Strut Vinyl & CDs

Review: In celebration of 50 years in the performing arts, Idris Ackamoor presents Artistic Being for Record Store Day 2025-a powerful blend of jazz, spoken word and activism. Featuring the voices of acclaimed actor Danny Glover and stage legend Rhodessa Jones, this record captures highlights from the Underground Jazz Cabaret, which was performed during Black History Month 2024 at The Lab in San Francisco. Co-produced by Ackamoor's Cultural Odyssey, the release fuses poetic storytelling with evocative musical textures while reflecting on social justice, identity and resilience. Artistic Being is a profound statement from a visionary artist.

Review: There have been plenty of retrospectives on the absolutely essential work of Sun Ra and his Arkestra over the years, but trust Strut to go that bit deeper when they elected to focus on the Sun God himself. As the extensive title suggests, this collection places the focus on proceedings in the hands of Marshall Allen, the longest serving member of the Arkestra and current band leader. The results mean In The Orbit Of Ra feels a whole lot more personal and indepth, with over 25 years worth of Sun Ra-lead music documented. It's all been fully remastered from the original tapes and is pretty much the most conclusive introduction to the work of this pioneer one could hope for. In addition to the 13 track double vinyl set, this release also includes the double CD edition which includes a further 7 Ra gems!

Review: Mulatu Astatke's 1972 album Mulatu of Ethiopia stands as a seminal work introducing listeners to the innovative sounds of Ethio-jazz. Born out of Mulatu's unique blend of Ethiopian melodies with Western instruments and influenced by his experiences in Boston and New York, the album exudes a captivating fusion of styles, as Mulatu's mastery of the vibraphone, paired with organ, flute and horns creates a mesmerising sonic landscape across seven tracks. Straying from traditional Ethiopian vocal-centric music, Mulatu's instrumental compositions showcase his singular vision. The album's reissue provides a deeper understanding of its creation, with additional outtakes revealing the bandleader's meticulous direction and experimentation. Over the years, Mulatu's influence has extended beyond jazz, inspiring artists across genres and spurring renewed interest in his timeless work.

Review: Strut's reissue of Experience Unlimited's 1977 debut Free Yourself offers a fresh dive into a seminal record that paved the way for Washington D.C.'s go-go scene. Originally released in 1977, this album fuses soul, jazz, and funk-rock, showcasing the band's eclectic and pioneering style. Formed in 1973, Experience Unlimited caught the eye of Black Fire Records' Jimmy Gray after a school talent show victory. Bandleader Gregory "Sugar Bear" Elliott recalls their early days in the studio with a sense of youthful spontaneity, capturing their genuine selves. Free Yourself reflects this spirit with its vibrant and varied tracks. From the soulful reflections of 'Peace Gone Away' to the funk-driven 'Funky Consciousness' and the nascent go-go grooves of the title track, the album radiates positive energy and innovation. The reissue preserves the original artwork, including Malik Edwards' cover painting, and features remastering by The Carvery. Accompanied by a new interview with Sugar Bear and rare photos, this edition brings a crucial piece of music history back into the spotlight.

Review: Jazz has always been as much about great collaborations as anything else and that is very much the case with the modern scene. Proving that is Flock, a new coming together of five talented musicians Bex Burch from Vula Viel, Maisha's Al MacSween, Sarathy Korwar, Dan "Danalogue" Leavers and Collocutor's Tamar Osborn. They got together for the first time in March 2020 for a Boiler Room show and some memorable streams during lockdown. Strut Records were listening in and managed to get them in the studio together to try something fresh. The resulting improvised sounds focus on "breathing and listening to each other", explains Bex Burch. It makes for a wild, innovative ride.

Review: UK supergroup Flock returns with their highly anticipated second album, Flock II. Featuring Bex Burch, Sarathy Korwar, Tamar Osborn, Danalogue and Al MacSween, this new record pushes creative boundaries with fresh tracks born from their magnificent collective spirit. Unlike their debut, Flock II was recorded over a week in 2022 in the serene Welsh countryside using inventive "jump-off" devices like shape-based diagrams and strobe effects to inspire each composition. Set in a converted country church, the resulting soundscapes are both intense and hypnotic as they weave together a personal journey through their most atmospheric sounds.

Review: Acclaimed pianist Greg Foat is a mainstay of the current UK jazz revival thanks to works on Jazzman and Athens of the North. He draws on soul and library music for his inspiration and serves up lush symphonies that are rich in detail, layer and emotion. This new album, which makes use of pedal steel for the first time, goes even more widescreen in its approach and includes powerfully uplifting tracks like "Anticipation" as well as more sensual and slower groovers and languid movers like "Island Life." It is the sound of an artist and composer at the very peak of his powers.

Review: Ice's early work captures a pivotal moment in funk's evolution, weaving together taut grooves and vibrant African-inspired rhythms. Recorded during the band's formative years, the music brims with raw energy and creative ambition. Polished basslines drive the tracks, while percussion bursts with a vitality that speaks to their Parisian influences at the time. Horn stabs and tightly wound guitar lines add layers of complexity, and the occasional vocal inflection injects a sense of urgency. With each listen, the production reveals new texturesismall details that elevate the record beyond its era.

Review: Strut's latest release is a freshly remastered edition of Juju's influential 1974 album Chapter Two: Nia which is bound to excite those looking for a nice copy of this unique record. This reissue shines a spotlight on Juju's unique fusion of Afrocentric jazz and black nationalist poetry, recorded during a transformative period for the band. Founded in San Francisco and relocated to New York in 1972, Jujuiled by James "Plunky" Branchiimmersed themselves in the avant-garde scene, performing at notable venues like Slugs and Ornette Coleman's loft. By 1974, the band had moved to Richmond, Virginia, seeking a creative refuge from New York's high living costs. They settled into what they called the Juju Raga Artist House, a cultural hub that also functioned as the state's first black arts gallery and performance space. Chapter Two: Nia, recorded at Eastern Recording Studios, reflects Juju's commitment to Afrocentric themes and includes a freeform rendition of Pharoah Sanders' 'Black Unity.' The reissue retains the original artwork, adapted from a concert video by Collis Davis, and has been remastered by The Carvery for enhanced sound quality. It also features new liner notes from Plunky Branch, offering deeper insights into the band's revolutionary impact and creative journey.

Review: It's been nearly ten years since the first release of Orlando Julius and The Heliocentrics' first ever collaborative album, Jaiyede Afro, which did thorough justice to the creative possibilities of Nigerian Afrobeat that arguably haven't been represented so well since Fela Kuti's last releases. Deft rhythms, and loosely-laid-down layers of guitar and horn, ride over each other like harmonious, health-giving backings for life across this short statement of nine tracks. Now reissued via Strut, we're reminded of its spiritual mood of tricky electronics and wahhing ambiences, as it slowly expands outwards into a holistic psychedelia, more than the some of its easily discernible parts.

Review: A Dancefloor in Ndola, curated by East African DJ Kampire for Strut Records' 25th anniversary, is a great example at the broad sounds of classic East and Southern African music. With 13 tracks that span genres like Congolese rumba, South African bubblegum, and Zambian kalindula, the compilation pays homage to the rich musical heritage of the region. Kampire's personal connection to the music, shaped by her upbringing in Ndola, Zambia, adds depth to the compilation. Through her own edit of 'Ririmi Rotsombela' and personal liner notes, she traces her links to the music, creating a nostalgic experience for listeners. The compilation not only celebrates well-known artists but also shines a spotlight on women in African music from the 80s, including legends like Pembey Sheiro, Feza Shamamba, and Princesse Mansia M'bila. It's a testament to the diversity and richness of African music history. With its blend of classic tracks and Kampire's personal touch, A Dancefloor in Ndola is more than just a compilation; it's a cultural journey that highlights the beauty and significance of African musical traditions.

Review: Strut proudly presents the first official remastered reissue of Lafayette Afro Rock Band's funk/Afro classic, Soul Makossa from 1973. Originally known as the Bobby Boyd Congress, the seven-member Afro-American ensemble relocated from the U.S. to France in 1971. After lead singer Bobby Boyd returned to the US, the group rebranded as Ice and collaborated with producer Pierre Jaubert, whose credits included work with Charles Mingus and John Lee Hooker. Inspired by Motown's work ethic, Jaubert initiated daily rehearsals, leading to the band's unique sound. Immersed in Paris's African-dominated Barbesse district and frequently performing with Cameroonian composer Manu Dibango, the group evolved into Lafayette Afro Rock Band, embracing a heavier, more intricate Afro-funk style. Their debut album, Soul Makossa, featured a dynamic rendition of Dibango's classic, alongside the intense break of 'Hihache' and the infectious 'Nicky.' This meticulously crafted remaster by The Carvery from the original tapes includes the full original artwork, celebrating an iconic album's legacy.

Review: This is a special sampler 12" taken from the Various Artists compilation Defend Your Planet that Avoidant Records put out. It features a heavyweight crew of electro mainstays, first of which are The Advent & Zein Ferreira. Their 'Defend Your Plane' is a turbo powered cosmic assault with skewed synths and high speed drums. Assembler Code's 'Line Of Sight' doesn't let up, powering on through sheet metal snares and juddering drum programming and then man like Carl Finlow layers in prickly melodies, dark sci-fi energy and booming bass. Analogue master Versalife shits things down with the shadowy 'SH09.'

Review: Acclaimed South African folk singer Vusi Mahlasela joined forces with singer songwriter Norman Zulu as well as the superb Swedish jazz and soul collective Jive Connection for this album back in 2002. It was thought to be a lost recording until it recently showed up and now gets fully revived by Strut. There are strong political links between these countries which no doubt adds weight to this musical link up. It is a great exchange of cultures from parables to laments on child abuse to tunes that fuse reggae, jazz and post-punk with township styles.

Review: Recorded in New York in 1966, Miriam Makeba's "Pata Pata" - her first for the legendary Reprise Records imprint - has long been considered one of the most important and influential South African albums of all time. Strut certainly thinks so and has offered up a "definitive version" that contains both mono and stereo mixes of the album, alongside new sleeve notes that tell the singer's remarkable story in vivid detail. Musically the set is rooted in jazz, but also incorporates sounds, rhythms and instrumentation not only reflective of Makeba's home country, but also nods to American soul, Latin rhythms and calypso (the latter showcasing the influence of her mentor, Harry Belafonte).

Review: Strut present an exclusive collaboration between two jazz greats, multireedist Bennie Maupin and percussionist Adam Rudolph, on Symphonic Tone Poem For Brother Yusef, originally commissioned by the 2020 Angel City Jazz festival in Claremont. This long yet impressive album weaves across a sonic landscape in five movements, blending electronics, sax and voice and binding them all together via the deft use of intervals and improv. A strong and moving debut from the clear clarinetist and the percussive polymath.

Review: The reissue of Oneness Of Juju's 1976 album Space Jungle Luv stands as a crucial addition to the Black Fire Records reissue series. When James "Plunky" Branch founded Oneness Of Juju in 1975, he had already spent years engulfed in the vibrant jazz scenes of both coasts. The group, previously known as Juju, was deeply rooted in New York's avant-garde jazz scene. However, upon relocating to Richmond, Virginia, Plunky gathered a fresh ensemble, blending African rhythms with funk and r&b. This lineup produced two of their most acclaimed albums, African Rhythms and Space Jungle Luv. This era marked the band's peak, with Space Jungle Luv embodying a shift towards a more serene, spiritual sound. The album showcases Lady Eka-Ete's enchanting vocals and guitarist Melvin Glover's celestial tones. Plunky's vision for this record was influenced by artists like Pharoah Sanders, aiming to deliver a message of spiritual upliftment through "space music, jungle music, love songs." Tracks like 'River Luvrite' and 'Follow Me' explore themes of unity and exploration.

Review: Risco Connection were the perfect reggae-disco crossover act, founded by Studio 1 sticksman Joe Isaacs after he moved to Canada in the late 60s. Searching for a sweet spot between the plush orchestration of disco and the upbeat shuffle of rocksteady, he embarked on a series of covers with a strong cast behind him, taking on the likes of Chic's 'Good Times', 'It's My House' and a version of 'Ain't No Stopping Us Now' which became a staple at David Mancuso's mythical Loft parties. This collection gathers together all the singles - vocals, dubs and all - and comes packaged with an interview with Isaacs and liner notes, restored and remastered and sounding better than ever.

Review: Patrice Rushen's Remind Me: The Classic Elektra Recordings 1978-1984 celebrates the unmatched talent of a jazz and r&b legend whose influence extends far beyond her chart success. Rushen's songs, including hits like 'Forget Me Nots' and 'Haven't You Heard,' have left an indelible mark on popular music, with countless artists sampling her work. Despite facing criticism and lackluster label support, Rushen's crossover into sophisticated urban pop paved the way for future R&B and hip-hop hits. This compilation shows Rushen's talents as a musician and arranger, with her production providing the building blocks for decades of musical innovation. Tracks like 'Givin' It Up Is Givin' Up' and 'Remind Me' highlight Rushen's electrifying performances and innovative sound. Rushen's timeless music remains as relevant and influential as ever, cementing her status as a true icon of musical innovation and creativity.

Review: The translucent yellow vinyl reissue of Disco Not Disco: Leftfield Disco Classics From The New York Underground on Strut brings forth once again an exhilarating journey through the vibrant tapestry of the city's dance scene. Curated by Sean P and Dave Lee, the collection captures the essence of the era's experimentalism and innovation with full authenticity. From the infectious rhythms of Liquid Liquid's 'Cavern' to the hypnotic grooves of Loose Joints, each track pulsates with raw energy and eclectic creativity. With contributions from various key artists of the time, this collection serves as a timeless homage to the influential sounds that defined the underground disco movement while offering a captivating glimpse into New York's musical legacy.

Review: Strut's 2024 reissue of Sun Ra's Lanquidity, an iconic 1978 release, celebrated for its fusion of cosmic jazz and avant-garde experimentation. Recorded in a single night at Bob Blank's studio, the album shows off the rich Arkestra's blend of sound with eight horns, four percussionists, and electric guitars.'There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of)' stands out as a hypnotic, dream-like piece that subverts traditional forms with its blend of ambient and vibrant passages. The album is a standout in Ra's extensive catalog for its fusion-inspired, freeform approach. The single LP version includes five tracks, akin to the original. Starting with the smooth, cosmic exploration of 'Lanquidity,' is like a celestial mapping akin to an Ancient Egyptian stargazing ceremony. 'Where Pathways Meet' follows with a funky, march-like rhythm reminiscent of a Pharaoh's pep-talk, showcasing Ra's unique fusion of Egyptian motifs and jazz. The groove deepens with 'That's How I Feel,' featuring reflective trumpet lines and intricate solos. 'Twin Stars Of Thence' highlights Richard Williams' celebrated bass with its funky, elastic rhythm. The album closes with the haunting 'There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of),' a piece steeped in space music that poet Mama Nzinga likened to a journey through the essence of light and deep space.

Review: Shut has been busy with a great series of reissues of Sun Ra's historic recordings in Egypt. All good things must come to an end, though, and so it does with The Sun Ra Arkestra meets Salah Ragab in Egypt which was recorded with help from the Cairo Jazz Band and first put out back in 1983 on Greek label Praxis. The Arkestra first met Salah Ragab at the home of Goethe Institut ex-pat Hartmut Geerken when they toured the island in December 1971 and later bonded again in 1983. It was then that they got together for these recordings where they played Ragab compositions, 'Egypt Strut' and 'Dawn' amongst others.

Review: Politically charged Motor City jazz collective Tribe has undergone something of a career rebirth in the last few years. The releases they played, produced and put out on their Tribe Records imprint in the '70s are rightly revered, but the truth is that they've made equally as good music since getting back into the studio in 1990 - as this brilliant retrospective from Strut proves. The ten-track set contains both released material and previously unheard recordings, with highlights including a fantastic new version of "Juba" featuring Harold McKinney and his "McKinfolk" musicians, a daring new version of Tribe member Phil Ranelin's "He The One We All Knew" and the spiritual rallying cry that is "Marcus Garvey".

Review: There aren't many characters quite like Lori Vambe in British music. He was a self-taught drummer, inventor, and sonic experimentalist who also made his own instrument, the drumgita, or string-drum. He was born in born in Harare, Zimbabwe but moved to London in 1959 and soon became entrenched in the Brixton squat scene. Now revered as a fine outsider along with the likes of Moondog and Daphne Oram, his privately pressed album Space Time Dreamtime: The Four Dimensional Music Of Lori Vambe now gets a first ever issue on Strut. It is an international and experimental work full of overdubs, tape effects, temporal shifts and reversed sound.

Review: Strut's definitive vinyl edition of Nigeria 70 brings fresh vitality to a landmark compilation first released in 2001. This collection, renowned for its role in popularizing 1970s Lagos music, remains a vital exploration of Afro funk and Afro jazz, showcasing a vibrant cross-section of Nigerian music that extends beyond Fela Kuti's legacy. The reissue offers a rich tapestry of sounds that captured Nigeria's dynamic musical landscape. Starting with Monomono's 'Loma Da Nigbehin,' the album dives into deep, rhythmically complex Afrobeat grooves. Fela Kuti's iconic tracks 'Upside Down' and 'Jeun Ko Ku (Chop 'n' Quench)' highlight the revolutionary funk that defined the era, while Tony Allen's 'No Discrimination' from 1980 exemplifies the genre's evolving sophistication. The compilation's strength lies in its diversity. Tracks like Ofo & the Black Company's 'Allah Wakbarr' and BLO's 'Chant to Mother Earth' introduce psychedelic rock influences, while Joni Haastrup's 'Greetings' and Shina Williams & His African Percussionists' 'Agboju Logun' infuse disco and electro-funk elements into the Afrobeat foundation. William Onyeabor's 'Better Change Your Mind' offers a glimpse into how Nigerian artists engaged with global funk and synthesiser sounds. Nigeria 70 is a great example to the innovative spirit of Nigerian music in the 1970s, reflecting a rich interplay of local and global influences.

Review: Strut introduces the highly anticipated third volume in the Disques Debs International series, diving deeper into the archives of one of the greatest French Caribbean labels, Disques Debs, based in Guadeloupe. Founded by Henri Debs in the late 1950s, the Debs studio naturally doubled as a record label and ran for over 50 years, releasing more than 300 7" singles and 200 LPs, cementing it as one of the foremost record labels to prize Caribbean music history. Not just limited to Guadeloupean musicians but also Martinicians and Parisians, the likes of Jocelyn Mocka, Mariz, Dominique Parol, Christian Yeye and Alex Rosa make this a thixotropic record, mercurial and restless as it is rooted in forms of zouk, biguine, gwoka and, of course, the nascent electronica. This third volume flaunts the label's dynamic latter-day period, as it interpreted the analog electronic dreams of the 1980s.

Review: In the summer of 2018, Strut offered up a compilation that mined the extensive back catalogue of Disques Debs International, a Guadeloupe-based label that showcased the finest music to come out of the French-speaking Caribbean between 1950 and 2000. While that set focused on material released between 1960 and '72, this belated sequel showcases cuts featured on Henri Debs' legendary imprint between 1973 and '81. The musical palette is therefore even brighter, breezier and more sun-kissed, offering up cuts that touch on mambo, rumba, Zouk, tropical disco, reggae and the kind of cross-cultural fusions that belie easy categorization. As you'd expect from Strut, the selections are spot on and the re-mastered sound superb. In other words, it's another must-have release from Quinton Scott's imprint.