2011 Rewound

Now there's a problem right there - too much music! And so the inevitable marking of a year past with lists everywhere. Cultural criticism in the twitterage. I do enjoy reading them to find stuff I haven't yet discovered. I've been buying The Wire every December since 1987 for exactly the same reason but now its been pushed even further off-grid so a popular slant on things is always welcome. Having a teenager around also makes a big difference to what gets played in a small apartment!


In the maelstrom of media and information overload the following albums were played more than any of the others:
- Back to Black Amy Winehouse
- 21 Adele
- Anika
- Anna Calvi
- African Skies Kelan Phil Cohran and Legacy
- Let England Shake PJ Harvey
- Life Stories Ebo Taylor
- The Phantom Duke Pearson
- Tomboy Panda Bear
- Bon Iver
- Zomby Dedication
- Brighter Days Stanton Davis' Ghetto-Mysticism
- Stone Coal White
- The Boddie Recording Company
- Bambara Mystic Soul
- Bad as Me Tom Waits


But the digital library is not as reliable as it should be since since I lost my mobile listening devices to multiple failures in the summer. In the vinyl stakes I was pulling a lot from the Jazz, Jamaican and African archives: Duke Pearson, Herbie Hancock, Burning Spear, Gregory Isaacs, Lee Perry, Yabby You, Michael Prophet, Franco et le TPOK Jazz, Dr Nico, The Drive, Roots, Guelewar and Orchestra Baobab. And a lot of time was set aside sorting out the Batsumi reissue.

To bring in the new year I've made a rough random mix of 45s I've picked up during 2011 by chance, choice and trade. Lets see what 2012 brings. I hope to keep the spear burning with releasing more South African afro-jazz classics.

Peace
45s REWIND - SOME JIVE TALKING

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BATSUMI VINYL SOLD OUT

Copies may still available from stores like Dusty Groove, Honest Jons, Kristina, Eldica, Sounds of the Universe and a few others. The Matsuli store is also on vacation and will open once more in early January. Thanks again for your support. We're already working on MM103.

INGOMA WOW!

Tipped via Africa is a Country. With a clear nod to the Spoek Control video

BATSUMI FLAC version

A number of people have asked if a FLAC version of the Batsumi is available for purchase - well here it is. Also for those struggling with the online stores to purchase the MP3 version you can now also buy this directly. Follow the links on the right hand side to purchase. (Please note that this is not an immediate download as it requires verification and email of the download link.)

Good Vibes for Batsumi Reissue

Just under a week since its release and a wonderful response. Amazon had the digital download sitting at number three on its most wanted Jazz downloads and the Guardian featured it in its "World Music" pages. Here's a sample of whats being said:

"What a nice edition of this Holy Grail!!!" - Dick d'Alaise

"It should be in every serious South African collection." - Gwen Ansell, Business Day.

"Such an incredible record" - Paulo, Superfly Records.

"A true gem that has been hidden from siight for far too long." P. Warner

"Landmark Afro Jazz from South Africa, 1974 — urgent, spiritual, political; shimmering, propulsive, surging. Reverbed traditional and trap drums, mesmeric bass, soaring flute and tenor sax. Warmly recommended." - Honest Jons

"The music is stunning... (As it builds, it swings, coalescing into a uniquely compelling statement of intent. By the time and sax and flute solo over organ, bass and drums, Batsumi has got you." - Dan Magaziner, Africa is a Country Blog

"Wonderful LP with hints of Abdullah Ibrahim in the piano work. Stunning stuff." - Phillippa, Picadilly Records

"Remastered from the original Batsumi tapes, and best played very loud, it's a vibrant, energetic workout in which slinky, repeated riffs are matched against wailing, sometimes psychedelic effects" - Robin Denselow, The Guardian