Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: Strut's latest release is a freshly remastered edition of Juju's influential 1974 album Chapter Two: Nia which is bound to excite those looking for a nice copy of this unique record. This reissue shines a spotlight on Juju's unique fusion of Afrocentric jazz and black nationalist poetry, recorded during a transformative period for the band. Founded in San Francisco and relocated to New York in 1972, Jujuiled by James "Plunky" Branchiimmersed themselves in the avant-garde scene, performing at notable venues like Slugs and Ornette Coleman's loft. By 1974, the band had moved to Richmond, Virginia, seeking a creative refuge from New York's high living costs. They settled into what they called the Juju Raga Artist House, a cultural hub that also functioned as the state's first black arts gallery and performance space. Chapter Two: Nia, recorded at Eastern Recording Studios, reflects Juju's commitment to Afrocentric themes and includes a freeform rendition of Pharoah Sanders' 'Black Unity.' The reissue retains the original artwork, adapted from a concert video by Collis Davis, and has been remastered by The Carvery for enhanced sound quality. It also features new liner notes from Plunky Branch, offering deeper insights into the band's revolutionary impact and creative journey.

Review: It's been nearly ten years since the first release of Orlando Julius and The Heliocentrics' first ever collaborative album, Jaiyede Afro, which did thorough justice to the creative possibilities of Nigerian Afrobeat that arguably haven't been represented so well since Fela Kuti's last releases. Deft rhythms, and loosely-laid-down layers of guitar and horn, ride over each other like harmonious, health-giving backings for life across this short statement of nine tracks. Now reissued via Strut, we're reminded of its spiritual mood of tricky electronics and wahhing ambiences, as it slowly expands outwards into a holistic psychedelia, more than the some of its easily discernible parts.

Review: Acclaimed South African folk singer Vusi Mahlasela joined forces with singer songwriter Norman Zulu as well as the superb Swedish jazz and soul collective Jive Connection for this album back in 2002. It was thought to be a lost recording until it recently showed up and now gets fully revived by Strut. There are strong political links between these countries which no doubt adds weight to this musical link up. It is a great exchange of cultures from parables to laments on child abuse to tunes that fuse reggae, jazz and post-punk with township styles.