Loussier interprets the music of Bach, with Pierre Michelot on bass and Christian Garros on drums. LP, Vinyl record album

Notable sidemen include Pierre Michelot, Kenny Clarke, Barney Wilen, Jimmy Gourley, and Clark Terry. CD

Notable sidemen include Pierre Michelot, Kenny Clarke, Barney Wilen, Jimmy Gourley, and Clark Terry. LP, Vinyl record album

A gem of a session from the European expatriot scene of the postwar years – not really a tribute to Cannonball Adderley, but a rare meeting of Bud Powell and Don Byas in the studio, produced by Cannonball in Paris in 1961! The record has a tremendous amount of fire and focus – especially on the part of Powell, who could sometimes falter in a European setting – and although Byas' horn might seem a contrasting choice for Bud, he really burns with a lot of energy here – arcing, soaring, and turning with lines that show that his talents hadn't dimmed at all out of the American limelight. As always with his few productions from the time, Cannonball shows a great deal of sensitivity and patience with the players – probably a key factor of the success of the set. Also noteworthy is the rest of the group – which includes Idrees Sulieman on trumpet, Pierre Michelot on bass, and Kenny Clarke on drums. Titles include "Jeannine", "Just One Of Those Things", "All The Things You Are", "I Remember Clifford", and "Jackie My Little Cat". CD

A very unique session that features the often-modern tenor sax of Lucky Thompson in the company of bluesman Sammy Price, who plays piano and sings on a number of the tracks on the record. Amazingly, Thompson's raspy tenor tone is a perfect fit with the style of the recording – laying down lean blusey licks that really work nicely with Price's barrelhouse piano style, and which also give it a bit more of a jazz-oriented style than usual. The rest of the group features Pierre Michelot on bass, Jean-Pierre Sasson on guitar, and Gerard Pochonet on drums. Titles include "Lucky T", "Minor Blues", "Paris Blues", "Embassy Boogie", and "Up Above My Head". CD

Diana and the ladies recorded live at London's Talk Of The Town nitespot – with arrangements conducted by Jimmy Garrett, and a set of tracks that includes a number of medleys of standards and late 60s pop tunes. Titles include "Mame", "Reflections", "In & Out Of Love", "Without A Song", "Baby Love", "Come See About Me", "Michelle", "You Keep Me Hangin On", "The Lady Is a Tramp", and "The Happening". LP, Vinyl record album

The debut album of the legendary pianist Masahiko Sato – a musician who's got a way with a piano that's unlike anyone else we can think of – almost creating these sinister moments at times, which are balanced by occasional moments of warmth, amidst a very groundbreaking sense of freedom! At this point in his career, Sato is so different than American or European avant pianists – and there's a clarity to the performance here that really demonstrates his unique approach – supported by superb work from Yasuo Arakawa on bass and Masahiko Togashi on drums – both players who have these deeper, organic qualities that balance the sharper edges of the piano. All titles are originals – save for an unusual version of "Michelle" – and tracks include "Der Zweig Von Salzburg", "Palladium", and "Closing". LP, Vinyl record album

A trio of fantastic albums from Christian Scott – all packaged together! First up is Ruler Rebel – a fantastic step forward for trumpeter Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah – an artist who takes on a new name with this recording, and a vibrant new sound as well! Scott still plays trumpet, but he also works with some electronics and effects, too – in a group that mixes acoustic elements from piano, flute, and percussion with electric work on Fender Rhodes and guitar – all in a sound that's swirlingly soulful, and as enigmatic as you might expect! The music reaches back to some deeper roots, but reworks the sound completely with lots of contemporary elements – and Scott's trumpet takes on a new sort of majesty in the setting – maybe hitting the promise we first saw in his music years back, but with even more focus here. Titles include "Encryption", "The Coronation Of X A Tunde Adjuah", "The Reckoning", "Ruler Rebel", and "New Orleanian Love Song". Next is Diaspora – a set that has Christian Scott really opening with a new sense of pride and power after adopting the Atunde Adjuah name – and blowing here not just on trumpet, but also "reverse flugelhorn", sirenette, and siren – and also using some sonic architecture to open up and expand his sound! Rhythms are a compelling mix of drum programs and acoustic percussion – peppered with work on alto, Fender Rhodes, bass, guitar, and drums – in this groove that's much more sharp-edged and sonically compelling than most other projects of this nature. Titles include "Lawless", "Our Lady Of New New Orleans", "IDK", "Desire & The Burning Girl", "Completely", "No Love", and "The Walk". Last is Emancipation Proclamation – part of Scott's brilliant trilogy that has him reworking his sound even more than before – using his horn in both acoustic and electric settings, and mixing with bits of funk and deeper musical currents – all at a level that's vaguely in the territory of Don Cherry in the 70s, but served up with a vibe that's very much Christian's own! Rather than be buried in the mix of percussion, Fender Rhodes, and other horns here – Scott seems to be set free, and really opens up with both the space of his solos, and the style of his phrasing – which is even more personal than before. The other players are great, too – a shifting lineup who retain the same bristling energy throughout – on titles that include "Ashes Of Our Forever", "The Emancipation Procrastination", "AvengHer", "Cages", "New Heroes", "Videotape", "The Cypher", "Michele With One L", and "Unrigging November". CD

Zoot Sims on tewnor saxophone, Gerry Wiggins and Henri Renaud on piano, Pierre Michelot and Don Bagley on bass, Kenny Clarke and Jean-Louis Viale on drums, Fdrank Rosolino on trombone, and Jimmy Gourley on guitar. CD

Heavily grooving Italian jazz from 1960 – featuring the piano of Amedo Tommasi, and the twin-horn team of Cicci Santucci and Enzo Scoppa! Santucci plays trumpet and Scoppa plays tenor, and together, the pair were one of the tightest front lines working south of the Alps. We've stocked sets that include some of their funky work from the 70s – but this little gem is a rare early appearance in a straight bop mode, grooving nicely all the way through with the soulfulness of a rare side on Blue Note or Prestige from the same time! Titles include "Mulatto", "Zamboni 22", "Ballad For Micheline", "Coltrane", and "Auto Strada Del Sole". CD

A far-reaching album by Caetano – with a wide scope of sounds and influences, from tribal/ethnic percussion, to subtle jazzy backdrops, to guitar-driven numbers that hint at a brief return to rock music. The rich tapestry of themes and images are perfectly linked by Veloso's always-wonderful voice – impeccably rich-toned, with a sound that only seems to get better with age. To us, the record's his first really striking album since 1997's Livro – although it's got a lot more subtlety, in the manner of some of his mid 70s work, like Bicho or Joia. Titles include "Michelangelo Antonioni", "Zera A Reza", "13 De Maio", "Zumbi", "Meu Rio", and "Sou Seu Sabia". CD

An intriguing little set from drummer Tony Williams – and a set that shows him still very much in command of his talents well into the 80s! Tony's playing here with all the bold, open energy of his classic recordings – and although he picks up a bit of electric percussion at points, he still plays it all "live" – and really seems to defer to the richer acoustic sounds of the group's great lineup – an all-star setting that includes Wallace Roney on trumpet, Donald Harrison on alto, Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Ron Carter on bass, and Mulgrew Miller on piano! The richness of the alto and trumpet are tremendous – and Hutcherson's vibes ring out beautifully, a perfect balance of tone and timing. Titles include "Foreign Intrigue", "My Michele", "Takin My Time", "Sister Cheryl", and "Arboretum". LP, Vinyl record album

A definite set of crown jewels from the Big Crown label – especially as most of these gems were only ever around as funky 45s – some now gone forever, and all compiled on this nicely-priced full length set! The package shows the real evolution of Big Crown in recent years – as they have moved from just the funk and soul of their roots into a range of other styles too – including a bit of garage, Latin Soul, and other modes too! Titles here reflect that change in a great way – and titles include "Veolodrome" by Surprise Chef, "The Otherside" by Bobby Oroza, "Grateful" by El Michels Affair & Black Thought, "Joy & Pain (Pete Rock rmx)" by Lady Wray, "So Low" by Synthia, "The Healer" by Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band, "Ain't That The Way" by Holy Hive, "Trip To Japan" by The Shacks, "Awkward (take 2)" by El Michels Affair meets Liam bailey, "Beri Cinta Waktu" by Thee Marloes, and "Love & Flowers" by Les Imprimes. LP, Vinyl record album

Reggae takes on Beatles tunes – both from the early and later years of the Fab Four – served up with vocals from a variety of different singers! There's a soulful vibe to the record right from the start – and the rhythms move between roots and lovers rock-styled pacing – but definitely change up nicely to fit the needs of the singers, which is a nod to the production and arranging styles of Clive Hunt, who put the whole thing together! Titles include "Taxman" by Nai-Jay, "Here Comes The Sun" by Barry Biggs, "Norwegian Wood" by Little Roy, "Revolution" by Yaniss Odua, "Michell" by Pierpoljak, "Help" by Gentleman, "You Won't See Me" by The Pioneers, and "With A Little Help From My Friends" by Tarrus Riley. LP, Vinyl record album

Classic funk, rare soul, and contemporary goodies too – all served up in a beautiful package designed by the folks at Seth Rogan's Houseplant! As with the previous set, this one is divided into three modes – one record sativa, one indica, and the third a hybrid – capturing different moods with each record, but with an all-soul, rock-solid selection of tunes throughout! As with previous volumes, the classic and contemporary come into play in a really great way – and this volume also features some great international titles too – a set list that includes "Follow The Wind" by Coletta Woodson, "Cookin" by Tortilla Factory, "Bra" by Cymande, "High Beams" by Tkay Maidza, "Lupita" by Nico Gomez, "Pretty Woman Pass On By" by Richard Marks, "Norma Jean" by Napoleon Demps, "Bizness" by Tune Yards, "Right On" by Carleen & The Groovers, "The Love You Left Behind" by Syl Johnson, "Groovy Babe" by Durand Jones & The Indications, "Kill Dem" by Jamie XX, "Aminata Du The" by Amadou Balake, "Help Me To Understand" by Harlem Gospel Travelers, "Will I See You Again" by Thee Sacred Souls, "Grow Forever" by Lizette & Quevin, "Tearz" by El Michels Affair & Lee Fields, "Everything That Looks Good" by Charles Suggs, "Raggio Verde" by Il Quadro Di Troisi, "Let's Do It Today" by The US, and "When We Would Ride" by Kendra Morris & Eraserhood Sound. LP, Vinyl record album

The Masterpiece series has been running for quite a long time – and just seems to get better and better in the process! The range of tracks here is nicely expanded past those on early volumes – not straight disco or funk, but instead this great slice of overlooked club cuts that includes some rare singles, and some material that's never been released on CD at all! If you dig 80s grooves, you'll find a lot to love here – but there's a nicely wide range of sounds, too – on titles that include "Stone In Love" by Electro, "Give Me The Time" by Michelle Gold, "Let Me Know (ext version)" by Beckie Bell, "After Tonight" by Shirley Brown, "One Love" by Tony Ransom, "Your Love Is All I Need" by BT Express, "Sweet & Sassy" by Deborah Foster, "Give It Up" by Tyrone Curry, "Can't Get Over You" by Shara, "Count On Me" by Linda Tillery, "Put Me Down" by Spur Of The Moment, and "Given Up On You" by Kevin & Benetta. CD

A pretty incredible legacy of jazz from the scene in Belgium during the late 60s and early 70s – a place that never got the kind of exposure as the jazz worlds of the UK, Scandinavia, and Germany – but one that was making some really amazing work at the time! Take the "progressive" in the title a bit loosely – this is neither prog jazz rock, nor work that's too academic to be groovy – as the groups here are often a bit funky, and play with a surprising degree of soul – just the right space between the notes to make for tunes that cross over very well to fans of American funky jazz from the 70s, with some moments that also rival the best in Brazilian 70s jazz too! The rhythms are wonderful – sometimes full-on funky, sometimes more modal and spacious – and the tracks mix electric and acoustic instrumentation perfectly – mostly instrumental, but with a few vocals from time to time. Some of the artists are ones here you might not normally associate with Belgium – and that's just because they're finally getting their due here, in a well-collected package that also illuminates the connections with a great set of notes. Titles include "Vas Y Voir" by Brussels Art Quintet, "Pathetic Dreams" by Koen De Bruyne, "Archangelo" by Raphael, "Memphis Talk" by Philip Catherine, "Naima" by Lou MacConnell, "Pro Forma 1" by Babs Robert, "Utopic Cities" by Solis Lacus, "SUS" by Placebo, "Face Reality" by Jacques & Micheline Pelzer, "Tohubohu (part 1)" by Marc Moulin, "Open Sky" by Open Sky Unit, and "Sakara" by Clarke Boland Big Band. LP, Vinyl record album