“Funky synthesized jazz with mood and feeling from the Estonian composer and keyboard veteran”

Embark on a musical journey with “Shapes and Colours,” the first album produced at Jazzaggression’s Pelto Studio in Siuntio, Finland. The creative team at Pelto Studio had the privilege of collaborating with the highly acclaimed Estonian composer and musician, Tõnu Naissoo, for their first recording session. Tõnu’s reputation as a talented composer and performer precedes him, with a large following in Estonia and Japan.

Recorded during the Summer of 2022, Tõnu showcased his musical prowess with the classic electric piano Rhodes MK2, and an impresssive array of vintage synthesizers. Backed up by the in-house studio group of Aleksi Heinola on drums, Teemu Åkerblom on acoustic and electric bass, and Markus Holkko on reeds and flute. This collaborative effort resulted in a unique blend of pre-composed material and spontaneous compositions, capturing the joyous energy of the season.

With the dynamic soundscape of the late 70’s/early 80’s era, “Shapes and Colours” is a testament to the vitality of library/mood music with a touch of jazz and funk. Get ready to be transported to a summery vibe, as the vibrant compositions showcase the sheer talent of Tõnu Naissoo and the Pelto Studio team.

This is the first album in our New Library Series, celebrating the library music legacy with newly recorded material from musicians of all ages. In a genre beding, creative and experimental setting.

Limited 500 release, 180 gram vinyl with obi, insert inside and digital download. Release date 17th of March.

Shapes and Colours

TÕNU NAISSOO Shapes and Colours LP Snippets

“Small combo beat laden jazz experimentations, drawing influences across the rare groove spectre in this unique funky mashup!”

Recorded during the summer of 2022 at Jazzaggression’s Pelto Studio in Siuntio, Finland, this is the second album in our New Library Series. The album features a talented trio of Finnish musicians, including Aleksi Heinola on drums, Temu Åkerblom on bass, and Markus Holkko on reeds and flute.

While the group consists of only three musicians, they have used overdubs and effects to create a broad and dynamic sound. The music is heavily influenced by jazz but incorporates elements from a variety of styles in the rare groove idiom.

Our New Library Series celebrates the legacy of library music with newly recorded material from musicians of all ages. This album is a prime example of the genre-bending, creative, and experimental setting that defines the series.

Waves of Sound

PELTO STUDIO GROUP Waves of Sound LP Snippets

After the dissolution of the Norwegian Psych rock outfit DREAM by the end of the 1960s, Christian Reim embarked on a new musical venture with the group BASH. Following his time with Dream, where he had already begun to experiment with pop and rock, Christian found himself exploring further creative depths with BASH.

As The DREAM disbanded, pivotal figures like Hans-Marius Stormoen and Terje Rypdal embarked on separate musical journeys. Collaborations with luminaries like Jan Garbarek and Jon Christensen became defining moments. By 1971, however, The Dream's curtain had closed. Undeterred, Christian, armed with his modified Hammond B3 organ, continued to play bass using foot-pedals. Amidst these transformations, the unwavering partnership of his longtime collaborator, drummer Tom Karlsen, remained steadfast.

BASH's presence was initially marked by a single release in 1971, with tracks "Quiquenita" and "Kokosnøtter" on the Nor-Disc imprint. While featuring an impressive line-up of jazz musicians, this studio session was a one-time endeavour. BASH continued to make waves, performing as an Organ Trio led by Christian and Tom. Various Oslo-based guitarists, including notable names like Freddy Dahl and Freddy Lindquist, joined the lineup throughout 1972 and 1973.

However, this live recording encapsulates a pivotal phase in BASH's evolution. The winter of '73 marked a significant shift with the addition of Richard Rolf from the illustrious Swedish band November. Richard's entrance added another layer of prowess and experience to the trio's sonic landscape.

Diving into the performance is akin to reliving the Wednesday concert in April '73. Every essence of the atmosphere is captured, even down to the engineer adjusting the reel-to-reel machine's volume knob whenever the band's intensity peaked. The recording boasts surprising elements, such as moments when Christian halts the performance to reset the rhythm with the drummer. Amidst the live renditions, a standout is Christian's unique interpretation of Arild Wikstrøm’s "Indianersangen," serving as a compelling opener. Its gradually unfolding theme resonates deeply and stands as a highlight, adding a significant dimension to the album's value.

This live recording not only captures the essence of BASH's performance, but it also transports listeners to a specific moment in time at the legendary CLUB 7 in Oslo.

This LP is a limited edition of only 250 copies, each hand-stamped and numbered. With a nod to the seventies, it also includes a replica of the original promotion sheet from the group's heyday.

Bash Live at Club7 1973  'Cochise'

“Enjoy Foat's rhythmic mastery, jazz-infused mood, and cosmic synths, accompanied by Finland's finest, including the legendary saxophonist Eero Koivistoinen.”

Greg Foat travels to Finland, teaming up once again with the Jazzaggression label to unveil "Feathers." Building on the success of "Gone to the Cats," the collaborative trio date with Aleksi Heinola and Teemu Åkerblom, "Feathers" follows a similar formula while expanding its musical horizons. "Feathers" introduces an even larger cast of Finnish musicians, including the notable inclusion of Finnish saxophone legend Eero Koivistoinen on tenor sax and the talented Ilmari Heikinheimo on percussion. Recorded over a stormy long weekend in mid-October 2022 at Jazzaggression's in-house Studio Pelto, the album strikes a balance between precomposed tracks and spontaneously created pieces.

Devotees of Greg's earlier releases are in for a treat, as "Feathers" skillfully merges his signature atmospheric touch with an expanded synthesis of sounds. Imagine the legendary Eero Koivistoinen infusing his prowess into the monumental jam "Riding the Breeze," while tracks like "Feathers" and the contemplative "A Prayer for Love" showcase a downtempo elegance that lingers in the air.

Yet, "Feathers" doesn't stop there—it delivers captivating jazz classics as well. Experience "The Sandpiper," a bluesy minor jam reminiscent of the golden era of CTI Albums, or delve into the engaging rhythms of "Inconsequential Narrative" and the thematic intrigue of "As the Crow Flies." A particularly enchanting aura envelops "When All Is Said and Done." Its ephemeral minimalistic essence captures a spontaneous late-night allure, compelling the engineer to "Keep the tape rolling..."—the kind of magic that can only be conjured in the moment.

With "Feathers," Greg Foat brings his animalistic trilogy of albums on Jazzaggression to a triumphant close, possibly delivering his most exceptional recording yet.

Album comes limited to 1000 copies, sealed with hype sticker and hold a coloured insert with photos documenting the recording, with info and digital download of album.

Feathers

GREG FOAT & EERO KOIVISTOINEN Feathers LP Snippets

Recorded at Studio Pelto in Finland, "Eye of the Universe" is the latest offering from Finnish sax player and composer Markus Holkko. Grounded in his musical heritage, the album explores a range of influences, from straight to Latin and spiritual jazz, with subtle hints of west coast cool and psychedelic.

Featuring a cadre of collaborators, including Juuso Rinta on double bass, Samuli Rautianen on electric piano, and Teemu Mustonen on drums and percussion, the album captures a blend of organic instrumentation with nuanced textures. Later contributions from Teemu Åkerblom add depth with electric guitar effects and sitar, complemented by Holkko's own producer touches, including analog synthesizers.

Holkko's creative process for the album was shaped by his desire to return to his roots while embracing experimentation. In an interview, Holkko reflected on his intention to create a predominantly acoustic album, stating, "I wanted to make a record in a way that has this acoustic bottom and kind of very organic playing with real musicians, jazz kind of feel. But then I wanted to add some layers and layers and layers." This juxtaposition of organic instrumentation with layered textures and colours serves as a defining characteristic of the album's sound. While primarily instrumental, "Eye of the Universe" also features Holkko's wordless vocals, adding subtle harmonies to selected tracks.

Scheduled for release on May 25th, 2024, "Eye of the Universe" offers listeners a thoughtful exploration of Holkko's musical journey, blending tradition with innovation in a cohesive and authentic manner.

The LP comes in paste-on sleeves cut by Timmion rec and features 8 song,  while the vocal single “Funky Ranking” and “She Goes Without Saying” can be purchased separately as a limited lathe run.

Eye of the Universe

Markus Holkko 'Eye of the Universe' LP Snippets

Helsinki funk legends Kuja Orchestra are back with a new lineup and a fresh set of grooves, blending Latin, soul, blues, and disco-funk with African and Oriental influences.

Recorded over two years at Studio Pelto, Seasons in Rhythm is the fourth release in Jazzaggression’s library series. The album features tight horn grooves, funky keyboards, rhythmic drums, smooth guitar, and rich bass and flute tones, blending classic funk with a modern touch.

Mostly instrumental with wordless female vocals on two tracks, Seasons in Rhythm offers a mix of funky Latin, afrobeat, disco, and more. It's a great pick for fans of funky soundtracks and DJs looking to add something unique to their sets.

The album is now available on 180g vinyl with an obi strip, insert sheet, and digital download. The album is limited to 500 copies.

Seasons in Rhythm

Kuja Orchestra - Seasons in Rhythm snippets

We’re thrilled to announce Jimi Ahlroos’s debut release on Jazzaggression, presented in the classic jazz 10-inch format. This special record features three original compositions by Jimi, performed by his dynamic trio, with Mooses Kuloniemi on drums and Tuomo Purhonen on double bass.

Recorded at our own Pelto Studio in Siuntio during a crisp November day in 2023, the album opens on the A-side with the funky, uptempo "Kouvo’s Dance," followed by the deeply personal "Blues." The B-side closes with the beautiful and expansive "Dave Had a Dream," which, as we've heard, is a heartfelt tribute to David Lynch.

Jimi has already begun sharing this 10-inch release at his summer gigs, and both the concerts and the record have been in high demand. We’re not surprised—it’s been a while since we’ve heard a tenor voice with such depth and intensity. Don’t miss out, as these 10-inch records are sure to sell out quickly.

This release is limited to 350 individually numbered copies, each packaged in re-used and flipped sleeves, with an insert card that includes a digital download.

Jimi Ahlroos Trio 10-inch snippets

“A unique and essential recording that is an absolute dream musically in every way possible” - Paul Murphy (Jazz Room)

"Webster Lewis - file under Legend!" Gilles Peterson (BBC Worldwide)

The complete set: the original 1972 Live at Club7 album and Club7 Live Tapes from 2007— together in a box as 4 LPs!

As Jazzaggression celebrates its 20th anniversary, we knew we had to do something special. So, we went back to our very first release and thought: How can we make it even better? The answer was to bundle the original Live at Club7 release from ’72 with previously unreleased material, giving you, for the first time, the entire session as one complete experience. We returned to the master tapes for fresh transfers and had new lacquers cut by Jukka Sarapaa of Timmion fame. Plus, we dove into the photo archives to include previously unseen photos from the session.

Much has already been written about this Boston-based band, handpicked by George Russell and touring Norway in the early seventies, as well as the series of coincidences that led to its recording by engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug (later known for his work with ECM) in 1971. The story is well-covered in the liner notes of the 8-page booklet that accompanies the box set. To keep it brief here: this music embodies the best of both worlds for rare groove fans—soulful jazz with a killer backbone. But it’s more than that; there’s an esoteric, free-flowing energy in the jazz tracks that resonates even more today than when we first released the Club7 tapes two decades ago.

The music reflects the vision of a nonconformist Webster Lewis in his late 20s, backed by a powerhouse lineup. Tenor Judd Watkins brings an “Isaac Hayes” style to the vocals, while the extraordinary drummer Jimmy Hopps anchors the rhythm with force, alongside Bobby Greene on alto sax and Stan Strickland on tenor sax and flute. Together, they form a quintet with an eclectic selection of songs and a scale of sound that remains unmatched to this day.

Or as Webster himself said back then: “We’ve only just begun.” It’s The Post-Pop, Space Rock, Be-Bop, Gospel Tabernacle Chorus and Orchestra, BABY!

As we said at the start, we’ve gone the extra mile on this one: new transfers from the original master tapes, new lacquers cut, an 8-page booklet with rare photos, updated liner notes, four tip-on sleeves in a custom box, and digital downloads included. Plus, bonus stickers! To keep it collectible, we’ve limited it to just 500 copies. With the strong interest in this band and their unique sound, these are set to go fast—so if you want one, don’t hesitate.

Live at Club 7 box Snippets

"Multi talented Alex Figueira is back with a vibrant fusion of tropical rhythms layered with a dazzling array of synth driven psychedelia"

Finally, a collaboration between Jazzaggression and Music With Soul’s Alex Figueira! A true workaholic, Alex is as much a record digger as he is a musician—and he’s that rare breed who plays every instrument himself.

The story behind this record began many years ago at the No. 1 mecca for rare groove junkies: Utrecht, home to the world’s largest record fair. I remember Alex telling me he could rework any track on request—whether it was a song or a beat, if I needed a remake or remix, he was the man. Years later, as a record label owner and publisher, I took him up on that offer—not to create a remake or remix, but to engage in a full album of original material. In October 2023, I invited Alex to Finland for a week-long creative retreat at our very own studio, Pelto. The mission? To craft the next release in our New Library Series.

A few weeks before the session, I asked Alex for some demos or ideas for the project. His response surprised me: he had nothing planned and insisted he worked best under pressure, letting the environment and vibe set the tone. What followed was a whirlwind week of creativity: non-stop sessions featuring vintage synths, drums, percussion, guitar, bass, and meticulous overdubs—all within the walls of Studio Pelto. The result is Colliding Layers.

This library album reflects Alex’s tropical music roots, seamlessly blending his raw, expressive sound with psychedelic touches and the distinct atmosphere of Pelto. Whether on the dancefloor, in your living room, or scoring moving pictures, Colliding Layers is an album to experience.

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