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ACID JAZZ

Sean Khan Presents The Modern Folk & Jazz Ensemble

Sean Khan Presents The Modern Folk & Jazz Ensemble

    Saxophone master Sean Khan presents a brand new album project on Acid Jazz – The Modern Folk & Jazz Ensemble. The album explores the sounds of the late-’60s/early-’70s folk revival, recast and reimagined in a jazz setting with featured guest singers, including compositions by Pentangle, Sandy Denny, John Martyn and Nick Drake.

    Featured vocalists are the legendary Pentangle lead singer Jacqui McShee, acclaimed singer-guitarist Rosie Taylor-Frater, and emerging artist Kindelan. Sean Khan meanwhile is known as one of the UK’s premier saxophonists, and particularly his ‘Supreme Love: A Journey Through Coltrane’ LP. His distinctive Soprano playing can be heard throughout.

    Presented in a beautiful, evocative sleeve and inner-sleeve layout on LP and gatefold-style CD.

    TRACK LISTING

    1. She Moves Through The Fair
    2. Solid Air
    3. Light Flight
    4. Parasite
    5. Things Behind The Sun
    6. Who Knows Where The Time Goes
    7. I’ve Got A Feeling
    8. Ode To Nick Drake

    Various Artists

    The Best Of Rare Mod

      The ’Rare Mod’ series has been one of the most enduring Acid Jazzcurated comps of recent years. This included the CD Volumes 1-3 and a 3CD Boxset, uncovering a host of lost classics that capture sound of the original Mod scene: Hard R’n’B, Beat & Soul, and archetypal Pop from the 1960s.

      For the first time, the Best Of… is available on vinyl, with choice selections from across the series, presented in a hip, evocative sleeve, with printed inner, and on orange transparent vinyl. The track-list contains a couple from the legendary Fleur De Lys, as well as a track from their brief billing as ‘Shyster’. Elsewhere, there are several productions from unsung hero and prolific session man Graham Dee, and even a turn from young David Bowie performing with The Riot Squad!

      An absolute must-have collection of the less-heard tracks from one of the most iconic periods of British music.

      TRACK LISTING

      1. Mud In My Eye – The Fleur De Lys
      2. It’s A Hard Way – Cathedral
      3. She’s Got The Time – The Afex
      4. Tick Tock – Shyster
      5. Big Bird – Dog Soul
      6. I’m A Man – The Top Six
      7. I’m Waiting For The Man – The Riot Squad
      8. We Can Make It Together – Tony & Tandy
      9. A Love I Believe In – Maxine
      10. Brick By Brick (Stone By Stone) – Fleur De Lys
      11. Soul Ride – Mike Berry
      12. Just A Little Misunderstanding – Richard Kent Style
      13. Sing A Simple Song – Ossie Lane Show
      14. Mr. Super Cool – Graham Dee

      The Ballistic Brothers

      London Hooligan Soul - 2024 Repress

        Comprising of Darren Rock, Darren House and Ashley Beadle (of XPress 2), alongside David Hill and Uschi Classen, they combined their talents on a series of mysterious vinyl releases in the heady days of the London club scene. If you were part of a clubbing tribe in the early/mid ‘90s - any clubbing tribe - you will have danced to the Ballistic Brothers.

        TRACK LISTING

        1. Portobello Café
        2. Come On
        3. Soho Cab Ride
        4. I’ll Fly Away
        5. Jah Jah Call You
        6. Mark’s Lude
        7. I Don’t Know
        8. Sister Song
        9. A Beautiful Space
        10. Steppin’ Into Eden
        11. Peckings
        12. Uschi’s Lament

        Dee C Lee

        Just Something

          Acid Jazz is hugely excited to present the return of illustrious soul singer Dee C Lee.

          Following the hugely impressive single last October – the double Asider – ‘Don’t Forget About Love’ / ‘Be There In The Morning’, the album ‘Just Something’ is out 22 March, 2024.

          Dee C Lee is known for her extensive work with both Wham! and The Style Council, before forging her own solo career which landed a Top 5 hit ‘See The Day’. She is known as one of the great voices of British soul music.

          The album sees her on remarkable vocal form on this, her first release in 25 years, and an essential for fans and followers of classic soul.

          TRACK LISTING

          1. Back In Time
          2. Don’t Forget About Love
          3. Anything
          4. Mountains
          5. How To Love
          6. Be There In The Morning
          7. Walk Away
          8. Everyday Summer
          9. Trojan Horse
          10. For Once In My Life
          11. I Love You

          Various Artists

          Eddie Piller & Dean Rudland Present... Acid Jazz (Not Jazz): We’ve Got A Funky Beat

            Following the hugely popular first ‘Acid Jazz (Not Jazz)’ release in 2022, label heads Eddie Piller and Dean Rudland return with a second volume, ‘We’ve Got A Funky Beat’.

            The record further takes in the club sounds of the original acid jazz scene in the early 1990s, where obscure funk, soul and rock records were mixed with new productions that turned up at the Acid Jazz (then Denmark Street) offices on a near-daily basis.

            A document of an era, before the internet, where clubs and record stores informed the tastes and direction of the burgeoning London music community and the close-knit groups of producers, musicians, label and shop owners that were constant companions in search of the new sound.

            Ballistic Brothers and X-Press 2 appear alongside unsung heroes such as Night Trains and The Hightower Set.

            Presented in a beautiful geometric graphic sleeve, with a printed inner sleeve documenting the original release designs.

            TRACK LISTING

            1. Super Strut - The Apostles
            2. Escucha Ma Funk - The Hightower Set
            3. Testify - Mains Ignition
            4. Russian Roulette - Night Trains (ft. Afrika Bambaataa)
            5. From The Ghetto - Dread Flimstone
            6. Delancy St… The Theme - Ballistic Brothers Vs. Eccentric Afros
            7. Tranz Euro X-Press - XPress 2
            8. Farside - Jaziacs

            The James Taylor Quartet

            Mission Impossible - 2024 Reissue

              To mark the 35th Anniversary of the label, Acid Jazz has been reissuing seminal records from their catalogue on colour vinyl.

              The second James Taylor Quartet release in the series, following ‘The Money Spyder’, this version of ‘Mission Impossible’ is pressed on a fitting red vinyl. 

              The original release track-listing showcases JTQ’s sixties soundtrack odyssey – driving organ instrumentals from the beginnings of Acid Jazz.

              Alongside Lalo Schifrin’s iconic title track appear tracks by Herbie Hancock, Paul Simon and Bacharach & David, before the Taylor-penned original ‘The Stooge’ closes out this lean, hip collection.


              TRACK LISTING

              1. Blow Up
              2. Mission Impossible
              3. Goldfinger
              4. The Cat
              5. Mrs. Robinson
              6. Alfie
              7. The Stooge

              X-Press 2 Feat. Kele Okereke

              Phasing You Out (David Holmes Remix)

                Hot on the heels of their fifth fantastic LP ‘Thee’ - their first for 25 years and debut for Acid Jazz - house stalwarts X-Press 2 have enlisted David Holmes to remix album track ‘Phasing You Out’.

                The original version of ‘Phasing You Out’ features Kele Okereke from Bloc Party and sits at the heart of the new album which again showed that Rocky and Diesel remain dedicated to proper house music.

                David Holmes has had a 25-plus year career in music that has seen him release several vital albums and remix artists like Andrew Weatherall, Primal Scream and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, hold down a cult NTS radio show and turn out a seminal mix for Late Night Tales.

                David Holmes brings plenty of signature musicality to what is a standout remix - his version of ‘Phasing You Out’ is an intense one that unfolds over eight minutes of percussive density, dusty drum work and careful treatment of the original vocal. The whole arrangement is lavishly decorated with wispy pads and glassy sound effects, police sirens and a rhythmic intensity that never lets up and will work any floor into a frenzy.

                TRACK LISTING

                1. Phasing You Out (David
                2. Holmes Remix)
                3. Phasing You Out

                T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo

                Le Sato 2 - 2023 Reissue

                  Over the past few years Acid Jazz have released a series of reissues from the enigmatic Albarika Store, a goldmine of records from Benin, West Africa from the late 1960s through to the early 1980s.

                  T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo’s ‘Le Sato 2’ is a particularly obscure release. The follow up to ‘Le Sato’, the album was originally sold in exactly the same sleeve as the first volume, with the new catalogue number simply written on the back.

                  This reissue marks the first proper release of the record, with a sleeve incorporating original design in a new, distinctive and authentic colour scheme.

                  This time the tracklist and labels are correct, giving the album pride of place in the essential T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo, Albarika and Benin musical library.

                  The record itself sees Benin’s premier group in characteristic form - hypnotic, heavy, heady Afro- Funk under the leadership of ‘Prince’ Melome Clement. A must-have for Afro collectors and passing fans alike.

                  Fully licenced reissue, remastered by Nick Robbins at Sound Mastering.

                  TRACK LISTING

                  1. General Gowon
                  2. Gendemou Na Wili We Gnannin
                  3. A Non Zoun Mi
                  4. La Verite Blesse
                  5. Je N'en Peux Plus

                  Matt Berry

                  Simplicity

                    This November Matt Berry will release a unique collaboration with esteemed Library Music label KPM. KPM is renowned for providing the musical bedrock for so many classics of British TV and international cinema, using the best British composers - such as Keith Mansfield, Alan Hawkshaw, John Cameron and Alan Moorhouse - to do so. ’Simplicity’ follows in the footsteps of these giants, and is a worthy successor to them. Alongside his formidable acting career, Matt Berry has released a series of acclaimed albums on the Acid Jazz label. Ranging from the folk stylings of ‘Kill The Wolf’, the ambient electronica of ‘Music For Insomniacs’, to the psych rock of ‘Blue Elephant’, these have marked Berry out as an impressive musician and recording artist in his own right. Embodying the form of KPM’s original LPs geared towards film and television pitching, the album consists of 11 sharp and vibrant instrumentals, which will no doubt be heard productions for many years to come. released in special collaboration with Acid Jazz, the album is presented in a beautiful graphic sleeve, with notes that allude to the original KPM releases, for something that is instantly hip and familiar, yet unmistakably new.

                    TRACK LISTING

                    1. Top Brass
                    2. Driving Seat
                    3. Rising Bass
                    4. Set The Scene
                    5. Good Sport
                    6. Transition To…
                    7. Simple Basics
                    8. Widescreen
                    Features
                    9. Too Many Hats
                    10. Telescopic
                    11. Top Brass Two 

                    The James Taylor Quartet

                    The Money Spyder - 2023 Reissue

                      The sound of acid jazz on one record – heavy, organ-driven instrumentals from Hammond maestro James Taylor and his quartet. Part of Acid Jazz 35th Anniversary series, highlighting core releases from the label. The debut album from The James Taylor Quartet, premastered and pressed on clear vinyl.

                      TRACK LISTING

                      1. The Money Spyder
                      2. One Way Street
                      3. Car Chase
                      4. The Spiral Staircase
                      5. Mr. Cool’s Dream
                      6. A Real Mean Time
                      7. The Onion Club
                      8. The Stroll
                      9. “Los Cuevos Pablo”
                      10. Midnight Stomp
                      (The New Rumba)
                      11. Buzy Bee
                      12. In The Park 

                      X-Press 2

                      Three

                        Legendary UK dance act return with their first new album in over a decade. House music would sound very different without the work of X-Press 2. For the last three decades, they have been serving up a broad spectrum of music ranging from catchy, to anthemic, to moody and atmospheric. Having won an Ivor Novello award for their hit ‘Lazy’ (feat. David Byrne), and even had their music synced by fashion house Givenchy, they have always showed evoluPon, shown in their 4 previous studio albums. Having set the tone with singles ‘You Know (Everybody)’ and ‘Muse’, anPcipaPon is growing for this special double LP

                        TRACK LISTING

                        1. Moov
                        2. Zeven
                        3. Phasing You Out
                        4. Muse
                        5. I Can See The Love
                        6. The Rain
                        7. You Know
                        (Everybody)
                        8. Reach For Me
                        9. Cope
                        10. Bloom
                        11. Werq

                        The Kevin Fingier Collective

                        Not Strictly Soul

                          After a series of highly sought-after 7” singles, and an acclaimed compilation album, the Kevin Fingier Collective returns with an all-new, all-original album.

                          A further exploration of the Latin Soul, R&B, Mod Jazz and Raw Funk sounds the Collec8ve is known for, under the helm of producer Kevin Fingier.

                          Featuring the powerhouse vocals of Diane Ward, Jo Ann Hamilton and Jose Dias variously throughout, with a guest appearance from reggae legend Derrick HarrioR and Senegalese musician Abdoulaye Badiane.

                          Presented in a characteristically hip graphic sleeve with the record itself mastered at Golden Mastering, California.




                          TRACK LISTING

                          1. Intro
                          2. Midnight Walk
                          3. I Really Care
                          4. Groovin’ In Soho
                          5. So I Can Free Myself
                          6. Only For Me
                          7. Round 2am
                          8. El Popcorn
                          9. Nada Pope Te Parar
                          10. Dumia Doman Doman
                          11. My Heart Is Burning

                          Corduroy

                          Men Of The Cloth

                            Recorded to mark the 30th Anniversary of their debut ‘Dad Man Cat’ and the follow-up ‘High Havoc’, Corduroy return with an new mini-album: ‘Men of the Cloth.’

                            Sitting perfectly at the corded fringe between acid jazz and rising Britpop, Corduroy emerged in 1991 out of the ashes of cult band Boys Wonder, and made three increasingly brilliant albums on Acid Jazz. They also became one of the top live acts of their generation. After an 18-year hiatus, they returned with ‘Return of the Fabric Four in 2018, and remain a draw on the live circuit.

                            Featuring the popular sides from last years limited-edition 7” single ‘No More Me Me Me’ and ‘Hypnotoad’, ‘Men of the Cloth’ features four new cuts from the same Corduroy cloth - a heady mix of swinging sixties soundtracks, pop art imagery and Jazz-Funk in equal measure. A must-have addition to one of the founding acts of Acid Jazz.

                            Mama Terra

                            The Summoned

                              New Acid Jazz signing Mama Terra is the brainchild of Glaswegian pianist and composer Marco Cafolla, who conceived The Summoned during lockdown. Playing piano and bass keys, he used hip hop and modern American Jazz drummer samples to create a rhythm section. 

                              The stems were sent to Orangefish Studio in Brooklyn, NYC where Derek Neivergelt (Terrance Blanchard) Evan Pazner (Lee Fields) added a live rhythm section, with guest trumpet solos from Jeremy Pelt. The Summoned is a conceptual journey through life and the universe – a new an invigorated take on spiritual jazz with a sprinkling of soul. 



                              TRACK LISTING

                              1. Ruptura
                              2. Sunday
                              3. The Summoned
                              4. A Mind Supreme
                              5. Novo
                              6. Radio Silence
                              7. Last Hour
                              8. Like Tears In Rain

                              Les Symphatics De Porto-Novo Benin

                              Les Sympathics De Porto Novo Benin: Vol. 2

                                Over the past few years Acid Jazz has been reissuing rare and exciting records from the legendary Benin label ‘Albarika Store’

                                Next in the series is ‘Les Sympathics de Porto Novo Benin (Vol. 2)’, the second album from another of Porto Novo’s premier groups from the 1970s, founded by former Herman Laleye – former leader of other Benin greats ‘Black Dragons de Porto Novo’.

                                The heavy rhythm section of the Laleye brothers (Herman on bass and Marc on drums) supports the vocals of Gangbo Bonheur (with backing from Herman and Jean-Louis Avognon), alongside Armand Pognon's blues-edged guitar and Camille Zanou's hypnotic organ.

                                Unlike a lot of their contemporaries, Les Sympathics steer clear of straight Afro Beat, Afro-Funk or Afro latin incursions, to create something truly unique in the Beninese musical canon.

                                Reissued in full for the very first time on high quality vinyl, with an incredible reproduction of the original sleeve. A must have for African music enthusiasts.

                                TRACK LISTING

                                1. Ego-Ibo
                                2. The End Of Soffer
                                3. Cust No De Kill
                                4. La Route Est Longue

                                Matt Berry

                                Kill The Wolf: 10th Anniversary Edition

                                  In 2013, Matt Berry released his second album on Acid Jazz, ‘Kill The Wolf’, introducing progressive music, 1970s pop and psychedelic experimentation for a critically acclaimed album that established him as a musician in his own right. 

                                  The original release plan saw a short run of a box set that included exclusive music and has inevitably become a sought after rarity since. 

                                  For the album’s tenth anniversary, special edition deluxe versions make these tracks availableagain, in some formats for the very first time.

                                  TRACK LISTING

                                  CD
                                  Gather Up
                                  Devil Inside Me
                                  Fallen Angel
                                  Medicine
                                  Wolf Quartet
                                  Solstice
                                  October Sun
                                  The Signs
                                  Knock Knock
                                  Bonfire
                                  Village Dance
                                  Farewell Summer Sun
                                  The Dawn
                                  You That I See
                                  Fire Chant
                                  Food Chain Blues
                                  Early Knock
                                  October
                                  To The Floor
                                  Sea Chant
                                  Devil Inside Me (Walk With Samuel)
                                  Honky Knock
                                  Venison Sketch
                                  Wolf Quartet (‘Original’ Mix)

                                  2LP
                                  Gather Up
                                  Devil Inside Me
                                  Fallen Angel
                                  Medicine
                                  Wolf Quartet
                                  Solstice
                                  October Sun
                                  The Signs
                                  Knock Knock
                                  Bonfire
                                  Village Dance
                                  Farewell Summer Sun
                                  The Dawn
                                  Devil Inside Me (Walk With Samuel)
                                  Fire Chant
                                  You That I See
                                  Early Knock
                                  To The Floor
                                  Wolf Quartet (‘original' Mix)
                                  Ukenwhistle
                                  Venison Sketch
                                  On A High
                                  October
                                  Honky Knock
                                  An Electric Hero
                                  Food Chain Blues
                                  Sea Chant

                                  Brand New Heavies

                                  Original Flava

                                    To mark the 35th Anniversary of the label, Acid Jazz are reissuing some essential formative albums as a special series on coloured vinyl. Brand New Heavies’ ‘Orginal Flava’ was originally released in 1994, but includes material from before their seminal, self-title 1990 debut ‘Brand New Heavies’. 

                                    Highlights include a lounge version of ‘Never Stop’, the Crusaders-esque ‘Country Funkin’ as well as an adventurous live version of ‘Headhunters’, which shows the Heavies’ power as a live outfit. A vital snapshot into the early years of a vital band and the early years of Acid Jazz

                                    TRACK LISTING

                                    1. Rest Of Me
                                    2. Put Yourself In My Shoes
                                    3. Reality
                                    4. Country Funkin’
                                    5. Got To Give
                                    6. Mother’s Tongue
                                    7. Dream Come True
                                    8. Never Stop
                                    9. Headhunters (Live)
                                    10. A Day At The Seaside

                                    Billy Valentine

                                    Billy Valentine And The Universal Truth

                                      Acid Jazz presents a very special collaboration with Flying Dutchman – the first new music from the iconic US label since the ’70s. Billy Valentine is one of the great soul voices working in America (‘the secret weapon of almost every songwriter in L.A.’) – with a history as deep and varied as the Young-Hold Trio, the original touring company of ‘The Wiz’, in collaboration with his brother as ‘The Valentine Brothers’, right up to credits that include Swedish House Mafia.

                                      Collaborator Bob Thiele Jr. is the son of legendary producer and Flying Dutchman founder Bob Thiele (John Coltrane, Gil Scott-Heron and many others), and an acclaimed producer and songwriter in his own right. Having worked together for over three decades, his vision was to produce a Billy Valentine record to reflect our times.

                                      Conceived in the summer of 2020, it is a response to the throes of a global pandemic and the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd. More than a covers album, this record uncovers the works of the likes of Curtis Mayfield, Gil Scott-Heron, and Pharaoh Sanders in a new setting. Recorded at EastWest Studios (formally the historic United Western Recorders), produced and mixed by Dave Way, and featuring a stella cast of session musicians, the album is as sonically stunning as it is moving.

                                      TRACK LISTING

                                      1. We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue
                                      2. Home Is Where The Hatred Is
                                      3. My People… Hold On
                                      4. You Haven’t Done Nothin’
                                      5. The Creator Has A Master Plan
                                      6. Sign Of The Times
                                      7. Wade In The Water
                                      8. The World Is A Ghetto 

                                      Mother Earth

                                      Stoned Woman - 2023 Reissue

                                        Acid Jazz is marking its 35th Anniversary with a series of classic releases from their catalogue The first of these is Mother Earth’s debut album - ‘Stoned Woman’.

                                        Recorded in a Tottenham industrial estate studio at the height of ‘acid jazz’, it’s a rock inflected, funky brew that heavily referenced Blaxploitation soundtracks from the early to mid 70s. Mother Earth developed a life of their own, moving through line-up changes, and leaving behind the arguably more radical sound that remains distilled in this album. A must-have for original-era acid jazz fans, marking an important time in British music.

                                        The Kevin Fingier Collective

                                        El Sonido De Fingier Records

                                          Fingier Records was established in 2020 as a group label of Acid Jazz Records to showcase the Latin American productions of Argentine producer Kevin Fingier It has produced a series of sell-out and collectable 7” singles, with some going for hundreds of pounds on collector sites.

                                          This compilation brings these singles together onto one LP, with graphics and photography on a sleeve to match the sound and style of Fingier Records. Features the vocals of Diane Ward, Jo-Ann Hamilton and Gerri Granger, Brazilian singer Jose Dias and Senegalese vocalist/percussionist Abdoulaye Badiane, backed by the all-star Kevin Fingier Collective.

                                          TRACK LISTING

                                          Why Don’t You Go Home
                                          September
                                          Don’t Wanna Cry No More
                                          Cocktail De Medianoche
                                          El Basement
                                          Rua Nova Barao
                                          I Love Without A Love
                                          Latin Dynamite
                                          Um Brilho Novo
                                          Kairo Bancou Moulu
                                          Sunglasses After Dark
                                          Addis Abada

                                          Ogassa

                                          Ogassa Original (Vol. 1)

                                            Over the past couple of years Acid Jazz have been re-issuing releases from the enigmatic ‘Albarika Store’ label, a goldmine in Afro cuts from Benin, West Africa. The latest instalment is the ultra-rare ‘Ogassa Original (Vol. 1), the first LP from obscure but ultimately brilliant Porto Novo group, Ogassa from 1978.

                                            Like many Albarika releases, it was recorded at EMI Lagos, giving a depth and fidelity that stands out in the realm of Afro rarities. Reissued in full with the original artwork for the very first time, a must have for Afro collectors and completists alike.


                                            TRACK LISTING

                                            1. Avale
                                            2. Ogassa Story
                                            3. Production Vido Tche
                                            4. Gbe We Gnin Wa Bio

                                            Various Artists

                                            Do It All Night - The Sound Of Tardam Records

                                              Acid Jazz collaborates with Dutch-Italian vinyl specialist Tardam Records for this collection of raw R&B and Soul hard-hitters Featuring the likes of The Mighty Typhoons, Spinshots and Voodoo Working Club, it’s a modern exploration of a classic soul-night ready sound Presented in impeccable style with a specially commissioned sleeve illustration by Emanuel Wiemans of a midcentury pool party to really set the tone.

                                              TRACK LISTING

                                              1. I’m Com’un Home In The Morn’un – The Mighty Typhoons Ft. Beaulah Enser
                                              2. Seven Bullets, One Gun – The Spinshots
                                              3. Scorched – Rosie Stevens & The Dry Riverbed Trio
                                              4. Do It All Night – Working Voodoo Club
                                              5. Open Your Heart – The Uppertones
                                              6. Gigglewater – 44 Shakedown
                                              7. Waddasei – The Mighty Typhoons Ft. Viky De Sentis
                                              8. One More Chance – The Might Typhoons Ft. Beaulah Enser
                                              9. Sweet Baby Of Mine – Rose Stevens & The Dry Riverbed Trio
                                              10. The Snake – The Mighty Typhoons
                                              11. For A Minute – Voodoo Working Club
                                              12. Sometimes I Feel – The Uppertones
                                              13. Ramrod – 44 Shakedown
                                              14. Diabolik - Skepticals

                                              Robert French And Antony Johnson

                                              Robert French Meets Anthony Johnson

                                                The meeting of two great reggae artists, reissued on LP for the very first time. A must-have for reggae, roots and dancehall collectors. Includes Johnson’s fabulous take on ‘Sitting In The Park’ and French’s protest ‘No War’. Recorded at the legendary Channel One Recording studio in Kingston, Jamaica, with the reputed Roots Radics Band, produced by ‘Jah’ Thomas Remastererd by Nick Robbins at Sound Mastering and presented in a deluxe sleeve, featuring the original artwork by Wilfred Limonious

                                                TRACK LISTING

                                                1. Sitting In The Park
                                                2. Park Dub
                                                3. Know Yourself Mankind
                                                4. Mankind Dub
                                                5. I Want To Hold You
                                                6. Hold You Dub
                                                7. Stop Spread Rumour
                                                8. Rumour Dub
                                                9. Number One Lover
                                                10. Love Dub
                                                11. No War
                                                12. War Dub

                                                T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo

                                                Afro-Funk - 2022 Reissue

                                                  The latest LP installment from the legendary Albarika Store archive, presented by Acid Jazz Records: a compilation of Afro-Funk from the supreme T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo. Includes the underground classic ‘It’s A Vanity’, among tracks from throughout their career from the late ‘60s to the early ‘80s. A prime example of some of the finest original Afro-Funk and an ideal introduction to T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo.

                                                  TRACK LISTING

                                                  Gbeto Viv
                                                  It’s A Vanity
                                                  Minkou E So Non Moin
                                                  Kou Tche Kpo So O
                                                  Houe Djein Nada
                                                  Gbeti Ma Djro
                                                  Segla
                                                  Medida
                                                  Gan Tche Kpo
                                                  Mi Si Ba To
                                                  Mi Ve Wa Se
                                                  Aihe Ni Kpe We 

                                                  Soul Revivers

                                                  Grove Dub X 500

                                                    Soul Revivers continue onwards from their earlier 2022 release ‘On The Grove’ with the hotly anticipated dub version ‘Grove Dub’

                                                    An ambitious, collaborative project, producers David Hill and Nick Manasseh bring together reggae legends, including Ken Boothe and Ernest Ranglin, with the hottest UK musical talent, in what has become the standout reggae project of the year

                                                    The Dub version continues in the same vein – another installment in the rich history of West London reggae and dub.

                                                    TRACK LISTING

                                                    Meanwhile Dub
                                                    Harder Version
                                                    Underground Dub
                                                    Gone Clear
                                                    Rocka Dub
                                                    Why Dub
                                                    Got To Dub
                                                    More Drama

                                                    Gloria Scott

                                                    So Wonderful

                                                      Gloria Scott was discovered by Sly Stone, before working with Ike and Tina Turner in the ‘Ikettes’, and going on to make classic, collectable soul records in the ‘70s.

                                                      Her collaboration with Barry White yielded her acclaimed 1974 album ‘What Am I Gonna Do’, which included ‘(A Case Of) Too Much Love Makin’, and also sees three tracks on this brand new record.

                                                      Alongside the White-written/associated tracks, are 5 original numbers (including a co-write with PP Arnold), and a cover of Gospel-House classic ‘Promised Land’.

                                                      An absolute must-have contemporary record from a classic soul artist.

                                                      Brand New Heavies

                                                      Brand New Heavies - 2022 Reissue

                                                        Brand New Heavies’ seminal self-titled debut album sees full reissue on Acid Jazz, pressed on special edition blue vinyl

                                                        The record exploded in the summer of 1990, defining the the sound of the summer, while establishing both the band and the Acid Jazz label.

                                                        With a fresh take on their influences – ’70s Jazz Funk and Two-Step Soul – combined with a London Warehouse Party vibe, it began the groups journey to international success, with 16 Top 40 hits.

                                                        Includes raw funk cuts ‘BNH’ and ‘Sphynx’, as well as ‘Dream Come True’ and ‘Stay This Way’ – both of which would become US R&B and UK Pop hits.

                                                        Their legacy lives on with their spirit firmly residing in this classic debut LP.

                                                        TRACK LISTING

                                                        BNH
                                                        Gimmie One Of Those
                                                        Dream Come True
                                                        Put The Funk Back In It
                                                        People Get Ready
                                                        Ride In The Sky
                                                        Sphynx
                                                        Stay This Way
                                                        Shake Down

                                                        Ferry Djimmy

                                                        Rhythm Revolution

                                                        Recorded for Benin’s Communist revolution, ‘Rhythm Revolution’ is a rare and truly unique Afrobeat record - it’s rumoured only 200 copies of the original release survived.

                                                        Ferry Djimmy was a schoolteacher, former boxer, and a personal friend of Muhammad Ali and Fela Kuti. He was later Jacques Chirac’s personal bodyguard.

                                                        Recorded at the Satel Studio in Cotonou, the album is one of the toughest, wildest and deepest slices of Afro-Funk cut - with raw African rhythms, distortion, energy and wit.

                                                        Alongside nods to Hendrix, Kuti and James Brown, there is something truly unique about Ferry Djimmy’s musical legacy.

                                                        A must-have for Afrobeat, Afro Funk and Psych collectors.

                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: Hard fuzz and clatter here from a Benin revolutionary.. Ferry wields his guitar like a man possessed, issuing wah-wah bombardments and frenzied solos; whilst a whole array of yet-to-be-sampled breaks thump away in the back. Real deal shit!

                                                        TRACK LISTING

                                                        Be Free
                                                        Atakpa DC9
                                                        When I Come In The Road
                                                        Brest DC10
                                                        Yong Revolution
                                                        Carry Me Blak
                                                        Antiga
                                                        Ichango
                                                        A Were We Coco
                                                        Egbemi Black
                                                        Love Love
                                                        Start To Pray
                                                        Oluwa Loranmi Nichai
                                                        Toba Walemi
                                                        Chikri Man
                                                        My Dad Has Me To Kanm

                                                        Bangs & Talbot

                                                        Back To Business

                                                          Acid Jazz present a new collaboration between Chris Bangs and Mick Talbot, ‘Back To Business’, celebrating the mod club jazz sounds that are at the backbone of their DNA.

                                                          DJ and Producer Chris Bangs first coined the term ‘acid jazz’, and has produced records for Galliano and Paul Weller, alongside his own project, Quiet Boys.

                                                          Mick Talbot was a founding member and keyboardist of The Style Council with Paul Weller. He has since played with Galliano, Dexys Midnight Runners and Candy Staton.

                                                          Having previously recorded together in Yada Yada and Soundscape, ‘Back To Business’ marks the first Bangs & Talbot collaboration for years. Vital for mod collectors and beyond.

                                                          TRACK LISTING

                                                          Sumthin’ Else
                                                          Surf’N’Turf
                                                          How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
                                                          Stingray (Live At PJ’s)
                                                          Kookie T
                                                          It’s Alright (Instrumental)
                                                          Leela’s Dance
                                                          Blue Jeans
                                                          Goody Goody
                                                          Pick’N’Mick’s
                                                          Jerk Chicken
                                                          Blues Walk

                                                          Nimbus Sextet

                                                          Forward Thinker

                                                            Acid Jazz present the second LP from Glasgowbased jazz ensemble Nimbus Sextet, ‘Forward Thinker’.

                                                            Led by Joe Nicholls, the band emerged in 2020 with their debut, ‘Dreams Fulfilled’, and a series of remixes and singles on Acid Jazz, establishing them as one of the most exciting jazz groups in the UK.

                                                            In January the band offered a taster with ‘To The Light’, which was playlisted by Jazz FM, alongside a debut at Ronnie Scott’s and a series of live dates.

                                                            An exuberant, innovative and uplifting second effort, the band step out ‘From The Shadows’ and the turbulence of the last couple of years with a positive message and buoyant outlook.

                                                            TRACK LISTING

                                                            High Time
                                                            Forward Thinker
                                                            Woodview
                                                            Another Place
                                                            Search For Solace
                                                            From The Shadows
                                                            To The Light

                                                            Orchestre "Les Volcans" Du Benin

                                                            Vol. 1

                                                              Originally released in 1980 on the Alberika label, Orchestre Les Volcans du Benin ‘Vol. 1’ has long been a holy grail for Afro-Cuban aficionados.

                                                              It now sees its first official reissue on Acid Jazz Records, with four infectious tracks across the two sides, including ‘Oya Ka Jojo’, Latin dancefloor dynamite and a DJ must-have.

                                                              Remastered by Nick Robbins at Sound Mastering and presented in a wonderful colour sleeve, it’s an opportunity to finally own this special and highly sought after LP.

                                                              TRACK LISTING

                                                              Bella
                                                              Oya Ka Jojo
                                                              Mercenariat Africa
                                                              Gbemeho

                                                              The Step

                                                              London Soul - You Want It, You Got It!

                                                                The Step were part of the early ‘80s Mod Revival, drawing a marked influence from Classic Soul records. Releasing five singles with CBS, they also played gigs with The Kinks, Elvis Costello, and Secret Affair. This collection on Acid Jazz subsidiary Countdown Records includes studio sessions, demos and live recordings, giving a taste of what the band was about during their brief career. A great addition for Mod and Mod Revival collector and enthusiasts.

                                                                The Aloof

                                                                This Constant Chase For Thrills - 2022 Reissue

                                                                  Acid Jazz presents the long-awaited reissue of The Aloof’s cult classic final LP ‘This Constant Chase For Thrills’.

                                                                  Formed in 1990, The Aloof were a pioneering electronic act, playing and touring with the likes of Massive Attack and Leftfield. After three albums with the Warner EastWest, they forged their own path, releasing ‘This Constant Chase For Thrills’ on their own Screaming Target label.

                                                                  Despite highlights ‘Doing It For Money’ and ‘Painted Face’, as well as ‘So Good’, which featured in the US version of ‘Queer As Folk’, the album didn’t get the coverage it deserved upon release.

                                                                  Within a dark and moody atmosphere, there is definite Ibiza and Balearic feel to the record, showing a band with a positive DIY spirit.

                                                                  TRACK LISTING

                                                                  So Good
                                                                  Doing It For Money
                                                                  Good Morning World
                                                                  Sold
                                                                  Tearing Up Inside
                                                                  Infatuated
                                                                  D.I.R.M. Version
                                                                  The Beach
                                                                  Painted Face

                                                                  Various Artists

                                                                  Soul Drops

                                                                    Acid Jazz and sister labels OST and Miles Away have released a series of killer vintage soul records over the last few years. Often in limited runs, these are now selling for inflated amounts.

                                                                    This compilation gathers them together, alongside in a couple of album rarities, in one super-cool package.

                                                                    Musically, we have Northern stompers such as The Tom’s ‘When You Lose Your Grove’, Tony & Tandy’s ‘Two Can Make It Together’ and The Patterson Twins masterful ‘Gonna Find A True Love’; disco funk classic ‘Family Tree’ by Family Tree, and from a similar era Rita Joyce’s ‘Dancin’ Close’; The Gil Scott Heron-sounding gospel of Lamont Butler, with ‘Ungodly War’, which sits well alongside Delores Fuller’s exceptional ‘One More Chance Lord’; we take it down a notch with Rick Hickman’s yacht rock rarity ‘Time Is Long’ and the lush harmonies of the Fantastics ‘We Got Good Lovin’.

                                                                    Housed in a beautifully illustrated sleeve, this is the first in an ongoing series from Acid Jazz Records.

                                                                    TRACK LISTING

                                                                    Lamont Butler - Ungodly War 
                                                                    The Tom – Emmanuel And Ron Experience - When You Lose Your Groove
                                                                    Patterson Twins - Gonna Find A True Love
                                                                    Rita Joyce - Dancing Close 
                                                                    Rick Hickman - Time Is Long 
                                                                    The Fantastics - We Got Good Lovin’
                                                                    The Tom – Emmanuel And Ron Experience - Why (The Knower)
                                                                    Delores Fuller - One More Chance Lord 
                                                                    Family Tree - Family Tree
                                                                    Leon’s Creation - This Is The Beginning 
                                                                    Tony And Tandy - Two Can Make It Together 
                                                                    Lamont Butler - Thank You Lord 

                                                                    Soul Revivers

                                                                    On The Grove

                                                                      Acid Jazz Records presents Nick Manasseh & David Hill’s Soul Revivers: ‘On The Grove’.

                                                                      An ambitious and passionate collaboration project, it features musicians spanning seven decades, including Jamaican legends: Ernest Raglin, Ken Boothe, Earl 16 and Devon Russell; alongside contemporary artists, including jazz trumpeter Ms. Maurice (known for her work with Afro—Jazz Ensemble Kokoroko and Nubya Garcia), and vocalist Alexia Coley.

                                                                      The roots of Soul Revivers lie in film. In late 2017, David was asked to act as music and creative consultant for Idris Elba’s Yardie. David & Nick’s subsequent productions for the film provided the spark for what would become the album.

                                                                      ‘On The Grove’ was produced at Yard Studios, under the Westway, below the charred hulk of Grenfell. It is a journey through the moodier side of reggae, and a progression in the ever evolving, yet timeless nature of the music. It is also a tribute to its long connection to West London, and in particular Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill, distilled in the sleeve itself, which features Charlie Phillips’ photograph of Lepke (founder of Dread Broadcasting Platform) setting up for the Notting Hill Carnival in the late ‘70s.

                                                                      Alongside the featured artists, there are stellar performances throughout, from an extraordinary range of London’s most talented musicians, completing the next chapter in the musical mythology of West London reggae.

                                                                      TRACK LISTING

                                                                      No More Drama – Feat. Ernest Raglan
                                                                      Tell Me Why – Feat. Ken Boothe
                                                                      Got To Live – Feat. Earl 16
                                                                      Look No Further – Feat. Ms. Maurice
                                                                      Gone Are The Days – Feat. Alexia Coley
                                                                      Meanwhile Shuffle – Feat. Matic Horns
                                                                      Cee Rocka – Feat. Dougal And Ciyo
                                                                      The Underground – Feat. Devon Russell
                                                                      Where The River – Feat. Earl 16
                                                                      Harder – Feat. Ernest Raglin
                                                                      Futile Cause – Feat. Alexia Coley
                                                                      Down River – Feat. Ms. Maurice

                                                                      The Spitfires

                                                                      Play For Today

                                                                        Acid Jazz Records present ‘Play For Today’, the final album from The Spitfires.

                                                                        After four albums, including 2020’s ‘Life Worth Living’ (Top 5, UK National Indie Chart), countless live performances, and having gained considerable loyal support (including support slot invitations from Paul Weller and The Specials), The Spitfires have a reputation as one of the UK’s foremost young bands.

                                                                        ‘Play For Today’ offers a culmination of their journey and offers a level of introspection, alongside their characteristic social commentary, pop nous and raw passion.

                                                                        Produced by Simon Dine (long-time producer of Paul Weller), the band continue to make strides musically and sonically, absorbing influences and inspiration, making a triumphant farewell for an ever-exciting band.

                                                                        TRACK LISTING

                                                                        Suburbia
                                                                        Save Me
                                                                        Blaze Of Glory
                                                                        Don’t Look At Me
                                                                        Interlude 1: Accumulator
                                                                        Did You Have To Go?
                                                                        Find My Way Back Home
                                                                        Time To Take Sides
                                                                        Interlude 2: Helpline
                                                                        Spoiler Alert
                                                                        Keep Me Waiting
                                                                        Interlude 3: In It To Win It!
                                                                        Reap What You Sow
                                                                        Costa Del Mundane
                                                                        Promised Land
                                                                        Credits

                                                                        Matt Berry

                                                                        Summer Sun / Like Stone - Sean Ono Lennon Remixes

                                                                          After a busy, successful and critically acclaimed year Matt Berry offers one final salvo to his fans. A unique 12” single featuring his two collaborations with Sean Ono Lennon.

                                                                          Sean worked on two tracks from ‘The Blue Elephant’ album and applied his mind to give us distinctive re-interpretations of ‘Summer Sun’ and ‘Like Stone’. Psychedelics mixed with a stomping beat for ‘Summer Sun’ and something a little bit weird and reflective for ‘Like Stone’.

                                                                          TRACK LISTING

                                                                          Summer Sun (Sean Ono Lennon Remix)
                                                                          Like Stone (Sean Ono Lennon Remix)

                                                                          Matt Berry

                                                                          Gather Up (Ten Years On Acid Jazz)

                                                                            Following the huge acclaim earlier this year for Matt Berry’s eighth studio album The Blue Elephant, Acid Jazz Records release Gather Up, a compilation album encompassing the singular musical adventures this extraordinary musician has taken over the past decade, offering a revelatory and fascinating insight into the working process of a genuine musical maverick and sonic explorer.

                                                                            Over 10 years with Acid Jazz Records Berry has released nine incredibly diverse albums (including one live album). From the tangled-folk rock thickets of Witchazel and Kill The Wolf (which features the song from which this box gets its name), to the out-there explorations of Music For Insomniacs or TV Themes’ retro-kitsch delights, through the soul power in Matt Berry & The Maypoles Live or the twilight grooves of The Small Hours to the classic pedal-steel songwriting of Phantom Birds and the smorgasbord of psychedelic sounds on The Blue Elephant, Berry’s journey has produced a feast for the ears that twists and turns down more unexpected avenues than most artists could manage over several careers. 

                                                                            Gather Up pulls together an excellent 21-track career spanning collection expertly compiled by Berry, available as a separate, standalone release on 2LP or single CD, including non-album tracks such as ‘Snuff Box Theme’. No easy achievement considering the sheer breadth, diversity and volume of his exceptional musical output. 




                                                                            TRACK LISTING

                                                                            1. Take My Hand
                                                                            2. Something In My Eye
                                                                            3. Medicine
                                                                            4. Badger's Wake
                                                                            5. World In Action
                                                                            6. One By One
                                                                            7. Take A Bow
                                                                            8. October Sun
                                                                            9. So Low
                                                                            10. Summer Sun
                                                                            11. Gather Up
                                                                            12. Theme From Snuff Box
                                                                            13. Middle Of The East
                                                                            14. Like Stone
                                                                            15. Phantom Birds
                                                                            16. Music For Insomniacs Part IV
                                                                            17. Say It Again
                                                                            18. The Innkeepers Song Live
                                                                            19. Obsessed & So Obscure
                                                                            20. Woman
                                                                            21. Solstice 

                                                                            Matt Berry

                                                                            Gather Up - Box Set Editions

                                                                              Gather Up is the culmination of ten years on Acid Jazz for Matt Berry. Gather Up comes as a beautifully packaged 5LP Box set with a 64 page booklet or 4CD Hardback book-set with a 28 pages of illustrations and notes.

                                                                              The 55 tracks are split between an anthology compilation that tracks the very best tracks from his 8 albums and associated singles for the label over the last decade, an album of unreleased tracks and rarities, a demo version of his 2020 album Phantom Birds and the previously unreleased Live At A Festival LP which showcases Matt & his band the Maypoles in full flight.

                                                                              The book included in both formats has an extended essay by Chris Catchpole which review Matt’s musical career and an exclusive set of photo images culled from the archive of Matt’s long time photographic collaborator Ben Meadows.

                                                                              The LP Box is strictly limited to 1500 copies and comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Matt.


                                                                              TRACK LISTING

                                                                              CD 1 - Gather Up
                                                                              1. Take My Hand
                                                                              2. Something In My Eye
                                                                              3. Medicine
                                                                              4. Badger's Wake
                                                                              5. World In Action
                                                                              6. One By One
                                                                              7. Take A Bow
                                                                              8. October Sun
                                                                              9. So Low
                                                                              10. Summer Sun
                                                                              11. Gather Up
                                                                              12. Theme From Snuff Box
                                                                              13. Middle Of The East
                                                                              14. Like Stone
                                                                              15. Phantom Birds
                                                                              16. Music For Insomniacs Part IV
                                                                              17. Say It Again
                                                                              18. The Innkeepers Song Live
                                                                              19. Obsessed & So Obscure
                                                                              20. Woman
                                                                              21. Solstice

                                                                              CD 2 - Rare & Unreleased
                                                                              1. Bigger Than A Dog - Original Witchazel Intro
                                                                              2. Take My Hand - Live On Absolute Radio
                                                                              3. Autumn - Witchazel Outtake
                                                                              4. The Dawn - From Myspace EP 'Summer Sun' 2010
                                                                              5. Snuff Box - Live Loop Used Live Between 2005 - 2012
                                                                              6. Catch Me In Time
                                                                              7. Dark Beach - From Myspace EP 'Summer Sun' 2010
                                                                              8. The Hangman - Acoustic Version 2007
                                                                              9. Wonder Theme - Became 'Something In My Eye’
                                                                              10. Music For Insomniacs - Alternative Intro
                                                                              11. Theme From 'Sorry’ - Live From Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe 2007
                                                                              12. Music For Insomnaics - Rejected Theme
                                                                              13. Walk With Samuel - Devil Inside Me’
                                                                              14. Blankety Blank - Vocal Intro
                                                                              15. The Blue Elephant - Trip Two
                                                                              16. Sweet Velvet - Became 'Seasons On Fire’
                                                                              17. The Blue Elephant - Alternative

                                                                              CD 3 - Phantom First
                                                                              1. Covered In Clowns
                                                                              2. Get Her Out Of My Mind
                                                                              3. I'm Going
                                                                              4. Make It Go Away
                                                                              5. Peter Cleopatra And The Windmill
                                                                              6. Play On
                                                                              7. Take A Bow
                                                                              8. The Preacher's House
                                                                              9. A Shot Rang Out In The Forest
                                                                              10. The Wrong House
                                                                              11. Where's My Love?
                                                                              12. You Danced All Night

                                                                              CD 4 - Live At A Festival
                                                                              1. Medicine / So Low
                                                                              2. Silver Sun
                                                                              3. Theme From Snuffbox
                                                                              4. Solstice
                                                                              5. The Pheasant

                                                                              Matt Deighton

                                                                              Villager

                                                                                The debut solo album by Mother Earth singer, Paul Weller band member and erstwhile Noel Gallagher replacement in Oasis, Matt Deighton.

                                                                                A pastoral folk album that sits perfectly alongside Nick Drake’s ‘Bryter Layter’ and ‘Solid Air’ by John Martyn.

                                                                                Originally released in 1995, ‘Villager’ garnered great reviews from NME, Q and The Guardian, and, on its 2011 reissue, was named by Mojo as a Buried Treasure.

                                                                                Remastered from the original production master by Nick Robbins at Sound Mastering (Ace Records, The Small Faces), the vinyl sounds incredible.

                                                                                TRACK LISTING

                                                                                Good For Us
                                                                                Stones Around The Candle
                                                                                Villager/ Bone Dry Boat
                                                                                Jesus Loves The Rain
                                                                                Get Out The Road
                                                                                Hey, My Mind
                                                                                Pure English Honey
                                                                                The Windmills Of Norfolk
                                                                                Two Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
                                                                                Hiding In The Breeze

                                                                                Matt Berry

                                                                                Witchazel - 2021 Reissue

                                                                                  Featuring the theme from his BAFTA Awardwinning TV show ‘Toast Of London’, ‘Take My Hand’, it has been his biggest selling album and has been out of print on vinyl for several years.

                                                                                  Acclaimed at the time of release, The Guardian said “‘Witchazel’ is enchanting… genuinely impressive,” while The Times labelled it “… psychfolk genius.” The album has since matured into an acknowledged classic.

                                                                                  TRACK LISTING

                                                                                  An Awakening
                                                                                  Take My Hand
                                                                                  Accident At A Harvest Festival
                                                                                  A Song For Rosie
                                                                                  So Low
                                                                                  Look In My Book
                                                                                  The Pheasant
                                                                                  Woman
                                                                                  The Badger’s Wake
                                                                                  Rain Came Down
                                                                                  From The Manger To The
                                                                                  Mortuary/Recorder Dance
                                                                                  Into The Sky
                                                                                  Roosting Time

                                                                                  Long Tall Shorty

                                                                                  A Bird In The Hand

                                                                                    We’re delighted to present Long Tall Shorty's long lost masterpiece A Bird In The Hand. 

                                                                                    The first full length Long Tall Shorty album released originally released in 2001. Lead singer Tony Perfect mixes a Stonesey drawl with then contemporary garage rock stylings, to show that he was always the smartest of the mod revivalists. 

                                                                                    Produced by Danny Corr and originally only released on CD, it is making its vinyl debut in an edition limited to 500 copies.

                                                                                    TRACK LISTING

                                                                                    1. And That Ain't All
                                                                                    2. Shine On Me
                                                                                    3. Out Of Reach
                                                                                    4. Don't Try To Stop Me
                                                                                    5. Taking Time
                                                                                    6. Shake
                                                                                    7. Killing Me Killing You
                                                                                    8. Justice
                                                                                    9. Hey Joe
                                                                                    10. Forever On Your Own
                                                                                    11. Centre Of The Square
                                                                                    12. Tenth Floor
                                                                                    13. I Saw The Light

                                                                                    Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou Dahomey

                                                                                    Le Sato

                                                                                      Acid Jazz Records continue their exclusive licensing agreement with Albarika Store, the legendary record label that defined the sound of Benin and influenced the entire region of West Africa and beyond. 

                                                                                      Recorded and issued in 1974, Le Sato is one of the earliest releases on the Albarika label and it is also one of the deepest.  Sato is the term for the traditional rhythms that soundtrack Vodun (Voodoo) rituals and ceremonies in Benin. Performance of Sato is reserved for these sacred rites, which evoke the spirits of the dead and can last for several days and attract hundreds of people. Sato rhythms cannot be played outside of Vodun. 

                                                                                      A large ceremonial Sato drum is used, which measured over 1.5m in height. This drum is played using wooden stick beaters, the drummer dancing while playing. The Sato drummers are supported by percussionists and other drummers playing smaller drums. Together, they create unique, layered, trance-inducing poly-rhythms.

                                                                                      TRACK LISTING

                                                                                      1. Gan Tche Kpo
                                                                                      2. My Love
                                                                                      3. Gnonnou Ho
                                                                                      4. Min E Wa..We Non Dou

                                                                                      Matt Berry

                                                                                      The Blue Elephant

                                                                                        In his tenth year with Acid Jazz, the ever-prolific Matt Berry has crafted a psych masterpiece. Once again proving his artistic progression and ambition knows no bounds

                                                                                        Recorded during the summer of 2020, ‘Blue Elephant’ is testament to Matt’s exceptional musicianship, production skills and songwriting prowess with every instrument played by Matt including, guitars, bass, a variety of keyboards and synthesizers (piano, Wurlitzer, mellotron, Moog, Hammond, Vox and Farfisa organs), with the exception of drums – supplied by Craig Blundell, on arguably his best album to date. 

                                                                                        This music soundtracks an album that explores themes surrounding today’s close scrutiny in all its bewildering, objectifying and unnerving experiences. Very much a conceptual and, therefore, continuous long-player, the album’s infectious grooves come to the fore on standout tracks ‘Summer Sun’, heavy-psych instrumental ‘Invisible’, the three-part ‘Blues Inside Me’, which encompasses a psych journey through a late ‘60s and early glam filter mixed with the propulsive ‘Like Stone’.

                                                                                        TRACK LISTING

                                                                                        1. Aboard
                                                                                        2. Summer Sun
                                                                                        3. Safe Passage
                                                                                        4. Now Disappear
                                                                                        5. Alone
                                                                                        6. Invisible
                                                                                        7. Blues Inside Me
                                                                                        8. I Cannot Speak
                                                                                        9. The Blue Elephant
                                                                                        10. Life Unknown
                                                                                        11. Safer Passage
                                                                                        12. Like Stone
                                                                                        13. Story Told
                                                                                        14. Forget Me
                                                                                        15. Now Disappear (Again)

                                                                                        Various Artists

                                                                                        Midnight Rock’s Secret Tapes

                                                                                          When Nkrumah Jah Thomas’ hit #1 on the Jamaican charts in 1976 with his debut single ‘Midnight Rock’ on Alvin Ranglin’s GG label it gave the new DJ a theme song and an entry into the world of music. Within 3 years he had launched his own label Midnight Rock and alongside more music under his own name he produced a series of classics by the likes of Tristan Palmer, Anthony Johnson, Early B and many more.

                                                                                          In 1997 he signed a deal with Acid Jazz’s Roots label and since then, through on-going collaborations, his career as a producer has been anthologised and developed, including the release of a series of archive King Tubby and Scientist mixes, the use of his masters to be sampled by Nas (on “The Don”), Protoje and others, and re-issues of his classic albums. To celebrate 40 year of Midnight Rock, last year Thomas went back into his tape archive to unearth another 10 tracks, either with original vocals or guest names brought in.

                                                                                          Behind original rhythms recorded at Channel 1, Tuff Gong and others, featuring the Roots Radics and The Midnight Rock Band and mixed in places like King Jammy’s and Tubby’s we are given a line-up of stellar talent. We have Lynval Thomson with the plaintive ‘I Can Be Your Man’, and forthright Super Cat on ‘Me Glad She Gone’ and first rare Luciano on ‘Good Thing Goin’ On. They are joined by Courtney Melody, Pinchers and Joesy Wales, Daville and more. Keeping the circle whole Thomas appears on two tracks including the future classic ‘Sounds A Go Dead Tonight’ with Junior Vibes.


                                                                                          TRACK LISTING

                                                                                          1. I Can Be Your Man - Linval Thompson
                                                                                          2. Good Thing Goin’ On - Luciano
                                                                                          3. Hey Sexy Lady - Courtney Melody
                                                                                          4. I Love To Smoke - Gryphan
                                                                                          5. Sounds A Go Dead Tonight - Jah Thomas & Junior Vibes
                                                                                          6. All A The Gal Them - Pinchers & Jose Wale
                                                                                          7. Me Glad She Gone-  Super Cat
                                                                                          8. Drunk And Stage - Jah Thomas
                                                                                          9. Since I Laid Eyes On You - Daville
                                                                                          10. Love Songs Are Back Again (Adopted Song) - Tony Curtis, Ghost & Mitch

                                                                                          Fleur De Lys

                                                                                          Circles: The Ultimate Fleur De Lys

                                                                                            Acid Jazz present ‘Circles: The Ultimate Fleur De Lys’, the definitive compilation centred around one of the greatest 60s bands.

                                                                                            Atlantic Records, Andrew Loog Oldham, Shel Talmy, Cream, Isaac Hayes and Tony Blackburn - all these and so many more turn up in the story of Southampton band the Fleur De Lys. You may not have heard of them and if you have it may be just because of their glorious cover of the Who’s ‘Circles’, an ultimate freakbeat anthem that this compilation is named after, but the singles they released in the second half of the 1960s are one of the greatest collections of singles by any band, ranging from R&B through freakbeat and psych and back into club soul.

                                                                                            Emerging from the English South Coast’s competitive club scene they signed to Rolling Stones’ manager Andrew Loog Oldham’s pioneering indie label Immediate where they recorded two singles before being taken under the wing of Frank Fenter, who worked out of the UK Polydor office running the UK arm of Atlantic. The group went through numerous line up changes as they recorded a series of singles which are now some of the most collectible of the era.

                                                                                            Acid Jazz and Countdown Records have been the custodians of the Fleur De Lys catalogue for the last decade and this compilation is the culmination of that work, containing all the singles that they released for Immediate, Polydor and Atlantic (where they pipped Led Zeppelin to become the first UK signed band to that legendary label).

                                                                                            TRACK LISTING

                                                                                            Circles
                                                                                            Mud In Your Eye
                                                                                            Hold On (as Ruptert’s People)
                                                                                            Gong With The Luminous Nose Tick Tock (as Shyster)
                                                                                            Hammer Head
                                                                                            One City Girl
                                                                                            I Forgive You (as Chocolate Frog)
                                                                                            Brick By Brick (Stone By Stone)
                                                                                            I Can See A Light
                                                                                            Prodigal Son
                                                                                            Nothing To Say
                                                                                            Stop Crossing The Bridge
                                                                                            The Bitter And The Sweet (as Tony And Tandy With The Fleur De Lys)
                                                                                            So Come On
                                                                                            You’ve Got To Earn It
                                                                                            Two Can Make It Together (as Tony And Tandy With The Fleur De Lys)
                                                                                            I’ve Been Trying
                                                                                            Liar
                                                                                            Moondreams
                                                                                            Wait For Me
                                                                                            Love Them All (Demo)
                                                                                            Gotta Get Enough Time (Demo)
                                                                                            I Walk The Sands
                                                                                            Yeah I Do Love You (Demo)

                                                                                            Makin' Time

                                                                                            Honey / Take What You Can Get

                                                                                              Countdown Records (via Acid Jazz) are proud to announce the release of the label’s first 7” single in over 30 years. And what could be more apt than the single that never was by label favourites Makin’ Time?

                                                                                              Produced by The Truth and 9 Below Zero’s Dennis Greaves and Mick Lister, this was to have been the West Midland group’s debut single for Countdown.

                                                                                              Featuring the group’s original members, it remained unreleased when that line-up changed and Countdown’s parent label Stiff decided in a change of direction, aiming the group at the pop charts.

                                                                                              Featuring two highlights of their early live set - the Fay Hallam composed ‘Honey’ and ‘Take What You Can Get’, written by Martin Blunt.

                                                                                              The 7” comes in an exclusive Countdown sleeve so make sure to get your copy now.

                                                                                              TRACK LISTING

                                                                                              Honey (Original Version)
                                                                                              Take What You Can Get (Original Version)

                                                                                              The Brand New Heavies

                                                                                              Shibuya 357: Live In Tokyo 1992

                                                                                                1991 was a momentous year for The Brand New Heavies. They started it without a singer second on the bill to The James Taylor Quartet and by the end they had a Top 3 US hit and were about to embark on a run of 16 Top 40 hits in the UK. N’Dea Davenport was by this point fronting the group as their guest singer and the brilliant string of singles from their debut album were becoming locked in the minds of an ever-growing fanbase.

                                                                                                Live they were a revelation. The only group from the UK scene who could do tight and slick, without slipping into ‘lift music’ blandness. The core membership of Andrew Levy, Simon Bartholomew and Jan Kincaid had been playing together since college and each knew where the other was going. Their ability to write classic soul songs lifted them above their contemporaries.

                                                                                                ‘Shibuya 357’ is the quintessential (and only live) document of an era that quickly passed. The hits - ‘Never Stop’, ‘Dream Come True’, ‘Stay This Way’ and ‘Don’t Let It Go To Your Head’ are all here - as are some compelling funk jams. This recording captures the ecstatic rush of joy; when you go from youthful dream to accomplishment in such a short period.

                                                                                                The album was only ever released in Japan in the late 90s and then only for a very short time. Acid Jazz are pleased to release this new version remastered from the source tape and the album appears on vinyl for the very first time.

                                                                                                TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                Gimme One Of Those
                                                                                                BNH
                                                                                                Ride In The Sky
                                                                                                Got To Give
                                                                                                People Get Ready
                                                                                                Don’t Let It Go To Your Head
                                                                                                Mr. Tanaka
                                                                                                Never Stop
                                                                                                Stay This Way
                                                                                                Doin’ It To Death
                                                                                                Dream Come True
                                                                                                Shakedown

                                                                                                T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo De Cotonou

                                                                                                Unité Africaine

                                                                                                  Two monumental full-side tracks from a pair of late 70s Orchestre Poly-Rythmo albums, Unité Africane isn’t exactly a compilation, more a combination of the standouts at a time when the band was at the peak of its powers. 

                                                                                                  Originally released in 1977, the title track is an infectious Afro-Latin workout that is interwoven with driving horn stabs by master trumpet player Tidiani Kone. Unité Africaine was recorded over the Nigerian border at the state-of-the-art EMI Studios in Lagos, yielding majestic sonic results. 

                                                                                                  Mede Ma Gnin Messe is taken from the 1978 Special 30 Novembre, and this time Poly-Rythmo wore their Afro-funk hat to deliver almost sixteen minutes of dancefloor fire. Propelled by Poly-Rythmo’s super-tight beats and underpinned by a relentless keyboard refrain, the magic is the stellar horn parts that take this track to another level. 

                                                                                                  As with much of the Albarika catalogue, copies of the original LPs are incredibly tough to locate in anything approaching reasonable condition, so this should be a gift.

                                                                                                  TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                  1. Unite Africaine
                                                                                                  2. Mede Ma Gnin Messe

                                                                                                  T.P. Orchestre Poly Rythmo De Cotonou - Benin

                                                                                                  Vol. 4 - Yehouessi Leopold Batteur

                                                                                                  Albarika Store is home to many rare recordings, from more traditional folkloric and Sato styles, to the funk, blues and psych inspired workouts of the All Mighty Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou, as they referred to themselves. Many of the original records are sought after by DJs and collectors as prime examples of Afro-funk, Afro-Latin and Afropsych sounds.

                                                                                                  The next in the series of reissues by Acid Jazz presents a straight reproduction of the incredibly hard to find Poly-Rythmo ‘Vol. 4’ album, originally from 1978.

                                                                                                  For DJs and dancers this album has long been about the killer track ‘Aiha Ni Kpe We’, an incendiary Afrobeat recording which will activate any dancefloor anywhere. “Every time I listen to the Orchestre Poly Rythmo… Wow, I just discover something new in the music” - Gilles Peterson

                                                                                                  This is the first exhaustive trawl of the archive and will see the label presented in a way that ensures its historical importance is recognized. Trips to West Africa have secured original master tapes and the process of transferring is ongoing. Over the next few years a comprehensive reissue campaign is planned.

                                                                                                  TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                  Davi Djinto Super No2
                                                                                                  Homin Si Tche
                                                                                                  Aiha Ni Kpe We

                                                                                                  Largely remembered today at the first group of future Charlatans main man Martin Blunt, Makin’ Time emerged as a breath of fresh air from the 1980s mod scene. Younger than the revival bands that had gone before instead of watered down punk their music was a glorious mix of power pop and 1960s pop and soul.

                                                                                                  Signed to Eddie Piller and Maxine Forrest’s Stiff distributed Countdown label it was seen as a possible contender for pop crossover. The album that emerged was the vibrant and exciting Rhythm & Soul.

                                                                                                  The band was fronted by the bob-headed, strong voiced organ playing Fay Hallam and guitarist and vocalist Mark McGounden, and these two along with Martin Blunt provided a strong set of self penned songs. A dynamic band live ‘Here Is My Number’, ‘Feels Like It’s Love’ ‘Only Time Will Time’ and the other self penned numbers were already fan anthems by the time they were recorded.

                                                                                                  TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                  Take What You Can Get
                                                                                                  Feels Like It's Love
                                                                                                  Here Is My Number
                                                                                                  Only Time Will Tell
                                                                                                  Did I Tell You
                                                                                                  Honey
                                                                                                  I Gotta Move
                                                                                                  Where The Rhythm Takes You
                                                                                                  Every Single Day
                                                                                                  The Girl That Touched My Soul
                                                                                                  I Know What You're Thinking
                                                                                                  Stop This Cryin' Inside

                                                                                                  Ipa-Boogie

                                                                                                  Ipa-Boogie

                                                                                                    Acid Jazz Records celebrate an exclusive licensing agreement with Albarika Store, the legendary record label that defined the sound of Benin and influenced the entire region of West Africa and beyond with this first exhaustive trawl of the archive and will see the label presented in a way that ensures its historical importance is recognized.

                                                                                                    ‘Ipa Boogie’ is a super rare LP from 1978 that almost never surfaces in good shape. Today even average condition copies can command £500 to £1,000 on the collector's market and for good reason. These are the only known recordings by this obscure band and they present the listener with some of the finest afro-boogie and afro funk that the extensive Albarika Store catalogue has to offer.

                                                                                                    Transferred from the original tapes and remastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Frank Merritt at The Carvery, the album is presented with beautiful artwork and packaging to match the sonics. This is the music as it should be heard.

                                                                                                    TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                    Get The Music Now
                                                                                                    Africa
                                                                                                    Jesus Kese Me
                                                                                                    Alo Dangereux
                                                                                                    Giving Yourself To Me
                                                                                                    Sunga Mba

                                                                                                    T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou - Rep Pop Du Benin

                                                                                                    Segla

                                                                                                      Acid Jazz Records are proud to announce an exclusive licensing agreement with Albarika Store, the legendary record label that defined the sound of Benin and influenced the entire region of West Africa and beyond.

                                                                                                      This is the first exhaustive trawl of the archive and will see the label presented in a way that ensures its historical importance is recognized.

                                                                                                      ‘Segla’ is a hens’ teeth-rare Poly Rythmo album from 1978 that was originally released without a sleeve as ALS059. Recorded at EMI Lagos, Nigeria, as per most of the Poly Rythmo recordings for Albarika, the sound quality is from the tapes is dynamic and fresh.

                                                                                                      Transferred from the original tapes and remastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Frank Merritt at The Carvery, the album is presented with beautiful artwork and packaging to match the sonics. This is the music as it should be heard.

                                                                                                      TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                      Mi Kple Mi De
                                                                                                      Dodji Lo
                                                                                                      Segla

                                                                                                      Nimbus Sextet

                                                                                                      Dreams Fulfilled

                                                                                                        Nimbus Sextet are a major new talent on the UK jazz scene. Led by pianist/keyboardist Joe Nichols, the Glaswegian contemporary jazz outfit play infectiously original music that spans the musical spectrum. Nimbus Sextet’s fresh take on jazz blends instantly relatable melodic hooks with driving grooves, sophisticated musicianship and episodic compositions.

                                                                                                        The core of the Nimbus Sextet sound comes courtesy of Joe with long-time collaborators Alex Palmer and Mischa Stevens. The trio met while studying at Edinburgh University and have continued to perform together ever since. Nimbus Sextet was fully formed in 2018 with the addition of Martin Fell and Euan Allardice joining the line-up with James Mackay arriving later.

                                                                                                        It was around this point the band started to compose and record the first shoots of what would become Nimbus Sextet’s blend. A decidedly wellbalanced alchemy, arrived at somewhat naturally by way of the varied musical influences and contributions from each of its culturally diverse members. You’re as likely to hear elements of Herbie Hancock and Gil Scott-Heron as easily as The Roots and Robert Glasper.

                                                                                                        TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                        Trap Door
                                                                                                        Lily White
                                                                                                        Deep Dark Blue Lights
                                                                                                        Klara
                                                                                                        Séance
                                                                                                        Dreams Fulfilled

                                                                                                        Matt Berry

                                                                                                        Phantom Birds

                                                                                                          BAFTA Award-winning actor Matt Berry has been the star of a number of high profile TV series including Toast Of London, The IT Crowd and most recently What We Do In The Shadows. Concurrently he has cultivated a career as a musician that has seen him release six solo albums and collaborate with the likes of Bond composer David Arnold, Jean-Michel Jarre and most recently Josh Homme, who invited him to perform on the Desert Sessions.

                                                                                                          His most recent album ‘TV Themes’ was a UK Top 40 hit and was awarded four stars by Will Hodgkinson writing for The Times. His reinterpretation of British TV themes of the past was no mere wallow in nostalgia but an exploration of recording techniques and a joyous celebration of the music.

                                                                                                          ‘Phantom Birds’ was inspired by a fascination with Bob Dylan’s ‘John Wesley Harding’, the way it was recorded with the minimum of musicians to draw attention to the songs. For the recording Matt worked with drummer Craig Blundell - known for his work with Steven Wilson and Steve Hackett - and legendary pedal steel player BJ Cole, yet the tinges of Americana are never allowed to overwhelm Matt’s own distinctive style.

                                                                                                          TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                          Something In My Eye
                                                                                                          You Danced All Night
                                                                                                          Phantom Birds
                                                                                                          Moonlight Flit
                                                                                                          Man Of Doom
                                                                                                          Where’s My Love?
                                                                                                          Take A Bow
                                                                                                          Intermission
                                                                                                          Hail To The King
                                                                                                          In My Mind
                                                                                                          That Yellow Bird
                                                                                                          Waving Goodbye
                                                                                                          Covered In Clowns

                                                                                                          Lightning Orchestra

                                                                                                          Source And Deliver

                                                                                                            Lightning Orchestra is the creative conduit for multi-instrumentalist Travis Murphy, bolstered by a rotating, elastically-numbered backing band of like-minded souls inspired by legends from Jimi Hendrix to Fela Kuti. The outfit’s debut album Source and Deliver is released on neon yellow vinyl, containing the monstrous ‘White Tiger’. 

                                                                                                            TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                            1. Theme
                                                                                                            2. Power
                                                                                                            3. White Tiger
                                                                                                            4. For Those Who Are Yet To Be Born
                                                                                                            5. Time (Time)
                                                                                                            6. Time Reprise

                                                                                                            Various Artists

                                                                                                            Martin Freeman And Eddie Piller Present Jazz On The Corner Two

                                                                                                              A follow up to 2018’s Jazz On The Corner which has now sold over 10,000 copies, and last year’s equally successful Soul On The Corner, this compilation see Martin and Eddie return to the world of jazz for another bite at the cherry after Volume one was declared to be “the best jazz compilation of the last 20 years” by Jazz FM’s Chris Phillips.

                                                                                                              The concept came from a radio show that Freeman and Piller put together for BBC Radio 6 Music which was so well received that the pair decided to dig deep into their record collections and build a double album of some of their favourite tracks.

                                                                                                              The concept is simple: an album packed full of jazz gems which they hope are slightly off the beaten track. This year we have hidden gems from Nina Simone and Nicola Conte, classics from Roberta Flack, Roy Ayers and The MJQ, whilst the new British jazz generation is represented by Emma Emma-Jean Thackray. Running the gamut from hard bop, to progressive fusion via Latin beats, it’s an exhilarating listen from start to finish.

                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                              Laura says: Eddie Piller dons Sherlock’s Deerstalker, teaming up with national treasure Martin Freeman for another trip through their enviable jazz collections. Eschewing the wilfully obtuse in favour of personal favourites from across the decades, the duo celebrate a lifelong love of the genre.

                                                                                                              TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                              Double LP Tracklisting

                                                                                                              Side A
                                                                                                              1. Stanley Turrentine – The Magilla
                                                                                                              2. Nina Simone – I’m Gonna Leave You
                                                                                                              3. The Jazz Crusaders – Tough Talk
                                                                                                              4. Gene Ammons – Jungle Strut
                                                                                                              5. George Benson – Shape Of Things To Come

                                                                                                              Side B
                                                                                                              1. Nicola Conte – Caravan
                                                                                                              2. Duke Pearson – Gira, Girou (Round And Round)
                                                                                                              3. Chet Baker – Do It The Hard Way
                                                                                                              4. The Modern Jazz Quartet – Concorde
                                                                                                              5. Lorez Alexandria – Nature Boy

                                                                                                              Side C
                                                                                                              1. Emanuel K Rahim & The Kaliqs – Al Amin
                                                                                                              2. Roberta Flack – Compared To What
                                                                                                              3. Horace Silver – Tranquilizer Suite Part : Perservance And Eudurance
                                                                                                              4. Emma-Jean Thackray – Ley Lines
                                                                                                              5. The Lyman Woodard Organisation – Creative Musicians

                                                                                                              Side D
                                                                                                              1. Charles Earland – Leaving This Planet
                                                                                                              2. Brain Auger Oblivion Express – Freedom Jazz Dance
                                                                                                              3. Johnny Mercer – That Old Black Magic
                                                                                                              4. Roy Ayers – A Tear To A Smile
                                                                                                              5. Lonnie Liston Smith – Summer Days

                                                                                                              Double CD Tracklisting

                                                                                                              Martin’s Picks

                                                                                                              1. Stanley Turrentine – The Magilla
                                                                                                              2. Nina Simone – I’m Gonna Leave You
                                                                                                              3. The Jazz Crusaders – Tough Talk
                                                                                                              4. Roberta Flack – Compared To What
                                                                                                              5. Duke Pearson – Gira, Girou (Round And Round)
                                                                                                              6. Lonnie Liston Smith – Summer Days
                                                                                                              7. Roy Ayers – A Tear To A Smile
                                                                                                              8. Les McCann – Us
                                                                                                              9. Johnny Mercer – That Old Black Magic
                                                                                                              10. The Modern Jazz Quartet – Concorde
                                                                                                              11. Horace Silver – Tranquilizer Suite Part : Perservance And Eudurance
                                                                                                              12. Chico Hamilton – Conquistadores

                                                                                                              Eddie’s Choices
                                                                                                              1. Emanuel K Rahim & The Kaliqs – Al Amin
                                                                                                              2. Brain Auger Oblivion Express – Freedom Jazz Dance
                                                                                                              3. Gene Ammons – Jungle Strut
                                                                                                              4. George Benson – Shape Of Things To Come
                                                                                                              5. Charles Earland – Leaving This Planet
                                                                                                              6. Emma-Jean Thackray – Ley Lines
                                                                                                              7. Nicola Conte – Caravan
                                                                                                              8. Lorez Alexandria – Nature Boy
                                                                                                              9. Chet Baker – Do It The Hard Way
                                                                                                              10. The Lyman Woodard Organisation – Creative Musicians
                                                                                                              11. The Bukky Leo Quintet – Rejoice In Righteousness
                                                                                                              12. Patrice Rushen - Haw Right Now

                                                                                                              The Spitfires

                                                                                                              Life Worth Living

                                                                                                                Fronted by creative lynchpin Billy Sullivan, this startling three-piece – augmented by three other musicians when playing live - have cemented a loyal fanbase since their inception some five years ago and alongside Sam Long, bassist and drummer Matt Johnson whilst initiating album sales in excess of 20k and a tour itinerary approaching nearly three hundred gigs.

                                                                                                                Life Worth Living is a contrasting melting pot of unadulterated joy and melancholy, laughter, tears, frustration and peacefulness. Quiet and introspective moments collide with loud and angry times and no less powerful. At its heart is a sense of hope that things can be better, the title reflects that aspiration.

                                                                                                                Produced by Simon Dine, who was behind the desk for Paul Weller’s 22 Dreams and Wake Up The Nation amongst a varied CV - has harnessed the undoubted vibrancy and swagger of the band’s live show helping create an ambitious album – a vehicle for the talents of Sullivan, Long and Johnson.

                                                                                                                From the infectious brass-infused opener, Start All Over Again, the Nutty Boys-esque title track Life Worth Living to Tear This Place Right Down bathed in soul overtones, the ballad-like wonder of How Could I Lie To You? to the ska riffage of single (Just Won’t) Keep You Down and the magnificent finale of Make It Through Each Day.

                                                                                                                TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                                1.Start All Over Again
                                                                                                                2.It Can't Be Done
                                                                                                                3.Life Worth Living
                                                                                                                4.Tear This Place Right Down!
                                                                                                                5.How Could I Lie To You?
                                                                                                                6.Kings & Queens
                                                                                                                7.(Just Won't) Keep Me Down
                                                                                                                8.Tower Above Me
                                                                                                                9.Have It Your Way
                                                                                                                10.Make It Through Each Day

                                                                                                                Lamont Butler

                                                                                                                It's Time For A Change

                                                                                                                  It was 50 years ago that a talented local musician named Lamont Butler started to create an album that would combine love, happiness and joy. Lamont’s only official album release, ‘It’s Time For A Change’ has been very popular for record collectors around the world but it never saw the wider success it truly deserved.

                                                                                                                  Born 1949 in Louisville, Kentucky, Lamont Butler was drawn to music and dance from the very beginning. He was the son of well-known gospel, blues and R&B singer and pianist Clifford Butler Sr, receiving an early education in what was required to be a touring musician. It quickly became apparent that Lamont had a wonderful voice and was pushed to the front, despite no being fully confident yet of his singing ability. Lamont performed on the gospel circuit for a number of years, cutting his teeth with groups such as The Enterprise, The Dynamics and The New Beginnings, eventually going solo with Lamont Butler and The Spirit of Truth.

                                                                                                                  It was whilst he was singing and performing during this period that he started to write his own songs and think about putting together an album bringing together his influences from R&B, jazz, soul and of course gospel. The result is the very raw, almost low-fi sound of ‘It’s Time For A Change’, released nearly 10 years after Lamont started to pen the first tracks and gaining relative success. He toured the album around churches in Louisville, with tracks such as ‘Love One Another’,’ Time For A Change’ and ‘Ungodly War’ quickly becoming firm favourites.

                                                                                                                  Remastered with care by Nick Robbins at Sound Mastering and complete with in-depth sleevenotes.

                                                                                                                  TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                                  Get Up And Praise The
                                                                                                                  Lord
                                                                                                                  Brighter World
                                                                                                                  Thank You Lord
                                                                                                                  Love One Another
                                                                                                                  Time For A Change
                                                                                                                  Come Into God’s World
                                                                                                                  Smile
                                                                                                                  Ungodly War

                                                                                                                  The Prisoners

                                                                                                                  In From The Cold

                                                                                                                    The Prisoners are one of the most influential bands of the 1980s, an astounding live act whose records were the opposite of what pop radio demanded in that era. Raw where they were smooth and full of character where those records needed to be blandly conformist. They hardly sold a record and yet they can count the likes of Noel Gallagher and political journalist John Harris as their fans. Steve Lamacq devoted a whole chapter of his book to his love of them whilst Tim Burgess of The Charlatans once said that at that time he only checked for The Prisoners and New Order. At least two UK hits used their arrangement on Joe South’s ‘Hush’ as their basis.

                                                                                                                    ‘In From The Cold’ was the final shot at success by The Prisoners the only problem was they didn’t want it. Signed by Eddie Piller to his Stiff-backed subsidiary Countdown they were put in the studio with Troy Tate (Teardrop Explodes / The Smiths) and made this astounding album which they then disowned.

                                                                                                                    By 1986 they were an incredible live band and had released three albums of their distinctive 60s influenced garage rock. A four-piece featuring Johnny Symons on drums, future Acid Jazz hitmaker James Taylor on organ, Allan Crockford on bass and backing vocals and the compellingly soulful Graham Day on vocals. Graham also wrote fantastic songs. Ten years later and they would have been lauded as heroes in Brit Pop land but the mid-80s had no place in the mainstream for a band with their influences.

                                                                                                                    ‘In From The Cold’ is full of amazing songs from the hard edges of ‘All You Gotta Do Is Say’, ‘Ain’t No Telling’ and ‘The More That I Teach You’, to the mournful ‘Wish The Rain’ and ‘Be On Your Way’. It is no surprise that Mojo journalist Lois Wilson described this as her favourite album by the band.

                                                                                                                    This reissue on coloured vinyl is the first time the album has been issued in its original form since 1986 when, due to Stiff’s imminent demise, it was deleted very quickly.

                                                                                                                    TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                                    All You Gotta Do Is Say
                                                                                                                    Come Closer
                                                                                                                    The More That I Teach You
                                                                                                                    Mourn My Health
                                                                                                                    I Know How To Please You
                                                                                                                    Deceiving Eye
                                                                                                                    In From The Cold
                                                                                                                    Wish The Rain
                                                                                                                    Be On Your Way
                                                                                                                    Find And Seek
                                                                                                                    Ain’t No Tellin’
                                                                                                                    Main Title Theme (The Lesser Evil)

                                                                                                                    Patterson Twins

                                                                                                                    Let Me Be Your Lover

                                                                                                                      A timely reissue of this ultra rare LP that is fetching prices upwards of £600 online. Originally released in 1978 on the obscure label out of Mississippi Commercial, Let Me Be Your Lover is now reissued and available again in the UK/Europe for this first time.

                                                                                                                      The album includes the absolute monster album version of the modern soul/crossover classic Gonna Find A True Love, which was reissued on Miles Away earlier this year. The album version of this track gives the 7” a run for it’s money.

                                                                                                                      Let Me Be Your Lover is an album is undeniably deep, soulful and passionate and now fully licensed from Estus and Lester Patterson.



                                                                                                                      TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                                      1. Let Me Be Your Lover
                                                                                                                      2. He’s A Loser
                                                                                                                      3. How Long Must The Show Go On
                                                                                                                      4. A Good Thing
                                                                                                                      5. Gonna Find A True Love
                                                                                                                      6. Funk Machine
                                                                                                                      7. You Give Me Someone To Love
                                                                                                                      8. Disco Dream

                                                                                                                      Leroy Hutson

                                                                                                                      Feel The Spirit

                                                                                                                        Deluxe reissue of Leroy Hutson’s 1976 album ‘Feel The Spirit’ featuring for the only time the Free Spirit Symphony. Released in the same year as the famous ‘Hutson II’, ‘Feel The Spirit’ includes popular tracks such as ‘Never Know What You Can Do (Give It A Try)’ and ‘Lover’s Holiday’. Feel The Spirit is filled with energetic funky sounds, Hutson is the funk king and this reissue delivers all those amazing tracks we know and love.

                                                                                                                        TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                                        It’s The Music
                                                                                                                        Let’s Be Lonely Together
                                                                                                                        Never Know What You Can Do (Give It A Try)
                                                                                                                        A Lover’s Holiday
                                                                                                                        Feel The Spirit (‘76)
                                                                                                                        Don’t Let It Get Next To You
                                                                                                                        Butterfat
                                                                                                                        Feel The Spirit (‘76) Single Edit *

                                                                                                                        * = CD Only Track

                                                                                                                        Matt Berry

                                                                                                                        Television Themes

                                                                                                                          BAFTA award winning actor Matt Berry looks to his formative years in this fascinating and unique take on the TV themes that have influenced and inspired him in his life.

                                                                                                                          Recorded in his brand new studio with his regular band The Maypoles, Matt tackles eleven classic themes including well known titles such as Are You Being Served, Rainbow, The Liver Birds & The Good Life alongside some less obvious choices such as Picture Box, Wildtrak & World In Action.




                                                                                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                          Barry says: Quite often, I find myself sitting in front of the tele, watching some TV classics and wondering how good this theme would be if it was covered by Steven Toast. Turns out that as ridiculous as it sounds, it's actually REALLY good. A little odd, perhaps but the combination of Berry & The Maypoles' ear for melody along with the classic and unmistakeable collection of tunes here, we have a definite win.

                                                                                                                          TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                                          1. Are You Being Served?
                                                                                                                          2. The Good Life
                                                                                                                          3. LWT
                                                                                                                          4. Blankety Blank
                                                                                                                          5. Top Of The Pops
                                                                                                                          6. Picture Box
                                                                                                                          7. The Liver Birds
                                                                                                                          8. Thames Television
                                                                                                                          9. Rainbow
                                                                                                                          10. Doctor Who
                                                                                                                          11. Wildtrak
                                                                                                                          12. World In Action
                                                                                                                          13. Sorry
                                                                                                                          14. Open University 

                                                                                                                          Leon's Creation

                                                                                                                          This Is The Beginning

                                                                                                                            The first reissue of this private press late 1970 San Franciscan psychedelic soul masterpiece. Led by Leon Patillo, this self-contained group took their influences from Sly And The Family Stone and Santana. Patillo would later go on to sing with his heroes Santana on their ‘Borboletta’ and ‘Festival’ albums before establishing himself as a successful gospel singer.

                                                                                                                            Various Artists

                                                                                                                            Martin Freeman & Eddie Piller Present: Jazz On The Corner

                                                                                                                              When Acid Jazz founder Eddie Piller asked Martin Freeman (‘The Hobbit’, ‘Sherlock’, ‘The Office’) to do a jazz radio show they could hardly imagine the response. From around the world emails and tweets inundated the show and they swore to themselves that they couldn’t leave it there.

                                                                                                                              Now, two years on, this compilation of their favourite jazz has arrived. From the rolling hard bop of Lee Morgan and Art Blakey, via screaming soul organ, jazz funk original acid jazz onwards to the post modern spiritual jazz of Kasami Washington, this is an incredible journey.

                                                                                                                              TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                                              2LP
                                                                                                                              If You’re Going To The City - Mose Allison
                                                                                                                              Sad Little Girl - Les Mccann
                                                                                                                              Psychedelic - Lee Morgan
                                                                                                                              Listen Here - Eddie Harris
                                                                                                                              The Hipster - Harold Mcnair
                                                                                                                              Kozo’s Waltz - Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers
                                                                                                                              Terra Firma Irma - Joe Gordon
                                                                                                                              Now At Last - Blossom Dearie
                                                                                                                              Mi Hermano - Blue Mitchell
                                                                                                                              A Walk On The Wild Side - Jimmy Smith
                                                                                                                              Get Up Off Your Knees - David Axelrod
                                                                                                                              Sphynx - The Brand New Heavies
                                                                                                                              Look At Me, Look At You - Marlena Shaw
                                                                                                                              Trees And Grass And Things - Charles Williams
                                                                                                                              Bend Your Head Down Low - Geogrey Stoner
                                                                                                                              Chains - Blacks & Blues
                                                                                                                              Just In Time To See The Sun - Leon Thomas
                                                                                                                              Mother Of The Future - Norman Connors
                                                                                                                              The Rhythm Changes - Kamasi Washington

                                                                                                                              CD1 / DA (Martin’s Picks)
                                                                                                                              If You're Going To The City - Mose Allison
                                                                                                                              Terra Firma Irma - Joe Gordon
                                                                                                                              Kozo's Waltz - Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers
                                                                                                                              Listen Here - Eddie Harris
                                                                                                                              Some Kinda Mean - Sam Jones
                                                                                                                              Get Up Off Your Knees - David Axelrod
                                                                                                                              Psychedelic - Lee Morgan
                                                                                                                              A Walk On The Wild Side - Jimmy Smith
                                                                                                                              Now At Last - Blossom Dearie
                                                                                                                              Trees And Grass And Things - Charles Williams
                                                                                                                              The Rhythm Changes - Kamasi Washington

                                                                                                                              CD2 / DA (Eddie’s Choices)
                                                                                                                              Bend Your Head Down Low - Geoffrey Stoner
                                                                                                                              Just In Time To See The Sun - Leon Thomas
                                                                                                                              Chains - Blacks & Blues
                                                                                                                              Look At Me, Look At You -Marlena Shaw
                                                                                                                              Sphynx - Brand New Heavies
                                                                                                                              The Hipster - Harold Mcnair
                                                                                                                              Sad Little Girl- Les Mccann
                                                                                                                              Mi Hermano - Blue Mitchell
                                                                                                                              Mother Of The Future - Norman Connors
                                                                                                                              Cherrystones - Eugene Mcdaniels
                                                                                                                              Bolivia - Ulf Sandberg

                                                                                                                              Hutson, long revered on the soul scene for his production, songwriting and performace skills, was Curtis Mayfield’s heir apparent. First chosen by the great man to replace him in the Impressions, and then groomed for an extensive solo career on Curtis' own label, Curtom, Hutson was the real deal. The Hutson catalogue has not been available on any format for nearly two decades, so it's excellent news that Acid Jazz have begun a full scale reissue series in partnership with Leroy himself.
                                                                                                                              Here we have a deluxe reissue of ‘Hutson II’. Often seen as a partner to the early ‘Hutson’, this is a highly sort after album and a high point of 1970s Chicago soul. Recorded at Curtom Studios, it features the all time classics ‘I Think I’m Falling In Love’, ‘Love The Feeling’ and ‘Don’t It Make You Feel Good’.

                                                                                                                              TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                                              Love The Feeling
                                                                                                                              Situations (Instrumentals)
                                                                                                                              I Do I Do (Want To Make Love To You
                                                                                                                              I Think I’m Falling In Love
                                                                                                                              Love To Hold You Close
                                                                                                                              Flying High
                                                                                                                              Blackberry Jam
                                                                                                                              Sofunkstication
                                                                                                                              Don’t It Make You Feel Good
                                                                                                                              Positive Forces
                                                                                                                              Blackberry Jam (Single Edit)

                                                                                                                              Leroy Hutson

                                                                                                                              Anthology 1972-1984

                                                                                                                                Acid Jazz pull a blinder here, delivering the definitive Leroy Hutson compilation – ‘Anthology 1972-1984’. A legend to soul fans, his catalogue has been increasingly sought after by collectors and producers since the last time it was widely available nearly 20 years ago. College friends and early collaborator with Donny Hathaway then hand-picked as Curtis Mayfield’s replacement in The Impressions, his solo career resulted in 7 albums for Mayfield’s Curtom label. They are considered some of the greatest of the era and the very best music from them is collected here. Licensed from Mr Hutson himself, this represents his first approved Anthology, and comes in a beautiful package with an essay by soul expert and Mojo award-winning writer Tony Rounce and memorabilia and photos from Mr. Hutson’s own personal archive. The first single lifted to preview the album – the previously unreleased ‘Positive Forces’ has been championed at 6Music by Gilles Peterson who described it as one of the most important discoveries of the past ten years.

                                                                                                                                TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                                                Cool Out
                                                                                                                                All Because Of You
                                                                                                                                Don’t It Make You Feel Good
                                                                                                                                Love The Feeling
                                                                                                                                Positive Forces
                                                                                                                                Lucky Fellow
                                                                                                                                Never Know What You Can Do (Give It A Try)
                                                                                                                                Love Oh Love
                                                                                                                                Ella Weez
                                                                                                                                Could This Be Love
                                                                                                                                So In Love With You
                                                                                                                                I Think I’m Falling In Love
                                                                                                                                Closer To The Source
                                                                                                                                Give This Love A Try
                                                                                                                                Right Or Wrong
                                                                                                                                Now That I Found You
                                                                                                                                Get To This (You’ll Get To Me)
                                                                                                                                Lover’s Holiday
                                                                                                                                Time Brings On A Change

                                                                                                                                Judy Dyble & Andy Lewis

                                                                                                                                Summer Dancing

                                                                                                                                Acid Jazz present Judy Dyble and Andy Lewis’s psychedelic folk collaboration ‘Summer Dancing’.

                                                                                                                                Dyble was the original vocalist in Fairport Convention, appearing on their self-titled debut, before joining Giles, Giles and Fripp and then recording the awesome UK psych masterpiece ‘Morning Way’ under the name Trader Horne with her then boyfriend Ian McDonald.

                                                                                                                                Andy Lewis was the original DJ at legendary Brit-pop club Blow Up, before recording his own albums for Acid Jazz and scoring a Top Forty hit with his collaboration with Paul Weller, ‘Are You Trying To Be Lonely?’ in 2007. After that he joined Weller’s band of which he was a member until the end of last year.

                                                                                                                                The album is made of the very stuff of British psychedelia, an obsession with childhood, the country and the city. It emerges from a place somewhere between Broadcast, the soundtrack to ‘The Wickerman’ and Stereolab.

                                                                                                                                The album is released at the time when Judy is very much involved in the celebrations for Fairport's 50th Anniversary and she will be appearing at their annual Cropredy Festival as both a solo artist and as part of Fairport Convention.

                                                                                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                Barry says: Folk me, this is nice. Airy hippie vibes, hazy barbecues in the park, village fetes, bees all over the place. Not malicious ones, just normal nice bees. Warm pastoral acoustic guitars and swooning vox. Lovely.

                                                                                                                                TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                                                Intro
                                                                                                                                He Said She Said
                                                                                                                                Up The Hill
                                                                                                                                Summer Dancing
                                                                                                                                These Words
                                                                                                                                A Message
                                                                                                                                Night Of 1000 Hours
                                                                                                                                London
                                                                                                                                My Electric Chauffeur
                                                                                                                                Treasure
                                                                                                                                The Day They Took The Music Away
                                                                                                                                Such Fragile Things
                                                                                                                                Summers Of Love
                                                                                                                                Tired Bones
                                                                                                                                The Weathermonger

                                                                                                                                Matt Berry

                                                                                                                                The Small Hours

                                                                                                                                  Strange things can happen during the morning twilight. Mysterious shapes appear and play tricks on the mind but it is also when the magic happens. Emerging from the darkness, Matt Berry’s new album, ‘The Small Hours’ captures that awakening feeling and the moment all his wild imagination springs to life.

                                                                                                                                  “‘The Small Hours’ is that time before dawn when we worry about things,” tells Matt of the album’s title and its beautifully complex and beguiling nature. “It can be an intensely quiet time so all your thoughts and fears can be amplified.”

                                                                                                                                  Whether you’re familiar with Matt’s Live shows or want to understand what they are like, this album takes you there! From the excited audience chatter to the clarity of his pulsing KORG, each element resonates with perfect clarity. Berry and The Maypoles' musical prowess shines through their prog-folk excursions and trombone flairs which are reminiscent of an early Acid Jazz release, all with the a nod to Berry's surreal and panoramic world-view.

                                                                                                                                  TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                                                  1. The Innkeeper’s Song
                                                                                                                                  2. So Low
                                                                                                                                  3. October Sun
                                                                                                                                  4. Take My Hand
                                                                                                                                  5. Sorry (Theme From)
                                                                                                                                  6. Solstice
                                                                                                                                  7. Snuff Box
                                                                                                                                  8. Song For Rosie
                                                                                                                                  9. Medicine
                                                                                                                                  10. Devil Inside Me
                                                                                                                                  11. The Pheasant

                                                                                                                                  Having recently completed a Christmas special of The IT Crowd (Channel 4), his own series Toast Of London (Channel 4) Matt Berry currently features in Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer’s new series House Of Fools (BBC) – which has seen Matt described as “probably – the funniest person on television right now.“ by The Guardian. 

                                                                                                                                  Far from being content with just acting, Matt released two critically-acclaimed records of idiosyncratic folklore pop 2011’s Witchazel and 2013‘s Kill The Wolf (an ablum descibed as “equal parts serious, beautiful, English & charming” by Josh Homme) It’s of little surprise that Matt‘s forever fertile mind has been affecting his sleep. About a year ago, found himself suffering from insomnia... but he turned the deprivation into a new expressive outlet: Music For Insomniacs. 

                                                                                                                                  An album on which every note was recorded by Matt in solitary only during the nights at his flat. 

                                                                                                                                  Cover art originally painted by Matt Berry.

                                                                                                                                  TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                                                  A. Music For Insomniacs Part I 
                                                                                                                                  B. Music For Insomniacs Part II

                                                                                                                                  Tony Christie

                                                                                                                                  Now's The Time!

                                                                                                                                    Tony Christie is fast approaching his 50th anniversary in music and to celebrate Acid Jazz put him back in the studio to make an album that takes him back to his musical roots.

                                                                                                                                    "Now's The Time!" will be Tony Christie's nineteenth studio album over an illustrious career, which has taken him from Sheffield to Amarillo, and very much back again. It picks up from where the critically acclaimed album, "Made In Sheffield", left off.

                                                                                                                                    Two years on and Tony Christie is again visiting his roots, although not geographical this time. He has spent time rediscovering the soul side of his early career, and has encompassed this into the recording of an incredible album, which was produced by friend, fan and one time collaborator, Richard Barrett from The All Seeing Eye. The album brings together the sound of northern soul, British beat and filmic soundtracks. Tracks like "Get Christie" (a re-work of the iconic theme from Get Carter) which features a collaboration with fellow 'Dee-Dar', Jarvis Cocker, other collaborations on the album come from Roisin Murphy amongst others.

                                                                                                                                    The title track "Now's The Time!" shows Christie in a light that we haven't seen him in for 30 years, yet it seems more fashioned to him now more than ever. "This album has given me the opportunity to be the real me. What could be more exciting?" The rich production and original collection of songs, which testify Christie's high level of dexterity, are beautifully conceived and movingly delivered in a way that only Christie could furnish. Tony Christie has arguably made the album of his impeccable career showcasing his iconic status as one of Britain's greatest singers.

                                                                                                                                    TRACK LISTING

                                                                                                                                    1.Now's The Time!
                                                                                                                                    2.Money Spider
                                                                                                                                    3.7 Hills (feat. Roisin Murphy)
                                                                                                                                    4. Nobody In The World
                                                                                                                                    5.Steal The Sun
                                                                                                                                    6.Longing For You Baby
                                                                                                                                    7.Get Christie
                                                                                                                                    8.Too Much Of The Sun
                                                                                                                                    9. Key Of U
                                                                                                                                    10.Workin' Overtime
                                                                                                                                    11. I Thank You
                                                                                                                                    12. Something Better

                                                                                                                                    Trashmonkeys

                                                                                                                                    Nobody

                                                                                                                                      Anglo-Germanic four-piece The Trashmonkeys, return with a a new three track single "Nobody" which features two brand new tracks, "Wrong Education" and "Gone". Brash, rock'n'roll,combining 60s garage snarl and '77 punk derangement.


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