Review: Resavoir's return is a reflective piece that evokes the haze of distant memories. Originally commissioned by Chicago's Public Media Institute for their 2020 Quarantine Times publication, the track now sees wider release following Resavoir's 2023 self-titled LP which came after their 2019 debut of the same name. Composed by bandleader Will Miller in collaboration with designer Crystal Zapata, it draws inspiration from the 1960s and 70s Italian film composers like Piero Umiliani and Alessandro Alessandroni. The track blends Miller's piano and synthesiser with Lane Beckstrom's double bass and Peter Manheim's drums to make for a wistful, cinematic soundscape.
Review: This is the first-ever reissue of Gianni Marchetti's 1978 LP Solstitium, which was originally released as part of RCA's "Original Cast" series in limited promo copies and has long been considered one of the most rare and enigmatic pieces of Italian library music. Library music was primarily created for television, radio and film but often yielded hidden gems that fused jazz, lounge and soul into storytelling vignettes of sounds. Marchetti's wonderful Solstitium is a prime example of innovation within this space which rightly remains a classic in the history of Italian music.
Review: Gianni Marchetti's 1977-78 LPs Equinox and Solstitium are truly rare gems from Italy's library music scene. Long thought lost, these tracks were unearthed from original DAT tapes and remastered for vinyl. They are loved for their ethereal, imaginative compositions as Marchetti's work blends driving rhythms, lush strings and intoxicating jazz sounds that offer a cinematic, dreamy feel. These albums, previously promotional-only and still highly coveted by collectors, now shine as part of Dialogo's initiative exploring RCA's "Original Cast" series. They lay bare the brilliance of Italian library music.
Review: At 85, free jazz legend Joe McPhee delivers a knockout performance of spoken word improvisation paired with Mats Gustafsson's sparse yet electrifying brass work on this great new long player. This transfixing collaboration is part of Smalltown Supersound's Le Jazz Non series and captures McPhee's lifelong commitment to jazz at its freest. In 11 parts, McPhee reflects on everything from NYC's neon grit to political satire and mixes urgency with dreamlike contemplation. Gustafsson's multi-instrumental approach provides a rich backdrop that allows McPhee's dynamic phrasing to shine. This is both playful and profound.
Review: The sound of Medline exploring the deeper edges of electronic music, crafting a sonic landscape that's both hypnotic and evocative. 'The Edge' is a journey through atmospheric textures, pulsating rhythms and subtle melodies, creating a mesmerising soundscape that's perfect for late-night listening or introspective moments. The production is pristine, with each sound carefully crafted to create a sense of depth and immersion.
Review: The Diamonds Four has seen its share of action of the years, but remains a rare piece of Mario Molino history which is finally available thanks to this Sonor Music effort. One of the most prominent figures in the library sounds world, the Italian composer, musician, and guitarist first released this collection on B.M.P. in the 1970s. It was then reissued on the Music Scene label, rebranded as Action Beat Group, with track titles named and the artist changed to the pseudonym Luigi Ferracioli. All of which only adds to the intrigue surrounding Molino, a name few seem to know much about, but one that has contributed to the development of fizzy pop, hip hop, jazz, funk, and psychedelic rock via forward-thinking arrangements. A hidden gem in the true sense, finally unearthed and polished to its original glory.
Review: The Natural Yogurt Band, purveyors of enigmatic library music, return with their eighth release, a cosmic odyssey that pushes the boundaries of their signature sound. Joined by keyboardist Huw Rees aka The Oracle, the band ventures into a richer galaxy of sonic exploration. 'Projections' sets the stage with its warped organs and gritty drum breaks, while 'Altered States' and 'Bio Morphic Patterns' delve deeper into the cosmic unknown, their swirling melodies and hypnotic rhythms evoking the vastness of space. 'Messages' and 'Nebulous' offer moments of introspection, their ethereal textures and ambient soundscapes creating a sense of otherworldly wonder. On the flipside, 'Perception' and 'Poly Morph' continue the exploration, their pulsating rhythms and experimental soundscapes challenging the listener's perception of reality. 'Existence' and 'Dimensions' close out the journey, their expansive sounds and philosophical undertones leaving a lasting impression. This is a must-listen for those seeking a unique and thought-provoking musical experience.
Review: Oscar 'Sholto' Robertson's album Letting Go of Forever prides itself on being an expansive musical journey, building on the momentum of his critically acclaimed EP 'The Changing Tides Of Dreams'. This 26-track double LP reflects Sholto's rich influences, from Mozart's dramatic 'Lacrimosa' to David Axelrod's eclectic productions. The album's initial tracks, including the evocative 'For The Love Of Stripes' and the atmospheric 'Ligurian Storm', are a signature blend of orchestral and instrumental artistry. 'For The Love Of Stripes' features lush strings and choral elements, interwoven with flutes and percussion to create a nostalgic, dreamy vibe. The track is inspired by the concept of stripes as both a visual divider and a symbol of individuality, which Sholto translates into a stunning musical narrative. 'Ligurian Storm' tells the story of a stormy journey through Italy, combining harp, vibraphone, and synths to evoke the beauty and drama of nature's transformation. Drawing comparisons to the Cinematic Orchestra and Surprise Chef, Sholto's work merges the soulful warmth of jazz and the experimental spirit of 60s and 70s soundtracks. This album should resonate with emotional depth and cinematic flair for anyone who listens.
Review: New novelty operations from Graham David Fellows aka John Shuttleworth, the hit-scoring, Radio 4-starring, organ-stroking Sheffield comic songster formerly known as "Jilted John", who returns with his first album in over seven years. The Pumice Stone & Other Rock Songs' title track sees Shuttleworth urging his new listeners to exfoliate at bathtime with a very particular brand of spongy, hard stone, rather than exfoliant lotion. Such trifles may be the only refuge of a South Yorkshire pop music duffer, whose comedy accent and Yamaha auto-accompaniment feature do seem to be more than enough to entertain the man for a lifetime. Including 'Berlingo', 'Blue Light Kettle', and 'Rapidly Downhill', you're in great, humdrum company here.
Li Li Hua & Yan Hua - "A Thousand Birds Facing The Phoenix" (3:12)
Zhou Xuan - "Age Of Bloom" (2:50)
Bai Guang - "Waiting For Your Return" (3:30)
Wu Yingyin - "The Moonlight Sends My Lovesickness Across A Thousand Miles" (2:21)
Wang Renmei - "Song Of The Fishermen" (2:44)
Yao Lee & Yao Min - "Congratulations, Congratulations" (2:23)
Bai Hong - "Suzhou Nocturne" (3:11)
Zhou Xuan & Han Langen - "Mahjong Classic" (2:35)
Yao Lee - "Lovesick Tears" (3:05)
Gong Qiuxia - "The Girl By The Autumn Water" (2:40)
Yuan Meiyun - "The Most Beautiful Boy" (2:38)
Zhou Xuan & Yan Hua - "New Life Of Love" (3:03)
Yao Lee & Yao Min - "Oh Susan" (3:15)
Du Jie - "Chinese New Year Song" (3:32)
Zhang Jing, Zhou Xuan & Li Mingjian - "Bells" (3:00)
Qu Yunyun - "Simple Life" (2:48)
Liu Qi - "Tired Of Dancing" (2:59)
Bai Guang - "Expectation" (3:09)
Review: We bloody love the Death Is Not The End label. It's the sort of outlet that vinyl lovers fawn over because it only deals in fascinating sounds from lesser-known musical worlds. Enter this latest project: Shidaiqu, meaning "songs of the era," emerged in 1920s Shanghai as a fusion of Western pop, jazz, blues and Hollywood soundtracks with traditional Chinese elements. This hybrid genre shaped a golden age of Chinese popular music and film during the pre-Communist interwar period. This record anthologises shidaiqu's evolution, from Li Jinhui's pioneering 1927 song 'Drizzle' sung by his daughter Li Minghui to polished 1930s-40s works by the Seven Great Singing Stars, including Zhou Xuan and Bai Guang. A wonderful trip into the unknown.
Klaus Back & Tini Beier - "Submerged Cultures" (2:38)
Silvia Sommer - "Tinguely" (1:58)
Review: Zyklus shows his compiler's class and deep knowledge here as he dives into the world of library and archive music with a distinctive edge. These sounds all come from the Arcadai vaults and take in some magnificently obscure and intriguing 1980's electronica. All the tracks are short sketches but are packed with evocative imagery, raw machine energy and gnarly basslines. There are also eerie ambient pieces, heavy industrial percussion and are playful radiophonics that make for a unique listen and will help you colour your sets and radio shows with great little vignettes.
Review: Marc Mac's Def Radio marks the return of the Visioneers project and another superb fusion of live instrumentation with hip-hop's signature swing. True to Visioneers' style, the album reimagines classics or crafts new songs and often rebuilds them around central samples. Unlike the rigid swing of sample placement, Def Radio boasts grooves that feel naturally drummed in which brings a nice organic touch. Lead track 'The Look of Love' shines with its minimalist three-note motif and relaxed rhythm while standout tracks like 'Layin' Low, Gettin' High' and 'Cuban Candy Sticks' further elevate this collection which is a soulful exploration of the dual live and sampled essence of hip-hop.
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