Search Results for:

22A

Tenderlonious

The Shakedown Feat. The 22Archestra - 10th Anniversary Edition

    The Shakedown' features a dream team of top talent Tenderlonious named the 22archestra, who he leads seamlessly throughout. Listeners are exposed to the full breadth of Cawthorne's technical and compositional skills, ranging from subtly meandering jazz, to hip hop, Afrobeat, Latin and exhilarating free form jazz.

    The groups includes former Yussef Kamaal member Yussef Dayes on drums, Ruby Rushton bassist Fergus Ireland and producers Reginald Omas Mamode IV and Jeen Bassa on percussion.

    TRACK LISTING

    1. Expansions
    2. Yussef's Groove
    3. Togo
    4. SV Interlude
    5. The Shakedown
    6. Maria
    7. You Decide
    8. SV Disco
    9. Red Sky At Night

    Ruby Rushton

    Two For Joy - 10th Anniversary Edition

      The essential 2015 debut album from the Tenderlonious led jazz outfit - Ruby Rushton. The album tore up the rule book at the time and is a reflective, instrumental composition, nuanced by a fusion of jazz, afro-beat, hip-hop and electronic influences.

      'Two For Joy' perhaps came at a time when jazz wasn't cool, but was a triumph nonetheless, fuelled by a love of Coltrane, Yusef Lateef and Fela Kuti to more contemporary artists like Slum Village and Sa-Ra. Recorded way back in 2011, it tore up the rule book reaching beyond traditional jazz and coffee table conformity. The band was a quartet at the time made up of composer and 22a label boss Ed Cawthorne (Tenderlonious) on saxophone, Nick Walters on trumpet, Aiden Shepherd on keys and Yussef Dayes (Yussef Kamaal) on drums. The album fuses jazz, hip hop, Afrobeat and electronic music and captures the sound of London.

      TRACK LISTING

      1. An Introduction
      2. Room With A View
      3. Trudi Mary
      4. Where Are You Now? (Part 1)
      5. Spritely Does It!
      6. Two For Joy
      7. Aidan's Song
      8. For Her
      9. Where Are You Know? (Part 2)
      10. Room With A View (Reprise)

      Tenderlonious

      You Know I Care

        Having released several solo projects, numerous collaborations and a series of LP's, EP's and singles with his band Ruby Rushton that centred on original compositions, he wanted to take a moment to focus his energy on exploring the classic jazz material that has inspired him over the years.

        Players like Jackie McLean, Duke Pearson, Clifford Jordan and Wayne Shorter have all played significant roles in Tenderlonious' life and provide a constant source of inspiration for his development as a musician and composer. 'You Know I Care' is a tribute to those musicians and for this reason a landmark album - his first recording that purely delves into the American jazz songbook. Plus it's a way of encouraging a new generation of jazz listeners to explore some of the most significant contributors, and in some cases unsung heroes, to this ever evolving genre.

        This long player clearly follows in the footsteps of Tenderlonious' spiritual jazz hero's, paying particular attention to the original performers of these six masterpieces - Jackie McClean, Clifford Jordan, Wayne Shorter and Duke Pearson. This is also the first time that Tenderlonious has recorded on alto saxophone, a more recent love affair for this talented multi-instrumentalist, and hopefully the first of many.

        There is something for everyone on this album, from brooding ballads to full steam ahead modal delights - and an opportunity to enjoy a fresh take on these timeless compositions.

        Tenderlonious: alto saxophone, futes
        Hamish Balfour: piano
        Pete Martin: bass
        Tim Carnegie: drums

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Barry says: While Tenderlonious' records come in all shades of jazz, 'You Know I Care' for Ed Cawthorne's 22a imprint sees him honour the roots of spiritual jazz in fine fashion, rendering the originals is his own inimitable style and resulting in a beautiful and refreshingly inventive end product. A nicely conceived and perfectly executed tribute.

        TRACK LISTING

        1. On The Nile
        2. Maimoun
        3. Infant Eyes
        4. Poor Eric
        5. John Coltrane
        6. You Know I Care

        Lorenzo Morresi & Tenderlonious

        Cosmica Italiana

          In the late 1960s and early 1970s Italian soundtrack and library music went through its most experimental, prolific and dazzling period having a strong radio presence in both Europe and the US. Musicians and composers such as Piero Umiliani, Amleto Armando Roelens and even Ennio Morricone were regularly experimenting with idiosyncratic combinations of jazz, electronic, progressive, disco, funk and psych genres.

          It was their mutual love of these 60s and 70s soundtracks that brought Lorenzo Morresi and Tenderlonious together. After performing alongside each other at a festival in Italy back in 2017 the idea was quickly conceived to put together a fresh take starting with that early 1970s Italian style, using contemporary analogue inspired arrangements combined with experimental and joyful 'tongue in cheek' sounds that could work on the dance floor as well as at home.

          Tracks like "Nuda Sorgente", "Doppio Sogno" and "Estate" are club oriented with a musical crossover from old- to- new. 'Estate' is a cover from the classic jazz standard by Italian singer Bruno Martino. Tender and Morresi worked tirelessly between Italy and London for approximately 2 years carefully shaping their album 'Cosmica Italiana': "With this project we've done our best to deliver our own interpretation of this wonderful era of Italian music and rediscover a beautiful genre, whilst maintaining a strong respect and admiration for the sounds that those original Italian masters created. Their records impressed and inspired us and we hope it will be the same for our listeners today."

          TRACK LISTING

          1. Cosmica Italiana
          2. Bazar Milano
          3. Nuda Sorgente
          4. Tema Cinque
          5. Doppio Sogno
          6. Interludio
          7. Estate
          8. 5:00 AM
          9. Movimento Astratto
          10. Classico
          11. Acqua

          Whether it be jazz fusion with his band Ruby Rushton, Hindustani classical with Pakistani quartet Jaubi or deep house, electro funk and ambient electronica in his solo studio productions, Tenderlonious has accumulated a back catalogue of releases and collaborations that unveil a musician who is continuously striving to evolve and push the boundaries of sound.

          'Still Flute' continues with that notion, combining his signature live flute and synth work over Detroit house, p-funk, spiritual ragas and ambient sound designs. There are four deep house jams, including 'Song For My Mother' and title track 'Still Flute', all embellished with energetic flute solos. 'Isaac's Theme' and 'Neptune's Mood' add the downbeat p-funk mood, while 'Seti Khola' is a deeply spiritual Hindustani raga. 'Journey to Thra' and 'End Transmission' add the ambient palette to another phenomenal record from Tenderlonious and the 22a camp.

          'Still Flute' is the long awaited follow up to Tenderlonious's highly acclaimed 2016 mini-album 'On Flute'.

          For fans of Larry Heard, Moodymann, Dam-Funk & Yussef Kamaal...


          TRACK LISTING

          CD Tracks:
          Song For My Mother
          Isaac's Theme
          Hold Tight
          Journey To Thra 
          Seti Khola (Bonus Track)
          Still Flute
          Neptune's Mood
          Blue Tender 
          One For The Rhodes
          End Transmission (Bonus Track)

          LP Tracks:
          Song For My Mother
          Isaac's Theme
          Hold Tight
          Journey To Thra
          Still Flute 
          Neptune's Mood
          Blue Tender
          One For The Rhodes

          *Please Note CD & Digital Versions Include 2 Bonus Tracks Not On The LP.

          Ruby Rushton

          Gideon's Way

            'Spanish Raga' opens the EP, inspired by an evening out after a gig in Madrid in 2019. Always unpredictable, the tune moves from delicate flute melodies to punchy synth bass and drum grooves, with a Raga inspired flute interlude in the middle. 'Fall From Grace' is a melancholic jazz folk song. Inspired by the current uncertainty we all face. It winds through a complex horn line driven by explosive drums. The EP title track 'Gideon's Way' carries on the cinematic "cop music" theme from the bands 2019 LP 'Ironside', taking inspiration from ITV's sixties cop classic 'Gideon's Way'. Latin-jazz roller 'The Good Mixer' closes out the EP in energetic fashion, with a nod to Dingwalls and other closed Camden watering holes. A free-wheeling, playful tune with combined flute and trumpet solos nodding to the Charles Mingus approach of ensemble playing, elevated by Carnegie's drum grooves. 'Gideon's Way' leaves the door ajar for the fifth Ruby Rushton album, scheduled for release later this year.

            TRACK LISTING

            1. Spanish Raga
            2. Fall From Grace
            3. Gideon's Way
            4. The Good Mixer

            Tenderlonious

            Ragas From Lahore: Improvisations With Jaubi

              In April 2019, 22a boss and multi-instrumentalist, Tenderlonious embarked on a trip to Pakistan to work with Lahore based instrumental quartet, Jaubi. Following on from the success of the three-track limited edition 10” vinyl release of ‘Tender in Lahore’ earlier this year, 22a presents the full LP-length suite of improvised Ragas from a one day recording session in Lahore, featuring four previously unreleased tracks.

              Opening track ‘Shalah Bagh’ is inspired by the Mughal gardens in Lahore they visited. It is a fully improvised track guided by Kashif Ali Dhani on table and vocals, with Tenderlonious on soprano saxophone. Raga Chandrakauns acts as the basic framework, evolving into a free conversation between tabla and saxophone.

              ‘Azadi’ is the Urdu word for freedom and is a pure raga composed in the beautiful and devotional pentatonic Raga Bairagi, also based in the 12-beat rhythmic cycle (Ektaal). Like everything during these sessions, this raga was shown to Tender moments before the one take recording and what ensued was an improvised conversation between the musicians. Featuring Jaubi members Zohaib Hassan Khan on sarangi - Zohaib is a 7th generation sarangi maestro and one of only 5 professional sarangi players left in Pakistan practicing this ancient art form. Plus Jaubi guitarist and band leader Ali Riaz Baqar, providing the guitar accompaniment.

              Other tracks include ‘Kirwani Part II’ is an alternate take of the original, this time featuring Tenderlonious on soprano saxophone in conversation with Kashif Ali Dhani on tabla. Marek Marek Pedziwiatr, from EABS & Astigmatic Records, provides the synth drone back drop on all tracks

              TRACK LISTING

              Shahla Bagh
              Azadi
              Kirwani
              Azeem
              Kirwani Part II
              Impressions

              Tenderlonious

              Quarantena

                Lockdown allowed Tender to escape from his busy lifestyle and touring schedule, finally giving him the time to properly explore and experiment with the vast collection of synths, drum machines and instruments he's built up over the past twenty years. Armed with an arsenal of hardware and inspired by sci-fi & fantasy movies, he has delivered an expansive opus of varying tempos that glide across imaginative synth sculptures and meditative soundscapes. The soundtrack to his quarantine - 'Quarantena.'

                The album begins with '1984 (Chapter One)', a tribute to the novel by George Orwell that depicts a dystopian society, captured perfectly by this moody intro. 'Rococo's Raga' is a nod to Tender's recent project, 'Tender in Lahore.' Based around the harmonic minor scale this raga is a conversation between the flute and marimba backed by an infectious swing groove. The title track 'Quarantena' has an epic soundtrack feel with luscious pads, soaring strings and orchestral horn lines, backed by solos from Tender on flute and also featuring Nick Walters on trumpet.

                The flip side includes 'Total Recall', another tribute to one of Tender's favourite films from childhood. Made purely from the sounds of the Yamaha SY85, the ghostly choir transports listeners to an eerie space, reminiscent of scenes from the film. 'Birds of Paradise' is another stand out, which would make a fitting accompaniment to any modern film soundtrack. Sounds of the jungle sweep in and out, whilst Tender adds flute and synth flurries alongside a sparse, head nodding groove - downtempo at its finest. 'Quarantena' is Tenderlonious' most confident, slick and accomplished studio work yet.

                TRACK LISTING

                1984 (chapter One)
                Rocco's Raga
                Quarantena
                Falkor Flight
                Lockdown Boogie
                Covid Blues
                Total Recall
                Moment’s Notice
                Birds Of Paradise
                MaskUp/GloveUp
                Utopia
                Forty Nights

                Tenderlonious

                Hard Rain

                  ’Hard Rain’ follows hot-on-the-heels from the acclaimed Ruby Rushton album ‘Ironside’, but whereas contemporary urban jazz was the focus there, Tender’s solo record marks a return to another of the multifaceted artist’s skills: dope house and beat music that oozes futuristic funk.

                  This sparse but perfectly-populated masterpiece takes inspiration from J Dilla and echoes elements of vintage Blaze, Larry Heard and Carl Craig. Warm and soulful, but also spacious and clean, Tender extracts maximum flavour out of just a few ingredients.

                  “Casey Jr.” kicks proceedings off with a neck-snapping bass heavy p-funk
                  monster, like Slum Village or Platinum Pied Pipers by way of Surrey and
                  onwards to south London. Real electro laced cosmic jazz funk keys and techno hi hats coalesce exquisitely on “Buffalo Gurl”, whilst the breathtakingly deep. ‘Hard Rain’ sounds both current and classic. “Low Tide” is an ambient jazz interlude that clears the palate, before “Another State Of Consciousness” trips the light on a kaleidoscopic discoball of pure synth ecstasy. Bumpy and blunted, the break-fuelled flute ride of “Aesop Thought” and LA style abstractscience of “Workin’ Me Out” shine a new light on trip hop, before the album closes with the smouldering, emotive brooder “Almost Time”.

                  After a long studio hiatus, this is a sign of good things to come from Tenderlonious and the 22a camp!


                  STAFF COMMENTS

                  Matt says: Peckham rises once again as the 22a firm display some more sonic wares from their locale. Tenderlonious at the controls for a mellow, smoked-out modern jazz / electronics composition.

                  TRACK LISTING

                  1. Casey Jnr
                  2. Buffalo Gals
                  3. Hard Rain
                  4. GU22
                  5. Low Tide
                  6. Another State Of Concsiousness
                  7. Aesop Thought
                  8. Love You
                  9. Workin Me Out
                  10. Almost Time

                  ‘Ironside’ is Ruby Rushton’s most complete work to date and was recorded over a 2 day session at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. It sees the band continuing to push boundaries, and lead the way, with this new genre defying recording. The quartet’s fresh, high energy sound is rooted in the spiritual concepts of John Coltrane and Yusef Lateef, paying homage to The Headhunters and Weather Report heyday, whilst still adopting influences from hip hop, Afrobeat and the UK underground culture.

                  ”Ironside” - meaning someone who is “courageous and possessing great physical and mental strength” sums up the Ruby Ruston journey so far. A personal, against the odds journey, that required Tenderlonious starting a label, 22a, back in 2013. Nobody much cared about jazz back in 2011 when the first Ruby Ruston album (‘Two For Joy’) was recorded, so the 22a platform was built, a home for friends and members of the family to release music from. Fast forward to 2019 and the jazz landscape is looking a whole lot healthier.

                  The album’s title track embodies its meaning more than any other track on the album. A highly technical, jazzy jungle mover, held down by Tim Carnegie’s drums and Tenderlonious’ expeditious flute solo. ”The Return Of The Hero” nods most explicitly to the ever-present flute hero Yusef Lateef, the prancing dance of “Eleven Grapes” builds a locked groove perpetually upwards in spirals of dizzying frency, whilst “Triceratops The Caller” evokes alternating contributions from 4 Hero’s sampled breaks, J-Dilla’s loping beats and Lonnie Liston Smith’s cosmic keys, all of which coalesce in a perfect, joyous blend. The solemn beauty of “Prayer for Greenfell” is a respectful and dignified memorial, befitting of the magnitude of many lives stolen and “Pingwin VI” is dedicated to another hero of Tenderlonious - the Polish Jazz legend Kristof Komeda.

                  STAFF COMMENTS

                  Millie says: Ruby Rushton's been at the forefront of the UK jazz scene since 2015 and is storming ahead with a unique all-encompassing mixture of jazz, Afrobeat and hip hop. Ironside does not disappoint, high energy and instrumentally a masterpiece in itself.

                  TRACK LISTING

                  One Mo’ Dram
                  Where Are You Now
                  The Target
                  Return Of The Hero
                  Eleven Grapes
                  Lara’s Theme
                  Prayer For Grenfell
                  Ironside
                  Triceratops The Caller
                  Pingwin
                  VI (Requiem For Komeda)
                  Lara’s Theme (Alternate Take)**
                  Where Are You Now? (Alternate Take)**

                  ** CD Only

                  Nick Walters & The Paradox Ensemble

                  Awakening

                    22a023 sees trumpeter, friend and long-time label affiliate Nick Walters bring his Paradox Ensemble back to life with the mini-album ‘Awakening’. The thirteen piece ensemble combine spiritual and eastern jazz moods with West African rhythms across four extended tracks. Limited one-off pressing, manufactured at Optimal, Germany.

                    Channelling the spirit of Woody Shaw, Charles Mingus and absent friends the band features some familiar faces such as Ed Cawthorne (aka Tenderlonious) on tenor sax and flute, Aidan Shepherd (Ruby Rushton) on accordion and synth, and of course the incomparable Nick Walters (Ruby Rushton & Riot Jazz) on trumpet and synths.

                    Tracks include “34268”, inspired by an Agbadja rhythm from Togo, features two ways of emphasising the same rhythmic motif - the first half a slower pulse of three beats to the bar before quickening to a four to the floor groove for the second half, accompanied by a classic trumpet solo from Walters.
                    ”Dear Old Thing” is a tribute to beloved cricket commentator Henry Blofeld. The musical inspiration is channelled from Eric Dolphy via an exquisite flute solo from Ed Cawthorne (Tenderlonious) and another transcendent solo from Walters.

                    Nick Walters is arguably one of the most underrated musicians in the UK jazz scene. This project on 22a, which is entirely composed and arranged by him and featuring a roster of unbelievably talented musicians, will hopefully change

                    TRACK LISTING

                    34268
                    Dear Old Thing
                    Brahman
                    Zeno

                    EABS

                    Kraksa / Svantetic Feat. Tenderlonious

                      EABS, a collaborative project with the Polish jazz septet and featuring Tenderlonious on flute and soprano saxophone. The Electro Acoustic Beat Sessions collective (EABS) are without doubt the most accomplished jazz group in the world right now. They have a unique and innovative approach to music, fusing elements of Polish and classic jazz with hip hop, funk and folk. Their debut album ‘Repetitions (Letters to Krzysztof Komeda)’ is a dedication to Polish Jazz legend Krzysztof Komeda that focusses on compositions by Komeda between 1962 and 1967. The album explores Komeda’s lesser-known compositions featured in ballet etudes, movies, short films, documentaries and animations. ’Kraksa/Svantetic’ is the final part of a dedication to Krzysztof Komeda, recorded straight to tape at Radio Opole in Poland. Polish jazz has had a big influence on 22a and Tenderlonious and working with EABS became a priority after hearing their album. Tenderlonious was therefore delighted to accept their invitation to go out to Poland to perform with them.

                      STAFF COMMENTS

                      Millie says: 22A bring us this stunning new jazz release EABS collaborating with Tenderlonious, creating this hybrid of jazzy-hip hop-funk but sticking with the traditional jazz style. A must if you like Ezra Collective or the Brownswood catalogue!

                      TRACK LISTING

                      Kraksa
                      Svantetic

                      Tenderlonious

                      The Shakedown Feat. The 22Archestra

                        ‘The Shakedown’ is Ed ‘Tenderlonious’ Cawthorne’s debut LP and features a dream team of top talent he named the 22archestra, who he leads seamlessly throughout. Listeners are exposed to the full breadth of Cawthorne’s technical and compositional skills, ranging from subtly meandering jazz, to hip hop, Afrobeat, Latin and exhilarating free form jazz.

                        The groups includes former Yussef Kamaal member Yussef Dayes on drums, Ruby Rushton bassist Fergus Ireland and producers Reginald Omas Mamode IV and Jeen Bassa on percussion.

                        The tracks include “SV Disco”, a nod to the mighty Slum Village, is a chunk of sensually-contorted disco vibes that brings on full party mode instantaneously, with the slinky bass licks and pitch-bent synthesiser recalling Roy Ayres’s blissed-out funk.

                        ”Maria” showcases Ed’s roots as sample-based producer, pulling influence from around the globe to create an undulating piece of flute-led Brazilian fusion that fans of Ruby Rushton will find familiar. The eastern-inspired embellishments raise the temperature further, whilst former Yussef Kamaal member Yussef Dayes’ sizzling cymbals and shuffling snare work propel the track forwards, locking down a signature 22a groove.

                        ”Yussef’s Groove” kicks off with driving drums, and each of the 22archestra enter steadily, fully utilising their virtuosic power, switching between low-slung bass, chic open piano solos and hazy electric piano. The 22archestra was conceived after Tenderlonious was invited to record at Abbey Road Studios. The whole crew was rounded-up and the album was recorded during a single 8 hour session - a testament to their musicianship and ability to nail a take.

                        Personnel: Ed ‘Tenderlonious’ Cawthorne (flute & synth), Hamish Balfour (keys), Fergus Ireland (bass), Yussef Dayes (drums), Reginald Omas Mamode IV, Jeen Bassa, Konrad (percussion)

                        STAFF COMMENTS

                        Millie says: Jazz with an innovative twist filled inspired by many people and places over the world, and this definitely shows in the style and production. The collaboration is overflowing with talented people who are absorbed in the world of everything jazz.

                        TRACK LISTING

                        Expansions
                        Yussef’s Groove
                        Togo 
                        SV Interlude
                        The Shakedown
                        Maria
                        You Decide
                        SV Disco
                        Red Sky At Night

                        Ruby Rushton

                        Trudi's Songbook: Volume Two

                          Tenderlonious led jazz outf it Ruby Rushton drop their second album of 2017. Following on from the success of ‘Trudi’s Songbook: Volume One’ the band are back with their highly anticipated ‘Volume Two’. Comprised of a further six cuts the listener is treated to another journey through modern day jazz!

                          Stand out tracks include 'Tisbury Truckin', which is a stunning opener! Starting with an atmospheric soundscape it unexpectedly drops into a neck-snapping hip-hop groove with a punchy melodic line before effortlessly sliding into an up-tempo, afro-beat inspired rhythm with strong solos from trumpet and keys in tow. “Song For Christopher” is a heartfelt ballad, which begins with a touching flute solo and continues to take the listener on a journey through the emotions, ending in a crescendo of optimism - a fitting tribute to the late Christopher Rushton.

                          ”Charlotte Emma Victoria” is another strong track and includes some tasteful sousaphone and trombone parts to add extra oomph to its bounce, accompanied by a soaring saxophone solo by band leader Edward Cawthorne (aka Tenderlonious). The album ends with a classic Herbie Hancock jazz-fusion standard, “Butterfly”, which the band handle with finesse. A fitting cover that I have no doubt would impress its original writers.

                          ’Trudi’s Songbook: Volume Two’ is a fantastic album, which further solidifies Ruby Rushton’s place on the modern jazz scene. This is a must have album that would hold its own in any jazz enthusiasts record collection - make sure you check it out!


                          TRACK LISTING

                          Tisbury Truckin
                          Song For Christopher
                          Trudi’s Mood (Part II)
                          Charlott E Emma Victoria
                          Together At Last
                          Butterfly

                          Ruby Rushton

                          Two For Joy

                            Long awaited repress of the essenti al 2015 debut album from the Tenderlonious led jazz outf it - Ruby Rushton “Two For Joy”. The album tore up the rule book at the ti me and is a refl ecti ve, instrumental compositi on, nuanced by a fusion of jazz, afro-beat, hip-hop and electronic infl uences. Features drummer Yussef Dayes of Yussef Kamaal.

                            Back when Ruby Rushton released their debut album in 2015, the London jazz landscape looked very diff erent. Moses Boyd hadn’t yet released the genreunifying ‘Rye Lane Shuffl e’, Yussef Kamaal Trio had only just fi rst teased their output at the 22a Boiler Room, never mind releasing an album which opened jazz up to a completely new audience. Shabakah Hutchins too conti nued to operate from the shadows, before The Ancestors, Sons of Kemet and Comet is Coming got their dues.

                            Two For Joy perhaps came at a ti me when jazz wasn’t cool, but was a triumph nonetheless, fuelled by a love of Coltrane, Yusef Lateef and Fela Kuti to more contemporary arti sts like Slum Village and Sa-Ra. Recorded way back in 2011, it tore up the rule book reaching beyond traditi onal jazz and coff ee table conformity.

                            The band was a quartet at the ti me made up of composer and 22a label boss Ed Cawthorne (Tenderlonious) on Saxophone, Nick Walters on Trumpet, Aiden Shepherd on keys and Yussef Dayes (Yussef Kamaal) playing drums. The album fuses jazz, Hip Hop, Afro-Beat and electronic music, captures the sound of London today! The album is fi lled with moments of ramped-up spell-binding energy, meditati ve slow-build solos, and melancholic grooves. Recorded live in e day, “Two For Joy” is the result of four friends coming together and expressing themselves in the only way they truly can.

                            TRACK LISTING

                            An Introduction
                            Room With A View
                            Trudi Mary
                            Where Are You Now? (Part 1)
                            Spritely Does It!
                            Two For Joy
                            Aidan’s Song
                            For Her
                            Where Are You Now? (Part 2)
                            Room With A View (Reprise)

                            Mo Kolours

                            Meroe EP

                              Anglo-Mauritian producer, percussionist, and vocalist Mo Kolours makes a welcome return to 22a following on from his two highly acclaimed albums on One Handed Music. The tropical Meroe EP takes you on a journey through hip hop, dub, funk and house - a choice selection of cuts presented on a limited 7” vinyl (500 copies), with original artwork designed by the man himself!

                              Side A opens with ‘Cerasee Doctor,’ a classic Mo Kolours production. Hip Hop meets Dub Reggae, with a catchy vocal loop throughout, equipped with a healthy dollop of dub sirens - this one is sure to grace many a soundsystem worldwide! ‘Margoze’ follows and takes the listener on a journey to West Africa where cowbells and syncopated rhythms take lead whilst the distant sound of local dialogue blends seamlessly in and out of the mix, rooting it deep in its African foundation.

                              Side B begins with ‘Goya,’ which brings about a fusion of traditional Vietnamese folk mixed with snippets of slap bass to create a collage of worldly sounds - a technique synonymous with the acclaimed producer. The EP finishes with the title track ‘Meroe,’ where Mo Kolours once again effortlessly fuses ancient and modern sounds to create a dancefloor winner.

                              Neue Grafik

                              Soul Conspiracy

                                Debut release on 22a for rising Parisian producer Neue Grafik. ‘Soul Conspiracy’ explores broken beat, house and hip hop and grasps that very distinctive 22a sound fusing classic house beats with a lo-fi boogie feel. DJ support from Alexander Nut, Bradley Zero, Tenderlonious, Dennis Ayler, Lefto and many more - essential! Located in Paris, Neue Grafik represents a generation of artists at the forefront of electronic music. Routing his influences in a heavy 70s feel, his latest EP ‘Soul Conspiracy’ invites the listener to explore a fusion of live and programmed electronic music. Grafik makes good use of live instrumentation on this EP, featuring plenty of Fender Rhodes and lead synth, as well as a sprinkling of live drums and a strong guest vocal from the soulful likes of Wayne Snow. Tunes like ‘Modern Man’ and ‘Thanos Interlude’ adopt an inspired broken beat approach, reminiscent of early Bugz productions, whilst the title track ‘Soul Conspiracy’ has a distinct 22a quality, fusing classic house beats with a lo-fi boogie feel.

                                One of the three outrageously talented Deenmamode brothers (Mo Kolours & Reginald Omas Mamode IV), Jeen Bassa has carved out a reputation as one of the leading beat-tape producers in the game today. His warm and woozy productions mix up slo-mo, mechanised funk with hues of neon soul and blue, jazz notes. An artist that clearly stands out in a world that’s saturated with bland Dilla and Madlib-esque pastiches.‘All My People’ takes listeners on an electronic journey through hip hop, soul, jazz, funk and pan african sounds, hugely influenced by Bassa’s Mauritian roots.

                                TRACK LISTING

                                Audio Visual
                                Herb & Rhythm
                                Dramatise
                                Poets House
                                My People
                                Body Talking
                                The Landscapes
                                Do The Do
                                Latin Fingers
                                Cocoa Lotion
                                Ode To The Funk
                                Outro


                                Latest Pre-Sales

                                158 NEW ITEMS

                                E-newsletter —
                                Sign up
                                Back to top