At the vanguard of Melbourne's bustling underground music scene you’ll find Surprise Chef. A band very much on the rise, who with two exceptional albums under their belts, are picking up a rapidly swelling fanbase across the world. Working out of the College of Knowledge stable (their home / studio / record label namesake), the band’s take on instrumental cinematic soul and funk has connected with listeners across multiple scenes and genres. Their intoxicatingly laidback sound, which pairs expertly crafted hooks with a seriously funky, watertight rhythm section, has earned them a wide appeal and made their tracks ripe for interpretation.

When floating ideas for potential remixers, two names came to the fore, Masters At Work and Harvey Sutherland. MAW have a long history with Mr Bongo having remixed the Brit-funk classic ‘Dancing In Outer Space’ by Atmosfear for the label in 1997, and releasing the original track, ‘Brazilian Beat’ in 2000. With their studio collaboration now back in full swing, it was the perfect time to inject the MAW magic back into the label. They picked ‘Crayfish Caper’ from the band’s first album ‘All News Is Good News’ as their choice of track to remix. The ’Nuyorican Broken Remix' sees MAW stepping into their Nuyorican Soul guise. A Latin shuffle meets an afro-beat rhythm and some very chunky broken beats, which all underpins an infectious melody constructed around the original track’s bassline. They pair this with horns and synths that add a flourish and reveal new layers as the track develops. It’s a sound that is uniquely Nuyorican Soul and a welcome return for fans of this aspect of their phenomenal output. The 'Masters At Work Remix’ is straight up vintage MAW in House mode. It takes many of the same elements found in the 'Nuyorican Broken Remix' and points things in a House direction. It’s 4/4, but the beats have that Kenny Dope trademark swing. Tough, but oozing soul. Add to that heavy bass, vocal cuts, fierce horns and saxophone, layered synths, and that undeniable MAW bounce. 

Rounding off the package is the remix from Harvey Sutherland. Having made international waves since 2013 with his unique take on dance music, Harvey has long been on Mr Bongo’s remix radar, but until now we hadn’t managed to get that ambition over the line. This time around the stars aligned perfectly. Surprise Chef and Harvey Sutherland are both Melbourne residents and they had already been working on projects together. The band set things up and Harvey chose to remix ‘New Ferrari’ from their latest album, ‘Daylight Savings’. His take on the track sees things venturing into dubby-disco territory. A dreamy, cosmic, bass-heavy, sweeping synth-led workout, that retains yet reinterprets the catchy-as-hell hooks from the original track. A roller with serious muscle!

Masters At Work & Harvey Sutherland Remixes

PREMIERE : Surprise Chef - New Ferrari (Harvey Sutherland's Weird Flex)

Bakeren

Bakeren (feat. Faye Houston)

It is hard to believe we are now up to Volume 6 of our renowned Record Club series. Curating these compilations, where we share our latest musical discoveries and old favourites from the global stage, is always a labour of love. 

When one of our most revered artists offered us the chance to include a digital exclusive track we of course jumped at the chance. As expected, what we received blew us away and we knew it had to be the lead single from the compilation. 

Hearing the Swedish outfit Sven Wunder for the first time is as refreshing as an ice-cold Limoncello after an Italian meal. One of those artists that feel instantly familiar like an old friend, yet simultaneously fresh and new. Having released three stunning albums adored by a rapidly growing fanbase, and a host of critical acclaim from the likes of the New York Times, Pitchfork and the Quietus to name just a few, the expectation of what is to come next from this wonderfully unique artist is palpable. 

‘Easy Going’ is a digital exclusive for our Mr Bongo Record Club Vol.6 compilation. The track was previously pressed to a limited edition 7” on Piano Piano Records that sold out within 24hrs, so the demand for a digital version is high. ’Easy Going' sounds like it would be at home on a lost Brazilian Trilha Sonora Original Da Novela (original TV Soundtrack From The Novel). Sven has assembled beautifully orchestrated strings that swirl over bubbling keys, snappy drums, and calls on a harmonica to take the role as the lead instrument.

Sven Wunder - Easy Going

If ‘After The Dawn’ was the hors d'oeuvre to Project Gemini aka Paul Osborne’s next chapter, ‘Colours & Light’ serves up a slice of the main course. Heralding the official announcement of Paul’s sophomore album under the same name, the title track further showcases the sonic palette listeners should expect to sample across the forthcoming album.
 
Garnering a deluge of BBC 6 Music plays and a brilliant reception, ‘After The Dawn’ sparked excitement around the prospect of a new LP from Project Gemini. Breaking through the winter gloom, the second single ‘Colours & Light’ further spotlights a refinement in Paul’s sound. Talking of the origins of the track, he states that it wields a “UK folk-rock sound with a breakbeat-like rhythm section, partly inspired by a live version of Pentangle’s ‘Wedding Dress’ from a 1973 TV performance”. A psychedelic trip through time and emotion, hazy hues and wistful horizons.
 
Paul’s reverberating vocal refrains draw you in from the get-go, with the cauldron of folk-flavoured guitar, earthy bass and ethereal organs providing a ritual of resonance. Jack Sharp of Wolf People/Large Plants fame stands front and centre, leaning into that rock-tinged feeling with an expertly constructed, wah-wah fuzzed guitar solo. Creating the breakbeat foundation, Sababa 5 drummer Raz Man and percussionist Paul Elliott from Eleven 76/Call Sender work in unison to conjure up a captivating groove.
 
‘Colours & Light’ gives an alluring insight into what’s to come on this much-anticipated follow-up LP. Moving deftly between light and shade, through folk, psych and hazy funk, whilst being artfully enveloped in Paul’s signature cinematic style.

Project Gemini - Colours & Light

"Mosaic" is the 5th single off of Manatee Commune's long awaited LP 'Simultaneity' - Out July 19th on Bastard Jazz.

Mosaic

Set to ignite dance floors and elevate spirits worldwide: "Umoja (Joaquin's Sacred Rhythm Dub)" is New York City house music royalty Joaquin Joe Claussell’s rework of the title track from Italian jazz maestro Nicola Conte’s latest album Umoja.

Claussell’s trademark brand of deep, afrofuturist house combines with the spiritual jazz dance magic of Conte’s original for an extended mix of ecstatic club music, teasing the wider release of Nicola Conte - Umoja (Joaquin Joe Claussell’s Sacred Rhythm Music & Cosmic Arts Dubs): 10 tracks of comprehensive rearrangements - featuring additional percussion, guitars, keyboards, synthesizers and drum programming - whereby Claussell excavates the source music, re-recording many of its parts under the auspices of his Sacred Music & Cosmic Arts banner.

Claussell's collaboration with Nicola Conte and Far Out Recordings helps mark the label’s 30th anniversary, as Claussell joins fellow producers such as Theo Parrish, Ron Trent, Kenny Dope and 4hero in remixing music from the label’s catalogue.

Nicola Conte - Umoja (Joaquin Joe Claussell Sacred Rhythm Music & Cosmic Arts Remixes) releases on double vinyl LP, CD and digitally on 28th June 2024 on Far Out Recordings.

Umoja (Joaquin Joe Claussell Sacred Rhythm Music & Cosmic Arts Remixes)

Nicola Conte - Umoja (Joaquin's Sacred Rhythm Dub)

7th Heaven

Pamoja - Oooh baby

Track available at Traxsource: http://www.traxsource.com/title/565515/give-it-all-you-got-over-you

Urmet K - Give It All You Got

Blake Robin aka LUXXURY aka Baron von Luxxury has been making waves in the DJ/producer disco community over the past two years with his controversial edits. He was personally selected by Duran Duran's bassist and co-founder John Taylor to cover "Planet Earth". His "Hotel California" edit was a runaway smash, instantly attracting nearly 300,000+ Soundcloud listens and a great deal of press including a front page piece with the Wall Street Journal. “Hotel California” was later taken down everywhere due to a major internet kerfuffle, which served only to boost Luxxury's profile and add to his mystique. He received immediate support from Greg Wilson, Psychemagik, Ursula 1000, Junior Sanchez, Goldroom and hundreds more.

Today, LUXXURY shares his new single “Take It Slow” which is available now and will be released as part of the Hold On / Take It Slow single package on March 4 via Deep&Disco (JKriv of Escort’s label). The new songs are heavily steeped in classic West Coast sunshine and vintage disco vibes. Along with keyboardist/collaborator Billy Caruso (Laco$te, Corridor) the new Luxxury sound doubles down on '78 California: all shimmering Rhodes, dusty anti-EDM disco beats and funky bass lines peppered with blue eyed falsetto vocals provided by Robin himself.


Buy on Traxsource

LUXXURY - Take It Slow (JKriv Remix)

In remembrance of Maurice White

Produced & Mixed by Volt Age for UKNOWY Music
Artwork by Maximilian Braun

https://soundcloud.com/ageofvolt
https://soundcloud.com/uknowymusic

© 2016 UKNOWY Music

Bandcamp

Earth, Wind And Fire - Runnin' (Volt Age Edit)

https://soundcloud.com/lozgoddard
https://soundcloud.com/razor-n-tape

RNT welcomes Manchester upstart Loz Goddard into the fold with his new outing, "The Drunken Monk EP" on the Reserve imprint. Hot off recent successes on Outplay and Dirt Crew, young Loz delivers again with a 4 tracker of dusty thumpers and jazzy burners, brewed with love and pressed to vinyl the color of a cool pint of ale! 

The Drunken Monk

PREMIERE: Loz Goddard - "Juicy Lucy" (Razor-N-Tape Reserve)

bbemusic.lnk.to/MaylightDigits
‘Digits’ b/w ‘Beat of the Heart’ is the debut single from BBC New Music Award winning jazz / soul / electronica ensemble Maylight. The eight strong collective takes in the vocal talents of ex-Tru Thoughts vocalist Lizzy Parks, pianist Rob Barron whose resume includes session work for the likes of Jay Z, Kanye West and Jay Electronica and BBC Performing Arts Prize winning saxophonist Mary Wakelam. On trumpet are Aida Severo’s Joe Egan and Percy Pursglove, a first class graduate of Birmingham Conservatoire’s jazz course who has played for groups including The Duke Ellington Orchestra and The Coltrane Ensemble. Trio Tekke’s Colin Somervell appears on bass. Dave Holland Award winning drummer Jim Bashford, (currently playing for multi-platinum selling jazz vocalist Katie Melua) also appears.

The group is produced by BBE signing Chris Read whose work includes productions and remixes for the likes of Grammy Award winning vocalists Algebra Blessett and Bilal, hip hop man of the moment Oddisee, Tokyo Dawn-signing Pugs Atomz and the Pharcyde.

Remixes on this 6 track single / EP come courtesy of some of the UK’s most exciting production talent: ‘Digits’ is given a broken boogie overhaul by London’s EVM128, whose recent remixes and productions for the likes of Omar and Amp Fiddler among others have been championed by the likes of DJ Mag, Boiler Room and i-D. Taking ‘Beat of the Heart’ to cinematic territory is Soundsmiths’ Menik, who’s been quietly amassing a loyal fanbase for his own brand of soulful electronica via releases on labels including Loodma, Substruct and Deep Heads. Last but by no means least is Liverpool’s SertOne, whose ‘Fly High Society’ radio shows and mixes are a go to destination for the UK’s beat scene. His broody synth filled rework of ‘Digits’ rounds off this remix package.


Almighty

Digits / Beat Of The Heart

Maylight - Beat Of The Heart (Menik Remix)

Buy the single in all formats here:
BIG CROWN WEBSTORE: https://bigcrownrecords.com/store/bacao-rhythm-steel-band-love-like-this-45-edit-bw-was-dog-a-doughnut/

Taken from the Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band album "55" available here:

BIG CROWN WEBSTORE: https://bigcrownrecords.com/store/55-album/
BUY / STREAM: http://geni.us/BacaoRhythm55


Follow Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band:
https://www.facebook.com/BacaoRhythmSteelBand/
https://www.instagram.com/bacaorsb/
https://twitter.com/bacaorsb
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0sjhSgEkyVa8QRmkkuckJ0

Visit us at:
www.bigcrownrecords.com

Follow Big Crown Records:
https://open.spotify.com/user/bigcrownrecords
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https://soundcloud.com/bigcrownrecords
https://www.mixcloud.com/BigCrownRecords

Buy at BCR

Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band - Love Like This (45 Edit) - BC004-45 - Side A

Listeners

Theme for Us (feat. Chip Wickham)

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...

Maylight - Beat Of The Heart (Menik Remix)

BBE Music

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