Saturday 21st April, at a record shop near you!

It's come round to our favourite time of year again. It's the time when vinyl lovers from across the UK take to the streets and record shops of the nation for one day only to celebrate our communal love for the vinyl record in all its glory. On this fine day in April each year, independent labels come together to bring us some of their biggest and best releases from across the musical spectrum. They all come out on this particular day, and are exclusively available from independent physical record shops.

As you well know, the vinyl scene has had something of a renaissance in recent years, and there's no doubt in my mind that Record Store Day has played a key part in this revival. So whether it's an obscure Brazilian reissue you're after, or the latest in wonky electronics, you'll find something to peak your interest on Saturday 21st April in a record shop near you!

We don't stock these releases, as we only operate online and so are forbidden! However, this has the benefit of meaning we can go back to being strictly collectors for the day. So with this in mind here's our top 10 picks of the releases for RSD18, in no particular order...

1) Pat Thomas Introduces Marijata (Mr. Bongo)

Pat Thomas embodies Highlife music, so when he champions a band you pay attention if you know what's good for you. In 1976, at the height of the afrobeat movement in West Africa, he teamed up with up and coming afro-funk outfit, Marijata, to bring us one of the finest Ghanaian albums ever created. The LP fuses rugged afro-funk with a reggae feel imported straight from the Caribbean islands, to produce a truly unique masterpiece. And Brighton-based imprint Mr. Bongo have kindly brought out a high quality reissue to allow modern audiences to enjoy this rare gem in it's original form.

2) Snarky Puppy - Shark Tank (GroundUp Music)

Snarky Puppy is a fusion-based jazz band, compiled of some of the finest musicians Brooklyn has to offer. If you're used to looking towards Robert Glasper and his gang for inspiration in musicianship, then you're no doubt aware of this band of NY virtuosos. Shark Tank is a previously unreleased jazz-funk gem, available until now only via their live performances. So grab your copy of this excellent 12" from your favourite record shop at RSD18.

3) Robert Glasper Experiment - The ArtScience Remixes (Blue Note)

If you had asked me for a wish-list of potential collaborations in recent years, Robert Glasper and Kaytranda would have been somewhere right near the top. And here we are in 2018, courtesy of Blue Note Records, getting just what we wanted. Robert Glasper is the go-to keyboard master for any fan of contemporary Jazz and Neo-Soul. His talent and musicianship is rivalled only by his exceptional taste and originality, and this has led to some of the most-notable releases in the genre in recent years. Kaytranada takes the word originality to a whole new level, single handedly defining a sound thanks to his genre-bending remixes of classic R'n'B artists such as Janet Jackson and Amerie. Blue Note have now answered our prayers, and have provided us with a Kaytra remix EP of Glapser's 2016 'The ArtScience' album.

4) Dave Grusin - The Friends of Eddie Coyle (Wewantsounds)

Oscar-nominated composer and jazz pianist, Dave Grusin, has been responsible for some of the greatest fusion soundtracks ever created. His tracks have been sampled by artists from across the board, from J Dilla to Notorious B.I.G, and that is just a testament to the quality and versatility of his music. This is the first ever release of the soundtrack to the 1973 classic cult film by Peter Yates, and what a soundtrack it is!

5) Beginning of The End - Fishman (Strut Records)

The Beginning of The End was a funk band from the heart of the Bahamas, fronted by three brothers born in Nassau. The group formed in 1969 and achieved a US chart hit in 1971 with their latin-funk masterpiece 'Funky Nassau'. Originally the B-side to 'Doin' The Funk Do', 'Fishman' is dusty soul groove, brought to life by Munnings powerfully raw vocal and a bluesy guitar lick that cuts right through the mix. Strut Records have decided to give this B-side a new lease of life by making it the main event of a brand new 45, with a nice printed sleeve to match.

6) Jkriv - Férias '77 Reworks (Razor-N-Tape)

Razor 'N' Tape co-head steps up to the plate for this latest release from the New York house label. This is a compilation of edits and remixes produced over the last decade by Jkriv, and cuts through vast swathes of Brazilian music from the almost Balearic sounds of Dotô to the tropical funk of Rainha. Expect summertime dance floor bangers throughout!

7) Oumou Sangaré - Mogoya Remixed (No Format)

The LP, 'Mogoya', from Malian singer Oumou Sangare was released last year to great critical acclaim. And one of our favourite things about the release of such a great album, is the remix EP that inevitably follows. This release is no exception, with a stomping bunch of edits from such masters of modern electronics as Auntie Flo, Sampha and Flako. It even includes a classic soulful afro-house cut from none other than St. Germain!

8) Chain Reaction - Search For Tomorrow (Rain & Shine)

We had to include a true collectors delight in our top 10, so here it is. This funk masterpiece was originally released on Blue Wave Records in 1979 and has been causing a stir among fans of rare funk ever since. The original now changes hands for upwards of £500, so Rain & Shine have kindly provided us with this reissue for RSD18.

9) Shaun Escoffery - Days Like This [DJ Spinna Mix] (Oyster Music)

Anyone that spent the early 2000's raving to soulful house will be more than familiar with this one, and we've chucked it in for exactly that reason. This is vocal, deep house at it's finest and is the perfect anthem to usher in the Summer. First time reissued on vinyl in 15 years.

10) Djavan - A Voz O Violão A Música De.. (Vinilisssimo)

Last, but most certainly not least, we've got a long-awaited Latin reissue from Vinilisssimo. Originally released in 1976 on the legendary Som Livre label, this album from singer Djavan explores the depths of Brazilian music and has become something of a must-have for fans of the MPB genre. It hasn't been reissued on vinyl for over 30 years, so you can grab your copy now thanks to RSD18.

So there you have it, our picks of the bunch. But that's not to say there isn't a wealth of other great releases coming out as well. You can check out the full list here.

Support your local record shop and the vinyl industry in general by getting out and about and picking up some of these fine releases. What's more, you might even catch your favourite DJ popping up at a variety of free in-stores taking place throughout the UK! 

Happy Digging,

The Rook Records Team.

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Zara McFarlane has been making a stir in the UK Jazz scene since her debut album, 'Until Tomorrow', dropped on Brownswood in 2011. 2014 saw the release of her second album, and witnessed her receive the much coveted title of 'Best Jazz Act' at the UK MOBO awards. Since then her popularity has grown in leaps and bounds and it seems 2017 is no exception. 'All Arise' dropped last Friday and we've had it on repeat in our office since it landed.

The Music...

The album opens with 'Ode To Kumina', a rhythmically charged introduction that sets the tone for what's to follow. Kumina is an Afro-Jamaican religion originating in the Congo with a heavy focus on practices that include dance and music. And this seems to be among the many influences for the work. The music flits effortlessly between jazz, soul and reggae with African-inspired, broken-beat rhythms throughout. And this is unsurprising in a way when you look to the production credit. The album has been produced in large part by Moses Boyd, the multi-award winning, London-based drummer. McFarlane's voice seduces the listener with its subtle vibrato, only ever rarely giving you a hint of the full power that lies beneath. And with a vocal range such as she possesses, you come to expect the rich, fullness that gives her music its unique dynamism.

The Label...

Brownswood Recordings seems to go from strength to strength with each passing year. Gilles Peterson has long been a taste-maker in the UK music scene, and the last couple of years are a case in point. 2016 saw the release of Yussef Kamaal's 'Black Focus', which soared to great heights in the UK vinyl charts. This year has already witnessed an album from Afro-Cuban sensation, Dayme Arecona and a killer 10" from McFarlane herself. 

Looking Ahead...

'All Arise' marks another great moment in the ever evolving London jazz scene. Much success undoubtedly lies ahead for McFarlane and Brownswood, and we wait with bated breath to see what's in store for 2018...

Grab your copy...

The LP release is out now and you can grab your copy here.

Check out Zara McFarlane's website, and don't forget to keep up to date with Brownswood Recordings.

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London-based producer XOA enters the stage with his debut EP 'Diaspora', out today. Picked up by none other than the masters of African hits, Soundway Records, his EP is a journey through everything that's good about the UK music scene in 2017. 

The Broken-Beat Era...

With the likes of Yussef Kamaal and Kaidi Tatham being some of the best sellers on the vinyl scene this year, the broken beat/ future-jazz movement is in full swing. XOA steps effortlessly into the fold, coming out with something truly special. Taking influence from the re-established 70's Nigerian afro-funk scene, he now takes it in a clever new direction.

Our Pick...

Our pick of the bunch makes it's appearance as the second track on the EP, 'Mon Ecole'. The intro comes as smooth as any we've heard, with a tempting Fender Rhodes chord sequence backed some killer tribal percussion. The drop is lead by a classic Tony Allen-esque double snare, moving into an afrocentric brass section lick as good as any from the Fela Kuti days. The mix of traditional afrobeat rhythms and modern production techniques makes this the perfect dance-floor anthem to end out the year.

The whole EP encompasses everything from jazz to house with the kind of finesse we'e come to associate with artists on the Soundway roster. And with such a noteworthy entrance to the scene, XOA is certainly headed for big things.

Grab your copy...

The 12" release is out today and you can grab your copy here.

Check out XOA's website, and don't forget to keep up to date with Soundway Records.

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From an unlikely location in the heart of the Swiss Alps comes afrobeat sensation, Professor Wouassa. Music inspires the world over, and this upbeat and lively combo is a testament to that. Having cut their teeth early in the 21st century, the group completed their first album 'Dangerous Koko!' in 2011. And with this latest release, Professor Wouassa brings together some serious Swiss afrobeat players in an unrivalled melting pot of vibes and rhythm.

Far Reaching Plaudits...

After their first album dropped they received plaudits the world over, with fans stretching from the UK to Canada and Brazil. And when you open for the likes of Seun Kuti & The Egypt 80 at the Cully Jazz Festival, you know you're gonna go far. After a string of killer live shows, 2015 culminated in the release of their latest album, 'Grow Yes Yes!'. 

The Music...

The album can only be described as a modern afrobeat masterpiece, with Ebo Taylor effortlessly gracing the first track with his distinctive vocal. And it's only fitting that Seun Kuti should appear on 'Sunu Reou', such is the calibre of this release. The rest of the album is full of grooves that are impossible to resist dancing to, and they seem to channel Tony Allen at every turn. Professor Wouassa has truly provided us with the complete, modern day afrobeat project.

The Movement...

With the vinyl reissue of their first project due out soon on Matasuna, and plenty of upcoming tour dates, there's lots to look forward to from Professor Wouassa. Recent times have shown a surge in the popularity of traditional afrobeat sounds, with artists like Ikebe Shakedown and Dem Juju Poets coming to the fore. Let's hope this trend carries on for many years to come...

The double LP vinyl release drops today and you can have a listen and grab your copy here.

Keep this thing alive by supporting. You can find details of the label and band below.

https://matasunarecords.com/

https://professorwouassa.bandcamp.com/

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In honour of the great city London is and the venues it has to offer, we're starting a new blog series highlighting some of our personal faves. And what better way to kick it off than with Dalston's own, Brilliant Corners.

The one and only...

Named after a seminal album by the one and only Theloniuos Monk, this East London spot is the perfect blend of fine food and great music. The food is of the Japanese variety, and the menu contains an extensive selection of sushi, maki and tempura. And while you're tucking into the finest array of grub, you can look forward to any number of local and international acts taking to the stage. 

The music...

A closer look into the line-up, and you can find such gems as Finders Keepers and Ruf Kutz, in addition to any number of local nights featuring vinyl-only DJs. And that's just taking a snapshot of what's been on over the past 2 weeks. Take into account that they have fresh music every day, year round, all for free and you really start to get a sense of what this place is about. The sound system is something for nerds to drool over, while the acoustics and engineering are always spot on. Whether you're in for that obscure DJ set or a relaxing Jazz trio, you're guaranteed to leave yearning for more.

The vibe...

This vibe and atmosphere coupled with such a killer drinks menu, makes this the perfect London spot and a worthy first entry for our series. Make sure to check these guys out. It's venues like this that keep the buzz alive in our great city, and long may it last. Head down there, you won't regret it!

470 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AE

http://brilliantcornerslondon.co.uk/

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With the rebirth of vinyl in full swing, and the world of social media being the overriding mode of communication in the modern world, The Vinyl Day is perfect answer to the coincidence of these movements. Their mission is to give vinyl lovers the world over a platform to discuss releases, collections and trends. And more recently they've even started a Discogs-style marketplace, intended to offer a fair and contemporary way for record lovers to trade.

The aesthetic of the vinyl record...

I was put onto The Vinyl Day through their Instagram profile. They have regular posts showcasing anything which praises the aesthetic of the vinyl, from great record store set ups, to new releases and issues, all the way through to people's vast and varied personal collections. You can even find such wonders as a 45s London tube map...

The blog...

Their blog is both extensive and insightful, exploring anything from the latest record fairs to the best compilations. They even have a blog post dedicated purely to the best video game soundtracks of the century, such is their attention to detail. The blog on Record Store Day 2017 was particularly interesting, as it catalogued their picks of the bunch as well as celebrating the growth in sales and the continued boost in the vinyl craze. 

The app and marketplace...

From our initial experience, the app seems to be very well designed and equally pleasing on the eye. It has a want list system, and as such you can check out your favourite collectors and see what they're after. We haven't yet attempted to buy or sell on there, but we'll definitely be giving it a go and will come back with an updated review once it's been fully tried and tested.

Onwards and upwards...

All in all, The Vinyl Day founders deserve high praise indeed. They have set up a global community of vinyl lovers, in which we can all share our thoughts, pictures and collections. It's movements like this that keep the internet alive for vinyl enthusiasts, so long may it last!

https://www.vinyloftheday.com/

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If you've got the time, browse our featured section for our best vinyl picks.

Nick Hakim's debut EP has just landed on my desk this week, and I feel like I've been sleeping on a musical giant. The EP, 'Where Will We Go' has just been reissued by ATO, having been originally self released on Nick's own imprint, Earseed Records. 

A Taste Of The Music...

Having the broadest range of influences, spanning from Madlib to Screaming Jay Hawkins, the variety of Nick's eclectic taste becomes self evident in his music. The track 'I don't know' is rich with jazz-drenched vocal harmonies and smooth blues guitar licks. The rawness and rasp of his voice are it's defining feature, while the guitar meanders in the background so subtly as to be barely present at all. His song-writing ability is highlighted by the unique lo-fi sound of his recordings. And having made the EP in his bedroom on a 4 track cassette, it's no wonder why. The track was picked up by Giles Peterson on his 'Brownswood Bubblers' series.

My personal favourite track is 'Heaven', in which Nick strips back his sound to the purest form of guitar and vocal. The harmonies are reminiscent of a D'angelo classic, while bringing the rawness and noise of a bedroom recording akin to a Royce Wood Junior demo. Having received plaudits including NPR Music and the New York Times, it's no wonder that ATO have picked him up and are bringing us his debut studio album next month.

The Upcoming Album...

'Green Twins' can be described as a sum of it's parts, originally composed of recorded clips and scraps of paper. He took these bits to engineer Andrew Sarlo who, in close conjunction with Nick, developed them into full studio tacks. Sarlo comments that, “for other artists, a demo serves as a potential shape the song could form into. But for Nick, demos are more like creating a temple: a sanctuary that now we have to go into and somehow clean, furnish, and get ready for other people to experience the sermon in.”

Onwards and Upwards...

I have no doubt that big things are coming for this artist. The new album is due for release May 19th, with tour dates throughout 2017. The London gig is at KOKO on November 8th. 

You can find out about the album and upcoming tour on his website, and there's plenty more info at ATO Records.

You can grab a copy of his EP here.

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Fleamarket Funk represents everything we love about a blog. The site is inspired by the largely forgotten arts of funk, soul, jazz and hip hop and it's truly a go-to-guide for all vinyl heads. Not only is there a constant update of new material, mixes and interviews, but they even manage to put out a podcast. It's become the go-to place for many diggers looking to stay up to date with the latest music, whether it's that hot funk reissue or the latest throwback soul LP.

The man behind the blog...

Enter Jamison Harvey, aka DJ Prestige, the sites creator and founder of the Fleamarket Funk movement. Having toured as a DJ, and supported such kings in the game as Q-Tip, he has turned his attention to the blog world and has truly excelled. He uses the site to share his exceptional knowledge and insight on the world of vinyl and the music biz in general.

Dig Deeper...

Dig a bit deeper into the site and there really is a wealth of information. One of my personal faves is the '10 questions with' section. In this section, he hits up some top artists, label managers and DJs with a brief interview. This features some notable figures in the game, including Shawn Lee, Tall Black Guy, Mr. Thing and the legendary Stuart Baker from Soul Jazz Records in London. The interviews are always concise and to-the-point, and a great source of knowledge for the modern vinyl fan. 

Passing the inspiration on...

Another dope feature is the 'Fi Real?' section. Jamison recounts stories from his life and times as a DJ and digger, which always beg the question, "Fi Real?". My personal favourite was 'Don't Be A Record Dick', in which Jamison explores the idea of being a modern digger, and how spreading the word with fresh-faced record enthusiasts and helping people out is what keeps this thing going.

“If I don’t tell kids your age, no one will appreciate this stuff ever.”

Spread the love...

And I guess this is the purpose of his whole project. Spreading the love globally to vinyl people who love this special branch of music, and keeping this thing alive for generations to come...

Support him by picking up one of his 'Buy More Vinyl' merchandise options, including a killer t-shirt.

https://fleamarketfunk.com/

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Humble beginnings...

The story begins in a small record shop in London's Berwick Street in the late 80's. Mr Bongo was an essential destination for any vinyl enthusiast on their way through London's Soho. They were the go-to-guys for independent Hip Hop and, if you knew where to look, all things Latin. My experience of Mr Bongo was going to pick up the latest records in from the States as a teenager. The beauty of the visits, apart from the killer selection, was that you never knew which one of your favourite artists you might bump into. Nearly 2 decades on and they're still bringing me no end of joy, only now in the form of dope reissues arriving on my desk.

The man behind the music...

Having started the label as a way of bringing Latin music to dance conscious listeners, the ethos still holds true in 2017. Enter managing director and serial digger, David Buttle. Having had a hand in many of the more obscure reissues from the far reaches of the globe, he is certainly among the highest rank of Latin music aficionados.

Killer reissues...

The labels Latin directionality has been reemphasised in 2016, with a series of incredible releases such as Pedro Santos' 'Krishnada'. The album is an experimental journey through South America, ending up somewhere on the shores of India. Originally released on CBS in 1968, the album is a wonderful fusion of Latin rhythms and Asian instrumentation, rich in bollywood-esque string arrangements and harmonic minor wanderings.

Another noteworthy example is the reissue of the self-titled, 1972 LP by Arthur Verocai. The Brazilian composer and multi-instrumentalist effortlessly journeys through Latin-jazz and funk, creating a truly unique masterpiece. When Madlib says of an album "I could listen to this album everyday for the rest of my life", you should probably pay attention.

Other examples include Banda Black Rio's, Maria Fumaça and Eloah's, Os Orixás to name just a few, but I could go on all day such is the quality of the recent Mr Bongo catalogue. All this without even beginning on the African stuff, but I guess that's for another blog. 

All in all, there are only a few reissue labels in the world that maintain such a high level of consistency, and perhaps none that can boast such an astounding knowledge of Latin music. 

On to the next...

Having just received 'The Original Sound Of Mali' compilation through our door as we speak, I'm going to sign out and listen through it while contemplating what other goodies we have to look forward to in 2017...

https://www.mrbongo.com/

Check out our Mr Bongo calatogue here.

Plenty more blog posts here.

Dust & Grooves is essentially an homage to the visual aesthetic of the vinyl record. Brooklyn based blogger photographer, Eilon Paz has devoted his time to capturing that beautiful moment when you find that gem you've been looking for, or perhaps the even better moment when you find one you hadn't.

Photo realism...

The Facebook Page reads like an Instagram of vinyl, only better as the choreographed nature of the site means no dross! What you essentially have is beautiful images of diggers from around the world with their favourite records, or perhaps just that killer one in particular.

Interviews with the kings of the crates...

Look to the website and what you have is a series of in-depth interviews with diggers from around the world. One of our personal favourites was Stephen Marshall, 'a whisky expert who travels the world talking about drinking and uses that time to collect records', what a life! Not to mention the constant features of industry stalwarts such as master digger and DJ, Keb Darge, whose encyclopedic knowledge of music knows no bounds. Add into the mix an interview with world-renowned producer Questlove, the creative force behind the music of The Roots, and what you have is a seriously heavywieght website.

They've even published a book... 

To prove dedication to the cause, Eilon has now published a 436 page coffee table book. The book chronicles 130 hardcore crate diggers in their own personal record havens. Readers get up close and personal with vinyl enthusiasts from around the globe, including some notable DJs and record producers in the game. If that wasn't enough it even has a forward by none other than Wu Tang's RZA. 

It's thanks to blogs like this that diggers like us have access to such a wealth of information on the internet, and long may it last. Keep up the good work, Eilon!

http://dustandgrooves.com/

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