Another one of those simple yet, funky joints...

Ekundayo Inversions

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The Omnichord Real Book

An Invitation

Find My Balance is the latest offering from Alexander IV - pseudonym of the eclectic Dutch producer, multi-instrumentalist and illustrious tunesmith, Joris Feiertag, who uses the Macedonian monarch’s title to delve into the more soulful side of his sonic output - taking in hip-hop, boogie, jazz and funk influences along the way.

With his latest, effortless outing Alexander IV transports us to the south of France courtesy of plaintive piano and handclaps making way for breezy beats and lonesome brass, complemented perfectly by the soulful vocals of young singer-songwriter Leonard Luka.

Hailing from The Netherlands, with Indonesian roots, Luka is something of a rising star on the electronic end of the R&B scene. His understated, sophisticated delivery belies his tender years, and here provides the perfect foil to Joris’ carefree instrumentation.

Alexander IV’s music fuses organic and electronic elements with ease, which isn’t surprising given the artist’s experience not only as a consummate dance music maker, but also as drummer of choice for Dutch superstars Kraak & Smaak. His music delivers something brand new yet retro; uncomplicated yet masterful.

Alexander IV - Toulouse

Zero Grace (Instrumentals)

Holding On (Instrumental)

Songlines - "a captivating blend of jazz and Latin rhythms”

FarOut Magazine - “A beautiful menagerie of sounds and influences, awash with distinctive Latin funk and the spirit of 1950s NYC big band jazz. These songs are backed up by a roster of London’s most skilled and passionate jazz musicians, to create something utterly timeless and innately funky."

Patrick Forge - "Unashamedly retro, but done so well, High calibre rhythms and playing, some hot jams!”

Paul Bradshaw (Straight No Chaser) - "The delivers that 70's NYC bario vibe perfectly.... Kickin'!!!”

Francois K - "All great cuts, very well put together”

Announcing the debut album from one of London’s most electrifying acts, New Regency Orchestra. An 18-piece Afro-Cuban big band, inspired by the musical melting pot of NYC in the 1950s, but with the punch and power of a whole host of London’s best Latin and jazz musicians. Blowing new life into these compositions, the album is a reimagining of some of the finest music from that golden era. From early 1950s René Hernandez and Tito Puente, through to the 1970s salsa of Rafael Labasta and Orlando Marin, produced and performed with fresh fire.

NRO is the brainchild of its artistic director, and the man behind Total Refreshment Centre and Church of Sound, Lex Blondin. Through a long-held passion for jazz, Lex discovered the explosive Afro-Cuban rhythms of mid-1940s NYC via the godfather of Afro-Cuban jazz, Mario Bauzá. A time when two musical worlds collided in a fusion of creativity and energy, jazz luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker joining forces with Cuban greats like Machito and Chano Pozo. This vibrant sound was music to dance to and found a home at The New York Palladium, a formative space of freedom and expression that was key to the scene’s development.

Although dance-focussed in their makeup, those early recordings are not often heard in modern club environments and Lex dreamt of retelling their story with a contemporary dynamism. A slice of serendipity followed, as a slot at a new festival opened up and Lex jumped at the chance to make this idea a reality, an 18-piece big band breathing new life into these beloved songs.

Enlisting the expertise of some of the capital’s finest talent, Lex and co-captain Andy Wood, of Como No fame, put together a world-class line-up of talent. Bringing in Eliane Correa as musical director and bandleader, a fluid and interchanging 18-piece band was formed.

The album itself is a hand-picked selection of timeless Afro-Cuban jazz classics, reimagined with NRO’s unbridled energy. It contains ten incredible instrumental tracks including 'Pregon' with its anthemic horn stabs and the addictive head nod bounce of 'Mambo Rama', alongside two scorching vocal numbers in 'Papa Boco' and 'Labasta Llego'. Coupling a heavyweight rhythm section with a wall of horns, they provide a fresh spin on songs from Tito Puente and Chico O'Farrill, René Hernandez through to Rafael Labasta.

“Some of the tunes like Tito Puente’s ‘Mambo Rama’ and ‘Scarlet Mambo’ might sound like they went to a gym as extra drums and bass synth were added to them whilst the tune ‘Sahib & Tito’ is a mix of Tito’s ‘Mambo Buda’ and Sahib Shihab’s ‘Nus’. Our intention is to be both respectful to the innovators and inventors of this incredible music and to pay our dues, but also to add something special from London where the city’s new jazz scene connects with its Latin American musicians and the musical influences around us.”

This pure collective joy, shared experience and music you can’t help but move to.

An Invitation

Meshell Ndegeocello

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