The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble HHV Records 12 Items

Gemini Maroon Vinyl Edition

LP | 2025 | US | Original (Colemine)

Release: 2025 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Preorder shipping from 2025-03-28

In Latin, the word Gemini denotes "two together" or "twins". In astrological terms, Geminis are noted for, amongst other things, being curious and versatile. For San Diego's 9-piece (mostly) instrumental combo The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, Jazz and Funk have always been the two genres that they've consistently and effectively melded together, forming the bedrock of their sound. Exercising their stylistic curiosity and versatility, they've expanded upon this foundation on their new 11-song long player for Colemine Records. Recorded between late 2021 and early 2024 at The Kitchen II in their homebase of Lemon Grove, California, SFSE steer their "introspective party music" into fresh sonic realms. While their breakbeat-heavy brand of funk-soul-jazz is still the cornerstone of their sound, as displayed in tunes such as "Makin' Moves", "TheGrifter" & "Don't Trip", they've begun to take more and more cues from library music labels such as KPM Music, spiritually-leaning jazz labels such as Tribe & Black Jazz Records and exotica-adjacent jazz artists such as Cal Tjader and Dorothy Ashby. Now leaning more into the "introspective" part of their sound, particularly on "Mother Earth", "Freddie" and the title track, they evoke the spirits of Freddie Hubbard, Phil Ranelin, Wendell Harrison, Bubbha Thomas, Chester Thompson and even Cannonball Adderley at his headiest & most cosmic (listen to Adderley's "Soul Zodiac" & "Soul of The Bible" albums for reference). "Corporatocracy" takes it a step further with an extended tabla solo, which floats in and rides the percussive wave before kicking into its funk-driven, modal vibe. With their current lineup of Tim Felten on keys, Jake Najor on drums, Omar Lopez on bass, Kiko Cornejo Jr on conga/percussion, Aquiles "Lito" Magana on guitar, Wili Fleming on trombone, Sheryll Felten on percussion, and both Jesse Audelo & Travis Klein on saxophone & flute, SFSE maintains their commitment to keeping it funky, but dares to go where they haven't gone before and, as a result, breaks intriguing...

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Gemini Black Vinyl Edition

LP | 2025 | US | Original (Colemine)

Release: 2025 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Live At Panama 66 Orange Vinyl Edition

LP | 2023 | US | Original (All-Town Sound)

Release: 2023 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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It seems that the "Live" record is mostly an art form of the past. In the diaspora of funk, soul, and jazz music, we have so many legendary live albums we can reference, from Cannonball Adderley, Jimmy Smith, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway_ the list is endless really. We present Sfse's first outing in this noble arena. "Live at Panama 66" showcases songs from Sfse's first 4 LPs as well as some choice cover tunes. The record was performed and recorded live in a beautiful outdoor setting in San Diego, CA. It was indeed a picture perfect Mother's Day in Balboa Park, with Sfse throwing down their uniquely funky, cinematic vibes. We hope you enjoy it.

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Live At Panama 66 Black Vinyl Edition

LP | 2023 | US | Original (All-Town Sound)

Release: 2023 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Step Down Opaque Cream Vinyl Edition

LP | 2022 | EU | Reissue (Colemine)

26,99 €*

Release: 2022 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble are definitely on a roll coming off of their thirdLP, Build Bridges, which debuted at #1 on Billboard's Contemporary JazzChart. Their new and fourth LP, Step Down, is a direct reflection of theheavy times they were written and recorded in. Covid-19, two Presidentialimpeachment trials, the George Floyd murder and resulting social unrest, aseditious attempt to subvert the democratic process at The Capitol_With titles like Step Down, The Other Side, Time To Rebuild, Omnificent,Love Age, and In Common, SFSE uses their music to beautifully paint apicture of societal woes, but also points toward the solution and a betterworld. Heavy Cinematic Soul, spiritual Jazz-Funk, upbeat Afro-Funk, anddeeply introspective rare-groove cuts lace this ten-track transmissionvessel. SFSE is deeply defined by the sum of their influences, but alwayshave their eye focused beyond the horizon as well.We think this album will capture your heart immediately, but also providethe depth for discovery upon repeated listens. SFSE have made a truestatement here, and we are very proud to present Step Down to the world.

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CD | 2019 | US | Original (Colemine)

Build Bridges

14,99 €*

Release: 2019 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Build Bridges combines stellar musicianship with unlimited drive and lag proof swing-ability. You can hear the maturity of their sound, which inadvertently allows you to appreciate their previous recordings even more. They're all in the same ballpark yet seem to be on a completely different playing field. Tim Felten's lineup not only shows his keen ability to pick top choice artists, but also shows his sense of direction and investment to high quality musicians. The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble is a staple of the west cost soul/jazz/funk scene and with their third LP, they solidify their position. Heavy grooves and drums, with top tier musicianship and writing. Build Bridges is just as sophisticated as it is soulful and funky! FOR FANS OF Menahan Street Band, The Budos Band, Antibalas, El Michels Affair.

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Build Bridges Black Vinyl Edition

LP | 2019 | US | Original (Colemine)

Release: 2019 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Out On The Coast Black Vinyl Version

LP | 2016 | US | Reissue (Colemine)

Release: 2016 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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San Diego's own The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble is back with their sophomore LP “Out On The Coast”. Cinematic soul is the order of the day from this west coast group. Covering a lot of soulful territory here: deep funk, soul jazz, breakbeats, and more! The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble is a heavy, original, instrumental soul band based in San Diego. They draw influence from the masters of the style from the past and modern day, including: The Meters, Isaac Hayes, El Michels Affair, Mulatu Astatke, Budos Band, The Nite Liters, Menahan Street Band, Fela Kuti and The Poets of Rhythm. In June of 2015 they released their debut self titledalbum on Colemine Records. The band has shared the stage with Lee Fields and the Expressions, New Mastersounds, Monophonics, Kamasi Washington, and many other touring bands. They perform live regularly all over California and worldwide.

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Out On The Coast Orange Vinyl Version

LP | 2016 | US | Original (Colemine)

32,39 €* 35,99 € -10%

Release: 2016 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Jeannie's Getdown / A Message From The Meters

7" | 2016 | US | Original (Colemine)

10,99 €*

Release: 2016 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 2015 | US | Original (Colemine)

26,99 €*