The Cinematic Orchestra - Every Day (20th Anniversary Edition)

 “in the simplest terms, a flawless collection.”
PITCHFORK (8.6)

“The beauty of Every Day is an understanding of Ron Carter, RZA, June Tyson, Sun Ra, Recloose, Theo Parrish and all that good stuff.”
GILLES PETERSON

The Cinematic Orchestra have announced the first ever reissue of their bonafide classic album “Every Day” originally released 20 years ago. Spread across 3 LP’s of translucent red vinyl replete with bonus tracks from the original recording sessions,‘Oregon’ and ‘Horizon (feat. Niara Scarlett)’ as well as two tracks previously unreleased on vinyl in ‘Semblance’ and the unearthed ‘Flite (Original Version)’. The release features new artwork from the original designer, Openmind, and gatefold sleeve complete with Gilles Peterson’s original liner notes. As well as a selection of previously unseen photographs presented on a 12” card insert, including the band at Rivoli Ballroom, London by Carl Fox and J.Swinscoe with Fontella Bass near Lake Geneva in Switzerland by Peter Williams.

Over the two decades since the album’s pioneering release It’s easy to see the band’s influence; jazz is all around us, with acclaimed artists from Kamasi Washington to Sons of Kemet and dozens more, London and LA have recently produced scenes more prolific than anyone expected. BADBADNOTGOOD have provided jazz soundtracks to high fashion shows, and Kendrick Lamar has put the genre at the top of the charts. The way the band moved beyond its initial jazz influences into a sort of transcendental orchestration combined with the contemporary elegant electronics now used by artists like Ólafur Arnalds and Floating Points, artists they have helped forge a path for, started to really reach fruition with the release of “Every Day”.

Across its seven flawless, soaring tracks, the group (led by founding member J.Swinscoe alongside longtime musical collaborator Dominic Smith) took you on a journey through classic soul, jazz, choral pieces, sinking horn riffs, throbbing harp b-lines, minimalism and more with a soul deeper than the ocean. And with guests of the calibre of Fontella Bass (the writer and performer of '60s soul masterpiece ‘Rescue Me’ and member of free jazz renegades the Art Ensemble of Chicago) and UK music legend Roots Manuva (whose soaring, philosophical contribution to "All Things To All Men" is a firm fan favourite), you know that you're in for something special. Pitchfork agreed, giving it a 8.6 review upon release.

Since debuting with “Motion”, in 1999, The Cinematic Orchestra have sold hundreds of thousands of albums, generated almost half a billion streams and enjoyed critical support from the likes of Pitchfork, The Guardian, New York Times, Le Monde, Resident Advisor, Fader, Crack, Rolling Stone, Gilles Peterson, Benji B, Jason Bentley and Mary Anne Hobbs. In 2007, The “Ma Fleur” album was recognised for its bold departure from the group’s sonic traditions; in the years since, it’s been continuously celebrated, with tracks like ‘To Build A Home’ reaching huge audiences. The band have performed to larger and larger audiences and sold out the likes of London's Royal Albert Hall, Philharmonie de Paris, Rome’s Auditorium Park Della and the Sydney Opera House. Coachella, Glastonbury, Fuji Rock, Montreux and Sonar have all played host to the band’s much loved live performances. They have also appeared at the Directors Guild Lifetime Achievement Awards for Stanley Kubrick and New York’s Summerstage with the legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra with John McLaughlin. Their original score for “The Crimson Wing”, included the track ‘Arrival of the Birds’ which featured in the Oscar Winning Stephen Hawking biopic "The Theory of Everything”. Their last album “To Believe,” charted in the Top 20 of the UK albums chart and #1 in the album vinyl chart.

This deluxe reissue proves once again, what was known all along, that in “Every Day”, that The Cinematic Orchestra truly created a timeless body of work.

Tracklist:
1. All That You Give (feat. Fontella Bass)
2. Burn Out
3. Flite
4. Evolution (feat. Fontella Bass)
5. Man With The Movie Camera
6. All Things To All Men (feat. Roots Manuva)
7. Everyday
8. Oregon
9. Horizon (feat. Niara Scarlett)
10. Semblance
11. Flite (Original Version)

 

 

Erik Truffaz - Rollin'

Acclaimed French trumpeter Erik Truffaz returns to Blue Note with an album that adds his unique touch to music featured in his favorite films from the golden age of cinema. Truffaz offers compelling new interpretations of themes from classic movies including La Strada, L’Ascenseur Pour L’Echafaud, River of No Return, Le Casse & more

Tracklist:
1. La Strada
2. Rut Ascenseur Pour L’Echafaud
3. Theme de Fantômas
4. One Silver Dollar (River of No Return) (feat. Camelia Jordana)
5. Persuader’s Theme (The Persuader’s)
6. Route de Nuit (Les Tontons Flingeurs)
7. La Lettre (César et Rosalie) (feat. Sandrine Bonnaire)
8. Le Casse (Le Casse)
9. Quel Temps fait-il à Paris (Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot)

Brandee Younger - Brand New Life

Brandee Younger releases her new album Brand New Life via Impulse! Records. At once a stunning testament to Younger’s power as a composer and a remarkable tribute to trailblazing harpist Dorothy Ashby, the album features Pete Rock, 9 th Wonder, Mumu Fresh, and more.

On her second album for Impulse!, Younger pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Dorothy Ashby, whose groundbreaking work brought the harp to the forefront of popular genres and has influenced generations of jazz, hip-hop, and R&B musicians. Brand New Life sees Younger lend her inimitable talent to original compositions (including the album’s title track, an evocative collaboration with singer-activist Mumu Fresh), reworks of iconic pieces from Ashby’s catalog, and never-before-recorded works by Ashby.

Younger is also joined on Brand New Life by icons of hip-hop and R&B, many of whom have been inspired by Ashby themselves. DJ and rapper Pete Rock joins Younger for a powerful rework of Ashby’s “Livin’ and Lovin’ in My Own Way,” and also accompanied Younger in a discussion of Ashby’s rich musical legacy on Good Morning America (watch the segment HERE). Meanwhile, 9th Wonder adds infectious production to a new interpretation of “The Windmills of Your Mind,” and Meshell N’degeocello contributes dreamy vocals to Younger';s imaginative take on Ashby's 1969 track "Dust."

Tracklist:
1. You're A Girl For One Man Only
2. Brand New Life
3. Come Live With Me
4. Livin' And Lovin' In My Own Way
5. Running Game
6. Running Game
7. Moving Target
8. Dust
9. The Windmills Of Your Mind
10. If It's Magic

Brandee Younger:
Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Official | Spotify | YouTube

Impulse!:
Facebook | Instagram | Official | SoundCloud | Twitter | YouTube

Sunbörn - Sunbörn

The KutiMangoes change their name to Sunbörn.

On their first album as Sunbörn, the Danish 6-piece digs into what connects us as human beings: we are all born under the same sun and are connected by the same forces of nature. Meeting the world and connecting through music has been a vital mission for our band from day one, and again and again on our travels we have experienced how music can cross borders, build bridges and connect us with people from different backgrounds and cultures in shared experiences. In times when the world is tearing itself apart it is clear that music has the power to reach across divides and remind us of our common humanity. Sunbörn's self-titled ablum features collaborations with artists from all over the world: Caio Marcio (BR), Ida Nielsen/Bassida (DK), BIGYUKI (JP/US), DJ Opolopo (S), Clap! Clap! (I) & Moderator (G).

Tracklist:
1. Dancing in the Dusk
2. Night Sweats
3. Metropolis
4. Echoes
5. Under The Same Sky
6. Beach Chase
7. Mankind?
8. Apple Blossom

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