In the vast realm of soul and jazz music, few artists have left as indelible a mark as Roy Ayers. With his unparalleled talent for blending smooth grooves and soulful vibes, Ayers created a musical legacy that continues to captivate listeners even today. As we delve into the early albums of this musical virtuoso, we uncover the foundations of his iconic sound and witness the birth of a true legend.
Continue reading Smooth Vibes: Exploring Roy Ayers’ Early AlbumsVinyl is the New Black
The Resurgence of Vinyl: How the Analogue Sound Conquers the Digital Age
In an era dominated by digital technology and streaming services, one might expect physical music formats to become relics of the past. However, vinyl records have defied the odds and experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity. Over the past decade, vinyl has staged a triumphant comeback, captivating both seasoned audiophiles and younger music enthusiasts. So, what’s behind the renaissance of this vintage medium, and why is vinyl popular again? In this article, we delve into the reasons why records have regained allure in the digital age.
Gilles Peterson: A Lifetime Dedicated to Musical Exploration
In the ever-evolving landscape of music, there are few figures who have had as profound an impact as Gilles Peterson. Renowned for his boundless passion and unparalleled knowledge of diverse musical genres, Peterson has spent a lifetime pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a DJ, curator, and tastemaker. From his humble beginnings to his status as a global icon, Peterson’s journey is a testament to the power of music to inspire and unite people across the world.
Continue reading Gilles Peterson: A Lifetime Dedicated to Musical ExplorationWhy has the cost of vinyl gone up so much?
The Rising Price of Vinyl
After being away from the vinyl industry for the best part of 15 years, the first thing that struck me when I returned and started 45-rpm was the high prices of vinyl. I discovered quite quickly that in order to make a business out of buying and selling vinyl, I needed to sell at ridiculously high prices, which, of course, wasn’t going to be successful. As an example, recently I was offered a jazz LP for £30 excluding VAT, which was one slab of vinyl. That’s a £45 + LP, so why are vinyl record prices now so expensive?
Continue reading Why has the cost of vinyl gone up so much?Hot Biscuit Recordings and Funtown Records are Highlights of Week 21
Kalita Records and Say She She News From Week 20
Galaxy Sound Co, Barefoot Beats and Freddie Hubbard all Feature in the Round-up for Week 19
David Alexrod, The Chemical Brothers, Rune Lundbaek and El Michels Affair & Black Thought Music in Week 18’s Round-Up
An Interview With Smoove – Producer & DJ – UK
What were your favourite record shops back in the day?
Back in 1985 I used to visit a record shop called Hitsville USA in Newcastle. It was a very small shop that specialised in High Energy & Disco music but also stocked imported hip-hop & soul. The staff had a way of making you feel slightly uncomfortable – like you didn’t belong there, but that didn’t stop me from visiting every week. The shop was very small but extremely cool with an iconic American flag hanging from the window on the fifth floor, even the carrier bags looked super cool – see picture
An Interview With Yogi Haughton – DJ, Club Promoter, Journalist & Collector – Scotland
What were your favourite record shops back in the day?
Actual traditional record shops, would have to be Spin Inn in Manchester in the 70’s and 80’s. It had all the latest USA and Japanese imports. You would walk in on a Friday and Saturday and this wee shop would be rham, There were many well know DJs in there either working or buyin’ shit, Les Cokell, Greg Wilson, Colin Curtis, John Grant, Mike Shaft, and Richard Searling could often be seen in there The staff would literally play all the new releases on rotation and folk would jus’ raise their hands, as the folk in front of you grabbed the record and passed it back over the packed, tiny floor. Once they had gone through the new records, they would start again to play stuff to folk that had arrived in the meantime. Dave Withers and Rod Shard’s Out Of The Past in Manchester’s underground market and later Affleks Palace was where I hung out most of the week, jus’ playing records and meeting other soul people. And Tony Just’s stall was where I spent many a Saturday coming down off the gear after an all-nighter.
Continue reading An Interview With Yogi Haughton – DJ, Club Promoter, Journalist & Collector – Scotland