1
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Let's Get It On
2
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Sha La La la Lee
3
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Oh Girl
4
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Tears Falling In My Sleep
5
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Something Gotten Hold Of My Heart
6
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Foot Steps Dub
7
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Loving Girl
8
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Slipping Into Darkness
9
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - After The Storm
10
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Living In The Footsteps
11
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - A Simple Lover Of A Woman
12
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Who Told You
Reissued for the first time this ultra-rare reggae album originally released in 1974. Considered by many to be the first reggae “lovers” album ever, signed by the producer and Singer Clement Bushay and the reggae singer Carl Bert. As guests The Cimarons, Jackie Parris, Junior English, Dego Sensation. Engineers: Steve Wadey, Clem Bushay and Lee Perry … Four unreleased tracks from the original version are included here!
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More records from Lantern Rec.
1
Maximum Joy - Why Can't We Live Together
2
Maximum Joy - Man Of Tribes
3
Maximum Joy - Why Can't We Live Together (Live)
4
Maximum Joy - Man Of Tribes (Live)
5
Maximum Joy - Mouse 'n Me (Live)
Reissued for the first time Maximum Joy fourth 12?, led by their amazing Timmy Thomas rendition and originally released on Garage Records in 1983. Includes an unreleased and restored version of the title track plus three extra live tracks recorded in Germany in 1982.
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1
Scream And Dance - In Rhythm (Extended Version)
2
Scream And Dance - In Pink & Black
3
Scream And Dance - Giacometti
4
Scream And Dance - Giacometti (Wicked Mix)
Fully remastered and licensed, ltd to 500 copies. Re-issued on vinyl for the very first time the seminal EP "In Rhythm", the sole 1982 release by post punk/mutant disco wizards Scream And Dance. A necessary addition to the influential Bristol scene dominated by Rip Rig and Panic, Pop Group and the likes.
Originally recorded and released in 1982 on Recreational Records, this maxi single was produced by Steve Street, who began his career in 1976 on the Bristol music scene by recording demos for The Pop Group, and later in 1978/9 for Glaxo Babies. This dub-inflicted takes on classic indie/funk/wave still sounds refreshing today, check it out on your own !
Side A
In Rhythm (extended version)
In Pink & Black
Side B
Giacometti
Giacometti (wicked mix) More
Originally recorded and released in 1982 on Recreational Records, this maxi single was produced by Steve Street, who began his career in 1976 on the Bristol music scene by recording demos for The Pop Group, and later in 1978/9 for Glaxo Babies. This dub-inflicted takes on classic indie/funk/wave still sounds refreshing today, check it out on your own !
Side A
In Rhythm (extended version)
In Pink & Black
Side B
Giacometti
Giacometti (wicked mix) More
1
Delroy Wilson - Sharing The Night Together
2
Delroy Wilson - When You Are In Love With A Beautiful Woman
3
Delroy Wilson - Do That To Me One More Time
4
Delroy Wilson - What's Going On
5
Delroy Wilson - Play Something Pretty
6
Delroy Wilson - Love To See You Smile
7
Delroy Wilson - (There's) No Getting Over Me
8
Delroy Wilson - Honey
9
Delroy Wilson - Peculiar
Fully remastered and licensed, ltd to 500 copies. The soulful reggae singer "Best Of"! Originally released on Empire (Channel One's sub label). Hits from late 70's to 1984, recorded at Channel One studio with Sly & Robbie, Earl Chinna Smith, Dean Fraser, Deadly Headly and many more...
Delroy George Wilson (5 October 1948 – 6 March 1995) was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer. Wilson is often regarded as Jamaica's first child star, having first found success as a teenager. His youngest son, Karl "Konan" Wilson, has found success as part of British duo Krept and Konan. His voice matured as he left his teens, around the time of ska's transition to rocksteady and this period in the late 1960s produced many hits including one of the first rocksteady records, "Dancing Mood", "Jerk in Time" (with the Wailers), "Feel Good All Over", "I'm Not a King", "True Believer in Love", "Rain From the Skies", "Conquer Me" and "Riding for a Fall". "Won't You Come Home", a duet with Ken Boothe on a rhythm originally cut by The Conquerors for Sonia Pottinger has become one of the most-versioned Jamaican tracks ever. After leaving Studio One he recorded for other labels, with varying degrees of success, and set up his own short-lived W&C label. He enjoyed success with Bunny Lee in the late 1960s and early 1970s with tracks such as "This Old Heart of Mine", "Footsteps of Another Man", and "Better Must Come". His double A-side "It Hurts"/"Put Yourself in My Place" was a skinhead favourite and narrowly missed UK chart success. He recorded a version of "Run Run", a song he had originally recorded for Dodd, for maverick producer Keith Hudson. Wilson toured the UK and recorded for Trojan Records in 1970.
Side 1
1 Sharing The Night Together
2 When You Are In Love With A Beautiful Woman
3 Do That To Me One More Time
4 What's Going On
5 Play Something Pretty
Side 2
1 Love To See You Smile
2 (There's) No Getting Over Me
3 Honey
4 Peculiar More
Delroy George Wilson (5 October 1948 – 6 March 1995) was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer. Wilson is often regarded as Jamaica's first child star, having first found success as a teenager. His youngest son, Karl "Konan" Wilson, has found success as part of British duo Krept and Konan. His voice matured as he left his teens, around the time of ska's transition to rocksteady and this period in the late 1960s produced many hits including one of the first rocksteady records, "Dancing Mood", "Jerk in Time" (with the Wailers), "Feel Good All Over", "I'm Not a King", "True Believer in Love", "Rain From the Skies", "Conquer Me" and "Riding for a Fall". "Won't You Come Home", a duet with Ken Boothe on a rhythm originally cut by The Conquerors for Sonia Pottinger has become one of the most-versioned Jamaican tracks ever. After leaving Studio One he recorded for other labels, with varying degrees of success, and set up his own short-lived W&C label. He enjoyed success with Bunny Lee in the late 1960s and early 1970s with tracks such as "This Old Heart of Mine", "Footsteps of Another Man", and "Better Must Come". His double A-side "It Hurts"/"Put Yourself in My Place" was a skinhead favourite and narrowly missed UK chart success. He recorded a version of "Run Run", a song he had originally recorded for Dodd, for maverick producer Keith Hudson. Wilson toured the UK and recorded for Trojan Records in 1970.
Side 1
1 Sharing The Night Together
2 When You Are In Love With A Beautiful Woman
3 Do That To Me One More Time
4 What's Going On
5 Play Something Pretty
Side 2
1 Love To See You Smile
2 (There's) No Getting Over Me
3 Honey
4 Peculiar More
1
Maximum Joy - White & Green Place (extra-terrestrial mix)
2
Maximum Joy - Stretch (7” version)
3
Maximum Joy - Do It Today (Touchdown version)
4
Maximum Joy - Building Bridges/Building Dub (12” version)
5
Maximum Joy - Searching For A Feeling
Fully licensed and ltd to 1000 copies ! Reissued on vinyl for the first time the Maximum Joy's "White & Green Place extra-terrestrial mix" 12” single - with 3 bonus tracks – originally released in 1982 on Y Records. " We’re excited for this new vinyl reissue of White & Green Place extra-terrestrial 12” single with additional tracks specially compiled for your dancing feet! Maximum Joy tunes to make you move! With new artwork and previously unpublished pictures of the band by David Corio
Tracklist:
Side A
White & Green Place (extra-terrestrial mix) 5:33
Stretch (7” version) 3:54
Do It Today (Touchdown version) 4:43
Side B
Building Bridges/Building Dub (12” version) 6:15
Searching For A Feeling 4:28 More
Tracklist:
Side A
White & Green Place (extra-terrestrial mix) 5:33
Stretch (7” version) 3:54
Do It Today (Touchdown version) 4:43
Side B
Building Bridges/Building Dub (12” version) 6:15
Searching For A Feeling 4:28 More
A fine selection of unpublished tracks from the pioneering British roots dub duo.
Fully licensed and ltd to 1000 copies ! "Ancient A&O is a selection of unreleased tracks and dubs we like from our old DAT tapes all created during our early years between 1989 and 1993. It includes Here For A Reason, a rare unreleased track featuring Nishka. We're very pleased the great Lantern Rec are releasing the vinyl and we hope you like it, many thanks... A&O"
Tracklist:
Side A
Here For A Reason
One Woman Dub
California V Powell
Jubilation Dub
Pure And Clean Dub
Side B
Bind Us Together Dub
Dub flute Dub
One Culture Dub
The Signs Dub
Shebas Journey Dub
More
Fully licensed and ltd to 1000 copies ! "Ancient A&O is a selection of unreleased tracks and dubs we like from our old DAT tapes all created during our early years between 1989 and 1993. It includes Here For A Reason, a rare unreleased track featuring Nishka. We're very pleased the great Lantern Rec are releasing the vinyl and we hope you like it, many thanks... A&O"
Tracklist:
Side A
Here For A Reason
One Woman Dub
California V Powell
Jubilation Dub
Pure And Clean Dub
Side B
Bind Us Together Dub
Dub flute Dub
One Culture Dub
The Signs Dub
Shebas Journey Dub
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1
Suns Of Arqa - Acid Tablas
2
Suns Of Arqa - World Peace, A Dream?
3
Suns Of Arqa - Scully's Reel
4
Suns Of Arqa - Bali Citra
5
Suns Of Arqa - Scully's Jig
6
Suns Of Arqa - Piece Of The World
7
Suns Of Arqa - Acid Tabla Dub
8
Suns Of Arqa - Ananta Snake Dance
9
Suns Of Arqa - Return Of The Mozabites
10
Suns Of Arqa - Sanaiscara Saturn
11
Suns Of Arqa - Paintings Of A Cave
Fully remastered and licensed, ltd to 500 copies. Welcome to the realm of creator and mentor Michael Wadada, the man behind the exotic manoeuvres of Suns of Arqa, one of the most sought after world beat fusion project of the early eighties. His main goal was to increase the vibrations of classical Indian raga with the rhythms of Niyabinghi drumming, epitomized in England by contemporary dub producers. Released in 1980 on Manchester’s own Rock Steady Records, Revenge Of The Mozabites is an essential masterpiece paving the way for future over the border contamination. Deeply informed by cosmic mysticism the album still reverberates with the hidden sounds of earth & soul.
Tracklist:
Light Side
Acid Tablas 3:45
World Peace, A Dream? 2:12
Scully's Reel 1:31
Bali Citra 3:37
Scullys Jig 1:51
Piece Of The World 1:08
Acid Tabla Dub 3:05
Dark Side
Ananta Snake Dance 7:22
Return Of The Mozabites 3:35
Sanaiscara Saturn 6:32
Paintings Of A Cave 1:25 More
Tracklist:
Light Side
Acid Tablas 3:45
World Peace, A Dream? 2:12
Scully's Reel 1:31
Bali Citra 3:37
Scullys Jig 1:51
Piece Of The World 1:08
Acid Tabla Dub 3:05
Dark Side
Ananta Snake Dance 7:22
Return Of The Mozabites 3:35
Sanaiscara Saturn 6:32
Paintings Of A Cave 1:25 More
1
Linda Di Franco - TV Scene
2
Linda Di Franco - The Look Of Love
3
Linda Di Franco - Yankee
4
Linda Di Franco - Stay
5
Linda Di Franco - Dance It Up
6
Linda Di Franco - My Boss
7
Linda Di Franco - Bless My Soul
8
Linda Di Franco - Fran
9
Linda Di Franco - Blame It On Rio
10
Linda Di Franco - The Rise Of The Heart
Fully remastered and licensed, ltd to 500 copies.
Just a single album and a bunch of singles, rising star Linda Di Franco debuted in 1985 and left the scene all of a sudden in 1986. Her first album was a combined effort produced by Don Was (Blue Note’s Renaissance Music Man and previously leader of post disco combo Was Not Was), a gentle selection of soul-pop ballads and lushy synth arrangements. With leading single ‘My Boss’ the album shows an ethereal continuum with an excellent rendition of Burt Bacharach ‘The Look Of Love’. Recorded in London, Detroit and New York the Rise Of The Heart is definitely a keystone in the rising club culture revolution verging on the more existentialist pop aesthetic. RIYL: Sade, Lizzy Mercier Descloux, Carmel, Antena.
Tracklist:
TV Scene 3:46
The Look Of Love 4:06
Yankee 3:06
Stay 4:29
Dance It Up 3:48
My Boss 3:34
Bless My Soul 3:54
Fran 3:17
Blame It On Rio 3:08
The Rise Of The Heart 4:00 More
Just a single album and a bunch of singles, rising star Linda Di Franco debuted in 1985 and left the scene all of a sudden in 1986. Her first album was a combined effort produced by Don Was (Blue Note’s Renaissance Music Man and previously leader of post disco combo Was Not Was), a gentle selection of soul-pop ballads and lushy synth arrangements. With leading single ‘My Boss’ the album shows an ethereal continuum with an excellent rendition of Burt Bacharach ‘The Look Of Love’. Recorded in London, Detroit and New York the Rise Of The Heart is definitely a keystone in the rising club culture revolution verging on the more existentialist pop aesthetic. RIYL: Sade, Lizzy Mercier Descloux, Carmel, Antena.
Tracklist:
TV Scene 3:46
The Look Of Love 4:06
Yankee 3:06
Stay 4:29
Dance It Up 3:48
My Boss 3:34
Bless My Soul 3:54
Fran 3:17
Blame It On Rio 3:08
The Rise Of The Heart 4:00 More
Fully remastered and licensed, ltd to 500 copies. ‘What if Lee Perry and Lex Baxter have been caught in a firetrap altogether ?’ A weird experiment in dub & reggae coined in 1973, the sole album of this interstellar venture was a case in point. Jamaican rhythms (provided by the almighty Trojan records crew) with legendary prog/psych keyboardist KEN ELLIOT (former member of influential british bands such as Second Hand and Seventh Wave) creating groovy instrumental on top ! 10 tracks including the JOE MEEK classic Telstar and a spacey rendition of THE SKATALITIES Guns Of Navarone (aptly named Guns Of The Martian Giants) for an album that might sounds like a caribbean easy listening session on dope ! A truly gem on its own, incredible strange music for the suburbs !
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1
Restriction - Action
2
Restriction - Four Point Plan
3
Restriction - Restriction
4
Restriction - Re-Action
Fully remastered and licensed, ltd to 500 copies. Cult re-issue from this short-lived Bristol project. Their debut 4-tracks EP was self-released on Restriction Records in 1984 giving birth to a collective experience fueled by several members: Andrew Clarke (AMJ Almighty Groove, AMJ Dub Collective) Clive Smith, Rob Smith (co- founder of the influential trip hop band Smith & Mighty), plus members of Zion Band. Produced by Mad Professor at London Ariwa Studios and featuring extraordinaire trombone player Vin Gordon aka Don Drummond Jr. (The Skatalites, The Upsetters) this quintessential mini-album merged the original Jamaican reggae-dub feel with a more contemporary approach, focusing on the experience of established British bands like Aswad and Black Uhuru.
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1
Talisman - Dole Age
2
Talisman - Free Speech
3
Talisman - Run Come Girl
4
Talisman - Wicked Dem
5
Talisman - Stride ON
6
Talisman - Calamity
7
Talisman - Ah Wah U She
8
Talisman - Nothing Change
Fully remastered and licensed, ltd to 500 copies. The city of Bristol has undoubtedly a rich reggae heritage. The criminally neglected Talisman finally benefits of a long overdue release, collecting their first efforts plus a series of extra tracks. You’ll get their first two singles released on Recreational Records - Run Come Girl/Wicked Dem and Dole Age/Free Speech, both released in 1981 – plus a selection of five long lost contribution.
Originally formed in 1977 as Revelation Rockers, a name they soon changed, Talisman were considered the top reggae act in town alongside local contemporaries Black Roots. The band – popular for their intense live shows – opened for such glorious and diverse acts as Burning Spear, The Clash and The Rolling Stones ! This proper release on vinyl allows a new generation of fans to catch with their original style. Talisman certainly shows a different side of the UK reggae flourishing scene – think about Aswad, Steel Pulse and Misty In Roots – putting Bristol back on the map !
Tracklist:
Side A
1 Dole Age
2 Free Speech
3 Run Come Girl
4 Wicked Dem
5 Stride ON
Side B
6 Calamity
7 Ah Wah U She
8 Nothing Change More
Originally formed in 1977 as Revelation Rockers, a name they soon changed, Talisman were considered the top reggae act in town alongside local contemporaries Black Roots. The band – popular for their intense live shows – opened for such glorious and diverse acts as Burning Spear, The Clash and The Rolling Stones ! This proper release on vinyl allows a new generation of fans to catch with their original style. Talisman certainly shows a different side of the UK reggae flourishing scene – think about Aswad, Steel Pulse and Misty In Roots – putting Bristol back on the map !
Tracklist:
Side A
1 Dole Age
2 Free Speech
3 Run Come Girl
4 Wicked Dem
5 Stride ON
Side B
6 Calamity
7 Ah Wah U She
8 Nothing Change More
1
Creation Rebel - Independent Man (Part 1)
2
Creation Rebel - Independet Man (Part 2)
3
Creation Rebel - Rebel Party
4
Creation Rebel - A Reasoning
5
Creation Rebel - No Peace
6
Creation Rebel - Love I Can Feel
7
Creation Rebel - Rubber Skirt (Parts 1 & 2 & 3)
8
Creation Rebel - Creation Rebel
9
Creation Rebel - Creative Involvements
10
Creation Rebel - Read & Learn (Bonus Track)
Fully remastered and licensed, ltd to 500 copies 180 gr vinyl. Officially the latest album released by the british super group, Lows & Highs is the triumphant epilogue to these fascinating adventure in rhythm. Featuring vocals from Crucial Tony and Lizard Logan this is probably the most straight ahead reggae album in their whole discography. Producer Adrian Sherwood is in charge behind the desk while Style Scott, Eskimo Fox and Donald Campbell bring all their potential efforts on the drums. Deadly Headley and Dave’ Flash’ Wright are the top horn section here. The album features the bonus track Read And learn from 1982 single ‘Love I Can Feel’. A must have for any english dub worshipper.
Tracklist:
1 Independent Man Pts. 1
2 Independent Man Pts. 2
3 Rebel Party
4 A Reasoning
5 No Peace
6 Love I Can Feel
Side B
1 Rubber Skirt Pts. 1/2/3
2 Creation Rebel
3 Creative Involvements
4 Read And Learn (bonus track from Love I Can Feel 7”) More
Tracklist:
1 Independent Man Pts. 1
2 Independent Man Pts. 2
3 Rebel Party
4 A Reasoning
5 No Peace
6 Love I Can Feel
Side B
1 Rubber Skirt Pts. 1/2/3
2 Creation Rebel
3 Creative Involvements
4 Read And Learn (bonus track from Love I Can Feel 7”) More
1
GMM With Alexander Robotnick - Don't Ask Me Why
2
GMM With Alexander Robotnick - Love Supreme
3
GMM With Alexander Robotnick - Suspance
One of the most sought-after italo-disco release, the combined effort of Giovanotti Mondani Meccanici and Alexander Robotnick saw the light of the day in 1986 on Fuzz Dance, Materiali Sonori sub-label ran by the wizard Giampiero Bigazzi. Florence born producer and musician Maurizio Dami, created a mysterious character, a so-called “modular structure born out of a soviet calculator and promptly runaway”. His classic “Problemes D’amour” was featured on the influential Strut compilation Disco Not Disco 2. GMM was an even more enigmatic character, one of the most unclassifiable audiovisual experiences to emerge from Italy in the 1980s. Maurizio Dami itself was responsible for the group’s music output, while the unit was founded in 1984 by Antonio Glessi and Andrea Zingoni as an art collective whose production represents the quintessential expression of postmodern transmedia hybridity.
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1
DJ Nature - Poincina (Edit)
2
DJ Nature - Endless Flight (Edit)
3
DJ Nature - Inside Your Love (Edit)
1
Witch - Movin' On
2
Witch - To Be Felt
3
Witch - It Was You Boy
4
Witch - I'm Coming Back
5
Witch - My Desire
6
Witch - You Are My Sunshine
7
Witch - It Feels So Good
8
Witch - Let's Get Together
Sourced from the analog master tapes for the first time, Sharp-Flat presents the WITCH disco albums as you've never heard them before in sleeves that replicate the original album artwork.
Over the course of the 1970s, WITCH delivered an impressive run of garage, rock and prog releases. By 1980, the band was ready for a new chapter. Shuffling their lineup and relocating to Zimbabwe, they undertook their mythical transformation into an African R&B, soul and funk powerhouse. With access to a state of the art recording studio in Harare, WITCH produced two exquisite albums from 1980 to 1984.
With crisp beats, funky bass, swirling synths and tight horns, 1980's Movin' On was a sharp departure from the group's Zamrock roots and made no bones about the fact that the WITCH was ready to embrace the sound and spirit of a new decade. Trading lead vocals with founding member Chris Mbewe are newcomers Christine Jackson and Stanford Tembo, making for a well rounded set that combines dance floor burners with mid-tempo boogie grooves. A carefully crafted, great sounding album from a seasoned ensemble, Movin' On is an African pop classic. More
Over the course of the 1970s, WITCH delivered an impressive run of garage, rock and prog releases. By 1980, the band was ready for a new chapter. Shuffling their lineup and relocating to Zimbabwe, they undertook their mythical transformation into an African R&B, soul and funk powerhouse. With access to a state of the art recording studio in Harare, WITCH produced two exquisite albums from 1980 to 1984.
With crisp beats, funky bass, swirling synths and tight horns, 1980's Movin' On was a sharp departure from the group's Zamrock roots and made no bones about the fact that the WITCH was ready to embrace the sound and spirit of a new decade. Trading lead vocals with founding member Chris Mbewe are newcomers Christine Jackson and Stanford Tembo, making for a well rounded set that combines dance floor burners with mid-tempo boogie grooves. A carefully crafted, great sounding album from a seasoned ensemble, Movin' On is an African pop classic. More
1
Rubel - Forró Violento (Instrumental)
2
Rubel - Grão De Areia
3
Rubel - Não Vou Reclamar De Deus
4
Rubel - Toda Beleza
5
Rubel - Put@ria!
6
Rubel - Rubelía
7
Rubel - Posso Dizer
8
Rubel - Vinheta As Palavras
9
Rubel - As Palavras
10
Rubel - Forró Violento
11
Rubel - Torto Arad
12
Rubel - Lua De Garrafa
13
Rubel - Na Mão Do Palhaço
14
Rubel - Doutor Albieri
15
Rubel - Samba De Amanda E Té
16
Rubel - Amor De Mãe
17
Rubel - Vinheta As Palavras II
18
Rubel - Assum Preto
19
Rubel - Forró No Escuro
20
Rubel - Toda Beleza (Pelos Loirinhos)
Released on 2xLP cut at 45RPM in gatefold sleeve with 6 panel fold-out poster.
Some albums are game-changers in a genre. Take OutKast's Speakerboxxx / The Love Below or Primal Scream's Screamadelica, they observe, study, and then flip what an album can mean to a genre or moment in time.
From the very first listen of Rubel’s Latin Grammy-nominated third album As Palavras, Vol. 1 & 2, you can feel its transformative force for the MPB genre. Here we see one of Rio’s brightest stars, fusing the contemporary with the classic, soaking up the richness of Brazil’s musical heritage. The result is a marauding 20-track epic, incorporating traditional styles such as forró, MPB, pagode and samba with modern baile funk, rasteirinha and hip-hop.
The album exudes a sense of freedom and creativity, playfully and provocatively juggling the familiar with the forward-thinking. The tracks are divided across two records, navigating feelings of love, heartbreak and discovery, whilst balancing themes of violence, passion, irony and affection. Collaborating with some of the country’s most esteemed artists such as Gabriel do Borel, Liniker, Luedji Luna, Tim Bernardes and Ana Caetano, Rubel takes this fusion of styles, subjects and flavours to the global stage.
The grand, forró-blending, choral opener, ‘Forró Violento (Instrumental)’ sets the tone for the album, with references and links between tradition and modernity everywhere to be seen. From the Ana Frango Elétrico produced, funk flexing, samba-soul brilliance of ‘Não Vou Reclamar de Deus’, to the album’s title cut ‘As Palavras’, in collaboration with Tim Bernardes, that melds MPB influences with electronic elements and hip-hop touches.
Across both sides of the album, Rubel’s story-telling gift is given space to shine. ‘Torto Arado’ featuring Liniker and Luedji Luna, beautifully references the racial injustice, tragedy, hope and ambition found in one the most celebrated Brazilian novels of recent times by Itamar Vieira Júnior. Elsewhere, ‘Na Mão do Palhaço’ manifests a satirical march about a suicidal conservative middle-aged man, who is rescued by the miracle of the carnival.
At times the album is gentle and intimate with tracks like ‘Toda Beleza’ featuring Bala Desejo, or the ode to friendship ‘Lua de Garrafa’, composed with the legendary Milton Nascimento. At others, the grooves hit harder, with sounds from the favelas laced within. ‘Put@ria!’, explores the universe of baile funk, with BK’ and MC Carol trading off on the mic, as ‘Rubelía’ moves between reggaeton, funk, and hip hop. The latter is a tribute to a key influence of the album, Spanish star Rosalía and her parallel mix of current with classic.
Ultimately though the beauty of this album lies in its concept. In the midst of a country divided, ‘As Palavras Vol. 1 & 2’ sets out to bring together genres and generations, grounded in rhythms and words that have helped define Brazil through the ages. More
Some albums are game-changers in a genre. Take OutKast's Speakerboxxx / The Love Below or Primal Scream's Screamadelica, they observe, study, and then flip what an album can mean to a genre or moment in time.
From the very first listen of Rubel’s Latin Grammy-nominated third album As Palavras, Vol. 1 & 2, you can feel its transformative force for the MPB genre. Here we see one of Rio’s brightest stars, fusing the contemporary with the classic, soaking up the richness of Brazil’s musical heritage. The result is a marauding 20-track epic, incorporating traditional styles such as forró, MPB, pagode and samba with modern baile funk, rasteirinha and hip-hop.
The album exudes a sense of freedom and creativity, playfully and provocatively juggling the familiar with the forward-thinking. The tracks are divided across two records, navigating feelings of love, heartbreak and discovery, whilst balancing themes of violence, passion, irony and affection. Collaborating with some of the country’s most esteemed artists such as Gabriel do Borel, Liniker, Luedji Luna, Tim Bernardes and Ana Caetano, Rubel takes this fusion of styles, subjects and flavours to the global stage.
The grand, forró-blending, choral opener, ‘Forró Violento (Instrumental)’ sets the tone for the album, with references and links between tradition and modernity everywhere to be seen. From the Ana Frango Elétrico produced, funk flexing, samba-soul brilliance of ‘Não Vou Reclamar de Deus’, to the album’s title cut ‘As Palavras’, in collaboration with Tim Bernardes, that melds MPB influences with electronic elements and hip-hop touches.
Across both sides of the album, Rubel’s story-telling gift is given space to shine. ‘Torto Arado’ featuring Liniker and Luedji Luna, beautifully references the racial injustice, tragedy, hope and ambition found in one the most celebrated Brazilian novels of recent times by Itamar Vieira Júnior. Elsewhere, ‘Na Mão do Palhaço’ manifests a satirical march about a suicidal conservative middle-aged man, who is rescued by the miracle of the carnival.
At times the album is gentle and intimate with tracks like ‘Toda Beleza’ featuring Bala Desejo, or the ode to friendship ‘Lua de Garrafa’, composed with the legendary Milton Nascimento. At others, the grooves hit harder, with sounds from the favelas laced within. ‘Put@ria!’, explores the universe of baile funk, with BK’ and MC Carol trading off on the mic, as ‘Rubelía’ moves between reggaeton, funk, and hip hop. The latter is a tribute to a key influence of the album, Spanish star Rosalía and her parallel mix of current with classic.
Ultimately though the beauty of this album lies in its concept. In the midst of a country divided, ‘As Palavras Vol. 1 & 2’ sets out to bring together genres and generations, grounded in rhythms and words that have helped define Brazil through the ages. More
1
A J Brown - Human Nature
2
A J Brown - Human Dubwise
This is a Lovers version of an absolute classic! Licensed from the catalogue of the legendary Harry J Studio, in a signature late 80s Digital keyboard & drum-machine style. Originally written by Toto, and made famous by Michael Jackson! As well as being sampled in SWV’s big 90s anthem & by Hip Hop legend NAS.
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1
Ohm Hourani - Mi Chica
2
Ohm Hourani - Blinded Feat. Do Mi
The Anoma tree grows another branch, carrying a pair of succulent offerings written and produced by Ohm Hourani.
“Mi Chica” on Side A dazzles with an organic drum structure that pulls you front and centre, and isn’t afraid to toss a couple of licks in if you’re not ready for it. Marked by its influential lyrics, this tune is the first step on a guide to an auspicious journey.
The jungle groove on Side B’s “Blinded” marries a citizen of jazz with the bluesy sensuality of Montreal-based singer Do Mi. An unforgettable voice that resonates in the field of thought. And where thought ends, music begins.
The record is carried by a vibrant sleeve crafted by the brush of Laucolo. An astute and tranquil portrait is juxtaposed against the flowing imagination of a soul enchanted by the
music. More
“Mi Chica” on Side A dazzles with an organic drum structure that pulls you front and centre, and isn’t afraid to toss a couple of licks in if you’re not ready for it. Marked by its influential lyrics, this tune is the first step on a guide to an auspicious journey.
The jungle groove on Side B’s “Blinded” marries a citizen of jazz with the bluesy sensuality of Montreal-based singer Do Mi. An unforgettable voice that resonates in the field of thought. And where thought ends, music begins.
The record is carried by a vibrant sleeve crafted by the brush of Laucolo. An astute and tranquil portrait is juxtaposed against the flowing imagination of a soul enchanted by the
music. More
1
Bread & Souls - Never Gonna Leave Feat. Bembé Segué
2
Bread & Souls - Anbody Out There - Instrumental
3
Bread & Souls - Technicolor Sunshine Feat. Bembé Segué + Vanessa Freeman
4
Bread & Souls - Anybody Out There (Mr. Scruff Remix w/ Kaidi Tatham)
5
Bread & Souls - Together (G&D Boccaccio Remix)
Bread & Souls is a new project dreamt up by Italian entrepreneur and music lover Franco Fusari. Franco invited Mark de Clive-Lowe on board to direct and produce an album of collaborations with some of our favorite artists including the likes of Bembé Segué, Vanessa Freeman, Paul Randolph, Rich Medina, Tommaso Cappellato and more.
Chapter 2 EP continues with more future classics, kicking off with the jazz dancefloor workout Never Gonna Leave featuring the Queen of Broken Beat Bembé Segué on vocals and shredding sax solos courtesy Teodross Avery. In classic soulful broken beat fashion, Bembe reunites again with Vanessa Freeman for Technicolor Sunshine – drenched in MdCL’s signature production sound. Two remixes complete this installment with Mr Scruff and Kaidi Tatham’s downtempo reworking Anybody Out There (check out the original version on Chapter 1) and Italy’s G&D coming through More
Chapter 2 EP continues with more future classics, kicking off with the jazz dancefloor workout Never Gonna Leave featuring the Queen of Broken Beat Bembé Segué on vocals and shredding sax solos courtesy Teodross Avery. In classic soulful broken beat fashion, Bembe reunites again with Vanessa Freeman for Technicolor Sunshine – drenched in MdCL’s signature production sound. Two remixes complete this installment with Mr Scruff and Kaidi Tatham’s downtempo reworking Anybody Out There (check out the original version on Chapter 1) and Italy’s G&D coming through More
1
Bill Withers & Studio Rio - Lovely Day (Studio Rio Version)
2
Bill Withers & Studio Rio - Lovely Day (Studio Rio Instrumental Version)
As mood changers go, this track is up there with the best. Last year whilst DJing with miche at Shapes festival in the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, a breathtaking yet ominous Alpine sky suddenly became a picture postcard moment. The clouds parted and a double rainbow formed, as miche dropped Studio Rio's bossa nova remake of Bill Withers’ all-time classic 'Lovely Day'. From there, the dancefloor shifted gears and morphed into full-swing feel-good vibes, in a beautiful, spontaneous moment nobody could have planned for.
Mr Bongo now proudly presents a reissue of this brilliant, bossa-channelling Bill Withers reinterpretation from Studio Rio’s 2014 release ‘The Brazil Connection’. Masterminded by the German, Grammy award-winning Berman Brothers, the project was born out of their deep love of Brazilian music. “Our goal was to bring the Brazilian joie de vivre to iconic performances by well-known artists. What would these classic songs sound like had they been recorded in the studios of Rio de Janeiro in the first place, with the best Brazilian musicians and arrangers?” the brothers reflect.
Capturing the life force of Brazil, the beating heart that is its music, they set out to find the musicians who would fit best with their concept. Landing in Rio in 2013 a series of coincidences led to them being introduced to their idols Marcos Valle and Roberto Menescal, who both agreed to come on board. The Berman Brothers also wanted to find some of the musicians who recorded with one of Brazil’s most influential composers Tom Jobim. “Fifty years after Jobim made the music that really defines bossa nova, we found that many of his sidemen were still active, including Paulo Braga of Jobim’s famed rhythm section. It was magic; everything just fell into place.”
There's no question that the original of ‘Lovely Day’ is up there as one of the most feel-good, spirit-lifting anthems of all time. Here the brothers, with the help of a whole host of Brazil’s finest musicians, rework Bill’s soul-fuelled groove into a bossa nova slice of sunshine. With the blessing of Bill and Sony, they were given access to the original multitracks so they could incorporate Bill’s vocals perfectly into the new arrangement.
Joy-injected horns and bouncing double bass blend with the smile-inducing samba flavour of Pretinho da Serrinha’s cavaquinho playing. Tying it all together Torcuato Marinao who worked with the likes of Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso, completes the line-up as arranger of the songs.
The perfect end-of-the-night track, mood lifter or soul warmer, remakes don’t get much better than this. More
Mr Bongo now proudly presents a reissue of this brilliant, bossa-channelling Bill Withers reinterpretation from Studio Rio’s 2014 release ‘The Brazil Connection’. Masterminded by the German, Grammy award-winning Berman Brothers, the project was born out of their deep love of Brazilian music. “Our goal was to bring the Brazilian joie de vivre to iconic performances by well-known artists. What would these classic songs sound like had they been recorded in the studios of Rio de Janeiro in the first place, with the best Brazilian musicians and arrangers?” the brothers reflect.
Capturing the life force of Brazil, the beating heart that is its music, they set out to find the musicians who would fit best with their concept. Landing in Rio in 2013 a series of coincidences led to them being introduced to their idols Marcos Valle and Roberto Menescal, who both agreed to come on board. The Berman Brothers also wanted to find some of the musicians who recorded with one of Brazil’s most influential composers Tom Jobim. “Fifty years after Jobim made the music that really defines bossa nova, we found that many of his sidemen were still active, including Paulo Braga of Jobim’s famed rhythm section. It was magic; everything just fell into place.”
There's no question that the original of ‘Lovely Day’ is up there as one of the most feel-good, spirit-lifting anthems of all time. Here the brothers, with the help of a whole host of Brazil’s finest musicians, rework Bill’s soul-fuelled groove into a bossa nova slice of sunshine. With the blessing of Bill and Sony, they were given access to the original multitracks so they could incorporate Bill’s vocals perfectly into the new arrangement.
Joy-injected horns and bouncing double bass blend with the smile-inducing samba flavour of Pretinho da Serrinha’s cavaquinho playing. Tying it all together Torcuato Marinao who worked with the likes of Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso, completes the line-up as arranger of the songs.
The perfect end-of-the-night track, mood lifter or soul warmer, remakes don’t get much better than this. More
1
Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few - Love Feat. Dee Alexander
2
Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few - Compassion Feat. Ari Brown
3
Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few - Perspective (Peace And Love)
4
Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few - Duality Suit I. +, II. -
5
Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few - Duality Suite III. Divine Masculine, IV. Divine Feminie
6
Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few - The Almighty Feat. The Celestial's
Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few return with a new musical journey, "The Almighty". The first quartet offering since 2021's Cosmic Transition.
Collier's compositions and lyrics focus on using music to communicate deeper principles that are part of everyday. Isaiah showcases these principles through sounds that evolve within the titles: Love, Compassion, & Perspective. These principles once taken fully in are arranged to deliver the message that there is a Divine energy connecting through us all and is seen within all things. The album opens up with LOVE, featuring the legendary Chicago vocalist Dee Alexander channeling her energy to deliver the message of love to the human family. With lyrics written by Collier specific to Alexander's qualities as a maternal figure to him and other musicians, the message remains strong within the music throughout the album. Searching deeper to share more sincerely through our interactions with others, is the albums objective. Collier & The Chosen Few showcase those Principle with Musicianship and an unyielding commitment to put their all into each breath of this episodic journey. The album features the legendary Saxophonist Ari Brown, who has mentored Isaiah for over a decade in their native Chicago. The conversation between student and master evolves on the song "Compassion". Collier's steps into the vocalist roll on the infectious, Perspective (Peace & Love) which serves as Collier's acknowledgement of Pharoah Sanders for his musical contributions, that features percussive sounds that connect the ancestors of the diaspora. Throughout "The Almighty" the group explores elements heard on 2021’s Cosmic Transitions and 2022’s Beyond by I AM (Isaiah Collier and Michael Shekwoaga Ode), and streamline the sound with laser focus in this incarnation. More
Collier's compositions and lyrics focus on using music to communicate deeper principles that are part of everyday. Isaiah showcases these principles through sounds that evolve within the titles: Love, Compassion, & Perspective. These principles once taken fully in are arranged to deliver the message that there is a Divine energy connecting through us all and is seen within all things. The album opens up with LOVE, featuring the legendary Chicago vocalist Dee Alexander channeling her energy to deliver the message of love to the human family. With lyrics written by Collier specific to Alexander's qualities as a maternal figure to him and other musicians, the message remains strong within the music throughout the album. Searching deeper to share more sincerely through our interactions with others, is the albums objective. Collier & The Chosen Few showcase those Principle with Musicianship and an unyielding commitment to put their all into each breath of this episodic journey. The album features the legendary Saxophonist Ari Brown, who has mentored Isaiah for over a decade in their native Chicago. The conversation between student and master evolves on the song "Compassion". Collier's steps into the vocalist roll on the infectious, Perspective (Peace & Love) which serves as Collier's acknowledgement of Pharoah Sanders for his musical contributions, that features percussive sounds that connect the ancestors of the diaspora. Throughout "The Almighty" the group explores elements heard on 2021’s Cosmic Transitions and 2022’s Beyond by I AM (Isaiah Collier and Michael Shekwoaga Ode), and streamline the sound with laser focus in this incarnation. More
1
T Dynamix & Lisa Ellis - Alone
2
T Dynamix & Lisa Ellis - Your Love
An obscure late 80s double sided killer brought to light! Originally released as a 12 inch, this was dug out of a white label box by Planets head honcho on a North London digging mission. 1989 fusion of Lovers, Street Soul & Soundsystem music from T-Dynamix & Lisa Ellis. Originally based up North near Manchester!
More
1
Juan Atkins & Moritz von Oswald present - Transport 07:28
2
Juan Atkins & Moritz von Oswald present - Odyssey 07:28
3
Juan Atkins & Moritz von Oswald present - Lightyears 06:08
4
Juan Atkins & Moritz von Oswald present - 2600 06:44
5
Juan Atkins & Moritz von Oswald present - Merkur 04:09
6
Juan Atkins & Moritz von Oswald present - Riod 09:14
7
Juan Atkins & Moritz von Oswald present - Zeolites 10:30
FORMAT 2LP 180g vinyl, printed sleeve, dl card
TRACKLIST
1. / A1 Transport 07:28
2. / A2 Odyssey 07:28
3. / B1 Lightyears 06:08
4. / B2 2600 06:44
5. / C1 Merkur 04:09
6. / C2 Riod 09:14
7. / D1 Zeolites 10:30
Juan Atkins and Moritz von Oswald – the two indispensable protagonists of the Electric Garden – plug back into the wilderness.
‘Transport’ – the full length effort brings together a set of studio-refined sequences aimed at colonizing some of the dark energy that
pulsates through those areas that are thoroughly electrified, even if not ‘on the grid’.
The Detroit-Berlin axis triangulated to a third point which, like the atomic particle that lives in two places at once, flickers between a
form of techno-charged ambience and a futuristic club-jazz which cannot be broken down into constitutive parts.
Borderland remains caught in a state of enraptured stillness, invisibly moving between every imagined future for electronic sound
making.
The result: a font from which springs serene and exhilarating musical ideas that vibrate with refined energy for sixty seconds in every
minute.
More
TRACKLIST
1. / A1 Transport 07:28
2. / A2 Odyssey 07:28
3. / B1 Lightyears 06:08
4. / B2 2600 06:44
5. / C1 Merkur 04:09
6. / C2 Riod 09:14
7. / D1 Zeolites 10:30
Juan Atkins and Moritz von Oswald – the two indispensable protagonists of the Electric Garden – plug back into the wilderness.
‘Transport’ – the full length effort brings together a set of studio-refined sequences aimed at colonizing some of the dark energy that
pulsates through those areas that are thoroughly electrified, even if not ‘on the grid’.
The Detroit-Berlin axis triangulated to a third point which, like the atomic particle that lives in two places at once, flickers between a
form of techno-charged ambience and a futuristic club-jazz which cannot be broken down into constitutive parts.
Borderland remains caught in a state of enraptured stillness, invisibly moving between every imagined future for electronic sound
making.
The result: a font from which springs serene and exhilarating musical ideas that vibrate with refined energy for sixty seconds in every
minute.
More
1
Juan Atkins & Moritz von Oswald present - Concave 1 07:28
2
Juan Atkins & Moritz von Oswald present - Concave 2 07:28
FORMAT 12“ vinyl, printed sleeve, dl card
TRACKLIST
1. / A Concave 1 07:28
2. / B Concave 2 07:28
The serene source of captivating musical ideas that is Borderland, keeps on flowing and vibrating with subtle energy.
Two versions form a set of studio-refined sequences. Both parts of “Concave” are the ungraspable manifestation of the wild quietness in which the duo finds itself. Predicting at once, possible outcomes for the craft of electronic sound, while respecting their profound origins..
More
TRACKLIST
1. / A Concave 1 07:28
2. / B Concave 2 07:28
The serene source of captivating musical ideas that is Borderland, keeps on flowing and vibrating with subtle energy.
Two versions form a set of studio-refined sequences. Both parts of “Concave” are the ungraspable manifestation of the wild quietness in which the duo finds itself. Predicting at once, possible outcomes for the craft of electronic sound, while respecting their profound origins..
More
1
Al Hirt - Honey Pot
2
Al Hirt - Mess Around
3
Al Hirt - Calypsoul
4
Al Hirt - Long Gone
5
Al Hirt - Sweetlips
6
Al Hirt - Girl
7
Al Hirt - Love Ya' Baby
8
Al Hirt - Sunday-Goin' To Meetin' Time
9
Al Hirt - Snap Back
10
Al Hirt - Harlem Hendoo
11
Al Hirt - Ludwig
Format Notes: 2024 first time vinyl reissue, remastered audio with original artwork, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Honey Pot
A2 Mess Around
A3 Calypsoul
A4 Long Gone
A5 Sweetlips
A6 Girl
B1 Love Ya' Baby
B2 Sunday-Goin' To Meetin' Time
B3 Snap Back
B4 Harlem Hendoo
B5 Ludwig
Release Notes:
Yes, *that* Al Hirt record. Featuring the godlike "Harlem Hendoo", looped unforgettably by De La Soul for the legendary Buhloone Mind State cut, "Ego Trippin' (Part Two)"!
Al Hirt's infamous Soul In The Horn is inextricably tangled up in crate-digger lore. Originally released in 1967, the album has been in heavy, heavy demand for over 30 years, entirely down to the majestic soul-jazz fire of "Harlem Hendoo". And it's a song so good, so vital, so timeless, that it will always tower above everything else in its proximity. This one track alone is worth the price of admission - even if the cost of entry were $100 or even $1000.
However, it would be an error to dismiss this record as merely a one tracker, loaded as it is with dope samples for adventurous beat makers. Certainly the funkiest Al Hirt record, it definitely lives up to the "soul" in the title. Thanks to composer Paul Griffin and arranger Teacho Wiltshire, Hirt got uncharacteristically free and groovy throughout. It comes on more like an obscure KPM library funk record than the easy listening Al was notorious for.
A Louisiana trumpeter and band leader who made Allen Toussaint’s “Java” famous, Al Hirt was also known for TV themes, Dixieland, Swing and being a minority owner of the New Orleans Saints. Unlike every other Al Hirt record - and despite most "diggers" claiming otherwise - this here gem is genuinely hard to come across "in the wild". Normally, you can't give Al Hirt records away, except this particular one, which raises pulses in the crate digging community to life-threatening levels. For every owner claiming to have found their copy for a dollar, there's scores more claiming to have *never* unearthed one in the field. So, paradoxically, you can consider this the most tricky-to-pull "thrift store record", ever. This is why we're finally making it available for everyone, not just those with endless hours to spend scouring the global goodwills!
Soul In The Horn represented an expressive detour into authentic soul-jazz for Al Hirt. Throughout, we're struck by a fierce, fiery energy that's otherwise absent from his typically easy listening work. Without question, the slinky, magical "Harlem Hendoo" is the standout, here. It's also the reason why the record is so scarce and commands awe among crate diggers, sounding like something from an obscure and deeply revered spiritual jazz record. As is often the case, the true genius of the song is tricky to do justice to; it's like a minor miracle of songwriting and performance that simply swooned down from the heavens on the back of horns, bells and harpsichord. It's one of the sweetest musical compositions ever recorded inside a studio - it's only failing is that it's just too short. Sampled brilliantly by De La Soul, it has also been used by The Roots for "Stay Cool" and Nightmares On Wax for "Damn".
The rest of the record makes for a mighty fine listen. From the opening cover of Booker T. & The MG's "Honey Pot", to the propulsive, ultra-funky "Mess Around", it's nothing but a good time. Given its title, the elegant stepper "Calypsoul" sounds exactly as you'd hope whilst the melancholic, wistful "Long Gone" hurts so good. Truly, this is just dying to be looped up, Al's muted playing capturing a soulful longing only horns can often achieve. The bluesy, slo-mo swing of "Sweetlips" oscillates between cool disaffection and swelling pride whilst the graceful, low-key funky "Girl" closes out the A-Side in the fine style. Ushering in the B-Side, the brief but brilliant strut of "Love Ya' Baby" shines brightly before the skipping funky-jazz of true highlight "Sunday-Goin' To Meetin' Time" demands both your attention and your dancing shoes. The mellifluous piano-funk of bass and horn-drenched "Snap Back" serves as the sumptuous prelude to "Harlem Hendoo"'s main character energy before the irrepressible, upbeat R&B of "Ludwig" closes out this quite remarkable album. An album deserving of a place in every serious record collection.
The audio for Soul In The Horn has been carefully remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring it sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The original sleeve has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue. This is after-hours music. Let it speak for itself. Listen. Listen to the soul in Al Hirt's horn.
More
Track List:
A1 Honey Pot
A2 Mess Around
A3 Calypsoul
A4 Long Gone
A5 Sweetlips
A6 Girl
B1 Love Ya' Baby
B2 Sunday-Goin' To Meetin' Time
B3 Snap Back
B4 Harlem Hendoo
B5 Ludwig
Release Notes:
Yes, *that* Al Hirt record. Featuring the godlike "Harlem Hendoo", looped unforgettably by De La Soul for the legendary Buhloone Mind State cut, "Ego Trippin' (Part Two)"!
Al Hirt's infamous Soul In The Horn is inextricably tangled up in crate-digger lore. Originally released in 1967, the album has been in heavy, heavy demand for over 30 years, entirely down to the majestic soul-jazz fire of "Harlem Hendoo". And it's a song so good, so vital, so timeless, that it will always tower above everything else in its proximity. This one track alone is worth the price of admission - even if the cost of entry were $100 or even $1000.
However, it would be an error to dismiss this record as merely a one tracker, loaded as it is with dope samples for adventurous beat makers. Certainly the funkiest Al Hirt record, it definitely lives up to the "soul" in the title. Thanks to composer Paul Griffin and arranger Teacho Wiltshire, Hirt got uncharacteristically free and groovy throughout. It comes on more like an obscure KPM library funk record than the easy listening Al was notorious for.
A Louisiana trumpeter and band leader who made Allen Toussaint’s “Java” famous, Al Hirt was also known for TV themes, Dixieland, Swing and being a minority owner of the New Orleans Saints. Unlike every other Al Hirt record - and despite most "diggers" claiming otherwise - this here gem is genuinely hard to come across "in the wild". Normally, you can't give Al Hirt records away, except this particular one, which raises pulses in the crate digging community to life-threatening levels. For every owner claiming to have found their copy for a dollar, there's scores more claiming to have *never* unearthed one in the field. So, paradoxically, you can consider this the most tricky-to-pull "thrift store record", ever. This is why we're finally making it available for everyone, not just those with endless hours to spend scouring the global goodwills!
Soul In The Horn represented an expressive detour into authentic soul-jazz for Al Hirt. Throughout, we're struck by a fierce, fiery energy that's otherwise absent from his typically easy listening work. Without question, the slinky, magical "Harlem Hendoo" is the standout, here. It's also the reason why the record is so scarce and commands awe among crate diggers, sounding like something from an obscure and deeply revered spiritual jazz record. As is often the case, the true genius of the song is tricky to do justice to; it's like a minor miracle of songwriting and performance that simply swooned down from the heavens on the back of horns, bells and harpsichord. It's one of the sweetest musical compositions ever recorded inside a studio - it's only failing is that it's just too short. Sampled brilliantly by De La Soul, it has also been used by The Roots for "Stay Cool" and Nightmares On Wax for "Damn".
The rest of the record makes for a mighty fine listen. From the opening cover of Booker T. & The MG's "Honey Pot", to the propulsive, ultra-funky "Mess Around", it's nothing but a good time. Given its title, the elegant stepper "Calypsoul" sounds exactly as you'd hope whilst the melancholic, wistful "Long Gone" hurts so good. Truly, this is just dying to be looped up, Al's muted playing capturing a soulful longing only horns can often achieve. The bluesy, slo-mo swing of "Sweetlips" oscillates between cool disaffection and swelling pride whilst the graceful, low-key funky "Girl" closes out the A-Side in the fine style. Ushering in the B-Side, the brief but brilliant strut of "Love Ya' Baby" shines brightly before the skipping funky-jazz of true highlight "Sunday-Goin' To Meetin' Time" demands both your attention and your dancing shoes. The mellifluous piano-funk of bass and horn-drenched "Snap Back" serves as the sumptuous prelude to "Harlem Hendoo"'s main character energy before the irrepressible, upbeat R&B of "Ludwig" closes out this quite remarkable album. An album deserving of a place in every serious record collection.
The audio for Soul In The Horn has been carefully remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring it sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The original sleeve has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue. This is after-hours music. Let it speak for itself. Listen. Listen to the soul in Al Hirt's horn.
More