Reissue of a classic alert! On 'Breakin' My Heart,' the wonderful Jim Sharp seamlessly blends A Tribe Called Quest's summery vibes with the original instrumentation sampled by J Dilla. Bebel Gilberto's iconic vocals glide over boom-bap drums and create an undeniably catchy groove. On the flip side, 'Check Minnie's Love,' Naughty NMX and Runex deliver once again by layering horns, heavy beats, deep bass, and smooth vocals into a gem with a nostalgic 90s feel. Minnie's silky vocals transform it into a dancefloor banger, capturing the essence of '92 without missing a beat.

The album effortlessly merges 1960s cool with classical music elements, creating a distinctive and original sound. What stands out most is the harp's role as the lead instrument, bringing a fresh, mystical dimension to the jazz genre that is rarely heard in traditional quartets or duos. Throughout the record, Ashby demonstrates the harp's versatility in evoking different moods. In her rendition of Freddie Hubbard's 'Little Sunflower,' the harp replaces the trumpet's warmth and power with a cool, elegant touch that transforms the piece. Ashby's intricate harp work introduces new harmonies and thematic elements, particularly on the track 'Games,' where the rhythm section's pulsating beat allows the harp's melody to take center stage. Afro-Harping is a hidden gem, encapsulating the essence of 1960s jazz with a nod to Afrofuturism and innovation. The fact that this groundbreaking album is led by a woman, especially in a genre where women often take on vocal roles, adds to its significance. This album is highly recommended for both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and newcomers - a gateway to Ashby's remarkable discography.

The University Of California Santa Cruz Chamber Singers is a group from the 70s headed up by Bob Masters that released two cult albums A Birthday Celebration and Voices. Their lush, lavish, soul-enriching sound is a harmonious balm that here on the newly reissued 'Children Of Bahia' gets paired with some Latin-tinged jazz sounds, shuffling samba rhythms, busy Rhodes keys work and plenty of organic percussive layers thanks to Randy Masters and Solar Plexus. 'Torremolinos (Windmills)' is an equally spiritual sound with more prominent flutes and dancing piano chords all energising every fibre of your being.

Unveil the raw magic of The Doors with The Doors - Live On Air - Radio Broadcasts, a comprehensive 8-CD box set that gathers the band's legendary live performances. This exclusive collection spans The Doors' illustrious career with a thrilling snapshot of their dynamic and enigmatic live shows. Each CD in this meticulously curated set features electrifying radio broadcasts, transporting listeners to the heart of The Doors' performances. Experience the band's unique fusion of rock, blues, and psychedelic sounds, as they deliver classic tracks like 'Light My Fire', 'Break On Through', and 'Good Rockin' Tonight' with their trademark intensity and charisma. Presented in a luxurious digipack, this limited-edition box set is very nice overall package. The Doors were a powerful band in person. Their live performances are as iconic as the music itself. This box set has to be the best opportunity to relive it. The Doors - Live On Air - Radio Broadcasts is the ultimate tribute to a band that continues to inspire.

The sound of dreadlocks, should there ever be such a thing in the abstract, is best put forward by Junior Byles, the Versatiles’ lead member, backed up by a shuffling riddim produced by Errol Thompson and Joe Gibbs. ‘Dreadlocks Time’ hears a relick of their ‘Ba Ba Boom’ beat, and is a heartwarming song about self-care and respect for one’s own hair, with lyrics: “don’t try to stop dreading / natty dread time is a-here / don’t lose your cool / respect the rules…” The music is just as measured in feel, and the version is just as “natty”, so to speak; there’s a very well-timed acapella moment thrown in with the version mix.

Freddie McGregor's 'No Competition', originally released in 1981, is a rare gem from the roots and lovers rock scene that has been gaining renewed attention in the underground. Now here reissued, this track showcases McGregor's smooth and timeless reggae style, reminiscent of Bob Marley's classic sound. Backed by the One Vibe Band, McGregor delivers a classy, uplifting reggae tune that radiates warmth and authenticity, marking it as a standout in his extensive catalogue. On the flip side, Joe Gibbs & The Professionals provide 'Don't Try It', an instrumental counterpart that offers a stripped-down version of the original. Their rendition is a deep, mostly instrumental dub version that emphasises rhythm and bass, allowing the groove to take center stage.

Inocology by master pianist Ino Hidefumi is one of many great examples of his unique blend of jazz, funk, and soul and it brims with the Japanese artist's signature laid-back style. The album features mellow grooves, smooth basslines, and warm, analogue synths that are both nostalgic yet timeless. Tracks like 'Ants Funeral Procession' and 'Space Butterfly' are standout highlights of his skilful fusion of genres that blend organic instrumentation with deft electronic touches. this is one of the prodigy's many great albums and is denied by its relaxed tempo and soothing melodies so it is a perfect soundtrack for unwinding into a dreamy, soulful world.

The Specials revolutionised the British music scene in 1979 with their unique fusion of English punk and Jamaican ska. Their superb album Dawning of a New Era brings together their iconic 1978 demos, which were recorded when they were still called The Automatics, with Silverton Hutchinson on drums and before Neville Staples joined. The fine collection features raw, early versions of fan favourites like 'Night Klub,' 'Too Much Too Young,' 'Stupid Marriage,' 'Concrete Jungle,' and 'Blank Expression.' These rougher, edgier tracks reveal the band's reggae influences from the late 60s and early 70s and even mow still make for a thrilling listen from one of the UK's most vital outfits.