Horace Tapscott
TAPSCOTT and WINDS

Pellegrino & Zodyaco, with their new single 'Malìa', continue the aesthetic and sonic journey of the project led by the Neapolitan producer, with a mixture of Neapolitan disco-funk and fusion steeped in Latin flavour that already explored the innermost corners of the soul with 'Quimere'. This new work captures the frenzy and vibrant character of Naples, with its rarefied atmospheres and infectious groove that evoke the beating heart of the city and take us on a journey through the wonder of life in search of the Mediterranean essence.The 'Malìa' is enchanting, it’s that mysterious force that hides deep inside, transforming itself into a vortex of emotions through the fusion of involving rhythms and reflections on inner battles, on the importance of finding the 'light' to overcome conflicts and difficulties that hinder the ability to choose, a dreamlike mirage that opens a window on human vulnerability, a hymn to authenticity, to self-acceptance.The celebration of dance in the Caribbean Escapade version is also an exhortation to escape from everyday life; it takes us into a sonic imagery that plays with the Neapolitan musical tradition and the freshness of Caribbean and Latin sounds. This summer single becomes an ode to the vital energy of dance music: there is no more time for hesitation, one must let oneself be carried away by the enthralling embrace of 'Malìa', like a call to awareness and the search for authenticity in life. Malìa becomes the guiding thread, the mystery that urges us to go beyond the confines of everyday life, to explore and celebrate the complexity of existence.

Introducing ‘Total Blue’, the Los Angeles-based trio of Nicky Benedek, Alex Talan, and Anthony Calonico. Despite collaborating for over a decade, ‘Total Blue’ represents a new chapter in their artistic journey together as a trio.Embracing chance, inviting the unknown, and guided by a spirit of sheer play and exploration, ‘Total Blue’ was driven by a desire to ‘touch the beyond’ in pursuit of an elusive vibe the three had been chasing for years.Alex, Nick, and Anthony envision ‘Total Blue’ as the all-encompassing full picture, a place where the real and the imaginary begin to blur; a destination reached not through escapism but by expanding one's perspective; a widened scope of vision where personality both shines and disintegrates.Across the album, their mission statement is expertly achieved with subtlety and delicate human touch; painting with a lush palette of digital synths, Akai EVI wind synthesizer, fretless bass, and guitar, the trio masterfully balance texture and color, evoking wide expansive vistas that stretch from Los Angeles right out to the furthest reaches of sky and sea. This is ‘Total Blue’ - a place of time and timelessness where echoes of history and tradition merge with rootless inhuman sonics.

A decade after his last musical masterpiece on Perlon, Montreal’s renowned electronic maestro, Horror Inc. (alias Marc Leclair or Akufen), returns to captivate with “A Soundtrack for Strange Times”. Released under Anoma, curated by the city’s own Ohm Hourani, this 4×12″ offering is nothing short of a cinematic journey.With each track, the album crafts a narrative that takes listeners through introspective valleys and exhilarating peaks, all without uttering a single word. It’s a seamless tapestry of sound, a testament to Horror Inc.’s matured artistry and profound understanding of the electronic landscape.The influence of Montreal’s eclectic spirit is unmistakably infused throughout, giving the album a unique, resonant character. Truly, “ Soundtrack for Strange Times” stands as a monumental testament in electronic production – a magnum opus that transcends the ordinary.For every lover of electronic music, this album is not merely an addition but a necessity. It’s not just sound; it’s an experience, an odyssey, and an affirmation of Horror Inc.’s unparalleled prowess in the world of music.

Cascade by Floating Points

Favorite Recordings presents a reissue of Lucas Arruda's first album, Sambadi.Lucas Arruda’s born in 1983, in a Brazilian state called Espírito Santo, near Rio de Janeiro. Coming from a musical family (his dad and older brother are musicians) he started playing and listening to music very young. At the age of 13, he was also playing professionally already.After studying electric guitar and playing in various bands, Lucas passion quickly turned into Rhodes and keyboards, expanding his musical range of skills. At the same time he started a project called Du Black, with his older brother Thiago, quickly receiving various local support from people like Ed Motta, William Magalhães (Banda Black Rio), Robert Lamm (Chicago) or Hyldon (Brazilian soul legend).From the growing notoriety obtained, the band began to work with various other artists and singers such as Tamy Macedo, or Bossa Nova’s legend, Leila Pinheiro, leading Lucas to build a recording studio with Thiago in 2011. Now 2 years after he launched this home-studio, here comes “Sambadi”, first solo album by Lucas Arruda!On this recording he also started to team up with Fabricio di Monaco (Modo Solar), who clearly became a fundamental piece, as Lucas relates: “Fabricio introduced me to Pascal Rioux at Favorite Recordings, as they released his EP few years ago. He’s a brilliant musician and a great human being.”In Lucas’ words, Sambadi is highly inspired by Rio de Janeiro. As for the musical side, the album almost sounds like a tribute to his longtime heroes like Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Marcos Valle, Azymuth, or Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti. And Lucas also humbly concludes: “I really hope to honor all the guys who influenced me.”

CCR003 - UK - 2021 - Livre + Vinyl.Clap City Records, an East London based label specialising in giving new life to rare records, have reissued David Durrah’s ‘Venus Fly Trap’ single for the first time since 1975. ‘Kai’, a sultry Rhodes laced track, will feature on the B-side.A 44-page zine accompanies this 7″ – an exploration into the life and musical development of revered composer and musician, David Durrah. Ranging from Durrah’s early life in Cleveland and meeting with Doug Hammond, to the events that led to the duo’s Reflections In The Sea Of Nurnen sessions, later issued on Tribe, this zine features information that has never before been published, built from hours of interviews with the man himself, displaying photographs taken from Durrah’s personal family photo albums. In addition, a ​short film​ has been created illustrating the events that led to the creation of Reflections In The Sea Of Nurnen.The track has been re-mastered and cut by Grammy nominated audio experts at The Carvery, London