Record Breakin' presents Black Jazz is the Key :: Simon S

Record Breakin’ presents Black Jazz is the Key :: Simon S

Black Jazz Records came along at a perfect time in my life and taught me so much about beautiful, rich and honest music made by some of our most cherished artists. I was lucky enough to find some original copies in Boston in the early 90’s, which proved pivotal to my voyage of discovery through jazz and fusion music from the 70’s. It’s not often that you get to select some of your favorite music on one of the most revered labels for someone you consider a role model and good friend. What an honor!

Simon S (Futuristica Music)

Enjoy! 🙏🏽❤️

Record Breakin' presents Black Jazz is the Key :: As Valet

Record Breakin’ presents Black Jazz is the Key :: As Valet

DJ Junior from Record Breakin' Music has invited some good friends to curate a mix of some of their favorite Black Jazz Records. Black Jazz Records was a jazz record company and label founded in Oakland, California by pianist Gene Russell and percussionist Dick Schory. The label was created to promote the talents of young African American jazz musicians and singers, and released twenty albums between 1971 and 1975.

First up for this limited series is our friend As Valet from Paris, France.

Enjoy! 🙏🏽❤️

Kyoto Jazz Massive - Message From A New Dawn

Kyoto Jazz Massive - Message From A New Dawn

Has it really been this long? I’m asking because I still play Kyoto Jazz Massive original songs and remixes they have done in my sets. I9 years later, we are getting the second album from KJM (Shuya Okino & Yoshihiro Okino) that has developed into a full band. The album was recorded with Vanessa Freeman on lead vocals, and musicians; Kenichi Ikeda aka ROOT SOUL, Yasushi Fukumori, Takumi Kaneko from cro-magnon, Kaztake Takeuchi from A Hundred Birds, Takashi Nakazato, Tabu Zombie  from SOIL&”PIMP”SESSIONS, Kobantschenko, and last but not least the legend ROY AYERS! I must admit, the wait was worth it. This album incorporates an array of musical styles such as Jazz, House, Boogie, Soul, Broken Beat and even Afro Beat. It’s timing is perfect and I would call a classic like their debut Spirit of the Sun.

I just hope I can get my hand on vinyl when it comes out.  

Moonchild - Starfruit

Moonchild - Starfruit

 This album is beautiful. 

 That’s it. That’s the review. 

In all seriousness, the fifth album Starfruit from the trio Amber Navran, Andris Mattson, and Max Bryk better known as Moonchild was well worth the wait. A cosmic trip of bouncy snyths and melodies will have you in a trance. The trio stays true to their signature sound yet stretches out a bit to test new sounds. It all comes together nicely with important chemistry that this group definitely has after ten years of working together. 

Oh but there’s more! One thing I really appreciate about Moonchild is their commitment to social justice. If you have seen them live then you have witnessed their call to action as they usually partner with a local organization and highlight them during their show. Once again I think they continue to make the right choices. They have collaborated with some incredible black women on Starfruit to make some as they say “goosebump moments” throughout the album. These women included: Lalah Hathaway, Alex Isley, Tank and The Bangas, Rapsody, Ill Camille, Mumu Fresh, Chantae Cann and Josh Johnson. “I was so overjoyed that they were down and I’m obsessed with everything they did!” Amber enthuses. “All too often Black women don’t get the recognition and credit they deserve for their incredible talent and contributions to the music industry, and in every industry, scene and space. Each one of these women has been a huge inspiration to us and we were so honored to get the opportunity to make music with them”. 

In a time of uncertainty, Moonchild delivers with some healing audible treatment for your soul.  

I look forward to getting my hands on vinyl of this gem.

Lance Ferguson - Rare Groove Spectrum Vol. 2

Lance Ferguson - Rare Groove Spectrum Vol. 2

We’ve been following Mr. Ferguson’s work for awhile now and he has constantly delivered time and time again. His latest Rare Groove Spectrum Vol. 2  does not disappoint. If you somehow missed Vol. 1 this is another fantastic compilation of re-works and re-imaginings of classic tracks that us music aficionados love to hear. Again Lance has collaborated with musicians from Melbourne’s The Bamboos and Menagerie, the live instrumentation is killer. is another solid collection of re-works and re-imaginings from songwriter, producer, guitarist & DJ Lance Ferguson. Encompassing a broad and engaging range of classic tracks, traversing jazz funk rarities, balearic digs, latin groovers and more. Backed by a stellar group of Melbourne musicians counting members of The Bamboos & Menagerie, Lance continues the tradition of creating “live re-edits' ' demonstrated on the initial volume. It’s all pulled off with an inimitable style and playfulness, though always with an obvious love for the foundations.

If you like music like us TRUST ME, go get this collection and Vol. 1 as well. I’ve been wearing both out on Eavesdrop Radio. I just hope I can find a copy on vinyl here in the states.

Sean Khan - Supreme Love: A Journey Through Coltrane

Sean Khan - Supreme Love: A Journey Through Coltrane

If you are new to Sean Khan this album is a wonderful reintroduction. Not many artists can take the work of a genius and make it their own and really uplift the music. I believe Sean has done just that to John Coltrane’s work on Supreme Love: A Journey Through Coltrane. A pioneer musician that I first became familiar with during the broken beat movement. Sean has worked with Bugz in the Attic, 4hero, Omar among others. Khan enlisted the input of two old friends, Kaidi Tatham and Daz-I-Kue who also contributed to the project. Also featured on the album are UK jazz legends Peter King (saxophone) and Jim Mullen (guitar). Sadly, Peter King’s contribution to “Supreme Love” would be his last recording session, and he passed away in August 2020. Another important addition to the project is Heidi Vogel who adds her distinctive, soulful voice to Coltrane and Khan’s lyrics.

“I have always been a strange prisoner to my ambition” says Sedan “and most of my recordings bear testimony to this, with record being the next part of that evolution. I made a conscious effort to represent all of Coltrane’s main artistic periods from hard bop (with Miles Davis), to sheets of sound (Giant Steps, Moments Notice), spiritual jazz (Love Supreme) and finally his last, most experimental and cosmic period (Intersteller Space). I have never heard a record that attempts to reflect all of the great man’s epochs in this way and use the recording artist’s autobiography (my own) as a conduit to these ends, and so here I am, for better or for worse.”

I can’t say enough good things about this album. A wonderful tribute to Coltrane that has and will continue to receive heavy rotation for years to come.

Ill Considered - Liminal Space

Ill Considered - Liminal Space

Talk about a strong work ethic, Ill Considered have self-released nine albums between 2017-2019. This UK based group have made quite a name for themselves on the jazz scene. Their new album Liminal Space is out via the New Soil label. 

With the move to releasing with a label came a new lineup Idris Rahman (saxophone), Liran Donin (bass) and Emre Ramazanoglu (drums). This album is rounded out with collaborations with Tamar Osborn, saxophonist Ahnanse, tuba player Theon Cross and percussionist Sarathy Korwar.

Even know there is new names throughout the album the flow does not disappoint. The cosmic spiritual vibes you expect from Ill Considered is still relevant and shines. I would say though the improvisation they are known for during their live shows are a bit restricted in the confines of a studio session. 

Previous singles released so far include debut single 'Loosed' which finds the band trading Fela Kuti-esque sax and cosmic jazz flutes over the funkiest of grooves and 'The Lurch', driven by the rhythmic brass blast of multiple horn players, 'The Lurch' builds from its minimalist beginnings to an apogee of righteously fiery saxophones. New single, 'Dervish', out November 3rd, propelled by Idris Rahman’s powerful saxophone salvos 'Dervish' finds a heady meeting point between jazz expression and rock ballast.

Far from taming the untethered improvisation of the group’s live shows - which have garnered them a cult following and sold out every one of their nine records along the way - Liminal Space represents an expansion in scope, framing their intuitive approach to performance within the structure and arrangements of the studio environment.

For a group that breathes like a single organism in sound, inviting new energy into the recording process has resulted in what Emre Ramazanoglu describes as “a rebirth of the band in the image of what came before.”

The Filthy Six - SoHo Filth (EP)

The Filthy Six - SoHo Filth (EP)

Flashback to 20 years ago when the Acid Jazz releases where coming out left and right. I must say, that style of music really struck a chord with me and one I continue to play to this day. Well, The Filfthy Six formed during this special time in Soho London. You name the underground venue back them and they played it. Not only did they play, they smashed their performance. 

Fast forward 20 years later and many releases since then they have decided to go back to their origins and record in a Soho basement. This new EP Soho Filth was recorded live at the Dean St Studios. The musicianship is still strong! My favorite track is the Cannonball Adderley-inspired “Mr. Shmingle Bangle”, featuring renowned percussionist/DJ Snowboy on congas. This EP displays their fluid movements between, funk jazz, acid jazz and boogaloo. Looking forward to more filth in the near future. 

SOUND TRAVELER Series #34 ft. SvoLanski

The pandemic brought music enthusiasts closer together via the twitch stream website. Somehow i got to listen to Record Breakin Digs Jazz and Excursions there and instantly got caught by it. Being asked by DJ Junior / Record Breakin’ if i’d like to be part of the Sound Traveler series i felt honored and awarded. So here is my little contribution – a melange of old and new soulful, jazzy, funky records, that are with me for long or just came by. All in all tunes, that take me somewhere else every time i put them on the record player. I hope you enjoy the ride from laid back to body moving and back around again. A huge thanks to you listeners and to DJ Junior for making it possible!

The Daptone Super Soul Revue LIVE at the Apollo

Daptone Super Soul Revue – Live At The Apollo

YO!!!!!! This is what a soul revue is supposed to sound like.

Daptone Records has consistently released amazing music. This release is no different but a special one indeed. A true show, Live at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY over three SOLD OUT nights December 4 - 6, 2014. 
Blinky Griptite is the MC for the evening and the music is amazing. If you have ever been to a Daptone artist show then you know what we mean. Yet, having all of them on one release, HOLD ON cause this one is special. The stylings consist of Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley – plus more by Budos Band, Antibalas, Menahan Street Band, Como Mamas, Sugarman 3, Saun & Starr, and Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens – then everybody comes together to perform a version of "Family Affair" at the end!

Definitely grab this one.

Scrimshire - Nothing Feels Like Everything

Scrimshire - Nothing Feels Like Everything

Adam Scrimshire has been busy during the last few years. Turning out album after album and top quality to boot! This being his sixth studio album is no slump. 

“So many of us head back out into the world post-lockdown, with a different perspective on the overpowering nature of it.

Nothing Feels Like Everything, looks deeply at how the absence of something can be just as overwhelming, whether the absence of physical contact, the absence of love, the absence of empathy and respect.”

This album is delicate yet approachable and completely makes sense as we ease out of a pandemic. I find myself mixed with emotions on this album. It truly does feel like a soundtrack to my current state of mind. Offering me a sense of calm and healing as well as encouragement and hope. Thank you Adam.

It was a pleasant surprise to hear legends Cleveland Watkiss and Ursula Rucker bless the album. Yet in true Scrinshire collaboration there are an array of talented artist we have seen him work with before. Some are actually friends of ours and others we are just learning of their talents. They include; Miryam Solomon, Faye Houston, Jessica Lauren, Emanative, Chris Boot, Bev Lee Harling, Frank Moon, Huw Marc Bennett, Pie Eye Collective, Idris Rahman, Daudi Matsiko, Vince Vela and Philip Harper.

"Throughout lockdown I've been writing so much, and when I released Believers Vol. 1 back in November, I'd wanted to bring people something that captured the warmth and hopefulness I think we needed in spite of deep political and cultural turmoil. But there were obviously very low moments, socially and personally and I was capturing those too. This album holds more of those times of loss and being lost, of solitary contemplation and meditation, of yearning, of anxiety. More than I've experienced before, the collaborations came through long and beautiful phone conversations, developing friendships with new people, rekindling and supporting older relationships, taking time and giving each other time, care and space to create. It's what makes this album special to me."

Thank you for this offering Adam.

Orquesta Akokan - 16 Rayos

Orquesta Akokan - 16 Rayos 

Powerful vibes of Latin Jazz. Orquesta Akokan is a contemporary group but for this album recorded in Havana’s legendary Egrem Studios. Bridging that studio’s history of descarga into a contemporary flow is captured on 16 Rayos. An effortless mixture of wonderful jazzy scoundscapes on saxophone and trump accompanied by lush percussion, bass and piano. Little hints of vocals here and there but mainly an instrumental offering. A nice addition to Daptone catalogue.

Badbadnotgood - Talk Memory

Badbadnotgood - Talk Memory

We would label this record as a bit left of center from Badbadnotgood – and that is a good thing. The group continues to mature and explore new directions in jazz and funk elements. A beautiful soundscape is presented here with lovely arrangements and a colorful sense of sonic bliss. It also doesn’t hurt that they included special guest; Karriem Riggins, Laraaji, Terrace Martin and Brandee Younger. Not to be outdone, the real treat is five songs featuring the legendary Brazilian artist Arthur Verocai. A nice balance to the group’s growth and direction on this album.  

STR4TA (Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick) - Aspects

STR4TA (Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick) - Aspects

Literally one of our favorite albums of the year thus far. A brilliant funk jazz album reminiscent of the 80s by served up by Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, of Incognito fame. Just like many other Bluey productions there is an infectious soulful groove. This album is lean, with live drums, heavy basslines, and plenty of sweet keyboards too – all with a stark quality that's a lot like the best sounds of the post-disco years, when groups like this were taking things back to basics. Bluey always has a talented cast and this is no different including Ski Oakenfull, Peter Hinds, and Matt Cooper on keyboards. Grab this one now. The first pressing went so fast that they had to do a repress. Thanks to Gilles Peterson for putting out this release.

My only question is where did the name STR4TA come from? 

Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad - Jazz Is Dead Instrumentals

Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad - Jazz Is Dead Instrumentals

A really nice way of closing out this incredible Jazz Is Dead series. A little something for the collectors and music nerds alike. An instrumental album with a collection of gems from the seven legends that made up the series. These legends are Roy Ayers, Marcos Valle, Azymuth, Doug Carn, Gary Bartz, Joao Donato and Brian Jackson. All recordings in collaboration with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad in Los Angeles brought out a beautiful mix of jazz, soul, fun and Brazilian vibes. The selections for this instrumental compilation may be a bit unique than the original vocal versions. We are fans of the whole series. Thank you to all involved for making this happen!

Jazz is indeed NOT dead.

Eddy Ramich Presents Croatian Blue

Yes, we are jazz heads over here at the Record Breakin’ HQ. So when we got wind of Croatian Blue, the debut compilation from DJ and producer Eddy Ramich we had to give it a listen. This project showcases some of the finest musicians and producers from Ramich’s homeland, many of whom recorded exclusive new material especially for the release.

Founder of Kontrapunkt, one of the longest running club nights in Zagreb and host of a show on the city’s radio station ‘101’ for 18 years, Eddy Ramich has been championing great music in Croatia and beyond for three decades now. Now residing in Berlin, Ramich’s deep roots in Croatia’s music scene have enabled him to feature some of his home country’s most exciting talents on this impeccable and carefully curated selection of music.

With the help of his friend, local DJ and producer Jan Kincl, Eddy began to search for unreleased tracks by some of his favourite artists and also to request original works for the album.

Focusing on fresh creative output coming through the Croatian music scene, the album roams from laidback Balearic sounds and languid jazz, through to Chicago and Detroit influenced House and melodic techno. There is really something for all music lovers on this compilation. KUDOS to Eddy for this one.

“It was really exciting for me to curate this compilation for one of my favourite labels, BBE Music” says Ramich. “The moment couldn’t have been better chosen, as it was just before the COVID epidemic struck, and so the album painted a picture just before the world was changed forever. This can only be a snapshot of the current Croatian scene. I am really curious about what the future holds for the sound of Croatia. Enjoy this small glimpse into the crystal ball.” 

Nomination for BEST JAZZ STREAMER

Yo, a little birdie hit me up telling me to check The Amani Experience stream the other night on Twitch saying I was nominated for something.

I have to say I’m truly humbled to be nominated for BEST JAZZ STREAMER with my brothers DJ Kemit, DJ Epik, DJ Selecta and DJ Sweet Tooth. Of all the streams I do RECORD BREAKIN” DIGS JAZZ is my favorite. Giving me the flexibility to be me and share my love for jazz and jazz influences with a welcoming community on Twitch

Thanks to those that encouraged me to stream in the first place and all that have supported. Much love to my amazing mods Dee and Kim that have been rocking with me since day one! Oh and #jr_jr says thanks too, he is often on camera with me. He was soooo excited.

To vote 🗳 go HERE

There are so many great categories and streamers to vote for.

Thank you for your consideration.

Greg Foat, Aleksi Heinola & Teemu Åkerblom - Gone to the Cats

Greg Foat - Gone to the Cats

Let me start off by saying that I'm a huge Greg Foat fan. He consistently puts out amazing albums. Each release is a beautiful mix of modern jazz with touches of cinematic soundscapes, and meditative vibes. His latest release Gone to the Cats includes a Finnish rhythm section consisting of Aleksi Heinola on drums and Teemu Åkerblom on bass.

Recorded in a small cabin in snowy pre-covid Norway in the winter of 2020. These 8 atmospheric beat-laden instrumentals are ultimately a tribute to cats. The trio built up an improvised, spontaneous jam formula, featuring a jazzy backbone with Greg’ solos and harmonics laid out utilizing the new Moog grandmother accompanied with Fender Rhodes and the Roland JX-8P synthesizer.

I’m loving this project. Now if I can just get the vinyl here in the stated 😩

Jazzaggression · Foat, Heinola, Åkerblom - GONE TO THE CATS album snippets

Hugo Moolenaar "The Mocko Jumbie EP"

Hugo Moolenaar "The Mocko Jumbie EP"

The Mocko Jumbie EP released on Frederiksberg Records contains tracks from each of the late Hugo Moolenaar's two releases. This EP is a beautiful history of the Mocko Jumbie tradition that is a combination of disco, soca and reggae.

The second youngest of eight children, Hugo Leanzo Moolenaar was born on September 23rd, 1948, in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. His mother was from Puerto Rico; his Dutch-German father worked as a contractor, but also played the guitar and had a 6-piece band that performed at house parties. The young Hugo was a born entertainer. Watching his elders, particularly an uncle who played the ukulele, he began to teach himself to play guitar, practicing on his own. Eventually he began to perform his own songs as he gradually gained confidence and ability.

As well as being a proficient musician, Hugo would also become a highly skilled Mocko Jumbie — a performer of the carnival stilt- dancing tradition which has had a presence in the Virgin Islands for several hundred years, and which historians consider to have been brought to the Caribbean by enslaved West Africans. Carnival in the Virgin Islands was revived in 1952, and from then on it became an annual event. The two most famous Mocko Jumbies at this time were John Magnus Farrell and William Richardson (to whom Hugo would dedicate his second album). 

Hugo quickly became known as one of the fastest dancers on the 6’ stilts, and was renowned for adding kung-fu-style moves to his performances.

Hugo’s first album, entitled High, High, High, a reference to the Mocko Jumbie tradition. The cover depicts Hugo dressed in a golden outfit on stilts, on a palm beach, holding a guitar while Juanita looks on from the ground, holding their two children. Hugo’s second release, Mocko Jumbie Jamboree, came out not long after and also featured original compositions. It was recorded at the local Virgin Island studio Turtle Point. Both albums were self-distributed and feature a heady cocktail of island and popular sounds – from jump-up calypsos and kaisos to drum- machine modern soul and upful disco.

To his very last day, Hugo lived by his motto: “Peace, Love and Happiness Always”. 

Twitch University Panelist

Monday, Auguust 2, 2021 DJ Junior will be a panelist on @amaniexperience ‘s Twitch U along with @djicyice and @djlilicay Start time is 8 pm est / 5 pm pst.