A truly underappreciated later album from The Band, made after they decided to hang it up as a touring act – one that holds up SO much better than it's given credit for, by thier die hard fans and even The Band itself – but it works for us! The Band's most legendary first couple of records were the product of a longtime road tested group of deeply invested craftsmen, working together in a beautifully intuitive way. By this point, they are well known to have been looking for an exit strategy – and while Islands is a strong batch of songs, masterfully played and soulfully sung – it's genuine charms get lost in the lore. It's a breezier, easier going affair than their more rawly passionate records, but it's an overlooked gem. Includes "Right As Rain", "Street Walker", "Ain't That A Lot Of Love", "Islands", "The Saga Of Pepote Rouge", "Knockin' Lost John", "Living In A Dream" and their sweet little take on "Georgia On My Mind", with Richard Manuel on lead vocals for a change, given this beauty of a pop standard a gruff edge that works wonderfully well. LP, Vinyl record album

Three full albums from this tremendous singer – all in a single set! Morning In Paris is very early work from South African singer Sathima Bea Benjamin – recorded in Paris in 1963, with backing by longtime partner Abdullah Ibrahim, plus additional piano and production by Duke Ellington! The album was cut around the same time as Ibrahim (Dollar Brand) did his famous Reprise album in Paris with Ellington – and it's got a similar mix of modern and moody styles – with Sathima singing in a mellower tone than we're used to from her later records, over extremely spare backing that often has the piano barely stepping in, and which also features some nice plucked violin work from Svend Asmussen – acting almost as the bass on a few tracks! Billy Strayhorn also sits in on this extremely unusual session – and titles include "The Man I Love", "Soon", "Lover Man", "I Should Care", "I Could Write A Book", and "Darn That Dream". Lovelight is always-great work from Sathima Bea Benjamin – one of the hippest jazz vocalists of the 80s, working here in a highly spiritual mode that sounds a lot more like records from many years past! There's a warmly gentle glow to the whole set – thanks to instrumentation from Larry Willis on piano, Buster Williams on bass, Billy Higgins on percussion, and Ricky Ford on tenor sax – all coming together in ways that are filled with unusual rhythms, odd turns of phrases, and just the right sort of unconventional accompaniment to fit the Africanist themes of Sathima's music at its best. A few numbers are more traditional, but even these have a nicely sensitive feel – and offer plenty of room for Willis to solo. Titles include "Winne Mandela Beloved Heroine", "African Songbird", "Gift Of Love – For Duke", "Music", and "You Are My Heart's Delight". Southern Touch is a set that's maybe a bit more of a straight jazz vocal record than some of Sathima Bea Benjamin's earlier material – but that might also be because the great Kenny Barron is part of the group on piano – supporting Sathima's great voice with the help of Buster Williams on bass and Billy Higgins on drums! Tunes are mostly standards, but it's great to hear them opened up with Benjamin's unique phrasing – that voice that was raised up on more righteous material in earlier years, and which still seems to bring some of that power to tunes that include "Street Of Dreams", "Lush Life", "One Alone", "I'm Glad There Is You", and "I've Heard That Song Before". CD

Late 60s psyche pop on Atco from Bo Grumpus – a Boston group who only ever cut this one LP that we know of – and it's a groovy one! The sound has kind of tight pop combo groove with catchy melodies – fleshed out into trippier territory with some keys, trumpet, and overall bigger arrangements – some of which was done by Felix Pappalardi, who would go onto to bigger things with Mountain! Titles include "Sparrow Tune", "Think Twice", "Yesterday's Street", "The Breath O'Love", "A Knowing Young Touch", "Ragtimey Love", "Travelin In The Dark", "Brooklyn", "The Moon Will Rise" and "If I Came To You". LP, Vinyl record album

The first album in many years from this legendary studio project from On-U Sound and Adrian Sherwood – and one that makes us feel as if the passage of decades hasn't happened at all! Sherwood's production is still wonderful – and, if anything, maybe less showy, or more soulful, or less moody – just something that seems to let the work of the group come through with energy that's wonderfully warm and organic, while still resonating with plenty of touches that will make longtime label fans proud! Vocals are shared between Charlie Eskimo Fox and Mr Magoo, and the set also features guest appearances from Prince Far I and Daddy Freddy – on titles that include "That's More Like It" "Jubilee Clock", "Swiftly", "Stonebridge Warrior", "Crown Hill Road", "The People's Sound", and "Whatever It Takes". CD

The first album in many years from this legendary studio project from On-U Sound and Adrian Sherwood – and one that makes us feel as if the passage of decades hasn't happened at all! Sherwood's production is still wonderful – and, if anything, maybe less showy, or more soulful, or less moody – just something that seems to let the work of the group come through with energy that's wonderfully warm and organic, while still resonating with plenty of touches that will make longtime label fans proud! Vocals are shared between Charlie Eskimo Fox and Mr Magoo, and the set also features guest appearances from Prince Far I and Daddy Freddy – on titles that include "That's More Like It" "Jubilee Clock", "Swiftly", "Stonebridge Warrior", "Crown Hill Road", "The People's Sound", and "Whatever It Takes". LP, Vinyl record album

Swinging vocals from the great Vic Damone – an excellent singer of the show/lounge circuit, represented here by two excellent albums from his Capitol years! On The Street Where You Live features Vic working with Pete King arrangements, in a set of mostly-show tunes – redone by Damone's strong lead vocal, into newer-sounding numbers without the schmaltz of Broadway. The Liveliest is even better – a live set recorded at Basin Street, one that has Vic working before the crowd with all the charm and showmanship that made him one of the best of his game. 23 tracks in all, with titles that include "At Long Last Love", "When Your Lover Has Gone", "You & The Night & The Music", "On The Street Where You Live", "I Left My Heart In San Francisco", "Fascinating Rhythm", "A Lot Of Livin To Do", "Till There Was You", and "Younger Than Springtime". CD

An album as incredible as its bulls-eye cover – the first record ever from a young Bob Dorough – and easily one of his most swinging sessions! The style here is a bit straighter jazz than on some of Bob's later work – vocalese inspired by Jon Hendricks, King Pleasure, Eddie Jefferson, and others – recorded with a small combo that includes Jack Hitchcock on vibes, Warren Fitzgerald on trumpet, Jerry Segal on drums, and Bob's longtime partner Bill Takas on bass. Many of the tunes are vocalized versions of bop numbers – done with a nicely quirky style that shows that the mad Dorough touch was already in place during these early years – on titles that include "It Could Happen To You", "Polka Dots & Moonbeams", "Baltimore Oriole", "Yardbird Suite", "Devil May Care", and "Ow" – plus his great original "You're The Dangerous Type"! Also features a bonus alternate take of "Yardbird Suite". CD

A mid 70s repackaging of one of the best vocal jazz albums that Bethlehem ever produced, and a landmark recording in the vocalese tradition! The first record ever from a young Bob Dorough – and easily one of his most swinging sessions! The style here is a bit straighter jazz than on some of Bob's later work – vocalese inspired by Jon Hendricks, King Pleasure, Eddie Jefferson, and others – recorded with a small combo that includes Jack Hitchcock on vibes, Warren Fitzgerald on trumpet, Jerry Segal on drums, and Bob's longtime partner Bill Takas on bass. Many of the tunes are vocalized versions of bop numbers – done with a nicely quirky style that shows that the mad Dorough touch was already in place during these early years – on titles that include "It Could Happen To You", "Polka Dots & Moonbeams", "Baltimore Oriole", "Yardbird Suite", "Devil May Care", and "Ow" – plus his great original "You're The Dangerous Type"! LP, Vinyl record album

One of the Duke's greatest jazz recordings – and an album that features some incredible solo work on piano – at a level with other modernist small group sessions in the Ellington catalog, like Money Jungle or Live at the Whitney! As the title says, Duke's piano is very much in the foreground – working in spare trio format that includes Aaron Bell on bass and Sam Woodyard on drums, both plucked from the larger orchestra, and given some great space to work on the set! Duke's the real star, though, and he sparkles tremendously on tunes that include "Summertime", "A Hundred Dreams Ago", "So", "Springtime In Africa", "Blues For Jerry", and "Fontainebleau Forest". CD also features the bonus tracks "Lotus Blossom", "All The Things You Are" (in 2 versions), and 4 different "Piano Improvisations"! CD

One of the Duke's greatest jazz recordings – and an album that features some incredible solo work on piano – at a level with other modernist small group sessions in the Ellington catalog, like Money Jungle or Live at the Whitney! As the title says, Duke's piano is very much in the foreground – working in spare trio format that includes Aaron Bell on bass and Sam Woodyard on drums, both plucked from the larger orchestra, and given some great space to work on the set! Duke's the real star, though, and he sparkles tremendously on tunes that include "Summertime", "A Hundred Dreams Ago", "So", "Springtime In Africa", "Blues For Jerry", and "Fontainebleau Forest". CD also features the bonus tracks "Lotus Blossom", "All The Things You Are" (in 2 versions), and 4 different "Piano Improvisations"! CD

Chico and his group perform tunes from the Rodgers & Hammerstein score to South Pacific – a surprisingly good choice, actually, as the Rodgers & Hammerstein tunes have a great exotic bent to them, working well with the off-beat rhythms and melodies of the combo. Players include Paul Horn on alto and flute, Fred Katz on cello, and John Pisano on guitar – and tunes include "Bali Hai", "Honey Bun", "Cockeyed Optimist", "Younger Than Springtime", and "Happy Talk". LP, Vinyl record album

Hardly any ragtime here – despite the title – and instead, the album's one of the greatest ever from drummer Beaver Harris – cut with his ultra-hip 360 Degree Music Experience group! The title is somewhat accurate in that the record brings together a long history of jazz-based expression – almost a century's worth of music, served up by Harris and the group members with the same fluid sensibility as Jaki Byard in his best work, although Byard was never this ambitious! The ensemble is somewhat large, but really comes together well – with an impressive range of artists who include Doc Cheatham on trumpet, Marshall Brown on trombone, Dave Burrell on piano, Keith Marks on flute, Cecil McBee and Jimmy Garrison on bass, and Maxine Sullivan and Bill Willingham on vocals. The album's sort of a mini-history of jazz, but one that's hardly hokey at all – and which usually veers towards Harris' more righteous modes of the 70s, even when hitting older styles. Sullivan is especially great – singing here as a sophisticated soul jazz diva of the 70s, and hardly the older-styled singer we might expect. A few moments are stripped down and percussive – and other odd instrumentation includes a bit of sitar and steel drums. Titles include "It's Hard To But We Do", "I Wish I Knew", "Can There Be Peace?", "Down In Brazil", "African Drums", and "Round Trip". LP, Vinyl record album

A nice little album from Johnny Hartman – recorded back in the mid 50s for Bethlehem, in the years before he recorded his more famous dates for the Impulse label! The set has Johnny singing nice and mellow – with backing by a group led by pianist Ralph Sharon, one of Tony Bennett's longtime accompanists, with added trumpet by Howard McGhee – which creates some nicely moody interplay in the relatively spare setting of the session. Hartman's vocals are a dream, as always – and tracks include "What Is There To Say", "Moonlight In Vermont", "I'll Remember April", "Down In The Depths", "I Fall In Love Too Easily", and "We'll Be Together Again". CD features lots of bonus tracks – 6 more numbers that are alternate takes of songs on the set! CD

An incredible lost moment in the career of Screamin Jay Hawkins – material that was recorded in London in the mid 60s, and with a very different flavor than most of Hawkins' other material! There's a mod jazz approach to this set that's totally great – as Jay's raw vocals come into play with a sweet-grooving Hammond, in a combo that also features some sharp work on guitar, and some strong sax solos too! The upbeat, jazzy vibe is totally great – and gives Screamin Jay a whole new focus for his vocals – and for his songwriting, too – as most of the material here is original. And while Hawkins is always best remembered for his spooky, gimmicky cuts, this material is equally great in a totally different way – and, if it were pursued further, might have given the man a whole new direction in his career. Make no mistake, there's still plenty here to love if you're a longtime fan of Screamin Jay Hawkins – but you'll also really appreciate the mod grooves in the set as well! Titles include "I Wanna Know", "In My Dream", "Change Your Ways", "Serving Time", "Please Forgive Me", "Move Me", "My Marion", and "All Night". Plus, CD features a whopping 12 bonus tracks – a few alternate takes, and other versions of album songs – plus the titles "I'm Lonely" and "Stone Crazy". CD

Warm and wonderful work from saxophonist Jimmy Heath – still sounding great here in the 90s, and working in an excellent format that places his tenor and soprano next to guitar, bass, and drums. The lack of piano is quite striking – and the guitar work of Tony Perrone freely steps around Heath's horn with a quality that's really nice – teaming up in a frontline style, as if he were a trumpet player in the group – but also letting back for a more rhythmic approach that also has him shading in certain aspects of the tunes. Drums are by Heath's brother and longtime partner Albert "Tootie" – and titles include "Prince Albert", "Basic Birks", "Sleeves", and "Soul Eyes". LP, Vinyl record album

Great duets between pianist John Hicks and bassist Ray Drummond – a record done with a really lively feel, despite the spare setting of the date! Hicks always has a very fluid touch on the keys, and the inspiration of Drummond really seems to open him up here – pushing the session a bit more than the mellow, introspective one you might expect – very much in the space of some of Hicks' classic trio work from the time. Most tunes are standards, but they're opened up nicely by the pair, thanks to some warm interplay – and titles include "I'll Be Around", "Take The Coltrane", "For Heaven's Sake", "Without A Song", "A Rose Without A Thorn", "Parisian Thoroughfare", and "Springtime Fantasy". CD

Rare small group work from the great Johnny Hodges – an unissued live set from the start of the 60s, and one that has Johnny working with key Ellington sidemen in a very Ellington-like setting! Solo Hodges could usually take one of two forms – more soulful small group material that has less of the arrangements of his longtime leader, the Duke – and more Ellington-based performances, of which this set is definitely one – as Hodges leads a hip combo with Ray Nance on trumpet, Lawrence Brown on trombone, Harry Carney on baritone, Al Williams on piano, Aaron Bell on bass, and Sam Woodyard on drums. Tunes are almost all numbers by Ellington or Billy Strayhorn, but done in a nice lean style, with key solo performances throughout – and titles include "Rocking In Rhythm", "Jeep Is Jumpin", "Things Ain't What They Used To Be", "Sophisticated Lady", "Mood Indigo", and "Solitude" – plus "Good Queen Bess", "Perdido", and "Autumn Leaves". The sound quality is great – very clear, with a nicely crisp tone on the horn parts, especially Hodges and Carney! CD

Two great Bobby Hutcherson albums – both recorded at the end of the 60s, but not released by Blue Note until years later! Both records – Medina and Spiral – give you a glance at the early years of Bobby's famous association with tenorist Harold Land. The Land/Hutcherson combo turned out some of the best modernist soul jazz albums of their age, and their unique interplay, a mixture of free-thinking solos and tight groovy rhythms, set the pattern for so many other 70's jazz groups. Stanley Cowell plays piano on the session, and Bobby's longtime rhythm partner Joe Chambers is on drums. With the tracks "Avis", "Orientale", "Spiral", "Ruth", and "Visions". CD

A heady set from these two longtime funk legends – Eric Krasno on guitar and Stanton Moore on drums – working in a tight trio that also features Eric Finland on Hammond, Wurlitzer, and Mellotron – all in a sharply soulful groove that definitely lives up to the legacy of both players! Krasno has a nicely sharp edge at times, which really rings out wonderfully in the lean setting – and although the trio get a few guest visits from Cory Henry, Branford Marsalis, and Robert Randolph, we like them best on their own. Titles include "Stay High", "Lost Cause", "Fever", "Nobody's Baby", "Carried Away", "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free", and "A Natural Woman". LP, Vinyl record album

A rare soul treasure – previously unissued work from Little Willie John, cut for Capitol Records by the mighty David Axelrod! The pairing is quite unique, but it's a great one – and if anything, Little Willie John sparkles here even more than on his later King sides – finding a hipper 60s groove that moves way past older R&B modes! Willie's vocals are still wonderful, and they're set up here with arrangements from HB Barnum – who brings in plenty of bounce, snap, and vamp to the grooves – similar to his more famous Axelrod productions for Lou Rawls, but rougher and grittier here in the company of John. A few cuts bring in more ambitious backings – taking Little Willie into the same space as his longtime fan and supporter James Brown – at least in the way Brown hit ballads during the 60s – and given Axelrod's hand in the studio, there's a clarity here that the singer hardly would have found at King Records, who blocked the initial release of this material back in the 60s. CD features 20 tracks in all – a number of alternates, and the master takes – with tunes that include "Crying Over You", "Country Girl", "Suffering With The Blues", "Never Let Me Go", "I Had A Dream", "In The Dark", "Welcome To The Club", "I Need Someone", and "Early In The Morning". CD

A great little album of Latiny tunes from Henry Mancini – played by a very hip lineup of west coast jazzmen! The rhythms have a great mix of Latin influences and Mancini magic – the kind of grooves you'd hear on his 60s soundtracks at the time, played by a lineup that includes Bud Shank and Tom Scott on reeds, Buddy Childers and Pete Candoli on trumpets, Ray Brown on acoustic bass, Max Bennett on fender bass, Larry Bunker on percussion, and Shelly Manne on drums. The vibe is nice and relaxed – a bit more upbeat than bossa, but not as all-out as other RCA Latin sessions – thanks to Mancini's nice sense of warmth and space in the arrangements. Titles include some pretty darn cool takes on "Mission Impossible", "Fistful Of Dollars", "Magnificent Seven", "Touch Of Evil", and "Springtime For Hitler", from the film The Producers. Other titles include "Patricia", "Zacatecas", and "Las Cruces". LP, Vinyl record album

Early work from this tremendous Japanese saxophonist – working here on both alto and soprano sax, in styles that are sharply angular, but also quite warm and soulful! Kosuke Mine's got a quality that's a bit like Joe Henderson at the same time – obviously informed by earlier hardbop, but let loose in some bolder lines that snake out with a rich, bold feel that's totally great. His group here features Fender Rhodes from Hideo Ichikawa – possibly further underscoring some of the Henderson electric styles of the set – and other players include Takashi Imai on trombone, Takashi Mizuhashi on bass, and Hiroshi Murakami on drums. The record's got a nice sense of freedom, but is never too far outside – and titles include a version of Joe Henderson's "Isotope", plus the originals "Morningtide", "Dream Eyes", and "Work I". CD

Great stuff – recorded in Mingus' classic period! Mingus leads a sharp small group here – a wonderful quintet that features Booker Ervin on tenor, John Handy on alto, and Richard Wyands on piano – with longtime musical partner Dannie Richmond on drums! The session was recorded live at the Nonagon Gallery in New York, and has that sort of arch-modernist groove that was Mingus' hallmark in these key late 50's years. Ervin, as always, is amazing, and John Handy, who makes his recording debut here, demonstrates the genius that Mingus had for spotting brilliant young players as he plays with the sort of imagination and intensity that he only ever managed to hit again on one or two of his own records as a leader. The record's got four long tracks, including long takes of "Nostalgia In Times Square", "Alice's Wonderland", and "No Private Income Blues". CD

Great stuff – recorded in Mingus' classic period! Mingus leads a sharp small group here – a wonderful quintet that features Booker Ervin on tenor, John Handy on alto, and Richard Wyands on piano – with longtime musical partner Dannie Richmond on drums! The session was recorded live at the Nonagon Gallery in New York, and has that sort of arch-modernist groove that was Mingus' hallmark in these key late 50's years. Ervin, as always, is amazing, and John Handy, who makes his recording debut here, demonstrates the genius that Mingus had for spotting brilliant young players as he plays with the sort of imagination and intensity that he only ever managed to hit again on one or two of his own records as a leader. The record's got four long tracks, including long takes of "Nostalgia In Times Square", "Alice's Wonderland", and "No Private Income Blues". LP, Vinyl record album

Great stuff – recorded in Mingus' classic period! Mingus leads a sharp small group here – a wonderful quintet that features Booker Ervin on tenor, John Handy on alto, and Richard Wyands on piano – with longtime musical partner Dannie Richmond on drums! The session was recorded live at the Nonagon Gallery in New York, and has that sort of arch-modernist groove that was Mingus' hallmark in these key late 50's years. Ervin, as always, is amazing, and John Handy, who makes his recording debut here, demonstrates the genius that Mingus had for spotting brilliant young players as he plays with the sort of imagination and intensity that he only ever managed to hit again on one or two of his own records as a leader. The record's got four long tracks, including long takes of "Nostalgia In Times Square", "Alice's Wonderland", and "No Private Income Blues". LP, Vinyl record album

Easily one of the most successful albums of the British jazz rock years – but still a longtime favorite of ours as well! Mike Oldfield sets a whole new standard here for concept rock – not only by working on a single album-length composition that spans all of sides one and two, but also by playing all instruments himself – in a one man symphony of sound that's pretty darn great! The main theme of the piece will be recognizable from it's stripped-down use in The Exorcist – but we really love Oldfield's expansion on it here in a range of different overdubbed instruments, which are also sometimes processed – and then introduced by Mike in a spoken part that's one of the highlights of the album. LP, Vinyl record album

The long-overdue release of an album that should have been a Neo Soul classic! The team of Otis Cooper and Shugg David recorded this gem of a set back in the mid 90s along with help from longtime friend and producer Raphael Saadiq – but due to shifting priorities at the major label, the set was shelved and is only now finally seeing the light of day! Despite the wait, though, the album bristles with electricity and has a totally fresh sound – bubbling over with the warmth and soul of the best Saadiq production work of the time, and hitting a vibe that's almost in the same mode as his own recent Ray Ray recordings. But even more charming are the talents of Otis & Shugg – two down-to-earth vocalists who work in a style that's nicely free of cliche, and which really shows them setting a tone that would be followed by many other make singers in the Neo Soul years to come. Titles include "Right On Track", "Fantasy", "If You Want It", "My First Mistake", "Round & Round", "Indiana", "This Is My Phone Call", and "Something Inside Of Me". CD

One of Art Pepper's most classic sets for Contemporary – a record that puts him in the company of the Miles Davis rhythm section – Jimmy Cobb on drums, Paul Chambers on bass, and Wynton Kelly on piano – who make up 3/5 of a quintet that also includes trumpeter Conte Candoli! The tracks open up a bit more from some of Pepper's 50s work in LA – arguably a bit tighter at times, and possibly a bit more "classic" – at least to longtime fans of the set. There's a bit less edge here than on some of Art's other 50s dates, but the album's still a great one – with titles that are a mixture of originals like "Getting Together", "Diane", and "Bijou The Poodle", plus a few other strong numbers, like Chambers' "Whims Of Chambers" and Dory & Andre Previn's "Why Are We Afraid?" LP, Vinyl record album

One of Art Pepper's most classic sets for Contemporary – a record that puts him in the company of the Miles Davis rhythm section – Jimmy Cobb on drums, Paul Chambers on bass, and Wynton Kelly on piano – who make up 3/5 of a quintet that also includes trumpeter Conte Candoli! The tracks open up a bit more from some of Pepper's 50s work in LA – arguably a bit tighter at times, and possibly a bit more "classic" – at least to longtime fans of the set. There's a bit less edge here than on some of Art's other 50s dates, but the album's still a great one – with titles that are a mixture of originals like "Getting Together", "Diane", and "Bijou The Poodle", plus a few other strong numbers, like Chambers' "Whims Of Chambers" and Dory & Andre Previn's "Why Are We Afraid?" LP, Vinyl record album

One of Art Pepper's most classic sets for Contemporary – a record that puts him in the company of the Miles Davis rhythm section – Jimmy Cobb on drums, Paul Chambers on bass, and Wynton Kelly on piano – who make up 3/5 of a quintet that also includes trumpeter Conte Candoli! The tracks open up a bit more from some of Pepper's 50s work in LA – arguably a bit tighter at times, and possibly a bit more "classic" – at least to longtime fans of the set. There's a bit less edge here than on some of Art's other 50s dates, but the album's still a great one – with titles that are a mixture of originals like "Getting Together", "Diane", and "Bijou The Poodle", plus a few other strong numbers, like Chambers' "Whims Of Chambers" and Dory & Andre Previn's "Why Are We Afraid?" CD

A lovely little record, and one that's got a vibe that's very different than you might guess from the creepy image on the cover! Pidgeon are a post-folk group who mix the wonderful vocals of Cheri Gage with some nicely dreamy, sometimes psychedelic arrangements – all of which give the whole thing a wonderfully swirling, soaring sort of vibe! In addition to Gage, who also plays autoharp, the set features early work from Jobraith – who'd later go on to fame in a very different mode, but who harmonizes wonderfully here next to Cheri on many numbers. Titles include "Of The Time When I Was Young", "Springtime Girl", "The Dancer", "House On A Hill Among Trees", "The Wind Blows Cold", and "Dark Bird". CD

Some of the greatest work as a leader ever cut by tenorist Paul Quinichette – longtime Basie alum, and a key player who was the "Vice Pres" next to Lester Young's "Pres". The record is one of the best full-length albums by Quinichette from the early days, and combines material from a 10" LP and an earlier e.p. into a sparkling set of a dozen tracks that includes "Cross Fire", "The Hook", "Samie", "Shad Roe", "Prevue", "Sandstone", "Bot Bot", and "Paul's Bunion". LP, Vinyl record album

Some of the greatest work as a leader ever cut by tenorist Paul Quinichette – longtime Basie alum, and a key player who was the "Vice Pres" next to Lester Young's "Pres". The record is one of the best full-length albums by Quinichette from the early days – titles include "The Hook", "Samie", "Shad Roe", "Bot Bot", and "Paul's Bunion". LP, Vinyl record album

A really wonderfully-done collection of work from the legendary Sun Ra – put together by longtime musical partner Marshall Allen, and way way different than the typical mish-mash of tracks you'd find on some of the budget or public domain titles on the market! First off, the track selection is really thoughtful – music that definitely defines the Arkestra in the 60s and 70s, but which also highlights some of its overlooked corners too – pulled together from recordings that appeared on the Saturn, Impulse, and other labels – all curated and remastered by Art Yard, who've done their share of great Ra reissues over the years. Plus, the package features a few unreleased performances as well – and although it would serve as a great introduction to the music of Sun Ra, it's also really perfectly put together for longtime Ra fans as well – given the focus, track selection, and overall quality of the whole thing. The sounds are sublime – maybe one of the best summations of the righteous, cosmic genius of the Arkestra at its best – and titles include "Reflects Motion", "Island In The Sun (extended)", "Somewhere In Space", "The Lady With The Golden Stockings", "Somebody Else's World", "Ancient Aethiopia", "Astro Black", "Have You Heard The Latest News From Neptune", "We Travel The Spaceways", and "Plutonian Nights". LP, Vinyl record album

A very cool Sun Ra performance from 1980 – recorded in Rome, and a wonderful summation of all the new directions the Arkestra took during the 70s! There's a wonderful balance here between intimate vocal tracks, sung by June Tyson, and some fuller ensemble numbers – mixed up in ways that often show the most soulful side of the group, yet still allow plenty of space for bold, dynamic solos from players who include Marshall Allen on alto and flute, Michael Ray on trumpet, John Gilmore on tenor, Danny Ray Thompson on baritone and flute, Kenny Williams on tenor and baritone, and Noel Scott on alto and baritone. The double-length set also has some beautiful instrumental moments that are quite gentle – a few exotic touches, and nice piano improvisations from Ra – very much like his excellent solo piano work on Improvising Artists. Titles include "Enlightenment", "Watusa", "Lights On A Satellite", "Nothing Is", "Children Of The Sun", "King Porter Stomp", "Sun Ra & His Band From Outer Space", "Springtime Again", "Big John's Special", "The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise", and a few untitled pieces. CD

A very cool Sun Ra performance from 1980 – recorded in Rome, and a wonderful summation of all the new directions the Arkestra took during the 70s! There's a wonderful balance here between intimate vocal tracks, sung by June Tyson, and some fuller ensemble numbers – mixed up in ways that often show the most soulful side of the group, yet still allow plenty of space for bold, dynamic solos from players who include Marshall Allen on alto and flute, Michael Ray on trumpet, John Gilmore on tenor, Danny Ray Thompson on baritone and flute, Kenny Williams on tenor and baritone, and Noel Scott on alto and baritone. The double-length set also has some beautiful instrumental moments that are quite gentle – a few exotic touches, and nice piano improvisations from Ra – very much like his excellent solo piano work on Improvising Artists. Titles include "Enlightenment", "Watusa", "Lights On A Satellite", "Nothing Is", "Children Of The Sun", "King Porter Stomp", "Sun Ra & His Band From Outer Space", "Springtime Again", "Big John's Special", "The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise", and a few untitled pieces. LP, Vinyl record album

Sun Ra's made the move here from Egyptian pyramids to Mayan temples – but the sound is every bit as cosmic and compelling as ever! The album's one of Ra's last – a studio set recorded in Italy in 1990, and one that draws strongly from the tightening of tradition the Arkestra experienced in the 80s – working at a time of some of their greatest acceptance by jazz audiences worldwide, and able to express themselves fully in a range of different modes! The sense of tone and timing here is beautiful – almost Ellington-like at points, but still with a decidedly Sun Ra-like quality – and players on the date include Michael Ray and Ahmed Abdullah on trumpets, John Gilmore on tenor, Noel Scott and Marshall Allen on alto sax, and Tyrone Hill on trombone – and June Tyson also sings just a bit on the set. Ra plays both piano and synth, and titles include "Alone Together", "Discipline 1", "Sunset On The River Nile", "El Is The Sound Of Joy", "I'll Never Be The Same", "Theme On The Stargazers", and "Opus In Springtime". A double-length set too – nearly 80 minutes of music! CD

One of the most soulful Sun Ra albums ever – very much on the Lanquidity tip, and done with a great mix of electric and acoustic instrumentation! The vibe here is really mellow, spiritual, and warm – and the album actually feels a lot more like a session recorded for the Strata East label than it does for Saturn! Keyboards pervade the session – electric piano and organ drifting around in moody, laidback lines – augmented by occasional vibes, bits of guitar, and some wonderfully well-blown sax solo work by Marshall Allen and John Gilmore! The title track "Sleeping Beauty" runs for all of side two of the album – and it's an amazing little number that mixes instrumental passages with some great mellow Roy Ayers-styled vocals. "Door Of The Cosmos" is a bit of a groover, and even gets a bit funky at times – and the album also features the laidback spacey number "Springtime". CD

Maybe the coolest album so far in the Red Hot series – even amidst the unique Sun Ra subgroup – as the album's the brainchild of Meshell Ndegeocello, and comes together with all the complex soulfulness of her own recent albums! Back in the 90s, Meshell was a great but more mainstream soul artist – and over the years, she's developed into a really fascinating talent – one able to reach out with a complex blend of jazz, funk, and soul elements – woven into patterns that are always very much her own – a musical legacy that the great Sun Ra might have appreciated! Ndegeocello leads a very diverse lineup here – playing bass and keyboards, and singing a bit – next to other players who include longtime Arkestra giant Marshall Allen on alto and EWI, plus Immanuel Wilkins on alto, Christopher Bruce on guitar, Darius Jones on saxes, Daniel Mintseris on keyboards, and Justin Hicks, Pink Siifu, Kenita Miller, Nio Levon, and Hanna Benn on vocals. The album channels Ra's spirit through territory that's very much Meshell's own – and titles include "Yet Differently Not Mars Hall", "El Soul The Companion Traveler", "The World Of Shadow", "Reproductive Manatees/Sunny Said Up", "Bedlam Blues", "#9 Venus The Living Myth", and "Departure Guide Of The 7 Sisters". LP, Vinyl record album

Great late 40s material from Django Reinhardt – originally recorded in Paris in 1949, with the Quintette Of The Hot Club Of France, and longtime partner Stephane Grappelli on violin! CD

Dannie Richmond is Charles Mingus' longtime drummer – working here in a rare set as a leader, leading a group with a number of other from Mingus alumni, including Don Pullen on piano, George Adams on tenor, and Jack Walrath on trumpet – along with Billy Harper's bassist, David Friesen. Side two has a long beautiful Richmond original called "I Told You So", and side one features three more originals – "Waltz for Tamia", "April Denise", and "Neata Babe Boogie". One of the better sides issued on Horo, and not easy to find! LP, Vinyl record album

A solo piano album – tracks include "Ragtime Pauper", "Lake St.", "The Champs Rag", "Swampy Lee", "Jack Johnson Rag", "Sedidus Walk", and the "Charles L. Johnson Medley". CD

The warm sound of the Sea & Cake gets a just a touch more guitar based on their lucky 7th album – with a bit more of a kick in the drums and bite to the strings in spots – a subtle but definite change from the one of the most consistent indie pop crews ever This time out, longtime producer/drummer John McEntire stays behind the drums and other percussion and lets producer Brian Paulson man the booth – which may, or may not be the reason for the slightly punchier vibe, but it works. This is still very much the Sea & Cake we've loved since the get go – there's no mistaking Sam Prekop's vocals – but there's an anthemic turn or two applied to their mannered genius. Some reviewers give them flak for supposedly repeating themselves, but those folks need to listen more closely. Titles include "Up On Crutches", "Too Strong", "Crossing Line", "Coconut", "Exact To Me", "Lightning", "Introducing", "Left On" and "Transparent". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the most popular of the early collaborative LPs of Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood – the soundtrack album to the legendary Movin' With Nancy TV special from 1967 – featuring the eerie masterpiece "Some Velvet Morning" and more! The aforementioned tune is as incredible a track as either Nancy or Lee ever produced, but the album features other duet gems including "Jackson" with Lee, "Things" with Dino, and "Younger Than Springtime" with Frank – plus Nancy's sweet solo tunes "I Gotta Get Out Of This Town", "Wait Till You See Him", "Friday's Child", "This Town", and "What I Say". LP, Vinyl record album

A seminal early recording from one of our favorite reed players ever! In the late 1950s, the young Frank Strozier came up to Chicago from Memphis, along with his longtime friend, pianist Harold Mabern. The two of them both settled nicely in the city's MJT+3 combo, where they proceeded to record some incredible hardbop sessions for Vee Jay. During that same time, Strozier began to emerge as a strong soloist and a competent leader in his own right, and Vee Jay gave him a much-needed crack at this debut album. The session's a perfect showcase for Strozier's lyrical beauty, and given the quality of the work, it's a wonder he was never more famous. The group's a quintet, and Strozier's ably teamed with Booker Little, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb. Titles include "WK Blues", "Waltz Of The Demons", "Runnin", and "Off Shore". LP, Vinyl record album

Four hands, and plenty of power – a stunning set of improvisations between these two longtime avant greats – and a set that may well be one of the boldest we've heard from either player in years! Maybe it's the quality that the Trost label seems to get from musicians, or maybe it's just a special fire that's burning as Aki Takase meets with Alexander Von Schlippenbach – but whatever the case, the record explodes with these incredibly inventive attacks on the piano – energy on the keys that's simply mindblowing, at a level that definitely lives up to Schlippenbach's strongest recordings, and which has us opening up our ears to Takase all over again! Titles include "Stoneblock 2", "Blade", "Apple Of Dischord", "Jumping Jack", "N Dance", "Nearly Yours", "Allegro Agitato", and "Exit O". LP, Vinyl record album

Muddy Waters definitely put the "unk" in funk – although back in his day, the word meant something different than in the 70s! This set features some great late Muddy for Chess – produced in conjunction with Ralph Bass, Muddy's longtime associate in the studio, and done with a style that's a lot more rootsy than the title might imply! Instead of the electrified funky style that other Chess bluesmen were going for in the early 70s, or which Waters used on his late 60s albums, this one is a more back to basics set – with stripped down arrangements, and the kind of electric down homey feel that must have been big with the college kids. Pinetop Perkins plays piano on the set, and Carey Bell Harrington throws in a lot of harmonica. Titles include "Electric Man", "Trouble No More", "Unk In Funk", "Everything Gonna Be Alright", "Waterboy Waterboy", and "Rollin & Tumblin". CD

A lost bit of Sunshine pop – and one of our favorite indie sides from the late 60s! The Yellow Balloon may not have been a household name, but they've got a heck of a talent for harmonizing in the best sunny style of the time – matching The Association or The Beach Boys for sheer sweet vocal approach, and working with some nice Left Banke-ish touches that bring a baroque edge to the set. The tunes are all pretty darn catchy – sitting nicely between Pet Sounds and Pretty Ballerina for sheer charm – and although the set's an indie effort at heart, it comes across like the best from the bigger labels of the time! Titles include "Yellow Balloon", "Junk Maker Shoppe", "Springtime Girl", "Stained Glass Window", "How Can I Be Down", and "I've Got A Feeling For Love". LP, Vinyl record album

20 tracks from the Motown vaults – including many rare numbers, and even a few unreleased tracks! The quality of the set goes way way past the usual American Motown set – no surprise, since it was put together by Richard Searling, longtime UK soul DJ and expert collector. Titles include "Do I Love You" by Chris Clark, "Sunny" by Marvin Gaye, "It's Growing" by the Contours, "Don't Be Afraid" by Bobby Taylor, "No One There" by Martha Reeves, "Where Is That Girl" by The Spinners, "Lonely Lonely Town" by Tammi Terrell, "Don't Stop Now" by The Originals, "Flying High Together" by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, "Hey Love" by Stevie Wonder, "Forget You Ever Met My Baby" by Barbara McNair, and "Where Did You Go?" by The Four Tops. 20 tracks in all! CD

A great volume in this really fantastic collection – a series that really reminds us that there's still so much great work to discover in the world of underground soul! As with previous volumes, this set focuses on the sweet soul style of the late 60s and early 70s – that moment when groups around the US were really maturing to a new level of vocal harmony – sometimes using a bit of funk in the mix, sometimes going for these sublime ballad modes that brought a new level of emotion and heartbreak to the music! You're sure to know bigger names like The Moments or Delfonics, but this is work that was cut at the same time, in the same mode, but which never fully got its due – pulled together by the longtime soul historians at Soul Junction – and even featuring a few never-issued tracks. Titles include "Read It & Weep" by Bobby Banks, "Give It A Chance To Grow" by The Toppiks, "Running Wild" by The Scott Three, "Lucky Guy I Am" by Delegates Of Soul, "Imitation Of Life" by Music Machine, "This Is Love" by The Holidays, "Plain As The Nose (alt unissued version)" by The Four Thoughts, "Love Song About You" by Robert Montgomery, "I'm Going To Treat You Good" by The Donations, "You Got To Steal It" by The Flairs, "Win All Your Love" by The Toppiks, "Nothin Left 2 Do" by The Coalitions, and "Stop Look & Listen" by The Jonesetts. CD

Plenty marvelous work from Count Basie and a whole host of longtime associates – all pulled from 50s records for the Vanguard label, most of which weren't done under Basie's leadership, but were headed by drummer Jo Jones, trumpeter Buck Clayton, and singer Joe Williams! Other players include Freddie Green on guitar, Lucky Thompson on tenor, Earl Warren on alto sax, Emmett Berry on trumpet, and Marlowe Morris on organ – and oddly, Basie doesn't even appear to be on all the tracks. That's ok with us, though – because often, small group sessions by Basie sidemen could be even more interesting than their bigger band work – as you'll hear on titles that include "Caravan", "Splittin", "Squeeze Me", "Buck Huckles", "Georgia Mae", "Lover Man", and "Shoe Shine Boy". CD

Includes a bonus CD of Ragtime Blues & Hokum. CD

Nobody handled a fuzz guitar better than Dennis Coffey back in the early 70s – and this album's one of his masterpieces of funky instrumental work for the Sussex label – cuts that show just how much command Coffey had of the electric strings after a number of years working in both the studios and the clubs of the Detroit scene! Coffey's work here is between the genres in a really great way – heavier than soul instrumental material of a few years before, tighter than electric guitar jazz funk of the time, and with some of the understanding of new phrasing that the psych years brought in – all served up perfectly on a set of wicked cuts co-arranged with longtime musical partner Mike Theodore. Titles include the classics "Ride Sally Ride" and "Taurus" – the latter of which was his similar sounding follow-up to "Scorpio" and other titles include "Can You Feel it", "Midnight Blue", "Toast & Jam", "Man & Boy", "It's Too Late" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water". LP, Vinyl record album

All the great early albums from Creation Rebel – plus their excellent comeback too! The set begins with Dub From Creation – not just the debut album from Creation Rebel, but also a set that marks the first studio work from the young Adrian Sherwood – part of the long On-U Sound legacy to come, and a wealth of other wonderful music! There's a spareness here that's great – maybe a bit less dark than later Sherwood projects, but no less stark – with melodica and keyboards weaving nicely amidst the dubby rhythms! Titles include "Basic Principals", "Dub Fusion", "Liberation", "Rising Star", "Vision Of Creation", and "Creation In A Iration". Next is Close Encounters Of The Third World – an early part of the On-U Sound legacy, even if the set wasn't issued on the label – a key effort by Creation Rebel that features recording work done both in London and Kingston, layered together in a beautifully dubby way! The sound here is definitely underground – full of message-oriented lyrics from Crucial Tony, who sings in a style that definitely earns him his name – with great melodica and organ flowing through the mix next to Lizard's bass – topped with added horn work from The Arabs in all the right spots! The production is superb – flat on the drums, wide on the sides, which makes for a really wonderful groove – on titles that include "Know Yourself", "Conspiring", "Creation Fever", "Natty Conscience Free", and "Joyful Noise". Rebel Vibrations features early production genius from Adrian Sherwood – and a record that sets the tone for all the On-U Sound genius to come! The set's a huge step forward from even the previous excellent Creation Rebel album – as the way the sounds are layered together is incredible – almost modes learned from post-punk production, but used to deliver a pure, righteous dub album – one that drops out all the vocals, and allows you to concentrate even more on the totally wicked instrumentation! The set features stunning drums from Style Scott, heady bass from Lizard, and all sorts of very cool keyboard work from Clifton Morrison – used in these ways that float about like a swarm of sounds, especially when mixed with the melodica of Doctor Pablo. The whole thing's amazing – and titles include "Diverse Doctor", "Hunger & Strife", "Jungle Affair", "Rebel Vibration", "Black Lion Dub", and "Mountain Melody". Starship Africa is a brilliant Creation Rebel effort for On-U Sound from the dawn of the 80s – landing in the futuristic dub spacecraft that is their Starship Africa – percussion heavy and spaced out ingenuity from Adrian Sherwood & co! Tripped, echoey atmospherics that's cast as a soundtrack to movie that doesn't exist, the music is forward thinking, boundary busting dubby grooves exists out of time and sounds great to this day. Includes "Starship Africa" (Sections 1-5) and "Space Movement" (Sections 1-4). On Psychotic Jonkanoo, Crucial Tony is back in the mix for this righteous early 80s album from Creation Rebel – a set that has Adrian Sherwood only furthering his production genius as he layers together stunning instrumental work from the group! The presence of the vocals has the instrumentation slightly back in the mix – but there's still a great run of rhythms throughout, all driven by the mighty heady basslines of Lizard Logan! There's less keyboards than before, but still some nice electronic bits all over the place – and titles include "The Dope", "African Space", "Threat To Creation", "Highest Degree", "Mother Don't Cry", and "Drum Talk". From 2023, Hostile Environment is the first album in many years from this legendary studio project from On-U Sound and Adrian Sherwood – and one that makes us feel as if the passage of decades hasn't happened at all! Sherwood's production is still wonderful – and, if anything, maybe less showy, or more soulful, or less moody – just something that seems to let the work of the group come through with energy that's wonderfully warm and organic, while still resonating with plenty of touches that will make longtime label fans proud! Vocals are shared between Charlie Eskimo Fox and Mr Magoo, and the set also features guest appearances from Prince Far I and Daddy Freddy – on titles that include "That's More Like It" "Jubilee Clock", "Swiftly", "Stonebridge Warrior", "Crown Hill Road", "The People's Sound", and "Whatever It Takes". CD

A gem of a record – Eric Dolphy's last studio session, recorded in Paris with some very surprising guest stars! The work is really tremendous – every bit as great as Dolphy's monumental studio albums for Prestige, and written and performed with a similar blend of the free, the lyrical, the avant, and the soulful – a groove that's often a bit more inside than some of Eric's other late recordings – and played with plenty of spirit throughout! The sessions make great use of American soloists Donald Byrd on trumpet and Nathan Davis on tenor – both players whose sound really balances Dolphy in a great way – holding down a groove while Eric takes off on alto sax or bass clarinet. The rhythm is by a French combo – with Jack Dieval on piano, Jacques Hess on bass, and Franco Monzecci on drums – plus a bit of congas on two tracks from Jacky Bambou. Titles are quite long, and really wonderful – and tunes include "245", "GW", "Serene", and "Springtime". CD

A damn great bit of work from the legendary Al Green – maybe one of his best records ever – and in fact, maybe one of greatest soul albums of all time! The set's got a style that's really genre-defining – not the previous southern soul of a few years before, but also not the modes that were happening up north either. Instead, Al lays things out with this stunningly mature style – sexy, but never overdone – confident, but never in a swaggering way – with a really special flow that comes from the great Willie Mitchell's talents in the studio, but an edge that's Green at his secular best. The album's got a lasting appeal that's made it a favorite for generations – both a key introduction to soul, but also a treasured favorite for longtime collectors – and never every track's a gem – from the classic "Let's Stay Together", through a set list that includes "I've Never Found A Girl", "La La For You", "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart", "So You're Leaving", and "What Is This Feeling". CD

Bratty Bay Area pop punks Green Day hit the bigtime – paving the way for FAR too many lesser acts to hit paydirt, sure, but you can't get too mad at Billie Joe, Mike and Tre for that when this one is still such a blast decades later! Nowhere near as lowbrow as the title or cover art would make it look, it's actually one the better rock & roll albums of its era to convey the thoughts and feelings of bored, lonely, angry and in some ways pretty depressed youth...somehow doing that through catchy sing-a-long anthems. Pretty amazing thing to pull off, actually! Includes "Longview", "Welcome To Paradise", "Chump", "Basketcase", Pulling Teeth", "When I Come Around", "She", "Sassafras Roots" and more. CD

Bratty Bay Area pop punks Green Day hit the bigtime – paving the way for FAR too many lesser acts to hit paydirt, sure, but you can't get too mad at Billie Joe, Mike and Tre for that when this one is still such a blast decades later! Nowhere near as lowbrow as the title or cover art would make it look, it's actually one the better rock & roll albums of its era to convey the thoughts and feelings of bored, lonely, angry and in some ways pretty depressed youth...somehow doing that through catchy sing-a-long anthems. Pretty amazing thing to pull off, actually! Includes "Longview", "Welcome To Paradise", "Chump", "Basketcase", Pulling Teeth", "When I Come Around", "She", "Sassafras Roots" and more. LP, Vinyl record album

DAMN!, indeed – Kendrick has yet to take even a small step down from the creative peak he's been riding for years – and takes another daring step forward with this strong, strident, no-mess-taking classic in the making! The surprise-announced DAMN! finds him taking on timely concerns – some longtime inherent to everyday racial, social, and class struggles in American life, and others that are purely personal. The production is diverse to a degree, but a bit straight forward compared to the sprawling, years-in-the-making To Pimp A Butterfly – all by design, as DAMN! is clearly made to sound fresh and urgent right now. But like all great musical art, it's built to stand the test of time. Includes guest producers, musicians and vocalists as varied as Thundercat, U2, Kamasi Washington, Kid Capri and Rihanna. Titles include "BLOOD.", "DNA.", "YAH.", "ELEMENT.", "LOYALTY." feat Rihanna, "PRIDE.", "LUST." with strings arranged by Kamasi Washington, "XXX." feat U2, "FEAR.", "GOD." and "DUCKWORTH." LP, Vinyl record album

A heady set from these two longtime funk legends – Eric Krasno on guitar and Stanton Moore on drums – working in a tight trio that also features Eric Finland on Hammond, Wurlitzer, and Mellotron – all in a sharply soulful groove that definitely lives up to the legacy of both players! Krasno has a nicely sharp edge at times, which really rings out wonderfully in the lean setting – and although the trio get a few guest visits from Cory Henry, Branford Marsalis, and Robert Randolph, we like them best on their own. Titles include "Stay High", "Lost Cause", "Fever", "Nobody's Baby", "Carried Away", "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free", and "A Natural Woman". CD

It takes a record like this one to remind us just what a magical crossover time the post-disco, post-punk days of the early 80s could be! Take two white guys from Denmark – Tim Stahl and John Guldberg – give them a drum machine and some funky beats, and out comes the breakdance classic "White Horse", which was one of the more sinister dancefloor numbers of its time. Sure, it's super-kitschy, but it hit pop-and-break crowd bigtime, and had kids from The Bronx to Bed-Stuy ripping up linoleum everywhere, and dragging it out into busy sidewalks where they could block off traffic! The other tracks on the album aren't as great, but ok electro pop – and titles include "Sunshine Reggae", "Elevator Boy", "Slowmotion Girl", and "Walking In The Sunshine". LP, Vinyl record album

A western soundtrack, but one that's a bit different than usual – thanks to lots of groovy touches from Angelo Lavagnino! Right from the start, the music steps out with a fresh flavor – a cool instrumental theme that has a nicely heavy bottom that grooves things along – followed by a blend of tunes that range from dramatic to playful, often using some standout instrumentation that changes the flavors up nicely – a bit of ragtime piano here, some malleted percussion there, and even some echoey, abstracted sounds that are especially nice! There's way more to offer here than just the usual spaghetti sounds from the time – and the reissue package has great sound, and a total of 21 tracks that include "Allegro Saloon", "Oggi A Me Domani A Te", "Inseguimento A Cavallo", "Valzer Saloon", "La Furia Di Elfego", "Caccia Spietata", "Scoperta", and "Tensione Mortale". CD

A rare soul treasure – previously unissued work from Little Willie John, cut for Capitol Records by the mighty David Axelrod! The pairing is quite unique, but it's a great one – and if anything, Little Willie John sparkles here even more than on his later King sides – finding a hipper 60s groove that moves way past older R&B modes! Willie's vocals are still wonderful, and they're set up here with arrangements from HB Barnum – who brings in plenty of bounce, snap, and vamp to the grooves – similar to his more famous Axelrod productions for Lou Rawls, but rougher and grittier here in the company of John. A few cuts bring in more ambitious backings – taking Little Willie into the same space as his longtime fan and supporter James Brown – at least in the way Brown hit ballads during the 60s – and given Axelrod's hand in the studio, there's a clarity here that the singer hardly would have found at King Records, who blocked the initial release of this material back in the 60s. CD features 20 tracks in all – a number of alternates, and the master takes – with tunes that include "Crying Over You", "Country Girl", "Suffering With The Blues", "Never Let Me Go", "I Had A Dream", "In The Dark", "Welcome To The Club", "I Need Someone", and "Early In The Morning". CD

Rare work from the 78rpm generation – all of it before the big Charles Mingus years of the 50s – featuring the bassist in groups with Oscar Pettiford and Earl Hines in the lead – plus other sides recorded under the name of Baron Mingus, with Willie Smith on alto and Lucky Thompson on tenor – and more under a Charles Mingus Quintet with Lee Konitz on alto! LP, Vinyl record album

The first proper Mr Scruff full length in more than half a decade – and as you might have gathered from the boisterous breakbeat funk and more soulful undercurrents of recent 12"s – he's broadened his sonic tapestry a bit! Ninja Tuna is the namesake title for his own imprint at his longtime home Ninja Tune – and if he's not out to break the mold on tried and true formulas, he does a fine job of spinning some engrossing soundscapes! Funk, soul, house and bedrock hip hop beats meet masterfully, and a couple of the best tracks are inflected with more accessible groove via some excellent guest vocalists – including Alice Russell and Anreya Tatiani, and Quantic and Pete Simpson drop by, too! Titles include "Test The Sound", "Music Takes Me Up", "Donkey Ride" featuring Quantic, "Hairy Bumpercress", "Whiplash", "Nice Up The Function", "Bang The Floor", "Get On Down", "Hold On" with Andreya Triana, "Give Up To Get", "Kalimba", "This Way" feat Pete Simpson" and "Stockport Carnival". LP, Vinyl record album

One of Art Pepper's most classic sets for Contemporary – a record that puts him in the company of the Miles Davis rhythm section – Jimmy Cobb on drums, Paul Chambers on bass, and Wynton Kelly on piano – who make up 3/5 of a quintet that also includes trumpeter Conte Candoli! The tracks open up a bit more from some of Pepper's 50s work in LA – arguably a bit tighter at times, and possibly a bit more "classic" – at least to longtime fans of the set. There's a bit less edge here than on some of Art's other 50s dates, but the album's still a great one – with titles that are a mixture of originals like "Getting Together", "Diane", and "Bijou The Poodle", plus a few other strong numbers, like Chambers' "Whims Of Chambers" and Dory & Andre Previn's "Why Are We Afraid?" CD

One of Art Pepper's most classic sets for Contemporary – a record that puts him in the company of the Miles Davis rhythm section – Jimmy Cobb on drums, Paul Chambers on bass, and Wynton Kelly on piano – who make up 3/5 of a quintet that also includes trumpeter Conte Candoli! The tracks open up a bit more from some of Pepper's 50s work in LA – arguably a bit tighter at times, and possibly a bit more "classic" – at least to longtime fans of the set. There's a bit less edge here than on some of Art's other 50s dates, but the album's still a great one – with titles that are a mixture of originals like "Getting Together", "Diane", and "Bijou The Poodle", plus a few other strong numbers, like Chambers' "Whims Of Chambers" and Dory & Andre Previn's "Why Are We Afraid?" CD

Oscar's great connection here is with the rhythm team of Louis Hayes on drums and Niels Henning Orsted Pedersen on bass – both of whom bring in a nice degree of subtlety to the set, and make it one of Peterson's most gently-grooving albums for MPS! There's a warm, round quality to most of the tunes on the album – a mode that partakes strongly of the lyrical side of the Peterson spectrum, yet which still makes things roll along with a submerged sense of his gutbuckety soul. Titles include "Smile", "On The Trail", "Wheatland", "Younger That Springtime", "Where Do We Go From Here", and "Just Squeeze Me". CD

Iggy's first proper solo record, and a strange morass of junkie desperation and guttural punk funk! The Idiot is the ultimately the culmination of a very smart decision to move away from the guitar roar of the Stooges and closer to the sounds his longtime champion David Bowie was experimenting with at the time, with a little bit of Lou Reed for good measure – but make no mistakes, this is Iggy's show. It's as fascinating overall as it is impressive on a more visceral level, with heavy bass rhythms and keys intergral to the sound, and weary latenight storytelling that trips you out on contact. All tunes co-written by Bowie, who would go on to make a lot of money off "China Girl" a few years into the 80s when the world was more ready for it, plus the classic "Nightclubbing", "Sister Midnight", "Baby", "Dum, Dum Boys", "Tiny Girls" and "Mass Production". CD

A wonderful little record from this longtime stalwart of the Chicago scene. Sam started out in Shrimpboat, gained great fame in Sea & Cake, and here delivers his most wonderful performance to date – a beautiful set of jazzy pop tracks, with backing by Josh Abrams, Archer Prewitt, Jim O'Rourke, and the great drummer Chad Taylor. The tracks bristle with a lovely sense of energy, and they have a sophistication that's wonderful – matched with a lyricism that keeps them always sounding fresh. Sam's turned into a wonderful vocalist, too – and we're betting you won't be able to take this one off the turntable once you get started. Titles include "The Shadow", "Don't Bother", "The Company", and "Faces & People". LP, Vinyl record album

Sun Ra quartet material from the late 70s – his great Italian studio recordings from Voice Studio in Rome –rare material originally released on the New Steps and Other Voices, Other Blues LPs on the Horo label that's been hard sought over the years! The group features John Gilmore on percussion and tenor, Michael Ray on trumpet, Luqman Ali on drums, and Ra on keyboards. It's got a number of tracks that are relatively straight – at least for Ra – and which are played with a wonderful edge that makes them instantly compelling, sounding almost like obscure indie soul jazz sides from the east coast underground of the mid 70s. The feel on most numbers is very different than Ra's usual work, and the record sparkles with a genius that makes us wish it was easier to find the Horo work! Includes the sublime vocal tune "When There Is No Sun", plus the original tracks "The Horo", "Moon People", "Rome At Twilight", and "Friend & Friendship" – plus a very nice cover of "My Favorite Things", Along The Tiber", "Rebellion", "The Mystery Of Being", "One Day In Rome", and "Springtime & Summer Idyll". LP, Vinyl record album

An essential collection of work from the legendary Minnie Riperton – a set that was crucial to so many listeners, as during the early years of the CD era, it was the only way you could find any of her music in print! And all these many years later, the set's still a wonderful introduction to her charms – filled with all the right cuts that will both introduce you to Minnie's many charms, and help longtime listeners remember just what a special talent she was in soul music, before being taken from our planet all too soon! The work here is all post-Rotary Connection, post-Chess Records – when Minnie was out in Cali, and working with key musical partner Richard Rudolph, as well as heavyweights like Stevie Wonder and Leon Ware too. CD features 17 tracks in all – including "Perfect Angel", "Memory Lane", "Lovin You", "Stick Together", "Woman Of Heart & Mind", "Young Willing & Able", "Light My Fire", Simple Things", "Stay In Love", "Can You Feel What I'm Saying", "Wouldn't Matter Where You Are", "Give Me Time", You Take My Breath Away", "Inside My Love", "Here We Go", and "Adventures In Paradise". CD

Roxy Music's third album, and a record that really shows that the group have found a tremendous voice of their own – quite a thing to do, given the heady brew of records that were coming out in the year of 1973! There's a style here that's familiar enough to draw the listener in – maybe some echoes of territory you might hear in work from David Bowie, Lou Reed, John Cale, or the now-solo Brian Eno – but once inside, you find yourself in a completely different world – a mad blend of guitars and strings, saxophones and electronics, all used in these ways that are tuneful enough to be catchy, but also deeply unsettling too – as are the lead vocals of Bryan Ferry, who comes across like some older European singer who's been let out of the madhouse for the sessions. This isn't a singles-heavy record, but instead an album-length journey that never gets old, even as the years move on – and which is as powerful to new ears discovering the record for the first time as to longtime fans. Titles include "Street Life", "Just Like You", "Amazona", "Psalm", "Serenade", "A Song For Europe", "Mother Of Pearl", and "Sunset". CD

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. Expanded anniversary version also features some great material recorded at the same time – the titles "Handsome Johnny", "My Cloud", "Piano Player", "King Henry IV", "Jazz", and 2010 live studio takes of "Home Is Where The Hatred Is", "Is That Jazz", and "Winter In America". CD

Esperanza Spaulding looks more striking than ever on this album cover, but not as striking as the music inside – co-produced by Spaulding with Tony Visconti – the longtime David Bowie collaborator who really brings a sharp sort of focus to the set! Although Esperanza began as a jazz bassist who also happened to sing, by the point of this album she's a fully-formed soul star in her own right – bold, powerful, and progressive – with a vision that's even more moving, almost with a future soul or cosmic crackle at points, instead of some of the warmer, gentler modes from previous recordings. The album's a stunner, and shows that Esperanza Spaulding will be surprising us plenty in years to come – as you'll hear on tracks that include "Earth To Heaven", "Rest In Pleasure", "Elevate Or Operate", "Unconditional Love", "Funk The Fear", "I Want It Now", and "Ebony & Ivy". Deluxe edition features the bonus track "Change Us", plus an extended version of "Unconditional Love", an expanded booklet, and poster too! CD

The music of Robert Wyatt often comes across with a surprisingly poetic quality – one that finally gets its due here in a well-presented book that mixes words from his songs with images and other writings – most done in collaboration with Wyatt's longtime creative partner Alfie Benge! The book's got much of the appeal of Robert Wyatt album covers and CD booklets over the past few decades – many of which have Benge's contributions too – and the artwork is just in just the right balance next to the words, which are further illuminated by some non-lyrical passages that are a great addition to the book. Hardcover volume is 191 pages, with black and white images scattered throughout! Book

The sound of tomorrow, today – served up here with the genius of Brownswood Records – a company who've been one of the most forward-thinking in modern music for quite a few years! Brownswood is run by longtime DJ Gilles Peterson – whose ears are always amazing for picking out sounds that blow our mind – especially when it comes to up-and-coming artists, of the sort who are getting some great exposure here! As with previous volumes, there's a genre-blending mix of soul, jazz, and other styles going on – on cuts that include "Catastrophe" by Tadi The Great, "To Be A Woman" by Plumm, "Voyager One Lost" by Seigfried Komidiashi, "Twice" by Ceeow, "Rough Of The Felt" by Nowsm, "Good & Low Key" by Victoria Jane, "Keeping On" by Jericho Noguera with Buddy Analogue, "Crinje" by Zenel x Plumm, and "Like Summer" by Shirkers x Ceeow. LP, Vinyl record album

A beautiful document of a magical musical moment – one of the few live performances ever of the work of David Axelrod – a concert that's presented here in a special CD & DVD package! Axelrod's 60s albums are the stuff of legend – orchestral efforts with a funky undercurrent, and longtime favorites of beatheads around the globe. And while his best-known efforts have always been the product of careful studio work, he demonstrates here that the Axelrod sound is equally at home in a live setting – played brilliantly by a host of younger British players, with a sense of crispness and sophisticated funk that easily matches his recent album on Mo Wax! The DVD features wonderful footage of the entire show – and the CD captures the music with a clarity that's as great as anything that Axlerod ever did in the studio. Titles include "Holy Are You", "Urizen", "Holy Thursday", "The Edge", "Song Of Innocence", "Smile", "The Human Abstract", and great covers of "Norwegian Wood" and "Paint It Black". CD

A beautiful trio session from Carla Bley – with longtime partners Andy Sheppard on tenor and soprano saxes and Steve Swallow on bass – whose work together has only gotten more lyrical, poetic, and sublime over the years! The 3-part "Andando El Tiempo" builds beautifully in sound – from haunting and meditative, to knowingly sad (though no less beautiful), to brighter and hopeful in mood over its 3 longish pieces. "Saints Alive" is a slow-building gem itself, with the most brilliant interplay between Bley's piano and Swallow's bass of the entire session, and the closer "Naked Bridges/Diving Brides" evokes a variety of moods in its long run on the record. Inspiring work from a longtime favorite composer! CD

Includes the songs "Liza", "Love Walked In", "You Took Advantage Of Me", "The Lady Is A Tramp", "Romance In The Dark", "All My Life", "Where Are You?", "Jeepers Creepers", "You've Changed", "Dream Dancing", "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?", "Get Me To The Church On Time", "I'm Shooting High", "Trav'lin' Light", "Happy Talk", "Younger Than Springtime", "I'm Crazy 'bout My Baby (And My Baby's Crazy 'bout Me)", "My Shining Hour", "Indian Summer", "You're A Sweetheart", "Dickie's Dream/Love Me Or Leave Me", "Shoe Shine Boy", "Memories Of You", and "I Got Rhythm". CD