taking advantage of the world's fascination with space voyages and lunar missions to create instruments capable of mimicking imaginary interstellar sounds. These synthesised space effects that captivated the imagination of a whole generation of young Ecuadoreans coincided with a period in which workers and musicians from the provinces started flocking to Quito and to the commercial port of Guayaquil, some hoping to find regular work, others looking to break into the musical big leagues by getting hired by one of the prestigious urban radio station. These artists brought riches of rhythms to the major Ecuadorian cities who would soon witness the explosion of what would be known as “Andean Cumbia”.

That fusion, of tropical electronics mixed in with Andean melodies and lyrics describing the cruel reality of migrant workers, achieved massive success. And so while budding Ecuadorian UFOlogy lead to widespread extraterrestrial sightings, Ecuadorian musicians began released various albums consisting of traditional music combined with synthesisers in order to bring their traditional music into the space age. One of these musicians is Polibio Mayorga who had travelled 160km from his hometown of Chisalata to Quito where he showcased his talent as he championed the art of modernising his region’s ancestral rhythms - Huaynito, Sanjuanito, Albazo and many others - using the latest in electronic instruments.

After 4 years with Los Locos del Ritmo, one of Ecuador’s most popular bands, Polibio joined Fadisa (Fabrica De Discos S.A) in 1973 as a solo musician and songwriter before becoming their musical director a year later. While there he would team up with saxophonist extraordinaire Olmedo Torres, and for 10 years they would compose and arrange hits, not only for themselves but also for their fellow artists in the Fadisa family. Although Fadisa had countless labels in their roster, the jewel in their crown was Rondador and it was on that imprint that Polibio would release “Ponchito de Colores” and his famous album “La Farra Está Aquí”. With their novel use of Moog synthesiser, both became huge hit records and were broadcast constantly by Cosmopolita and Marañón de Quito – the two major radio stations of the capital. This led to a surge of interest in Andean cumbia, and the subsequent record sales helped to revive the country’s flagging music industry, turning Polibio into Ecuador’s most influential musician. 

Polibio has never considered his music to be “tropical psychedelia” - although he thinks it would make a good name for a band. He has the sense of humour of a genius and the ability to make anyone laugh, yet he remains discreet, eloquent and humble … but as a musician he is daring and visionary, with an intrepid, vigorous style almost impossible to imitate. More than perhaps any of his peers, Polibio Mayorga established a unique place for himself at the vanguard of tropical music. 

Tracklist:
1. Junior Y Su Equipo - America Índia
2. Eduardo Morales y Su Requinto - Muevase Vecina
3. Polibio Mayorga - Pañuelo De Seda
4. Polibio y Su Vibrafono - Altas Horas
5. Los Locos del Ritmo - Llorona
6. Alcibiades y Su Banda - Haciendo Bomba
7. Olmedo Torres y Polibio Mayorga - Mi Paisa
8. Polibio Mayorga y Su Conjunto - Culebrita Dormida
9. Orti e Mayorga y Chiriboga - Muñequita Blanca
10. Olmedo Torres y Polibio Mayorga - Unita Mas
11. Alcibiades y Su Banda - Bomba de Pobres
12. Olmedo Torres y Los Gatos - Don Alfoncito
13. Polibio Mayorga - Ferrocarril
14. Orti e Mayorga y Chiriboga - Di Que Me Amas
15. Conjunto La Jorga - La Perra Vida
16. Polibio Mayorga y Su Conjunto - Cumbia Totorana

Knxwledge - 家​.​V2

Tracklist:
1. 1. unlucky
2. 2. krusin
3. 3. baknw
4. 4. dreams
5. 5. finishit
6. 6. liquid
7. 7. friday
8. 8. ok

Walter Smith III - return to casual

Saxophonist and composer Walter Smith III has signed with Blue Note Records and enters a new era of his band leading career with the release of return to casual, the long-anticipated follow-up to his 2014 recording still casual. Reprising their bandmate roles, pianist Taylor Eigsti, guitarist Matt Stevens, bassist Harish Raghavan, and drummer Kendrick Scott reveal a seasoned depth of dimension alongside featured guest appearances by trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and pianist James Francies.

Tracklist:
1. Contra
2. River Styx
3. Pup - Pow
4. Shine
5. Mother Stands for Comfort
6. quiet song
7. lamplight
8. Amelia Earhart Ghosted Me
9. K8 + BYU$
10. REVIVE

elmo, Nico Harris - Liquid Fusion

Elmo and Nico Harris present their first album “Liquid Fusion” which can be described as a ride through space, where we discover different planets in an electronic-jazz universe. Visiting planets of different flavors like jazz fusion, R&B, 80s disco, you name it. The ride starts with an orchestral composition: "Liquid Fusion", then further dives into the fun and high-energy jazz fusion tracks like “Mirage”, “Nylon”, “Savannah” and “Where to Go”. Including a taste of side B with “Nocturn Lights” and the dance track “Freeze”, the mood begins to change to a deeper blend of emotions. First with the interlude “Worlds Apart”, before reaching the album's climax with tracks like “Noir”, “Hypnosis” and “Sounds of Flores”. The journey ends with “Out of the Dark” that sends us off on a cinematic type outro. The album has such a well-rounded story and feels like the soundtrack of an adventure. Combining all the fusion styles in one album to make the listeners feel like they are being taken off world into an incredible universe made out of all these musical genres!

There's a very special 200 edition which counts as the first edition. We thought that for this art a black vinyl will be a perfect match and also have the classic feel that the album has.

Tracklist:
1. Liquid Fusion
2. Mirage
3. Nylon
4. Savannah
5. Nocturn Lights
6. Where to Go
7. Freeze
8. Worlds Apart (Interlude)
9. Noir
10. Hipnosis
11. Sounds of Flores
12. Out of the Dark

Aurora Dee Raynes - Ribbon Of Hot Plasma

“Ribbon Of Hot Plasma” EP is the latest from North London’s Aurora Dee Raynes, featuring lead single “Something Sensible”, which received upfront support from Craig Charles (BBC 6Music). It follows their debut ‘Invisible Things’ LP and subsequent remixes from Shy One and El-B.

Beginning on an exploratory trajectory, focus track “Underwater Shapeshifter” plays with the youthful joy that can be found in the endless possibilities of the unknown. As the track lyrically looks back on the past, the hidden parts of our memories and questions around changing our ways, the energy and driving sub bass carries the listener through the musical waters. “We started toying with the idea that you shapeshift into a new world – you don’t mess it up. It’s dangerous and exciting. It will paint new pictures and give you new directions,” vocalist Danielle Kranendonk explains.

Built of gentle vocals over a subtly funky groove, “Something Sensible” explores the simple beauty that can be found in the sensible ending of a sensible relationship, choosing instead to stay in someone’s life from afar. “It’s not always about negative and hard feelings, there are layers”, Kranendonk muses. Pieced together by Raynes, the track begins with warm and earnest keys from Nicholas Johnson, which provide a cleansing backdrop for Kranendonk’s softer vocals to glide across. The funky driving force of the track comes from bassist Will Harper, consisting of thoughtful takes, reworkings and layering.

As the first new music since the debut LP from Aurora Dee Raynes, the “Ribbon Of Hot Plasma” EP sees the group revisit their core ethos, with the power of honest lyrics and collaborative production and instrumentation unifying and underpinning each of the tracks. Having taken the name Aurora Dee Raynes after finding the crashing of particles to create the Borealis a fitting metaphor for producer Stephen Raynes and Kranendonk crashing into each other to create music, they looked to the stars once again for the title of the project.

Stumbling upon the story of mysterious and unusual new aurora borealis (or more specifically a ribbon of hot plasma), fondly named STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement), they knew they’d found their EP title. “It is the “highly ionised plasma consisting of large numbers of electrons and positive ions, with the temperature of both being extremely high”. It’s a little weird, it sounds great and when we said it, we both reacted instantly. It describes our energy, and it had Stephen’s name in it. A sign and a feeling born from what we decided to name ourselves,” explains Kranendonk.

On “Reading Fiction”, the metaphor of particles gathering is used to illustrate the supportiveness in people coming together and becoming more than the sum of their parts. Radiating with a sultry groove, the lyrics seek to inspire and encourage people to wear their crown and “just do you”. Fuelled by producer Stephen Raynes’s late night beat-making studio sessions and Kranendonk’s night owl tendencies, the track embodies the colliding energy of Aurora Dee Raynes. Completing “Ribbon Of Hot Plasma” with final Aurora Dee Raynes touches, “Maths” comes equipped with urgent energy touching on jazz pianos, direction changes, vocal drops and varying styles that create space to groove and welcome us further into the party.

Tracklist:
1. Underwater Shapeshifter
2. Reading Fiction
3. Something Sensible
4. Maths
5. Reading Fiction (Radio Edit)
6. Maths (Radio Edit)
7. Underwater Shapeshifter (Instrumental)
8. Reading Fiction (Instrumental)
9. Something Sensible (Instrumental)
10. Maths (Instrumental)

JSPHYNX - Reflex

Following two standout releases from Rudi Creswick and Jamie Leeming, Alfa Mist’s Sekito Records imprint release their third LP project. Continuing their showcase of some of the most impressive up & coming Jazz players the UK has to offer, they are proud to present JSPHYNX’s debut LP Reflex. Hailing from the coastal town of Broadstairs (Kent), JSPHYNX (AKA Johnny Woodham) is a talented trumpeter, who cut his teeth performing alongside the likes of Barney Artist, Mr Jukes, Corto Alto, Ego Ella May, Tom Misch, Loyle Carner, Ashley Henry, Jordan Rakei, Tertia May, Subculture and Maisha.

Finding inspiration during lockdown, JSPHYNX began crafting loops at home before bringing them to his bandmates to help add some meat to the bones of the tracks. With an impressive roster of musicians on board (including Rudi Creswick on Bass duties, and Richard Spaven on drums) label boss Alfa Mist adopting the role of executive producer, Reflex is positioned at the sonic intersection of UK Jazz & Bass music. First single ‘Shake’ features Alfa Mist on vocal duties, painting a story of a protagonist choosing to respond to their environment by getting stronger and more resilient. Accompanied by moody breaks, eerie keys and punctuated by a ghostly trumpet motif it's a truly immersive introduction to the record. On the flip, ‘Palmers’ channels a focussed and driving energy, featuring hypnotic and captivating elements used to incredible effect. Second single ‘Skippy’ melds watery synths, pulsating basslines and furious snare work - building intensity into moments of euphoria inducing clarity and low-end meditation.

From front to back, Reflex is a dense, and carefully considered offering, melding syncopated beats with brooding atmospheres and with moments of blinding musicianship cutting through the haze. On the project, Alfa Mist says: ‘Really excited to get this project out, was glad to be involved in bringing Johnny’s tunes to life along with these great musicians. Like Jamie Leeming and Rudi Creswick, Johnny's played on a lot of my music, so many of the people I play with don’t understand how great they are, so at the moment, Sekito is all about bringing their music into the light.’

1. Reflex
2. Kush
3. Shake
4. King Cobra
5. Palmers
6. Be Less
7. Skippy
8. Prang
9. Sensei
10. SHHH

*Bonus (JSPHYNX - REFLEX - Live on Lightship 95)

VA - Full Fat 02

Join us as we celebrate our 50th release with a very special selection of 14 lovingly crafted cuts from the fam and some new friends.

Goldfat is very proud to present ‘Full Fat 2’.

New music from: Mitekiss, Pyxis, Note, Digital Native, Aaron Payne, Winslow, IYRE ft. Breezy Lee, Shiva, Auris, BrandNewTrumpets, Finnadrift, Uneven, Counter Culture, Qumulus, Leniz & Kublai.

We hope you enjoy this as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Here’s to our next 50 releases!

Tracklist:
1. FinnaDrift - Tree Lined Trails
2. Digital Native - Been Ages Since
3. Kublai - Darling, I
4. Mitekiss - Move On
5. Note & Pyxis - Shambhala
6. Winslow - Orange Cat (riddim)
7. Aaron Payne - Word Of Mouth
8. Breezy Lee & IYRE - Fortune Favours
9. Auris - In A Different Headspace
10. Qumulus - Bittersweet
11. Counter Culture - Tabs
12. Shiva - Ice On The Lena
13. BrandNewTrumpets & Uneven - Don't Sleep
14. Leniz - Final Destination