Omar – The Man(Album)Freestyle Records July 1st

Legendary multi talented UK vocalist and newly M.B.E awarded Omar releases his brand new studio album – ‘The Man’ on 1st July on Freestyle Records.

There are precious few, if any contemporary UK artists whose creative credentials and influence extend as far and so consistently wide as Freestyle Records most recent signing Omar. Since first breaking through to worldwide renown all the way back in 1991 with his first releases on Gilles Petersons seminal Talking Loud label, and going onto work with all manner of musical legends including a certain Stevie, Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Syreeta Wright, Common, and Carleen Anderson. With willing, enthusiastic and supportive collaborators like that, it’s undeniable that Omar maintains his reputation as a soul music Don par excellence.

Fast forward to 2013, and Omar’s reputation for being a thoroughly original artist following his own individual path remains undiminished. After recently picking up an M.B.E for his outstanding contribution to the UK music scene, even the British Establishment has now acknowledged what many already appreciated & understood for many years.

And in a most timely fashion, Omar returns with a brand new album that many say is without doubt the strongest of his entire career. The buzz generated by the single release of the albums title track ‘The Man’ (FSR099) confirmed beyond doubt that Omar is very much at the top of his game, with everyone from 6 Music’s' Gilles Peterson, Radio 2′s Trevor Nelson and Jamie Cullum giving both major support and high praise for the simply magnificent new high point for Omar’s renowned ability to write devastatingly catchy melodies, coupled with the more live, funkier production exemplified by this brand new, yet already classic song.

Across the rest of this new album, the musical treats just keep coming and are too many to list! Opener ‘Simplify’ sets the template, with its luscious & majestic, string backed introduction raising the curtain on this deep, hard grooving number which gives Omar the chance to display the full range and capacity of his unique voice.

Getting down and dirty, Omar joins forces with Germany’s Hidden Jazz Quartett on High Heels, growling organ spars with the tough, jagged drum beat on this tough, funk driven collaboration, the story of a man who knows his woman is doing him wrong which is ‘making him crazy’ and is reflected in the contrasting dark & uplifting passages on this killer groove.

Latin textures & rhythms have always been part of Omar’s far reaching musical vocabulary, and within this collection and on Come On Speak To Me and Ordinary Day restless south American beats underpin the crisp and fresh melodies, with the latter track evoking samba fuelled, carnival vibes that simply sizzle with energy, and will wear out discerning dance-floors for years to come for certain.

Soul II Souls’ Caron Wheeler distinctive voice features on the duet Treat You, a tale of troubled love that is mirrored by the delicate, subtle beats and minimal backing which allows these 2 legendary voices unite beautifully.

Completing the circle that began all the way back in the early 1990′s Omar has re recorded his classic love song ‘There’s Nothing Like This’, which this time features bass player to the Gods Pino Palladino.

The touching sentiment remains undiminished, but the addition of soaring strings, soulful, jazzy horns, a vibrant live & acoustic feel, and an extended and new arrangement, Omar has done the impossible; improved upon the un-improvable, that is likely to become the definitive version of an already much adored classic.

This release will surely become known as his most eclectic, confident, mature and soulful album of his career. After all, Stevie Wonder knows, Erykah Badu knows….and now everyone knows, Omar is The Man.

ALBUM: THE MAN
ARTIST: OMAR
RELEASE DATE: MONDAY 1st JULY
LABEL: FREESTYLE RECORDS

ALBUM TRACK LISTINGS:

 

1.    Simplify

2.    The Man

3.    Come On Speak To Me

4.    I Can Listen

5.    Bully ft.The Scratch Professor

6.    Treat You ft Caron Wheeler

7.    Fuck War, Make Love

8.    High Heels ft. Hidden Jazz Orchestra

9.    I Love Being With You

10. There’s Nothing Like This ft. Pino Palladino

11. Eeni Meeni Myni Mo

12. When You Touch We Touch

13.  Ordinary Day

 

Omar – The Man (single) at EMN Chart HERE

FORTHCOMING TOUR DATES:

Thursday 27th June - Official album launch – Jazz Cafe – London

 

Friday 28th June - Official album launch party – Jazz Cafe – London

“When I grow up, I wanna be like Omar” Stevie Wonder 

 

“Omar is one of my favourite artists.. ever” Erykah Badu

 

‘The leading light in British Soul music, he always went a bit different with his productions – properly outernational’ Gilles Peterson, 6 Music

http://www.omarmusic.co.uk/

Alice Russell – Heartbreaker (Falty DL Remix)(Stream)

With only weeks away from the release of her 5th album ‘To Dust‘ (4/30 on Tru Thoughts/Caroline) and the commencement of her US tour,  Alice Russell delivers a remix from one of the most in demand remixers out; Falty DL, a favorite of Radiohead’s Thom York, Falty DL has opened for the likes of Radiohead, DJ Shadow, James Blake, SBTRKT,Squarepusher and has crafted remixers for The xx, Seun Kuti (son of Fela Kuti), Mount Kimbie, Scuba, Photek, Anthony Shake Shakir and others.

 

Falty DL’s rework of Alice Russell’s “Heartbreaker” is an intoxicating blend of 2-step influenced vibes with Alice’s piercingly haunting vocals.

Listen

Download Alice Russell “Twin Peaks” HERE

The video for the original “Heartbreaker” is directed by Steve Glashier (Fatboy Slim, Juliette Lewis) and stars long-time Alice fan Harry Shearer, the Hollywood actor and cult comedy hero known for roles including Spinal Tap’s Derek Smalls, many voices in The Simpsons, and for his long running radio show on LA’s KCRW.

 

 

Dimensions Festival 2013-Mount Kimbie, Brandt Brauer Frick & Gilles Peterson among new names announced

Mount Kimbie, Gilles Peterson, Brandt Brauer Frick, Space Dimension Controller, Skudge & King Midas Sound among new names added to the line-up for September’s festival in Pula, Croatia

Mount Kimbie / Gilles Peterson / Brandt Brauer Frick
Skudge – live / Martyn / Petar Dundov / Zed Bias / King Midas Sound / Blawan /  Andreya Triana / Space Dimension Controller / Evian Christ / Dark Sky / Ilija Rudman / fLako / Ossie / Krystal Klear / Funkineven / Locked Groove / Ron Morelli / Anthony Naples / Kutmah / Illum Sphere / Kidkanevil / Wbeeza / Call Super / Tall Black Guy / Locked Groove / Loxy / Truss / Yosi Horikawa / Jackson Blumenthal / Pedestrian / Guy Andrews / Barker / Eddy Ramich  / Hiatus & Shura / Alex Coulton / Ant TC1 / LX One / Chris Farrell / Werkha / Bearcubs / Pale / T-Man/ Homeboy / Jon K / Jonny Dub / SP: MC / Eton Messy DJs / CFSN DJs / Sergej Snooze / Arszenik / Bebetto / Voyeur / Pytzek  / Mislav  / Iggy Dub / Zero / Mimi / Labud / Ganik / Novell / Franic Mario / Rich Reason

Set in the beautiful location of an abandoned 19th century fort, Croatia’s premium showcase of the world’s best underground electronic music, Dimensions Festival adds new names to 2013’s bill. Returning to Croatia will be electronic auteurs Mount Kimbie, tastemaker extraordinaire Gilles Peterson, acoustic techno purveyors Brandt Brauer Frick, garage stalwart Zed Bias, Hyperdub’s King Midas Sound and many more. They will be joining the plethora of previously announced talent including Model 500, Theo Parrish, Moodyman, Dave Clarke, Daphni, Tony Allen, Mala in Cuba, Derrick May, Pantha Du Prince, Ben Klock, Omar S and Dixon.

In addition to the progressive and exciting line-up Dimensions has to offer, the festival’s venue is unlike any other in the world.  Taking place in a 19th Century Fort originally built by the Austrians to defend what was their main naval port, Fort Punta Christo with its courtyard, moat, ballroom and dungeon, feels like a re-discovered forgotten world that is transformed into magical venues for the duration of the festival. The city of Pula, in the stunning region of Istria in Croatia, is steeped in history and home to many ancient Roman buildings, including the magnificent amphitheatre, offering festival goers beautiful and unspoiled natural surroundings to enjoy in addition to the festivals vibe and music.

Partnering with some of the world’s most progressive labels including Eglo, Aus, Hypercolour, Non-Plus, Dial, Hessle Audio, Ostgut, Exit, Leisure Systems and Tri- Angle, Dimensions Festival looks set to cement its status as a credible and distinctive festival for 2013 and beyond. With many names still to be confirmed, Dimensions will be making more announcements throughout 2013, with details of boat parties still to be revealed.

 

Previously confirmed artists:

      MODEL 500 (Live) / THEO PARRISH / MOODYMANN
DAVE CLARKE / DAPHNI 

 TONY ALLEN (Live) / MALA IN CUBA (Live)  / DERRICK MAY / PANTHA DU PRINCE (Live)  BEN KLOCK / OMAR S / DIXON / HYPE WILLIAMS / FLOATING POINTS / BENJI B / BODDIKA  SURGEON / TIKIMAN LIVE + SCION (PERFORMING RHYTHM & SOUND) / MALA – DIGITAL MYSTIKZ / LOEFAH / PEARSON SOUND / BEN UFO / JETS (Live) / JIMMY EDGAR / MR SCRUFF / PORTICO QUARTET (Live) / LEVON VINCENT / STEFFI / ROMAN FLUGEL / NORMAN NODGE / BICEP / MOSCA / MACHINEDRUM / PANGAEA / MARCELLUS PITTMAN  ANDRES / RICK WHILITE / WILL SAUL AKA CLOSE / THE INVISIBLE (Live) / PROSUMER / LAWRENCE  EFDEMIN / JOHN ROBERTS / GERD JANSON /  MARK E / MOVE D / MIKE DEHNERT / DBRIDGE / MARCUS INTALEX / PARIAH / MIDLAND / HUXLEY / DEMDIKE STARE / BLACKEST EVER BLACK / ALEXANDER NUT / FATIMA / ANDREW ASHONG / DEGO / SOULPHICTION / ANALOGUE / COPS (Live) / JOHN HECKLE / IRATION STEPPAS / STUBBORN HEART (Live) / VESSEL / OLIVIER DAYSOUL / DENSE & PIKA (Live) / MUNGO’S HIFI / AUTHOR (Live) / XXXY / PATRICE SCOTT / JAY DANIEL / MATTHEW HALSALL TRIO / LeFtO / WIFE / FRACTURE / ROMARE / ELIPHINO / SOUTH LONDON ORDNANCE / ARP 101 / ENDIAN / MOXIE / JOE ROLET / ENIS

http://www.dimensionsfestival.com/

Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators – Tortured Soul

Release: 2013-03-04
Keep Reachin’ Up drew praise from the media and audiences around the globe. The first single, If This Ain’t Love, became a dance floor hit from New York clubs to the UK’s northern soul circles. The second hit single, Feeling Free, was chosen as the Track Of The Year by the renowed music connoisseur Gilles Peterson in his Worldwide Awards in 2006. Keep Reachin’ Up was also listed among the Urban Albums Of The Year by Mojo magazine.The shining stars of contemporary soul music, Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators, re-emerge with their much anticipated album Tortured Soul on the Timmion Records label. The new album presents a new personal sound for the group, that was first heard in 2005 with their debut album Keep Reachin’ Up.

Naturally, this new album has all the qualities that made their cardinal album a worldwide smash; the raw production techniques of Didier Selin, Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators’ unique songwriting and self-styled musicianship, and the sultry stylings of Pekka Kuusisto‘s string arrangements. Several tracks also feature horn arrangements and playing by the multi-talented jazz musician, Jimi Tenor. An equally new turn is the dusky sound of these raw tracks, which could be compared to the era when Motown stepped from their 1960s pop sound to more progressive times.

Download:Alice Russell “Twin Peaks”

BRITISH SOUL SENSATION ALICE RUSSELL TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM

‘TO DUST’ COMES OUT ON APRIL 30 (NEW US RELEASE DATE)

 ON TRU THOUGHTS

‘To Dust’ is the first solo album from British soul sensation, Alice Russell since 2008’s critically acclaimed ‘Pot Of Gold,’ and marks the next step forward in her remarkable career. Whether on a big stage with her 16 piece band, charming a crowd of 4000 into staying out dancing in the rain (as she did at Montreal Jazz Festival) or rocking out an intimate club with a stripped-down six piece,Alice’s natural talent and charisma have always commanded attention and affection. Unfazed by taking to the spotlight after a sober Amy Winehouse or joining Roy Ayers live for ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’, it is no wonder she has attracted worldwide media support, and praise from fans as diverse as Gilles Peterson, David Byrne, Dennis Coffey, Massive Attack’s Daddy G, and Groove Armada.

Tru Thoughts have recently announced the signing of this new solo material for territories including the UK, Americas, Australasia and Japan; reuniting Alice Russell with the label that introduced her to the world, and where she released her first three albums, as well as myriad collaborations since (including the highly acclaimed, BBC 6Music Playlisted “Look Around The Corner” single and album with Quantic earlier this year).

VIDEO: Alice Live on BBC6

Download:Alice Russell  ”Twin Peaks”

Hundred Strong & Joseph Malik – All Aint the Same

Release (digital):2013-02-11
Genre:Soul/R&B
Label:High Noon
Format(s):DIGI
Cat #:HNLP002

All Ain’t The Same is a collaboration between Bristol producer Ben Dubuisson, AKA Hundred Strong, and Glasgow singer/songwriter Joseph Malik. Having recorded the title track, All Ain’t The Same, for previous label Altered Vibes some seven years previously, the full length collaboration has been some time in the making. However, it was only a chance conversation early in 2012 between Dubuisson and Malik that led to an exchange of ideas and the completion of the long vaunted project.

Working from his basement studio in central Bristol, Dubuisson sent instrumental files to Malik who drew upon his years of musical and life experiences to create a soulful yet cutting sound. The process was then completed with the addition of live musicians, including Kasbian trumpeter Gary Alesbrook and long time Hundred Strong hammond player Evan Newman. Finally, Dubuisson introduced Malik to fellow Glasgow singerLouise Berry, AKA Lou Angel, who was brought in as backing singer. Through their vocal collaborations a relationship developed which resulted in them getting together outside of the studio. Is there strength in numbers? In this case the collaboration of Hundred Strong and Joseph Malik proves there is.

The single, All Ain’t The Same, was featured on Giles Peterson’s Worldwide BBC radio show several weeks running, and previous single, Dream On Delay, featuring Alison Crockett was nominated for Giles Peterson’s Worldwide end of year awards show.
Hundred Strong and Joseph Malik- “All Aint The Same”- Lp Preview

Download:Dobie – Twitter Riddim

DOBIE ‘WE WILL NOT HARM YOU’ ALBUM OUT 4TH FEB (BIG DADA)
Dobie is a legendary figure in British bass music and beyond. From working on the first two Soul II Soul albums, he went on to produce London Posse’s all-time classic “How’s Life In London?” before recording a solo LP for Pussyfoot, “The Sound Of One Hand Clapping,” which went some way to defining the “trip hop” sound now enjoying something of a rebirth. In between he has remixed everyone from Bjork, Massive Attack, Les Negress Vertes and Tricky to Gangstarr, Wooky and Wiley and recorded for a host of labels including Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood and BBE, as well as producing and mixing for the aforementioned Roots Manuva. And that’s before you even get into his time as a legendary skateboarder and a photographer of that crowd as well as the nascent UK hip hop scene. A truly amazing figure, his role in Black British culutre from the ’90s onward is a story waiting to be told. His new album, “We Will Not Harm You,” will be released on Big Dada in February 2013.

Download:Dobie – Twitter Riddim

The Greg Foat Group -Girl and Robot With Flowers(Stream)

It’s been a year since the magnificent ‘Dark Is The Sun’ first enchanted listeners back in 2011, and we’re thrilled to announce the next installment of mesmerizing non-contemporary jazz byThe Greg Foat Group with their new album Girl And Robot With Flowers.

Evading the dreaded ‘second album syndrome’ with consummate ease, Girl And Robot With Flowers is a sonic soundscape of epic proportions that leaves Dark is the Sun in the dust while propelling the listener into infinity and beyond!

With a doff of the hat to sci-fi writer Brian Aldiss, we’re whisked off on a thematic journey into the emotive and enthralling realms of cinematic jazz, seductive ambience and exciting, majestic drama. Often unpredictable and certainly never dull, British pianist/composer/arranger Greg Foat uses everything from brass bands and kettle drums, to Moog synthesizer and harmonium, to take us above and beyond the stratosphere of our senses.

As with Dark Is the Sun, this album was recorded in a unique, pure analogue studio in Sweden to capture the full warmth and dynamic range of the wide variety of instruments utilized. The spacious, high quality sound that was achieved by recording direct to tape through high quality vintage equipment is absolutely impeccable, revealing in stunning detail a magical atmosphere the likes of which is rarely heard in the current climate of digitalization and mp3s.

Over the years Greg Foat has collaborated with musicians and artists such as Wendy James, Questlove (of The Roots), The Black Lips, and Justice and The Bees. This past year has been a busy one with tours of Europe and the UK, exposing their music to seasoned audiences; Jamie Cullum, Chris Evans, Gilles Peterson, Craig Charles, Ozwald Boateng, Helena Christiansen, Jude Law, Benicio Del Toro, Lindsay Lohan are just a few of the many faces who have enjoyed the music of The Greg Foat Group.

Release:2012-12-03
Genre: Jazz
Label: Jazzman
Format(s): CD/DIGI
Cat #: JMANCD054

1) Girl And Robot With Flowers (Part 1)
2) Have Spacesuit Will Travel (Part 1)
3) Girl and Robot With Flowers (Part 2)
4) Girl and Robot With Flowers (Part 3)
5) For a Breath a Tarry
6) Cast Adrift
7) Girl and Robot With Flowers (Part 4)
8) Girl and Robot With Flowers (Part 5)
9) Have Spacesuit Will Travel (Part 2)
10) Clear Skies Select Stick
11) Blues for Lila
12) Girl and Robot With Flowers (Part 6)

New Typesun Single ‘The PL’ (+ Behling & Simpson remix)

Digital Release Date: 14th January 2013

’The PL’ is the new single from Bristol’s hugely talented rising star Typesun - deep, minimal, underground soul music that’s already a firm favourite with some serious soul heads. It has grabbed the attention of such luminaries as Gilles Peterson, Jazzanova, Mr Scruff, Annie Mac, Lauren Laverne, Julio Bashmore and Pete Tong and is already causing a stir across the blogs and key tastemaker sites.

Cryptic but emotive lyrics are set across an expansive instrumental that remains deceptively simple throughout, a huge part of the piece’s charm resting in it’s tension, which never quite releases. The YouTube video has received over 7,000 listens in less than a month..

File alongside Dilla, D’Angelo and Dwele - another hint of the diversity and depth of Typesun’s forthcoming debut LP ‘Work Is Love Made Visible’, due for release later this year.

The remix treatment comes from Behling & Simpson, another of the city’s hardest working production teams who have been making huge moves throughout 2012 with killer releases on the burgeoning ‘Futureboogie’ imprint.

http://www.facebook.com/Typesun

Mario Basanov – Journey,November 26th

- Mario Basanov is one of the main dance icons of Lithuania and gaining big status on the Worldwide circuit for his remixes, solo and coproductions

- ‘Changed’ single (with Vidis) was one of the biggest records of 2011 with close to a million hits on youtube, relicensed for 3 different labels and not leaving MTV Baltic Top 20 for 18 months  

- He won Producer of the Year in the Music Awards 2011 and is in demand from local pop stars for his production

- Consistent support from across musical styles counting fans from Gilles Peterson, Pete Tong,  Jazzanova, Atjazz, Laurent Garnier, Danny Daze, Soul Clap  

- His music has been released on Future Classic, Under The Shade and Needwant

 - ‘Journey’ features collaborations with his past vocalists Jazzu and Stee Downes plus his biggest tracks reworked into new versions.

Mario Basanov comes from a different angle to most dance music producers. He’s one of a handful from Lithuania to make waves globally and has over a decade of experience despite still being in his twenties.

But his versatility is what really sets him apart. His productions have a pop sheen to them sounding as if they’ve been touched by superstars. His‘Changed’ single from 2011 made with Vidis has almost a million views on YouTube and was relicensed to three different labels (watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=D2Enywte7HM) a prime example of his ability to turn dance music on its head and create long lasting hits in an usually disposable genre.

The Nile Rodgers of dance music, he is constantly approached by local pop heroes at home to produce their records. Perhaps it’s that he’s not afraid to make slow music, often less than 100bpm. Or perhaps it’s his adept use of vocals, taking classic voices such as Ernesto’s in ‘Changed’and embedding them with expansive melodies and crisp rhythmic arrangements.

In Basanov’s 16 track ‘Journey’ he exposes new and exclusive records featuring the vocalists that brought him to the limelight, such as Jazzutaking root in the elegant atmospheres of ‘Under Your Feet’ and Stee Downes who features on the more buoyant ‘Say What You Want’,shooting punches through the vocal lines and spinning magic within its synth basslines.

Basanov gathers many talented musicians for his long awaited polished full length, from the percussive master Rahjwanti for the graceful ‘Slip Away’, to the feisty Miss Bee and sultry Athena Radford for the anthemic ‘Like A Child’.

These fresh offerings sit alongside revisits some of his biggest tracks to date with rare versions made especially for the album such as ‘We Are Child of Love’ and ‘Lonely Days’, the latter closing the album in epic style, parallel to a modern day Prince ballad.

His consistent and quality production techniques express a style that is both elegant yet enigmatic. His music sits as comfortably in the worlds of deep house, broken beat, nu jazz, disco, as well as the darker territory of acid and electro.

Label: Needwant
Cat no: NEEDCD009
Web: www.needwant.co.uk
Distribution: Above Board
Released: Monday November 26th, 2012

Tracklist

1. Let It Go feat. Miss Bee (Album Version)
2. Skywalker
3. We Are Child Of Love feat. Minalga (Album Version)
4. Alone In The Dark
5. Closer
6. Something About feat. Edwin Williamson
7. Like A Child feat. Athena Radford
8. Interlude A
9. Say What Ya Want feat. Stee Downes
10. Slip Away feat. Rahjwanti
11. Under Your Feet feat. Jazzu
12. High School
13. Damn Girl
14. Mes Souvenirs
15. Interlude B
16. Lonely Days (Album Version)

’Journey’ will be released on CD, digital and a special vinyl version that will include exclusive remakes for the vinyl release only. The CD version will include a second bonus disc of all his released singles to date. Basanov will be touring the album to every corner of the globe. In his debut album he walks the tightrope between the popular and the underground and makes the crossing with true finesse.

Tour Dates
19.10.2012 Stettin, Poland
20.10.2012 Riccione, Italy
25.10.2012 Berlin, Germany
27.10.2012 London, UK
31.10.2012 Pecq, Belgium
10.11.2012 Bolognia, Italy
16.11.2012 Thessaloniki, Greece
22.11.2012 Tbilisi, Georgia
07.12.2012 Bucharest, Romania
08.12.2012 Helsinki, Finland
13.12.2012 Guadalajra, Mexico
14.12.2012 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
15.12.2012 Mexico City, Mexico
22.12.2012 The Nest, London
31.12.2012 Barra Grande, Piaui, Brazil
03.01.2013 D Edge Sao paolo, Brasil
04.01.2013 Warung , Brasil
11.01.2013 Murmansk Russia
12.01.2013 Surgut , Russia

http://mariobasanov.com/