In May 1976 a record was released that would have an unforeseen and lasting impact on the music industry “Ten Percent” by Double Exposure was an early release on the New York independent label Salsoul Records. America was in the grip of a disco explosion with new clubs opening on a weekly basis; Salsoul saw what was happening and swiftly created a sound for their label, heavily influenced by the music then coming out of Philadelphia, aimed directly at New York’s dance-floors. Records like “Salsoul Hustle,” “Tangerine” and “You’re Just The Right Size” by The Salsoul Orchestra borrowed heavily from the beautifully orchestrated Philadelphia International records but added a more percussive, bass heavy depth that New York’s DJs loved. So what was so special about this particular single then? Double Exposure was, after all, just another band, “Ten Percent” just another song; one of many “disco” records released that week. First of all Salsoul became the first record label to make a twelve inch single available to Joe Public - the exotic format was previously only available to DJs as promotional items or bought under the counter at certain record stores. Not only that though, the extended version was created by Walter Gibbons, a DJ at New York’s Galaxy 21 who’d built his reputation making exclusive versions of tracks to play in his sets.

In 1976 it was unheard of for a DJ to set foot in a recording studio, being seen as little more than living jukeboxes by the serious music industry. Recording studios were strictly the domain of recording artists and producers so Walter found himself in a unique position, gaining access to a world no DJ had been granted before.

Or so we thought...
The Men In The Glass Booth tells the full story. Featuring ground breaking re-edits and remixes by some of the Disco era's most influential DJs including Walter Gibbons, Bobby DJ Guttadaro, Tom Savarese, Jellybean Benitez, Tee Scott and John Luongo, this opulent release also includes a 40 page book which features exclusive photos and insights from some of the story's key figures.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: BBE answer the prayers of all us non-millionaire disco fans, taking us on a journey through the alternative 12" history via this exhaustive collection of acetates and DJ edits. Mega!

BBE Music’s celebrated J Jazz compilation series reaches its fifth and final volume in early 2026, culminating in a track list that maintains the exceptionally high standard first set with volume one back in 2018. This final volume features a selection of tracks that is as diverse as it is deep, reflecting the rich and varied Japanese jazz scene that spanned from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, a golden era of innovation and creativity. J Jazz volume 5 sees compilers Tony Higgins and Mike Peden dig ever deeper into their respective record collections to reveal tracks that encompass myriad styles including white hot jazz funk fusion from Toshiyuki Honda (Eastern Legacy) and Mikio Masuda (Sonic Barrier), super rare ethnic jazz crossover by Christal Zone - their one-off 45 promo release from 1971, Rai Rai, a deconstructed and abstract jazz classic by Yasuhiro Kohno with his solo piano rendition of My Favourite Things, and Mile and Half’s skin-tearing, shredding freak-out from their mega rare private press album. A track that is so relentless, it leaves the listener in need of oxygen and a Valium. These hand-picked selections sit alongside other specially chosen numbers that embrace hard-driving samba (Seiichi Nakumura’s Judy’s Samba), epic head-nodding soul jazz (Masaru Imada’s World Line), psychedelic private press fusion (Aoyama Gakuin 101’s Fervor), angular post-bop tear-ups (Akira Miyazawa’s Nijimasu), intense and insistent fusion (Motohiko Hino’s Olive Step), serene cinematic pianism (Hideo Ichikawa’s On the Trade Wind) and tripped-out hallucinogenic tribal funky jazz (Masahiko Sato’s Garandoh’s Africa to Africa). Most of the tracks on this collection are being reissued for the first time, many of them only available previously on extremely limited and mega-rare private press or independent releases. J Jazz volume 5 is a fitting end to a compilation series that helped create a new audience and appreciation of Japanese jazz Some of the albums the tracks are drawn from are featured in the large format book J Jazz: Modern and Free Jazz from Japan 1954-1988, by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden, published by BBE Music in 2024. With almost 7000 words of extensive sleeve notes, J Jazz volume 5 comes in a triple 180g vinyl set inside a deluxe gatefold sleeve with obi strip, and comes with a 4-page insert, with photographs from the renowned Tokyo Jazz Joints project. It is also available as a double CD and digital download. Mastered at the Grammy-nominated Carvery Studio by Frank Merritt, this latest collection is a worthy successor to the preceding four volumes that set the bar so high. The J Jazz series is curated for BBE Music by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden.

TRACK LISTING

DISC 1
A1 – Aoyama Gakuin 101 – Fervor
A2 – Hideo Ichikawa – On The Trade Wind
B1 – Toshiyuki Honda Burning Waves – Eastern Legacy
B2 – Masaru Imada – World Line

DISC 2
C1 – Crystal Zone – Rai Rai
C2 – Masahiko Sato Trio + Akira Miyazawa – Nijimasu Part 1 and 2
C3 – Hot Session – Run After
D1 – Seiichi Nakamura – Judy’s Samba
D2 – Yasuhiro Kohno – My Favorite Things

DISC 3
E1 – Akira Miyazawa, Norio Maeda, Masanaga Harada, Jimmy Takeuchi, Kenichi Sonoda, Dixie Kings, George Otsuka Quintet, Masahiko Sato’s Garandoh – (History of Jazz)
E2 – Mile and Half – Mile and Half
E3 – Mikio Masuda – Sonic Barrier
F1 – Tomoki Takahashi meets Elvin Jones – Another Soil
F2 –Motohiko Hino – Olive’s Step

Compiled by Argentinian Djs and producers Ric Piccolo and Ariel Harari, Danza Secreta: Lost and Hidden Grooves From Argentina (1970-1980) is an emotional archive made up of music that never belonged to a single, unified scene, but shared a common spirit: a desire to experiment, to make people dance, to break away from dominant genres.

The compilation, issued as a 22 track bonanza on double vinyl, also represents a tangible history of musical resistance to the dark days of the Far-Right authoritarian, fascist and military oppression that blighted Argentina and its people throughout the 1970s and into the early 1980s. Featuring tracks originally self-released on small record labels and emerging from underground studio sessions and composed and recorded against a backdrop of the monitoring of ‘subversive’ music by the authorities, Danza Secreta is testament to the underground spirit of resistance in a blend of Soul, Funk and Disco with distinctive Argentinian signatures.

Ric Piccolo and Ariel Harari are renowned Djs and producers from Buenos Aries who share their time and DJ appearances between clubs in their homeland and those in Berlin, Barcelona, Zurich, Vienna and Paris focusing on playing Disco, Italo House and Rare Grooves with leftfield vibes.

Danza Secreta: Lost and Hidden Grooves From Argentina (1970-1980) is released as a digital download and and as a gatefold sleeve, double vinyl LP with all tracks remastered at the Grammy nominated The Carvery. It also comes with a bi-lingual booklet and liner notes that serve as a written history of this magnificent music of dance floor resistance.

TRACK LISTING

DISC 1
SIDE A
1. A Marietta – Giorgio Scarpinelli y su orquesta
2. Para esperar un niño – Tiburon
3. Gumbudala – Rhein
4. Tema del Tiburon – Mario Marzan
5. Guanaba – Palanca al Piso
6. Angela D – Africa
SIDE B
1. Bermilyia Avenue – Genius
2. Marruecos – The Music People
3. Take Me – Ian Durand
4. Disco Tango (Ric Piccolo rework) – Orquesta Disco Latino
5. Viajero Cosmico – Music Hall Pop Orchestra

DISC 2
SIDE C
1. Me llaman Manuel – Los Barbaros
2. Dando Lecciones (Harari rework) – Malvaho
3. Regine – The Music People
4. City Girl (Harari & Ric Piccolo rework) – Sula
5. In Ovni – Reginall Palmeri
SIDE D
1. Maquina de Caramelos – Sr Bife
2. Mincura – Domingo Cura
3. Ancestral – Cuasares
4. Especial De Medianoche – The Topper’s
5. Sabarabam – Rama
6. Parábola – Rodolfo Alchourron

The second vinyl EP from Brian Jackson and Masters At Work’s highly anticipated ‘Now More Than Ever’ project is a masterclass in soulful innovation, musical legacy, and collaborative excellence. Carefully curated and expertly packaged for true fans, this release brings together extended versions and rare cuts that were simply too expansive, deep, and powerful to fit on the forthcoming triple LP — but far too important not to be heard.

The double pack also includes the title track off the forthcoming album ‘Now More Than Ever’, a brand-new, never-before-heard track birthed organically during the energy and creative momentum of the recording sessions. It stands as a testament to the spontaneous brilliance of Jackson, MAW and their collaborators, capturing a moment of pure musical inspiration.

The EP features seven tracks, including reimagined and extended versions of classics such as Kenlou Cult Classic ‘Moonshine’, Jackson and Heron’s ‘Lady Day and John Coltrane’, and ‘Home Is Where the Hatred Is’, plus a deep focus on ‘Racetrack in France’ — first recorded by Brian Jackson and Gil Scott-Heron in 1977 for their landmark Bridges album. Highlights include: The MAW (Masters at Work) Live Mix of ‘Moonshine’, featuring former Midnight Band/Amnesia Express multi-instrumentalist Carl Cornwell on saxophone. A sprawling 12" version of ‘Home Is Where the Hatred Is’ — a jazz-fuelled dancefloor reinterpretation blending political fire with sonic elegance. The 12” version of ‘Lady Day and John Coltrane’, featuring Rahsaan Patterson’s soulful vocal performance set against a lush, cinematic arrangement. A masterful reworking of ‘Racetrack in France’ featuring legends Josh Milan, J. Ivy, and Moodymann, each bringing their distinct voice and flavour to this seminal piece. The instrumental version is also included in this 2 x 12” EP.

Whether you're a long-time devotee of Brian Jackson and Gil Scott-Heron’s influential catalogue, a DJ or collector chasing rare wax, or a new listener drawn to future-leaning soul and jazz, Now More Than Ever ‘EP Two’ is an essential release — a bridge between the past, present, and the music still to come.

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Racetrack In France (12" Version)
2. Moonshine (MAW Live Mix)
3. Now More Than Ever

Disc: 2
1. Lady Day & John Coltrane (12" Version)
2. Home Is Where The Hatred Is (12" Version)
3. Racetrack In France (MAW Instrumental Organ Mix)

DJ Amir takes another deep dive into the back catalogue of Detroit's legendary Strata Records to curate a 2nd volume in his Strata Records – The Sound of Detroit compilations. Whereas volume one took in the soulful edge of the Strata canon this volume, as Amir says, 'leans into the label's groovier, funkier edges whilst still celebrating its bold, avant-garde spirit.'

DJ Amir's relationship to the Strata label has resulted in the release of the long lost Charles Mingus live 'Jazz in Detroit' box set released on BBE Music along with re-issues from The Lyman Woodard Organisation and re-imaginings of Strata's genre defying music by Berlin based DJ and producer collective, Jazzanova as well as remixes from Kai Alce, Wajeed, Henrik Schwarz, re.decay and DJ Amir himself and, of course, volume one of The Sound of Detroit.

Featuring music from The Soulmates, Fito Foster, Keith Boone & Janice Coombs and The Contemporary Jazz Quintet amongst others, The Sound of Detroit volume 2 absolutely exemplifies the importance of Strata Records in the history of innovative Black music as well as its place in the cultural landscape of Detroit as a powerhouse city for art and music.

Naive Melodies is a bold and visionary tribute to the music of Talking Heads, reinterpreted through the lens of Black musical innovation. Curated by Drew McFadden — the creative mind behind BBE’s acclaimed Modern Love (David Bowie tribute album) — this new collection dives deep into the Afro-diasporic rhythms and experimental soul roots that helped shape Talking Heads’ unmistakable New Wave sound. Inspired by artists like Fela Kuti, Parliament, and Al Green — whose influences loomed large in the band’s rhythmic DNA — Naive Melodies shines a light on the Black music traditions that underpinned their artistry. Far from a conventional tribute, Naive Melodies reframes the band’s catalog through the voices and visions of a new generation of genre-defying artists. These interpretations illuminate the foundational grooves and sonic textures that fueled Talking Heads’ rhythm-forward aesthetic, bringing them full circle with authenticity. “With Naive Melodies, I wanted to spotlight the deep and often overlooked influence of Black music on the sound of Talking Heads, drawing from the rhythmic foundations of Afro-diasporic traditions, soul, gospel, Latin, and spiritual jazz. This project is a chance to reimagine Talking Heads’ legacy through the lens of the very innovations that helped shape it, bringing those influences to the forefront through the voices of today’s most forward-thinking artists.” — Drew McFadden The album features a globally minded lineup, including Liv.e, Bilal, Rogê, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Aja Monet, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Theo Croker, Kenny Dope, Rosie Lowe, Pachyman, W.I.T.C.H., and more — spanning Afrobeat, jazz, soul, funk, gospel, dub, electronica, orchestral, and Latin styles. It reflects not only the boundary-pushing ethos of Talking Heads, but also the influence of Black music as a cultural force that helped shape it. This is not just a tribute album — it’s a recontextualization. A cultural conversation. A rhythmic reawakening.

TRACK LISTING

SIDE A
1. Heaven - Miguel Atwood-Ferguson
2. Sugar On My Tounge (Dub) - Pachyman
3. Once In A Lifetime - W.I.T.C.H.
4. Girlfriend Is Better - Georgia Anne Muldrow
5. Mind - Wu-Lu

SIDE B
1. Psycho Killer - Astrønne
2. Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On) - Kenny Dope Feat. Róisín Murphy
3. I Zimbra - Liv.e
4. The Book I Read - Aja Monet
5. Burning Down The House - Rosie Lowe

SIDE C
1. Uh-Oh Love Comes To Town - EBBA
2. Road To Nowhere - Rogê
3. And She Was - Vicky Farewell
4. Crosseyed And Painless - Florence Adooni

SIDE D
1. Seen And Not Seen - Bilal
2. Born Under (More) Punches (The Heat Goes On) - Theo Croker Feat. Theophilus London
3. Take Me To The River - Dominique Johnson
4. This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) - Leon Jean-Marie

**PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE LIMITED COPIES SIGNED BY THE ARTIST WHILE HE WAS IN MANCHESTER. SLEEVES HAVE SEEN THE TINIEST BIT OF WEAR, BUT VINYL IS PERFECT AND UNPLAYED**

Wildchild returns with his new BBE released double vinyl album, "Child Of A Kingsman". Featuring guest artists of the calibre of Keyon Harrold, Aaron Green, Beatslaya, Amber Navran, The Soulyghost, Darus Jones and Nottz amongst its roster of creative contributors, this album is a sprawling epic of contemporary hip-hop, marked by great story telling and soulful flows that find favour in jazz and neo-soul camps as much as the hip-hop heads it's directly aimed at. 

Wildchild first found his musical home alongside Madlib and DJ Romes in the 90's hip-hop band Lootpack and as a band member and solo artist has worked with legends such as Phife Dawg, Common, DJ Scratch and now with the aforementioned Keyon Harrold and other contemporary giants of soul, jazz and hip-hop. Wildchild's driving ethos of of uniting cultures through music and dance is absolutely writ large through the 17 track stroke of genius that is "Child of a Kingsman".

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Jack (WildChild) was such a legend when he visited Manchester recently. After getting lemons and his show getting pulled last minute, he made lemonade by setting up in Stevenson Square for an impromptu meet-n-greet and signing session! Allowing us to cop these tasty units! Proper behaviour from the Madlib collaborator and Lootpack ledge.

TRACK LISTING

1.A Kingsmanʼs Flowers 02:33
2.Season Of Kingsmen 03:18
3.Change For My 2 Cents 03:27
4.Change For My 2 Cents 03:31
5.Wing Chun 02:34
6.Multiverse 03:22
7.Bat Signal 02:30
8.Mr Pinocchio & Positive People (Interlude) 00:28
9.Freedom Riding 02:58
10.Black Man Blues 05:00
11.Where The Poem Lady? (Interlude) 00:51
12.Kingsmen 03:56
13.My Utopia 03:52
14.The Brown Identity (Interlude) 00:34
15.Welcome Home 04:17
16.My Utopia (RMX) 04:25
17.Antwone Fisher (Outro) 01:00

Roy Ayers – Delfonic Reworked #1 A soulful rework story – from an edit to an official release Berlin’s own Delfonic kicks off a very special series of Roy Ayers reworks with this four-track EP on BBE Music. Originally sparked by a spontaneous edit of “What’s the T?”, which Delfonic shared with BBE’s Pete Adarkwah, the project quickly gained momentum. With listeners asking for a vinyl version, this initial idea soon grew into an official release – and the beginning of a larger tribute. Drawing from BBE’s 2004 compilation Virgin Ubiquity—a treasure trove of previously unreleased Roy Ayers recordings from 1976 to 1981—Roy Ayers – Delfonic Reworked #1 offers a fresh take on the legendary vibraphonist’s sound, rooted in soul, jazz and groove. The EP opens with Green and Gold, followed by the original spark What’s the T? featuring the incredible Merry Clayton. Also featured are Sugar with Carla Vaughan and Oh What a Lonely Feeling, again showcasing Clayton’s emotive vocals—all reimagined with Delfonic’s signature flair for rhythmic depth and dancefloor flow. Known for his extensive output of remixes and EPs on respected disco and edit labels, Delfonic brings a deep understanding of groove and arrangement to these respectful yet forward-thinking versions. His connection to Roy Ayers’ musical universe is evident in every bar. Mastered by Frank Merritt at the Grammy-nominated The Carvery, Roy Ayers – Delfonic Reworked #1 is available on vinyl and digital download—a must for fans, collectors and groove connoisseurs alike.

TRACK LISTING

1. Sugar (Delfonic Rework)
2. Green And Gold (Delfonic Rework)
3. What's The T? (Delfonic Edit)
4. Oh What A Lonely Feeling (Delfonic Rework)

Following the vinyl release of Delfonic's reworks of Roy Ayers tracks taken from the BBE Music compilation Roy Ayers-Virgin Ubiquity, it's now Osunlade's turn to add his production and remix enchantment to the music of the master craftsman with these remixes of Brand New Feeling. Featuring the exceptional vocal talents of Merry Clayton, perhaps best known for her blistering performance on the Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter and her own Webster Lewis penned hit Emotion, alongside Jazz vocalist and Earth, Wind & Fire, Ubiquity and Harvey Mason collaborator Silvia Cox, Osunlade's Yoruba Soul remixes have added new dimensions to this track. Hailing from St Louis, USA Osunlade's CV includes writing music for Sesame Street to working with and producing artists as varied as Patti Labelle, Freddie Jackson, Eric Benet, Martha Wash, Salif Keita, Nadirah Shakoor and Cesaria Evora. He started the Yoruba Soul project and label after his move to New York because of 'the continued need to create the music I wanted' and it is this musical freedom that has made him one of the most distinctive music makers, producers, DJs and remixers around today. Brand New Feeling is released as a vinyl EP featuring two tracks, the Yoruba Soul Mix Parts 1 & 2 with a digital release also featuring instrumentals of both mixes.

TRACK LISTING

1. Brand New Feeling - Yoruba Soul Mix Part 2
2. Brand New Feeling - Yoruba Soul Mix Part 1

The roots of salsa in Japan trace back to Latin music pioneers such as Tadaaki Misago’s Tokyo Cuban Boys, who played mambo and rumba post-World War II. However, salsa truly took hold in Japan in the 1970s, catalyzed by the Fania All-Stars’ 1977 tour. Among those captivated was percussionist Masahito “Pecker” Hashida. Known for his reggae contributions through albums like “Pecker Power” and “Rasta Instantané Avec L’Effroyable Pecker,” Pecker’s influence expanded after experiencing the vibrant salsa scene in New York City in 1977. Upon his return to Japan, he spearheaded the creation of Orquesta Del Sol, marking the inception of the salsa genre in Japan.

Orquesta Del Sol’s popularity soared with performances that encompassed both covers and original pieces. The group’s rise was buoyed by Japanese session drummer Shuichi “Ponta” Murakami, whose participation in 1980 elevated their profile and led to a contract with Discomate, an arm of TBS Group. This label also featured artists like Toshiko Akiyoshi and Junko Yagami.

The band’s debut album, “Rainbow Love,” was co-produced by Ponta and released in 1981. Apart from a cover of “Rumbambola” by Noro Morales, the album features original compositions performed in Japanese, Spanish, and English. The album cover, illustrated by renowned graphic artist and salsa enthusiast Yosuke Kawamura, mirrored the band’s pioneering spirit.

Masashi Takahashi, a noted Japanese Latin music specialist, observes in the newly commissioned liner notes that Orquesta Del Sol reflects shades of New Music, a genre linked to city pop. Takahashi notes that the musicians, deeply embedded in Tokyo’s vibrant studio scene, naturally gravitated towards creating a uniquely Japanese salsa sound. This sound, heavily inspired by Nuyorican salsa, has endured over the decades, warranting a worldwide reissue.

The reissue of “Rainbow Love” marks its first worldwide release on vinyl and digital formats, supplemented by seven bonus tracks previously only available on a CD reissue named “Legend Vol. 1” from the band’s label, Uno Music, in 2000.

The band recorded these tracks some time after the release of their second album, Harajuku Live in the early 80s when they were offered album deals from many record companies. Four of the tracks were covers of songs of some of the favorite salsa artists of the band members that they performed at the time when they first started.

Juan Pachanga is a cover of Fania All-Stars included in the album Rhythm Machine, Campanero is a cover of José Mangual Jr. included in the album Tribute To Chano Pozo, Yo Soy La Rumba is a cover of Machito & His Orchestra included in their album Yo Soy La Rumba! and Duerme is a cover of the band Libre included in the album Con Salsa..Con Ritmo Vol. 2- Tiene Calidad.

All tracks have been remastered, with the original Japanese liner notes now available in English and accompanied by Takahashi’s new insights.

The timing of this release dovetails with the growing global interest in historic Japanese music, spotlighting the origins of salsa in Japan. Orquesta Del Sol, whose former members later formed the Grammy-nominated group Orquesta De La Luz, have continued to influence the genre significantly. Their debut album remains a cornerstone, inviting new listeners to experience the innovative fusion of Latin sounds nurtured in Japan.

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Rainbow Love
2. One More Kiss Again
3. Que Alegria
4. Mundo Cruel
5. Night Ripple
6. Get-A-Odyssey
7. Rumbabola
8. Dawn

Disc: 2
1. Luna De Miel
2. Campanero
3. Yo Soy La Rumba
4. Dame Un Beso
5. Duerma
6. Drizzling Rain
7. Juan Pachanga

Yet another album of musical excellence compiled by If Music’s Jean-Claude for the excellent and massively collectible ‘You Need This’ series. This release marks the 4th volume in the A Journey Into Deep Jazz portfolio in the If Music cannon released on BBE and will be available on a double vinyl LP and as a digital release.

Deep Jazz volume 4 continues to meet the high quality bar set by the previous releases in the series and the If Music presents… catalogue. Its global diversity of artists is represented in the tracklisting. This nine track offering ranges from the slow, lush Bobby Hutchersonesque, never repressed ‘Process of a Cloud’ from Japanese Drummer George Hirota to Oakland artist Phavia Kujichagulia’s Congolese themed, black consciousness Fancy Footwork and the mighty combination of Ginger Baker and Ransome Kuti on their co-written N’Kon Kini N’Kon N’Kon, a chunky, Lo-Slung Afro-Beat celebration of Fela Kuti’s Kalakuta Republic.

Jean-Claude’s excellent track record of creating and curating compilation albums and rediscovering rare gems and private presses for re-issue follows a philosophy of cross- genre music appreciation that can be traced even further back than to his time as one half of the innovative, genre bending, DJ and production duo The Amalgamation of Soundz. Jean- Claude has been a mainstay of London’s Black Music scene for some four decades with his record shop, his shows on NTS and Soho Radio, his excellent ‘In Conversation with…’ series of chat shows, his Djing and curation of event stages at Across the Tracks Festival and, of course, his excellent compilations.

Andy Smith's curation of the 3rd volume in his Reach Up – Disco Wonderland series brings us more carefully selected music from the Discosphere. With tracks from artists as far ranging as Buscrates, Trailer Limon and Rena Scott included in this 16 track killer compilation Andy has also included excellent edits and remixes from such stellar names as Full Intention, Yam Who and Skratch Bastid. Reach Up-Disco Wonderland vol. 3 was curated during the lockdown periods of the pandemic after a series of virtual 'nights out' viewing DJs such as Skratch Bastid, The Nextmen, Chris Wheatley and others performing sets on the Twitch platform. Andy is now playing out in the real world with some of the DJs he 'met' online so now the time is right to drop this compilation on BBE Music. Andy Smith's pedigree in sourcing and mixing tracks from across eras and genres goes back to his debut compilation release The Document in 1998, he was the explorer and provider of samples and breaks for the first two Portishead albums and played as the band's international tour DJ. His compilation track record of some fifteen plus releases since 1998 has covered New Orleans Funk, Northern Soul, Reggae, the mixed genre follow ups to the The Document and, of course, the now three volumes of the Reach Up-Disco Wonderland series on BBE Music. Pressed as a triple vinyl LP, along with the aforementioned double CD and digital versions, not only is Reach Up-Disco Wonderland vol. 3 a delight for the DJ consul and the dance floor, but also an audiophile's dream on vinyl with all tracks mastered at the renowned and Grammy nominated Carvery Studios.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Losers & Fools (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland Re-Edit) – Weekend Sun
A2. Body Work (Nick Reach Up Remix) – Hot Streak
A3. Lovin’ You (Smoove Disco Dub) – The Honeyshotz
B1. I Like Funky Music (Skratch Bastid Turntable Mix) – Uncle Louie
B2. Beyond The Clouds – Quartz
B3. Five Days – Buscrates Feat DJ Epik
C1. Please Don’t Break My Heart (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland Re-Edit) – The Affair Feat Alyson Williams
C2. Change – Platinum City
D1. You’re So Far Away (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland Re-Edit) – Rena Scott
D2. Free Yourself (Full Intention Extended Remix) – Birdee & Nick Reach Up Feat Barbara Tucker
D3. Love Don’t Pay The Bills – Trailer Limon
E1. Black Water Gold Part 2 (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland Extended Mix) – The Sunshine Band
E2. The Big Throwdown – Get To Know
E3. Make It Alright – BB Soul Feat Laura Jackson
F1. Disco Hi-Life – Orlando Julius
F2. Bad Times (Yam Who Extended Vocal Remix) – Risk Assessment

After the highly anticipated debut album "Sugar Honey Iced Tea!," the dynamic NYC duo strikes once more with a double pack of alternate versions and remixes. Craig Handfield and Brandon Weems, better known as musclecars, have unveiled a dance music masterpiece, now graced by the touch of house music legends Louie Vega and Maurice Fulton. This double pack showcases multiple versions of "Tonight," remixed by dance music maestro Louie Vega, who momentarily stepped away from his Masters At Work ventures to infuse this project with his magic. The main remix unfolds like an epic journey adorned with orchestral elegance, while the dub versions range from festival anthems (NV South Jersey Mix) to tracks that echo the early Masters At Work essence (Louie Vega’s Bronx Dub). Additionally, we are gifted a new version of "Hello?" reimagined by Maurice Fulton. In this version, Maurice's signature live bass lines intertwine with exuberant, hard-hitting percussion, casting a whimsical light on the deep, introspective original. Complementing the remixes from musclecars' esteemed inspirations, we encounter two new versions of "Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)" and "Water," both stripped of percussion to reveal the stunning arrangements, textures, and harmonies. These renditions are accompanied by a full side of musclecars’ dance odyssey "I Don’t Remember The Last Time I Saw Stars." The Double Honey Pack is a tour de force. It’s a rarity to witness two legends unite to elevate an already stellar project, yet Vega and Fulton achieve just that. Meanwhile, Weems and Handfield meticulously peel back the layers, allowing the intricate details to shine. This promises to be the release of the summer!

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Tonight (Louie Vega Remix)
2. Tonight
3. Tonight (Louie Vega Bronx Dub)

Disc: 2
1. I Don’t Remember The Last Time I Saw Stars
2. Hello? (Maurice Fulton Remix)
3. Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)(Planetarium Mix)

BBE Music presents a meeting of musical spirits in a unique live recording captured just a few months before the world changed due to a global pandemic. Recorded in September 2019, Live at Café Oto sees two giant heavyweights of the post-war Japanese jazz scene come together with a pair of exemplary musicians from the heart of the new UK jazz movement. Generations and continents apart but united as one for a very special concert. Together, performing at London’s leading space of innovative and exploratory music – Café Oto in East London – pianist and composer Masahiko Satoh and drummer Takeo Moriyama fuse their musical forces with saxophonist Idris Rahman and bassist Leon Brichard, at the time both members of Ill Considered, one of the UK’s most notable experimental jazz groups. Masahiko Satoh and Takeo Moriyama are more than mere players of their respective instruments. They inhabit a higher realm, a space closer to icons or totems in their chosen fields. Both Satoh-san and Moriyama-san emerged as potent forces in the late 1960s – Satoh-san as an experimental and iconoclastic composer and pianist and Moriyama-san as the dynamo to the blistering Yosuke Yamashita Trio – a critical period in the development of free and modern jazz in Japan. A time that witnessed creative boundaries dissolve, new vectors of cultural transmission emerge and the very definition of ‘jazz’ undergoes intense and wide-ranging reframing by a new generation of artist. These artists eschewed prior conventions and forms and looked to construct a new musical vernacular. That spirit of change and transformation is shared with the two younger players who accompanied them on that autumn Sunday evening in East London. As members of Ill Considered, reed player Idris Rahman and bassist Leon Brichard (Brichard has since left the group) were at the fulcrum of the burgeoning UK jazz and improvisation scene that has taken the world by storm in recent years. Ill Considered’s sound was – and remains – centred on free improvisation and, in their own words, ‘based loosely around simple pre-written themes or composed on the spot’. It was therefore natural that Idris and Leon were well matched to play alongside two seasoned veterans of the revolutionary free improvising scene of the late 60s and early 70s Japan. Live at Café Oto presents a unique moment as generations meet in a unity of purpose to create a truly ecstatic experience that will not be forgotten by those lucky enough to be in the audience that night. That special moment can now be shared with you.

TRACK LISTING

1. Evening Snow
2. Ringo Oiwake
3. East Plants
4. Watarase
5. Other Worlds
6. Chiasma

Introducing "The Architecture of Oppression Part 2" - the highly anticipated follow-up to Jake Ferguson's critically acclaimed debut album - Part 1. Ferguson is recognised as the ‘other half’ of The Heliocentrics, producing his solo work under the moniker, The Brkn Record. Effortlessly merging the realms of music and activism, he has created a groundbreaking album, which is set to be one of the most important bodies of work that illustrate ongoing systemic racism this side of the millennium. Ferguson takes the listener to a world where artistry and social consciousness intersect. Crafting an array of captivating soundscapes and themes. This album showcases the vocal talents of both established artists and hidden gems discovered through Ferguson's day-job as a former charity CEO and community activist. While Part 1 served as a rallying cry to dismantle oppressive systems, Part 2 offers a compelling soundtrack of a Pro-Black world reclaiming its destiny. This thought-provoking art piece invites listeners to envision alternative paths while avoiding the pitfalls of past paradigms. Unlike a broken record, this The Brkn Record album keeps pushing boundaries— By enlisting the voices of The Global Majority, The Brkn Record creates a platform for genuine expression through sound. Renowned for his production skills, Ferguson has captured the admiration of industry heavyweights including Nas, Madlib and Kanye West. However, rather than seeking popular features, he chooses to amplify the authentic perspectives of the talented youth he collaborates with in Hackney. One such initiative supported by Ferguson, Account Hackney, introduced him to two gifted artists showcased on this album – Great Okosun and Yolanda Lear. ‘This album serves as a visceral demonstration of my anger at the racially founded status quo in this country and globally. The continued oppression of people on the basis of their race is beyond evil, its common place and needs to end. Simple as.’ The album also sees Ferguson joining forces with award winning laureate Anthony Joseph and legendary hip-hop MC Percee P - their dynamic and thought-provoking lyrics seamlessly intertwine with expertly produced musical landscapes. "The Architecture of Oppression Part 2" is not just an album; it is a transformative journey that challenges the listener and wants you to ‘feel’. It’s Art. A musical experience that inspires, compels, and empowers. Over to you!

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. We Need Freedom (featuring Jermain Jackman)
2. Black Gold (featuring Jermain Jackman)
3. Cut The Cheque (featuring Percee P & Great Okosun)
4. Believe (featuring Ugochi Nwaogwugwu & Toyin Agbetu)
5. Skull Tax (featuring Anthony Joseph)
6. Indifference (featuring Anthony Joseph)

Disc: 2
1. Why Do They Fear Us? (featuring Yolanda Lear)
2. Prison Of Skin (featuring Ugochi Nwaogwugwu)
3. The Walls Of Jericho (featuring Dylema)
4. Intensity In Five (featuring Anthony Joseph)

Celebrating two decades of IF Music's scrupulous curation through its record shop, a thriving website, album reissues and compilations in collaboration with BBE Music, parties and radio shows, “IF Music Presents You Need This: 20 years” is a 9 track, double vinyl LP beautifully put together by Jean-Claude. Coming, as it does, as the 9th release in the “You Need This” series of compilations curated by Jean-Claude, this album features music that ranges from 1980 (Christine Schaller's spectacular “Fidji”) to exclusive tracks from the likes of Emanative & Liz Elensky (‘Fall Into Me’) and Tenderlonious (‘Dennison Point’) which both bring us up to the present day. It is Jean-Claude's remarkable ear for music that, as with all the previous “You Need This” releases, creates a wonderfully coherent journey through the decades across the four sides of this masterpiece of a compilation album. As mentioned earlier “You Need This: 20 Years” will be released as a double LP pressed on 180 gramme heavy vinyl, cut at 45rpm and on digital. Whether this starts, adds or completes your collection of Jean-Claude's “You Need This” series of compilations, “20 Years” is a must-have and indeed, you really do need this!

TRACK LISTING

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

In association with DJ Amir's 180 Proof Records, BBE Music continues to bring the rarest of music to jazz heads everywhere with its latest Strata gem, Maulawi Nururdin’s Orotunds, a virtually unknown and previously unreleased album. Although there is an element of mystery to almost all jazz musicians, few are ever quite as enigmatic as Maulawi Nururdin. A legendary band leader and reedist to his disciples, information about Maulawi’s personal life and early years is so scarce that even his birth name remains unknown. What is known is that Maulawi was a tougher-than-nails Chicagoan by birth, inescapable mentor to others, and a virtuoso jazz musician unlike any other. The earliest notes in Maulawi’s history begin on the south side of Chicago as a close associate of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians with AACM pioneers Muhal Richard Abrams, Fred Anderson, Billy Brimfield and Roscoe Mitchell. From the beginning, Maulawi was a self assured leader, unafraid to boot other musicians off stage, commandeer their instrument, and give them an impromptu lesson on how to play it right. An intimidating figure in his signature beret and goatee, Maulawi wasn’t a stranger to the streets, and often spent his free time driving around, hipping his protégés to real life on the Chicago south side. But it would be his reputation as a musician, and not a streetwise bandleader, that would bring Maulawi to the doors of Strata Records. “Maulawi could really, really play,” says percussionist Adam Rudolph, who, at 16 years old, began practicing and playing with Maulawi in the early 1970s. It was Rudolph who would introduce Maulawi to Strata’s Charles Moore, a meeting which would lead to Maulawi’s self-titled 1973 debut, the first album recorded by Strata by an artist from outside of Detroit. True to the mysterious nature of Maulawi, even the story behind the recording of Ortunds is in dispute. They were either part of the 1973 sessions for Maulawi, recorded in a single night in Chicago, or from an unmixed session that took place in the Streeterville neighborhood at a later date. History aside, Ortunds never fails to astonish. Composed by Maulawi himself, Ortunds is an album of mostly Pop and R&B songs, all elevated by tip-toe funk tempos and Maulawi’s wildly inventive soprano saxophone. Tracks include Thom Bell and Linda Creed’s “People Make The World Go Round,” as well as the Burt Bacharach and Hal David-penned classic, “I Say A Little Prayer.” The title track is a drum and bass driven showcase, the perfect platform for Maulawi to strut his sublime expressionist style on the Saxophone. The album ends with a real find - a rarely heard spoken recording of Maulawi himself, introducing the players and defining the title Ortunds as “full, clearness, strength and smoothness

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Orotunds
2. Maiden Voyage
3. People Make The World Go Round

Disc: 2
1. Unknown Track
2. I Say A Little Prayer (For You)
3. Where Is The Place
4. Maulawi Spoken Outro Edit

On the debut EP 'We Are The Ones/Fire/Forever', Chicago DJ legend Rahaan collaborates with an incredibly talented group of musicians, including Marcus J. Austin on lead vocals, Nancy Clayton on backing vocals, Carnell C. Newbill (also known as Spike Rebel) on keyboards and backing vocals, Todd Swope on guitar, and Lou Terry on bass. Together, they create a 3-track EP that perfectly showcases Rahaan's production skills and the musical talents of the entire group.

Rahaan's experience and expertise as a DJ and producer are evident in each track, with grooves that are sure to keep the dancefloor moving. The title track, 'We Are The Ones', is a story of adventure and return, with a twist. Created by Rahaan and The Ones while under the influence, the track was lost for years as it was unnamed on his computer. However, Rahaan's determination to find it paid off, and with the help of Ohio Players' Kenny Anderson on the horns, he built upon the elusive skeleton track. With Marcus J. Austin on lead vocals and Nancy Clayton on backing vocals, 'We Are The Ones' delivers a soulful, 4-to-the-floor anthem that showcases the vocal talents of the group. And in 'Fire', Todd Swope's guitar skills shine through, creating an epic production that draws spiritual inspiration from traditional AfroBeat rhythms. It's worth noting that The Ones features some truly talented musicians, including Carnell C. Newbill (Spike Rebel) on keyboards and backing vocals. Spike Rebel is a well-known producer and musician in his own right. With his soulful vocals taking center stage, Carnell Newbill leads the charge on "Forever," he also superbly delivers on bass, keys, percussion, and guitar. Expertly mixed by Rahaan, this track is sure to become a dance floor anthem.

In summary, 'The Ones' EP is an impressive collaboration between some of the most talented musicians in the Chicago underground House and Disco scene. With Rahaan at the helm, this project is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves to dance. Mastered with Love by the Grammy nominated The Carvery Studios, this is one for any worthwhile DJ’s record bag.

TRACK LISTING

1. We Are The Ones
2. Fire
3. Forever

In association with DJ Amir’s 180 Proof Records, BBE presents another gem from the small yet significant Strata catalogue. A precursor to New York’s Strata East, Detroit’s Strata Records was founded in the late 1960s by former Blue Note artist Kenny Cox. Starting life as a music-led community organisation, coffee shop studio and venue, Strata released only a few titles as a record label, gaining the imprint a cult following among record collectors and jazz lovers across the globe.

Possibly the best known of Strata’s releases, The Lyman Woodard Organization’s ‘Saturday Night Special’ is rightly heralded as a jazz fusion classic. Recorded in 1975, ‘Saturday Night Special’ features organ, electric piano and Mellotron by bandleader Lyman Woodard alongside guitar and bass by Ron English, with drums and percussion by Leonard King, Bud Spangler & Lorenzo "Mr. Rhythm" Brown respectively. Despite the fairly sparse instrumentation, ‘Saturday Night Special’ lays down an impressive wall of sound, powerfully atmospheric in its almost low-fi aesthetic. Hinting at more traditional jazz, rhythm & blues, afrocuban styles and more, the uniqueness of this album is surely in its feel: summoning up images of a vast industrial landscape, assembly lines and urban decay. In other words, this record sounds like Detroit.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1. Saturday Night Special
2. Belle Isle Daze
3. Saturday Night Special (Alternative Take)
4. Joy Road

Side 2
1. On Your Mind
2. Creative Musicians
3. Help Me Get Away
4. Cheeba
5. Saturday Night Special (Lost Alternate Mix)
6. Allen Barnes
7. Belle Isle Daze (Lost Alternate Mix)

Japanese master drummer Takeo Moriyama returns to BBE Music’s J Jazz Masterclass Series in a majestic live set showcasing his exemplary musicianship and stature as one of the leading names in Japanese modern jazz. Recorded in December 1990 at the jazz club Lovely in Nagoya, this set sees Moriyama’s quartet deliver an exemplary session of the finest modal, post-bop and spiritual jazz. Moriyama is backed by long-time colleague Fumio Itabashi on piano and the group perform a stunning rendition of Itabashi’s classic ‘Watarase’, revisiting the track they first recorded on Moriyama’s 1981 ‘Smile’ album. Demonstrating his range as a composer, Itabashi penned four of the five tracks on this album. ‘Live at Lovely’ also features regular bassist Hideaki Mochizuki and tenor saxophonist Toshihiko Inoue, who also feature on Moriyama’s ‘East Plants’ album, previously reissued in the J Jazz Masterclass Series. The quartet’s communication and interplay are revelatory, each player listening closely and finding their own space within the richly textured music. The album opens with ‘Sunrise’, a blast of blistering unrestrained post-bop, with Toshihiko Inoue’s strident horn motif and Itabashi’s commanding piano underpinned by Hideaki Mochizuki’s thunderous bass and Moriyama’s relentlessly authoritative and expressive drumming. On ‘Exchange’, another Itabashi composition, the quartet up the energy level even further, pushing to the edge of free jazz but maintaining enough structure to keep it together as they race headlong into a 20 minute epic that leaves the listener as out of breath as the band. Every track on ‘Live at Lovely’ stands by themselves, but taken together, it’s an extraordinary listening experience that demonstrates the calibre of the Japanese jazz players who emerged in the 1970s and who, like Moriyama and Itabashi, continue to perform today. This special double vinyl edition is mastered by the Grammy-nominated Carvery and is the first ever reissue since the album’s original Japan only CD release in 1991 and comes with a translation of the original notes plus a new sleeve note by Tony Higgins. J Jazz Masterclass Series is curated by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden for BBE Music.

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Watarase
2. Sunrise

Disc: 2
1. Hush-A-Bye
2. Exchange
3. Good Bye

A wonderful album full of Balearic vibes, funky riffs and mellow moments, originally released in 1980. BBE Music are excited to announce this highly sought after album titled ‘Will & James Ragar One”.

James and Will Ragar hail from Louisiana, where their early education into music began. At a young age they moved to New Orleans - where they heard live Jazz for the first time. This inspiration is demonstrated through their free approach to this album. Their natural evolution through the Louisiana club scene saw them develop and hone their talents of adding that southern swag to covers they did, almost making them their own.

‘Will and James Ragar One’ is a blend of acoustic and electric tones, carefully and cohesively put together by the brothers. ‘As the Day Grows Tired’ is the first song on the album and one of the first songs James wrote. The theme for ‘She’s Laughter’ is about returning home to someone you love and features a heavy guitar solo. ‘My Shining Sun’ has an unusual jazz form and is an ode to the joy of playing music. ‘Don’t Wish’ was inspired by a jazz chord progression that was a favourite, James played the solo on a pearwood soprano recorder. Gary Roberts played percussion on the session and also played the flute on ‘Just a Wanderer’.

TRACK LISTING

1. As The Day Grows Tired
2. She's Laughter
3. My Shining
4. Don't I Wish To Be Free
5. Melting Pot
6. Needs
7. Parade
8. Louisiana Fall
9. Hidden Away
10. Just A Wanderer
11. Oregon
12. Forever
13. Bayou Paradise

Like a long-lost Holy Grail album from the mid-seventies, Kirk Degiorgio’s latest project explores both Modal Jazz and Seventies Jazz Fusion in the Library album format. Side One swings with a vengeance with its tight arrangements built around acoustic bass, electric piano and glorious analogue synth leads and side 2 takes us on a journey of funk fuelled, percussive workouts and heavy breaks. The contribution of renowned session drummer Chris Whitten adds to the authenticity of the album as does the use of vintage, analog synths. The Library album was predominant in TV and film studios in Italy and France with composers creating background, incidental and scene music for use in TV and movie production.

In recreating the sound library format Kirk Degiorgio has revelled in both the creative freedom and the test of melodic capability that the short form of the Library album allows. As Kirk says, 'the skill with this kind of composing is to be able to express your ideas and thoughts in a maximum of two minutes at a time.'

Kirk Degiorgio is a DJ, composer and music lover whose influences, from family and then going out to clubs from under-18 discos to attending the Belvedere Arms and 'Shoom' and working in Reckless Records, cover all genres of Black music. From Soul, Jazz-Funk, Funk and then House and Detroit Techno Kirk has a love and an appreciation for how all these sounds work together and evolve from each other.

TRACK LISTING

1. Kiriath-Arba
2. Cincinnati Sunrise
3. Shinar
4. Chicago Shift
5. The Oakland Feel
6. Beersheba
7. Pittsburgh Patrol
8. Khmunu
9. Watts Awakening
10. Beth-El
11. Mittani
12. Dayton Daydreams
13. Harlem Homerun
14. Amurru
15. Shechem
16. Baltimore Beatdown

As part of its continuing exploration of Detroit’s Strata label with DJ Amir’s 180 Proof Records, BBE Music reissues the 1974 rare jazz classic ‘Inside Ourselves’ by Sphere. Recorded live on June 28th, 1970 at the Detroit Institute of Arts, ‘Inside Ourselves’ features John Dana on bass, Jimmy Peluso on Drums, Keith Vreeland on, Electric Piano, Eddie Nuccilli on Trumpet and Flügelhorn, plus bandleader Larry Nozero on tenor and soprano Saxophone. The album comprises seven captivating original compositions, written by Vreeland, Nuccilli and Nozero himself. Perhaps Larry Nozero’s single most-recognisable contribution to popular music is the soprano sax solo on Marvin Gaye’s seminal, 'What’s Going On', the title track and tone-setter for one of soul music’s most successful, not to mention conceptual, recordings. Like so many talented reedmen before him, Nozero received instruction from Detroit’s Teal School of Music, creating common ground with Yusef Lateef, Joe Henderson, and Benny Maupin. Although Nozero flirted with the Strata groundlings briefly in 1964 as a member of Charles Moore’s Detroit Contemporary 5, he was soon drafted into the military. A mixed blessing, Nozero took full advantage of the opportunities within the Army Band, which led to several high-profile jobs upon his return to Detroit. Despite lengthy engagements with Henry Mancini, Sergio Mendes, and studio work with everyone from Holland-Dozier-Holland to Berry Gordy, Nozero still relished musical freedom of expression, which made him right at home on the Strata roster. While little is known about Sphere as a standalone group aside from its contributors and producer Bud Spangler, ‘Inside Ourselves’ represents the level of quality jazz expected from the Strata imprint.

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Lonely Girl
2. Inside Ourselves
3. Alicia

Disc: 2
1. Where
2. Unknown Track
3. Spitfire

BBE Music are proud to reissue one of the most elusive and sought-after Afro-Funk LPs of all time: Son Of Africa, by Remi Kabaka. Now a proud 85 years of age and enjoying retirement in America, Remi was the cornerstone of British West African music in the 50s, 60s and 70s, along with Ginger Oloronso Johnson, Fela Kuti and others. But while Ginger played mambo and cha cha cha in Soho clubland and Fela released his early ‘highlife jazz’ records on the Melodisc label, Remi Kabaka was fully ensconced in the UK Rock world, playing sessions and live shows with The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Ginger Baker, Steve Winwood and countless others. As the 60s became the 70s, Kabaka developed yet another string to his bow: the development of a UK based West African Funk scene, that found its genesis in the legendary Osibisa, but with an influence and an inspiration that spilled over into every contemporary Brit Funk band from Cymande and the Equals to The Average White Band, Matata and beyond. Son Of Africa was originally released by Chris Blackwell’s Island records in 1976, to little acclaim, very few reviews, and with almost no promotion. African music was a hard sell when the 70s Black British record market wanted reggae first and foremost, and with Bob Marley on the books, Island understandably had other priorities at the time. The record disappeared. Until it reappeared in the early 2000s, as a £700-plus collectors’ item. It’s barely 30 minutes long. But every single minute is drenched with sinuous, spare funk: no spacey psych rock, no disco, no boogie, no over-the-top production: just 90-110 BPM grooves that go straight to the body. So: whether you’re a turntablist, a hip hop sampler, or just an honest-to-goodness African Funk lover, catch this limited reissue (with full, updated liner notes) while you can. There won’t be another chance.

TRACK LISTING

1. Kabaka
2. New Reggae Funk
3. Sure Thing
4. Future Of A 1000 Years
5. All Black Festival
6. Aqueba Masaaba
7. African Hustle
8. Meteorite
9. Blue Lagos
10. Follow Your Needs

Gather together beneath the sun as we journey through the rhythmic sands of time, Paul Hillery, an esteemed collector and vinyl hunter, presents his follow-up to the highly acclaimed "We Are The Children Of The Sun." Andrew Male of MOJO Magazine calls the album "One of the most emotionally uplifting and hazily beautiful compilations of recent years." "Once Again We Are The Children Of The Sun" is a shimmering collection of rare finds, reminding us that we have more to connect us than to divide us.

The music encompasses a broad range of sounds, starting in Cajun country with Will & James Ragar, their handmade acoustic guitars allowing for soaring vocals. Along with many of the tracks featured on this compilation, "As the Day Grows Tired" is reissued on vinyl for the first time. Experience the previously unreleased cover of "Milk and Honey" featuring Kat Barnard and Greg Foat, a versatile mainstay of the UK jazz scene. Discover the first-ever vinyl release of "Kayenta Crossing" by William Eaton Ensemble, capturing the austere presence of Monument Valley. Immerse yourself in Wendy Grace's jazz-folk masterpiece "More Than Hope" and the acoustic ambience of "Golden Hour" by Aria Rostami.

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

STAFF COMMENTS

Darryl says: Another Paul Hillery compilation, and this one’s the follow up to last year’s impeccable ‘We Are The Children Of Sun’. His legendary crate digging talent shows no sign of drying up with these amazing obscure psych, folk, rock and jazz gems from across the world.

TRACK LISTING

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

BBE Music continues its highly acclaimed J Jazz Masterclass Series with Kemo Sabe, the debut album from pianist Masao Nakajima. Recorded in 1979 on Yupiteru Records, it’s an elusive beast in the field of J Jazz and balances delicate and refined playing with power and vigour. The Kemo Sabe album features bassist Osamu Kawakami, who has performed and recorded with such J Jazz figureheads as Sadao Watanabe, Isao Suzuki, and Kunihiko Sugano. Sax duty is by Toshiyuki Honda, leader of the popular fusion group Burning Waves. On drums is Donald Bailey, the noted American drummer most known for playing on classic Jimmy Smith Blue Note sessions. Bailey lived and worked in Japan for a number of years from the late 70s and recorded several album dates with local artists such including Keiko Nemoto, Isao Suzuki and George Kawaguchi. Recorded at the height of the electric fusion era, Kemo Sabe is an avowedly acoustic album, which may account for the small sales and low profile of the album at the time. The propulsive title track, written by New Zealand jazzman Mike Nock, was gifted to Nakajima-san when they briefly met and was featured on J Jazz: Deep Modern Jazz From Japan vol 3. The reissue’s liner notes features an exclusive interview with Masao Nakajima himself, discussing his career and background to the album. The BBE J Jazz Masterclass Series is curated by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden and is dedicated to presenting the very finest in Japanese jazz. The series features rare, long-lost and unreleased material presented in the highest quality reproductions of the original releases, fully licensed and authorised.

TRACK LISTING

1. Third Plane
2. Kemo-Sabe
3. Moments Notice
4. Beloved Diane
5. Tell Me A Bedtime Story
6. My Love

BBE Music presents a brand new album celebrating one of Philadelphia soul music’s most iconic figures, Teddy Pendergrass, remixed by pioneering producer and engineer, John Morales. This exploration of 1970s Philly soul at its apex focuses on one of the era’s defining voices, Theodore DeReese Pendergrass. Born in Philadelphia in 1950, Pendergrass sang church music at age two, and was ordained a minister at ten years old. Having learned drums and played in local bands during his teens, at 20 he was hired as a drummer for the Blue Notes by group leader Harold Melvin. After being spotted singing along onstage, he was soon appointed lead singer, and the rest is history… The masterful, revealing remix work of John Morales affords these classic songs improved clarity, allowing each individual player more space to be heard and modernising the recordings without ever losing sight of the original spirit. The virtuoso quality of the songwriting, production, arrangements and performances shine forth anew, and so do some of the music’s subtler qualities and nuanced, sometimes conflicted, subtexts that might have been overlooked in the most conventional view of Pendergrass in his prime. Curated authoritatively, remixed with love and passion, John Morales’ collection revisits our relationship with Teddy’s and Gamble & Huff’s music as compellingly and immersively as when it was new. Teddy’s timeless force resides equally in his talent for portraying truthfully the joys and hurts, beliefs and doubts, blessings and challenges of our lives, and in the bravery of confronting them all with an honesty that is still utterly extraordinary.

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. The More I Get, The More I Want (John Morales M + M Mix)
2. Only You (John Morales M + M Mix)
3. If You Know Like I Know (John Morales M + M Mix
4. Now Is The Time To Do It (John Morales M + M Mix)
5. The Love I Lost (John Morales M + M Mix)
6. I Don't Love You Anymore (John Morales M + M Mix)
7. Come Go With Me (John Morales M + M Mix)
8. Bad Luck (John Morales M + M Mix)
9. If You Don't Know Me By Now (John Morales M + M Mix)

Disc: 2
1. You Can't Hide From Yourself (John Morales M + M Mix)
2. Where Are All My Friends (John Morales M + M Mix)
3. Life Is A Song Worth Singing (John Morales M + M Mix)
4. Satisfaction Guaranteed (Or Take Your Love Back) (John Morales M + M Mix)
5. Do Me (John Morales M + M Mix)
6. Somebody Told Me (John Morales M + M Mix)
7. Is There A Place For Me (John Morales M + M Mix)
8. Turn Off The Lights (John Morales M + M Mix)
9. Don't Leave Me This Way (John Morales M + M Mix)

Long lost and much sought after Private Press from Western Massachusetts band Forest. A distinctive Acid-Jazz / crossover AOR / Soul sound, think Mother Earth jamming with Tim Buckley. This re-issue comes with 6 previously unreleased tracks. Forest was a rarity at the time in a band that consisted of two drummers, Gary Stevens and Bob "Rox" Girouard . The band was a well seasoned touring band who shared the bill with the likes of The Fabulous Rhinestones, The James Montgomery Band, Zonkaraz to name a few. The album covered various styles from blues to acid-jazz with the aim of securing a major record deal. Many of Forest’s alumni have gone on to highly successful careers in music: Jim Kimball relocated to Nashville to work alongside Faith Hill and Reba McIntyre, Bill Holloman with Danny Gatton, The Gatlin Brothers, Nile Rodgers and Chic, The Fab Faux and Bruce Springsteen, and Wes Talbot founded a music production library called The FRESH Music Library.

TRACK LISTING

1. Findin' My Way Back Home
2. I Can't Live Without You
3. Fly Away
4. Nice Guys And Fools
5. Go On Away
6. Only Who You Know
7. Blue-Eyed Lady
8. Crazy Days
9. Chasing Dreams
10. I Need Love
11. The Long Wait
12. Give It Up
13. Lady Luck
14. Love Ya

BBE Music announces the first-ever re-issue of this sun baked folk/jazz hybrid 45 by Louisiana brothers Will & James Ragar. First released in 1981, this private press 7" showcases Will & James' songwriting skills, refined performance and sophisticated compositions. Remastered by Frank Merritt the re-issue has an analogue warmth that the brothers say sounds even more pleasing than the original. Will & James Ragar began as the Will James Band performing on the popular 'Crawfish Circuit' of Southern Louisiana - this circuit included New Orleans, Thibodaux and Baton Rouge. They played blues, rock and jazz combos, covering everything from James Taylor to Jimi Hendrix. Eventually evolving into an acoustic folk-rock duo by the time they entered the studio in 1980. Both tracks on the 45 were recorded at River City studios in Baton Rouge in 1980. The engineer had the Allman Brothers on his list of recording credits, so they felt they were in excellent company. "Bayou Paradise" was an ode to the beauty of Southern Louisiana. The famous Sunshine bridge over wetlands as the sounds of migrating geese echo overhead on their journey down the Mississippi River flyway. The Atchafalaya river basin flows into the Gulf of Mexico near Lafayette creating a large wetland area and lush lakes connected by endless bayous. Miles and miles of lush swamps with many uninhabited areas just waiting to be explored.

"Forever" captures the exhilaration of new love, focusing on its intoxication and ecstasy without looking ahead to the reality of a life on the road. The soulful chorus inspires motion and enthusiasm. The shadow of Woodstock had a defining role against tradition. Things were changing socially. Loving someone forever was always part of the dream but seemingly broken in an age of break-ups and divorce. The optimistic hope that "love will survive" was half dream and half pessimistic glance forward at the social trends of relationships that were to follow. The studio band included Will & James. John Smart on keyboards, he's solo on "Forever" was achieved with the Legendary Analog Prophet synth and saturated the studio with rich layers of its distinctive sound, driving the up-tempo chorus. Dave D'Aubin, a versatile bass player whose resonant tone is very present on both songs. Tommy Jefferson is on drums, an alumnus of the Southern University jazz program, the same place Randy Jackson and Billy Cobham studied. Tommy used a tight higher pitch snare drum on the recording, a sound that would soon become very popular, but at that time was a little ahead of the curve. The session was recorded on analogue tape using the 24-track MCI recorder and mixed down to analogue tape for the single. Will & James added vocal harmonies and soaked up the fidelity during mix-down. The release coincides with the long-awaited re-issue of the brothers' album 'Will & James Ragar One'. This much sort after private press long-player was originally released in 1980 and sold locally in a limited run has now been fully remastered by Frank Merritt. BBE Music presents the album in a glorious gatefold with extensive sleeve notes. This time the vinyl will be pressed over 2 discs to produce the best sound possible.

TRACK LISTING

1. Forever
2. Bayou Paradise

12” release of The Lyman Woodard Organisation-penned 'Creative Musicians', reimagined by Jazzanova and featuring remixes by Waajeed and Henrik Schwarz. Originally released as a digital EP from the album 'Strata Records – The Sound of Detroit – Reimagined by Jazzanova', 'Creative Musicians' and its remixes now come to you on deep grooved vinyl. The vocalist for these sessions is Sean Haefeli, who originally hails from Indianapolis, and brings a relaxed urgency to his contributions, sounding like a young Gil Scott-Heron. Leveraging his 20 plus year friendship with legendary Detroit DJ/Producer extraordinaire, Waajeed, Amir enlists him for a special four-to-the-floor mix that not only keeps that organic vibe but also adds a unique contemporary Detroit flavour! Henrik Schwarz needs little introduction to fans of eclectic electronic sounds. For over thirty years, his amazing body of work has packed dancefloors worldwide. Henrik takes ‘Creative Musicians’ in a slightly different direction, retaining many of Jazzanova’s original elements while adding his signature sound to the mix, providing another dance floor scorcher! And just to give you proper context, we have included the cult-classic, much-loved original version of ‘Creative Musicians’ by the Lyman Woodard Organization. ‘Strata Records - The Sound of Detroit - Reimagined by Jazzanova’ is no ‘covers’ album, rather a brand-new celebration of the iconic imprint, as Jazzanova’s take on Lyman Woodard Organization’s musical manifesto ‘Creative Musicians’ makes clear from its Afrobeat-inspired horn arrangements, drum track, and syncopated tempo.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Jazzanova cover of this The Lyman Woodard Organisation classic plus remixes from Waajeed and Henrik Schwarz. Proving to be quite the undertaking this Strata / Jazzanove project. Get stuck in!

TRACK LISTING

1. Creative Musicians
2. Creative Musicians
3. Creative Musicians (Waajeed Remix)
4. Creative Musicians (Waajeed Remix Instrumental)
5. Creative Musicians (Henrik Schwarz Remix)
6. Creative Musicians (Henrik Schwarz Dub)

In the finest tradition of BBE Music’s J Jazz Masterclass Series, we have a real obscurity of quality to savour. Taken from the rare 1978 private press album ‘Introducing’ by the Hideyasu Terakawa Quartet featuring Hiroshi Fujii, this private press gig recording was originally released in less than 100 copies. This BBE Music edition is the first time this very rare album has ever been reissued. Led by saxophonist Hideyasu Terakawa alongside bassist Tetsuo Miura and drummer Aki- hiro "Thunder" Nakaya, the album was recorded live in concert as Terakawa stopped by at the jazz spot DIG in Masuda City, Japan, on the first of a seven-day regional tour in October 1978. Joining the trio was the featured guest, vibist Hiroshi Fujii. According to Fujii, “a special label, Red Horison, released only this one album and it was sold at a few local record stores and available for sale when we played live. After this live recording, I did not perform with Terakawa again.” The current whereabouts of saxophonist Hideyasu Terakawa remain a mystery but we are delighted to be able to present this wonderful album to a new audience. Unlike previous J Jazz Masterclass releases, the album contains no original compositions but rather fascinating interpretations of material by leading American jazz composers such as Wayne Shorter (Black Nile, as featured on J Jazz vol 3), Frank Foster (Simone) and Milt Jackson and Jimmy Heath (Rerev).

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Rerev
2. I Remember Clifford
3. Stella By Starlight

Disc: 2
1. Simone
2. Black Nile

Since 2018, BBE Music has been leading the field in reissuing rare modern jazz from Japan’s golden period spanning the late 60s to the early 80s. The J Jazz Masterclass Series continues to present the finest in Japanese jazz with Planets by Masaru Imada Trio + 1. Originally released in 1977 as a private press album, Planets showcases the refined playing and sophisticated compositions of one of Japan’s leading pianists, Masaru Imada. In a fifty-plus year career he has released over 40 albums, including several that have won awards from some of Japan’s leading music publications and has recorded with leading US jazz artists such as David Sanborn, Brecker Brothers, Steve Gadd, and Grover Washington Jr. Imada’s Bosendorfer piano is joined by the drums of Tetsujiro Obara and the bass of Kunimitsu Inaba, augmented by Yuji Imamura on percussion. The opening title track on Planets (featured on J Jazz vol 3) is a wafer-thin modal waltz, beginning with gentle bells and shells, followed by Obara’s deft brush work and Inaba’s hypnotically pliant bass that gives a discrete yet steady support to the gossamer melody from Imada-san’s piano. The other standout track is the suite, Sea's Pasture, an epic piece that undulates and heaves, like the dark endless ocean, rich with mystery and each side of the album ends with a solo piece on the haunting Bosendorfer. Planets comes with full reproduction of the original artwork with obi strip, extra photos, a translation of the original sleeve note and a 3000 word new sleeve note by Tony Higgins including an interview with Masaru Imada himself. The J Jazz Masterclass Series is curated by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden for BBE Music.

TRACK LISTING

1. Planets
2. Blue Road
3. A Marionette
4. Sea's Pasture
5. Epilogue

A private press rarity that few know of, ‘Song of Island’ was the third album from pianist Yasuhiro Kohno’s trio, recorded live at the jazz club and live house (gig venue) ‘Again’ in August 1985. Pressed up in small numbers, ‘Song for Island’ was issued on the private ASCAP Records, set up by pianist and band leader Yasuhiro Kohno. The album is a follow up to Kohno-san’s previous two albums, ‘Peace’ and ‘Roma in the Rain’, released on the cult Aketa’s Disk label. However, unlike the ‘Peace’ and ‘Roma in the Rain’ albums, ‘Song of Island’ has never been reissued before – until now. The title track was included on J Jazz volume 3. This is a very special album that captures a special time in Japanese jazz, when exemplary acoustic jazz was still being performed and recorded by dedicated and talented artists at the height of mid-80s synth pop. ‘Song of Island’ features four original compositions by Yasuhiro Kohno plus a distinctive take on a jazz standard. Yasuhiro Kohno was born in Nara, southern Japan, in 1953 and made his professional debut as a member of Japanese rocker Eikichi Yazawa's band before going on to accompany actor/singer Masatoshi Nakamura. As well as recording and performing under his own name, Kohno has also played with American musicians such as Richard Davis and Mal Waldron and continues to perform regularly in Japan. ‘Song of Island’ will be issued as a full reproduction of the original work, with inserts, translated original sleeve notes, plus new sleeve notes, photos, and interview with Yasuhiro Kohno by Tony Higgins.

TRACK LISTING

1. Song Of Island
2. Time For Peace
3. Love For Sale
4. Mr Nilson
5. Village Festival

Unearthed by Mike Peden for BBE Music, Per Husby Septett's ‘The Peacemaker’ is a beautiful, deep and under-the-radar small big band set recorded in 1976 by the elite of Norway's jazz cognoscenti, led by pianist and band leader Per Husby. Originally issued for Husby on the Studentersamfundets Plateselskap label by the Student Society in Trondheim, Norway, this obscure jazz rarity had no budget for PR or distribution, and with just a mere 500 copies pressed sales were scarce; it soon became a collectors item in Norway and across the globe. The album creates a big-sounding dynamic mix of original compositions by Per Husby and covers, including Harold Land's modal masterpiece title cut ‘The Peacemaker’, plus a top-draw selection of tunes encompassing post bop, modal, bossa and ballads by the likes of Kenny Wheeler, Cedar Walton and Charlie Parker. Reissued with original artwork and the approval of Per Husby himself, who has also provided the sleeve notes, ‘The Peacemaker’ is now available once again for download, streaming, CD and as a double 180g LP cut at 45rpm by the Grammy-nominated Carvery studio.

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Introduction To No Particular Song
2. Au Privave / Bloomdido
3. The Masquerade Is Over
4. Nokve
5. Smatta
6. Fantasy In D

Disc: 2
1. The Peacemaker
2. Confirmation
3. Lush Life
4. Adgang F.

Issued on BBE Music, “Reflections” is the new album by London based harp player and composer Alina Bzhezhinska, alongside her HipHarpCollective. Following up her critically acclaimed debut album “Inspiration” (Ubuntu 2018), Bzhezhinska puts together a second long player, collaborating with British jazz stars Tony Kofi (Saxophones), Jay Phelps (Trumpet), Julie Walkington (Double Bass) and vocalist Vimala Rowe, strongly supported by international talents Mikele Montolli (Electric Bass), Joel Prime (Percussion), Adam Teixeira (Drums) and Ying Xue (Violin & Viola).

 Alina creates a unique sound on the harp with layered effects and electronics, combining original works and covers to pay homage to some of jazz, funk and hip-hop’s greatest innovators. Throughout the record she draws from a variety of influences, including the likes of Dorothy Ashby’s ‘Afro-Harping’, Alice Coltrane’s spiritual outputs, Joe Henderson’s free-form jazz experimentation, 90s Acid Jazz and Trip Hop.

“This album is very vibrant and reflects directly on London’s multicultural community. We had so much fun making this recording - it truly built up our morale in the middle of the pandemic and I hope our fans will feel this energy too. For ‘Reflections’ I tried to break from any stereotypes and limitations - what you hear is my own choice of sounds and influences, taken from the many mixtapes I've been making since I was a teenager. I put together the music I like to listen to when I am happy or sad, when I feel like dancing or meditating. The tunes we play are my own reflections on what I love the most - a free spirit, courage, innovation and all the beautiful things life gives us. I hope our music can reach people’s hearts and evoke all the spectrum of colours and emotions that only the arts can do.” - Alina Bzhezhinska

Taken from Dilla's 2001 BBE debut solo album "Welcome 2 Detroit", "Big Booty Express" gets the remix treatment from German duo Âme and Parisian Pépé Bradock.

Contributing two mixes to the EP, Parisian producer Pépé Bradock AKA Julien Auger needs little introduction to house music fans but hip-hop heads need not doubt his musical credentials. A natural guitarist and turntablist, he's provided solos, riffage, scratches, juggles and chops to numerous rappers and bands before turning his hand to the discipline of house music. Two remixes done in his inimitable style grace the twelve. Slightly skewhiff but deliciously musical, there's no-one quite does it like Pépé!

Also providing a remix of "Big Booty Express" is the German production duo of Frank Wiedemann and Kristian Beyer who work together under the name of Âme. After first meeting in Kristian's record shop in their home town of Karlsruhe and bonding over a shared love of Chicago house and Detroit techno the pair started working together and producing records for Sonar Kollektiv in 2003. Perfectly demonstrating their harmonic discord and big room sound, their remix here is a masterclass of wobbly, peaktime tech-house.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: House remixes of hip-hop legend J Dilla are bound to be divisive. But I'm surprised how well Ame and Bradock have rose to the occasion here - delivering high quality electronic dancefloor hedonism.

TRACK LISTING

1. B.B.E. - Big Booty Express (Âme Remix)
2. B.B.E. - Big Booty Express (Moulin Rouge Remix By Pépé Bradock)
3. B.B.E. - Big Booty Express (Memorex Interlude By Pépé Bradock)
4. B.B.E. - Big Booty Express

Belgian DJ and tastemaker Lefto announces his latest compilation album, entitled ‘The Beauty is Inside’, on BBE Music. Eclectic sounds ranging across genres and continents make up the 19 gems contained on ‘The Beauty is Inside’, all deftly linked together by Lefto’s unrivalled taste and deep musical knowledge. “You can’t sleep on Lefto! He’s always on it...” - Gilles Peterson

As well as showing respect for some somewhat unsung heroes from the past like Ethiopian singer Alemayehu Eshete, South African singer and actress Patience Africa and Spanish composer Pedro Ruy-Blas of seventies fusion band Dolores, Lefto looks to the future, showcasing young soul and electronic artists, including D.C.’s Dreamcastmoe, Pasadena’s Qur'an Shaheed, Regal86 from Monterrey, Antwerp’s abrahamblue and Elisa Bee from Milan, to name just a few.

The album also features an appearance from paladin of the current jazz renaissance Makaya McCraven, and even a track from Lefto himself. “‘The Beauty is Inside’ is a compilation of original tracks (I personally really like) and tracks from friends who happen to be great artists as well” says Lefto. “They are all pretty much up-and-coming, and deserve more exposure. It has always been my job as a radio man to shine a light on the talented artists who need it the most. We all know how the music industry works, and how hard it is to find your way in that world, so I hope this collection of tracks will give these artists the shine they deserve.”

TRACK LISTING

A1. Aint About Me – Watching Tarot Card XVI Come To Life
A2. Dreamcastmoe & Shungu – Don’t Let Me Down
A.3 Iman Houssein – Their Eyes
A4. Qur’an Shaheed – Thrive
B1. Makaya McCraven – Crash Course
B2. CōS – Ayy Thank Full
B3. Trian Kayhatu – OK Dan
B4. Regal86 – Parado En La Esquina
C1. Abrahamblue – Joanna
C2. DJ Spinn – Synthshot
C3. Igor Jadranin – NUB
C4. Shlundee – Acid 2 Acid
D1. LB Aka Labat – Ca Chauffe Tonton
D2. Elisa Bee – A Sun That Never Goes Down
D3. Pippin – Ro

In association with DJ Amir’s 180 Proof Records, BBE Music continues its exploration of rare gems from the Strata Records catalogue, with previously unreleased Sam Sanders album ‘Mirror Mirror’. A collector’s dream come true, this is musical treasure is so rare that the recordings on this album have never before seen a proper release and even the cover art had to be created from scratch. An almost unbelievable fact, given that it ranks as one of the strongest releases in the already air-tight era of Strata’s Detroit. Although he’s been compared to John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman and Joe Henderson, saxophonist Sam Sanders stands out as one of the most unique phenomena to come from the Motor City. Sanders’ approach to life was so 'out there' that one might say his relative obscurity was a personal choice. Sanders caught glimpses of fame early on performing with several internationally known acts and subsequently, he also learned a bit about what the Record Industry’s primary goals were. Realizing that he did not share them, Sanders chose instead to walk his own path. This drive for artistic freedom turned out to be a double-edged sword: while it allowed Sanders to produce some of the most electric jazz, funk, and soul to come from Detroit, it also meant that most of his recordings were never widely released, if they were released at all. Drawing on his experience with Motown acts like Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson, Sanders incorporated a fresh soul sound into recordings that would have otherwise been categorised as jazz. As such, 'Mirror Mirror' moves seamlessly between spirit and style: The album starts on the street with “Inner City Player,” a superfly breakdown of a Detroit hustler’s life, before moving into distinctly abstract territory with the melancholy “Face At My Window.” The experience is held together by a no-nonsense rhythm section featuring the aggressive drumming of Jimmy Allen and the intensely focused bass playing of Ed Pickens. Perhaps the most straightforward jazz song on the album, “Lover’s Gain” showcases Sanders at his freewheelin’ best. And if there was to be any doubt that 'Mirror Mirror' can get funky as hell, look no further than the wah-wah guitar and early synth sounds of “Funk’ed Up,” easily the greasiest cut on the album. 'Mirror Mirror' is remastered from the original reel to reel master tapes.

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Loser
2. Inner City Player
3. Funk'ed UP
4. Face At My Window
Disc: 2
1. Summer Mist
2. Love's Gain

Legendary American musician Brian Jackson announces his first solo album in over 20 years, ‘This Is Brian Jackson’, produced by Phenomenal Handclap Band founder Daniel Collás and released on BBE Music. Brian Jackson earned mythic status among music fans thanks to his pioneering work with Gil Scott-Heron in the 70’s, where his flute and electric piano performances on ‘Pieces of a Man’ and ‘Winter In America’ virtually defined the sound of an era. From the 80s onwards he went on to record with Kool & The Gang, Will Downing (whose debut album he produced), Roy Ayers and Gwen Guthrie among many others, and while many veteran musicians tend to stick with the sounds they know best at some point in their careers, Jackson remains an unusually adventurous, vital and broad-minded artist to this day. When the Phenomenal Handclap Band’s Daniel Collás first met Brian Jackson at a performance in New York, right off the bat he said “I think I could produce you”. “I wasn’t sure why he thought that,” says Jackson “but I considered it a challenge to find out. Turns out that he was right.” Early on in their friendship, Brian mentioned that he’d embarked on a solo project right around the time he recorded ‘Bridges’ with Gil Scott-Heron in 1976. There were even some unfinished demos, but the album had never materialised. Daniel leapt on the idea, asking “what would a Brian Jackson album sound like if the 21st century Brian were to complete that 1976 album today?” Completed in a series of twice weekly sessions over 11 months in Daniel’s Williamsburg studio, ‘This Is Brian Jackson’ provides the answer. “We sketched out musical ideas, drank way too much coffee, consumed way too many tacos and sampled perhaps a few too many exotic whiskeys while talking about things that were important to both of us personally. The lyrics for the songs are a result of those conversations” says Jackson. Contributors to the album range from Jackson’s guitarist, bassist and longtime friend Binky Brice (Billy Ocean, Evelyn Champagne King, Roy Ayers), Collás’s occasional writing partner Morgan Phalen, Latin Grammy-winning flautist Domenica Fossati, drummers Moussa Fadera and Caito Sanchez, and Phenomenal Handclap Bandmates Juliet Swango and Monika Heidemann. And the music? Vintage, soul-stirring Brian Jackson, with the great man’s warm vocals, distinctive flute and lyrical keys taking centre stage. The songwriting feels timeless, the arrangement effortless, the production human and analogue. From golden-era soul-funk opener ‘All Talk’, through soaring Afrobeat-inspired dreamscape ‘Mami Wata’ to compact groover ‘Little Orphan Boy’ which closes the album, ‘This Is Brian Jackson’ is simply some of the veteran artist’s best work yet, subtly and lovingly framed by Daniel Collás.

TRACK LISTING

1. C'est Cette Comète
2. All Talk
3. Nomad
4. Force Of Will
5. Little Orphan Boy
6. Path To Macondo
7. Mami Wata
8. Hold On

BBE Music presents the first ever reissue of ‘Classifieds’, an ultra-rare, privately pressed 1985 album by Moonshine aka Monica Rypma & Friends. A naive and charming dose of dreamy DIY synth-pop interspersed with off-kilter, ambient interludes, original copies of ‘Classifieds’ are now almost impossible to dig up, but lately, thanks to the internet, the album has earned a cult following from music obsessives all over the globe. Created by aspiring songwriter and recent music-school dropout Monica Rypma, incredibly the album’s recording and production was entirely financed from sponsorship and advertising, way back in 1985. Inspired by René Van Helsdingen, the Amsterdam based composer, pianist and crowd-funding pioneer, Monica decided to sell advertising space on the album sleeve and name the album 'Classifieds', designing the cover to mimic a newspaper’s small ads layout. Written and recorded in only 5 days with René Van Helsdingen collaborator, synth wizard and multi-instrumentalist Brian Batie producing, the album was engineered by Wil Hesen at Studio Farmsound in Heelsum. With Rypma assisting, Batie composed and arranged almost all of the music on the spot, and lyrics were dreamed up by Batie, Rypma and Brian’s friend Jenny Garner. With an album full of music she could be proud of, Monica called in help from friends and family to print, fold and assemble the albums. “The original cover sleeve had three coloured bands; yellow, green or pink” says Rypma. “These were not different pressings, as most people presumed, but came from the limited budget that was left for printing. As one ink ran out, another colour was used, and this method produced the three versions.” Once copies had been distributed to the record’s advertisers and sponsors, hardly any were left. Until now, that is!

TRACK LISTING

1. Everybody Came To Rock
2. Haunted
3. Interlude "After War"
4. What's The Sense Of War
5. Interlude "Senses"
6. Sunrise
7. Interlude "Record Change"
8. Hey, Where You Goin'
9. Interlude "Westertoren"
10. Ik Hou Veel Van Jou
11. Interlude "Koto"
12. Let Love Flow
13. Interlude "Aqua + Uitro"

Trailblazing UK jazz renegade, saxophonist Sean Khan delivers his scintillating new album ‘Supreme Love: a Journey Through Coltrane’ on BBE Music.

“Who is John Coltrane for me?” asks Khan. “He is man, legend, myth, storyteller, sage and atmosphere. My road and journey has been a rocky one, and like most on this journey, I have carved a path full of mistakes and triumphs. However, throughout my life Coltrane’s music has been a constant.”

Weaving together disparate strands of the UK music scene (jazz, dance, broken beat and electronic) together onto one record, Supreme Love is presented in three parts: autobiography, homage and encyclopaedia. A pioneer of the Broken Beat movement early in the new millennium, working with Omar, Bugz in the Attic and 4hero among others, Khan enlisted the input of two old friends, Kaidi Tatham and Daz I Kue, who each contribute a future-minded yet reverential sense of originality to the album. Also featured on Supreme Love are two legends of UK jazz, Peter King and Jim Mullen, both of whom bring a rich and palpable sense of history to the project. Guitarist Jim Mullen has played with Brian Auger, toured with the Average White Band and recorded with Terry Callier over his long career. Mullen was also a regular fixture at Ronnie Scott’s, as was saxophonist Peter King, who actually performed at the club’s opening night, as well as working with two of Coltrane’s favourite drummers, Philly Joe Jones and Elvin Jones. Sadly Peter King’s contribution to ‘Supreme Love’ would be his last recording session, and he passed away in August 2020. Also featured among a talented and diverse group of performers on the album is Cinematic Orchestra front-woman Heidi Vogel, who adds her distinctive, soulful voice to Khan’s, and Coltrane’s, heartfelt lyrics.

“I have always been a strange prisoner to my ambition” says Sean “and most of my recordings bear testimony to this, with this record being the next part of that evolution. I made a conscious effort to represent all of Coltrane's main artistic periods from hard bop (with Miles Davis), to sheets of sound (Giant Steps, Moments Notice), spiritual jazz (Love Supreme) and finally his last, most experimental and cosmic period (Interstellar Space). I have never heard a record that attempts to reflect all of the great man’s epochs in this way and use the recording artist’s autobiography (my own) as a conduit to these ends, and so here I am, for better or for worse.”

TRACK LISTING

1. A Love Supreme
2. Starchild
3. Afro Blue
4. Azawala
5. Emilia's Pick
6. Naima
7. As We Came Out Of
8. Giant Steps
9. Moment's Notice
10. The Savage Detectives
11. Starchild (Kaidi Tatham Remix)
12. Azawala (Kaidi Tatham Remix)
13. Equinox
14. Impressions
15. Cousin Mary
16. Equinox (Alt Take)
17. Giant Steps Outro

BBE Music welcomes respected UK funk / soul / jazz combo The Fantastics! to the label for ‘Take A Shot featuring Sulene Fleming’, the band’s long awaited third studio album, nine years in the making.

The Fantastics! story begins back in 2003, when keys maestro and Freestyle Records boss Greg Boraman joined London group ‘Reverend Cleatus & The Soul Saviours’. Officially changing their name to The Fantastics! in 2007, in 2009 the ranks were bolstered by the arrival of prodigious UK vocal talent Sulene Fleming in 2009. Only Greg and bassist Raydn Hunter remain from the band’s original line-up, which now features Mark Norton (saxophone / flute) and James Smith (drums). New member James Byron (guitar) brings yet another fresh perspective on the band’s genre-agnostic approach, which takes Afrobeat, Latin, Rock and Rhythm & Blues influences in easy stride. The band have been honing this album at gigs and in the studio for nine long years, during which time singer Sulene Fleming has been busy collaborating with Incognito and Leroy Hutson, as well as enjoying a stint as lead vocalist for The Brand New Heavies. The approach of constantly testing material in a live setting has endowed this record with an indefinable yet distinctive, authentic feel; put simply, it successfully transmits the energy and immediacy of a great concert.

The range of sounds to be heard on ‘Take A Shot’ is ambitious, but it feels pretty effortless. From the library music tinged spacey jazz-fusion of ‘Oblique’ and ‘Better Than Dead’, 'Hey Misters'’s intense Hammond driven, risqué sister-funk, ‘Pyramid'’s touching & serene modal jazz-dance, ‘Say You Will’ with its shimmering, sweet & summery soul-pop, the Betty Davis-esque ‘Can't Decide’ which is a straight up funk-rock monster, the deceptively slinky West Coast smooth ‘Mind Time’ that takes a sharp left when you least expect it, the woozy and tripped out ‘St Tropez Blue’ - and of course the album’s title track ‘Take A Shot’ - not only display the ensemble’s collective and solo abilities, but also frame Sulene’s powerful and versatile voice in a wonderfully wide election of musical settings.

Special mention goes to Mark Ashfield & his youthful sidekick James Nugent, who not only cheerfully put up with The Fantastics! slow and meandering methods, but also engineered, mixed and mastered this album with truly special levels of detail, warmth and musicality.

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Say You Will
2. Better Than Dead
3. Take A Shot
4. Pyramid
5. Oblique

Disc: 2
1. St Tropez Blue
2. Can't Decide
3. The Bounce
4. Mind Time
5. Hey Mister!

Following a limited 7” vinyl release of Sun Palace edits in 2020, BBE Music finally delivers the full-length versions of Moodymann and Kenny Dope’s ‘Rude Movements’ remixes, alongside brand new interpretations by François K, Frankie Feliciano and OPOLOPO, plus a special edit by Phil Asher. François Kevorkian needs no introduction to fans of House and electronic music. Featuring keys by Eric Kupper, his ‘SATS Dub’ and ‘TradMix’ versions of ‘Rude Movements’ are simply classic works, summoning House music’s golden era forward in time, to the here and now. Bonus spaced-out ‘Flerken Space Bubbles’ and beat-less ‘Atmosphere’ revisions are also included in the digital version: both invaluable tools for DJs. Ricanstruction label founder and long-time champion of the good groove, Frankie Feliciano delivers a slick and faithful update of ‘Rude Movements’, with a slight Latin soul twist. Swedish mix-king OPOLOPO turns in a typically live-sounding, funky and dancefloor-ready jam (ready whenever the dancefloor is, anyway) The full, extended version of Moodymann’s remix retains the original jammed feel of Rude Movements, adding stellar flute, sax and piano solos to that hypnotic vibe. Kenny Dope’s Afro-Latin inspired ‘Dancefloor Powder’ version is joined this time by a rough’n’ready, street tough ‘O'Gutta’ mix; calling all b-boys and b-girls!

Made famous by David Mancuso at his New York Loft Parties, ‘Rude Movements’ was an obscure Brit-funk b-side recorded in the home studio of Mike Collins. The track’s unique sound, coupled with pristine sonics and production values caught the audiophile ears of Mancuso, and the rest is history. Soon the track found its way into the hands of Loft Party denizens Larry Levan, Nicky Siano, Frankie Knuckles and Danny Krivit and continues to influence house and electronic producers through to this day.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says:

TRACK LISTING

Side A
1. Rude Movements (Moodyman Remix - Extended Version) (8:28)
2. Rude Movements (Frankie Feliciano Remix) (6:12)

Side B
1. Rude Movements (Kenny Dope Dancefloor Powder Remix) (8:11)

Side C
1. Rude Movements (OPOLOPO Remix - Extended Version) (7:15)
2. Rude Movements (Kenny Dope O'Gutta Remix - Extended Version) (6:37)

Side D
1. Rude Movements (Francois K SATS Dub) (10:10)

Unearthed by The Mighty Zaf for BBE Music, Into A New Journey by Ambiance is an impossibly rare and sought-after private label spiritual jazz masterpiece from 1982 with Latin, Brazilian and Afro overtones. Ambiance was the ‘nom de guerre’ of an ever-shifting jazz collective headed up by Nigeria-born, LA-tutored multi- instrumentalist, arranger, producer and photographer Daoud Abubakar Balewa. Balewa studied composition and jazz improvisation at the feet of innovators such as Frank Mitchell (Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers), Jackie McLean (Blue Note) and other masters from the golden Blue Note era. Although he favoured alto, soprano and tenor, he was equally happy on flute, keyboards, and Latin and Brazilian percussion. What’s more, he had the knack of using musicians who were bold enough to welcome being part of such multi-faceted sessions: guitarist Jim Lum’s flexibility suits the theme of this album perfectly, as does prolific Japanese soul-jazz drummer Danny Yamamoto; the stunning Hawaiian pianist Kino Cornwell (Yamamoto’s colleague from funk-fusion supergroup Hiroshima); and the wonderful Jean Carn-like tones of Daoud’s wife, jazz vocalist Monife Balewa. From the band’s reading of Joe Henderson’s modal masterpiece Black Narcissus, through the deep multicultural percussive jazz-dance workout that is the title track, and on to the three-octave vocal embellishments of Monife, on her own composition Something Better as well as on the Chick Correa fusion classic 500 Miles High, nothing here is generic, nothing taken for granted, nothing comfortable or predictable. All of the half-dozen or so albums recorded and released by Daoud and Ambiance during just six years of frantic creativity between 1979 and 1986 are well worth seeking out, but in BBE Music’s opinion Into A New Journey is the pinnacle: spiritual jazz worthy of the very best practitioners of the genre, by an obscure group of ludicrously talented artists on a tiny, self-financed indie label with an equally tiny promo budget: that’s what great jazz is all about.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: All my spiritual jazz customers went crazy when High Jazz reissued 'Gida Gida' and 'Ebun' over the last few years, and with good reason - the soulful and dynamic fusion sounds of Ambiance are practically unrivalled. This time it's Zaf whose handled the digging, encouraging BBE to give the group's fourth LP a lavish reissue. Higher listening folks.

TRACK LISTING

1. The Arrival
2. The Black Narcissus
3. Something Better
4. Into A New Journey
5. Eastwind
6. 500 Miles High
7. Windows

BBE Music announces the first repress of the classic Roy Ayers albums ‘Virgin Ubiquity’ 1 and 2 since 2006, on luxurious 180g vinyl with brand new sleeve notes written by Sean P. The music on 'Virgin Ubiquity' was selected and mixed down from previously unreleased multi-tracks recorded between 1976 & 1981, which Roy had in storage. It's all unmistakably Ayers, but is diverse and fresh enough to be more than a mere adjunct to one of his most productive and popular periods - testament to his and his musicians' creative abilities, as much of most revered Ayers output stems from this time. These discoveries take their place beside some illustrious company in a timeline bookended by 'Everybody Loves The Sunshine' and 'Africa, Center Of The World', several solo and Ubiquity albums, collaborations with Wayne Henderson & Fela Kuti, as well as guesting on LPs by Buster Williams and Herbie Mann. Out of print on vinyl and CD for over a decade now, BBE is delighted to re- present these groundbreaking Roy Ayers titles, neatly coinciding with the 45th anniversary of his classic album ‘Mystic Voyage’.

TRACK LISTING

Disc 1:
1. Oh What A Lonely Feeling
2. Boogie Down
3. What's The T?
4. Sugar
5. Mystery Of Love
6. I Really Love You

Disc: 2
1. Mystic Voyage (Version)
2. Green And Gold
3. I Just Wanna Give It Up
4. Brand New Feeling
5. Together Forever
6. I Did It In Seattle
7. I Am Your Mind

BBE Music announces the first repress of the classic Roy Ayers albums ‘Virgin Ubiquity’ 1 and 2 since 2006, on luxurious 180g vinyl with brand new sleeve notes written by Sean P. The music on 'Virgin Ubiquity' was selected and mixed down from previously unreleased multi-tracks recorded between 1976 & 1981, which Roy had in storage. It's all unmistakably Ayers, but is diverse and fresh enough to be more than a mere adjunct to one of his most productive and popular periods - testament to his and his musicians' creative abilities, as much of most revered Ayers output stems from this time. These discoveries take their place beside some illustrious company in a timeline bookended by 'Everybody Loves The Sunshine' and 'Africa, Center Of The World', several solo and Ubiquity albums, collaborations with Wayne Henderson & Fela Kuti, as well as guesting on LPs by Buster Williams and Herbie Mann. Out of print on vinyl and CD for over a decade now, BBE is delighted to re- present these groundbreaking Roy Ayers titles, neatly coinciding with the 45th anniversary of his classic album ‘Mystic Voyage’.

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Holiday
2. Funk In The Hole
3. Liquid Love
4. I Am Your Mind (Part 2)

Disc: 2
1. Third Time
2. I Like The Way You Do It To Me
3. Tarzan
4. Come To Me

Disc: 3
1. Touch Of Class
2. Kwajilori
3. Wide Open
4. Release Yourself
5. Sunshine (Demo)

Following the 2018 release of a 12" preview sampler, BBE Music is excited to present the album 'A Taste of Chicago', a compilation of classic house edits by Jamie 3:26. Hailing from Beverly on the South Side of Chicago, Jamie 3:26 is an artist driven by a deep desire to get people moving in the dance. A Chi-Town vibe is always the focus for the master selector and producer who's capable of lighting up dance-floors around the world and that ethos shines through on this compilation, featuring a collection of tracks giving listeners a true insight into the sound, culture and style of the Windy City. The compilation sees classic tracks by the likes of Chip E, Quest and more get a serious Jamie 3:26 twist, with edits that not only capture the best of celebrated eras gone by, but point to the future too. Get ready for a unique and timeless journey into Chicago's famous house music scene, courtesy of one of the city's key players.

“This compilation represents the true unspoken sound of my city. While the House scene was blossoming into what would be a globally recognized phenomenon, we had this whole hidden movement going on. These personal edits that I played back then represent magical moments in time that are still being created in many of my sets today. A huge thank you to my music brothers Marshall Jefferson, Braxton Holmes, Tone B. Nimble, Chip E, Pap Spencer, Doc Brucio, Carl Bias for trusting my ears with your creations.” - Jamie 3:26

TRACK LISTING

1. Venus & Mars (Jamie 3:26 Edit)
2. The Lesson (Doc Brucio's Original Mix – Jamie 3:26 Edit)
3. The Jungle (Jamie's Jungle Sounds Edit)
4. Mind Games (Underground Mix – Jamie 3:26 Edit)
5. Stomps & Shouts (Jamie 3:26 Basement Edit)
6. It's House (Jamie's Basement Edit)
7. Comin' On Strong (Jamie 3:26 Edit)

This is the sixth release in BBE's acclaimed J Jazz Masterclass Series. Released at the height of the electric fusion era, ‘Stop Over’ is an all-acoustic hard bop killer, sounding like the Jazz Messengers on speed. When it was originally issued on the private Smile label in 1976, only 100 copies were pressed, making ‘Stop Over’ one of the most sought after and rare LPs in the J Jazz canon. Trumpeter Hideto Sasaki tears it up as if he’s Kenny Dorham on a classic late 50s Blue Note session. He also provides the breakneck title track to the album, the one stunning original that sits next to solid covers including Bobby Hutcherson’s modal classic ‘Little B’s Poem’ and Denny Zeitlin’s ‘Carole’s Garden’. Pianist Toshiyuki Sekine is also on top form with his deft touch and fluid keyboard runs, playing Horace Silver to Sasaki’s Dorham. If you dig that late 50s/early 60s breathless hard bop sound, you’ll love this. The BBE J Jazz Masterclass Series is personally curated by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden and is dedicated to presenting the very finest in Japanese modern jazz. The series features rare material presented in the highest quality reproductions of the original releases, fully licensed and authorised.

TRACK LISTING

1. Carole's Garden
2. Soultrane
3. Turquoise Twice
4. Little B's Poem
5. Stop Over

Swiss DJ Alex Attias returns to BBE with a second helping of uptempo cuts, perfectly encapsulating his LillyGood Party! sound. Founder of the recently revived Visions imprint, a long-time collector and a revered selector, Alex Attias is, before everything, a refined producer whose musical craft has seen him travel the globe, most notably with an extended stint in the birthplace of the bruk sound, London. The tracks you’ll find on this compilation are all current favourites, or proven classics that have never left Alex's record box at the LillyGood Parties, a gathering Alex and his brother Stephane run in their hometown of Lausanne, Switzerland. LillyGood Party! Vol.2 is another testament to Attias’ unswerving taste for smooth yet intricate, subtly layered yet deeply rooted dance compositions; some subtly edited for maximum dance-floor effect. Featuring instantly recognisable names such as Louie Vega's Elements Of Life, Peven Everett and even Pharoah Sanders, LillyGood Party 2 also sheds light on some lesser-known artists, digging out some gems, buried deep across the jazz, disco and electronic musical strata. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: More jazzy than my usual preferences; this great compilation has got me shacking my arse in ways not previously known! Someone put me on a dancefloor!

TRACK LISTING

SIDE A
1. How Bad I Want Ya (GU Peak True Time Mix) – Stacy Kidd Feat. Peven Everett
SIDE B
1. Children Of The World (Ben Brophy Edit) – The Elements Of Life Feat. Josh Milan
SIDE C
1. Gwotet (Alex Attias Edit) – David Murray & The Gwo-Ka Masters Feat. Pharoah Sanders
2. Freedom Flight – Mausiki Scales (Alex Attias LillyGood Party Edit)
SIDE D
1. Open Up Your Mind (Honeycomb Vocal Mix) – Universal Tongues Feat. Elle
2. Star Child Going Home – MJ Lallo

Former member of A Forest Mighty Black and founder of Trüby Trio, Rainer Trüby presents his new compilation, Soulgliding, released on BBE Music. Starting life as a group on Facebook, ‘Soulgliding’ is a phrase coined by Rainer Trueby to describe the more languid, smoother side of 2-Step, Boogie, Modern Soul and even Jazz. This silky collection spans several decades and sums up what Soulgliding is all about: evocative airy music that feels like a dream-flight across a friendly sky. Or, as Patrick Forge puts it in his wonderful sleeve notes… “Soulgliding..... It’s all in that word, a stroke of genius, no explanation needed, I knew what it was about before I even read the rules. Anyway there was only one rule that really mattered, the speed limit, nothing beyond 110bpm. What I didn’t know when Rainer first convened the eponymous Facebook group was just how addictive it would be. Several months of sharing, liking, commenting, loving and frantic dives into Discogs later, and Soulgliding has become a thing. A genre? Well, almost. This selection lovingly compiled by Rainer himself goes a long way to solidify the notion and stake a claim on the territory. This set of gliders has all the elements; from the slow (enough!) boogie of Crystal Winds, to the jazzy excursions courtesy of Ambiance and Les Hooper, and a clutch of tunes that are closer to the original 2-Step blueprint from Demo Cates, Bridge, Cloud One and Donna McGhee. Then there are the eighties drum machine grooves of Patrice Rushen and Fifth Of Heaven and the ethereal beatless magic of Peter Brown’s “Without Love”. A selection that manages to amalgamate plenty of obscurities without losing the essence, a selection which shimmers, soothes, inspires……glides.” 

TRACK LISTING

Vinyl Track Listing:
A1 Ray & James: Nature Boy
A2 Crystal Winds: Lovers Holiday
A3 Cast: Sweetness
B1 Mellaa: Makin´Love In The Fast Lane
B2 Patrice Rushen: To Each His Own
B3 Les Hooper: Lady Of The Night
C1 Fifth Of Heaven: Just A Little More
C2 Bridge: Next To Me
C3 Ambiance: Camouflage
D1 Demo Cates: Memories Of Memories
D2 Donna McGhee: It Ain´t No Big Thing
D3 Peter Brown: Without Love
D4 Cloud One: Dust To Dust

UK jazz dance hero Paul Murphy teams up with BBE Music to deliver his first compilation on the label: a blazing selection of up-tempo jazz titled ‘The Jazz Room’. Lauded by none other than Gilles Peterson as “the original messenger of jazz who found almost every dancefloor classic”, Paul began DJing in 1970s London. His passion and unique playing style placed him at the epicentre of an emerging jazz-dance scene in the city, popping off in spots like The Horseshoe (aka Jaffas), The Wag, The 100 Club, The Blue Note and The Electric Ballroom, where he founded the now famous ‘Jazz Room’, after which this album is named. Paul’s influence on UK Jazz culture simply can’t be overstated, from his short-lived but much beloved imprint Paladin Records to his unswerving support of home-grown talents such as Working Week, Morrissey Mullen & Paz. As a DJ, his musical selections still live large in the memories of those who experienced them. As Coldcut's Jonathon More put it “Paul Murphy used to play the most frenzied and far out funky jazz at my Meltdown warehouse parties”. ‘The Jazz Room’ nicely encapsulates the reason so many greats feel moved to wax lyrical about Paul Murphy’s ear for dance-floor jazz, which is very clearly undimmed after decades behind the decks. Deftly mixing contemporary sounds with trusted bullets that his 1980s audiences will remember well, these tracks are vibrant and potent, with a couple of fiery live recordings thrown in for extra energy and sweat.

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Emnete (Live)
2. Boogie Stop Shuffle
3. Mambo De La Pinta
4. 4Beat Cha ChaCha
5. Yatra-Ta

Disc: 2
1. Koumba Fri Fri
2. African Mailman
3. Zombie
4. Foot In The Door
5. Sorrow, Tears And Blood
6. Smells Like Teen Spirit
7. Tribute ToMulatu

For BBE Music’s landmark 500th release, the label joins forces with Louie Vega, Leroy Burgess and Patrick Adams to revisit "Barely Breaking Even", the iconic track after which the label is named. Coaxed into the studio together by BBE founder Peter Adarkwah, Grammy winning House music hero Louie Vega, arranger extraordinaire and New York disco royalty Patrick Adams, plus the song’s original writer (and king of boogie) Leroy Burgess soon got to work. Even given the caliber of those involved in this special session, the results are simply exceptional. Featuring live strings by The Apple Hill String Quartet arranged by Adams and Burgess, Vega’s ‘Boogie Mix’ stays faithful to the Universal Robot Band original, with potent vocal performances and a tough new groove for 2019. It was at the string recording session for the boogie version that Louie Vega unveiled his 'NYC House Mix' to the assembled musicians, at which point he and Leroy Burgess quickly arranged a brand new horn section and re-wrote the song’s melody to compliment the track’s accelerated pace. What the team emerged with is so much more than a remix- it’s a unified call-back to two golden eras; that of disco-boogie and that of New York House. And it’s beautiful.

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Barely Breaking Even (Louie Vega NYC House Remix (Instrumental))
2. Barely Breaking Even (Louie Vega Boogie Mix)

Disc: 2
1. Barely Breaking Even (Louie Vega NYC House Remix)
2. Barely Breaking Even (Louie Vega Boogie Mix (Instrumental))

BBE Music presents the fourth release in their acclaimed J Jazz Masterclass Series: "Topology" by Makoto Terashita and Harold Land. Originally released in 1983 on the cult Aketa’s Disk label, Topology captures a surprising yet fascinating and engaging collaboration between a young Japanese jazz pianist and an elder American statesman of jazz. Reissued by BBE Music for the first time since original release 36 years ago, "Topology" showcases the extraordinary compositional and playing skill of Makoto Terashita, the young pianist responsible for five of the album’s six tracks, alongside the confident and seasoned tones of Harold Land, respected US veteran sax player and former colleague of some of the leading jazz artists of the 50s, 60s and 70s including Max Roach, Clifford Brown, Gerald Wilson and Bobby Hutcherson. By the time he came to record with Terashita in 1983, Land was in his mid-50s and had numerous album credits under his belt, including some twelve albums as leader. In contrast, Terashita was in his early 30s with just one album to his name, his stunning 1978 debut "Great Harvest". Notwithstanding the apparent disparity in experience, the creative relationship they fostered is audibly evident in the wonderful music that was captured during the recording session. "Topology2 kicks off with ‘Dragon Dance’, an epic spiritual jazz tour de force elegantly ushered in by an extended solo piano introduction from Terashita. This track was chosen to open volume 2 of BBE’s universally praised ‘J Jazz’ compilation. The energy and impact of tracks like ‘Dragon Dance’ and the powerful bop of ‘Crossing’- both Terashitsa-penned numbers - is balanced by more nuanced and reflective tracks like Land’s own composition ‘World Peace’. In total, "Topology" presents the listener with a complete experience of two musicians from different generations and countries united in musical spirit. A long out of print rarity known only to a handful of Japanese jazz collectors, "Topology" is now available once more, reissued for the first time as a 45rpm double 180g LP, featuring exact reproductions of the original artwork, obi strip and insert. It also comes with the original notes fully translated plus a new extended 3700 word essay by Tony Higgins.

TRACK LISTING

1. Dragon Dance
2. World Peace
3. Dear Friends
4. Takeuma
5. I-Ha-To-Bo
6. Crossing

BBE Music unearth ‘Palaver’, a long-lost, previously unreleased 1980 album from Ghanaian guitarist and songwriter Ebo Taylor. If Fela Kuti was the king of Nigerian Afrobeat, then Ebo Taylor, 83 and still playing hard, is the king of Ghana Funky-Highlife. No doubt whatsoever. Much of Ebo’s beautiful 70s and 80s output has been reissued, as more and more Afro music lovers are being converted to his unique pan-West African sound. In 1980 while on a club tour of Nigeria with his regular touring band, Ebo bumped into Chief Tabansi of Tabansi Records. They agreed that Taylor would record a one-album session to be released exclusively on Tabansi. Within a few days the deal was signed, the session completed, the tapes signed off, and Ebo and his band went on their way to complete their Nigerian tour. But for reasons that no-one (including Ebo) can now fully recall, the master tapes got shelved in a dusty backroom in Tabansi’s Onitsha HQ. Where they remained, undisturbed, unreleased, unplayed, for almost forty years. Last year, Peter Adarkwah of BBE Music signed off on a major multi-album reissue deal with Tabansi and its affiliated labels. ‘What about unissued material, if we find any?’ Joe Tabansi, Chief’s son and current administrator of the label, casually asked. Yes, replied Peter- but WHAT unissued material? Upon which, Joe produces these masters. The tapes are rushed to the redoubtable Carvery vinyl remastering and pressing plant in East London, and all at BBE soon realised that they had a masterpiece on their hands. All-new material, all Ebo’s own compositions, all recorded with Ebo’s crème-de-la-crème touring and recording players, including George Amissah. Mat Hammond, George Kennedy and George Abunuah among others. Here it is, for the first time, anywhere. Ebo Taylor’s Lost Nigeria Sessions.

TRACK LISTING

1. Palaver
2. Make You No Mind
3. Abebrese
4. Help Africa
5. Nyame Dadaw

"Earthly Delights" is a forgotten 1978 free-jazz masterpiece by bass player, composer and improviser David Wertman, alongside his Sun Ensemble. Born in 1952 and raised in Queens NY, Wertman’s distinctive upright playing style was entirely self-taught. He cut his teeth in the notorious New York Jazz lofts, jamming for hours and hours with the likes of Billy Bang, Arthur Blythe, Marion Brown, Steve Reid, Dave Pike, William Parker, Brandon Ross and Charles Tyler to name but a few.

"Earthly Delights" is the first recording by the Sun Ensemble band and features the original line-up of Greg Wall (Baritone Saxophone), Jay Conway (Drums), John Sprague Jr. (Flute and Percussion), David Swerdlove (Soprano/Alto Saxophone), and John Zieman (Synthesizer). John Sprague Jr. financed and produced the album, releasing it on his own label Sweet Earth Records, a short-lived but bountiful imprint, perhaps best known for issuing Sun Ra And His Arkestra’s 1979 album “The Other Side Of The Sun”. "Earthly Delights" is perhaps best described as loosely composed, or highly improvised, depending on where you stand on such subjective matters. Containing just 4 compositions, "Earthly Delights" explores man’s relationship with nature; at times subtle and delicate, at times wide and sweeping in its gestures. The record’s spiritual message is conveyed by heartfelt, virtuoso performances from all six players, drifting together seamlessly from one sonic wave to the next.

A highly sought-after spiritual jazz album from 1976. Passing away in 2013, David Wertman was a hugely respected upright bass player who worked closely with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Billy Bang & Arthur Blythe throughout his long career. Original artwork, plus brand new liner notes written by Will Sumsuch (5 Mag) with original photographs and poetry supplied by his widow Lynne Meryl.

TRACK LISTING

Disc: 1
1. Relations
2. Earthly Delights

Disc: 2
1. Oh John Love Trane
2. Clear Air Dancer

This is the first ever reissue of Roy Ayers' 1983 album 'Silver Vibrations'. Originally released in the UK only on Uno Melodic Records, 'Silver Vibrations' shares some of its musical DNA with 'Lots Of Love', Ayers' US album from the same year. However, 'Silver Vibrations' contains four unique cuts all of its own, plus extended takes of three songs, including the definitive version of iconic song 'Chicago'. The rarity of the original pressing has led to eye-watering second-hand prices for this truly brilliant LP. 'Silver Vibrations' was perhaps the last album to retain the sound of Ayers' organic 'classic' period of the latter '70s and manages to stand up well under its current re-evaluation. "Chicago", the unedited version of which is exclusive to this L.P., received considerable airplay in its time and has barely faded from earshot ever since; its woozy, mysterious vibe and cosmic ruminations from Roy in the second half have certainly endured. The strutting, funky "Good, Good Music" echoes Ayers at his pre-'80s, up-tempo disco peak, sporting a grittier edge and an old-school party atmosphere. Title track "Silver Vibrations" was only ever released in the U.K., both on this album and as a single, backed with "Fast Money". Both "Lots Of Love" and "Keep On Movin'" hark back to previous times and are a pleasant listen without being at all taxing. "Smiling With Our Eyes" is mid-tempo, lilting and jazzy, with a vocal vaguely reminiscent of Stevie Wonder in places. The wistful "D.C. City", a close companion of Ubiquity's original recording of "The Third Eye" is, in many ways, quintessentially Roy Ayers. 

STAFF COMMENTS

David says: Overdue reissue of this Roy classic. Worth buying purely for 'Chicago'. One of his finest moments it's been sampled and re-edited more times than his lawyers can count.

TRACK LISTING

1. Chicago
2. Lots Of Love
3. Keep On Movin'
4. Silver Vibrations
5. Smiling With Our Eyes
6. D.C. City
7. Good Good Music

As part of the widely respected BBE J Jazz Masterclass Series, Koichi Matsukaze's incredibly rare and much sought-after album Earth Mother sees a deluxe repress on BBE Music.
Regarded as one of the most sought-after yet elusive albums from a pivotal era in Japanese jazz, “Earth Mother” was originally issued in 1978 on ALM, a private label home to some of the most innovative jazz, contemporary classical and free improvisational music released in Japan during the late 70s and early 80s. It was here that “Earth Mother” found a natural home among the experimental and transgressive, destined to remain in obscurity for decades until the album’s muscular, bass-driven title track was included as the opening cut on BBE’s acclaimed compilation “J Jazz: Deep Modern Jazz From Japan 1969-1984”. It was a fitting way to start such a landmark collection and the track quickly became a favourite among DJs and jazz fans.
“Earth Mother” sees saxophonist Matsukaze team up once again with legendary drummer and band leader Furusawa Ryojiro; joined by Tamio Kawabata on bass to form the core trio which is augmented by Daitoku Toshiyuki on acoustic piano and Fender Rhodes.
This is a mythic album, seen and heard by very few; often among the top wants for even the most hardcore jazz collectors. The album ranges from heavyweight spiritual jazz and post-bop burners, to Dolphy-esque experimentation (“Don't Worry About Tenor Saxophone”) and a singular take on the classic, “Round Midnight”.
To optimise the sound of the music, “Earth Mother” is now issued as a 180g vinyl double album, with exact reproduction artwork, obi strip, insert and labels plus translated notes. It is also be available on CD and across digital formats.

TRACK LISTING

1. Images In Alone
2. Earth Mother
3. Zekatsuma Selbst
4. Round Midnight
5. Don't Worry About Tenor Saxophone

Yan Tregger remains one of the more cultish names to emerge from the experimental French disco scene of the 1970s. But to a growing number of obsessive crate diggers, the two LPs recorded for the Musical Touch Sound label in 1978/9: "Catchy" and "Ducks & Drakes" have become like the holy grail of rare disco. Those diggers include Mark Grusane of the late Mr Peabody record store in Chicago. One of the deepest collectors of rare soul, disco and boogie, he included an edit of the sleazy disco bomb "Riff On" from "Catchy" on "The Real Sound of Mark Grusane", his recent collection of hen’s teeth rarities for BBE. Now, thanks to the careful curation of UK music hero Frankie Valentine, BBE is delighted to dig deeper into the Yan Tregger archives and reissue these two indemand LPs. First up is the 1978 LP "Catchy", a heady collection of cosmic disco that should see Tregger’s name ranked alongside those of Arpadys, Cerrone and Space as one of the pioneers of French dance music. Characterised by its energetic rhythm sections, space-age synths and funky guitar riffs, "Catchy" couldn’t be a more perfect title for this classic collection of late 70’s grooves.

Originally released on library music label Musical Touch Sound back in 1979, "Ducks & Drakes" is an instrumental disco LP by pioneering French electronic musician Yan Tregger. Reissued this year by BBE alongside his 1978 album "Catchy", "Ducks & Drakes" has achieved cult status among crate diggers and DJs, thanks to its ebullient charm and rock-solid leftfield grooves. Virtually impossible to find on vinyl for many years now, "Ducks & Drakes" found wider allure in 2008 when Alexis Le-Tan selected album track "Girls Will Be Girls" for experimental disco compilation "Space Oddities". UK music hero Frankie Valentine brought these two magical albums to BBE’s attention and curated the project alongside the team.

Amazingly (especially given the era in which it was recorded) the album was almost entirely performed, produced and composed by Tregger himself. Presented with its beautiful original artwork and previously unavailable to all but a lucky few record collectors, don't sleep on this nugget of disco gold.

TRACK LISTING

1. Friend Island
2. The Girl In The Gold
3. Dawn And Darkness
4. The Ivy Heart
5. The Last Girl
6. Threshold
7. Haunting Refrain
8. The Ivy Heart
9. Girls Will Be Girls
10. Lanterns And Lances
11. Head For The Hills
12. The Way Of All Flesh
13. Huf (Bonus)

BBE bring us the next instalment in their J Jazz Masterclass Series: ‘East Plants’ by Takeo Moriyama, one of Japan’s finest jazz drummers. A genuine ‘under the radar’ album known only to a handful of Japanese jazz collectors, ‘East Plants’ is now available once more, reissued for the first time as a double 180g LP, with exact reproductions of the original artwork, obi strip and insert. It also comes with the original notes fully translated. ‘

Originally released in 1983 on the Japanese VAP label, ‘East Plants’ is an essential album in the J Jazz canon. It’s an album that distils several key characteristics of Moriyama’s music: clearly articulated and inventive rhythms, open yet orderly arrangements, and an accessible groove balanced with a graceful control.

‘East Plants’ features no piano, just percussion, bass and reeds. From the luxurious raga-like build of the album’s hypnotic title track and the fierce post-bop workout of ‘Fields’, to the stately modal track ‘Kaze’ ( as featured on the sell-out BBE compilation, ‘J Jazz: Deep Modern Jazz From Japan 1968-1984’), the album was, until now, a rarely acknowledged masterpiece. ‘East Plants’ shows Moriyama’s quintet at their most transcendent: delicate layers of percussion by Yoji Sadanari, a warm and pliant bass from Hideki Mochizuki, with colour and texture provided by the eloquent reed work of Shuichi Enomoto and Toshiko Inoue. And, overseeing it all, Moriyama’s discreet yet commanding drumming.

The BBE J Jazz Masterclass Series is curated by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden and is dedicated to presenting the very finest in Japanese jazz. The series will feature rare, long-lost and unreleased material presented in the highest quality reproductions of the original releases, fully licensed and authorised.

TRACK LISTING

1. East Plants
2. 竹 (Take)
3. かげろう(Kagelou)
4. 風 (Kaze)
5. Fields
6. 遠く(Tooku)

Following hard on the heels of BBE delving into the archives of Detroit’s Strata Records and delivering their widely acclaimed and hugely in-demand exploration of J-Jazz, comes another crate digger’s delight- Ralph Thomas’ ‘Eastern Standard Time’, which dropped the USA back in 1980, on the obscure Zebra Jazz imprint. The self-produced ‘Eastern Standard Time’ features Thomas on baritone, alto and tenor saxophones as well as flute and percussion. He describes himself as a practicing ethnomusicologist whose musical vision evolved during the Sixties and it’s Thomas’ multifaceted, global approach that gives the music on Eastern Standard Time’ an engaging and distinct flavour.
In 1974, he moved to Los Angeles and was employed as a session player with both 20th Century Fox and Motown – where he recorded with Marvin Gaye, Jermaine Jackson, Smokey Robinson and Rick James. In the early Eighties he was working for Quincy Jones Productions appearing on the soundtrack of Roots and The Color Purple but a passion for reggae music led him to Jamaica where he recorded with producer Jack Ruby and artists like Augustus Pablo and Gregory Isaacs. In ’86 he moved to NYC where he collaborated with Boogaloo legend Johnny Colon and played with like-minded musical explorers Sun Ra, Don Cherry and Olatunji. However, by 1993 his restless spirit carried him to Paris where studied Ethnomusicology and performed with trumpeter Mra Oma and film-maker Ranaivo-Rajaona Hery. There were also gigs with percussionist Trilok Gurtu as well as drummer Sunny Murray and saxophone legend Archie Shepp. Upon moving to the South of France Thomas ran an art gallery and initiated his MusArt project – which has since toured in the US, Canada and Japan.

STAFF COMMENTS

Millie says: Immerse your soul with some beautiful Jazz provided by Ralph Thomas, loud and impacting, I’m very glad this album has been reissued for all to hear.

TRACK LISTING

1. Cafe Phillipp
2. Doloreso
3. Muscavado
4. Big Spliff
5. Venice
6. E.S.T.
7. Spellbound

Neroli record founder Volcov returns with the second volume of compilation series ‘From The Archive’ on BBE Music.

It’s been a busy two years for Enrico Crivellaro (Volcov) since the release of ‘From The Archive Vol. 1’. His Neroli label has seen stellar releases from Dego (2000 Black), Lars Bartkuhn, Trinidadian Deep and Alton Miller among others, leading to a hectic schedule of DJ sets across the globe.

In ‘From The Archive Vol. 2’, Volcov’s musical roots are once again evident in a jazzy collection of hidden gems spanning genres and continents. As Volcov puts it: “the spirit and the sound of this album follows the frst volume: choosing more songs that i thought were overlooked and deserved more attention. This time, with such a crowded marketplace for reissues and compilation of 70s-80s music, I decided only to focus on songs from the last 10-15 years.”

‘From The Archive Vol. 2’ features several tracks never before released on vinyl, including ‘Afterlife Vol.2’ by 'Black Renaissance' composer and Roy Ayers collaborator Harry Whitaker and Ron Trent’s homage to French violin genius Jean-Luc Ponty, ‘Ori Space’. Taking in intimate downtempo soul, extraterrestrial jazz sounds and straight up club music, ‘From The Archive Vol. 2’ paints a vibrant and eclectic musical picture, autographed with a couple of signature edits by Volcov himself.

TRACK LISTING

1. Carleen Anderson – All That Glitters
2. Collective Peace – Let The Music Play
3. Ruth Koléva – Turn It Around (Eric Lau Remix)
4. The Rebirth – Caterpillar
5. Ron Trent – Ori Space
6. Ian O'Brien – Spiraling Prism
7. Intuit – Planet Birth (Xantoné Blacq Remix – Volcov Edit)*
8. Numbers – Moonblood (IG SOS Mix)
9. Quentin Kane & Simon Sheldon Feat. TK Blue – The Blue Room (Kaidi Tatham’s Shokazuku Remix)
10. Honey Sweet Feat. Cindy Mizelle – I Put A Spell On You
11.Skymark – Finding The Peace*
12.Harry Whitaker – The After Life Part 2
13.Tony Williams – Lawra (Volcov Edit)*
*CD Only

The third volume in Kai Alce and DJ Spinna’s ‘Foundations’ 7” vinyl series traces the roots of House music back to 1985, with Chip-E and KJoy’s DJ International classic ‘Like This’.

Appearing on a ’45 for the very first time, ‘Like This’ exemplifies the early Chicago House sound that Chip-E pioneered during the early 80’s. Featuring raw, distinctive vocals from K-Joy, the track also stars a young Frankie Knuckles speaking the track’s title, in possibly his first ever studio session (it would be two years before Chip-E would bring him back into the studio to have a go at making a record of his own, but that’s another story).

BBE Music’s 7” reissue features an exclusive edit of the original extended 12” version of ‘Like This’, a cut which still simply can’t fail to move a dancefloor or bring a big smile to the face of any respectable house-head, more than three decades on from its creation. On the flip side, Kai and Spinna selected the ‘DDDub’ mix, a percussive and rugged, stripped down workout, which has stood the test of time brilliantly.

About The Series: BBE Music is excited to present ‘Foundations’, a series of strictly limited 7” pressings exploring some of the most iconic House tracks of all time, as chosen by DJ Spinna and Kai Alce. With global interest in ‘45s on the rise, ‘Foundations’ aims to fill those frustrating gaps in all our collections by releasing specially crafted edits of classic house tracks on 7” vinyl for the very first time.

The desire to discover and delve into new and unexplored areas of music has turned attention on the Japanese jazz scene of the 1970s, often regarded as its gilded age. The recent groundbreaking sell-out BBE compilation J Jazz: Deep Modern Jazz from Japan 1969-1984 threw much needed light on this fascinating era and presented a range of artists and music that surprised and delighted all who heard it. A key track on the compilation was one of the rarest and least known: Dead Letter by the Tohru Aizawa Quartet, taken from an album that was so elusive, some pondered whether it even existed.

The album, Tachibana, was recored in 1975 and, until included on the J Jazz compilation, was unknown except to a small group of obsessive Japanese jazz collectors. The privately pressed record was the only album made by the Quartet, four amateur musicians who were university students at the time. The session was financed by a local businessman, Ikujiroh Tachibana, who pressed up a few hundred copies to use as a business card. In the intervening 40 odd years since its recording, few copies have surfaced, making it an in-demand yet elusive artefact from the golden age of Japanese jazz. BBE Records are honoured to present a fully authorised reissue of this holy grail, licensed directly from the band themselves.

Tachibana has all the necessary components of a cult album: pressed in small numbers, a few mysterious and vague details about its origins, languishing in obscurity for decades and, above all, superb musical craftsmanship and skill. It can now be enjoyed by a new audience around the world.

The album opens with the dynamic percussion workout Philosopher’s Stone written by the then law-student and drummer Tetsuya Morimura. It propels along with the band at full pelt, showcasing Morimura’s well-developed drumming style. For a teenage amateur player to compose and perform such an accomplished and impressive piece is a testament to the talent that the band contained. Philosopher’s Stone is followed by Sacrament, an epic modal composition by saxophonist Kiyochiro Morimura that fans of Wayne Shorter, Pharaoh Sanders and late-era John Coltrane will appreciate. After an extended intro the band drop into a heavy, churning groove, Morimura’s saxophone scorching above the volcanic rhythm section. Dead Letter, written by Aizawa himself, is an epic piano led symphony of spiritual jazz. Think McCoy Tyner at his imperial finest and you’ll get a favour: impact, emotion and power all suffuse to create a overwhelming experience. Amazingly, this is still the only Aizawa composition yet to be recorded.

The Tachibana album also includes two cover versions, both Latin favoured numbers delivered with élan and brio: La Fiesta by Chick Corea and the classic Samba de Orfeu by Luiz Bonfá. So, just five tracks in total, the sole existing evidence of an astonishing band, the Tohru Aizawa Quartet.

The long-awaited reissue of this mythic album includes new liner notes and photos, plus fully translated notes from the original Japanese text. The album will be presented in an authentic thick card gatefold sleeve in a faithful reproduction of the original sleeve design.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: THE holy grail of Japanese jazz gets a much needed reissue here thanks to BBE. Originally pressed in such small numbers, it was thought to be a myth, "Tachibana" swerves, slides and pirouettes through modal, spiritual and latin styles, capturing an energy and expression few have matched.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Philosopher's Stone
B1. Sacrament
C1. La Fiesta
D1. Dead Letter
D2. Samba De Orfeu

In the years following the World War Two, Japan developed one of the most insatiable, dynamic and diverse markets for jazz. For a crucial period of little over a decade - from the late 1960s to the early 1980s - Japanese jazz culture progressed at an astonishing rate, producing an extraordinary array of artists, recordings and record labels that created some of the most forward thinking and impressive jazz to be committed to tape. This amazing journey is explored on ‘J Jazz’. This compilation from BBE uncovers some of the most sought after and rare material from this period and pulls together key artists who shaped the postwar modern jazz scene in Japan.

‘J Jazz' includes obscure and sought after rarities like the bass-driven power jazz of Koichi Matsukaze’s ‘Earth Mother’, the holy grail rarity of Aizawa Tohru Quartet’s ‘Dead Letter’ and the loping majesty of Takeo Moriyama’s ‘North Wind’. This collection takes the listener into deep spiritual jazz, post-modal impressionism and fierce dance-floor fusion with material from artists and composers whose names are generally only known to committed collectors of Japanese jazz. Fumio Karashima, Mitsuaki Katayama, Takeo Moriyama and Kiyoshi Sugimoto are among the names featured on an album aiming to shed a little light on the shadowy world of Japanese jazz clubs, tucked away in the neon backstreets. This music demands a wider audience and BBE are excited to deliver a landmark compilation, lifting the veil on this wonderful and mysterious area of the global jazz catalogue.

None of the tracks featured on ‘J Jazz’ have ever received an official release outside Japan before. The albums the tracks are taken from are extremely hard to find and often fetch huge sums on the collector’s circuit. Originally pressed in small numbers on independent and private labels such as Union, Johnny’s Disk, Whynot, ALM and VAP, these tracks are now available for everyone to enjoy.

Compiled by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden, both long-time collectors of Japanese jazz, ’J Jazz’ brings together the very best in modern jazz from Japan, recorded during a critical period of musical and cultural transition that saw composers and musicians not only assert a new artistic identity but also create a lasting musical legacy.

TRACK LISTING

CD
1. Koichi Matsukaze Trio - Earth Mother
2. Tohru Aizawa Quartet - Dead Letter
3. Eiji Nakayama - Aya’s Samba
4. Takao Uematsu - White Fire
5. Shintaro Quintet - A Blind Man
6. Mitsuaki Katayama - Unknown Point
7. Takeo Moriyama - Kaze
8. Fumio Karashima - Little Island
9. Kiyoshi Sugimoto - Long Neal

LP
A1. Koichi Matsukaze Trio - Earth Mother
A2. Takeo Moriyama Quartet With Shigeharu Mukai - North Wind*
B1. Tohru Aizawa Quartet - Dead Letter
B2. Eiji Nakayama - Aya’s Samba
C1. Takao Uematsu - White Fire
C2. George Otsuka Quintet - Sea Breeze*
D1. Shintaro Quintet - A Blind Man
D2. Mitsuaki Katayama - Unknown Point
E1. Fumio Karashima - Little Island
E2. Kiyoshi Sugimoto - Long Neal
F1. Takeo Moriyama - Kaze
F2. Terumasa Hino Meets Reggie Workman - Ode To Workman*

Making his BBE debut in 2017 with compilation album "The Languages Of Tambores", described by The Vinyl Factory as 'ancestral, evocative and visceral', Italian multi-instrumentalist Gabriele Poso returns to the label with his new LP "Awakening". Since his debut album "From The Genuine World", released in 2008 on Osunlade’s Yoruba Records, Gabriele has amassed an impressive catalogue of solo work and guest appearances, not to mention a hectic schedule of live performances. Perhaps Gabriele’s most rounded work to date; "Awakening" captures an artist in full bloom, examining a crossroads between creative and personal paths.

'The birth of my eldest son Viktor caused me to question my career in music and explore other, more ‘secure’ options, but thanks to my wife I quickly realised that to be different from your neighbor doesn’t make you wrong. After all, in this life, does anyone really have any security? So actually Viktor and my family have become my super power: they teach me to believe in myself more than I ever did before. This album is all about that realization; that Awakening.' Encompassing Afro, Latin, jazz, soul and dance music elements, glued together by Poso’s distinctive layered live percussion sounds, "Awakening" is peppered with guest performances and production touches from a talented series of friends.

As Gabriele puts it 'I like to surround my music with the people I love and want to spend my time with.' A deeply rooted and spiritual project, a few of the tracks featured on "Awakening" will be familiar to those lucky enough to catch Gabriele Poso on tour over the last 12 months; not least his reimagining of the Roy Ayers classic "Everybody Loves The Sunshine". From the stunning cover art by Elvira Gerardi which features Gabriele’s first born son Viktor, to the special music contained within, this album’s message is clear; although as Gabriele succinctly points out: when we talk about love, 'words never work.'

Ernesto Chahoud’s "Taitu" is a collection of soul-fuelled stompers straight from the dancefloors of 1970s Addis Ababa. A breathless journey through the unique Ethio sound that bands were forging at the time, the 24 track compilation is the result of the Lebanese DJ and crate digger’s decade long love affair with the ‘golden age’ of Ethiopian music. Among the musical gems featured are 7”s by some of the heavyweights of the scene including the godfather of Ethio jazz Mulatu Astatke and Alemayehu Eshete, the vocalist dubbed the ‘Ethiopian Elvis’, alongside tracks by more obscure artists such as Merawi Yohannis and Birkineh Wurga.

For ‘Taitu’, Chahoud has selected 24 of his essential Ethio-Soul 7”s, that never leave his DJ box, and together they capture this opportune moment in Ethiopian music history that saw bands experiment with an armful of influences: gliding through R&B, rock & roll, jazz, funk, soul and boogaloo. What came out was a distinctly Ethiopian interpretation: pentatonic scales, horn-driven melodies and soul-shattering vocals sung in Amharic. The songs are difficult to box in to one genre but they share a simplicity and rawness, added to by their lo-fi quality - with many recordings made in rudimentary studios with only a couple of mics for the entire band.

From the R&B stomper ‘Honey Baby’ by Alemayehu Eshete to Astatke’s swaggering ethnic-jazz instrumental ‘Emnete’ and the bluesy melancholic vocals of Hirut Bekele on ‘Ewnetegna Feker’, ‘Taitu’ is a window in on the exciting records being made in Ethiopia in the 1970s and comes fully endorsed by us here at Picc HQ. 

TRACK LISTING

Ethiopian Stompers
1. Menelik Wossenatchew – Fikratchin*
2. Mulatu Astatke – Emnete
3. Teshome Meteku - Hasabe
4. Birkineh Wurga – Alkedashim
5. Selomon Shibeshi – Endiet Zenegashiw
6. Alemayehu Eshete – Chiro Adarie Negne
7. Hirut Bekele – Ewnetegna Feker
8. Bezunesh Bekele – Felagote
9. Alemayehu Eshete – Mekeyershene Salawke
10. Tilahun Gessesse – Aykedashim Libe
11. Merawi Yohannis – Teleyeshign
12. Hirut Bekele & Alemayehu Eshete – Temelese
13. Alemayehu Eshete – Honey Baby*

Ethiopian Clappers And More
1. Seifu Yohannes – Ebo Lala
2. Bezunesh Bekele – Aha Gedawo
3. Alemayehu Borobor – Yeshebelewa
4. Seifu Yohannes – Mela Mela
5. Tilahun Gessesse – Sigibgib Joroye
6. Alemayehu Eshete – Gizew Honeshyna
7. Bahta G. Hiwot – Tessassategn Eko*
8. Getatchew Kassa – Fikrishin Eshaleyu
9. Hirut Bekele – Almokerkum Nebere
10. Muluken Melesse – Alagegnhwatem
11. Menelik Wossenachew – Tezeta
12. Tamrat Molla - Ene Yewodedquat *vinyl Only

Having co-compiled two albums, "The Real Sound of Chicago" and "The Real Sound of Chicago and Beyond" for BBE, DJ and producer Mark Grusane steps out of the shadows to present ‘The Real Sound Of Mark Grusane’. A highly personal selection of modern soul, disco and a little touch of boogie, these rare tracks have all been respectfully edited, chopped up or extended by Mark himself. Apart from the odd private vinyl pressing, or occasionally handing an edit over to close friends and DJs such as fellow BBE artist Sadar Bahar, Mark has never before made these tracks available (despite the throng of people waiting around to ask each time he finishes a set).

Mark Grusane frst came to the attention of BBE Music back in 2010 when he was running specialist Chicago record shop Mr Peabody. He and his partner went on to create two of the label’s most sought-after soul compilations, thanks to the unmatched combination of rarity and quality expressed in the duo’s selections. Still living in Chicago, still buying and selling records, Mark has also built up a sizable discography of edits and original productions on various labels, now finding his prodigious DJ skills in high demand across the globe.

Each track on "The Real Sound Of Mark Grusane" has a tale to tell, precious treasures unearthed by one of the hardest working and dedicated crate diggers in the game. From an edit he made at the age of 21 to a record he discovered last year whilst in London for a gig at The BBE Store, this collection is testament to a life spent completely immersed in music. 

TRACK LISTING

A1. Africano - Open Your Hearts (Mark Grusane Edit)
A2. Sémaj - All Should Be In All (Mark Grusane Edit)
B1. Frank Pellico - Copa Cabana (Mark Grusane Edit)
B2. Brief Encounter - What About Love (Mark Grusane Edit)
B3. Choker Campbell - Carioca (Mark Grusane Edit)
C1. Shabadoo - Do It (Mark Grusane Edit)
C2. Daniele Patucchi - Sacrifce
C3. Yan Tregger: Rif On (Mark Grusane Spend The Night Edit)
D1. Jim Spencer - Moonlight Serenade (Mark Grusane Edit)
D2. Macho - Mucho Macho (Mark Grusane Edit)
D3. The Island Music Makers: Calypso Medley

Bronx native John Morales has more than three decades of hits and over 800 remixes to his credit, he's also stormed his way through three mega volumes of M+M Mixes, all eagerly received by the Piccadilly staff. This 4th volume of the BBE series is without doubt the most ambitious yet, containing gems from Barry White, Lenny Williams, Level 42 and Dan Hartman, all woven together with that special, intricate M&M magic. Gaining unprecedented access to original multitrack recordings from the vaults of Sony and Universal Records, John has once again upped the ante, going where no DJ has gone before. Accept no imitations, nobody does remixes quite like John Morales.
First up we have the slow, sensual and fairly sleazy "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More" by the one and only Barry White. A weighty statement by a man of such great stature, this killer disco-strut is responsible for one of the finest drum breaks of all time (as sampled by Daft Punk for 'Da Funk', NWA, De La Soul and all rappers from 1988-1998), locks us into an irresistible bassline and features Barry in full on pillow talk mode. Chuck in some cinematic keys, wah guitar and the occasional hit of strings and you're in low tempo heaven, especially with this supremely stretched out mix from the main man. Over on the flip, John houses up the slick, bass-led brilliance of Lenny Williams' "You Got Me Running", taking a diversion from the dubby style of Danny Krivit's timeless version, to turn the cut into a soulful, disco house stomper - nice. Over onto the C-side and we're caught in the tractor beam of Dan Hartman's zero gravity pulser "Vertigo", rolling shoulders and enjoying those wild vibraphone licks, nodding along to the chunky gospel piano and then totally losing our shit as the cut eventually transforms into high NRG vocal screamer "Relight My Fire". Symphonic disco at its finest. Finally, Level 42's jazz-funk floor filler "Mind On Yo" gets the M+M treatment, taking us for a dream-dance through the baggy trousered dancefloor of the Britfunk era. As always, the bass is the best here! 

Described wholly accurately by Boiler Room as "one of the best producers and arrangers of disco music to have ever done it", Bronx native John Morales has more than three decades of hits and over 800 remixes to his credit. This 4th volume of M&M Mixes on BBE is without doubt the most ambitious yet, containing gems from Barry White, Diana Ross, Level 42, Teddy Pendergrass and Eddie Kendricks among others, all woven together with that special, intricate M&M magic. Gaining unprecedented access to original multitrack recordings from the vaults of Sony and Universal Records, John has once again upped the ante, going where no DJ has gone before. Accept no imitations, nobody does remixes quite like John Morales.
Volume 4, vinyl edition #2 kicks off in much the same manner as its partner, powering out the blocks with a belting rework of Barry "Walrus Of Love" White. Swirling, psychedelic and powered by stomping piano chords and drums, this Morales mix is gonna get your dance floor hot. Morales moves into boogie territories next with a high voltage version of Teena Marie's "Lover Girl", stretching out the arrangement to squeeze the maximum juice out of each individual element. The second slab o' wax serves us an instant classic as big Jon gets delightfully dubby with jazzy, funky, disco delight "Love Is The Message" by MFSB (currently threatening to upset the desk with its irresistible groove) before a loopy, lovely chop shop cut of Mannix' b-boy blinder "Standing Right Here" plays us out. Ace!

Join two of BBE’s most prolific artists and compilers, Mr Thing & Chris Read on a voyage into the mysterious, strange and wonderful world of Library Music, courtesy of Cavendish Music. Founded in 1937 and originally known as Boosey & Hawkes Recorded Music Library, Cavendish Music is the largest independent Library Music publisher in the UK and also represents a host of music catalogues across the globe.
During the Library Music heyday of the 60s and 70s, thousands of original instrumental tracks were produced across a broad range of genres for companies like Cavendish, who then created vinyl and tape collections, often arranged by theme or mood, for their customers in radio, television and film. Cult British TV shows such as The Sweeney and The Professionals as well as documentaries and feature films relied heavily on these catalogues, and companies like KPM, De Wolfe and Boosey & Hawkes went a long way toward defining the sound of British popular culture at the time.
Never commercially available, music created for these libraries that never made it to the promised land of TV or Radio was destined to languish in Cavendish Music’s vast London vault; only recently unearthed by a new generation of DJs and producers searching for rare gems or a perfect sample.
Mr Thing & Chris Read were first invited to examine the contents of the Cavendish Music archive in 2014 as part of WhoSampled’s ‘Samplethon’ event in which producers created new tracks against the clock using sample material mined from the catalogue. Whilst digging through box upon box of records and tapes looking for interesting sounds, the pair also discovered a host of 70s library music which has not only stood the test of time, but deserves to be heard in its original form.
From dramatic big band numbers reminiscent of Lalo Schifrin’s film scores to atmospheric proto-hip hop instrumentals produced before the genre’s existence, right through to fairly straightforward jazz and funk cuts; this amazing collection of music is sure to inspire and delight DJs and beatmakers the world over.

Best known to most people for his early work as a Portishead collaborator and International tour DJ, Andy Smith earned his ‘Legendary’ title among crate diggers in 1998 when he released seminal mix album ‘The Document’. In the years since, Andy has continued to live up to his reputation as one of the finest and most creative DJs on the planet, tirelessly digging in the crates and emerging with pure gold. Following in the footsteps of his 2006 exploration of Trojan’s mighty reggae vaults and his two compilations exploring funk music from New Orleans and Jamaica, Andy turns his attention to disco and boogie for the very first time.
The concept for ‘Reach Up – Disco Wonderland’ was born from ’Reach Up’, a DJ collective founded by Andy in 2012 to reflect the spirit of legendary NYC clubs such as Paradise Garage and Studio 54. ‘Reach Up’ showcases 80s boogie, disco and proto house; the foundations upon which dance music culture was built.
As you might expect, Andy Smith’s selections for the album are not only delightfully obscure but highly memorable. Many titles will spark recognition, having been sampled for more contemporary hip hop and R&B tracks. Disco & Boogie this compilation may be, but it’s been put together with a b-boy mentality. As Andy himself puts it “At my ‘Reach Up’ and ‘Boombox’ nights a fair few of these will have been played, but interestingly some of these tracks might well get played at more ‘hip hop orientated’ nights I do too because of the disco breaks: tracks like “T Connection” & “Freedom.”
Containing a raft of undeniable dance-floor fillers and slept-on anthems, 'Reach Up – Disco Wonderland' also at times displays that indefinable, other-worldy, almost eerie sonic fingerprint that’s been present in Andy’s productions and DJ sets since day one. Above all, this album is testament to a youthful obsession with home taping. As Andy puts it: “just being able to officially put these tracks out that i used to play on my ghetto blaster in the streets is an amazing thing!”

TRACK LISTING

A1 Don Laka - I Wanna Be Myself
A2 Freedom - Get Up & Dance
A3 Advance - Take Me To The Top
B1 Jimmy Ross - First True Love
Affair (Reach Up Re-edit)
B2 Sure Thing - Holding You Tight
(Extended DJ Mix)
C1 Joanne Wilson - Got To Have You
(Whiskey Barons Re-edit)
C2 Neddy Smith - Give It Up
C3 T-Connection - Groove To Get
Down
D1 Jimmy Young - Times Are Tight
D2 World Premiere - Share The Night
E1 Jimmy Bo Horne - Is It In
E2 Tamiko Jones - Let It Flow
F1 Cloud 1 - Patty Duke
F2 Shot - Main Thing
F3 Disco Dub Band - For The Love Of
Money

Recording and touring together on and off for several years now, sonic journeyman DJ Vadim and Californian songwriter Katrina Blackstone unveil their long awaited full-length album ‘Double Sided’, released on BBE Music. After providing a pair of stellar guest appearances on Vadim's 2014 'Dubcatcher' album, Katrina Blackstone joined Vad on tour and the duo have been steadily laying down tracks ever since. Eschewing samples in favour of drum machines, guitars and a dizzying array of synths, Vadim's compositions on ‘Double Sided’ range from dubby downtempo grooves to upbeat afroboogie business. Katrina's crystal clear vocals, catchy melodies and highly relatable lyrics provide the perfect foil for Vadim's raw productions.

Katrina Blackstone has previously worked with cult downtempo artists Bluetech & Dr Israel, as well as appearing alongside Killah Priest on the sadly unreleased "Legba's Light" project created by Ron Carter, Brian Jackson and Mike Clark. Born in Tennessee, she studied vocal performance and jazz at the prestigious New School University in New York before moving the San Francisco, where she continues to record and perform tirelessly.

Russian born, London bred and now residing in Barcelona, DJ Vadim has built a formidable reputation as one of the world's hardest working DJs and producers. During his long and fruitful career he's worked with artists as varied as Stevie Wonder, The Roots, Prince, Kraftwerk and Paul Weller. Constantly touring and creating, Vadim has been working with BBE since 2007's 'Soundcatcher'. Ten years later, ’Double Sided’ will be his 7th album on the label.

TRACK LISTING

1. Burning Love
2. Double Sided
3. Luv 2 Luv
4. Choose Feat. Aima The Dreamer
5. No No No Feat. Tiggy Tafari
6. Re Run
7. Been Waiting All Night
8. Stand Up Feat. Parly B
9. Ride Slow
10. That's Not Me Feat. Aima The Dreamer
11. Magnetic Feat. Dakini Star
12. How Long
13. Shoop Shoop Feat. Pugs Atomz
14. Rewind

Born in a remote log cabin deep in the Scottish Highlands, Eventual Reality, the debut album from The James L’Estraunge Orchestra melds jazz and electronic music sensibilities with a huge helping of heart and soul. In 2014 seasoned producer and musician Ricky Reid and his partner retreated from the city to embark upon a new life, in his own words “away from the constant, incoherent noise of the world”. As he set up his studio, the clean air and spectacular surroundings began to provoke musical inspiration like never before. Then, like a scene from ‘Field Of Dreams’, a series of talented musicians from his former life visited the cabin for a series of late night jamming and recording sessions, leaving behind them hidden treasures to be discovered and lovingly pieced together by Ricky over the following months. With nostalgia so much a part of the album’s creation, The James L’Estraunge Orchestra can’t help but appear somewhat spectral; after all they are truly the band that never was.

Making up one half of the Soul Renegades alongside Craig Smith, as well as contributing keys and vocals to both 6th Borough Project LPs, Ricky Reid was a lynchpin of the Edinburgh scene for a little over two decades before escaping to the wilderness. Releases on Restless Soul, Local Talk, Rainy City Music among others saw him truly hone his craft, but the distractions of day to day urban living prevented him from elevating his craft to the next level. Now with no TV or wi-fi and mostly trees to talk to, Ricky has been able to freely explore and spread his wings; as he puts it: “I’ve become a conduit for something different than I've ever experienced before.”

Roaming from dramatic, cinematic expanses to intimate and fragile places, ‘Eventual Reality’ is the audible journal of a musician making sense of things, reconciling the past and present from a place of tranquility. From the autobiographical reverie of ‘See You Tonight’, which explores the loss of youth, to the vibrant Melbourne street sounds that introduce powerful and empowering first single ‘Closer’, the album shimmers with a palpable sense of life throughout. “My process is completely based on inspiration in the moment. Sometimes the inspiration for a track comes in the middle of the night, like ‘The Call’, which was written after a local car accident ended in tragedy for a young girl visiting the area. She was trapped underwater after driving off the road, which shocked the village and provoked this emotive, free form track.” It’s just as easy to imagine a poignant story for each piece of music contained in ‘Eventual Reality’ as it is to place yourself in that lonely cabin, comfortably cocooned in warm and deeply touching sounds.

The second EP from Rhemi in the "Choice Cuts" series. London duo Ziggy Funk & Neil Pierce unleash four more of their finest productions on vinyl for the frst time. At the forefront of London’s nascent soulful house revival (although many would argue the sound never left our nation’s capital), both artists are no strangers to the BBE label. Commencing with 2014 smash "Beat Within", featuring powerful, floor-filling vocals from Cassius Henry; recently granted a new lease of life thanks to a white-hot remix by the mighty Opolopo. Next up comes a special down and dirty dub mix of "Everything Is Good"; a potent dancefloor workout, tested and approved in nightclubs the world over. Familiar to BBE fans since appearing on Kiko Navarro’s album "Everything Happens For A Reason", London vocal duo Hanlei provide a vintage performance on feel-good anthem "Keep Dancing", combining ‘club classic’ appeal with tight, modern production. Originally release on Rhemi’s "Land Of Promise" EP, "Freedom" closes out the EP with a deep groove and warm, rhythmic stabs designed to hypnotise. With another two volumes of "Choice Cuts" on the way and a work-rate that shows no signs of slowing down, it’s safe to say we can expect a big year for the Rhemi boys.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Rhemi Ft Cassius – Beat Within
A2. Rhemi Ft Carmichael MusicLover - Everything Is Good (Dub Mix)
B1. Rhemi Ft Hanlei – Keep Dancing (Vocal Mix)
B2. Rhemi – Freedom

The African beat's always been essential to Brazil's music. But now the new generation of musicians, singers and rappers are tweaking the basics of Fela's funk to fit with samba swing, bossa tempo and nordestino nous. John Armstrong's new compilation Afrobeat Brasil features 14 blazing tracks from 2011 to 2017 that nod towards Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mali and beyond – with feet firmly in Brazil. For the first time outside Brazil, a careful selection of modern Afrobeat- inspired tunes from across several Brazilian genres, taking in cutting-edge players from Rio, São Paulo, Salvador, Porto Alegre –and even Paris. No slavish Fela Kuti copycats these, but rather Afrobeat and other specific African tempos and rhythms used as a blueprint, a buildingblock for new directions in Brazilian music.

TRACK LISTING

1. André Abujamra - Origem
2. BNegão & Os Seletores De Frequência – Bass Do Tambô
3. Camarão Orkestra - Afoxé
4. Bixiga 70 - 5 Esquinas
5. Thiago França - Etiópia
6. Tássia Reis - Desapegada
7. Rodrigo Campos – Sou De Salvador
8. André Sampaiao & Os Afromandinga – Wababa
9. Trabalhos Espaciais Manuais – Farofa De Banana
10. Lucas Santtana - Músico
11. Ifá – Salva Dor
12. Otto Nasca - Democracia
13. Metá Metá - Logun
14. Ellen Oléria – Afrofuturo (Remix)

Originally released in 1970 by little-known Chicago imprint Futuro, 'Vamonos / Let's Go!' is the first and only album recorded by Brooklyn neighbourhood salsa band 'The Orchestra Soledad'. Led by trombonist and singer Hector Ramos, the music of Orchestra Soledad is characterised by brash and energetic salsa arrangements created by Ramos himself, who also composed (or cocomposed) all of the music featured on the LP. This ultra-rare record came to wider attention courtesy of DJ Amir who discovered it (along with a 'battle of the bands' trophy that the band had won) in a shop located only blocks away from the Bushwick home of Hector Ramos. Immediately captivated by the striking artwork and incredible music, Amir went on to include the track "El Ritmo Soledad" on his 2016 BBE compilation 'Buena Música Y Cultura', an album celebrating latin music from across the Americas. The Orchestra Soledad was made up of talented local kids (maybe local heroes), all dreaming of Fania All-Stars fame when they stepped in the studio, sadly destined never to 'make it'. Yet this one shining album remains, a lasting testament to their brilliance. Raw, authentic 70s street salsa, all the recordings featured on 'Vamonos/ Let's Go!' have a distinctly live, unpolished feel, evoking all the sweat and drama of a hot summer's night in the barrios of Sunset Park, Bushwick or Williamsburg back in the day.

Announced in late 2016 with the single ‘All Because Of You’, described as “a future classic” (CJ Mackintosh) and “absolutely necessary” (Soul Clap), BBE are proud to present Kiko Navarro’s brand new solo album ‘Everything Happens For A Reason’. A highly respected artist for many years now, Kiko Navarro is a name synonymous with the Balearic House sound, thanks to his residencies at Space & Pacha as well as his countless productions and remixes.

‘Everything Happens For A Reason’ displays a dizzying array of musical flavours, with guest appearances from DJ Spen, Boris Dlugosch and multi-instrumentalist Gabriele Poso, whose compilation ‘The Language Of Tambores’ is coming soon on BBE. Within a framework of warm, soulful House music, Kiko explores afro-latin rhythms, broken beats, nu-jazz and straight up Chicago-inspired acid. A deep re-imagining of Maze & Frankie Beverly’s 80s classic ‘Twilight’, irrepressible floor-filler ‘I Can Show You The Way’ and a new orchestral version of 2007 classic ‘Soñando Contigo’ are among the immediate highlights, but this album is so much more than the sum of its parts. ‘Everything Happens For A Reason’ sees iko Navarro concentrating his wealth of experience curating and creating music into a highly potent and deeply personal soundtrack to his life and career so far.

TRACK LISTING

1. All Because Of You Feat. Julie McKnight
2. Twilight
3. Right On Feat. HanLei
4. I Can Show You The Way
5. What We Need Feat. Dj Spen & Dana Weaver
6. Black Is Back Feat. Boris Dlugosch
7. Everything Happens For A Reason Feat. Isis "Apache" Montero
8. Lo Siento Feat. Concha Buika
9. La Cosa
10. Ohashiah
11. Twi-Reprise
12. Cranc
13. Humanity Feat. D7
14. Soñando Contigo Feat. Concha Buika (Orchestral Version)
15. Painful Goodbye Feat. Paco Colombas & Gabriele Poso
16. Adolescence (Outro)

In May 1976 a record was released that would have an unforeseen and lasting impact on the music industry “Ten Percent” by Double Exposure was an early release on the New York independent label Salsoul Records. America was in the grip of a disco explosion with new clubs opening on a weekly basis; Salsoul saw what was happening and swiftly created a sound for their label, heavily influenced by the music then coming out of Philadelphia, aimed directly at New York’s dance-floors. Records like “Salsoul Hustle,” “Tangerine” and “You’re Just The Right Size” by The Salsoul Orchestra borrowed heavily from the beautifully orchestrated Philadelphia International records but added a more percussive, bass heavy depth that New York’s DJs loved. So what was so special about this particular single then? Double Exposure was, after all, just another band, “Ten Percent” just another song; one of many “disco” records released that week. First of all Salsoul became the first record label to make a twelve inch single available to Joe Public - the exotic format was previously only available to DJs as promotional items or bought under the counter at certain record stores. Not only that though, the extended version was created by Walter Gibbons, a DJ at New York’s Galaxy 21 who’d built his reputation making exclusive versions of tracks to play in his sets.

In 1976 it was unheard of for a DJ to set foot in a recording studio, being seen as little more than living jukeboxes by the serious music industry. Recording studios were strictly the domain of recording artists and producers so Walter found himself in a unique position, gaining access to a world no DJ had been granted before.

Or so we thought...
The Men In The Glass Booth tells the full story. Featuring ground breaking re-edits and remixes by some of the Disco era's most influential DJs including Walter Gibbons, Bobby DJ Guttadaro, Tom Savarese, Jellybean Benitez, Tee Scott and John Luongo, this opulent release also includes a 40 page book which features exclusive photos and insights from some of the story's key figures.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: BBE answer the prayers of all us non-millionaire disco fans, taking us on a journey through the alternative 12" history via this exhaustive collection of acetates and DJ edits. Mega!

Way back in 1981, two musicians got together to make a record. Mike Collins played guitar and had just bought a Roland CR78 - the first programmable drum machine. Keith O'Connell played Fender Rhodes piano and Prophet 5 synthesizer. Excited about the quirky and unusual instrumental track they'd composed, when the duo entered London's Utopia Studios to finish off their creation, neither could have predicted what was to follow… Now viewed by many as one of the most influential early electronic dance records, "Rude Movements" was swiftly picked up on by David Mancuso, who used it to devastating effect at his infamous 'Loft Parties', in turn introducing it to Larry Levan, Frankie Knuckles, David Morales and Kenny Dope, a group of young DJs who would go on to write the blueprint for dance music as we know it. In the more than 35 years since its release, "Rude Movements" has continued to inspire and excite, sampled by The Bucketheads' classic House track "Whew!"(featured on recent BBE compilation '20 years of Henry Street Records') and listed by a veritable 'who's who' of dance music's elite as an all-time favourite. Rare and much sought-after on vinyl, BBE are happy to announce the release of a fully remastered version of 'Rude Movements' presented alongside the original demo version 'Raw Movements', plus three other versions of the iconic track. Also included on the vinyl package are the Afrika Bambaata inspired "Street Beat" and 808/MiniMoog workout "Palace Strut", as well as three other 80s SunPalace compositions. CD and digital versions expand the catalogue still further, with more experimental SunPalace magic. Timeless original, quirky and unique, these recordings are set to inspire yet another generation of DJs, producers and music fans.

Compiled by Italian DJ and purveyor of rare vinyl Gino Grasso with the assistance of his brother Federico, 'We Know How To Boogie' is a joyful romp through the finest forgotten dance-floor disco and soul from the 70's and 80's . A bona fide 'disco don', Gino has collected music for over 30 years and supplied the likes of Kenny Dope and Dimitri From Paris with obscure gems. A familiar face behind the decks in his hometown of Bologna and across Italy, Gino's music, passion and knowledge has seen him play underground clubs the world over, including Le Souk in NYC and the Bussey Building in London.

Many of the tracks included on 'We Know How To Boogie' have become 'signature tunes' for DJs such as Phil Asher, Sadar Bahar, Joe Davis and Daniele Baldelli, rarely if ever leaving their record boxes. Containing several exclusive edits from the Grasso Brothers, 'We Know How To Boogie' is simply filled with sure-fire hits for the discerning dance-floor. Lesser known tracks remastered from eye-wateringly expensive original vinyl releases by William Barlak, Living Colour & Carol Meriwether rub shoulders with the truly obscure and utterly wonderful French-Canadian disco outfit 'Black Sun' in what can only be described as a musical celebration like you've never heard before. This 'Italian Job' is guaranteed to do more than just 'blow the bloody doors off.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Another blinding comp from BBE here as the label enlist Italian disco kingpins Gino and Federico Grasso to select fourteen of their best loved and most obscure records for our listening (and dancing) pleasure. The eye-watering, ear-fizzing tracklist is jam packed with outright unclassics previously only available to the likes of Baldelli, Kenny Dope and Sadar Bahar. D-I-S-C-O scorchers from start to finish y'all.

TRACK LISTING

1. Moods - Funk It Out *
2. Sharon Johnson - A Better Day
3. Gospel Seekers- Never Gonna Give You Up (Church Door Records)
4. T.B. Funk - Free Blow (The Dub Version) )G&D Edit)
5. Arabi -Times Three *
6. Living Colour - Plastic People (G&D Extended Edit)
7. Roller Disco - Stone Luv
8. Together Band - You Can't Run From Love *
9. Those Good Intentions - We Know How To Boogie
10. Carol Meriwether - Love Ain't Just (A Physical Thing)
11. William Barlak - Ain't No Doubt About It
12. Kenny Pierce - Done Been (M&D Records)
13. Sherman Hunter - Dance To Freedom
14. Black Sun - Le Love *

Vinyl obsessive, renowned DJ and leading light of the global edit scene, Kon knows a thing or two about good music. His latest project, Kon & The Gang, introduces a selection of tracks, remixes and edits that the Boston native has lent his golden touch to over the years. Featuring artists à la mode Truccy (Compost's Rainer Trueby & Corrado Bucci), Eli Escobar, Seven Davis Jr, Medlar and Thatmanmonkz, the album gives newcomers to the scene a fantastic taste of the DIY disco / throwback house revival which is currently taking the underground by storm. A mixture of effortlessly cool, slow slung disco & boogie and deftly edited dancefloor gems, 'Kon & The Gang' is sure to delight fans of soulful music old and new.

STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: Boston's disco king hooks up with a proper who's who of the disco/house scene to hit us with a double pack of dancefloor delights and soulful nuggets. Perfect for hot summer nights under the disco ball.

BBE tease and please us with a mouthwatering 12" taster from the forthcoming Kon & The Gang LP, serving up two killer cuts from the LP with an exclusive remix from Caserta. Opening track "Timeless" could hardly be more aptly named, as a sublime, smokey piano intro give way to an uplifting, languid disco track, jammed full of sunshine. Catchy vocal snippets, rock solid bass and guitar licks build up the groove beautifully alongside Kon's trademark staccato, squelchy synth chord stabs. On the flip-side Truccy (better known as Compost compadres Rainer Trüby and Corrado Bucci) introduce us to "Closer", another sun-drenched groove tinted with a salt bleached Balearic slant. Jazzy chords and touching vocals (performed by the duo themselves with assistance from Nicolas "Michael Ellis" Rogoll) lend the track a distinctly 'live' feel. Boston producer and mix engineer Caserta closes out proceedings with his remix of friend and musical collaborator Kon's "Timeless". Highlighting piano loops and synth stabs from the original version, his rework moves the track seamlessly into Deep House territory as smoothly rolling percussion and a hypnotic arrangement come to the fore. A delicious taste of what's to come from Kon & Gang, this limited 12" is surely going to be essential listening this summer.

Following closely behind last year's expanded reissue of 2000's 'Grassroots', the New York duo of DJ Spinna & Kryminul present 'Resurgence', a long awaited album of previously unreleased material. Comprising tracks created between 2003 and the present day, 'Resurgence' represents the duo's musical growth during a period where most of us assumed the Jigmastas project was on hold. From start to finish, 'Resurgence' is brimming over with soul thanks to Spinna's distinctively languid boom-bap productions. Rapper Kryminul is on fine form with his clever and witty brand of storytelling, which still stays close to the streets whilst keeping the subject matter varied and eclectic. Storming guest appearances come from Shabaam Saadique and Old World Disorder (SKAM2, Shadowman Boogie), both familiar names to Jigmastas fans. With the announcement of another brand new album 'Stellar' coming later in 2016, 'Resurgence' is a perfect opportunity to bring yourself up to speed with Jigmastas, just as they prepare to reclaim their rightful place at hip hop's top table.

Starting life as a small New York event aimed at raising awareness for Fela Kuti's musical message, Rich Medina's Jump N Funk party has now been rocking dancefloors across the globe for over 15 years. Honouring Fela's contribution to music as well as his political and cultural legacy, Medina has made his events a platform to celebrate Afro-life across the black diaspora.

With guests such as Wunmi, the cast of Fela! On Broadway, Asiko and Antibalas providing captivating live performances, Jump N Funk is so much more than a club night. In creating this compilation to represent the spirit of his events, Rich Medina has chosen an eclectic selection of undeniably afro-tinged, unashamedly life-affirming music. With most tracks either referencing, sampling or inspired by the great man, the record also includes material by Fela himself, as well as son Seun Kuti and long-time band member Tony Allen the inventor of the afrobeat set drum syncopation that is equally as notorious as Fela and his message... The album's artwork has been lovingly created by Lemi Ghariokwu, the fabled Nigerian artist who designed some of Fela's most iconic covers. From the record's sleeve to the music contained within, Jump N Funk is a cultural artefact with one foot in the past, the other in the future. An echo of Fela's message: a reminder to celebrate, to empower, to progress.

Very limited 7” vinyl featuring DJ Spinna & Jake One on remix duties.

It's fair to say that veteran Portland rapper Vursatyl has been making major waves of late, with praise and support for his 'Crooked Straights' coming from Kenny Dope, Okayplayer, 2DopeBoyz & Urb magazine among many others. Off the back of a world tour supporting the mighty Blackalicious and in response to popular demand, we've decided to press two very special new remixes on strictly limited 7" vinyl.

First up, NY legend DJ Spinna lends his deft, soulful touch to 'I Got It', which summons up memories of the golden era with its deft, conscious lyrics and jazzy, off-kilter beats. On the flipside, underground stalwart Jake One takes control, serving up a fiery version of tongue-twisting lyrical missile 'Bring It To A Halt' with a side order of heavy drums and clinical cuts from DJ Flip Flop.

TRACK LISTING

A1 I Got It (feat. Ja’kar Abel) (DJ Spinna Remix)
B1 Bring It To A Halt (Jake One Remix)

Producing under the moniker Isoul8, as well as teaming up with Domu under the Rima alias for the incredible jazz / fusion album 'This World', Volcov is a truly important player in the underground music scene. Remixing artists such as Frankie Valentine, Azymuth & Taylor McFerrin, running his two labels Archive and Neroli, as well as DJing all over the World has given Volcov a rare knowledge of soul, funk, disco and deep house music; knowledge which is very apparent throughout this album.

'From The Archive' comprises a lovingly chosen collection of obscure funk, disco and boogie tracks, alongside three very special edits produced by the man himself. From Chez Damier's sun-drenched remix of The Urban Crew's 'Go' to Bembe Segue's emotional 'Sun On My Back' via Shuya Okino's disco epic 'Still In Love', this record takes the listener on a joyful journey deep into Volcov's musical mind.

TRACK LISTING

CD:
1. Are & Be - The Sound Of The Memory Of Many Living People
2. The Urban Cru - Go (Chez Damier Classic Mix)
3. Manfredo Fest - Arigo (Volcov Edit)
4. TGB Feat. Patricia Shannon - Do The Right Thing
5. Oneness Of Juju - Turning On To Me
6. Hot Quisine - Keep The Same Old Feeling
7. Shuya Okino Feat. Navasha Daya - Still In Love
8. Shokazulu - Part 4
9. Chanan Hanspal - Footprints In The Sand (Shannon Harris Urbancity Reinterpretation)
10. Fanfair - Gotham Odyssey (Volcov Edit)
11. O'Donel Levy - Sophisticated Disco (Volcov Edit),
12. The Antilles - Simon's Melody
13. Bembé Segue - Sun On My Back.

LP:
A1. Are & Be - The Sound Of The Memory Of Many Living People
A2. The Urban Cru - Go (Chez Damier Classic Mix)
A3. Manfredo Fest - Arigo (Volcov Edit)
B1. TGB Feat. Patricia Shannon - Do The Right Thing
B2. Oneness Of Juju - Turning On To Me
B3. Hot Quisine - Keep The Same Old Feeling
C1. Shokazulu - Part 4
C2. Chanan Hanspal - Footprints In The Sand (Shannon Harris Urbancity Reinterpretation)
D1. O'Donel Levy - Sophisticated Disco (Volcov Edit)
D2. The Antilles - Simon's Melody
D3. Bembé Segue - Sun On My Back.

Originally referred to as the 'Pop Music Lab', The Peoples' Workshop was formed in 1976 at Texas Southern University as a space for students to compose and perform, free from the constrains of Western classical music education. Swiftly gathering momentum, in 1980 the organisation was granted non-profit status and in 1983, moved off the TSU campus. The Workshop has since grown in size and scope, becoming the first Black-founded organisation to present shows in major performance venues around the Greater Houston area. 'Houston Talent Expo '82' features original compositions by members of The Peoples' Workshop, performed exclusively by musicians from Houston. The songs vary in style, but remain centered around gospel, funk and soul; music and lyrics with a powerful positive message. Many of the artists featured remain active today around the world, working with such acts as Alice Coltrane and The Charles Mingus Band among others. 'Houston Talent Expo '82' comprises a truly special collection of songs born from the struggle, true to the spirit of togetherness that underpins The Peoples' Workshop, written and performed by astonishing young talents.

• Highly sought after collector's item reissued for the first time
• 180 gram heavyweight vinyl pressing

BBE are proud to present another long-lost classic from the golden age of African music, from a figure who is still beginning to get his props internationally, Eji Oyewole. Born to a royal lineage in Ibadan, Prince Eji Oyewole has had a career as a flautist, saxophonist and sometime bandleader spanning well over half a century. He trained both in Nigeria and then at Trinity the prestigious music school in London, and his life as an itinerant musician also saw him living for extensive periods in Geneva, Hamburg and in Lyon. Eji was part of the huge craze for ‘highlife’, a generic term that in fact subsumed many different styles, united in their fusion of traditional west African forms with jazz influences and electric instruments, and in the bands’ working practices as entertainers at the nation’s numerous hotel / nightclubs.

As this cracking album, recorded for EMI Nigeria at the tail end of the 70s and now remastered, reveals, Eji’s version of highlife was even more distinctive than most, eschewing the usual emphasis on guitars for a brasher horn-laden sound, seemingly influenced as much by American funk as it was jazz, and of course with the heavy percussive undertow central to most African music. This gave Eji a chance to shine, and there are some scorching solos as well as tight ensemble playing across the four lengthy songs. 

There was once a young African princess who embarked on a huge journey in pursuit of her dreams. She arrived at a mystical island covered in clouds where she met a cunning wizard…

Sounds like the beginning of some Disney fantasy but the truth is not so different. The Princess is Sena who came from Accra, Ghana to a festival in the centre of Budapest, Hungary and met a musical wizard by the name of DJ Vadim… that was in 2005. What happened that night was the meeting not only of like minded souls, but the beginning of a future journey into sound and space. First came recordings for Vadim for the Soundcatcher album 'Talk To Me'. This led to a long process of creating an album. Much happened in between. Each had many of their own adventures.

Together Sena & Vadim are the perfect musical stew. Perhaps add some chilli pepper to bring out the African funk mixed with London tricknology from the grimey east London hoods and that’s what it sounds like. It’s not just soul but has a peppery kick, a proud African roar with somewhat a Caribbean touch. Then again, that’s the Dubcatcher Vadim bringing his bass and skank to the mix. This isn’t rose tinted squeaky clean US R&B, this is a diamond in the ruff worldly spoken words, raps and emotions… Think Erykah Badu meets Damian Marley over the new upsetter hot steppa.

After a blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance during the brief, damp summer of 2015, Martin Dumas Jr's beautiful "Belief, Attitude & Determination" is back in press, back in business and ready to rock your record deck. The second instalment of Zaf LoveVinyl's holy grail-unearthing 'Private Wax' series sees the dealer extraordinaire follow up "King Tutt's "You Got Me Hung Up / Dancin'" with the equally rare, unfathomably brilliant "Belief, Attitude & Determination" by Martin Dumas. Rocking "Nonstop To The Top" on the flip, both tracks combine the power of positive thinking with mid-tempo boogie-soul / disco grooves - a match made for happy, smiling faces on the dancefloor. Slightly Re-edited by Zaf, who wants to keep the value of his rare original copy intact (collectors, eh?), these tracks are available for the first time on 12" vinyl, fully re-mastered and sounding amazing, pressed loud and with the original sleeve artwork.

The fifth volume of Keb Darge & Little Edith’s 'Legendary Wild Rockers' is the final instalment of an acclaimed series that picks up where volumes 1-4 left off, with more raw, rootsy rockabilly and surf sounds, many rare as the proverbial hen’s teeth.

An infamous part of Britain’s club culture since the heyday of the Northern scene in the 1970s when he first gained a reputation for the rugged physicality and athleticism of his dancing, Keb made the transition to DJ with his legendary residency at Stafford’s Top Of The World club at the beginning of the ‘80s, where he became known for breaking ‘newies’ at a time the scene was wallowing in nostalgia.

That set a pattern for Keb, always pushing against the grain. At the end of the decade he relocated to London and established himself as a funk DJ with a residency at Soho’s famous Wag Club, while the rest of the capital was basking in the second and third summer of love. From that came the Deep Funk night at Ormond’s with Snowboy and then, with a compilation on the same theme, began his long association with us.

Keb’s deep funk compilations really brought him international attention and a globetrotting DJ career. But never one to rest on his laurels, Keb has shown a propensity to start a new scene whenever he gets a bit bored with the one everybody else is just catching up with! He went back to the roots of soul playing vintage R&B, and then, in a step that was really quite radical for a soulboy, the rockabilly and early surf music discoveries that have made up this latest compilation series.

Rodion Rosca grew up and got his musical education in Cluj, on the Romanian / Hungarian border, during the relatively ‘open’ years of 1965-1972, before Ceacescu’s regime cracked down viciously on the cultural opportunities (and freedoms generally) available to the Romanian people. He was drawn to electronic music, at that time still an exciting new possibility, represented by East Germany’s Karat, Czechoslovakia’s Matador and Hungary’s Skorpio, as well as bands from the west including Jethro Tull, Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Yes, and the inevitable Kraftwerk and what would become known as ‘krautrock’.

By 1975 Rosca had amassed an eclectic selection of equipment and established a reputation as a DIY tech-wizard. He created his own unique way of creating music on reel-to-reel tape recorders, using the various tape machines to multitrack. His nascent studio included several Tesia tape recorders, drum machines, phasers, flangers and fuzz pedals. Then there were a toy Casio VL Tone and a Soviet made Faemi organ. He was joined by Gicu Farcas and Adrian Caparu in a band he had started, which then took the name Rodion G.A.

Vocals, drums and guitars formed the core ‘rock’ elements but in every other way the music of Rodion G.A. was leftfield, unique and inimitable. Recording opportunities in Romania were severely limited, with just the one state-owned record label (Electrecord), and a paranoid suspicion of ‘western decadence’ and censorship of those who might be seen to have adopted such traits.

Rodion’s band concentrated on touring, from gigs in restaurants to the country’s festivals, where they built up a loyal following for their unique and inimitable sound. Otherwise, Rodion’s career consisted of commissions to score theatre, ballet, opera and gymnastics exhibitions, and, later, in the mid-‘80s, the animated film Delta Space Mission (though his music wasn’t used). At the beginning of the ‘80s his music was even featured on a Romanian TV show to usher in the New Year.

Coinciding with the death of his mother, a dispirited Rodion walked away from music after a festival appearance in 1987, and that could have well been that. It was only some 25 years later that film-maker, blogger and enthusiast for Romanian music Luca Sorin, tracked down Rosca, by now living in a secluded country cottage. Through the auspices of Sorin and fellow enthusiasts Future Nuggets, Rosca’s music came to the attention of our friends at Strut, who last year released 'The Lost Tapes', effectively Rodion G.A’s debut album, to widespread critical acclaim.

Perhaps mindful of his legacy, Rosca has unearthed a good deal of old material, divesting countless boxes at his country cottage of their contents, painstakingly listening to his old tapes on an old reel to reel machine. Amongst this material was that we proudly present here: ‘The Lost Album’. The existence of a complete album by Rodion G.A was somehow known to many enthusiasts of Romanian and electronic music, even though even its creator was unsure of its fate. Rumours about confiscation by the secret police and such like abounded. The more prosaic truth, that it had simply festered indoors as Rosca had turned his back on his old calling, surprised even him!

Some of the best things in life come in pairs, peanut butter and jelly, fish & chips, cheese and wine, DJ Vadim and dancehall reggae! This may raise an eyebrow or two as Russian immigrés and reggae may not be the first thing on your mind, however, this isn’t your normal reggae runnings and DJ Vadim, aka Daddy Vad does not do run of the mill. In fact it’s bigger than reggae. Seeing that this is his 11th long player there is as ever a twist. Residing in the multi-cultural cauldron of East Ham, this is fertile ground for innovation and creating The New and for a man with a musical career spanning 20 years, he comes with some very refined spirits. Never one to sit on his laurels, he comes with a duology of albums. The 'Dubcatcher' and then the 'Soulcatcher' - two sides to one man. First comes the bass and later comes the soul! The 'Dubcatcher' LP is not the first reggae outing for Daddy Vad. That vein has been there ever since his first release in the 90s however this is the first time the whole skanks in a reggae style and fashion. However this is not simply an album recreating some period in time. It’s an album taking influences from classic roots music, 80s digital, bashment, original UK 2-step soul, bass culture and of course some boom bap rap. Like a scientist discovering antiquated electronics and updating them with new circuitry… think more Eddie Grant, than Sean Paul. Taking a musical genre and infusing it with the sounds of soul, boogie and rap, cranking up the bass to 11 and sometimes just dubbin’ it... Conscious, social, political but also playful and ample portion for the lovers. Like one of the albums’ skits, it’s all about vibesing up the place. I wanna hear some drums n bass!

Many Hawaiian records released in the early 70s through to the early 80s have that authentic AOR sound that so much timeless music from The West Coast of America has from that golden period when ‘The Canyon’ was bristling with legends.

Hal Bradbury’s “This Is Love” is one of those records. The album is considered to be one of the Holy Grail Hawaiian LPs that record collectors the world over dream of… a masterpiece of modern Soul and AOR from ’81, originally released on the very small and obscure Fan Records. Hal Bradbury, one of the lead singers from the legendary Hawaiian pop group The Fabulous Krush, released this solo album only available and sold at his gigs around the islands. The Fabulous Krush was Hawaii’s favorite band, a charismatic, dynamic and superbly talented group, that gave its audience good, clean fun and a happy wholesome entertainment with every performance. The album contains disco tracks like “Babe I Want You” written by Bradbury himself as well as cover versions of Sam Cooke’s “You Send Me” and The Beatles’ “She’s My Woman", as well as the “You Win I Lose” a track first unearthed by Japan’s trendsetter and co compiler with Kon & Amir on the legendary ‘Kings Of...' compilation series DJ Muro; as well as appearing on the 'Americana Rock Your Soul 2' compilation. This is the second instalment of BBE’s very ambitious and deep-digging reissues series.

TRACK LISTING

1. This Is Love
2. Call Me
3. Friends
4. She's A Woman
5. You Win, I Lose
6. This Time Around
7. Babe I Want You
8. By Now
9. You Send Me
10. Keep The Fire Burning

The re-issue of these two long-lost and highly collectable LPs marks the end of a long road for BBE and for the band Breakaway who made them… The explosion of Internet connectivity has made what used to seem rare commonplace, but also opened up a world of previously unknown musical riches, and enabled enterprising fans to make contact with obscure figures that they might’ve imagined would be forever inaccessible. Whereas collectors used to prize independent labels, now it’s all about the ‘private press’: records released by the same folks that made them, in tiny numbers, without distribution, and promotion usually limited to giving them out by hand at gigs. Such were the releases of Breakaway.

Breakaway recorded two LPs. in the late 70’s these re-issues tell the story of a magnificent live band that made waves across St. Louis, Ill and further beyond to cities such as Boston and Las Vegas. A story that has come full circle after 35 years…

Their self titled first album Breakaway touches showbiz glitz, while songs like ‘Understudy DJ’ and ‘There’s a New Group In Town’, caught the disco vibe, as pretty much everything else did in 1977, and it’s these that have been delighting twenty-first century dancers , as the more-than decade-long mania for all things ‘disco’ sends enterprising DJs and collectors looking way beyond the canon of classics.

‘Straight On To The Top!’ was a more ambitious album, Breakaway had more experience and the potential of a record deal seemed closer and more realistic. ‘Work With The Music’ has something of a mutant disco feel, and would certainly fit with today’s music on the trendy dance floors of East London, Williamsburg NY and Shibuya Tokyo ‘Breakaway’ had a sophisticated funk/fusion sound that wouldn’t have sounded amiss on many a big-budget major label album project. After the release of ‘Straight On To The Top!’, the band entered negotiations with Bang Records in the US, but the A&R department fell apart, and the hopes of a record deal faded…

Fast-forward 35 years; the enthusiasm is still the same…
“After spending a couple of days getting the old Ampex up to snuff. I recruited a friend to help cannibalize another machine's servomotor, and after several hours we had it all singing and calibrated to the Dolby 361 decoder units. The headline is that everything is sounding great! Just like the old days...” - Bill Schulenburg Breakaway ,producer , friend and now an award winning engineer, as well as the chairman of The Audio Engineering Society in St. Louis, Ill

This exclusive release comes with extensive sleeve notes by Jesper Christiansen - Doctor of Music archaeology; the package also features a wealth of original photos alongside artwork and press cuttings of the period.

Here we are again, the third volume in a series set to outstrip my “Legendary Deep Funk” comps. We do hope so, as we much prefer the music on these. The funk and soul thing seems much too serious nowadays. Whereas rockin tunes are all about fun. Not to detract from the quality of music on these tunes, but you can clearly here the fun they had recording them.

The majority of the tunes on volume 2 were ultra-rare rockabilly classics. This time we’ve gone for pure fun with a few deeper sounding rarities thrown in to add a hint of diversity. Dj’ing is also much more fun for us now as this music generates happiness in the crowd too. The old northern soul days of “drowning in a sea of my own despair” have been replaced with “having a ball”. That seems the condition we left the UK in too, with lots of younger club goers having a ball to the likes of Johnny Burnette or Charlie Feathers.

TRACK LISTING

1. Ganimian & His Orientals - Come With Me To The Casbah
2. Angie & The Citations - Headache
3. Round Robin - I'm The Wolf Man
4. Gene Maltais With The Gibson String Band - The Raging Sea
5. Johnny Knight - Rock & Roll Guitar
6. Phil Barclay And The Sliders-Short Fat Ben
7. Tony And Jackie Lamie With The Swing Kings - Sunset Blues
8. The Shindigs - Thunder Reef
9. Ole Miss Down Beats - Geraldine
10. Riki And The Rikatone - Whiphash
11. Marlon "Madman" Mitchell And The Rocketeers - Ice Cold Baby
12. Johnny Powers With The Band Of Stan Getz & Tom Cats - Rock Rock
13. Eddie Gaines And The 'Rockin' Five - Be-Bop Battlin' Ball
14. Ray Taylor And Alabama Pals - Connie Lou
15. Everett Carpenter - Let Your Hair Down Baby
16. Untouchables - Crawlin' (The Crawl)
17. The Page Boys - Barricuda
18. Joe Lee And Orchestra - Hang-Out
19. The Rebel Rousers - Peter Gunn Twist
20. The Country Dudes - Have A Ball

2LP:
A1. Ganimian & His Orientals - Come With Me To The Casbah
A2. Angie & The Citations - Headache
A3. Round Robin - I'm The Wolf Man
A4. Gene Maltais With The Gibson String Band - The Raging Sea
A5. Johnny Knight - Rock & Roll Guitar
B1. Phil Barclay And The Sliders - Short Fat Ben
B2. Tony And Jackie Lamie With The Swing Kings - Sunset Blues
B3. The Shindigs - Thunder Reef
B4. Ole Miss Down Beats - Geraldine
B5. Riki And The Rikatones – Whiphash
C1. Marlon "Madman" Mitchell And The Rocketeers - Ice Cold Baby
C2. Johnny Powers With The Band Of Stan Getz & Tom Cats - Rock Rock
C3. Eddie Gaines And The 'Rockin' Five - Be-Bop Battlin' Ball
C4. Ray Taylor And Alabama Pals - Connie Lou
C5. Everett Carpenter - Let Your Hair Down Baby
D1. Untouchables - Crawlin' (The Crawl)
D2. The Page Boys - Barricuda
D3. Joe Lee And Orchestra - Hang-Out
D4. The Rebel Rousers - Peter Gunn Twist
D5. The Country Dudes - Have A Ball

To coincide with the release of DJ Vadim's album "Don’t Be Scared" comes this four track EP, featuring one of the album's standout cuts and three EXCLUSIVE tracks, all in a hand screen printed, numbered and signed by Vadim himself!

First up is grime-influenced track "This DJ" featuring J Man on the mic. "Bang It Out" is just that; a right banger! On the flip Mr Rootical Macka B supplies the vox on the dancehall cut "Control U", and the EP closes with "Selectah 2", a fantastic sliceof bomp bomp electroid bashment.

Mr eclectic electric, part time Fat Freddy’s Drop collaborator / remixer and DJ (Electric Freddy), the John Coltrane of electronic music, multi award winning DJ and producer, Daddy Vad returns with his sixth solo album.

‘Don’t Be Scared’ is an album about change, about progress, about moulting the old, cutting the dead wood away and bringing in the new. Rediscovering old paths, themes and patterns and melding them with one eye on the future. Part hip hop in mind-set, part electronic in sound, and part soulful in spirit with undertones of tribalism and some very ethnic and hypnotic elements, this album is rooted to bass culture, connecting dots along the way. Abstract dark sounds from previous albums such as 'USSR Repertoire' get rediscovered. Twisted dancehall crunked bass lines meet traditional African rhythms in a Bollywood cinema, whilst lush strings and grand pianos sit next to haunting morphed keyboards; afro beat licks and smoked out grooves. This album focuses on the instrumental and brings the beat to the foreground, but look forward to vocals from long-time collaborator and fellow ‘Oneselfer’ Yarah Bravo, Sabira Jade (The Electric) gets political, and new sounds resonate from upcoming singers D’Angelo’esque Jazz Bailey, Hawaiian soulstress Karen Be and gruff funkman Greg Blackman. More pensive than recent albums, melancholy meets tropical vibes meets a strange BBC reporter high on eboga root. Even Jamie Fox makes a guest appearance talking dance moves.

This is global music, peng bass. What genre is this? Not sure, but one thing’s for sure; there is no one else who makes music quite like Vadim. This album is perhaps the danciest we have witnessed from Vadim and this is something that for those who have seen him live in the last few years will have felt. Its a tropical bass extravaganza with no limits, no boundaries, no boxes. A nod to your mind, body and soul.

Marc Mac is one of a rare breed of producers who moves smoothly between different genres flitting between pseudonyms while leaving a trail of quintessential releases. Straight outta Dollis Hill London Marc Mac is one half of the legendary outfit 4hero and also founder member of Reinforced Records a label positioned at the cornerstone of early electronic music in the UK. In the late 90‘s Marc signed to Gilles Peterson’s Talking Loud Records with his group 4hero comprising of himself & Dego (2000Black), they went on to produce 2 great albums with Talking Loud the Award winning “Two Pages” and “Creating Patterns”. 4hero then went on to set up their new label where they released the critically acclaimed “Play With The Changes” and most recent “Extensions”. Somewhere in this timeline, between producing music for Jill Scott to Roy Ayers, Phonte to Terry Callier, Marc started another project called Visioneers releasing a set of limited 7” singles getting the attention of some the top eclectic DJ’s including Jazzy Jeff, Kenny Dope, Gilles Peterson & Norman Jay. Visioneers was then picked up by BBE records who released the debut album “Dirty Old Hip Hop” with great success.

Following on from the success of “Dirty Old Hip Hop” Marc returns with a new Visioneers record Hipology. “Hipology is a collage of some of my personal influences as a DJ / producer growing up listening to hip hop; a real eclectic mix of breaks, beats, soul, jazz, and freaky squeaks and not a sampler in sight. Visioneers is about revisiting my love for Hip Hop; What is was and what it is; the musical influences and the culture...”.

STAFF COMMENTS

Philippa says: Marc Mac delivers a whole album of his funky b-boy / b-girl friendly hip hop and breaks. Includes vocal and instrumental cuts.