vinylcd -latin / african / world /-date

Goodness from one of my favorite downtempo labels still doing it: Jazz&Milk. Label head Dusty takes the broadest stylistic approach ti craft these tracks. You can tell he has poured all his years digging for and listening to diverse music styles: jazz, soul, funk, afro, latin, and even house. 4 tracks, recommended.

• music label: Jazz&Milk 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Back in print! Echos Hypnotiques is the second volume of rarities from Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou, lovingly compiled by the good folks at Analog Africa. We get a good number of afro-beat comps through here, but trust that this one is truly a stand out. First of all, the amount of work that was put into unearthing and compiling these tracks is remarkable, but in the end the music really speaks for itself. Anyone with a taste for funky and eclectic strains of Afro Beat, infused here with touches of latin rock and psychedelia, would do well to cop this before it goes out of print again! From Analog Africa: Four years in the making, Analog Africa finally presents the second volume of Africa's funkiest band, the mythical Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou. What had started as a children entertainment group became one of the greatest bands of their era. The idea for this compilation was born when Samy Ben Redjeb, founder and compiler of Analog Africa, received the addictive funk track "Malin Kpon O" released in 1975 on the Albarika Store Label. That discovery triggered the compilers curiosity and what followed was a long journey through the musical history of Benin and the history of its most important ambassador, Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou. The result: approximately 100 pictures, 120 master tapes, 20 hours of interviews and a few hundred Orchestre Poly-Rythmo vinyl records - 500 songs in total - some of which were previously unreleased. 15 out of 200 tracks were carefully selected for this compilation which comes with extensive liner notes with full discography and a biography tracing the history of the bands from its foundation as Groupe Meloclem in 1964 via Sunny Blacks band (1965), Orchestre Poly-Disco (1966), El Ritmo (1967) and finally Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou in 1968. During the period presented here - 1969 to 1979 - the mighty Orchestra was without any doubt one of Africa's most innovative group. Capable of playing any style of music, the band moved from Traditional Vodoun Rhythms to Funk, Salsa or Afro-beat seamlessly and quickly became the powerhouse of Benin's music scene. Some of the planets most exciting rhythms are related to the complex Vodoun Religion born in Benin. Those rhythms, supported by chants and dances, have been transmitted from generation to generation and are still being performed to this date - a few hundred years after they were created. The composers and arrangers of Orchestre Poly-Rythmo understood that they were surrounded by a gold mine of inspirational sounds which, if modernised and mixed in with whatever was in fashion at that particular moment, could have a strong impact on the urban population. Those astonishing combinations can be heard here: Afro-Beat, Sato, Funk, Sakpata, Psychedelia and Latin sounds all mixed into a heavy hypnotic Sound - Les Echos Hypnotiques. Recommended.

• music label: Analog Africa 2009 / 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2013

Finally back on wax! Analog Africa has really outdone themselves by digging up this gem from Orchestre Poly-Rythmo. Out of print since 2009, this The Vodoun Effect collects rare cuts that the Orchestre Poly-Rythmo released for small Benin record labels on the sly (when the head of their main label was tending to his other business). Since these small labels often had limited budgets for equipment, the quality varies and most of these songs were recorded in one take (but still incredible despite variation in quality). Needless to say, this is stuff is pretty rare, with most of these songs only being distributed in small runs within the town of Benin, and most haven't been widely released until Analog Africa got their hands on them. If you're into Western African funk and rock, this is a treasure trove of undiscovered sounds. 14 tracks total on 2 LPs, packaged in a gatefold sleeve that includes very detailed liner notes that tell the history of the group and their songs. Recommended.

• music label: Analog Africa 2009 / 2013

reviewed by Extravagant

Super rare early recording of Fela Kuti on limited white vinyl! Live At The Afro Spot In Lagos was recorded in 1966 and offers a rare glimpse at Fela's beginnings with The Koola Lobitos. As the story goes, Fela had spent several years in London (studying medicine then switching to music) before returning to Nigeria to become a radio producer. It was during this time Fela formed his first band the Koola Lobitos, and along with legendary drummer Tony Allen and saxophonist Isaan Olasugba, the group developed a revolutionary new sound that would eventually become afro-beat. 6 tracks total, only 500 copies pressed.

• music label: B13 2013

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 04/2013

Reissue of this popular Tony Allen remix single from 2007. Hard to come by in the states, this record features cult remixers Mortiz von Oswald and Wareika Hill Sounds respectively sprinkling their magic on Allen's originals. Von Oswald's version of "Ole" is dubbed-out bliss, filled with echoing horns and drums in space. Totally worth it for this track alone. Wareika's version of "Isle Nla" takes the darker approach with some soulful house drums driving the milieu. Recommended.

• music label: Honest Jon's 2007 / 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Classic 90s NY house throwback! Nuyorican Soul was a side project of New York DJs Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez and "Little" Louie Vega, (aka the production team Masters At Work). Along with house they combined elements of jazz, salsa, soul and latin music, and gained worldwide acclaim in the process. Their success led to working with luminaries of funk, jazz, and latin music such as George Benson, Roy Ayers, Tito Puente, and many more. Their first two singles, "The Nervous Track" and "Fluid Mind," set the blueprint for what was to come and served as a corner stone for an entire genre of house music. These two legendary tracks are presented together for the first time as a single sleeve double 45 set. Get familiar with the classic sound of NY's latin house scene.

• music label: Kay-Dee Records 2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 04/2013

DJ Smash was one of the more influential DJs when we started the Lab. One of the drivers of the nyc's late nineties Giant Step / Blue Note scene, Smash was the DJ's DJ, breaking countless 12"s and moving diverse crowds. He's re-emerged to make noise in the Lab world again (he won a category in our remix contest) and has released this on Brooklyn's Bastard Boots. The 4 track selection are DJ-friendly re-edits and remixes of latin, funk reggae favorites from Azymuth, Deodato, Area Code (212), and Linval Thompson (a great "I Love Marijuana" rework).

• music label: Bastard Boots 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2013

The Latin Soul Brothas return with two banging reworks from War's Youngblood soundtrack. This limited edition white label 12" is guaranteed to turn up the heat. On the A side Cordell Sweetdaddy Johnson takes the razor to "Flyin' Machine (The Chase)" to deliver an uptempo workout that will put a smile on your face. Flip the record over for the the stomping Latin Soul Brothas rework of "Youngblood (Livin' In The Streets)." The energy is easily palpable with this one, let it take you away.

• music label: Latin Soul Brothas 2013

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino 03/2013

Bjork's Crystalline remix series was ambitious and flawed. The dizzying array of limited edition singles was confusing and pricey. Acute record collectors, however, immediately focused on the gem of the series: the Omar Souleyman remixes. Syrian musician Omar Souleyman remixes "Crystalline, Tesla" and "Mawal" in his signature Arab music style offering a completely new take on icelandic imp music. Original copies with spectacular pic sleeve (ps. these are going for $40 on the secondhand market).

• music label: One Little Indian 2011

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2013

Though originally making the scene as a traditional Bossa Nova performer / songwriter, starting in the early 70's Valle experimented with new sounds finding influence in American rock, soul, and folk. Light In The Attic, known for their expansive catalog of long lost treasures, curated in a four part series hand picking from Valle's vaults what are deemed to be the most adventurous in his recordings. In 1971 Valle, with a group of like minded hippies, rented a beach shack with all intentions to make music and soul search. His goal to change the sound he helped establish and go in a different direction. Vento Sul finds a common ground of Ziggy era Bowie without the glam and Veloso's Tropicalia movement. The album features extensive liner notes by San Francisco-based writer Allen Thayer (Wax Poetics) with exclusive interview content and song-by-song breakdown from Marcos himself. Comes housed in gatefold, 180-gram wax LP with original art expanded on a gatefold old-school “tip-on” jacket. Recommended.

• music label: Light In The Attic 2013

reviewed by fogo de chow 2/2013

Classic Brazilian singer, songwriter, and producer Marcos Valle reissues. Just as his self-titled 1970 release, Garra continues in the new sound Valle explored just one year before. A mixture of Samba, Bossa Nova, and American folk / rock. Singing in Portuguese, Valle crafted beautiful song after song easily walking the line of tradition and modernism. With "Garra" the music leans more toward the traditional Bossa Nova side with great melody, strong horn and string parts only the drums are very much a solid back beat over the light percussion we have come to love in our Brazilian tunes. The newly reissued album comes with in-depth liner notes interviewing Valle and is 180-gram wax LP with original art expanded on a gatefold old-school “tip-on” jacket. This marks the first time it is also officially available in the US. Recommended.

• music label: Light In The Attic 2013

reviewed by gene jacket 1/2013

Vinyl only Moombahton selections from Sabo's Sol Selectas.Sol Selectas has been at the forefront of the electronic Latin explosion for years now and with Moombahton driving the kids wild, Sabo and crew have cranked out major tunes for you. Just as volume one went, these are vinyl only and each track offers their own vibe. Sabo & Arizona's Melo offer up a solid up beat party rocker with vicious horn stabs in 'Go San Dos'. Sazon Booya takes it up many LVLZ and brings it back to the early days of Munchi (the best period, ahem) in 'Ode To Hector'. Speaking of Munchi, both he and Kingman Fire offer up what I would call Moombahtools meaning they keep the energy going, but aren't complete face melters.. Which they all shouldn't be. Recommended

• music label: Sol Selectas 2013

reviewed by boohoo banton 1/2013

The mysterious R. Fellow returns with another batch of heavily edited afro beat. Although they're not quite edits, more of a distillation if you will. Fela records are woven together with an ear for the breaks and not much else. Horns and vocals are stripped away, save for a few deftly planted shouts and grunts, and the focus is shifted towards the rhythm section. It's a formula that can prove to be highly effective under the right circumstances.

• music label: Afro Breaks 2012

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino 01/2013

Afrofunk heat repressed! Leave it to the good dudes at Voodoo Funk and Academy Records to dig up something as rare as Gyedu-Blay Ambolley's Simigwa and hook you up with an official reissue, remastered from the original tapes. Originally released in 1975 on the Ghanian Essiebons label (pretty much impossible to find in the field), Simigwa contains scorching afrobeat grooves filled with raw vocals, fuzzy Hammond, hot horns, and crazy percussion to work the dancefloor. Check "This Hustling World," "Akoko Ba," "Fa No Dem Ara," and "Toffie" for a taste of what we're working with. Produced by Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and Ghanian music legend Ebo Taylor. 6 tracks in all with full pic sleeve reproduction. Limited to 1500 copies!

• music label: Academy LPs / Voodoo Funk 2012

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 01/2013

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s jazz did not enjoy widespread popularity in Spain. There was a scarcity of releases dedicated to the genre due in large part to the desires of Spanish record labels. However, the remain a handful of jazz releases from this period that deserve to be heard by a wider audience. The musicians involved helped pave the way for jazz in Spain and the recordings can hold their own in the world of jazz. Fetén brings together a selection of recordings made in Spain between 1961 and 1974. The selected tracks were original released on vinyl that has become impossible to find. These are unique recordings spanning modal jazz, hard bop and even avant-garde jazz by Spanish musicians such as Mantequilla, Juan Carlos Calderón, Ricard Roda and Vlady Bas, as well as by international jazzmen like Dusko Goykovich, Lou Bennett and Tino Contreras. The compilation is a result of years of searches in market stalls and record fairs, trades with other collectors, phone calls to second-hand dealers, countless hours of online research, and a lot of dusty fingers. Aside from being a collection of rare and hard to find tracks, Fetén provides a window into a lost moment in the history of jazz in Spain.

• music label: Vampisoul 2012

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino 01/2013

Original Afrobeat patterns from legendary drummer Tony Allen reworked by the Afrobeat Makers Crew! On Tony Allen Rhythms Revisited Miguel Toro, Gyver Hypman, and Augusto (aka the Afrobeat Makers) offer a contemporary twist on 12 classic afro-rhythms. Along with Fela Kuti, Tony Allen helped define afrobeat, and this modern re-imagining combines the funk, jazz, highlife, and traditional Nigerian drumming of the past with punchy, modern drum kits and fuzzy guitars and synths to work equally well in the headphones or on the big system. Check "Bag Of Breaks," "African Heat," "Mister Cool T," "Deeper," and "Afrobeat Jam" for a taste. 12 tracks in all, import pressing.

• music label: Comet Records 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 01/2013

Second 7" Koudede release from Sublime Frequencies and the 6th in the Guitars From Agadez series. Here the legendary Koudede delivers a scorching, psychedelic guitar performance recorded live in January 2012 at Toumast, the Tuareg compound in Bamako, Mali, in defiance of advice that all Tuareg should leave the city immediately. Listening to these tracks, it is obvious as to why Koudede is crucial to the Agadez guitar scene as both " Hat-iman-in" and "Nelil-igorasan" carry a sense of urgency and fire that is rare in modern music. Limited edition, only 700 copies pressed!

• music label: Sublime Frequencies 2012

reviewed by TKB 01/2013

Taken from ‘Power Fuerza’, this picture sleeve 45 comes with two stand out tracks ‘Got This Happy Feeling’ & ‘Girl From The Mountain’. Both upbeat numbers with heavy Latin / Funk grooves that sit in the pocket so nicely.

• music label: Truth & Soul Records 2013

reviewed by Gene Jacket 1/2013

Afro disco heat reissued! Hot Casa hooks it up once again with another impossible to find Nigerian record, this time from the mighty Kiki Gyan aka Africa's answer to Stevie Wonder. If you've been keeping up with the reissue scene, you've probably seen the recent Kiki Gyan comp on Soundway, but here is the original K.G. LP from 1980 in its original form, complete with full cover reproduction and bonus 7"! Check the 10 and a half minute "Disco Train," a disco stomper of epic proportions, packed with floor filling energy and uplifting EWF vibes. Definitely worth it for this one, but also includes "Loving You" and a Boogie Gentleman edit of "Disco Train" on the included one-sided 45! Limited import pressing, recommended.

• music label: Hot Casa 2012

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 01/2013

A heavy batch of Nigerian heat from Soundway Reocrds! The label has done an excellent job unearthing and compiling music from Africa. Now they bring you the definitive retrospective of Tunji Oyelana. Here's what they had to say: During the golden age of Nigerian music in the 1970s, as thousands of records were produced in a wide spectrum of styles and marketed to an immense audience of ardent consumers, very few people - including the producers of the music themselves - seriously entertained the possibility that any of these popular entertainments could be considered as art. Enter the multifaceted artist Tunji Oyelana. Equal parts singer-songwriter, actor, bandleader, dramatist, comedian and academic, Oyelana elevated the realm of pop music by infusing it with the poetic storytelling of Yoruba folklore. Backed by his crack backing group, The Benders (named for their ability to traverse - and blend a variety of styles) Oyelana blended the fashionable sounds of highlife, afrobeat, afrorock, funk, calypso, juju and reggae and transformed them into something timeless and utterly unique. Tunji's first records came out in 1969 but it wasn't until two years later that the first record credited to Tunji Oyelana & The Benders, "Agba Lo De" b/w "Koriko Nde," was released. The record turned out to be the smash that put the name Tunji Oyelana & The Benders on the national map. More significantly, the record's unique sound - along with that of Fela Ransome-Kuti"s "Jeun K'oku" (chop and quench), which arrived mere weeks before it - signaled the emergence of a new era and a new genre in Nigerian music. Oyelana himself attributes his life as a professional artist to meeting Wole Soyinka, one of the unimpeachable doyens of Nigerian arts. They met in 1960 at the age of twenty-one, commencing a partnership that endured for more than five decades. In 1983, Soyinka joined The Benders for the album Unlimited Liability Company, which proved to be wildly popular with audiences across the country but angered Nigeria’s civilian government with its satirical critique of political corruption. Years later, Soyinka and Oyelana would run afoul of military dictator Sani Abacha while touring internationally with Soyinka's play The Beatification Of Area Boy in 1996 and find themselves charged with treason, forcing them into exile until Abacha's death in 1998. For Oyelana himself, the golden age continues as he lives with his family in London and continues to perform several nights a week at Emukay, the restaurant and cultural centre that he runs with his wife, which has become a mecca for fans eager for the privilege of beholding a living legend at work.

• music label: Soundway Records 2012

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino 12/2012

Aww snap, Shoes is back! Ya'll already know how the Shoes crew kills it on the edits (see past refixes of Miles Davis, Roy Ayers, Bohannon, etc), but this time they've really outdone themselves by tackling a diverse selection of classic digger cuts and funky anthems. Up first is Skull Snaps' "It's A New Day", a track infamous for its heavily sampled drum break, but Shoes flips it so now the whole track can get some love on the dance floor. Next up, Ray Baretto's "El Bantu" gets chopped and filtered for a slow motion latin stomp, while Manu Dibango's "Wilderness" gets a killer re-work for the afro-disco heads. Lastly, Shoes switches it up on the closer with the heavy blues vibe of John Lee Hooker's "I'm In The Mood" getting a subtle dub out. Don't sleep on this one! Recommended.

• music label: Shoes 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 12/2012

Perception Productions was a New York based label that released records from the late 60s through 1974. Their catalog is an eclectic collection of jazz, funk, soul and proto-disco. The label's roster provides a snapshot of the Manhattan black music scene of the period, featuring established greats alongside up and coming acts. Early on they were lucky enough to sign artists like Shirley Horn, James Moody and Dizzy Gillespie. Gillespie released two albums for the label, his label debut The Real Thing funked up the legendary trumpet players sound and put him in more of a contemporary setting. It's a rare groove masterpiece that includes the sought after "Matrix" (sampled most famously by the Beatnuts for their "World's Famous"). Along with breathing new life into the careers of jazz masters, Perception made forays into the world of soul and funk. They signed up Bill Curtis from the Fatback Band and a young producer from Harlem called Patrick Adams. The latter started working with Jon Bartel to produce the funk rock of "Naturally Good" and the break heavy "You've Just Been Bitten." But Adams' greatest moments at the label came with Black Ivory and the influential musical genius of Leroy Burgess. The Black Ivory tracks featured here come from their sophomore album for Today, Don't Turn Around. Bill Curtis and the Fatback Band came up through New York street funk and moved into a more disco informed sound. Their breakthrough came when "Going To See My Baby" was picked out by New York's number one soul DJ Frankie Crocker. From there they went on to release many disco funk hits. Aside from the big artists and producers mentioned above Perception and Today were home to many one off acts as well. Whether it's the Jackson 5 aspirations of the Eight Minutes or the soulful pop of Bobby Rydell, there is plenty of quality material to take in. Thankfully DJ Spinna has done another stellar job for BBE and separated the wheat from the chaff for the rest of us. Recommended.

• music label: BBE 2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 11/2012

Perception Productions was a New York based label that released records from the late 60s through 1974. Their catalog is an eclectic collection of jazz, funk, soul and proto-disco. The label's roster provides a snapshot of the Manhattan black music scene of the period, featuring established greats alongside up and coming acts. Early on they were lucky enough to sign artists like Shirley Horn, James Moody and Dizzy Gillespie. Gillespie released two albums for the label, his label debut The Real Thing funked up the legendary trumpet players sound and put him in more of a contemporary setting. It's a rare groove masterpiece that includes the sought after "Matrix" (sampled most famously by the Beatnuts for their "World's Famous"). Along with breathing new life into the careers of jazz masters, Perception made forays into the world of soul and funk. They signed up Bill Curtis from the Fatback Band and a young producer from Harlem called Patrick Adams. The latter started working with Jon Bartel to produce the funk rock of "Naturally Good" and the break heavy "You've Just Been Bitten." But Adams' greatest moments at the label came with Black Ivory and the influential musical genius of Leroy Burgess. The Black Ivory tracks featured here come from their sophomore album for Today, Don't Turn Around. Bill Curtis and the Fatback Band came up through New York street funk and moved into a more disco informed sound. Their breakthrough came when "Going To See My Baby" was picked out by New York's number one soul DJ Frankie Crocker. From there they went on to release many disco funk hits. Aside from the big artists and producers mentioned above Perception and Today were home to many one off acts as well. Whether it's the Jackson 5 aspirations of the Eight Minutes or the soulful pop of Bobby Rydell, there is plenty of quality material to take in. Thankfully DJ Spinna has done another stellar job for BBE and separated the wheat from the chaff for the rest of us. Recommended.

• music label: BBE 2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 11/2012

Here you have one of the rarest pieces to come out of 1970s Africa. The Semi-Colon existed as an experimental response to Fela Kuti's heavy afro-beat sound. They traded in Fela's horns and jazz stylings for electric guitars and vintage rock n roll. It's a unique sound that retains much of the syncopated poly-rhythms coming out of Nigeria at the time. Check out how tight the band was on "Ebenebe." They slow down and speed up their intertwining rhythms every time they switch between the verse and chorus! Long out of print, Ndia Egbuo Ndia (Afro Jigida) has gained near mythical status. Includes limited edition 7" single featuring the never before released demo recording "Our Fada."

• Music Label: Comb & Razor Sound 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 09/2012

Sleeper 12" pick from the Turbo catalog. "Together We're Strong" is the opening cut from Crowdpleaser aka Gregor Schönborn's recent self-titled debut and easily stood out to us with it's fresh fusion of afro, techno, and electro styles. The Swiss producer continues the vibe with the equally excellent "Nenekri," a cut that actually takes it even deeper with african chants and lush, uplifting melodies. Also includes a heavy Mickey Moonlight remix of "Nenekri" and a dub mix.

• music label: Turbo 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 08/2012

Been a minute since we saw the last Supreme edit record, and they come back with a smoker to make us remember why we sweated them in the first place. The concept behind the series seems to be left-field, danceable, not really disco tunes, edited by Tangoterje, who's becoming a new school master of this stuff. Emphasis on beauty and surprises with this one. "Diamonds Dub" is a heavy reworking of an "African" track, that you'll soon recognize as Paul Simon... who we can grumble all we want about, but this is like the third Paul Simon edit we've had, and they're all really good. They didn't just throw the "dub" on the title here either, this thing has got some wicked breakdowns, great action on the voices and all that. But if that's a little too multi-culti for you, head over to the instrumental edit of Curtis Mayfield's "Give Me Your Love," a midtempo piece that Tango has similarly dubbed out. Getting big play from GP on the pre-release. Finally, we get a cool disco/ Moroder-ish track from Astrud Gilberto (I think), "Black Magic." I could see any of these getting run, but that last one is probably the most crowd friendly.

• music label: Supreme 2006

reviewed by the mgmnt

Rare jazz rhythms with a funky tropical twist, dug up by Jazzman of course. Once again the UK-based label digs deeper and unearths two sides of seldom heard sounds from French musician Louis Xavier. Xavier combines free form spiritual jazz vibes with funk-fueled rhythms on "Sipote," while "Suite" lets loose for even more mind expansion. Powerful stuff that is impossible to find on original pressing (it remains an unknown piece even in digger circles!), a must for deep jazz and funk heads. Recommended.

• music label: Jazzman 2012

reviewed by TKB 06/2012

Phil Cohran was born eighty-five years ago in Mississippi. In the mid-50s he moved to Chicago and was invited to join Sun Ra’s Arkestra. "With Sunny," Cohran simply says, "I found my own voice." You can hear its emergence on Angels And Demons At Play, recorded in 1960, where Cohran’s zither is the magic ingredient of tracks like "Music From The World Tomorrow." When Sun Ra moved east in 1961, Cohran stayed in Chicago, founding the Affro-Arts Theater, and recording with the Artistic Heritage Ensemble for his own Zulu Records. He also raised a large family: eight of them are the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. For each of them, their first teacher was their father, who famously insisted on giving them music lessons not just for several hours after school, but for several hours before school as well. Their father’s music was all around them as children; they all vividly remember lying in bed at night not being able to sleep because their father was rehearsing with the Jazz Workshop downstairs. For the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, the voyage to where they are now has been fuelled by their father's teaching, by the example of his life, and above all by his music. "Frankincense And Myrrh" has long been a regular part of their set. "Alyo" — the opener on their first HJ's album — is a Cohran composition celebrating the lead dancer in his band. So this album is for all of them a natural step. Recorded in Chicago in June 2011 (by R. Kelly's engineer), the idea was beautifully simple — "my music and their band," as Phil puts it, "we don’t have to rattle on more than that."

• Music Label: Honest Jon's 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 06/2012

Sought-after afro funk and soul from the 70's Lagos scene lovingly repressed by Hot Casa! BLO's Step Three earns it holy grail status among collectors with some seriously heavy afro-grooves that will shake up the sound system and heat up the dance floor. Step Three comes right before BLO's disco period, making it a potent representation of the real afro soul sound infused with heavy funk and rock. More info on BLO from Hot Casa: "The 3 core BLO band's members were "B" for Berkely "Ike" Jones on guitar, "L" for Laolu "Akins" Akintobi on drums, and "O" for Mike "Gbenga" Odumosu on bass. BLO was formed just as a trio late 1972 and split up in 1982. They developed their music on tour before they recorded their first album, Chapter One in 1973 on EMI Records. They built something unique, original and different than any other young African group at this time, melting together Rock with its African roots and transmuting it into Soul-Fusion. They left an indelible impression on the Nigerian music scene and became an institution for worldwide music lovers." This is the first time the record has been repressed outside of Nigeria, so don't miss it!

• music label: Hot Casa 2012

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 06/2012

Awesome Tapes From Africa, a blog dedicated to exposing rare sounds from the African continent, releases its first record as a label. Mali's Na Hawa Doumbia originally recorded La Grande Cantatrice Vol 3 on vinyl in 1982, and the album contains four didadi tunes - folk dance music of Southern Mali inspired by everyday life and composed of three or four drums plus vocals - you won't easily find/hear anywhere else. Harp and guitar melodies mingle with various layers of percussion to provide the backdrop for Doumbia's bold, emotion-filled vocals. Although it's impossible to understand the words, the positive, uplifting vibe can easily be felt. Recommended (and while your at it - check out Lab Radio featuring Awesome Tapes!).

• music label: Awesome Tapes From Africa 2011

reviewed by nakinboots 02/2012

The good folks at the Trans-Air label (the dudes that brought you the excellent West Indies Funk volumes and the fantastic Disc-O-Lypso LP) switch their focus on to the more soulful side of the Caribbean with their very first West Indies Soul comp. Not to say their previous releases weren't soulful (nor that this one isn't funky), but for the most part this release is just dripping in sweet sun-touched soul with a bit of tropical fusion. You can easily hear the 60's soul influence on most of the cuts here, and even some old school rocksteady vibes hidden within a few tracks as well. Features rarities from like tracks from The Guiness Casanovas, Soul Vendors, Lloyd Williams, Tommy McCook & The Supersonics, Mark Holder, Troubadours, Judy Mowatt, and more. 16 tracks total.

• music label: Trans Air

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 02/2012

Awesome Tapes From Africa, a blog dedicated to exposing rare sounds from the African continent, releases its first record as a label. Mali's Na Hawa Doumbia originally recorded La Grande Cantatrice Vol 3 on vinyl in 1982, and the album contains four didadi tunes - folk dance music of Southern Mali inspired by everyday life and composed of three or four drums plus vocals - you won't easily find/hear anywhere else. Harp and guitar melodies mingle with various layers of percussion to provide the backdrop for Doumbia's bold, emotion-filled vocals. Although it's impossible to understand the words, the positive, uplifting vibe can easily be felt. Recommended.

• music label: Awesome Tapes From Africa

reviewed by Nakinboots 01/2011

Max Tannone delivers once again. With Kweli and Mos Dub reaching "classic" status among heads, the NY producer releases Ghostfunk, a "mashup" album pairing Ghostface Killah (and few other Wu mcs like Raekwon and Cappadonna)'s verses with vintage Afrian funk, high-life, and psych rock instrumentals. As with his previous projects, the production value is top notch; not off-key or forced at any point, each track sounds original and natural as if it was an album/official cut. Check out "Mighty Agho" ("Mighty Healthy" over "Agho" from Sir Victor Uwaifo), "Make It N.Y." ("New York" over "Make It Fast, Make It Slow" from Rob Kanda"), "Danger 500" ("Daytona 500" over "Danger" from Lijadu Sisters), "Breakthrough Kids" ("Apollo Kids" over "Breakthrough" from The Funkees), and "Funky Criminology" ("Criminology" over "Mondo Soul Funky" from Ebo Taylor Jr.). Recommended.

• music label: Ghostfunk

reviewed by nakinboots 11/2011

If you haven't figured out already, J-Rocc mixes are probably the finest in the mixtape game. He's unparalleled when it comes to skills, track selection, and overall listener satisfaction. The Taster's Choice series is rather low budget in production (slim-line with a color-copied covers), but who the hell cares? This is volume one which focuses on Brazilian music. He starts the mix with standards by Sergio Mendes, Cal Tjader, and Jorge Ben. Then with a track labeled simply "Hype Shit" he gets deeper into his collection with Kenyatta, Que 2, Tempo 70, Azymuth, and a track labeled "Classic Shit." The 16 track selection ends with a unlisted 17th track, a belly rumbling boogaloo ending.  Dictated by the music style (and probably the rareness of these records), there's no Beat Junkie trick mixing or blends on this volume, just simple mixes. 60 minutes.

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2006

Originally released on Strata-East in '73, A Message from Mozambique was the first album from Juju. The group later became Oneness of Juju (who released many sought-after digger recs and a hefty disco burner), but this debut album leans more toward heavy free/spiritual jazz vibes. The players include Plunky Nakabinde and Lon Moshe who take your mind out of the cosmos with crazy reed and percussion solos, while Babatunde keeps you grounded on congas and drums. Includes "(Struggle) Home," "Soledad Brothers," "Freedom Fighter," "Make Your Revolution Now," "Father Is Back," and "Nairobi Chants." Exact pic sleeve replica.

• music label: Black Fire

reviewed by snackmaster 01/2011

It's pretty common knowledge that Fela Kuti created afro-beat.  His influence on not only that genre, but untold others is undeniable.  This collection of Fela covers (approved by his estate) and Fela-inspired songs has been lovingly compiled by Egon and released by Now Again, who really know how to do it up when it comes to compilations.  To wit: This box set contains four 10" records, as well as a large-format booklet that's filled with stories, liner notes and never-before-seen photos of Fela Kuti.  This is an excellent celebration of not only Fela and his music, but the music he inspired in others.  Recommended. 

• music label: Now Again / 2010

reviewed by Hires 01/2010