Jazz | Fusion Vinyl 772 Items

Sextet: Music From The Source

Release: 1984 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Pianist Nate Morgan (1964-2013) was a central figure on the Los Angeles jazz undergound. A core member of the circle around the legendary bandleader, pianist and community organiser Horace Tapscott, Morgan had been part of Tapscott’s U.G.M.A.A. (Union Of God’s Musicians and Artists Ascension) since he was just a teenager, and was a key member of the Pan Afrikan People’s Arkestra, known as ‘The Ark’. Through the 1980s and 1990s he kept the Papa flame alive, organising the Ark’s sprawling songbook, running legendary jam sessions, and keeping LA’s deep jazz roots well watered. By the early 2000s he was bringing hard won knowledge to a new generation as part of the Build The Ark collective. He was a musician’s musician, at the beating heart of the radical, community-minded Los Angeles jazz network that Tapscott and his associates had first put together in the early 1960s. "Retribution, Reparation" was the second of the two LPs Morgan recorded for Tom Albach’s storied Nimbus West imprint. His first, "Journey Into Nigritia" had been a declaration of arrival laced with energies drawn from Cecil Taylor and Coltrane. One year later, with nods to Herbie Hancock ("One Finger Snap") and Ellington ("Come Sunday"), "Retribution, Reparation" was a confident statement of purpose. Politically charged with pan-Africanist and Black nationalist sentiments inspired by Marcus Garvey, and titled with uncompromising directness, the album focusses the sound world of the Ark into a surging, restless masterpiece of spiritualised modal jazz. With Danny Cortez on trumpet and Ark stalwart Jesse Sharps on saxophones the frontline is explosive (this set is also one of the few places the extraordinary Sharps can be heard in a small group setting), while Fritz Wise and Ark regular Joel Ector hold down the rhythm section. Morgan’s forceful, Tyner-like chords and virtuosic solos and bind the music together. From the poised drama of the opening dedication to Tapscott’s U.G.M.A.A. ("U.G.M.A.A.GER") to the propulsive militancy of the title track, "Retribution, Reparation" spreads the word: »Advance to Victory, Let Nigritia Be Free!«

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Cecil McBee

LP | 1978 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

LP | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Adarce)

Release: 1978 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Recording with a sextet at the New York jazz club Sweet Basil in August 1977, McBee’s band included Chico Freeman on reeds, Dennis Moorman on piano, Joe Gardner on trumpet, Steve McCall on drums, and Famoudou Don Moye on percussion. Two complete albums of music were released by Enja Records from this engagement, the ground breaking recordings "Music From The Source" [1978] and "Compassion" [1979]. »Few groups today sound as fresh, generate as high an emotional charge, or leave as lasting an impression as McBee’s sextet,« Chris Albertson wrote upon the release of these recordings. »It is as if each member were a unique piece of a puzzle, carefully placed to complete precisely the breath taking picture intended. The music is adventurous enough to satisfy any aural daredevil who has not completely lost his or her sense of beauty, yet all the basic jazz values have been preserved with due reverence.«

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Paco Ros

Clasicos Con Ritmo

Event 76 Live Clear Vinyl Edition

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Adarce proudly presents the reissue of ‘Clásicos con Ritmo’ by Paco Ros. Originally released in 1978 on Discos Maller, still sounds as special and out of time as when it was released; a strange album that has become one of the most sought after jewels - and most hard to find - for lovers of Spanish Groove. 'Clásicos con Ritmo' offers a mix of sounds that range from a kind of analog pre-Balearic to something similar to Library Music, passing through a slow cadence groove based on sinuous layers of Hammond organ, Fender pianos, vibraphones and xylophones. During the 11 songs on the album, Paco Ros revisits his life trajectory through memories: his Valencian childhood in Godella, his professional beginnings in Madrid and his musical adventures as a backing band, his return to Valencia -where he would form 'Los 4 Ros, then simply the Ros - to finally take refuge in his Mallorcan retreat, cradled between Party Rooms, Hotel Discotheques and endless sunrises, moved as always by his infinite love for music.

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Area

LP | 1979 | EU | Reissue (Cramps)

Release: 1979 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1985 | EU | Reissue (Morning Trip)

Michael Masley

Cymbalom Solos

LP | 1972 | EU | Reissue (Holy Basil)

Release: 1985 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Electronic & Dance

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There are constellations within the grooves of Cymbalom Solos. Innumerable points of light, rendered audible in glowing, radiant sound. There are entire worlds too - undiscovered, yet familiar - both terrestrial and celestial. There are moments of quiet comfort and exultant discovery. And all of it conjured by one man with a handful of ancient and invented instruments, recorded mostly-live, with precious few overdubs. Michael Masley has been a fixture of Berkley, California, since he arrived from Michigan in 1982. Even today, he remains a common sight, working as a street performer - catching the attention of passers-by as he summons otherworldly overtones from a coterie of arcane instruments. This is how he met fellow east-coast transplant and musical voyager, Barry Cleveland, in 1983. Cleveland was enraptured by the sound of Masley’s wildly innovative bowhammer cymbalom. The cymbalom is an ancient instrument, similar to a zither or hammered-dulcimer - originating in Eastern Europe in 1874, but with primitive early examples dating back as early as 3500 BC. Yet Masley’s approach to the instrument was wholly original. Masley replaced the two traditional cymbalom hammers, with bowhammers - an invention wherein he fitted each of his fingers with it’s own combination hammer/bow device, which allowed him to both strike the strings, and bow them like a violin. Outfitted with his bowhammers, Masley was able to wrest startlingly new sounds from a centuries-old instrument. In 1985, after performing together for a couple years, Cleveland produced Masley’s first solo endeavour, Cymbalom Solos. With the help of Cleveland’s timely production, Masley’s technique reached its zenith. His complex and beautiful compositions combined elements of Eastern-European classical, new minimalism, and celtic/folk music, yet the end result falls squarely within the world of new age kosmiche. Music of the spheres, conjured by earthbound strings. Masley estimates that he sold tens-of-thousands of cassette copies of Cymbalom Solos over his years of performing. And now, Morning Trip is distinctly proud to offer it on vinyl for the first time ever - an album of startling, imaginative beauty, by a brilliant American folk artist.

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V.A.

Underground Mood

LP | 1978 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

Release: 1972 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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First launched in 1971, Flirt Records was one of the many notable production music imprints distributed by Flipper Music, iconic publishing company founded by Romani Di Bari in 1968 and house to some of the best Italian library music. Back in 1972 the label released this compilation entitled "Underground Mood" featuring music composed by Emma De Angelis, Roberto Conrado, Luigi Lopez as well as Amedeo Minghi, whose anthemic "Lustful" track went on to be sampled by Justin Timberlake in 2013. An incredible 12-tracks collection of guitar driven jazz-funk tinted with fuzzy psychedelic rock vibes, making it one of the most interesting and sought-after releases of the Flirt Records catalog. Now available on vinyl for the first time since its original release as a limited edition of 500 copies.

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Horace Tapscott

The Call

37,99 €*

Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra

Release: 1978 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Through his dedication to the Los Angeles grassroots projects that gave so much stability and focus to many younger musicians, artists and the community, Horace Tapscott became a neighbourhood hero at a time when the world wanted his presence. He stayed in Los Angeles and focused instead on building a community, rarely giving interviews and instead focusing on passing on the message from his mentors. He shaped a unique sound with his arkestra and community minded musicians. It was a close-knit family that emanated a sound that was deep and unique, flowing with a creative spirit that definitely comes through on this album. In 1961 he founded the Pan-African Peoples Arkestra, which aimed to preserve, develop and publicise African-American music through the ever-growing family that emanated within many of the deprived areas of Los Angeles. Through his subsequent collaboration with Bruce Albach, a producer and founder of Nimbus West Records, they sought to document the importance of this music alongside many artists who were energetically linked to the ethos and understanding which came from the collective dialogue. Here the composer leads four extensive arrangements through his 16 piece orchestra, featuring many of the Nimbus West artists including Adele Sebastian, Jesse Sharps and Linda Hill. The music weaves the sound of afro-futuristic music through changing tempos and a relentless dynamic expressive sound that is complex and beguiling with a deep spiritual sound throughout all four tracks. The ceremonial "Peyete Song no. Iii" is a great swirling evocative piece from the large collective, with amazing solos from especially Horace Tapscott who seems to find a sound from the piano that is from another dimension. The arrangement airs an important message of a people and their rituals. Horace Tapscott gives Cal Massey’s composition "Nakatini Suite" a splendid futuristic big band interpretation. The composition had been earlier illuminated by both Lee Morgan on his "Lee-Way" album and John Coltrane on his "Believer" album titled "Nakatini Serenade". Through the more expansive soundscape, the interpretation allows for some great interplay between saxophonist Jesse Sharps and drummer Everett Brown Jr. with the whole orchestra led by Horace Tapscott capturing the essence of Cal Massey’s message. Vocalist Adele Sebastian opens up the free probing arrangement "Quagmire Manor At 5am" composition with a similar delivery as with her "Day Dream" from the classic "Desert Fairy Princess" album before the music takes off onto the mothership adding a sense of what time and space within the manner was about amongst many great musicians and artists. Their journey and moments encapsulated within the music. There are certain albums you hear something new every time you revisit the music and this is one of those albums. An important part of Afro-American history; the politics and art which surrounded the album. If you get a chance check out the film "Horace Tapscott, Musical Griot", by filmmaker Barbara McCullough, or buy the book "Songs Of The Unsung": The Musical & Social Journey of Horace Tapscott’. Mark Jones/UK Vibe

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Flight 17

LP | 1978 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

LP | 1974 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1978 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Horace Tapscott's Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra (P.A.P.A.) was one of the most transformative, forward-thinking and straight-up heavy big bands to have played jazz in the 1960s and 1970s. If P.A.P.A. doesn't have the interstellar rep of that other famous Arkestra, and if the name Tapscott doesn't ring bells like Monk or Tyner, there's a reason why: in an industry dominated by record labels, a band that doesn't record doesn't count. And the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra didn't record for nearly twenty years. But recording success was never their concern -- they weren't about that. First formed as the Underground Musicians Association in the early 1960s, Tapscott always wanted his group to be a community project. From their base in Watts, Ugma got down at the grassroots. The group was renamed the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra in 1971, and soon after they established a monthly residency at the Immanuel United Church of Christ which ran for over a decade, while still playing all over LA and beyond. But they never released a note of music. It was the intervention of fan Tom Albach that finally got them on wax. Determined that their work should be documented, Albach founded Nimbus Records specifically to release the music of Tapscott, the Arkestra, and the individuals that comprised it. The first recording sessions in early 1978 yielded enough material for two albums, and the first release was "Flight 17". The album commences with the magnificent title track. It is effectively in three parts. It begins with unaccompanied pianos. Then the ensemble embark on a dense, circular and mechanical movement, a platform for horns and pianos to swoop and dive. We return to Earth with a beautiful solitary flute. The second track, the piano-centric, "Breeze" is different to "Flight 17" in intensity and also brevity but it is quietly as daring as the title track. It concludes with a moving lush wash from the full Arkestra, which sound almost like strings only more substantial. These first two tracks take full advantage of the texture of the unusual mix of the various instruments. Next though, it’s a significant change with "Horacio", which is an exuberant Latin infused jingle. It’s unlike anything else on the album. I like to think it was named after the conductor’s Cuban alter-ego! "Clarisse" gracefully switches between slow blues and bop and is bookended with a grand vaguely East Asian theme. The busy bass line introduces "Maui". As with the previous track, it moves between a number of contrasting melody lines and rhythms but there’s still space for a tuneful sax solo. This is a must-have album. I think the first two tracks on their own make this essential release.

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Billy Cobham

Total Eclipse

LP | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Strut)

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Ever since his time with John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra (1971–1973), the drummer Billy Cobham is one of electric fusion jazz’s greatest heroes. "Total Eclipse" was the third album he made as a leader within just a few months, and here again he composed all the numbers himself. In the opening 'suite' entitled "Solarization" (eleven minutes long) he already shows his broad and certainly refined stylistic spectrum. Cobham’s music leaps from high-energy jazz-rock with wild guitar and thundering volleys on the drums to highly original improvisations on the piano and winds. Smooth electric Latin grooves and gripping funky numbers are not missing either. Cobham’s handpicked band is bursting with virtuosos. A look at the names of the three-man wind section proves the point: Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Glenn Ferris are highlights in themselves. And the then 30-year-old band leader himself was the non plus ultra when it came to jazz-rock drumming technique – his amazingly rapid drum volleys are just as sensational today as they were then. With this album this exceptional drummer will thrill all fans of first-class fusion sound similar to Weather Report or Return To Forever.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: 1974 Atlantic Recording Studios and at Electric Lady Studios, New York, N.Y. by Ken Scott Production: Billy Cobham & Ken Scott

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Sun Ra

Lanquidity

LP | 1982 | JP | Original (Universal Music Japan)

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Recorded overnight at Bob Bank’s Blank Tapes on 17th July 1978 after the Arkestra had appeared on Saturday Night Live, the album is unique in the Ra catalogue. “Most critics felt that it was more of a fusion-inspired record,” explains Michael Ray. “As the name suggests, the album is liquid and languid.” Bob Blank continues, “Musically, it was very ad hoc and freeform. There were horn charts but most tracks came out of improvised jams. Sun Ra just did his thing.”

Comprising five effortlessly fluid pieces, the album eases in with Lanquidity. Danny Ray Thompson remembers, “This was one of Sun Ra’s on-the-spot compositions. It is almost like an Ancient Egyptian Stargazing Ceremony, mapping out the stars and the planets.” Where Pathways Meet is “Sun Ra’s funky version of an Egyptian march. Pharaoh is sending his troops off to fight and this is his pep-talk!” continues Thompson. “The music seems to take different pathways but still converges.” The loping groove of That’s How I Feel, features the reflective trumpet lines of Eddie Gale with solos by John Gilmore and Marshall Allen: “Marshall comes in with that snake charming oboe.” Says Thompson. The funky Twin Stars Of Thence weaves around Richard Williams celebrated elastic bassline while the haunting closer, There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of), is pure “space music.” The poet Mama Nzinga described it as ‘The essence of light. Spirit takes a ride inside the deep dark space of just being.”

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Imitation

Muscle And Heat

80,99 €*

Rendez-Vous HHV Exclusive Green Vinyl Edition

Release: 1982 / JP – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Steve Scales (Per) and Drutti McDonald (Vo) who also participated in Talking Heads, as well as Sandy and Makoto Kubota, are the pinnacle of world music produced by Japanese people.

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Bruno Nicolai

LP | 1975 | EU | Reissue (Sounds From The Screen Black Vinyl)

29,99 €*

Washington Suite Ox Blood Red Vinyl Edition

Release: 1975 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Soundtracks

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Green vinyl edition limited to 100 copies. Only available at HHV Records.

Licensed in 1975 by Gemelli, Rendez Vous is possibly a holy grail in Nicolai long-running career as a composer. The orchestra director and musical editor has been active for at least 30 years and his majestic opus an overwhelming data for any avantgarde freak or moviegoer obsessed. While studying piano and composition at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, he befriended Ennio Morricone and formed a long working relationship, with Nicolai eventually conducting for and co-scoring films with Morricone. Nicolai also scored a number of giallo exploitation films and wrote many scores for director Jesús Franco. His work was featured in the Quentin Tarantino films Kill Bill: Volume 2 and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Tension! Pretty much what this whole record is all about. An imaginary soundtrack that turned out to be an in-demand obscure library, Rendez Vous shows up the many skills of the composer and his alumni. Possibly Morricone is playing muted trumpet in several episodes – Diffidenza and Subdolamente – absorbing thrilling experiences similar to the Maestro soundtracks for Dario Argento early movies (not a case that Nicolai was the conductor for several adventures in movie sound theatre such as ‘L’Uccello Dalle Piume Di Cristallo’, ‘ Il Gatto A Nove Code’ or ‘4 Mosche Di Velluto Grigio’).

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Lloyd McNeill Quartet

LP | 1970 | UK | Reissue (Soul Jazz)

28,99 €*

Rendez-Vous Black Vinyl Edition

Release: 1970 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Soul Jazz Records' new ox-blood red Colored Vinyl limited-edition 1000-copies worldwide LP (+ download code) issue of this very rare deep spiritual jazz album, first released as a private-press album in 1970 on flautist Lloyd McNeill's own Asha Record label in Washington, DC. Lloyd McNeill is an African-American flautist, painter, poet, and photographer born in Washington, D.C., in 1935. His multi-disciplinary creative life led to encounters and friendships with Nina Simone, Picasso, Eric Dolphy, Nana Vasconceles and other legendary cultural figures. Lloyd McNeill's hypnotic 'Washington Suite' was originally commissioned as a piece of music for the Capital Ballet Company, in Washington, DC.

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Bruno Nicolai

LP | 1975 | EU | Reissue (Sounds From The Screen Black Vinyl)

29,99 €*

LP | 1974 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

Release: 1975 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Soundtracks

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Licensed in 1975 by Gemelli, Rendez Vous is possibly an holy grail in Nicolai long-running career as a composer. The orchestra director and musical editor is been active for at least 30 years and his majestic opus an overwhelming data for any avantgarde freak or moviegoer obsessed. While studying piano and composition at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, he befriended Ennio Morricone and formed a long working relationship, with Nicolai eventually conducting for and co-scoring films with Morricone. Nicolai also scored a number of giallo exploitation films and wrote many scores for director Jesús Franco. His work was featured in the Quentin Tarantino films Kill Bill: Volume 2 and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Tension! Pretty much what this whole record is all about. An imaginary soundtrack that turned out to be an in-demand obscure library, Rendez Vous shows up the many skills of the composer and his alumni. Possibly Morricone is playing muted trumpet in several episodes – Diffidenza and Subdolamente – absorbing thrilling experiences similar to the Maestro soundtracks for Dario Argento early movies (not a case that Nicolai was the conductor for several adventures in movie sound theatre such as ‘L’Uccello Dalle Piume Di Cristallo’, ‘ Il Gatto A Nove Code’ or ‘4 Mosche Di Velluto Grigio’).

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Ben Webster

Live At Pio's

LP | 1975 | AU | Reissue (Roundtable)

Release: 1974 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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A great small club date from Ben Webster – different than some of his European concerts of his final years, in that this one was done at a lounge in Rhode Island, and maybe has a bit more bite and focus overall! The tracks are short, and Webster gets superb rhythm accompaniment from the trio of Junior Mance on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Mickey Roker on drums – who really come out swinging, and push Ben to take some of his boldest solos of the period – plenty of bite throughout, and a fire that you don't always hear on his other 60s recordings. Titles include "Cookin For T", "Sunday", "Pennies From Heaven", "How Long Has This Been Going On", and "Gone With The Wind".

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Brian Brown Quintet

Carlton Streets

LP | 1980 | EU | Reissue (Favorite)

Release: 1975 / AU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Composer and saxophonist Brian Brown produced some of the most refined Australian jazz recordings during the 1970s. A versatile musician whose distinct impressionist music melded modern jazz with the outer limits of free experimentation. Considered to be his greatest work was the 1975 concept album Carlton Streets, an ambitious recording that romanticised the sights, sounds and the nostalgia of this once-bohemian Melbourne neighbourhood. Differing from his eco-jazz composition Wildflowers heard on the recent Roundtable compilation Pyramid Pieces, Carlton Streets explores the polar opposite, offering jazz impressions of the urban environment. Comparable to other pioneering jazz-rock groups such as Ian Carr’s Nucleus and mid-period Soft Machine, the album is a mosaic of ecstatic jazz-rock groove, spirited free improvisation and expanded experimental textures. A potent fusion that owes as much to Australian 20th-century avant-garde composers as it does to the influence of the electric jazz innovators, specifically early Weather Report and Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi. The Roundtable are pleased to showcase this important artist and offer a new edition of this landmark Australian jazz recording. Restored from the original master tapes and presented in a gatefold sleeve including liner notes and rare photos. Released for Record Store Day 2021.

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Esperanto

John Mclaughlin & John Surman

Release: 1980 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Favorite Recordings proudly presents a reissue of the first and eponymous LP by Esperanto, a Venezuelan JazzFusion masterpiece originally released in 1980. This rare and sought-after album recorded in Caracas by talented musicians could be likened to the best of the South American scene with strong Funk & Latin influences. Following the recent reissue of Sacbé, this one is a little wonder and a must-have for anyone interested in Latin Jazz-Funk & Fusion. Fully remastered and available as Gatefold Tip-On Vinyl LP and CD. Like most bands, the story first started as a series of jam sessions. Multi-instrumentist Jorge Aguilar and his drummer Pablo Matarazzo were playing in a band, covering a various number of Latin genres from Merengue to Salsa and playing at parties, even though they were mostly influenced by Jazz or Funk, but also British Rock or Brazilian music. Still, they were dreaming about a real band. Thus, while some of their friends were on vacations in Venezuela during their studies at Music school in Boston and New York, they immediately organized jam sessions. First impros luickly became songs and Pablo and Jorge were finally joined by Roldan Peña, Gustavo Arranguren, Ezequiel Serrano, Marcus Vinicius and Nenè Quintero. With the help of a friend, they recorded songs and brought those tracks to radio stations. Without realizing it, the group gained a certain notoriety in Caracas and began to give shows that became quite famous. Sometimes, they had to play two times in the same night with people still waiting outside! With the money earned, they kept recording their songs but now in a quite better studio. The album was taking its final shape, with an exciting blend of Funk, Fusion and Jazz-Rock elements, all mixed with Latin music influences. With an extensive use of synthesizers, the tracks sounded like a fresh wind blowing over the city of Caracas. After bringing a few friends to record their parts, the album was then offered to CBS for distribution – some of their executives had just become fans after experiencing one of their amazing gigs! But in exchange, they also had to record two more commercial songs, a cover of "Ticket To Ride" by The Beatles, and “Vereda Tropical", a classic in the Latin market. Jorge reminds: "The rest of the songs were compositions by myself and by other members of the band. The album was recorded in its entirety almost live, that is, all of us playing together and without many overdubs because we did not have many tracks nor money to pay studio time. Certainly, we were one of the bands that started the Fusion jazz movement in Venezuela and the most recognized because we managed to be played a lot on the radios and we filled the largest number of concerts as well as obtained the largest number of sales". The band kept recording other albums, notably with Warner Bros after the label was again really impressed by their opening show for Peter Frampton Comes Alive Tour one night in Caracas. Jorge adds: "Today if you ask people around 60 years old in Venezuela about a Fusion group, they will tell you that Esperanto is the band they remember! I think the most significant thing about the Esperanto band is that it was quite naïve since we were all in our early 20s and we did everything just for the pleasure of playing without thinking about the conomic aspects of the industry".

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Where Fortune Smiles Color Vinyl Edition

LP | 1970 | EU | Reissue (Tiger Bay)

15,99 €*

Release: 1970 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1972 | EU | Reissue (Sonor Music Editions)

Sandro Brugnolini

Utopia

36,99 €*

LP | 1984 | EU | Reissue (Life Goes On)

Release: 1972 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Sonor Music Editions is proudly continuing the dive into the glorious Sermi catalogue, a renomated Italian Library label that released, between late 60s and early 70s, some among the most sought-after and insane records of the whole Library/Soundtrack genre. We're now excited to announce the first ever reissue of another Italian Library grail from the catalogue - originally issued in 1972 on Gemelli label. Sandro Brugnolini's masterpiece "utopia", originally pressed on a ridiculous run, and released on a beatiful tip-on sleeve reproducing painter Michel Seuphor's abstract art. The first official release after the recent maestro's passing, conceived with the great arrangements of Giorgio Carnini at the Hammond and piano, and the direction of maestro Franco Tamponi. A brilliant and inspired Jazz-Funk and Lounge Jazz session with just amazing sounds, driven by both dreamy and underground moods, Avant-garde Jazz refined orchestrations and gorgeous grooves.

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Haki R. Madhubut

Medasi

14,99 €*

Music Inc.: Live At Slug's Volume 2

Release: 1984 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Super-rare deep spiritual jazz from 1977! A little-known sought after obscurity of indy label afro-centric deep jazz recorded in 1976-7!

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Charles Tolliver

LP | 1972 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

Who Needs It / Jungle Kitten

Release: 1972 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Owning both this disc and "Live at Slugs', Volume 1" is essential for hardcore Jazz fans. Part two of the Slugs' date is just as impressive and again feature three originals all penned by the group. Here we get a better example of Tolliver's compositional work with the touching Coltrane tribute "Our Second Father". Again Tolliver's trumpet is simply stunning. The rhythm section of Cecil McBee and Jimmy Hopps also deserve mention as these two really drive the quartet along in a similar fashion to Garrison and Jones did with Coltrane. The McBee original Wilpan's also highlights the strength of McBee's writing and is probably the pick of the tunes here.

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Manfredo Fest

7" | 1979 | JP | Reissue (P-Vine)

LP | 1983 | JP | Reissue (P-Vine)

Release: 1979 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Manfredo Fest who is a blind genius pianist, and pop bossa evangelist alongside Sergio Mendes. Brazilian Fusion Classic "Who Needs It" and "Jungle Kitten" from "Manifestations" in 1979 is released 7inch for the first time!

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Today's Latin Project

44,99 €*

LP | 1976 | EU | Reissue (We Release Jazz)

Release: 1983 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Long awaited reissue is finally coming! "Today's Latin Project '' was released in 1983 from Discomate and currently this is one of the most demanded vinyls of 80's Walearic record which was produced by Tadaaki Misago (Tokyo Cuban Boys) who is one of the most important person of Latin music scene in Japan. and arranged by Yasuaki Shimizu (composer, saxophonist and producer / well known for his interpretations of the music of J.S. Bach) , Jun Takemura (latin music compiler / januralist) and Kazuo Otani (composer, arranger / he had been also playing in Shogun). CD version is also available from P-vine / released in 2020). OBI strip is attached.

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Hiroshi Suzuki

Cat

Space Walk British Jazz Explosion Series Edition

Release: 1976 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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We Release Jazz is ecstatic (purrrr!) to announce the official reissue of Hiroshi Suzuki’s glorious jazz-fusion-funk Holy Grail Cat (originally released in 1976), sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180 gram vinyl mastered at half speed for full audiophile sound, as well as on digipack CD. Both versions come with liner notes by Teruo Isono. Cat was recorded in October 1975 at at Nippon Columbia Studio, while Hiroshi Suzuki was visiting his home country of Japan after moving to Las Vegas in 1971 to play with Buddy Rich and perfect his craft. Back on his old stomping grounds, the man known as Neko (Cat) immediately reunited with his dear friends for an epic two day session of groove magic. The chemistry was still intact. The skills and style had grown. The result, Cat, is a smooth masterpiece, a deep and soulful affair where stunning trombone solos by Hiroshi Suzuki flirt with Takeru Muraoka’s heavenly saxophone and the sensual rhythm section of Hiromasa Suzuki (keyboards), Kunimitsu Inaba (bass), and Akira Ishikawa (drums). Celebrated in jazz collectors circles, in the lofi beat scene, and among music diggers around the world, Cat has become one of the most sought-after Japanese jazz albums of all time and, much like Ryo Fukui’s Scenery, has fascinated old and young generations alike.

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Don Rendell Quintet

LP | 1972 | EU | Reissue (Decca)

42,99 €*

Malagasy At Newport-Paris

Release: 1972 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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For the first time with the correct title sequence. More info coming soon.

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Jef Gilson

LP | 1973 | EU | Reissue (Souffle Continu)

Sylvin Marc / Del Rabenja

Release: 1973 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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In 1973, Jef Gilson gave new impetus to his already long career by reforming ‘Malagasy’ with young musicians from Madagascar exiled in Paris. The group was very successful and played in clubs and festivals on the same bill as Ray Charles, Sun Ra, Terry Riley, Hal Singer or Chris McGregor’s Brotherhood of Breath. The meeting between two generations and two cultures created a new mix between jazz, traditional music and electric funk. Jef Gilson had reinvented himself yet again, and it wouldn’t be the last time.

"In May 1972, the wave of anger and the thirst for freedom that had swept the world in 1968 arrived in Madagascar. The Malagasy youth took the opportunity to exile in search of a brighter future. Several of them, all jazz musicians and often polyintrumentalists, came to Paris with their afro hair and bellbottoms. Their names were Sylvin Marc, his cousin Ange "Zizi" Japhet, Del Rabenja, Gérard Rakotoarivony and Frank Raholison.

By chance, they crossed paths with pianist and bandleader Jef Gilson, who they had already met as kids during a series of concert and workshops in Tananarive four years earlier. Gilson was far from an unknown on the French jazz scene. He had played with Boris Vian and André Hodeir at the end of the forties, he was one of the first French composers to move away from the New-Orleans style to try his hand at bebop, had launched numerous young stars (Ponty, Texier, Portal...), was a polemical critic for Jazz Hot, had opened for Coltrane at Antibes/Juan Les Pins, and was part of the Double Six... But it was tough to make a living playing personal compositions and Jef, who didn’t have enough money to return to the island and continue mining the seam of Malagasy jazz, saw an opportunity to relaunch ‘Malagasy’.

He had his recording studio in the Les Halles area, at the Foyer Montorgueil, where he was teaching jazz to a choir. He set to work with the new Malagasy group, working on a repertoire and reviving some of his compositions from the 50s/60s ("Requiem Pour Django", "Dizzy 48", "Anamorphose" here renamed "Salegy Jef" as a nod to an ancestral rhythm reworked in a contemporary style...), and also included more recent tunes ("Newport Bounce" which opens this current album is a reworking of a track called "Interlude", recorded in 69 with the drummer from Miles Davis’ first quintet, Philly Joe Jones). The group Malagasy 73 gigged a lot. One of their concerts was recorded on the 14 March in a club, ‘Le Newport’, in rue Grégoire de Tours, Saint Germain des Prés, not far from the ‘Kiosque d'Orphée’ where Gilson worked at the beginning of the 60s when he brought bebop and avant-garde jazz to the attention of a generation of musicians with his records imported from USA.

This meeting between two generations and two cultures created a new mix between jazz, traditional music and electric funk. Jef Gilson had reinvented himself yet again, and it wouldn’t be the last time." --- Jérôme « Kalcha » Simonneau

Album Release

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Madagascar Now

LP | 1973 | EU | Reissue (Souffle Continu)

LP | 1972 | EU | Reissue (Souffle Continu)

Release: 1973 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Key players on the mythical albums, "Funny Funky Rib Crib" by Byard Lancaster, "Soul Of Africa" by Hal Singer & Jef Gilson and "Malagasy At Newport-Paris" by Jef Gilson, the young Malagasy musicians Del Rabenja and Sylvin Marc were able to develop their own compositions on an album for Palm in 1973. Del Rabenja takes us to the depth of spirituality with his valiha (a small Malagasy harp) while Sylvin Marc oscillates between free jazz and electro-groove.

"While he was working on the repertoire for the new version of his group Malagasy, with young Malagasy musicians he had met in Paris in 1972 (and who can be heard on the album "Malagasy At Newport-Paris"), Jef Gilson realised that two of his new discoveries, in addition to being established polyinstrumentalists (who both had sharpened their skills in the legendary seja-jazz band from La Réunion, Le Club Rythmique), were also skilled composers. They were capable of reinventing jazz and traditional Malagasy music, adding influences from the new generation inspired by pop, rock and funk into the mix. He offered them the chance to share the two sides of an album recorded on his own label, Palm, alongside their compatriots. Ange "Zizi" Japhet, Gérard Rakotoarivony and Frank Raholison.

This is how Del Rabenja and Sylvin Marc came to record this "Madagascar Now / Maintenant 'Zao". The first side really showcases the valiha (a small Malagasy harp) of Del Rabenja who uses the occasion to pay homage to the sadly missed Rakotozafy, often called the Django Reinhardt of the instrument. His three compositions are full of spirituality and invite an almost trance-like state. But Rabenja is equally a very good tenor saxophonist and organist on the other tracks. The other side displays the full range of talents of the multi-instrumentalist and composer Sylvin Marc, who moves from bass to drums, from vocals to percussion and offers four compositions ranging from free jazz to cosmic groove.

At the same period the five men could also be found amongst the cast list of the mythical albums, "Funny Funky Rib Crib" by Byard Lancaster and "Soul Of Africa" by Hal Singer & Jef Gilson. Later, Sylvin Marc would play bass for Nina Simone on her album "Fodder On My Wings" in 1982, then join the team of violinist Didier Lockwood, while Del Rabenja would be part of Manu Dibango’s and Eddy Louiss’ orchestras for a long time and would even be at the front of the top 50 at the end of the 80s with David Koven. He would also be the special guest of the Palm Unit trio (Fred Escoffier, Lionel Martin, Philippe "Pipon" Garcia) on their first album, an homage to the œuvre of Jef Gilson, in 2018." --- Jérôme "Kalcha" Simonneau

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Malagasy / Gilson

Malagasy

LP | 1976 | US | Reissue (Holy Basil)

Release: 1972 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Gilles Peterson (Worldwide), Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), Four Tet or Dan Snaith (Caribou) are all crazy about this album. Not satisfied to have already opened for John Coltrane in 1965, to have participated in the legendary Double Six or to have launched the careers of several stars of French jazz (Texier, Ponty, Lubat, Portal, Vitet, Vander and many more), the pianist and bandleader Jef Gilson would become, through this recording, the unlikely catalyst of a jazz which would proudly claim its’ Malagasy identity. Historical!

"Paris, May 13th 1968. There was a general strike. One last plane left the runway, strewn with flaming oil drums. On board were three jazz musicians wondering whether they would be able to return home one day. But for the time being they really want to make it to Madagascar where concerts and workshops with young local musicians were waiting for them. Pianist and bandleader Jef Gilson was accompanied by his bassist Gilbert "Bibi" Rovère (Martial Solal Trio) and the young drummer Lionel Magal (Crium Delirium). Gilson, who already had a reputation for finding new talent (it was thanks to him that, amongst others Jean-Louis Chautemps, Henri Texier, Jean-Luc Ponty or Michel Portal first became known) was literally blown away by the standard of the young Malagasy musicians, all capable of imitating their American idols by ear. Their names were known only to jazz fans on the island; Serge, Allain and Georges Rahoerson, Arnaud Razafy, Roland de Comarmond, Joel Rakotomamonjy, Alain Razafinohatra, Samuel Ramiara... Gilson then had a vision: he wanted to encourage them to play jazz which was truly Malagasy and which would find its’ soul in the island’s culture and traditional instruments (Sodina flute, valiha, various percussion instruments...).

He would go back to the big island three times, in March (with cellist Jean-Charles Capon), in October 1969 (alone), then in February 1970 (as a trio with guitarist Raymond Boni and drummer Bertrand Gauthier). The two trips in 1969 would lead to the sessions, recorded on a simple ReVox with two Neuman microphones, which would make up the essential part of this mythical album entitled "Malagasy", and first issued in 1972 on the Lumen label, and then reissued, as early as 1973, on Palm, Jef Gilson’s own label.

Apart from the last track, recorded in Paris in 1971 with Malagasy instruments brought back from trips by the trio which would play on the avant-garde "Le Massacre du Printemps" (Futura), all the other compositions on the album are by Jef Gilson, Jean-Charles Capon and the young saxophonist Serge Rahoerson. There is also a cover of a song issued just a few months earlier and that the Malagasy musicians had only heard through bits and pieces played by Gilson on piano: the song is "The Creator Has A Masterplan" by Pharoah Sanders, and it is one of the most wild and mystical versions you will ever hear.

In May 1972, Madagascar itself would be the theatre of youth revolt. And the composition "Avaradoha" by Serge Rahoerson, the second track of the first side of this album, would be the anthem of the revolution on the streets." --- Jérôme "Kalcha" Simoneau

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Modern Sound Quartet

Cocktail Bar

LP | 1983 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

Release: 1976 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Originally released in 1976, "Cocktail Bar" was the first release of the Modern Sound Quartet ensemble lead by Oscar Rocchi, one of the most brilliant yet unrecognized composer of the library music era. As the title might already suggest, the 14 songs bring an incredibly fresh mix of sounds and flavours, each one named after a different spirit, with every single track floating around different soundscapes and atmospheres. Wether it be a gin & tonic poolside, a melancholic drink of strega on the hills of southern Italy or some kümmel by a dutch canal, this masterpiece has got something for every taste. Now available on vinyl for the first time since its original release as a limited edition of 500 copies.

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Rickey Kelly

Limited Stops Only

Music Inc.: Live At Slug's Volume 1

Release: 1983 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Born in San Francisco, Rickey Kelly moved to Los Angeles in 1982. I first heard Rickey on the local Jazz station and that haunting sound on vibes was just too much to resist. He was working at Hughes Aircraft and didn't have time for gigging in the evening. He had to take care of his family which numbered about six children. I began booking his band soon after meeting him. An artist this blessed should not be working a day job I thought. Rickey soon quit his job at Hughes aircraft and began performing full time. Rickey stayed in his apartment for long periods of time just practising. He often mentioned to me that he needed to stay in isolation to keep his music pure. During Rickey's stay in L.A. he had worked with all the great jazz and R'n'B bands. Musicians like altoist Bobby Watson, the legendary drummer Billy Higgins, The Jazz Crusaders, pianist Ahmad Jamal, and one of the most popular artists of his generation Marvin Gaye, often called on Rickey to perform with their bands. As great as these artists were, the addition of Rickey Kelly on vibes seemed to make their music better. Because of his isolation Rickey's music has developed a uniqueness and purity of sound that transcends styles. One reviewer described it as a »childlike quality, a profound innocence«. Relax and listen closely. This is music with a purpose.

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Charles Tolliver

LP | 1972 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

LP | 1979 | EU | Reissue (Edition Hawara)

Release: 1972 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Where have you gone, Charles Tolliver? There was such promise in the concept of Music Inc., and in Strata East, but evidently the music world's attention was elsewhere and this tremendous live set was probably heard by only a few hundred sets of ears. On the back of the record sleeve, Tolliver undersigned his mission statement: »Music Inc. was created out of the desire to assemble men able to see the necessity for survival of a heritage and an Art in the hopes that the sacrifices and high level of communication between them will eventually reach every soul.« And he isn't kidding. You won't find a much higher level of communication than he, Cecil McBee, Stanley Cowell, and Jimmy Hopps engaged in on May 1, 1970 at Slugs' in New York City. This was much more than an attempt to merely 'preserve acoustic jazz' as in the stilted Marsalis vein. This was an attempt to preserve a measure of authenticity while maintaining the notion of forward-thinking, present-tense improvised music. They deserved a greater response than the lukewarm, sparse applause they received that night, and continue to deserve a far more cognizant audience for their efforts. Tolliver ('Drought"), McBee ("Felicite"), and Cowell ("Orientale") each contribute a track to the set; though very much distinct, each is equally strong. "Drought" is the kind of dark-hued, well-honed burner which Tolliver routinely produced in his fertile years. "Felicite" is a more contemplative affair, a deeply felt and empathically performed piece; the unit here is in particularly sublime form, merging considerable skill with a staggering depth of emotion. "Orientale" falls somewhere in between the pace of the two, with Cowell's Eastern scales establishing an austere, industrious tone throughout its seventeen-and-a-half-minute length. Through its duration, the music on Live at Slugs' is often riveting and incessantly compelling. Hopps is a lesser-known entity to me, but the other three players featured here are some of the all-time underrated presences in the jazz pantheon, and they play nothing short of masterfully. Always a presence on his recordings, Tolliver demonstrates tremendous range, flair, and command as a trumpeter and leader. Had he not come along at a time when pure jazz was falling out of favour, I have to believe his name (along with Woody Shaw's) would be every bit as prolific as Freddie Hubbard's or Lee Morgan's; the same holds for the always brilliant and expressive McBee on bass. I feel saddened that Music Inc. fell so far short of »eventually reach[ing] every soul« - yet fortunate that it eventually reached mine. RYM

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Robert Ponger

LP | 1984 | EU | Original (Per Tallec Trio)

Release: 1979 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Robert Ponger is perhaps best known as the producer for Austria’s biggest pop sensation Falco. His unparalleled production skills are on full display in the iconic hit single “Der Kommissar”, and he is also the main man behind Falco’s legendary early albums “Einzelhaft” and “Junge Römer”. But Ponger deserves at least as much credit for his solo recordings. The most sought-after of these is Ponger’s 1979 self-titled LP, which Edition Hawara is honoured to re-issue. The album contains twelve disco-inspired pieces that are unabashedly playful, but also signal serious musical knowledge and finesse. Recorded in the vicinity of Mistelbach, a village even locals struggle to find on a map, Ponger’s LP breathes the vibe of Studio 54 – with the little special extra that only Mistelbach can add. A true Austrian classic.

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Per Tallec Trio

Mannawyddan

Release: 1984 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1985 | EU | Original (Grrr)

Michele Buirette

La Mise En Plis

Release: 1985 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1972 | EU | Reissue (Cinedelic)

Enrico Intra

Jazz In Fabbrica

28,99 €*

LP | 1974 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

Release: 1972 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Cinedelic presents a reissue of Enrico Intra’s Jazz In Fabbrica (Jazz In The Factory) originally released in 1972. Pianist, composer, arranger and conductor, among the most important ones in the history of European jazz, Enrico Intra has developed a poetics aiming at the encounter between the most exquisitely jazz language and contemporary music of a cultured matrix, and for this reason he was among the first Italian musicians to develop a “European” concept of jazz. Nuova Civiltà suite, certainly one of his best-known compositions, often also interpreted by Gerry Mulligan, deeply combines blues and tradition, adhering to the most radical trends of the music scene. A challenge to established formal and expressive schemes.

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Stanley Cowell

Musa-Ancestral Streams

Shamek Farrah & Sonelius Smith

Release: 1974 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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"Musa-Ancestral Streams" remains a relative oddity in the pantheon of jazz's black consciousness movement -- a solo piano set of stunning reach and scope, its adherence to intimacy contrasts sharply with the bold, multi-dimensional sensibilities that signify the vast majority of post-Coltrane excursions into spiritual expression, yet the sheer soulfulness and abandon of Stanley Cowell's performance nevertheless vaults the record into the same physical and metaphysical planes. Cowell's energy and touch are remarkable, as if guided by divine power, and for all the music's structural spaciousness and rhythmic freedom, not a note feels out of place, let alone excessive. Most intriguing is "Travelin' Man", an overdubbed 'duet' featuring Cowell on both acoustic and electric piano that underscores his uncommon affinity for space and presence.

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The World Of The Children

LP | 1977 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

LP | 1983 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

Release: 1977 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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An amazing session of spiritual soul jazz – and one of the rarest albums on Strata East! Shamek Farrah's soulful alto is matched with the free spiritual piano of Sonelius Smith, for a totally memorable session that virtually defines the essence of the Strata East sound! The music is free, but not too free; lyrical, but never indulgent; and always turning over with a fresh sense of imagination, and a soaring groove that's very much in the classic Strata East mode!

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Nate Morgan

Journey Into Nigrita

LP | 1981 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

Release: 1983 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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At the dawn of the Reagan years, LA jazz pianist Nate Morgan recorded his first album for Nimbus West. "Journey Into Nigritia" portrays an artist marked by the icons of his day, and striving for reinvention. Although he came from a solid jazz background, coming up through the Pan Afrikan People's Arkestra, Morgan found more exciting work with pop bands in the seventies, including glory years with Rufus w/Chaka Khan. On "Journey Into Nigritia", Morgan re-embraces jazz. Included in the band are Jeff Littleton on bass, Fritz Wise on drums, and Dadisi Komolafe on alto sax. The collection opens with the Trane-ish "Mrafu". Komolafe blasts off in short order, and while the modal chording recalls Tyner, Morgan shows flashes of the nimble loquacious gift that define him. While Alice Coltrane incense perfumes "Morning Prayer", Morgan's devotional sincerity and personnel expression triumph. Suitably complex with yearning minors, "Mother" features the trio performing a memorable composition. Littleton's deep-note sustain contrasts Wise's shimmering cymbals, while Morgan tells heart-wrenching truth. With a somewhat solemn theme, "He Left Us A Song" regularly bursts through into straight-ahead fast break sprints up and down the court. The unexpected "Study In C.T." offers an homage to Cecil Taylor and Morgan's musical roots with free improvisations on a dense and spiky theme. The exhilarating result has Morgan exploring his own way, with a winking slinging of jagged bass chords halfway through. While a quarter century's experience has nurtured Morgan's prodigious gifts beyond this ambitious debut, "Journey Into Nigritia" offers enjoyable insights into his artistic evolution, while adding another precious title to the discography of one of the most woefully under-recorded greats of our time. Review by Rex Butters

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Creative Arts Ensemble

One Step Out

2LP | 1981 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

Release: 1981 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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One of the most sought after and highly-regarded titles to have appeared on Tom Albach's celebrated Nimbus West imprint, "One Step Out" is a timeless work of spiritualized jazz. A true gem from the Los Angeles jazz underground, the album was pianist and composer Kaeef Ruzadun Ali's first recording as leader of the Creative Arts Ensemble, the only large ensemble group that emerged directly from Horace Tapscott's legendary Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra community jazz group. A Los Angeles native, Kaeef was introduced to the Tapscott circle in the late 1970s. His first experience of the Arkestra's ethos was through Papa tenorist Michael Session, who took him to the famous "Great House" at 2412 South Western Ave., LA -- a large mansion house which members of the Arkestra had taken over as a space for communal living. Life in the Great House was a continuous stream of music, dance and community events. »When I walked in there,« recalled Kaeef, »it was like this whole rush came over me, just from going in the front door -- It was like a very, very warm feeling of love. I went and I came out with "Flashback Of Time", and that was my first arrangement.« Kaeef quickly became a significant contributor of compositions to the Arkestra's songbook -- his piece "New Horizon" would be recorded by Horace Tapscott for the latter's Tapscott Sessions series. But "Flashback Of Time" would eventually appear on "One Step Out", played by the new group he had put together from stalwart Arkestra members. Inspired by both Tapscott's example and by the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Kaeef had wanted to follow their lead by assembling a larger unit. Featuring seasoned Arkestra regulars including reedsman Dadisi Komolafe, drummer Woody "Sonship" Theus and altoist Gary Bias, with veterans Henry "The Skipper" Franklin on bass and George Bohannon on trombone, "One Step Out" is a key document of the Los Angeles radical jazz underground. Featuring the sanctified vocals of Kaeef's sister, B. J. Crowley, the album is a tour de force of spiritually energized independent jazz music.

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Horace Tapscott

Dial 'B' For Barbra

50,99 €*

LP | 1977 | CA | Reissue (Return To Analog)

Release: 1981 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The best of pianist Horace Tapscott's recordings for the tiny Nimbus label is this 1981 LP which features him in a sextet with trumpeter Reggie Bullen, altoist Gary Bias, tenor saxophonist Sabir Matteen, bassist Roberto Miranda and drummer Everett Brown, Jr. The group stretches out on a couple of Tapscott's originals plus a 19½-minute version of Linda Hill's "Dem Folks". Although the music could be called avant-garde, its use of rhythms and repetition keep the results from being forbidding and the performances have a momentum of their own. Scott Yanow/AMG A great group recording from pianist Horace Tapscott – recorded in LA in the early 80s, but done with all the righteousness and spirituality of his earlier albums! Tracks are long and exploratory, but also relatively lyrical too – stretching out with a style that's never too 'outside', and which has Horace and the group really soaring to the heavens on the best moments! The group here is a sextet – with the great Gary Bias on alto and soprano saxophone, plus Sabir Matteen on tenor, Reggie Bullen on trumpet, Roberto Miguel Miranda on bass, and Everett Brown on drums and percussion – all working with a cohesiveness that reminds us of some of Tapscott's larger group recordings, but with a cleaner, leaner kind of feel. Titles include "Lately's Solo", "Dial B For Barbara", and "Dem Folks".

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Ungava

Lee Konitz & Martial Solal

Release: 1977 / CA – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Rock & Indie

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Québec group Ungava's first and only album (1977) is a seamless blend of progressive rock, jazz fusion and pastoral folk. At its core a virtuosic trio of guitar, bass and drums, the band adds electric piano, sax and flute to great textural effect. Long neglected, the original issue is now a highly valued collector's item.

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Live At The Berlin Jazz Days 1980

LP | 1982 | EU | Reissue (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald)

Release: 1982 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1981 | EU | Reissue (No Frills)

Glenn Miller

Very Best Of

20,99 €*

LP | 1983 | JP | Reissue (Universal Music Japan)

Release: 1981 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Glenn Miller, leader of the best-loved dance band of all time enlisted in 1942 in a personal crusade to entertain Allied troops with his own distinctive brand of music. Whether delivering ballads or setting the dancefloor moving with 'Pennsylvania 6-5000' and 'The Woodpecker Song', Miller and his merry men set the mood of not only his fellow troops but whole nations. He, and they, will never be forgotten.

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Noriki

39,99 €*

LP | 1985 | EU | Reissue (Ici Bientot)

Release: 1983 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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First vinyl reissue since original 1983 release
Japanese pressing

This is the first reissue of the first album 'noriki' by the fusion group Noriki, which was formed in 1983 by keyboard player and arranger Kanekazu Nogi, who has played on the albums and tours of famous musicians such as Tatsuro Yamashita and Yasuko Agawa

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Nyssa Musique

Comme Au Moulin

21,59 €* 26,99 € -20%

LP | 1979 | EU | Reissue (Musica Per Immagini)

Release: 1985 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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After NEF's album in 2019, Ici Bientôt is happy to present today the reissue of Comme Au Moulin by Nyssa Musique. Paris 1985... ‘Extra-European’ Traditions meet Jazz and Minimal Music. An unusual array of instruments turn music into a dialogue. For a unique record ... vivid, full of texture, somewhere between Midori Takada, Don Cherry and Jon Hassell. Beginning of the eighties, 5 musicians rehearse in a contemporary dance class hall, upstairs from the ‘’New Morning", renowned Music venue in Paris. Nyssa Musique is born. Passionate for a long time about traditional music, like those of the Middle East, India and East Asia, but also about African traditions, they throw a bridge between Jazz and ‘Extra-European’ traditions, resulting in what would be called "Spiritual Jazz" today, a little bit in the style of Don Cherry's Organic Music or Pharoah Sanders. With the notable difference, however, that their creations are strongly infused by contemporary classical and repetitive music, notably Steve Reich's work with whom they share a great interest for the traditional cultures of Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and its gamelans. In the original group we have Armand Amar, Ballet Music composer and John Boswell. Both specialists of traditional hand percussion which they had been studying for a long time in India and the Middle East, they are also very fond of synthesizers. Three other talented musicians quickly join them: Jean-François Roger, percussionist, marimba and vibraphone specialist, Henri Tournier, multi-flutist and Renaud Garcia-Fons, double bass player, who has a passion for the Middle East and has developed a virtuosic play of the bow, reminding that of Cecil Mc Bee. Each of them enriches the ensemble with their personality, originality and musical generosity. The rehearsal hall is rapidly invaded by the phenomenal instrumentarium put together by Armand Amar. A great opportunity for the musicians, for the dancers, to have access to an endless choice of instruments, offering infinite possibilities for mixing different colors and timbres. Their sense for being a group and their great capacity for improvising culminates, in 1985, in the composition of their first and only album Comme au Moulin (« As by the windmill"), testimony of years of creating without hidden agenda. Authentic, free and vibrant, still today, this album has no real equivalent. Even though it recalls the Fourth World current by its combination of traditional instruments with a subtle use of synthesizers, Comme au moulin gives more space to improvisation. It may also recall those of Midori Takada, less the New Age esthetics. An album that should delight as well lovers of "Love Supreme" by John Coltrane, of "Vernal Equinox" by Jon Hassell, as those of Moondog, an artist who, like them, invented a music based on the use of untypical percussions, at the confluence of 'Extra-European' traditions, Jazz and Classical, all together complex and hypnotic.

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Moggi (Piero Umiliani)

News! News! News!

LP | 1974 | UK | Reissue (Soul Jazz)

Release: 1979 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Soundtracks

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The one and only of ficial reissue of a stunning work by Moggi, better known as Piero Umiliani. “News! News! News!” (1979) was originally released in few copies on the small imprint Sound Work Shop, both label and recording studio owned by the cult maestro. Musica Per Immagini gave another chance to its eleven amazing electronic and jazz tracks played by some of the best musicians who took part in the golden age of Italian music libraries. This sought-after album is the way the composer tried to tell us what were the experimental and futuristic sounds of the old media world, especially on paper, to which he has always been drawn. The titles of the tracks refer, not surprisingly, to a series of technical terms and some tools of journalism. “News! News! News!” thus represents the 'draft' of a different story of a fascinating music without borders, not necessarily composed for documentaries or films. Simply brilliant!

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Steve Reid

Nova Red Vinyl Edition

LP | 1979 | EU | Reissue (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald)

Release: 1974 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Soul Jazz Records are re-releasing the debut album from the legendary Steve Reid. As a radical jazz artist, Steve Reid played with an extraordinary group of artists - Miles Davis, Sun Ra, Fela Kuti, James Brown, Ornette Coleman, Lester Bowie and many more. He began his career as a teenager in the 1960s as a drummer at Motown. Reid was born in the South Bronx, and grew up in Queens, New York, three blocks away from John Coltrane. In 1969, Reid refused to enlist to the Vietnam war and was arrested as a conscientious objector and given a four-year prison sentence. On his release in 1974, he formed the Legendary Master Brotherhood and the independent record label, Mustevic Sound, to release his debut LP Nova. At the start of the 21st century, Steve Reid began a successful collaboration with Kieran Hebden (Fourtet), who Reid referred to as his 'musical soul mate', resulting in a number of joint albums. Steve Reid died in New York in 2010. Subsequently the Steve Reid Foundation was set up in his name, to help aspiring musicians and artists. "A truly phenomenal artist." Gilles Peterson "Steve Reid is one of the greatest drummers. He is a musical genius." Kieran Hebden (Fourtet)

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Rolf Kühn

Symphonic Swampfire

Release: 1979 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Sings The Duke Ellington Songbook

Ella Fitzgerald

2LP | 1985 | EU | Reissue (Not Now)

32,99 €*

LP | 1983 | EU | Reissue (Not Now)

Release: 1985 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Ella Fitzgerald was, by any yardstick, a remarkable singer. She had achieved much by the time she signed to the newly created Verve Records in 1956, but it was the genius of Norman Granz, her personal manager and Verve founder, in suggesting she tackle the material of great contemporary composers in themed albums that sent her career into orbit. As the New York Times wrote on her passing in 1996, "These albums were among the first pop records to devote such serious attention to individual songwriters, and they were instrumental in establishing the pop album as a vehicle for serious musical exploration." The song selections ranged from standards to rarities, and the eight-title series represented an attempt by Fitzgerald to cross over to a non-jazz audience that may have been unaware of the talents she first committed to vinyl in 1935.

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Sarah Vaughan

Best Of

LP | 1980 | EU | Reissue (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald)

Release: 1983 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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"The Queen", they called her and Dinah Washington's regality was nowhere more apparent than in the recording studio, where she was uncompromising in her demands for the best in material and in backing. She is marvelous in this recording, which dates from 1957, for not only did she have some great standards to sing in arrangements by Quincy Jones and Ernie Wilkins, two of the best around at that time, but she also had behind her a star-spangled band (the trumpet section alone is sufficient indication of its quality) that gave her every opportunity to be at her best.

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Rolf Kühn

Cucu Ear

Release: 1980 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1980 | EU | Reissue (Glossy Mistakes)

Stu Cisco

Amanita

Barry Morgan & Ray Cooper

Release: 1980 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Electronic & Dance

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Originally released in 1980, ‘Amanita’ is an early approach of Canadian artist Sherine Cisco, formerly known as Stu Cisco, to the limitless world of synthesizers in music, through ambient, progressive rock and drone noise. A unique combination of ambient, progressive rock and even drone noises and space-age that converged in ‘Amanita’, her first full album and a piece of music history. This LP marks a milestone in the investigation, experimentation and evolution of musical instruments, where the Mini Moog demonstrated its versatility and creative potential, opening Sherine a path of limitless possibilities.

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Percussion Spectrum (Themes)

LP | 1979 | EU | Reissue (Be With)

LP | 1976 | EU | Reissue (Mad About)

Release: 1979 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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They Say: “Exploring the wide range of moods and sounds produced by percussion”. We say: MPCs at the ready because this does exactly what it says on the tin, to devastating effect. Oh, and the sleeve is stunning. Originally released in 1979, Percussion Spectrum was produced by the legendary percussionists Barry Morgan and Ray Cooper. With dope beats taking in diverse styles, from funk and soul and jazz through to Latin, Brazilian, samba and Afro-Cuban, this is an amazing sample source filled with killer drum-breaks and percussion flares. Unsurprisingly it’s one of the most sought-after records from the Themes catalogue. This library LP is a library in itself, with its mix of short themes of single beats, short breaks.

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Mandala

23,74 €* 24,99 € -5%

Jay Richford And Gary Stevan

Release: 1976 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Mandala made only one eponymous album, recorded in 1971 but released only in 1976. A very rare and influential album, featuring future members of Grupo Um (Nazário and Zeca Assumpção who also played with Hermeto and Egberto Gismonti) and Pau Brasil (Nelson Ayres) - two seminal bands from the Brazilian instrumental scene of the 80s. The sound is a mix of Jazz Fusion with a Brazilian footprint - with a dash of psychedelic atmosphere and the spiced influence of oriental music.

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Feelings

LP | 1974 | EU | Reissue (Be With)

Live Evil Black Vinyl Edition

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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More than once Jay Richford and Gary Stevan’s Feelings has been described as the greatest library record ever released. Of course Be With can’t be seen to be playing favourites, but we have to admit, it’s pretty good. Insanely rare and immensely sought-after, it’s a tough funk, street jazz masterpiece coveted for many years by collectors of all musical genres. Since its original release on Italian label Carosello in 1974, Feelings has appeared on several labels with different sleeves and even under a different artist. Indeed cult library label Conroy put it out in one of their iconic red sleeves in 1976 and yes, Feelings has indeed had more than one modern re-issue since these “original” releases. But a record this special deserves to be kept in press and we think it deserves the Be With treatment. No, Jay Richford and Gary Stevan aren’t two of the most Italian sounding names. As the story goes these were the pseudonyms adopted by Stefano Torossi and Giancarlo Gazzani who wrote the album but couldn’t use their real names on the original release for legal reasons. But Stefano Torossi himself later both clarified and confused the tale further by explaining that Feelings was the work of four people not just Gazzani and himself. Fellow composers and musicians Sandro Brugnolini and Puccio Roelens also worked on the album and as Torossi himself explained “we all worked together”, with all four gents “dividing the royalties in equal parts… that’s the story.” Right, so, with that all sorted out let’s get back to talking about the music.

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Miles Davis

2LP | 1970 | EU | Reissue (Music On Vinyl)

LP | 1970 | EU | Reissue (Eargong)

Release: 1970 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Live-Evil (1970) by Miles Davis is a double live album which features different settings of Miles Davis' bands. One of such recordings is of a 1970 gig at the Cellar Door, which featured a band comprised of Miles, bassist Michael Henderson, drummer Jack DeJohnette, guitarist John McLaughlin, saxophonist Gary Barts, and Keith Jarrett. The group is groovy, fast, and funky.

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Mike Osborne

Outback

13,99 €*

Release: 1970 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1975 | US | Reissue (Real Gone)

Cleveland Eaton

Plenty Good Eaton

Release: 1975 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1985 | EU | Reissue (Blind Dog)

Vladimir Furduj

Furda

Gelson Oliveira & Luiz Ewerling

Release: 1985 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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180 gram vinyl

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Terra

LP | 1983 | EU | Reissue (Mad About)

From Left To Right White Vinyl Edition

Release: 1983 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Debut album by the influential gaucho musician Gelson Oliveira, in partnership with the drummer Luiz Ewerling, released independently in 1983, with minimal resources. In spite of all this, they made a unique and very beautiful album, with a spectacular musicality, a mix of sounds, ranging from jazz, funk and fusion.

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Bill Evans

LP | 1970 | EU | Reissue (Klimt)

LP | 1980 | EU | Reissue (Soul Note Vinyl)

Release: 1970 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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In the '60s the jazz pianist Bill Evans would occasionally record an orchestral "easy listening" session to pay the bills, with predictably mediocre results. But From Left TO Right, while certainly easy on the ears, is also one of Evans' most intriguing "lost" records. The novelty is that Evans plays both Fender Rhodes and acoustic piano simultaneously in real time, trading off themes and improvs with deliberative taste and, of course, rare skill. The sessions were produced by Evans' long-time, protective manager Helen Keane, so there was little danger of "selling out." Unobtrusively arranged by Michael Leonard, this 1969 release resembles nothing so much as famed bossa nova composer Antonio Carlos Jobim's series of shimmering instrumental albums with arranger Claus Ogerman, even without those gently relentless rhythms driving every tune. Still, the highlight of this album is the dancing two-part "The Dolphin - Before & After," a non-Jobim bossa nova which allows Evans his only extended improvisations. (allmusic.com)

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Bill Dixon

In Italy Volume One

Musique Pour Le Film D'un Ami

Release: 1980 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Bill Dixon one of the great visionary composers and improvisers in modern creative Jazz, "In Italy Volume One" was recorded in Milan in 1980 and released on Soul Note. A wide open tapestry and a rare example of open interaction between pulse, melody and pure sound as result of the work of a maverick quintet featuring Dixon, Arthur Brooks and Stephen Haynes - trumpets, Stephen Horenstein - tenor & baritone saxophone, and the great open rhythm section of Alan Silva - bass and Freddie Waits - drums.

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Steve Potts

LP | 1975 | EU | Reissue (Souffle Continu)

LP | 1976 | EU | Reissue (Souffle Continu)

Release: 1975 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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In 1975, Steve Potts left Steve Lacy for a time to compose Musique pour le film d’un ami following the proposition from the film’s director Joaquín Lledó. With guest musicians of quality and from vairied horizons (Ambrose Jackson, Jean-Jacques Avenel, Frank Abel, Elie Ferré, Christian Escoudé…), the saxophonise recorded a soundtrack ranging from modal jazz to free funk and from dirty grooves, to java wah-wah with disconcerting elegance. Rather than blaxploitation, Potts and his group offer us their mixploitation made in Paris which would be recognised way beyond the boundaries of La Défense.

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Alain Bellaiche

Sea Fluorescent

23,99 €*

LP | 1980 | JP | Reissue (Teichiku Entertainment)

Release: 1976 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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First ever reissue of highly sought after french jazz funk fusion nugget from Alain Bellaïche featuring, Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra), John Hicks (Strata-East) & Fabiano (Fabiano Orchestra).

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Judy Anton

Smile

72,99 €*

LP | 1982 | JP | Reissue (Columbia)

Release: 1980 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Pop

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Released in 1980, late AB’s, Makoto Matsushita and Cassiopeia members participated in the city pop masterpiece reissued on LP! Arranged by Makoto Matsushita and Minoru Mukai, and the participating musicians are Takeshi Ito and Akira Jimbo.

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Yumi Murata

Himiko

71,99 €*

Road Games Record Store Day 2020 Edition

Release: 1982 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Pop

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Yumi Murata’s second album with Mariah.
It’s a beautiful, stateless ambient record with its halting vocals, which reflect the sonic experiments of Shimizu Yasuaki.

Mariah, at a time when she was leaning towards hard rock; she used this song as a starting point to steer her into the new wave.

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Allan Holdsworth

LP | 1983 | US | Reissue (Manifesto)

LP | 1972 | US | Reissue (Real Gone)

Release: 1983 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Record Store Day 2020 Release.

Original Road Games with Bonus Track.

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Awakening

Hear, Sense And Feel

Release: 1972 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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On The Way To Eden White Vinyl Edition

Eden Rose

LP | 1970 | EU | Reissue (Guerssen)

Window Of The Mind Ultra Clear Vinyl Edition

Release: 1970 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Rock & Indie

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Limited to 200 copies on white vinyl!

Proto-progressive, groovy instrumental psychedelia, recorded in France in 1969 by this pre-Sandrose band and released on the tiny Katema label. Swirling Hammond grooves by keyboard virtuoso Henri Garella, top guitar playing by Jean-Pierre Alacen and a tight, funky rhythm section create one of the best early prog/psych French albums ever. First reissued on Guerssen back in 2016 and out of print for many years, here's a repress in hard cardboard sleeve + OBI - resealable outer sleeve.

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Billy Brooks

LP | 1974 | EU | Reissue (Wewantsounds)

28,79 €* 31,99 € -10%

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Window Of The Mind Black Vinyl Edition

Billy Brooks

LP | 1974 | EU | Reissue (Wewantsounds)

LP | 1979 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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2022 restock; LP version. Wewantsounds reissue of Billy Brooks's much sought-after album Windows of the Mind, released in 1974 on Ray Charles's Crossover Records. The album was co-produced by Charles and features such heavy players as Herman Riley, Calvin Keys, and Larry Gales. There's not a huge amount of information to be found about trumpet player Billy Brooks. A solid session musician who'd been around since the '50s, he played with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Cal Tjader, and of course Ray Charles, who signed him to his sub label Crossover Records in the early '70s to release Windows of the Mind. Interestingly, Brooks also appears on Bea Benjamin's 1976 cult classic African Songbird produced by Dollard Brand. Windows of the Mind released in 1974 remains Brooks' only solo album. Windows of the Mind was recorded in Los Angeles and co-produced by Ray Charles. It is a skillful, brass-led mix of jazz and funk performed by such cult players as bassist Larry Gales (Thelonious Monk), drummer Clarence Johnston (Freddie Roach, James Moody), saxophonist Herman Riley (Side Effect, Pleasure, Earth Wind & Fire, Letta Mbulu), guitarists Jef Lee (Roy Ayers, Sylvia Striplin) and cult player Calvin Keys of Black Jazz Records fame. From the groove of "Rockin Julius", "Shetter Cheeze", and "Black Flag" to the mid-tempo jazz mood of "Cooling It" and "C.P. Time" and the cinematic brass pyrotechnics of "The Speech Maker", "Windows of the Mind" is a superb funked-up big band jazz album. Windows of the Mind did reasonably well among the jazz circles when it came out but its fate would change fifteen years later when, in 1990, A Tribe Called Quest heavily sampled its closing track "Fourty Days" for their own "Luck of Lucien" featured on the group's debut album People's Instinctive Travels And The Paths Of Rhythm (1990). The album revolutionized hip-hop and "Luck of Lucien" became one of the album's highlights, thus cementing the reputation of Billy Brooks original LP among DJs and collectors. Original LPs now change hands for a few hundred dollars. Wewantsounds now make this landmark album available again in partnership with The Ray Charles Foundation. Newly remastered audio; comes with original artwork.

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Babatunde And Phenomena

Levels Of Consciousness

Norman Williams And The One Mind Experience

Release: 1979 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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This reissue of an LP cut for the Theresa label contains plenty of exciting music. Percussionist Babatunde Lea takes stirring solos and constantly inspires the ensembles and soloists during a generally high-powered set. The musicians were all based in San Francisco at the time, including guest soloists trumpeter Eddie Henderson and trombonist Julian Priester. The music is Afro-Cuban jazz with bits of 1970s electronics and funk added to the mix. But despite some R&B-ish vocals (which dominate a bit during the last few tracks) and commercial moments, the music is excellent, there are some strong solos.

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The Bishop

LP | 1976 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

Locomotion Colored Vinyl Edition Record Store Day 2020 Edition

Release: 1976 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Bishop Norman Williams is an amazing musician. He not only has command of his instrument and music, but a great spirit that reflects a knowledge and love of his people and what they give the world — the same spirit shared by Satchmo, Bird, and Trane. Reign on, Bishop. Michael Howell Bishop Norman Williams is one of those unique talents in music. He has the gift of being able to say what he wants and at the same time say something always significant. He has many influences because he is open to all of the good music of the world. When you hear him play, you feel that he has assembled all of these 'world ideas' in music to speak through his horn. John Handy It’s time. It’s time for all to hear the Bishop proclaim spiritual truths in his church, the One Mind Temple, dedicated to the spirit of John Coltrane. The time is also overdue for all to hear the Bishop proclaim musical truths through the medium of his alto saxophone. My first few gigs in 1962 were with the Bishop’s band. I’ll never forget what an inspiration it was for me learning how to play while standing next to the Bishop, who already had it together. I’m sure after hearing the Bishop, you will also agree that his time has come. Eddie Henderson

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Martial Solal

LP | 1974 | EU | Reissue (Underdog)

Utakata No Hibi Black Vinyl Edition

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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After JANKO NILOVIC and HARLEM POP TROTTERS, Underdog Records has now reissued MARTIAL SOLAL – Locomotion in a colored vinyl edition. This grooviest French jazz-funk and avant-garde album features Henri Texier and Bernard Lubat, and was originally released in 1974 on the PSI label. A masterpiece!

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Mariah

2LP | 1983 | EU | Reissue (Everland)

LP | 1981 | UK | Reissue (Expansion)

Release: 1983 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Rock & Indie, Electronic & Dance

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An amazingly colorful album with songs that are based on solid substance rather than cheap pop structures. This is music for the bold listeners and music lovers and this awesome reissue should quickly find it’s way into the record collections of 80s synth and art pop aficionadoes. Yasuaki Shimizu did what he wanted with Mariah, pushed the borders of popular music further than anybody would have thought. Listen to a track like „Shonen“ with a repetitive rhythm pattern that hypnotizes you and somehow silky melodylines by saxophone and synth piano upon which a female voice sings in a very spiritual way. Praising pop or whatever this can be called, it is sheer magic put in music. I wonder if this would have made it into the charts back then, but you never know. It is a piece of musical art that shall be listened to. Grab your copy now!!!

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Justo Almario

Interlude

28,99 €*

Release: 1981 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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7" | 1973 | EU | Reissue (Souffle Continu)

Le Theatre Du Chene Noir

Miss Madonna

12,99 €*

Tadao Sawai,Kazue Sawai,Takeshi Inomata,Norio Maeda,Hozan Yamamoto

Release: 1973 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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"Two years after having recorded Aurora, which Gérard Terronès released on his Futura Records label in 1971, the Théâtre du Chêne Noir put on another show, Miss Madona, first at Avignon, and then at Ariane Mnouchkine’s Théâtre du Soleil. From this play, Gérard Gelas’ group took three sound extracts which they made, with no further ado, into a single.

Miss Madona is thus the second recording by Théâtre du Chêne Noir. The two sides(and three tracks) offer up an unbelievable instrumental theatre with something of a white magic ritual about it. The actors, so much better for the record, were also musicians; alongside Miss Madona, ex-star of the circus and now idol, were the piano and electric organ of Daniel Dublet, the saxophones of Pierre Surtel and Jean-Louis Canaud, and the trumpet of Gilbert Say.

But there are also the vocals of Beatrice Le Thierry, Bénédicte Maulet, Jean Paul Chazalon, Monik Lamy, Nicole Aubiat... which added to the mystery of what happened on stage. The sound of this particular theatre may remind us as much of John Coltrane as of Ravi Shankar, Pierre Henry or the Art Ensemble of Chicago. There are voices from beyond the grave, inspirational for future musicians: Steven Stapleton, for example who included Théâtre du Chêne Noir in his Nurse With Wound List."

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Jazz Rock

LP | 1973 | EU | Reissue (Mr Bongo)

LP | 1972 | EU | Reissue (Wewantsounds)

Release: 1973 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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They say you can't judge a book by its cover, and going by 'Jazz Rock', nor a record by its title. Though entering into jazz territory and featuring some distorted guitar, 'Jazz Rock' is more a beautiful marriage of funky breakbeat drumming and spiritual jazz instrumentation, combined with traditional Min'y music performed on the koto and shakuhachi.
Originally released in 1973, the record sounds simultaneously vintage and contemporary. It is akin to something Madlib might dream up whilst lost in Japan collaborating with Min'y players at a recording session. The record features some amazing shakuhachi (bamboo flute) playing by Hozan Yamamoto, which gives the music a haunting, dreamlike atmosphere. You can almost visualise the long grass blowing in the wind, and ear the bamboo rustling in the distance on a long hot summer's day. Takeshi Inomata, Tadao Sawai and Kazue Sawai anchor the session. Takeshi's exceptionally funky-drum work will almost certainly get some producers dusting off and firing up their MPC's. Whilst Kazue and Tadao work their magic on the koto (a traditional string instrument). Though certainly not an ambient record, 'Jazz-Rock' has the same meditative, other-worldly quality that invites you to sit back, listen and be transported somewhere else. Unfortunately, until now the 'Jazz Rock' album is a scarcity that commanded a high price-tag only for the most hardened of record collectors. So it is pleasure to make it accessible to all, and we hope you dig this lost, obscure future classic as much as we do.

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Alice Clark

34,99 €*

LP | 1980 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

Release: 1972 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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2022 repress. Following the success of Wewantsounds' Alice Clark RSD edition featuring an extra 20-page booklet, the label reissues the standard version of Alice Clark's highly sought-after soul jazz classic produced by Mainstream Records' Bob Shad in 1972. Featuring original artwork, remastered sound making this reissue is the first official reissue of Alice Clark's original album for decades, a long overdue release of one of the best Soul albums ever recorded. When it comes to legendary albums, very few can match the cult status achieved on the international jazz and funk scene, by Alice Clark's eponymous album, recorded for Mainstream Records in 1972. The record which went unnoticed when it first came out has become one of the most sought-after albums ever since it became cult on the London jazz and funk scene in the late '80s. It is now being acknowledged as one of the best soul albums of all-times. Recorded live over two days at the Record Plant studios in New York City, the album was produced by Bob Shad and arranged by jazz veteran Ernie Wilkins with a big band setting. The music is a superb mix of jazz and soul blessed by Clark's superb singing and including two all-time favorites, "Don't You Care" and "Never Did I Stop Loving You" plus a selection of heart-wrenching songs beautifully sung by Clark. Hailed as a soul masterpiece alongside Aretha Franklin or Roberta Flack's best albums, Alice Clark's LP took almost fifty years to achieve classic status and Alice Clark is now finally getting the recognition she deserves.

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Idris Muhammed

Kabsha

LP | 1974 | EU | Reissue (We Release Jazz)

Release: 1980 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Re-mastering by: Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London

This little-known album by New Orleans-born drummer Idris Muhammad (1939-2014) was originally recorded for Theresa at Rudy Van Gelder's studio in New Jersey on September 12, 1980 with George Coleman & Pharoah Sanders on tenor saxophones & Ray Drummond on bass.

The six powerful tracks include originals from Muhammad & Drummond and an impressive version of Billy Eckstine's 'I Want To Talk About You' featuring Sanders.

'Kabsha', which is dedicated to Muhammad's youngest daughter, is recommended to anyone who appreciates inventive and passionate modern jazz.

Drummer Idris Muhammad's strongest jazz date as a leader. Muhammad, who had often been heard in funky or more commercial settings, really excels in this sparse setting, showing off what he learned from hearing bands in his native New Orleans. In addition, both the underrated Coleman and Sanders are heard in top form, stretching out on originals, basic pieces, and "I Want to Talk About You" (during which Sanders lets out a few trademark screams so everyone knows that he is not John Coltrane). Highly recommended. Scott Yanow/AMG

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Boillat Therace Quintet

23,99 €*

LP | 1978 | UK | Reissue (Treader)

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Swiss jazz bliss! We Release Jazz is very, very, Very happy to present its sixth release (following Ryo Fukui’s Scenery and Mellow Dream, Le Cercle Rouge’s soundtrack by Eric Demarsan, Stuff Combe 5 + Percussion, and Marc Moulin’s Placebo Live 1971) coming straight from its beloved hometown of Geneva. Boillat Thérace Quintet’s self-titled album is available for the first time since its original limited private pressing in 1974. Full of prolific and inspired local clusters and boosted by the recently launched Montreux Jazz Festival, the Swiss jazz scene was vibrant and inventive in the 1970s, notably in the region surrounding Lake Geneva. This is precisely where jazz activist and brilliant pianist Jean-François Boillat and wind instrument master Raymond Thérace formed their quintet whose dazzling debut album was recorded in 1974.

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Evan Parker

Monoceros

LP | 1974 | EU | Reissue (Mr Bongo)

Release: 1978 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Originally recorded direct to disc and released by Incus in 1978, this new edition from Treader is pressed from the original stampers. Hand-finished sleeve.

‘Parker uses rapid tonguing techniques and circular breathing to create a sound all his own, marked by the simultaneous intonation of multiple notes. One hears a note as well as all the residual tones around it; each breath ends up sounding like a battle between the different registers of the horn. At various times, Parker’s saxophone sounds like dolphin speech, electronic tape squeals, or human murmurs; namely, anything but what it actually is. His language on the instrument is essential listening for anyone interested in acoustic experimental music’ (AllMusic).

‘Eight years after Topography Of The Lungs, and two years after his Saxophone Solos, Monoceros was the most muscular statement of Evan Parker’s solo saxophone muse. Superbly recorded, it seemed to place the listener within the chaotic air flows of the saxophone’s own tubing. Philip Clark said: ‘Parker’s dialogue with the saxophone throws up so much that is unexpected, and indeed unknowable, that the problem he faces is how to keep pace with his own invention’’ (The Wire, Best Albums Of The Year).

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Dee Dee Bridgewater

Afro Blue

2LP | 1980 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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If you collect vintage 70's soul-jazz vinyl, there is a good chance that you already own a record that features the amazing vocal talents of Dee Dee Bridgewater. Whether it be Roy Ayers, Norman Connors, Billy Parker or Carlos Garnett - Dee Dee is the glue that fuses these artists together. Although best known for her jazz work, Dee Dee has had a wonderfully rich and varied career encompassing soul, musicals, gospel, and underground disco from the 70's to the present day. She is still active as a vocalist, composer, and producer and remains one of our favourite vocalists at Mr Bongo HQ. We take things back to the early years of Dee Dee's career with her debut album 'Afro Blue'. Recorded in Tokyo in 1974, the album was released exclusively in Japan via two different Japanese labels (Trio Records in 1974 and All Art in 1985 respectively). Each release had unique cover art and we have opted to present the album in its original 1974 form.
'Afro Blue' features an exquisite collaboration of American and Japanese musicians, such as Cecil & Ron Bridgewater, Motohiko Hino and producer Takao Ishizuka. The result is a sublime deep soul-jazz masterpiece with timeless versions of 'People Make The World Go Round', 'Love From The Sun', and 'Afro Blue'. It is arguably one of the finest albums in its genre. This record has long been a sought-after item for DJs and collectors alike, so we are delighted to finally make this wonderful music from an understated great available to all.

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Pharoah Sanders

Journey To The One

51,99 €*

LP | 1982 | EU | Reissue (Verve)

Release: 1980 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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* 180 gram double LP with gatefold sleeve

* Re-mastering by: Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London

* What separates this LP from others is that it is a group playing under his leadership where he gives all others close to equal billing.

* A jazz essential with plenty of incorporated nontraditional instrumentation

* One of his best recording from his post Impulse career.

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Nina Simone

Fodder On My Wings

Release: 1982 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Charles Tolliver / Music Inc & Orchestra

Impact

LP | 1976 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

The Positive Force With Ade Olatunji

Release: 1976 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Trumpeter/flügelhornist Charles Tolliver often straddled the line between the lyricism of hard bop and the adventurous nature of the avant-garde. Released in 1975, "Impact" contained a stimulating progressive edge within an energetic large band (14 horns, eight strings, and rhythm section) format. Tolliver's arrangements are consistently bright and build momentum, while the soloists are given sufficient room to manoeuvre through the multiple textures. Featured soloists in the remarkable reed section include Charles McPherson, James Spaulding, George Coleman, and Harold Vick.

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Oracy

LP | 1977 | EU | Reissue (Rain&Shine)

LP | 1972 | UK | Reissue (Pure Pleasure)

Release: 1977 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Seminal Spiritual Jazz from Detroit, 1977. Officially licensed and re-mastered re-issue. Comes with fold-out insert of Ade Olatunji’s Poetry that features on the album and never before seen artwork designed by New Zealand based designer David Broome. File under Free Jazz, Fusion, Spoken Word, Poetry, Conscious
“I remember Detroit being a cultural hotbed in 1977. There was poetry, theater and music everywhere. I remember even a local bar on the east side even had a poetry night. I don't remember a lot of unemployment or blighted neighbourhoods back then The greatest takeaway from my trip to Nigeria, was the term "Oracy." I want to say that Wole Soyinka, was giving a talk about about communicating with illiterate or functionally illiterate people and he was talking about oral literacy, or "oracy," for short. It struck me as a perfect word-- for what I was doing, practising. When we decided to produce a record of poetry and music there was no question that it would be titled "Oracy."

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Rahsaan Roland Kirk

Blacknuss

LP | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Arsivplak)

Release: 1972 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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As deep as a soul record can be and as hot as any jazz record has a right to call itself. deep

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Nukhet Ruacan

Ruacan

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1978 | US | Reissue (Morning Trip)

William Eaton

Music By William Eaton

LP | 1973 | EU | Reissue (Blue Note)

Release: 1978 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Originally released in 1978, Music By William Eaton is a private-press album from the accomplished experimental stringed instrument builder. The atmospheric recording techniques, mixed with a hint of Fahey/Takoma-lineage make for a listening experience akin to the mountainscape drawing represented on the album cover. The experience may seem simple at first, but like any great trip in nature, new details consistently reveal themselves upon each listen.
“When I started building instruments, playing guitar took on a whole new dimension. From the conception to the birth of each instrument, new layers of meaning unfolded. Cycles, connections and interdependencies became apparent as I contemplated the growth of trees from seed to old age, and the transformation from raw wood to the building of a musical instrument. I sought out quiet natural environments to play and listen to the “voice” of my 6 string, 12 string, 26 string (Elesion Harmonium) and double neck quadraphonic electric guitar. Deep canyons contained a beautiful resonant quality and echo. A starlit night with a full moon provided all the reflection and endless space by which to project music into the cosmos. The sound of a bubbling stream and singing birds added a natural symphonic tapestry to a melody or chord pattern. As I perceived it, everything was participating in a serendipitous dance. Everything was part of the music.
During this time, I decided to record an instrumental album of music. The idea was simple; it would be a series of tone poems with no titles or any information attached, only the words ‘Music by William Eaton.’ While some of the songs evolved out of composed chord progressions, most of the songs were played spontaneously, only on the occasion of the recording. These improvised songs haven’t been played since.” -- William Eaton
Recommended for fans of John Fahey, Harry Partch, Robbie Basho, Laraaji

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Elvin Jones

Mr.Jones

Release: 1973 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1983 | EU | Reissue (Be With)

Victor Cavini

Japan

12" | 1979 | EU | Reissue (Trad Vibe)

Release: 1983 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Rock & Indie

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The first Be With foray into the archives of revered German library institution Selected Sound is one of our favourites on the label - the super in-demand Japan from Victor Cavini, originally released in 1983. Rare and sought-after for many years now, this is one of those cult library LPs that never turn up. With Daibutsu the giant Buddha of Kamakura’s presence gracing the hefty front cover, this is a record bursting with dope samples for adventurous producers: it’s koto-funk madness! Victor Cavini was the library music pseudonym of prolific German composer and musician Gerhard Trede. He was known for exploring instruments and styles from around the world (he played over 50 different instruments himself) and Japan is his collection of 14 musical sketches painted with traditional Japanese wind and string instruments. These are the sounds of traditional Japanese folk music re-interpreted through Western ears, with the occassional contemporary twist.

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Cortex

Medley

14,99 €*

Guilherme Coutinho E O Grupo Stalo

Release: 1979 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The first reissue of the famous and long-awaited "Medley Maxi 45" by Cortex. Originally released in 1979, this Medley is the perfect tool for DJs (Already played by MCDE at We Love Green Festival as the Final track…).
On B side the “Mary & Jeff (Fender Rhodes Version 77)” was released in 2010 on a very limited 7inch (TV003).
Never republished! Remastered from original tape by Trad Vibe records.

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LP | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Mad About)

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1984 | UK | Reissue (Outernational)

Nate Morgan

Retribution, Reparation

LP | 1981 | EU | Reissue (Favorite)

Release: 1984 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Available on vinyl for the first time since its original release in 1984, Outernational Sounds proudly presents Build An Ark pianist Nate Morgan’s second outing for the celebrated Nimbus West label – the conscious and spiritualised sounds of Retribution, Reparation.

Pianist Nate Morgan (1964-2013) was a central figure on the Los Angeles jazz undergound. A core member of the circle around the legendary bandleader, pianist and community organiser Horace Tapscott, Morgan had been part of Tapscott’s U.G.M.A.A. (Union Of God’s Musicians and Artists Ascension) since he was just a teenager, and was a key member of the Pan Afrikan People’s Arkestra, known as ‘The Ark’. Through the 1980s and 1990s he kept the PAPA flame alive, organising the Ark’s sprawling songbook, running legendary jam sessions, and keeping LA’s deep jazz roots well watered. By the early 2000s he was bringing hard won knowledge to a new generation as part of the Build The Ark collective. He was a musician’s musician, at the beating heart of the radical, community-minded Los Angeles jazz network that Tapscott and his associates had first put together in the early 1960s.

Retribution, Reparation was the second of the two LPs Morgan recorded for Tom Albach’s storied Nimbus West imprint. His first, Journey Into Nigritia (Outernational Sounds OTR- 008), had been a declaration of arrival laced with energies drawn from Cecil Taylor and Coltrane. One year later, with nods to Herbie Hancock (‘One Finger Snap’) and Ellington (‘Come Sunday’), Retribution, Reparation was a confident statement of purpose. Politically charged with pan-Africanist and Black nationalist sentiments inspired by Marcus Garvey, and titled with uncompromising directness, the album focusses the soundworld of the Ark into a surging, restless masterpiece of spiritualised modal jazz. With Danny Cortez on trumpet and Ark stalwart Jesse Sharps on saxophones the frontline is explosive (this set is also one of the few places the extraordinary Sharps can be heard in a small group setting), while Fritz Wise and Ark regular Joel Ector hold down the rhythm section. Morgan’s forceful, Tyner-like chords and virtuosic solos and bind the music together. From the poised drama of the opening dedication to Tapscott’s U.G.M.A.A. (‘U.G.M.A.A.GER’) to the propulsive militancy of the title track, Retribution, Reparation spreads the word: ‘Advance to Victory, Let Nigritia Be Free!’

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Twylyte '81

The First Coming