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Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and Rza) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and Rza) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.

Two 1980s Brazilian boogie bombs from Sandra de Sá and Equipe Rádio Cidade get a remastered reissue as part of Mr Bongo Brazil 45’s series.

Sandra de Sá’s ‘Olhos Coloridos’ is an ‘80s MPB/boogie jam, taken from her self-titled 1982 LP on RGE Brazil, that sits perfectly alongside the likes of Tim Maia, Marcos Valle, Robson Jorge and Lincoln Olivetti. No surprise then that Lincoln Olivetti and Robson Jorge feature on the track, backed by some of the members from Banda Black Rio. A joyous combination of funk basslines and dreamy Rhodes that marry with jubilant horns and Sá’s incredible vocal tones.

On the B side, Equipe Rádio Cidade ‘Bons Tempo Sao Paulo (Good Times)’ was originally released on a rare promo only 7 inch from 1980. Giving a Brazilian boogie makeover to Good Times by Chic / Rapper’s Delight by Sugarhill Gang, the track is voiced by radio DJs from Sao Paulo wishing their listeners a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

This replayed version, heavy on the clavinet with a samba-infused, cuica-laced percussion breakdown, gives a true Brazilian spin on one of the most distinctive melodies out there.

Remastered with refreshed artwork.

It's hard to believe that there hasn't been a Christmas album by the unforgotten Louis Armstrong to this day! "Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule" presents his Christmas classics for the first time as a complete work: six Decca singles from the 1950s, two duets with his favorite partners Ella Fitzgerald and Velma Middleton, and the monumental evergreen "What a Wonderful World". As a bonus, the album includes a previously unreleased recording of Louis' poignant reading of Samuel Clement Moore's poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" with pianist Sullivan Fortner.



Available on red vinyl (180g) or limited edition picture disc (180g)

There are a multitude of reasons why "Bags’ Groove" remains a cornerstone of the post-bop genre. Of course, says All Music Guide, there will always be the lure of the urban myth surrounding the Christmas Eve 1954 session — featuring Thelonious Monk — which is documented on the two takes of the title track. There are obviously more tangible elements, such as Davis’ practically telepathic runs with Sonny Rollins (tenor sax). Or Horace Silver’s (piano) uncanny ability to provide a stream of chord progressions that supply a second inconspicuous lead without ever overpowering.
Indeed, Davis’ choice of former Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra and concurrent Modern Jazz Quartet members Milt Jackson (vibes), Kenny Clarke (drums), and Percy Heath (bass) is obviously well-informed. This combo became synonymous with the ability to tastefully improvise and provide bluesy bop lines in varied settings. The up-tempo and Latin-infused syncopation featured during the opening of "Airegin" flows into lines and minor-chord phrasings that would reappear several years later throughout Davis’ "Sketches of Spain" epic. The fun and slightly maniacally toned "Oleo" features one of Heath’s most impressive displays on "Bags’ Groove". His staccato accompaniment exhibits the effortless nature with which these jazz giants are able to incorporate round after round of solos onto the larger unit. "Bags’ Groove" belongs as a cornerstone of all jazz collections.

1964 was one of the most momentous years in the musical life of Wayne Shorter. Early in the year the saxophonist was still a member of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, appearing on classic Blue Note albums like Free for All and Indestructible. Shorter made his own auspicious label debut that spring with Night Dreamer and quickly recorded the impressive follow-up JuJu. That summer he joined the Miles Davis Quintet, cementing a line-up that would become one of the seminal bands in jazz history. And when Shorter entered Van Gelder Studio with Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Elvin Jones on Christmas Eve 1964 they created a masterpiece with Speak No Evil, a transcendent set of six Shorter originals including the swinging title track, “Witch Hunt,” and sublime ballad “Infant Eyes.”

We are excited to announce the release of the Complete James Brown Christmas Collection, a three-LP set featuring music from 1966-1970. You absolutely don’t need to be a holiday music lover to fall in love with the music spilling out over these James Brown records, as most of the tracks are original compositions that hold their own against many of the grooves that Brown was recording during this high-water mark of his career.

With bonus tracks galore and fantastic liner notes by Alan Leeds (former James Brown publicist and tour manager), and mastered/cut by legendary mastering engineer Kevin Gray, this is a must-have—even if you have to give yourself a well-earned, early musical present this year.Complete James Brown Christmas Recordings w/ Bonus Tracks

Triple LP Gatefold Includes Original Album Artwork Mastered and Cut By Kevin Gray Liner Notes by Alan Leeds, Former James Brown Publicist and Tour Manager Sourced from High Resolution Audio High Quality Vinyl Release

Strut is celebrating the holiday season with an exclusive reissue of The Qualities" 1961 single, "It"s Christmas Time" b/w "Happy New Year To You!" Originally released on Sun Ra"s Saturn label, this mysterious harmony group 45 captures a unique moment in music history.

Robert Glasper’s holiday album In December was released last year as an Apple Music exclusive. We’re now able offer it widely available to physical retail and all DSPs!



Is there anything to be done with carols like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Joy to the World” that hasn’t been done in the past 300 years? If there is, Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and producer Robert Glasper is the kind of artist to do it. “I like covering songs that people know well,” Glasper tells Apple Music. “That’s what I’ve done throughout my whole career.” It’s true: As a jazz pianist, he’s obviously learned his way around making classics his own, whether they were written by Mongo Santamaría or Kurt Cobain. But, he says, “The biggest challenge in making a holiday album was trying to do it in a way that feels festive but at the same time feels real and not corny.”



He succeeds on both fronts on In December, his holiday album that mixes classic carols with a set of originals, and which was recorded in Spatial Audio. Part of what keeps it credible is the fact that Glasper’s hiphop/R&B/jazz fusion is done on a compositional level instead of just a cosmetic one (no collages of sampled sax solos and drum loops here). The covers reveal a lot about his musical worldview: Sung by Tony winner Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple), “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is turned into dark, airy neo-soul, while “Joy to the World”—sung by Alex Isley—feels like a Stevie Wonder ballad. But the originals reveal even more. “The intention for this album was less about Christmas songs and more about songs that feel good during the holidays,” Glasper says. “I stayed away from thinking too much about Christmas and its traditional lingo, and concentrated on real things people go through during the holiday season.”

"A Joyful Sound" is a future soul classic with all the elements of a classic R&B record, but simply with a joyful holiday lean. With an all-star supporting cast of who's who from the contemporary soul scene this record is truly a family affair with Kelly at the wheel. Featuring members of Durand Jones & The Indications, The Dap-Kings, Ghost Funk Orchestra, Monophonics, Thee Sinseers, Orgone, Ikebe Shakedown, Jason Joshua & The Beholders, The True Loves, Neal Francis, Jungle Fire, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Ben Pirani, The Jive Turkeys, The Harlem Gospel Travelers, Rudy De Anda, Alanna Royale, and more! Inspired by records like Phil Spector's "A Christmas Gift For You" and Rotary Connection's "Peace" this album will be a record that will appeal not only to lovers of holiday music, but lovers of Soul music in general!

This is Kelly Finnigan's third full-album production in just under two years, including his debut LP "The Tales People Tell" and Monophonics' most recent effort "It's Only Us". He is rapidly establishing himself as a key producer, songwriter, and performer in the current soul scene.

For more than 50 years, Tower of Power has captivated music lovers with their unique blend of R&B, Funk, Soul, and Jazz spearheaded by the iconic Tower Horns. For the very first time, that distinctive Tower of Power sound puts some soul into the holiday spirit with the album "It's Christmas"-a collection of holiday classics and two original Christmas songs. For vinyl collectors and aficionados, the album comes as both an eye-popping stand-alone red vinyl LP and a Limited-Edition red vinyl version that includes a 7" vinyl inside featuring the Chanukah song "Maoz Tzur" on side A and a Christmas medley on the B side.

Elvis, Franck Sinatra, Dean Martin... They are all there, the greatest crooners ever singing the most popular Christmas songs.16 timeless songs on a nice picture disc vinyl for the best Christmas atmosphere you could dream of

Joseph Washington Jr.'s 1983 holiday LP putsa soulful, funky, suave ribbon on nine frostyChristmas cuts. In that season of music'straditional descent into threadbare schmaltz,Merry Christmas to You restores joy andwonder to a blizzard of bland. Under thistree, find undiscovered classics for our cynicalage: the buoyant "Jesus' Birthday," the hotand bothered soul of "Merry Christmas," theridiculously catchy wallet-opener "Shopping."The world of records produces just a preciousfew yuletide keepers: Spector's A ChristmasGift for You; Fahey's The New Possibility;Guaraldi's indelible Charlie Brown Christmas.Down another nog and file Joseph WashingtonJr. comfortably next to those.

Deluxe double vinyl LP pressing of the 2021 holiday release from the acclaimed singer/songwriter.

Norah Jones’ album “I Dream Of Christmas”, last year’s holiday bestseller, is a hip and charming seasonal masterpiece. This year it returns to make the season even brighter, as a 24-track deluxe LP + CD, featuring eight new recordings: the studio tracks “The Christmas Waltz”, “O Holy Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” plus five live performances recorded on top of the Empire State Building!

A ho, ho, heatrock of a holiday 45 that burns well beyond the Christmas season. Pat Van Dyke is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and band leader who has gathered praise from the likes of Wax Poetics, Flea Market Funk, Gilles Peterson, Bobbito Garcia, Pitchfork, and more. These recordings of his with vocalist Jeff Taylor serve as a sureshot dose of blue-eyed soul—best enjoyed fireside with a light snowfall. At the very least fire up that burning log on the television. This is that warm, analog sound you've come to expect from Van Dyke. Lush vocals, soulful saxophone, and a cherub choir complete that classic Christmas Sound on this limited-edition 45. Both tracks are originals and both are mastered by the legendary K-Def.

Afrosound's Mission Was To Emulate The Guitar-Heavy Tropical Sounds Emanating From Perú And Ecuador At The Time. To Add To The Hippie Vibe, There Were Plenty Of Whacky Improvised Vocal Asides (Called 'Inspiraciones'), Plus Custom Fuzz, Wah-Wah, Flange And Echo Effects Boxes For The Guitar And Keyboards. A Barrage Of Odd Sounding Synths, Drum Machines And Other Electronic Flourishes Were Also Sprinkled In To Spice Up The Proceedings. The Dozen Tracks On Afrosound's Debut Long Play Make For A Surprisingly Diverse Palette From Which These Colombian Musicians Painted Their Daring Portrait Of Peruvian Cumbia, Returning The Favor In Bold Colors That Still Resonate Almost 50 Years Later. "La Danza De Los Mirlos" Kicks Off With Most Famous Afrosound Hit Of All, 'Caliventura', A Genius Blend Of Funk And Cumbia. Aside From The Cumbia Amazónica Title Tune, There Are Several Other Covers Including Three Popular Songs By Nelson Y Sus Estrellas, Plus Radically Reimagined Versions Of Various Colombian Costeño Classics Published By Fuentes. Mario "Pachanga" Provides A Sad But Still Groove-Oriented Christmas Son Montuno / Cumbia Hybrid While Fruko Brings Us The Bomba-Funk Ditty 'El Chorrillo' And The Rocking Cumbia Andina Gem 'Cabeza De Chorlito' Where Sepúlveda Channels Enrique Delgado. Fruko Collaborator Hernán "Hercovalle" Colorado Vallejo Rounds Things Out With The Melancholic Psychedelic Cumbia 'Esperando Por Ti', Proving That Every Tropical Party Has To Have Its Down Side As Well. The Record Was Also Released In The Us, Ecuador, Perú, Panamá, Mexico And Venezuela, And Probably Had An Influence Of Its Own, At Least In South America. The Cover Of This Lovingly Restored Reissue Features The Artwork For The Peruvian Edition, Which Was Licensed And Issued By Lima's El Virrey Label In 1974. The Original Fuentes Artwork, With A Far More Outrageous "Cheesecake" Image, Can Be Seen On The Back Cover.

Blindbox set of Vince Guaraldi - 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

What is a Blind Box?
A Blind Box is a Box or in this case a sleeve with a surprising content, because you don't know which song you will get. It's only one of the four mentioned songs, in any case.

- Christmas is here
- Hark, the Herald angels sing
- Linus & lucy
- Skating

The score for the classic half-hour Christmas TV special "a Charlie Brown Christmas" is a beautiful piece of festive magic. So magic in fact, that it was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Attention!
Runs only with 3" Record Player Crosley RSD3 Turntable. (HHV ID: 646800)

Moon haewon and Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, who worked together on the previous album "Midnight Sun," present this 10-inch LP as a Christmas gift for jazz fans around the world!!

180g 2LP 45rpm
Analogue Productions (Atlantic 75 Series)
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Atlantic Records!
An absolute must-have for every jazz collector!
180-gram mono 45 RPM double LP
Pressed at Quality Record Pressings
Gatefold old-style "tip-on" jacket by Stoughton Printing

The Clown was Charles Mingus' second masterpiece in a row, featuring Jean Shepard (yes, that Jean Shepard from the holiday movie A Christmas Story) on the title tune narrating a story about a clown attempting to please the world with his performances. The Clown also introduced two of Mingus' finest compositions in the driving, determined "Haitian Fight Song" and the '40s-flavored "Reincarnation of a Lovebird," a peaceful but melancholy tribute to Charlie Parker; Mingus would return to both throughout his career.

With Pithecanthropus, Mingus displayed a gift for airtight, focused arrangements that nonetheless allowed his players great freedom to add to the established mood of each piece. The Clown refines and heightens that gift; instead of just writing heads that provide launch points for solos, Mingus tries to evoke something specific with every piece, and even his most impressionistic forays have a strong storytelling quality.

The Clown tells the story of a clown "who tried to please people like most jazz musicians do, but whom nobody liked until he was dead," Mingus said, in an interview. "My version of the story ended with his blowing his brains out with the people laughing and finally being pleased because they thought it was part of the act. I liked the way Jean changed the ending; leaves it more up to the listener."

The title track is even more interesting for the free improvisations led by trombonist Jimmy Knepper, as the group responds to Shepherd's story and paints an aural backdrop. It's evidence that Mingus' compositional palette was growing more determinedly modern, much like his increasing use of dissonance, sudden tempo changes, and multiple sections.

Musicians:
Charles Mingus, bass
Shafi Hadi, alto and tenor saxophone
Jimmy Knepper, trombone
Wade Legge, piano
Dannie Richmond, drums
Jean Shepherd, narration (Track 4)

* Recorded in 1954 * Pressed on Black Vinyl * Featuring Thelonious Monk / There are a multitude of reasons why Bags’ Groove remains a cornerstone of the post-bop genre. Of course, says All Music Guide, there will always be the lure of the urban myth surrounding the Christmas Eve 1954 session — featuring Thelonious Monk — which is documented on the two takes of the title track. There are obviously more tangible elements, such as Davis’ practically telepathic runs with Sonny Rollins (tenor sax). Or Horace Silver’s (piano) uncanny ability to provide a stream of chord progressions that supply a second inconspicuous lead without ever overpowering. Indeed, Davis’ choice of former Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra and concurrent Modern Jazz Quartet members Milt Jackson (vibes), Kenny Clarke (drums), and Percy Heath (bass) is obviously well-informed. This combo became synonymous with the ability to tastefully improvise and provide bluesy bop lines in varied settings. The up-tempo and Latin-infused syncopation featured during the opening of Airegin flows into lines and minor-chord phrasings that would reappear several years later throughout Davis’ Sketches of Spain epic. The fun and slightly maniacally toned Oleo features one of Heath’s most impressive displays on Bags’ Groove. His staccato accompaniment exhibits the effortless nature with which these jazz giants are able to incorporate round after round of solos onto the larger unit. Bags’ Groove belongs as a cornerstone of all jazz collections.

It's hard to believe that it wasn't until 2022 that the first Christmas album by the unforgotten Louis Armstrong was released! "Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule" presents his Christmas classics for the first time as a complete work: six Decca singles from the 1950s, two duets with his favorite partners Ella Fitzgerald and Velma Middleton, and the monumental evergreen "What a Wonderful World". As a bonus, the album includes a previously unreleased recording of Louis' poignant reading of Samuel Clement Moore's poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" with pianist Sullivan Fortner.



After the album was released in 2022 as a limited red LP and on picture vinyl, there will now also be a black version.

For more than 50 years, Tower of Power has captivated music lovers with their unique blend of R&B, Funk, Soul, and Jazz spearheaded by the iconic Tower Horns. For the very first time, that distinctive Tower of Power sound puts some soul into the holiday spirit with the album "It's Christmas"-a collection of holiday classics and two original Christmas songs. For vinyl collectors and aficionados, the album comes as both an eye-popping stand-alone red vinyl LP and a Limited-Edition red vinyl version that includes a 7" vinyl inside featuring the Channukah song "Maoz Tzur" on side A and a Christmas medley on the B side.

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and Rza) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and Rza) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.

Green VinylJoseph Washington Jr.'s 1983 holiday LP putsa soulful, funky, suave ribbon on nine frostyChristmas cuts. In that season of music'straditional descent into threadbare schmaltz,Merry Christmas to You restores joy andwonder to a blizzard of bland. Under thistree, find undiscovered classics for our cynicalage: the buoyant "Jesus' Birthday," the hotand bothered soul of "Merry Christmas," theridiculously catchy wallet-opener "Shopping."The world of records produces just a preciousfew yuletide keepers: Spector's A ChristmasGift for You; Fahey's The New Possibility;Guaraldi's indelible Charlie Brown Christmas.Down another nog and file Joseph WashingtonJr. comfortably next to those.

This single includes two rarities from The Pepper Pots vaults. ‘Christmas Is Here (Sound The Trumpet)’ is an unreleased cover from The Wailers recorded with Binky Griptite (Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings) during the sessions of their 2009 album ‘Now!’. ‘You’re The One’ was recorded in 2010 and had only be released as part of the French compilation Pop’n Foot. This single is part of the collection of 7” celebrating the 15th anniversary of the label Buenritmo Records.

First Lady of Song Ella Fitzgerald overcame the challenges of a tumultuous youth through music, her performances with the Chick Webb Orchestra at the Savoy Ballroom and distinctive scat singing leading to early recordings and the 1938 breakthrough, ‘A Tisket A Tasket.’ After recording bebop LPs for Decca, manager Norman Granz launched the Verve label to allow her to broaden her musical horizons, exploring the Great American Songbook. Released in 1960, Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas sees her tackle Christmas classics as only Ella can, the lavish orchestration overseen by noted conductor Frank de Vol.

Although Los Hermanos Ballumbrosio are one of the most emblematic groups of Afro-Peruvian music, no single recording has been able to portray the essence of the group... Until now. "Homenaje a El Carmen" ("Homage to El Carmen"), their debut album for Buh Records, sets the record straight: it captures the true spirit of the musical tradition of El Carmen, a city located a few miles to the south of Lima that is home to the largest black community in Peru. Songs based on percussion and zapateo bring back the memories and experiences of a culture that has produced one of the greatest treasures of Peruvian music."Homage to El Carmen", the third volume of the series "Perspectives on Afro-Peruvian Music", signals the return of the group to the recording studio, and also to the sources of rhythms such as festejo and panalivio, which they interpret with cajón, quijada (jawbone), congas, bongo and batá. The result is a distillation and a testimony of the memories and experiences that portray the cultural universe of El Carmen. We have access to a selection of traditional songs that are heard during the festivities, such as "Guanchivalito", which is played during the Yunza Negra, a ceremony in which a willow tree is cut to bring benefits to the community. "Panalivio " and "Serrana Vieja" are two traditional Christmas carols that are played in the "Hatajo de Negritos" and which reflect the syncretic character of the Afro-Peruvian culture. These songs speak of the difficulties of rural life, but they also serve as a vehicle to demonstrate the Ballumbrosio brother's mastery in the art of zapateo, a dance that is accompanied by violin and bells. The classic "La Esquina de El Carmen" is perhaps the song that best expresses the erotic character of festejo, also known as baile de cintura (waist dance)."Homage to El Carmen" is the highly anticipated return of the Ballumbrosio brothers to the recording studio. They have become indisputable references of Afro-Peruvian music and have displayed their sound and dance...

The new vinyl collection with a selection of the greatest divas singing the magic of Christmas! With Aretha Franklin - Billie Holiday - Ella Fitzgerald - Judy Garland - Nina Simone...

Vinyl congratulations on a great life anniversary

A total of thirteen hits and one brand new song from this year make up the contents of this anniversary LP. It is no coincidence that Ms. Marie is called Lady Soul, as a significant portion of her repertoire has a connection to Native African American soul, blues or rhythm and blues music.

In the beginning, it was often sympathetically expressive singing, so typical for singers originally from Ostrava or sent from Ostrava to the world. The great band Flamingo / Plameňaci was a sovereign support of the adopted versions of overseas, but actually worldwide hits, moreover, for example Richard Kovalcik or Jaroslav Wykrent delivered comparably excellent songs.

The most frequent lyricist, Vladimir cort, was able to write words to them that allowed for precisely phrased singing and the necessary arching ballads. An interesting fact is the triple family authorship: the song “Labute” (Swans) was written by Marie Rottrova herself, the wonderfully melodic “Kdyz hvezda pada” (When the Star Falls) was composed by her then husband Vlastimil Kucaj and this year’s new song by her son Vit Rotter.

The Christmas balladic song completes the collection of rhythmically stirring, danceable and gospel songs. Ray Charles or Aretha Franklin, Don Covay or the duo Ashford + Simpson, plus many others performed by Marie Rottrova – and several times by her excellent duet partner Petr Nemec – represent an essential part of the repertoire of the lady to whom the word soul rightly belongs.

record has a mark, close to VG+

Presenting the platinum certified (RIAA) “Best Of” that has never before been released on vinyl. Includes the Holiday favourite “This Christmas” as well as his famous duets with Roberta Flack “The Closer I Get to You” and “Where Is The Love”. This collection been the go-to for Donny Hathaway fans old and new for 30 years, now pressed here on Dark Purple Vinyl.

While most of us will (sadly) not be going anywhere this holiday season, we can still get a musical taster of what it would be like Chilling at Christmas in the St Petersburg studio of modern funk apostles the Vicious Seeds. Their festive offering is a drowsy, deep, slow and laidback affair - the kind of jazzy instrumental soul and funk that would probably go well with a few mince pies and a needlessly large glass of port. A-side 'Meeting at Flea Market' is particularly lovely, with trombone and trumpet-heavy riffs and leisurely jazz guitar solos making themselves comfortable atop crunchy, deep (filled) funk drums. 'Shades of Pale', meanwhile, is even deeper, warmer and more bass-heavy, with some of the laziest and jazziest electric guitar solos we've ever heard. Delicious!