Live Vinyl Set of our friend HifiLab from the HitYaWithThat Crew, gracing the Decks for our monthly Session, called "Repertoire" at Marla Records.

Listen back to another beat heavy Hip-Hop Set

HifiLab @Repertoire | 14.01.23

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

Like a long-lost Holy Grail album from the mid-seventies, Kirk Degiorgio’s latest project, Modal Forces / Percussive Forces, explores both Modal Jazz and Seventies Jazz Fusion in the Library album format. Side One swings with a vengeance with its tight arrangements built around acoustic bass, electric piano and glorious analog synth leads and side 2 takes us on a journey of funk fuelled, percussive workouts and heavy breaks. The contributions of renowned session drummer Chris Whitten adds to the authenticity of the album as does the use of vintage, analog synths.

Now, as a taster of what's to come on this album, BBE is releasing Beersheba as the first single from the project. In true library music style Beersheba comes in at less than 4 minutes but manages to create an atmosphere and a story. With the keys overlaying a melody and a refrain on top of a bass and drum break rhythm this track not only paints a picture but also builds to a lovely mid-tempo dancefloor groove that tantalises the listener as to what the next track will be.

Kirk Degiorgio is a DJ, composer and music lover whose influences, from family and then going out to clubs from under-18 discos to attending the Belvedere Arms and 'Shoom' and working in Reckless Records, cover all genres of Black music. From Soul, Jazz-Funk, Funk and then House and Detroit Techno Kirk has a love and an appreciation for how all these sounds work together and evolve from each other.

Kirk Degiorgio - Beersheba [BBE Music]

The popularity of Brazilian music from the 60s, 70s and 80s has experienced quite the renaissance; artists such as Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil, Arthur Verocai, Joyce et al, have become household names to an international audience passionate about global sounds. However, even for die-hard fans and collectors of Brazilian music of the past, discovering contemporary Brazilian artists is not always easy, nor accessible. But, if you know where to look, you will see that there is a resurgence well underway that can be epitomised by an exciting new wave of Brazilian artists beginning to break through and gather momentum overseas. It’s with thanks to Sound and Colours, a website devoted to promoting Latin American music and culture, that we can help shine a light on one particular collective, bursting with creativity and camaraderie.

‘Hidden Waters: Strange and Sublime Sounds of Rio de Janeiro’ is compiled by Joe Osborne (founder of specialist Brazilian music platform Brazilian Wax) and Russ Slater (editor at large of Sounds and Colours). Focusing solely on the 'Rio Scene', rather than taking on the mammoth task of tackling Brazil as a whole, this collection presents 20-plus ground-breaking artists selected from Rio’s resurgent music scene. By presenting a snapshot into the pulse of the city and the vibrant musicians that live in it, ‘Hidden Waters’ collates tracks from a wide spectrum of musical genres from the avant-garde edge to bossa nova, samba, Candomblé, lo-fi rock, jazz and funk.

‘Hidden Waters’ showcases musicians such as iconic Rio mainstays Negro Leo & Ava Rocha, Brazilian jazz upstart Antônio Neves, critically lauded Avant-pop trailblazer Thiago Nassif, breakthrough artists Ana Frango Elétrico and Letrux, lo-fi psych rocker Lê Almeida, plus the Latin Grammy-winning Bala Desejo who are set to explode onto the world stage. 

The music featured on ‘Hidden Waters’ is unequivocally Brazilian, swelling with samba, bossa nova, funk, and jazz. But it’s within the album's blend; from sunny psychedelia to dusky synth-pop via experimental electronics, that marks the compilation as the sound of modern, multicultural Rio. Fans of Brazil’s fertile 60s and 70s will spot the antecedents in Tropicália. Not only in the experimentation but also through the similar political context: back in the late 60s there was Brazil’s military dictatorship, and up until the end of 2022 it was Bolsonaro’s censorious premiership. Here are a group of musicians writing and reflecting on another colourful chapter within Brazil’s musical history.

This comprehensive compilation comes with album artwork designed by Rio music’s leading album artwork designer, Caio Paiva. It features essays by professor and music critic Bernardo Oliveira and music journalist Leonardo Lichote, plus extensive notes on each track by the artists themselves.

António Neves & Thiaguinho Silva - Das Neves

Chapter II of Jay Sounds EP Universe is officially out.

Summer Daze (Sunrise EP) | OUT NOW

Get Down with Illa J and Amp Fiddler. Introducing Illa J’s second single “Get Down.” This track offers a glimpse into the creative life of John Yancey, a versatile artist known for his skills as both a rapper and singer-songwriter. “Get Down” is from his upcoming album “No Traffic,” which is entirely written and produced by Illa J himself.

On this soulful track, Illa J is joined by Detroit legend Amp Fiddler on the hook. Fiddler’s contributions to the music industry are vast, having worked with some of the biggest names in the business, including Prince, Moodymann, and J Dilla. Speaking of J Dilla, it’s a ‘Fantastic’ fact that Amp Fiddler is credited with introducing Illa J’s older brother to the Akai MPC in the ’90s? That revolutionary moment changed the direction of music forever.

But let’s get back to Illa J’s lyrical prowess. In “Get Down,” John’s playful style and delivery are on full display as he runs through various aliases from JohnClef to JohnDWayne. With this track, Illa J showcases his musical versatility and gives listeners a glimpse into his world and creative processes. As the chorus says: “They Don’t Know,” and this is your chance to find out.

If you’re a fan of Illa J, don’t miss the chance to pre-order “No Traffic,” his first solo album on the iconic label BBE Music. And if you’re new to his music, “Get Down” is the perfect introduction to this talented artist. Finally, you can rest assured that this track is mastered with love by the Carvery Studios. So what are you waiting for? Get down with Illa J and Amp Fiddler today!

Illa J - Get Down (Instrumental)

We love to support new artists at MIMS and Rupert Cox is no exception. The talented pianist is the latest signing on London's essential Albert's Favourites label, and today they share his beautiful debut single, "Embers".

Rupert is an engaging and versatile pianist whose sound has already reached people through work with China Moses, Judi Jackson, Rhys Lewis, Myele Manzanza and many more.

Citing Blake Mills, Genevieve Artadi and Brad Mehldau as pivotal influences, his solo music covers a huge range, often melancholic, reflective and cerebral but unafraid to play with positivity and joy at times. 

His introduction to the world, "Embers", carries the imprint of artists like Eno and Laraaji, a beguiling, ambient leaning piano exploration, lifted along by sparse percussion, sensitive synthesiser and guitar play.

Albert's Favourites co-founder Adam Scrimshire shared some more background on how the signing came about: "We kind of had a mission this year to see what was possible with the label and the most fulfilling part has unquestionably been seeing the family really grow, and grow through natural connections. Rupert was first introduced to me by Yusuf Ahmed of Qwalia, who came to us through Huw Marc Bennett. This is the dream really, all these personal connections and new friendships. Rupert's album is really special and we're grateful to get to represent it."

The single introduces you to some of Rupert’s rich sonic palette while leaving so much to be discovered. We can't wait to her more from this essential new creator in the London music community.

Buy/Stream

Exclusive Premiere: Rupert Cox "Embers" (Albert's Favourites)

It’s December 1st and snow has fallen in Copenhagen. With an urge to share something warm and peaceful in these times, we present our next mixtape - Jabar's Christmas Stocking // Pasteelo Mixtape 32. Mixed & compiled by Jabar, who’s dug deep into the stash to find the funky side of Christmas. Merry Christmas y'all @pasteelo

Pasteelo Mixtape 32 // Jabar's Christmas Stocking

Back after being absent for too long. Too much going on in my life and the world to put one of these together, but am trying to get back on track. This is a sample of the various records I've been stacking up in the meantime - hope you dig it! 

Tracklist: Adam Makowicz Unit, Frankie Ortega, Frank Cunimondo Trio, Don Elliot, Johnny Lewis Quartet, Nancy Priddy, Roy Meriwether, Frank Emilio, Round House, Neil Ardley, Galapagos Duck

December 4 2023

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Pullin from the Stacks - A Month of Digging

Fly Home (2)

Too High

An ai generated instrumental music track.

Neon Murmur

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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...

Illa J - Get Down (Instrumental)

BBE Music

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