Yasuaki Shimizu “Music For Commercials” (1987, Crammed Discs)
via Bandcamp: Originally issued by Crammed in 1987, this is one of the most sought-after releases in our legendary Made To Measure series. Known for his numerous albums, soundtracks, and collaborations with an impossibly broad array of artists (from Ryuichi Sakamoto and DJ Towa Tei to Van Dyke Parks, Björk, …
Hermeto Pascoal “Viajando Com O Som (The Lost ’76 Vice-Versa Studio Session)” (1976, Far Out)
via FOR: There have been few musicians to ever reach the stature of Hermeto Pascoal. A true maestro and a cultural icon, he represents the highest level of musical evolution; as a multi-instrumentalist, as a composer, and as an arranger. Once described by Miles Davis as “the most impressive musician …
Blu & Exile “In The Beginning: Before The Heavens” (Fat Beats / Dirty Science)
via Fat Beats: 10 years after Blu and Exile released their magnum opus Below the Heavens, the California duo have reunited to release 14 tracks from the original 2007 sessions. “In the Beginning: Before the Heavens” contains previously heard songs and unreleased gems – the best of the best chosen …
François Tusques “Free Jazz” (1965, Finders Keepers Records)
via FK: As Finders Keepers’ disobedient little-sister-label reaches her 20th release anniversary, Cacophonic Records are proud to present a record that will not only leave rare record collectors salivating but will open ambitious ears to a truly pioneering album from the seldom celebrated and individualistic micro-genre that is French Free …
Demon Fuzz “Afreaka!” (1970, Music On Vinyl)
via MOV: Demon Fuzz was an afro-rock group of which its members had all immigrated to Britain from the Commonwealth countries. The band’s name means “devil’s children” or “bad policemen”. They originally played soul, but the music they heard during a trip to Morocco lead to a change in their …
Basil Kirchin “Basil Kirchin Is My Friend: A Trunk Records Sampler” (Trunk Records)
via Johnny Trunk: This new compilation of old Kirchin material comes as a result of the free CD I produced for Hull 2017 City Of Culture. There was a Basil Kirchin “weekender” this February, three days of talks, music and events based on the life, music, and world of Basil …
Manu Dibango “Electric Africa” (1985, Tidal Waves Music)
via TWM: Manu Dibango needs litle introduction, born in Cameroon in 1933, Manu developed a musical style fusing jazz, funk, and traditional Cameroonian music. He’s definitely among the best known African artists outside of Africa. Collaborations were numerous and include top acts like Fela Kuti, Herbie Hancock, Bill Laswell, Sly …
Dave Gold Big Band “Heaven On Their Minds” (1974, My Only Desire Records)
via MOD: The second release by My Only Desire Records are four previously unreleased tracks of funky big band jazz, from a group led by composer/arranger Dave Gold, who recorded extensively for cult library labels KPM and Bruton Music. Recorded in 1974 for BBC Radio 2, Gold blows the cobwebs …
Jan Schulte “Tropical Drums of Deutschland” (Music For Dreams)
via MFD: Copenhagen’s Music For Dreams comes with yet another strong release – a double album of personal favourites compiled by Jan Schulte. According to all maps and witness accounts, Germany does not officially have any tropical forests. This is of no concern to Schulte however, who has unearthed many …