... 12-inch, Vinyl record

A great Johnny Guitar Watson side project – a set not billed directly to his name on the front, but which has all the great hallmarks of the best Watson albums from the 70s! Johnny produced, wrote songs, played, and sung on the record – but there's also an equal focus on his backing group too – which means maybe a bit lead guitar upfront, and more vocals from the whole ensemble – who work together to give the whole thing a mighty great party sound! In fact, some of the best numbers almost have a roller boogie vibe that's not unlike early hip hop – although other numbers get much bassier, and funkier overall. The whole thing's great – and titles include "Virginia's Pretty Funky", "De John's Delight", "Lady Voo Doo", "Master Funk", and "The Funk If I Know". LP, Vinyl record album

A really cool collection of cuts that we might never have encountered otherwise – all brought together in celebration of 20 years of work from the If Music shop, who clearly just keep on refining their ears over the years! There's so many cuts here that fall in a special space between familiar genres – jazzy instrumentation mixed with folksy vocals, electronic rhythms mixed with warmer instrumentation, ethnic instrumentation fused with jazzy expression, and blends that really keep things interesting throughout – especially as most of these cuts are nice and long, and really explore the ideas at their core! Titles include "We Are Not Invisible" by Ola Szmidt, "Big Kalimba" by Greetje Bijma Kwintet, "Fidji" by Christine Schaller, "Sunday Sea Improvisation" by Tamar Osborn, "Fall In To Me (alt version)" by Emanative & Liz Elensky, "Turkish Showbiz" by Atilla Engin Group, "Dennison Point" by Tenderlonious, and "At The Speed Of Light" by Sarathy Korwar. LP, Vinyl record album

Miles Davis on trumpet, George Coleman on tenor sax, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Tony Williams on drums. CD

Paul Motion on drums with Bill Frisell on guitar and Joe Lovano on tenor saxophone. CD

... 12-inch, Vinyl record

Accompanied by Mulgrew Miller on piano, Lonnie Plaxico on bass, and Terri Lyne Carrington on drums. CD

Features Steve Coleman and Greg Osby on alto, Robin Eubanks on trombone, and Graham Haynes on trumpet. CD

... CD

Tracks from L.T.J Bukem, Chameleon, PFM, Aquarius & Tayla, Peshay, Funky Technicians, Form Form, F. De Wolf, Axis, JMJ & Flytronix, and more. CD

Joey Baron on drums, Ellery Eskelin on tenor saxophone, and Steve Swell on trombone. CD

Tim Berne on alto saxophone & vocals, Hank Roberts on cello and vocals, Mark Dresser on contrabass, giffus and bungy, Joey Baron on drums, synthesizer and electronics, Herb Robertson on trumpet, cornet and laryngeal crowbar, and Mark Feldman on violin. CD

A beautiful set of alto improvisations that has Braxton moving through classic and original music, in a rich array of styles that clearly show his genius on the instrument. The double LP set is filled with great moments – like his readings of "Giant Steps" and "Along Came Betty" – plus originals like "Sova Noub V-(AO)" and "JMK-730 CFN-7". LP, Vinyl record album

Includes the songs "Bad Woman", "Jeep's Blues", "Stoona", "Serenade To Sweden", "Harmony In Harlem","Action In Alexandria", "Tajm", "Isfahan", "Kilian's Lick", "Blousons Noir", "Elysee", "Butter And Oleo", "Got Nobody Now", "M.G.", "Blue Rose", and "July 18th Blues". CD

Includes the songs "Bad Woman", "Jeep's Blues", "Stoona", "Serenade To Sweden", "Harmony In Harlem","Action In Alexandria", "Tajm", "Isfahan", "Kilian's Lick", "Blousons Noir", "Elysee", "Butter And Oleo", "Got Nobody Now", "M.G.", "Blue Rose", and "July 18th Blues". CD

Twin trombones from Robin Eubanks and Steve Turre – the latter of whom also plays some of his cool shells too! Other players include Mulgrew Miller on piano and Charnett Moffett on bass – and as with other JMT albums of this vintage, there's some electric touches too. CD

A further fantastic pairing of drummer Karriem Riggins and production genius Madlib – a set that really seems to open up the flow of both musicians, with a vibe that's deeper, richer, and more sophisticated than most they've given us in the past – quite a claim, considering the great legacy involved! The record's a great illustration of the way that jazz-meets-hip hop sets have evolved since the earliest days of experiments on Stones Throw and other labels – handled with a real love and understanding of jazz deepened by Madlib's years of creating amazing sounds – and served with a continued crisp crackle from Riggins' inventive work on drums! Titles include "Massamba Afundance", "The Clappers Cousin", "Anointed Soul", "All Things", "Otis' Tambourine", and "JMU's Voyage". LP, Vinyl record album

An open, beautiful, and really well-recorded album from guitarist Lage Lund – a set that really lets all the careful tones and colors of his music come across beautifully – as he plays in a spacious trio with Matthew Brewer on bass and Tyshawn Sorey on drums! Lage is always a chromatic master, but that quality seems even more foregrounded here, in a way that certainly marks Lund as one of the most distinct talents of his generation on guitar – and a player who really advances some of work of the important masters on his instrument, in ways that hits territory that they never would have even expected – yet all while working with a subtle sense of beauty that easily avoids any gimmicks or tricks. Titles include "Vashkar", "En La Orilla Del Mundo", "Bobby's Tune, "Ashes", "Everything Means Nothing To Me", and "Erato" LP, Vinyl record album

With Enzo Carpentieri on drums and percussion. CD

John McLaughlin on acoustic guitar and Photon guitar synthesizer, Kai Eckhardt on electric bass, and Trilok Gurtu on percussion. CD

Greg Osby on alto and soprano sax, Kevin McNeal on guitar, Lonnie Plaxico on bass, and Paul Samuels on drums. CD

Hank Roberts on cello, vocals & jazz a phone fiddle, Django Bates on piano, synthesizer & tenor horn plus Arto Tuncboyaciyanon percussion & vocals. CD

Alice Russell's neo classic funk soul style gets the remix treatment – a sprawling 2CD set with remixes by DJ Vadim, Mr Scruff, Kid Gusto, Clonious, J-Boogie, Shawn Lee, Ohmega Watts, Ticklah, The Heavy, DJ Day & Clutchy Hopkins, Yellowtail and others! Alice Russell is a surprising choice for this kind of remix project, given the depth of reverent soul in her voice, and the general old school modeled songs, but she's in the hands of producers who know how to craft a timeless club groove without sacrificing the soul – keeping the original integrity of the tunes in place while putting their personal stamp on the groove. 22 tracks on 2CDs: "Let us Be Loving" (Kidkanevil rmix), "Got The Hunger?" (DJ Vadim rmx), "All Alone" (Mocean Worker rmx), "Lights Went Out" (LJM rmx), "Two Steps" (Shawn Lee's 7 Inches Of Soul rmx), "All Alone" (DJ Day Meets Clutchy Hopkins remx., "Universe" (GRC's Quiet Carnival mix) and more. CD

French bassist Henri Texier has given us some really amazing music over the decades – but this rare gem from the late 70s may be one of his grooviest records overall – and has this criss-crossing of styles that's really fantastic! Texier doesn't just play acoustic bass, but also electric, percussion, and even a bit of oud – which he uses to create this cool global jazz sound, but in a way that's very unique – partly because a number of the tracks have wordless vocals from Henri, kind of floating over the top and really bringing a sense of majesty to the music! If you love Texier's work on acoustic bass, don't worry – as the record also still features plenty of superb work on that instrument too, really captured here with a strong yet subtle sonic quality. Titles include "L'Elephant", "Quand Le Blues S'En Ira", "Les La Bas", "Angele", "Mr Donald Cerise", "L'Ultime Danse", and "Varech". LP, Vinyl record album

... CD

Maybe the best album that Johnny Watson cut during his DJM years – a totally tight, totally soulful set that avoids any fake funk cliches! The record's got some wonderful trippy numbers – cut in that slow g-funky mode that was Johnny's huge legacy to the west coast scene – best of these is the classic "Superman Lover", a great little cut with a very catchy hook, and just the right dose of humor. But you'll also catch the same vibe on "I Want To Ta Ta You Baby", "Ain't That A Bitch", and "I Need It". Johnny's sitting on the cover, surrounded by ladies and a dog – and the back cover says "My apologies to Freddie, my guitar, for forgetting to bring him to the photo session." What a guy! LP, Vinyl record album

Johnny Guitar Watson at the top of his game – working here in a sublime mix of funk, blues, and soul – all crafted into a groove that was uniquely Watson's own! Johnny may have started the 70s in relative obscurity – down from some hit work in the 50s and 60s – but by the time of this set, he was back on top, and working in a confident groove that few others from his older era could ever hope to achieve! There's a youthful sense of sex and soul that run through the entire set – an effortlessly slinky groove that never goes too over the top in the funk department, and which makes just the right use of electric instrumentation and tripped-out production, but never gets too wrapped up in either – and often comes off with some great jazzy touches as well. Titles include the anthemic "Real Mother For Ya", plus "Your Love Is My Love", "The Real Deal", "Tarzan", "I Wanna Thank You", and "Lover Jones". LP, Vinyl record album

A haunting set from Cassandra Wilson – freely creative, and a good example of the way that she was one of the few singers pushing the boundaries of jazz vocal expression in the 80s! The set's never too over the top, but it does feature lots of artful touches on the instrumentation – and in the way that Wilson chooses and sings her material. There's a slight bit of a New York downtown edge to the record, although the performance is relatively straightforward overall – and players include Steve Coleman on alto, Graham Haynes on trumpet, Rod Williams on piano, and Jean-Paul Bourelly on guitar. Arrangements are by Wilson, Olu Dara, Bourelly, and Henry Threadgill – and titles include "Days Aweigh", "Subatomic Blues", "If You Only Know How", "Black & Yellow", and "Some Other Time". LP, Vinyl record album

Artists include Cajmere, Dajae, Hard Corey & Wray, Outhere Brothers, Workin' Happily, Green Velvet, and Jump Chico Slam. CD

One of the greatest 70s moments from film composer John Addison – music scored for an all-star movie that was maybe a bit too all-star in the long run – but which features Addison really knocking it out of the park with the music! The vibe is more like the best 60s war dramas than you'd guess from the date – orchestrations that mix together bold passages of action with some more subtle dramatic moments – woodwinds and strings used by Addison with effortless ease, and often some nicely dark touches lurking in the deep backgrounds! Titles include "Human Roadblock", "Nijmegen Bridge", "Underground Resistance", "Before The Holocaust", "A Dutch Rhapsody", and "March Of The Paratroopers". CD

With Charlie Haden on bass and Paul Motian on drums. CD

A really beautiful album from keyboardist Ray Angry – a set that not only sparkles from his own great work on Hammond, piano, and Fender Rhodes – but also from a killer quintet that includes Derrick Hodge on bass, Eric Harland on drums, Ambrose Akinmusire on trumpet, and Myron Waldon on a variety of saxes! If you're a fan of any of the players in the mix, you'll find plenty here to love – and in fact, it's almost as if the album gives each of them the hippest sort of setting that they've had in awhile, maybe even more than on their own albums as leaders – as there's this magical sense of flow that has the notes and rhythms cascading about in really fresh directions. Ray wrote most of the titles – and tunes include "Bjork City", "Number One Love", "Bleeding Heart", "Circles INside You", "Gamma Ray", "Jake-Ism", and "It Might Be Gold". LP, Vinyl record album

Features Joey Baron on drums and electronics, Tim Berne on alto, and Hank Roberts on cello, voice, and electronics! CD

Features Joey Baron on drums and electronics, Tim Berne on alto, and Hank Roberts on cello, voice, and electronics! CD

Vibist Sasha Berliner has a really great touch here – a style that's almost elliptical at times, as she builds and builds these waves of sound on the vibes – creating a magical flow that really makes the whole album a strong statement for her ever-growing talents! The lineup also helps with the sound of the record a lot too – a great combo that includes alto from Jaleel Shaw and Fender Rhodes and piano from James Francies – players who step back at the right moments, then soar right in and spice things up. The rhythms have a nice crackle that matches Sasha's energy, too – drums from Marcus Gilmore and bass from Burniss Travis. Thana Alexa sings on "Crescent Park" – and all other tunes are instrumental, and include "Jade", "NW", "Boom's Epilogue", "Polaris", and "Ephemerality". LP, Vinyl record album

Tim Berne on alto and baritone sax, David Sanborn on alto and sopranino sax, Marc Ducret on electric guitar, Hank Roberts on cello, and Joey Baron on drums. CD

Features Tim Berne on alto, Chris Speed on tenor and clarinet, Michael Formanek on bass, Jim Black on drums, and Marc Ducret on electric guitar. CD

Features Tim Berne on alto, Chris Speed on tenor and clarinet, Michael Formanek on bass, Jim Black on drums, and Marc Ducret on electric guitar. CD

Uri Caine on piano, Dave Holland on bass, Don Byron on bass clarinet, Ralph Peterson on drums, Don Alias on percussion, Gary Thomas on tenor saxophone and flute, Joshua Roseman on trombone, and Dave Douglas on trumpet. CD

One of the richest albums we've ever heard from saxophonist James Carter – and one of the sparest too, given that he only blows solo throughout the entire album! We're much more used to hearing Carter on tenor sax – and usually in the company of a small combo, where his classic tone has created great albums for many years. Yet here, he's blowing baritone throughout, and with this open style that still manages to swing nicely without any other backing – a balance between jazz tradition and open improvisation that makes the record so wonderful! There's definitely moments here that resonate with solo work by Hamiet Bluiett or David Murray, but Carter has an approach that's very much his own. Most titles are originals – and tunes include "Shipyard Ramble", "UN", "Ming", "Life Phases Take 2", "Nemesis", "Prince Lasha", and "Stepping Into Beauty". LP, Vinyl record album

With tracks by Napoleon Da Legend, Nejma Nefertiti, Finsta, and Shabaam Sahdeeq. 12-inch, Vinyl record

Features Dave Holland on acoustic bass, Greg Osby on alto saxophone, Marvin "Smitty" Smith on drums, Lonnie Plaxico on electric bass, Kevin Eubanks on guitar, Kenny Werner and Renee Rosnes on keyboards, and Mino Cinelu on percussion. CD

... 7-inch, Vinyl record

Roberto Magris on piano, Alfredo Chacon on vibraphone and congas, Dion Kerr on bass, and Rodolfo Zuniga on drums. CD

A quartet session that mixes vibes and piano – the former from Aleksander Sever, the latter from Floris Kappeyne – but in a way that's nicely different from any sort of historical precedents – such as work from the MJQ or George Shearing, and maybe even more recent recordings from duos like Joe Locke and Kenny Barron! There's a round sort of warmth going on here – a flow that's maybe directed first by piano, then followed by the vibes – and driven equally by the richness of the rhythm work of Omer Govreen on bass and Wouter Kuhne on drums, both players who give the record a dynamic energy that's a really nice change from some of the colder, gentler efforts that might feature vibes and piano. As with other albums on the JMI label, the recording quality really brings out a great deal of color in the performance – on titles that include "Tired", "Trust", "God's Word", "Maya", "Heal", "Fragility", and "Inwoods". LP, Vinyl record album

Tim Berne on alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, and reverse voodoo vibes; Hank Roberts on cello , voice, fiddle, and elephant balls; Joey Baron on drums, membranophone, and shactronics. CD

Two fantastic cuts from a really unique group – both totally great! "Ninno" has almost a bossa sort of groove – tight drums from Questlove, warm organ from Ray Angry, and this searing, soulful tenor solo from the great David Murray! All those elements are in place on "5 Minute Joint" – but in a looser, very different way that's mighty nice! 7-inch, Vinyl record

Ambitious folksy work from British trio Jade – a set that definitely fits into the best acid folk style of the time! There's often a bit of fuller backings in the mix here – nothing slick or commercial, but just a slight use of strings or other instrumentation to give the tunes the right sense of majesty and timing – especially when some well-placed piano lines are used alongside the acoustic guitar to underscore some of the best dark elements of the tunes. Vocals are never too trilling, nor too personal either – and there's almost a bit more confidence to Jade's approach than some of their contemporaries. Titles include "Amongst Anenomies", "Raven", "Fly On Strangewings", "Alan's Song", "Bad Magic", "Clippership", and "Five Of Us". LP, Vinyl record album

Not a straight session of bossa nova jazz, but a record that maybe takes its title seriously – and served up a love letter to the Brazilian music style, but one that's got the very individual spirit of the leader in its groove! The record is a jazz date first and foremost, with Antero Sievert on piano, Fender Rhodes, and other keyboards as well – working in a warm, well-recorded quintet that also features some wonderful work on flute from Elena Pinderhughes, round basslines from Corcoran Holt, and percussion from Pedrito Martinez – plus subtle use of the arpa llanera by Edmar Castaneda – an instrument that, along with the percussion, really helps break any too-familiar expectations in the music. The recording quality is wonderful, tunes are all Sievert originals, and tracks include "Por Supuesto", "Sin Rumbo", "Dear Bossa", "Disfruta", "Pajaro", "Vagabundo", and "Esperanzado". LP, Vinyl record album

A really striking set of duets – one that opens up a whole new chapter in the career of pianist Helen Sung – and which maybe also offers one of the first instances we've seen of just a piano and trumpet coming together for a record! We love the music of Marquis Hill, and the sharp phrasing of the trumpeter is a perfect choice to match Helen's work here on the piano (and a bit of Fender Rhodes) – as the pair move beautifully through a set that features mostly original compositions by Sung. There's a loose feel to the tunes, but things are never too free either – and both players really feel as if they have been working together in this mode for a long time – as you'll hear on titles that include "Measure", "The Window", "Awakening", "Everybody's Waltz", "Perpetual", and "Playtime". LP, Vinyl record album

A 70s classic from bassist Henri Texier – a musician who's been a key part of the French jazz scene for decades, and already had a very unusual approach in his early years! Texier is fantastic here on acoustic bass – but he's also already opening up in so many other ways too – sometimes vocalizing wordlessly alongside his instrument, sometimes going electric, and always avoiding the temptation to get too moody that he'd forget to swing – which sometimes happened with other 70s bass pioneers. A number of cuts even have a cool global jazz component – but not in a hokey way at all – as Texier mixes oud alongside the bass, and also uses a bit of flute, cello, and percussion. Titles include "Homme Rouge", "Quand Tout S'Arrete", "Les Korrigans", "Amir", and "Le Sage Le Singe Et Les Petits Enfants". LP, Vinyl record album

Maybe the best album that Johnny Watson cut during his DJM years – a totally tight, totally soulful set that avoids any fake funk cliches! The record's got some wonderful trippy numbers – cut in that slow g-funky mode that was Johnny's huge legacy to the west coast scene – best of these is the classic "Superman Lover", a great little cut with a very catchy hook, and just the right dose of humor. But you'll also catch the same vibe on "I Want To Ta Ta You Baby", "Ain't That A Bitch", and "I Need It". Johnny's sitting on the cover, surrounded by ladies and a dog – and the back cover says "My apologies to Freddie, my guitar, for forgetting to bring him to the photo session." What a guy! CD

Tripped-out funk from Johnny – very much in his "I Got To Ta Ta Ya Baby" mode, with the guitar skipping around keyboards in a mellow Bay Area kind of way! Johnny's gone way way past his bluesy roots here – into a sublime blend of soul and funk that's all crafted with just the right amount of lightly spacey touches. The Watson vocals are totally on the money throughout – sliding into the mix in that seductive way that often has Johnny singing beautifully alongside his guitar. Titles include "It's All About The Dollar Bill", "Funk Beyond The Call Of Duty", "Barn Door", "Love That Will Not Die", 'I'm Gonna Get You Baby", "Give Me My Love", and "It's A Damn Shame". LP, Vinyl record album

Accompanied by Mulgrew Miller on piano, Lonnie Plaxico on bass, and Terri Lyne Carrington on drums. Titles include "Shall We Dance", "Polka Dots And Moon Beams", "I've Grown Accustomed To His Face", "Sweet Lorraine", "Blue Skies", and more. LP, Vinyl record album

An extremely well-done collection of underground house from the Chicago, Detroit, and New York scenes of the past 20 years – not a "greatest hits" at all, but an even-better assortment of hard to find gems and oft-overlooked singles! DJ Deep put the whole thing together, and he's really given the matter some careful consideration – a fact that's apparent when you read his notes on each tune in the set. Disc 1 features a mixed assortment of Chicago and Detroit work from years back, and disc 2 is an unmixed collection that brings the groove into later years. There's a heck of a lot here that you'll have a hard time finding anywhere else – and the 2CD package features 25 tracks in all, with titles that include "The Groove" by Da Posse, "Kaos (Juice Bar mix)" by Rhythm Is Rhythm, "Expanded" by Jeff Mills, "Acid Tracks" by DJ Pierre, "Phylyps Track Vol 1" by Basic Channel, "Elements" by Psyche, "Jupiter Jazz" by World 2 World, "Don't Lead Me (Nexus 21 mix)" by Terry Baldwin featuring Paris Grey, "I Feel It" by Kerri Chandler, "House Flashback" by Ron Hardy, "I Like To Move" by LB Bad, "String Ensemble" by Byron Burke, "12 Inches Of Pleasure" by Ron Trent & Braxton Holmes, "Dream State" by Cajmere with Derrick Carter, "Fallin In Love" by Burrell, "Keep Movin" by Mike Perras, "You're Someone Special" by Mr Fingers, and "How I Feel" by Lil Louis. CD

Tracks Cagedbaby, Tennishero, Mish Mash, Restless & Volatile, Shaolin Master Feat. Siobhan, Juliet Roberts, T Funk Feat. Inaya Day, Wilder & Clarke Feat. Katherine Ellis, Cajmere Feat. Dajae, Shiny Grey, Southside Hustlers, and more. CD

Tracks from Lev Ozar, The Idiots, Martin H, Marco V, Cajmere, Airmale, Curitiba, Angelo Kortez, William Umana, Jazmina, Jahkey B, and more. CD

A rare live set – recorded in Paris in 1961! CD

... LP, Vinyl record album

A wonderful early record from Elton John – recorded live in the studio, and with a freer, more open vibe than some of his other albums! The approach is wonderful – and really showcases that sort of special spirit that Elton was creating with the group – but at a grittier level that maybe even ties the whole sound even more strongly to his American inspirations. Titles include a very long version of "Burn Down The Mission" – plus "Bad Side Of The Moon", "Take Me To The Pilot", "Sixty Years On", "Can I Put You On", and "Honky Tonk Women". LP, Vinyl record album

Really wonderful work from the early 90s scene in Khartoum – sounds that have a much more 70s-styled sound than you might expect! That sound is in keeping with Kamal Keila, who was never a mainstream artist at all – and instead made material like this away from the limelight, which might account for the older spirit – as the music mixes together currents of vintage American soul, particularly some of the Texas horn-heavy bands of the late 60s – plus a bit of Ethiopian flair in the rhythms, and maybe even a bit of bluesy inflections in Keila's voice – even though the music is hardly in the realm of blues at all! The whole thing is as compelling as it is righteous – a quality you'll certainly discover in the English language lyrics of the set, which comprise about half the material. Titles include "Agricultural Revolution", "Sudan In The Heart Of Africa", "Muslims & Christians", "African Unity", "Taban Ahwak", "Ya Shanifi", and "Ajmal Youm". LP, Vinyl record album

A 70s classic from bassist Henri Texier – a musician who's been a key part of the French jazz scene for decades, and already had a very unusual approach in his early years! Texier is fantastic here on acoustic bass – but he's also already opening up in so many other ways too – sometimes vocalizing wordlessly alongside his instrument, sometimes going electric, and always avoiding the temptation to get too moody that he'd forget to swing – which sometimes happened with other 70s bass pioneers. A number of cuts even have a cool global jazz component – but not in a hokey way at all – as Texier mixes oud alongside the bass, and also uses a bit of flute, cello, and percussion. Titles include "Homme Rouge", "Quand Tout S'Arrete", "Les Korrigans", "Amir", and "Le Sage Le Singe Et Les Petits Enfants". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the last great records by Johnny Guitar Watson – and an album that's got some wonderfully subdued moments, which is a real relief after some of the too-funky bits on some of his other sets from the late 70s! Johnny returns to the tight soul of the mid 70s Fantasy LPs – still keeping the guitar up in the mix, but also really focusing on his wonderfully compressed style of vocals – a slightly tripped out mode that dances along beautifully with the guitar – ta-ta-ing us to some great mellow grooves, and really letting Watson's personality shine! Titles include "Love Jones", "Asante Sana", "Lone Ranger", and "Children of the Universe". LP, Vinyl record album