World

Since their debut album release in 1975, Azymuth have risen to rank alongside the world’s greatest jazz, funk and fusion artists. As young men in Rio de Janeiro, they stood out for both their exceptional talent as musicians, and their wild rock‘n’roll antics in the predominantly middle-class worlds of bossa nova and jazz. Their signature “Samba Doido” (crazy samba) sound ruptured the tried and tested musical structures of the day, resulting in what can only be described as an electric, psychedelic, samba jazz-funk hybrid.

Canopy returns to the scene, presenting 3 remixes of an all-time Nigerian synth funk bomb by The Celebrant.Featuring OPOLOPO, Aroop Roy & Captain Planet, the single is aimed at the funkiest of dancefloors.The remixes are built around the afro funk breaks, horn arrangements and cosmic synths of the originals, which the 3 producers have re-calibrated and re-celebrated to devastating effect. Stylistically the vibe sits between searing outer space afro funk and classy afro-disco.

With some of the best DJs and selectors there is a certain mysterious sound or underlying feeling which unites the music they play, regardless of genre, year or tempo. Luke Una is a master of telling a story through music and this compilation is a perfect example of his musical alchemy in action. Featuring tracks from Yusef Lateef, Airto Moreira, Crooked Man, Henri Texier and many more, it is a collection of new, old, rare and under-discovered music from around the world, all united by Luke under the banner of “E-Soul Cultura”.

Brazilian Funk Soul Finest Record Collection. A tasty slice of '70s and '80s Brazilian Soul and Funk especially the one from the glorious ’70s.Soul and Funk was taking shape all over the world in the 1970s. Brazilians built on their own phenomenal music, combining it with influences of Funk and Soul music from abroad to create something uniquely Brazilian.The disco-boogie-funk sound produced in Brazil in the late 70s and early 80s has been under the spotlight. Some records have become established classics and bestsellers. Many others have become cult records that have remained largely unknown to the general public, some of these rare records are now collected in the first volume of “Disco é Cultura”.

Born in Rio in 1940, Helio won a guitar from his father at age 12. After working in sugar mills or as a sales clerk in record stores, he started performing at Rio nightclubs (like Plaza) and São Paulo.In 1975 he signed to RCA Victor on which he released his first LP, “Matheus Segundo Matheus”With arrangements by Oberdan “Black River” Magalhães, Zé Rodrix and Chiquinho de Moraes with participation of Azymuth as a support band with a total of 128 musicians involved int he recording.Unfortunately this much deserved reissue didn’t make it to press before Helio Passed last year, but we are most humble and proud to do it justice.

"Pourquoi" is the third and the rarest album which had been recorded by the French legend of Jazz Funk, Cortex. This new edition, using the original master tapes, is realised by Trad Vibe Records. The album was initially recorded in 1978!

Originally released as an obscure private-press LP by the Florida trio of Ben Champion, Ken Burkhart and Danny Burger.Special guest on this funky jazz outing is Mike Longo who says a few words on behalf of the group on the back cover, and sure enough he contributes scorching Rhodes in the style of his early 70s Greasy Groove sides for Groove Merchant and Mainstream. Also on board are Kelton Champion on guitar, Gary Champion on Bass, Mickey McGann on keys and David Winters on Congas and Percussion: (Just what we love to see on these kind of grooves. Added Phat Funkiness!)The 20 minute title number weaves, bobs, and scorches with a sound that has been described as a "Headhunters Headspace" the groove never dropping for an instant with a Fender Rhodes meets Hammond B3 Prestige Style Scene with an added flavouring of some chunky Moog Synthesizer.

Classic Brazilian soul funk from 1976 in the same vein as Tim Maia, Jorge Ben or Carlos Dafé’s recordings from that period. First time reissue.All four tracks are stunning and feature dramatic vocals, fat drum beats and sophisticated arrangements, following the tradition of the best funk music coming from the States in the ‘70s.

Notes on a Journey gives a very well executed reissue treatment to Brunno's 1992 album '3'. The A-side of this Brazilian pearl has four electronic-tinged tracks with the use of digital drums and synthesizers, blending pop with samba-reggae at times. Quite catchy and groovy arrangements that have lovely vocals with themed lyrics all over. The B-side leans more towards songs with acoustic instrumentation within the MPB aesthetic. A captivating and diverse album that is very well produced.Pressed on 180 grams vinyl this album comes with an additional lyric insert. The record is housed in a tip-on sleeve and comes with a printed inner sleeve with background information about each song.

So many hits on this awesome 1983 recording by one of the giants of Brazilian music, Jorge Ben. This masterpiece includes the great boogie joint ‘Rio Babilonia’ as well as the all-time classics ‘Taj Mahal/Pais Tropical’, the soulful opener ‘Eu Quero Ver A Rainha’ featuring Tim Maia, and many other samba funk jams arranged by Lincoln Olivetti.An essential addition to any Brazilian music collection.

The second release on Canopy Records lifts off from where the last release touched down, inspired by the vintage Edo-funk and reggae-disco of General Ehi Duncan’s “Africa My No. 01”.Colombian based producer bosq re-joins long-time collaborator and vocalist, Kaleta, while also bringing in Ibibio Sound Machine who add their horn section & keys, followed by guitar, balafon and timbales, to deliver a special afro-funk-reggae-disco vibe.Loose and jammy, earthy and organic rhythms that bring a positive message and echo sun-kissed tropical lands. Light electronics complement the instruments, percussion and warm organic production.An Afro-funk electronic disco groove, vocal & percussive, with reggae-highlife touches and instrumental flourishes. Explosive horn arrangements go head to head with timbale breakdowns all transcended by soaring trumpet solos….Summery balafon melodies bounce among the joyous fretwork of Alfred “Kari” Bannerman's guitar, while Kaleta’s vocals sing a timeless message of peace.

Much in demand album from 1986.Not much is known about the mysterious pop sensation Vumani or his short musical career. Originally from KwaZulu Natal he made his way to Johannesburg in the mid 80’s to follow his dream of becoming a recording artist. He was able to make that dream come true when talent scouts from Decibel Music came across the charismatic youngster. At the time Decibel was still a small fish trying to make waves and the label believed in Vumani they had found the star they were looking for. Being a label with mostly groups signed to the catalog they needed a Front Man to push into the growing demand for Solo Artists that were dominating the airwaves and catching the hearts of youngsters.

Elia and Elizabeth Fleta were two Colombian sisters who briefly lit up their country’s music charts in the early 70s before disappearing, disenfranchised with the music industry, to pursue respective careers in teaching. This retrospective, compiling tracks from the two LPs they produced alongside ace arranger Jimmy Salcedo, suggests that the Latin music world lost a major talent with the change in vocation. While the lyrics are shot through with a wide-eyed naivety (Mis 32 Dientes – My 32 Teeth – is a song inspired by the number of gnashers Elia had), there’s assured songwriting and a sophisticated ear for melody at work on the breezy, whimsical bossa-inspired pop of Alegria, Soy Una Nube and La Gran Ciudad. Additionally, the Gal Costa-esque screams on Ponte Bajo El Sol suggest that a more fiery brand of music may have been just around the corner. Alas, it was not to be, but this fine collection makes a worthy celebration of prodigious talents and may just be the Latin discovery of the year.

Born out of an impromptu post-pub jam session in Margate, the 5-piece group Pigeon swoops onto the scene with their blistering debut EP Yagana.As the tracks cross effortlessly between Afro-disco, grunge, no wave and jazz, the cohesive symbiotic relationship of the band members is obvious from the start. The powerful vocals of Guinean singer Falle Nioke are complemented by a wealth of talent from Graham Godfrey on drums, Steve Pringle on keys, Tom Dream on guitar and Josh Ludlow on bass.

Pharoah Sanders has been described as ‘probably the best tenor player in the world’, emerging as a star from playing saxophone with John Coltrane in the 1960s. As a solo recording artist he is best loved by fusion fans for the jazz dance classic “You’ve Got To Have Freedom”. It’s taken from his 1980 album “Journey To The One” featured here for the first time on the complete side of a 12” single. “Got To Give It Up” is Pharoah’s outstanding rendition of the Marvin Gaye classic. It has previously been on 7” but never until now in its full length version on 12” single. It was originally a feature on the 1978 album “Love Will Find A Way” produced by Norman Connors. To have both of these masterful recordings on one 12” single is something special.