AMJ Dub Collective Sound History Volume One April 23rd

AMJ's first 12" vinyl, a limited edition, will be released on April 23rd in collaboration with Sugar Shack Records/Bristol Archive Records. A Tribute to Bristol Sound Systems back in the day, it features The General on MC duties and Rob Smith with a brace of dub mixes.

The trio's aim was to recreate the classic reggae sound that they grew up with, yet they aren't afraid to bring things up to date where appropriate as well as bringing in some guest musicians for an added Latin twist that harks back to Jamaican music's origins and close links with Cuba and the wider Caribbean.

The idea for these tracks came from Mark Spence who felt it was long overdue to document in song the City's rich heritage of sound systems, their selectors, MCs and the posses who supported them, a tribute to the reggae scene that nurtured and inspired the members of AMJ Dub Collective as well as countless others over the decades.

The choice of Eric 'The General' on microphone duties was obvious as not only had he taken that role in Restriction, but was also an MC on legendary Bristol sound system Enterprise. His delivery has lost nothing in the last thirty years and it's great to be able to hear him again.

Rob Smith needs no introduction and although his career has covered the “Bristol Sound”, drum and bass and dub step, he has never drifted far from his reggae roots, having been a founder member of both Zion Band and Restriction, it's only natural that his mixing talents were called upon and he certainly delivers.

This is reggae for the twenty first century, yet reggae built on years of practice and skill, music played on real instruments by real musicians and not something programmed on a PC using the same tired digital effects, “Sound History” will be released as a limited edition 4 track 12” EP complete with picture sleeve, if only all new reggae was made with such care and attention.
www.bristolarchiverecords.com

Introducing.. AMJ

We are happy to announce a new Astar project.  check out AMJ and their first release Golden Glow. AMJ is a new initiative that is vibrant, innovative and full of punch – the key idea behind this group is to collaborate with quality musicians from different places while, at the same time, encouraging young musicians and singers to gain experience performing live and recording in the studio.
What’s in the name you might ask? AMJ stands for A Mystical Journey … collectively working with talented like-minded musicians from various musical backgrounds in order to deliver something special. Listen and judge for yourself by clicking on the image below to hear excerpts. The new release is available now at all digital retailers. You can also visit their website at http://www.amjcollective.info/

Cimarron feature on "Anywhere On The Road"

anywhere coverWe are proud to announce that Cimarron will be featured in the final compilation from Charlie Gillett who sadly passed away earlier this year. Neil Spencer writes in the Observer: "Broadcaster, writer and world music ambassador, the late Charlie Gillett made his annual compilation into an institution. This last roundup offers Gillett's instinctive, global blend of grand groove and insinuating melody. The haunting title track by Canadian songstress L supplies a coda for Gillett's unfaltering enthusiasms: "There is nowhere to stop anywhere on this road.""

Asere on new Putomayo compilation

jazzaroundtheworldAstar recording artists Asere feature on the new release from Putomayo called "Jazz Around The World". The track chosen is "Destinos" from the CD with Billy Cobham. The CD is available now online and in record stores worldwide.

Cimarron Maria Laya EP released

Cimarron have released an EP to coincide with their European tour. This has four tracks taken from the Quitapesares CD (which will only be available during this tour and will not be released in the future) and three bonus live tracks. This EP will only be available for digital download and can be found at most digital music stores. See below for full details and to hear previews of the tracks.

Junio Groove Downloads

 

Junio Groove, the new album from Asere,  will be available to download on Monday...

You can hear some excerpts and order here...

New Asere EP Released

As a taster to the forthcoming new CD from Cuban son maestros Asere, we are releasing a 3 track EP for download only on the 29th Oct. Entitled "One Way Or Another" it has the band revitalised and ready to take on the world. If that weren't enough, you can hear excerpts of each of the songs on the EP by clicking on the player below right now. We are very excited by these tracks and promise you that the new CD will blow you away. Enjoy. (And if you like what you hear, please download the EP... it is very cheap!)

 

Adan Pedroso: Esa Flor UK Release

 

Adan Pedroso Adan’s new solo project (already available to download) will be released on CD in the UK on Oct 17th. It will be available on import all over Europe except France and Spain. Release dates for those countries will be announced soon. It will be released in the US in Feb 2010.