Out August 27 on LP/CD/Tape/Digital
https://linktr.ee/ephatmujuru

Ephat Mujuru exemplifies a unique generation of traditional musicians in Zimbabwe. Born under an oppressive colonial regime in Southern Rhodesia, his generation witnessed the brutality of the 1970s liberation struggle, and then the dawn of independent Zimbabwe, a time in which African music culture—long stigmatized by Rhodesian educators and religious authorities—experienced a thrilling renaissance. 

Under the tutelage of his grandfather, who was a respected spirit medium and mbira master, Ephat showed an early talent for the rigors of mbira training, playing his first possession ceremony when he was just ten years old.
By then, guerilla war was engulfing the country and his grandfather Muchatera tragically became a victim of the violence, a devastating blow to the young musician. In the midst of the liberation struggle, mbira music became political.
 
Eventually, the Rhodesians were defeated, but rather than return to the past, the nation of Zimbabwe was born and a new future unfolded. Ephat threw himself into the spirit of independence, singing of brotherhood, healing, and unity: crucial themes during a time when the nation’s two dominant ethnic groups, the Shona and the Ndebele, were struggling to reconcile differences.

Ephat’s band would eventually follow the popular trend and add electric instruments. But before that, he and Spirit of the People released two all-acoustic albums, and they may well be the most exciting and beautiful recordings he made in his career. Mbavaira, the second of these albums, was released in 1983. 

As the independence years moved on, there would be fewer and fewer commercial mbira releases. But for the moment, Ephat had the required stature and reputation. Also, with the energy and drive we hear in these recordings, the album could easily rival the pop music of its day.

Within a few years after the release of Mbavaira, it and albums like it became harder to find in Zimbabwean record stores. Ephat adapted to the times and formed an electric band. They recorded more albums over the years but none of them have the particularly delicious energy of Spirit of the People in the first years of Zimbabwe’s independence.

Mbavaira

Ephat Mujuru & The Spirit of the People — Mudande

‘On The Daily’ is the electrifying first single taken from The Brkn Record’s forthcoming debut album, ‘The Architecture of Oppression Part 1’. A ground-breaking concept album from Jake Ferguson of The Heliocentrics. It is a critical journey through the eyes of black Britons, blending powerful and sobering narratives with psychedelic and soulful symphonies.

‘On The Daily’ is a future anthem that has a timeless quality to it. With flawless production that is relevant and urgent today, but would also feel at home had it emerged from the Cadet Records stable at their 60s and 70s peak. It displays the strength and intimacy of a modern-day Odetta jamming with Charles Stepney. 

A child of Nigerian, West African parents, Ugochi Nwaogwugwu, narrates and delivers the song with the strength and ethereal beautify of an avenging angel. Ugochi describes this song as an "attempt to express the degree of power, resilience and focus it takes to be black and in this world. So many forces trying to take our peace of heart and mind. Though the battle rages on, those on the frontline win when we keep our poise and expose the perpetrators of racism and white terrorism."

This song is a clarion call driving awareness to the fact that these things are happening to black people everyday, and you have to be strong to survive this - on the daily.

The Brkn Record

The Brkn Record - On The Daily (Feat Ugochi Nwaogwugwu)

‘His Mother’s Eyes’ is a future anthem and the mesmerising third single taken from The Brkn Record’s forthcoming debut album, ‘The Architecture of Oppression Part 1’. A ground-breaking concept album from Jake Ferguson of The Heliocentrics. It is a critical journey through the eyes of Black Britons, blending powerful and sobering narratives with psychedelic and soulful symphonies.

Exquisitely sung by The Voice winner and political activist Jermain Jackman, ‘His Mother’s Eyes’ communicates the pain of loss, the trauma of systemic oppression, and the hope for an end to struggle. 

Jermain described the writing process “I thought about Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’ and the opening line "Mother, Mother, there’s too many of you crying”. I asked myself, what was the context in which Marvin wrote that, and how does that relate to today? I felt that song meant so much now, it is still so important and factually correct. I decided to flip it on its head and use that as an inspiration. The first line of ‘His Mother’s Eyes’ is “how do you stop the tears from falling from his Mother’s eyes” - we are talking about George Floyd’s family, but also the families of those who have been killed because of racism, not just police brutality, but negligence, institutional racism, where Black women are five times more likely to lose their child or die themselves during childbirth. It was direct inspiration from Marvin, where at the point he wrote the song he was trying to understand what was going on so we can come together. ‘His Mother’s Eyes’ is a journey from that song to this one that says now we know what is going on how do we stop it? At what point do we stop and listen, and how do we now build to a better future? It felt like a part two where I was writing to ‘What’s Going On’.” 

Jackman’s crystalline voice is matched to an emotionally rich backing reminiscent of Charles Stepney’s timeless Cadet productions. It allows Jermain’s vocal to soar, culminating in an emotionally powerful song that will surely be heralded as an anthem of its time.

Download

The Brkn Record - His Mother’s Eyes (feat Jermain Jackman)

Linda Fredriksson (they/them) shares their debut solo album "Juniper" on We Jazz Records, 29 Oct 2021. Linda (of Mopo and Superposition) has been working on the compositions heard on the album for several years, composing them mostly on guitar, keys and by singing. Only later have they been arranged for the band heard on the album, including Fredriksson on saxes and various instruments, Tuomo Prättälä (of ilmiliekki Quartet) on Rhodes, moog and piano, Minna Koivisto on modular synth, moog and OP, Olavi Louhivuori (of Superposition) on drums, and Mikael Saastamoinen (of OK:KO and Superposition) on bass, plus featuring the Swedish artist Matti Bye on piano.

Linda Fredriksson shares the inspiration on this track: 
“In my mind, this song is playing in my mind at the cottage when all the hustle and bustle is left behind. Someone is sitting on the dock, smiling. It's a mellow, warm and sleepy afternoon. I can hear the flies buzzing and the pine trees smelling. 

I recorded the original demo while playing guitar and singing. I caught just the right mood. I realized that I had created the specific atmosphere using human voice, rather than my saxophone. It took me a while to get used to the fact but in the end, the music sounds great and I’m really happy for the outcome. 

The final version of ”Lempilauluni” ("My Loved Song") combines my band playing live and the demos I recorded. If you listen carefully, you can hear field recordings in the end of the song. My kitchen is filled with friends cooking dinner. Also worth mentioning that Mikael Saastamoinen plays a wonderful bass solo on this track.”

Juniper

Buy on Bandcamp

Exclusive Premiere: Linda Fredriksson "Lempilauluni" (Forthcoming on We Jazz Records)

✊🏾 Tribute to Mohammad Ali (17-01942 / 03-06-2016) - Music & lyrics - Poetry & Histoty ✍🏾
🥊 Rope-a-dope - Rumble in the jungle - A celebration of his life and his legacy - Words and spirit
as powerful as his fists - "I don't have to be what you want me to be, I'm free to be what I want" 👊🏾
👉🏾 17-01-2022 : To celebrate Martin Luther King Day together with Muhammad Ali's 80th birthday.
📷 Photo credit : Neil Leifer - Portrait of Muhammad Ali (in front of Le Militant statue - Zaire 1974)
🎶 Tracklist (vinyls, cd's & digital): MUHAMMAD ALI Ali's elusive dream / J.W. GRASSHOPPER & THE BUTTERFLY The Ali shuffle / JAMES BROWN Say it loud - I'm black and I proud / SYL JOHNSON Different strokes / EDDIE CURTIS The Louisville lip (he's the greatest) / LIBERATED BROTHER Muhammad Ali / RON JONAS A great world (with Ali's dream) / JORGE BEN Marcellus Cassius Clay / AFRISA L'INTERNATIONAL Tokoka / LE SEIGNEUR ROCHEREAU Cassius Clay / DERRICK MORGAN Black Superman (Mohammad Ali) / DENNIS ALCAPONE Cassius Clay / TRINITY Muhammed Ali (Blackbeard version) / SIR MACK RICE Muhammad Ali / CHARLES WRIGHT & THE WATTS 103rd STREET RHYTHM BAND Express yourself / THE IMPRESSIONS We're a winner / THE O'JAYS Give the people what they want / CHI-LITES Give more power to the people / NINA SIMONE Backlash blues (live in Paris) / EDWIN STARR Stop the war now / VERNE HARRELL Muhammad Ali / MANDRILL & MICHAEL MASSER Ali bombaye / THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE The best ever and Muhammad Ali / LE STIM A tribute to Muhammad Ali (we crown the King) / DON COVAY Rumble in the jungle / MYRIAM MAKEBA Amampondo / ORCHESTRE G.O. MALEBO Foreman Ali welcome to Kinshasa / FRANCO & T.P. OK JAZZ Introduction / TRIO MADJESI 8ème round / PEMBE DANCE TROUPE Pembe dance song / PUPI Y SU CHARANGA Bommaye / YAO BOBBY & SIMON GRAB Black Revolution / FUGEES Rumble in the jungle (Dilla Rx) / MAKIS RAQEEM Muhammad Ali / ARAFAT Muhammad Ali / SHAOLIN DRUNK Muhammad Ali /DOE BOY Muhammad Ali /  FAITHLESS Muhammad Ali / DEEMAS J Muhammad Ali (Part of the story) / FUGEES + TRIBE CALLED QUEST + BUSTA RYMES Rumble in the jungle (Psix Remix)/ LADY LIKEZ feat LIONESS Muhammad Ali / THE AGGROVATORS Black Superman (Mohammad Ali) Version + MUHAMMAD ALI Speech / KING TUBBY Knock Out Punch + MUHAMMAD ALI Speech / MUHAMMAD ALI We came in chains (12-1969) / MUHAMMAD ALI Stand by me

HISTORY & LEGACY ~ TRIBUTE TO MUHAMMAD ALI ✊🏾 17-01-2022

Full feature: https://www.musicamacondo.com/2022/05/premiere-maga-bo-sapateado-de-catita-feat-felipe-cordeiro/

Premiere: Maga Bo - Sapateado De Catita Feat. Felipe Cordeiro

Brandee Younger - Harp
Ameen Saleem - Bass
Casey Benjamin -Sax
Kim Thompson -Drums
Sharel Cassity - Flute
Raydar Ellis - DJ

Brandee Younger's Afro-Harping | A Tribute to Dorothy Ashby

Here is a little taster of my new compilation Kev Beadle Presents Private Collection coming out on BBE Records in mid March 2013.
A collection of some hard to find independent jazz dance rarities from the 70's and 80's

Released on 18th March on BBE Records on double vinyl, CD and digital formats.

Full CD tracklisting:

01. Peter Giger's Family Of Percussion & Archie Shepp - Here Comes The Family
02. Kamal Abdul Alim - Brotherhood **
03. Johnny Walker – Dipping
04. Irakere – Chekere Son **
05. The Pharaohs - Freedom Road **
06. Southern Energy Ensemble - Open Your Mind **     
07. Roy Porter - Jessica (Instrumental)
08. Byron Morris & Unity - Sun Shower   
09. Seeds of Fulfillment - Namaste
10. Reverie - In Every Way **
11. Olli Ahvenlahti - Grandma's Rocking Chair **
12. James Williams - Flying Colors 

Digital Bonus:
13. Frank Walton – Safari **
14. Jayne Cortez & The Firespitters - I See Chano Pozo **
15. Chuck Flores – Padali **
16. Roy Porter Sound Machine - Jessica (Vocal)  

** Vinyl tracks   

Kev Beadle presents Private Collection - Independent Jazz Sounds From 70's & 80's

All vinyl psych rock set for the live stream masses hosted by DJ Raj Mahal.

Video of the Live Stream:

https://vimeo.com/406880187

Keep up on more live streams: https://www.instagram.com/soulstrut/

Track List:

India - The Corporation
Deep Gully - The Outlaw Blues Band
The Desert Is A Circle - Alejandro Jodorowsky and Shades of Joy
Maverick Woman Blues - Moloch
Blues News - Jesse Harper
Git Some - Jeff Cooper And The Stoned Wings
life's o.k - Troyka
Greenburg, Glickstein, Charles, David Smith & Jones - The Cryan' Shames
Cinnamon Girl -  Reflections Of Tyme  
Zero Time - Dark
Reputation - Warren S. Richardson Jr.
G.I. Joe - Salvation
Hogin' Machine - Les Baxter
Let The Sunshine - Dennis Coffey
Cago-9 - Paul Baillargeon / Dean Morgan
NADA DULCE NIÑA - Los Mac´s
Old Man Going - Pretty Things
Dark Side Of The Mushroom - The Chocolate Watch Band

Soul Strut Live - Solitary Selections - Episode 3 - Psych Vinyl (April 11, 2020)

FLIES 45-21
Giuliano Sorgini TELECINESI
7’’ 

A release connected to the Occulto LP, this 7-inch single by Sorgini features two alternative versions of ‘Telecinesi’ (Telekinesis), a dark, nocturnal tune with a supernatural, macabre flavour, fuelled by solid drum breaks, percussions and restless synths harmonies. On the flip side you’ve got a drums and synths only version, which sounds even more spectral and abstract than the original mix. Ideal for beatmakers looking for the perfect sample.
Limited Edition, 400 copies.

Giuliano Sorgini - Telecinesi (drums version)

FLIES 47 
Giuliano Sorgini – OCCULTO
LP

Two years after the stunning Africa Oscura, Four Flies Records is back with another gem from Giuliano Sorgini’s secret archives, this time one which unearths some of his darkest, eeriest music – that is, pieces he composed in the mid-70s for some of the most infamous, low-budget horror movies ever made in Italy.
This collection brings together a selection of original recordings from those movies, which were directed by “Italian Kings of the B’s” Angelo Pannacciò, Salvatore Bugnatelli, Luigi Batzella, and Guido Zurli, who are among the kings of Italian B-movies, and with whom the Roman composer worked intensively throughout the 70s.
Due to the very low-budget nature of the films, Sorgini, recorded the soundtracks entirely on his own, in his Cat & Fox Studio in Rome. He played drums and percussions and added overlapping layers of analogue synths to create a superbly sinister soundscape, thus turning a constraint into an opportunity.
The result is a journey into the mysterious atmospheres of the Italian occult-sounding music of the time, something very close to the dark electronic masterpieces that made Sorgini famous, such as Zoo Folle or The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue.
Occulto features ten previously unreleased tracks characterized by enigmatic moods, obscure beats and esoteric themes. All tracks are taken from original master tapes that remained buried in the composer’s archives for decades.
The LP comes in a deluxe jacket and inner sleeve designed by Luca Barcellona.

03 - Giuliano Sorgini - Telecinesi

CLUB DJ, RADIO PRESENTER, PRODUCER/REMIXER, PROMOTER & EVENT CONSULTANT
Kev Beadle has been one of the soul and jazz scene’s main tastemakers since the mid/late 80’s. He has played all over the world entertaining crowds with his selections and is never afraid to push musical boundaries. With a compilation discography in double figures, he has put together some well received compilation albums for labels like Blue Note, Cadet as well as more upfront musical offerings for labels like BBE and his own now sadly defunct label Clean Up. He also produces under the name Messengers and more recently co-producing a new project called R.K. Edits. His weekly show on Solar Radio has been running for over 12 years and can also be heard via podcast at http://kevbeadle.podomatic.com/ . He is also one of the longest standing dj residents and Beat Bar consultant at the legendary Southport Weekender and SunceBeat Festival in Croatia

Podcast link: http://kevbeadle.podOmatic.com