Really wonderful sounds from Meiko Kaji – an actress as well as a singer, one who was famous for her Nikkatsu work at the start of the 70s – and who delivers the songs here with a similar sense of darkly moody drama! The music often mixes rock touches with larger arrangements – and the recording quality is completely sublime – so that Meiko's voice is right out front in the mix, really commanding the proceedings with a vibe that's expressive, but in ways that are very different than Japanese female vocals from the decade before. You might recognize her voice from use of her music by Quentin Tarantino – but you hardly need that reference to enjoy this set – a wonderful album full of gems that include "Wara No Ue", "Onna Somuki Uta", "Onna Hagure Uta", "Nigori Onna", "Urami Bushi", "Betuni Doutte Koto Demo Nishi", "Hitora Kaze", and "Onna Kawaki Uta". CD

Really wonderful sounds from Meiko Kaji – an actress as well as a singer, one who was famous for her Nikkatsu work at the start of the 70s – and who delivers the songs here with a similar sense of darkly moody drama! The music often mixes rock touches with larger arrangements – and the recording quality is completely sublime – so that Meiko's voice is right out front in the mix, really commanding the proceedings with a vibe that's expressive, but in ways that are very different than Japanese female vocals from the decade before. You might recognize her voice from use of her music by Quentin Tarantino – but you hardly need that reference to enjoy this set – a wonderful album full of gems that include "Wara No Ue", "Onna Somuki Uta", "Onna Hagure Uta", "Nigori Onna", "Urami Bushi", "Betuni Doutte Koto Demo Nishi", "Hitora Kaze", and "Onna Kawaki Uta". LP, Vinyl record album

A really unusual album from the 80s Lebanese scene – very different than you might expect, and a record with so many different things going on at once! There's plenty of elements of sophisticated soul and west coast 70s jazz funk in the lineup – but Ziad Rahbani also blends these with more introspective passages that really shift the vibe of the record – and also mixes in some instrumental cuts that serve almost more to set the scene in ways that push the complex agenda of the record! There's almost a level of presentation here that's more like a hip French record of the period – tuneful and catchy at times, but with more thoughtful qualities as well – handled by a core instrumental ensemble, and with vocals from Ziad, plus singers Sami Haouat, Stephany, and Monica. Titles include "The Same", "Don't Go", "5 to 7pm", "Bisaraha", "For Sure", "Khalas", "Bil Nisbi La Boukra", and "Yalla Kichou Barra". LP, Vinyl record album

A pivotal album in the career of Ryuichi Sakamoto – a set that got wide global circulation right at a time when he was a rising star on the screen as much as a surprising international music star as well – of the sort who became a key global representative for all the changes that had been taking place in Japanese music at the start of the 80s! Sakamoto's got an elegant look on the cover, and the music shares that approach too – jazzier than before, but still with that key knowledge of electronic elements that Ryuichi had in YMO – almost a blend of late 70s Japanese fusion with keyboards, samples, and other technology that Sakamoto helped bring into the mainstream at the time – but also with a quality that points the way to soundtrack shifts in the Ghibli generation! This package presents the original Japanese album – not the Illustrated Musical Encyclopedia set that was circulated globally – with tracks that include "May In The Backyard", "Paradise Lost", "Self Portrait", "Etude", "Tibetan Dance", "Tribute To NJP", and other titles in Japanese. Also includes bonus material from the 12" EP – "Replica", "Tibetan Dance (version)", and "Ma Mere L'Oye". CD

An early album from Japanese genius Akiko Yano, and one that features some key contributions from American jazz and fusion players – in a lineup that brings some surprisingly funky touches to the record too! Akiko's vocals and unique song structures still have all the charms you'll know from other records, but there's also a groove at points that's totally great – a vibe that's picking up from that moment when Japanese singers and musicians were traveling over the Pacific to work with American players for a really cool blend! The album features keyboards from Roger Powell, Hammond from Will Boulware, drums from Steve Jordan, and guitar from David Spinozza – plus plenty of moog and other keyboards from Akiko and Hideki Matsutake. Titles include "Yo Ro Ko Bi", "Uo Sao", "Katarun Kararan", "Kodomo Tachi", "Okina Ishi", "Two On The Stage", and "Andante Cantabile". CD

Sweet funky fusion from the Japanese scene at the end of the 70s – work that's all from the mighty Electric Bird label, an imprint who were as important to Japan as CTI/Kudu were in the US! As with that famous pairing of labels, Electric Bird helped artists find a new groove with a sweet electric mode – still very jazz-based, but with just the right influences from soul and funk as well – which helped some players hit a very cool vibe – including a few of American artists too, as Electric Bird were always one for cross-pollination between the scenes! There's an especially strong emphasis on keyboard lines – and titles include "Summer Time" by Yasuaki Shimizu, "Night Life" by Ronnie Foster, "Living In A City" by Toshiyuki Honda, "In The Sky" by Shunzo Ohno, "Let's Get Together" by Mikio Masuda, "Night Breeze" by Bobby Lyle, and "Space Traveler" by Katsutoshi Morizono. CD

Sweet funky fusion from the Japanese scene at the end of the 70s – work that's all from the mighty Electric Bird label, an imprint who were as important to Japan as CTI/Kudu were in the US! As with that famous pairing of labels, Electric Bird helped artists find a new groove with a sweet electric mode – still very jazz-based, but with just the right influences from soul and funk as well – which helped some players hit a very cool vibe – including a few of American artists too, as Electric Bird were always one for cross-pollination between the scenes! There's an especially strong emphasis on keyboard lines – and titles include "Summer Time" by Yasuaki Shimizu, "Night Life" by Ronnie Foster, "Living In A City" by Toshiyuki Honda, "In The Sky" by Shunzo Ohno, "Let's Get Together" by Mikio Masuda, "Night Breeze" by Bobby Lyle, and "Space Traveler" by Katsutoshi Morizono. LP, Vinyl record album

A lost side of work from 70s funk powerhouse Mainstream Records – a company best known for its jazz albums of the early 70s, but one that also cut some great soul and club material too! Most of the work here came out only as singles, and wasn't nearly as well-circulated as the albums on Mainstream – and much of it was much more underground too, from a time when funk groups were picking up the pace a bit for the new styles of dance on the scene – yet still nicely far from the more slickly produced disco that would top the charts at the end of the 70s! Most tracks appear here on vinyl for the first time since the 70s – and titles include the unissued "Disco Man (parts 1 & 2)" by Three Ounces Of Love – plus "Get Down Get Down" by South Side Coalition, "Music Is Fun To Me" by The Grand Jury, "We've Got To Get Together" by Chocolate Syrup, "Gonna Have A Good Time" by Crystal Image, "Nothing Between Us" by Electric Ladies, "Whatever's Your Sign You've Got To Be Mine" by Prophecy, "Hundred Pounds Of Pain" by Lenny Welch, and "No Rebate On Love" by The Dramatics. LP, Vinyl record album

A record with a great mix of subtle drama and soulful styles – served up by Egyptian singer Nagat, with help from the Al Massrieen group of Hany Shenouda! This isn't all-out Arabic club music, but there's some contemporary instrumentation in the mix that really works well – especially on the title track that leads off the whole first side of the album, an extended track that builds over the space of almost 20 minutes in length! Nagat's vocals are wonderful – very distinct, with a power that's hard to describe – and titles include "Eyoun El Alb", "Fakra", "Ana Bashaa El Bahr", and "Bahlam Meaak". Originally only issued on cassette! LP, Vinyl record album

One of the hippest albums ever from the team of Harold Land and Bobby Hutcherson – and a set that's even more open than some of their other records on Blue Note or Chess! This set's a bit more electric than some of the other records from the pair – with these drawn-out Fender Rhodes lines from Bill Henderson – who comps and vamps with modal energy that really draws out some searing, searching solos from Land's tenor! Bobby's vibes are maybe a bit more restrained, but offer a key element in the overall soundshape of the record – and the rest of the lineup includes Reggie Johnson on bass, Ndugu and Woody Theus on drums, and Harold Land Jr on additional piano. All tracks are long – and titles include "Black Caucus", "Our Home", "Up & Down", and "Choma". LP, Vinyl record album

A pivotal album in the career of Ryuichi Sakamoto – a set that got wide global circulation right at a time when he was a rising star on the screen as much as a surprising international music star as well – of the sort who became a key global representative for all the changes that had been taking place in Japanese music at the start of the 80s! Sakamoto's got an elegant look on the cover, and the music shares that approach too – jazzier than before, but still with that key knowledge of electronic elements that Ryuichi had in YMO – almost a blend of late 70s Japanese fusion with keyboards, samples, and other technology that Sakamoto helped bring into the mainstream at the time – but also with a quality that points the way to soundtrack shifts in the Ghibli generation! This package presents the original Japanese album – not the Illustrated Musical Encyclopedia set that was circulated globally – with tracks that include "May In The Backyard", "Paradise Lost", "Self Portrait", "Etude", "Tibetan Dance", "Tribute To NJP", and other titles in Japanese. Also includes bonus material from the 7" single – "Replica" and "Ma Mere L'Oye". LP, Vinyl record album

Brilliant live work from trumpeter Freddie Hubbard – a set of well-recorded, long and open tracks that really lets him stretch out on his solos – and direct a majestic group of musicians as a leader! We already love Freddie Hubbard in the studio, but on a live record like this he always seems to find deeper, more powerful currents in his music – soaring out with a lineup that includes George Cables on Fender Rhodes, Junior Cook on tenor and flute, Kent Brinkley on bass, and Michael Carvin on drums – mostly playing tunes from the CTI years, but with a very different, more spontaneous vibe. Each track runs the length of the side of a record – and titles include long takes on "Sky Dive", "The Intrepid Fox", "Povo", and "First Light". CD

The debut album from Meiko Kaji – an artist most folks knew first as an actress, but whose voice finds a wonderful setting in this record! There's a gentle current of funk to most tracks – stepping electric bass next to soaring strings, a bit of horns, and great use of koto from time to time – all to create this mellow groove that's totally great, and instantly appealling – which then opens the door to the subtle drama that Meiko brings to her vocals – beautifully sung, but with a presence that's very gripping, even if you don't understand the lyrics – and really served up in the best way possible, given the arrangements! Lyrics and titles are in Japanese – and tunes include "Shitto", "Aieno Kitai", "Ginchou Wataridori", "Jingi Komoriuta", "Ginchou Buruusu", "Hamabeno Meruhen", and "Yogiro Sukina Anata". LP, Vinyl record album

Very early work from Ramuntcho Matta – a French artist with a long legacy of creative activity, heard here on a set of tracks that mix arty inclinations with some very cool new wave elements! The music is maybe a bit like some of the more experimental creations from the New York downtown scene of the early 80s – especially those recordings by artists who can work in more conventional modes, but are willing to be a bit more creative, especially when it comes to using new technologies to express themselves. Matta handles a range of guitars, organ, piano, bass, and all sorts of tapes and effects – with guest percussion on many tracks, and vocals from singer Elli Medeiros on two of the tracks. Titles include "Hop Hop", "Zoique 2", "Assemblage", "Jeunes Et Vielles", "Opi", "Gesti", "Irimi Nage", "Wallaroo", "All Those Years", and "Harpie". LP features the bonus unissued instrumental of "Une A Une". LP, Vinyl record album

Japanese pianist Yuji Ohno started out in jazz, but soon had a role in so many different styles on his scene during the 70s – arranging for singers, doing soundtrack material, and serving up work in a whole host of different contexts – many of which are included in this mighty nice set! The vibe is funky and electric on most numbers, but Ohno plays acoustic here and there – and the set mixes vocal numbers and instrumentals in a really great way, both English and Japanese, with more than enough diversity to show you Yuji's skills in a range of different modes. Ohno is involved with every cut in the set – and titles include "Silhouette" by You & The Explosion Band, "Subterranean Futari Botchi" by Nanako Sato, "I Wish You Love" by Hatsumi Shibata, "Lilac Gai No Aki" by Ken Tanaka, "I Want To Be Happy" by Mieko Hirota, "Soaring Seagull" by Electric Keyboard Orchestra, "Mouichido Kikasete" by Hatsumi Shibata, and "Kiarameku Inner Space" by Yuji Ohno & Galaxy. LP, Vinyl record album

A masterpiece of electronic work from Ryuichi Sakamoto – and a record that may well be reaching for the universal language promised in the title! The set's not nearly as pop-oriented as some of Sakamoto's other work from the time – mostly instrumental, and with a spirit that's like some of his best soundtrack material, and maybe a bit like some of the other minimalist work coming from Japan during the period – save for the fact that Sakamoto always brings in a bit more, and has some unusual sonic elements that lurk in the background and make for a nice amount of surprises! Titles include "A Carved Stone", "Angelic Penguins", "Rain Song", "Dolphins", "A Wongga Dance Song", "The Dreaming", "A Human Tube", and "Ulu Watu". LP, Vinyl record album

The great Sylvia Robinson hit the charts in the 70s with a huge crossover hit – but somehow, this album from the time has always been one of her trickiest to find – a complete gem through and through, done with a slinky, sexy style that's completely outta sight! Robinson's maybe best known as the force behind Sugarhill Records – but a few years before, she was already a maestro in the studio at the helm of the Vibration/All-Platinum label – cooking up sublime New Jersey soul tracks with other groups, and using all those talents on her own vocals as well! There's a mellow, midtempo groove to the set – just like Sylvia's big hit – and the approach is perfect for her sensual vocals – on titles that include "I Can't Help It", "Pussycat", "Soul Je T'Aime", "Sho Nuff Boogie", "Private Performance", "The Notion", and "Coward's Way Out". LP, Vinyl record album

A fantastic record – and one of those rare moments when an avant group can serve up a bit of funk! This lost bit of work was recorded live in St Louis in 1973 – part of the Black Artists Group scene that was the city's answer to Chicago's AACM movement of the late 60s. Alto player Luther Thomas heads up the group, which features Charles Shaw on drums, JD Parran on reeds, Marvin Horne on guitar, Eric Foreman on bass – plus guest work from AACM visitors Joseph and Lester Bowie! The set kicks off with the 18 minute monster track "Funky Donkey" – an unbridled funky jam that mixes tight fast rhythms with skilled way-out solos, very much in the mode of "Nation Time" from Joe McPhee's album of similar vintage. The cut's a stone monster – and it's backed here by "Una New York", which has a more avant feel, but an equally exciting mix of styles. LP, Vinyl record album

The Japanese scene of the 70s had plenty of experiments that blended contemporary and traditional instrumentation – but this album-length jam from percussionist Stomu Yamashta may well be one of the most striking from the time! You'll no doubt know Stomu from some of his later records that got more global circulation – but this set was originally only issued in Japan, and mixes some of his progressive leaning with a very free jazz sensibility – served up by a quartet that also features Masahiko Satoh on organ, Takehisa Kosugi on electric violin, and Hideakira Sakurai on electric koto, shamisen, and more percussion! Stomu himself is unbound, and plays with a frenzy we've not heard before – and the mix of the other instrumentation, especially koto and shamisen, creates all these really unusual sounds and tones throughout. The album features one long track, recorded live at Yamaha Hall in Tokyo! CD

An early album from Japanese genius Akiko Yano, and one that features some key contributions from American jazz and fusion players – in a lineup that brings some surprisingly funky touches to the record too! Akiko's vocals and unique song structures still have all the charms you'll know from other records, but there's also a groove at points that's totally great – a vibe that's picking up from that moment when Japanese singers and musicians were traveling over the Pacific to work with American players for a really cool blend! The album features keyboards from Roger Powell, Hammond from Will Boulware, drums from Steve Jordan, and guitar from David Spinozza – plus plenty of moog and other keyboards from Akiko and Hideki Matsutake. Titles include "Yo Ro Ko Bi", "Uo Sao", "Katarun Kararan", "Kodomo Tachi", "Okina Ishi", "Two On The Stage", and "Andante Cantabile". LP, Vinyl record album

One of our favorite record labels of all time finally gets its due – in a wonderful package that not only brings together some of the coolest cuts from the legendary French imprint Saravah Records, but also tells the story behind the company and it's groundbreaking approach to music! Saravah was born from the fame of Francis Lai's soundtrack for A Man & A Woman (Un Homme Et Une Femme), and from the lyrical contributions of Pierre Barouh – but immediately after, the company began pursuing a musical path like no other – taking on strands of jazz, world music, and the hippest styles in France – and creating new music that was unlike anything that had ever been recorded! Some of the best moments from the legendary label are here – including tracks that have the Art Ensemble of Chicago working with singers – Marva Broome on "Mystifying Mama", Alfred Panou on "Je Suis Un Sauvage", and Brigitte Fontaine on "Comme A La Radio" – plus more titles that include "Monsieur Chimpanze" by Michel Roques, "Sicilienne" by Maurice Vander, "Delhi Daily" by Baroque Jazz Trio, "Le Bruit Et Le Bruit" by Beatrice Arnac, "EDF Power" by EDF, "Trane's Call" by Georges Arvanitas, "Saudade" by Pierre Barouh & Baden Powell, "Je Jouais Le Piano" by Jacques Higelin, "Desert Angel" by Cohelmec Ensemble, and "80 AB" by Areski. CD

Oliver Cheatham sounds wonderful here – in that best bouncy style that made him a big favorite on the dancefloors in the early 80s – a groove that's still pretty darn great all these years later! The set features key songwriting help from Al Hudson and Kevin McCord, both of whom help enforce the One Way style of grooving here – nicely punched-up club tracks filled with plenty of hooks, mixed with the odd mellower number to show that the album's a solid soul effort all the way through – and not just some dance tracks cooked up in the studio! Cheatham's vocals are great – better than we remember – and titles include "Everybody Wants To Be The Boss", "I Want Your Love I Need Your Love", "Boogie Stomp", "Don't Take Your Love Away", and "I Gave Myself To You". LP, Vinyl record album

Just the way we like it from SOS Band – tight, but never too uptight – grooving, but never too over the top either – and with plenty of room for mellower moments that really round the album out nicely! The set's got SOS right at the height of their famous run for Tabu Records – and does a great job of distilling all the things the group had done so well – including learning how to produce their own sounds to perfection, which they do here on cuts that aren't handled by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis! SOS maintain a great sense of flow throughout – and really keep away from any too-tinny traps or cheesy cliches – holding onto their funk ensemble roots, while still picking up some sweet 80s instrumentation as well. Tracks include "No One's Gonna Love You", "Weekend Girl", "I Don't Want Nobody Else", "Body Break", and "Just The Way You Like It". CD features four bonus tracks – "No One's Gonna Love You (long version)", "Just The Way You Like It (9:40 version)", "Weekend Girl (full length version)", and "Break Up (rmx)". CD

Four classic albums from Jackie DeShannon – all in a single set! First up is Me About You – sophisticated Jackie at her best – working with great arrangements from Jack Nitzsche and Nick DeCaro – both cats from the California scene we can really trust for "cut-above" pop work like this – music that goes way past the simple sounds of DeShannon's start – into cool adult territory that really makes the album great. Jackie's vocals are surprisingly soulful in the setting – even more so than before – and the tunes include lots of gems, including versions of Van Dyke Parks' "High Coin", John Sebastian's "Didn't Want To Have To Do It", and Tim Hardin's "Baby Close Its Eyes". Also includes "I Keep Wanting You", "Me About You", and "Nicole". Next is Laurel Canyon – heady work from Jackie DeShannon's later years in 60s pop – an album with themes and styles that go way beyond her earlier recordings – as you might guess from the hip Laurel Canyon reference in the title! Jackie's working here in a mode that's much more strongly in a singer-songwriter style than before – with arrangements and backings that are a lot more organic, and less pop-tuned than ever – almost in a Laura Nyro approach on some numbers. As usual, a good portion of the tracks were written by Jackie herself – including "Holly Would", "Come & Stay With Me", "LA", "Too Close", and "Laurel Canyon" – and the album also features a few well chosen tracks by other writers too, like "Bitter Honey" by Paul Williams & Roger Nichols, "I Got My Reason" by Barry White, and "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" by Smokey Robinson. Put A Little Love In Your Heart is quite possibly the last great hit from singer Jackie DeShannon – an album built around the righteous spirit of the title track – filled with really wonderful original tunes penned by Jackie and soul singer Jimmy Holiday! The album may well be the best to explore the space between pop and soul that often characterized Jackie's work – and the overall sound is somewhat similar to some of Dusty Springfield's best pop/soul work from the same stretch. 10 of the album's 12 tracks are originals by Holiday and DeShannon – all set to soaring orchestrations by James Langeford, which often have a pronounced influence from the sound of Atlantic Records in the late 60s! Titles include "Put A Little Love In Your Heart", "You Are The Real Thing", "River Of Love", "Movin", "You Can Come To Me", "You Have A Way With Me", and "I Let Go Completely". To Be Free is an interesting little record – with kind of a crossover California soul feel overall – recorded with Rene Hall arrangements that echo a few rootsy modes at times, mixed in with fuller orchestrations that step a bit back towards Jackie's earlier years on Imperial – a surprisingly nice blend, with a fresh sound for the 70s. The album features a number of great tracks co-written with Jimmy Holiday – a fellow Imperial talent – and titles include "Mediterranean Sky", "Sooner Or Later", "What Was Your Day Like", "Livin On The Easy Side", "Brighton Hill", and "When Morning Comes Again". CD

A very cool combo from the LA scene of the 70s – a tight funky group, topped with two female soul singers – all working together in a style that's got a wonderful mixture of warmer edges and grittier sounds at the core! The two female singers really give the set a unique vibe – as they help bring focus to the instrumentation of the group, with a lot more presence than the usual throw-in female vocals of the time – hardly the backing chorus mode of a disco record, and instead a great balance to the sharp guitar lines and keyboards from the musicians! We've not heard of any of the players in any other setting, but they're very good – clearly able to handle jazz if they want, but aimed here towards a sophisticated funk style that's equally great on the mellow steppers as it is on the more upbeat tracks. Titles include "Heavenly Feeling", "World Full Of People", "Do You Hear Me Talking To You", "Dreaming Our Lives Away", "A Thank You Song", "Fantasies & Dreams", and "I'd Like To Stay". CD features a bonus 7" mix of "I'd Like To Stay". CD

A very cool combo from the LA scene of the 70s – a tight funky group, topped with two female soul singers – all working together in a style that's got a wonderful mixture of warmer edges and grittier sounds at the core! The two female singers really give the set a unique vibe – as they help bring focus to the instrumentation of the group, with a lot more presence than the usual throw-in female vocals of the time – hardly the backing chorus mode of a disco record, and instead a great balance to the sharp guitar lines and keyboards from the musicians! We've not heard of any of the players in any other setting, but they're very good – clearly able to handle jazz if they want, but aimed here towards a sophisticated funk style that's equally great on the mellow steppers as it is on the more upbeat tracks. Titles include "Heavenly Feeling", "World Full Of People", "Do You Hear Me Talking To You", "Dreaming Our Lives Away", "A Thank You Song", "Fantasies & Dreams", and "I'd Like To Stay". LP, Vinyl record album

Rare material that was originally recorded in 1972 by organist Larry Young – some of his most outside material ever, and done with a bunch of young musicians who wail on all of these weird electronic instruments! The set's way wilder even than any of Young's albums that were issued at the time – including the classics with his group Fuel, or even his Lawrence of Newark album – and the album's got loads of wild, very noisy synth sounds and crazy percussion! The tunes come across as sheets and sheets of white noise – with Larry's organ going all over the place in freewheeling solos and groovy rhythm lines. Young plays Hammond, and other instrumentation includes Joe Gallivan on synth, percussion, drums, and steel guitar; Nicholas on guitar synth, ring modulator, hi-tension wires, wind, rain, and thunder (!); and Jimmy Molneiri on drums and percussion. Titles include "Love Cry", "Ancient Place"," Angels Wing", "Peace", and "Great Medicine Dance". LP, Vinyl record album

A stunning celebration of one of the greatest pairings in Brazilian music – and in American music as well, given that both Airto Moreira and Flora Purim recorded plenty of these cuts up in our neck of the woods! Airto's percussion is the stuff of legend – a key force in Brazilian recordings in the late 60s, and then equally important in American jazz – in famous recordings with Miles Davis and other artists, and plenty of great records on his own! Flora's vocals are equally crucial – a soaring, fluid approach that forever changed the way that female singers approached jazz – bred in 60s bossa, but instantly something new by the time the 70s came along – especially when Airto was supporting her with great grooves! This huge package brings together material that both artists recorded – often under the name of one or the other, but often with the other artist present on the recording – with a heavy batch of work from the 70s and 80s, but also crucial cuts from other years too! 5LP set features 37 tracks and a really great package – with titles that include "Love Lock", "The Happy People", "Hungry On Arriva", "The Road Is Hard", "Samba De Flora", "O Canto Da Sereia", "Jeito Bom De Sofrer", "Papo Furado", "Xibaba", "Back Streets Of Havana", "Vera Cruz", "Flora's Song", "When Angels Crie", "Celebration Suite", "Casa Forte", "Black Narcissus", "A Secret From The Sea", "O Cantador/I Just Want To Be Here", "Jump", and "Hot Sand". LP, Vinyl record album

32 nuggets from the farther reaches of the British scene in the early years of punk rock – music that goes past some of the bigger names of the time, and which presents an especially English take on the raw sounds that were shaking things up on both sides of the Atlantic as an antidote to the disco and AOR generations! The Cherry Red label was born during these times, and always had a great ear for some of the more unusual, offbeat work – including cuts by artists who were important, but who quickly disappeared from the scene – presented here in both classic 45rpm singles, and some even much more obscure and rare tracks too! The whole thing's got a short, sharp punch throughout – and titles include "Mucky Pup" by Puncture, "Hungry" by The Zeros, "Outside View" by Eater, "Peudo Punk" by O Level, "Chelsea 77" by Maniacs, "Speed Freak" by V2, "Safety Pin Stuck In My Heart" by Patrik Fitzgerald, "Teenage Treats" by The Wasps, "I Don't Want My Heart To Rule My Head" by Social Security, "Murder Of Liddle Towers" by Angelic Upstarts, "Just Another Teenage Rebel" by The Outcasts, "ACAB" by The Rowdies, "19 & Mad" by Leyton Buzzards, "King Of Kings" by The Pack, "Where's Captain Kirk" by Spizzenergi, "These Boots Are Made For Walking" by Pure Hell, and "Jilly" by The Pranhas. LP, Vinyl record album

An obscure UK group, and one who blend together hard rock modes with some slightly more sensitive moments – all with production and arrangements from John Weathers, in his years before more progressive sounds with Gentle Giant! The music here is a lot more down to earth, and plenty earthy too – and showcases that post-psych, post-blues rock use of guitar turned up to 11 – a quality that also comes through in the vocals of Gareth Mortimer, who sometimes sounds as if he's processed a bit to blow out the speakers with the guitars! Titles include "Eagle Song", "Where The Snow Lies Forever", "Odd Song", "Don't Want", "Mystic Mountain", and "Prelude To A Blind Man". Features the bonus track "Freedom Train (alternate)". CD

A stunning surprise from Andre 3000 – at least if you only know him as part of Outkast – and a record that finally gives us an audio document of the sounds that Andre has really been involved with in recent years – a beautiful blend of spiritual jazz with mellower currents, aided here by some members of the contemporary LA scene! There's a resonance here with some of the more laidback projects on the International Anthem label, and with the work of Carlos Nino – and no surprise, Nino is on board to deliver great production work throughout, and co-produced the album with Andre too. Andre delivers a lot of work on flute, as hinted at by the cover – and also serves up beautiful sounds on wind controller too – as the set moves between contributions from other artists who include Nate Mercereau on guitars, and Diego Gaeta and Surya Botofasina on keyboards – as well as guest vocals from Mia Doi Todd on two tracks, and shakuhachi from Shabaka Hutchings on one more. Titles include "That Night In Hawaii When I Turned Into A Panther & Started Making These Low Register Purring Tones That I Couldn't Control", "Ninety Three Til Infinity & Beyonce", "Dreams Once Buried Beneath The Dungeon Floor Slowly Sprout Into Undying Gardens", "Ants To You Gods To Who", and "I Swear I Really Wanted To Make A Rap Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me". CD

A stunning surprise from Andre 3000 – at least if you only know him as part of Outkast – and a record that finally gives us an audio document of the sounds that Andre has really been involved with in recent years – a beautiful blend of spiritual jazz with mellower currents, aided here by some members of the contemporary LA scene! There's a resonance here with some of the more laidback projects on the International Anthem label, and with the work of Carlos Nino – and no surprise, Nino is on board to deliver great production work throughout, and co-produced the album with Andre too. Andre delivers a lot of work on flute, as hinted at by the cover – and also serves up beautiful sounds on wind controller too – as the set moves between contributions from other artists who include Nate Mercereau on guitars, and Diego Gaeta and Surya Botofasina on keyboards – as well as guest vocals from Mia Doi Todd on two tracks, and shakuhachi from Shabaka Hutchings on one more. Titles include "That Night In Hawaii When I Turned Into A Panther & Started Making These Low Register Purring Tones That I Couldn't Control", "Ninety Three Til Infinity & Beyonce", "Dreams Once Buried Beneath The Dungeon Floor Slowly Sprout Into Undying Gardens", "Ants To You Gods To Who", and "I Swear I Really Wanted To Make A Rap Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me". LP, Vinyl record album

An unreleased album of sorts from roots reggae great Patrick Andy – tracks that were initially culled together by producer Yabby You in the late 70s, and which include a few never-issued tunes by Andy, plus rare stereo mixes of some other tunes too! If you know the famous title single that gives the album its name, you'll know the righteous vibe of everything else within – as Patrick's vocals have this quality that's very personal and very moving, as he works with bad-stepping rhythms that are great for his vocal versions, and the dubs that follow up most of the tracks. Titles include the unreleased tracks "Call On Jah", "Got To Give Some Help", and "Give Thanks" – plus a stereo mix of "Living In Mount Zion", and the cuts "You Don't Want Me (unreleased mix)", "Youths Of Today", and "Love Of A Woman Dub (unreleased mix)" – plus five more dub tracks too. LP, Vinyl record album

Four classic albums from Dynasty – served up here with bonus material too! First up is Your Piece Of The Rock – a set that has Dynasty working with snapping grooves with a nice sort of electro undercurrent –- all the handiwork of Leon Sylvers, who also plays bass and drums on the record – and really helps Dynasty find their groove! The tracks here are all quite long, and offer up plenty of space for the players to jam nicely – a group that includes Fred Jackson on saxophone, Gene Dozier on keyboards, and Oscar Brashear on trumpet. Dynasty are pretty good too – a bit more than just a club trio filling in vocals from time to time – and titles include "Satisfied", "Your Piece Of The Rock", "I Don't Want To Be A Freak", "When You Feel Like Giving Love", and "It's Still A Thrill". Next is Adventures In Music – almost a fusion of older sweet group soul with some of the more bottom-driven modes forged by the Solar label! The keyboards are upfront, the basslines strong, and the group is completely tight on the money – at a level that made them one of the strongest 80s proponents of the Solar Records groove. The title cut here is our favorite – a sweet stepper that bursts out with this blast of sound that's totally great – completely captivating, and filled with cascading sounds that really grab us. Other tracks include "Ice Breaker", "Something To Remember", "Day & Night", "Do Me Right", and "I've Just Begun To Love You". Next is Second Adventure – the kind of set that shows why the group went on to become one of the strongest things going in the second chapter of the Solar Records soul empire from LA! The album begins with a rock-solid punch, then continues strongly throughout – basslines, guitar riffs, and funky drums all right on the money – used in a way that's somehow fresher than most of the larger funk groups of the time – and with a nice balance between mellower moments that still seem to have a gentle kind of groove. The energy is wonderful throughout – and titles include "Give It Up For Love", "Love In The Fast Lane", "Revenge", "Here I Am", "A Man In Love", and "You're My Angel". Last up is Right Back At Cha – a set that's super tight and right on the money – that wonderfully catchy approach to 80s R&B that was the hallmark of Dynasty at their height! The tunes are a hook-heavy blend of funk and upbeat modes – all brightly glowing with that style that made Solar Records one of the leading lights of the Cali soul scene in the decade – and which gets some extra special treatment here from one of their most consistent groups! Titles include "That's The Way I Feel About You", "Check It Out, "The Only One", "Questions", "Straight Out", and "Does That Ring A Bell". 3CD set also features 9 bonus tracks – all 7" single mixes of hits from the albums! CD

A great lost album from Stan Getz! The record features Stan in a totally new setting, playing with some relatively unfamiliar French talents – Eddie Louiss on organ, Rene Thomas on guitar, and Bernard Lubat on drums. Louiss is incredible, and has a free spacey sound that recalls Larry Young – which works perfectly with Getz's post-Coltrane explorations here. The whole album's a triumph, and a tribute to Stan's never-ending quest for new sounds, despite the fact that labels always wanted him to reproduce his bigger hits. Titles include "Our Kind Of Sabi", "Song For Martine", "Invitation", and "Dum Dum". All tracks are long, and the album's a delightful meeting of European jazz and masterful solo talents! LP, Vinyl record album

2 classic albums from the ABC Records years of The Impressions – back to back on a single CD! One By One is classic 60s Impressions material, with the legendary lineup firmly in place, and the great Johnny Pate handling all arrangements – really giving them that sense of righteous power that pushed their music past a lot of the previous group soul sounds of the Chicago scene – with a sophistication in both the instrumentation and harmonies that's completely sublime! The album mixes Curtis Mayfield compositions – like "Lonely Man", "Just One Kiss From You", "Falling In Love With You" – with special Impressions' takes on tunes that include "My Prayer", "Without A Song", "Answer Me, My Love", "I Want To Be With You", and "Nature Boy", which the group does incredibly well. Proof that the Impressions could shine, whatever the setting! Riding High is a record in which the title and cover say it all – because The Impressions are at the top of their game – riding high on a tremendous wave of soul, and soaring forth with a sense of pride and power few other groups could match! Maestro Johnny Pate is on board to handle the arrangements and production – and he helps Curtis Mayfield and the group reach a sound that's sophisticated throughout, but still retains a deeply personal sensibility. The harmonies are tremendous – never too sweet or too smooth, and always with that slightly fragile quality that made The Impressions one of the most human soul groups of their era. Nearly all the tunes are originals from Curtis – and titles include "Riding High", "Too Slow", "Man's Temptation", "I'm A Telling You", and "I Need To Belong To Someone". CD

Arthur Lee left his group Love behind for this early 70s debut as a solo act – but the record also seems to have Lee returning to some of the heavier blues-inspired sounds of that group's early years too! Lee is a monster here in the spotlight – fantastic guitar lines effortlessly flying from his fingers, vocal power that's more varied and dynamic than some of his later Love performances, and a sense of occasional wit that's echoed by the cover. Arthur also wrote, produced, and arranged the whole thing – which was recorded in Hollywood with help from some of his friends – on titles that include "Hamburger Breath Stinkfinger", "He Knows A Lot of Good Women", "You Can Save Up To 50% But You're Still A Long Ways From Home", "He Said She Said", "Love Jumped Through My Window", "Everybody's Gotta Live", and "You Want Change For Your Rerun". LP, Vinyl record album

A Blue Note debut from legendary reedman Charles Lloyd – who definitely wants to bring something new to his work on the label! The set features his Marvels combo – a quintet that features very prominent work from guitarist Bill Frisell, whose edgey tones here make for a very different sound than the use of guitar on some of Lloyd's recent records – especially as the group also features steel guitar from Greg Leisz, who shades things in with some washes of sound that really echo Frisell's tones too! The rest of the lineup features Reuben Rodgers on bass and Eric Harland on drums – and Lloyd plays both tenor and alto flute, with a warmth that really offsets some of the starker sounds of Frisell. The record features guest vocal work from Norah Jones and Willie Nelson – who sing on a song apiece – but the core appeal here is the interplay between Lloyd and guitar, but in a way that's very different than his 60s work with Gabor Szabo. Titles include "Of Course Of Course", "La Llorna", "Abide With Me", "Barche Lamsel", "All My Trials", and "Sombrero Sam". LP, Vinyl record album

A tremendous little record from Love Peace & Happiness – a great vocal trio from the early 70s, and one who really shine with this overlooked gem for RCA! The trio were part of the New Birth/Nite Liters universe that producer Harvey Fuqua brought to the label at the time – and they've got a hip sound that's right up there with the other two groups – with whom they were very intimately involved – working here with arrangements from Fuqua that are almost his contribution to post-Motown sounds in the 70s, the way that Holland-Dozier-Holland were working at Invictus. Ann Bogan really soars with righteous leads in the group – and gets equal support from brothers Leslie and Melvin Wilson – who really help underscore some of the bolder elements of the music – especially on the funkier cuts. Titles include "I Don't Want To Do Wrong", "Lonesome Lonely & Alone", "Don't Knock My Love", "If I Owned The World", "You Can't Cheat the Cheater", "Stay", "Mind", and "You've Chosen Me". Great reissue – with excellent sound and very detailed notes! CD

Plenty happenin' here – a wealth of boogaloo grooves, mad Latin jazz riffs, and lots lots more – all served up on a platter that's easily one of the most cooking ever from trumpeter Willie Rodriguez! Like other releases on the Fonseca label, there's a nicely messed-up groove going on – a style that easily shifts between different Latin modes in search of the rawest sound possible – without any thought of mainstream convention, or the sort of straighter-laced sounds that might have played with the suburban crowds. Willie's band is clearly nice and youthful, and more than willing to follow his leadership – working equally well on both the English and Spanish language tunes on the set. Titles include "Boogaloo Hay", "Sansuyo", "Mi Guajira", "Mi Shingaling", "The Clock", "What You Want Is Boogaloo", "7th Ave Train", and the very tasty "Descarga El Bravo"! LP, Vinyl record album