The Rongetz Foundation
Velvet Bullet

Luke Una Presents É Soul Cultura Vol.2 de Various ArtistsMr Bongo presents a much anticipated second volume of ‘É Soul Cultura’, curated by the charismatic Manchester based DJ Luke Una. In May 2022, ‘É Soul Cultura’ Vol.1 seemed to land at exactly the right moment. Post-lockdown, optimism was back on the rise and the dance floors swelled again. For many listeners, Luke Una’s intriguingly woven pattern of new, old, rare and under-discovered music from around the world became the soundtrack to rejuvenated positivity. Piccadilly Records made the release their top compilation of the year, with Rough Trade placing it as their number two. The enthusiasm from the industry was mirrored by record buyers and demonstrated that in the right hands, moving through genres, tempos and decades can make perfect musical sense.It was clear from the get-go that the concept warranted a series, there are many sides to É Soul Cultura and many musical stories to tell. This second volume gives another opportunity for Luke to share his journey of the past four decades of staying up late and getting transcendental whilst listening to holy grail music as the city slept. It follows on from where Vol.1 left off, at times venturing into the deeper, spiritual, soulful, downtempo, experimental aspects of his tastes.

Recorded over a four-week period in early 2022, Freedom Lapse is the debut solo release of Australian multi-instrumentalist and composer Adam Halliwell. A versatile improviser and lover of performance, Halliwell has been an active contributor to numerous musical communities in recent years. The release of Freedom Lapse marks an exciting stage in Halliwell’s journey as an artist with the culmination of several important musical facets that are now becoming foundational to his practice.As Halliwell tells us, Freedom Lapse owes its genesis to an epiphanic moment experienced whilst traversing a mountainous passage in Mexico, a place where ‘the past present and future stretch out in one place’. Entranced by this environment, its colours, the villages and local life, Halliwell listened to music that inspires him (he cites Jon Hassell here). The result: ‘complete aural, visual and spiritual completeness’, a moment of discovery, he explains. Shortly after, the material that now comprises Freedom Lapse was recorded, distilling this powerful sensorial experience into a body of music that he has now invited the world to share with him.

Transversales Disques proudly presents Rahsaan Roland Kirk - Live in Paris (1970).Gifted multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk at the height of his powers, backed by his Vibration Society, including long-term cohorts pianist Ron Burton, powerhouse percussionist Joe Habao Texidor, Dick Griffin on trombone, drummer Jerome Cooper and Vernon Martin on Double Bass. First ever official reissue of this rare ORTF recording performed live at studio 104, Maison de la Radio Paris, with the full permission and cooperation of the National Audiovisual Institute (INA).Deluxe edition, Classic Tip-On jacket, including exclusive liner notes and pictures. Mastered from the original master tapes.

Jazzaggression · Bash Live at Club7 1973 'Cochise'After the dissolution of the Norwegian Psych rock outfit DREAM by the end of the 1960s, Christian Reim embarked on a new musical venture with the group BASH. Following his time with Dream, where he had already begun to experiment with pop and rock, Christian found himself exploring further creative depths with BASH.As The DREAM disbanded, pivotal figures like Hans-Marius Stormoen and Terje Rypdal embarked on separate musical journeys. Collaborations with luminaries like Jan Garbarek and Jon Christensen became defining moments. By 1971, however, The Dream’s curtain had closed. Undeterred, Christian, armed with his modified Hammond B3 organ, continued to play bass using foot-pedals. Amidst these transformations, the unwavering partnership of his longtime collaborator, drummer Tom Karlsen, remained steadfast.BASH’s presence was initially marked by a single release in 1971, with tracks “Quiquenita” and “Kokosnøtter” on the Nor-Disc imprint. While featuring an impressive line-up of jazz musicians, this studio session was a one-time endeavour. BASH continued to make waves, performing as an Organ Trio led by Christian and Tom. Various Oslo-based guitarists, including notable names like Freddy Dahl, Nils Petter Nyren and Freddy Lindquist, joined the lineup throughout 1972 and 1973.However, this live recording encapsulates a pivotal phase in BASH’s evolution. The winter of ’73 marked a significant shift with the addition of Richard Rolf from the illustrious Swedish band November. Richard’s entrance added another layer of prowess and experience to the trio’s sonic landscape.Diving into the performance is akin to reliving the Wednesday concert in April ’73. Every essence of the atmosphere is captured, even down to the engineer adjusting the reel-to-reel machine’s volume knob whenever the band’s intensity peaked. The recording boasts surprising elements, such as moments when Christian halts the performance to reset the rhythm with the drummer. Amidst the live renditions, a standout is Christian’s unique interpretation of Arild Wikstrøm’s “Indianersangen,” serving as a compelling opener. Its gradually unfolding theme resonates deeply and stands as a highlight, adding a significant dimension to the album’s value.This live recording not only captures the essence of BASH’s performance, but it also transports listeners to a specific moment in time at the legendary CLUB 7 in Oslo.