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Drummer/producer Teppo "Teddy Rok" Mäkynen shares two unreleased cuts by his alias The Stance Brothers on We Jazz Records. The 7" color vinyl single goes by the title "Commercial Music", as both tracks are originally commissioned for promotional purposess. The tough-as-nails A-sider "Hard Deal" is an old-school Stance groover made for the Finnish clothing brand Samuji's men's Spring/Summer collection 2015. Stance fans will recognice the signature Teddy Rok groove which cooks and rocks, and displays nice depth as well. The drum break is pure fire like only Teppo can deliver. "Dwayne's Shuffle", known to local Finnish jazz aficionadoes as the opening theme of the popular Yle Radio 1 "Jazzklubi" show is slightly more mellow offering, yet the full swing and intensity is right there in the pocket. The crunchy guitar and minimalist vibraphone melodies carry the tune way beyond your average radio show jingle into a full existence of its own.
"Commercial Music" by The Stance Brothers is released by We Jazz Records on color 7" vinyl single, delivered with heat-pressed old school labels and a stylish plain brown sleeve.

We Jazz Records is delighted to present the first ever vinyl release for two modern classic tracks by Swedish organist Eric Malmberg. Originally released in 2007 by the label Häpna on Malmberg's second solo album "Verklighet & Beat", the pair of tunes herein serve as proof of Malmberg's remarkable artistic vision, echoing both the pure pastoral beauty and the irresistible groove of his work. This release, part of the ongoing 7" series by We Jazz Records, follows the label's Artistic Director Matti Nives's 10+ years of obsession with the aforementioned Malmberg album after an initial chance encounter with the side A track on a Wire Magazine compilation in 2007.
"Eric Malmberg's music is a small miracle. I don't want to call him a genius, because I don't want to jinx him. But I will say that he's a complete original, in addition to being a vastly talented musician. I will also say that his recordings and the two performances that I saw by Sagor & Swing merit a place on a short list of most enjoyed musical experiences of the last half decade. I could bleat about the quality of the work, but "most enjoyed" to me carries the stronger charge." – David Grubbs, New York, March 2007
"A special mention needs to go out to the phenomenal and totally bonkers 'Till minne av Lilly Lindström' a track which starts with a clean break, builds into dancefloor abusing Hammond-hammering mayhem and then ends up with lush string orchestrations and disco-lite sweeps. Insane and more enjoyable than you could possibly imagine - an album to totally lose yourself in, and one for anyone looking for something just that little different. Huge recommendation." – Boomkat

Beginning seam split.

Błoto’s bold 2020 debut brought forth three albums in just twelve months. This prolific creative burst, followed by an ongoing tour and involvement in other projects, meant that fans had to wait over three years for the next release. During this time, new ideas took shape, and the vision for their fourth LP crystallized. The wait for Błoto's new album is nearly over. As always, autumn signals the arrival of Grzybnia (Mycelium).

The idea for the album had been simmering within the band since the release of Kwasy i zasady and finally took shape in late January 2023 at Warsaw's Studio Pasterka, under the careful guidance of Piotr Zabrodzki. It was by far the most fruitful session in the group's history, with ideas flowing in abundance. The chosen tracks not only resulted in two well-received singles, Szlam / Ścieki and Bakteria, but also provided enough material for an EP set to drop next year.

The seemingly chemical title of the album Kwasy i zasady (Acids and Bases) ultimately referred to interpersonal relationships, describing traits that prevent harmony. The album embodied the polarization of societies in the 21st century. The metaphor of Grzybnia (Mycelium) goes a step further. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation as a fundamental skill that can yield various results (fruits, fungi)—both good and bad. Above all, it underscores the power of collective action beyond divisions.

In a complex, unstable modern world that is breaking apart into pieces, the concept of mycelium offers a powerful model. Mycelium thrives in degraded, seemingly lifeless environments created by humans. A key aspect of the broader significance of mycelium is that cooperation benefits all involved parties, where each contributes something and receives something in return. Mycelium is a symbiont, meaning it forms a symbiotic relationship with certain tree species through mycorrhiza, where the roots of the trees and the mycelium exchange essential life-sustaining substances. This results in mutual benefits. The world of mycelium exemplifies cooperation.

A single mushroom, like a person, dies, but mycelium endures, much like humanity itself. Thus, similar to culture, it is immortal. Błoto operates in a manner akin to mycelium. It undoubtedly belongs to the underground realm, embodying the essence of the underground. It is also a destructor of music. In what sense? The Polish Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk noted in her book Primeval and Other Times that “[...] Mycelium thrives by drawing the last remnants of life from what dies, decomposes, and seeps into the earth. Mycelium is the life of death, the life of decay, the life of what has died.” In the same way, Latarnik, Cancer G, Wuja HZG, and OlafSaxx, through their collaboration, process cultural products to create entirely new and surprising combinations. The result of this work is both edible and poisonous mushrooms, manifested in the form of fat beats, house, spiritual jazz, improvised music, illbient, organic techno, and genre-defying electronics.

The peak mushroom season in Poland occurs in autumn, which is why Grzybnia will be released on October 10, 2024, via Astigmatic Records. The limited edition vinyl, restricted to 500 copies, will be available for pre-order starting September 6, 2024, on Bandcamp. As always, mixing and mastering are handled by the mighty Kwazar, while the original visual representation of the mycelium metaphor is crafted by Sainer.

‘Melinda Latino’ is taken from the awesome ‘Melinda’ OST written by Butler & Peters, released in 1972. This is a heavy track right from the first beat –harps and breakbeats, leading into a soul piano mood, huge strings and backing vox.

Jimmy Smiths version of Barry Whites ‘I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little Bit More Baby’. A very dope intro break leads into crazy vocal chops before heating the main melody, in true Jimmy Smith style. Taken from his ‘Black Smith’ LP forPride, released in 1974.

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“Alongside Alfred Panou & the Art Ensemble of Chicago’s ‘’je suis un sauvage’’ , Baroque Jazz Trio‘s ’’Orientasie /Largo’’ is probably one of the hardest to find EP on Saravah.

Hitting #2 on Jazzman Records European Jazz 45’s top 10 list, this is the finest fusion between free jazz, baroque music & exotica with one of the most singular sound you can find on a jazz record!”

Next up in the Mr Bongo Cuban Classics series is an outing by the mighty Juan Pablo Torres from 1978. Released on Cuba’s state-owned Areito imprint, Algo Nuevo showcases trombonist, bandleader, arranger and producer Juan Pablo Torres' unique scope of sound. A melting pot of an album that weaves together jazz-funk and traditional Afro-Cuban genres with tripped-out synth touches and dancefloor grooves.

The opener 'Pan Caliente' is a fiery celebration, combining a driving groove with Latin percussion, feverish horns and infectious “la-la-la” vocals. The wild, squelching cosmic synthlines give an otherworldly touch to proceedings that sit nicely on a modern dancefloor. 'Guajira 2001' is perhaps Juan's future-focussed take on the vibrant style of Cuban dance-led music called guajira. Blistering bongos, congas and claves moving together with trumpets, trombones and twanging acoustic guitars that you can’t help but bounce to.

Other highlights include, 'Cacao', a Cuban cosmic funk strutter that places the claves upfront, with a scatting vocal line and percussive climax reminiscent of George Kranz electronic disco anthem 'Din Daa Daa' from 1983. Elsewhere, 'Elvira' further showcases the psychedelic essence of many of the album’s tracks. A deep Latin workout where tasty percussive breaks and scorching keys blend with trippy vocals and rumbling synths.

A varied album encompassing a variety of Afro-Cuban genres and rhythms entwined with flashes of mind-bending cosmic influence. Algo Nuevo is a further jewel in Cuba’s musical crown of riches, with plenty of dancefloor treats and downtempo numbers held within.

Cinematic Soundscapes, Middle Eastern Funk, Jazz and Breaks make up some of the flavours of the new Havana Syndrome 7”. The first track ‘Pink Mist’ is a moody, dark alley funk number laced with electric piano, guitars and flutes, all locked to a razor sharp drum beat. ‘Minute of Angle’ weaves piano and guitar atop a bed of stereo percussion. On the flip side ‘Cairo Connect’ is pure soundtrack business, an Alto Sax vehicle in an erotic maqam scale setting the scene for a tense encounter straight out of a film. Finishing off the record is the guitar and flute laced, up tempo funk of ‘Pea Soup’

Expansions' reaches its 50th anniversary of recording this year. The ground-breaking jazz funk track is one of the most influential records in club music, being a dancefloor hit in the UK and New York on release, and going on to be a foundation piece for club culture. It has been sampled, quoted and remade and now for the first time the full length version is available on a 7-inch single. It is paired with ‘Cosmic Funk’.

Wanubalé – nine guys from Berlin, inspired by the city's fresh Jazz scene and distinct club culture. This band sets out to define their own, highly danceable version of Jazz, Neo Soul and Funk.
The Wanubalés are first rate musicians. They tend to take their time writing arrangements, yet they are careful not to overly emphasize their jazz skills. Songwriting is a collaborative affair, everything is developed organically. Just like the band name, which dates back to the days of fooling around in the schoolyard, playing with syllables ("nuba" came first). Sound was crucial. Some say "Wanubalé" means "brother" in Swahili.
Wanubalé's instrumental debut album was recorded by Axel Reinemer in Berlin's Jazzanova Studio in 2018. The musicians don't hide their influences: Snarky Puppy, Fat Freddy's Drop, plus younger acts like Hiatus Kaiyote and Nubiyan Twist. But Wanubalé do their own thing, having produced and arranged the album. Wanubalé: four horns, two drummers, guitar, bass, keyboards. Nine musicians with a knack for funky breaks, might brass sounds and great melodies.

Betino's Records proudly presents its third release: an EP by the very sharp collective The Big Hustle. The band founded in 2014 by bass player and composer Sébastien Levanneur, brings together 70's old school funk with the hippest actual sound with influences spanning from Steely Dan to Snarky Puppy, from Mandrill to Lettuce and from Herbie Hancock (Manchild era) to Soulive. With mighty horn players, a rock and funky rhythm section, and percussions added to it, The Big Hustle’s music has a very large variety of sound landscapes. Still, the music never loses the groove and always stays close to the funk.
The A side opens with "Afrorever", a tribute to African culture and music. The guest of honor on this song is legendary Malian musician Cheick Tidiane Seck, longtime partner of Salif Keita, and collaborator of Joe Zawinul, Carlos Santana and Damon Albarn to name a few. After Cheick’s introduction, the songs jumps into a typical afrobeat vibe featuring a tight and powerful horn section, suddenly breaks into an electro funk groove and ends in a furious percussive party.
Second track on the A side is "Faure is the Magic Number". It is dedicated to Thomas Faure (co-composer of the track) and François Faure (both featured on this song on tenor sax and keyboards respectively). This piece displays the band’s ability to blend jazz-funk groove with a heavy hip-hop beat. Kind of DJ Premier meets Steely Dan.
The B side starts with "Afrorever (Sun's Up Mix)". Through this mix, one can acknowledge instantly Olivier Portal's touch. From the very first chords, he conveys us into his realm blending warm and melancholy keyboards with an old school deep-house rhythm pattern.
The fourth track is called “1, 2, 1, 2”. It is a purely improvised moment in the studio while the band was sound checking before recording with special guest rapper Raashan Ahmad. Nicolas Gueguen had the good idea to press the R button and what you hear is basically what happened afterwards.
Enjoy!

Drummer/producer Teppo Mäkynen presents a new album by his lauded trio ensemble 3TM in 2019. Before the second 3TM album "Lake" comes "Abyss", a collection of 10 ambient pieces laying the groundwork for the upcoming album. This prelude album is a full-bodied work in itself, a glorious and somewhat mysterious LP which brings forth yet another shade of multifaceted Mäkynen's musical vision. The 10 compositions on "Abyss" feel like the discovery of life and movement in deep waters, where only the rare shades of light breaking through indicate that another world exists above the surface.
"Abyss" will be available as a clear vinyl edition, on tape and digitally, and both as a standalone album and as a bundle with the upcoming 3TM trio album "Lake".
Teppo "Teddy Rok" Mäkynen is a drummer/producer from Helsinki, who works at the centre of the lively jazz scene in Finland. His work includes projects such as 3TM, The Stance Brothers, Teddy Rok Seven and the new duo with sax player Timo Lassy. Mäkynen also plays drums in several highly-regarded ensembles such as Timo Lassy Band, Aki Rissanen Trio, Jukka Eskola Soul Trio, Verneri Pohjola Quartet, Nicola Conte Jazz Combo, plus many more. As a producer, his work has been highly regarded in projects such as 3TM, The Stance Brothers, and the albums of Timo Lassy and Jukka Eskola.

By now, heads surely know that a new record by Soul Supremeis a guaranteed sure shot. Following his acclaimed tributes to A Tribe Called Quest, J Dilla, Mos Def, and more, the new "Dues and Don'ts" b/w "Fraud Fades" 45 features two all-original jazz-funk groovers by the Amsterdam-based keyboardist and producer.

"Adding Soul Supreme releases to the essential crates list has become mandatory and will surely be heavy spins for years to come,"Skeme Richards recently wrote on his Nostalgia King blog. It indeed looks like Soul Supreme's 45s rarely leave record bags, with the likes of DJ Koco,Jazzy Jeff,House Shoes,Skratch Bastid,Rich Medina, and DJ Green Lantern, among others, regularly playing his music in DJ sets around the globe.

This new release takes two highlights from last year's album 'Poetic Justice,' with "Dues and Don'ts" and "Fraud Fades" for the first time available on 45.Jay 'J-Zone' Mumfordgraces both songs with drums, heavily on point as always. The A-side features slow burner "Dues and Don'ts" with its syrupy funk rhythms. The hard-hitting, body-moving "Fraud Fades" on the B-side is the real anthem here—drum breaks galore. Clearly inspired by 60s Blue Note, the brass-heavy 'money-grubbing bad guy theme' concludes with a killer solo byDotan 'Tane' Bergmanon guitar, responded to with a solo by Soul Supreme himself.

With these two heavy hitters, this 45 is bound to never leave your record bag either.

"All I had to give the trio in the rehearsals for this was the sketch of rhythm and harmony from the original and a small piece of guidance for the form" - Myele Recorded live at Blue Beat in Sydney, Australia in 2013

Record has some wear at opening.

Hailing from the city of Miami, Fat Produce is the newest name in the game, building on classic soul jazz with a modern twist. Led by two Studio City, CA natives, Addison Rifkind on guitar and Michael Duffy on drums, this duo, alongside upright bass, is a guaranteed head-nodder that breathes new life into the guitar trio format. Fat Produce is proud to release their debut, funk-filled 45, “Sticky Beets b/w SON!” Following the lineage of classic soul jazz songwriting, “Sticky Beets” kicks off side A with a familiar feel, but one that’s uniquely Fat Produce. Taking the language of Idris Muhammad and Clyde Stubblefield, drummer Michael Duffy molded these two icons into his own vocabulary that blends seamlessly with Addison Rifkind's Grant Green, Boogaloo Joe Jones, and George Benson-inspired melodic form. The feel encompasses The JB’s original lineup but with a signature Fat Produce funk. Written during Rifkind’s and Duffy’s weekly rehearsal and writing sessions, “Sticky Beets” is a collaborative effort highlighting their many influences in the classic soul jazz realm. On the flip, side B’s “SON!” takes things up a notch with a swamp funk etude transformed into a bonafide funk banger. This tune emerged from a riff Rifkind was shedding during one writing session. When Duffy heard this line, inspiration struck. He quickly jumped on the kit and asked Rifkind to keep looping it. Duffy then experimented with several Bay-Area-inspired funk grooves, and boom just like that, the A and B sections were born. With the gritty and almost country-funk hook, intricate drum feel, and bouncing upright bass break, “SON!” is a fresh take on what the classic guitar trio can do.

Albina Music Trust has served as a vital resource amplifying Portland’s musical past - most consistently through work with underrepresented soul musicians active in the 1950s-1990s. Another important element of the nonprofit’s work has been strengthening connections between these foundational artists and our current generation of regional musicians, especially those mentored by elders in the Albina musician community.

One such artist is drummer, composer, and educator Domo Branch. At twenty-three years old, Branch has come up through the ranks of the American Music Program - a crucial proving ground for Portland’s jazz musicians that includes Esperanza Spaulding and Charlie Brown III. Founded by Gangsters alum, Thara Memory, Branch received vital instruction through community-centered operations such as AMP and the Mel Brown Jazz Workshop. He now lives in Manhattan and performs with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis. He has since formed a bi-coastal group, Branchin’ Out.

The Melodies of a Branch is a solo drum recording made in Riga, Latvia. This rare session followed Branch’s 2022 performance at the city’s annual jazz festival. Performing in an intimate setting at Latvian Radio Recording Studios, Branch’s range of motion is now on full display in this exploration of the many nuances of a drum set.

The record also keys into the emotional value of the Black experience through music. Whether it be the evolution of drumming ranging from tribal to contemporary forms or the sheer capacity of melodic phrasing on the drums, the album is expressive, free, and spiritually sound. Through its spare, minimalist genesis into the polyrhythmic power and beauty of its conclusion, the work evidenced here is consistent with the many iterations of Branch’s work with other ensembles. Except now we get him to ourselves.