UK

Since the recent reissue of Sylvia Striplin’s one album for Uno Melodic Records, demand has been building again for two of the key tracks back together again on 12” single. Huge on disco, rare groove, two step scenes these track capture the essence of the period of music and genius of producer Roy Ayers. First released in 1980, both tracks became signature tracks for Roy’s Uno Melodic label. Sylvia previously sang with Roy at Polydor, sang lead momentarily with Aquarian Dream and one album with Eightes Ladies.

Alongside Expansion’s release of Leon’s two iconic Elektra albums, back to back on one CD, two super rare 12” tracks are hereby reunited. The first issue of this 12” came in 1982 and was only ever intended to be for promotional use. Original pressings have sold for over £300. Leon Ware wrote and produced for an impressive array of other artists, most notably Marvin Gaye on “I Want You”, and his own work continues to be as in demand as ever. “Why I Came To California” (also on Expansion 7”) is one of his signature tracks and features guest co-vocalist Janis Siegel, a nine time Grammy winner and seventeen time Grammy nominee from Brooklyn, New York.

Kalita Records are proud to announce the first ever official reissue of the four choice tracks from Randolph Baker's privately pressed elusive 1982 disco album " Reaching For The Stars"Kalita Records are proud and honoured to announce the first ever official reissue of the four choice tracks from Randolph Baker's privately pressed elusive 1982 disco album 'Reaching For The Stars', plus an unreleased instrumental take of 'Party Life' sourced from the original 24-track analogue master tapes.Originally recorded at Jim Morris and Rick Miller's Tampa-based Morrisound Studios, 'Getting Next To You' features a mixture of both local Florida talent plus jazz superstar Nat Adderley and bassist John Lamb at their finest. Originally pressed in a run of just one-thousand copies, with limited distribution, original copies have long been sought-after by both collectors and DJs alike, acknowledged as a true disco masterpiece and deservedly demanding extortionate figures to those lucky enough to find their own.Here, in collaboration with Randolph, Kalita Records offer the four in-demand tracks from the album: ‘Getting Next To You’, ‘Jazzman’, ‘Callin’ Me’ and ‘Party Life’. The former is an in-demand horn and chant-filled disco masterpiece, which, as Randolph explains, concerns unity and “everyone on the same level… in other words, everyone just loving life”. It is arguably the song that Randolph is most well-known for in the disco and funk scene and perfect for the modern discerning dance floor. ‘Jazzman’ is an instrumental track with prominent trumpet and saxophone solos working with funky basslines to produce a truly great jazz-funk groove. ‘Callin’ Me’ is a soulful disco number featuring the lead vocals of Laurie Erickson and is “about being on the road and ensuring loved ones that you will always come back home no matter what. It was like a promise to ensure loved ones they didn't have to worry”. Lastly, ‘Party Life’ is a joyous disco track with a strong funk bassline and horns. Here, with access to the 24-track master tapes we have been able to include the original version plus an unreleased instrumental take, allowing us to focus on the infectious bassline and make it even more ready for the modern dance floor.'Getting Next To You' is to be released in July 2018, accompanied by interview-based liner notes and never-before-seen photos.- First ever official reissue of the four choice tracks from Randolph Baker's sought-after 1982 disco album 'Reaching For The Stars'- Includes an unreleased instrumental version of 'Party Life' remixed from the original 24-track analogue master tapes- Accompanied by extensive interview-based liner notes and never-before-seen photos

We head into the final quarter of the year with a very welcome return to First Word from London producer, musician, engineer and DJ, Eric Lau. Following on from his acclaimed early 2017 album, 'Examples', we proudly present the second volume - another delectable 28-track beats opus.'Examples Volume Two' is Eric's fourth instrumental album, and ably continues where he left off with an assortment of sonics, ranging through hip hop, jazz, funk, soul & Brazilian beats. An elaborate sketchpad of ideas and grooves, this again gives a taste of the genius production skills of 'The Commissioner', Mr. Lau.A mixdown perfectionist, his services have been drafted into service on a number of albums over the past few years, including Yussef Kamaal's 'Black Focus', Mansur Brown's 'Shiroi', The Playlist's 'Chasing Goosebumps', DJ Jazzy Jeff's 'M3', Masego's 'Lady Lady', and Kaidi Tatham's 'It's A World Before You', released on First Word recently. It's through these recent collaborations that we have a few unique ingredients peppered through this project, the track 'Jeff's Piano' is based on a sample taken from Eric's iPhone, capturing a moment when Kaidi was teaching Masego a few chords at Jeff's studio. Both integral players to the Playlist Retreat, Eric and Kaidi have also provided remix duties for Moonchild, Omar and Leon Ware, and Kaidi Kat also lends his key playing talents to a few tracks here.Eric has also worked as a producer for artists like Oddisee, Guilty Simpson, Dego, Tawiah, Rahel and Fatima, whilst his DJ skills have seen him tour the globe with luminaries such as Erykah Badu, Robert Glasper and Questlove. He's received props over the years from tastemakers across the world, including Rich Medina, 9th Wonder, Bobbito, Dam Funk, Phonte, Gilles Peterson, James Poyser (The Roots) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest).His previous outings for First Word pre 'Examples' were as part of the Record Store Day beat-challenge trilogy, along with Tall Black Guy, Kidkanevil and Mr. Thing. Additionally to four instrumental LPs, he released his debut-album 'New Territories' on Ubiquity a decade ago, as well as the acclaimed 2013 sophomore album, 'One Of Many'.This latest set of 'Examples' is available on all digital services and regular black vinyl, as well as a limited edition blue vinyl version. Essential music for your mind, body and soul.

BACK IN STOCK !!!Multitrack wizard The Reflex returns for his second release on Revision Records with two more edits strictly rebuilt from the original multitracks as only he can do it.First The Reflex tackles THAT Marvin track, taking it as far away as possible from Blurred Lines, morphing it into a DJ delight that has been caned by the likes of François Kevorkian, Joey Negro, Dimitri From Paris, Craig Charles and many others. Or how to make the best of 11 minutes of multitracks for the 21st century dance floor.Second is an incredible spin on Serge Gainsbourg disco sleaze summer anthem 'Sea,Sex & Sun' - three years in the making - that get rids of the cheese for a funky cosmic workout result, including vocals from both english and french versions. This one is exclusive to the vinyl and has never been previously available.Two peaktime radical reworkings of classics tracks that are sure to raise eyebrows !Limited numbers so act fast!

Rain&Shine proudly present ENERGIZE, a band out of Marin County, California in 1979. Previously unobtainable even for top DJs due to rarity, Rain&Shine gives this double A side modern soul/disco 45 an official re-issue treatment. About ENERGIZE (words by Dan Hays - Guitarist, Songwriter):ENERGIZE came to age in a post-hippie era, where musicians went back to playing covers in bars. However Marin was still inexpensive and it was possible to pool money together to buy studio time.That's how ENERGIZE formed - working musicians led by the superb producer and guitar player, Archie Williams (son of Archie Williams Sr - a passionate educator, WWII air force pilot and 1936 Olympic champion) Dan Hayes - songwriter and guitarist, and John Isabeau - lyrics and our executive producer.John is now a successful Hollywood producer, Oscar documentary award winner, and resides in James Brown's former house in Las Vegas.The record also features a hugely successful blues vocalist who has asks to remain uncredited. Archie, John and I now have grown children and a few grandkids as well and getting a kick that 40 years later, our self-produced record has found an audience. Far Out.