Mr. Brown Eyed Soul Vol. 2

If I Could See You Now

Never Coming Back

People Are Thinking

‘With Love’ comes straight from the heart of London-based programmer, DJ and serial cratedigger Miche; who presents a curated selection of rare Brazilian, gospel, modern soul and jazz-fusion fire. 

A selection of hard-to-find records (some impossible to find) and some that have been hiding in plain sight all along. They all share common qualities, being that they are beautiful, soul quenched songs that sing of love, peace and unity.

South Funk Blvd. - Skying High (Getting Off On Your Lovin’)

Quiet Strength

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

Enter the realm of Illa J, the musical force shaking the foundations of the industry. His latest offering, 'No Traffic', is a testament to his boundless talent and versatility, showcasing his singing, production and rapping abilities on 19 tracks written and produced entirely by Illa J himself. This album marks his debut on BBE Music and a new chapter in his musical journey.

Meet Illa J: a musical prodigy raised in a family of talented musicians. With a jazz bassist father and a gifted singer mother, it's no surprise that Illa J was destined for greatness. He's best known as the younger brother of hip-hop legend J Dilla and has made a name for himself as a former member of Detroit's iconic hip-hop group, Slum Village. With a lifetime of exposure to quality music and top-tier musicians, Illa J is a force to be reckoned with.

Created amidst the chaos of the pandemic, Illa J's 'No Traffic' serves as a beacon of hope, a roadmap for creatives seeking their path. He enlists the help of Detroit legends Amp Fiddler, Frank n Dank, British soul sensation Harleighblu, and introduces the rising stars of Detroit, Serious, Joz B, Maine Soul, and more, all matching Illa J's energy and passion on the tracks.

The focus track of the album, "Star Struck", is a prime example of Illa J's signature style. The astral pentatonic soundscape and precise drum programming transport you to new heights, while Illa J's beats, melodies, and bars will leave you in awe.

'No Traffic' is a musical journey that takes you to a place where Illa J's playful and versatile sound reigns supreme. The album is expertly mastered by Grammy-award nominated The Carvery Studio and is a refreshing experience of a true artist reveling in their artistry. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to delve into Illa J's musical realm." 
credits

Illa J - Og Funk

‘Save The Best 'Til Last’ is the first single to be taken from the forthcoming compilation, With Love: Volume 2. 

Compiling the follow-up to a very successful first album is always a tricky task, but just 12 months since the release of volume one in the 'With Love' series, miche has excelled himself once again with another glorious, deep dive into the world of rare soul. 15 tracks of independently released music, created by magnificent artists with stories to tell and primed for rediscovery.

'Save The Best 'Til Last' is a bit of radio comp gold. This time from Philadelphia’s WMMR and Alice Cohen with her band Fun City. This killer, AOR, folk-funk gem has one of the grooviest chorus’ around, underpinned with a bassline that’s impossible not to dance to. It’s an affordable record which may have been overlooked, which goes to show that the finds are still out there!

Alice Cohen & Fun City - Save The Best ‘Til Last

Japan has produced some exceptionally talented jazz drummers and among them is Tatsuya Nakamura, who joins the BBE Music J Jazz Masterclass Series with his album ‘Locus’ from 1984, a session covering several bases, from heavy percussive samba to meditative avant-ambient. This is the album’s first ever reissue, although a track from ‘Locus’, ‘1⁄4 Samba’, was included on J Jazz vol. 3.

Nakamura began his drumming career as a teenager, inspired after seeing the documentary film “Jazz on A Summer’s Day” and listening to his idols Art Blakey and Miles Davis. By his early twenties, Nakamura was working with such luminaries as free jazz guitarist Masayuki Takayanagi, pianist Masaru Imada and band leader & composer Mitsuaki Kanno. In the mid-70s, like several other Japanese jazz players, Nakamura decided to make the move to New York where he studied drumming with Roy Haynes, and performed with members of the AACM and players from the loft and free jazz scenes including Richard Davis, George Adams, John Hicks, and Pharaoh Sanders. Returning to Japan, Nakamura continued playing as leader of his Japanese band The Jazz Fellows and in 1979, he went into the studio as leader for the classic “Where Is The Quarter” session featuring Masaru Imada, Hideto Kanai and Kenji Mori. This session includes the original percussion heavy version of ‘1⁄4 Samba’ and was followed by a period back in NYC during which he recorded the funky/free session ‘Rip Off’ in 1980. 1984 saw Nakamura working as leader of a heavy-duty fusion septet and in February of that year he led them in a performance at Audio Technica Hall. The album ‘Locus’ on Sea Horse Records is the label’s one and only release.

On ‘Locus’, Nakamura is joined by a stellar line-up. On trumpet is Shinobu Fujimoto and he’s joined by seasoned bass player Hideto Kanai (1931 -2011) who began playing in the mid- 1950s, appearing on King Recs All-Star Jazz Series before going on to be a regular fixture on the legendary Three Blind Mice (TBM) label, backing many of its leading artists. He even released his own album on TBM, ‘Ode to Birds’ in 1975. On guitar is Kazumasa Akiyama. Born in Tokyo in 1955, he taught himself guitar at 10 years old and was influenced initially by The Beatles and Ray Charles, and later Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Chicago Blues, and jazz. When he was a student, he got a chance to appear on Sadao Watanabe's radio program ‘My Dear Life’, which led him to join the Isao Suzuki Group and Mikio Masuda Group. Akiyama released his first leader album ‘Dig My Style’ in 1978 and is still an active musician. On keys is the incredible Jun Fukamachi (1946-2010). Born in Harajuku, Tokyo, Fukamachi started playing the piano at the age of three, showing an extraordinary talent, recognised as a child prodigy. He became a professional musician while still in school and released his first album ‘Portrait of a Young Man’ on Polydor in 1971. A pioneer of synthesizer, and among the first to popularise fusion in Japan, Fukamachi has composed and produced numerous recordings embracing jazz, fusion, funk, rock, and classical. An internationally recognised figure, Fukamachi worked with Anthony Jackson, David Sanborn, Randy and Michael Brecker, Mike Mainieri, Steve Gadd, and Richard Tee. Percussionist Tatsuji Yokoyama has worked across Japanese jazz and fusion since the 1970s appearing on albums from the likes of Masahiko Togashi, Takao Uematsu, Mikio Masuda, Toshiyuki Honda, Yuji Ohno and Shigeharu Mukai.

Tatsuya Nakamura continues to record and play live with many musicians including The New York Unit, and has toured extensively across Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Turkey, Australia and Indonesia. He remains active to this day, recording and touring with his band Japan Jazz Unit.

The J Jazz Masterclass Series is curated by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden for BBE Music.

Tatsuya Nakamura - Ballad (Edit)

Buy / Stream the album here: https://orcd.co/referencepoint

Curated by Reference Point residents Mark GV Taylor and George Arthur, this 15 track compilation album features tracks the pair have played at their peripatetic, Europe wide events since 2012.

Stretching from the 1970s to the present day the Reference Point compilation spans a whole range of genres, tempos, languages and grooves where the quality of music is paramount whether $1.00 bin records or $1000 rarities.

Reference Point, 'a place to hear the music', is a truly trans-global album with music from Argentina, Brazil, Oakland, Detroit, Texas, London and more, including tracks from private press albums, from artists who have played at Reference Point events and from current
artists such as MF Robots and Caixa Cubo.

Releasing as a CD, digital and a double LP, Reference Point is another essential compilation from BBE Music and one that belongs in the collection of all collectors and lovers of great music.

The Ambassador College Band & New World Singers - Smile Upon Your Brother

Step into the musical realm of Khadeeja Grace, a multifaceted artist quietly making her mark in Chicago's vibrant music scene. Influenced by iconic music figures including Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Earth Wind & Fire, Roy Ayers, and more, Khadeeja Grace fuses the elements of neo-soul, R&B, jazz, gospel, and house to create a soundscape that resonates with the spirit of Chicago.

Khadeeja Grace's journey took her to Pressure Point Studios, where she meticulously honed her skills as an assistant engineer, immersing herself in the intricacies of the music world. In this behind-the-scenes role, she refined her craft and cultivated essential connections with established artists and producers, like Donald Lawrence, Darius Brooks, Percy Bady, and PJ Morton, as well as contributing to the soundtrack of "Stand" from 'The Birth of a Nation.'

Her latest single, "SHED," in collaboration with Chicago producer and digital creator, SaraProblem, adds a new layer to her evolving artistry. This track introduces a blend of house, techno, and soul, slated to debut on all major digital and streaming platforms from October 22nd.

Khadeeja Grace's journey is peppered with remarkable collaborations. Notably, she achieved recognition for her successful collaboration on her single "Speak Your Love" alongside the legendary house producer Jamie 3:26. The track achieved planetary consensus, premiering on BBC Radio this year, and even received a remix treatment from Detroit master Theo Parrish. These collaborations have cemented her presence in the music industry.

As "SHED" and the forthcoming EP gain traction, Khadeeja Grace quietly reshapes the narrative of Chicago's music scene, crafting her distinct space within the industry. Her signature melodies and rhythms beckon listeners into a sonic journey that's impossible to resist.

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