Review: T.Markakis - Little Prince / Starlight (Vibe Me To The Moon Records)

T.Markakis' 'Little Prince' / 'Starlight' is coming to you on Vibe Me To The Moon Records to brighten up our days 

Markakis is from Greece and over the last couple of decades he's had releases on some of the biggest labels like, King Street, Deefected adn Glasgow Underground (Ed. don't mention Greece in Scotland afte the footie last weekend).

So it's about time Vibe Me To The Moon Records have signed him up for this two-track release.

Leading with 'Little Prince', a track inspired by his seven-year-old son, which races and grooves up and down the warm Mediterean beachscape with smooth vocals that keeps you moving.

'Starlight' takes us to the skies at a slower pace with a bumpy bassline, warm jazzy keys and some bah, bah, bahhhh vocals.

Seems like summer to me which is a good idea at any time of the year. 

BUY LINK: https://www.traxsource.com/title/2646532/little-prince-starlight

Artist:  T.Markakis 

Title: Little Prince / Starlight

Release date: 21st November, 2025

Label : Vibe Me To The Moon Records

Catalog Number : VIBE032

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Oliver Night - Between The Lines (Tru Thoughts)

London-based producer, DJ and multi-instrumentalist, Oliver Night stunned us with the return of Roots Manuva on the single 'Boss' but he's even obvious as a candidate for album of the year with 'Between The Lines' on Tru-Thoughts!

 

After the debut single, 'Run Like The River' / 'Reach Out' (see review HERE) and Roots Manuva on the killer 'Boss', are you thinking that's as good as it gets?  Well, if you are, don't as here's a full 12 track album that's top draw from start, 'Undefeated' featuring Goldbar (that's got the soulful sound of an Omar) to the final track, 'Trance End' featuring David Mrakpor on vibes, he of Blue Lab Beats!

And then you've got Megatronic ('It's Alright' and 'We Are Love' - also check out her latest, 'There's Truth In Gospel' - see review HERE), Kaya Fyah ('Vibez' and 'Friends') and the best of the lot, Jay Phelps showing off on 'The City'!

London's Oliver Night, having made a name for himself in the post-Co-Op) has incorporated a modern soul-jazz-house-broken beat that keeps his identity and cross-over appeal all at the same time.

'Between The Lines' is out now and best go and get it.

BUY LINK: Between The Lines | Oliver Night

Artist: Oliver Night 

Title:  Between The Lines

Release date: 14th November, 2025  

Label : Tru-Thoughts Recordings

Catalog Number : TRU475D

Format : Digital  / Bandcamp 

Review: Saiga Tracks - Introducing Saiga Tracks (Bridge The Gap)

A hell of an introduction, Saiga Tracks have arrived!

When Mike Anning (sax) joined forces with trumpeter and composter Josh Short, there's the fusion in the making so add to these two, Mike Anning (sax), James Copus (trumpet), Brazilian trombonist Joabe Reis and LOX on drums and featureing Kyle Drakard's "fusion-esque" guitar.

May not be household names now, but if I know anything about 70s inspired jazz-fusion from the Yellow Jackets to the much missed and tragic loss of Roy Hargroves RH Factor and throw in some Butcher Brown featuring Nicholas Payton, you're going to gain attention like the drum solo on 'Track 5'!

But this is no 'one track' release as 'Detroit' sets us up for the horn frontal attack, think Tower Of Power' in a citiy night scape as McLaughlin/Metheny jazz-funker.  Having these guys grown up listening to Weather Report, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles and Herbie?  'Mewwija' certainly sounds like it but not in a 'student' way as there's definitely a sense of their own style groove; in case you were wondering, 'Mewwija' is a name for the Maltese peninsula where Valetta is situated: strategic you would agree.

But that's not the only landmark track here, Jaco's bassline gets a nod on 'Coastal Highway' and whilst the synths take us along the Pacific coast, the trombone solo really suits this set-up that's not been seen on these shores since Raul de Souza passed. 

Take a breather with 'Groove, Changes' and the Payton inspired 'Numbers' before that 'Track 5' hits us over the head again. 

All the usual suspects will be supporting this one like Jazz on 3, BBC Radio 6's Gilles Peterson, Jazz FM and more plus the adventurous DJ jazz dance types.

Artist: Saiga Tracks 

Title: Introducing Saiga Tracks 

Release date: 14th November, 2025

Label : Bridge The Gap

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: Dgital / Bandcamp 

Review: Capitol K - Artichoke (Faith & Industry)

We've mentioned Capitol K numerous times in relation to his involvement with other peoples music on this site so whilst this is his 10th album, he's always been 'off-kilter' which makes his music even more intresting. 

Capitol K (aka Kristian Craig Robinson) recorded this album in his home studio in Malta after a 13 year stint as an engineer at London's Total Refreshment Centre where he's worked with their diverse involvements with a range from Alabaster DePlume to Thurston Moore. 

As you'd expect there's no specific vibe save for a minimalist noir a a Depeche Mode and a winter synth pop a la OMD; 'Skyscrapers Of Love' is fun and retro plus there's a revisit to 'Pillow' and 'Love In Slow Motion'.

The synth/drum machine hardware used to produce this album is truly awesome and the ten tracks give you enough to reflect on much like the strangeness of an artichoke itself.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Artichoke | Capitol K.

Artist: Capitol K 

Title: Artichoke

Release date: 14th November, 2025

Label: Faith & Industry

Cat. No: TBC

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Charles Webster And The South African Connection - From The Hill (Stay True Sounds)

I love this quote, "If you play his remix of ‘Cafe de Flore’ (by Dr Rockit) even now at any venue in South Africa, it will erupt,” notes Stay True Sounds founder Allan Nicoll (aka Kid Fonque) so you see why they are all on this Charles Webster x The South African Connection 'compilation' of 13 combinations with him leading the way.

 

Any release on Stay True Sounds that involves Charles Webster is guaranteed a winner like the collaboration with Muzi on 'Bakulindele' (see review HERE) or the one with China Charmeleon and Girly, 'Many Blessings' (see review HERE) so now we've got the whole album of Afro-centric dance with the 13 track album, I can confirm, 'Charles Webster And The South African Connection - From The Hill', is going to be massive!

And this 'workshop' approach is a winner from the start as the emphasis is on the new right from the start with the opening track, 'Flame' with Thabo Tonqick; bizarrley the pair bonded over chats about cats! (Ed. I blame the tik-tok/Internet).

The Atmos Blaq track 'Free' drops in a trumpet call sounding the retreat from a hill far away (possibly) which tracks into the two Daev Martian collabs, 'Up The Hill', 'From The Hill' and the relief of 'Karoo' desert 'Rain' with Emamkay (he of 'Sense' - see review HERE) and Bokang Ramatlapeng.

The radio playlisters with go for the other Daev Martian pairing with Sio ('Film Me' - one of two 3 minute tracks on the album) whilst there's plenty for the dancefloor with 'Qiniseka' (Slve Msolo & sakhe the Conquerer), 'A Journey' (El Payo and Girly Mbambani), 'Part Two' (WAPO Jije) and 'Sweto Sunrise' ('FKA MASH) plus the boom-chicka-boom of 'The Artist' (Bokani Dyer) and the previous singles.

A great album and mark my words (that I've borrowed), some time in the future they'll be saying, "If you play Charles Webster And The South African Connection' [insert track], even now, at any venue [anywhere], it will erupt"; you've been told!

BUY LINK / LIMITED VINYL (shipping 28.01.26) : https://charleswebster.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-hill

Artist: Charles Webster And The South African Connection 

Title: From The Hill 

Release date: 14th November, 2025

Label : Stay True Sounds

Catalog Number : STS

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Bei Bei - Two Moons (Bei Bei Time Productions)

At the time of release, we've had three supermoons events ('Harvest', 'Beavour' and 'Cold') but here's the single that reflects the light of 'Two Moons' with Bei Bei and UK producer Paul Elliott.

It wasn't so long ago we mentioned Shawn Lee, as "last seen on the drum stool behind at Asha Puthli at We Out Here last summer but also the Ping Pong Orchestra,Young Gun Silver Fox and our fabourite, the link up with Bei Bei" and that link-up produced the 'Beauty & The Beats' which led to a couple of albums that followed in 2010 and 2017.

So what has our favourite Chinese Guzheng player/composer/teacher being up to?  Well, she's linked up with Paul Elliott for a comibnation of "with organic lo-fi electronic textures, weaving a soundscape that bridges tradition and futurism."

Bei Bei is a master of the this ancient chinese harp/zither and this is the title track from and upcoming album 'Two Moons' due 20th February, 2026 - beautiful!

BUY LINK /PRE-ORDER: 

 

Artist: Bei Bei

Title: Two Moons

Release date: 12th November, 2025

Label: Bei Bei Time Productions

Cat. No: TBC

Format: Digital (Spotify / Apple etc)

Review: Jerk - As Night Falls EP (DeepMatter Records)

Jerk's 'As Night Falls' EP has a Brookyn in the dark groove as jazz fusion meets Bob James' hip-hop off-spring. 

This is quite a bit different to Jr. Thomas & Eraserhood Sound (see review HERE) as DeepMatter go on a night cruise to discover multi-instrumentalist Jerk as influence by Dilla/Madlib beats as much as Thundercat / Bob James jazz-fusion-funk-OST.

Jerk (aka Joshua Kinney) is joined by Martin Wade (drums) and Wyatt Rydlewski (bass), the single 'stealthy, she moves' is like a nervous sax cat stalking the dark back alleys on a Co-Op beat.

'Incoming' features a more cock-sure walking bass as emergency vehicle sirens go off in the background along with that cat knocking over milk bottles.  And, of course, if you're in Noo York, there's going to be a Fania influence as Phillip Catherine finds Patrice Rushen at a  'dance beneath a dripping moon'.  

Don't be surprised to here any of these tracks slipping onto a soundtrack or advert soon as.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER:as night falls | Jerk

Artist: Jerk
Title:   As Night Falls EP 

Release date: 14th November, 2025

Label : DeepMatter Records

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Oliver Night - Boss ft. Roots Manuva (Tru Thoughts)

If you weren't excited about Oliver Night's last single, it's definitely time to witness the fitness with the return of Roots Manuva as the 'Boss' of BITA heavy follow-up single on Tru-Thoughts.

This might not be married at first sight but after the debut single, 'Run Like The River' / 'Reach Out' (see review HERE) with the addition of legend that is Roots Manuva is next level.

London's Oliver Night has not only made a name for himself in the post-Co-Op), going full-on BRUK and then getting Manuva to add his flow on top is a genius move; and there's the instrumental!

The album 'Between The Lines' is out on Friday and if your in London Town this week, join Oliver for his album launch show @ The BBE Store, Thursday 13th November from 6PM!

BUY LINK: Music | Tru Thoughts

Artist: Oliver Night 

Title:  Boss ft Roots Manuva

Release date: 14th November, 2025  

Label : Tru-Thoughts Recordings

Catalog Number : TRUDD668

Format : Digital  / Bandcamp 

Review: Various Artists - J Jazz Vol. 5: Deep Modern Jazz From Japan 1970-1988 (BBE MUSIC)

Tony Higgins and Mike Peden announce that pre-orders available now forJ Jazz volume 5: Deep Modern Jazz From Japan 1970-1988, BBE Music’s celebrated J-Jazz compilation series reaches its fifth and final volume in early 2026, culminating in a track list that maintains the exceptionally high standard first set with volume one back in 2018.

This final volume features a selection of tracks that is as diverse as it is deep, reflecting the rich and varied Japanese jazz scene that spanned from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, a golden era of innovation and creativity. J Jazz volume 5 sees compilers Tony Higgins and Mike Peden dig ever deeper into their respective record collections to reveal tracks that encompass myriad styles including white hot jazz funk fusion from Toshiyuki Honda ('Eastern Legacy') and Mikio Masuda ('Sonic Barrier'), super rare ethnic jazz crossover by Crystal Zone - their one-off 45 promo release from 1971, 'Rai Rai' (ライ・ライ), a deconstructed and abstract jazz classic by Yasuhiro Kohno with his solo piano rendition of 'My Favourite Things', and Mile and Half’s skin-tearing, shredding freak-out from their mega rare private press album. A track that is so relentless, it leaves the listener in need of oxygen and a Valium.

These hand-picked selections sit alongside other specially chosen numbers that embrace hard-driving samba (Seiichi Nakumura’s Judy’s Samba), epic head-nodding soul jazz (Masaru Imada’s World Line), psychedelic private press fusion (Aoyama Gakuin 101’s Fervor), angular post-bop tear-ups (Akia Miyazawa’s Nijimasu), intense and insistent fusion (Motohiko Hino’s Olive Step), serene cinematic pianism (Hideo Ichikawa’s On the Trade Wind) and tripped-out hallucinogenic tribal funky jazz (Garandoh) 

With almost 7000 words of extensive sleeve notes, J Jazz volume 5 comes in a triple 180g vinyl set  inside deluxe gatefold sleeve with obi strip, and comes with a 4- page insert, with photographs from the renowned Tokyo Jazz Joints project. Mastered with love @thecarverystudio

BUY LINK/PRE-ORDER (3LP and 2CD) bbemusic.bandcamp.com/album/j-jazz-volume-5-deep-modern-jazz-from-japan-1970-1988

Artist: Varous Artists

Title: J Jazz Vol. 5: Deep Modern Jazz From Japan 1970-1988

Release date: (Shipping 20 March 2026)

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number :  BBE731

BBE 3xLP vinyl / 2xCD / Digital (bbemusic.com) & Bandcamp .

Review: Levitation Orchestra - Sanctuary (5dB Records)

If you can have a new favourite "10-piece cinematic jazz fusion collective", Levitation Orchestra at it and their latest album, 'Sanctuary' is where it's at.

Formed in 2018, this is their third album and the 'Embrace' and 'Imladris' have been played on BBC Introducing, Radio 3 and Worldwide FM with a gig as part of EFG London Jazz Festival on 17th November at Islington Assembly Hall.

We know this is a project Mackwood is involved in, real name Harry Ling (drums) is involved with (see HERE) but there's also other leading lights on the UK jazz scene like James Akers (tenor sax - also with Nadav Schneerson, see HERE), Maria Osuchowska (harp), Lluís Domènech Plana (flute) and Plumm (on vocals).  It sounds very 'Tomorrow's Warriors' as founder/trumpeter/leader/arranger, Axel Kaner-Lidstrom created the team from a "non-elitist approach to creativity" workshop.

If anyone is looking to have a modern day Pharoah Sanders/Sun Ra view of 'Sanctuary' from a Cinematic Orchestra jazz sperfective, there's no better place to look than these eight tracks with the meditatve title track to starts things off along with tracks like 'Breath' and 'Home'; a track featuring Plumm vocals and the harp making it closer to the Alice Coltrane 'school' (Ed. or should that be 'ashram'?).

'Home' links with 'Within Us, WIthout Us' as they gets their cinematic rocks on alongside BRUK leanings and the horn attack giving the group a modern Big Band amalgum  Hardly live from the Mecca Ballrooms as 'Imladris' is the intermediate step to the other extreme, 'Premedetatio Malorum' boarders on jazz-dance sounds with the vibes echoing more Ruth Underwood (Zappa) than Roy Ayers whilst there's a bit of a Spanish theme going on: JazzCoTech dance sweat!

All this is a build up to the 9 minute opus 'Another Way' - a ambient-folk-jazz-rock statement if there was one (I hope one day we'll hear a live version where the closing paino riff gets extended into a full on Van der Graf Generator blast out).  

No surprise then that all the big heads are on this, Craig Charles, Gilles Peterson, Jez Nelson, Robbie Vincent as there's something for everyone.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER Vinyl: Sanctuary | Levitation Orchestra

Artist: Levitation Orchestra 

Title: Sanctuary

Label: 5dB Records

Release date: 14th November, 2025

Cat.No.: TBC

Format:Vinyl /Digital / Bandcamp