Alessandro Alessandroni – Afro Discoteca [FLIESDJ001]

April 17, 2017December 13, 2023 hipodromeafrobeat, alessandro alessandroni, disco, four flies records, funk, jazz, outernational, soundtrackLeave a comment

ALESSANDRONI, Alessandro - Afro Discoteca (Soundtrack)

Four Flies Records is back in full force, this time with an EP that looks at the more sophisticated and modern dancefloor… The Italian label embarked on another journey of rediscovery, a specialty they seem to master. The destination of this trip was a dusty vault in Africa, where a famous Italian musician moved years ago… The Italian film and TV industry provided in the 60s and 70s countless opportunity for talented musicians to compose and produce a rich variety of music: soundtracks, library music, experimental music – an infinite amount of recordings that still represents a paradise for the most curious and passionate diggers. So here we have the proof that there’s still lot to discover. Alessandro Alessandroni is one of those pioneers, a maestro that built the legend of Italian soundtracks and library music along with Ennio Morricone, Piero Umiliani and many others. His vault testifies how prolific had been those times, with hundreds of tapes and obscure recordings from that period. Among the many, a dusty tape bearing the hand-written label “Afro Discoteca” captured the attention of Four Flies. The music contained in the tape had never been released until now.

Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek – Nem Kaldı [CATADG024]

April 17, 2017October 3, 2017 hipodromecatapulte records, derya yildirim, funk, grup simsek, outernational, turkishLeave a comment

Brand new Anatolian Psych-Pop sensation. 4 heart-melting gems where Turkish Folk meets groove and electric action. Young singer/multi-instrumentist Derya Yıldırım teams up with fantastic drummer Greta Eacott (G-Bop Orchestra / One-Take records) and 3 quarters of Catapulte Records’ Orchestre du Montplaisant (Antonin Voyant, Graham Mushnik, Andrea Piro). With members originating from Turkey, Germany, France, Italy and Great Britain, Grup Şimşek (pronounce « Shimshek ») encapsulates the Outernational generation.

Brian Bennett – Voyage: A Journey Into Discoid Funk [ISLELP001]

April 11, 2017September 21, 2023 hipodromealbum, brian bennett, disco, funk, isle of jura recods, re-release, reissue, space discoLeave a comment

Isle Of Jura’s first LP reissue, the highly sought after ‘Voyage – A Journey Into Discoid Funk’ by Brian Bennett originally released in 1978. A cosmic disco classic completely re-mastered from the original master tapes by Matt Colton.

Beppe Lode – Obscure Italian Disco Funky [SZABO005]

March 23, 2017February 22, 2023 hipodromebeppe loda, disco, funk, violette szaboLeave a comment

The legendary Beppe Loda delivers four Italian cuts to heat up the dance floors!

Black Bones – Black Bones 1 [BLACKBONES001]

March 23, 2017May 31, 2023 hipodromeafrican, black bones, disco, edits, funk, houseLeave a comment

Black Bones’ debut release is really something. From the Daphni-esque full throttle Afro A Side, to a duo of lost classics on the flip, this one’s a keeper…

Shahara-ja – I’m An Arabian Knight [LER1007]

March 17, 2017October 15, 2021 hipodromecentral station, disco, electro, funk, house, left ear records, re-release, reissue, shahara-jaLeave a comment

SHAHARA JA - I'm An Arabian Knight (reissue)

The history of dance music is littered with one-hit wonders. The mysterious Sahara-Ja, whose one and only 12″ appeared on Australian label Central Station back in 1989, is a perfect example. Since slipping out in limited quantities 18 years ago, the Egyptian Lover-does-’80s soul cut “I’m An Arabian Knight” has become something of an in-demand record amongst collectors. This timely reissue contains all four versions included on the original ’89 release, including a tasty instrumental and the must-heavy Funky Arabian Mix. This sublime version puts more emphasis on the producer’s killer electro rhythm, dreamy chords, and cascading, Persian style synthesizer melodies.

Traxx @ Strange Sounds from Beyond (Amsterdam) 26.06.2016

March 12, 2017March 8, 2017 hipodromechicago, funk, jakbeat, minimal synth, nation records, prince, psych rock, soul, strange sounds from beyond, traxxLeave a comment

Teakwood – A Distant Star [MSLP9053]

March 5, 2017October 11, 2018 hipodromealbum, disco, funk, mo-soul records, soul, teakwood, tramp recordsLeave a comment

It is a rare occurrence, especially when you consider that we are writing this in the year 2017, that an unreleased soul/disco album from the 1970s surfaces after 40 years. The Tramp crew first heard about the album while discussing the re-release of Teakwood’s sole 45RPM single release “Can You Dig It” with former band leader and founding member of the group, Fred Forsh. It was in 1972 when two new Berry College freshmen met and realized that they were both music majors which led to an impromptu jam session in the lower level of the student center. This was the beginning of what would soon become Teakwood. “Those two original members, Ralph Moore on saxophone and me on piano, along with five others went into the studio in 1976 and recorded two songs for our first and only single”, remembers Fred Forsh. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, Moore and Forsh parted ways but Teakwood continued with four remaining members plus two new ones and with this new lineup, went into the studio in 1977 to record nine songs under the collective title “A Distant Star”. However, for some obscure reason the songs were never released but luckily the reel-to-reel master tapes survived. The tapes were sent to the head quarters of Tramp Records in early 2016. In the end it took several attempts at three different recording studios to transfer them successfully.

Halal Cool J – An Ottoman Excursion [EXC003]

March 5, 2017February 28, 2020 hipodromedisco, edits, excursions, funk, halal cool j, turkishLeave a comment

For the third set of Excursions, we’re letting off some tasty Turkish flavours. Darkhouse Family presents ‘An Ottoman Excursion’. Halal Cool J (aka Don Leisure of Darkhouse Family) has blessed us with four cheeky edits, crafted with care, and guaranteed to create dancefloor flames. For ‘An Ottoman Excursion’ we head straight in with the neck-snapping drums and epic riffs of ‘Visne Nektari’, before the synth-led ‘Derbent’s Groove’ breezes triumphantly into motion. For the flip, we nicely drop the pace a little to do the ‘Turkish Duck Walk’, before the humidity of the ‘Fernebache Heat’ raises up the tempo to close out the set. 4 chops. 8 minutes of Turkish Psych-Funk vibes.

Azymuth – Dear Limmertz [JD037]

March 5, 2017April 14, 2021 hipodromeazymuth, far out recordings, funkLeave a comment

AZYMUTH - Dear Limmertz

With the dust of their new album Fenix still settling, Far Out and Azymuth flex back 37 years for one of their finest and most indelible records in their illustrious and consistent career: “Dear Limmertz” slaps and pops with the same ridiculous soaking wet slap bass it did when it first blew your mind. With dreamy chords, that yearning vocodered vocal and the pensive prelude thrown in, it’s still an incredible one-of-a-kind record. And that’s before we get to the way-ahead-of-its-time breakbeat and deep groove of “Maracana”.

Oluko Imo – Praise Jah [ICE012]

March 1, 2017February 27, 2017 hipodromedisco, funk, invisible city editions, oluko imo, re-release, reissueLeave a comment

Wicked 12″, very much needed reissue of this sought after tune.

Mike Collins – Lost Tapes 1983-1989 [MIC001]

February 4, 2017September 26, 2017 hipodromedisco, funk, house, jazz, mic records, mike collinsLeave a comment

New label MIC launches with some previously unreleased and unheard material from UK DIY jazz funk maverick, Mike Collins, better known as the brains behind the spacey Loft classic, Sun Palace – ‘Rude Movements’. MIC presents a small archive of Collins’ material (recorded around the time of ‘Rude Movements’) and reveals the more experimental side of Collins’ production. Five tracks that explore early, proto-house music, electro, and fascinating drum machine observation.

VA – Africa Airways Three: The Afro Psych Excursion 1972-1984 [ASVN030]

January 14, 2017August 30, 2023 hipodromeafrica seven records, african, african black, afro mandingue sounds, afro national, bunzu soundz, compilation, damas swing orchestra, funk, ifang bondi, jazz, outernational, psychedelic, sory bamba du maliLeave a comment

The Africa Seven label might not have been around for very long, but the London-Paris dynasty has certainly established itself as a no.1 outlet for rare, unhinged world music. This is Africa Airways Volume 3: The Afro-Psych Excursion, a gorgeous compilation spanning the years 1972 to 1984, and it clearly offers some of the most magnetic tunes that they label has put out thus far. There isn’t a mediocre song in here and, as the saying goes, it’s all-killer-no-filler; take African Black’s “Nzango”, for example, a twisted, FX-heavy tribal experiment, or the more soulful highs and lows of tunes like “Zinabu” by Bunzu Soundz. Rough, dusty, completely psyched-out, and inimitable the whole way through; if you’re looking for something that’ll get the heads turning, and the diggers jealous, then this is your LP.

Modula – Autostrada Galattica LP [BAP085]

December 23, 2016February 2, 2022 hipodromealbum, bordello a parigi, cosmic disco, electro, filippo colonna romano, funk, modula, space discoLeave a comment

MODULA - Autostrada Galattica

2183. After crash landing on an alien planet, intrepid explorer Modula valiantly crawls from the wreckage of his interplanetary cruiser clinging to his life (and antique synthesizers.) Taken captive, this neo-Naples born space traveller is soon drafted into the services of the court of this other world’s ruler. His music boxes save his life and change the very face of this distant kingdom. The results have just been beamed back in time to earth and intercepted by the Bordello receiver dish. Modula’s voice crackles through and utters two words: Autostrada Galattica . Cosmic boogie, futuristic funk and deep space disco are human terms to describe these sounds sent half way across the universe to be enjoyed by we humans of the 21st century. Love, sacrifice and musical riches from a synthesizer super nova.

Daddy Long Legs – Intergalactic Lover [CPU00100111]

December 23, 2016February 16, 2023 hipodromecentral processing unit, daddy long legs, disco, electro, funk, tom parkerLeave a comment

Intergalactic Lover is the first release on CPU’s new 7″ vinyl series and is the debut single from Daddy Long Legs aka Tom Parker, one half of City Guys and all round ‘FM’ synthesis maestro extraordinaire. Side A’s ‘Intergalactic Lover’ is new wave Kraftwerkian electro funk, with added vocal not too dissimilar to the great Edwyn Collins circa Orange Juice. Side B’s ‘The Club’ could be mistaken for a 1980’s breakdance anthem, poised with casio orchestral stabs, scribble scratches and electro bass designed for the dancefloor, more specifically poppin’ and lockin’.

Playgroup – Previously Unreleased Bonus EP [YW00X]

December 15, 2016November 3, 2017 hipodromedisco, funk, house, playgroup, trevor jackson, yes waveLeave a comment

Featuring 6 bonus tracks not available as part of the initial nine EP’s. ‘Dirt Biter’ is a return to the source raw hip hop instrumental, ‘Don’t Stop Dub’ a wild electro-funk workout complete with a demented electric guitar solo, ‘C’mon C’mon’ a decadent slice of sleeping bag style disco dub, ‘No Lube’ a heavyweight hi-nrg sleazy stormer, ‘Perc up’ a sampledelic hedonistic house bomb and Do It! a weirdo post-punk electro jam.

DMX Krew – Space Cucumbers [CPU00100110]

December 10, 2016March 19, 2019 hipodromecentral processing unit, detroit, dmx krew, ed dmx, edward upton, electro, funkLeave a comment

Following his stunning box set on Fundamental Records, Ed Upton aka DMX Krew makes his third outing on CPU, increasingly becoming home for his darker side. Space Cucumbers contains a wealth of expression with Italo disco arpeggiators, seldom heard time signatures, Hi-NRG, and bass heavy electro funk. Featuring the usual aquatic tendencies mixed with echoes of darkwave. Vintage analogue strings, overdriven acid and Upton’s favourite drum machine all make an appearance riding on his signature funk laced arrangements.

The Beginning Of The End – Funky Nassau LP [ALSTON77001]

December 4, 2016August 30, 2023 hipodromealbum, alston, caribbean, disco, funk, outernational, soul, the beginning of the endLeave a comment

Seminal early 70’s Bahamian Funk of the highest order. The debut LP from the Munnings brothers legendary outfit. “Funky Nassau” is one of the most sought after Soul/Funk records ever with it’s highly original blend of US black music styles and Bahamian roots. A very famous band in their native Nassau, the group only had 2 full length albums under their belts along with a slew of 45 singles but have managed to stamp their name on the ears and minds of record lovers since they first burst onto the scene. The obvious track to reference here is the title track “Funky Nassau” a breakbeat fuelled monster dance cut that has supplied hungry samplers with sounds for decades (everyone from The Prodigy & The Roots among those who have used the cavernous drum break!), the rest of this excellent LP also includes the amazing Funk of “Come Down” and a whole host of other brilliant sun-drenched tracks. Absolutely essential. Here’s your chance to own a true classic! You’d be hard pressed to find another well rounded debut LP, this one is pure joy from start to finish.

Tilahun Gessesse – Sima! [MRP030]

December 4, 2016August 30, 2023 hipodromeafrican, african soul band, album, bear funk, ethiopian, funk, mississippi records, outernational, tilahun gessesseLeave a comment

During the 1970s, Tilahun Gessesse enjoyed a successful career in his native Ethiopia. Blessed with a sublime voice, he specialized in creating popular hybrids of hot American styles – most notably soul and jazz – with traditional Ethiopian styles. Sima!, which is named after one of his most revered 7″ singles, gather together music from numerous releases throughout the 1970s. It boasts numerous gems that see Gessesse combine his bold, snaking vocals with rocking rhythms, modal jazz mysticism, and heart-aching ballads. Given the standards of recording studios in Ethiopia at the time, much of the material is notably lo-fi, sound wise, but in many ways that enhances the intoxicating feel of the music. A killer selection from one of the leading vocalists from the golden age of Ethiopian music, ranging from 1969-1975. If Ethio-funk, soul and pentatonic, Sun Ra-esque moods are your bag, you’ve come to the right place.

Dam-Funk – Architecture [SAFT014]

November 24, 2016September 13, 2021 hipodromedam funk, detroit house, disco, funk, saftLeave a comment

DAM FUNK - Architecture

SAFT announces a release by the one and only funketeer and Pasadena based connoisseur of the true underground funk-music ”DaM Funk”. The trans atlantic collaboration between the Canary Islands based label and DaM FunK resulted in ”Architecture”. A 3 track limited slice of otherworldly synths, drum machines and percussive grooves that showcase the true west coast sound of modern funk.