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STRUT RECORDS

Ice (Lafayette Afro Rock Band)

Each Man Makes His Destiny - 2025 Reissue

    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

    The Qualities (Sun Ra)

    It’s Christmas Time

      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

      Flock

      Flock II

        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 

        Sun Ra

        Lanquidity - Strut 25th Anniversary Edition

          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)

          Juju

          Chapter Two: Nia - 2024 Reissue

            Juju formed in San Francisco and moved to New York in July 1972. "We were avant-garde artists and revolutionary agents for change," explains bandleader James “Plunky” Branch. "We played venues like Slugs, the East, and Ornette Coleman’s loft on Prince Street; we also met and hung out with the greats, from Pharoah Sanders to John Gilmore."

            By 1974, Plunky and the band had relocated to Richmond, Virginia. "New York’s cost of living was high, and I thought Richmond could be a fresh creative environment. We stayed in the home of my oldest and best friend, which we dubbed the Juju Raga Artist House. We lived upstairs and converted the downstairs into the first black arts gallery and performance space in the state." In June 1974, Juju recorded their second album for Strata East, 'Chapter Two: Nia', at Eastern Recording Studios in Richmond. "The music was Afrocentric," continues Plunky, "and we included black nationalistic poetry written and spoken by Ngoma Ya Uhuru, a high school friend who had spent time with Amiri Baraka’s Spirit House. " The album also featured a remarkable freeform cover of Pharoah Sanders’ classic ‘Black Unity.’

            Juju became the local Virginia exponents of progressive ideas that were being expressed nationally and internationally, attracting a small, active group of artists and supporters. However, being in the South, Richmond's black music audience leaned towards blues, gospel, and soul. After much consideration, Juju decided to incorporate trap drums and a backbeat, blending these rhythms with electric sounds, and rebranded as Oneness Of Juju. With a new lineup and renewed energy, the band began a new chapter, releasing their classic African Rhythms album a year later.


            TRACK LISTING

            1. Introduction
            2. Contradiction (For Thulani)
            3. Black Experience
            4. Nia
            5. The End Of The Butterfly King
            6. Black Unity

            Experience Unlimited

            Free Yourself - 2024 Reissue

              This seminal recording blends soul, jazz, and funk-rock, laying the foundation for Washington D.C.'s go-go scene. Experience unlimited had originally started out in 1973 when they met at Ballou Senior High School in South-East D.C. and came to the attention of Black Fire Records’ Jimmy Gray after winning a school talent competition. “Jimmy saw that we had a lot of potential and he put us into the studio,” remembers bandleader Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliott. “That was our first experience recording - I remember that he just told us to be ourselves and we just gathered together and played. We were young kids then saying what we felt.”

              'Free Yourself' is a free-flowing album, full of positive messages and infectious grooves. “We could play any style, ” continues Sugar Bear. “The album has a lot of different songs and feelings – from ‘Peace Gone Away’ to ‘Funky Consciousness’ which features some heavy guitar work and ‘Free Yourself’ where you can hear early stylings of go-go – it’s all in one. We just wanted to record where we were at.”

              Experience Unlimited would go on to score the huge hit ‘Da Butt’ in 1988 which featured in the Spike Lee movie School Days and would add their unmistakeable rolling rhythms to Grace Jones’ ‘Slave To The Rhythm’ and Kurtis Blow’s ‘Party Time’ This new reissue of Free Yourself features full original artwork including the cover painting by Malik Edwards. It is remastered by The Carvery and includes a brand new interview with bandleader and co-founder Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliott alongside rare photos.

              TRACK LISTING

              1. It’s All Imagination
              2. Functus
              3. Peace Gone Away
              4. Free Yourself
              5. Hey You
              6. People
              7. Funky Consciousness

              Oneness Of Juju

              Space Jungle Luv - 2024 Reissue

                When bandleader James “Plunky” Branch created Oneness Of Juju in 1975, he had spent five years working on both the West and East coasts of the U.S. The group’s previous ncarnation, Juju, had become a fixture within New York’s avant-garde jazz scene. Upon moving to Richmond, Virginia, Plunky re-grouped with a new set of musicians, fusing African percussion with funk and R&B. The band recorded two of their most celebrated albums during 1975 and 1976, 'African Rhythms' and 'Space Jungle Luv'.

                This change of direction ushered in the most successful era yet for the band. Plunky connected with distributor, publicist and DJ Jimmy “Black Fire” Gray, and African Rhythms scored a huge local success. Plunky recalls, “A year later, with 'Space Jungle Luv', I moved from R&B into a more mellow, spiritual direction. The music featured a smooth progressive sound that was perfect for our singer Lady EkaEte’s mesmerizing, soulfully sweet vocals.

                That album also introduced guitarist Melvin Glover to the group; his songs broadened our repertoire by adding celestial, harp-like tones and textures. ” The pianist from Pharoah Sanders’ band, Joe Bonner, also guested on the sessions. “With 'Space Jungle Luv', I was making a Pharoah kind of record, ” continues Plunky. “I wanted to deliver a spiritually uplifting message; artists like George Clinton and Sun Ra had explored the theme of space and people were looking towards the future and new technology. We were also describing the album – space music, jungle music, love songs. Among the tracks, ‘River Luvrite’ describes positive people as constituting a flow, a continuous spirit. With ‘Follow Me’, we were just saying,‘come along with us and find new places together.’”

                This new reissue of Space Jungle Luv features the full original artwork, including the cover painting by Muzi Branch. It is remastered by The Carvery and includes a brand new interview with bandleader James “Plunky” Branch alongside rare photos. The release also includes brand new liner notes by James “Plunky” Branch.

                TRACK LISTING

                1. River Luvrite
                2. Follow Me
                3. Soul Love Now
                4. Space Jungle Funk
                5. The Connection
                6. Love’s Messenger

                Various Artists

                Nigeria 70: The Definitive Guide To 1970’s Funky Lagos - 2024 Repress

                  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)

                  Various Artists

                  Kampire Presents: A Dancefloor In Ndola

                    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 


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