Acid Jazz Vinyl & CDs

Review: The Ballistic Brothers are back with another reissued nine-track dose of bare but big breaks belligerents. This cult '90s supergroup emerged from the steaming manhole covers of the London hip-hop underground - as the saying goes, "if you were part of any clubbing tribe in the early/mid 90s, you will have danced to the Ballistic Brothers". Made up of Darren Rock, Darren House, Ashley Beadle, David Hill and Uschi Classen, the bulk of their fame wafted forth from a swathe of surreptitious vinyl releases that took the record-digging community by storm at the time, yet which also invited much speculation as to their original membership (the wonders of the internet weren't so readily available back then). A variegated selection of tracks culled from many a different EP, we're compelled to recall a golden time when breakbeats weren't so brash, and in fact served as rhythmic accompaniments to a set of otherwise beauteous atmospheres. Cases in point include 'Save The Children', which combine trippy pan-pipes and funky organ with a theme of charitable concern, and 'Blacker 94 EQ', which impresses us yet more with its acid jazz breakouts and electric piano solo and which makes stark use of the suspenseful string line endemic to the sound.

Review: The Ballistic Brothers were behind a great many infusion of breakbeat, jazz and Afro house during the 1990s, smashing onto the scene with the Junior Boy's Own twinkler of an EP, 'I'll Fly Away' (the lead track on which works just as easily at drum & bass speeds as it does at tapper-out tempos) as well as the complementary debut album, London Hooligan Soul. The Eccentric Afros were an early, assistive alias, used by an intermixing but not exhaustive list of some of the same producers involved in TBB before they assumed the latter name proper: Ashley Beedle, Rocky & Diesel (X-Press 2), Uschi Classen and Dave Hill. This second edition of "lost tape" reissues rediscovers some of the trio's best and most esoteric breaks-plates, which would've been heard on heavy rotation in the amalgamate days of the 90s London clubbing scene, yet not all of which have been put out properly until now.

Review: Acid jazz pioneer - and "acid jazz" coiner (!) - Chris Bangs returns with a brand new album for 2024, 'Dream World', which follows on from his early 2023 release 'Firebird'. Corralling his friends - Argentine keyboardist Luciano De La Rosa, Italian Massimo Morganti on trombone, Chile's Juan Pi Salvo on trumpet, and Fabio Tiralongo on sax - together for a supergrouped set of nine Bangers, Dream World hears the artist transcend borders in a mondialised fashion, in doing so paying homage to many of his inspirational greats such as the Mizell Brothers, Wayne Henderson and George Duke, whom together produced the joint groundwork for the latter-day genre.

Review: Following the success of Matt Berry's 2021 release, The Blue Elephant, and last year's collaboration with KPM, his eighth studio album, Heard Noises, arrives via Acid Jazz. This album comes in a stunning label-exclusive gatefold edition on a classy sky blue vinyl. The lead single, 'I Gotta Limit', shows Matt's lyrical exchange with Kitty Liv, reflecting a man yearning for another chance with a woman who is losing patience. The song, influenced by Sly Stone, packs a wealth of musical ideas into its three-minute duration, blending Northern Soul with psychedelic elements. In contrast to the eclectic sounds of The Blue Elephant, Heard Noises embraces a looser, Californian psychedelic vibe, infusing the album with space pop influences and haunting melodies. Displaying Matt's remarkable musicianship, he plays nearly every instrument, from guitars to synths, joined by longtime collaborator Craig Blundell and an array of talented guests. This album encapsulates the diverse musical journey that has defined Matt Berry's career as a musician, alongside his roles as comedic actor.

Review: This long-lost 1973 album from Graham Dee is a fabled record from the man who was a key figure in the 60s London session scene and later a prolific songwriter and producer, and it is now released on vinyl for the first time. Dee was a renowned session guitarist who played with legends like Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck as well as artists such as John Lee Hooker and The Walker Brothers. After working with them, he became an in-house producer for Atlantic Records and honed a distinctive 'British Soul sound.' In the 70s, he moved to the U.S., writing songs and working at the legendary Muscle Shoals. Mr. Super Cool was only rediscovered in 2019 and it's clear to hear Dee's unique talent on a record that offers a fascinating glimpse into early 70s recording.

Review: The eponymous album from The Modern Jazz & Folk Ensemble, led by saxophonist Sean Khan, is a special blend of jazz and folk, paying homage to the late 60s and early 70s folk revival. Featuring guest vocalists like Jacqui McShee, Rosie Frater-Taylor, and Kindelan, the album breathes new life into classics by Pentangle, Sandy Denny, John Martyn, and Nick Drake. Sean Khan's impeccable saxophone work shines throughout the album, seamlessly bridging the worlds of Coltrane and Drake with his distinct sound. The latest single, 'Solid Air,' featuring Rosie Frater-Taylor, offers a captivating glimpse into the ensemble's enchanting fusion of genres. Frater-Taylor's ethereal vocals, coupled with Khan's evocative arrangements, create a spellbinding atmosphere that enthralls from start to finish. With each track, For fans of both genres, this album offers a refreshing take on familiar classics while showing the boundless creativity and talent of Sean Khan and his ensemble.

Review: Following the success of their acclaimed debut album, Mama Terra returns with a vivid tribute to one of their major influences, Herbie Hancock, where the group have reimagined his groundbreaking 1973 masterpiece, 'Head Hunters', in a live setting. Recorded at the Glasgow Jazz Festival 2024, the album captures the band's energetic performance and their deep respect for Hancock's music. Mama Terra stays true to the spirit of the original while adding their own unique flavour, replacing the synth parts with a captivating blend of vocals, saxophone, and effects-laden bass. The album also incorporates elements from other Hancock classics like 'Cantaloupe Island' and 'Butterfly', creating a dynamic and imaginative tribute to a true jazz legend.

Review: Acid Jazz's announcement of the 30th anniversary 2LP remastered edition of Mother Earth's The People Tree is a momentous occasion for fans of acid jazz and soul music alike. Originally released in 1994, this album holds a significant place in the genre's history, blending elements of soul, funk, and folk-tinged rock from the 70s with a modern twist. The special edition reissue boasts the original album, along with three previously unreleased tracks and six making their vinyl debut. Remastered from the original analogue recordings, this release promises to breathe new life into the beloved classic. Featuring guest appearances from iconic artists like Paul Weller, Dee C Lee and Simon Bartholomew of Brand New Heavies, The People Tree is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the acid jazz scene. Notable bonus tracks include the previously unreleased alternative version of 'Apple Green,' an alternate take on 'Illusions,' and the title track itself. First-time vinyl cuts offer fresh perspectives on tracks like 'Jesse' and 'Slide Sweet Baby,' adding depth to the listening experience. The album's presentation is equally impressive, with a beautiful 'wide-spine' layout, printed inner sleeves, and insightful notes from label-founder Eddie Piller, accompanied by unseen photos from the original cover shoot. Overall, this anniversary edition of The People Tree is a album worth your time as it often selected for one of the best examples in the genre.

Review: The return of New Street Adventure was met with great warmth by longtime fans earlier this year. Now, one of our favourite bands is celebrating the tenth anniversary of their debut album No Hard Feelings with a special limited-edition olive green vinyl which coincides with an extensive UK tour. Initially pressed in small numbers before the vinyl resurgence, the album became highly sought after, with prices skyrocketing on Discogs. This reissue, remixed by Mitch Ayling, captures Nick Corbin's soulful, socially aware songwriting at its best with rare photos and new sleeve notes making it a must-have reissue.

Review: Nkrumah Jah Thomas is a legendary voice in Jamaican music best known for his influential work as both a DJ and producer through his Midnight Rock label. He has collaborated with notable artists like Anthony Johnson, Early B, King Tubby, and Super Cat. Acid Jazz group label Roots Records, which has worked with Thomas since the late 1990s, now releases his first-ever vocal collection in the form of this album which features 12 essential tracks, including his debut hit 'Midnight Rock,' plus 'Dance Hall Connection,' and 'Dance On The Corner,' as well as his versions of 'Cool Profile' and 'Joker Smoker.' It also includes the 80s dancehall hit 'Dance Inna New York,' sampled by Nas on 'The Don.' The remastered tracks come with sleeve notes by reggae historian Tony Rounce, making it a must-have for dub and dancehall fans.

Review: Founded in the late 1960s by record store owner Seidou Adissa, Albarika Store became one of Africa's most influential independent labels and did a fine job of showcasing Benin's rich musical landscape. This compilation highlights the post-colonial music scene and is centered on Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo and founder Melome Clement who recorded under various names to spotlight key musicians. Also featured are pioneering acts like Les Sympathics De Porto Novo and Les Volcans who mix up Western funk, soul and Latin influences with traditional African rhythms. With contributions from Ipa Boogie and Ogassa, this collection celebrates local music infused with funk, disco and Afrobeat in all their glory.

Review: Acid Jazz top up their longstanding Rare Mod series, one of their most fervently clamoured-over compilations to have been conceived since their launch. A recent three-volume boxset set the tone for its recollection; and now, we're met with a further Best Of record, bottling the essence of the highly headsy and in-the-know series into a tighter thirteen-track compendium. Compiling the many lost classics without which there would be no 'sound' to typify the original Mod scene - a fusion of hard 60s r&b, freakbeat, soul and pop - the likes of Cathedral, Shyster, Fleur De Lys, Dog Soul, Maxine and Richard Kent Style all abound across a well-rounded quadraphonic crunch.