Wewantsounds

Review: In recent years, demand for copies of Japanese keyboardist Hiroshi Sato's 1979 jazz-funk classic Orient has rocketed. Given that few have the means to pay several hundred pounds for an original vinyl copy, this reissue - the first on CD outside of Japan - is more than welcome. It remains a delightful set, full of fluid and ear-pleasing tracks that variously doff a cap to disco, Brazilian boogie, classic jazz-funk, low slung early electrofunk and the kind of woozy, laid-back soundscapes more associated with early '80s New Age and ambient sets. Naturally, Sato's playing takes centre stage throughout, but the standard of the musicianship elsewhere is incredibly impressive, too. Shigeru Suzuki's guitar playing, in particular, stands out.

Review: Not to be confused with the coffee-table bothering covers band of the same name, Nouvelle Vague is a fresh compilation from Wewantsounds that profiles the mythical French new wave movement of the late '50s and early '60s. From jazz and soundtracks to bossa nova, folk and cha cha, this set brings you the unique sound of French pop during the Nouvelle Vague years. Featuring sophisticated pop songs by Serge Gainsbourg, Francoise Hardy and Claude Nougaro as well as the creme of Nouvelle Vague soundtracks (including The 400 Blows, Breathless, Lola, Cleo From 5 to 7) and a cool mix of rare tracks by Rita Cadillac (an ex of Alain Delon), Christiane Legrand and the jazz vocal groups Les Blue Stars. Tune up to the cool French sounds of the Nouvelle Vague. Hats off to French Music connoisseur Matt Robin for compiling this one.

Review: Compilation specialists Wewantsounds return once again; this time their focus is squared on the Bossa Nova movement. Popularised in the 1960s, Bossa Nova's roots actually took place in the prior decade and this 20-track collection looks to chronicle the movement's emergence properly. Artists readily associated with Bossa Nova of course feature, but the Wewantsounds crew have dug a bit deeper to highlight some of the lesser known, cult practitioners too. Therefore you get a nice blend, from Joao Gilberto to Celso Murilo via Elza Soares and Orlann Divo. Featuring sleeve notes from French music journalist Jacques Denis, Bossa Nova is a fine introductory compilation for those who wish to discover more about the subtle differences between early bossa and the more relaxed samba Cancao.