Barney Wilen’s French Story Returns in a Stunning Vinyl Reissue

 

Legendary French tenor saxophonist Barney Wilen is once again stepping into the spotlight with the upcoming reissue of French Story (Movie Themes From France), arriving July 3, 2026, through Music On Vinyl. Originally released in 1990, the album captures Wilen’s deep connection to cinema, jazz, and the timeless elegance of French film music.

Widely respected for his collaborations with jazz icons including Miles Davis, Art Blakey, and Thelonious Monk, Wilen built a reputation as one of Europe’s most expressive and adventurous jazz musicians. His work on film soundtracks became a defining part of his artistic identity, making French Story a natural extension of his creative vision.

Recorded in 1989 at Studio 44 in the Netherlands, the album features Wilen alongside the acclaimed Mal Waldron Trio. Jazz pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Stafford James, and drummer Eddie Moore provide the rich and atmospheric foundation for Wilen’s lyrical saxophone performances throughout the project. Together, the quartet reimagines beloved themes from classic French cinema, transforming them into moody and sophisticated jazz interpretations.

Among the album’s standout moments is “Julien Dans L'Ascenseur / Florence Sur Les Champs-Elysees,” originally associated with Miles Davis’ legendary soundtrack for Ascenseur Pour L'échafaud. Wilen also revisits timeless compositions such as “Les Feuilles Mortes (Autumn Leaves),” which first gained recognition through the French film Les Portes de la Nuit, and “Un Homme Et Une Femme,” one of the most recognizable themes in French cinema history.

While the album first appeared on vinyl in 1992, that pressing only included six tracks. This new edition restores the complete recording for the first time on vinyl, adding the previously omitted tracks “No Problem” and “Quiet Temple.” The reissue arrives as a deluxe 2LP black vinyl set housed in a slip sleeve and includes a commemorative 50th Anniversary Timeless Jazz sticker attached to the protective sleeve.

The collection beautifully showcases Wilen’s ability to blend cinematic emotion with improvisational jazz, creating an atmosphere that feels equally nostalgic and timeless. Whether revisiting familiar melodies from French film classics or exploring the subtle interplay between the musicians, French Story stands as a reminder of Wilen’s lasting influence on European jazz.

Set across two LPs, the album flows through romantic themes, melancholic ballads, and understated grooves that highlight the elegance of both French cinema and late-night jazz club culture. Tracks such as “Les Parapluies de Cherbourg,” “Manha De Carnaval,” and “Generique” further expand the album’s cinematic mood while showcasing the quartet’s remarkable chemistry.

For jazz collectors and fans of classic film scores alike, this expanded reissue offers a chance to experience one of Barney Wilen’s most atmospheric recordings in its fullest form.

Juan Carlos Quintero Reimagines Timeless Latin Classics on The Story of Love

Latin jazz guitarist Juan Carlos Quintero is reconnecting with the music that shaped his childhood on his latest album, The Story of Love, available now through Moondo Music (BFD/The Orchard). The project marks Quintero’s 13th studio release and finds the Colombian-born musician breathing fresh life into beloved romantic Latin standards from the 1950s and 1960s.

For Quintero, the album is deeply personal. Growing up in Medellín, he often heard these melodies playing throughout his family home from his parents’ stereo and his father’s piano. At the time, his focus was fixed on mastering rock guitar riffs inspired by legends like Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. Years later, while selecting material for a new recording project, he realized those same songs from his childhood had stayed with him and continued influencing his artistic direction.

Blending expressive electric guitar work with lush Latin rhythms and jazz improvisation, Quintero co-produced the album alongside Guillermo Guzmán. The recording features his accomplished quartet, including Eddie Resto on upright bass, Aaron Serfaty on drums and percussion, Joey Deleon on percussion, and Joe Rotondi on piano. GRAMMY®-nominated musicians Justo Almario and Luis Conte also make standout guest appearances throughout the album.

The collection opens with “Poodle Mambo,” featuring Almario’s airy flute melodies, immediately setting the tone for a sophisticated journey through Latin jazz traditions. Quintero credits legendary pianist George Shearing as a major influence on the project, particularly Shearing’s late-1950s Latin jazz recordings that merged melodic elegance with rhythmic complexity. Quintero says those recordings expanded his understanding of how the guitar could function within Latin jazz and inspired him to reinterpret that style through his own musical voice.

Classic standards receive vibrant new interpretations across the album. “Poinciana,” famously recorded by artists such as Ahmad Jamal, Sonny Rollins, Frank Sinatra, and Dave Brubeck, became a centerpiece for Quintero because of its timeless melodic strength and adaptability. He notes that regardless of arrangement or tempo, the song’s emotional impact always remains intact.

Another highlight, “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise,” reflects Quintero’s admiration for guitarist John Scofield. Hearing Scofield’s interpretation during his years studying at Berklee College of Music opened new creative possibilities for him as a guitarist. On The Story of Love, Quintero reshapes the standard into a vibrant Cha-Cha-Cha arrangement that merges jazz sophistication with infectious Latin grooves.

The album’s emotional center arrives with “Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars),” a song closely tied to Quintero’s memories of his father playing Antonio Carlos Jobim compositions around the house. Looking back, Quintero now sees those moments as foundational to the musician he would become. Recording and performing these songs, he says, feels less like revisiting the past and more like honoring his father’s musical legacy.

Another standout track, “The Moon Was Yellow (and The Night Was Young),” transforms the classic tune into a romantic Cuban Danzón inspired by Frank Sinatra’s legendary phrasing and Nelson Riddle’s iconic arrangements. Luis Conte’s percussion performance drives the track’s graceful movement and emotional warmth.

Throughout the album, Quintero explores multiple traditional Latin styles, from boleros and mambos to cha-cha-cha and danzón rhythms. Songs like “Tres Palabras,” “Yours (Quiéreme Mucho),” and “Cuban Love Song” showcase the project’s balance of refined arrangements, heartfelt performances, and rhythmic sophistication.

Closing the album is the title track, “The Story of Love (Historia De Un Amor),” dedicated to Quintero’s wife, Viviana. Featuring Almario’s expressive clarinet work, the song captures the romance and devotion that inspired the album’s overarching theme. Quintero describes the piece as a reflection of enduring love and the beauty that meaningful relationships bring into life.

Quintero’s musical journey began at age eight, eventually leading him to Berklee College of Music and later the New England Conservatory, where he studied composition with George Russell. After moving to Los Angeles, he released his debut album in 1990 featuring legendary guitarist Tommy Tedesco of The Wrecking Crew. Over the decades, Quintero built a respected career blending jazz, Latin, and world music influences while also establishing Moondo Music in 2000.

Beyond performing and recording, Quintero has become a respected educator and music industry professional. He has taught jazz, composition, and music business courses at several colleges and currently serves as head of the music business program at the University of Tennessee. His career also expanded into television production, where he supervised music and rights management for projects connected to Saban Brands, including Power Rangers, Julius Jr., and Glitter Force.

With The Story of Love, Quintero hopes listeners will rediscover timeless melodies through the lens of Latin rhythm and culture. He believes rhythms like mambo, bolero, cha-cha-cha, and danzón have the power to transport audiences to places where romance, passion, and celebration come alive through music and dance.

Tony Saunders Revives a Classic Groove With a Fresh Mashup

Acclaimed bassist Tony Saunders is bringing new energy to two timeless R&B favorites with the release of his latest single, a creative mashup of Mark Morrison’s “Return of the Mack” and El DeBarge’s “I Like It.” The idea first caught attention during January’s NAMM Show, where Saunders performed the track for renowned saxophonist Gerald Albright. The nine-time GRAMMY® nominee immediately recognized the song’s crossover appeal and agreed to join the recording. Since its release, the single has steadily gained traction on both the Billboard and Mediabase charts.

The collaboration also features GRAMMY®-winning keyboardist Michael Mani, known for his work with Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, and Tori Kelly. Mani co-produced the single alongside Saunders while contributing keyboards, synths, drum programming, guitar synths, key bass, and vocal production. Drummer John Mitchell added live percussion that gives the track its driving rhythm and dynamic feel.

Saunders explained that the project was inspired by his longtime admiration for “Return of the Mack,” particularly its unforgettable groove. Pairing it with “I Like It” came naturally because both songs share the same musical key. According to Saunders, audiences have responded enthusiastically whenever the mashup is performed live.

The single also carries personal significance for Saunders, who dedicated the release to the memory of his cousins, Kurt Kaywood and Oliver Rodgers. Both passed away within weeks of one another while he was completing the track. Saunders reflected on the important role they played in his life and how they constantly introduced him to new experiences and ideas.

Originally released in 1996, “Return of the Mack” became one of the era’s defining hits, climbing to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Likewise, “I Like It” marked a major breakthrough for El DeBarge in 1982, reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s R&B chart and becoming a staple of classic soul and R&B radio.

Beyond music, Saunders recently stepped into the film world once again with a cameo appearance in the upcoming Belton Mouras Entertainment production Fingers: The Vegan Zombie Musical, expected to premiere this Halloween season. Although Saunders has composed music for several films over the years, his on-screen debut dates back to 1986 when he appeared in Francis Ford Coppola’s Peggy Sue Got Married alongside Nicolas Cage.

Saunders’ musical roots run deep. He studied piano under jazz legend Herbie Hancock, received an organ from Sly Stone, and was gifted his first bass guitar by Tom Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival. His professional career began performing with his father, Merl Saunders, whose band frequently collaborated with Grateful Dead icon Jerry Garcia. Over the years, Saunders has built a reputation for seamlessly blending jazz, funk, rock, R&B, and Latin influences into his sound. He also co-created the musical Rock Justice with Jefferson Starship founder Marty Balin.

Launching his solo career with 2011’s Romancing the Bass, Saunders has continued to evolve as an artist. His 2024 project The Romance Continues generated several Billboard Top 10 hits and further established his presence in contemporary jazz. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with respected artists including Jeff Lorber, Paul Brown, Randy Crawford, Blake Aaron, and Adam Hawley.

Looking ahead, Saunders plans to release more music while touring with a newly assembled band featuring John Mitchell on drums, Vernon Hall on bass, guitarist Tim Landis, and keyboardist Ray Roland. Saunders says the chemistry within the group is undeniable and perfectly captures the musical energy he has always envisioned.

Mica Millar Steps Into a Bold New Era With “A Little More Time For Love”

British soul singer, songwriter, and producer Mica Millar returns with “A Little More Time For Love,” the latest single from her upcoming sophomore album A Little Bit of Me, arriving June 5 via her independent imprint, Golden Hour Music. Written and produced by Millar and recorded at the iconic Studio Miraval in the south of France, the new album represents a major creative leap for the acclaimed artist, revealing a more confident, vibrant, and expansive side of her songwriting.

The new single follows the release of “See You On The Other Side,” featuring Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Keyon Harrold, as well as the album’s title track. Together, the songs have introduced a project rooted in emotional honesty, transformation, resilience, and personal evolution while already earning support from BBC Radio 2 and Jazz FM.

While Millar’s 2022 debut Heaven Knows was shaped by profound emotional depth and personal adversity following a devastating spinal cord injury that nearly left her paralyzed, “A Little More Time For Love” embraces a lighter and more immediate energy. Built around driving rhythms, uplifting grooves, and the spirit of classic soul music, the track reflects a deliberate shift toward movement, joy, and connection without losing the emotional richness that defines her work.

The song was inspired by a headline performance at New Morning in Paris, where a mistakenly printed setlist unexpectedly altered the pacing of the show. With many of her slower, more introspective songs removed from the first half of the set, the audience energy surged much earlier than anticipated. That experience sparked Millar’s desire to sustain that feeling of momentum and excitement, becoming a major creative influence on the direction of her new album.

As work on A Little Bit of Me began, Millar challenged herself to imagine what a more upbeat and rhythm-focused record could sound like. Rather than starting compositions at the piano, she shifted her process toward grooves and percussion, building songs from the rhythm section outward. Gregory Porter drummer Emanuel Harrold contributed early demo ideas that helped shape the track’s foundation, later connecting Millar with his brother, celebrated trumpeter Keyon Harrold, leading to ongoing creative collaborations.

Musically, “A Little More Time For Love” draws inspiration from the timeless sound of 1960s soul and girl group recordings, echoing influences such as The Supremes, The Staple Singers, Aretha Franklin, and The Emotions. The result blends vintage soul textures with a modern production approach, anchored by Millar’s powerful and unmistakable vocal delivery.

The single also arrives with a visually striking music video featuring Millar alongside an all-female backing band made up of some of Los Angeles’ top session musicians. Brightly stylized and influenced by classic soul-era visuals, the video reinterprets that aesthetic through a contemporary lens while reinforcing the song’s celebratory energy.

Since releasing Heaven Knows in 2022, Millar has steadily emerged as one of the UK’s most compelling modern soul artists. Entirely self-managed and independently operated, she has built her career on her own terms while earning widespread critical acclaim. Her debut album featured collaborations with Prince associates Ricky Peterson and David Z and received major recognition including five-star reviews from the Daily Express and Daily Mirror, the cover of Blues & Soul Magazine, and the Jazz FM Award for Soul Act of the Year.

Millar has since toured internationally, headlined sold-out performances including Manchester’s Albert Hall and London’s Union Chapel, and shared stages with legendary artists including Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Gladys Knight, and Gregory Porter. Additional support from BBC television and radio, along with her 2023 induction into The Recording Academy, has further solidified her growing reputation as a vital new voice in soul music.

This autumn, Millar will embark on her biggest European headline tour to date, including major UK performances at Manchester’s New Century Hall on September 26, London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire on October 9, and Glasgow’s Old Fruit Market on October 11, alongside dates across France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Poland.

Connection Works Records Unveils New Albums From Michel Gentile and Rob Garcia

 

Connection Works Records has announced two new jazz releases arriving worldwide on May 29, 2026, showcasing adventurous new music from flutist/composer Michel Gentile and drummer/composer Rob Garcia. The label’s latest projects highlight two distinct creative visions while celebrating deep collaboration, improvisation, and modern jazz innovation.

Michel Gentile makes his long-awaited debut as a bandleader with Light Of Day, recorded with his ensemble Flow. The album features Gentile performing on flute, alto flute, bass flute, and piccolo alongside Mike McGinnis on clarinet, Jacob Garchik on trombone, Chris Lightcap on bass, and Tom Rainey on drums. Built around the concept of musical immersion and interaction, Flow was designed to give each instrument the freedom and sonic space to fully develop its own voice within the ensemble.

Gentile’s compositions move fluidly between structured arrangements and open improvisation, drawing inspiration from visionaries such as Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington, and Henry Threadgill. Across Light Of Day, layered textures, spontaneous interplay, overlapping solos, and shifting ensemble dynamics create a listening experience rooted in both precision and exploration.

The album’s title track was written for Gentile’s wife and reflects the emotional and structural depth that defines the project as a whole. The composition evolves through contrasting musical identities, intricate counterpoint, rhythmic hockets, and a powerful extended drum feature from Tom Rainey before returning transformed by the journey it has taken.

Other standout moments include “Chthonian,” inspired by mythic underworld spirits, and “Flesh and Steel,” written in response to the tragedy of 9/11 and intended to capture both personal grief and collective trauma. “Solidaire” draws from an Albert Camus story centered on the tension between solitude and solidarity, while “This Reminds Me of You” emerged almost instantaneously after Gentile watched the film Stranger Than Fiction. The album also explores blues abstraction, poetic imagery, and meditative ensemble improvisation through pieces such as “Ici là-bas” and “Hold Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand.”

Gentile has built an expansive career as both performer and composer, collaborating with artists including Ray Charles, Anthony Braxton, Jane Ira Bloom, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, and Fred Hersch. A graduate of the New England Conservatory, he studied with influential figures including Jimmy Giuffre, Geri Allen, Dave Holland, and George Russell. DownBeat previously recognized him as a “Talent Deserving Wider Recognition,” and he continues to work extensively across jazz, theater, dance, and film while co-directing the nonprofit organization Connection Works.

Also arriving May 29 is Sizzle Ensemble, the latest recording from acclaimed drummer and composer Rob Garcia. Expanding upon the foundation of his longtime Rob Garcia 4 project, Garcia introduces a vibrant new quintet featuring Noah Preminger on tenor saxophone, Shane Endsley on trumpet, Gary Versace on piano and electric piano, and Kim Cass on bass.

The album blends original compositions with inventive reinterpretations of jazz classics, revealing Garcia’s ability to balance accessibility with fearless experimentation. The title Sizzle references both the excitement generated by a band in peak form and the shimmering cymbal textures central to Garcia’s rhythmic language.

Garcia’s original works cover a wide emotional spectrum. “Early Celebration” channels the energy of Ornette Coleman through accelerating momentum and explosive improvisation, while “Autumn Mischief” reflects childhood memories tied to Halloween and Mischief Night. “Department of Peace” was written as both protest and hope, inspired by political unrest and the enduring pursuit of global peace. “Bully” examines the inner conflicts people carry within themselves, and “River” revisits and reshapes an earlier Garcia composition with fresh perspective.

The album’s arrangements are equally ambitious. Garcia transforms Thelonious Monk’s “Epistrophy” through Afro 12/8 rhythms and shifting meters, reshapes Marcus Miller’s “Tutu,” and gives Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage” a more urgent, groove-oriented energy. Reinvention has long been central to Garcia’s work, which has included jazz interpretations of music by The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Chopin, Bob Dylan, and Hildegard von Bingen.

A major force within Brooklyn’s jazz community, Garcia has performed on more than seventy-five recordings and collaborated with artists including Joe Lovano, Wynton Marsalis, David Byrne, Diana Krall, Anat Cohen, and Kronos Quartet. In addition to leading his own projects, he serves as founder and artistic director of Connection Works, a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting jazz performance and education programs throughout Brooklyn.

The albums will also be celebrated with several upcoming live performances, including Rob Garcia Sizzle Ensemble appearances at Bay Bayeux in Brooklyn on May 9 and Smalls Jazz Club in New York City on May 28, followed by a June 6 double bill featuring both Michel Gentile Flow and Rob Garcia Sizzle Ensemble at Wide Open Works at IBeam in Brooklyn.

The Solomon Gundy Band Announce Debut Album Hancestry

 

British trumpeter and composer Sean Corby introduces Hancestry, the debut release from The Solomon Gundy Band, arriving on 31 July 2026 via Dundus Records. Bringing together a cross-generational collective of musicians from across the UK jazz scene, the album delivers a rich and contemporary blend of soul jazz, Afro-diasporic rhythms and sound-system culture.

Rooted in Corby’s personal return to music after years away from the trumpet, Hancestry is both a celebration of artistic resilience and a reflection on the evolving story of British jazz. Across the album, traditional jazz influences meet experimental textures and modern grooves, creating a sound that honours the past while firmly embracing the present.

The project features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including UK jazz icon Courtney Pine, acclaimed pianist Sultan Stevenson, vocalist Julie Dexter and Drew Gonsalves. Mixed by Ashley Slater of Loose Tubes and mastered by Carmen Rizzo, the album bridges generations, connecting the pioneering spirit of Jazz Warriors with the vibrant sounds of today’s UK jazz underground.

Tracks such as “Hancestry (for Zora Neale Hurston),” “Choose To Be (for James Baldwin)” and “Wadada (for Ismael Leo Smith)” highlight the album’s deep cultural and literary inspirations, while pieces like “Duke of Da Bronx” and “Jazz Interlude/Solomon A Dub” showcase its fusion of jazz improvisation with dub and contemporary rhythmic influences.

With Hancestry, The Solomon Gundy Band deliver a debut that is thoughtful, adventurous and deeply rooted in community, identity and musical exploration.

Hancestry will be available on LP and CD formats.

Track Listing

1. Hancestry (for Zora Neale Hurston)
2. Divine Days (for Leon Forrest)
3. Sparkey’s Lament
4. Duke of Da Bronx
5. Drum Song (for Chino)
6. Choose To Be (for James Baldwin)
7. Wadada (for Ismael Leo Smith)
8. Seasons
9. Jazz Interlude / Solomon A Dub

Judith Owen Returns with Jazz and Blues Collection Suit Yourself

Acclaimed vocalist Judith Owen continues her celebrated exploration of jazz and blues with the release of her new album, Suit Yourself, arriving on 12 June 2026 via Twanky Records. Recorded at the renowned Esplanade Studios in New Orleans, the album sees Owen once again uncovering overlooked classics and reimagining them with elegance, soul, and unmistakable style.

Blending intimate piano-led performances with arrangements for jazz sextet and contemporary big band, Suit Yourself showcases Owen’s rich and expressive voice across a carefully curated collection of songs. From the sophistication of “That’s Why I Love My Baby” to powerful interpretations of classics such as Aretha Franklin’s “Evil Gal Blues,” Nellie Lutcher’s “For You My Love,” and Etta James’s “Since I Fell For You,” the album captures both the timelessness and emotional depth of the genres she continues to champion.

Among the album’s standout moments is a duet with celebrated New Orleans musician Davell Crawford on “Today I Sing The Blues,” while renowned guitarist Joe Bonamassa delivers fiery guitar work on “Mind Is On Vacation.” The album closes on a stirring note with the gospel-inspired “Inside Out,” featuring the Tonya Boyd-Cannon Choir.

Combining vintage influences with modern arrangements, Suit Yourself further cements Judith Owen’s reputation as one of the most distinctive interpreters working in contemporary jazz and blues today.

Suit Yourself will be available on CD and LP formats.

Track Listing

1. That’s Why I Love My Baby
2. Blue Skies
3. To Your Door
4. If I Were A Bell
5. Today I Sing Blues ft. Davell Crawford
6. Moanin’ – With the J.O. Big Band
7. Shall We Dance
8. Spooky
9. Have A Good Life
10. Mind Is On Vacation ft. Joe Bonamassa
11. Evil Gal Blues – With the J.O. Big Band
12. Since I Fell For You
13. Inside Out ft. Tonya Boyd-Cannon Choir

Alternative Guitar Summit Pays Tribute to Pat Martino on Honoring Pat Martino, Vol. 2

Alternative Guitar Summit returns with Honoring Pat Martino, Vol. 2, a deeply personal and expansive tribute to one of jazz guitar’s most influential voices. Arriving five years after the first volume, this new collection brings together an exceptional lineup of guitarists and collaborators to celebrate the enduring brilliance of Pat Martino’s music and legacy.

Much of the album was shaped during the isolation of the 2021 pandemic, when a planned live event was transformed into a series of intimate studio sessions. In a period when making music together carried a renewed sense of purpose, the recordings took on a unique emotional depth, capturing both the spirit of collaboration and the timeless power of Martino’s compositions.

Featuring performances from acclaimed guitarists including Kurt Rosenwinkel, Cecil Alexander, Dave Stryker, Paul Bollenback, and producer Joel Harrison, the album offers interpretations that honour Martino without attempting to imitate his singular style. Instead, each artist approaches the material with individuality and respect, exploring the sophistication, intensity, and melodic richness that made Martino a towering figure in modern jazz.

Additional recordings completed in 2025 add fresh perspectives to the project, helping shape a tribute that feels both reflective and forward-looking. Across the album, Martino’s compositions are reaffirmed as essential works within the contemporary jazz canon.

Honoring Pat Martino, Vol. 2 will be released on 3 July 2026 via HighNote Records.

Track Listing

1. Villa Hermosa
2. Lean Years
3. Rememberance
4. A Blues for Mickey O
5. City Lights
6. El Hombre
7. Song Bird
8. A Portrait of Diana
9. Lean Years (Slight Return)
10. Welcome to a Prayer

Dexter Wansel’s Time Is Slipping Away Returns on Limited Translucent Blue Vinyl

Philadelphia soul innovator Dexter Wansel returns to the spotlight with a new reissue of his 1980s-era classic Time Is Slipping Away, arriving April 3, 2026 via Music On Vinyl.

Originally the final chapter in Wansel’s run with Philadelphia International Records, the album captures a moment where R&B, jazz-funk, P-funk, and early-80s quiet storm aesthetics converged into a richly textured and forward-looking sound. Across its tracklist, Wansel blends synthesizer-driven grooves, soulful songwriting, and instrumental experimentation in a way that reflects his dual identity as both producer and composer.

The album features standout cuts including “The Sweetest Pain,” featuring vocalist Terri Wells, and “I’ll Never Forget (My Favorite Disco),” both of which helped define the record’s blend of emotional warmth and rhythmic sophistication. Alongside these are funk-driven pieces like “Funk Attack” and atmospheric instrumentals such as the title track, which highlight Wansel’s expansive approach to arrangement and sound design.

Time Is Slipping Away also demonstrates Wansel’s ability to move fluidly between styles without losing cohesion—shifting from P-funk energy to introspective quiet storm balladry and jazz-inflected instrumental passages. It stands as a snapshot of an artist working at the intersection of soul tradition and electronic innovation during a transformative era for R&B.

This new edition is presented as a limited pressing of 500 copies on translucent blue vinyl, complete with an insert featuring lyrics, making it a desirable collector’s item for fans of Philadelphia soul, jazz-funk, and vintage R&B production craft.

More than a reissue, it serves as a reminder of Wansel’s lasting influence on modern soul and funk—an artist whose work continues to resonate through contemporary R&B and sample culture.

Anthony Joseph Announces Afrofuturist New Album The Ark, a Cosmic Extension of Black Cultural Memory

Trinidadian poet, vocalist, and composer Anthony Joseph returns with The Ark, a 2LP release arriving May 1, 2026 via Heavenly Sweetness. The album continues Joseph’s ambitious two-part conceptual cycle that began with 2025’s Rowing Up River To Get Our Names Back, expanding his blend of poetry, jazz, R&B, and experimental Black Atlantic sound into a deeper Afrofuturist narrative.

Rooted in themes of memory, mythology, and speculative history, The Ark explores what Joseph describes as using “the future in order to correct the wrongs of the past.” The result is a work shaped by Afrofuturism’s long lineage—drawing inspiration from visionary figures such as Sun Ra, Parliament-Funkadelic, and writer Octavia E. Butler—while grounding itself in lived experience and contemporary cultural reflection.

Produced by Dave Okumu, known for his work with The Invisible, the album takes shape through a process of sonic experimentation and poetic assembly. Okumu’s textured production style provides a foundation for Joseph’s spoken-word narratives, which unfold gradually across months of collaborative refinement.

A core ensemble of collaborators deepens the album’s sonic palette, including vocalist Eska Mtungwazi, drummer Tom Skinner, trumpeter Byron Wallen, keyboardist Nick Ramm, and saxophonist Colin Webster. Together they construct a fluid musical environment where jazz improvisation, dub atmospherics, and funk-driven grooves converge into a single evolving language.

Across its six tracks, The Ark moves between meditative spoken word and expansive ensemble interplay. Pieces such as “The African Origines of UFOs” and “Transposition of Space (Glissant)” reflect Joseph’s interest in philosophical and historical re-imaginings, while the title track anchors the record in a broader mythic framework—positioning the “ark” as both vessel and metaphor for cultural survival and transformation.

More than a genre exercise, The Ark functions as a conceptual and emotional continuum, blending autobiography with collective history. Joseph describes the work as less about individual experience and more about “a communal experience in which the artist is conduit, messenger, urban griot,” a sentiment reflected in the album’s open, exploratory structure.

With its fusion of poetry, jazz improvisation, dub textures, and Afrofuturist vision, The Ark stands as one of Anthony Joseph’s most expansive statements to date—a record that imagines new worlds while reframing the past in sound.

Average White Band Celebrate Later Career Era on New 4CD Box Set Renaissance 1988–2003

Legendary funk and soul outfit Average White Band are set to be reissued in expansive form with Renaissance 1988–2003, a new 4CD box set arriving September 18, 2026 via Edsel Records.

Long recognised as one of the most influential groove bands of the 1970s, AWB made a lasting mark on global music through hits like “Pick Up the Pieces” and “Work to Do,” while their tight rhythm section and horn-driven arrangements became foundational touchstones for modern funk, R&B, and hip-hop sampling culture.

This new collection focuses on the band’s later-era resurgence, beginning with 1988’s Aftershock and continuing through Soul Tattoo (1996), the live recording Face to Face (1999), and 2003’s Living in Colour. Across these releases, the group’s evolving lineup—anchored by founding members Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre—demonstrates how AWB adapted to changing production styles while retaining their unmistakable musical identity.

The set features collaborations with major artists including Chaka Khan and Ronnie Laws on “The Spirit of Love,” appearances from The Ohio Players, and contributions from Daryl Hall and Hall & Oates collaborator Klyde Jones, reflecting the band’s continued deep connections across the R&B and soul landscape.

Beyond studio material, Renaissance 1988–2003 also captures AWB’s live evolution, including recordings from their San Francisco Fillmore performance alongside Tower of Power, highlighting the enduring chemistry between two of the most respected horn-driven groups in modern funk history.

Spanning reinterpretations, guest-heavy studio sessions, and live recordings, the box set documents a period often overshadowed by AWB’s 1970s peak but essential to understanding their long-term legacy. It showcases a band continuing to evolve—experimenting with production, embracing new collaborators, and maintaining the rhythmic sophistication that made them one of the most sampled acts in music history, influencing artists from Snoop Dogg to Mark Ronson.

More than a retrospective, Renaissance 1988–2003 reframes this era as a creative rebirth—proof that AWB’s groove language remained vital across decades, lineups, and shifting musical landscapes.

Mr Bongo Record Club Vol. 8 Expands the Global Soundscape with Soul, Brazil, Jazz-Funk and Rare Groove Gems

Various Artists return with Mr Bongo Record Club Vol. 8, the latest edition in the acclaimed compilation series curated by Mr Bongo, set for release on June 26, 2026.

Now eight volumes deep, the Record Club series continues its mission of unearthing and celebrating deep cuts, overlooked treasures, and personal favourites drawn from across the global musical spectrum. Volume 8 brings together an expansive selection of soul, boogie, jazz-funk, disco-reggae, Latin, and Brazilian music—reflecting the label’s long-standing commitment to cross-cultural discovery and dancefloor storytelling.

This edition opens with the emotional depth of As Ganhadeiras de Itapuã’s “Mare mansa,” setting the tone for a journey that moves through contemporary Brazilian productions, rare groove rediscoveries, and soulful classics. Brazilian music plays a particularly central role throughout the compilation, with selections that highlight both traditional regional sounds and modern reinterpretations, including contributions from artists such as Ubunto, Castanheiro, Tyaraju & Dutra, and Eduardo Araújo.

Alongside its Brazilian focus, the compilation dives deep into vintage and modern soul, featuring standout cuts from Tommy McGee, Trevor Dandy, and Wil Collins & Willpower, alongside disco, reggae, and Brit-funk rarities from artists including Powerline and Tapper Zukie.

A standout moment comes in the form of a rework of The Sylvers’ “Wish That I Could Talk To You,” reimagined by legendary producer Kenny Dope, who injects new rhythmic weight while preserving the original’s soulful essence.

True to the series’ ethos, Vol. 8 resists genre boundaries in favour of flow, emotion, and discovery. Tracks move fluidly between eras and regions, united by an underlying sense of groove and musical curiosity rather than style or chronology.

More than a compilation, Mr Bongo Record Club Vol. 8 functions as a curated listening experience shaped by DJ culture, crate-digging tradition, and a global network of sound collectors. It reflects not only what is being rediscovered, but also how music continues to connect places, generations, and emotional states across borders.

Down To The Bone Return with Groove-Heavy New Album This Way Forward

Grammy-nominated acid jazz collective Down To The Bone return after a decade with This Way Forward, a groove-driven, jazz-funk and soul-infused album set for release on June 5, 2026 via Dome Records.

Known for their distinctive blend of acid jazz, funk, and dancefloor-ready jazz grooves, the group’s new record spans ten tracks that draw from jazz-funk, soul, and Brazilian rhythms, reinforcing their reputation for finely crafted, high-energy ensemble music.

This Way Forward brings together an expansive lineup of collaborators, bridging past and present contributors. Vocal performances include Hil St Soul, who co-wrote the opening track “Get Up And Dance,” alongside soulful contributions from Natasha Watts and Brazilian vocalist Guida de Palma, adding international flavour and warmth across the record.

At the core of the album is a seasoned instrumental ensemble featuring key figures from the UK jazz and funk scenes. The horn section includes musicians such as Tim Smart, Ryan Jacob (known for work with Bonobo and Alice Russell), and saxophonist James Arben. The rhythm section is anchored by bassist Julian Crampton and drummer Davide Giovannini (associated with Snowboy and Jazztronik), while guitars from Tony Remy, Mark Jaimes, and Gianni Chiarello bring additional texture and funk-driven momentum.

Keys and harmonic direction come from Neil Angilley and Anders Olinder, both deeply embedded in the UK jazz circuit, while percussionist Joe “Bongo” Becket adds rhythmic colour throughout.

Across its tracklist, This Way Forward moves fluidly between dancefloor energy and smooth, melodic jazz-funk. Highlights include the celebratory opener “Get Up And Dance,” the expansive “Sending You Love (Parts 1 and 2),” the Brazilian-tinged “Bird Of Paradise,” and the closing burst of energy on “Umph!”

With its blend of vocal soul, tight horn arrangements, and infectious grooves, This Way Forward reaffirms Down To The Bone’s position as one of the UK’s most consistent and rhythm-focused jazz-funk outfits—returning with renewed energy and a global sonic palette.

Cult 1968 Soul-Pop Gem The Soul Of The Matter by Herbie And The Royalists Reissued on Vinyl

British soul-pop outfit Herbie And The Royalists return to the spotlight with a long-awaited reissue of The Soul Of The Matter, a cult 1968 album originally released on the budget Saga label and now restored by Morgan Blue Town for release on May 29, 2026.

Long regarded as a hidden treasure of the late-1960s British underground, the album has circulated among collectors and crate-diggers for decades, prized for its combination of raw charm, ambitious songwriting, and stylistic range far beyond its modest production origins. Fronted by vocalist Herbie Hunte, the group blended blue-eyed soul, mod-era pop, early psychedelia, and baroque pop influences into a distinctive and emotionally direct sound.

Across its original tracklist, The Soul Of The Matter moves between infectious soul-pop, experimental arrangements, and cinematic instrumental passages. Early highlight “Baby I Love You” showcases the band’s immediate melodic appeal, while tracks like “Royal Suite” and “Lost Voyage” reveal a more expansive, exploratory side that helped the record gain cult status over time.

Despite its limited initial pressings, the album gradually developed a reputation as one of the most compelling low-budget British soul releases of its era—an example of creativity flourishing outside the mainstream studio system. Its rediscovery and reissue now offer a new generation of listeners the chance to experience its blend of sincerity, invention, and period atmosphere in high-quality form.

This new edition presents the album on 180-gram vinyl (and CD), complete with sleeve notes and restored audio, reaffirming its place within the canon of British ‘60s soul, mod, and underground pop culture.

For collectors and fans of lost-era discoveries, The Soul Of The Matter stands as both a time capsule and a reminder that great music often emerges from the most unlikely circumstances.

Jim Keller Announces Vinilly! — A Europe-Only Vinyl Compilation Celebrating His Late-Career Revival

 

American singer-songwriter Jim Keller returns with Vinilly!, a limited-edition vinyl compilation set for release on May 29, 2026 via Continental Song City. Issued exclusively in Europe and positioned as a Record Store Day 2026 special release, the album collects key tracks from Keller’s recent creative resurgence, spanning his post-2023 output and highlighting a prolific late-career renaissance.

Best known as a founding member of Tommy Tutone, the group behind the classic hit “867-5309/Jenny,” Keller’s career has traversed chart success, industry reinvention, and decades of behind-the-scenes work in music publishing and production. After stepping away from the spotlight, he re-emerged in 2009 with Sunshine in My Pocket, beginning a new chapter that has since produced a steady stream of acclaimed solo albums.

Vinilly! draws from six solo records, including 2024’s Daylight and 2025’s End of the World, the latter featuring the Americana-charting single “Black Dog.” Across twelve tracks, the compilation showcases Keller’s signature blend of pop songwriting, rhythm & blues warmth, and soul-inflected storytelling, reflecting both his early rock roots and his more recent introspective writing style.

Keller’s path back to performing followed an unconventional trajectory. After Tommy Tutone’s rapid rise and dissolution in the early 1980s, he spent over two decades working in music publishing, most notably running the company of influential composer Philip Glass and collaborating with artists such as Tom Waits, Ravi Shankar, and Rufus Wainwright. That period of immersion in diverse musical worlds continues to inform the depth and eclecticism of his recent songwriting.

From reflective ballads like “Sunshine in My Pocket” to upbeat, melodic cuts such as “Modern Girl” and “A Girl Like You,” Vinilly! traces a songwriter reconnecting with performance while refining a voice shaped by experience, collaboration, and time away from the stage.

For long-time fans and new listeners alike, the collection serves as both a retrospective and a reaffirmation—capturing Jim Keller not as a legacy act, but as an active, evolving songwriter in full creative stride.