A bit more of a stripped-down set than other work that Benny Sings has given us in recent years – definitely a record with the vibe of the beat tape promised in the title – but one that still has some of the soulful elements that Benny's given us on other records too! The hip hop element is stronger here than usual, right down to the record's guests – who include Koreatown Oddity, Cola Boyy, Mocky, St Panther, Rae Khalil, and others – and Benny put the album together out of elements that weren't used in the final version of his album Music – but which still carry some of the soulful currents of that set. Titles include "Money & Guns", "Don't Look", "CGEOOL", "Green Grass", "Watch Me Heal", "Song 13", and "Mag Ik In Je Huid". LP, Vinyl record album

We've loved the music of Benny Sings for years – and can't understand why the man's not a much bigger success at a worldwide level – because his songs have the gentle soul and careful construction of the sorts of music that used to grace the airwaves decades back! Yet maybe the obscurity is always what makes Benny so great – as the songs here feel like lost AOR gems from a time when folks really knew how to make a record – but also sifted down to a core approach that never lets things get too overly-polished or commercial – kind of that modern love of classic modes that we also find in the music of Ed Motta, even though Ed's a very different singer overall. Titles include "Familiar", "Not Enough", "Duplicate", "Dreamin", "Summerlude", "Everything I Know", and "Nakameguro". LP, Vinyl record album

Benny Sings doesn't look too young on the cover, but his music here really has the youthful spirit promised in the title – a continued refinement of that contemporary soul style that's always made him such a standout in the scene – served up at a level that just seems to get better and better with each new record! The Cali image in the cover gives a hint to the sound on the record – as there's some slight AOR touches in the production, but used in a way that's nice and lean – sharp, but never overdone – which keeps things very intimate with the vocals, and really showcases that strong sense of charisma and hook that Benny brings to his music. Titles include "The Only One", "Distance", "Let's Go", "Movie Star", "Take Your Time", "Pyjamas", "Simple Love Songs", and "Young Hearts". LP, Vinyl record album

Benny Sings doesn't look too young on the cover, but his music here really has the youthful spirit promised in the title – a continued refinement of that contemporary soul style that's always made him such a standout in the scene – served up at a level that just seems to get better and better with each new record! The Cali image in the cover gives a hint to the sound on the record – as there's some slight AOR touches in the production, but used in a way that's nice and lean – sharp, but never overdone – which keeps things very intimate with the vocals, and really showcases that strong sense of charisma and hook that Benny brings to his music. Titles include "The Only One", "Distance", "Let's Go", "Movie Star", "Take Your Time", "Pyjamas", "Simple Love Songs", and "Young Hearts". CD

Benny Sings doesn't look too young on the cover, but his music here really has the youthful spirit promised in the title – a continued refinement of that contemporary soul style that's always made him such a standout in the scene – served up at a level that just seems to get better and better with each new record! The Cali image in the cover gives a hint to the sound on the record – as there's some slight AOR touches in the production, but used in a way that's nice and lean – sharp, but never overdone – which keeps things very intimate with the vocals, and really showcases that strong sense of charisma and hook that Benny brings to his music. Titles include "The Only One", "Distance", "Let's Go", "Movie Star", "Take Your Time", "Pyjamas", "Simple Love Songs", and "Young Hearts". LP, Vinyl record album

... CD

On the one hand, our jazz snob side wonders why Diana Ross would be picked to star as Billie Holiday, but on the other, it makes perfect sense, as this soundtrack to the film was made during the early 70s, when she was at the top of her career, and one of the highest profile female soul singers. And she acquits herself quite well, with a solid performance that's more than respectable, helped along the way by sympathetic orchestral arrangements from Benny Golson and Oliver Nelson. While we may not turn to this recording over any of Billie's originals, it's a pretty remarkable turning point for Diana, establishing her "diva" status and helping to launch her solo career to new heights. 34 numbers in all, though many of them are dialogue or musical bits lifted from the film. Includes "All Of Me", "the Man I Love", "Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do", "Fine & Mellow", "You've Changed", "My Man", "Strange Fruit" and "God Bless The Child". LP, Vinyl record album

A nice little soundtrack from the prime years of the Rat Pack – for a film that featured Sammy Davis Jr as a trumpet player! The overall score features work by Benny Carter – nice and jazzy, with the 60s swing he was bringing to his best work at the time – and on top of this, Sammy Sings a bit, and so does Mel Torme and Louis Armstrong! Nat Adderley handles the trumpet solos for Sammy's role – blowing out in front of larger backings from Carter with a great sense of color and tone – quite different from some of his other work of the 60s. And while the jazz tracks alone are worth the price of admission, the vocal ones are wonderful too – and include "All That Jazz" by Mel Torme, "I Want To Be Wanted" and "Whisper To One" by Sammy Davis Jr, and "Back Of Town Blues" and "Someday Sweetheart" by Louis Armstrong. Instrumental titles include "Crack Up", which is a great variation on Cy Coleman's "Playboy Theme" – plus "Claudia", "Night Walk", and "Soft Touch". LP, Vinyl record album

On the one hand, our jazz snob side wonders why Diana Ross would be picked to star as Billie Holiday, but on the other, it makes perfect sense, as this soundtrack to the film was made during the early 70s, when she was at the top of her career, and one of the highest profile female soul singers. And she acquits herself quite well, with a solid performance that's more than respectable, helped along the way by sympathetic orchestral arrangements from Benny Golson and Oliver Nelson. While we may not turn to this recording over any of Billie's originals, it's a pretty remarkable turning point for Diana, establishing her "diva" status and helping to launch her solo career to new heights. 35 numbers in all, though many of them are dialogue or musical bits lifted from the film. Includes "All Of Me", "the Man I Love", "Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do", "Fine & Mellow", "You've Changed", "My Man", "Strange Fruit" and "God Bless The Child". CD

On the one hand, our jazz snob side wonders why Diana Ross would be picked to star as Billie Holiday, but on the other, it makes perfect sense, as this soundtrack to the film was made during the early 70s, when she was at the top of her career, and one of the highest profile female soul singers. And she acquits herself quite well, with a solid performance that's more than respectable, helped along the way by sympathetic orchestral arrangements from Benny Golson and Oliver Nelson. While we may not turn to this recording over any of Billie's originals, it's a pretty remarkable turning point for Diana, establishing her "diva" status and helping to launch her solo career to new heights. 35 numbers in all, though many of them are dialogue or musical bits lifted from the film. Includes "All Of Me", "the Man I Love", "Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do", "Fine & Mellow", "You've Changed", "My Man", "Strange Fruit" and "God Bless The Child". CD

Lost Latin funk from the Bay Area scene of the 70s – and an album that may well blow away better-known work by groups like Malo, Azteca, or El Chicano! The album's near-perfect right from the start – and brings in plenty of New York elements to the groove, thanks to the inclusion of a heady amount of jazz alongside the soul, Latin, and funk elements in the grooves! The legendary Teo Macero produced and arranged – and really takes a lot of care in the studio to focus the overall energy of the tremendous talents on the record – players who include Hadley Caliman on flute and tenor, Steve Marcus on soprano sax, Benny Velarde on timbales, and Francisco Aguabella on congas – plus the trio of Cesar, Mark Levine, and Merl Sanders on keyboards. Most numbers have this really full, flowing groove – jazzy, but with a strong emphasis on the rhythms – and often touched with some great work on guitar that echoes the Santana-inspired sound of the generation, yet never in a rock way at all. Linda Tillery sings vocals on a few numbers, but the main focus is definitely instrumental – and the whole album's great – with cuts that include "See Saw Affair", "Azucar", "Descarga", "The Devil & Montezuma", "Gotta Get Away", and "Bridges". CD

The great Harold Mabern kicks it hard with a key core group – then finds a way to open up with some surprise guest artists as well – including singers Gregory Porter, Kurt Elling, Jane Monheit, and Norah Jones! The core of the album features Mabern's piano rocketing out with rhythm from John Webber on bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums – and getting some strong tenor work from the mighty Eric Alexander – and as the set goes on, the group also brings in Jeremy Pelt on trumpet, Peter Bernstein on guitar, and Steve Turre on trombone. But the key force here is the singers – especially Porter and Elling, who seem to find an old school space with the group that really takes them back to their roots. Elling sings on "You Needed Me", "Portrait Of Jennie", and "Billie's Bounce"'; Porter sings on "Afro Blue" and "The Man From Hyde Park"; Monheit sings on "I'll Take Romance" and "My One & Only Love"; and Norah Jones sings on "Don't Misunderstand" and "Fools Rush In". CD also features Alexis Cole on "Such Is Life" – and the instrumental tracks "The Chief", "Mozzin", and "Bobby Benny Jymie Lee Bu". CD

A weird and wonderful collection of tracks – funk, soul, and plenty more – all put together without any sort of boundaries or focus – which makes the whole thing one hell of a groovy record! The set's one of the flagship titles for the Seth Rogan-owned Houseplant label – one of their few vinyl releases, designed to fit in with the lifestyle of their other products – but even without that pedigree, there's plenty of great and well-chosen cuts here – and the assortment makes the whole thing way different than any standard funky compilation! Titles include "Good News" by Eamon, "Together (down dumbing rmx)" by Quel Maker, "Night Dancer" by Split Decision Band, "Leave My Beat Alone" by Raw Soul & Dorsey Brockington, "Cars That Go Boom" by L'Trimm, "Green & Money (good woman rmx)" by Maker Bishop Lamont, "Ombele" by Karl Hector & The Malcouns, "Blister In The Sun" by Violent Femmes, "Beat 100" by Benny Sings and Cola Boyy, "Pimp" by Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band, "Oxtanding" by Roc C, "Summer Madness SA" by Karriem Riggins, "Come & Get Your Love" by Family Tree, "Love Dub" by World Quake Band, and "Drop" by The Pharcyde. LP, Vinyl record album

These guys are known by some as the backing band of Anderson.Paak, but they're a hell of a group on their own – rock-solid right at the core, and able to effortlessly craft a sweet blend of funk and soul – yet also leave room for plenty of guests along the way! The musicianship here is fantastic – classic, yet very much their own – echoing the perfection of 70s studio work, but with a very contemporary vibe and a nicely up-close spirit –a sound that's perfect all the way through, and which makes a great accompaniment to guest work from TI, Shafiq Husayn, Daniel Caesar, Syd, Benny Sings, T Nava, Callum Connor, Conway, Westside Gunn, and even Anderson.Paak. The kind of record that's perfect for bumpin all summer long – with titles that include "Gidget", "Time", "Rene", "Shibuya", "Eternal Light", "The Rivington", "Beauty & Essex", and "On Sight". LP, Vinyl record album

We always like the work of Ulysses Owens Jr on drums, but we might love it even more here – as Owens works as a leader at the head of a group of young, bright musicians who really live up to the new beat promise of the title! The songs are full of life and imagination – bursting forth with bright colors and a warm range of expression, as the group stretches out on longer performances that shift effortlessly between combo voicing and individual solos. Players include Sarah Hanahan on alto, Benny Benack and Anthony Hervey on trumpets, Luther Allison on piano, and Philip Norris on bass – and the great Milton Suggs sings on one cut, "Heart Full Of Rhythm". Owens is dynamic throughout – and titles include "London Towne", "Better Days", "Bird Lives", "Helen's Song", and "Soulful". CD

A beautiful set by Nat King Cole joined by conductor/bandleader Quincy Jones and his Big Band – performing live in Zurich on May 1, 1960 – and what an impeccable performance it is! Quincy was touring with a pretty amazing line-up in his Big Band at this point – with Benny Bailey, Jimmy Cleveland, Melba Liston, Phil Woods, Sahib Shihab, Joe Harris and more – and they kick off the set with a couple gentler numbers before swinging more heavily on a couple, then introduce Nat – who's voice is in perfect form here. He sings his hits with the big band, some additional strings and a pared down trio format for a few – so we really get a broad representation of what these consummate performers can do in a number of settings, all in one concert, to boot. Wonderful stuff – released for the first time ever! Titles include "Moanin'", The Midnight Sun Will Never Set", "Airmail Special", "Unforgettable", "Sweet Lorraine", "Tea For Two", "Madrid", "The Phantom Blues", "Route 66", "Joe Turner's Blues", "The Midnight Sun Will Never Set" and more. Also includes a 5 minute interview with Nat. CD

The third collection of Billie's Verve studio recordings, produced by Norman Granz. Billie's backing group includes performances by Benny Carter, Harry Edison, Barney Kessel, Jimmy Rowles, Paul Quiichette, and Wynton Kelly, and features the songs "Trav'lin Light", "April In Paris", "Lady Sings The Blues", "What's New", "Good Morning Heartache", "Sophisticated Lady", "Strange Fruit", and "God Bless The Child". LP, Vinyl record album

The great Harold Mabern kicks it hard with a key core group – then finds a way to open up with some surprise guest artists as well – including singers Gregory Porter, Kurt Elling, Jane Monheit, and Norah Jones! The core of the album features Mabern's piano rocketing out with rhythm from John Webber on bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums – and getting some strong tenor work from the mighty Eric Alexander – and as the set goes on, the group also brings in Jeremy Pelt on trumpet, Peter Bernstein on guitar, and Steve Turre on trombone. But the key force here is the singers – especially Porter and Elling, who seem to find an old school space with the group that really takes them back to their roots. Elling sings on "You Needed Me", "Portrait Of Jennie", and "Billie's Bounce"'; Porter sings on "Afro Blue" and "The Man From Hyde Park"; Monheit sings on "I'll Take Romance" and "My One & Only Love"; and Norah Jones sings on "Don't Misunderstand" and "Fools Rush In". CD also features Alexis Cole on "Such Is Life" – and the instrumental tracks "The Chief", "Mozzin", and "Bobby Benny Jymie Lee Bu". CD

Eric Reed hits a mighty nice bag here – almost a variant of the sort of soulful depths that first brought him to our attention many years back, but also presented with a freshness that's different from his early records too! The title's a reference to the mix of composers of color chosen by Reed for the record – a mix that includes both older jazz and soul music writers – in a lineup that features work by Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, Horace Silver, Wayne Shorter, Benny Golson, and others – plus originals by each member of the group, a trio that features Luca Alemanno on bass and Reggie Quinerly on drums. Calvin Rhone sings on "Lean On Me", and David Daughtry adds vocals to "Pastime Paradise" – while all other titles are originals, and include "Peace", "Black Brown & Blue", "Christina", "Infant Eyes", "Cheryl Ann", "Along Came Betty", and "One For E". CD

Herbie Hancock further expands his cosmic vision in this groundbreaking album of free-flowing fusiony tracks – a record that really steps up his range of keyboards, mixing in both acoustic and electric pianos, mellotron, and even a bit of spacey moog from the legendary Patrick Gleeson! The whole thing is wonderful – very open and flowing, and even more organic than Hancock's later work on Columbia – especially given the length of the tracks on the set. In addition to Gleeson, other players include Benny Maupin on reeds, Julian Priester on trombone, Buster Williams on bass, and Billy Hart on drums – and titles include the 3 long tracks "Quasar", "Sleeping Giant", and "Water Torture" – all good ones! LP, Vinyl record album