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To celebrate 10 years of one of London’s most loved underground club nights, Tangent, Mr Bongo are thrilled to launch this new compilation series. Crafted by its two residents, John Gómez and Nick the Record, it aims to transmit a taste of Tangent’s spirit. A party rooted in inclusivity and open-mindedness, whose name captures the spontaneous switches in musical direction that are a defining element of their nights. For the compilation, the pair have cherry-picked a selection of their prized, rare and dancefloor-ready tracks from around the globe, that have soundtracked the past decade of parties.

Friends for close to 20 years, music lovers, record obsessives and internationally renowned DJs in their own right, John and Nick have two lifetimes worth of musical knowledge to draw from. John a long-standing NTS Radio resident and compiler for Music From Memory. Nick one of the UK’s go-to record dealers, resident DJ since the ‘90s at one of Japan’s pioneering parties, Life Force, and co-captain / co-edit-expert of Record Mission with Dan Tyler (Idjut Boys).

In 2014, the pair decided to bring some of Life Force’s grassroots principles to the UK, whilst channelling underground clubbing institution Plastic People’s meticulous attitude to sound. Tangent grew from being a small gathering of friends, to an established fixture in London’s nightlife, whilst always maintaining a strict no guest DJ policy. “As London’s clubs have become increasingly reliant on international guests, we wanted to emphasize the importance of a club night growing through its residents”, John and Nick reflect. With 10 years of the duo at the helm, an intimate connection between DJ and dancefloor has been built, allowing for freedom of expression on both sides of the decks.

Tangent reaches around the globe and across different eras to make connections that stimulate emotional reverberations in the unfamiliar. Where the blissfully Balearic ‘Laberinto’ by Miguel Perikás, goes hand-in-hand with the Cameroonian hip-house of King B.’s ‘Love is Crazy’. The thundering ‘Amek Amek’ by L'Innovateur Djoe Ahmed et le Zoukabyle, rubs shoulders with the soulful Caribbean-influenced touch of Champagn’s ‘Bel Ti Négress’. And Pellegrin El Kady’s afro-cosmic ‘Seiva de Carnaval’, crosses paths with Kajou’s Kompa disco anthem ‘Tet Chajé’.

Tangent’s longevity is in part down to it having always embraced contemporary sounds. The sub-rattling bass of Srirajah Sound System’s stunning Molam dub stepper ‘Si Phan Don Lovers Rock’ and the slow, woozy mantra of leftfield dancehall explorer Androo’s ‘Lyriso’, are two shining examples.

This compilation represents an ongoing dialogue between past and present, transporting listeners to the heart of a pure musical experience, where open minds and open hearts are eager to follow the tangent.

After more than a decade of honing their prodigious improv chops, the Seattle trio enters the musical underground with their magnum opus, poised to be heard by true heads worldwide. Longtime Afrocop fans know, they are inveterate sonic chameleons. They’ve been fine tuning their chops for over a decade on the live circuit, playing everything from corporate gigs to psychedelic-music festivals to residencies at classy Italian restaurants and wine bars, and in many spaces in-between. No matter the setting in which they flex their dynamic creativity, keyboardist Noel Brass Jr., drummer Andy Sells, and bassist Carlos Tulloss flaunt an uncanny versatility: they can beautify the background like ambient masters, get up with it à la Miles Davis’ filthiest electric-era band, or fling you into deepest, fusionoid space on a nanosecond’s notice.

Freestyle Records drop a killer UK soul/early street soul reissue LP from 1988, in the form of Rick Clarke's hard to come by 'Time Keeps Moving On' album.

Delights imprint returns after a long break with a special new treat from the label's head confectioner - Markey Funk!

On his first solo 7'' in four years, Markey blends cinematic funk, baroque psych and ghostly electronica to craft two cuts of quintessential Delights sound: sinister floor-killer "Barrier" and the haunting chase theme "Chronoscope" on the flip.

Late night `60s R&B caught on tape at JimKirchstein's jack-of-all genres Cuca studio.Re- leased on minuscule pressings into theWiscon- sin wilderness, these 26 sasquatchraretracks uncover the soulful paths betweenthe Chicago, Milw aukee, Rockford, andRockford scenes. Featuring Harvey Scales,Step By Step, Betty Moorer, Seven Sounds,Twiliters, Birdlegs & Pauline, Esquires, Artie& The Pharaohs, and Fantastic Six, this 2xlptell s an alternate his- tory of soul music thatcould only happen in the Hinterl ands onHighway 12.

Late night `60s R&B caught on tape at JimKirchstein's jack-of-all genres Cuca studio.Re- leased on minuscule pressings into theWiscon- sin wilderness, these 26 sasquatchraretracks uncover the soulful paths betweenthe Chicago, Milw aukee, Rockford, andRockford scenes. Featuring Harvey Scales,Step By Step, Betty Moorer, Seven Sounds,Twiliters, Birdlegs & Pauline, Esquires, Artie& The Pharaohs, and Fantastic Six, this 2xlptell s an alternate his- tory of soul music thatcould only happen in the Hinterl ands onHighway 12.

Long-awaited 7" release of the 4th collaboration work between Lagheads and Himi, "Dance feat. Himi"! The B-side features a remix version by Hikaru Arata of Wonk! A four-member super Jam/pop band, each member of which is also active in live performances and recordings for many artists. The long-awaited 7" release of mellow & groovy city soul featuring falsetto voice, which allows you to fully enjoy Himi's world view.

Following a big indemand of my productions 2010 on CD & 2016 on VINYL,
this lovely LP was repressed again with another cover. This unreleased album is a project by Henry Horne from archive tapes recorded during 1982+1984

** Unreleased Dyke & THE Blazers-cover Funk Bomb **
Taken from the forthcoming "Movements Vol.12" compilation album, "Funky Broadway" by The Villagers has never been released - until now. The B-side features the Garage-Rock cut "You're My Baby (Don't You Forget It)" from 1966, the same year as Dyke & The Blazers recorded the original version of "Funky Broadway".

The deeply rooted funk spirit is alive and well in Canada's prolific funk-producing area, and The Sidewinders' most sought-after funk album, "Flatfoot Hustlin'," is making a long-awaited reissue with an obi. Apart from the fact that it was recorded in the same studio as Professor Lett AND STUDY's "love Serenade" at the time, the details of this album were shrouded in mystery. It gained attention among diggers when it adorned the cover of the rare groove/deep funk collector's bible, "Funky & Groovy Music Records Lexicon."

Featuring floor-pounding funky tunes like "I Like To Dance" and "Flat Foot Hustlin','' guaranteed to lift the dance floor, as well as a recommendable slow number for the sweet tea fans, "Time For Loving," and a heavy funk with a low center of gravity, "Gift to the Sun." Every track on this album is top-notch, making it a must-have for funk enthusiasts.

A Detroit resident, William Odell Hughes is a much-loved street educated singer-songwriter and music composer. As a regular passenger riding to work on the Detroit East Side bus route in the early eighties, he met jazz pianist Pamela Wise who also rode the bus to work every day and who he noticed was always reading music. Pamela told him about saxophonist, clarinetist, and producer Wendell Harrison (founder of the legendary Tribe collective and a regular collaborator of Pamela Wise). She introduced Odell to Wendell, who was impressed with William’s compositions and felt that it would be a great project for release on his WenHa record label.

Hughes and Harrison began producing and recording the album to be called “Cruisin”featuring musical arrangements by both Wendell Harrison and Pamela Wise. This album (released in 1981) was the first recording for Hughes and the beginning of a long musical journey that continues to this day. Cruisin’ features an all-star line-up that includes Andrew Gibson (The Counts), Pamela Wise (Tribe) and award-winning Detroit Jazz icon Wendell Harrison...all doing their bit and making this a monster of an album!

William Odell Hughes’ debut album has all the best characteristics of an 80s album: it’s filled with funky playful beats and has excellent soulful honey-dipped vocals. On Cruisin’ the listener is treated to both mellow soul sounds and electrifying disco boogie (that’ll make even the shyest of club goers want to get up and dance) and Wendell Harrison’s instantly recognizable flute-playing and synth pads give the record a warm, relaxed groove. Prepare yourself for funky vibes, cool soothing feet-tapping rhythms, fantastic interplays on vocal tempos...all backed by a beautiful array of soulful synthesized and cosmic music.

References to universal awareness are plentiful throughout and the spirituality of The Tribe remains a constant undertone; a gentle reminder of WenHa’s roots. With a sound like this, it’s no wonder that this album has long been considered a grail for crate diggers around the world. All of the above makes this incredible record both timeless and as relevant today as it was back when it was initially released.

Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first ever vinyl reissue of this rare funk & soul album (original copies go for large amounts on the second-hand market) originally released in 1981 on WenHa records. This unique record comes as a deluxe 180g vinyl edition (strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide) with obi strip. This vinyl edition also features the original photography by acclaimed British photographer Brian Smith known for his work with artists such as Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry and John Lee Hooker.

140g vinyl, remastered, double LP with the original LP along with a second record of 14 rare tracks Sweet And Nice is the vital debut album from Jamaica’s undisputed first lady of song Marica Griffiths. It’s reggae at its most soulful. Slinking through a tight ten tracks of R&B and pop-sourced material, it became an instant best seller. 45 years after its initial release the LP is available again on vinyl, now as a double LP, with an extra record collecting 14 rare tracks.

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.

Ubiquity Review by Jason Ankeny. Roy Ayers' leap to the Polydor label inaugurates his music's evolution away from the more traditional jazz of his earlier Atlantic LPs toward the infectious, funk-inspired fusion that still divides critics and fans even decades after the fact. Although Ubiquity maintains one foot in Ayers' hard bop origins, the record favors soulful grooves and sun-kissed textures that flirt openly and unapologetically with commercial tastes. Several cuts feature the male/female vocals that would become a hallmark of subsequent Ubiquity efforts, while mid-tempo instrumentals like "Pretty Brown Skin" and "The Painted Desert" feature evocatively cinematic arrangements and intriguing solos that unfurl like psychedelic freak flags. The crack supporting cast including bassist John Williams, keyboardist Harry Whitaker, and drummer Alphonso Mouzon proves equally effective on high-energy numbers like "Can You Dig It" and the Nat Adderley-penned "Hummin' in the Sun" which point the way to the mind-expanding funk Ayers would perfect across the sessions to follow. An outstanding record.

‘sunny Day’ PRO UNO presented by THE Regime Smooth loved-up and sun kissed soul, melting over jazzy road-trip and summertime vinyl dust. The Regime’s sophomore release is strictly vintage, playfully psychedelic, smothered in funky soul, and irrefutably ‘on the One’. Spawned from 70s soul, jazz and funk, combined with the plethora of free time the covid pandemic demanded, THE Regime’s jazzy-soul outfit PRO UNO rose from the ashes, dousing the public with a whiff of the good ol’ days, where music was real, authentic and pure. Their 70s aesthetic and full in house production combines sounds reminiscent of Al Green, Steely Dan, Bill Withers and America, to create a state of total nostalgia and peace love n harmony vibes. This iteration of the Funk Collective THE Regime is their most exciting and tasteful project yet. Expanding on the original hip hop, funk niche, ‘sunny Day’ in undeniably one for all, and indeed all for one.

Triple LP of more deep soul hits and obscurities. Powerful stuff! Full color 28 page 12 X 12” booklet included. Housed in a gold foil embossed cover.

Soul Direction are pleased to announce a new member of the Family “Contempo Soul” series. This label will showcase more contemporary sounding soul from independent artists. Our first offering in conjunction with Kevin Edwards III, and with the help of Dave Thorley. The Keved Project (Feat. Delbert Nelson) – “Life Has Been a Thief” / “Spread Love” – Sdco-1001. Edwards was born in Hamtramck, Michigan in 1959. As a young boy listening to Jimi Hendrix play guitar on Band of Gypsies, he knew he wanted to be a guitar player. By 16 Edwards, was playing in a high school band and at local cabarets. In 1979 Edwards played with Sons, a local jazz band. The group played Top 40s in local venues and eventually opened for the nationally renowned group, Brainstorm, which recorded on the CBS label. Sons and Brainstorm merged in 1980. When Brainstorm broke up in the early '80s Edwards freelanced with several local groups. His career took a turn in 1984 when he began writing and recording his own music. Edwards drew from his experiences and the R & B and jazz classics he'd grown up listening to as his inspiration for writing. Two years later in 1986, Edwards expanded his skills even further when he started producing young local talent. He and a partner produced Rhapsody, a rap group that released several singles on the Giant Record Label. The year 1998 saw the beginning of a new era for Edwards when he and long-time friends Darryl Lee and Greg Nance formed Ground Level. Ground Level enjoyed tremendous success, opening for the Isley Brothers, LL Cool J, Roy Ayers, Ronnie Laws and the funk group Slave. The band received accolades and grew in popularity. In 2003 the band changed its name to Level Rizon, signifying its new status and the fact that they are no longer at "ground level." Level Rizon took a year off of performing to produce That Vibe. With That Vibe Edwards feels he has started a whole new genre of music he calls "NuUrban Soul." He describes NuUrban Soul as a unique blend of jazz-fusion and R & B that has not failed to delight audiences of all walks of life. Kevin has performed with the late Michael Henderson (r/b recording artist known for You are my Starship, Sending a Valentine, Wide Receiver) in 2014. Kevin has also has a certificate in Audio Engineering from the Recording Institute of Detroit, Associates of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from Lawrence Technological University, and Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from ITT Tech. Kevin built, and operates his own recording studio, and is continuously writing and recording new music. Kevin Edwards wants to make real music. "These days you don't hear a whole lot of quality music," said Edwards. "I wanted to make music like we listened to in the '70s. Authentic music with real instruments, not machines with a lot of programming and sampling."

Selector Series are back with more holy grail goodness, this time in the form of early 80’s boogie from Detroit.

Gene Dunlap was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He began his music career at age four when his father taught him to play the drums, honing his craft at Detroit Mumford High School. He went onto perform with Roy Ayers before releasing two solo albums in 1981, It’s Just The Way I Feel & Party In Me.

Les Disques Bongo Joe are proud to be home of the new volume of DJ soFa"s well known curation work Elsewhere series with Elsewhere CC! This ninth exploration of our beloved Bruxelles based cratedigger and producer (Mameen 3, Nyati Mayi & The astral Synth Transmitters, ...) is an ode to summer and groove!The ninth edition in the Elsewhere series is a real digger"s paradise of tropical gems, from Trinidad to Brazil, Poland, Dominica, and beyond. The compilation is an eclectic mix of outernational, tropical-wave, Calypso, multi-rhythmic percussive beats, lo-fi disco jams, and other such styles that lie somewhere in that magical in-between zone. Compiled by Brussels-based DJ, tastemaker and producer soFa, Elsewhere Vol.9 CC is a perfect collection of Balearic, good-vibe, sunshine rarities, to soundtrack a cocktail session on a reclusive, tropical beach, featuring rare tunes and some of the artist"s own unique productions and collaborations.

LRK are excited to announce their next full album release Lrklp-08

'all I Ever Wonder' By Johnny Burgos

Available on Lp/cd/digital

Singer, songwriter, and producer Johnny Burgos converges with veteran soul producer, Jeremy Page, (Kendra Morris, Czarface, MF Doom) to offer their first joint album together titled, 'All I Ever Wonder.' The album is a vividly vulnerable and honest effort by Burgos, lyrically and vocally, supported effortlessly by Page's masterful production. The pairing of the two seems meant to be, with a sound steeped in retro soul techniques, the album is equal parts novelty and nostalgia, equalling a timelessness that speaks to the humanity in all of us. All I Ever Wonder will be released on Vinyl, CD and all digital platforms on Friday, June 28th, 2024 via UK-based Soul label LRK Records.

Johnny - "Jeremy and I have been ships passing in the night for years now. However, our first official collaboration was a 2021 remix of my song The Grey, which featured his long-time co-collaborator Kendra Morris. From the get-go, the musical chemistry was strong, so we took a shot at writing some original tunes. Since then, we've locked in on a creative groove and churned out a bunch of material. As we learned how to complement each other's musical strengths, the project took on more form and purpose, exploring heavier subject matter and expanding its range of genres. I'm pretty sure that's what makes this project so fun for us, and possibly what the early gatekeepers and listeners resonated with most. Neither of us expected such a reception to the music, which only made us more excited to hone in with more intention towards a goal. This also allowed me to bring more raw ideas to the table and have the confidence in Jeremy to hear the potential, then work his magic to extrapolate on my foundation. The teamwork in this effort was inspiring as we listened and referred to each other in every step of the process, and had a crew of killer musicians on deck for when we needed the extra feels on some joints.

We worked really hard on this record and hope it reconnects our listeners to being human in a visceral way. It's accessible, honest, and soulful because I wanted it to speak to anyone who still wants music to relate to. Music to help you through the valleys, to celebrate the peaks, and handle everything in between. It's a journey of the soul that explores ego, insecurity, love, loss, survival, enlightenment and trusting the process. It's truly 'All I Ever Wonder.' "

"All I Ever Wonder" will have its digital release through LRK Records on all platforms on Friday, June 28th, 2024.

Johnny Burgos is a Brooklyn - born singer, songwriter, producer & engineer. His brand of future-soul embodies a raw uncompromising sound revealing beauty from pain, hope from despair, and the will to keep fighting. Especially influenced by his uncle and world-class percussionist, Andre Martinez, Johnny grew a fascination with the percussive rhythms of salsa and soul music, eventually manifesting into a devoted passion for Hip Hop production using an Akai MPC. With influences from Michael Jackson, OutKast, J Dilla, Lauryn Hill and D'Angelo, Johnny's music draws upon the core principles of R&B, while encompassing elements of Hip Hop, Funk, Pop, Salsa and Reggae.

Johnny has collaborated with DJ Skizz, for Mobb Deep & M.O.P., Marco Polo, Frans Mernick, Liza Colby (The Gold Setting) and led his band Bridge City Hustle, with whom he toured nationally.

As a solo artist Johnny debuted with back-to-back brand endorsements from French's Mustard and Samsung US, using them as a platform to launch his 2018 EP 'Love Through it All.' His debut album 'Gone Into The Grey' was released to critical acclaim in March of 2021 and has since been added to multiple editorial playlists by Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal, creating exponential growth. In 2022, Burgos' song 'Wild About You' was heard as the soundtrack to Neiman Marcus' "It's Your Moment" global streaming campaign. Johnny's currently amid promoting his latest album, The Tangent Tape, performing with his band The Butter, recording new collaborations and preparing his upcoming LP with Jeremy Page & LRK Records.
credits
releases June 28, 2024

Reissue of seminal HDH release from Detroit born vocalist Freda Payne Released in 1970 on the Motown break off label Holland Dozier Holland a partnership between former Motown songwriters Eddie and Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier Band of Gold was a huge commercial success for the label

Features the classic singles Unhooked Generation and Band of Gold a single that sold over 2 million copies and became a gold record

Textbook female vocal soul with a post Motown sound signature, the most commercially successful and widely recognised album that Freda Payne ever released

Repressed on 140 g Gold vinyl as part of the Demon Music Group HDH reissue series with an obi strip and a printed inner, featuring a new liner note from Soul Trilogy author Stewart Cosgrove

Newly remastered audio from Phil Kinrade at AIR studios

Reissued for the first time on limited gold vinyl

To say that The Sinseers play oldies would be a misnomer. Fronted by bandleader and son of East Los Angeles Joey Quiniones, the group has quietly chipped away at the sounds of R&B and soul for the last half-decade. Quinones and his crew have continuously created a distinctive vibe that explores all aspects of a timeless genre, bringing together their interpretation of music through an unmistakable modern lens.With their most recent effort, the aptly titled Sinseerly Yours (Colemine 2023), the band recorded most of the album live in the studio. With Quinones on vocals and keys, vocalist Adriana Flores, Christopher Manjarrez on bass, Francisco Floreson on guitar, Bryan Ponce on guitar and vocals, Luis Carpio on drums and vocals, saxophonists Eric Johnson and Steve Surman, and Jose Luis Jimenez on trombone, The Sinseers achieves their most fully realized sound to date.All of the album's stunning tracks were recorded in a converted studio space in Rialto, California, known as Second Hand Sounds. The converted studio space, which used to be a dentist's office, allowed the group to experiment with their sound like never before - this time, the group managed to take a series of big swings, only to emerge with a fuller, more pronounced version of themselves. Despite those new strides, the band remains wholly committed to its sonic aesthetic while injecting its brand of vibrant 21st-century cool.Of course, the group has never been the type to shy away from their influences as they expertly toggle between 60s pop vis-à-vie early Beatles records to obscure dancehall Jamaican tunes - all fully extrapolated and reinterpreted through modern Chicano soul sound that the group has built their everlasting repertoire on.Quinones and bandmates have continued to apply what they've learned from their previous releases and their relentless touring schedule throughout the country. It's clear here that the work is paying off, putting to practice their musical chops thoroughly with all members expertly honing their sound. The m...

"Love Can't Be Borrowed" by The Sextones produced by Kelly Finnigan - one of the soul albums of 2023 - gets a reissue on limited edition clear vinyl. 500 copies only, instant collector's item.

New 2024 reissue. From the LP 'Melody of Life' (Cat 2614).

Exactly the same as the original pressing but the cat on the label has yellow eyes as opposed to red.

Yet another solid Soul/Funk nugget lifted from the vaults of Miami's CAT Records (Another T.K. Disco subsidiary).

Often sampled, re-edited & re-jigged but never bettered! Gwen McCrae's all time classic "All This Love I'm Giving" finally see's a timely repress, just as God intended, on a dinked 45 with all original artwork intact! That's right, you may recognize this number from Cassius' 1999 hit "Feelin' For You" but this track has long been a staple of rare groove dances & sophisticated soul parties with discerning DJ's & selectors clamoring for the original 45 at any cost.

Backed here with it's original b-side slow jam "Maybe I'll Find Somebody New" this rare 45 has been re-mastered, re-pressed & brought back for 2015's dance-floors in conjunction & with the permission of T.K. Disco / Henry Stone Music, Miami USA.

Gloria Scott’s ‘What Am I Gonna Do’ is considered by many as one of the greatest soul records of all time. A masterpiece produced by Barry White, that oozes class, lush instrumentation and the remarkle vocal talent and emotive delivery of Ms Scott.

From the impecable opener ‘What Am I Gonna Do’ through to the Modern Soul scenes favourite, ‘(A Case Of) Too Much Love Makin’, nearly every cut on the LP is a classic.

An extremely rare LP since it’s release in 1974, with original copies changing hands for over £100. Now 50 years on it has been officially licenced & lovingly reissued by the Selector Series label and arguably an LP every Soul fan needs in their collection.

Mazz Swift (they/them), the composer, conductor, bandleader, educator, singer, and Juilliard-trained violinist who weaves classic African-American musics, electronica, and mindfulness into their music, releases "No More" from their upcoming debut solo album The 10000 Things: PRAISE SONGS for the iRiligious via New Amsterdam Records.

Introducing X-Ray Ted's debut album 'Moving On', a testament to years spent honing his craft and refining his signature sound. Seamlessly blending Funk, Soul, Hip Hop, Beats and Breaks, X-Ray Ted delivers a collection that encapsulates his diverse influences as both a producer and turntablist who is endlessly crate digging for hidden gems. From the infectious opening guitar riff to the final beat, it is clear that 'Moving On' promises an experience that is as engaging as it is dancefloor focused. Each track showcases X-Ray Ted's innate ability to re-interpret vintage sounds from decades past, offering listeners something that is both alluringly familiar and refreshingly new.

X-Ray Ted is not alone in creating his musical vision. He is joined by Hip Hop royalty in the form Jungle Brother's Afrika Baby Bam, Jurassic 5's Fullee Love (aka Soup), and UK MCs Dr Syntax and Professor Elemental. Adding soulful depth and irresistible hooks to the mix are the vocals from fellow Bristolian Carys Abigail. Together, they effortlessly bridge the gap between retro 60's vibes and contemporary beats, creating something that is truly timeless, celebrating the past while embracing the future.

Kon AKA King of Nothing, mastermind behind many brilliant multitrack edits unleashes 2 brilliant mashup gems. 'Soul Bright' featuring Madonna’s beaming Lucky Star vocals blended over Saucy Lady’s 'Soul Amplified' instrumentation pulled from her 2021 Delirious EP, and 'Watchin’', Rockwell meets Saucy Lady mashup.

The Rockwell vocals adds to that intoxicating Mtume- like harmonies originally set by producer Yuki 'u-key' Kanesaka on The Garden, a track that was also released off of Saucy Lady's Delirious record that just got a tasty rework. Already dance floor tested and audience- approved with guaranteed dippin' quality.

Saint Louis based Piscean Group return with a 45 showcasing their future funk jazz sound

Led and produced as always by Osunlade (Yoruba Records), this ever evolving group provide two new tracks; the first “Finger It Out” a driving groove punctuated by explosive horns and an irresistible drop, backed with “Kushti”, a beautiful downtempo meditative jam with loping beat and spaced out guitar licks that transports you to a new time and space.

Limited to 200 copies.

Relaxin & dubby and super comfortable! This is a great acoustic cover of Minnie Riperton's classic song.

Minnie Riperton is a singer/songwriter with a laid-back sound and a "neo-surf music" theme. The cover of "Lovin You" was released on 7" in December 2023. The coupling includes an instrumental version that has never been distributed!

Renowned Berlin-based music discovery platform ColorsxSTUDIOS will release their new vinyl compilation album, ‘MOVE:FEEL1’, just in time for the holidays.

The limited-edition double disc gatefold vinyl will feature 16 beloved A Colors Show tracks, both recent and from the archive, including London-based rapper Kwengface’s ‘Freedom’ that was released earlier this year, critically-acclaimed Malian artist Fatoumata Diawara’s ‘Nterini’ from 2019, and Dominican-Italian star YEИDRY’s breakout 2020 hit ‘Nena’.

The album is truly international—it will feature songs sung in six different languages (including English, Swedish, German, Bambara, French, Vietnamese, and Spanish) and represent artists from 15 different countries across the world.

‘MOVE:FEEL1’ reflects and celebrates the launch of Colors’ new ‘move’ and ‘feel’ playlists that are now available across all DSPs. Updated monthly, these playlists will curate Colors’ genre fluid output into cohesive listening experiences that cater for varying emotional states.

The songs on the ‘move’ playlist—and hence on the ‘move’ sides of the vinyl—are uptempo, bold, sexy and energetic, and aim to set the tone for daring and unapologetic enjoyment. In contrast, the tracks on the ‘feel’ playlist and discs are downtempo and emotive. They are for relaxation, and to help listeners contemplate their internal and external environments

Designed by Colors’ in-house creative team, the vinyl cover is mirrored, meaning its appearance adapts depending on the light and colors it reflects. This was an important decision to ensure the cover represents all of the featured artists, who all performed their A Colors ShowS against different colored backdrops. The mirrored material also enables the audience to literally (and hopefully metaphorically) see themselves in the album.

Each side of the mirrored cover is adorned differently: while the “move” side features embossed lines, stripes and slashes indicative of motion, the more introverted “feel” side is debossed with goosebump-like grooves. Even with their eyes closed, people will be able to feel which side of the album is which, adding an extra sensory layer to the listening experience. MOVE:FEEL1’s design also prioritizes sustainability, using no single-use plastics for its packaging.

In his teens and twenties, singer-songwriter Ron Aikens was a promising voice out of South Philadelphia. He had earned a spot in United Image, a Soul music group that eventually signed to Stax/Volt Records and was making waves. However, fate anchored Aikens' dreams just as things were taking off. "Right around that time that record was playing on the air and everything, I got snatched," he says. More than 50 years later, Ronald Aikens is still affected by the turn of events that landed him behind bars for much of the 1970s. The subject conjures palpable emotions for the singer in his pauses and silence. At Graterford, Ron eventually joined Power Of Attorney—a storied Polydor Records-backed band with ties to James Brown, Shep Gordon, and Stan Vincent. In this chapter, Ron appeared on television, met celebrities, shared stages with Stevie Wonder, and lived out some glory as he and his band-mates became a touring sensation all while incarcerated—even though the band consisted of 4 lifers. Upon his prison release, the talent made several attempts to rebuild his dream. However, bad timing and bad business dealings ultimately left him hapless and hopeless. Forty years ago, Ron hung up his microphone and accepted a long-time janitorial position at Philly's City Hall. A man moved on with life as the music business moved on without a talented artist. "I had nowhere to hide," declares Aikens, "so I had to just leave it all behind."

A decade ago, Ron Aikens quietly began performing once more. In the 2010s, the singer would take the trolley from his West Philadelphia home and busk at 15th Street Station and the city's Market East. "I didn't think anybody would pay me any attention," the retiree recalls, astonished to see dollars in his bucket. On mild and warm days, Aikens sang songs by homegrown talent like The O'Jays, Hall & Oates, and Teddy Pendergrass, as well as Motown and others. But he did not perform his originals. "People want to hear songs that they built memories around; they don't want to hear me," he remembers thinking of his long-dismissed songwriting. That changed in 2020, when Max Ochester, owner of a local record store, Brewerytown Beats, stood before Aikens' amp on 12th & Market. "I went down specifically looking for Ron because I had unreleased Power Of Attorney stuff," says Max. He was looking for information.

In 2020, Max's label released two remastered 1972 Power Of Attorney recordings ("Changing Man" b/w "I'm Just Your Clown"). Those songs were cut before Ron Aikens joined the group in Graterford, but curiosity ignited a relationship. Aikens, who had released material as Galaxxy for Pop-Art Records, Doc, Aikens & Shields—a single by POA producer Stan Vincent (John Lennon, The Five Stairsteps, Connie Francis), as well as work with United Image and Power Of Attorney, proved his voice and showmanship were still strong. "He made me feel like he wanted to do something," Ron says of Max. "I don't have a drive like that anymore."

That drive has created momentum. In 2023, 74-year-old Ron Aikens returned to the studio for the first time in nearly 40 years. Max and Grammy Award-winning co-producer Aaron Levinson have highlighted Ronald Aikens' fantastic voice and story. The result is Ron & The Hip Tones.

"My whole thing is to do it how it would've been back in the '70s," Max explains. "I want to do the Philly sound, so I'm hiring arrangers, hiring songwriters—local guys. That process—a full production—has been thoughtful and curated, from the songwriting to horn sections, Gospel background arrangements, and a harp player. "This is a good team, man!" Ron says emphatically, recalling the days when sessions involved rooms of talented creators.

On May 5, the Brewerytown label will release a digital version of the single of Ron Aikens' first music in over 40 years to be followed by a 45rpm record: “Do What I Wanna Do” b/w” Baby Are You Ready.” It was recorded at the famed Elm Street Studio owned by Rob Hyman of The Hooters. In addition to Max and Aaron, personnel includes songwriters David Cope and Fred Berman—who also plays drums on the record, Adam Faulk on keys, guitarist Doug O'Donnell and bassist Brendan McGeehan. Waverly Austin hired and arranged the background vocals, and Bill Jolly provided horn arrangements. The release will also be available on special picture cover 45.

“Do What I Wanna Do” was an existing song brought to Ron and Max, who infused their own heart and soul into the composition. Ron is at a stage in his life where he does what he wants to, says what he wants, and be who he’s gonna be. The message is unapologetic and free.

“Baby Are You Ready” nods to the slow-burning ballads of the ‘70s. Honoring that true “Philly Sound,” the song is enhanced with a harp player, Elizabeth Cohen AKA Lizzie Harp.

Upcoming songs touch upon Ron’s troubled past head-on and express in song how he’s been feeling all these years. Others channel lowrider oldies, with splashes of West Coast Soul.

The music is alive and very symbolic of Ron Aikens' life, evolution, and perspective. He decided busking was unsafe after the pandemic, and his newfound interest in his own music perhaps encouraged him to make one more swing at a dream that goes back nearly three-quarters of a century. "I'm here. I'm breathing," he says in a West Philly coffee shop with a smile and wide eyes. "I ain't gone yet. If I'm gonna breathe, I need to sing!"

Unearthed funk from Parliament drummer Jerome Bailey and his band Mutiny