Record Shopping Etiquette
The do’s, the don’ts, and best practices when it comes to shopping for vinyl.
Renowned DJ Ash Walker releases cosmic “underwater” jazz full-length, ‘Aquamarine’
London-based deejay and producer Ash Walker takes listeners on a cosmic deep sea jazz voyage on his third full-length album, Aquamarine.
Brownswood highlights Melbourne’s jazz scene with brilliant new compilation
Following the success of last year’s We Out Here compilation that helped highlight London’s thriving jazz scene, Gilles Peterson and his Brownswood label have turned their attention to the coastal Australian city of Melbourne on a remarkable new compilation titled, Sunny Side Up, highlighting nine incredible acts that make up the region’s current jazz movement.
BeatCaffeine’s 20 Most Essential Sun Ra Records
Sun Ra was one of the most originally unique and forward-thinking composers and bandleaders of the last century. Claiming that he came to Earth from Saturn to spread the message of peace, the experimental pianist/ keyboardist and his ever-evolving ensemble the Arkestra fused together 40s era big band swing with bebop, the blues, free improvisation, spacey electronics, call-and-response chants, and psyched-out jazz-funk grooves to create a signature sound that always seemed to push the boundaries.
FUNK 45: Numero Group unearth two unreleased tracks by Universal Togetherness Band
In 2014, the Numero Group label helped introduce the world to the Chicago-based funk group The Universal Togetherness Band with three incredible releases, including one full-length album and two 7inch singles. Just when many of us thought we’ve heard everything from this late seventies-early eighties band, the label has just put out a brand new 45rpm single featuring two previously unreleased tracks.
FUNK 45: Mr Bongo reissues Zé Roberto’s 1973 Brazilian classic ‘Lotus 72 D’
As Mr Bongo continues to celebrate 30 years (!!!), the label/record shop’s latest 7inch reissue of Zé Roberto’s 1973 Brazilian holy grail Lotus 72 D might be their best so far of the year.
Chicago jazz collective Resavoir release groove-oriented debut on International Anthem
Led by producer and arranger Will Miller, the expansive Chicago-based jazz collective Resavoir release their brilliantly crafted debut album on International Anthem.
Polish septet EABS in search of “Slavic melancholy” on new full-length release
Following a number of critically acclaimed releases dedicated to Polish Jazz legend Krzysztof Komeda, including their 2017 debut Repetitions (Letters To Krzysztof Komeda) and their incredible 2018 Kraksa / Svantetic 12″ single, the Poland-based Electro Acoustic Beat Sessions jazz collective, better known as EABS, return with a new full-length album inspired by “Slavic melancholy.”
Brazilian legend Marcos Valle releases new 80s boogie-inspired album ‘Sempre’
Brazilian legend Marcos Valle, who has made his mark as one of the greatest songwriters, arrangers, and performers over the past sixty years, returns with his first new full-length album in nine years featuring a heavy dose of 80s boogie-influenced party music.
Paris-based Camarão Orkestra releases tropical funk scorcher ‘Nação África’
It’s the middle of summer, and as many of us enjoy the warm weather nights, the Paris-based ensemble Camarão Orkestra has just released the Brazilian-influenced dance floor funk gem single “Nação África.”
Chicago’s legendary Ethnic Heritage Ensemble releases new spiritual jazz album
Led by Chicago percussionist Kahil El’Zabar, the legendary spiritual jazz group Ethnic Heritage Ensemble releases their first full-length album in five years, titled Be Known: Ancient/ Future/ Music.
Analog Africa celebrates 70s era Amazonian dance music from Northern Brazil
Analog Africa’s 28th compilation, titled Jambú e Os Míticos Sons Da Amazônia, highlights Amazonian dance music from the Brazilian city of Belém during the 1970s.
London’s cosmic quartet Kinkajous release debut album ‘Hidden Lines’
The London-based quartet Kinkajous has recently released their brilliant cosmic groove-oriented debut album titled Hidden Lines off the Nottingham label Running Circle.
Spaced-out jazz-funk debut from French quartet Aldorande
Spaced-out seventies-era inspired jazz-funk quartet Aldorande release their debut self-title recording on the French-based label Favorite Recordings.
