You and the Music

Review: Ripperton & Joy Frempong - Sirens (Compost Records)

2026-05-13T14:50:00.000+01:00

You might be thinking that you haven't heard from Ripperton for a while and you'd be right. As Ripperton has been redesigning: Ripperton, mostly as Headless Ghost, Compost Records have put Joy Frempong with him to get some 'Sirens' to playout.

You'll recall Ripperton (aka DJ/producer Raphaël Gros from Laussane, Switzerland) is known as a innovator in the electronic music having launched labels like Perspectiv Records, and Tamed musiq, releasing music on leading underground imprints including Innervisions, Border Community or Planet E. Although, I'd say it was his extended/minimal remix work that made his name, out of the hundred's he's done, particularly Beanfield ('Tides'), Laurent Garnier and Radiohead (it seems like Gerry Hectic's 'Nude' edit has been deleted from Soundcloud!).

Knowing Joy Frempong from OY, having remixed Laundry with 'Modern Jealousy' in 2012, her Afrofuturist dispora Avant-pop poetry/storytelling is perfect for a Ripperton collaboration. Like a a antidote/counter point of Anthony Joseph's recent album, 'The Ark' (see review HERE).

In fact, 'Sirens' has been "in the making" since that remix and like other sirens (see HERE) you always hear the sirens; in this case in four versions original, clouds, melodydreamer and instrumental.

Sounding more choral than subterreanan this is tipical minimal with electronic soul and you can tell from the instrumental version how Frempong has elevated the song into "something haunting and profoundly human".

It's a grower with the gentle guitar being swept by waves and the gothic organ calling from Whitby churches. Not everyone's cup of tea by great to see/hear Ripperton with us once again.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://CompostRecords.lnk.to/RippertonXJoyFrempong-Sirens

Sirens by Ripperton & Joy Frempong

Artist: Ripperton & Joy Frempong

Title: Sirens EP

Release date: 15th May, 2026

Label: Compost Records

Cat. No: CPT 671-3

Format: Digital

Review: Brandon Markell Holmes - TRY Remixes (toucan sounds)

2026-05-12T18:14:00.000+01:00

Well, it's safe to say that there's no shortage of folks in the queue to remix any tracks with Brandon Markell Holmes' voice on them, but you've got to try your hardest to get on the list for his track 'TRY' and you've got six of the best on this hot 8 track release!

Brandon moved from Chicago to NYC where he's attracted attension from the likes of Derrick Carter, Dee Diggs, musclecars and more to do a remix of his songs after he appeared on Gorillaz album ,‘Humanz'.

And the gang are back again for a look at the album 'TRY' that came out last year and the track 'Fuller' (see review HERE) got one of our favourite world wide DJs, the constantly busy Aroop Roy.

And another one of our long-time favourites is Byron The Aquarius and he gets ontop of the pumping 'Go Ahead' like a train (which is always a good thing in our books and don't forget the original 'Go Ahead' - see review HERE) and then you got Bad Colours (he of 'Promise' - see HERE) deals with the post-watershed late night weather forecast.

One of the many stand-out tracks on the album was 'Es Pa Ti' featuring label boss, Robert PM and whilst we're talking of fast trains, you get that on Moon Boots' remix and radio edit.

Dee Diggs sounds so good with BMH they are clearly best buds (see 'Toss It') and the Diggs' remix of 'It Goes On' is the longest on here as just over 6 minutes. This would usually mean it's our favourite, and it's very close, but if you pushed me to it's down to the 808 Beach (yep, see review HERE) with their remix of the title track 'TRY' (extended and normal for some retro synth disco heaven).

TRY all you might, you might not a better collection of dancefloor groovers than this lot in just one album, so don't try; TRY remixes is the answer.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://music.toucansounds.com/tryremixes

Try Remixes by Brandon Markell Holmes

Artist: Brandon Markell Holmes

Title: Try Remixes

Release date: 15th May, 2026

Label: Toucan Sounds

Cat. No: YTCW167

Format: 12" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Kiala & Afroblaster - Spiritual Power (Tangential Music)

2026-05-12T17:40:00.000+01:00

Tangential Music has a long association with the power of Fela Kuti's musical legacy and here's some excellent 'Spiritual Power' that's TALKING LOUD!

With more than a nod to James Brown and the Gilles Peterson's 'Talkin' Loud' label, the Kiala & Afroblaster have been inspired by 'Talkin' Loud And Sayin' Somethin'", Afro-beat funky like label mates Lagos Thugs (see review HERE),original Fela MD/bandmate Dele Sosimi, the London Afrobeat Collective and the like to produce "a vibrant statement of Afrobeat, funk, hip hop, and soul-driven groove led by legendary guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader Kiala Nzavotunga."

Kiala toured with Fela Kuti's Egypt 80 and he brings the same 'big band' sound of the ten-peice Afroblaster collective from Amsterdam and it's powerful like the previous singles 'Spiritual Power' (James Brown gets another name check), 'Motherland' (big rap on this one and perhaps a bit more Acid Jazz?) and the previously mentioned 'Talking Loud'.

You can imagine hearing this walking around the canals and streets of Amsterdam with a natural boost of spiritual power that you can almost aborbs through the other track titles themselves, 'What Is The Meaning', 'Medicine' and we're told, "every song carries Kiala's philosophy.

'Telephone' is my current favourite as it's just funky as but then as importantly, they're all big dancefloor movers.

BUY LINK: bfan.link/Spiritual-power-EP

Artist: Kiala & Afroblaster

Title: Spirtual Power

Release date: 15th May, 2026

Label: Tangential Music

Catalog Number:TBC

Format: Digital

Review: Jerk - as day breaks / as night falls (DeepMatter Records)

2026-05-12T17:35:00.000+01:00

Jerk's 'As Night Falls' EP now has an 'answer' EP, obviously, 'As Day Breaks' as Brookyn opens the worlds eyes to "jazz fusion meets Bob James' hip-hop off-spring".

Composer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Jerk wakes up with eight more tracks influenced by Dilla/Madlib beats as much as Thundercat / Bob James jazz-fusion-funk-OST.

Once again Jerk (aka Joshua Kinney) is joined by Martin Wade (drums) and Wyatt Rydlewski (bass), and after 'alarmed', 'as long as I breathe' (don't you just love these early morning titles), 'lean in' kicks off our day and if you pick flowers at the speed of 'picking flowers' the Dutch growers will want you at a pace.

There's some interesting times patterns going on here that's a little unsettling as they say, "This joint album project is the essence of Jerk — neither day nor night, but something more ethereal" that tracks like 'putting it back together' and 'steppin' out' mix the funk and nu-jazz in different moods of light and shade; perhaps even dark.

You can easily imagine this is the type of thing that he dreams about like 'still dreaming' and 'wait', the latter labelled by Jerk himself as 'son-tra' (being abrev - 'sonic mantra') as you think James, Rushen, Dilla et al fusion.

I think we can forgive him that one as, like the 'As Night Falls' set (see review HERE), don't be surprised to hear that any of these tracks have slipping onto a soundtrack or advert soon as; particuarly 'lean in' as it's so reminiscent of and unique at the same. No wonder he's made the playlists of Somewhere Soul and DJs including Huey Morgan on BBC 6 Music, Tony Minvielle and John Osborne on Jazz FM, Papaoul and Tom Ravenscroft on Rinse FM, and more.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: as day breaks | Jerk

as night falls by Jerk

Artist: Jerk
Title: As Day Breaks / As Night Falls EP

Release date: 15th May, 2026

Label : DeepMatter Records

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: Double EP Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Various Artists - XPRESS Singles Vol. 2: Nothing But The Music / 20 Buck Funk (The Disco Express)

2026-05-11T10:59:00.000+01:00

After the XPRESS Singles Vol. 1, service is resumed with Vol. 2 as your 4 carriage (track) train of "funk, soul, nu-disco, house".

The next train of singles after XPRESS Singles Vol. 1 release (see HERE) sees XPRESS Singles Vol.2 leave the platform and its a certified dance floor weapon with London duo Dirty Supercar with a brand new cut, 'Nothing But The Music' in original and Angelo Ferreri remix versions.

We know Dirty Supercar from 'Get Down Boogie'/'Body Slam' (see review HERE) and this track is supported by the soulful vocals of Elliot Chapman with some super 70s strings.

Ferreri version is a bit of a slow burner but it builds to peak time levels: this guy knows what he'd doing.

But hold on, what's this '20 Buck Funk' on a return ticket from the Château d'Amour residency?

Bustin' Loose's love letter to James Brown

(see review HERE). This time it's the DE SOFFER remix and it's got to be a "stand out" we demand the funk, "the 20 Buck Funk".

And you know that 'Hot' by La Felix was melting (see review HERE) well, it's back and DE SOTTER extended for more dancefloor action. Both DE SOTETER remixes feature West Coast's Relaye on the rap that moves the crowd to the front for the heatwave.

A seriously strong vinyl package from front to back. Pressed in a limited run of 300, and already sounding exceptional on wax, this is one for the collectors and the selectors alike.

BUY LINK / Pre-Order: https://thediscoexpress.bandcamp.com/album/xpress-singles-vol-2-nothing-but-the-music-20-buck-funk

Nothing But The Music https://go.protonradio.com/r/rlQyAH8AtCSbE

20 Buck Funk https://go.protonradio.com/r/rl2BFofbSChUA

XPRESS Singles Vol.2: Nothing But The Music / 20 Buck Funk by Dirty Supercar, Angelo Ferreri, De Soffer, Bustin' Loose, Relaye, La Felix

e & Felmann,Funky Love EPThe Disco Express,7

Artist: Various Artists (Dirty Supercar, Angelo Ferreri, Bustin’ Loose, Relaye, La Felix)

Title: XPRESS Singles Vol. 2

Release date: 15th May, 2026
Label : The Disco Express
Catalog Number : XPRESS109
Format: Vinyl / Digital / Streaming / Bandcamp

Review: Did Virgo ft. Mickey D'Lange - Dream Alone (inc. Black Spuma, JKriv & Marc Brauner Remixes) (Ravanelli Disco Club)

2026-05-10T09:00:00.000+01:00

If you can imagine an Italian football player with a high level of panache that's just moved from Middlesbrough to Marseille, it's going to leave an impression - and here's another big impression as Did Virgo and Mickey D'Lange get together on the Ravanello Disco Club label to 'Dream Alone'!

It's hard to believe that there was a time when footie stars at the top of their game would move from Juventus (Italy) to Teesside for a couple of years and then to Marseille all in the late 90s: well that's what Fabrizio Ravanelli did and could it have been to inspiration fo the nu-disco label Ravanelli Disco Club? I'd like to think so and even more so as this new release is like a relaunch after 18-months out (of the first team) with a big re-signing on vinyl of Did Virgo with guest Mickey L'Ange on a bouncey original track 'Dream Alone' where acid touches the Empire (well, it's only a little passed May 4th - be with you).

Not only that, what would possibly the most active record label boss of Razor-N-Tape, DJ, Producer, JKriv (he of 'Real Ones' - see review HERE) make of a remix? Perhap, not surprisingly, he builds up from a slow-mo with the sleazy synth wobble with the percussion taking front row of the main stand.

And now you've got the feel for it, Marc Brauncer remixes pushes you onto the TGV for some hi-speed acid disco that's mad rave up whilst Black Spuma manages to fit it all into one big 6:29 dream sequence.

This 12" is far more Marseille than Middlesbrouugh and great fun for a DJ set that'll fit a party anywhere.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: DID VIRGO feat MICKEY L'ANGE - Dream Alone Vinyl at Juno Records.

Title: Did Virgo ft. Mickey D'Lange

Title: Dream Alone (inc. Black Spuma, JKriv & Marc Brauner Remixes)

Release date: 15th May, 2026

Label : Ravanelli Disco Club

Catalog Number: RDC020

Format: 12" vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Number - Discoid (Ramrock Red Records)

2026-05-09T10:24:41.603+01:00

Ramrock Red have finally pollinated the new single from Number with a big 'Discoid' that's template for the dancefloor.

If you're following the curious evolution of Number from 'Le Boucle Nouveau' (see review HERE) and 'Pollinate' album (see review HERE), this 'A Certain Radio, Talking Heads, P-Funk' hybrid project. Taking this single from the album, now with vocal and instrumental versions, D-I-S-C-O-I-D dancefloor is aiming high this summer holiday with pollination potential

As we know 'Discoid' has that disco groove and old skool vocoder that seems to be trendy once more but don't turn off as it's knob setting is low so it doesn't disctract as would an AI would - suspect these guys love their analog equipment.

We're told Ali and Rich (aka Number) grew up with "the dirty disco bass lines, noisy drum machines, wonky percussion, leering live drums, jagged guitar melodies and uplifting soulful songs of the 80's" with their original incarnation as Red Snapper that flowered in the 90s sharing stages/studios with The Prodigy, Björk and Massive Attack, ACR, The Sugarhill Gang , Edwyn Collins, The Sabres of Paradise, David Holmes and more.

BBC Radio 6's Lauren Laverne is a big fan of Number and get ready to move your 'Discoid' butt.

LINK / PRE-ORDER: RRR095 Number - Discoid | Number | Ramrock

RRR095 Number - Discoid by Number

Artist: Number

Title: Discoid
Release date: 5th May, 2026
Label: Ramrock Red Records
Cat. No: RRR095
Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Detroit Rising - Lush Grooves Vol. 1 (DownJazz Records)

2026-05-08T10:00:00.000+01:00

Detroit Rising, "A Cosmic Jazz-Funk Adventure", is on the rise again with Vol. 1 of some 'Lush Grooves'.

Nothing to do with the LUSH's fresh handmade cosmetics for "Vegetarian & Cruelty Free" bath bombs but as explosive as the 2023 Remixes release that featured our favourites Jimpster, Sean McCabe and Kaidi Tatham.

Well Kaidi and Jimpster are back for this 5-track EP along with Kai Alcé (famous for his NDATL remixes), DJ Spinna's Galactic Soul Remix (last seen on Alistair Colling vs. Tortured Soul ft. Sabina ,'When You Find Your Love... Hold On' with new DJ Spinna - see review HERE) and Matica.

But that's only half the story as this project is connected to the label's recent album by Mark Adams & The Ubiquity Band (see review HERE); Mark being Roy Ayers' band's Musical Director for 25 years!

Opening with Kai Alcé's BBQ remix of 'Talking Walls', well , if they could talk and dance they'd say this is the one that's so LUSH with big strings - no vegetarian BBQ here - or perhaps it is?

So you've got you're value track there but wait! A cover version of 'You've Got The Feeling' as a Jimpster Dub! You're kidding? But so true and talk about bringing "fresh energy" to the project. Not only that, DJ Spinna does the same with 'Open Letter', taken fromt he album, that's more basic Ayers' as in soulful vocal, horns, synths and of course, vibes.

Kaidi Tatham is the "godfather of Broken Beat" and another UK heart touched by Ayers over his many jazz-funk years. And you'd be surprised his 'Day Dreaming' mix is exactly that, deep soul dreamstate that's make you want to "kiss and hug"- until it flip into a synthy jazz-funk wobble board. The set ends with Matica doing his 'Funk Dub' Love NSA of 'Talking Walls' which is the most mixed of the lot - brilliant!

Whether you have grown up with Ayers' music or never heard of him - this project (as album and remix) is mor than a fitting tribute to the great man as the great maverick/innovator that he was.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Detroit Rising - Lush Grooves, Vol. 1 on Traxsource

Artist: Detroit Rising

Title: Lush Grooves Vol. 1 EP

Release date: 8th May, 2026

Label : Downjazz Records

Catalog Number : DJRLUSH001

Format : 12" LP / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Tema Due (Nicola Conte & Nico Lahs) - Universo Astratto (Schema Records)

2026-05-08T09:00:00.000+01:00

Tema Due's album, 'Universo Astratto' is 'THE WAY'

You'll recall EP1 and EP2? There's no EP 3 as they've gof on straight into the double Vinyl LP 'Universo Astratto' for the electronic, spiritual, jazzdance album of the year by Tema Due, the immaculate pairing of Nicola Conte & Nico Lahs!

The album features an exceptional cast of musicians — including pianists Giovanni Guidi and Pietro Lussu, percussionists Gabriel Prado and Abdissa Assefa, Magnus Lindgren on winds and Hammond, and vocalists Lalin St. Juste, Siya Makuzeni, Nina Miranda, and Toco.

More than a club record, Universo Astratto is a manifesto — treating the dance floor as a space for collective awareness, inviting listeners into an immersive world of ancestral grooves and cosmic jazz designed to transcend as much as it moves.

BUY LINK: Music | Schema Records

Universo astratto by Tema Due

Artist: Tema Due (Nicola Conte, Nico Lahs)

Title: Universo Astratto

Release date: 8th May, 2026

Label : Schema Records

Catalog Number : SC548

Format: 2 x LP Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Bolbec - Foutu Félin (Batov Records)

2026-05-07T11:05:00.000+01:00

Childhood friends and multi-instrumentalists both, Axel Concato and Barth Corbelet are back with another fantastic album crammed with your favourite influences with 'Foutu Félin' and there's more than a bit of musical fun in there too!

Bolbec's' album ;Victime De l'aube' was deep in the OST world of Piero Piccioni, Michel Legrand or Jonny Trunk's favourite, Basil Kirchin with a more than healthy dollop of library (see review HERE).

I can't say 'Foutu Félin' takes us further than 'Feuille D'orage' in that you can can still find a bossa theme next to a 60s gangster jazz noir (in a bathroom!) which in diggers terms is still "worth the price of the album" on its own.

In fact, we're told it's "richly cinematic collection of instrumental music that feels less like a record and more like an imaginary film — one where melody, harmony and rhythm take centre stage in deliberate contrast to the texture-obsessed trends of contemporary scoring."

Like a lost John Barry? And there's some great flute-gang vibes going on, like 'En Voiture' as a hip-hop beats blues walk; could Dingwalls eventually have a Backroom? This would be where you'd find me totally chilled with 'Le Fou-Rire' along with 'Fanny au Phare''s trumpet!

And perhaps it's because these 10 track have a strong sense of française from ya overflowing 'Café Frappé' to 'Terrassée' it still sounds so familiar yet it's new! And it's no surprise that it's this good as he duo are again supported by Ben Lamdin and Nostalgia 77 (still love 'The Lonliest Flower In The Village; see review HERE).

Batov Records 'traditional' Middle Eastern Grooves (see review HERE) and if you have had enough of dusty Bruton / KPM / Chappell and the like, swing onto this is the must summer album.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Foutu Félin | Bolbec

Foutu Félin by Bolbec

Artist: Bolbec

Title: Foutu Félin

Release date: 8th May, 2026

Label: Batov Records

Cat. No: BTR136

Format: LP vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Rosa Brunello - We Are Surging Waters (Domanda Music)

2026-05-07T10:47:45.153+01:00

This is the third album by bassist/composer Rosa Brunello on Domanda Music and 'We Are Surging Waters' has lubricated our world / jazz / experimental / dance view like a refreshing spring!

This is bonkers! Can you imagine Batov Records and the Noslagia 77 team taking on Derek Bailey with Eno (in his non-ambient periods) a la Ze Records on Radio 3 with some jazzdance free style percussion? And then some!

This is no Ellie Wilson 'Listen To The River' (see review HERE) but you've got to be 'Living Upstream' to get this. Rosa wasn't in this mood when she was gigging with Dee Dee Bridgewater (Ed. perhaps she was?) as this is the best "headlong rush shaped by extensive improvisation and reduced post-production, capturing the album’s raw energy and sense of forward motion" track you're likely to hear anyway.

Supported by a large supergroup featuring Yazz Ahmed and Tamar 'Don't Be Cruel' Osborn (see HERE) the album stretches (more like a rack than yoga) from Middle Eastern traditions to improvisation, disco, jazz and dub.

Wonder if Rosa is up for a remix of 'Listen To The River' or Bolbec (see HERE, new album coming soon) but I think we could do with long versions of some of the tracks, particularly the synth mad 'Witching Hour'.

I'd like to think if Mingus was around today, this is what he'd be doing!

BUY LINK / Pre-Order: We Are Surging Waters | Rosa Brunello

We Are Surging Waters by Rosa Brunello

Artist: Rosa Brunello -
Title: We Are Surging Waters
Release date: 6th May, 2026
Label : Domanda Music
Catalog Number : TBC
Format: Vinyl / Digital / Streaming / Bandcamp

Rosa Brunello: Composition, Electric Bass, Double Bass, and Djembe
Yazz Ahmed: Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Tamar Osborn: Baritone Saxophone, Flute
Luca Tapino: Trombone
Enrico Terragnoli: Guitar, Synthesizer
Maurice Louca: Synthesizer (We Are Surging Waters, Witching Hour)
Marco Frattini: Drums, Percussion
Tommaso Cappellato: Drums, Percussion (We Are Surging Water, Fish Without A Bicycle, Living Upstream, Memory In The Making)
Rabih Beaini: Mixing, Sound Design

Review: Marina Trench - Watching Back EP (Sweet State)

2026-05-06T09:00:00.000+01:00

French producer and DJ Marina Trench releases her 'Watching Back' EP - look into her eyes, tell me this isn't "future soul music, dance driven electronica" house music!

Making a name for herself with a 3 year residency at Paris' Rex Club plus DJing internationally and having releases on Wolf Music and Razor'n'Tape to name just two labels, we prepared to be taken aback with this 4-tracker EP.

'What I Do' opens to what you might think is euro-pop soul but there's hidden depths to it ison repeat listens as 'Get High (If You're Looking For Love)' which is Chic does odd-ball space synth 'n' piano house that nicely fits in and out (of love).

Like as merger ot the A-side, the flip is big as 'Shake Zone' with vocals by Yaje and the instrumental club mix version keeps us moving alt the way from "versatile pop vocals " to "unwavering commitment to joy".

I was having a deep conversation with Industry/DJ/producer the other day about the future of house etc (you know, deep stuff with a couple of drinks) and we came to the conclusion that what we all need is more "fun stuff"; and this is exactly what we were talking about - Shake Zone club mix people!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://marinatrench.bandcamp.com/

Artists: Marina Trench

Release: Watching Back EP

Release Date: 8th May, 2026

Label: Sweet State

Cat. No. TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: The Ruffcats ft. Doug Shorts - I Ain't Worried (inc. Erobique Remix)(Sonar Kollektiv)

2026-05-05T15:33:00.000+01:00

You'll recall RAH & The Ruffcats on Sonar Kollektiv from a couple of years ago; well they've removed RAH and got Doug Shorts, who luckily ain't worried about a thing at all on this new single, 'I Ain't Worried' that includes an Erobique Remix!

RAH & The Ruffcats' 'Wake Up' got the Yoruba Soul mixes treatment (see review HERE) and the album, 'Orile To Berlin' (see review HERE) really showcased the 'supergroup backing band', The Ruffcats (from Berlin) and now they front the mighty fine soulful voice of Doug Shorts.

In that soulfully downtempo of a Jeb Loy Nichols (on Timmion - see HERE) at one extreme, with the original version in it's 60s/70s vibe, or at the other, a Jono McCleery album 'Reconcile' (see review HERE) where the remix takes it into a Northern Soul Modern Room / downtempo soul.

You can see why there's already a high demand for the old skool 7" vinyl as it's aimed squarely at soul lovers, DJs, and collectors alike: a record that feels just as at home in a crate next to vintage originals as it does in a contemporary DJ set.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://sonarkollektiv.lnk.to/iaintworried

I Ain't Worried by The Ruffcats feat. Doug Shorts

Title: The Ruffcats ft. Doug Shorts

Title: I Ain't Worried (inc. Erobique Remix)

Release date: 8th May, 2026

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK560D

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: VA - Dam Swindle present 'House Of House' (Heist Recordings)

2026-05-05T09:00:00.000+01:00

For Heist Recordings' 100th release, Dam Swindle has put together a fantastic 19 track compilation that's picked on some big names like Kerri Chandler, Louie Vega, Folamour, Cinthie & more!

Seem to be making a bit of a habit of celebrating label's reaching their first class century like The Disco Express 100 (see HERE) which, if you missed it had a Dam Swindle remix of Bustin' Loose's 'Soulbound'; so what has he found for this Heist 100? Well, the opening track seems to be appropriate in more ways than one and it's Dam Swindle's own 'Back To The Old School' featuring DJ Minx with no phone, underground raves and positive house vibes.

And talking of looking back, anyone remember Faith (Vol. 3, #3, Spring 2021), Sharon Andrews interviewed Lars Dales and Maarten Smeets (aka Dam Swindle) who run Heist Recordings and she asked, what track will they best remembered for? And it was 'Call Of The Wild', represented on the album as a Makez Remix featuring Jungle By Night and it also finishes the album with a dub version which is a perfect YATM jazz house dub track.

Not content with that, their 'Not Enough' featuring the sweet soul vocals of Haile Supreme' gets a bouncy remix by Two Soul Fusion (aka Louie Vega and Josh Milan Remix). And taking big name and bouncy, you don't get much bigger than Kerri Chandler with 'Kerriousity' (Ed. gettit).

Other highlights include our favourite Dutch duo Fouk (check their recent 'Sundays EP' - see review HERE) with a saturated 'Head Spin' that you can't resist. And somebody else that won't let you down in LYMA, as featured on Folamour's 'Wont let U Down'.

So it's a bright idea as the 'Swindle and Heist look to the next ton up of releases to feature old and new skool artists on a comp and did you know, Supershy is the (appropriate named) alias of Tom Misch? You do now!

BUY LINK / Vinyl Pre-Order: Music | Heist Recordings

House of House by Various Artists

Artist: Various Artists (Kerri Chandler, Louie Vega, Folamour, Cinthie & more)

Title: Dam Swindle present 'House Of House'

Release date: 8th May, 2026

Label : Heist Recordings

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Streaming / Bandcamp

Review: Charles Petersohn - Children Of Zu Zu Remixed (Compost Records)

2026-05-04T10:26:00.006+01:00

When 'Children of Zu Zu' was released as a 'Short Version' single and everyone in the YATM office was saying, "where's the long version?" And when the long version came out, did we need a 'remix' album; you bet we do and it's here!

Featuring Roberto Di Giola and the People of Tla'aga Samoa, producer/DJ/Singer Charles Petersohn took a massive 18 year break from Compost records (see review HERE) so less than 18 months since 'Children Of Zu Zu', the "Long Version", (see review HERE) is a mere drop in the echoes of and reality before this remix edition emerges..

In fact you get 3 different versions of the track 'Myths versus Reality' and they are all very, so VERY different. In fact, the Greater Manchester Housing Authority A Spiritual Space Rework is the closest thing I've heard as a combination of Charity Shop Classics' Jason Cooke and Jerry Dammer's Spacial Arkestra in a space fuel reggae combo - surely such a future classic needs a dub version? I'm onto Compost now for RSD2027 12" disco version.

Stunning and you also get the percussive also dancefloor mix and a Sun Ra dubby Vicktor Malik remix of 'Myths versus Reality' which make this album essential in itself. But dof on't worry if 'Schmettrlinge Im Bauch' was you're favourite as it's tastefully remix as a space broken beat by Mary Olivetti - oh yeah!

And for more Afro-futurism dancefloor there's the Moodrama remix of the title track as vocal and instrumental versions.

I can't lie, I was a little suspicious on hearing of a 'Children Of Zu Zu' remix album as the original was so good but when Petersohn joins in himself with 'A Meditation On Monk' version of the title track (which is brilliant - could be Monk vs. Mingus vs. Ginger Johnson vs. Ra) you know Charles and Compost's intentions were pure; as Charles himself says, “The shared desire for the EP's tracks to embrace the idea that a remix can be a work of art in its own right has been fully realized. All the mixes have a personal touch, using the originals as raw material that has been played with to one's heart's content. I'm very happy!”.

We're very happy too Charles!

P.S. As featured in the Colour & Pitch Sessions April Mix (see below) and if you don't know about Manchester's Charity Shop Classics (latest Gerry Hectic Listener's Choice is HERE - Show 543) and check HERE for an early history on Jerry Dammers.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Children Of Zu Zu Remixes | Charles Petersohn & https://CompostRecords.lnk.to/CharlesPetersohn-ChildrenOfZuZuEP

Children Of Zu Zu Remixes by Charles Petersohn

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - April 2026

Artist: Charles Petersohn

Title: Children Of Zu Zu Remixed

Release date: 8th May, 2026

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number : CPT669

Format: Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Eric Demuro - Ara Macao / Freedom Layers (Pilchard Rounds) (Bastard Jazz Recordings)

2026-05-04T09:40:00.001+01:00

Bastard Jazz, the label itself, has always been know as eclectic / underground in the electronic, funk, soul, hip-hop, reggae since its inception so here's a couple of more tracks to open your ears and eyes!

Celebrating the 25th anniversary this year, the NYC based lable has come a long way from the break/dub samples of 'Natural Collie' ('The Dubbled Up EP' - BJ005 with Dr. Rubberfunk remix!) to last year's disco/funk/boogie/housee album by Peter Matson, 'Hotel PM' (see review HERE).

And this, the first single by Eric Demuro, Venice based bass player who focuses on "groove, experimental and electronic music" is more evidence of their open-minded approach that's very much jazz-funk (and more) as the Italian OST jazz-library gets a injection of "elastic bass lines, warm Rhodes textures, and loose, patient percussion" on 'Freedom Layers (Pilchard Rounds'.

The low-slung space funk then gets amplified on 'Ara Macao', featuring Fanni Zahár (flute) as a percussive Steve Reich vs. Lonnie Liston Smith in the rain-forest with marimba that's as much jazz-dance as headphone.

The is an introduction as Demuro has an upcoming album, 'Simulacra' in June which may or not be included in the Birthday competition on social meda run by Bastard Jazz to win ALL thier releases on vinyl - which would weigh more than a ton! All you have to do is name you're favourite label release! I'm thinking 'Ara Macao'!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://ffm.to/eric_demuro_simulacra.HGW

Simulacra by Eric Demuro

Artist: Eric Demuro

Title:Ara Macao / Freedom Layers (Pilchard Rounds)

Release date: 8th May, 2025

Label : Bastard Jazz Recordings

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: Vinyl (pre-order) / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Brooklyn Funk Essentials - Black Butterfly (Dorado Records)

2026-05-02T11:54:59.179+01:00

Spring is here and Brooklyn Funk Essentials have released the chrysalis that is the album, 'Black Butterfly'; get ready for it to funk in your musical garden this year!

Not that long ago the Brooklyn Funk Essentials were on the 'Bust The Bus Stop' funk 'Special' (see review HERE) and as that got upto full speed, they're now back with a eighth studio album called 'Black Butterfly'.

Along with 'Never Give Up' and 'Life During Wartime', a cover of one of many Talkings Heads classic tracks that they've made sound so funk-cool in this version, it's no wonder that they're on the playlist of BBC 6 Music, Radio 2 and Jazz FM; you know, it's going to be Craif Charles and Cerys Matthews.

"The album was produced and co-written by bassist Lati Kronlund and features Alison Limerick, Ebba Åsman and Desmond Foster on vocals. Kronlund explains, ‘The black butterfly is a symbol of hope, renewal and inevitable change. 'Black Butterfly' - the album - is a solid group collaboration highlighting and expanding BFE’s signature style and musical prowess. Recorded live-in-the-studio, 'Black Butterfly' finds the cadre of stellar musicians exploring a bounty of multi-rhythms, analog instrumentation, funky jams and winsome arrangements. Brooklyn Funk Essentials once again deliver a full length journey of songs within a lyrical framework of love, respect, inclusion, hopefulness and dreams."

Kronlund and Limerick have been enjoying the recent renewed interest in ‘Where Love Lives, a track Kronlund wrote and produced it for Limerick in 1990, it was remixed by Frankie Knuckles and David Morales and became a club classic and was featured in this year’s John Lewis Christmas TV Ad.

Since their first release, on Dorado Records in 1993, Brooklyn Funk Essentials have built a devoted international following who are ready for this next chapter. Indeed, the title track is less funk and more ambient-soul-folk would you believe and add to that the downtempo space soul of 'The Girl from Outer Space' and you've got more than a winner on your hands! Don't get me wrong, there's definitely enough 'essential' funk for old and new fans alike, 'Never Give Up On Love' sounds more 'classic' on every listen.

And shamelessly, they release an album without a duff track on it so get ordering vinyls now before it's too late; as recommended by the girl frorm outer space.

P.S. Ebba Åsman on trombone is fantastic!

BUY LINK / Pre Order: https://brooklynfunkessentials.bandcamp.com/album/black-butterfly

Black Butterfly by Brooklyn Funk Essentials

Artist: Brooklyn Funk Essentials

Title: Black Butterfly

Release date: 15th May, 2026

Label : Dorado Records

Catalog Number : DOR170D

Format: Limited Edition Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Àbáse - Laroyê (2026 Remaster) (Bridge The Gap / Oshu Records)

2026-05-01T18:46:19.103+01:00

It's not often you get a 5th anniversary remaster of any album but it's not going to take you long before you realize Bridge The Gaps' Àbáse "breakthrough' project 'Laroyê' is worthy of a proper May Day celebration.

It's not been that long since Naná Rizinni's album, 'Epiblast' (see review HERE) but here's another fantastic album. This time by acclaimed Hugarian/Berlin-based producer, composer and pianist/keyboardist Àbáse (aka Szabolcs Bognár) brings to life his travels through Brazil musically in 13 tracks.

We are told the album, “'Laroyê' evolved through weeks and months of research and collaborations into the album that it is now. That means that all the sessions were done in different apartments, small studios, often with borrowed equipment, which all adds to the character, but makes the creation of a coherent sound a challenge. Benjamin Tierney, Erik Breuer and Analogue Foundation did an incredible job with the mixes and with this new remaster. I truly believe that we are able to hear the tracks in a new light, with even more depth and clarity.ˮ

Coming from the West African Yoruban language, ‘Àbáse stands for “collaborationˮ – a key element of the music perfectly encapsulated on ‘Laroyêʼ. Recorded in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, Abáse spent five months working with diverse artists, from young talents to veterans of the Brazilian scene including Letieres Leite, Luciane Dom, Dofono dʼOmolu, Afrojazz and more. The album explores the rich heritage of Afro-Brasilian culture through samba, MPB and Candomblé, mixing these with broken beat, hip hop and afrobeat, creating e a contemporary homage to the classic Brazilian sound. Szabolcs shares: “Despite already leading and managing musical projects that are close to my hearth, I always felt that one day I would like to start a solo project, where I could take full responsibility for the artistic direction and the music would reflect a truly personal vision. In 2017, I decided to take five months to fulfil a childhood dream and travel to Brazil to expand my creative horizon and expose myself to new influences.ˮ

And as the result is possibley the closest you're likely to get between beautiful Hermeto Pascoal, West London, jazz-soul MPB Sao Jorge! Recommended to get you your Bandcamp Friday orders in as likely to sell-out very quick.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Laroyê (2026 Remaster) | Àbáse

Laroyê (2026 Remaster) by Àbáse

Artist: Àbáse
Title: Laroyê
Release date: 1st May, 2026
Label : Bridge The Gap / Oshu Records
Catalog Number : TBC
Format: 2x LP 180g Vinyl / Dgital / Bandcamp

Review: Mar De Novo - Last Disco On Earth (Winding Road Records)

2026-05-01T18:26:00.000+01:00

Is that Mont-Saint-Michel on the cover? Or is it St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall? Either way, they'll be playing Mar de Novo's 'Last Disco On Earth' this summer as it's a big slice of fun disco/boogie/funk.

You'll recall the long and winding road of Loverbirds' last release before the 12" (see review HERE) and the label is at it again on this one.

• ‘Last Disco on Earth’ is a huge slab of disco-fuelled house. Fat grooves, cheeky melodies (Grange Hill meets Studio 54 anyone?) and cool glitchy production. Uplifting and energetic - guaranteed to put a smile on the dancefloor. Digital release date: 1 May 2026

• ‘Over There’ is a twisted slice of bass-heavy undulating electronica, punctuated by crazy interludes and samples that fly in from nowhere. Digital release date: 1 May 2026

• ‘Uncanny Valley’ is a sun-kissed downtempo groover, with dreamy strings, guitars, and horns. Wonderful chilled musicality and like waking up to a summer morning. Digital release date: 17 April 2026

• ‘Reflection’ is a blissed-out sanctuary of space, peace, and calm. Feel-good slow-motion vibes, with guitars and piano intertwining alongside haunting vocals. Digital release date: 27 March 2026

• ‘Find Love’ rounds off the package with a melancholy Balearic sunset groove, with soft Rhodes keys nestling alongside synth lines, telling stories as it goes. Digital release date: 1 May 2026.

Mar De Novo is/are two producers, one of Italian descent, one with roots in Brazil, that have a quirky (to say the least) style and if you said 'Feel-Good' again, you'd be spot on!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Mar De Novo - Last Disco on Earth EP | Mar De Novo | Winding Road Records

Mar De Novo - Last Disco on Earth EP by Mar De Novo

Artist: Mar De Novo

Title: Last Disco On Earth EP

Release date: 1st May, 2026

Label: Winding Road Records

Catalog Number: ROAD034

Format: Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Max Sinàl - Healing EP (Soul Quest Records)

2026-05-01T09:30:00.000+01:00

We said "more trumpet" and Soul Quest Records have agreed with thier latest EP by Max Sinàl, 'Healing' and it's delivered in more ways than one!

Following up on Sean Green's 'The Green Room' (see review HERE), Soul Quest's head honcho Max Sinal's returns with another collaboration with KingCrowney (remember 'Intentions' (see review HERE with vocalist Liv East) for a deeply personal look at leftfield synth-jazz Bruk house dancefloor.

By way of background, we're told, "Healing EP is a deeply personal body of work. The project is built around a narrative of Max’s mental health journey, with each track representing a different chapter in his life, moments where his mental wellbeing was tested, reshaped and ultimately strengthened. Sonically, each record inhabits its own distinct space, reflecting the emotional contrasts of those periods, before culminating in a closing statement of healing… a journey that, as Max emphasises, remains ongoing"

And just to prove it, the opener, "Reflecion" goes post-BRUK deep house with busy percussion with warm Lonnie Liston Smith keys and KingCrowney's trumpet mood on top. If you're a fan of Zachary Berns' 'canvas'/'rendezvous' release (see review HERE) there's a distinct NY/London axis - any reflections on a two-way remix project?

'Maya', named after Sinàl's daughter, is a total change in place with spoken word "reflections" on being a parent (the anti-dote to (Salt Queen - see review HERE) with shufflin' pimng-pong and KingCrowney's trumpet going down the train track - it's great!

'Alone' is another track rooted in West London BRUK legacy with some cool vocals and serious wobble whilst the EP ends on another collaboration with Liv East (following the aformentioned 'Intentions') with the title track 'Healings' which has already been described as, "a genuinely stunning concluding cut".

This is a optimistic release and 'Healing' is you're big club/radio ready tune that's totally supported by the rest of the EP.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDR: https://www.juno.co.uk/products/max-sinal-healing-ep-vinyl/1144824-01/

Healing EP by Max Sinàl

Artist: Max Sinàl

Title: Healing EP

Release date: 1st May, 2026

Label : Soul Quest Records

Catalog Number : SQR021

Format: 12" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Arsene - It's A Feeling (Global Caress)

2026-04-30T15:11:00.000+01:00

Star Creatures' Global Caress hits us a brand new 12" by Asene, descirbed as a "slammin' sophmore EP from NYC via Chicago's Rookie Of The Year! And he's Belgian!

Phew, at least it's not the most famous Arsene that we know but this 4 tracker that follows last years' 'Jack Shit' / 'The Breeze Of Your Shirt'; indeed Arsene Zaninotto slips into the Global Caress's recent jackin' scene following Fugitive Artifact's latest 7" (see review HERE) and it's more than a feeling that it's going to take over the world (again).

As they say, the "Belgian Bruiser returns ... this new projects shows clear forensic evidence the newcomer is no stranger to the sound and feel of the East Coast Underground - I'm not talking about bridge and tunnel house. Don't be Nervous - pick up doubles of these New Grooves or be left Strictly behind (Ed. did you see what they did there?)

'Hot Sweaty Nights' is born out of the jazz-house groove where a "Windy City CTA commuter" sits so well next to the NYC train transit of Zachery Burns (see review HERE); especially as the '1-55' picks up speed and a vibe, perhaps even a squeaky wheel?

If you don't know Arsene, this is good place to start.

OpenLab: Star Creature Vibes Radio - Tim Zawada HERE

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: It's A Feeling | Arsene

It's A Feeling by Arsene

Artist: Arsene

Title: It's A Feeling

Release date: 1st May, 2026

Label : Global Caress / Star Creature

Catalog Number : SC1268 / GLOCAR011

Format: 12" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Seven Davis Jr. - SAMUEL (Secret Angels)

2026-04-29T10:00:00.000+01:00

'Samuel' being Seven Davis Jr.'s birth name, you might think that naming his new album the same is a return to his roots, what with the cassette tape artwork and for an album "made specifically for dance floors of all types" - well, its new and there's some 15 tracks of all 'SAMUEL' types here!

Recorded after working on Honey Dijon's "The Nightlife" and various projects with John Cale (Ed. something you'd think Arthur Russell would be doing if he was still alive, RIP), he's cut back on the collaborations on the new album to just Jon Dixon ('FOOL Vs LOVE') and Nikki Nair '(I BE KNOWING').

And on first listen, these are the two tracks that stand out which I find a little surprising as I have recently 'found' his Ninja Tune debut album 'Universes' and 'Come and Go' (Sounds Of The Universe compilation), both 2015 on an old hard drive; shall we call this his London period? So I was more than excited I hear of a new Seven/SAMUEL album and not only that, a massive 15 track collection of "Electro Pop/Indie Dance/House fusion project".

And it's sometimes very him, like the sexy 'DODGEY, DOGEY', whilst equally dodgey, like 'PLAYER Vs. HATER'. When he's at his space boogie funk best, he can rub shoulders with Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Hieroglyhic Being etc. like on 'UNTIL THE PARTY IS OVER' and 'LIFE IS A TRIP'!

It's odd to look back a 'Universes' to see it was criticised at the time for being aimed at "home listening" album whilst "expecting something more club friendly". Even SVJ said it was a R&B album! Well, you can't label this LP as not being 'club friendly' as there's something for all times - even though,you might never had a love like this before!

Released to co-incide with his birthday, this is a present to us all and 'I LOVE MY FRIENDS' is the groove for the 80s synth-bounce funkers - he loves his friends.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://linktr.ee/sevendavisjr

SAMUEL (ALBUM) by Seven Davis Jr.

Artist: Seven Davis Jr.

Title: Samuel LP
Release date: 3rd April, 2026
Label : Secret Angels
Catalog Number : SAR14
Format: Digital / Streaming

Review: Michael Blake's Chroma Nova - Piccolos Before Rifles (P&M Records)

2026-04-27T09:02:00.000+01:00

When Woody Guthrie wrote, "This machine kills fascists" on his guitar (as "adopted" by The Clash and many others) I bet he'd never imagine a homage of 'Piccolos Before Rifle' but indeed, Michael Blake's new album title is that, jazzy, brilliant and much more!

The best jazz album this year since Ilhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions 'Mahalle' (see review HERE) as this album has many influence's and flavours being lead by Canadian composer/saxophonist, Michael Blake.

This is a follow-up to Blake's 'Dance Of The Mystic Bliss' (2023) with a similar e.nsemble of musicians; Guilherme Monteiro (guitar), Skye Steele (violin),Rogério Boccato (percussion) with a new bassist, Gili Lopes who blend "modern jazz with elements of Brazilian rock and West African rhythms".

The album/title track, we are told, draws on the scene in Copenhagen, where the Royal Life Guards Music Band makes its daily rounds — flutes leading the way, followed by armed soldiers — prompting Blake to reflect on the paradox of music as a tool of war" Indeed the title track has a hint of march, inprovisational currents and a yearning for peace.

And there's more connections Copenhagen in that Swedish born-Turkish heritage Ilhan Ersahin NYC living saxophonist-club owner had a roll in Forro In The Dark's 2009's 'Light A Candle' album which featured Monteiro on guitar and his playing is a bit of a linch pin/counter-point to Blake as there's Indo-world connections as well as Blake's spiritual flute playing, as on 'Black Taj' and sax on 'Elephant Crush'.

Similarly, 'Mauritania' (Blake on flute) is clearly inspired by the legendary Ali Farka Touré (who passed away in 2006 and a much loved Charlie Gillett favourite).

Equally stand-out is 'Cold Stone Stan' that remininds me a little of Michael White, and 'Temples' switches to a Monteiro/Skye Steele "feature" but it's unfair to pick out any of the band members individually on this track or the rest of the album as its really a group project; now emphasised with the name, Michael Blake's Chroma Nova.

A classy album that's in your Worldwide FM/BBC Radio 3 jazz envelope of underground mainstream-WOMAD; be prepared to be impressed.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Music | Michael Blake

Artist: Michael Blake's Chroma Nova

Title: Mahalle
Release date: 1st May, 2026
Label : P&M Records
Catalog Number: TBC
Format: LP Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Ellie Wilson - Listen To The River Ching (Independent)

2026-04-26T11:47:00.000+01:00

Introducing an "immersive sonic journey of the riverbank and its underwater world", Ellie Wilson's 'Listen To The River Ching', the little known Lea Valley waterway that has more to reveal than you'd think!

If you're familiar with the groups Detwiije, REVERE and Stick In The Wheel, you'll know composer/violinist Ellie Wilson and, with some of her local friends, this new single is her 'love letter' to the River Ching that's deep in Epping Forest.

Picking up where the album 'Echoes: Uneathing Stories Of The Forest' (2019) left off (when she was the Forests' 'Artist In Residence') and sonically picks up fans of the Enclosure Acts, Public Protest, Queen Victoria's "lungs of London" quote, John Rogers and Radio 4's 'Open Country' (see links below).

Not only that, Ellie was inspired by her great-grandfather's copy of Henry Hawkins’ book 'Epping Forest – London’s Great Legacy' (1895) as the readings are incorporated it connects "past and present through place, memory and listening".

So this all sounds very local (think global) a la the recent 'Ocean Songs' collaboration (see HERE). And at the same time, it's like a complementry antidote to Leo Chadburn's 'tribute' to his his hometown of Coalville, Leicestershire and the industrial ruination of the Midlands (on last year's 'Sleep In the Shadow Of The Alternator' - see review HERE)

The reality is, the area is a mere stones throw from the urban areas of Chingford, Wanstead, Leyton, Leytonstone, Walthamstow that are so East London now compared to the Essex boarders of the 19th Century when the book was written. Thankfully the area is still boarded by the Lea Valley and Wanstead Flats and this 'Tales Of The Riverbank' was commissioned by the Ching Action Group and funded by a grant from Waltham Forest's ‘Make it Happen’ with support from Highams Park Planning Group.and features the puplils with vision impairment from the local Joseph Clarke School.

The work combines "percussion and whispered voices (water spirits) captured in the classroom with field recordings of the riverbank and its underwater world. This is combined with violin, synthesiser, piano, percussion and sound design for an immersive experience, evoking the flow of the river as it meanders through Epping Forest and slips quietly past back gardens, playing fields and allotments" and possibly some notorious spots too!

It's like a modern day Forest/Water based 'The Imagined Village' where the natural found sounds, spoken word/poetry touch the river and forest... like the interconnected forces of yin and yang?

Launch Event: Wednesday 6 May 12.30-16:30 Brookfield Meadow, Highams Park

John Rogers (writer/film-maker), "Ellie Wilson’s Listen to the River Ching gives voice to this magickal watercourse, featuring field recordings, composition and readings the Ching speaks to us through Ellie’s enchanting creation. Such a beautiful tribute to this essential capillary of London" - thelostbyway.com - A Walk Along The River Ching (link HERE).

Open Country - BBC Radio 4 - Open Country, The People's Forest

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://elliewilson.bandcamp.com/album/listen-to-the-river-ching-single

Even more info: https://www.elliewilsonmusic.co.uk/listen-to-the-river-ching & Ellie's ongoing project Moth x Human which got quite a lot of exposure last year: https://www.elliewilsonmusic.co.uk/news-1/2025/7/26/out-now-on-nmc-recordings

Ching Action Group (volunteers that aims to improve the River Ching for people and nature along the river and enhance local people’s relationship with green spaces) to see the work that they are doing go to their Facebook

Ellie Wilson: composer, violin, hardanger fiddle, voice, sound design
Pupils from Joseph Clarke School: whispered voices, shakers
Thom Ashworth: mix, master, sound design

Artist: Ellie Wilson
Title: Listen To The River Ching
Release date: 6th May, 2026
Label: Independent

Cat. No:EW006

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Fugitive Artifact - Get Some Rest / In Service To Jack (Global Caress)

2026-04-24T17:20:00.000+01:00

Star Creatures' Global Caress is the platform for Brooklyn based Fugitive Artifact's first vinyl release which is like a kiss on the dancefloor!

With previous releases out on very limited editions on cassette, this MPC manipulator has gone to Chicago Jack roots for inspiration as 'Get Some Rest' is a bit of a tongue in cheek as it chants/repeat/loops "Put This Beat To Rest" as it's then developed with pan-pipes and a heavy piano riff?

Even more minimal old skool Jack with a funk, on the flip get down with 'In Service To Jack' that grooves for seven minutes of "get down" - and sometimes, "get down on your knees".

Peter Roglin (aka Fugitive Artifact) would have been a big part of Heidi Presents The Jackathon revival 10-15 years ago (Ed. as a side note, DJ Heidi has revealed how unwell she has been recently so all at YATM wish her well and a speedy recovery) and this release is again, "2 Reasons To Jack".

Not as leftfield as you might think!

OpenLab: Star Creature Vibes Radio - Tim Zawada HERE

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Get Some Rest / In Service To Jack | Fugitive Artifact

Get Some Rest / In Service To Jack by Fugitive Artifact

Artist: Fugitive Artifact

Title: Get Some Rest / In Service to Jack

Release date: 24th April, 2026

Label : Global Caress / Star Creature

Catalog Number : SC7096

Format: 7" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

You and the Music

Review: Ripperton & Joy Frempong - Sirens (Compost Records)

You might be thinking that you haven't heard from Ripperton for a while and you'd be right. As Ripperton has been redesigning: Ripperton, mostly as Headless Ghost, Compost Records have put Joy Frempong with him to get some 'Sirens' to playout.

Review: Brandon Markell Holmes - TRY Remixes (toucan sounds)

Well, it's safe to say that there's no shortage of folks in the queue to remix any tracks with Brandon Markell Holmes' voice on them, but you've got to try your hardest to get on the list for his track 'TRY' and you've got six of the best on this hot 8 track release!

Review: Kiala & Afroblaster - Spiritual Power (Tangential Music)

Tangential Music has a long association with the power of Fela Kuti's musical legacy and here's some excellent 'Spiritual Power' that's TALKING LOUD!

Review: Jerk - as day breaks / as night falls (DeepMatter Records)

Jerk's 'As Night Falls' EP now has an 'answer' EP, obviously, 'As Day Breaks' as Brookyn opens the worlds eyes to "jazz fusion meets Bob James' hip-hop off-spring".

Review: Various Artists - XPRESS Singles Vol. 2: Nothing But The Music / 20 Buck Funk (The Disco Express)

After the XPRESS Singles Vol. 1, service is resumed with Vol. 2 as your 4 carriage (track) train of "funk, soul, nu-disco, house".

Review: Did Virgo ft. Mickey D'Lange - Dream Alone (inc. Black Spuma, JKriv & Marc Brauner Remixes) (Ravanelli Disco Club)

If you can imagine an Italian football player with a high level of panache that's just moved from Middlesbrough to Marseille, it's going to leave an impression - and here's another big impression as Did Virgo and Mickey D'Lange get together on the Ravanello Disco Club label to 'Dream Alone'!

Review: Number - Discoid (Ramrock Red Records)

Ramrock Red have finally pollinated the new single from Number with a big 'Discoid' that's template for the dancefloor.

Review: Detroit Rising - Lush Grooves Vol. 1 (DownJazz Records)

Detroit Rising, "A Cosmic Jazz-Funk Adventure", is on the rise again with Vol. 1 of some 'Lush Grooves'.

Review: Tema Due (Nicola Conte & Nico Lahs) - Universo Astratto (Schema Records)

Tema Due's album, 'Universo Astratto' is 'THE WAY'

Review: Bolbec - Foutu Félin (Batov Records)

Childhood friends and multi-instrumentalists both, Axel Concato and Barth Corbelet are back with another fantastic album crammed with your favourite influences with 'Foutu Félin' and there's more than a bit of musical fun in there too!

Review: Rosa Brunello - We Are Surging Waters (Domanda Music)

This is the third album by bassist/composer Rosa Brunello on Domanda Music and 'We Are Surging Waters' has lubricated our world / jazz / experimental / dance view like a refreshing spring!

Review: Marina Trench - Watching Back EP (Sweet State)

French producer and DJ Marina Trench releases her 'Watching Back' EP - look into her eyes, tell me this isn't "future soul music, dance driven electronica" house music!

Review: The Ruffcats ft. Doug Shorts - I Ain't Worried (inc. Erobique Remix)(Sonar Kollektiv)

You'll recall RAH & The Ruffcats on Sonar Kollektiv from a couple of years ago; well they've removed RAH and got Doug Shorts, who luckily ain't worried about a thing at all on this new single, 'I Ain't Worried' that includes an Erobique Remix!

Review: VA - Dam Swindle present 'House Of House' (Heist Recordings)

For Heist Recordings' 100th release, Dam Swindle has put together a fantastic 19 track compilation that's picked on some big names like Kerri Chandler, Louie Vega, Folamour, Cinthie & more!

Review: Charles Petersohn - Children Of Zu Zu Remixed (Compost Records)

When 'Children of Zu Zu' was released as a 'Short Version' single and everyone in the YATM office was saying, "where's the long version?" And when the long version came out, did we need a 'remix' album; you bet we do and it's here!

Review: Eric Demuro - Ara Macao / Freedom Layers (Pilchard Rounds) (Bastard Jazz Recordings)

Bastard Jazz, the label itself, has always been know as eclectic / underground in the electronic, funk, soul, hip-hop, reggae since its inception so here's a couple of more tracks to open your ears and eyes!

Review: Brooklyn Funk Essentials - Black Butterfly (Dorado Records)

Spring is here and Brooklyn Funk Essentials have released the chrysalis that is the album, 'Black Butterfly'; get ready for it to funk in your musical garden this year!

Review: Àbáse - Laroyê (2026 Remaster) (Bridge The Gap / Oshu Records)

It's not often you get a 5th anniversary remaster of any album but it's not going to take you long before you realize Bridge The Gaps' Àbáse "breakthrough' project 'Laroyê' is worthy of a proper May Day celebration.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Laroyê (2026 Remaster) | ÀbáseLaroyê (2026 Remaster) by ÀbáseArtist: Àbáse Title: LaroyêRelease date: 1st May, 2026Label : Bridge The Gap / Oshu RecordsCatalog Number : TBCFormat: 2x LP 180g Vinyl / Dgital / Bandcamp

Review: Mar De Novo - Last Disco On Earth (Winding Road Records)

Is that Mont-Saint-Michel on the cover? Or is it St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall? Either way, they'll be playing Mar de Novo's 'Last Disco On Earth' this summer as it's a big slice of fun disco/boogie/funk.

Review: Max Sinàl - Healing EP (Soul Quest Records)

We said "more trumpet" and Soul Quest Records have agreed with thier latest EP by Max Sinàl, 'Healing' and it's delivered in more ways than one!

Review: Arsene - It's A Feeling (Global Caress)

Star Creatures' Global Caress hits us a brand new 12" by Asene, descirbed as a "slammin' sophmore EP from NYC via Chicago's Rookie Of The Year! And he's Belgian!

Review: Seven Davis Jr. - SAMUEL (Secret Angels)

'Samuel' being Seven Davis Jr.'s birth name, you might think that naming his new album the same is a return to his roots, what with the cassette tape artwork and for an album "made specifically for dance floors of all types" - well, its new and there's some 15 tracks of all 'SAMUEL' types here!

Review: Michael Blake's Chroma Nova - Piccolos Before Rifles (P&M Records)

When Woody Guthrie wrote, "This machine kills fascists" on his guitar (as "adopted" by The Clash and many others) I bet he'd never imagine a homage of 'Piccolos Before Rifle' but indeed, Michael Blake's new album title is that, jazzy, brilliant and much more!

Review: Ellie Wilson - Listen To The River Ching (Independent)

Introducing an "immersive sonic journey of the riverbank and its underwater world", Ellie Wilson's 'Listen To The River Ching', the little known Lea Valley waterway that has more to reveal than you'd think!

If you're familiar with the groups Detwiije, REVERE and Stick In The Wheel, you'll know composer/violinist Ellie Wilson and, with some of her local friends, this new single is her 'love letter' to the River Ching that's deep in Epping Forest.

Review: Fugitive Artifact - Get Some Rest / In Service To Jack (Global Caress)

Star Creatures' Global Caress is the platform for Brooklyn based Fugitive Artifact's first vinyl release which is like a kiss on the dancefloor!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Laroyê (2026 Remaster) | Àbáse

Laroyê (2026 Remaster) by Àbáse

Artist: Àbáse
Title: Laroyê
Release date: 1st May, 2026
Label : Bridge The Gap / Oshu Records
Catalog Number : TBC
Format: 2x LP 180g Vinyl / Dgital / Bandcamp