Record Shopping Etiquette
The do’s, the don’ts, and best practices when it comes to shopping for vinyl.
London’s Collocutor, led by Tamar Osborn, releases highly-anticipated third album ‘Continuation’
Since releasing their breakthrough debut album Instead in 2014, Collocutor has become one of the most dynamic jazz groups to emerge out of London. Led by baritone saxophonist Tamar Osborn, who has also been a key contributor over the past half-decade on numerous genre-defying recording projects, collaborating with artists like Emanative, Sarathy Korwar, Khalab, Jessica Lauren, Tenesha The WordSmith, Penya, Siti Muharam and many others. A newly re-vamped ensemble returns with their highly-anticipated third album Continuation.
UK’s cosmic psychedelic-funk group The Heliocentrics release new album on Madlib’s label
Led by drummer Malcolm Catto and bassist Jake Ferguson, the London-based cosmic-jazz-meets-psychedelic-funk ensemble The Heliocentrics have been at the forefront of some of the most forward-thinking records over the past two decades, collaborating with legendary artists like Mulatu Astatke, Lloyd Miller, Orlando Julius, Melvin Van Peebles and many others. The group has just released a great new album on groundbreaking producer Madlib’s label, Madlib Invazion.
Favorite Recordings releases jazz-funk/disco single ‘Recalling You’ by Andre Solomko
Paris-based label Favorite Recordings has recently released a great new disco-influenced jazz-funk single “Recalling You” from Finland-based saxophonist and producer Andre Solomko.
London drummer & producer Moses Boyd releases brilliant new album ‘Dark Matter’
Over the past half-decade, drummer, producer, and composer Moses Boyd has been one of the most creative minds to have come out of the London jazz scene. He gained international praise for his 2016 jazz dance gem “Rye Shuffle Lane,” and has been featured on some of the best jazz releases to have come out of the UK region, collaborating with Binker Golding, Nubya Garcia, Theon Cross, Zara McFarlane, and others. After releasing a number of great recordings under Moses Boyd Exodus alias, Boyd releases a brilliant new album under his own name titled Dark Matter.
Mr Bongo re-launches it’s in-demand series of Brazilian 45 releases
Now in their 31st year, the Brighton-based label Mr Bongo has consistently been at the forefront in releasing some of the deepest and most obscure Brazilian reissues. This year, the label/record shop has re-launched their well-curated series of classic Brazilian 45s, featuring a vibrant new design, and a fresh batch of unearthed Brazilian rarities.
Makaya McCraven brings new life to Gil Scott-Heron’s final recording
XL Recordings celebrates the 10 year anniversary of the late great Gil Scott-Heron’s final studio recording I’m New Here, prior to his passing in May of 2011, with a re-worked version of the album by visionary Chicago-based composer, producer, and drummer Makaya McCraven, titled We’re New Again.
Flamingo Pier and Soundway team up again for new EP ahead of festival
Ahead of this weekend’s Flamingo Pier festival at the Rangihoua Olive Grove on New Zealand’s Waiheke Island, the native DJ collective, for a second straight year, have teamed up with the London-based Soundway records to release a complimentary EP release, titled Indigo.
Ruby Rushton trumpeter Nick Walters releases brilliant new album on 22a records
Composer, trumpeter, and member of the UK-based jazz quartet Ruby Rushton, Nick Walters has recently released an explosive new jazz album, titled Active Imagination on Tenderlonious label 22a.
The Ethio-inspired Sorcerers release conceptional soundtrack
The Leeds, UK based group led by multi-instrumentalist Pete Williams, bassist /guitarist Neil Innes and Drummer Joost Hendrickx have released a great new conceptional soundtrack album on ATA Records, titled In Search Of The Lost City Of The Monkey God.
Mad About Records reissues rare live 1982 recording from São Paulo group Syncro Jazz
Portugese-based label Mad About Records continues their string of truly essential reissues with the release of Syncro Jazz’s extremely rare 1982 live album featuring legendary Brazilian saxophonist Nestico Aguiar, and his sister, pianist Lilu.
Jeff Parker returns with latest electro-acoustic New Breed album ‘Suite for Max Brown’
Composer, multi-instrumentalist and Tortoise guitarist Jeff Parker follows up his first New Breed recording, released back in 2016 and named best album of the year by London’s Observer, with a great new album on Chicago’s International Anthem, titled Suite for Max Brown.
Jason McGuiness releases incredible cosmic jazz album ‘Empyrean Tones’ featuring all-star lineup
One of the records that completely missed my radar when it was released back in the summer of 2019 was Los Angeles producer Jason McGuiness brilliant cosmic jazz album Empyrean Tones.
On The Corner releases new single featuring the new ‘golden voice’ of Zanzibar’s Taarab sound
Influenced by the musical traditions of the African Great Lakes, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, the Taraab sound is rooted out of Zanzibar, and was made popular beginning in the late 20s by Tanzanian vocalist Siti binti Saad. London’s On The Corner label has recently released a brilliant new single featuring Taraab’s next star, which is none other than Siti’s great granddaughter Siti Muharam.
