Track 1 on Jack Barone & Robohands' collaborative EP 'R.F.I.'

Floating on the Walls

Track 4 off of Jack Barone & Robohands' collaborative EP 'R.F.I.'

Under Under Under

“Moving Circles” is a walk across the desert—a conversation between friends in the heat, where sharp guitar lines meet smooth trumpet tones. Producer-composer-instrumentalists Jack Barone and Andy Baxter (Robohands) dive into eastern-inspired psychedelia, fusing ancient scales with synths and modern techniques to create something both timeless and new.

Moving Circles

This one was an unexpected treat. Two of our favourite contemporary musicians, Finn Rees & Sholto coming together and collaborating on a double dose of celestial, cinematic alchemy.

At Mr Bongo we are massive admirers of drummer, musician, and producer Sholto (Oscar Robertson). His two albums on Funk Night Records and DeepMatter Records, had both been highlights of their respective years. We’d gotten to know Oscar and sent him a few records. Included in the package was Australian pianist-composer Finn Rees’ debut album, Dawn Is A Melody, which was one of our favourite releases on Mr Bongo in 2024.

In Oscar's words 'For me it was a standout modern jazz record - encapsulating a spiritual / hazy dreamy soundscape which hugely resonated with me. Glissando keys and harp with lush melodies, I was instantly intrigued.”  

The pair started following each other online and as luck would have it, Finn was staying in London for the summer season, so they arranged to meet. The pair instantly clicked and said it felt like they'd known each other for years. After 40 minutes of chatting, they started to jam. 

'Love In Memory' and 'Bluebell' were recorded over two days - a track a day in Oscar's SFJ studios. Laid down on mostly analogue equipment, the pair utilised Wurlitzer’s, mellotrons, and ribbon mics through Oscar’s ‘70s Studer desk. Composed and crafted without any real intentions, other than a shared appreciation for the same style of music and approach, the tracks started to take shape. The results were as lush, nostalgic and textured as you’d expect from these two brilliant musicians, with a classical feel inspired by artists such as Piero Piccioni, Piero Umiliani, and Henry Mancini. 

For the beautiful string arrangements, the pair recruited the talents of Sholto's long-time friend and collaborator Clementine Brown (Penguin Cafe Orchestra) and Matthew Hayes of 30/70, Allysha Joy, Xpress Point, Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange fame, was brought in to play bass on 'Bluebell'.

So here we have it, a chance collaborative project built on two musicians' mutual respect for each other's outputs. The result is truly breathtaking.


Finn Rees & Sholto - Bluebell

Finn Rees & Sholto - Love In Memory

Stream "In the Moment" now : https://bfan.link/in-the-moment

Antonio Barret and his unique vibe are back with the new single In the Moment. This latest glimpse of his upcoming album carries forward the direction the American singer has been shaping over the past few months. Blending alternative pop, laid-back moods, and jazzy touches, the track is one you can’t help but nod your head to.

Antonio Barret - In the Moment

One Way Traffic (Dub)

Buy the LP

Smooth Sailing (Ft. Phoebe Coco)

Bixin

“Shaky Escalator” captures a moment of New York disorientation, inspired by a lurching subway ride and shaped by the playful, rhythm-driven energy of Peter Matson’s band, Underground System. Aroop Roy, a mainstay of London’s underground scene, reworks the track into something deeper and more hypnotic. His remix transforms the original’s off-kilter groove into a pulsing, acid-tinged journey, connecting NYC’s raw edges with London’s late-night sound.

Shaky Escalator (Aroop Roy Remix)

TASCAM_0476S12

Brooklyn boutique record label. Purveyors of fine beats worldwide.

Under Under Under

Bastard Jazz