As the world sinks deeper into screens and algorithms blur the line between creation and imitation, Nubiyan Twist return with 'Chasing Shadows', a record that reclaims the pulse, warmth and spontaneity of human connection.

The band’s fifth studio album is a rich and restless blend of jazz, afrobeat, hip hop and electronic textures, exploring the space between the organic and the digital. It’s music that moves, sweats, and breathes, made by real people in real rooms with heavyweight features bringing together varied voices from the music community which they inhabit.

Bandleader and producer Tom Excel explains: “We wanted to make something that felt joyous and defiantly human — something that couldn’t exist without that connection between people. You can get an AI to write a fugue in seconds, but it can’t capture the chemistry and chaos that happens when musicians lock in together. 'Chasing Shadows' is our way of holding onto that.”

Folowing 2024’s acclaimed 'Find Your Flame', praised by Roling Stone, Jazzwise, NPR and more, 'Chasing Shadows' pushes the band’s sound further into new soulful territory under Exce l’s expert guidance, featuring bright new vocalist Eniola and a glowing cast of icons and innovators. Malian star Fatoumata Diawara lights up the title track on a powerful slice of Afrobeat, Joe Armon Jones leads the dub workout ‘Rhythm Of You’ and the band take it back to their hip hop roots on great colabs with The Pharcyde’s Booty Brown, Ghanaian MC M.anifest and London dancehal favourite, Mr Wi liamz.

On 'Chasing Shadows', Nubiyan Twist continue to look outwards with their music but keep the focus firmly on humanity and positivity. It is an album which crosses continents and which shamelessly celebrates our co lective strength.  

TRACK LISTING

1. Azimuth
2. Chasing Shadows (Ft. Fatoumata Diawara)
3. Red Herring (Ft. Bootie Brown)
4. How Far (Ft. M.Anifest)
5. Sunlight
6. Message (Ft Mr Williamz)
7. Mlonje: Voices Joined (Ft.The Zawsoe Queens)
8. Echoes
9. Body Flows
10. Threads (Ft. Patrice Rushen)
11. Rhythm Of You (Ft. Joe Armon-Jones)

Strut Records highlights a landmark in British jazz-rock with 'Second Wind', the 1972 album from keyboard visionary Brian Auger and his powerhouse group Oblivion Express. Capturing a fully matured lineup, the record finds Auger expanding his fusion language - bridging jazz sophistication, funk-driven rhythm, and soul-infused songwriting with the clarity and fire that defined his early ’70s work.

Though Auger’s roots lie in the lineage of hard-swinging jazz organ and the improvisational fire of the ’60s British scene, he has never been an artist content with tradition. With 'Second Wind', he moves further into a hybrid language that fuses rhythm with harmonic depth and groove, without sacrificing sophistication. His playing is expansive yet precise, translating the electricity of live performance into a studio work that breathes with immediacy.

At the heart of this era of Oblivion Express is the telepathic rapport among its members. Vocalist Alex Ligertwood (in one of his earliest major recordings before Santana fame) brings a soulful intensity that feels both grounded and forward- looking. Second Wind contains tracks that have become deeply significant in Auger’s discography - original compositions 'Second Wind', and 'Truth' to name a few - but it was Auger's high octane revisioning of Eddie Harris' 'Freedom Jazz Dance', (adding new lyrics to the original instrumental) that genuinely broke barriers. The track became a DJ friendly classic and highlighted the groups deeply original approach.

The rhythm section of Barry Dean and Robbie McIntosh balances weight and fluidity, giving Auger the space to stretch across Hammond organ, Rhodes, and keys with characteristic boldness. Their collective sound is one of seamless motion: jazz-inflected lines swelling into rock-driven crescendos, funk-leaning grooves locking with vocal hooks, moments of quiet clarity emerging between bursts of improvisation.

'Second Wind' stands as a pivotal moment in Auger’s discography: a record that bridges the exploratory spirit of his earlier projects with the more groove-oriented approach that would soon bring international attention. More than five decades later, it remains a vivid document of a band carving out its own language. Music born of instinct, collaboration, and a restless desire to push beyond the expected.

TRACK LISTING

1. Truth
2. Don’t Look Away
3. Somebody Help Us
4. Freedom Jazz Dance
5. Just Me Just You
6. Second Wind

Strut Records presents a fresh look at 'Oblivion Express', the 1971 album that marked Brian Auger’s shift into a new musical frontier. After years spent shaping the sound of British jazz-soul with the Trinity, Auger stepped into the new decade with a leaner, electrified ensemble and a renewed sense of purpose. This record captures the moment that transformation took shape.

'Oblivion Express' introduced a sound that was distinctly Auger’s own. Rather than echoing the fusion emerging in the United States, Auger developed a language rooted in the UK’s jazz underground, culminating in a spaced out jazz- rock / prog-fusion album awash with larger than life drum fills and Auger’s virtuosic organ playing. Between bassist Barry Dean and drummer Robbie McIntosh the album moves effortlessly between tight, articulated phrases and broader, improvisational passages. The trio’s interplay forms the backbone of the album and sets the tone for the sound that would define the early years of the Express.

Album opener 'Dragon Song' launches with a restless drive that immediately signals Auger’s new direction. Auger chose to record this version of John McLaughlin’s piece (his friend and former bandmate in 'The Niddy Griddys') after hearing McLaughlin’s album Devotion during its mix at New York’s Record Plant Studios. Auger was blown away, recalling, “Oh my god, this is amazing. I wanted to record that myself - and I did!”. Pieces like 'Total Eclipse' demonstrate the 'Oblivion Express’ command of dynamic contrast, and title track 'Oblivion Express' explores the cinematic and compositional prowess of the group through stripped back, building moments vs. explosive melodic breakdowns. Riff-heavy 'The Sword' later became known through Madlib’s usage in 2014 tracks 'Yeti Movie' and 'Parodies'.

In retrospect, 'Oblivion Express' stands as a jazz leaning, prog-rock masterpiece and foundational moment in Auger’s catalogue. It captures the starting point of a new sound that is more focused, more urgent, and fully committed to the possibilities of jazz-rock at the dawn of the seventies. The album remains a vivid document of a band discovering its identity and setting the stage for the further array of influential releases that would follow.

TRACK LISTING

1. Dragon Song
2. Total Eclipse
3. The Light
4. On The Road
5. The Sword
6. Oblivion Express

Strut proudly presents the debut album from producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Momoko Gill. Fresh from her critically acclaimed collaboration Clay recorded with cult electronic artist Matthew Herbert, Momoko steps forward in her own right for the first time with her remarkable debut solo album. Momoko has long been one of the UK electronic and jazz scene’s best-kept secrets.

A self-taught drummer, producer, songwriter, and vocalist, she has brought her unique touch to collaborations with Alabaster DePlume, Matthew Herbert, Coby Sey, Tirzah, and Nadeem Din-Gabisi (her musical foil in An Alien Called Harmony). Extensive touring behind the drum kit, at the keys and in front of the mic have honed her compositional and production instincts. With Momoko, Gill emerges into the spotlight with an album that is entirely her own. Throughout, you can hear the stylistic flavours of jazz musicians as much as singer-songwriters, experimental artists and electronic producers. Though Gill rejects imitation, sculpting her sound through feel and expression rather than tradition. Based in London and having grown up in Japan and the US, Gill channels her breadth of perspective through her musical ideas and storytelling, with a unique voice developed through instinct, collaboration and solitary study.

The album’s eleven tracks take in a wide spectrum with the jazz-infused groove of ‘No Others’ and harmony-drenched, reflective ‘Heavy’ contrasting with the dark, confrontational sound of 'Shadowboxing' leading into an eerie left-field instrumental beat, ‘Test A Small Area' and the impressive 50-person choir on ‘When Palestine Is Free’ (which includes heavyweights Shabaka Hutchings, Soweto Kinch, Alabaster DePlume, Coby Sey, Marysia Osu and more). It is a deeply personal and poetic recording and showcases the full uncompromising range of Momoko’s vison, presented in her own voice. Momoko was produced by Momoko Gill, recorded at Total Refreshment Centre, mixed by Matthew Herbert and mastered by Alex Gordon at Abbey Road Studios.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Super smooth, beautifully languid jazz-tronica that could just as easily be played at a dinner party as a smokey, packed lounge club. There are touchstones all over the musical spectrum, but it's really hard to pin down anything as a definite influence. Wonderfully heartfelt, evocative jazzy songwriting. A startlingly lovely outing.

TRACK LISTING

1. SATELLITE
2. NO OTHERS
3. HEAVY
4. REWIND/REMIND
5. SHADOWBOXING
6. TEST A SMALL AREA
7. 2CLOSE2FARR
8. ANYWAY, I’M DROWNING
9. WHEN PALESTINE IS FREE
10. RIVER
11. INEFFABLY

'Ajomasé' is the groundbreaking debut album by legendary Nigerian percussionist Gasper Lawal. Originally released in 1980 on his own label CAP, Strut are proud to now bring this unique album back to the racks. Lawal’s style was forged through decades of high-level percussion work with the likes of Stephen Stills, Barbra Streisand, George Clinton & Funkadelic, Manfred Mann, Alexis Korner, Vangelis and Ginger Baker’s Air Force band. Dissatisfied with existing genre labels and production norms, Lawal began recording his own album in 1976 at Vangelis’ own studio in London’s Marble Arch before switching to long, drawn-out night shifts at Surrey Sound Studios, using downtime between The Police’s sessions for Outlandos D’Amour.

Lawal meticulously self-produced, composed, and overdubbed the album over four years, assembling an elite group of musicians from both Nigeria and the UK. The instruments used were often hand-built, including a powerful one-of-a-kind drum carved deep in the Nigerian bush. “This music is not about trends, about what is commercial or a “sound” of a particular moment,” explains Lawal, “it is about music to be felt, that gives pleasure. It is nurturing and meditative." Although record executives didn’t know how to categorise Ajomasé, the people responded.

Legendary DJs like John Peel and Janice Long gave it UK radio play – a rarity for African records at the time. Demand skyrocketed and, with Rough Trade stepping in to distribute the vinyl, the album found an international audience. In 1982, Peter Gabriel personally invited Gasper to perform at the first WOMAD Festival, leading to a new era of live performances and global recognition. Yet despite its impact, 'Ajomasé' has never been reissued – until now. This new edition brings a spiritually resonant, rhythmically rich and genre-defying work to a new generation of listeners. featuring liner notes by Gasper himself and audio remastered from original tapes by Whitfield Street Studios and The Carvery.

TRACK LISTING

1. Jeka José
2. Kita Kita
3. Eronu
4. Ajomasé
5. Awon Ojise Oluwa
6. Oro Moro
7. Saikoskro

Strut presents Mulatu Plays Mulatu, the first major studio album in over 10 years from the father of Ethio-jazz, Mulatu Astatke.

Featuring masterful new arrangements of some of his classic compositions, Mulatu Plays Mulatu finds Mulatu revisiting the sounds that helped to change the face of Ethiopian music during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. The album was recorded between London and Addis Ababa, working with his long-standing UK band, a tight, intuitive ensemble honed through years of live performance, alongside cultural musicians resident at his Jazz Vi lage club in Addis. Mulatu Plays Mulatu realises Mulatu’s long-term vision of Ethio-jazz, intricately balancing Western jazz arrangements with the rich sounds of traditional Ethiopian instruments including the krar, masenqo, washint, kebero and begena. Throughout the album, he reshapes familiar material with rich textures, expanded improvisations and a deepened rhythmic complexity, creating a body of work that feels as vital and contemporary as it does steeped in tradition. Familiar compositions like ‘Yekermo Sew’, ‘Netsanet’ and the celebratory ‘Kulun’ are reinvented here as elegant big band performances.

“Ethio-jazz brings us together and makes us one,” explains Mulatu. “This album is the culmination of my work bringing this music to the world and pays respect to our unsung heroes, the original musical scientists in Ethiopia who gave us our cultural music.”

Bridging continents and generations throughout his 50-year career, Astatke now offers us an invitation to hear his music again, with a completely fresh perspective. Ethio-jazz, like its creator, is always in motion.

Mulatu Plays Mulatu was produced by Dexter Story and features contemporary artists LA-based artists Carlos Niño and Kibrom Birhane. The album was recorded and mixed by Isabel Gracefield at RAK Studios in London and by Dexter Story in Addis. The inspired album artwork was created by acclaimed Oslo-based Ethiopian artist, Wendimagegn Belete with photography by Alexis Maryon.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: The Ethio-jazz godfather returns for a brand new album, clearly showing how his dedication to the preservation of classic Ethiopian music has shaped the appreciation of it throughout the world. One of the true legends and pioneers, in the finest form of his stellar career.

TRACK LISTING

LP
A1. Zelesenga Dewel
A2. Kulun
A3. Netsanet
B1. Yekermo Sew
B2. Chik Chikka
B3. Motherland
B4. Yekatit

CD
1. Zelesenga Dewel
2. Kulun
3. Netsanet
4. Yekermo Sew
5. Azmari
6. Chik Chikka
7. The Way To Nice
8. Motherland Intro
9. Motherland
10. Mulatu
11. Yekati

Occasionally, you find music outside the commercial mainstream, outside of everything – the music of visionaries, eccentrics, inventors, loners. Moondog, Daphne Oram, Harry Partch are from this mould. And so too is Lori Vambe.

Strut now present a new single vinyl reissue of Vambe’s privately pressed original album from 1982, 'Drumgita Solo'. A self-taught drummer, inventor, and sonic experimentalist, Vambe is a unique figure in British music. The creator of his own instrument, the drumgita (pronounced ‘drum-guitar’) or string-drum, Vambe intended to create a kind of music that had never been made in order to pursue access to the fourth dimension. The album plays with time, mixing hypnotic, trance-like drumgita pieces with the same segments played backwards. You can hear echoes of African drumming traditions, minimalist repetition, and tape-manipulated musique concrète— but ultimately, the album defies genre. It is a solitary voyage, spiritual and futuristic.

Lori Vambe was born in Harare, Zimbabwe and his father, Lawrence Vambe, was a noted Zimbabwean journalist and author. Moving to London in 1959, Vambe immersed himself in the Brixton squat movement of the early 1970s, teaching himself to drum and creating a short-lived performance group, The Healing Drums of Brixton (with sculptor Alexander Sokolov and outsider musician Michael O’Shea). Vambe later had a dream-vision involving a feeling of ecstasy while playing an unknown instrument that extended from his own umbilical cord which would manifest itself as the drumgita. 'Drumgita Solo' is one of his two privately produced home recordings during 1982 alongside Drumland Dreamland, both released on his own label Drumony.

'Drumgita Solo' has been faithfuly reproduced from the original artwork as a single vinyl LP and is remastered by The Carvery.

TRACK LISTING

1. Intro
2. Drumgita
3. Ancient Boogie (Mantra)
4. Artnam
5. Mantra
6. (One) Boogie Home Going
7. Going Home Boogie (One)
8. Un Minuto (One)
9. Un Minuto (Two)
10. Going Home Boogie (Two)
11. Going Home Boogie (Three)

Occasionally, you find music outside the commercial mainstream, outside of everything – the music of visionaries, eccentrics, inventors, loners. Moondog, Daphne Oram, Harry Partch are from this mould. And so too is Lori Vambe. Strut present a new single vinyl reissue of Vambe’s sought-after privately pressed album from 1982, 'Drumland Dreamland'. A self-taught drummer, inventor, and sonic experimentalist, Vambe holds a unique place in British music. The creator of his own instrument, the drumgita (pronounced ‘drumguitar’) or string-drum, he aimed to create music that had never been previously made to pursue access to the fourth dimension and forge a radical new musical language - intuitive, polyrhythmic and metaphysical. 'Drumland Dreamland' is deep and haunting; a dense tapestry of layered percussion, time-warped tape loops, and spiralling drumgita figures, a l underpinned by hypnotic improvisations from Brazilian pianist Rafael Dos Santos. It is both ecstatic and unsettling, a landmark recording in black British experimental music.

Lori Vambe was born in Harare, Zimbabwe and his father, Lawrence Vambe, was a noted Zimbabwean journalist and author. Moving to London in 1959, Vambe immersed himself in the Brixton squat movement of the early 1970s, teaching himself to drum and creating a short-lived performance group, The Healing Drums of Brixton (with sculptor Alexander Sokolov and outsider musician Michael O’Shea). Vambe later had a dream-vision involving a feeling of ecstasy while playing an unknown instrument that extended from his own umbilical cord which would manifest itself as the drumgita. 'Drumland Dreamland' is one of his two privately produced home recordings during 1982 alongside Drumgita Solo, both released on his own label Drumony.

'Drumland Dreamland' has been faithfully reproduced from the original artwork as a single vinyl LP and is remastered by The Carvery.

TRACK LISTING

1. Drumsong (One)
2. Drumsong (Two)
3. Drumsong (Three)
4. Strumelody
5. Drumelody (One)
6. Drumelody (Two)
7. Ydolemurd
8. Hum Drum Dring (One)
9. Hum Drum Dring (Two) The Freedrum Song

Originally released in 1979 on his independent Saturn label, 'Sleeping Beauty' captures Sun Ra and his Arkestra at their most soulful and serene. A masterclass in cosmic jazz, the album blends lush grooves, celestial soul, and meditative funk with Ra’s singular spiritual vision — a sound both grounded and otherworldly.

The album emerged during an extraordinarily fertile period for Sun Ra in late-‘70s New York. Between 1978 and 1982, Ra “occupied” Variety Recording Studios on West 42nd Street, often staging marathon sessions following late-night Arkestra gigs around the city — from the Village Vanguard to Sweet Basil and even a wedding in Central Park. These were not just recordings; they were rituals. Ra and his core players — John Gilmore, Marshall Allen, June Tyson, Michael Ray, and others — would begin sessions mid-morning, often continuing past midnight, much to the dismay of the studio owner. Out of this creative whirlwind came some of his most enduring work, including 'A Fireside Chat With Lucifer', 'On Jupiter', and 'Sleeping Beauty'.

Across its three tracks, 'Sleeping Beauty' showcases the Arkestra’s gentler side. From the dreamy sway of 'Springtime Again' to the funk-deep uplift of 'Door Of The Cosmos' and the title track’s meditative drift, this is music that floats, beckons, and unfolds. It’s a record of hypnotic beauty and quiet power — cosmic jazz for dreamers and seekers alike.

This new edition features a selected version of the hand-drawn original cover, embossed with the Sun Ra logo and housed in a heavyweight card sleeve. Liner notes come courtesy of Arkestra member Knoel Scott and Sun Ra authority Paul Griffiths. Remastered by Technology Works.

“Music is a language. You see, it’s not notes — it’s a language of the spirit. That’s why it’s so important.” – Sun Ra

TRACK LISTING

1. Springtime Again
2. Door Of The Cosmos
3. Sleeping Beauty

Berlin-based Colombian DJ, producer, and curator Edna Martinez presents a sonic journey into the electrifying world of Picó—the vibrant and dynamic sound system culture that has defined the streets of Cartagena and Barranquilla for decades. More than just a musical movement, Picó is a way of life, a bold expression of identity, community, and resistance. From its roots in the working-class neighbourhoods of Colombia’s Caribbean coast to its deep connections with Africa and the Caribbean, this compilation captures the pulse of a culture where music is played at full volume, rhythms travel across oceans, and dance is both a form of celebration and storytelling. For those unfamiliar, Picós are hand-painted sound systems, often adorned with dazzling colours and striking imagery, each with its own name and sonic identity. These mobile discos became the heart of neighbourhood bailes, where the sounds of champeta, highlife, soukous, mbaqanga, zouk, soca, and cumbia would turn every street corner, market, and terrace into a dancefloor. Initially built by local craftsmen using modified speaker components, Picós became legendary for their powerful bass and exclusivity, with DJs sourcing rare vinyl from African and Caribbean ports and rebranding them with unique piconemas—new names adapted to local slang, making the tracks instantly recognisable within the community.

This compilation brings together a carefully curated selection of these rare and sought-after tracks, tracing the deep-rooted musical exchanges between Colombia, West and Central Africa, and the Caribbean. Featuring artists like Los Corraleros De Majagual, Peacocks International Highlife Band, Pedro Lima, Zaïko Langa Langa, and more, the album also includes edits by Edna Martinez, reimagining these timeless rhythms for contemporary audiences while staying true to their original spirit.

TRACK LISTING

1. Wulomei – Takoradi
2. Conjunto Ana N’Gola – Puxa Odoette
3. Zeal Onyia & His Music – Egbe Ne Lueli
4. Los Corraleros De Majagual – Remanga
5. Aquí Suena – Abel Llinas
6. Peacocks International Highlife Band – Igbala Oso
7. Pedro Lima Et L’Orchestre Os Leonenses – Philomene
8. The Shoe Laces – Isitha Somunthu
9. Claudio Y Su Combo – Como Sea
10. Pa’ Entro Mi Gente – Ángelo El Auténtico
11. Zaire – I’m Tired Of Living In The Shack
12. Afous - Anavdhou (Edna Martinez Extended Edit)
13. Zaïko Langa Langa – La Tout Neige (Edna Martinez Edit)
14. Erick Cosaque Et Les Voltage 8 – Ajaccio (Edna Martinez Remix)
15. Picó Sin Fronteras – Abel Llinas
16. La Calandria – Como Duele Una Traición
17. African System International – Amina
18. Carlos Díaz Y Su Orquesta – Tres Meses De Vida
19. No Puedes Conmigo – Ángelo El Auténtico

Sun Ra’s 'Nuits de la Fondation Maeght' recordings are legendary within his extensive canon. Across two nights in August 1970, these were the first concerts Ra and the Arkestra had performed outside North America and formed part of a stellar festival line-up alongside Albert Ayler, Cecil Taylor, LaMonte Young and Marian Zazeela. Prior to Maeght, The Arkestra’s early years in New York had been lean in terms of gigs, money and visibility. Their precarious situation improved after Ra’s participation in the 1964 October Revolution concerts and the release of the breathtaking Heliocentric Worlds LPs. A gradual increase in touring followed and talk had turned to brokering dates in Europe when they received an invitation to play at an art gallery in Southern France in 1970. Set in the medieval town of St Paul-de- Vence in Provence, the Fondation Maeght celebrated modern art in all its forms, housing work from some of the most important artists of the 20th Century including Matisse, Georges Braque, Chagall and Giacometti.

The Ra performance featured one of the great Arkestra line-ups with mainstays John Gilmore, Marshall Allen, Pat Patrick, Danny Davis and Danny Ray Thompson at the peak of their powers. Festival curator Daniel Caux recalled, “The Arkestra’s performances were electrifying. Films were projected behind the musicians - vistas of New York and Chicago, moon rockets, Egyptian Gods and plumed African warriors. Sun Ra’s organ threw lightning bolts, dancers brandished symbolic objects. The audience was stunned by a spectacle that surpassed anything they could have imagined”. Originally released across two edited volumes by Shandar in 1971, the concerts are now being reissued by Strut across 4 CD’s. The set features a 36-page booklet featuring liner notes by Daniel Caux, Jacqueline Caux and Paul Griffiths and stunning restored photos of the festival by Philippe Gras.

TRACK LISTING

CD1 Tracklisting:
1. Sun Interlude
2. Love In Outer Space
3. Shadow World (excerpt)
4. Cosmic Explorer (continuation)
5. Piano Solo (untitled)
6. Friendly Galaxy No.2
7. Why Go To The Moon? / It's After The End Of The World
8. Spontaneous Simplicity
9. Watusi
10. Percussion Interlude
11. Interstellar Low Ways
12. Somewhere Else

CD2 Tracklisting:
1. They'll Come Back
2. Tone Science Interlude
3. Satellites Are Spinning
4. Sun Ra And His Band From Outer Space
5. Calling Planet Earth
6. Imagination
7. I'll Wait For You
8. We Travel The Spaceways
9. The World Of Lightning
10. Blackmyth; I) Shadows Took Shape Ii) Strange Worlds Iii) Journey Through The Outer Darkness
11. Myth Tone Poem (untitled)
12. Sky
13. Three Cheers For Ra

CD3 Tracklisting:
1. Prelude
2. Theme Of The Stargazers
3. Shadow World
4. Satellites Are Spinning
5. Second Stop Is Jupiter
6. Tone Science
7. Next Stop Mars
8. Spontaneous Simplicity
9. Friendly Galaxy No.2

CD4 Tracklisting:
1. Pleasant Twilight
2. Outer Spaceways Incorporated / You Better Get Ready
3. Enlightment
4. Calling Planet Earth
5. Space Bop (untitled)
6. Space Ballad (untitled)
7. Sun Ra And His Band From Outer Space / Theme Of The Stargazers / I’ll Wait For You
8. Somebody Else’s Idea / Walking On The Moon / It’s After The End Of The World
9. We Travel The Spaceways
10. Tone Science Interlude
11. Days Of Wine And Roses
12. Satellites Are Spinning

Strut proudly reintroduces a sought after independent disco gem from the Topomic catalogue: Beckie Bell’s ‘In Need Of...’, reissued in full for the first time.

Originally released in 1980, 'In Need Of...' quickly became a cult classic of the French disco scene. After relocating from New York to Paris in the late 1970s, Bell carved out a unique space for her sound, blending the soulfulness of New York disco with the high energy sophistication of the European market.

The full debut album features some of Bell’s earliest recordings, including the full length version of 'Super Queen' (1979) and 'In The Right Place' (1980), showcasing her commanding vocal delivery and distinct musical style. Standout track 'Music Madness' has since become a much-loved disco anthem, revered by collectors and DJs alike.

'In Need Of...' is the product of a powerhouse creative team: Bell’s soulful vocals combine with the compositional brilliance of Lafayette Afro-Rock Band’s Arthur Young and Frank Abel, enhanced by the legendary synth work of Patrick Cowley, Jacob Desvarieux of Kassav' on guitar and keyboards and Chantal Curtis on backing vocals, all brought to life by the expert production of Pierre Jaubert.

Remastered by The Carvery, this long-awaited reissue offers a fresh opportunity to rediscover an essential piece of disco history.

TRACK LISTING

1. Super Queen
2. So Many Ways
3. Magic Lady
4. Johnnie's Home
5. In The Right Place
6. Music Madness
7. What You Need I Can Bring

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2025 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 12TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 14th.

Originally released in 2014, Strut re-introduces 'Hardcore Traxx: Dance Mania Records 1986-1997', the highly sought-after definitive retrospective of one of Chicago’s most important and innovative house music labels.

Emerging as a raw alternative to the powerhouses of Trax and DJ International during the mid- ‘80s, Dance Mania continued to represent street-level Chicago club music into the ‘90s, helping to pioneer the Ghetto House sound.

Hardcore Traxx traces the full story of the label from its heyday. Founded in 1985 and managed by Ray Barney from Barney’s Distribution HQ on Ogden Avenue (moving later to West Roosevelt Road), Dance Mania hit the ground running with its second release in ’86, the incendiary ‘Hardcore Jazz’ EP by Duane & Co. Barney quickly became a trustworthy outlet for early house and acid productions by upcoming Chicago artists such as Lil Louis, Marshall Jefferson and Farley Keith aka Farkey “Jackmaster” Funk.

The label set out its stall with a series of landmark Chicago releases including ‘7 Ways’ by Hercules, Li’l Louis’ ‘The Original Video Clash’ and international smash ‘House Nation’ by Housemaster Boyz. During the ‘80s, it cemented its reputation for uncompromising club records and DJ Tools with sounds spanning raw garage (Victor Romeo’s ‘Love Will Find A Way’), acid trax (Robert Armani) and quality house (Da Posse).

Into the ‘90s, Barney unleashed the groundbreaking ‘Hit It From The Back’ by Traxmen and Eric Martin, ushering in a primitive new sound around faster, stripped down rhythms and X-rated party-starting lyric lines. Barney remembers, “Guys used to call in and ask for music on Dance Mania – they were saying, ‘gimme some of that ghetto stuff’. ’ Dance Mania producer DJ Slugo adds, “when we made Ghetto House… we made music for the b*tches. Music for the grinding sh*t and all of that. ” The sound spawned a whole new swathe of homegrown producers releasing a fast flow of no-compromise dancefloor bangers: Paul Johnson, DJ Deeon, DJ Funk, DJ Milton, Waxmaster and Slugo all became leaders of the scene. The influence of ghetto house became widespread, not least for Daft Punk, whose track ‘Teachers’ from their ‘Homework’ album in 1997 was effectively a tribute to Dance Mania. The new wave of productions also paved the way for the later Chicago juke and footwork scene.

Now revitalised under the leadership of Ray Barney and Parris Mitchell, Dance Mania remains a cornerstone of Chicago’s dance music culture. With Hardcore Traxx, Strut delivers the ultimate tribute to the label, featuring a meticulously curated compilation of its classics, Ghetto House anthems, and hidden gems. The release was produced in collaboration with Dance Mania and compiled by Conor Keeling (creator of the popular Daft Punk-inspired Teachers mix) with contributions from Miles Simpson of Ransom Note. The vinyl edition includes a comprehensive history of the label, artist interviews by DJ Chrissy Murderbot, and rare archival photos.

TRACK LISTING

1. Hercules– 7 Ways (Club)
2. Victor Romeo Featuring Leetrece Brown
3. Club Style– Crazy Wild
4. Tim Harper– Toxic Waste (Club Mix)
5. Vincent Floyd– I'm So Deep Mixed By – Armando
6. 3 2 6– Falling (Armando's House Mix) Remix – Armando
7. DJ Deeon– Da Bomb
8. Parris Mitchell Project Featuring Wax Master – Ghetto Shout Out!!
9. Traxmen & Eric Martin– Hit It From The Back
10. DJ Funk – The Original Video Clash: Video Clash II (Street Mix)
11. Paul Johnson – Feel My M.F. Bass
12. Top Cat – Work Out

Strut Records is proud to announce a new official reissue of 'Simigwa' by Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, launching a series of releases on Strut celebrating the legendary Ghanaian label Essiebons.

Essiebons, founded by Ghanaian music producer Dick Essilfie-Bondzie in 1959, is one of Ghana's most important independent labels featuring prominent artists such as Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, C.K. Mann, and Ebo Taylor. Ambolley’s Simigwa is a groundbreaking album, recognised as a Ghanaian classic and boasting one of the most iconic covers of the 1970s. Originally released in 1975, the album introduced Ambolley's unique 'Simigwa' style, which combined highlife with funk and soul, influencing the evolution of a new generation of Ghanaian artists.

This new Strut LP reissue features an exclusive interview with Ambolley himself, offering fresh insights into the creation of this classic album.

Gyedu-Blay Ambolley’s innovative fusion of highlife with influences from American soul and funk solidified his position as a key figure in Ghana’s vibrant 1970s music scene. His solo career followed work with iconic bands such as Houghas Extraordinaires, Meridians of Tema, Ghana Broadcasting Band and the Uhuru Dance Band. Inspired by the legendary James Brown, Simigwa delivers infectious rhythms, dynamic horn sections, bold vocal stabs, and mesmerising percussion breaks. An enduring classic for all fans of highlife and Afro-funk.

TRACK LISTING

1. Kwaakwaa
2. Akoko Ba
3. This Hustling World
4. Toffie
5. Adwoa
6. Fa No Dem Ara

Strut introduces the highly anticipated third volume in the Disques Debs International series, diving deeper into the archives of one ofthe greatest French Caribbean labels, Disques Debs, based in Guadeloupe. Founded by the visionary Henri Debs in the late ‘50s, thelabel and studio operated for over 50 years, releasing more than 300 7” singles and 200 LPs, making it a cornerstone of Caribbean music history.

By the dawn of the 1980s, Henri Debs had already established himself as a prolific producer, with a record of releases unmatched in Guadeloupe and Martinique. From its humble beginnings with a 2-track tape machine in the back of a clothes shop, Disques Debsevolved into a powerhouse, boasting a state-of-the-art studio in downtown Pointe-à-Pitre, retail shops for records and musical instruments in Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Paris, a nightclub in Gosier, and international distribution deals reaching Europe, the U.S.,and South America.

Disques Debs played a pivotal role in shaping modern Caribbean music. The label bridged traditional genres like biguine and gwoka with contemporary styles like cadence, compas, and zouk, the latter becoming a global phenomenon in the 1980s with contributions from iconic acts like Kassav’ and Zouk Machine. The period also saw Disques Debs champion a new generation of artists while maintaining ties with legendary figures from earlier decades.

Volume 3 in this series spotlights one of the label’s most dynamic and influential periods as it expanded its global reach during the1980s. Across 2 LPs, the release features a curated selection of tracks from the Disques Debs circle, highlighting both emerging talents and established artists who defined the era.

This collection not only celebrates Henri Debs’ unmatched legacy but also offers a snapshot of Caribbean music’s golden age, cementing Disques Debs as a cultural institution.

TRACK LISTING

1. Sadi Lancreot – Dou Se Vou Ki Siwo
2. Max Et Henri – Sé Pou Demen
3. Dominique Panol – Come On Baby
4. Mariz – Si On Jou
5. Jocelyn Mocka Et Kassav – Mizik Maladi
6. Christian Yéyé – Misyé Zanndo
7. Ramon Pyrmée – An Mwe
8. Expérience 7 – Bel Toubonman
9. Ka Lévé – Apre Nou Byen Cheche
10. Horizon - Neg Mawon
11. Ti Celeste – Testaman
12. Yo – Fo’w Maye
13. Alex Rosa – L’appel Des Champions
14. Gwo Siwo – Bèlè

Strut proudly reintroduces a classic from the Topomic catalogue, Ice’s ‘Each Man Makes His Destiny’, officially available on vinyl for the first time.

After relocating from the United States to Paris, Ice began performing regularly in the city’s Barbès district, a vibrant area with a large North African immigrant community. The band’s heavy Afro-funk sound caught the attention of producer Pierre Jaubert, leading them to become the resident session musicians at his independent Parisound studio.

Immersed in the local influences, Ice began integrating African-inspired chants, textures, and rhythms into their distinct funk style. In 1973, the group recorded their debut album, ‘Each Man Makes His Destiny’, a psychedelic funk exploration that hinted at the evolving sound that would later define them as the Lafayette Afro-Rock Band and, eventually, Ice once more.

Produced by Jaubert, the album brings some powerful social commentary on claustrophobic tracks like ‘Too Little Room’ and ‘Suicide’, under-pinned by a determination to succeed despite the adversity.

Remastered by The Carvery.

TRACK LISTING

1. Too Little Room
2. Suicide
3. One Chance
4. Love Can
5. There’s Time To Change
6. Put An X On The Spot (In The Sky)
7. Losin’
8. Dgunji

Strut is celebrating the holiday season with an exclusive reissue of The Qualities’ 1961 single, 'It’s Christmas Time' b/w 'Happy New Year To You!' Originally released on Sun Ra’s Saturn label, this mysterious harmony group 45 captures a unique moment in music history.

Alongside his renowned jazz work in Chicago, Sun Ra experimented with harmony groups from the mid-‘50s to the early ‘60s, before his move to New York. “I had two main vocal groups at the time,” Ra recalled. “One was called the Cosmic Echoes. And the Cosmic Rays too. It was around the same time that John Gilmore joined the band. I saw the possibility that they could be really great so Ibegan to coach them; they were connected with a barber shop, but I taught them other things.” John Gilmore added, “We’d go down to the barber shops and rehearse some groups. Sun Ra had them singin’ some beautiful stuff. I think he probably was saving the from themselves. He heard them, heard their potential, snatched them off the street, and started making them do something constructive.”

This rare festive single from The Qualities, likely recorded around 1956, features Sun Ra as co-composer on both tracks alongside Saturn Records co-founder Alton Abraham. Sun Ra might also be the harmonium player on these recordings. Although two more songs by the group appeared on a Norton Records collection of Ra-related vocal numbers, these are the only known recordings by The Qualities.

Featuring two newly restored and remastered tracks thanks to Technology Works and housed in an exclusive new 7" picture sleeve designed by Liam Large

TRACK LISTING

1. It’s Christmas Time
2. Happy New Year To You

Comprising an exceptional line-up featuring Bex Burch (fresh from her debut solo album on International Anthem), Sarathy Korwar, Tamar Osborn (Collocutor, Dele Sosimi, Unknown To Known), Danalogue (The Comet Is Coming / Soccer96) and Al MacSween (Kefaya), the new recordings showcase Flock’s ability to push the boundaries of the composition process and craft unique tracks based on their collective spirit.

Recorded amidst the serene landscapes of the Welsh countryside during 2022, 'Flock II' emerges as a compelling departure from their debut album, which was captured in a single day at London's Fish Factory. Nestled within the enchanting environs of the Druidstone, a mystical coastal retreat in West Wales, the group embarked on an immersive week-long recording session. Here, they crafted unique "jump-off" devices for each musical piece, drawing inspiration from unconventional structures and atmospheres.

From diagrams utilising shapes and repeated patterns to a revolving lamp throwing out dappled light and a mobile app creating intense strobe effects in front of each musician, each device set a state of mind and a unique approach to their compositions.

Studio Owz, housed in a converted country church, provided an ideal setting for their creative exploration. The resulting compositions, ranging from intense to hypnotic, invite listeners to embark on a deeply personal voyage, weaving their own narratives amidst the ethereal soundscape.

The fruits of a strong and joyful bond between five of the UK’s finest musicians, ‘Flock II’ stands as another essential recording without genre or category. Cover artwork illustration is courtesy of the brilliant Muhammad “Rofi” Fatchurofi, providing the ideal nebulous artistic foil to Flock’s creation.

TRACK LISTING

1. Druidstone Incantation
2. Turned Skyward
3. Cat’s Paws Effect
4. Meet Your Shadow
5. Large Magellanic Cloud
6. No One Is Spared Who Goes Down The Deep Well
7. Dance Until You Shatter Yourself
8. A Thousand Miles Lost
9. Capillary Waves
10. Edge Of Empty 

Strut proudly presents a special edition, deluxe repress of Sun Ra’s classic ‘Lanquidity’, for the 25th anniversary of the label. Housed in a tip-on sleeve with OBI strip, this new special editions features an A2 poster including a rare Veryl Oakland photograph of Sun Ra in his home, as well as liner notes by Tom Buchler (Philly Jazz), Michael Ray and Danny Ray Thompson (Sun Ra Arkestra) and Bob Blank. Originally released in 1978 on Philly Jazz, ‘Lanquidity’ was recorded overnight at Bob Bank’s Blank Tapes studio on 17th July 1978 following a performance on Saturday Night Live. “Most critics felt that it was more of a fusion-inspired record,” explains Michael Ray. “As the name suggests, the album is liquid and languid.” Bob Blank adds, “Musically, it was very ad hoc and freeform. There were horn charts but most tracks came out of improvised jams. Sun Ra just did his thing.”

The album 'Lanquidity' consists of five smooth tracks from the Sun Ra discography. It begins gently with 'Lanquidity,' a spontaneous composition by Sun Ra described by Danny Ray Thompson as reminiscent of an Ancient Egyptian Stargazing Ceremony, plotting the stars and planets. 'Where Pathways Meet' follows, featuring Sun Ra's funky interpretation of an Egyptian march, evoking the image of Pharaoh rallying his troops. 'That’s How I Feel' maintains a relaxed groove, featuring reflective trumpet lines from Eddie Gale and solos by John Gilmore and Marshall Allen, with Allen's oboe described as reminiscent of snake-charming. 'Twin Stars Of Thence' dances around Richard Williams' celebrated elastic bassline, while the haunting closer, 'There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of),' epitomizes "space music," described by poet Mama Nzinga as 'The essence of light. Spirit takes a ride inside the deep dark space of just being.' Start to finish, Lanquidity remains an effortless, psychedelic pleasure and one of the strongest in the Ra 70's discography.

This new deluxe LP edition of ‘Lanquidity’ features the widely distributed version of the album originally released on Philly Jazz and reflects the album’s original packaging with a metallic foil / magenta sleeve, housed in a tip-on sleeve with OBI strip and featuring both liner notes and a limited edition poster, to celebrate 25 years of Strut records.

TRACK LISTING

1. Lanquidity
2. Where Pathways Meet
3. That’s How I Feel
4. Twin Stars Of Thence
5. There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of)

Strut proudly presents a special edition repress of the groundbreaking ‘Nigeria 70’ compilation, now available on translucent green vinyl 3LP to celebrate the label’s 25th Anniversary.

First released in 2001, Nigeria 70 was a pioneering compilation that delved deeply into Lagos' vibrant music scene, where local artists blended highlife and traditional rhythms with soul, funk, rock, and jazz. While Western audiences were already acquainted with Fela Kuti, this album highlighted other influential Nigerian musicians and bandleaders of the '70s: Joni Haastrup, Peter King, Segun Bucknor, Bala Miller, Blo, King Sunny Ade, Tunji Oyelana, and many more. Subsequent volumes continued to explore the rich landscape of Afrobeat, juju, funk, and soul, unearthing a treasure trove of Nigerian tracks.

‘Nigeria 70: The Definitive Story of 1970’s Funky Lagos’ showcases the vibrant diversity of the Lagos scene, reflecting the eclectic musical influences of the time. The compilation includes elements of psychedelic rock, from the heavily fuzzed-out sounds of Ofo & the Black Company's "Allah Wakbarr" to BLO's hauntingly serene "Chant to Mother Earth." The influence of late 1970s and early 80s disco can be heard in tracks like Joni Haastrup's 1977 "Greetings" and Shina Williams & His African Percussionists' 1984 electro-funk track "Agboju Logun," all while maintaining a strong Afrobeat foundation.

Beloved by collectors and dancefloor enthusiasts, Nigeria 70 is rich with soul, humanity, and a broad spectrum of the region's musical talent. It has inspired a new wave of labels and releases, introducing the 1970s Lagos scene to a new generation of soul, funk, and dance music fans.

This special edition of ‘Nigeria 70: The Definitive Story of 1970’s Funky Lagos’ features the original artwork and liner notes, pressed on translucent green vinyl across 3LPs.

TRACK LISTING

1. Orlando Julius & His Afro Sounders – Alo Mi Alo (Parts 1 & 2 )
2. Segun Bucknor & His Revolution – La La La
3. Lijadu Sisters – Orere Elejigbo
4. Peter King – Shango
5. Sahara All Stars Band Jos – Enjoy Yourself
6. Fela Anikulapo Kuti & Africa 70 – Jeun Ko Ku (Chop 'N' Quench)
7. Tunji Oyelana & The Benders – Ifa
8. Ofo The Black Company – Allah Wakbarr
9. The Funkees – Dancing Time
10. Monomono– Tire Loma Da Nigbehin
11. Bala Miller & The Great Music Pyrameeds Of Afrika – Ikon Allah
12. Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Melody Maestroes – Akayan Ekassa
13. Shina Williams & His African Percussionists – Agboju Logun
14. Gasper Lawal – Kita Kita
15. King Sunny Ade & His African Beats – Ja Fun Mi (Instrumental)

Strut introduces a pioneering new compilation 'A Dancefloor In Ndola,' curated by revered East African DJ, Kampire. Forging her reputation through memorable sets for the Nyege Nyege Festival in Uganda over the last decade, Kampire now tours worldwide and is celebrated for her brilliantly curated sets spanning the full range of African music styles from the ‘70s and ‘80s to the present day.

Although born in Kenya to Ugandan parents, Kampire spent her formative years in Ndola, Zambia. ‘A Dancefloor In Ndola’ is inspired by artists and songs that formed part of her soundtrack during that time. “It is important for me to continually reference Africa’s own musical history,” she explains. “At 17, I didn’t pick up on my Dad’s music but now I love and collect those records. I’m constantly referencing them in my music sets today. I love that feeling of shared nostalgia where people recognise a song they haven’t heard in a long time. It is a touchstone for me when I’m playing.”

The compilation flows through different East African and South African genres from Congolese rumba and soukous to 1980s township bubblegum and the rich guitar-led sounds of Zambian kalindula. “There are styles of music on the compilation which are often considered unsophisticated from rural areas. I and other contemporary African artists and DJs draw inspiration from them; it is part of what makes us ourselves.” Kampire also shines the spotlight on many incredible women in African music from the ‘80s, including Congolese legends like Pembey Sheiro, Feza Shamamba and Princesse Mansia M’bila to V-Mash and Di Groovy Girls from South Africa. 

TRACK LISTING

LP Tracklist:
1. Princess Aya Sarah – O Wina Tienge
2. Meta & Feza – Mivé Temoin
3. The African House Party Project Feat. Splash, Patricia Majalisa & Dalom Kids – P-Coq
4. V-Mash – Naughty Boy
5. Di Groovy Girls – Ririmi Rotsombela
6. Tshala Muana – Djepué
7. Lady Isa – Djambo
8. Pembey Sheiro – Sala Ni Toto
9. Princesse Mansia M’Bila – Ngoma Mansia
10. Samba Mapangala And Orchestra Virunga – Mashariki
11. International Zaistars & Nene Tshaku – Je T’Aime Au Pluriel
12. M.D. Shirinda & Gaza Sisters – Mabazi
13. “Bwaluka” Founders Band – Kimbera

CD Tracklist:
1. Princess Aya Sarah – O Wina Tienge
2. Meta & Feza – Mivé Temoin
3. The African House Party Project Feat. Splash, Patricia Majalisa & Dalom Kids – P-Coq
4. V-Mash – Naughty Boy
5. Di Groovy Girls – Ririmi Rotsombela (Kampire Dance Edit)
6. Tshala Muana – Djepué
7. Lady Isa – Djambo
8. Pembey Sheiro – Sala Ni Toto
9. Princesse Mansia M’Bila – Ngoma Mansia
10. Samba Mapangala And Orchestra Virunga – Mashariki
11. International Zaistars & Nene Tshaku – Je T’Aime Au Pluriel
12. M.D. Shirinda & Gaza Sisters – Mabazi (Kampire Dance Edit)
13. “Bwaluka” Founders Band – Kimbera