Beatjoint – New Music Store Online

[5beats]

#23533 |

Beatjoint.com, our entire team is very
proud to present our service specializing in Independent Digital Music
(Hip Hop, Soul, Funk, House, Techno, Broken Beat, Jazz, Nu Soul, Afro,
Latin, Reggae…). We have developed a number of tools and features for
you to discover and find the music of your favorite artists.

Each week we offer additional tracks and the latest albums in a
wide array of styles, as well as regular updates on our news pages,
blogs, podcasts, and charts.

All of our tracks are offered high quality as MP3 320kbps, WAV, and DRM free (without Digital Right Management).

They are compatible with any types of numerical apparatus (MP3
player, iPod…), and can be read by all types of software and music
libraries (Windows Media Player, iTunes, Serato, Final Scratch…)

Featuring : DJ Mitsu The Beats, Mark De Clive-Lowe, Amp Fiddler,
Playin’4 The City, Franck Roger, DJ Deep, Restless Soul, Bugz In The
Attic, Jazzanova, Sébastien Tellier, Alex Attias, Sugar Minott, Horace
Andy, OlivierDaySoul, Freddie Cruger, Markus Enochson, Sonar kollektiv,
Raw Fusion, Chillifunk, Innervisions, Planet Groove, Still Music,
Straight Up, Real Tone Records…

[5beats]

#30977 |

Welcome back to the second edition of our Beatjoint news section.

First of all believe that this is nothing but quality here, as for
example we bring you the full catalogue of this very ecclectic and
always on point, damn fine label from the great North…Raw Fusion
Scandinavia. From local Norvegian talents like the well named
Future Beat Investigators (DJ Lil Tony from Nuspirit
Helsinki) and his two partners Roberto Rodriguez (Sähkö) and
Kimmo (Oksanen) with their beatdown techno / house grooves
packed with futuristic bass lines and deep synthesizer sounds… to many
international maverick producers pushing the right sound worldwide such
as Brighton’s very own Spiritual South aka Mark
Robertson’s spicing it up in

a latin jazz house flavour or Quasimode classy jap-jazz
extravaganza, passin through the unique deep house / electric boogie
moods of West London’s Dons, Restless Soul (aka Phil
Asher and family) and all the way to the furious broken beat / high
tech jazz fusion of Poland’s newcomers Innocent Sorcerers or
even NYC producer Arch_Typ (aka Charles Noel, Arch Tight,
Monochrome). Let it be known: it’s getting hotter and hotter up North!

Next up, here comes yet another bombastic tracky EP on his already
classic Real Tone label, this time called “The Renegade”
from our dear friend, THE man in Paris…Franck Roger. Mister
Roger who delivers “Ninted House” and “The Clash”, two
slices of dancefloor smashers instigating a dark and sexy atmosphere
with an heavy dose of old school underground influence and a powerful
vision to reinvent the content of house music today.

We continue with the last offering from the excellent label who
brought us Franck Roger’s first album a few years ago, Seasons
records. Their brand new twelve presents the soulful garage house
sound of Kemal feat. Leslie Carter “Can’t Help Remixes” with new
tasty versions from Halo & Abicah Soul.

In the same elegant vein we couldn’t recommand enough the superb
remixes of Atjazz feat. Ernesto “Put In On”, specially the
deepest one made by Osunlade aka Yoruba Suite. A sweet and
sensuous song that has already made his proof on the dancefloor for a
little while…one of those great melodies that you can’t never get
enough! Yes for those that know Atjazz rarely disappoint right?

And to move on here’s another funky German cousin of Atjazz, the
sweet and discreet man who goes by the name of Lars Bartkuhn and
his new project “Dimensions” on the very clever Sonar
Kollektiv label run by Jazzanova outta Berlin. New signature
in their staple Lars aka Passion Dance Orchestra from Frankfurt
gives us his finest moment to date since the release of his classic
album “Dreamland” on his own Needs imprint…heavy grooves,
harmonies, complex strings and keyboard arrangements and creating
something really timeless and unique over a syncopated funky beat and a
colorful keyboard. On the flipside Marcus Worgull of
Innervisions fame comes up with a very effective and DJ friendly
remix, where the tension rises beat after beat. His version is a
surefire crowdpleaser that will undoubtedly be pitched by DJs such as
Dixon or Ame and that will make your heart beat faster
and stronger on the dancefloor!

Which is also the case of Jimpster’s “Dangly Panther EP” On
Freerange. Following recent remixes and productions for the
likes of Sandy Rivera, MotorCitySoul, Justin Martin and
Robert Owens, Jamie has managed to find the time to come up with
this slow burning, deep house nugget which also includes his own
Audiomontage Remix as well as a killer rub from Joris
Voorn. The original mix of Dangly Panther should keep those who
enjoyed his recent Square Up track on Buzzin Fly or his last Freerange
12 A Love Like This very happy indeed. The vibes are deep and rolling
of course but with enough energy to keep the discerning floors reaching
for the rafters. Joris Voorn ups the tempo for techier edged Black
Panther version which will appeal to those whove enjoyed his recent
output on Rejected or his amazing LP From A Deep Place. Finally, Jamie
dons his Audiomontage cap to push the original in a more minimal,
electronic direction, introducing a rave hook thatll wedge firmly in
your head.

And we switch it up again with “Computer Incarnations For World
Peace II”. Following the critical acclaim of the first volume
Sonar Kollektiv and Gerd Janson of Running Back
Records team up once again to the greater joy of all the Disco
music lovers. Whereas the first opus of Computer Incarnations for World
Peace focussed on the early 80s with a selection of forgotten gems from
the new wave era, the second episode shows the recent evolution of
Disco music, with 13 tracks from artists and producers who proudly
reasserted their love for this kind of music and injected some new
blood in the veins of a genre that deserted the dance floors in the
90s. Starting off with 3 previously unreleased tracks. Alex
Storrer aka Lexx comes on board with an instrumental version
of “Mahogany”. The Swiss DJ and producer, whose unconditional
love of Balearic and Disco music is only matched by his passion for
Hip-hop, has had releases on pioneer labels such as Bear Funk,
Mindless Boogie and Permanent Vacation. He delivers here
a stunning cosmic piece made of lovely keyboard melodies, guitars riffs
and tight drum parts over dreamy pads and female choirs and with a very
nice cosmic edge to it. The second track called “Reinbågan” from
Nordic disco darlings Todd Terje and Prins Thomas, who
released music and remixes for labels such as Rong Music, Eskimo
Recordings, Bear Funk, Clone, Rekids, Compost, Feedelity, and
Mule Musiq amongst many others.

This tune originally released as B-side of Terje’s 12“ Eurodans on
Soul Jazz is a superb dub-disco cover of Cloud One’s “Don’t Let My
Rainbow Pass Me By”. It is also a very sought-after cut, as only 60
copies of it have been pressed! The third track is an unreleased slow
motion corker with beautiful layers of pads and ever-rolling arpeggios
called “GRN Aventurine” from French dynamic duo
Chateauflight aka Gilb’R and I:Cube of Versatile
records fame. The cruise goes on peacefully with Keep On of British
band Crazy Penis and reworked by neo-disco pioneers Daniel
Wang and Brennan Green. The fine little label Sentrall
hailing from L.A. is represented twice on the compilation with a
heavenly cut called Blazer taking you higher with wonderful steel-drum
parts and ethereal layers of synth and with the funky Maurice
Fulton remix of Rollmottle’s Take A Break. Also selected
“Lullaby for Robert” by Al Usher released in 2004 on
Out Of The Loop Records, the groovy boogie disco number
“Oddysey” by London’s Woolfy, “Fighter” by
Birmingham’s wonderboy Mark E, which is a deep Balearic affair
exclusively released on this compilation, and the electronic Soca-disco
cut “To and Fro” from Ray Mang a.k.a Raj Gupta. To
complete this retro futuristic disco journey, “Tyrant of Nat
Rabb” aka San Serac originally released on Trevor
Jackson’s Output Recordings in 2006. And with the dreamy and
Balearic delight Shulme of Paul Murphy aka Mudd of
Rong records fame and “Walking in The Rain” of
Frontera, aka Pete Herbert and Phil Mison, who
released a handful of records on Eskimo Recordings under the
moniker Reverso 68, this incredible travel ends up as sweetly as it
started.

Phew! You’ve had enough of this hectic disco dance? Well well let’s
bring it down a notch with the phunky sound of Reggie B’s “Go”.
Who’s Reggie B? A wonderful american artist fusing a decent futuristic
soul album, with a wide range. So what is it? Hiphopsoulfunkalicious
…with a voice and a care-free attitude which remind us Prince
the purple dwarf as well the whole P-Funk movement of George
Clinton, Bootsy etc…check it.

And we’re ending with some deep hip hop style strictly for the
discerning beat heads! Super Smoky Soul “Cycling”. Six track ep
from this Japanese trio , who were discovered when featured on Rush
Hour “Beat Dimensions” fondamental headnod compilation as well as
on Fat City‘s Producer 01 album. Various laidback and soulful
instrumental hiphop outings, all very J Dilla inspired, and a
definite check for those into Sa-Ra, Spacek and the
likes.. Contains a mental remix by Hudson Mohawke (Heralds Of
Change) too!

And last but not least The Big Payback “The Big Payback”. A
duo consisting of French producer Onra (a great beatmaker we got
high hopes for, check our previous new section for more on him) and his
american net buddy, Byron (also featured on Rush Hour’s Beat
Dimensions compilation). Various soul drenched offbeat- and hiphop
cuts with keys on this 12. Features the vocals from Isis,
Neco Redd, Peter Hadar, Dal-Gren. We go deeper!

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[5beats]

#30978 |

Welcome back to our Beatjoint news section. This
week we go even deeper indeed as we are starting with a spotlight on
–hear me now- the complete catalogue of Basic Channel records!
Remember who brang back the classic reggae dub sounds of Wackies
(check our blog section for a full focus on Wackies)? Yes Basic Channel
did! Who? Basic Channel, the legendaryminimal techno production team
and record label, composed of Moritz Von Oswald and Mark
Ernestus from Berlin, Germany… always hidden in the shadow,
remaining elusive as their music is…but they are still strong and they
are actually in the business since 1993. We bring you nothing less than
their extensive collection of essential dub techno releases (which had
been -ever since it came out- rare and highly collectable items,
vinyl-only tracks under various aliases that became some kind of holy
grail for many Detroit Techno and Dub appreciators to the point where
it is regarded reverently like King Tubby or UR best
works). The mysterious duo set up a studio in Berlin, in a building
which was eventually to house Mark Ernestus’ distributing company and
shop Hard Wax, and the label’s mastering studio Dubplates &
Mastering, set up to ensure a unique sound with a desired dynamic
quality for the vinyl.The Basic Channel imprint ceased business in 1995
(apart from two releases almost a decade later that were originally
issued on Carl Craig’s Planet E label), but were followed by a
string of similar labels. Among the most important were Chain
Reaction, which released non-Von Oswald/Ernestus productions and
helped launch the careers of dub-influenced minimal techno producers
such as Monolake and Porter Ricks; Basic Replay,
which specialises in reggae and dancehall re-issues; Main
Street, for house-related releases; and Burial Mix and Rhythm
& Sound, which saw the duo’s sound move away from the Detroit
blueprint and closer to vocal-lead dub and reggae. Their With The
Artists album, released as Rhythm & Sound and featuring celebrated
reggae and dancehall vocalists such as Sugar Minott (not
forgetting all the aforementionned re-issues for Wackies).

Next up, as we announced you before right here comes Robert
Owens on Michael Reinboth’s unstoppable German label,
Compost records hitting us with a new album, “Night-Time
Stories”. On this splendid record the man proves that he was and
still is ever on point ever since the birth of house music in the early
80’s (he was the voice behind anthems like Mr Fingers’s (aka
Larry Heard) “Can You Feel It?” or Franckies
Knuckles “Tears”). To make his first artist album in ten
years Mister Owens has hooked up with Wahoo, Charles
Webster, Jimpster, Atjazz and Kirk Degiorgio
to create a beautiful soulful journey…night times stories as sweet
musical alegories that evolve from r’n b to techno and a lot of deep
house moods in beetween.

We slow it down (like Brand Nubian used to say ha ha ) with another
voice to be reckon with…the man they call OlivierDaySoul (we
were some of the firsts to big up this singular soul singer– also hold
tight for a focus on him in our blog section very soon)…now hear this
all soul and beat headz, keep your ears widely opened as we keep
digging…somewhere far out and exuberant between Prince or
Andre 3000 / Outkast, Madlib, Wajeed and Flying
Lotus…there lies gracely OlivierDaySoul from Washington DC! With a
bad first album called “Kilowatt” on 4 Lux confirming his
promissing vynil debuts full of dope modern day soul songs (remember
our recommandation for “Brain” a tight leftfield joint à la
Spacek produced by him and Paulo. while the flip
“Potion 9” produced by Unknown explored more R’n’B
territories), well don’t you stop boucing and check this record
produced by Oddisee, Unknown, Planet Mohawk, Hudson
Mohawk, Gerd, Paulo and the phunky polymorphic Dutch dude known as
Gerd.

Also check Eye Beta Rock “Super Rock Body Shock”, great limited
re-issue of an obscure disco synth bomb from the early 80’s by Daryl
Cameron. Includes a very nice Gerd dub. Just a 400 copies
limited edition run, no repress. electro-disco alert !

And again rejoice! Who said you can’t find nu soulful voices in the
music game nowadays? Yet another one to show them wrong! Memorize this
name: Middle Child. She’s teaming up with J.Rawls on a
project simply named J.Rawls & Middle Child presenting an
album with a even more simple title “Rawls & Middle” (here
available in his prestigious Japanese edition). Spread the word: Middle
Child is a golden voice from Youngstown, Ohio who hooked up with local
producer, the very talented J.Rawls. Her voice is kind of reminiscent
to India Arie and her lyrics are clever and catchy. For those
connoisseurs who praise him for years to the average hip hop
head-nodeer J.Rawls reminds us his great taste and diversity beatmaking
wize, from making classic R&B to soft rock to hip-hop sampladelic
jams. A lack of decent soul this year you said? Maybe on Mtv Base ‘s
whack playlist but look further, there is more than meets the eye…like
Rawls & Middle who definitely hit raw in the middle! Such as
Nicolay & Kay from North Carolina. A dynamic hip hop duo
influenced by Tribe, De La Soul, The Jungle Brothers and the
whole Native Tongues family…hip hop like we’ll always love…here with
the release of their “Time:line” which is a concept record about
the life cycle. Hard to sell? Well even with a great LP on BBE a
few years ago, Nicolay still doesn’t get a lot of mainstream attention
but it won’t stop them, as striving dedicated indie artists they
maximize on the quality of what they do and keep it up. Just like them
we believe that true good music with integrity lasts longer than big
disposable quantity. Support the cause! An ethic close to DJ Buzz
on a adequatly named label, Personal records. Having all
those good examples in music history in mind, no matter if it is Jazz,
Hip-Hop, Brazil, Rocksteady or Disco, the Personal team celebrate
their ten year anniversary with DJ Buzz “In Between Blue
& Black”. Their brand new recent release after a 4 year hiatus
with some 7-Inch biz from DJ Buzz, well known as 1/3 of Austrian
Hip-Hop/Funk/Electronic-Combo Waxolutionists and mastermind of
the Supercity Soundsystem. The Waxolutionists Band with
Rappers Deph Joe & Manuva and Musicians like the Twin
Towas, etc… Too much names? Just let the music do the talking!

And let us also recommand you Metropolitan Jazz Affair’s
“MJA”. Metropolitan Jazz Affair is the initial project from 3 main
figures on the French Jazz and Soul scenes. They intend to dig a little
deeper in a modern souljazz direction, without forgetting what
originally is : a music for the soul that can shake your legs ! This
album, originally released in 2003 is produced by Patchworks, a
French producer known for his successful projects such as The
Dynamics, Uptown Funk Empire and more ! The crew features
Stephane Ronget (also know as the Rongetz Foundation) on
trumpet and Benjamin Devigne on Pianos. Guest vocalist Mr
Day is performing too on this record. He brings a soulful flavor to
the MJA vibe ! This album was followed by a second one in 2007 on the
german label Infracom.

And we finish off with Mombasa’s “African Rhythms And Blues
2”. Mombasa being a very respected afro-funk band created in 1976
by Lou Blackbun, Doug Lucas, Bob Reed, Don
Ridgeway and Alan Tatham. This here is the seminal re-issue
of their original second LP release by the legendary cross-cultural
Mombasa band: Deep Afro Jazz Funk by Lou Blackburn and his wicked group
recorded 1976 in Germany -a top rare album formerly released on the
rare german Spiegelei label only, contains the sought after
DJ-spins “African Hustle“, “Yenyeri” and “Shango
II“, mastered in 2008 from the master tapes, with original cover
artwork, and re-released for the first time. Monster album! Far out we
went, from dub techno to afro-beat and beyond…roots & future we are
for ever! So until next time: one love!

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[5beats]

#30979 |

Greetings, we’re back with some digital freshness for all groove diggers.

As we begin this wild ride with a futuristic p-funk fanatic, the voice
called Reggie B. Remember the “Go” album released on
Circulations in Japan around September 2007? Also his 12” with
Daru previously released on 4lux White? Well this time
here comes his solo project “A Few Steps Forward“ here in the
form of a tasty album sampler (perfect introduction to his second album
“Get down with me” out soon on 4lux) with on the A-side the
booty-shaking tittle track “A few steps forward” produced by the
prolific cat called Saadiq from Platinum Pied Pipers.
Also “Do your dance (testify)” produced by 4lux boss Gerd
and Paulo (who just released the Milez Benjiman project
on Ubiquity and Tru Thoughts). On the flip side we got
the bouncy “Spiritual Fi”, a club banger produced by hip hop
producer Lenny Dee (not to be confused with the hardcore techno
dj from New York!) then let’s grind to the seductive sound of “Evil
Woman” a slow and nasty dancefloor bubbler and slide finally to
“Outergalactic Funk” an instrumental bonus track with a sleazy
spacey groove oozing with sweat and sweetness.

Next up, big up to our tough number two: C.O.N.E.”Electric
Theory Vol. I” on Bagpak Records! Remember those letters.: C
O N E…an up and coming Dj/Producer/live act hailing from Rotterdam. An
eclectic, smokin’ hot dude whose production influences range far from
Broken Beat to Detroit Hip Hop to Dancehall riddims and beyond.
C.O.N.E. is a bad man…and he’s also currently working on the
Crazybreed LP (alongside veteran singer, writer, producer and
musician Colonel Red whose debut album “Blue Eye Blak”
was released with People Records back in 2005 and who has
been dazzling audiences with his soul-drenched vocals, compositional
vision and production talents with also Alex Attias or
the Bugz!). This volume 1 album features the future classic
“Victim”, also released on the almighty Coopr8 (CO-OP). A
must for all appreciators of Afronaught and IG Culture
twisted beats. Hear this massive: broken beat ain’t broke yet!

Third release in this third Beat Joint news section…
“Thirdiq” by Monologue. A Japanese combo sweet like
candy, showing us a bit more laidback side of the land of the risng sun
(much more mellow than Soil & Pimp for instance)! This
original jazz combo with nuff keyboards, guitar, trumpet, drums, and
percussion sometimes hits an electric 70s jazz-funk fusion style with
echoes of Herbie and Miles, at other points they’re much more
introspective, nicely experimental without going too far out though!
Best titles include “I Hear The Music”, “The World Is Wideopen”,
“Fragment”, “Monologue” and “Break Of Dawn Before 4AM”.

Our number four is strictly for the discerning dancefloors,
Roberto Rodriguez on Compost’s Black Label #33. And yes,
for those who did’nt knew yet Roberto rodriguez is part of the
Future Beat Investigators (Raw Fusion). And fyi Mister
Rodriguez is also known as the man behind Track n Field’s “Marathon”
album on Nine2five recordings and some might also have heard
of him as a part of the Acid Kings (Sähkö recordings) or
for the 90s deephouse he dropped via Stereodeluxe. So you can
expect nuff quality tunes like “Ride With Me” a killer bumpy
track feat. Max c‘s old school-ish vocals. The inspiration to
“ride with me” initially came from an Al Green song. Max C came
up right after with the idea of combining vocal elements from modern
hip hop club tunes with classic house vocals. The b-side “too
late” is a pure deep house odyssey in the vein of
Innervisions deep techy house. And while we’re on the subject of
Reverend Al Green look out soon for his new album with mad beats from
Quest Love from The Roots.

As we glide all the way live with number five : Nneka “No Longer
At Ease” Heard the name before? You won’t forget it. The Nigerian
sensation Nneka (now living in Hamburg, Germany) has made a big name
for herself in a few years as a very special singer, creating a
intimate link beetween African blues and his American incarnations like
soul and hip hop through songs full of life, wisdom and
experience.Working closely with DJ and Hip-Hop beatmaker DJ
Farhot, this phenomenal woman behind the mic is aiming high as
she’s willing to be one of those few carrying the torch of afro
revolutionnaries like Fela Kuti and Bob Marley into the
now. A nu soul right (indeed…but much better than another “nu soul”
named Yaelle Naim even though Nneka hasn’t got the same huge popular
appeal yet, but in a near future who knows?)… Nneka stands out as a
potentially mainstream artist with much soul and sincerity in the vein
of Mos Def and Lauryn Hill. Also check her performing
live we heard she’s fire!

Number six in the mix, we switch to Mister Modo And Ugly Mac
Beer “Modonut”. After those two being previously the creators of Mo
Dougly Weird Stories (feat. Mike Ladd, Thirdsight, D-Styles, MF
Grimm, Monsta Island Czars) on Pascal Rioux’s Favorite
Records, they’re back in full effect! Watch out for the dangerous
combination of Mister Modo and Ugly Mac Beer as the awesome duo hit us
this time with the first 7″ off of their album to come, “Modonut”, a
respectful headnodder’s nod at Jay Dilla’s Donuts beatheadz
classic. As many of his contemporaries following Dilla boom bap path,
Modo is an insatiable loopdigga, and his dexterous MPC feels like the
extension of his hand. Mac Beer (the boss of the label Diess
Prod with hyperactive turntablists such as DJ Troubl’, DJ Kodh,
Le Jad, Scratch Science) is a gifted scratcher and sequencer. On
side A, after an intro reminiscent of blaxplotation moods, the duo
welcome the warm voice of soul-jazz singer Jessica Fitoussi. The
B side holds a Gainsbourg-inspired instrumental track and a
jumpy interlude, both working up ones curiosity as to what lies ahead
for the second 7 and their album to come. Give me Mo’!

Seven… we’re on our way to heaven with a top notch selection by
Karen P… “Broadcasting Ep” : Following on from
Jazzanova and Dirk Rumpff (Off Track), up and coming
radio producer, DJ and media consultant Karen P recently delivered what
is already the 3rd in the successful …broad casting mix series. Now
Sonar Kollektiv releases an exclusive 12″ vinyl release
including three of the stand out tracks from the mix CD. Karen started
out on Gilles Peterson‘s acclaimed Worldwide show and she
keeps going from strength to strength. This superb EP kicks of with a
raw track by Stereotyp (discovered on G-Stone then
Compost, Klein Records, Kitty Yo, Fabric and Ninja Tunes)
“Take The Wait” in a warm and soulful house vibe. Si Begg
(best know for his work on Novamute but has also released under his
aliases Si Futures and Buckfunk 3000 on other labels such
as Tresor, Cheap, Skint and Shitkatapult) signs “Into
The Deep Water” which takes in elements of dub-step and soul to
make a fresh sounding track (exclusively available on this 12″). Like
“Into The Deep Water”, “Unite” by Tettorybad also
features new Swedish vocal talent Fatima (Hudson
Mohawke’s famous flatmate relocated in the UK). Nuff talents to
seek out for…

Like this week’s number eight from Break SL “Laguna Seca”.
Dresdens Sebastian Lohse aka Break SL with the follow-up to his
respected debut on his own imprint, Philpot Records. Four tracks
that range from raw dubby house to floating ambient techno, showing his
massive skills on the buttons, creating moody atmospheres to get lost
in like a warm never ending night.

The number nine is nothing but a mighty fine album by beatdown
scientists going by the name of Soulphiction “Do You
Overstand?!”. Following on from his 2006 LP “State Of
Euphoria”, Soulphiction aka Jackmate, and Michel
Bauman brings us a fresh new album on Sonar Kollektiv. As
well as having had releases on Sonar Kollektiv and his own labels
Philpot and Phil E, Soulphiction has also put stuff out
through Perlon, Playhouse, Moon Harbour, Liebe/Detail, DIY, Mule,
Resopal and Freude am Tanzen.The album is full of suprises
such as “Ghana Wadada”, a dark dance-floor romp displaying
haunting flute melodies and ethnic African chants. Or the brillant
“Prison Song” on which the beat is the rhythm of a genuine chain
gang. Soulphiction moves in so many musical directions at the same
time, taking in influences from hip-hop and jazz resulting in a truly
experimental feel: there’s a great roughness to their sound, a minimal
deepness making sense in the vein of some Theo Parrish, Moodyman
or Omar S works.

Last but not least, the number ten on this list comes from the very
gifted Mark E “Slave 1” on his Running Back label. After
many great disco / r’n b / beatdown house edits, the Birmingham wizard
now returns to Running Back for another EP of original productions.
Always delivering relentless sensuous and effectively simple tracks of
pure dancefloor bliss. Number one song is “Slave 1″ that keeps building
up untill you’re locked in and hooked for ever. The flipside flips the
script with first “Pulse Friction” full of synthesizers for your
long lasting pleasure. Finally, the incredibly bouncy “Human”,
another oh so joyful moment thanks to Mark …and don’t forget, E
stands for ecstasy! Enjoy!

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[5beats]

#30980 |

Beatjoint news section number four…you want
more???!!! Well you got it as we still explore the whole wide world in
search of good music for you…First off let’s say it again one more
time: underground or overground it doesn’t necessarily matters for us,
what really counts at the end of the day is quite simple: does it moves
us, does it grooves us or not???!!!

So we stand our heads up high and proud, yes we keep saying it:
even though Mister Tellier’s character is a bit ludacris, even though
he’s not Gainsbourg (or even Gainsbarre) yet and even though our man
hasn’t won the Eurovision contest last week-end with his delicious and
easy to sing along weird and beautiful pop song “Divine”, well he’s
still a champ in our eyes! And we also recommand the video to this
track, it’s absolutely hilarious…Sébastien Tellier? Divine
indeed! Daaaamn right! Vive la France!

Next up, still coming from our French Capital, we offer you the
wonderful sounds of Kif recordings…old and new…but always sooo
fresh! Firsts on the menu we got Jazz Liberatorz, unique
beatmakers proudly hailing from Meaux-town (in the suburbs of Paris)
showcasing a timeless boom bap concept full of deepness in the path of
Pete Rock, Madlib or even 4 Hero’s Visionneers project…
a refined approach taking in from the classics to bring out their
quintessence while reinventing itself constantly. A strong nodd to jazz
is displayed throughout all this chef d’oeuvre with the help of bad ass
french musicians – Soul Clan, Ky and not forgetting two
Oliviers, M’Sellem and Portal; and on the mic la crème de
la crème of soulful indy US hip hop. Who? The list itself is not so
impressive as the cohesion reigning between everyone here. Judge for
yourself: after prestigious twelves over the last five years on Kif
records with none others than Wildchild, Aloe Blacc or
Fatlip (ex-Pharcyde, on the eloquent “Backpackers”
12” amongst others), they’ve brang in even more leftside charismatic
mc’s to the table to make this unpeccable album which is “Clin
D’Oeil”, a long lasting piece of true hip hop music. Inviting
people in full sync with Jazzlib’s sincere direction like their old
friend T-Love (sublime singer / poet often compared to Erikah
Badu for her audacity -based in Paris after residing Detroit,
Londres and Oackland), Sadat X (Brand Nubian), Captain Buckshot
(Blackmoon) or even the gracious Lizz Fields (who stoles the
show on the divine “Speak the Langage”… a soul jazz ballad
constituting the climax of this remarkable record before the last
track, a daring cover of Ahmad Jahmal’s “Ishmaël” spiritual jazz
anthem). An elegant yet humble and personnal effort which also
transpires in the simple, old school black & white artwork paying
tribute to the old Black Jazz record label iconography. And
still on Kif, on the reissue camp this time… we bring you two
remarkable examples of sweet french touch flavours from the 70’s. First
of the two, “Mélodie En Soul Sol”…a superb french rare groove
compilation set up by Michael Darmon (boss of Kif records) in
2002. A rare collection of tracks demonstrating that in terms of jazz,
funk, jazz funk, soul, soul jazz and other psychedelic moods our
hexagonal musicians were highly influenced by the american sounds of
the 70’s. Big tunes from Vladimir Cosma, Martial Solal, Claude
Vasori and Vincent Gueminiani, Daniel Janin, Jean-Claude Pierric or
last but not least Nancy Holloway and her astounding hit “It
Hurts So Bad”. The second reissue being Harlem Pop
Trotters’s eponym LP, “Harlem Pop Trotters”. A lost jazz
fusion classic (the original version appeared on the highly collectible
Les Treteaux). This is their only album released in 1975. A
little piece of heaven made by liberated library musicians. The
conductor being J.C Pierric again (with the help of Francois
Rolland). Jazz freaks inspired by Herbie Hancock, Joe
Zawinul, and George Duke…some funky bizness indeed!

And we continue with a Beatjoint Promo Exclusive from our dear
friend Jazzamar on his Jazzmin records imprint from
Strasbourg to Paris via Tokyo….two tracks from the very awaited
Sleep Walker’s brand new album. This amazing Japanese jazz band
featuring Masato Nakamura (sax), Hajime Yoshizawa
(piano), Kiyoshi Ikeda (bass) and others gives us a great
follow-up to their debut eponym album “Sleep Walker” from
Especial records and to the more recent singles “The Voyage
featuring Pharoah Sanders” and “River of love” (not
forgetting their Especial Records compilation album, “Essence of
Especial”). Two wicked tunes: “Brotherhood”, a brillant
cover of a Yusef Lateef gem and “Resurrection”. A taste
of this fat album to come out soon!

Still not out of breath? Check this out: here’s more live music to
be reckoned with: Sonar Kollektiv Orchester “Guaranteed
Niceness”. A Sonar Kollektiv super-group made up of label artists
and friends from Jazzanova‘s label to celebrate its 10th
anniversary. SKO’s repertoire is a cross selection of tunes from the SK
label back catalogue, the original styles of which cover a wide range
from deep house and broken beats to reggae and experimental hip hop.
From “L.O.V.E. & You And I” (a cover of the Jazzanova track
which was the opening number on their acclaimed 2002 album “In
Between” on Compost) to the verypopular “Midnight
Marauders” by Fat Freddies Drop’s singer Joe Dukie or
even Ame‘s dance-floor hit “Rej”. Also on SK check out
Frost & Wagner “Remixes” with nuff dub reggae vibes…like
their remixes of Torch Of Freedom (originally written by
Cleveland Watkiss), Eva Be “She Walks Alone”, Taxi “A Certain
Something”, Deyampert “The Sweetest Delusion”, Onejiru “We Carry On
over”or “Everything” by Clara Hill. Dub wise
bizness!And to finish off this special SK delivery we keep bigging up
the ones called Soulphiction! This time they bring us a fresh
new 12” with two remixes of tracks taken from their excellent second LP
“Do You Overstand?!” (to be found reviewed in our previous Beat
Joint news section). Nice reinterpretations by Losoul and
Kalabrese. Losoul (from the Playhouse label) remixes
“Cargo” into a slowly builder for the floors. On the flipside,
Kalabrese (of Perlon records fame) takes “Reclap”
in a chilled laid back mode. German beatdown house at his finest!

More from other German cousins, Compost records in the shape
of their “Compost Blacklabel series vol.3” compiled by Jay
Shepheard. A sub label to put Compost back on the dancefloor map
with less jazz and soul but more house and tekky stuff. The outcome is
not the typical Compost “nu jazz” sound anymore which people related
with the Munich based label. This is bleepy and creepy, dark and
pumping! Once again the third volume unites the brightest moments of
the successful 12″ series on a CD compilation – this time in form of a
special DJ mix done by uprising Blacklabel act Jay Shepheard (who did
their debut for the label on an EP recently, “Blacklabel #19″).

And finally we go even furhter into deep German waters with the
exclusive Scape label’s compilation, “Round Black
Ghosts”. An album compiled by label owners Stefan Betke (Pole)
and Barbara Preisinger together with Tim Tetzner (the
heart and mind behind Berlins Dense Records shop), throws a spotlight
on dubstep sounds from Berlin. Merging the classic uk dubstep heavy
basslines and breaks with the more hypnotic deep German techno grooves.
From Martyn in a Detroit style on “Velvet” to Syncom
Datas “Beyond The Stars” (which reminds us Basic Channel’s
dub techno minimal approach). A quality selection to please all dub,
dubstep and

techno diggers.

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[5beats]

#30981 |

First of here is a perfect example of an amazing
piece of music you might never have heard of ever, and I mean never
ever -if it wasn’t for the patience and dedication of deep collectors
putting out priceless reissues such as our friend Antoine Rajon
from Heavenly Sweetness: Al Rahman! Cry of The Floridian
Tropic Son. A very rare album –rare indeed, in every sense of the
word- from pianist Doug Carn (husband of Jean Carn)
famous for his many classic recordings on the Black Jazz label.
Mystic –at times arabic- soul-jazz songs with a disco twist under the
common influences of Earth Wind & Fire and John
Coltrane. Doug Carn is one of the most famous artist of Black
Jazz records (the cult spiritual jazz record label of the 70’s).
After four albums considered as soul jazz classics in the seventies,
Doug Carn left the Black Jazz label and he converted to Islam. He
changed his name into Abdul Rahim Ibrahim, and cut this nice record of
spacey soul. Best track being the spiritual jazz classic “Al Rahman”, a
fifteen minutes prayer to the creator. As original liner notes said :
“Part of the purpose of this album is to show the members of the
funk-pop-rock and jazz-afro-cuban-latin and the
traditional-blues-gospel oriented subcultures in western societies,
that the Arabic language and Islamic Din are note necessarily alien to
them. And more specifically, to show that the syllabilistic expression
of the be-bop language and the evolved musical ideas of the great
innovators John Coltrane and McCoy Tyner are equally
Arabic in nature, as Jazz itself is a word of Arabic Origin”…

Next up, Peter Herbolzheimer R C & B “Bigband Bebop” on
Mons records. Another odd, slightly special or at least quite
confidential in his own way, Peter Herbolzheimer’s project from Germany
which was spelled R C & B (standing for Rhythm Combination &
Brass). An international soul jazz big band very active in Europe from
the 1970s right up to today. The German composer and bandleader Peter
Herbolzheimer has, through this, and many other ventures,
revolutionised European big band music. In the late 1970s the band even
toured successfully with guest stars like Esther Phillips, Stan
Getz, Nat Adderley, Gerry Mulligan, Toots Thielemans and more.This
adequatly called RC&B big band was unique in that it had a line up
of eight brass, but originally only one saxophone. The rhythm
combination consisted of two keyboards, guitar, bass, drums and
percussion. And big it is!

Now let’s switch it to the opposite -just to prove the point that
at Beat Joint we’re not nerdy elitists (or at least not all the time!)-
we also propose the most obvious but still the most tasteful soul
artists… like the timeless Afro-american hero that is Sam Cooke
and his “Forever” anthology on Not Now Music. A mighty
damn fine retrospective of the early career of one of the greatest soul
voices that ever graced this earth, Mister Sam Cooke. This two cd box
features his debut album for the Keen Label as well as a
selection of the best of his recordings with the Soul Stirrers.
Among the 30 tracks is the hit number “You Send Me” plus two
rare bonus tracks “Lovable” and the title track “Forever”
(which he originally recorded and released as Dale Cook, a
name he used in order not to alienate his gospel fans when issuing his
first (so called devilish then) pop recordings). A must for any fan of
Sam Cooke or just a lover of gold old soul music!

Our fourth choice is something Pascal Rioux (our man from
Favorite records) confessed he had a personnal affection for
(when we interviewed him a few days ago, check it in the Blog
section)…”Cut Basic” by another innovative beatmaker in this
very competitive game, Dal Gren. An American dude who banged his
first tunes out of his Playstation and keeps digging and growing larger
while getting inspired from all angles from jazz to rock, soul, funk,
hip hop and electro. Living in tune with his machines, forgoing clichés
and fashions to create his very own staple of moody and timeless hip
hop seemingly stemming from a distant planet. Quite a basic cut n’
paste? True… but nuff sweet flavours for your big curious ears!

And what’s next? Another Dilla disciple?! Yes, and it’s
cool, we can’t complain (as long as the beats are really good!). Here
it’s better than just good but we’re sorry we can’t provide much
information on the next one…because it comes from a very secretive
artist from a very secretive island, Japan (also I must confess that
all the details I found on the guy they name 45’s myspace are not
translated…and I can’t read japanese). It’s called “Hello
Friends” by a beatmaker and pianist who calls himself 45 or
is it a collective? Or 45 people?! Or a secret entity?! Nevermind. Just
listen and feel the great blend of beats, keys, and samples at its core
– all served up with a crispy, old school feel! Highlights being
“Searchin’ (Feat. Tasita D’mour)”, “The Night Life
(Feat. Steph Pockets)”, “Underground Superstar
(Feat. Yu Sakai)” or of course “Hello Friends
(Lark Chillout For A.Y.B.Force Remix)”.

One more drop in the endless sea of releases in the vast house
music story, check out the “Giant Steps EP” by
BitterSuite. Not to be confused neither with Giant Steps
recordings (the soulful label from New York)! Nor with The Bitasweet
label (the broken beat home of Bugz In The Attic releases inna West
London)! This Giant Steps EP is made by BitterSuite and it is their
debut on a brand new label, DeepSystems Music. A 5 track digi-EP
of seriously deep tracks. Ranging from the 303 acidic tinged
“Fingers”, a tribute to the magic fingers of the acid king:
Larry Heard aka Fingers Inc, to the more shuffled hypnotic
“Reflection”. A diverse selection of tracks for the more
discerning lover of moody deep house, dark rooms and big sound
systems…can you feel it?

A bit more unknown than the last ones is Lars Behrenroth.
Maybe because we mentionned him here (many times already in this
particular News column) but also because the man is old school and has
been around doing it right for more than a decade. This time Lars
Behrenroth signs an EP on the always fresh, always on point house UK
label Freerange entitled “Ice On The Sun”. Lars delivers
as usual in the subtle style of his stuff on Deep4Life, Compost,
Sonar Kollektiv and his remixes of The Rurals, Dubtribe, MJ
Cole, Alma Horton, Slope, Arnold Jarvis just to name a few. Here we
have two tracks from him plus a sweet remix by Version (aka
Charles Webster teaming up with Atjazz). A minimal deep
house stripped back approach sure to please the quality dancefloors!

Magic? Boddhi Satvas? Is this the new age all over again?
Anyway Anto Vitale’s “Majico (Doruk Ozlen & Boddhi Satva
Mixes)” on Seasons Limited is -dare we say it…uplifting! A
greatfollow up to the massive “Can’t help” by Kemal,
“Majico” is a gentle laidback track featuring mesmerizing vocals and
wicked chants alongside lush keys and synths over a deeply stormin’
percussion enriched backing groove Doruk Ozlen and his imaginary
buddhist buddies are taking it even higher with a mesmerizing
afro-tribal vibe in both versions! Body & Soul deep
afro-latin house style like Joaquin “ Joe” Claussell would
love…

And from Joe’s deep tribal juju style we switch to The
Boogoos’s take on “Theme De Yoyo”, (the afro-funk
version of a cosmic jazz classic originally made by Lester Bowie
and The Art Ensemble of Chicago). The beaux gosses??? No, check
the spelling and get the name right: The Boogoos! Munich’s finests
forming a 13-piece group (that includes members of the Poets Of
Rhythm, Express Brass Band and The Hi-fly Orchestra) who present
their first single, which combines the afro-rhythms of Fela kuti
with american funk and soul. On the flipside, “The Journey
(Ghana ‘74)” is a nine minute afrobeat stomper fueled by the
extensive instrumentation and the driving bassline, as well as the
colourful horns and Zsolt’s unique vocals. Watch out for the
forthcoming LP in october 2008!

Last on this week’s list, a cursed genius who has always been
singled out (may it be for for his weird signature broken techno beats
or his twisted taste for chubby girls!). Let’s just say Colin Lindo
aka Nubian Mindz likes to keep it fat not flat! Fact of that this
“Sellouts EP” is pure gravy all the way up! Yes Nubian Mindz
(aka Alpha Omega) is still mashing it ruff and tuff from
drum-n-bass to Detroit techno to house to broken beat to samba…from
Reinforced to 2000Black, Archive, TOV, Irma etc. His second EP
on Bagpak Records is a massive bash of techno smashers with
Colin’s very own bad-bwoy riddimz and deep-ass bass. From dark
dub-tech-step to straight-up booty shakin techno to tech-jazz bruk
numbers, Nubian Mindz continues his quest in pushing the levels! Not
for the sell outs! Riiiiiight!

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