Don't miss Tanika Charles @ Hugh's Room, Friday

Toronto soul belter Tanika Charles presents songs from her Reasons To Stay album live at Hugh's Room tonight at 8 pm.

Tanika Charles 

Hugh's Room (296 Broadview Ave)

Doors at 7pm, Show at 8pm

$30+ in advance, $37+ at the door

Since emerging on the international scene in 2017 with her debut Soul Run, two-time JUNO nominee Tanika Charles has revealed herself to be one of the best kept secrets in soul music. Both on stage and off, Toronto-based Charles presents an immutable charm, at times endearingly abrasive and honest in her vulnerabilities.  Hugh’s Room has been a long-time fan of Charles and we are thrilled to welcome her on Friday. September 19. Get tickets via Show Pass right here. Watch the video for "Don't Like You Anymore" off her latest album, Reasons To Stay, below. 

Tanika Charles – Reasons To Stay

Two-time Juno awards nominated and three-time Polaris Prize listed, Canadian soul star Tanika Charles unleashes the new album “Reasons To Stay” via independent soul specialist label Record Kicks.

Soul music at its best is a high form of alchemy. The transformation of pain into beauty, perseverance into celebration. With her fourth studio album, “Reasons To Stay,” Tanika Charles demonstrates a new level of mastery, mining the depths of a life spent running away from the unfulfilled promises and a broken home, to give us her most raw and intimate offering to date. By coming to terms with past trials and ensuing tribulations, Ms. Charles delivers a modern Soul classic.

Playing like a series of intimate letters to members of her family, to herself and to the listener, “Reasons To Stay” is an examination of the skeletons dangling in the family closet, and the damaged relationships at the root of a woman’s journey to acceptance and self love.

“I love this album. I love singing these songs. I love the conversations that have begun with them. It’s forced me to face the root causes of some of the insecurities I carry to this day. It’s about trauma, but it’s not a victim story. It’s making peace with the baggage I carry and finding a way to thrive in spite of it.”

Backed by the tight-knit team of Scott McCannell (Lydia Persaud, Henry Nozuka), Kyla Charter (Aysanabee) and Chino de Villa (Jessie Reyez), a guest feature from Quebec-based singer/songwriter Clerel, and vocal support from Aphrose and Claire Davis, Tanika Charles’ “Reasons To Stay” is steeped in experience, pulling threads from past eras to weave a record that feels retro futuristic and timeless.

Masterfully mixed by Monophonics’ frontman Kelly Finnigan, whose trademark analogue grit saturates Tanika’s sheen, “Reasons To Stay” also winks at the Hip-Hop heads perennially digging in crates. It captures the essence of Blues, Jazz, and Gospel-influenced R&B before spilling into Psychedelia and back, with a rawness and urgency that compels you to flip the record over again.

This is Tanika Charles, as compelling as ever, soul laid bare.

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Two-time Juno Awards R&B/Soul Recording of the Year nominee and three-time Polaris Music Prize long-list nominee Tanika Charles in synonymous with Canadian Soul music. She has embraced the sound and aesthetic of the genre without gimmick, whilst pushing the boundaries of what audiences can expect. Her music revels in honesty and attitude, her live show is high energy and endearing, and she continues to organically win audiences over one album, one stream, and one encore at a time. 

Her previous studio albums – “Soul Run” (2017), “The Gumption” (2019), and “Papillon De Nuit” (2022) - have propelled her to international acclaim. Extensive touring across North America and Europe has further solidified her reputation, with standout performances at festivals such as Trans Musicales in France, Fusion Festival in Germany, Mostly Funk & Soul Festival and Jazz Festival in the UK, Holy Groove Festival in Switzerland, and Canarias Jazz Festival in Spain. 

She has also shared the stage Estelle, Mayer Hawthorne, Haitus Kayote, Lauryn Hill, Bedouin Soundclash and Macy Gray. Tanika’s meteoric rise and undeniable artistry have been widely championed by outlets such as KCRW, KEXP, BBC6 Music, Exclaim!, CBC Music, Uncut Mag, PopMatters and Albumism further solidifying her position as a global soul sensation. 

Calibro 35 salute their jazz inspirations with new Jazzploitation EP

Italy's brilliant Calibro 35 update soundtrack classics by Miles Davis and Piero Umiliani  for their great new jazz-inspired EP out October 18. 

Here's the scoop...

Cinematic funk heroes Calibro 35 present their new EP ‘Jazzploitation’: a journey in the world of jazz and rare groove. Listen to the first single ‘Lunedì Cinema’, out today on digital platforms via Record Kicks.

Italian cinematic funk legends Calibro 35 are always in search of new territories to venture into. Their new journey is called ‘Jazzploitation’: a new EP paying tribute to jazz-funk, rare groove and psychedelic cinematic-jazz, to be released October 18th on digital platforms via Record Kicks and now available for pre-order right here: https://recordkicks.lnk.to/jazzploitation. 

None of the members of Calibro 35 consider themselves jazz musicians, but over the years jazz has often and significantly inspired them. ‘Jazzploitation’ is not a “jazz record” but an “inspired by jazz” EP in which Calibro 35 pay homage to some of their favuorite musicians; from Bob James to Lalo Schifrin, to Miles Davis and Idris Muhammad.

The first single taken from the EP is a cover of RAI TV’s legendary ‘Lunedì Cinema (Monday Movie)’ theme, a jazzy disco-funk mover composed by Italian renowned singer-songwriter Lucio Dalla, which features the scat singing of Sicilian artist Marco Castello (Nu Genea, Erlend Oye). The new single ‘Lunedì Cinema’ is out today on all digital platforms and on November 17th also on ltd edition clear 7” vinyl with a snazzy CTI-inspired label design. Pre-orders for the 7” are now available via Bandcamp right here.

The EP also includes ‘Chaser’, a groovy jazz-funk stormer composed by Piero Umiliani, who originally recorded it for the soundtrack of 1975’s erotic-noir movie ‘The Body’ directed by Luigi Scattini, as well as ‘Nautilus’ by the jazz keyboardist Bob James and ‘Ascenseur pour l’échafaud (Generique)’ by Miles Davis taken from Lous Malle’s film. Four jazz-funk numbers which further attest to the impressive musicianship that Calibro 35 has demonstrated over the past decade. Listen to "Lunedi Cinema" below. 

Damian Marley joins forces with Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 for "Dey"

The Afrobeat stormer "Dey" is off Seun Kuti & Egypt 80s forthcoming Heavier Yet album. Catch Seun Kuti in Toronto July 17th. 

Here's the scoop from Record Kicks...

Seun Kuti unveils dynamic collaboration with Damian Marley in latest single ‘Dey’, out now on all digital platforms. ‘Dey’ is the first single from Seun Kuti & Egypt 80’s upcoming album ‘Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)’ out October 4th. Kuti and Marley for the first time on a record together: an historic moment. 

 

Grammy-nominated Nigerian musician Seun Kuti has once again set the music scene ablaze with the announcement of his electrifying new single, ‘Dey’ featuring reggae icon and 4 Grammy Awards winner Damian Marley, which is available today on all major streaming platforms via independent Milan label Record Kicks. This much-anticipated collaboration combines the raw energy of Afrobeat with the rhythmic vibes of Reggae, creating a bridge between Nigeria and Jamaica that is sure to captivate audiences worldwide. ‘Dey’ is the first single from the much-awaited new album by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, ‘Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)’ that will hit the streets on October 4th and that is now available for pre-order directly from Record Kicks right here. 

 

Seun Kuti expressed his deep sentiment about the new single ‘Dey’ featuring Damian Marley, emphasizing its special significance. He sees it as a historic moment for African unity, art, and brotherhood, emphasizing the significance of collaborating with Damian Marley, marking the first time Kuti and Marley have been on a record together, symbolizing the rebuilding of a bridge.

 

He says, “I’m very honoured to have Damian on this track; it’s a historic moment. This is the first time that Kutis and Marleys have recorded together. We are two performers, both from the dynasty of Africa, with a huge continental divide, singing about similar struggles. To have the legacies of these great movements that represent African people is an amazing thing. It shows the similarities between the experiences of black people all over the world. I think this collaboration is an affirmation of the righteousness of our messages.”

“The song depicts African unity and African art,” Seun continues. “It doesn’t matter where we are positioned in this world, very few African people receive notability; we are for the most part seen as the underdog. Therefore, this song is all about embracing and championing who we are. It is about human beings not having to be special, to be special. As African people, one thing that I hate about the way the world relates to us is that only special Africans are human. We can't just be humans. That is removed from the black African experience. So, this song is about how we are special and how we should not feel the need to constantly prove ourselves to anybody.”

Produced by a collaborative dream team of top-tier producers that includes superstar Lenny Kravitz (executive producer) and Fela Kuti and Egypt 80’s original producer Sodi Marciszewer (artistic producer), ‘Dey’ delivers a timeless fusion of sounds that pays homage to the rich musical traditions of both Nigeria and Jamaica while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.

 

With its pulsating rhythms and infectious melodies, ‘Dey’ is set to become a timeless anthem that transcends borders and resonates with listeners from all walks of life. Seun Kuti and Damian Marley's collaboration is a celebration of cultural fusion and musical innovation, showcasing the rich tapestry of sounds that define contemporary African and Caribbean music.

 

Seun Kuti is a Nigerian musician, singer, and songwriter renowned for his captivating performances and socially conscious music. He is the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Seun has spent most of his life preserving and extending his father's political and musical legacy as the leader of his father's former band Egypt 80. As a developing saxophonist and percussionist, he entered the formal ranks of the band before he was 12. In 1997 when Fela passed, in fulfilment of his father's wishes, Seun assumed the mantle as head of Egypt 80 and he has run it ever since.

 

Based in Lagos, where with Egypt 80 he rehearses at Kalakuta Museum aka Fela Kuti’s former home in Allen Avenue, Seun has also made his mark as an active voice of the people and a politically conscious activist. He has been in the Nigerian scene, voicing out when he should, primarily via his pages on social media platforms. He was an active participant in two of the biggest mass unrests in Nigeria in recent times: #OccupyNigeria and #EndSARS protests. Significantly, he’s revived the Movement of the People (M.O.P.), the political party his father set up in 1979, which was quashed by the military government not long after Fela’s failed presidential bid.

 

During his career, Seun Kuti released 4 albums with Egypt 80: ‘Many Things’ (2008),  ‘From Africa with Fury: Rise for Knitting Factory Records’ (2011), coproduced by Brian Eno and John Reynolds, ‘A Long Way Beginning’ (2014) and the Grammy nominated ‘Black Times’ (2018) that included a feature from Carlos Santana. They also released numerous EPs. Seun has played for enthusiastically receptive audiences globally and collaborated with many great artists. In 2022, he joined forces with Roots frontman and MC extraordinaire Black Thought in the EP ‘African Dreams’. In 2023, Seun collaborated on Janelle Monae's ‘The Age of Pleasure’ (Grammy nominee for Album Of The Year) with the two singles 'Float' and 'Knows Better', teamed up with Talib Kweli and MadLib for their album ‘Liberation 2’ on the song ‘Nat Turner’ featuring Cassper Nyovest and released a new version of the single ‘Bad Man Lighter’ with Black Thought, featuring Vic Mensa. 

Listen to "Dey" below. And check out Seun Kuti & Egypt 80s upcoming tour dates including a Toronto show with Red Hot Chili Peppers at Budweiser Stage on July 17th. Get tickets via Live Nation right here. 

 

Catch Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 on tour in July! Get tickets right here. 

Lenny Kravitz producing new Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 album for Record Kicks!

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 enlisted Lenny Kravitz as producer for their new album due Oct. 4th. Seun Kuti plays Toronto July 17th. 

Here's the scoop from Record Kicks...

As long-time fans of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and the whole Kuti family, we’re honoured to announce that SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80 have joined the Record Kicks roster. The new album by SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80 produced by Fela’s original engineer Sodi Marciszewer and none other than Grammy-winning rock icon LENNY KRAVITZ will be available on Record Kicks worldwide October 4th. More to be revealed soon.

Seun Kuti, the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, has been a powerful force in the Afrobeat scene, continuing his father’s legacy while forging his own path. This new album promises to be a milestone in the genre.

Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 will also embark on a North American Tour on June 8th which makes a Toronto stop at Budweiser Stage for a show with Red Hot Chili Peppers on July 17th. Tickets for the tour are available for purchase through https://linktr.ee/seunkutitour. See a full list of upcoming tour dates below. 

For now, you can watch the video of Seun, Lenny and Sodi at Question de Son studio in Paris working on the new album and don’t forget to follow Seun Kuti on social media and DSPs. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking announcements!

Italian Afro-disco crew Savana Funk connect with Gaudi for "Raha" single

Savana Funk's new collaborative EP with producer Daniele Gaudi is due May 8th but their "Raha" single is out April 26th.

Here's the scoop...

Italian Afro-disco masters SAVANA FUNK join forces with renowned Bologna-born producer/musician Daniele Gaudi aka Gaudi (Steel Pulse, The Orb, Lee Scratch Perry, Youth, Mad Professor) in his London studio to revive the late 70s cosmic disco sound with a new collaborative EP out on May 8th via Record Kicks. The first single "Raha" is out now on all digital platforms. You can pre-order the limited edition 7" vinyl version coming out via Record Kicks on April 26th. Get "Raha" from your platform of choice right here. Have a listen to "Raha" following the teaser clip below.  

Two For The Weekend: The Tibbs feat. Roxanne Hartog

Check out "Ain't It Funny" & "Give Me A Reason" by The Tibbs off their new album Keep It To Yourself out January 26th. 

Here's the scoop...

Dutch vintage soul combo The Tibbs are back with their highly anticipated new album Keep It to Yourself, to be released on LP, CD and digitally on January 26th via the Milan-based Record Kicks label. Produced by Paul Willemsen and mastered in Nashville by soul veteran Bob Olhsson (who cut vinyl for Motown back in the day), Keep It to Yourself is the band’s third album. It contains 12 vibrant tracks that'll take you back to soul music's golden era. Prepare to be swept away on a groovy odyssey with one of the most sensational and enchanting soul bands from the Netherlands!

From the very first note, The Tibbs’ musical prowess exudes a soulful, funky energy. Among the 12 new tracks on Keep it To Yourself, the high-energy stomper “Ain’t It Funny” sets the tone for the entire album. The New Orleans funk inspired “Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks” and “Chicken Bones, are followed by the ballad “In Orbit” and the Ethio-groove style floor-filler "Give Me A Reason" which in turn allow singer Roxanne Hartog to show off her impressive vocal range. The latter should go down a storm at Northern soul all-nighters. 

Based around Amsterdam, The Tibbs is a group of seasoned musicians who draw inspiration from the timeless music of the 1960s, channeling the emotional depth and raw authenticity of that era’s classics. Led by their charismatic female vocalist and backed by a powerhouse lineup of drums, guitar, bass, organ and a three-piece horn section, they have been wowing audiences with their live performances.

The Tibbs took off in 2012, working right from the start with producer Paul Willemsen (Beans & Fatback, Lefties Soul Connection, Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions). Milan-based Record Kicks, always on the lookout for rising talent with something new to offer, released The Tibbs' head-turning opening salvo Takin’ Over in 2016. In late 2018, singer Elsa Bekman decided to focus on a solo career and The Tibbs duly began their search for a worthy successor, bringing astonishing vocalist Roxanne Hartog into the fold for The Tibbs' 2020 sophomore smash, Another Shot Fired. Now, with their third album Keep It to Yourself, a testament to their dedication to keeping the soulful spirit alive, The Tibbs are poised to fulfill the promise of their debut.

Get a copy of Keep It To Yourself by The Tibbs from Record Kicks right here. Watch their videos for "Ain't It Funny" and the Ethio-style swinger "Give Me A Reason" followed by a performance at Oerkroeg Schiller in Aalten, Netherlands below.

The BlueBeaters vs. Franco Micalizzi

The BlueBeaters have just released a limited 45 version of their ska update of Franco Micalizzi's classic "Trinity" theme.

Get a copy of The BlueBeaters single on their Caribb Roots label via the Record Kicks site right here. 

Second season of Italian police drama BLANCA kicks off with new Calibro 35 OST

The new season of BLANCA comes with an impressively diverse new Calibro 35 soundtrack set for release December 1st. 

Here's the scoop...

Italian cult cinema crew  CALIBRO 35 has just announced the release of their original soundtrack for the second season of BLANCA, the Italian police drama series directed by Jan Maria Michelini & Michele Soavi and produced by Lux Vide in collaboration with Rai Fiction. The soundtrack will be released worldwide on limited edition, crystal clear LP on December 1st via the Milan-based Record Kicks label. You can pre-order it now via Bandcamp right here. 

The thrilling new episodes of BLANCA Season 2, which began airing on Rai 1 on October 5, continues the successful first season which were broadcast worldwide on Netflix, M6 France and Telecinco Spain. 

Accompanying the popular series is once again the original music of CALIBRO 35 the Italian cult cinema combo with a global fan base that includes Dr.Dre, Jay-z and Damon Albarn. Made up of 20 tracks in total, the OST was entirely composed by CALIBRO 35 who developed the sound universe of BLANCA: an impressive mix of instrumental and choral work, which has engaged every facet of the band.  

"In the first season, we had to build the sound from scratch and create a musical world consistent with the ideas of (director and showrunner) Jan Michelini; this time, however, we had to develop the already existing world further, in order to describe the new stories and new characters of the second season. There were undiscovered musical territories, that forced us to step out of our comfort zone." 

Along with a heavy dose of Calibro's signature funk grooves on tracks such as "Badanti, "Carignano" (listen below), "Cambio di Stagione" and "Sampierdarena," the BLANCA second season OST comes with more moody and soulful tunes, world music, opera and darker moves à la John Carpenter. Essential contributions were made by Arya, MEI and Tahnee Rodriguez on the opening and end titles, Francesca Biliotti - mezzo soprano of the Monteverdi Choir, Valeria Sturba - exceptional multi-instrumentalist of the avant-garde music group OoopopoiooO, Rahma Hafsi and Elisa Zoot. 

Described by Rolling Stone as "the most fascinating, retro-maniac and genuine thing that has happened to Italy in the past few years."Milan-based Calibro 35 enjoy a worldwide reputation as one of the coolest bands around. Active since 2007, they've been sampled by Dr. Dre ("One Shot One Kill" feat. Snoop Dogg), Jay Z ("Picasso Baby"), Damon Albarn ("One Day") and Demigodz ("The Summer Of Sam"). They played major venues and festivals all over Europe and have collaborated with PJ Harvey, Mike Patton, John Parish, Stewart Copeland and Rokia Traoré. 

The BLANCA television series is just the latest of many recording projects for Calibro 35. Last June, the band released their eigth studio album, Nouvelles Aventures, recorded in Naples at Auditorium Novecento. 

"After a couple of intense and stimulating years playing Morricone's music live and writing for the TV drama BLANCA, we were inspired to make new music. To do so, we left home and we shut ourselves up in the splendid space-time capsule that is the Auditorium Novecento studio. The result is a series of musical voyages in which we concentrated all our artistic and human experiences. As in Jules Verne's extraordinary journeys, we explored distant places where we had never been before. We then returned to more familiar shores and discover them with new eyes without realizing it. We borrowed the title Nouvelles Aventures from György Ligeti, precisely because after fifteen years of building ourselves, we are ready for new adventures." 

Get a copy of Calibro 35's Nouvelles Aventures right here. Listen to a couple of tracks from the BLANCA second season OST following the trailer clip below. 

Record Kicks reissuing Baby Charles' deep funk debut on vinyl

Baby Charles' 2008 debut album is being re-released in an edition of 1,000 copies on March 17th but you can pre-order it now. 

Here's the scoop from Record Kicks HQ...

Record Kicks is unleashing a limited-run “15th anniversary” edition of British outfit Baby Charles’ self-titled deep funk debut album on vinyl – juat 1,000 copies – and a digital deluxe version with bonus tracks on March 17th.

Together with Nicole Willis And The Soul Investigators’ “Keep Reachin’ Up” album, 2008’s Baby Charles debut LP is the album that defined the European funk scene of the 2000s. Mojo Magazine described them as “the most likely candidates to lead the Deep funk scene” after hearing the album. Driven by the single “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor”, an afro-funk cover of the Arctic Monkey’s hit, the LP went rapidly sold out, it was never been repressed and it now changes hands for ludicrous sums on the web. English writer, DJ, and television presenter Mark Lamarr, who wrote on the album’s liner notes to “file it amongst your funk classics”, invited the band to BBC’s Maida Vale Studios, where they recorded a legendary live session for his BBC Radio 2 God’s Jukebox show. In France, the album benefited from a massive support from legendary Radio Nova station thanks to its”Nova Aime” campaign. Unfortunately, the band split up in 2011 when they were about to enter the studio for their highly anticipated follow-up. 

The 15th anniversary edition will hit the streets on March 17th as a limited-edition LP and a deluxe digital edition featuring two bonus tracks: “Time Wasting,” which displays the heavier psychedelic edge of Baby Charles, with an unstoppable chugging groove, a heavy horn-led break, and climatic chorus to finish the track off, and “Jackson Fingers,” for which the band created a brand-new groove that could work just as well as a sixties soundtrack or as a dance-floor friendly slab of soul-jazz.

The “Baby Charles” album was originally released on March 10th, 2008 and followed three heavyweight 45s, all of which found regular rotation in funk spots around the globe. On the album, Soul diva Dionne Charles delivers her unique, self-penned stunning vocal performance, while the band lays down the heavy funk grooves. Throughout the 12 tracks, the combo displays a range of styles, which reflect their diverse influences. There’s the Latin-inspired bass groove in “Treading Water”, the Meter’s style funk of “Invisible”, the James Brown influence on “Hard Man” and “No Controlling Me”, the afrofunk of “I Bet You Look Good On The Danceflloor,” there’s even some Egyptian jazz thrown in the mix on the instrumental track “The Sphinx” and a deep soul version of DJ Shadow's “This Time.” The result is a must-have album for diggers, djs and funk and soul fans. 

Pre-order the Baby Charles 15th Anniversary reissue right here. Check out Baby Charles' version of the Arctic Monkeys' "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" along with the two digital bonus tracks "Time Wasting" and "Jackson Fingers" below. 

Whatitdo Archive Group releases live EP

Check out the Whatitdo Archive Group performing "Ethiopian Airlines" in their studio off the Black Stone Affair album. 

Here's the scoop from Record Kicks...

On the heels of their critically-acclaimed 2021 debut LP, “The Black Stone Affair”, Whatitdo Archive Group is back serving up three exclusive live performances recorded directly to tape at their Reno, NV studio. The EP will be available on May 6th from all digital platforms.

 

Known formally as a recording collective, this secretive west-coast based team allows us a rare glimpse into a thrilling, live take on their now cult-classic record. Typically, studio projects aren't easily replicated in a live environment, but that's not the case with this flawless three song performance. Featuring the primary W.A.G. rhythm section of Alexander Korostinsky (bass), Mark Sexton (guitar), Aaron Chiazza (drums) and Christopher Sexton (keyboards) we are introduced to their small but ferocious horn section, percussionist and auxiliary keyboardist who hoist the arrangements to new heights, making these performances both authentic and unique in contrast to their intricate, refined studio version counterparts.

 

The band once again leaves no stone unturned in regards to their unique approach to production value and creative recording techniques. "We use a mix of period correct analog recording gear and time-tested studio tricks to help us achieve the sonic qualities we enjoy so much in older recordings" says Korostinsky of the process.

 

Songs like “Blood Chief” offer the listener an insight into how this band can quickly operate as a classic funk-driven powerhouse– the horn section perfectly on cue with the band as they burn through this '70s steeped cut that will make any fan of Incredible Bongo Band or Ennio Morricone's signature western compositions very happy. The French horror infused “La Pietra” demonstrates a darker, moodier side featuring spiraling piano, deep ominous baritone guitar and trademark harpsichord lines. This live EP wouldn't be complete without the inclusion of their ethio-jazz classic “Ethiopian Airlines” performed with the same brooding intensity as their studio cut. 

Get a copy of Whatitdo Archive Group's new 3-song live EP via Bandcamp right here. Watch their performance of "Ethiopian Airlines" below. 

 

 

Muscovite funk crew The Diasoncs knock out new 45 for Record Kicks

Here's the scoop...

Welcome to the Russian cinematic sound of The Diasonics: a mix of infectious grooves, instrumental hip-hop and soviet psychedelia. The limited edition 45 vinyl featuring the Moscow-based band's first captivating single "Gurami" on side A and the instrumental soul track "Gradients" on the flipside is out now in a limited vinyl edition of only 500 copies. Listen to both sides of the 45 below. 

The Diasonics will also release their debut album "Origin of Forms" on January 28th on LP, CD and digital format which you can pre-order right here. Read all about it after the clips. 

The Diasonics – Origin of Forms (Record Kicks)

Welcome to "hussar funk", that's what The Diasonics call their music: a style that blends infectious deep funk instrumentals, East European flavours, hip-hop rhythms and psychedelia. Firmly rooted in the late 60s and early 70s, their debut album "Origin of Forms" was recorded on an 8-channel Japanese Otari MX-5050 MK III tape recorder at The Diasonics HQ's Magnetone Studio in Moscow and was mixed by Henry Jenkins (The Cactus Channel / Karate Boogaloo) in Melbourne. All the band's influences are well reflected in the heavy cinematic sound of the 12 tracks of their debut LP. 

From the Eastern funk atmosphere of tracks such as "Almandine" and "Salmanazar" to the trip-hoppish solid groove of "Spiders" and "Andromeda"; from the 70s heavy cinematic moods of "Origin" and "Affair", to instrumental soul gems such as "Kayana" and "Balance", "Origin of Forms" has the power to hypnotize you, captivating you from start to finish. Built on dope funk (in the truest sense), supplemented by raw soul and deep wicked Eastern grooves, the 40+ minutes of "Origin Of Forms" can either plunge the listener into a comfortable melancholy, or cause them unstoppable dance impulses. 

The Diasonics are one of the latest additions to the Russian instrumental funk scene. The band was only formed in 2019 and it's made of five young and seriously talented Muscovite musicians: Anton Moskvin (drums), Maxim Brusov (bass guitar), Anton Katyrin (percussion), Daniil Lutsenko (electric guitar) and Kamil Gzizov (keyboards). In just a couple of years the band has amassed a sizeable cult following, releasing a shower of ten celebrated singles on various labels such as Funk Night Records and Mocambo Records. Listen to a preview of the track "Andromeda" below. 

Oakland's Grease Traps releasing Solid Ground album in November

Six years in the making, The Grease Traps' Solid Ground debut album is finally coming out on November 5th.

Here's the scoop...

Solid Ground, the explosive debut album by The Grease Traps, is being released by Record Kicks on November 5th on vinyl, CD and digitally.  

An eight-piece funk combo based in Oakland, CA, The Grease Traps have been active since 2002, with a 45 released on Colemine Records. Now, after six years spent crafting songs, recording and mixing, they are ready to present their first full-length release Solid Ground on the Milan-based Record Kicks label who issued The Grease Traps' limited-run 7" single "Bird of Paradise" b/w "More and More (and More)" in late September.

As avid record collectors and fans of that old school analog sound, The Grease Traps recorded Solid Ground straight to 8-track tape on a Tascam 388 which appears on the album sleeve. Half of the tracks were recorded live at Transistor Sound Studio by soul crooner, Kelly Finnigan, and Ian McDonald where both Kelly and their band, Monophonics cut their last few albums. The other half of the tunes were recorded by Kevin and Aaron at Fifty Filth Studio in Oakland, CA – where the band also rehearses – and was mixed by analog-achiever Sergio Rios of Orgone fame. 

The album's original tunes draw from the Traps' various soul influences ranging from gritty funk ("Bird of Paradise" and "Hungry") to fuzzed-out psychedelic ("Residue") to sweet lowrider soul ("More and More"). The lyrics by lead singer The Gata also don't shy away from pressing issues of the day such as racism in America ("Roots") and finding hope in a world that seems pitted against you (the JB's style "Solid Ground"). The rare funk covers from the album provide a taste of the raw energy one would experience at a Grease Traps live show. The Traps also supplemented their sound with special guests including the Monophonics horns, background vocals from  Bay Area stars, Sally Green and Bryan Dyer, as well as strings arranged by master violist Alyssa Bell. 

The Grease Traps formed back in 2000 when keyboardist, Aaron Julin, answered guitarist Kevin O'Dea's newspaper ad seeking players who were hip to the rare grooves laid down by Blue Note artists such as Grant Green and Lou Donaldson. They quickly formed Groovement, covering the classic tunes by those same artists along with other jazz-funk staples. When their sax player and frontman moved on, they switched gears to form the band, Brown Baggin, getting into the harder funk of the JB's, the Meters, Kool & the Gang, and lesser known acts such as Mickey & the Soul Generation. They also went to school on the rare funk compilations put out by Keb Darge, Jazzman Gerald, and labels like Harmless, Ubiquity, Soul Jazz, and Now-Again. Modern day soul and funk outfits such as Breakestra, the Whitefield Brothers, and the Daptone/Soul Fire crews provided additional inspiration. 

Pre-order a copy of Solid Ground by The Grease Traps via Bandcamp right here.  Check out the Solid Ground preview the "Bird of Paradise" audio clip and a teaser for "More and More" below. 

Record Kicks to issue "lost" soundtrack for The Black Stone Affair

For what is being called a "lost soundtrack," The Black Stone Affair seems oddly contemporary. Read all about it below.  

Here's the scoop from Record Kicks...

For the first time ever, Record Kicks is pleased to announce the release of the long lost soundtrack by Whatitdo Archive Group to the Italian cinematic masterpiece "The Black Stone Affair'' on vinyl, CD and digital format on April 9th. Long thought to be lost alongside the movie itself by the production studio, the soundtrack's master reels were recently recovered and its audio meticulously restored and remastered by J.J. Golden in Ventura, CA. 

The movie itself was understood to be unusual for its time: a globetrotting adventure/western-noir written and directed by aspiring visionary, Stefano Paradisi. Unfortunately for Paradisi, the tragic loss of his masterpiece during a fire also meant the end of his short lived career in movies. People who worked on the film have been cited as saying this film was very ambitious, set to be a turning point in Paradisi’s carrier putting him on the map alongside the likes of Sergio Leone and Antonioni. 

While the movie never saw the light of day, the soundtrack by obscure band Whatitdo Archive Group has thankfully been recovered. The music itself is staggering to hear, each track evoking all the senses almost all at once. "The Black Stone Affair (Main Theme)" sets the story with its dizzying bassline underneath a Morricone-esque harpsichord melody eventually all digressing into a psych-freakout of guitars swirling over what is the overarching motif groove of this iconic soundtrack. 

We then get taken into the giallo-steeped melody of "Blood Chief". What can only be the theme of the antagonist, this cut offers crunchy drum breaks, reverb-drenched bongos and a sinister baritone guitar line that seems to be indicative of its character. "Ethiopian Airlines" transports the movie into exotic lands with its afro-centric rhythms and mysterious horn melody. The search is on for the elusive Black Stone, an artifact so coveted it had been hidden for decades for its fatal power of seduction. For fans of KPM and De Wolfe Music, "Il Furto Di Africo" definitely delivers a similar 'library' flavor popular at the time. Our ears are treated to an ambiguous sense of center. What were Whatitdo Archive Group thinking? There almost seems to be two key centers at once and a slithering flute line blending between both. We can only imagine that the Black Stone was successfully stolen from the small Italian village of Africo with this track. 

We then get taken into the giallo-steeped melody of "Blood Chief". What can only be the theme of the antagonist, this cut offers crunchy drum breaks, reverb-drenched bongos and a sinister baritone guitar line that seems to be indicative of its character. "Ethiopian Airlines" transports the movie into exotic lands with its afro-centric rhythms and mysterious horn melody. The search is on for the elusive Black Stone, an artifact so coveted it had been hidden for decades for its fatal power of seduction. For fans of KPM and De Wolfe Music, "Il Furto Di Africo" definitely delivers a similar 'library' flavor popular at the time. Our ears are treated to an ambiguous sense of center. What were Whatitdo Archive Group thinking? There almost seems to be two key centers at once and a slithering flute line blending between both. We can only imagine that the Black Stone was successfully stolen from the small Italian village of Africo with this track. 

What movie really is complete without a lounge-y Bossa number? "Italian Love Triangle" delivers that sun-soaked Mediterranean romance. Our cunning female lead, Lola, decides the only way she can acquire the Black Stone is to pit the trio of characters against each other with an erotic love triangle she carefully crafts to exploit the vulnerability of Blood Chief and Beaumont Jenkins. "Last Train to Budapest" finds our two male leads in a gun-wielding, high-stakes train chase through the dizzying mountains of Bosnia racing to Hungary's capital city. The music brilliantly calls upon the soundtrack's multiple melodic motifs to all collide into a single stressful heart-racing track sure to put a knot in your stomach. Probably the most unusual song appearing in this soundtrack is the French infused "L'amour au Centre de la Terre", an obvious yet tasteful homage to the composers' musical hero, Alain Goraguer. A lilting monologue is recited by who seems to be Lola, the tragic female lead in "The Black Stone Affair". Her passage speaks of the entangled romance she shares with the other two male leads and her plan to acquire the elusive Black Stone for herself. It's every man (and woman) for themselves! Paranoia and deceit has crept into the minds and motives of our conniving trio. No one can be trusted and false alliances are crumbling from within. 

"The Black Stone Affair (Reprise)" evokes the characters' gut-wrenching feeling with its ever-rising key center. "Farewell Lola" is the saddening funeral dirge and exit of the aforementioned Lola. Sworn enemies Beaumont and Blood Chief stand silently outside the church and watch as Lola's casket is lowered into her untimely grave. This is merely an armistice between the remaining opponents, only to resume after paying their respects to their former 'lover'. A gory fight leaves Blood Chief standing. Beaumont is nowhere to be seen and only a cloud of dust slowly settles into the landscape as the mournful guitar and harmonica of "Beaumont's Lament" plays quietly in the distance. All is not lost. Triumphantly, Beaumont Jenkins stands tall, throws one last devastating blow to Blood Chief leaving him incapacitated. "The Return of Beaumont Jenkins" plays loudly in the face of Blood Chief desperately reaching for the stone only to realize it's a false! Our new hero, Beaumont Jenkins, sustained by Alessandro Alessandroni Jr.'s cinematic whistle, rides away victoriously into the night sky... the Black Stone hidden cleverly in his hat. 

You can pre-order a copy of The Black Stone Affair right here. Watch the trailer below. 

 

Dutch soul crew The Tibbs return with new vocalist and album Nov 20

Singer Roxanne Hartog – who also contributed lyrics for Another Shot Fired – is an impressive addition for The Tibbs.

Dutch vintage soul combo The Tibbs announces the release of “Damaged Heart” b/w "Ball and Chain", the first single taken from the forthcoming album Another Shot Fired. The new single, showcasing the powerful voice of new singer Roxanne Hartog, will be available via Record Kicks on October 9 on all digital platforms and on a limited edition 45 vinyl – check out a preview clip right here. The release of Another Shot Fired will follow on November 20.

The Tibbs' second studio album, Another Shot Fired was recorded during lockdown at Electric Monkey in Amsterdam under the supervision of producer Paul Willemsen (Lefties Soul Connection, Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions) and it introduces a new singer to the project: the young super-talented Roxanne Hartog, who penned the lyrics of most of the songs.

Based around Amsterdam, The Tibbs took off in 2012 working right from the start with producer Paul Willemsen. In 2016 their first LP, "Takin' Over" marked their debut with Milan based imprint Record Kicks. The singles "Next Time" and "The Story Goes" received critical acclaim on radio stations throughout Europe and North America and the 45s flew out the door in record time. The release of "Takin' Over" delivered the band far richer rewards. Playing sold-out venues in both Milan and Frankfurt. The Tibbs' profile rose further still with wonderful festival performances in Germany and Hungary, followed by a successful sold-out tour of Spain. 

In late 2018, lead vocalist Elsa Bekman decided to follow her heart and focus on a solo career. The Tibbs then began their search for a truly worthy successor, which they found in singer/songwriter Roxanne Hartog who auditioned for The Voice of Holland back in 2016 (see below) without success. Their loss is our gain. Another Shot Fired is available for pre-order right here. Check out the album teaser below followed by Rachel singing Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black" from 2017. 

Calibro 35 preview new Momentum album with "Stan Lee"

Calibro 35's forthcoming Momentum album is due out January 24. Check out "Stan Lee" below. 

Watch Calibro 35's new video for Travelers, Explorers

Calibro 35's Travelers, Explorers features vocalist Elisa Zoot with Stingray featuring Serena Altavilla on the flip. 

Calibro 35 marks 10 years with new studio album "Decade"

Calibro 35 – Decade

On February 2, Italian cinematic funk combo Calibro 35 release their much anticipated sixth studio album Decade on Record Kicks – marking their 10-year milestone with with a super-sized line-up, appending the tight Milanese quartet of Massimo Martellotta, Enrico Gabrielli, Luca Cavina and Fabio Rondanini with a full orchestral complement of horns, strings and percussion. Produced and mixed by longtime Calibro 35 studio collaborator, Tommaso Colliva (Phoenix, Franz Ferdinand, Mark Lanegan, Muse, Arto Lindsay) the album brings to bare the enormous wealth of influences accumulated by the individual members over the course of the ensemble's brilliant 10-year run. For more info and pre-ordering information, check out the Calibro 35 bandcamp page right here. Watch the Decade trailer below.

Tanika Charles @ Roy Thomson Hall patio, Wednesday

Watch Tanika's video for "Soul Run" shot on Queen St. West. Her album is out now on Record Kicks. 

Stream Calibro 35's dope new crime funk opus

Calibro 35's Traditori di Tutti was just issued by Record Kicks on clear vinyl. 

Introducing Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers

The 9-piece UK deep soul crew Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers just issued their first single, Work It Out accompanied by a snazzy Bulletproof Tiger video clip (below).  Even though they've unabashedly copped the arrangement of This Is A Man's World for the number,  the fact that they're even aware of James Brown's pre-70s work is a promising sign for a new group these days and bodes well for their forthcoming  debut album A Hill Of Feathers set for release on Record Kicks October 15. Have a look...

LINKS
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