John Craig : Doing My Own Thing

Appears on "Deep Sounds From The Left Of Stax, Vol. 1", a compilation that carries the rare, locally-distributed funk and soul 45s that led the likes of renowned collectors DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist. Over twelve years in the making, this anthology seeks to establish True Soul’s rightful place within America’s funk and soul pantheon.

Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra : Future Ancestors

Almost exactly two years after their debut "The Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra" will release the successor "Towards Other Worlds", out November 26th on First Word Records.
Although their music uses Afrobeat rhythm and language, they also owe part of their sound to the space Jazz pioneers of the 70’s and the free jazz trailblazers of the 60’s. The band have been quoted to credit James Brown and Tony Allen for having a large influence on their music.
The band was founded in 2007 after a series of jam sessions at the Leeds basement bar and music venue 'Sela Bar'. In 2009 after a couple of years defining their sound, the band were signed to independent record label First Word Records
On the 15th of November 2010 the band's self-titled debut album 'Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra' was released on worldwide digital download and CD.

Menahan Street Band : The Crossing

Opening and title track of the new "Menahan Street Band" album released on Daptone Records/The Orchard. Their debut album, "Make the Road by Walking", was released in 2008 on Dunham, a sublabel of Daptone Records, and a favorite of lots of in crowd producers and music lovers. Various songs from "Make the Road by Walking" have been sampled by hip hop artists, including the title track, which was sampled by Jay-Z on the track "Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)...", and "The Traitor", which was sampled by Kid Cudi and by 50 Cent.
The Crossing is more colored with strings wich makes the piece ingenious dramatic more precise than "Make the Road by Walking". Still, the swell of the blazers are so strong they replace the vocal lines that are not there.
"The Crossing" needs more spins than its predecessor but once opened up you'll discover "The Crossing" is an enrichment of one of the strongest contemporary soul catalogs.

Hot 8 Brass Band : Fine Tuner

From the Hot 8 Brass Band’s eagerly awaited second album, ‘The Life And Times Of…’ marks their first full LP since 2007’s highly acclaimed debut ‘Rock With The Hot 8’ put them on the global stage. New Orleans’ Hot 8 Brass Band was founded in 1995 by tuba player Bennie Pete to play brass band music professionally. Although many of the current members began playing together in high school, over time the line-up has inevitably shifted and changed, and continues to do so. But any incarnation of Hot 8 Brass Band will boast eight or nine players of the highest rate, bringing the passion and noise through a bevy of trombones, saxophones, trumpets, snare and bass drums, all buoyed up by the immense tuba basslines of band leader Bennie Pete.