"Matasuna Records", on a mission to unearth musical treasures of the past for the last 7 years, presents an exciting discovery of the present with the band "Bidaide" from Barcelona. This 7-inch vinyl single not only marks Bidaide's vinyl debut, but also unveils their captivating versatility and musicality with two previously unreleased tracks, "Batua" and "Love Me & Give Up".

Soul, funk, psychedelic rock, reggae-dub and library music merge seamlessly in Bidaide's recordings, forming a unique sound. Two great tracks that are now available on vinyl!

"Batua" on the A-side is the energetic prelude to this 45. A dynamic, unfiltered rhythm section provides the foundation, while two guitars engage in an agile conversation underscored by sharp keys and fantastic brass overdubs. Recorded in the band's studio on multiple tracks using analog methods and equipment, the song boasts an opulent, organic sound. Batua is a funky, psychedelic journey interspersed with soulful & harmonious interludes and stirring percussive breaks.

Flipping to the B-side, "Love Me & Give Up" offers a more soulful, relaxed contrast, showcasing the band's versatility. A laid-back beat sets the stage, with keys and guitars weaving a soulful sound tapestry.The chorus, delivered with restrained conviction and backed by a warm organ, evoke a Motown-esque charm.

Founded in 2019, Bidaide began as a duo with "Asier del Álamo" and "Juan Cruz Chiappara". With the arrival of "Sergio Caño" (keyboards), "Manuel Diaz" (drums), and "Nacho Llauradó" (Telecaster), the duo blossomed into a vibrant band. Through experimentation and maturation, they forged their own distinct sound, reflected in their 2021-2022 recordings titled "BATUA" (Basque for "unity"). These recordings embody the spiritual essence of a group that has found and solidified its own powerful sound, showcasing its talent for arrangements and harmonies.

Some members of Bidaide, who already knew Matasuna and their releases through their involvement in the "Gatzara Soundsystem", sent Matasuna their demo of the recordings in mid-2003. Their fresh, impressive sound immediatelyfound open ears. This connection paved the way for Bidaide's exciting vinyl debut, marking a new chapter in their musical journey.

TRACK LISTING

1. Batua
2. Love Me & Give Up

The exclusive re-release of "Moto Moto" and "Zebra Talk" by "Renegades Of Jazz" for the first time on a 45. Both tracks were originally released in 2016 on David Hanke's critically acclaimed "Moyo Wangu" album.

After its release, Moyo Wangu quickly became a very sought-after album on vinyl for collectors and DJs. On this third Renegades Of Jazz album, Hanke combines elements of Afrofunk with his love for breakbeats with club appeal.

Having spent his early childhood in Arusha/Tanzania in the early 1980s, producing an Afrofunk album was on Hanke's list for a long time to reconnect with his time living there. With his love for African rhythms and club music, Hanke produced with Moyo Wangu a blend containing the best of both worlds.

Later, he continued his Afrofunk journey under his "Dem Juju Poets" alias and released his album "Liberated Thoughts" here on Matasuna Records in 2017, which also quickly sold out.

"Moto Moto" is featured on the a-side of our new 45, an infectious opener which captures the hot, vital feeling of a crowded dance floor throughout an amazing night out. Catchy drums and frenzied percussions meet funk guitars, a deep grooving bassline, great horns and vibrant vocals.

"Zebra Talk" on the b-side is an exciting collaboration with producer and multi-instrumentalist Ingo Moell aka "Kabanjak", also known for his projects like Deela and as one-half of Ancient Astronauts. Together they create a mesmerizing tapestry of sound that slowly builds, immersing the listener in the groove and captivating them.

Hanke and Moell continued working together on their new project The Maenads, exploring the depths of electronic club music.

TRACK LISTING

1. Moto Moto
2. Zebra Talk (feat. Kabanjak)

The latest release from Matasuna Records is the result of a transatlantic connection between the USA and Germany, whose common denominator is the love for Brazilian music. The journey started 17 years ago when the German musical duo Dubben got in touch with the late American musician Victor Meshkovsky. Almost two decades later, the Dubben interpretations of two songs that he once released with his band Made in Brasil on his own "Nucleus" label are now available! The second Dubben 7-inch on Matasuna features their great versions of the songs "Grilos Cantam Para Anamaria" and "One Two-Two" with a captivating vocal contribution by singer María del Rossario. The 7-inch includes an inlay with detailed liner notes by Dubben about the background of this release.

When Victor heard about Dubben's intention to reinterpret his version of the Marcos Valle classic Grilos Cantam Para Anamaria, he immediately loved the idea. This version is raw and funky, according to the original plan, with Christina Joy's original vocals isolated from the 1975 album. Bassist MC Scholze lifts the down-to-earth chord changes up into souljazz territories, while the typical ingredients of the Dubben sound – brass and percussion feeding tape delays and spring reverb chambers – happily groove along.

Originally a psyched-out proggy-ish Brasil track, Dubben takes Victor's composition "One Two-Two", puts it in a box and sends it to Colombia. Of course, the parcel gets stuck on its way, much to the delight of the audience. A slow Cumbia burner with 100% organic ingredients: straight bass drum, fender bass, springy guitars, a detuned Italian organ and tons of improvised percussion, performed and recorded by the band themselves. Finally, María del Rossario's vocal contribution, in both English and Spanish, is more than just the icing on the cake - it's the Latin soul of the track. ¡Un dos-dos!

Victor Meshkovsky (*1938 Shanghai; ✝2017 San Francisco) was an entrepreneur, painter, dancer, producer/founder of Nucleus Records, and gifted drummer/percussionist who dedicated his life to the arts. While his role as drummer/percussionist for his friend, organ genius Walter Wanderley, might be not that well known, his self-produced and self-released albums with his band Made In Brasil (not to be confused with the other Made In Brasil) have become undisputed classics among music lovers, collectors and DJs. Thanks for the music, Victor!

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says:

TRACK LISTING

1. Grilos Cantam Para Anamaria
2. One Two-Two (feat. María Del Rossario) [feat. María Del Rossario]

"Matasuna Records" journey goes to "South Africa" for the first time to reissue two superb Afro-/Jazzfunk songs by the band "Freeway". Released in 1975 on the South African label "Flame", the album "Abahambi – Balomhlaba" was rediscovered and re-released by the good folks of "Black Pearl Records" from Berlin in 2013. The LP immediately landed on Matasuna Records' album best list and was at the top of the reissue wish list. Now that goal has come true to officially release two songs on 45, making them available as 7inch vinyl singles for the first time. Transferred from the original master tapes and remastered to sound as good as never before. An essential release!

The title track of the album "Abahambi" composed by "Sipho Gumede" and also the album opener is also the A-side of the Matasuna release. The song immediately builds up an incredible groove with the first bar and offers an atmospherically dense, 5-minute funk firework. The musicians master their instruments to perfection: be it in the collective playing as well as in the polished solo passages, where they can fully demonstrate their skills. One of the tunes that could run endlessly without ever getting boring.

On the flip side, the song "Umlazi" composed by "Enoch Mthalane" is another testament to the sophistication of their arrangements & musicality. Although this song is much slower in tempo, it is in no way inferior to the A-side in intensity. Especially the piano generates a hypnotic groove, which is skillfully continued by the guitar. Another musical treat!

The fact that the composers of the songs and musicians of the band are (or were) well-known greats of South African jazz music, but the album respectively the band name "Freeway" does not appear in any bio/discography is more than curious. Apparently it is considered proven that the band was founded by bass player "Sipho Gumede".

Born in "Durban" (South Africa), "Sipho Gumede" learned to play the guitar autodidactically until he received his first introduction to jazz from jazz guitarist "Cyril Magubane" at the age of 16. He switched to bass and then got his first professional music job as a member of the "Jazz Revellers" band. In 1970 he went to "Johannesburg" where he met, worked with and toured with some great musicians of that time. He formed several bands with some of them such as "Roots", "Spirits Rejoice" or "Sakhile". Gumede also recorded collaborative pieces with other jazz legends before recording his first solo album in 1985. In the following years he was involved in tours of North America, Europe, as well as many African countries. In 2000, Sipho moved back to "KwaZulu-Natal", where he taught music and performed for township youth. His artistic productivity did not stop there, however, and he produced a number of other albums. In total, he produced, recorded and contributed to more than 20 albums. He died in July 2004 after a short illness.

STAFF COMMENTS

Millie says: Full blast funky guitars on this fiery for the first time pressed on a 7"and boy does it pack a punch. Originally recorded in 1975 this remaster you wouldn't know it. Smooth & delicious.

TRACK LISTING

1. Abahambi
2. Umlazi