3 Hours of music.  New jazz, hip hop and electronic in the first hour. In The second hour we take a look at the Amapiano sound coming out of South Africa.  
And in the third her we have a special guest mix fro the one and only Johnny Reckless

About Four Directions

FOUR DIRECTIONS draws on collective club heritage and the four pillars of DANCE :
DRUM — RHYTHM — SOUND — SPIRIT
FOUR DIRECTIONS is a collaboration of veteran and musically likeminded DJ’s — a powerfully collective force in todays clubland landscape — whose intention is to organise a variance of propositions: dance clubs, beach parties, lounge clubs, intimate gatherings and boutique holidays to gatherings of stylish dance lovers and musical connoisseurs from ‘FOUR DIRECTIONS’.

Crate Digs Radio - Jeff Higgins July 2021 - Four Directions Special

Buy / Stream it here: https://orcd.co/thelibraryarchive2

Crate digging DJs Mr Thing and Chris Read return to BBE Music with a second volume of their compilation series ‘The Library Archive’, presenting more Funk, Jazz, Beats and Soundtracks from the archives of Cavendish Music.

Founded back in 1937 and originally known as Boosey & Hawkes Recorded Music Library, Cavendish Music is the largest independent Library Music publisher in the UK and also represents a host of music catalogues across the globe. The influence of Library Music on British pop culture cannot be overstated, especially during the 1970s when companies KPM, De Wolfe and of course Boosey & Hawkes provided the soundtracks to iconic TV shows such as The Sweeney and The Professionals, as well as a host of feature films.

The discs produced by Boosey & Hawkes for TV and radio production have, over the intervening years, gained a cult following among collectors and have found themselves sampled by successive generations of beatmakers. Renowned scratch DJ Mr Thing and WhoSampled’s Chris Read, both lifetime beat fanatics, first entered the Cavendish vaults in 2014, presenting their first compilation of rare Library Music cuts in 2017 on BBE Music. Both knew that Cavendish Music’s vast low-ceilinged London basement still held a host of hidden treasure just waiting to be rediscovered, so the pair returned in 2020, emerging with ‘The Library Archive 2 – More Funk, Jazz, Beats and Soundtracks from the Archives of Cavendish Music’.

“This new collection leans toward the less obvious titles, not only the funky sides and tracks ripe for sampling but also some of the jazzier corners of the catalogue” says Chris Read. “As with Volume 1, this is more than merely a collection for sample heads – it’s a compilation of great funk, jazz, soundtracks and experimental themes to be enjoyed by DJs, producers and fans of good music alike.”

Dennis Farnon, Sound Studio Orchestra - Tournament

Eyal Talmudi & Rejoicer - Naftulik

Azar Azar’s latest album, Cosmic Drops, is a vibrant and explosive package of fiery jazz that ties together many of Sérgio Alves’ external inspirations, from afrobeat and funk to house, broken beat, and electronic music. The album showcases a sound for every type of listener, whether they want to chill out or get up and dance. Among the nine tracks on the album, there is one that particularly stands out: “Subway.”

“Subway,” as Azar Azar explains, “intends to emulate a jam session that could spontaneously occur if you met Moodymann in a subway station. But deep down, it's a jam session that I did with myself and Sam (saxophonist) since I played all the instruments with the exception of the sax!” The track is a perfect example of the unique blend of afro-latin-tinged funk and hip hop that Azar Azar has become known for, made using organic and electronic instruments.

The result is a beautiful and mellow groove that is both subtle and unassuming yet stimulating and intense. The track has a certain aura that feels like the perfect soundtrack for a lazy Sunday afternoon, but also has the potential to get you up and dancing.

Azar Azar has a way of seamlessly blending genres and creating something that is uniquely their own, and “Subway” is a perfect example of this. It’s a jam session that Sérgio did with himself and Sam, but it feels like a collaboration with the listener, inviting them to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Overall, Cosmic Drops is a snapshot of Azar Azar at the top of their game, and “Subway” is just one of the many gems on this incredible album.

Exclusive Premiere: Azar Azar "Subway" (Forthcoming on Jazzego)

Dutch saxophonist, producer and composer, Thysenterprise, shares melodic piano-led jazz head-nodder, "'Sounds After The Fade-Out”.  One for fans of Robert Glasper, Bill Evans and Makaya McCraven. 

Thysenterprise tell us, “"'Sounds After The Fade-Out” describes the feeling that I felt days after my dad’s funeral, when life had to go back to normal, but due to sorrow I couldn’t see things clearly. Friends drinking, crowds cheering at basketball matches, loud laughter... all while having a numb feeling. It’s one of the few tracks my dad heard in its beginning stages, just before passing away. I had the chord progression since 2017, but finally was able to write the melody last year. It hints to Duke Ellington & John Coltrane’s ‘In a Sentimental Mood’, a song which was played at that same funeral. No denying that Robert Glasper was a major influence on writing this tune and real heads can recognize the drums from Glasper’s 'F.T.B.'. The bass line was loosely inspired by the melody of 'Bottom of the Barrel,' a Grant Green gem and a personal favorite of mine".

In his latest album, 'ESSENTIAL,' Thysenterprise pays a sincere tribute to his late father, creating a musical journey that blends jazz and hip-hop influences. The album revisits melodies from iconic jazz records that were pivotal in his father's influence on his musical upbringing.

This collection is deeply personal, showcasing Thysenterprise's emotional connection to the music. The liner notes, written by John Morrison, encapsulate the sentiment: "We play for pleasure, we play to understand ourselves and the world around us, we play to celebrate and remember our loved ones”.

'ESSENTIAL' smoothly transitions through a range of sounds, from spiritual to hip-hop, presenting a contemporary exploration of human emotions. The album resonates with its listeners, offering a heartfelt musical journey that celebrates life, love, and the power of sound to connect on a deeply personal level. It's an invitation to experience the emotions woven into every note”.

ESSENTIAL

Exclusive Premiere: Thysenterprise "Sounds After the Fade-Out" (Rucksack Records)

From a Japansploitation thriler made in 1970 with plenty of guns, gals, guys and sharpsuited action and gallons of studio blood! Mostly freeform blowing by the Legend that is Terumasa Hino for the soundtrack, one of the exceptions being this Blue Note Styled Soul Jazz number that  sounds as if it came off the Van Gelder production line circa '68 to '71. Easily could be mistaken for Blue Mitchell, Donald Byrd or Freddie Hubbard's outputs post soul,  pre-electric happenings. Another Jazz Room thing of beauty!

TERUMASA HINO QUINTET - HAKUCHU NO SHUGEKI - THEME

JAZZ RE:FRESHED LIVE VOLUME ONE is FREE and is attached to the front cover of the first edition of our publication - the jazz re:freshed scrapbook 2003-2014.

All tracks were recorded live at the jazz re:freshed weekly residency at Mau Mau Bar. 
Featuring:
Cory Henry // www.coryhenry.com
Emmanuel Franklyn Adelabu // soundcloud.com/emmafranade
Myriad forest // @myriadforest
Zara McFarlane // www.zaramcfarlane.com
TURTL // @turtlmusic
Dominic J Marshall // www.dominicjmarshall.com
Femi Temowo // www.femiguitar.com
Peter Edwards Trio // www.peteredwardsmusic.co.uk
Astral travel // www.facebook.com/astraltravelmusic
JD73's Electrio // www.jd73.co.uk
Resolution 88 // www.resolution88.com
Abdul Shyllon // @abdulshyllon 
Thousand Kings // 
Moses Boyd Exodus // www.mosesboyd.bandcamp.com

To buy a copy of the jazz re:freshed scrapbook and get this album free please head to https://jazzrefreshed.bandcamp.com/merch/jazz-re-freshed-scrapbook-2003-2014

JAZZRE:FRESHED LIVE VOL ONE - SAMPLER

Tracklist and download available here: http://blrrm.tv/2TxE4U

Henry Wu Trio Boiler Room London Live Set

Download & Tracklist > http://www.musicismysanctuary.com/tribute-to-marcos-valle

Marcos Valle burst onto the Brazilian music scene half a century ago as part, or to be more exact, the leader of the second wave of bossa nova songwriters and arrangers. Unlike a lot of his contemporaries, Valle refused to be stuck with the “bossa nova” tag, managing to reinvent his sound several times throughout the course of his carreer.

In the mix below I tried to capture the various music chapters of this illustrious career, from the samba and bossa days of the sixties, the psychedelic soul and jazz fusion of the seventies, boogie and disco in the eighties, and finally to his work in the 2000s for the legendary brazil-centric Far Out Recordings. At 72, Valle’s still as lively as ever, continuing to record and tour, so if you get a chance don’t miss out on the opportunity to catch a performance of a living legend of brazilian music.

Tribute to MARCOS VALLE - Selected by Spacewalker

For the season of mists and mellow modalness.

I've just uploaded a new Autumn Jazz mix in a similar style to this one: https://soundcloud.com/mark-wayward/when-there-is-no-sun-autumn-mix

It Ain’t Necessarily So - Mary Lou Williams
Modal Forces - Fritz Pauer
Blue Mosque - Ian Carr and Don Rendell
Eboness - Yusef Lateef
Del's Theme - George Braith
I Miei Recordi - Marco Di Marco
Communion – James Tatum
The Devil is a Woman – Ada Moore
Flamenco Sketches – Frank Minion
Alex The Great – Harold Mabern
Tell Me a Bedtime Story – Herbie Hancock
Amalgam – Dudley Moore Trio
Jeansy – Novi Singers
Just a Little Lovin’ – Sarah Vaughan

Mostly Modal

Elder cousin to Mo Kolours, Reginald Omas Mamode IV and Jeen Bassa with his debut solo release. A blend of jazz, hip-hop, soul and broken beat with deep outernational flavours. Out on 22a.

Read more & buy: http://www.stampthewax.com/2018/04/26/premiere-james-creole-thomas-earth/
Listen on Youtube: http://bit.ly/creole-earth

Listen on Youtube

James 'Creole' Thomas - Earth (STW Premiere)

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...

Dennis Farnon, Sound Studio Orchestra - Tournament

BBE Music

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