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Growing brilliance from the young Archie Shepp – a record that's not just about Archie's own amazing work on the tenor, but also his keen modern vision as a leader! The combo here is an ensemble that features some of the hippest modernists of the 60s – Roswell Rudd and Grachan Moncur on trombone, Perry Robinson on clarinet, Howard Johnson on tuba, Charlie Haden on bass, and Tommy Turrentine on trumpet – making a rare non-bop appearance here, and further enforcing our already-high estimation of his talents! The style's somewhat in the "new thing" mode of the period, but it's also a bit more tightly arranged too – almost hitting Mingus-like modes for the bigger ensemble – balancing the force of the group together with very free, bold solo impulses from the players. Side one features the extended "Portrait Of Robert Thompson (As A Young Man)" – and side two features "Mama Too Tight", "Theme For Ernie", and "Basheer".

Growing brilliance from the young Archie Shepp – a record that's not just about Archie's own amazing work on the tenor, but also his keen modern vision as a leader! The combo here is an ensemble that features some of the hippest modernists of the 60s – Roswell Rudd and Grachan Moncur on trombone, Perry Robinson on clarinet, Howard Johnson on tuba, Charlie Haden on bass, and Tommy Turrentine on trumpet – making a rare non-bop appearance here, and further enforcing our already-high estimation of his talents! The style's somewhat in the "new thing" mode of the period, but it's also a bit more tightly arranged too – almost hitting Mingus-like modes for the bigger ensemble – balancing the force of the group together with very free, bold solo impulses from the players. Side one features the extended "Portrait Of Robert Thompson (As A Young Man)" – and side two features "Mama Too Tight", "Theme For Ernie", and "Basheer".

The third volume in one of the most popular soul series we've ever stocked! The CD features 25 rare soul tunes – from a variety of northern and southern sources, all of them hard-to-find gems with a deep soul sound that's dripping with sincere emotion and raw songsmithery. Brit soul DJ/collector/writer Dave Godin put the set together – and it would be hard to find a more loving collection of tunes with such a no-nonsense approach to the material. Titles include "Thanks For Yesterday" by Eddie & Ernie, "I'm Undecided" by Toussaint McCall, "Who Are You Gonna Love" by Rozetta Johnson, "I Paid For The Party" by The Enchanters, "Too Far Gone To Turn Around" by JR Bailey, "My Deceiving Heart" by The Impressions, "I'm Missing You" by Loretta Williams, "Let Me Down Easy" by Betty Lavette, "Don't Leave Me Baby" by Ray Gant & The Arabian Knights, "Like It Stands" by Robert Ramsey, and "Look At The Boy" by Jean Plum.

Blues from the delta, beautifully compiled by the folks at Yazoo – in a classic collection that shows why they've always been one of the most trusted sources for music like this! The package really expands strongly on the sounds of Charlie Patton and Robert Johnson – both of whom are included, but featured with a host of contemporaries who really show the whole spectrum of this fertile scene during these crucial years. Titles include "Special Rider Blues" by Skip James, "Billy Goat Blues" by John Byrd, "Tallahatchie River Blues" by Mattie Delaney, "Delta Blues" by Son House, "Dead Shrimp Blues" by Robert Johnson, "Gang Of Brownskin Women" by Harvey Hull, and "Be True Be True Blues" by Henry Sims.

Religious music from rural sources – cut quite far from the cities, at a point when the distinctions between gospel and blues really break down! Most of the tracks here have a very simple, folksy sort of approach – usually just a few acoustic instruments and a voice or two – sometimes with bluesy use of acoustic guitar, sometimes just spare percussion, sometimes Mississippi fife and drums – all in support of amazing vocals that deliver a mighty message of spiritualism! The original album was put together in the early 70s – of field recordings made from the previous few years – and this beautiful reissue presents the whole thing with even better vinyl and cover stock, and a huge booklet of notes as well. Titles include "Motherless Children" by Napoleon Strickland, "I Shall Not Be Moved" by Willard Artis Burrell, "The Ship Is At The Landing" by Babe Stovall, "Sorrow Come Pass Me Around" by Ephram Carter, "You Don't Know What The Lord Has Done For Me" by Annie Lee & Oscar Crawford, "Can't No Grave Hold My Body Down" by Robert Nighthawk Johnson, and "My Sun Don't Never Go Down" by Eddie Lee Mustright Jones.

Mojo scores an exclusive interview with Eric Clapton – which takes a look at his time in The Yardbirds, Cream and beyond – plus features on agit rock icon Yoko Ono at 80-years-old, the enduring Depeche Mode, Eric Burdon, Alvin Lee, Sandie Shaw, Deerhunter, Stephen Stills, Time Machine, Jake Bugg, a look back at Red Wedge '86 with Paul Weller, Billy Bragg and The Smiths, and much more! Includes, as ever, the depth and insight of the Mojo new releaase and reissue reviews – and a free CD! Blues Breakers – 15 Classic Tracks features classic blues that Clapton favored and covered – with cuts by Freddy King, Big Bill Broonzy, Skip James, T-Bone Walker, Howlin Wolf, Otis Rush, Robert Johnson and more.

An amazing departure in sound for Meshell Ndegeocello – a record that firmly delivers on the earlier promise of her Article 3 EP! As with that one, the sound here is quite different than the funky soul of Meshell's earliest work back in the 90s – an almost-experimental blend of fuzz, funk, fusion, dub, and soul – served up with lots of darker undertones, and a range of rhythms that are sometimes pretty intense! There's almost an early 80s arty sort of feel going on – a mode that takes us back to that great time in the post-punk, post-disco years when barriers between styles had broken down a bit – allowing artists to express themselves in really unique new ways. And in a world where so many Neo Soul artists seem in danger of a high convergence of modes and cliches, Meshell's found some tremendous new territory for herself – and has reminded us that she's still got some much sharper edges than her contemporaries. A host of great guests really help Meshell find her groove here – including Sy Smith on vocals, Oliver Lake on saxophone, James Newton on flute, Robert Glasper on piano, and Graham Haynes on cornet. Titles include "Haditha", "Evolution", "Virgo", "Lovely Lady", "The Sloganeer Paradise", "Elliptical", "Shirk", "Article 3", "Headline", "Michell Johnson", and "Solomon".

Heavy, soul-baring lyricism delivered with spiritual resonance and wise authority by Gil Scott-Heron – his first album shot in far too many years, and a direct hit – essential listening for longtime listeners and neophytes alike and a well worthy entry in a legendary career! Scott-Heron is documenting his world as profoundly and poetically as ever here, and the production is built with spare, haunting beats and atmospheric bits of strings, guitar, keys, loose atmospherics and hazy electronics – loosely framing his voice and giving it all the room in needs to carry the mood. Gil sings and speaks with equal authority throughout, and you can hear the years in his voice like never before, giving him the worn edges of the old soul he always evoked. This is a record we're proud to put among his treasured recordings of the 70s and early 80s. Titles include "On Coming From A Broken Home" (Parts 1 & 2), "Your Soul And Mine", "I'll Take Care Of You", "Where Did The Night Go", "Running", "The Crutch" and more, including several interludes that are pretty amazing – captures of conversation that show Gil nearly as charismatic and poetic in "off" moments as he is recording a song. Also includes 2 covers, "Me And The Devil" (the Robert Johnson song) and the title track, Smog/Bill Callahan's "I'm New Here", given a whole new life.

Classic folk blues and acoustic Americana from Lucinda Williams – her first record for Folkways – recorded at Malaco Studios with just Lucinda's naturally wonderful vocals, 12 string strumming, and 6 string accompaniment by John Grimaudo! Ramblin' finds Lucinda doing passionate, but somehow kind of relaxed renditions of a numbers from blues, folk and traditional canon, numbers by Robert Johnson, Memphis Minnie, Hank Williams, the Carter Family and others. Lucinda was much more celebrated decades later, but nothing she's done works better than the Folkways era for our ears. Includes "Ramblin' On My Mind", "Me And My Chauffer", "Malted Milk Balls", "Disgusted", "Drop Down Daddy", "Jambalaya", "Satisfied Mind" and more.

The funkiest cuts from the legendary TK family of labels – all perfectly selected and laid out together in one mindblowing mix! The sound here is tremendous – way harder and deeper than the TK sound you might know from their disco tracks, or their top 40 hits – and is proof that down at the bottom, the label had some killer funky material – some of which easily rivals the best funky 45s of the time! Production is great, and the track selection is brilliant – a non-stop blend of killer numbers, put together in a way that packs plenty of punch – yet still respects the integrity of the original song structures too. Titles include "The Fly" by The Kinfolks, "The More Things Change" by King Sporty, "Miss Hot Stuff" by Clarence Reid, "Look What You Can Get" by Funky Nassau, "Keep Me Satisfied" by JP Robinson, "Hey There Jim" by Jimmy Bo Horne, "Life Goes On" by Freak, "Confusion" by Leno Philips, "Funky Pants" by The Oceanliners, "Lay It On Me" by Willie Johnson, "Tears Of The World" by Robert Moore, "Good Love" by The Rising Son, "Sleep On Dream On" by Ralphael Munnings, and "Cramp Your Style" by All The People.

A classic batch of Bay Area Brazilian grooves – recorded in the sweet breezy electric style of the Fantasy studios, and featuring the vocals of the lovely Flora Purim in the lead! The session's got a great mix of Brazilian and American fusion players – including Airto (of course!), Ron Carter, George Duke, Egberto Gismonti, Alphonso Johnson, Robertinho Silva, Hermeto Pascoal, and Ndugu Leon Chancler. Pascoal's reed work is a very nice treat, especially over the warm keyboards of George Duke. Purim's voice is as wonderful as ever, and the album's got lots of nice numbers, like "Ina's Song", "Andei (I Walked)", "Time's Lie", and "Open Your Eyes You Can Fly".

A landmark album – and one of the best records you'll ever find by Mary Lou Williams! The record's a mixture of jazz and spiritual themes, and it features Mary Lou's piano set in some super-hip jazz arrangements that include players like Grant Green, Budd Johnson, Larry Gales, Melba Liston, Ben Tucker, and Percy Heath. The bass and piano work is amazing, and many tracks have a dark groove that's very subtle, but very compelling. About half the tunes feature hip choral vocalizing – in the mode of some of the Donald Byrd or Max Roach albums from the same time – mostly handled by the group of Howard Roberts. Includes the classic groover "A Grand Nite For Swinging", plus "A Fungus Amongus", "Anima Christi", "Miss DD", "The Devil", "It Ain't Necessarily So", and "My Blue Heaven". Great stuff all around – and even better than we're describing it! This CD issue features the original Mary Records cover art – different than the Saba/MPS or later Smithsonian CD versions.

West coast jazz and New York hipness from late 50s – Googie Rene's Romesville and the Babs Gonzales classic Tales Of Manhattan – 2 LPs back-to-back on a single CD! Romesville features great work from the small combo king of the LA scene – the great Googie Rene, one of the heaviest piano talents on the west coast at the time! The album's got Googie working in kind of a beat jazz approach – bringing in a larger group of players than usual, but presenting the instruments in a spaced-out setting that still makes for a lean feel overall. The album's stuffed with great guest work by players that include Plas Johnson, Jack Costanzo, Howard Roberts, and Milt Holland – and overall, the album crackles like some of Costanzo's best for Liberty, mixed with a bit of a jazz soundtrack approach. Titles include "Romesville", "Flippin The Pizza", "Cherry Ferrari", "Caesar's Pad", and "Cafe Roman Candle". Tales Of Manhattan is one of the greatest albums ever by the consummate jazz hipster – Babs Gonzales! Babs was part singer, part poet, and part philosophy – working in a jive-heavy style that was filled with inside jokes on the New York jazz scene of the postwar years – and peopled with odd characters from that scene, including musicians, hustlers, hookers, and small-time crooks. Babs speaks and sings on the set, backed by arrangements from Melba Liston, played by a small combo that includes Kenny Burrell, Peck Morrison, and Roy Haynes. The whole thing's great – one of the best blends of hipster jive and jazz ever – and titles include "Dem Resolution Liars", "The Hat Box Chicks", "Dem Jive New Yorkers", "The Squares", and "The Cool Cat's Philosophy".

A landmark album – and one of the best records you'll ever find by Mary Lou Williams! The record's a mixture of jazz and spiritual themes, and it features Mary Lou's piano set in some super-hip jazz arrangements that include players like Grant Green, Budd Johnson, Larry Gales, Melba Liston, Ben Tucker, and Percy Heath. The bass and piano work is amazing, and many tracks have a dark groove that's very subtle, but very compelling. About half the tunes feature hip choral vocalizing – in the mode of some of the Donald Byrd or Max Roach albums from the same time – mostly handled by the group of Howard Roberts. Includes the classic groover "A Grand Nite For Swinging", plus "A Fungus Amongus", "Anima Christi", "Miss DD", "The Devil", "It Ain't Necessarily So", and "My Blue Heaven". Great stuff all around – and even better than we're describing it! CD adds some extra tracks to the original recdording, too – with titles that include "Koolbonga", "Forty Five Degree Angle", "Nicole", "Chunka Lunka", and "Praise The Lord".