Global Grooves — In Stock — Vinyl
Unusual grooves from around the globe -- Afro Funk, Bollywood soundtracks, Turkish rock, gamelan, ethnographic/field recordings, sitar sounds, and more!
CDs (173) new/used, Vinyl (360) new/used, LPs (340) new/used, 12-inch (6) new/used, 7-inch (14) new/used, All (533)
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EMI/Dig This Way (Italy), 1984. New Copy (reissue)... $24.99
The cover looks a bit cheesy – like some sort of Star Search graphic – but the album's a rock-solid gem from the second decade of Nigerian funk – recorded in Lagos with a great boogie vibe, and a groove that's as heavy on keyboards as it is on riffing guitar and percussion! Peter ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Strut (UK), 2018. New Copy 2LP Gatefold ... $26.99 28.99
Saxophonist Idris Ackamoor is a living jazz legend – but not the kind that's stale and stuffy, and instead a continuously vibrant player who's given us mindblowing music since his initial recordings with his Pyramids group in the 70s! This version of the Pyramids is different than that one, ... (Jazz, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
No Wahala Sounds (UK), Early 70s. New Copy ... $8.99
Two great tracks by this group from Sierra Leone! "Temedi Oh" has this fast-moving groove that's totally wonderful – followed by guitar that riffs along in quick time with the pulsating bass, and topped with a vocal call that's like icing on the cake! "Den Kick" is a bit ... (Funky 45's, Global Grooves) read more 7-inch, Vinyl record
Sonafric/Mr Bongo (UK), 1976. New Copy (reissue)... $23.99 24.99
A beautiful record from Akofa Akoussah – a singer from Togo who's equally gifted in funky and sweeter soul styles! Half the record is full-on funk, and we'd swear that Lafayette Afro Rock Band must have had a hand in some of the instrumentation (possible, as it was recorded in Paris) – ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Akofa Akoussah ... CD 10.99
Everland (Austria), 1977. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99
An interesting turning point for this funky Nigerian group of the 70s – as the set's still got the chunky rhythms of previous efforts, but also shows a touch of influence from reggae on some of the grooves – as well as some very cool use of keyboard touches that give the whole thing ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available In The Groove ... CD 14.99
Blue Note (France), 2018. New Copy ... $18.99
The great Tony Allen has always been a hell of a collaborator – especially in his later years – and here, he makes some really wonderful music with Jeff Mills – a criss-crossing of acoustic and electric percussion patterns that are every bit as hypnotic as Allen's early material, ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Mr Bongo (UK), 1975. New Copy (reissue)... $23.99 24.98
A holy grail of 70s African Funk – and not just for the unusual look of the cover! The set's a really unique one – almost rootsier than most of the better-known Ghanian grooves of the time, but funkier too – with a brilliant blend of raw percussion, quirky basslines, and some ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Simigwa ... CD 10.99
Apostles —
Banko Woman/Cultures Of Soul, Mid 70s. New Copy (pic cover)... Just Sold Out!
Fast funky grooves from The Apostles – one of the few 70s Afro combos who could maybe go head to head with the sharpest American funk acts of the time! "Banko Woman" is a wickedly quick barrage of basslines, snapping percussion, and very cool guitar – a tune that's got a bit ... (Funky 45's, Global Grooves) read more 7-inch, Vinyl record
Colourful World (Netherlands), 2018. New Copy Gatefold ... $22.99
Arp Frique certainly does live in a colorful world – not just in the image on the cover, but in the grooves of the record as well – which bring together lots of funky 80s keyboards with a wider global sense of groove! There's often some acoustic percussion alongside the electric keys ... (New Grooves, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Welcome To The Colorful World Of Arp Frique ... CD 9.99
Atumpan/Kalita (UK), 1980. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99
A lost set from percussionist Okyerema Asante – an African percussionist, but one who made some great music as part of the Black Fire/Oneness Of Juju collective on the DC scene in the 70s! This album follows with a spirit that's a bit like the later work of Oneness – and in fact, the ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes bonus notes, photos, and interview insert.)
Afrodisia (Nigeria), 1976. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99
A funky little combo from 70s Nigeria – one who could easily give most American funk bands of the time a good run for their money! The approach here is nice and lean – lots of heavy basslines and tight drums, run through with riffing wah-wah guitar licks, and plenty of sweet touches on ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes bonus download!)
Big Crown, 2018. New Copy (reissue)... $18.99 20.98
A lean take on the double-length self-titled set from this mighty funky combo – one that brings together a range of great funky 45s, plus a few other hefty nuggets! If you don't know the group, they're totally great – as Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band go back to the funkiest moments of ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes download!)
Big Crown, 2018. New Copy ... $18.99 24.98
Funky genius from a mighty unique group – one who've drunk deep on the classic steel band sounds of the 70s, but who've also refined that groove with a contemporary funk approach too! The group's the brainchild of Bjorn Wagner – who you might know from The Mighty Mocambos – and ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Serpent's Mouth (with bonus tracks) ... CD 15.99
Big Crown, 2018. New Copy ... $8.99 9.98
Maybe some of the most explosive steel drum sounds you'll ever hope to hear – but that's what we've always expected from the mighty Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band! "Xxplosive" is funky, but in a nice slow-stepping way – with the bassline really carving out the groove, as ... (Funky 45's, Global Grooves) read more 7-inch, Vinyl record
Buda (France), 2018. New Copy ... $18.99
Zanmari Bare hails from the isle of Reunion, and he's got this beautifully melancholy style of singing – a mode that seems to belie his younger age, with this evocative quality as if he's seen things rise and fall for centuries on this planet! The instrumentation that backs his singing is ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Matsuli (UK), 1974. New Copy (reissue)... $26.99
One of the most compelling albums we've heard from the African scene of the 70s – a rare set from a Soweto group, and one that's got a heavy dose of spiritual jazz in the mix! The album almost feels more like the kind of set you'd hear by a Paris group, extrapolating African sounds in the ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Limited repress!)
Everland (Austria), 1979. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99
Bayan Mongol Variety Group may not have the catchiest name in the record store – but they definitely have a sound that really stands out from the pack – and which comes across as this unusual mix of 70s styles and more traditional modes! The vocals are by the two ladies pictured on the ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Buda (France), 2018. New Copy ... $16.99
An even more fantastic album than the previous effort from this very cool combo – a set that has long tracks that really let the group build up their sound – all with a vibe that lives up to the cover proclamation of "music for the people by the people with the people"! That ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Born Bad (France), Early 80s. New Copy 2LP ... Just Sold Out!
Totally cool, totally amazing music from the enigmatic Francis Bebey – a contemporary on the early 80s African scene of William Onyeabor, and an equally experimental artists! Bebey used a fair bit of electronics, but often with sounds that had acoustic roots – in this case, the ultra ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Pharaway Sounds (Spain), 1983. New Copy (reissue)... $25.99
A wonderful conflation of grooves all taking place in a single space – some of the West African modes of the late 70s, coming into play with more contemporary soul elements – all spun out over a quartet of long tracks that are filled with unusual grooves! Instrumentation is electric ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Sensible ... CD 16.99(Includes download!)
Buda (France), 2018. New Copy ... $18.99
A very cool group from Mali – one who have some of the older currents that you'd associate with the scene, but served up with a nicely contemporary crackle! The vocals often have those bluesy inflections that have risen up strongly in west Africa – but the instrumentation also has a ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
CBS/Afro 7 (Estonia), Early 80s. New Copy ... $19.99
A set of rare tracks from the vaults of CBS Records in Kenya – tunes that really show a nicely complex approach to the groove! Black Fire kick things off with "Fire" – a tune that's got a reggae vibe, but a sound that's quite different than the style of Kingston! The cut's ... read more 12-inch, Vinyl record
(Limited to 500 copies – with download!)
Morabeza/Lusafrica (France), 1972. New Copy (reissue)... $18.99 19.99
The sound of Angola, circa 1972 – served up here in a beautiful album of songs from Bonga! The music is relatively spare – mostly just lead acoustic guitar, bass, and percussion – the latter of which is played by Bonga himself, almost always with this lively quality that really ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Mar & Sol (Netherlands), Early 80s. New Copy (reissue)... $24.99
One of the only albums ever recorded by Djarama – a group with roots in Cape Verde, but who rocked the Dutch scene of the mid 80s – where their highly rhythmic style must have been a huge hit! The approach here is a bit like some of the post-colonial acts recording in Paris around the ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Shanu Olu/Hot Casa (France), Mid 70s. New Copy (reissue)... $28.99
A really tremendous record from the Lagos scene of the 70s – a set that's completely sharp from beginning to end, and which has the same sort of side-long jamming that you'd find on the best records by Fela Kuti at the time! King Bucknor's billed as "The Black Isaiah Of Africa" ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Cultures Of Soul, Early 80s. New Copy (reissue)... $11.99 12.98
A slow-grooving boogie number from Junior Byron – one that's got a catchy sort of back/forth rhythm, which Junior uses to nice advantage with his swinging vocals on the tune! The version brings up the riffing guitar in the rhythms, in a way that's even cooler than the original mix – ... (Soul, Global Grooves) read more 12-inch, Vinyl record
Lyrichord/Buh, New Copy (reissue)... $26.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
Sagittarius (Italy), Early 80s. New Copy ... $29.99
Rare sounds from Cameroon – a set that brings together a few rare singles, plus more full tracks by Ndo Clement and Les Titans Orchestra – a group with a very trippy sound of their own! The music is often quite funky, but in a very spacious, echoey way – as percussion rumbles at ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Hand-numbered limited edition of 99 copies!)
Dynamic Sounds/Soul Jazz (UK), 1975. New Copy 2LP Gatefold ... $26.99 29.99
One of the hippest sets ever issued during the roots reggae wave of the 70s – and one of the most spiritual, too! The album's got a very special acoustic vibe at the core – earthy drumming that goes back to a pan-African tradition, these beautiful acoustic basslines that link the music ... (Reggae, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes download.)
Xtra Mile (UK), 2019. New Copy 2LP ... $20.99 21.98
Nicola Cruz has a very unusual style here – one that mixes percussion, wooden flutes, and some occasional contemporary production touches – almost in a way that bridges ancient musical modes and 21st Century spirits – but at a level that's always far less gimmicky than that ... (New Grooves, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Siku ... CD 10.99
Magidisco/Ascensionale (Netherlands), 1976. New Copy (reissue)... $44.99
An incredible bit of Afro Funk and soul jazz! Marius Cultier has a unique sound that's 50% 70s Afro Funk, 25% Latin, and 25% bits of breezy jazz – similar to some of the best European players of the mid 70s, or to some of the Blue Note work of Moacir Santos! This rare album from 1977 ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Dug Out (UK), 1974. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99
Hypnotic, spiritually resonant music from Rastafarian singer & hand drummer Ras Michael's Dadawah – with these organic, echoey, atmospheric drums, bass and trippy bits of keyboards – providing a strong, spacious backdrop for the freedom-seeking lyricism! It's very unique stuff, ... (Reggae, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Nitai Dasgupta —
Songs Of India ... LP Mushroom/Manufactured, Late 60s. New Copy (reissue)... $16.99 19.99
Beautiful vocal work from Nitai Dasgupta – a singer in the Indian classical tradition, but working here in two different modes that are equally great! One side of the record has shorter songs that balance Dasgupta's vocals with light percussion and a bit of flute – and the other has a ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Limited edition of 500!)
Tropical Diaspora (Germany), 2018. New Copy (pic cover)... $11.99
An interesting little single – one that definitely lives up to the Tropical Diaspora label's name – given all the many elements moving together in the grooves! "Guatemaya" was recorded in Belize, but has this slow-stepping groove that's almost mellow cumbia – but ... (Funky 45's, Global Grooves) read more 7-inch, Vinyl record
Yonca/Matsuli (UK), 1976. New Copy Gatefold (reissue)... $29.99
One of the hippest albums we've ever heard from bassist Johnny Dyani – and that's saying a lot, given his tremendous records of the 70s! The album's different than the album that Johnny recorded with fellow Blue Notes members on the Steeplechase label – and instead, the group here is ... (Jazz, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Tropical Diaspora (Germany), 2018. New Copy (pic cover)... $5.99
"El Doctor" is a lively little number with a nice hint of revolution – performed here by a combo from Italy, but with a very South American vibe! The percussion is upbeat, the horns punch along with the groove, and the rolling lyrics are nice and compelling – and the flipside ... (Funky 45's, Global Grooves) read more 7-inch, Vinyl record
(Limited edition red colored vinyl.)
Christy Essien —
Give Me A Chance (with bonus download) ... LP Afrodesia (Nigeria), Late 70s. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99
Christy Essien is a singer with a very unusual voice, especially for the Nigerian scene – kind of this flowing, rich approach that seems to work equally well with ballads and groovers! There's plenty of the latter here – tunes that get great backing from Blo, who you probably know from ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes download card.)
Sonic Octopus/Esso! Afrojam Funkbeat, 2018. New Copy ... $14.99 15.00
A mix of timeless and modern Afro Latin grooves from Chicago's excellent Esso! Afrojam Funkbeat! Stylistically, the sky is the limit with this Esso!, with arrangements that roll from a broad palette of Latin jazz & soul instrumentation to more of a modern dancefloor vibe, and from instrumentals ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Limited edition of just 200 copies!)
Sahel Sounds, 2018. New Copy ... $18.99
A trio of guitars, augmented by bass, all swarming around each other in a way that might well make this group the Spacemen 3 of the Tuareg scene! There's not the obvious psychedelic influence here that group had back at the end of the 80s – but the mix of guitar fuzz is equally trippy – ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Get/Bongo Joe (UK), 1989. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99
General Franco is alive and well – at least General Franco Lee Ezute, as the sound of his work on this record is so vibrant, it will keep his legacy alive for decades! The rhythms move fast, the guitar dances along at a similar speed, and Franco works with his Harmony Kings International ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Asterie/Strut (UK), 1988. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99 23.99
Electrified zouk from the Guadeloupe scene – just the kind of unusual musical hybrid that's always made the Antilles so great! The work here has some echoes of the more familiar modes of zouk, but also has a leaner, more soul-based mode too – almost like a New York take on the genre, ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Knitting Factory, 1970s. New Copy 7LP (reissue)... $108.99 119.98
Seven amazing albums from the legendary Fela Kuti – all packaged here in a special limited box set – with choices made by modern soul legend Erykah Badu! The package includes some of our favorite Fela albums ever – and all of them are records that really show him honing his ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Knitting Factory, 1972. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99 24.98
A brilliant album from Fela – and one that shows him really coming into his own, with that tremendous new sound that would go onto influence decades of musicians! The title track – "Roforofo Fight" – is a side-long jam that instantly sets a new standard for African funk ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Limited edition colored vinyl pressing – with download!)
Pharaway Sounds (Spain), Late 60s/Early 70s. New Copy ... Just Sold Out!
A very cool group that's every bit as groovy as their look on the cover – and who make a sound that's way better than you'd expect from a bunch of New Zealanders holding instruments from Indian music! The core of the group is Kevin Clark and Dave Parsons – who play together here on ... (Rock, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Nanga Boko (France), 1977. New Copy (reissue)... $26.99
The first album recorded by singer Nkotti Francois and his Black Styls group – a combo who'd been backing Nkotti for years in clubs in Cameroon, and who work here with a very sharp sound right from the start! The instrumentation is often a bit unique – organ and guitar sometimes used ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes bonus download.)
Finders Keepers (UK), Early/Mid 70s. New Copy ... $19.99
Beautiful Persian pop from Faegheh Atashin, aka Googoosh (alternately, Gougoush)– and like some of the best, adventurous pop music from around the world at the the time, it's steeped in myriad styles – from emotionally string-laden to funky and danceable! Googoosh is a genuine ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Gunesh —
Gunesh ... LP Everland (Austria), 1980. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99
Gunesh might look a bit unusual on the cover – like some crazy mountain folk who've somehow gotten ahold of band instruments – but on the album, they've got this tight funky sound that's mighty nice – yet which is also still as unusual as their look! The instrumentation is jazz ... (Jazz, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Kiki Gyan —
Feeling So Good ... LP Everland (Austria), 1979. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99
A fantastic groover from Kiki Gyan – a singer from Ghana who worked in Osibisa during the early 70s – but one who's also got a really universal club vibe here on this overlooked gem from the end of the 70s! The record's got a bubbling, upbeat vibe that really lives up to its title ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Feeling So Good ... CD 14.99
Hama —
Houmeissa ... LP Sahel Sounds, 2019. New Copy ... $19.99
One of the coolest records we've heard on the Sahel Sound label to date – not the usual guitar material you might know from the imprint, but instead a batch of very cosmic keyboards – all instrumental, and spinning out into space with a vibe that's almost a collision between the best ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Houmeissa ... CD 12.99
Ostinato (UK), 1970s. New Copy Gatefold ... $19.99 21.98
Really beautiful sounds from Abu Obaida Hassan – material that was mostly recorded in the 70s, but often has a much more ancient vibe – thanks to the striking sounds that Hassan produces on the tambour, which is an instrument that features a drum-like bass, and almost an explosive array ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Lorem Ipsum (France), Mid 80s. New Copy ... $24.99
A set that's maybe a bit different than other Nigerian grooves you might know from the early 80s – as Hycento Junior has a strong influence from American hip hop, and also a bit of reggae as well! Side one of the album feels almost as if it was lifted from the same scene as Grandmaster Flash ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Colemine, 2018. New Copy ... $5.99 7.98
Heady Afro Funk from Ikebe Shakedown – a tight little tune that sums up everything the group does so well – with sharp riffing guitar in the rhythms, lots of lively percussion, and horn parts that really flesh out the mood! "View From Above" is deeper funk overall – ... (Funky 45's, Global Grooves) read more 7-inch, Vinyl record
Ikebe Shakedown —
Hard Steppin EP ... LP Colemine, 2009. New Copy Gatefold ... $18.99
Hard Steppin funky sounds from Ikebe Shakedown – solid stuff from the fertile Brooklyn scene – blending hard hitting 70s funk & soul with both stateside and African influences! The group is young and doesn't take the task of honoring the pioneers of these sounds lightly – ... (Deep Funk, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Hard Steppin EP ... CD 6.99(Includes download!)
Soundway (UK), 1983. New Copy (reissue)... $28.99
Odion Iruoje is billed as the "Sound President" on the cover – a title he definitely deserves, given the amazing sound of this set – which mixes early 80s Nigerian electro sounds with a bit of influence from hip hop too! Iruoje's completely comfortable in both mides – ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Limited to 1000 copies, includes download. Super-heavy vinyl and cover too!)
Shankar Jaikishan —
Gumnaam ... LP Angel/Twitchin Beat (Germany), 1965. New Copy (reissue)... $11.99 23.99
A beautiful old school Bollywood score – recorded at a time when Indian film music was first beginning to pick up some more contemporary modes! Lata Mangeshkar sings on some of the best tracks here – with a hauntingly melancholy performance – and instrumentation also mixes ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Cobra Rose (Korea), 1974. New Copy Gatefold (reissue)... $29.99
A very moody, very enigmatic album from Korea – one that was recorded in 1974, but feels as if it's from the previous decade – and also has this oddly timeless sound as well! The tunes are dreamy, snakey, and served up with an undercurrent of slow funk underneath strings – almost ... (Rock, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available My Heart Wavers (LP sleeve edition) ... CD 24.99
CBS/Mad About Records (Portugal), 1977. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99
A classic album of 70s soul from Brazil – put together with a warm sunny finish that seems to unify the best modes of Rio and LA at the time! Singer Robson Jorge works here with frequent partner Lincoln Olivetti – and both artists handle plenty of keyboards throughout – lots of ... (Brazil, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Heavenly Sweetness (France), 2018. New Copy 2LP Gatefold ... $24.99
Anthony Joseph takes a trip back to his roots – recording this album in his home turf of Trinidad, for a set that may well be his best record to date! The music sparkles with all the sunny touches you might guess from the title – but also has all those deeper, righteous currents that ... (New Grooves, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available People Of The Sun ... CD 14.99
Africa Seven (UK), Early 80s. New Copy (reissue)... Just Sold Out!
Afro club with a very international vibe – no surprise, given that Momo Joseph was raised in Cameroon, but spent most of the 70s living in Paris – where he quickly assimilated a range of soul and funk styles to the music of his roots! The result is work with a nice sort of polish, but ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Infopesa (Peru), 1972. New Copy (reissue)... $30.99
A cornerstone of the classic chica groove in Peru – and one of the albums that put Juaneco and his very groovy combo on the musical map of 70s South America! The tracks are mostly instrumental, and have a fantastically tight blend of percussion, keyboard lines, and electric guitar – ... (Latin, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
P-Vine (Japan), 1973. New Copy ... $32.99
A much-needed slice of work from Juju – the group who later transformed into spiritual funk ensemble Oneness Of Juju! Juju only recorded two full albums in the early 70s, so this unissued live set is a key addition to their catalog – and the whole thing's got this bold quality that's ... (Jazz, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Sahel Sounds, 2019. New Copy ... $18.99 20.98
A set that's maybe a bit more stripped-down than most sets from the contemporary Tuareg scene – as Ahmed Ag Kaedy plays here on acoustic guitar alongside his vocals, yet still with the drawn out waves of hypnotic sound that you'd expect from his electric contemporaries! Given the use of just ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Favorite (France), 2018. New Copy 2LP ... $26.99
A great little album from French singer Pat Kalla – an artist whose "Super Mojo" here is really the genius of producer Bruno "Patchworks" Hovart! The set is a collaboration between Pat and Patchworks – and uses the great vocals of Kalla to bring new focus to the ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Jongler ... CD 19.99
No Wahala Sounds (UK), Early 80s. New Copy ... $8.99
Early 80 benga from Kakai Kilonzo – done in a style that has this fantastic bassline that kind of bubbles, dips, and inflects along in this almost bubbly sort of way – while Kakai sings out the lead lyric in a raspy vocal with a bit of backing – and guitar lines bubble up to ring ... (Funky 45's, Global Grooves) read more 7-inch, Vinyl record
Antilles/Oom Dooby Dochas (Germany), 1976. New Copy (reissue)... $23.99
A really unique project from guitarist Osamu Kitajima – a player you might know from his smoother fusion sets at the end of the 70s – but who works here in a very trippy blend of Japanese instrumentation and electric jazz! Kitajima handles a heck of a lot of strings – both ... (Jazz, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Awesome Tapes From Africa, 1984. New Copy (reissue)... $18.99
Wonderfully deft work on the kora from Sourakata Koite – a musician who maybe seems to handle the instrument with an even more fluid, more rhythmic sound than most other players we've heard! The Kora's got many strings – kind of a cross between a harp and a lute – but Koite never ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Strut (UK), 2017. New Copy 2LP ... $22.99 23.99
Very cool sounds from a wonderful pairing of sources – the ancient African thumb piano and contemporary funky production – at a level that's almost a 21st Century update of the American 70s kalimba experiments by Phil Cohran and Earth Wind & Fire! There's moments here that ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Electric Cowbell, 2018. New Copy ... $6.99
A Spanish group, but one who draw inspiration from all over the globe – as they criss-cross Southern Hemisphere sounds from both sides of the Atlantic on "Canto Negro" – a tune that's got a nice sing/songy groove! "Cerbatana" is even deeper – a rich tune with ... (Funky 45's, Global Grooves) read more 7-inch, Vinyl record
(Limited to 300 copies.)
Heavenly Sweetness (France), 2018. New Copy ... $15.99
The first album in many years from Edmondy Krater – an overlooked musical genius from the scene in Guadeloupe – and one who maybe sounds better here than ever before! Krater's always had an ear for blending jazz with some of the more recent currents of the island – but that ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available An Ka Sonje ... CD 18.99
Knitting Factory, 2018. New Copy 2LP ... $22.99 24.98
The title of the first track here really gets the spirit of the album right – "Africa Will Be Great Again" – which stands at the start as one of the most declarative moments on record from Femi Kuti, and really sets the tone for the rest of the record! There's definitely some ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available One People One World ... CD 12.99(Includes download.)
As The Record Turns, Early 70s. New Copy (reissue)... $11.99
Amazing Afro Funk from one of the greatest groups of the genre – The Lafayette Afro Rock Band, a funky ensemble recording in Paris in the early 70s! The group were working in a hotbed of cross-cultural styles – and brought American funk rhythms firmly into play with African influences ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Roaring Lion —
Cairi Calypso – 1930 to 1939 ... LP Asherah, 1930s. New Copy ... $15.99
Roaring Lion is a singer who definitely earns his name – a strong early voice in the formation of calypso – and an artist whose early work on 78rpm discs still tops most of the later giants of the genre! The work here is an early hybrid of Island rhythms and jazz – often ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Los Destellos —
Sicodelicos (2019 Record Store Day Release) ... LP Vampi Soul (Spain), Late 60s/1970s. New Copy 2LP ... $29.99
Afrodisia/Mr Bongo (UK), 1980. New Copy (reissue)... $23.99 24.98
Long live disco, but not the sort that was big on the American scene of the 70s – as Tunde Mabadu serves up a nicely lean version of the music here – filled with Nigerian funk elements, and plenty of his own great work on tenor and alto sax! The tunes are jumpy, jaunty, and plenty darn ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Viva Disco ... CD 10.99
NCF/Superfly (France), 1989. New Copy (reissue)... $29.99
Sheila and Desmond Majek work here with support from the Nigeria Conservation Foundation – whose message really comes across in the album's earth-minded grooves! The rhythms are a blend of 80s soul modes, with maybe a bit of a Caribbean vibe at times too – and the spirit of the vocals ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Limited to 1000 copies.)
Peace & Rhythm, 2018. New Copy ... $18.99
Maku Soundsystem have a really great mix of modes – many elements that echo the Colombian roots of most group members, but fused strongly through New York modes that reflect their home of the past few years! Somewhere in the background, you'll hear echoes of cumbia and other Latin styles ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes download.)
CBS/Tiger Bay (UK), 1964. New Copy Gatefold (reissue)... $19.99
Brilliant modern jazz from German trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff – recording here in 1964, but sounding years ahead of his time, with an amazing a blend of jazz and Asian styles! The album's one of Mangelsdorff's best ever – a set of rhythmic tunes that seem clearly informed by the ... (Jazz, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Chisa/BBE (UK), Late 60s/Early 70s. New Copy 2LP ... $24.99 27.98
A decade's worth of groundbreaking funk and African rhythms – all of it recorded by Hugh Masekela for his legendary Chisa label! Back in the 60s, Hugh cracked the American charts with a playful version of South African jazz – but he was also an even hipper cat than you'd guess from his ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
RCA/Athens Of The North (UK), 1975. New Copy ... $22.99
A sweet bit of electric work from 70s Brazil – the only album we've ever seen from Helio Matheus, and one of those rare gems that's every bit as great as its legend might imply! Helio works here in this spacious territory that has a compressed groove on the bottom, and a wide sound on the ... (Brazil, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Remastered limited edition!)
Lauren (Italy), 1975. New Copy (reissue)... $29.99
A lost combo from the South African scene of the 70s – and one who play here with a wonderfully spiritual vibe! The tunes are longish, and open – with some rhythmic currents that fall in the Dollar Brand side of the spectrum, but which are also topped with really tremendous work on ... (Jazz, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Limited to 70 hand numbered copies.)
Radio Martiko (Belgium), 1975. New Copy ... $22.99
Hany Mehanna looks like a mighty cool cat standing in front of his Farfisa on the cover of this mid 70s set – and he sounds pretty darn cool on the grooves, too – in an unusual mix of Egyptian instrumentation and more electric modes! The music features lots of older percussion and ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes download!)
Awesome Tapes From Africa, 1977. New Copy ... $14.99 19.98
An amazing organ player from the Ethiopian scene – one whose work here easily rivals that of Mulatu and some of the best artists on the Ethiopiques series! Hailu Mergi has plenty of jazz in his approach – not just on his own keyboard lines, but also in the way he lets the group members ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes download.)
Mdou Moctar —
Blue Stage Sessions ... LP Third Man, 2019. New Copy ... $12.99 14.99
A strong live recording of Tuareg guitarist Mdou Moctar – done at Third Man Records in Detroit, and in the best spirit of the other live recordings from that legendary label! The performance is bold, and nicely unadorned – with just pulsating drums and a second rhythmic guitarist ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
MELT 2000/Matsuli (UK), Late 90s. New Copy 2LP Gatefold ... $39.99
An overlooked bit of spiritual jazz from the 90s – issued at a time when the South African scene was really hitting a new level of creative energy, even though much of it wasn't always recognized by audiences over here in the US! The set's got this powerful fusion of ideas – older ... (Jazz, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
(First time vinyl pressing!)
Fortuna (UK), 2018. New Copy ... $24.99
Moontribe is a mysterious figure who hides behind a mask on the cover, and doesn't give us any real information or notes on the record – but that's more than fine with us, as his music speaks volumes on its own! The album is heavily percussive, but in different modes throughout – ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Worthy/Strut (UK), 1966. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99 23.99
Pure insanity from the mighty Mulatu – one of his few American albums from the 60s! The record's an incredible blend of New York Latin and some of the more Afro-styled grooves Mulatu explored more freely on his Ethiopian recordings – served up in a jazzy style that has plenty of vibes ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(New remastering – and liner notes from Mulatu himself!)
Worthy, 1966. New Copy (reissue)... $12.99
Rare early work from Mulatu – material recorded in America, in the years before Mulatu returned to his Ethiopian homeland, and really set the scene on fire! The style here is a mix of Latin jazz with some more exotic elements – played by a combo that features Mulatu on vibes, alongside ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Afro Latin Soul Vol 2 ... LP 22.99
Worthy/Strut (UK), 1966. New Copy (reissue)... $22.99 23.99
Rare early work from Mulatu – material recorded in America, in the years before Mulatu returned to his Ethiopian homeland, and really set the scene on fire! The style here is a mix of Latin jazz with some more exotic elements – played by a combo that features Mulatu on vibes, alongside ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Afro Latin Soul Vol 2 ... LP 12.99(Features new remastering – and liner notes from Mulatu himself!)
L'Arome/Heavenly Sweetness (France), Late 60s/Early 70s. New Copy (reissue)... $19.99
Mad grooves from the Ethiopian scene of the 70s – featuring work by the enigmatic Mulatu, plus some of the other extra-cool artists on that country's groundbreaking soul and funk scene! Mulatu plays Fender Rhodes and organ on his tracks – grooving with a slow, snakey approach that's ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Ethiopian Modern Instrumentals Hits (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD 24.99
Heavenly Sweetness (France), 1970s. New Copy (reissue)... $19.99
Mad funk from Ethiopia – classic work by the legendary Mulatu, one of Africa's heaviest artists of the 70s! Mulatu's been kind of a beathead secret for years – as most of his exotic grooves were never issued properly outside of Africa, and have only been the province of collectors who ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Odion Livingstone (UK), Late 70s. New Copy 2LP Gatefold ... $31.99
A sweet compilation of rare Nigerian funky soul from Willy Nfor – choice selections from a trio LPs he recorded between 1979 and 1982 at Decca Studios in Lagos! It's an era that bridges early-to-mid 70s style jazz funk sounds with the sleeker synths of the 80s, giving this a really unique ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Now Again, 1976. New Copy (reissue)... $18.99 19.98
Some of the heaviest work to come from the African scene of the 70s – the initial offering of the Ngozi Family – a group who clearly take strong inspiration from the Cream years of the UK scene, but who also come across with a grittier, punkier vibe overall – thanks to lean, ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes download.)
Tidal Waves, 1976. New Copy (reissue)... $26.99
The rare second album from Ofege – an ultra-hip Nigerian group from the 70s, and one who was as influenced by the fuzzier sound of American rock as they were by the growing styles of Afro Funk on the Lagos scene! Ofege were younger than most of their contemporaries – and work here with ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Limited edition of 1000!)
Qbico (Italy), Late 50s/1960s. New Copy ... $29.99
DJ Qbico spins tracks from his collection of rare work by OK Jazz – that important West African combo of the 60s and 70s, whose music helped transform a generation! There's elements in the rhythms that feel as if they floated over from Havana – and the instrumentation is heavy on ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Limited to 70 hand-numbered copies!)
Big Crown, 2018. New Copy ... $19.99 22.98
Soulful and spiritual sounds from Yoruban via Brooklyn combo Okonkolo! There's a wonderful sonic range here – with voices, bata drum and coro strngs at the core – often taking flight on Cantos with some really nice additional strings and horns that bring the songs to soaring, sometimes ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Cantos ... CD 9.99
Black Fire/Strut (UK), 1975. New Copy 2LP (reissue)... $27.99 29.99
A landmark of Afro-centric jazz in the 70s – and the first album by this famous underground collective! Oneness of Juju were a Washington DC-based group that grew out of the ashes of the Juju avant jazz ensemble – formed in the culturally rich African-American community of DC in the ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available African Rhythms (UK pressing – expanded) ... CD 13.99
Black Fire, 1976. New Copy (reissue)... $11.99
A fantastic record from one of the greatest underground jazz groups of the 70s! Oneness of Juju are perhaps best known for the heavy funk of their first album, African Rhythms – but we're actually partial to this second album – a warmly spiritual batch of soul jazz tracks, and a set ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Matsuli (UK), 1976. New Copy (reissue)... $29.99
A seminal album from one of the hippest groups going on the South African scene of the 70s – a combo who mixed equal parts electric jazz and R&B, in a mode that's strongly inspired by American groups of the time! The Pacific Express vibe has plenty of echoes of the Earth Wind & Fire ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Issste/Mr Bongo (UK), 1981. New Copy Gatefold ... $25.99 27.98
A wonderfully hard-to-categorize album from the start of the 80s – a Mexican record that mixes folkloric roots with electronic instrumentation – but all in a way that sounds much more ancient than you'd expect for the time! The fusion of modes here is wonderful – almost at a ... (Latin, Global Grooves) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Top Star/Strut (UK), 1986. New Copy (reissue)... $21.99 22.99
There's a really fantastic sense of sound going on here – not the usual Afro Funk, even though the record is plenty darn funky – and instead this really unique interplay between the bass and drums of the rhythms, and the overall sense of production! The record clearly has some mixing ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Sewele ... CD 11.99