BBE Music is thrilled to announce the release of Modern Love, a diverse compendium of specially commissioned cover versions of rarities and classics in tribute to David Bowie.

Featuring an array of artists such as Jeff Parker, We Are KING, Meshell Ndegeocello, Helado Negro, Khruangbin, Matthew Tavares, Nia and more, Modern Love seeks to champion Bowie’s lesser-known connection to soul, R&B, jazz, funk, and gospel. The prominent jazz influences throughout Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, were a key inspiration for curating this collection of reimagined Bowie songs with these artists. The resulting album is an eclectic tribute featuring a group of artists who not only fit together creatively, but who, like Bowie, straddle different worlds musically, with soul and jazz at their core.

Modern Love offers a fresh look at Bowie’s trailblazing career, aiming to highlight the often overlooked relationship between his back catalogue and musical genres traditionally pioneered by artists of color. The project was curated by music executive and DJ Drew McFadden, alongside BBE Music founder Peter Adarkwah. “I felt that the connection between Bowie and R&B, jazz, funk, gospel and all things soulful, had never really been explored before — at least not so much in covers, which tend to lean more towards rock and pop,” says McFadden. “Certainly, there’s been plenty of Bowie covers over the years, but none that have really tapped into what seems to have been a big part of his core musical
style and direction.”

Modern Love is an interactive sonic map. Here, seventeen artists make their way into the varied regions of his sundry catalog and circle back with seventeen unique re-imaginings of both his cornerstone and lesser-known tracks. Some, in atmosphere, feel like a sly alternate take from original sessions (Khruangbin’s ethereal, funk infused version of “Right” from Young Americans); others nod at the source, then wink before diving into the deep waters of another musical stratosphere (Sessa’s sexy Tropicalia-drenched “Panic in Detroit” from Aladdin Sane). Still others take tunes down to the studs and then re-arrange the moody interiors: Meshell Ndegeocello’s pensive “Fantastic Voyage” from Lodger and Tavares’ clever take on “Heroes” which is restructured into a kinetic hardbop-esque backdrop, fronted by ice-cool, held-back vocals. The bullseye these artists aim for is Bowie’s fearlessness. “Fame was an incredible bluff that worked,” he once reflected. “Very flattering. I’ll do anything until I fail. And when I succeed I quit too.”

Modern Love packs us off on a journey that balances on risk’s sharp blade. Track-to-track, it explores what happens when a musician throws out notions of should and safe and stretches beyond the known. These artists use Bowie both as a guide and a prism: A way of being and seeing. Their offerings, widely divergent, explore the inheritance from an artist who freed himself from labels, genres and, consequently, pigeonholes. While he was at it, he decimated fixed notions about territory (or terra) itself; boundaries hemmed-in his creative process, but his essence remained free to roam. He may have vanished in earthly form, yet, as he also promised in the lyrics of “Modern Love,” But I never wave bye-bye . . .” This compilation assures us that his spirit swirls around us. His force is alive to all of us and, here, it is summoned with an incantation that celebrates possibility.

Khruangbin - Right

Afro House pioneer and father of Ancestral Soul, Boddhi Satva presents his new album, ‘Manifestation’, on BBE Music offshoot Batakari.
With ‘Manifestation’ Boddhi Satva brings to a close a trilogy of long players. Following 2012’s ‘Invocation’ and 2016’s’ Transition", this new opus completes its first cycle of Ancestral Soul.
This most conceptual of Afro House's producers offers an ode to lovers of the genre with a project that is both easy-listening and club-ready, with more urban sounds (R’n’B, Soul, Trap, Amapiano) intertwined with the frantic rhythms of large African cities such as Bamako, Dakar or Nairobi.
In the making of ‘Manifestation’, Boddhi Satva has once again surrounded himself with artistic friends, each as talented as the next, joined by a shared need for music and magic in these dark times of global pandemic. Boddhi Satva has thus multiplied his already-prolific number of collaborators to almost thirty on this album.
On this concept project Boddhi Satva set out to break the rules by showcasing atypical voices that will send listeners on a journey from the United States through South Africa, East and Central Africa as well as many European countries. Once an Afro House ‘enfant terrible’, it turns out Satva grew up to be a respectable boss, patiently mentoring new generations of producers.
Boddhi Satva maps, through the course of ‘Manifestation’, a path he has been tracing for two decades: bringing together people from different musical genres and backgrounds, all contributing to his singularly focussed musical and spiritual vision. In fact, more than simply a ‘Manifestation’, Boddhi Satva has signed his manifesto here.
In Boddhi Satva’s own words: "Manifestation truly represents my musical evolution through my 21 years of career in the music industry. You'd think that as the years go by I'd run out of juice and more than ever this appears as an absolute impossibility for me. Music has helped and blessed me in so many ways, strengthened me when going through emotionally challenging times, and allowed me to transcend myself in ways I couldn't formulate in words. I dedicate this album to my mother who was alive through the making of this project but recently passed away on the 15th of February 2022, just a week before her 73rd birthday."
Artwork was created by Omar Victor Diop, who says:
“With this visual creation, I wanted to share my testimony as Boddhi's creative friend, knowing the intensity of the personal journey that the Ancestral Soul trilogy represents for him. ‘Manifestation’, the final chapter of this odyssey, is the reaching of the garden of consciousness, an epiphany moment in the life of any artist, where peace is savoured through the exercise of an uninhibited, pure and cathartic creation. . My brother Boddhi made it happen ... and I am proud to bear witness to it with this work.”

Boddhi Satva - Manifestation

Buy / Stream it here: https://orcd.co/makethecall

Taken from the duo's 2021 album 'Break The Wall' MF Robots' Dawn Joseph and Jan Kincaid have released another slab of dance floor soul in 'Make The Call'. A sure-fire groove that underpins a sublime vocal, 'Make The Call' is sure to be one of the festival, event and club hits of the Summer.

Now available as a digital download, 'Make The Call' also comes with an extended version and remixes from the legendary Two Soul Fusion duo of Louie Vega and Josh Milan. These remixes bring something new and special to the track with each creating a subtly different mood for the dance floor, for the radio and for the house party.

MF Robots is a songwriting, production and performing duo created by former Brand New Heavies founder Jan Kincaid and BNH vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Dawn Joseph. The pair left the Heavies in 2014 to record their own compositions and have been wowing audiences and record buyers with their effortless blending of Soul, RnB, Funk, Disco and Jazz ever since.

Louie Vega is one half of the House music dons Masters at Work and Josh Milan is a Grammy nominated vocalist, musician and composer who also collaborate in Vega's collective 'Elements of Life'. With both at the forefront of production, composition and remixing for more than three decades, the House, Boogie and Instrumental versions they have produced for 'Make The Call' are off the scale here.

Atjazz AKA Martin Iveson is a prolific remixer who has reworked tracks for Nitin Sawhney, Bob Sinclair, Jazzanova and even Henry Mancini (the Pink Panther theme) as well as working with vocalists of the stature of Robert Owens and Clara Hill. As Martin states, 'Remixing helps hone your sound and allows the producer to print their trademark into another space.' Well he certainly has done this here with his distinctive remix of 'The Love It Takes.'.

MF Robots - Make The Call Two Soul Fusion Boogie Remix

Buy / Stream it here: https://orcd.co/brianjacksonmamiwata

"Mami Wata" - A Captivating Journey through West African Rhythms.

Experience the mesmerizing fusion of traditional African sounds and modern Latin house in Brian Jackson's latest single package, "Mami Wata." Drawing inspiration from the depths of West African mythology, this track takes you on a captivating sonic adventure that spans vast regions of the continent.

Brian Jackson's rendition of a traditional African song resonates with the richness and abundance symbolized by the mythical figure of Mami Wata. From the sacred lands of the Dogon in Mali to the vibrant rhythms of Ghana, and even reaching into the heart of Central and Southern Africa, this composition pays homage to the diverse tapestry of African cultures.

To further elevate this masterpiece, Brian has collaborated with the masterful Joe Claussell, who lends his expert touch to craft a remix that intertwines a modern Latin house thread with the African fabric of the original composition. The result is the Sacred Arts Mix, a true testament to the power of music as it effortlessly merges genres and weaves an enchanting spell over the dancefloor.

This single package boasts not just one, but six distinct versions of "Mami Wata," each carefully crafted with its own unique tempo and subtle seasoning. Whether you prefer the rhythmic intensity of the Sacred Rhythm version, the deep dub vibes of the Deep Dub edition, or the extended album version that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the composition, this release offers a diverse range of musical experiences.

The remix package brings to life Brian’s immersive vocals, flute, kalimba, and organ playing. And for those seeking a slower, introspective groove, the Cosmic Arts Future Instrumental Slow version provides a celestial atmosphere that will make you feel as though you're floating among the stars.

Brian Jackson - Mami Wata (Joaquin's Deep Dub)

Buy / Save the EP here: https://orcd.co/feedthefire

Feed the Fire is the lead single from multi-instrumentalist Audrey Powne's forthcoming From the Fire LP and what an introduction it is to the Melbourne based artist's much anticipated debut album. Building on Audrey's already impressive international reputation as a performer and session musician, she has received plaudits from Gilles Peterson, Maceo Parker and Masta Ace amongst others.

With music and lyrics composed by Audrey, Feed the Fire is a track written in response to the Australian bushfires of 2019 and their undeniable link to the climate crisis and the Government's unwillingness to acknowledge this connection.

Combining dramatic strings with a powerful and emotion fuelled vocal, a dark harmony and a climactic trumpet solo Feed The Fire is a track that fuses a Neo-Soul and Jazz feel with a tough drum break and a production that is reminiscent of the quality of a Charles Stepney track. With Audrey combining composition and lyric writing duties with trumpet, vocals and string arrangements on Feed the Fire, it is very much her production values evident here.

This wonderful single package will also include the instrumental version not available on the vinyl LP and remixes by BBE stalwarts Atjazz and the New York maestros musclecars. Both remixes showcase Atjazz and musclecars signature styles at honing in on moods and rhythms in Audrey’s composition and translating them into certified dancefloor bangers. Definitely tracks needed for any serious DJ's cannon in 2024.

Audrey Powne - Feed the Fire

Buy / Save the single here: https://orcd.co/musclecarsrunning

On January 19th, the renowned artist and production duo, musclecars, is set to release their latest single, "Running Out of Time," a poignant exploration of time, space, and life’s relentless pace. Releasing as a digital single, "Running Out of Time" will be fans' first taste of the highly anticipated debut album from native Brooklynites Brandon Weems and Craig Handfield.

The composition unfolds with a hard hitting kick drum, eventually revealing a pulsating rhythmic voyage, accelerated by the urgent use of sirens. As the piece builds with striking snares, musclecars capture the essence of frustration and desire, resonating with the pulse of those who have felt the push and pull of life’s inexorable pace. The arrangement, with its electro-bass and Afro-Latin percussion, becomes a canvas upon which the listener can paint their own story— a story of fleeting moments, missed connections, and the perpetual dance with time.

As the second half of the piece gracefully reveals itself, we come to understand that "Running Out of Time" is not just a club anthem, but a sonic journey. One that immerses dancers in a realm where emotions are expressed through rhythms, and time seems to stretch and contract with each synth line. Through this mesmerizing climax, a profound sense of acceptance washes over us, lifting burdens and embracing the emotions stirred in the opening passage.

“Running Out of Time” heralds the upcoming vinyl LP release “Sugar Honey Iced Tea!” on BBE Music. It follows the earlier release on the label of musclecars' critically acclaimed re- imaginations of Jazzanova's own versions of “Beyond The Dream”. Once again Brandon and Craig draw the lines and create the channels that marry the imagination with the dance floor.

musclecars - Running Out Of Time

The second single to come from musclecars’ debut LP “Sugar Honey Iced Tea!” is a transcendent sonic masterpiece by the name of “Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)”. This captivating broken beat, Afro-jazz composition delves into the enigmatic realms of the afterlife, offering a mesmerizing exploration of what lies beyond our mortal existence.

A nod to the Clark Sister’s original tune bearing the same title, “Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)” gracefully unfolds with the captivating vocal performance by German Jazz Award Winner, Natalie Greffel. Chanting the same spiritual tongues of the original, the vocal arrangement seamlessly invokes profound feelings of devotion and endurance. Paired with a phenomenal flute solo from Underground System’s Domenica Fossati, and a transcendent string ensemble, the track's intricate rhythms and soulful melodies serve as a portal to a realm where the afterlife is painted in hues of cosmic wonder.

This sonic revelation is more than a tribute to the afterlife; it's a celebration of life's continuity beyond death. musclecars’ evocative storytelling through sound invites audiences to ponder the echoes of their own existence, finding solace in the idea that life persists through the legacy of their passion, devotion, and profound connections.

Releasing as a digital single, “Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)” serves as an enticing precursor to the forthcoming vinyl LP release "Sugar Honey Iced Tea!" scheduled for May 2024. This Jazz odyssey offers a glimpse into the diversity of musclecars' highly anticipated debut album, seamlessly blending House to Techno, to Soul and Jazz, to R&B, to Ambient, and beyond. Crafted with meticulous artistry, the album transcends musical boundaries, providing a sonic journey for both the dance floor and introspective contemplation. As a harmonious convergence of the music genres that inspire them, Brandon Weems and Craig Handfield invite listeners to explore the rich tapestry of black experiences embedded within its musical narrative.

musclecars - Ha Ya! (Eternal Life)

Releasing as the title track of her forthcoming debut album, From the Fire is also the 2nd single release from Audrey Powne's self-written and self-produced masterpiece. The track features Audrey as vocalist and virtuoso trumpet player in a song that blends a beautifully laconic drum break with a melody and lyrics which promise both optimism and re-birth.

Taking direct inspiration from two of Audrey's favourite artists, the groove and harmonics in From the Fire are influenced by Herbie Hancock, in particularly his Secrets and Sunlight LPs, both from the 1970s. The layered, harmonised trumpet solo that brings From the Fire home owes its form to Audrey's love of the genius of Roy Hargrove.

Indeed, as well as Hargrove's influence as a trumpet maestro coming into play on the track, Audrey Powne also employs similar recording techniques to those used by Hargrove in his seminal work with the RH Factor. As with the previous single release, From The Fire also highlights Audrey Powne's skills and artistry as a producer and arranger.

Audrey Powne is an artist destined for greatness as a composer, lyricist, vocalist, producer, arranger and musician and in both the singles coming off the From The Fire album we get a taste of the brilliance that is promised in the full album.

Audrey Powne - From The Fire

 DJ Spinna Presents The Sound Beyond Stars ( The Essential Remixes ) buy iTunes:http://geni.us/SoundBeyondEssRemixes
or direct from www.bbemusic.com

Few if any producers have managed to make the transition between hip-hop and house as successfully as Vincent Williams, a.k.a. DJ Spinna. But until now his hip-hop career has been better documented. Here, for the first time, is a collection of the cream of Spinna’s house remixes, a collection likely to win a place in the homes of anyone who loves their house music with a deep and soulful twist. 

http://djspinna.com/  || twitter @djspinna || www.facebook.com/djspinna

Shaun Escoffery - Days Like This (Spinna & Ticklah Club Mix)

 DJ Spinna Presents The Sound Beyond Stars ( The Essential Remixes ) buy iTunes:http://geni.us/SoundBeyondEssRemixes
or direct from www.bbemusic.com
#soundbeyondstars
Few if any producers have managed to make the transition between hip-hop and house as successfully as Vincent Williams, a.k.a. DJ Spinna. But until now his hip-hop career has been better documented. Here, for the first time, is a collection of the cream of Spinna’s house remixes, a collection likely to win a place in the homes of anyone who loves their house music with a deep and soulful twist. 

http://djspinna.com/  || twitter @djspinna || www.facebook.com/djspinna

Alison Crockett -Crossroads- (DJ Spinna Remix)

Buy / Stream: https://orcd.co/theshiningep2
On February 10th, 2006, the world of Hip Hop lost J Dilla aka Jay Dee.
James ‘J Dilla’ Yancey leaves behind an impression on Hip Hop that will last the test of time. A bridge between Hip Hop’s underground and mainstream, Dilla’s contributions ranged from single- handedly defining Detroit Hip Hop as a founding member of Slum Village to providing his production talents to Common, D’Angelo, Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, The Roots, Janet Jackson and Macy Gray.

The Shining marked the reunion of J Dilla & BBE, who had released Welcome 2 Detroit, J Dilla’s debut album. The Shining serves as a showcase of J Dilla’s talents which features him not only as a producer, but also as a rapper, singer and musician. Featured guests on this album include Busta Rhymes, Common, Pharoahe Monch, D’Angelo, Madlib, Black Thought, Medaphor aka MED, and Guilty Simpson.
jdillafoundation.org/

The Shining

J Dilla - Won't Do

Buy on iTunes: geni.us/1f3R
On February 10th, 2006, the world of Hip Hop lost J Dilla aka Jay Dee.
James ‘J Dilla’ Yancey leaves behind an impression on Hip Hop that will last the test of time. A bridge between Hip Hop’s underground and mainstream, Dilla’s contributions ranged from single- handedly defining Detroit Hip Hop as a founding member of Slum Village to providing his production talents to Common, D’Angelo, Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, The Roots, Janet Jackson and Macy Gray.

The Shining marked the reunion of J Dilla & BBE, who had released Welcome 2 Detroit, J Dilla’s debut album. The Shining serves as a showcase of J Dilla’s talents which features him not only as a producer, but also as a rapper, singer and musician. Featured guests on this album include Busta Rhymes, Common, Pharoahe Monch, D’Angelo, Madlib, Black Thought, Medaphor aka MED, and Guilty Simpson.
jdillafoundation.org/


The Shining Instrumental

So Far To Go

J Dilla - So Far to Go (Feat. Common & D'Angelo)

E=MC2

J Dilla - E=MC2 (Feat. Common)

Get it NOW via WhatPeoplePlay: http://bit.ly/1CNRQiC
Pre-order via iTunes: http://geni.us/1wCB

Sandy Barber's beautiful soul/disco classic remixed by the brilliant Opolopo!

I Think I'll Do Some Stepping (On My Own)

Sandy Barber - I Think I'll Do Some Stepping On My Own (Opolopo Rework)

The BBE Store - Jeff Higgins and Johnny Reckless all Vinyl Tuesdays  - 11/02/25

The BBE Store - djandysoulvibes and Ritchie Mac all Vinyl Tuesdays

Buy the album via iTunes: http://geni.us/20YearsHenryStreet
Incredible as it seems, this year marks twenty years since the launch of Johnny D’Mairo’s Henry Street Music label. To celebrate, BBE is marking the occasion with a sumptuous five- disc CD retrospective, a fitting tribute to one of the most important of all house labels. This is one of the most extensive grand summations yet done of a dance label.
Henry Street Music exemplified its era as much as Trax and Nu-Groove had theirs. Come the mid-‘90s, the disco cut-up became ubiquitous, as thousands tried to emulate the success of Henry Street’s first big killer, The Bucketheads’ Tha Bomb –still a dancefloor staple two decades on.
Many of the movers and shakers of the day had their best moments on Henry Street, and they’re all here: Johnnick, Armand Van Helden, DJ Duke, DJ Sneak, Dirty Harry, Davidson Ospina, Todd Terry, Mateo and Matos, Brutal Bill, Josh Wink, even the UK’s own Ashley Beedle, and many more –a veritable roll-call of the premiere-league of dance at the time, an era when dance music still seemed incredibly fertile and the link with its own past was still vital.
Some of the American originals can struggle to get props among the countless mutations of house out there vying for attention in today’s digitalized dance scene, but the real house-heads always knew to check them, and will recognize this as quality product, through and through.

Henry Street (named after Brooklyn homeboy Johnny’s neighbourhood) always had a ‘New York’ vibe, and even when drawing its producers from further afield, the label encapsulated the city’s melting-pot of talent and raw, bristling energy... energy captured here, and exploding off these remastered tracks like it’s 1999 all over again!

Alongside the massive dancefloor anthems from the likes of Kenny Dope and Armand Van Helden are some real gems that got away, some exclusive mixes, and the thoughts of Johnny D, one of the prime-movers of the New York dance scene even before he came up with his own label, responsible for countless hits as promotions man and as dance A&R at Atlantic. Never one for the limelight, Johnny’s own story is nonetheless inextricably bound up with the transition from disco through house to the ubiquity of dance music today.
So... dust off those dancing shoes, and get ready to feel the heat, it’s one more time for the Henry Street Hustle!


Kenny "Dope" presents The Bucketheads 2 - The Bomb! (These Sounds Fall Into My Mind)

Featuring the combined talents of Allysha Joy, Hidden Spheres AKA Tom Harris and Finn Rees the single ‘Trust the Feeling’ is the first release from the trio’s upcoming album Solina and is a track that gives us a very real insight into the Balearic House, Street Soul, Alternative RnB and Jazz influences that interweave throughout the album to create a musical landscape that speaks to the heart, spirit, body and mind with intention.

Trust the Feeling is a track that persuades us to slow down to make love, to make sense of yourself, to be in connection to others, in connection to life, an intimacy with all things, as a way of moving with closeness and in deep breath, where light touches and draws us closer.

All three artists have an amazing musical pedigree having between them worked as part of such innovative acts as 30/70 Collective, Close Encounters and on numerous collaborations with bands, artists and producers from across the globe. All have had releases on highly regarded international and independent music labels and have played and appeared on major festival line-ups including We Out Here.

Trust the Feeling is the first digital single release on BBE Music from the Joy Spheres Rees album, Solina, upcoming on vinyl and digital.

CLICCK HERE TO PURCHASE THE FULL ALBUM (VINYL / DIGITAL)  - https://orcd.co/solina

Trust The Feeling [BBE Music]

Coming as one of two singles to be taken from Natalie Slade's Sampology produced album Molasses, Unquenchable Craving is an excellent slab of Australian neo-soul which highlights very well the album it is taken from.

With Sampology's production complementing Natalie's distinctive vocal style, Unquenchable Craving is a track where a heavy bass line and an infectious drum break laying the ground work for keys and vocals to interweave in a fusion of future soul, jazz and folk.

As well as Sampology on production duties the album, Molasses, also features additional production from Dan Kye along with The Dieyoungs on keys and Laneous on guitar to create an album which blends Antipodean and UK talent in a glorious ten track future soul feast.

With 'Molasses' releasing as a vinyl and digital 'Unquenchable Craving 'is an excellent showcase for the album and a compelling stand alone track in its own right.

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF STORES AND SERVICES: https://orcd.co/unquenchable

Unquenchable Craving [BBE Music]

Taken from Solina, Promised Me Love is the second single to come from the album and is an amazing showcase for the collaborative and synergistic ethos it comes from as well as the trio of Allysha Joy, Hidden Spheres and Finn Rees who created this originative music.

Promised Me Love is a song that encapsulates the emotions of falling for someone; of how it feels like chasing the wind as you dance together, the need to know that they feel the same as you, the feeling that distance can seem wider, about how you need them to be thinking about you as much as you do about them, about the need for the promise of love even when they cannot make that promise.

The trio of Joy Spheres Rees are all established artists in their own right, with solo and collective credits over the past decade . Firstly as part of the burgeoning and increasingly important scenes in Melbourne/Naarma, Brisbane and Sydney and as global artists with releases on hugely influential labels. Many will know of their work with 30/70 Collective and Close Encounters, amongst others, and many will have experienced their musical creativity on festival line-ups including Gilles Peterson's We Out Here.

Promised Me Love comes out on BBE Music as a digital release and is taken from the album Solina.

CHECK OUT THE FULL ALBUM HERE - https://orcd.co/promisedmelove

Buy 

Promised Me Love [BBE Music]

Order the exclusive anniversary 7" box set of 'The Shining' https://www.bbemusic.com/downloads/j-dilla-the-shining-the-10th-anniversary-collection/
Unbelievably, a decade has passed since the release of J Dilla’s posthumously completed final album The Shining. Demand for Dilla’s music has continued to grow and grow since his tragic passing in 2006, testament to his talent and originality which has influenced a whole new generation of producers and music-lovers across the globe. Around 75% complete at the time of his death, the task of finishing the album was entrusted to friend and fellow Detroit artist Karriem Riggins. The album features stellar performances from Common, Busta Rhymes, D’Angelo, Black Thought and Pharoahe Monch, as well as Dilla himself rhyming on closing track ‘Won’t Do’. Undeniably soulful yet raw, real and deeply rooted in the streets, The Shining perfectly showcases perhaps the greatest beat-maker of all time at his very best.

To mark the tenth anniversary of this special album, which marked the reunion of Dilla and BBE for the first time since his debut LP Welcome 2 Detroit, we’ve pressed it to 7″ vinyl for the very first time. Featuring both original and instrumental versions across a massive ten discs, this comprehensive boxed set serves as a timely document to an artist who helped bring underground hip hop and soul together, introduced new levels of creativity to music production and wrote a blueprint which continues to be followed to this day.

Won't Do

Petestrumentals

A Little Soul

Taken from the album: 'From The Archive compiled by Volcov'
Buy digital: https://BBEmusic.lnk.to/VolcovArchive
Vinyl available soon at: http://www.bbemusic.com
Producing under the moniker Isoul8, as well as teaming up with Domu under the Rima alias for the incredible jazz/fusion album 'This World', Volcov is a truly important player in the underground music scene. Remixing artists such as Frankie Valentine, Azymuth & Taylor McFerrin, running his two labels Archive and Neroli, as well as DJing all over the World has given Volcov a rare knowledge of soul, funk, disco and deep house music; knowledge which is very apparent throughout this album.
'From The Archive' comprises a lovingly chosen collection of obscure Funk, Disco & Boogie tracks, alongside three very special edits produced by the man himself. From Chez Damier's sun-drenched remix of The Urban Crew's 'Go' to Bembe Segue's emotional 'Sun On My Back' via Shuya Okino's disco epic 'Still In Love', this record takes the listener on a joyful journey deep into Volcov's musical mind.

...From The Archive compiled by Volcov

Shuya Okino feat. Navasha Daya - Still In Love

DJ Format has put together a 60 minute mix of funky psychedelic records to give us a taste of what to expect from his forthcomung BBE compilation album. 'Psych Out'. The mix varies from slow stoner-psych to fast & furious B-Boy breaks and features tracks from Brazil, Yugoslavia, Russia, Japan, Turkey, Poland, Africa, India, Switzerland, Greece, Jamaica, France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Hungary, Uruguay, UK and USA.

DJ Format's Psych Out is released June 10th on Vinyl, CD and digital.

https://www.bbemusic.com/artist/dj-format/


Buy The Album

DJ Format 'Psych Out' Mix

Taken From: BBE20 Anniversary Mix Series #1 by Chris Read
Buy / Stream: https://bbemusic.lnk.to/ChrisReadBBE20

Celebrating 20 years of Barely Breaking even, independent UK record label presents a series of exclusive DJ mixes to mark the occasion. Available in both mixed and unmixed formats, the series includes a stellar lineup of DJs, selecting their personal favourites and obscure gems from BBE's bounty of classic titles.

The first BBE20 mix in the series comes from highly respected UK DJ and mix-tape specialist Chris Read, the man behind BBC New Music Award winning electronica outfit Maylight and compiler of BBE's 2012 album 'Latin Concrete', which was featured as 'Album Of The Week' by the Independent newspaper. The first of two mixes produced by Chris in celebration of BBE's 20th birthday, the first installment guides the listener on a journey through some of BBE's sultry downtempo and hip hop cuts, steadily making its way toward warm soul and disco, expertly building up momentum over the course of 23 genre-hopping tracks in the mix's 65 minute run-time.

Julien Dyne feat. Parks - Falling Down

Buy / Stream: https://bbemusic.lnk.to/Yesking
Three years on from the release of Rhys Adams aka YesKing's 'Re-Record… Not Fade Away', we are delighted to live up to the album's title by presenting two previously unheard remixes of standout tracks 'Hardground' and 'Overproof'.
Featuring heart-stopping vocals by Mel Uye-Parker & Rioghnach Connolly, 'Hardground' was the album's lead single and it's easy to see why. Bittersweet, understated atmospheres call to mind vintage Massive Attack and Portishead, while Rhys's deft arrangement builds the track into a horn and drum-laden epic. Providing a vintage version in their own unique style, legends in their own bath-time Crazy P are first up on remix duties. Surely one of the best live acts on the planet right now, the UK outfit's rework is full of funky guitar licks, classic piano chords and live percussion, creating a disco-crossover anthem of sizeable proportions. Staying in the disco/house arena, engineer and producer O. De Lanzac turns in a silky-smooth version, with eerie chords underpinned by a rock-solid bassline, calling to mind the eclectic, soulful brilliance of her 2012 BBE debut ‘Uncut’. 
Displaying an affectionate tip-of-the-hat to 'Ghost Town' by The Specials, 'Overproof' is surely one of the best loved and most-played cuts on 'Re-Record… Not Fade Away'. DJ and edit maestro Sam Redmore raises the tempo a little whist somehow smoothing the track out at the same time, retaining the blissful dubbed-out vibe of the original version. Listen to Sam's subtle retouch of 'Overproof' and it's clear to see why the Birmingham native can count Craig Charles and Gilles Peterson among his ever-growing number of fans.

Re-Record... Not Fade Away

Yesking - Hardground (Crazy P Remix)

Taken from 'BBE20 Anniversay Mix Series #6 by Richard Earnshaw', available here: https://bbemusic.lnk.to/RichardEarnshaw

Soulful house maestro and one half of chart-topping outfit Spiritchaser, Richard Earnshaw delivers the 6th instalment of our anniversary mix series. Delving deep into BBE's back catalogue, Richard selects vintage cuts from label mainstays Masters At Work, DJ Spinna and Kon, as well as spotlighting lesser known titles from Vaitea & Ghostchant. Far from a 'straight-up' House mix, Earnshaw explores a variety of flavours and tempos, glued together with that vital, highly distinctive musical touch with which he's made his name.

About the BBE20 Mix Series:
Currently celebrating 20 years of Barely Breaking Even, independent UK record label BBE announces a series of DJ mixes to mark the occasion. Available in both mixed and unmixed formats, this series features a stellar lineup of DJs selecting their personal favourites and obscure gems from BBE's bounty of classic titles.

DJ Spinna feat. Shaun Escoffery - Music In Me (Come Alive)

Taken from 'The Men In The Glass Booth'; a new compilation charting the history of the first DJs to enter the recording studio during disco's heyday. Buy or stream the album here: https://BBEmusic.lnk.to/MITGB

In May 1976 a record was released that would have an unforeseen and lasting impact on the music industry “Ten Percent” by Double Exposure was an early release on the New York independent label Salsoul Records. America was in the grip of a disco explosion with new clubs opening on a weekly basis; Salsoul saw what was happening and swiftly created a sound for their label, heavily influenced by the music then coming out of Philadelphia, aimed directly at New York’s dance-floors. Records like “Salsoul Hustle,” “Tangerine” and “You’re Just The Right Size” by The Salsoul Orchestra borrowed heavily from the beautifully orchestrated Philadelphia International records but added a more percussive, bass heavy depth that New York’s DJs loved.
So what was so special about this particular single then? Double Exposure was, after all, just another band, “Ten Percent” just another song; one of many “disco” records released that week. First of all Salsoul became the first record label to make a twelve inch single available to Joe Public - the exotic format was previously only available to DJs as promotional items or bought under the counter at certain record stores. Not only that though, the extended version was created by Walter Gibbons, a DJ at New York’s Galaxy 21 who’d built his reputation making exclusive versions of tracks to play in his sets.
In 1976 it was unheard of for a DJ to set foot in a recording studio, being seen as little more than living jukeboxes by the serious music industry. Recording studios were strictly the domain of recording artists and producers so Walter found himself in a unique position, gaining access to a world no DJ had been granted before.
Or so we thought...

The Men In The Glass Booth

Skip Mahoney - Janice (Don't Be So Blind To Love) (Bobby DJ Guttadaro Remix)

Buy on 7" vinyl or digital formats: https://bbemusic.lnk.to/BrighterDays

BBE are excited to present the first in a new series of strictly limited 7” pressings exploring some of the most iconic House tracks of all time, as chosen by DJ Spinna and Kai Alce. With global interest in ‘45s on the rise, ‘Foundations’ aims to fill those frustrating gaps in all our collections by releasing specially crafted edits of classic house tracks on 7” vinyl for the very first time.

Part one of the ‘Foundations’ series celebrates Chicago producer Cajmere’s early masterpiece ‘Brighter Days’ featuring Dajae. Best known in recent years by his ‘Green Velvet’ moniker, Curtis Jones has been blazing a trail through House and Techno since launching his Cajual imprint back in ’91. Reaching #2 on Billboard’s dance chart in 1992, ‘Brighter Days’ was Cajmere’s breakthrough hit and continues to educate and inspire producers, DJs and dancers to this day.

With artwork lovingly adapted from the original 12”, the record’s ‘North Side’ features a deft Kai Alce edit of the monstrous 10 minute Masters At Work ‘Brighter Days’ remix. Introducing those distinctive skipping, syncopated rhythms later adopted by UK Garage pioneers, Louie’s MAW mix has lost none of its dance-floor impact over the last 25 years. Lurking on the ‘South Side’ you can find the raw, potent ‘Underground Goodies Mix’, a production credited by Rashad and other pioneers as the catalyst for Chicago’s ‘footwork’ movement.

Cajmere feat. Dajae - Brighter Days - Masters At Work Mix (Kai Alce's Edit)

Cajmere feat. Dajae - Brighter Days (Underground Goodies Mix)

Perception Productions, a New York based label that ran from the late 60s through until 1974, was a strangely eclectic affair. Its roster stretched from a radical Afro-American poet through to the pop band King Harvest whose hit ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’ became a massive hit for the UK band Toploader a couple of decades later. The inbetween points covered jazz, funk, vocal harmony soul and proto-disco. In fact distilled down into this compilation the label provides us a view of Manhattan’s black music scene of the period, from the established greats to the fresh young things who would make their mark in the coming years. The two men who ran the label, President Terry Phillips and Boo Frazier burned brightly for that half a decade before almost entirely disappearing from the music scene.

Matrix - Dizzie Gillespie

Order the 7" vinyl: http://www.bbemusic.com/downloads/dj-spinna-kai-alce-present-foundations-part-3-chip-e-like-this/
The third volume in Kai Alce and DJ Spinna ’s ‘Foundations’ 7” vinyl series traces the roots of House music back to 1985, with Chip-E and K-Joy’s DJ International classic ‘Like This’.

Appearing on a ’45 for the very first time, ‘Like This’ exemplifies the early Chicago House sound that Chip-E pioneered during the early 80’s. Featuring raw, distinctive vocals from K-Joy, the track also stars a young Frankie Knuckles speaking the track’s title, in possibly his first ever studio session (it would be two years before Chip-E would bring him back into the studio to have a go at making a record of his own, but that’s another story).

BBE Music’s 7” reissue features an exclusive edit of the original extended 12” version of ‘Like This’, a cut which still simply can’t fail to move a dance-floor or bring a big smile to the face of any respectable house-head, more than three decades on from its creation. On the flip side, Kai and Spinna selected the ‘DDDub’ mix, a percussive and rugged, stripped down workout, which has stood the test of time brilliantly.

About The Series:
BBE Music is excited to present ‘Foundations’, a series of strictly limited 7” pressings exploring some of the most iconic House tracks of all time, as chosen by DJ Spinna and Kai Alce. With global interest in ‘45s on the rise, ‘Foundations’ aims to fill those frustrating gaps in all our collections by releasing specially crafted edits of classic house tracks on 7” vinyl for the very first time.

Chip E feat. K-Joy – Like This (House Mix)

Stream / Download the remixes: https://bbemusic.lnk.to/HolidayBenRau
Berlin native and Inkal founder, Ben Rau delivers two brand new mixes of the Roy Ayers classic ‘Holiday’.
Titled after his record label ‘Inkal‘, Ben’s first pass of ‘Holiday’ makes use of the original’s distinctive piano motifs over a bouncy and urgent big-room house groove; surely destined to become a summer essential for house DJs all over the globe.
Taking its name from his brand new imprint, the ‘Meta’ mix goes deeper, with afro-tinged percussion and rolling, techno-inspired drums leading the way toward an original organ solo over warm bass and hypnotic chords.
Recorded in the late 70’s, unearthed by BBE and issued on the second volume of unreleased Virgin Ubiquity recordings, ‘Holiday’ is a languid, sun-drenched jazz- funk classic; vintage Roy Ayers. The track was previously reworked in 2005 by Kenny Dope and DJ Spinna to global acclaim.

Release date: September 21st 2018

Roy Ayers - Holiday (Ben Rau Meta Remix)

"One of the most important musicians of our time. When we think of John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, J Dilla will be going down along that history line of greatness." - Common (from XXL)
 
"He inspired me so much. One of the best days of my life was when he handed me a record with drums on it. I was so honored." - Kanye West (from XXL)
 
Jay Dee’s “Welcome to Detroit” was the album that kicked off BBE’s Beat Generation series. This seminal album (it even has its own Wikipedia entry) cemented Dilla’s reputation as a virtuoso beat maker with a remarkable range of talents. For the first time, (from that album) “Think Twice” appears on a very limited 7” single. It is a cover of Donald Byrd's seminal classic featuring Dwele on vocals... it shows Dilla’s supreme versatility behind the boards (and on the mic — it’s not the featured Dwele that sings the hook).  
 
And from his posthumously relealeased album “The Shinining” :

Common, meanwhile, does the Common thing, which is to ride the beat dumbly (but appropriately) on standout robofunker “E=MC2,” Despite Kanye boosting his sales numbers, it was Jay Dee who consistently brought out the best emcee in Common, his former roommate, and he proves it again here on "E=MC2."

 
Web 
http://www.j-dilla.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_2_Detroit



Welcome To Detroit

Think Twice

Jay Dee Think Twice

Production heavyweight Rhys Adams returns with his second LP under the ‘YesKing’ moniker and his debut for the BBE label. Produced entirely by Adams, ‘Re-Record Not Fade Away’, marks a coming of age for the seasoned studio head and a sonic departure from the outfit’s 2008 debut ‘Rock This World’ (co-produced by Mark Rae of Rae & Christian fame). 

Borrowing it’s name from the strap line appearing in Scotch Video Tape’s 1980s TV adverts, ‘Re-Record Not Fade Away’ is both a metaphorical reference to the longevity of music produced with passion and a literal reference to Adams’ studio techniques - in particular his preference for recording live to a 1960s 1/4 inch ferrograph tape machine, a process which Adams describes as ‘integral’ to the album’s sound providing a ‘unique and authentic’ feel with a firm nod to the Dub and Reggae traditions which permeate the album. 

Featured artists provide a wealth of variety to the album’s underlying themes: Guitarist for The Soothsayers and Jerry Dammers’ Spatial aka Orchestra, Patrick Hatchett plays on much of the album also co-writing several tracks becoming, in Adams’ words, ‘central to the Yesking sound’. Togo born singer Kodjovi Kush adds afrobeat flavour to ‘One More Time’ with a vocal performance which displays his musical journey to East London via Ghana, Israel and ‘90s Central London cultural hotspot, the Africa Centre. ‘Rock This World’ collaborators make a welcome return in the form of Kenny Knotts, a UK dancehall vocalist with a string of top ten hits to his name and rapper Mystro, a seasoned veteran with a list of collaborations under his belt that reads like a who’s who of the UK scene. Representing the new generation of UK dancehall artists is Toddla T and Sticky collaborator Lady Chann providing unique sound system swag on ‘Secret King’. Decca signing Annie Bea adds a sweet summer feel to ‘Just Like Me’ and new voices Mel Uye Parker, Rioghnach Connolly offer accomplished vocals to lead single ‘Hardground’, a track which Adams is happy to describe as one of his proudest productions.  All in all a rich mix thrown in to the sonic melting pot via that all important tape machine mixdown! 

[The very tape machine to which the album owes so much is central to the album’s cover art produced by Adams together with artist Paul Curtis.]

 


Re-Record Not Fade Away - Instrumentals

Devil Inside

Yesking Devil Inside

Buy / Stream the album: https://orcd.co/soulgliding

Former member of A Forest Mighty Black and founder of Trüby Trio, Rainer Trueby presents his new compilation, Soulgliding, released on BBE Music.

Starting life as a group on Facebook, ‘Soulgliding’ is a phrase coined by Rainer Trueby to describe the more languid, smoother side of 2-Step, Boogie, Modern Soul and even Jazz. This silky collection spans several decades and sums up what Soulgliding is all about: evocative airy music that feels like a dream-flight across a friendly sky.

Or, as Patrick Forge puts it in his wonderful sleeve notes…

“Soulgliding….. It’s all in that word, a stroke of genius, no explanation needed, I knew what it was about before I even read the rules. Anyway there was only one rule that really mattered, the speed limit, nothing beyond 110bpm. What I didn’t know when Rainer first convened the eponymous Facebook group was just how addictive it would be. Several months of sharing, liking, commenting, loving and frantic dives into Discogs later, and Soulgliding has become a thing. A genre? Well, almost. This selection lovingly compiled by Rainer himself goes a long way to solidify the notion and stake a claim on the territory.

This set of gliders has all the elements; from the slow (enough!) boogie of Crystal Winds, to the jazzy excursions courtesy of Ambiance and Les Hooper, and a clutch of tunes that are closer to the original 2-Step blueprint from Demo Cates, Bridge, Cloud One and Donna McGhee. Then there are the eighties drum machine grooves of Patrice Rushen and Fifth Of Heaven and the ethereal beatless magic of Peter Brown’s “Without Love”. A selection that manages to amalgamate plenty of obscurities without losing the essence, a selection which shimmers, soothes, inspires……glides.”

Rainer Trueby presents Soulgliding

Fifth Of Heaven - Just A Little More

Available on vinyl, CD or digital formats: orcd.co/lillygoodparty2

Swiss DJ Alex Attias returns to BBE with a second helping of uptempo cuts, perfectly encapsulating his LillyGood Party! sound.

Founder of the recently revived Visions imprint, a long-time collector and a revered selector, Alex Attias is, before everything, a refined producer whose musical craft has seen him travel the globe, most notably with an extended stint in the birthplace of the bruk sound, London.

The tracks you’ll find on this compilation are all current favourites, or proven classics that have never left Alex's record box at the LillyGood Parties, a gathering Alex and his brother Stephane run in their hometown of Lausanne, Switzerland.

LillyGood Party! Vol.2 is another testament to Attias’ unswerving taste for smooth yet intricate, subtly layered yet deeply rooted dance compositions; some subtly edited for maximum dance-floor effect.

Featuring instantly recognisable names such as Louie Vega's Elements Of Life, Peven Everett and even Pharoah Sanders, LillyGood Party 2 also sheds light on some lesser-known artists, digging out some gems, buried deep across the jazz, disco and electronic musical strata.

Alex Attias presents LillyGood Party Vol. 2

Stacy Kidd feat Peven Everett - How Bad I Want Ya (GU Peak True Time Mix)

Now That We Found Love (M&M Mix) promo edit

Buy / Stream the album here: https://bbemusic.bandcamp.com/album/j...​

Producer extraordinaire John Morales returns to BBE Music, celebrating the life and work of R&B / soul legend Teena Marie with a double album full of brand new remixes, lovingly crafted from the original studio tapes, entitled ‘Love Songs & Funky Beats’.

“Teena is somewhat underrated, and people don’t really know much about her.” Says Morales. “I set out to immerse people in her music and represent what she really did. That meant for me a dive into more than her R&B hits, to dig into her ballads and dance cuts. People know she was talented. I don’t really think they really knew the depth of her abilities, her complete confidence to take it upon herself to do everything – singing, producing, arranging, songwriting. Teena Marie was the total package.”

John Morales had the pleasure of mixing many of Teena Marie’s original records over the years, so it felt natural to dig into the archives and select his favourite cuts to rework, extend and subtly update in his own distinctive style. While by no means a definitive collection of Lady Tee’s expansive musical catalogue, ‘Love Songs & Funky Beats’ represents a fitting tribute to a multifaceted and important voice in popular music, by one of the most storied mix engineers and remixers of our age.

Jumping into the music industry deep end in 1979 with a three-year mentorship from Berry Gordy & Rick James at Motown, Teena Marie then spent seven fertile years with Epic, which yielded her greatest commercial successes (including the classic album ‘Starchild’). After founding an independent label ‘Sarai’, Marie took a ten-year hiatus which ended in 2004 in a deal with hip hop label Cash Money Records; a less unlikely partnership than some might assume, given that Teena was one of the first ‘mainstream’ artists to perform a rap verse, on 1981’s ‘Square Biz’.

Teena Marie Brockert forged a unique path through the industry, an artist in-charge of her own destiny, influencing (and heavily sampled by) both the hip hop and R&B sounds of the 90’s and early 2000’s. Her 1982 lawsuit against Motown records resulted in “The Brockert Initiative”, which has benefitted literally thousands of other artists by making it illegal for record companies to ‘shelve’ artists by keeping them under contract without releasing their material. She continued to tour regularly and deliver commercially successful, expertly sculpted music, right up until her untimely passing in 2010.

John Morales Presents Teena Marie – Love Songs & Funky Beats

Teena Marie - Square Biz (John Morales M+M Mix)

Join the BBE Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/yfBFX

Founded in 1996 by Peter Adarkwah, Barely Breaking Even (BBE Music) started life as a London club night, taking its name from the eponymous Disco record by the Universal Robot Band.

The label grew from the vibrant early 90's club scene with its first release, Stop & Listen compiled by Dr Bob Jones in 1996, opening the door to iconic series' such as All Back To Mine & Late Nite Tales.

A tonne of releases followed, ranging from Disco to Funk, Jazz to House. In the year 2000, the label celebrated Masters at Work's 10th Anniversary with a mighty box set that featured near 80 tracks.

A year later BBE Music spawned the Beat Generation Series of artist albums, notably introducing J Dilla (Welcome 2 Detroit) & a young Will.I.Am's first solo outing, alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff, Madlib & DJ Spinna, all of whom contributed to this seminal set of long players.

A quarter of a century and well over 500 titles later, having worked with Mark Ronson, Roy Ayers, Questlove, Hugh Masekela, DJ Premier, Dimitri from Paris, Joey Negro, Kon, RZA, Laurent Garnier, Black Coffee, DJ Shadow, David Rodigan and John Morales among many others, BBE Music looks to the future, celebrating its rich heritage while continuing to release a bounty of fresh titles.

The label’s most recent projects include an expansive reissue series from pioneering Nigerian label Tabansi, new imprint ‘Batakari’ in association with Boddhi Satva and the critically acclaimed ‘J Jazz’ Japanese Jazz multi-album project, not to mention the recent landmark 500th label release: a brand new version of 'Barely Breaking Even', featuring Leroy Burgess, Patrick Adams and Louie Vega.

In 2021 BBE Music is celebrating its 25th anniversary. To mark this milestone, the label is offering up some special projects, from the 20th Anniversary edition of J Dilla’s ‘Welcome 2 Detroit’, through David Bowie tribute album ‘Modern Love’, to a special new ‘Worldwide’ compilation from old friend Gilles Peterson. BBE Music will also be looking to the future with more exciting original artist projects, plus merch collaborations events and more...

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