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Harry Thumann - Sphinx
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Harry Thumann - Welcome Back, Jolette
3
Harry Thumann - Underwater
4
Harry Thumann - Chicago
Repress!
Taking a break from their usual Italian remit, Best Record turn their attention to an overlooked pioneer from the annals of German electronic music history. Harry Thumann was based in Munich, and primarily worked as a studio engineer, but his own recorded work was vitally important too. An early adopter of MIDI, and with a propulsive electronic disco sound that was right at the cutting edge of the times, the four "experiments" Best have gathered here represent some of the most potent dancefloor jams he created - full-fat technicolour fever dreams for the fabulous and flamboyant. More
Taking a break from their usual Italian remit, Best Record turn their attention to an overlooked pioneer from the annals of German electronic music history. Harry Thumann was based in Munich, and primarily worked as a studio engineer, but his own recorded work was vitally important too. An early adopter of MIDI, and with a propulsive electronic disco sound that was right at the cutting edge of the times, the four "experiments" Best have gathered here represent some of the most potent dancefloor jams he created - full-fat technicolour fever dreams for the fabulous and flamboyant. More
More records from Best Record
1
Baricentro - Tittle Tattle (Full Version)
2
Baricentro - Tittle Tattle (Radio Version)
3
Baricentro - Tittle Tattle (Instrumental Version)
4
Baricentro - Tittle Tattle (Dub Version)
Baricentro is an Italian funk-rock band founded in 1976 by two brothers Francesco and Vanni Boccuzzi; after the release of two albums in mid seventies (Sconcerto and Trusciant) for the major record company EMI; they recorded in 1983 the single ''Tittle Tattle'' representing a clear innovation in sound from their past, without believing that would receive a positive response in the New York City underground music scene and soon becoming a Paradise Garage and Loft classic. Best Record Italy today came out with this special reissue-project as a Limited Edition Ep, remastered from the original master tapes and containing for the first time all the versions from 1983 and 84 including the unreleased dub that was previously available as an acetate cut only for deejay play.
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Touché - Just Like A Doorknob (Disco Version)
2
Touché - Just Like A Doorknob (Instrumental Dub Version)
Repress!
"Just Like a Doorknob" is very serious boogie funk written in 1983 by Claudette Washington and Dennis Bell who were also the original producers. Superb electronic disco track with huge vibes that are devastating when they hit the scene. The piece has become an Italo-Boogie classic. It has a sumptuous groovy synth bass with a fantastic piano accompaniment, the vocal version has a very American style. This precious reissue masterfully remastered by Dom Scuteri for Best Record also includes an unreleased instrumental dub version and finally a picture sleeve with captivating artwork. More
"Just Like a Doorknob" is very serious boogie funk written in 1983 by Claudette Washington and Dennis Bell who were also the original producers. Superb electronic disco track with huge vibes that are devastating when they hit the scene. The piece has become an Italo-Boogie classic. It has a sumptuous groovy synth bass with a fantastic piano accompaniment, the vocal version has a very American style. This precious reissue masterfully remastered by Dom Scuteri for Best Record also includes an unreleased instrumental dub version and finally a picture sleeve with captivating artwork. More
1
Kasso - Key West
2
Kasso - Walkman
3
Kasso - Kasso
Repress!
These three songs by Kasso re-edited and mixed by John Jellybean Benitez between 1981 and 1982 represent a musical bridge that allows us to move from Europe to North America easily, but only if equipped with roller skates. JJBB with his skillful work in those early 80s was able to open new paths to Italo-Disco by fusing it with other styles, thus leaving an indelible mark on musical culture and the evolution of various genres. "Key West", so happy and melodic, is an extraordinary piece of music that has become a classic of the underground house music scene of New York and Chicago, contributing among other things to building freestyle music in the early 80s along with pieces like "Dirty Talk", "The Mexican", "Rapture", etc. it could be heard at night in East New York, Brooklyn, anywhere on any Saturday circa 1983. Also "Walkman", one of the best instrumental dance songs, could also be heard in every handball court and schoolyard in Brooklyn and Queens as it embodied the vibe of gritty New York at the time, but it also became a staple in Chicago during WBMX 102.7. it was fm Hot Mix 5, which influenced house music. This song and countless other pieces have crossed and transcended trends such as uprocking, roller skating break dancing, webo dancing. "Kasso", which in addition to the title of the third song of this splendid reissue published by Best Record, is also the pseudonym of the fairy Claudio Simonetti. This piece actually is a classic Jazz funk, not disco, which is to be enjoyed and to dance, dance, dance, takes us back to the Funhouse and the unique way of mixing music, sometimes with brutal, energetic, stimulating changes of rhythm, of Jellybean Benitez, who as always blessed every track he touched with his talent. More
These three songs by Kasso re-edited and mixed by John Jellybean Benitez between 1981 and 1982 represent a musical bridge that allows us to move from Europe to North America easily, but only if equipped with roller skates. JJBB with his skillful work in those early 80s was able to open new paths to Italo-Disco by fusing it with other styles, thus leaving an indelible mark on musical culture and the evolution of various genres. "Key West", so happy and melodic, is an extraordinary piece of music that has become a classic of the underground house music scene of New York and Chicago, contributing among other things to building freestyle music in the early 80s along with pieces like "Dirty Talk", "The Mexican", "Rapture", etc. it could be heard at night in East New York, Brooklyn, anywhere on any Saturday circa 1983. Also "Walkman", one of the best instrumental dance songs, could also be heard in every handball court and schoolyard in Brooklyn and Queens as it embodied the vibe of gritty New York at the time, but it also became a staple in Chicago during WBMX 102.7. it was fm Hot Mix 5, which influenced house music. This song and countless other pieces have crossed and transcended trends such as uprocking, roller skating break dancing, webo dancing. "Kasso", which in addition to the title of the third song of this splendid reissue published by Best Record, is also the pseudonym of the fairy Claudio Simonetti. This piece actually is a classic Jazz funk, not disco, which is to be enjoyed and to dance, dance, dance, takes us back to the Funhouse and the unique way of mixing music, sometimes with brutal, energetic, stimulating changes of rhythm, of Jellybean Benitez, who as always blessed every track he touched with his talent. More
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Tunnel - Tunnel Lights (Massimo Berardi Remix)
2
Tunnel - Tunnel Lights (Original Version)
3
Tunnel - Speed Up (Original Version)
4
Tunnel - Speed Up (Francisco & Malkuth Cosmic Version)
Black Vinyl!
Tunnel was made in Naples in 1978 by Giorgio Verdelli and Danilo Rustici only on 7inch and it was the theme song for two RAI radio programs. Going through the names of the musicians we begin with the inimitable voice and the splendid guitars of Danilo Rustici, then passing through the saxophones of Enzo Avitabile we arrive at the keyboards of Joe Amoruso, musician-arranger who left a great void with his untimely death. For Joe, who crossed his experience with Premiata Forneria Marconi, Zucchero, Vasco Rossi, Mauro Pagani and was part of that 'dream team' of Pino Daniele - made up of technically extraordinary musicians, but above all gifted with an inimitable sound - this one-off project represented his recording debut. 'Tunnel Lights' and 'Speed Up' have been brought to light by Dario Di Pace and Claudio Casalini, two visionaries who believe that Neapolitan music is a sonic mixture of ancient and modern musical registers even if it sometimes develops a conflict between tradition and modernity as the recovery of popular tradition is strongly opposed to the push for innovation. This therefore is the reason for a 12" reissue in which the evocative original songs - from almost 50 years ago - are reflected in the new versions created by a bevy of talented DJ-arrangers including Massimo Berardi (with the bassist Luca Andreozzi) and by the industrious and passionate Francisco & Malkuth (ed: Francesco De Bellis and Cosimo 'Cosmo' Mandorino in disguise) in turn assisted by other zealous musicians and dee-jays - including the very good and always very collaborative Raffaele Arcella - who took part in a remix of this EP with enormous fervor The 12" reissue of Tunnel was released both on the classic black vinyl and in the very limited red vinyl version, in order to reflect the lips of the extravagant cover, a graphic work by another brilliant and multifaceted artist: Lino Vairetti, legendary singer of the historic prog rock band Osanna. The envelope developed by Best Record is embossed (front and back cover) to further enhance the passion that Neapolitan musicians have always had in knowing how to combine their roots with all the other musical genres of the world. More
Tunnel was made in Naples in 1978 by Giorgio Verdelli and Danilo Rustici only on 7inch and it was the theme song for two RAI radio programs. Going through the names of the musicians we begin with the inimitable voice and the splendid guitars of Danilo Rustici, then passing through the saxophones of Enzo Avitabile we arrive at the keyboards of Joe Amoruso, musician-arranger who left a great void with his untimely death. For Joe, who crossed his experience with Premiata Forneria Marconi, Zucchero, Vasco Rossi, Mauro Pagani and was part of that 'dream team' of Pino Daniele - made up of technically extraordinary musicians, but above all gifted with an inimitable sound - this one-off project represented his recording debut. 'Tunnel Lights' and 'Speed Up' have been brought to light by Dario Di Pace and Claudio Casalini, two visionaries who believe that Neapolitan music is a sonic mixture of ancient and modern musical registers even if it sometimes develops a conflict between tradition and modernity as the recovery of popular tradition is strongly opposed to the push for innovation. This therefore is the reason for a 12" reissue in which the evocative original songs - from almost 50 years ago - are reflected in the new versions created by a bevy of talented DJ-arrangers including Massimo Berardi (with the bassist Luca Andreozzi) and by the industrious and passionate Francisco & Malkuth (ed: Francesco De Bellis and Cosimo 'Cosmo' Mandorino in disguise) in turn assisted by other zealous musicians and dee-jays - including the very good and always very collaborative Raffaele Arcella - who took part in a remix of this EP with enormous fervor The 12" reissue of Tunnel was released both on the classic black vinyl and in the very limited red vinyl version, in order to reflect the lips of the extravagant cover, a graphic work by another brilliant and multifaceted artist: Lino Vairetti, legendary singer of the historic prog rock band Osanna. The envelope developed by Best Record is embossed (front and back cover) to further enhance the passion that Neapolitan musicians have always had in knowing how to combine their roots with all the other musical genres of the world. More
1
Randy Wiper - I'd Like To Know (Vocal)
2
Randy Wiper - I'd Like To Know (Instrumental)
Randy Wiper is only known for this highly sought-after 100% pure Italo-Disco song from 1984, but the reason why he hasn't published anything else is that the artist embarked on a career as a film actor immediately after. The beginning of the song "I'd Like To Know" could be divided into three, the pattern of which is repeated in the subsequent instrumental parts, the piece possesses the sidereal energy of space disco. When it seems that we will leave the planet on board a shuttle, the soloist's voice enters, full of personality, it is that of Marcello Arcangeli and has the gift of inflections that sometimes recall that of Roy Orbison, at other times that of David Bowie. What remains most imprinted on the listener is the romantic part of the ballad, highlighted by the piano and passion. Finally there is the chorus which sounds exclamatory, imploring, but at the same time casual and danceable. Through a unique theme, that of a rare piece like "I'd Like To Know", we explore space, the heart, the disco.
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1
Mike Francis - Love Has Found You
2
Mike Francis - Nightime Lady
Francesco Puccioni "born genius" in Florence, Mike Francis "becomes legend" in Rome. Deeply inspired in his adolescence by the emerging movements of North American soul, country and West Coast music and by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and James Taylor, Francesco began to compose refined songs with radiant energy every day. From the first acoustic gestures performed with the guitar, always keeping compositional creativity and improvisation under his arm, he enters the unexplored waters of Italian disco music. This slow and inexorable transformation allowed him to create in 1981 with the Metropole group (with Al Festa and Claudio Giusti, all still in their twenties) the international disco hit "Miss Manhattan", a true piece of proto-Italo-Disco! A year later the young Florentine singer-songwriter wrote two evocative soul-disco songs produced by Paul & Peter Micioni, published by Best Record and performed by a certain Mike Francis (!). This is the birth of the stage name which will forever accompany the musician who became a fundamental reference of the experimental Italo-Disco "scene", then soon recognized worldwide. This coveted 12" vinyl reissue comes out with the same Best Record commercial cover as 40 years ago and with the same 'red sticker'. And finally we have the juicy reissue of "Nightime Lady" and the more appetizing and danceable "Love Has Found", both perfectly remastered by Dom Scuteri, excellent in obtaining an impeccable sound recording, even eliminating some imperceptible defects of the original master tape. Therefore a super reissue (in limited edition) to listen to everywhere with the smart phone and to dance with joy and elegance at any type of party..
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Fascination - Out To Get You (Extended Version)
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Fascination - Out To Get You (Massimo Berardi Edit)
3
Fascination - Out To Get You (Radio Version)
With the 12" vinyl reissue of Fascination made for Giancarlo Meo, the legendary producer of Easy Going, Vivien Vee, Capricorn, Amin-Peck, Steel Mind, Claudio Simonetti (aka Kasso) and many other artists, Best Record offers yet another excellent service for those who perhaps don't know they need it. Claudio Casalini 40 years ago was not only a record producer, but above all one of the most important DJ-clubs in Italy. He remembers well the cheering jet set audience in the elegant Roman lounges, with the dance floor packed with people vibrating to that fusion of disco, soul and funk sounds that characterized many Italo-Disco songs of those early Eighties. The three versions of "Out to Get You" contain all those sounds, but it is above all the version re-edited by the imaginative and passionate DJ Massimo Berardi that brings an important portion of musical restoration making it current, and therefore exciting and modern, absolutely suitable for dancing it again anywhere in the world.
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Evo - Din Don (Vocal)
2
Evo - Din Don (Instrumental)
Repress!
German-Italian artist Silvana Noris has been involved in theater, sports, martial arts, writing and singing. "Din Don", released under the pseudonym of Evo in 1983, has become a cult record released on Cultura & Musica. A melancholy underground space-pop that has been buried for years. More
German-Italian artist Silvana Noris has been involved in theater, sports, martial arts, writing and singing. "Din Don", released under the pseudonym of Evo in 1983, has become a cult record released on Cultura & Musica. A melancholy underground space-pop that has been buried for years. More
1
Blue Feather - Let's Funk Tonight (Peter Frost Re-Mix)
2
Blue Feather - Let's Funk Tonight (Faze Action Dub Mix)
Repress!
Blue Feather were a truly blue-eyed funk outfit from the Netherlands who had a prolific run in the 80s with two albums and a string of club singles to their name. "Let's Funk Tonight" was surely one of their bigger hits, and it sounds resplendent with a fresh master and the full extended version spread out across the A side here. Offering something new for the modern market, Best call upon Faze Action to flesh out this reissue with a killer dub of the track that treads softly but funks deep, just like a good dub should. More
Blue Feather were a truly blue-eyed funk outfit from the Netherlands who had a prolific run in the 80s with two albums and a string of club singles to their name. "Let's Funk Tonight" was surely one of their bigger hits, and it sounds resplendent with a fresh master and the full extended version spread out across the A side here. Offering something new for the modern market, Best call upon Faze Action to flesh out this reissue with a killer dub of the track that treads softly but funks deep, just like a good dub should. More
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Gepy And Gepy - Body To Body
2
Gepy And Gepy - African Love Song
Repress!
Giampiero Scalamogna best known as GEPY & GEPY was an Italian singer, songwriter, producer, arranger and for his powerful voice visually combined to his robust physique he was paired to Barry White and Demis Roussos. During 70s he focused on disco music genre, composing and performing several songs such as Body to Body opening song of the famous Italian TV-show Discoring, and African Love Song that was part of the Nicky Sianos playlist at the Studio 54. More
Giampiero Scalamogna best known as GEPY & GEPY was an Italian singer, songwriter, producer, arranger and for his powerful voice visually combined to his robust physique he was paired to Barry White and Demis Roussos. During 70s he focused on disco music genre, composing and performing several songs such as Body to Body opening song of the famous Italian TV-show Discoring, and African Love Song that was part of the Nicky Sianos playlist at the Studio 54. More
1
Joe Car - Dancing Dode (Electro Potato Remix)
2
Joe Car - Dancing Dode (Vocal 1984)
One-off electronic disco project of 1984 for the unmistakable sounds of the Yamaha DX7 - especially the notorious "tubular bells" during the verses - introduced at the end of '83, but which didn't catch on in Italo-Disco until the following year. "Dancing Dode" has the strangest spelling ever. Whoever created this truly amazing super theme barely knew English as the word "dode" does not exist in English. This explains why some Italo-Disco songs have obvious grammatical errors even on the original records. The artist or the authors thought that [du:d] would be written "dode" in English, but in reality it's "dude"... which means a meticulous and elegant man, potentially homosexual, in short a gay type, "King /Queen" of disco dancing like in that film with J.T.. The role of disco in the 80s was a ground for negotiating rights throughout history, so most people didn't care too much about choosing and hating someone's sexual orientation, but dancing, listening to music and this song with a beautiful melody is perhaps the rarest Italo-Disco song ever made.
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Salvy & Giuly - Stop The World
2
Salvy & Giuly - Stop The World (Instrumental)
"Stop the World" is another captivating song released in 1984 by Eyes Records, written by three names who certainly need no introduction. Ivana Spagna, Larry Pignagnoli and Ottavio Bacciocchi. However, their artistic depth and their fundamental contribution to Italo-Disco (and not only) in their respective roles should be remembered: Ivana, an excellent lyricist and singer (also for third parties) who became the great pop star still today considered the most graceful in circulation; Larry, who deserves a handful of Grammy Awards for his countless arrangements (but it is enough to mention "Easy Lady" and "Call Me") and finally the modest and precious Ottavio with his excellent Studio Master 33 from Cremona, among the first to find the right sound of Italo-Disco already in the early 80s.. Their contribution then married perfectly with the artistic direction curated by Salvy Lauria and Giacomo Danesi. It's worth highlighting the approximately 6 minute instrumental track of "Stop The World", it's a dance floor killer. Giuliano Saglia and Silvio Trisolino are right in wanting to re-propose only and exclusively the two original songs which after 40 years have been perfectly remastered by Dom Scuteri. Best Record is right to carry out all the work of this wonderful jewel, after having already reissued Blue Gas, Future State and Lily Ann, the other praiseworthy productions of the reborn Milanese label. Aficionados do well not to miss this other reissue of an Italo Disco classic from the 80s !!!
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TOPO - Ba Ba Go, Go
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TOPO - Ba Ba Go, Go (Instrumental)
Repress!
Finally the official remastered reissue of one of the rarest and sought after italo-disco record from early 80's. You'll be hard pushed to hear anything like this ever again... this is an epic out there electronic production that's one of a kind. In the same period of other italo-disco classics like REM, STOPP, Klein & MBO, GANG previously reissued by Best Italy, they representing the roots of chicago sound played by the pioneers like Ron Hardy! More
Finally the official remastered reissue of one of the rarest and sought after italo-disco record from early 80's. You'll be hard pushed to hear anything like this ever again... this is an epic out there electronic production that's one of a kind. In the same period of other italo-disco classics like REM, STOPP, Klein & MBO, GANG previously reissued by Best Italy, they representing the roots of chicago sound played by the pioneers like Ron Hardy! More
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Lama - Love On The Rocks
2
Lama - Nineteen Ninety Three
Repress!
Remastered reissue of a double A-side classic by LAMA a studio project from 1983. Both tracks here are killer electro/italo tracks well worth their weight in gold. Love On The Rocks is a electro-fied cover of Lucio Battisti's original disco smash "Il Veliero." On the flip we have the dark apocalyptic feel offered by "Nineteen Ninety Three". More
Remastered reissue of a double A-side classic by LAMA a studio project from 1983. Both tracks here are killer electro/italo tracks well worth their weight in gold. Love On The Rocks is a electro-fied cover of Lucio Battisti's original disco smash "Il Veliero." On the flip we have the dark apocalyptic feel offered by "Nineteen Ninety Three". More
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B.W.H. - All Right
2
B.W.H. - Blackway, Are You?
Repress!
These two tracks by B.W.H. (as many of you will know this is the acronym for Black Way & Helene) are original record productions House Of Music 1984, unreleased until April 2015. The song "All Right" is a little jewel, the music is pleasant to listen to, but it doesn't have the same strength as the previous legendary "Stop" and "Livin' Up". "Blackway, Are You?", the piece on the back of the vinyl. Is in any case one of the deepest Italo-Disco songs around, a beautiful combination of that basic synthesizer melody and those Aphex-y style pads take you to another place . This vinyl record is in loving memory of Vincenzo Balestrieri, ''Offshore Powerboat Racing World Champion'', 1968, 1970. More
These two tracks by B.W.H. (as many of you will know this is the acronym for Black Way & Helene) are original record productions House Of Music 1984, unreleased until April 2015. The song "All Right" is a little jewel, the music is pleasant to listen to, but it doesn't have the same strength as the previous legendary "Stop" and "Livin' Up". "Blackway, Are You?", the piece on the back of the vinyl. Is in any case one of the deepest Italo-Disco songs around, a beautiful combination of that basic synthesizer melody and those Aphex-y style pads take you to another place . This vinyl record is in loving memory of Vincenzo Balestrieri, ''Offshore Powerboat Racing World Champion'', 1968, 1970. More
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The Countach - Dance Club Version
2
The Countach - Sweet Dream
3
The Countach - Paradise Version
4
The Countach - Original Studio Version
Repress!
Beautiful Balearic house vibes on this Best Record release, a label that is best known for soul-boogie and Italo-disco reissues, but it also comes with forgotten gems from the Italian deep house scene, such as Aqua Marina by The Countach! They have been in active service only in 1990 releasing just two singles... but two singles that are not forgotten! "Aqua Marina" has plenty of lashings of jazz funk rubbed into its loins, not least on the "Sweet Dream Version". The "Paradise Version" nudges the key of the club mixes and ramps up the reverb, and then the "Original Studio Version" switches up the mood with an organic, live band groove on this crucial 12inch. A timeless masterpiece by DJ-producers Giampiero Malvatani (aka Giampi) and Davide Domenella (aka D.Dee), developed by M Giancarlo Ragni at the Vallemania Studio in Genga. Precious classic Balearic beat, 100% pure for which even today we shed sweet tears of nostalgia for this sound of the early 90s! Classic stuff! More
Beautiful Balearic house vibes on this Best Record release, a label that is best known for soul-boogie and Italo-disco reissues, but it also comes with forgotten gems from the Italian deep house scene, such as Aqua Marina by The Countach! They have been in active service only in 1990 releasing just two singles... but two singles that are not forgotten! "Aqua Marina" has plenty of lashings of jazz funk rubbed into its loins, not least on the "Sweet Dream Version". The "Paradise Version" nudges the key of the club mixes and ramps up the reverb, and then the "Original Studio Version" switches up the mood with an organic, live band groove on this crucial 12inch. A timeless masterpiece by DJ-producers Giampiero Malvatani (aka Giampi) and Davide Domenella (aka D.Dee), developed by M Giancarlo Ragni at the Vallemania Studio in Genga. Precious classic Balearic beat, 100% pure for which even today we shed sweet tears of nostalgia for this sound of the early 90s! Classic stuff! More
1
Kasso - One More Round (Frankie Knuckles House Mix)
2
Kasso - Walkman (86 House Mix By Brett Wilcots)
Repress!
Two lovely House mixes produced by Frankie Knuckles and Brett Wilcotts (Gherkin Jerks). From the mid 80s era when dance music was shaken up between disco, boogie, Italo and the emerging house sounds from Chicago. Claudio Simonetti was a titan of the Italian groove, but his monster jam as Kasso, "One More Round", reached the stratosphere when Windy City godfather Frankie Knuckles gave the track his Midas touch. The Knuckles mix is already worth the pressing, but the flip side contains the overlooked 80s remix by supremo Brett Wilcots. The Chicago master is known for his Gherkin Records and lays his hands on "Walkman" to turn it up to a boogie frenzy of the highest order. Must have! More
Two lovely House mixes produced by Frankie Knuckles and Brett Wilcotts (Gherkin Jerks). From the mid 80s era when dance music was shaken up between disco, boogie, Italo and the emerging house sounds from Chicago. Claudio Simonetti was a titan of the Italian groove, but his monster jam as Kasso, "One More Round", reached the stratosphere when Windy City godfather Frankie Knuckles gave the track his Midas touch. The Knuckles mix is already worth the pressing, but the flip side contains the overlooked 80s remix by supremo Brett Wilcots. The Chicago master is known for his Gherkin Records and lays his hands on "Walkman" to turn it up to a boogie frenzy of the highest order. Must have! More
1
Robert Cotter - Rock Me With Your Love
2
Robert Cotter - Love Remains The Same
3
Robert Cotter - Timeless
4
Robert Cotter - Everything I'm Living For
5
Robert Cotter - Got To Have You Near
Black Vinyl!
Worthy re-issue of Robert Cotter's second late 70's soul album! Comprising five songs, with four of them being quite lengthy and well-structured for the dance floor, was entirely recorded in the United States by top-notch American musicians. "Timeless", a fresh and lively expression of late 70s soul music, was recorded at the Sundragon Studio in New York. This studio was home to legendary bands such as Talking Heads and Ramones, as well as a few 'disco studio groups' like Andrea True Connection, Tony Valor Sound Orchestra, and Camouflage, who recorded songs that later became considerable hits. For this reason, it's believed that the positive outcome of the album can be partially attributed to Ned Liben, an eclectic New York musician and co-founder of the studio in the Flatiron district of Manhattan, served as an exhaustive interlocutor for any artistic and technical needs. He was also the arranger of "Rock Me With Your Love", the most significant song on the album. Ned's successful mission was to capture the maximum timbral fidelity of Robert Cotter's voice using appropriate recording techniques, assisted by Michael George Ewing, a talented engineer who had previously worked on similar projects with well-known artists like Carol Williams, Maryann Farra & Satin Soul, Touch and Tony Valor. In fact, the piece features original and melodious lines, coupled with an excellent steady rhythm, spanning approximately 8 minutes and 30 seconds - in short, "a delightful sound for every beat." This ensured that the performance of the young singer-songwriter from New Jersey was faithfully reproduced without neglecting the overall musical landscape. The other four songs, arranged by Ben Lazzaroni with the same musicians as the first piece, are no exception. Best Record also delivered on the promise to Robert's older brother, Karl Potter, a powerful percussionist transplanted to Rome, for whom the roman label produced "Sweet & Salty Cha-Cha-Cha" (12", 1986). Robert Cotter, an artist about whom almost nothing has been written, is poised to gain recognition once word spreads about his album, which has been entirely remastered by Dom Scuteri and features a more congenial tracklist. This album is destined to be truly 'timeless', ready to captivate audiences around the world. Even the new cover artwork, created by Nerina Fernandez, pays homage to an artist who, despite expressing himself with elegance and simplicity, radiates energy and exudes love. "Timeless" is an inevitable revelation for anyone who missed it at the time, and for the next 40-plus years, it will remain an absolute must-listen for Robert Cotter's many fans, leaving them all in awe. - this is the black vinyl edition! There is a limited red vinyl one too! - More
Worthy re-issue of Robert Cotter's second late 70's soul album! Comprising five songs, with four of them being quite lengthy and well-structured for the dance floor, was entirely recorded in the United States by top-notch American musicians. "Timeless", a fresh and lively expression of late 70s soul music, was recorded at the Sundragon Studio in New York. This studio was home to legendary bands such as Talking Heads and Ramones, as well as a few 'disco studio groups' like Andrea True Connection, Tony Valor Sound Orchestra, and Camouflage, who recorded songs that later became considerable hits. For this reason, it's believed that the positive outcome of the album can be partially attributed to Ned Liben, an eclectic New York musician and co-founder of the studio in the Flatiron district of Manhattan, served as an exhaustive interlocutor for any artistic and technical needs. He was also the arranger of "Rock Me With Your Love", the most significant song on the album. Ned's successful mission was to capture the maximum timbral fidelity of Robert Cotter's voice using appropriate recording techniques, assisted by Michael George Ewing, a talented engineer who had previously worked on similar projects with well-known artists like Carol Williams, Maryann Farra & Satin Soul, Touch and Tony Valor. In fact, the piece features original and melodious lines, coupled with an excellent steady rhythm, spanning approximately 8 minutes and 30 seconds - in short, "a delightful sound for every beat." This ensured that the performance of the young singer-songwriter from New Jersey was faithfully reproduced without neglecting the overall musical landscape. The other four songs, arranged by Ben Lazzaroni with the same musicians as the first piece, are no exception. Best Record also delivered on the promise to Robert's older brother, Karl Potter, a powerful percussionist transplanted to Rome, for whom the roman label produced "Sweet & Salty Cha-Cha-Cha" (12", 1986). Robert Cotter, an artist about whom almost nothing has been written, is poised to gain recognition once word spreads about his album, which has been entirely remastered by Dom Scuteri and features a more congenial tracklist. This album is destined to be truly 'timeless', ready to captivate audiences around the world. Even the new cover artwork, created by Nerina Fernandez, pays homage to an artist who, despite expressing himself with elegance and simplicity, radiates energy and exudes love. "Timeless" is an inevitable revelation for anyone who missed it at the time, and for the next 40-plus years, it will remain an absolute must-listen for Robert Cotter's many fans, leaving them all in awe. - this is the black vinyl edition! There is a limited red vinyl one too! - More
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Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Let's Get It On
2
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Sha La La la Lee
3
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Oh Girl
4
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Tears Falling In My Sleep
5
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Something Gotten Hold Of My Heart
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Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Foot Steps Dub
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Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Loving Girl
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Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Slipping Into Darkness
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Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - After The Storm
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Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Living In The Footsteps
11
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - A Simple Lover Of A Woman
12
Clement Bushay & Carl Bert - Who Told You
Reissued for the first time this ultra-rare reggae album originally released in 1974. Considered by many to be the first reggae “lovers” album ever, signed by the producer and Singer Clement Bushay and the reggae singer Carl Bert. As guests The Cimarons, Jackie Parris, Junior English, Dego Sensation. Engineers: Steve Wadey, Clem Bushay and Lee Perry … Four unreleased tracks from the original version are included here!
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Al Hirt - Honey Pot
2
Al Hirt - Mess Around
3
Al Hirt - Calypsoul
4
Al Hirt - Long Gone
5
Al Hirt - Sweetlips
6
Al Hirt - Girl
7
Al Hirt - Love Ya' Baby
8
Al Hirt - Sunday-Goin' To Meetin' Time
9
Al Hirt - Snap Back
10
Al Hirt - Harlem Hendoo
11
Al Hirt - Ludwig
Format Notes: 2024 first time vinyl reissue, remastered audio with original artwork, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Honey Pot
A2 Mess Around
A3 Calypsoul
A4 Long Gone
A5 Sweetlips
A6 Girl
B1 Love Ya' Baby
B2 Sunday-Goin' To Meetin' Time
B3 Snap Back
B4 Harlem Hendoo
B5 Ludwig
Release Notes:
Yes, *that* Al Hirt record. Featuring the godlike "Harlem Hendoo", looped unforgettably by De La Soul for the legendary Buhloone Mind State cut, "Ego Trippin' (Part Two)"!
Al Hirt's infamous Soul In The Horn is inextricably tangled up in crate-digger lore. Originally released in 1967, the album has been in heavy, heavy demand for over 30 years, entirely down to the majestic soul-jazz fire of "Harlem Hendoo". And it's a song so good, so vital, so timeless, that it will always tower above everything else in its proximity. This one track alone is worth the price of admission - even if the cost of entry were $100 or even $1000.
However, it would be an error to dismiss this record as merely a one tracker, loaded as it is with dope samples for adventurous beat makers. Certainly the funkiest Al Hirt record, it definitely lives up to the "soul" in the title. Thanks to composer Paul Griffin and arranger Teacho Wiltshire, Hirt got uncharacteristically free and groovy throughout. It comes on more like an obscure KPM library funk record than the easy listening Al was notorious for.
A Louisiana trumpeter and band leader who made Allen Toussaint’s “Java” famous, Al Hirt was also known for TV themes, Dixieland, Swing and being a minority owner of the New Orleans Saints. Unlike every other Al Hirt record - and despite most "diggers" claiming otherwise - this here gem is genuinely hard to come across "in the wild". Normally, you can't give Al Hirt records away, except this particular one, which raises pulses in the crate digging community to life-threatening levels. For every owner claiming to have found their copy for a dollar, there's scores more claiming to have *never* unearthed one in the field. So, paradoxically, you can consider this the most tricky-to-pull "thrift store record", ever. This is why we're finally making it available for everyone, not just those with endless hours to spend scouring the global goodwills!
Soul In The Horn represented an expressive detour into authentic soul-jazz for Al Hirt. Throughout, we're struck by a fierce, fiery energy that's otherwise absent from his typically easy listening work. Without question, the slinky, magical "Harlem Hendoo" is the standout, here. It's also the reason why the record is so scarce and commands awe among crate diggers, sounding like something from an obscure and deeply revered spiritual jazz record. As is often the case, the true genius of the song is tricky to do justice to; it's like a minor miracle of songwriting and performance that simply swooned down from the heavens on the back of horns, bells and harpsichord. It's one of the sweetest musical compositions ever recorded inside a studio - it's only failing is that it's just too short. Sampled brilliantly by De La Soul, it has also been used by The Roots for "Stay Cool" and Nightmares On Wax for "Damn".
The rest of the record makes for a mighty fine listen. From the opening cover of Booker T. & The MG's "Honey Pot", to the propulsive, ultra-funky "Mess Around", it's nothing but a good time. Given its title, the elegant stepper "Calypsoul" sounds exactly as you'd hope whilst the melancholic, wistful "Long Gone" hurts so good. Truly, this is just dying to be looped up, Al's muted playing capturing a soulful longing only horns can often achieve. The bluesy, slo-mo swing of "Sweetlips" oscillates between cool disaffection and swelling pride whilst the graceful, low-key funky "Girl" closes out the A-Side in the fine style. Ushering in the B-Side, the brief but brilliant strut of "Love Ya' Baby" shines brightly before the skipping funky-jazz of true highlight "Sunday-Goin' To Meetin' Time" demands both your attention and your dancing shoes. The mellifluous piano-funk of bass and horn-drenched "Snap Back" serves as the sumptuous prelude to "Harlem Hendoo"'s main character energy before the irrepressible, upbeat R&B of "Ludwig" closes out this quite remarkable album. An album deserving of a place in every serious record collection.
The audio for Soul In The Horn has been carefully remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring it sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The original sleeve has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue. This is after-hours music. Let it speak for itself. Listen. Listen to the soul in Al Hirt's horn.
More
Track List:
A1 Honey Pot
A2 Mess Around
A3 Calypsoul
A4 Long Gone
A5 Sweetlips
A6 Girl
B1 Love Ya' Baby
B2 Sunday-Goin' To Meetin' Time
B3 Snap Back
B4 Harlem Hendoo
B5 Ludwig
Release Notes:
Yes, *that* Al Hirt record. Featuring the godlike "Harlem Hendoo", looped unforgettably by De La Soul for the legendary Buhloone Mind State cut, "Ego Trippin' (Part Two)"!
Al Hirt's infamous Soul In The Horn is inextricably tangled up in crate-digger lore. Originally released in 1967, the album has been in heavy, heavy demand for over 30 years, entirely down to the majestic soul-jazz fire of "Harlem Hendoo". And it's a song so good, so vital, so timeless, that it will always tower above everything else in its proximity. This one track alone is worth the price of admission - even if the cost of entry were $100 or even $1000.
However, it would be an error to dismiss this record as merely a one tracker, loaded as it is with dope samples for adventurous beat makers. Certainly the funkiest Al Hirt record, it definitely lives up to the "soul" in the title. Thanks to composer Paul Griffin and arranger Teacho Wiltshire, Hirt got uncharacteristically free and groovy throughout. It comes on more like an obscure KPM library funk record than the easy listening Al was notorious for.
A Louisiana trumpeter and band leader who made Allen Toussaint’s “Java” famous, Al Hirt was also known for TV themes, Dixieland, Swing and being a minority owner of the New Orleans Saints. Unlike every other Al Hirt record - and despite most "diggers" claiming otherwise - this here gem is genuinely hard to come across "in the wild". Normally, you can't give Al Hirt records away, except this particular one, which raises pulses in the crate digging community to life-threatening levels. For every owner claiming to have found their copy for a dollar, there's scores more claiming to have *never* unearthed one in the field. So, paradoxically, you can consider this the most tricky-to-pull "thrift store record", ever. This is why we're finally making it available for everyone, not just those with endless hours to spend scouring the global goodwills!
Soul In The Horn represented an expressive detour into authentic soul-jazz for Al Hirt. Throughout, we're struck by a fierce, fiery energy that's otherwise absent from his typically easy listening work. Without question, the slinky, magical "Harlem Hendoo" is the standout, here. It's also the reason why the record is so scarce and commands awe among crate diggers, sounding like something from an obscure and deeply revered spiritual jazz record. As is often the case, the true genius of the song is tricky to do justice to; it's like a minor miracle of songwriting and performance that simply swooned down from the heavens on the back of horns, bells and harpsichord. It's one of the sweetest musical compositions ever recorded inside a studio - it's only failing is that it's just too short. Sampled brilliantly by De La Soul, it has also been used by The Roots for "Stay Cool" and Nightmares On Wax for "Damn".
The rest of the record makes for a mighty fine listen. From the opening cover of Booker T. & The MG's "Honey Pot", to the propulsive, ultra-funky "Mess Around", it's nothing but a good time. Given its title, the elegant stepper "Calypsoul" sounds exactly as you'd hope whilst the melancholic, wistful "Long Gone" hurts so good. Truly, this is just dying to be looped up, Al's muted playing capturing a soulful longing only horns can often achieve. The bluesy, slo-mo swing of "Sweetlips" oscillates between cool disaffection and swelling pride whilst the graceful, low-key funky "Girl" closes out the A-Side in the fine style. Ushering in the B-Side, the brief but brilliant strut of "Love Ya' Baby" shines brightly before the skipping funky-jazz of true highlight "Sunday-Goin' To Meetin' Time" demands both your attention and your dancing shoes. The mellifluous piano-funk of bass and horn-drenched "Snap Back" serves as the sumptuous prelude to "Harlem Hendoo"'s main character energy before the irrepressible, upbeat R&B of "Ludwig" closes out this quite remarkable album. An album deserving of a place in every serious record collection.
The audio for Soul In The Horn has been carefully remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring it sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The original sleeve has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue. This is after-hours music. Let it speak for itself. Listen. Listen to the soul in Al Hirt's horn.
More
1
Elaine Brown - Seize The Time
2
Elaine Brown - The Panther
3
Elaine Brown - And All Stood By
4
Elaine Brown - The End Of Silence
5
Elaine Brown - The Meeting
6
Elaine Brown - Very Black Man
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Elaine Brown - Take It Away
8
Elaine Brown - One Time
9
Elaine Brown - Assasination
10
Elaine Brown - Poppa's Come Home
Reissued on vinyl for the first time! A milestone of the Black music movement, originally released on Vault in 1969. The debut album of Elaine Brown was arranged by piano player amd composer Horace Tapscott, conducting the Californian Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra. A true political manifesto, the album is an accurate meeting between black poetry and spiritual jazz. After her debut Elaine went to release an eponymous second album on Motown. Elaine Brown is an African American activist and a former leader of the Black Panther Party – Minister of Information and Chairman.
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1
Common vs S Wonder - Intro Theme (I Wonder)
2
Common vs S Wonder - I Was Made To Love H.E.R.
3
Common vs S Wonder - Living For The Chi-City
4
Common vs S Wonder - Resurrection To Higher Ground
5
Common vs S Wonder - Bad Girl feat. Kanye West
6
Common vs S Wonder - The Sixth Superstition
7
Common vs S Wonder - Innervision Intermission
8
Common vs S Wonder - Sugar By The Pound
9
Common vs S Wonder - For Once In My Life feat. Erykah Badu
10
Common vs S Wonder - Like They Used to Say
11
Common vs S Wonder - God Bless the Freestyle (Interlude)
12
Common vs S Wonder - The Light (I'm Yours) feat. Bobby Caldwell
13
Common vs S Wonder - Southside feat. Kanye West
14
Common vs S Wonder - Pop's Rap feat. Lonnie Lynn Sr.
15
Common vs S Wonder - The Sixth Wonder (Bonus Track)
1
Ray Barretto - Pastime Paradise
2
Ray Barretto - La Cuna
3
Ray Barretto - Mambotango
Pastime Paradise, first released by Stevie Wonder in 1976 got a new lease of life when sampled by Coolio on his Grammy Award winning Gangsta’s Paradise. It has also over the years been covered by Patti Smith as well as our fave version, courtesy of Latin percussionist Ray Barretto. First released on CTI in 1981, to this day it remains a staple for both the jazz and soul rooms. Never before released on a 12 inch, Major Keys continue their fine form with this extended floor filler that will appeal to DJ’s and collectors alike. It also flips it with La Cuna and Mambotango taken from the same 1981 LP. This is a special EP and one that you will want for your collection.
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1
Melvo Baptiste ft. Dames Brown - Sweat
2
Lovebirds - Burn It Down (Club Mix)
3
Art Of Tones & Inaya Day - Give My Love
4
Young Pulse & Fleur De Mur - Smooth Sweet Talker
Following several releases that continue to establish Glitterbox as the hub for independent house and disco worldwide, four sought-after mixes that have soundtracked the label's parties appear on wax for the first time. Leading Glitterbox Jams Volume 7 is label head Melvo Baptiste alongside Detroit trio Dames Brown with the infectious 'Sweat', a track that made waves in 2023 with its irresistible rhythms and stellar vocals. Marking their first original track on the label, Lovebirds ‘Burn It Down’ showcases the Berlin-based duo as the house and disco authorities that they are. Next up, Art Of Tones & Inaya Day make dancefloor magic with their uplifting collaboration 'Give My Love', before sensual earworm ‘Smooth Sweet Talker’ by Young Pulse & Fleur De Mur closes out the compilation. This four-track package once again shows the disco, funk and soul sound of Glitterbox at its very best.
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1
King Sporty / The Extra Funk Factory - Fantasy
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King Sporty / The Extra Funk Factory - Fantasy (Instrumental)
3
King Sporty / The Extra Funk Factory - Fantasy (Jonny Rock Discomix)
The last of the Konduko series from Emotional Rescue arrives now and quite possibly it is the best of the lot from Noel Williams. His 'Fantasy' saw him work with Larry Dermer aka Der Mer on what is an effective and catchy electro jam that operates at the higher end of the tempo chart with some classic vocoder vocal action to really make it pop. Despite being released originally in 1984 this one still bangs with its emulated TR-808 beats and nagging melodies. The instrumental heightens that and then the Jonny Rock Discomix shuts down with long-form rework that shows why the DJ, editor and all-round amiable bloke is so well regarded.
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1
King Sporty / Fashion Funktion - Sun Country
2
King Sporty / Fashion Funktion - Sund Country (Instrumental)
3
King Sporty / Fashion Funktion - Sund Country (40 Thieves Disco Mix)
Here comes Emotional Rescue and Konduko's last in their series of Noel Williams/King Sporty reissues, this time looking at later electro productions and the hip-hop/boogie influenced 'Sun Country'. Vocals and co-production come from Williams' long-time partner Betty Wright and as well as a vocal and instrumental mix there's a longform remix by Bay Area disco dub stalwarts, 40 Thieves.
By this point in his career, the godfather of Miami Bass had travelled a long way from his Jamaican roots in reggae and soul, paying homage to the warm climbs of the Sunshine State and laying down a much copied template using the TR-808 drum machine create the electronic emulations of the breakbeat, claps accenting the backbeat and trademark low frequencies shaking the floorboards. The instrumental stretches the arrangement, emphasising the interplay between electronics, bass, vocal samples, scratching and fx, the voice transformed into a percussive element in its own right. The flip sees 40 Thieves flexing their understated understanding of electro funk, making for a rounded, generation-jumping package. More
By this point in his career, the godfather of Miami Bass had travelled a long way from his Jamaican roots in reggae and soul, paying homage to the warm climbs of the Sunshine State and laying down a much copied template using the TR-808 drum machine create the electronic emulations of the breakbeat, claps accenting the backbeat and trademark low frequencies shaking the floorboards. The instrumental stretches the arrangement, emphasising the interplay between electronics, bass, vocal samples, scratching and fx, the voice transformed into a percussive element in its own right. The flip sees 40 Thieves flexing their understated understanding of electro funk, making for a rounded, generation-jumping package. More
1
Amerigo Gazaway - No Title
2
Amerigo Gazaway - No Title
3
Amerigo Gazaway - No Title
4
Amerigo Gazaway - No Title
5
Amerigo Gazaway - No Title
6
Amerigo Gazaway - No Title
7
Amerigo Gazaway - No Title
8
Amerigo Gazaway - No Title
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Amerigo Gazaway - No Title
10
Amerigo Gazaway - No Title
11
Amerigo Gazaway - No Title
From AMERIGO GAZAWAY who did FELA SOUL and BIZARRE TRIBE, now YASIIN GAYE. 13 tracks that perfectly blend MOS DEF and MARVIN GAYE. Features TEDDY PENDERGRASS, KANYE WEST, TAMII TERRELL, TALIB KWELI and BLACK ASTRONAUTS. Full picture sleeve, double vinyl.
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Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - Feeling Good
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Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - Ready Or Not
3
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (That Thing)
4
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - To Zion feat. Carlos Santana
5
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - Fu-Gee-La feat. The Fugees
6
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - The Sweetest Thing feat. John Forté
7
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - Take It Easy
8
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - Peace Of Mind
9
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - Lost Ones
10
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - Killing Me Softly
11
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - If I Ruled The World feat. Nas
12
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - How Many Mics feat. The Fugees
13
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - So High feat. John Legend
14
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - Care For What
15
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - Angel Of The Morning
16
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Eunice Waymon
17
Nina Simone vs Lauryn Hill - Fu-Gee-La (Refugee Camp Remix) [Bonus Track]
Repress!
A mashup masterpiece from AMERIGO GAZAWAY, the man behind the BIZARRE TRIBE, YASIIN GAYE, and FELA SOUL mashup albums. Here he imagines a studio session between the high priestess of soul NINA SIMONE and hip hop legend LAURYN HILL. 17 track two LP set in pic sleeve.
Side 1
1. "Feeling Good" (4:59)
2. "Ready Or Not" (feat The Fugees) (5:27)
3. "Doo Wop (That Thing)" (4:30)
4. "To Zion" (feat Carlos Santana) (5:49)
Side 2
1. "Fu-Gee-La" (feat The Fugees) (4:56)
2. "The Sweetest Thing" (feat John Forte) (4:45)
3. "Take It Easy" (4:32)
4. "Peace Of Mind" (4:59)
Side 3
1. "Lost Ones" (4:45)
2. "Killing Me Softly" (6:06)
3. "If I Ruled The World" (feat Nas) (3:51)
4. "How Many Mics" (feat The Fugees) (5:43)
Side 4
1. "So High" (feat John Legend) (3:55)
2. "Care For What" (2:54)
3. "Angel Of The Morning" (3:42)
4. "The Miseducation Of Eunice Waymon" (5:00)
5. "Fu-Gee-La" (bonus track - Refugee Camp remix) (5:33) More
A mashup masterpiece from AMERIGO GAZAWAY, the man behind the BIZARRE TRIBE, YASIIN GAYE, and FELA SOUL mashup albums. Here he imagines a studio session between the high priestess of soul NINA SIMONE and hip hop legend LAURYN HILL. 17 track two LP set in pic sleeve.
Side 1
1. "Feeling Good" (4:59)
2. "Ready Or Not" (feat The Fugees) (5:27)
3. "Doo Wop (That Thing)" (4:30)
4. "To Zion" (feat Carlos Santana) (5:49)
Side 2
1. "Fu-Gee-La" (feat The Fugees) (4:56)
2. "The Sweetest Thing" (feat John Forte) (4:45)
3. "Take It Easy" (4:32)
4. "Peace Of Mind" (4:59)
Side 3
1. "Lost Ones" (4:45)
2. "Killing Me Softly" (6:06)
3. "If I Ruled The World" (feat Nas) (3:51)
4. "How Many Mics" (feat The Fugees) (5:43)
Side 4
1. "So High" (feat John Legend) (3:55)
2. "Care For What" (2:54)
3. "Angel Of The Morning" (3:42)
4. "The Miseducation Of Eunice Waymon" (5:00)
5. "Fu-Gee-La" (bonus track - Refugee Camp remix) (5:33) More
1
Tete Mbambisa - African Day
2
Tete Mbambisa - Khumbula Jane
3
Tete Mbambisa - Siviwe
4
Tete Mbambisa - Kohinoor
5
Tete Mbambisa - Mr. Mecca
6
Tete Mbambisa - Siyanda
7
Tete Mbambisa - Umsenge
8
Tete Mbambisa - Relaxin
9
Tete Mbambisa - Untitled For Duke Makasi
2LP set in a gatefold sleeve - first edition of 500 copies
Awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Cape Town in 2023, pianist Tete Mbambisa (84) is a legendary figure in South African jazz. Supported by the cream of the local scene, his albums from the 1970s are among the most cherished vinyl documents from this golden era. A monumental archival undertaking, African Day compiles unreleased recordings from 1976 to resurrect a "lost" Tete Mbambisa double album that falls between his seminal works Tete's Big Sound (1975) and Did You Tell Your Mother (1979).
Born in 1942 and raised in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, Tete Mbambisa’s childhood home served as an informal tavern where social gatherings orbited around the family's carefully curated music collection with live performances by a local pianist. Growing up in this environment, his musical roots are embedded in marabi, the syncopated piano sound that blended cues from American jazz, blues and ragtime with the cultural sensibilities that shape modern South African jazz.
A self-taught musician, it was as leader of the vocal group The Four Yanks in the early 1960s that Tete Mbambisa’s music career began in earnest. With encouragement from Abdullah Ibrahim, he dedicated himself to the piano and went on to record with The Soul Jazzmen in 1969. Mbambisa's two solo recordings from the 1970s were produced by Rashid Vally for the independent As-Shams/The Sun record label. With an abundance of strong material but limited resources, some of the label's prospective releases were not issued at the time of recording. Featuring the intended artwork commissioned for the project in 1976, African Day marks the first major unveiling of unreleased gems from the As-Shams master tape archive. More
Awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Cape Town in 2023, pianist Tete Mbambisa (84) is a legendary figure in South African jazz. Supported by the cream of the local scene, his albums from the 1970s are among the most cherished vinyl documents from this golden era. A monumental archival undertaking, African Day compiles unreleased recordings from 1976 to resurrect a "lost" Tete Mbambisa double album that falls between his seminal works Tete's Big Sound (1975) and Did You Tell Your Mother (1979).
Born in 1942 and raised in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, Tete Mbambisa’s childhood home served as an informal tavern where social gatherings orbited around the family's carefully curated music collection with live performances by a local pianist. Growing up in this environment, his musical roots are embedded in marabi, the syncopated piano sound that blended cues from American jazz, blues and ragtime with the cultural sensibilities that shape modern South African jazz.
A self-taught musician, it was as leader of the vocal group The Four Yanks in the early 1960s that Tete Mbambisa’s music career began in earnest. With encouragement from Abdullah Ibrahim, he dedicated himself to the piano and went on to record with The Soul Jazzmen in 1969. Mbambisa's two solo recordings from the 1970s were produced by Rashid Vally for the independent As-Shams/The Sun record label. With an abundance of strong material but limited resources, some of the label's prospective releases were not issued at the time of recording. Featuring the intended artwork commissioned for the project in 1976, African Day marks the first major unveiling of unreleased gems from the As-Shams master tape archive. More
1
SOUL SUGAR - Axumites feat. Booker Gee & Lone Ark
2
SOUL SUGAR - Out In The Rain feat. Booker Gee
3
SOUL SUGAR - Never Too Much feat. Leo Carmichael
4
SOUL SUGAR - Matumbee feat. Booker Gee & Blundetto
5
SOUL SUGAR - Faith feat. Booker Gee & Lone Ark
6
SOUL SUGAR - I Want You (Sly & Robbie Remix) with Leo Carmichael
7
SOUL SUGAR - Cool Down feat. Booker Gee & Blundetto
8
SOUL SUGAR - Greedy G feat. Booker Gee
Since first emerging in the latter half of the noughties, Guillaume Metenier’s Soul Sugar project has evolved considerably. Initially a trio built around the virtuoso organist’s love of ‘60s and ‘70s soul-jazz and Hammond funk – Metenier studied under jazz organ legend Dr Lonnie Smith – Soul Sugar is now a collaborative collective that draws just as much influence from classic Jamaican dub and reggae as the works of Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff.
The outfit’s musical evolution comes into sharp focus on Excursions in Soul, Reggae, Funk & Dub, a collection of hard-to-find tracks that have been released at different points, and on different vinyl formats, over the last three years. Taken as a whole, the set offers a stunning snapshot of Soul Sugar’s rapidly expanding catalogue of classics. Metenier is once again at the controls but this time round Soul Sugar’s cast list of contributing musicians includes Sly & Robbie, Blundetto, Lone Ark, Slikk Tim, Thomas Naim and honey-voiced soul singer Leo Carmichael. Metenier also stars as a musician, providing lively and ear-catching organ solos under his now familiar Booker Gee alias.
What’s most noticeable from the off is the richness of the reggae riddims, the warmness of the instrumentation and the effortlessly soulful nature of the music. This is particularly evident on the collective’s stunning covers of Luther Vandross’s "Never Too Much" and Marvin Gaye’s "I Want You": effortlessly sunny and life-affirming interpretations that re-imagine the tracks as sumptuous slabs of reggae-soul and provide a platform for Leo Carmichael’s inspiring and comforting voice. Metenier and friends’ take on dub reggae – toasty, authentically bass-heavy and seeped in analogue effects – can also be admired on "Matumbee" and "Cool Down", the latter a digi-dub influenced affair rich in colourful synths sounds, echoing delay trails and sub-bass so deep it will rattle your teeth. Both also contain lusciously jazzy guitar licks and some incredible keys-work from Metenier.The guiding hand of Spanish multi-instrumentalist and producer Lone Ark can be heard on album opener "Aximites" – think Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry producing Jimmy Smith – and "Faith", an expertly breezy concoction that sports Jackie Mittoo-esque Hammond B3 solos from Metenier over a luscious backing track that sounds like something that may have emerged from Studio One in the mid 1970s. The collective’s love of Studio One is explored further on a sweaty, reggae-funk cover of "Greedy" that features fabulous drums, bass and guitar from Slikk Tim, while "Out In The Rain" is an authentically sparse, spaced-out dub number laden with fluid instrument solos and devilishly heavy riddim.
Part compilation, part artist album, part collaborative celebration of dub-soul fusion, Excursions in Soul, Reggae, Funk & Dub is the strongest statement yet of who Soul Sugar are, and where they’re going. More
The outfit’s musical evolution comes into sharp focus on Excursions in Soul, Reggae, Funk & Dub, a collection of hard-to-find tracks that have been released at different points, and on different vinyl formats, over the last three years. Taken as a whole, the set offers a stunning snapshot of Soul Sugar’s rapidly expanding catalogue of classics. Metenier is once again at the controls but this time round Soul Sugar’s cast list of contributing musicians includes Sly & Robbie, Blundetto, Lone Ark, Slikk Tim, Thomas Naim and honey-voiced soul singer Leo Carmichael. Metenier also stars as a musician, providing lively and ear-catching organ solos under his now familiar Booker Gee alias.
What’s most noticeable from the off is the richness of the reggae riddims, the warmness of the instrumentation and the effortlessly soulful nature of the music. This is particularly evident on the collective’s stunning covers of Luther Vandross’s "Never Too Much" and Marvin Gaye’s "I Want You": effortlessly sunny and life-affirming interpretations that re-imagine the tracks as sumptuous slabs of reggae-soul and provide a platform for Leo Carmichael’s inspiring and comforting voice. Metenier and friends’ take on dub reggae – toasty, authentically bass-heavy and seeped in analogue effects – can also be admired on "Matumbee" and "Cool Down", the latter a digi-dub influenced affair rich in colourful synths sounds, echoing delay trails and sub-bass so deep it will rattle your teeth. Both also contain lusciously jazzy guitar licks and some incredible keys-work from Metenier.The guiding hand of Spanish multi-instrumentalist and producer Lone Ark can be heard on album opener "Aximites" – think Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry producing Jimmy Smith – and "Faith", an expertly breezy concoction that sports Jackie Mittoo-esque Hammond B3 solos from Metenier over a luscious backing track that sounds like something that may have emerged from Studio One in the mid 1970s. The collective’s love of Studio One is explored further on a sweaty, reggae-funk cover of "Greedy" that features fabulous drums, bass and guitar from Slikk Tim, while "Out In The Rain" is an authentically sparse, spaced-out dub number laden with fluid instrument solos and devilishly heavy riddim.
Part compilation, part artist album, part collaborative celebration of dub-soul fusion, Excursions in Soul, Reggae, Funk & Dub is the strongest statement yet of who Soul Sugar are, and where they’re going. More