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Limited copies of this John T. Gast (Apron, Planet Mu, Blackest Ever Black etc) project from 2017 - originally released on a hyper limited CDR. Now on vinyl for the first time featuring all the original tracks Special stuff from this shadow dwelling soul. Really killer.

10th anniversary celebration album feat. 20Syl (C2C/Hocus Pocus), Dj Cam, Insight, Venice Beach, Lord Funk, Dj Suspect … includes download card!

** Raw, Deep and Spiritual Jazz 1966-2018 **
The Peace Chant compilation series is a Temple, a reliquary of sacred harmonious statements made by enlightened artists throughout time. With Tramp Records' latest offerings, "Peace Chant, Raw Deep and Spiritual Jazz volumes 5 & 6, deeper, darker, and even more remote chambers of this already exalted temple are brought to light. The team at Tramp, with their torch of love and with reverence for those builders who came before, have returned from their quest with musical treasures unfathomable. Indeed, some of these tracks sound as if they may have literally been plucked from the ancient hands of some towering golden idol. But this quest was no looting effort, no. The Gods, as well as the artists and their families were fairly compensated through Tramp Records' rigorous and historically conscious licensing efforts.

Volume 6 ululates with a rich flute and Fender Rhodes-rich microtonal fusion called "Cataracts" by Musica Orbis that even comes with some sparkling Afro-harping moments ala Dorothy Ashby; a 5/4 dreamscape conjured by the Fredric Rabold Crew called "Januschka" with enraptured wailing soprano; and a very interesting and likely heretofore unheard version of a tune that, in Dizzy's words, "... has withstood the vicissitudes of the contingent world and rocketed in an odyssey into the realm of the metaphysical...", A Night in Tunisia, with rich vocals and scatting.

With the Peace Chant series, we are reminded to:
Listen with intention...
Let ourselves notice...
Focus our attention...
Feel our surroundings...
Notice when our thoughts take over...
Let ourselves experience our surroundings...

And continue our unending quest for Peace.

May ALL beings be peaceful.
~Joel Ricci
Key selling points: - incl. full album download code - incl. detailed liner notes - ALL but one song appear on Vinyl-LP for the very first-time

The two sides of 1973’s Big Business / Wind of Change are mainly the work of the great Keith Mansfield but there’s a killer cameo each from Alan Hawkshaw and David Snell to help deliver “a thematic suite, diverse in mood, applicable to dramatic and environmental situations”. A Be With favourite and truly one for the heads.

The Big Business of side A is all the work of Keith Mansfield. It’s heavy on the suspense and features the vital “Hot Property”, an insistent groove so good that Madlib sampled it to lace the ace “Long Awaited” by Lootpack with Dilated Peoples.

“Sleeping Giant 1” is a more fleshed out version of the equally-dazzling “Fatal Error”, evoking the orchestral magic of David Axelrod. Indeed, it conjures images of Diamond D falling over himself in the early-to-mid 90s to loop its intoxicatingly eerie soundscape. Complete with guitar fills that recall Paris, Texas-era Ry Cooder, you need this record for this piece alone.

The horn-and-flute-led "Tycoon" is a head-nodder and "Power Complex" has some fantastic percussion. Other highlights include the breezy glide of “Whistle Stop Tour” and its sister groove “Clean Air.”

Over on Side B is the more expansive Wind Of Change, which includes the David Snell and the Alan Hawkshaw contributions. But these ain’t no filler. Snell’s shuffling “International Flight” sounds like a smooth Dorothy Ashby track tossed from the heavens. Hawkshaw’s “Road And Rail” is about as luxurious and strung-out as the great man gets and it might just be the highlight of this whole set.

Not to be outdone, if Mansfield’s “Balance Of Power” doesn’t make you feel like king of the world then you must be playing it wrong. Oh, and did we mention “World In Action”?!

As with all ten re-issues, the audio for Big Business / Wind of Change comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. We’ve taken the same care with the sleeves, handing the reproduction duties over to Richard Robinson, the current custodian of KPM’s brand identity.

Though built with highly questionable finances, gangster Michael Thevis’ GRC, Aware and Hotlanta labels produced some scintillating mid-70s soul music. Thevis knew his limitations and allowed his producers, arrangers and songwriters free reign as long as they worked hard and came up with good recordings. It was the period in music when Detroit and the south got together, as with Stax and Westbound’s Memphis/Detroit co-productions, and Thevis tried to make that blueprint work for his Atlanta set-up. He brought producer Marlin McNichols and engineer Milan Bogdan down from the Motor City and Floyd Smith from Chicago. Smith came with the highly talented singers Loleatta Holloway and John Edwards, while McNichols brought the Counts, Ripple and Deep Velvet to cut in the spanking brand-new Sound Pit Studios. Songwriter supreme Sam Dees was co-opted from Thevis’ Moonsong operation, which he ran out of nearby Birmingham, Alabama, and the resulting sessions produced some exquisite soul songs – several of which charted, making the company hot between 1973 and 1975.

Those main acts are here along with artists from the Los Angeles office of the stature of Jimmy Lewis, King Hannibal and Joe Hinton. The John Edwards track debuts on vinyl for the first time, while the Joe Hinton number ‘I’m Tired Of Dreaming’ is the original version of the collectible 45 as recorded by Pure Velvet on Osiris in 1976 – it has never been issued before at all. The King Hannibal track is from his Atlanta sessions (Hannibal lived in both Los Angeles and Atlanta, from where he hailed) and makes it out of the tape vaults for the first time, while gospel legend Dorothy Norwood’s epic opener ‘Big Boat Ride’ had previously only been available since 2016 on CD and is now available to vinyl purists too.

We tried to avoid the non-Atlanta tracks from the Thevis years but have included earlier offerings from Arthur Alexander and Bobby Wilburn recorded by the independent producer Bill Haney – a man as far adrift in personality to Thevis as you could wish for. One of Haney’s acts, Joe Graham, did record for the Aware set-up around 1973 but the four excellent tracks were shelved until now – more will follow. Bill Haney recorded Drifter Charlie Thomas while he visited the city for live work, and ‘Don’t Let Me Know’ is another classy mid-tempo number making its vinyl debut.

1981. A new South African band is making waves. Produced by the team “Van Blerk/Roos & Greg Cutler", it includes succulent voices and melodies, psychedelic Moog, Fender Rhodes surrounded by some Afro-folky guitars. This album is definitely a winner. Between 1972 and 1973 Poy-Poy Makhubela appeared on 4 singles with The Young Movers produced by David Thekwane. In 1975, as a lead guitarist, he decided to bring together four musicians to form the band Unity. Jeff Radine (Fender Rhodes, Moog), George Legobye (bass), Edward Modiselle (percussion) and Robert Moema (drum). The members were all from the group The Sound Jaws, except Jeff Radine who was with Rugare and played with Harari, Chicco, The Black Five or Prince Nico. In 1978, after hearing Unity playing in a club, Mike Tswai joined the band as a manager. Poy-Poy has gone on to have a long career, touring the world and playing with some of the South African’s greats including Brenda Fassie, Don Laka, Blondie & Pappa, Dorothy Masuka as well as Kwaito bands like Alaska, Boom Shaka or Trompies.

Limited Edition for Record Store Day 2018! Two seminal cuts from Norman Whitfields standout project, The Undisputed Truth. Remastered and reissued on 180g vinyl.
If you’re not familiar with “You + Me = Love”, well that bass synth intro will have you hooked from the off. “Sandman” on the B side is a funk bomb nestled on the Smokin’ LP….must have!

sampled by Inspectah Deck ... produced by Norman Whitfield

9 tracks produced by Norman Whitfield

sampled by Camp Lo and for Snoop & Dr.Dre's 'Deep cover'

Truth & Soul is proud to present the second volume of our Fallin' Off The Reel compilation on double long playing vinyl.

Vinyl close to NM

16 tracks by Bronx River Parkway, Tyron Ashley’s Funky Music Machine, Black Velvet, Quincy Bright, Raekwon & El Michel’s Affair, Lee Fields & The Expressions and Timothy McNealy!

Third Man Records is proud to announce the most virile entry in the history of its Blue Series singles: The man, the legend himself Mr. Tom Jones laying his unmistakable voice over Howlin' Wolf's "Evil" and the Frankie Lane classic "Jezebel" (as covered over the years by the likes of Edith Piaf and Anna Calvi). Both tracks were produced by Jack White at Third Man studios.

Grey Marble Swirl Colored Vinyl

/ Sagittarius Black

Japanese pressing without OBI, with insert. Copy close to VG+

Japanese pressing, no OBI. With insert.

/ one cold vibe

Japanese pressing without OBI, with insert.

Thiiird Place, a 13-piece Afro-soul jazz band with a borderless ageless identity and sincere message, is releasing the first full-length album "This is Thiiird Place," a major masterpiece! The long-awaited first album by Thiiird Place, a band with a sound based on Afro-soul Latin jazz and a pop, euphoric and message for all. The album features a rich variety of nine songs, including the first single "Shoes," the Caribbean-Cuban flavored "Ears," the energetic R&B/soul number "Sorekara Dousuru" and the Pat Metheny cover "Last Train Home," which is well-known in live performances but not yet available on digital streaming.

The Whole Truth is back after a small hiatus with a new collaboration with Eric Boss of Myron & E fame. Last seen together on Party Down, whose boogie stylings garnered support from the likes of Dam Funk, this time Eric takes the pitch-perfect 80s funk and gives his producer a theme tune, a calling card. This one is a real underground funk gem. Eric has been making waves on the boogie scene for sometime with his Pendletons releases.
Previous Whole Truth releases have had radio play from the likes of Monki(BBC Radio 1) and Nemone (6 Music). And this time, not only does the artwork come from Lewis Heriz (Sofrito) he also plays a mean guitar.

1999 reisuee. Limited edition

Truth & Soul presents the second single from the newest band to come out of the burgeoning Brooklyn soul scene, The Olympians. Led by maverick keyboard player Toby Pazner, the Olympians second single is a perfect mix of deep soul and european library music. Recorded in Toby Pazner's bedroom studio, both songs are masterfully orchestrated, instrumental gems.

Mr Bongo presents a new and exciting collaborative project with Swedish label Piano Piano Records. Hearing the Swedish outfit Sven Wunder for the first time is as refreshing as an ice-cold Limoncello after an Italian meal. One of those bands that feel instantly familiar like an old friend, yet simultaneously fresh and new. Straight away we fell in love with their sound and knew we had to work with them. The Sven Wunder 'Wabi Sabi' 7" is the second collaborative release between Mr Bongo and Piano Piano Records. 'Wabi Sabi' is Sven Wunder’s follow up to the already contemporary cult-classic album 'Doğu Çiçekleri (Eastern Flowers) from 2019. Not one to be complacent and recreate a carbon copy of their previous works, Sven Wunder switched from the psychedelic-Turkish-funk sounds of 'Doğu Çiçekleri' to the Japanese inspired ethereal funk of 'Wabi Sabi'. We have selected the tracks ‘Hanami’ and ‘Shinrinyoko’ for this collector’s edition 7’. Japanese artists such as Hozan Yamamoto, Tadao Sawai, Kazue Sawai, spring to mind, but also David Axelrod and Dorothy Ashby on the beautiful string-led 'Hanami' with it's laid-back funk breaks. 'Shinrinyoku' has a slightly more raw cinematic-funk sound, yet is cushioned with warm strings and tripped-out keys - pure, rare-library music vibes. We are delighted to be able to release these amazing tracks, cut at the Timmion Records Cutting Lab in Finland.

Mr Bongo presents a new and exciting collaborative project with Swedish label Piano Piano Records. Hearing the Swedish outfit Sven Wunder for the first time is as refreshing as an ice-cold Limoncello after an Italian meal. One of those bands that feel instantly familiar like an old friend, yet simultaneously fresh and new. Straight away we fell in love with their sound and knew we had to work with them. The Sven Wunder 'Wabi Sabi' 7" is the second collaborative release between Mr Bongo and Piano Piano Records. 'Wabi Sabi' is Sven Wunder’s follow up to the already contemporary cult-classic album 'Doğu Çiçekleri (Eastern Flowers) from 2019. Not one to be complacent and recreate a carbon copy of their previous works, Sven Wunder switched from the psychedelic-Turkish-funk sounds of 'Doğu Çiçekleri' to the Japanese inspired ethereal funk of 'Wabi Sabi'. We have selected the tracks ‘Hanami’ and ‘Shinrinyoko’ for this collector’s edition 7’. Japanese artists such as Hozan Yamamoto, Tadao Sawai, Kazue Sawai, spring to mind, but also David Axelrod and Dorothy Ashby on the beautiful string-led 'Hanami' with it's laid-back funk breaks. 'Shinrinyoku' has a slightly more raw cinematic-funk sound, yet is cushioned with warm strings and tripped-out keys - pure, rare-library music vibes. We are delighted to be able to release these amazing tracks, cut at the Timmion Records Cutting Lab in Finland.

Why you'll love it...

Cadet Records was one of the oddest jazz labels to ever issue LPs in America; it was the jazz imprint of Chess Records, and most of its releases came from the minds of two men: Charles Stepney and Richard Evans. The latter man ran point on the short-lived label's lone holiday release, which found the label's house band – which included luminaries like Phil Upchurch – doing their thing on 10 holiday classics. A curio for the cratedigger who already owns every Dorothy Ashby album, this album was AAA remastered by Barry Grint.

Limited to 2,000 copies, the VMP exclusive version of The Soulful Strings' The Magic of Christmas is pressed 180g Opaque Olive vinyl at Independent Record Pressing (IRP). The AAA 1 LP will arrive in a single, tip-on, foil-stamped and numbered jacket. The lacquers were cut by Barry Grint at Alchemy Mastering at AIR.

Record Store Day 2023 limited release with regional focus limited to 1000 copies. Soul Jazz Records’ new Holy Church of the Ecstatic Soul: Gospel, Funk and Soul at the Crossroads 1971-83 is a one-off limited-edition heavyweight red vinyl pressing + download code exclusively for Record Store Day 2023.

The album draws upon the extensive links between Black American Gospel music and Soul music, showing how the sensibilities of gospel artists such as Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Andraé Crouch and others crossed over into secular soul music during this period.
Many of the most successful soul artists – from Aretha Franklin to Al Green, The Staples Singers to Sam Cooke – all drew upon their upbringing in the church for their musical inspiration. This album discusses how important the links between the Black church and Soul music were in creating Soul, and spotlights some of the many important (and also little-known) Gospel artists who walked this line between sacred music and soul, funk and disco in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Holy Church of the Ecstatic Soul shows how sacred Gospel music was at home with Stevie Wonder and Blaxploitation-style funk and produced music celebrated both in New York’s underground discos (The Paradise Garage, Studio 54, etc) and later sampled by the likes of Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg and Mary J Blige.

Soul Jazz Records" Holy Church of the Ecstatic Soul: Gospel, Funk and Soul at the Crossroads 1971-83 draws upon the extensive links between black American gospel music and soul music, showing how the sensibilities of gospel artists such as Shirley Caeser, Dorothy Norwood, Andrae Crouch and others crossed over into secular soul music during this period.Many of the most successful soul artists - from Aretha Franklin to Al Green, The Staple Singers to Sam Cooke - all drew upon their upbringing in the church for their musical inspiration. This album discusses how important the links between the black church and soul music were in creating soul music and spotlights some of the many important (and also little-known) gospel artists who walked this line between sacred music and soul, funk and disco in the 1970s and early 1980s.

SIPHO.'s long awaited debut album 'prayers & Paranoia' finds the much-heralded British alt-R&B artist continuing his cross-genre study of Black British culture, super-ego, and the perception of the self in an increasingly secular, digitised age.

We could get some more copies for a lower price, so we also lowered your price. A bargain! /

In the early seventies, Hank Swarn and Shirley Nanette collaborated to form Never Coming Back. Swarn had been on the road for five years, lending his guitar-backing talent to Earl Grant and his band. While on tour, he wrote some tunes that were ultimately released on the Never Coming Back album. Al Nanette approached Hank about putting together a record with Shirley, who was also keen on getting in the studio. Luckily, Swarn already had songs to bring to the session. With the support some talented local musicians, the album was recorded–mostly in one or two takes–in a little over a week. Unfortunately, the album saw little exposure. Needless to say, this tremendous effort by Nanette, who continues to sing and perform in Portland, has touched the hearts of many who’ve recently heard the album for the first time.

Groovy, spiritual, and oh so, rare, this live album by drummer Roy Brooks is one of the best to ever come out of the spiritual jazz scene. With a career spanning over 50 years and collaborations with artists like Horace Silver, Stanley Turrentine, Yusef Lateef, and Charles Mingus, Roy Brooks was a foundation and leading force of the Jazz scene throughout his entire storied life. As one of the most talented drummers of any generation, Brooks would lead his own group, the Artistic Truth, and create some of the most invigorating music this side of Ornette Coleman. This recording, taken from a late 1973 show in New York City features Reggie Workman (b), Olu Dara (tp), Joe Bonner (p), Cecil Bridgewater (tp), Sonny Fortune (as), John Stubblefield (ts), and the late great Hammiet Bluiett (bs) working together as a cohesive unit, even welcoming the vocal talents of the legendary Eddie Jefferson at one point. These five tracks, spread over 48 minutes, are packed with so much groove, they could kill a grown man. Don’t miss this iconic album, available on vinyl only from P-vine Records.

Japanese Obi-strip Pressed on Black Vinyl Originally released in 1974 Note: Artwork to be updated "An American jazz drummer Roy Brooks started his career in the 1950s, and he had joined the Horace Silver Combo the early 1960s. Subsequently, he became a part of the bands led by notable artists like Stanley Turrentine, Yusef Lateef, and Charles Mingus. He was also a significant influence on the legendary Tribe label, which was based in his hometown of Detroit, and he spent his career at the forefront of the American jazz scene until his passing in 2005.



As a bandleader with Roy Brooks And The Artistic Truth, he pursued spiritual jazz guided by a refined sense of spirituality. Among his discography, the live recording "The Sahel Concert" from 1974 stands out as one of the most expressive showcases of his artistry, much like his previous work, "Ethnic Expressions."

As members of one of New Orleans' most esteemed soul/funk groups of the 60's and 70's (The Delltones) Roland Treaudo & Manuel Herrera Jr. made a name for themselves recording iconic albums and sharing the stage with the likes of Lou Rawls, The Commodores, Dorothy Moore, Etta James, Bobby Womack and Jackie Wilson. As a duo, Roland & Manwell went on to produce some of the best electronic funk tracks of the time and this record is our effort to shine a light on these underappreciated masters. The tracks on this new 12" are some of their home recordings from 1980-1985 which showcase their massive talent as composers, instrumentalists and vocalists. Truly a must-have record for anyone interested in obscure 80's Synth Funk.

New Robohands LP 'Palms' is the fifth album from the London based instrumentalist and producer Andy Baxter. Moving towards different genres and arrangements from his previous albums, 'Palms' features duelling harp parts, tape echo, double bass and draws inspiration from artists such as Dorothy Ashby, Azimuth, Alice Coltrane and Toquinho.

In parts tropical and synth drenched, and in others stripped back and acoustic, 'Palms' is a journey back to saturated analog recordings of the late 60s and 70s, with a subtle modern layer of glitch FX and pitch control experimentation in places. The album makes also reference to classic releases from jazz fusion that feature the legendary Arp Odyssey synthesiser, used by artists such as Herbie Hancock and George Duke.

The seventeen track album features performances from multiple session musicians including Jim Piela on saxophone and Marco Cremaschini on Rhodes, with Baxter taking on drums, guitar, bass, keys and also mixing duties. 'Palms' is a new direction for his project and a record that thematically journeys into modern reinterpretations of jazz, downtempo, acoustic and ambient music.

New Robohands LP 'Palms' is the fifth album from the London based instrumentalist and producer Andy Baxter. Moving towards different genres and arrangements from his previous albums, 'Palms' features duelling harp parts, tape echo, double bass and draws inspiration from artists such as Dorothy Ashby, Azimuth, Alice Coltrane and Toquinho.

In parts tropical and synth drenched, and in others stripped back and acoustic, 'Palms' is a journey back to saturated analog recordings of the late 60s and 70s, with a subtle modern layer of glitch FX and pitch control experimentation in places. The album makes also reference to classic releases from jazz fusion that feature the legendary Arp Odyssey synthesiser, used by artists such as Herbie Hancock and George Duke.

The seventeen track album features performances from multiple session musicians including Jim Piela on saxophone and Marco Cremaschini on Rhodes, with Baxter taking on drums, guitar, bass, keys and also mixing duties. 'Palms' is a new direction for his project and a record that thematically journeys into modern reinterpretations of jazz, downtempo, acoustic and ambient music.

Quero Ver Você Dançar is a collaboration between Rome-based DJ/producer The Rebel, Portuguese DJ/producer Dedy Dread, and Brazilian jazz singer Keila Abeid. Other musicians playing on the track – including Neney Santos (percussions), Marco Ravallese (keys), and Fab Samperi (flute) – masterly contribute to its soulful favela vibes. Housed in a single jacket with beautiful artwork by Roman illustrator Federica Fruhwirth, the 12- inch single also features a super groovy remix by Mo’Horizons whi ch, wi t h i t s powe r ful combination of bossa and drum’n’bass rhythms, makes this release a must for tropical-music aficionados. Also available on all major digital outlets, with two additional remixes by young Brazilian producers Afterclapp and Brasila Strut.

Pride of St. Louis Pokey LaFarge pays homage to his home city on this first single!

Oscar Brown Jr.’s debut LP started the myth! Here we have the first, astonishing collection of anthems by the legendary American singer, songwriter, poet, playwright, civil rights activist and actor. Includes the so many times covered mega classic Work Song!

Steve Allen “Producing television programs for the past decade, I have naturally had occasion to hear a great many newcomers to the entertainment scene. Offhand, I can think of no one who has impressed me more than Oscar Brown on first hearing. He is truly exceptional!”

Lorraine Hansberry “...a startling genius for rendering sense and nonsense into accurately succint and brilliant summaries of live as we live it.”

NAT Hentoff “Here, finally, is a performer and writer who is so authentically hip that he never overstates his authority.”

Dorothy KILGAllen “Get ready for a new genius in the theater.”

MAX Roach “He is beyond all categories: one of the most gifted and imaginative artists that we have.”

Nina Simone “I think Oscar Brown is one of the most creative young men in the musical world today.”

cover is missing. White vinyl is close to NM. Writing on label sticker. Limited edition.

Moar is back with his Badlibs, this time covering a track composed by legendary producer Jay Dee aka J Dilla. This time the Badlibs are joined by pianist Floriant Pélissier, who covers the main theme on piano, accompanied by Elisabeth Jutel (Double Françoise) on backing vocals and Jean-Louis Potin on saxophone. Moar is behind the MPC to produce and arrange the track, while he entrusts his long-time friend King Most (SF / Usa) with the task of remixing it for an explosive Samba version. The artwork is by the young and talented Arthur Zupashaf, and the logo by friend Eno Kruger.

Just before the release of Seahorse & The Storyteller, Michael Leonhart & Avramina 7's first full-length, Truth & Soul is releasing one last 45 taken from the upcoming record.

There was one irrepressible Chicago club act that refused to be replaced by any DJ's sound system. Maxx Traxx (and Third Rail before them) were a scene unto themselves in the early 80s, happening live on-stage five-plus nights a week somewhere in the 312. Their two LPs, both recorded in 1982, are a sheer energy ride almost too explosive to be captured by studio tape. And yet these two stone classics would remain unanswered by a city as it moved determinedly toward the motorik sound of house. Hop the turnstile and move with this complete document of Chicago's last great club band told in detailed text, newly revealed photos, and complete studio recordings painstakingly remastered. Available IN Limited Edition Lake Michigan Teal Vinyl!

There was one irrepressible Chicago clubact that refused to be replaced by any DJ'ssound system. Maxx Traxx (and Third Railbefore them) were a scene unto themselvesin the early 80s, happening live on-stagefive-plus nights a week somewhere in the312. Their two LPs, both recorded in 1982,are a sheer energy ride almost too explosiveto be captured by studio tape. And yet thesetwo stone classics would remain unansweredby a city as it moved determinedly toward themotorik sound of house. Hop the turnstileand move with this complete document ofChicago's last great club band told in detailedtext, newly revealed photos, and completestudio recordings painstakingly remastered.

Over the course of five albums, Manchester based trumpeter, composer, arranger and band-leader Matthew Halsall has carved out a niche for himself on the UK music scene as one of it's brightest talents. His languid, soulful music has won friends from Jamie Cullum and Gilles Peterson to Jazz FM and Mojo as well as an ever-growing international following. His new album Into Forever, puts the spotlight on Halsall the composer, arranger and producer. Halsall draws on a diverse range of influences from Alice Coltrane, Dorothy Ashby, Phil Cohran and Leon Thomas to the more contemporary sounds of The Cinematic Orchestra, Max Richter and Nils Frahm to deliver his most complete recording to date. Into Forever features renowned Manchester based soul poet Josephine Oniyama and rising star vocalist Bryony Jarman-Pinto (Werkha) as well as regular collaborators, flautist Lisa Mallett, harpist Rachael Gladwin, koto player Keiko Kitamura, pianist Taz Modi, bassist Gavin Barras and drummer Luke Flowers (The Cinematic Orchestra) and two percussionists Sam Bell and Chris Cruiks. The result is arguably Halsall's finest record, asublime melding of stripped back soulful funk and deep, minimalist, spiritual jazz, that will take you on a journey deep into forever!

Truth & Soul is proud to present the deluxe re-issue of Lee Fields' "holy grail" album! The CD and double LP also features songs from his singles catalogue and is also repackaged with a new cover
and never-before-seen photos of Lee Fields.

Instrumental version of Lee Fields & The Expressions' "Emma Jean" record. Soul legend Lee Fields has re-teamed with the Expressions for his new album Emma Jean.

Another big retro-soul-money anthem!

By popular demand, Truth & Soul is proud to present the instrumental version of the already classic self titled debut by Lady.

Truth & Soul's rst and only all female group, Lady, lead by the incomparable
Nicole Wray, are back with a tribute to the 60 minute man.

Recorded over the course of March 2020 in Bandung and Amsterdam, ‘Poe’ is a collaboration between Jonny Nash and Teguh Permana. Permana is a renowned player of the Tarawangsa, a two-stringed instrument used in the sacred Tarawangsa music of Sunda, Indonesia. Poe’, meaning ‘Days’ in Sundanese, is a meditation on death and rebirth as reflected in the passing of time and the changing of the seasons. Permana is also active in the group Tarawangsawelas who released their debut album on Morphine records in 2017.

Melody As Truth is proud to announce ‘There Up, Behind the Moon’, a collaborative album from Romanian musician Ana Stamp and Jonny Nash. For this collaboration, the pair spent over two years researching, arranging and recording Romanian folklore songs, aiming to give new context to these traditional, forgotten melodies.Throughout the album Ana’s vocals sit in delicate balance with Nash’s signature minimalist arrangements, accompanied with cimbalom, piano, double bass and guitar.

‘Bright Girl’, ‘For You I Am Missing’, ‘On a Mountain Realm’, ‘Sacred Conversations’, ‘Noble Tree’ are arrangements from traditional Romanian “star songs” and carols, usually sung in connection to various rituals that take place throughout the year. ‘Clouds Passing By’ is a cover of a traditional song, covered by Oșoianu Sisters.

In addition the album contains two classical piano compositions by Romanian composer Sigismund Toduță’, ’Upwards’ and ‘There Up, Behind The Moon’ to complete the atmosphere. Ana’s contemplative, thoughtfully paced re-interpretation and performance of these pieces reflects feelings of waiting and longing over time.

In describing her first album ‘There Up, Behind The Moon, Ana says “it represents an important element of my connection with Romanian folklore and the country landscape that encompasses many feelings, ranging from longing to joy or melancholy at times. Rituals and traditions are part of our roots that we take with us wherever we go.”

Malaco has long been a favourite label of mine and I always felt that Jewel Bass was a huge talent that never realised her potential there. She was somehow was overtaken by the likes of Dorothy Moore, Denise Lasalle and Fern Kinney in the “pecking order“ down in Jackson, MS. Jewel sang countless backing vocals for such luminaries as Johnnie Taylor, Tommy Tate, Jean Knight, Eddie Floyd, Bobby Bland and many others, and was featured in bands like the Carbon Copies, Natural High and Centaura.

Both of these tracks which have lain undiscovered until now were recorded in 1981 in International Recording Studio, Pearl, Mississippi, and are two contrasting delights for soul fans.

“I Wanna know“ is a mid-tempo shuffler with hints of a “Joy & Pain” riff in there and definitely one for the most discerning dancefloors. ”Sweet High” is a so soulful string laden ballad on which Jewel´s vocals are launched effortlessly into the heights on the back of an impressive production.

Enjoy these two fine examples of real soul music exhumed from the vaults for your pleasure.

(Bob Cosby)

Japanese pressing without OBI!