Review: VA - Family Affair Vol. 4 (Razor-N-Tape)

The NYC to the world present that comes via those trendies at Razor-N-Tape (now on Vol. 4) is the compilation that gives the most for the dancefloor that's 'Family Affair'.

If you've been a fan of Razor-N-Tape's yearly round-up of friends and family since Vol. 1 in 2021, the first thing you'll notice about this years' Vol. 4 is they've swopped the black frame album art theme for a snappy pop-art-ish 3x3 tile, which would work great if they created drinks coaster products (Ed. we'll want 10% of future sales).

You'll also notice that the quality of Vol. I's "affair", like heavyweights Dimitri From Paris, DJ Rocca and the then lesser known, Clive From Accounts (who only last week had his Fred Everything remix released on Lazy Days Recordings - see review HERE), is still being used as the formula.

There's two options, a 5-track 12" featuring DJ Rocca's comptemporary in the cosmic disco style, Ilija Rudman ('Discoteka Parmida'), Yasmin ('Real High'), Barcelona's Arnau Obios ('Pagan Mambo', a lively Afrobeat), label co-maestro JKriv's rework of Bessa Simons' 'Sii NaNa' plus one of our 2024 favourites, Vincenzo with 'Love Accurate' (also see the incredible Vincenzo remix of 'Free Born Man' by Sumsuch & Will Brock - see review HERE and his own 'Extrasolar' on Be Adult Music - see review HERE).

The digital 10 track also features future names like the Underground System's "Afro-Punk-Disco" (very NY), Dennis Liber and Yasmin Kademian on Latin-Italo-disco ('Baila Exotica') and Misiu's 'Belsize Funk' (too good to be influence by Belsize Park 80s jazz-funk? And Mike Misiu who was on Family Affair Vol.2 with Philippa who has just has a remix released on Best's Friends - see review HERE) and on Vol. 3, Yuu Udagawa who had her tracks remixed by JKriv and Fred Everyting earlier this year (see review HERE).

So it's clear that those that you don't know on Vol. 4 now will probably go on to get better known within the Family Affair dispora of dance so get it now to get ahead of the game and enjoy this wide ranging festive get together.

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Family Affair
Release date: 13th December, 2024
Label : Razor-N-Tape.
Catalog Number : TBC
Format :  12" - 5 track viyl / Digital / Bandcamp

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Review: The Mighty Tiny & The Many Few - Be The Good People (And&)

It's not that often a DJ is so impressed with a debut album release that he plays all seven tracks!  That's what's happened with The Mighty Tiny & The Many Few's 'Be The Good People' on And&.

Drenched in soul-jazz R&B and crafted with vintage techniques it's got a feel of Emilia Sisco's debut just out on Timmion Records (see review HERE) but for a 60s - 90/00 soul vibe; particulary 'Young World' and 'Life Called River'.

"Walshy Fire (Major Lazer) bridges cross-continental connections in collaboration with Grammy-winning composer and writer Randy Valentine, a South London-based artist hailing from Clarendon, Jamaica. Joining them is Copenhagen-based improvisational jazz visionary Steven Jess Borth II, aka CHLLNGR (I Am An Instrument) along with the crème de la crème of Danish jazz talent, including Morten McCoy, Jonathan Bremer, Rumpistol, Mikkel Hess, and more. For over two decades, Randy Valentine has cultivated a distinctive voice in music, and his latest work with the concept band The Mighty Tiny and the Many Few brings this artistry to life in a fresh, vibrant way. Brought together by Steven Jess Borth II and Walshy Fire, the band unites over 15 musicians from three continents, celebrating collaboration and shared joy. Alongside Ånd&, the team has crafted a musical masterpiece that resonates with a global perspective and a collective spirit of creative expression.

'Be The Good People' is both a statement and a declaration of revolutionary love - a bold call to action. This seven-track album blends soul-drenched, horn-driven, and timeless instrumentation with forward-thinking, insightful lyrics inspired by life’s triumphs and challenges. The result is a powerful musical journey, promising to be a rewarding ride for every anchoring ear."

This is so deeply Invicta Radio right up to Solar Radio soul, ‘Be The Good People’ is out on the independent label Ånd&.and if you've not checked out Enrique Domenech's radio show, it's here

December 8, 2024: Show #109 | REGULAR CONTRIBUTOR - Enrique Domenech presents Freeforms#36 Download HERE

Vinyl LP Version coming in March 2025 

Artist: The Mighty Tiny & The Many Few

Title: Be The Good People
Release date: 15th November, 2024
Label :And&
Catalog Number : TBC
Format :  Digital / Bandcamp /

Review: Various - Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 3 Compiled by Fred und Luna (Compost Records)

Fred Und Luna (aka Rainer Buchmüller) passed away on the 8th Februry this year so it's with some sadness that Vol. 3 of his 'Future Sounds Of Kraut' is a posthumous release but then, it's also a fitting tribute too!

And whilst we don't want to dwell on the sad circumstances, the best of the 14 tracks (3 being exclusive and previously unreleased) feature Fred und Luna; the opener 'Der Allgemeine Tenore' and the disco-jazz friendly 'Water Map' featuring the 'free' Organza Ray.

But like Vols 1 & 2, this is all the what you' ad expect from modern kraut-electronica that 

can be traceed by to the originators Tangerene Dream, Kraftwerk, Neu! Cluster, Klaus Schulze and loads more and if you like, ENO (Ed. controversial).

And if modern is 2023, Philipp Johann Thimm's 'Meine Muse' as reworked "for The Düsseldorf Düsterboys" is probably the most Kraut on the album in that it's glichy, techno with an undercurrent of folky Stereolab.

Compare with a more trad.Kraftwerk. 'Zum Schmalen Handtuch' (Niklas Wandt) in German and 'Lambda' (Von Spar) in English, the synth/drum fest. 'Nachtraucher' (Christian Nainggolan) that sounds like a stream train from space and then an actual 'Space Taxi' (Sula Bassana) with a swarm of bees.

For a 14 track compilation, you might think they'd be a couple of duff tracks, but not in this case possibly because it is hard to define what is Kraut [musically], ever lone the future sounds of the past electronic innovatons of 70s/80s meets tradition and culture of 60s hippy commune / improviations / squats to world percussion of today.  If you were going to push me, the duo called Twonky comes closest with a track called 'Dream Is Impossible'; oh, and a close second, get some post-punk disco 'Wer Macht Die Arbeit' by Savage Art 

So what you do get in Vol. 3 is a further education of what the previous editions brought to our attention and thankfully Fred und Luna was able to confirm these selections (along with ideas for a Vol. 4) before he passed as he was happy that Compost release this 'Sign Of Life' from him.

As on Vol. 1 and 2, the collage on the cover was designed exclusively by the fantastic artist Norika Nienstedt from the Kraut metropolis of Düsseldorf.

Various - Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 2 Compiled by Fred und Luna (see review HERE)

Various - Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 1 Compiled by Fred und Luna (see review HERE)

I think we should repeat Compost Record's press statement: "We are deeply saddened that we lost a very close friend, a true creative musician, artist , poet, soulmate and beloved human being with a great sense of humour. Rainer Buchmüller aka Fred und Luna died after a long carcinosis. Our thoughts and prayers in these days of mourning are with his wife and family. Rainer Buchmüller aka Fred und Luna has made several albums, first one on Frank Wiedemann’s Bigamo label, then three albums plus several Maxi - Singles and 7 inches on Compost Records and Elaste Records. Rainer had several alter egos, too. Under his Fred und Luna moniker he recently compiled the highly acclaimed “Future Sounds Of Kraut” compilation series for Compost. Rainer also wrote circa 120 poems in the vein of Ernst Jandl, Dada, Kurt Schwitters. Rainer, we love you! R.I.P."

Artist: Various Artists
Title: Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 3 compiled by Fred und Luna
Release date: 6th December, 2024
Label: Compost Records
Cat. No: CPT 645
Format: 2xLP / Digital LINKS / Bandcamp

Review: Ralf GUM feat. Monica Blaire – AWA (Atjazz Remixes) (Foliage)

Definitely only one label for Ral Gum's tropical garden-house track 'AWA' (with the wonderful vocals of Monica Blaire) and that's Foliage.

The original that came out at the begining of the the year was supported by all the DJs (including Bob Hill and Andy Garvey) and was earmarked as a big release.   No surprise there as Ralf had been a busy boy with another collaboration with the vocalist Clara Hill on 'Don't Talk'.

So when it comes to a remix, who is the best pair of hands/knobs to turn to?  Atjazz of course!

With the instrumental, you can really tell to depth he goes to whilst creating this jazz bruky space dub wondering; but you can't beat the remix with some great lyrics from U.S.[Detroit] based vocalist Monica (also featured on 'Don't Look Down', see review HERE and the fantastic version of 'It's Not Right, But It's OK', see review HERE)

Foliage are ending the year strong as this remix package follows the Sean McCabe & Jill Rock Jones release 'Only You (see review HERE) but they're not going to be able to beat this remix of 'AWA' - or are they?

PS. Have you noticed how the artwork background colour changes from white to black with original and remix; effective stuff.

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - November 2024

Artist: Ralf GUM feat. Monica Blaire

Title:  AWA (Atjazz Remixes)

Release date: 6th December, 2024

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN106

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

"Dreamy trip hoppers stay connected" as Fred Everything teams up with the much loved Stereo MC's on a 'Soul Love' train as remixed by Clive From Accounts and the Lazy Days crew have been far from lazy in sorting out these collection of remixes/mixes.

"Dreamy trip hoppers stay connected" as Fred Everything teams up with the much loved Stereo MC's on a 'Soul Love' train as remixed by Clive From Accounts and the Lazy Days crew have been far from lazy in sorting out these collection of remixes/mixes.

One of our top tracks this year (see review HERE) and having released our favourite remix by Rocco Rodamaal of 'Breathe' featuring James Alexander Bright (see review HERE), we're now on the last single from Fred Everything's recent album 'Love, Care, Kindness & Hope' (see review HERE).

In the leftfield nu-disco dancefloor, Clive From Accounts (aka Richard Day) is one of the sort after names having released his own work on Dirt Crew, Outplay and the super hot Razor-N-Tape (just to prove how hot they are, check Tom Noble Presents... 'House Of Spirits' (see review HERE).  Clive From Accounts is also busy on the remixes and he's put his double entry booking credentials to the test on the dubby 'Soul Love' and goes into the deep house for a special hybrid (that's sort of reflected in the artwork).

Definitely aimed at the DJ world with an array of versions in additon to the remix, 'Clive From Accounts Dub', 'Lazy Vox', 'Lazy Dub', 'An Afterthought', 'Original', 'Edit', 'Instrumental', 'Beatless' - you'll be breathless after all these versions.  All that's missing is a Sumsuch vs. Hectic mix!

The 'Soul Love (Lazy Dub)' is particularly good and it'll be big with the flute gang and everyone else plus the re:envisoned 'Afterthought' mix but you keep going back to Clive From Accounts - not to be confused with Colin From Accounts; could all this accounting make CIPFA qualifications trendy?

Artist:  Fred Everything 

Title: Soul Love feat. Stereo MC’s (Clive From Accounts Remixes)

Release date: 6th December, 2024

Label : Lazy Days Recordings

Catalog Number : LZD108

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Danny Murano - Scientifical (Incl. Tash, Horatio, Rabo Remixes) (Leisure Music Productions)

No sure what to make of this/artwork as it's kinda Pirates Of The Carribean meets Lee 'Sractch' Perry in Miami - apart from that, it's a dancefloor treat.

And regular readers with know, all at YATM like a remix as they are often better than th e original.  Well, in this case Tash, Horatio and Rabo are up to the task as there's not a lot between them and the orignal.

The possible reason for this is, if I mention Austria's Dub Club?  Yeah, building on the legacy of Stereotyp, Makossa & Megblast, Capitol A, Hubert Tubbs, this is a new generation of percussive rhythms of Latin/Afro origin with groovy "dub-inspired soundscapes" in the Balearic club house.

Great to add to the seasonal party set.

Artist: Danny Murano
Title: Scientifical
Label: Leisure Music Productions
Release Date: 6th December 2024

Cat.Number: A198

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Tracklist:

1) Scientifical
2) Scientifical (Tash's SciFi Remix)
3) Scientifical (Horatio Remix)
4) Scientifical (Rabo Extended 5AM Remix)
5) Scientifical (Horatio Techno Remix)

Review: Unionen - Unionen (We Jazz Records)

With the spirit of a Led Zep album via the echoes of Colosseum, did someone say jazz-rock is back, even with a hint of prog-concept!   

Here's a bit more history, when Sweden and Norway had an agreement with a common monarch (1814 - 1905), it was known as Unionen so there's no better name for the collaboration of Ståle Størlokken  (Supersilent), Per "Texas" Johansson, Petter Eldh (Koma Saxo, Peter Evans, ENEMY and many more) and Gard Nilssen (Supersonic Orchestra) as this hints of a supergroup.

That said, the eight orginal compositions do vary from the rockin' '6983' (a golden era perhaps, 1969-83?) to 'Ståhlbad', 'Tomikron' and the title track with varying degrees  atmospheric sax, piano, bass and percussion that you'd expect from a We Jazz 'Supergroup'.

It's been a fantastic year for We Jazz and Unionen end it with a 'composite' of sorts as this album could be said to have tied many of thier (be the band or even the label?) disparate parts all together.

This album has already reached the appreciative ears of Tom Ravenscroft, Deb Grant and Guy Garvey (all on BBC 6 Music) but it's so much more than a one track album.

Per "Texas" Johansson; tenor saxophone, clarinet, contrabass clarinet, cor anglais & flute 
Ståle Storløkken; grand piano, fender rhodes & synths
Petter Eldh; double bass, electric bass & mpc
Gard Nilssen; drums & percussion

UNIONEN LIVE
27.3. Fasching, Stockholm, SE

Artist: Unionen
Title:  Unionen
Release date: 6th December, 2024
Label : We Jazz Records
Catalog Number : WJLP79
Format: LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: The Freestones - Our Experience (Remembering Jimi Hendrix) (Notami Jazz)

We all know the genius that was uniquely Jimi Hendrix, oft. immitated but never equalled, but here's something of a homage plus in the form of jazz interpretations by The Freestones.

This album is more than just a clever title as The Freetones are more than capable of doing a note-for-note cover versions which is why they've arranged their own versions of some of the Hendrix catologue sometimes to the extent that you wouldn't recognise the classic rock trio roots owing much to the arrangements of Stefano Conforti (Soprano, Alto & Tenor Sax).

This is particularly true of the opening tracks 'Gipsy Eyes', 'Have You Ever Been', 'Third Stone From The Sun' and 'Angel' (co-arranged by the electric guitarist Tonino Monachesi) that move from the modal to Latin flavours and on 'Angel', can you faintly hear Jimi singing along?

The remaining band members are Giuseppe Barabucci (Double & Electric bass) and Marco Brandi (Drums) with Andrea Canzonetta (Trumpet, Flugelhorn) and Antonio Ciccotelli (French Horn) joining in on 'Gipsy Eyes' and the 'hits', 'Purple Haze', 'Hey Joe' and 'Them Changes' (the one Buddy Miles track from the 'Band Of Gypsys' evolution from the Experience').

Whilst you will immediately recognise 'Purple Haze' it's actually a funky arrangement by jazz-funk legend David Sanborn (who passed in May this year, RIP) and Marcus Miller.

Two of my favourite Hendrix tracks are 'The Wind Cries Mary' and 'Little Wing' and appropriately both arranged by Monachesi here.

These guys have clearly been immersed in the music of Jimi, if not the era, so whilst the title is clever, the nine tracks are even better.

Artist: The Freestones 

Title:  Our Experience (Remembering Jimi Hendrix)

Release date: 3rd January, 2025

Label : Notami Jazz

Catalog Number : TBC

Format:  CD Edizioni NOTAMI

Review: Emilia Sisco - Introducing Emilia Sisco (Timmion Records)

Is this the best Christmas present there is this year? Emilia Sisco's debut album being released on Timmion Records is perfect for the advent calender.

Following singles with Cold Diamond & Mink like, 'Let Me In' (see review HERE) and the album opener, 'Say Yes', Emilia Sisco makes a late bid for debut album of the year.

As deep and soulful as you'd imagine from Timmion Records with the house backing band (you'll recall this years' album by Jimi Tenor - see review HERE) are as perfect as any New York Daptones or the equally improbable new soul/funk guys outta Melbourne like Audrey Powne,Tamil Rogeon or even The Pro-Teens. 

All of these tracks are mini-masterpieces or potential singles.  'Your Girl' is particularly strong but this is vintage soul quality; 'Love So Devine' is a prime example but there's no duff track here, from the horns, guitar and sweet gospel harmonies, 'Certainly', 'Too Late' and 'In These Binds' excell.

The label are keen on 'Don't Let Nobody' but by the end of the ten tracks, you'll be in love with the sound of Emilia Sisco and her songs of love and pain; we're already in love with the Cold Diamond & Mink guys.  

I'm feelin' a bit like Joe Tex after this which is a bit weird as Emilia's voice is so pure but it indicates how well she delivers these emotional songs - amazing for a debut album.

Artist: Emilia Sisco 

Title:   Introducing Emilia Sisco

Release date: 6th December, 2024

Label : Timmion Records

Catalog Number : TRLP12016

Format:  LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: FSQ - Freak Out For Fitness (Remixes) (Soul Clap Records)

Another release for the holiday season or the gym as FSQ get on the body max treadmill with others on the remix to funk up and get sweaty.

Soul Clap have no doubt spotted the Daft Punk / Roger connections on the 'Freak Out For Fitness' infusion on the original version by FSQ (aka Funk, Style Quality) that was written by Chuck Da Fonk and One Era.  

So what better than to put ya Jane Fonda's leg-warmers and channel your inner Oliva Newton John's sex appeal with enthusiastic encouragement from ChatGPT to "maintain", "push" and "push harder" for a big one int the mainroom - either to get you fit for the festive season or ready for the gym member in January with a fun Lisbona Sisters Remix. 

Charlie 'Soul Clap' Levine has made a name for himself as an artist and remixer. His remix is an improvement on the original as it pumps Hi-Intensity 80s synth-pop kettle bells; you can just imagine how the MTV video would match the synth wobbles.

We also get at the third time of asking, the Third Attempt remix and instrumental which is the most groovy of the set concentrating on the 'Freak-Out' rather than the harder pushing.

All remixes require that "Give it all you've got" attitude as you 'Freak Out For Fitness' from Boston to the rest of the world.

P.S. if it helps, Chuck Da Fonk's fitness regime with the inspiration for this release as he lost 70lbs/30kgs which is some serious sweating.

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Artist:FSQ
Title: Freak Out For Fitness (Remixes)
Release date: 5th December, 2024
Label: Soul Clap Records
Cat. No: TBC
Format: Bandcamp / Digital