Back catalogue:

Review: Enja Records was founded in Munich in the early 70s by jazz devotees Matthias Winckelmann and Horst Weber. Given a co-sign by the always on-point BBE and IF Music founder Jean-Claude, the label is now enjoying a retrospective compilation which seeks to celebrate the best of their golden years. Featuring performances by John Stubblefield, Bobby Hutcherson, Harold Land, Don Cherry, Cecil McBee and Pharoah Sanders collaborator Marvin Hannibal Peterson to name but a few, this collection provides a great jumping-off point for Enja's rich and diverse back catalogue. It may only be an introduction to a vast pool of music, but it's curated with authority by a dedicated head, so you know you're getting a shortcut to the best the label has to offer.

Review: Renowned DJ and selector MURO is a Jedi-level compiler and this new collection of his delves into Victor's extensive archives to spotlight a world of Japanese jazz, fusion and AOR. It take sin plenty of internationally known names like Yasuko Agawa on the sunset sounds of 'L.A. Night', Sadistics who offers the more psyched out guitar leans of 'On the Seashore', Yuji Ohno's neo-Balaeric bliss-out 'The Dawn of Seychells' and Hiroshi Fukumura's soul soothing Ry Ayres-style melodies on 'White Clouds.' These are luxurious sounds and timeless tracks with MURO's signature funky perspective making this a brillaint choice for brighter, warmer days.

Review: Fourth Wave's latest compilation feels like a musical postcard from Japan's vibrant underground, gliding through genres with effortless charm. Mari Nakamoto's 'Day Dreaming' sets a tranquil mood with her airy vocals drifting over soft, dreamy instrumentals. Yudai Suzuki's 'Midnight Calling' brings smoky sax riffs and laid-back grooves, perfect for late-night introspection. Yasuhiro Abe's 'Night Fish' dives into psychedelic waters, swirling with hypnotic melodies and unpredictable rhythms. Maki Asakawa's 'Kohi Hitotsu' radiates raw emotion, her voice rich with longing. Yuji Ozeki's 'Futaribun No Yume' blends traditional Japanese sounds with modern electronics, crafting a sound both timeless and futuristic. Jin Kirigaya's 'Matenro Monogatari' closes the collection with cinematic depth, its sweeping arrangement lingering long after the final note.

Review: The Three Blind Mice compilation, curated by DJ and producer Tatsuo Sunaga, offers a brilliant overview of the iconic Japanese jazz label's legacy. This double album set brings together some of the most influential tracks from the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting the label's pivotal role in revitalising the Japanese jazz scene. Founded by Takeshi Fujii, TBM aimed to be Japan's answer to Blue Note, and it succeeded by delivering impeccable sound quality and showcasing innovative talent. With standout artists like Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Isao Suzuki, this compilation features exceptional performances, such as 'Nardis' by Masabumi Kikuchi, 'A Green Caterpillar' by Masaru Imada Trio, and 'Feel Like Makin' Love' by Isao Suzuki Sextet. The selection spans ballads, bebop, and more avant-garde sounds, reflecting the label's diverse offerings. What sets this compilation apart is the meticulous mastering by Isao Kikuchi and cutting by Katsutoshi Kitamura, ensuring the original recordings' clarity is preserved. The gatefold packaging, complete with an OBI strip and liner notes by Takao Ogawa, adds historical depth, making this a great set to have. This collection encapsulates the vibrant spirit of "Wa Jazz" and also shows TBM's profound influence on Japanese jazz.

Review: This soundtrack is a classy melange of blues, jazz and rock that all perfectly capture the sultry atmosphere of Dennis Hopper's neo-noir classic of the same name. Set in a small Texas town, the film follows drifter Harry Madox as he becomes entangled in a web of seduction and deceit and the moody cinematography and gripping narrative are elevated by this electrifying score. Legends of their game like Miles Davis, John Lee Hooker, Taj Mahal and Earl Palmer all feature with sparse, eerie and deeply evocative overtones. For that reason, this one is much sought after and has retained its smoky allure 35 years after its original release.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***


This soundtrack is a classy melange of blues, jazz and rock that all perfectly capture the sultry atmosphere of Dennis Hopper's neo-noir classic of the same name. Set in a small Texas town, the film follows drifter Harry Madox as he becomes entangled in a web of seduction and deceit and the moody cinematography and gripping narrative are elevated by this electrifying score. Legends of their game like Miles Davis, John Lee Hooker, Taj Mahal and Earl Palmer all feature with sparse, eerie and deeply evocative overtones. For that reason, this one is much sought after and has retained its smoky allure 35 years after its original release.

Review: The Nuggets series first landed in the 70s as an early example of the kind of 'diggers delight' compilations that looked deep into hidden corners to find rare, unfathomable sonic treats. The focus of these albums was the 60s psychedelic explosion, when every town was teeming with kids in garages experimenting with music (and, er, possibly the odd refreshment or two). Volume two of the series is just as seminal as volume one, as we get treated to some seriously heady gear from helices of The Lovin' Spoonful and The Sonics amongst many other lesser-spotted gems.

Review: Light in the Attic Record's Even the Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996 is a landmark collection chronicling Ukraine's rich musical history, from the Soviet era to the years after the USSR's collapse. The compilation spans rare folk, rock, jazz, and electronic tracks, with music often dissenting subtly from Soviet norms. Curated by producers Matt Sullivan, David Mas, and others, it reflects five years of dedication, culminating in a significant shiftipolitics surrounding the Russian invasion led the team to focus solely on Ukrainian music. Guiding the album is Kyiv-based filmmaker and DJ Vitalii "Bard" Bardetskyi, whose liner notes provide deep insights into each track. Songs include Kobza's 1971 instrumental waltz Bunny, blending traditional Ukrainian folk with rock and jazz, and Vodohrai's Caribbean-influenced Remembrance from the late 70s. The compilation also captures Ukraine's underground scene in the 80s and 90s, when artists experimented with electronic music and post-punk. Other Highlights include Vadym Khrapachov's synth-heavy score ;Dance', Cukor Bila Smert's 1995 experimental track 'Cool, Shining', and the jungle/drum-n-bass rhythms of Marble Sleeves' 'Lion' from 1996. This collection honors Ukraine's vibrant sonic heritage, documenting the resilience and creativity of its artists during times of immense upheaval. Have a look at the attention to detail on the packaging. A true history lesson.

Review: Even the Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996 stands as a monumental collection, capturing the evolution of Ukraine's music from the Soviet era to the dawn of independence. This compilation, meticulously assembled by Matt Sullivan and producers David Mas, Mark McNeill, and Shukai Records, offers an unprecedented glimpse into Ukraine's rich musical heritage. The collection spans from Soviet-era folk and rock to underground electronic experiments, reflecting both political dissent and creative evolution. Through rare tracks from folk-rock group Kobza's 'Bunny' to the Caribbean-tinged 'Remembrance' by Vodohrai, the compilation showcases a diverse array of genres and influences. The 80s and 90s contributions highlight Ukraine's vibrant underground scene, featuring experimental sounds like Vadym Khrapachov's synth-driven 'Dance' and Radiodelo's industrial '90'. This vinyl edition features Maria Prymachenko's folk art that really compliments the package well. Vitalii Bardetskyi's insightful liner notes offer context and depth, framing the music within the broader scope of Ukrainian history and resilience. This compilation not only preserves a pivotal era of Ukrainian music but also contributes to the ongoing recovery of the region.