It's rarities, versions and originals of tracks sampled and covered by other artists
Timmy Thomas - Why Can't We Live Together?
Sampled in Drake’s 'Hotline Bling', and covered by Sade, Timmy Thomas' 'Why Can't We Live Together' was written in response to the casualties on both sides of the Vietnam War. With lines like "No matter what colour, you’re still my brother" it is fitting in light for what we are dealing with fifty years on, and on the occasion of Timmy Thomas’ passing.
The Main Ingredient - 'Summer Breeze'
Featuring the vocals of Cuba Gooding Snr (yes, father of the actor Cuba Jr.), this version of Seals and Croft’s 'Summer Breeze' ramps up the drama and the dreaminess of this classic track.
Jamila Woods - 'BETTY'
The potent and unique voice of Chicago's Jamila Woods needs to be heard. 2019's LEGACY LEGACY is a record worth seeking out, and is certainly one that gets repeat play.
Janko Nilovic - 'Pop Impressions'
The Montenegrin composer and library music producer has a vast catalogue that has been rediscovered by a new generation thanks to Jay-Z and hip hop producer Dr Dre. Nilovic won a Grammy for best rap song for Jay Z’s 'Death to Auto-Tune' which sampled a Nilovich’s 'In The Space'.
Zella Day - 'Golden'
Up and coming US pop artist Zella Day's dreamy disco number may be following the path of early Lana Del Ray.
Free World - 'Summer Paradise'
From the influential 1999 Landmark compilation released by Ōtautahi arts incubator Pacific Underground. The Pasifika arts collective launched the careers of Ladi 6, Dallas Tamaira, Dave Fane and Oscar Kightley. On this album you'll even hear a young MC by the name of Scribe.
Sade - 'Sweetest Taboo'
Decades on, Sade's s elan can invoke a quiet storm in my ears. A song that has aged gracefully and remained effortlessly smoldering.
Lips - 'Take My Call'
Nominated for a 2022 Taite Music Prize is Tamaki Makaurau outfit Lips mostly comprising of household duo Steph Brown and Fenn Ikner. 'Take My Call' is from their 2021 album I Don’t Know Why I Do Anything. According to Steph Brown the song is about the feeling “when you’ve treated someone badly and you want to make it right."
Willie Nelson - 'Blue Skies'
The honey voiced country singer with his take on the Irving Berlin song. 'Blue Skies' featured on Stardust, Nelson's most commercially successful album of cover versions produced by Booker T. Jones. 'Blue Skies' is equal parts soothing and optimistic as it is wistful and contemplative.
Nubya Garcia - 'La Cumbia est Illmando'
From UK saxaphonist Nubya Garcia's Source We Move is her 2018 album getting the remix treatment from experimental RNB and hip hop exponents. Well worth checking out and keeping your ears open to the riches emerging from the new generation of UK jazz, electro, soul scenes.
It's hard to believe this track isn't from the clubs or studios of Brazil.
Rhombus - 'Treat You So Right'
Wellington dub, hip hop beats collective Rhombus are back with a new single featuring the vocals of Lisa Tomlins and TK Paratza. If you're a fan of rocksteady and lover's rock - this is the song for you!
NEKO - 'Serious'
NEKO is the performing of Nganeko Newman - you may have caught her as guest vocalist on Troy Kingi’s 'First Take Strut' from the album The Ghost of Freddie Cesar and Church and AP’s track 'War Outside'.
In 2020 she released her solo single.
Sharpoval Sextet - 'Oi Zbyraisia Kozache Pokhid Bude'
This rarity found on cassette has been unearthed by Soviet-era archive record label Shukai.
It captures a 1976 performance of Sharpoval Sextet at the Donetsk Jazz Festival playing a three piece jazz work called 'Kobzareva Duma'.
