Till Brönner Announces New Album ITALIA – A Sun-Drenched Journey Through Italy’s Golden Musical Era

German jazz virtuoso Till Brönner is set to transport listeners to the vibrant soundscape of Italy from the 1960s through the early 1980s with his forthcoming album, ITALIA, released via earMUSIC on September 5, 2025. This album marks Brönner’s first collaboration with earMUSIC/Edel, and pre-orders are available starting today.

Accompanying the album announcement is the first single, Viva la Felicità, a reimagined version of the beloved Signor Rossi theme from the iconic 1970s Italian cartoon series. The song captures the adventures of a small man in a red hat, wandering the world in search of happiness and discovery.

ITALIA was recorded in Bari and Rome and produced by Till Brönner alongside Nicola Conte, a celebrated DJ, jazz musician, and sound aesthete from Apulia. Conte is internationally recognized for his refined, genre-blending approach that fuses jazz, bossa nova, and club culture. Their collaboration promises an album that is both elegant and deeply rooted in the spirit of Italian musical heritage.

The album’s repertoire primarily draws from the 1970s and early 1980s, a period Brönner describes as a golden era of European musical exchange. Italian songs traveled across borders, filling French radio airwaves and German record stores, shaping a continental cultural mood.

"Italy created a kind of pan-European sound," Brönner explains. "It was an atmosphere that was formative for an entire generation."

Conte adds, "We focused on a moment in Italian cultural history that is still, to this day, one of the most engaging, artistically relevant and colourful."

The music of that era mirrored a collective optimism, balancing lighthearted pop with deeper explorations of life’s complexities. Brönner sees parallels with today’s world: "There is a lot of hope now that things might shift toward something more human and down to earth again – and that’s exactly the kind of feeling you could literally sense in the ’70s and ’80s."

ITALIA combines well-known classics with rarities from Italian pop culture that never gained recognition beyond Italy. The album features works by legendary artists such as Lucio Battisti, Paolo Conte, and Tony Renis, alongside iconic film scores by Ennio Morricone, Piero Piccioni, and Franco Micalizzi. Brönner also contributes an original composition that blends seamlessly with the vintage repertoire.

"The album contains many songs that are well-known – at least from a non-Italian perspective. But there are also surprises. Nothing is more boring than a record where you know exactly how it will sound from the first note," Brönner says.

For the first time on a studio album, Brönner lends his voice, singing in Italian on both the lead single Viva la Felicità and the melancholic hit L’Appuntamento, originally popularized by Ornella Vanoni. Brönner shares, "When I translated the lyrics into German, I thought: That could have been my story."

The album alternates between instrumental tracks, highlighting Brönner’s signature trumpet and flugelhorn, and vocal performances by a star-studded roster including Chiara Civello, Sera Kalo, Mario Biondi, Mandy Capristo, and Giovanni Zarrella.

The inspiration for ITALIA is deeply personal. Brönner spent part of his childhood in Rome, a formative period that shaped his sensibilities and instilled a profound connection to the Italian spirit. "Some records come from a feeling. This one came from pure love," he reflects.

Featured Musicians

• Till Brönner – flugelhorn, trumpet, vocals, synthesizers, brass, background vocals

• Roberto Di Gioia – piano, electric piano, synthesizers, mellotron, organ, keyboards, synth arrangements

• Nicola Conte – guitar

• Bruno Müller – guitar

• Pietro Lussu – piano, electric piano

• Alberto Parmegiani – guitar

• Magnus Lindgren – flutes, saxophones, reeds & woodwinds, woodwind arrangements

• Christian von Kaphengst – double bass, electric bass

• Ameen Saleem – double bass, electric bass

• Teppo Mäkynen – drums

• Gabriel Prado – percussion, background vocals

• Arne Schumann – programming, recording, mixing

• Katrin Mickiewicz – background vocals

Guest vocalists:

• Mario Biondi – vocals on Via Con Me

• Chiara Civello – vocals on Parole Parole

• Giovanni Zarrella – vocals on Quando, Quando, Quando

• Mandy Capristo – vocals on In Alto Mare

• Sera Kalo – vocals on L’Unica Chance

Till Brönner is one of Europe’s most acclaimed jazz musicians. Since releasing his debut album at age 22, he has sold over one million records in Germany alone and earned multiple Gold and Platinum awards. He has been nominated for a Grammy, received several ECHO Awards, and performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, and the White House.

Beyond music, Brönner is an accomplished photographer, author, and educator, teaching jazz trumpet at the University of Music in Dresden.

ITALIA promises to be a heartfelt homage to Italy’s rich musical legacy and a personal journey for Brönner, blending nostalgia, innovation, and the timeless beauty of Italian song.

CRAFT RECORDINGS’ ORIGINAL JAZZ CLASSICS CLOSES OUT 2025 WITH SEVEN NEW REISSUES

Craft Recordings has announced the final wave of 2025 titles in its Original Jazz Classics (OJC) series, featuring seven essential albums from some of jazz’s most iconic names. Available between October 24 and December 5, this collection highlights the breadth of postwar jazz—from hard bop firebrands to West Coast cool innovators, exploratory world-jazz pioneers, and blues-steeped ensembles.

The new batch includes:

• Yusef Lateef – Jazz Mood (1957)
  A groundbreaking debut that signaled Lateef’s lifelong exploration of world music within a jazz framework. Incorporating Eastern instruments like the rabat and argol, Lateef carved out a spiritual and cross-cultural voice that still feels ahead of its time.

• Hank Mobley – Jazz Message #2 (1957)
  Featuring a dream lineup with Donald Byrd, a young Lee Morgan, Barry Harris, Hank Jones, and Kenny Clarke, this compact but fiery session highlights Mobley’s lyrical saxophone style—long celebrated by jazz aficionados as “the middleweight champ of the tenor sax.”

• Art Pepper – Surf Ride (1957)
  A breezy yet sharp set that cemented Pepper’s status as a leading light of the West Coast scene. With Hampton Hawes on piano, the album captures the interplay and vitality that set Pepper apart from his “cool jazz” contemporaries.

• Sonny Rollins – Plus 4 (1956)
  A landmark album recorded with Clifford Brown and Max Roach, shortly before Brown’s tragic passing. Rollins’ commanding tenor and compositions like “Valse Hot” make this both a hard bop cornerstone and a poignant snapshot of a short-lived supergroup.

• Wes Montgomery – Boss Guitar (1963)
  Montgomery’s soulful tone and effortless octave playing shine across standards and originals. His swinging “The Trick Bag” and lyrical “Besame Mucho” remind us why he influenced everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Pat Metheny.

• Thad Jones, Frank Wess, Kenny Burrell & Mal Waldron – After Hours (1957)
  A late-night bop session alive with solos, conversations, and chemistry. From blues-soaked interplay on “Empty Street” to fiery exchanges elsewhere, this album epitomizes the magic of mid-century jazz collaboration.

• Red Garland Quintet – Soul Junction (1957, released 1960)
  A blues-rooted masterpiece from the pianist best known for his work with the Miles Davis Quintet. With John Coltrane and Donald Byrd onboard, the 15-minute opener “Soul Junction” alone justifies the album’s legendary reputation.

These reissues maintain the OJC standard of authenticity and fidelity:

• AAA lacquers cut directly from the original tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio

• 180-gram vinyl pressed at RTI

• Tip-on jackets faithfully reproducing the original artwork

• Hi-res 192/24 digital audio released alongside the vinyl editions

This batch also marks the first Savoy Records titles to appear in the OJC series (Yusef Lateef, Hank Mobley, and Art Pepper), expanding the scope of the collection beyond Prestige, Riverside, and Contemporary classics.

Since its 1982 launch, the Original Jazz Classics imprint has been a touchstone for collectors, archivists, and newcomers seeking definitive editions of essential jazz recordings. With this 2025 finale, Craft Recordings continues to preserve the legacy of jazz’s most influential voices while making their music accessible in audiophile quality.

Bassist/Composer Anne Mette Iversen Presents: Ternion Q Expanded – Marbles

Visionary bassist and composer Anne Mette Iversen unveils Marbles, the debut recording from her new seven-piece ensemble Ternion Q Expanded, arriving October 17, 2025 via Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records.

Marbles is a dynamic exploration of layered form, rhythmic interplay, and collective imagination in contemporary jazz. Drawing inspiration from marble runs—systems in motion where paths diverge, converge, and transform—the album celebrates curiosity, freedom, and the beauty of process.

“The best marble runs offer multiple ways to reach the same goal,” Iversen explains. “This music celebrates exactly that: variety, motion, and the openness of process.”

The compositions mirror this metaphor, embracing multiple layers of rhythm, melody, harmony, and improvisation. Pieces like Threefold, Square Root of a Dream, and Two Twisted Spires highlight polyrhythms, contrapuntal writing, and simultaneous improvisations, creating music that is both structurally intricate and vibrantly alive.

The ensemble’s powerhouse lineup includes:

• Silke Eberhard – alto saxophone

• Julius Gawlik – clarinet, alto clarinet, tenor saxophone

• Percy Pursglove – trumpet & flugelhorn

• Geoffroy De Masure – trombone

• Morris Kliphuis – French horn

• Roland Schneider – drums

• Anne Mette Iversen – bass & compositions

Together, they bring a kaleidoscopic sound that blurs the line between composition and improvisation, structure and spontaneity.

Iversen, long recognized as one of jazz’s most forward-thinking composers, has released over a dozen acclaimed albums as a leader and continues to bridge jazz and classical forms while championing ensemble interaction. Critics have hailed her work as “thoroughly compelling and wholly rewarding” (DownBeat), “fun, refreshing, and substantial” (Musically Speaking), and “a durable listening pleasure for new and expanded discoveries” (JazzTimes).

With Marbles, Iversen presents music that is complex yet inviting — a reflection of jazz as a living, breathing art form in constant motion.

Marbles will be released October 17, 2025 on Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records.

Deep Energy Orchestra Unveils Expansive New Album The Science of Sound on 7D Media — Featuring Members of Snarky Puppy, Kansas, King Crimson, Shakti & More

On October 24, 2025, Deep Energy Orchestra will release its highly anticipated third studio album, The Science of Sound, on 7D Media. Conceived and led by composer, producer, and bassist Jason Everett (aka Mister E), the project is a sweeping testament to global collaboration, genre-defying creativity, and intricate composition.

Following the ensemble’s acclaimed works Playing With Fire (2018) and The Return (2020), this new release expands on their signature blend of Indian classical rhythms, progressive rock, jazz fusion, funk, and orchestral textures.

The album features a world-class roster, including:

• Joe Deninzon (Kansas, electric violin)

• Gary Husband (John McLaughlin, Allan Holdsworth)

• Trey Gunn (King Crimson)

• Adam Holzman (Miles Davis, Steven Wilson)

• V. Selvaganesh (Shakti, Masters of Percussion)

• Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy)

• Plus U. Rajesh, Mahesh Vinayakram, Radhika Iyer, John Wubbenhorst, Eric “Doc” Smith, and a full string section.

Across eight compositions, Everett and his collaborators weave a narrative that balances compositional precision with room for improvisation. Tracks like Morning Over Madrid and Solar Playground highlight ensemble interplay, while Captain Quirk and The Secrets of Subtraction showcase intricate call-and-response dynamics. The meditative closing track, Stargazing, ties the album together with emotional depth.

Produced and arranged by Everett and engineered by Don Gunn (Soundgarden, Peter Frampton), the album delivers an immersive sonic journey that honors the strengths of every musician while presenting a unified artistic vision.

“The Science of Sound is about exploring how music can communicate across genres, cultures, and traditions,” says Everett. “It’s a collaborative work that honors every artist involved while serving a larger musical vision.”

With influences spanning Mahavishnu Orchestra, Shakti, progressive rock, and world jazz fusion, Deep Energy Orchestra continues to push boundaries, proving once again why they’re regarded as one of the most forward-thinking ensembles of our time.

The Science of Sound arrives October 24, 2025, via 7D Media.

Al Sunny Says “Goodbye” to Summer with Soulful New Single, First from Upcoming Album Summer End

Nîmes-based French singer-songwriter Al Sunny has released his latest single, “Goodbye,” a silky smooth, laidback slice of soul-pop and West Coast AOR. The track is the first taste of his forthcoming album, Summer End, scheduled for release in October, and it sets the tone for an album that blends introspective songwriting with uplifting, melodic arrangements.

Describing the song as a “false ballad,” Al Sunny explains:

“It may sound melancholic at first, but it deals with a more complex emotion — the difficulty of reaching out to others when you're not feeling well. The verses are intentionally soft and introspective, almost like a quiet monologue. But when the choruses arrive, they open up, lifted by layered backing vocals. The goal was to create a sense of unity — to remind us that we’re never truly alone, even when it feels that way.”

The song builds to a bridge that introduces major 7 chords, creating a release and a sense of emotional resolution. While “Goodbye” was initially inspired by a Snarky Puppy track, it evolved into a more personal, vocal-driven expression that emphasizes Al Sunny’s connection to melody, groove, and lyrical nuance. The layered backing vocals, warm instrumentation, and polished production give the track a sense of sophistication while remaining accessible and deeply human.

Summer End represents a new stage in Al Sunny’s artistic journey while staying true to his signature sound. Soul and pop remain central, but the album also incorporates fresh influences from contemporary artists like Sault, Khruangbin, Daniel Caesar, Anderson .Paak, and Tom Misch. With “Goodbye,” listeners are offered a reflective yet warm introduction to an album that explores seasonal transitions, introspection, and the universal desire for connection.

By blending personal storytelling with lush, engaging arrangements, Al Sunny proves once again why he is a distinctive voice in modern soul-pop, capable of touching both the heart and the imagination.

Eddie Daniels Honors Milton Nascimento with To Milton With Love, a Reimagining of the 1969 Classic Courage

Resonance Records announces the release of To Milton With Love, a bold new project from master clarinetist and saxophonist Eddie Daniels, available today on CD and digital download, with a worldwide release to follow on September 19. The album pays homage to Brazilian legend Milton Nascimento through a complete re-creation of his landmark 1969 CTI Records album Courage.

This marks Daniels’ third tribute to icons of Brazilian music, following 2018’s Grammy-nominated Heart of Brazil: A Tribute to Egberto Gismonti and 2020’s Night Kisses: A Tribute to Ivan Lins, both also released by Resonance. Recorded at the label’s Beverly Hills studio and mastered at The Mastering Lab in Salina, Kansas, the album was produced by Resonance founder and co-president George Klabin, whose personal connection to Nascimento’s music helped inspire the project.

Daniels leads a stellar ensemble including Grammy-nominated guitarist Anthony Wilson, pianist Josh Nelson, bassist Kevin Axt, and drummer Ray Brinker. The performances are enriched by the luminous textures of the Lyris String Quartet, with fresh arrangements crafted by Kuno Schmid and Nelson. The package includes liner notes by acclaimed author James Gavin, as well as Klabin’s own remembrance of a fateful night in 1969 when he first encountered a young Nascimento in a New York club—just before the singer recorded Courage at Rudy Van Gelder’s legendary studio.

In revisiting Courage, Daniels and his collaborators chose to honor the spirit of the original while creating something new. The sweeping orchestral settings of 1969 have been distilled into intimate string quartet arrangements, while Daniels’ clarinet and saxophone step in where Nascimento’s unmistakable vocals once stood. The album includes such classics as “Travessia,” “Vera Cruz,” and “Morro Velho,” along with a new Daniels/Nelson original, “For Milton,” which closes the set in poignant tribute.

“Eddie Daniels kept Milton’s singing in mind as he played,” writes Gavin. “‘It’s almost like talking a song—it’s so ethereal. I let myself play some jazz here and there and step out in a simple way that I felt belonged to the song, rather than becoming Bird or Coltrane.’” Daniels’ unmistakable voice shines throughout, bringing his unique blend of joy, virtuosity, and beauty to Nascimento’s beloved music.

With To Milton With Love, Daniels once again reaffirms his mastery of Brazilian-inspired jazz and his gift for channeling deep emotional expression through instrumental performance.

Tracklist:

1. Travessia (4:44)

2. Vera Cruz (4:48)

3. Tres Pontas (5:28)

4. Outubro (5:14)

5. Courage (4:42)

6. Rio Vermelho (3:30)

7. Gira Girou (5:53)

8. Morro Velho (5:41)

9. Catavento (3:59)

10. Cancao Do Sal (3:51)

11. For Milton (5:29)

---

Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings Bill Evans Trio featuring Scott LaFaro & Paul Motian

Craft Recordings announced Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings, a definitive new collection honoring pianist Bill Evans and his groundbreaking “Classic Trio” with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. Arriving November 21 in 5-LP, 3-CD, and digital formats, the set assembles—for the first time ever—the trio’s complete studio recordings, including Portrait in Jazz (1960), Explorations (1961), and a treasure trove of alternate takes and outtakes, 17 of which have never been released.

Produced by Nick Phillips and mastered by GRAMMY® Award-winner Paul Blakemore, the collection features meticulous audio restoration by Plangent Processes, with lacquers cut by Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio). The deluxe vinyl box includes rare photos, new artwork, a fold-out poster, and insightful liner notes: an introduction by John Densmore of The Doors (who recalls sneaking into Shelly’s Manne-Hole as a teenager to witness the trio), plus new commentary by noted jazz writer Eugene Holley Jr.

Formed in 1959 after Evans’ pivotal role on Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, the Evans–LaFaro–Motian trio redefined the jazz piano trio format. With LaFaro’s guitar-like fluency on bass and Motian’s textural drumming, the group elevated interplay to an art of collective improvisation. Their collaboration, though lasting just 20 months, transformed the landscape of modern jazz.

Evans himself reflected:

“What gave that trio its character was a common aim and a feeling of potential. The music developed as we performed… The objective was to achieve the result in a responsible way.”

This new set includes the original albums Portrait in Jazz and Explorations in newly restored sound, along with 27 alternate takes and outtakes presented in session order. Among them are never-before-heard versions of “Witchcraft,” “Spring Is Here,” “Elsa,” “Haunted Heart,” and “How Deep Is the Ocean.” Listeners will also discover an early take of “Walking Up” (later on How My Heart Sings!), as well as the trio’s interpretation of “The Boy Next Door” from Meet Me in St. Louis.

These studio recordings, combined with the trio’s legendary live albums (Sunday at the Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debby), capture the essence of one of jazz’s most influential ensembles. Though LaFaro’s tragic death in 1961 ended their partnership, the music lives on as a timeless document of artistry, innovation, and intimacy.

Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings is available to pre-order/pre-save now. Fans can also stream the newly unearthed “Sweet and Lovely (Take 5) – Stereo” beginning today.

John Oates Returns with Soulful New Solo Album “Oates”

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, and multiple-time GRAMMY nominee John Oates releases his long-awaited solo album, Oates, today. The self-titled LP marks a return to the soulful, groove-driven sound that defined a generation while introducing a vibrant new chapter in one of music’s most celebrated careers. The album is now available on all major streaming platforms.

Critics are already praising Oates as a bold step forward. PEOPLE notes, “His next era as an artist is one to watch… an album that is equally looking ahead to pop and R&B music's future, and offering a sonic harkening back to yesteryear.” NPR Music calls it “lovely songs,” while Entertainment Weekly adds, “Juxtaposes tales of love, heartbreak, and frustration on a bed of swirling soul, R&B, and bossa nova melodies. It's a reminder to listeners to keep their spirits high even when navigating life's low points.”

Recorded primarily in his longtime hometown of Nashville, Oates was co-produced by John Oates and multi-platinum producer David Kalmusky (Keith Urban, Shawn Mendes, Carrie Underwood). Together, they crafted a sound that is both timeless and modern — smooth, funky, and brimming with soul. The 13-track collection reflects Oates’ signature groove-driven style while incorporating fresh influences from a new generation of collaborators.

The album features several notable collaborations. Lead single “Enough Is Enough” features powerhouse vocals from Clyde and Gracie Lawrence of Lawrence, while the soaring track “Mending” includes rising soul star Devon Gilfillian. Other highlights include the slinky, rhythm-heavy “Pushin’ a Rock,” the optimistic groove of “Real Thing Going On,” and a smoky, Spanish-tinged reimagining of “Walking in Memphis,” which also receives a bold remix from genre-defying producer Grabbitz.

Oates reflects on the project: “This album is a full-circle moment. I’ve spent years exploring the roots of American music — folk, blues, acoustic storytelling — but this time, I wanted to revisit the soul and pop that shaped me early on. It’s music that feels good, grooves hard, and still says something real.”

Oates just wrapped a cross-country tour, culminating in a packed album release show at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood. Audiences experienced electrifying previews of the new material, with full-band arrangements bringing the record's soulful energy to life. Earlier this week, NPR Music featured Oates in their prestigious Field Recordings series at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Accompanied by percussionist John Michel, he delivered an intimate, raw set, including stripped-down versions of “A Ways Away” and “Get Your Smile On.” Fans can already enjoy a visualizer for the album’s track “A Ways Away,” with a full music video coming next week.

The album’s tracklist includes: Enough Is Enough (feat. Lawrence), Real Thing Going On, Mending (feat. Devon Gilfillian), A Ways Away, Let Me Be the One, World Gone Wrong, Pushin' a Rock, Disconnected, Get Your Smile On, Dreaming About Brazil, Bajo la Luz de la Luna, Walking In Memphis, and Walking In Memphis (Grabbitz Remix).

Though widely recognized as the co-creator of the pop duo Hall & Oates, John Oates’ musical roots run deep. Growing up in the 1950s, Oates absorbed the sounds of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, the Everly Brothers, and Elvis, as well as the rich regional rhythms of AM radio stations. During the folk revival of the 1960s, he immersed himself in blues and folk legends like Mississippi John Hurt, Doc Watson, and Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, while enjoying R&B icons like Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, and James Brown. In the early 2000s, Oates moved to Nashville, reconnecting with his early musical DNA and collaborating with the city’s vibrant Americana community. Over the years, this journey has produced seven solo albums, numerous singles, and a multitude of memorable collaborations, culminating now in Oates, a record that bridges past and present while looking boldly toward the future.

Calibro 35 Returns to the U.S. for Exclusive Shows Celebrating Exploration and Classic Italian Film Scores

This October, Milan-based cinematic funk ensemble Calibro 35 return to the United States for two highly anticipated concerts, presenting their latest album Exploration and paying homage to classic Italian film scores from the likes of Ennio Morricone and other masters of the golden age of Italian cinema.

The performances will take place at Miami Beach Bandshell on October 18 and at the legendary Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles on October 20. Both are free RSVP events: Miami Beach Bandshell RSVP | Los Angeles RSVP.

Exploration, released on June 6, 2025, via Record Kicks, is a masterful blend of cinematic funk, ‘70s jazz, soul, and the playful textures of ‘80s Italian television soundtracks. Across eleven tracks, including originals such as Reptile Strut, Pied De Poule, and The Twang, Calibro 35 reinterpret classics by Azymuth, Lalo Schifrin, Herbie Hancock, Roy Ayers, and Piero Umiliani, balancing homage with fearless reinvention.

“In recent years we’ve absorbed a huge amount of music,” the band explains. “Through our soundtrack work (Blanca, Sandokan for Rai TV), festival appearances, and sharing stages with artists like Makaya McCraven, The Headhunters, Roy Ayers, and Robert Glasper, we’ve immersed ourselves in the global ‘new jazz’ scene. That journey led us to Exploration.”

Calibro 35 have earned international acclaim as one of Italy’s most innovative independent bands. Rolling Stone calls them “the most fascinating, retro-maniac and genuine thing that has happened to Italy in the past few years.” Since forming in 2007, the group has combined technical mastery with groove, precision with creativity, and eclecticism with coherence. Their music has been sampled by hip-hop icons including Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, Damon Albarn, and Demigodz, and they have collaborated with artists ranging from PJ Harvey and Mike Patton to Stewart Copeland and Rokia Traoré.

The U.S. tour is presented by Hit Week, the festival of Italian music around the world, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and organized by ITA – Italian Trade Agency together with FIMI – the Federation of the Italian Music Industry.

Calibro 35 Live in the U.S.:

• October 18 — Miami Beach Bandshell, Miami – Free RSVP
  

• October 20 — Whisky a Go Go, Los Angeles – Free RSVP
  
  

Album Details:

• Title: Exploration

• Artist: Calibro 35

• Release Date: June 6, 2025

• Label: Record Kicks

• Private EPK & Streaming: Available to press upon request

• Public Streaming & Purchase: Record Kicks

The Architects of Soul Vol. 16 – 20-Track Summer 2025 Soul Collection

The architects of soul return with Volume 16, a stunning 20-track Summer 2025 collection of premium mid-tempo Northern and Crossover soul. Digging deep into the Charly archives and rare U.S. independent labels like True Soul (Little Rock), Soulin’ (New Orleans), and Soul Clock (Los Angeles), this compilation uncovers the building blocks of modern soul.

Curated with the help of the Modern Soul Collective’s Andy Rix, the set features gems from both well-known and overlooked soul artists. Choice Of Colour opens the collection with the heartfelt groove “Your Love,” while Adam Wade’s “Russell Never Had A Chance” showcases his smooth, emotive vocal style. Thomas East’s “Follow The Rainbow” is a melodic gem from the St. Louis soul scene, and Tony Owens’ “All That Matters” demonstrates the polished crossover appeal that made Northern soul so irresistible.

Premium Fortenberry III contributes the infectious “You Know You Want To Be Loved,” a track that highlights his silky vocals and intricate arrangements, while The Whispers’ “Needle In A Haystack” adds a classic touch of vocal harmony and sophisticated groove. The Fuller Bros. deliver the rawer soul of “Stranger At My Door,” while Ohio Players’ “I Gotta Get Away” leans into funk-infused rhythms that prefigure their later hits.

The Impalas’ “Speed Up” and The Esquires’ “Listen To Me” represent the energetic pulse of mid-tempo soul, and Swiss Movement’s “Trying To Win Your Love” captures the smooth, romantic sensibility of the era. Al Wilson’s “Touch And Go” is a perfect example of crossover soul sophistication, and Kenny Smith & The Lovelitters’ “One More Day” radiates heartfelt emotion and vocal prowess.

Jackey Beavers’ “Bring Me All Your Heartaches” and Ruby Winters’ “If Only We Had Met Sooner” offer deep lyrical intimacy, while Don Varner’s “When It’s Over” and Swamp Dogg’s “Synthetic World” introduce socially aware storytelling with lush instrumentation. John Craig Doing’s “My Own Thing” is a standout track blending groove and melody, and Bill Brandon’s “All I Need Is You” captures the passionate essence of modern soul. The collection closes with Music ‘N’ Motion’s “I’ve Got To Find My Place,” a reflective and rhythmically compelling finale.

From Northern soul classics to rare crossover treasures, Volume 16 brings together a rich tapestry of voices, grooves, and styles, celebrating the diversity and depth of soul music. Each track has been carefully selected to honor the legacy of the artists while introducing listeners to hidden gems that shaped the genre.

Track Listing

Disc 1

1. Choice Of Colour – Your Love

2. Adam Wade – Russell Never Had A Chance

3. Thomas East – Follow The Rainbow

4. Tony Owens – All That Matters

5. Premium – You Know You Want To Be Loved

6. The Whispers – Needle In A Haystack

7. The Fuller Bros. – Stranger At My Door

8. Ohio Players – I Gotta Get Away

9. The Impalas – Speed Up

10. The Esquires – Listen To Me

11. Swiss Movement – Trying To Win Your Love

12. Al Wilson – Touch And Go

13. Kenny Smith & The Lovelitters – One More Day

14. Jackey Beavers – Bring Me All Your Heartaches

15. Ruby Winters – If Only We Had Met Sooner

16. Don Varner – When It’s Over

17. Swamp Dogg – Synthetic World

18. John Craig Doing – My Own Thing

19. Bill Brandon – All I Need Is You

20. Music ‘N’ Motion – I’ve Got To Find My Place

Ronnie McNeir Makes a Move: Unearthed 1971 Sessions Finally See the Light

The tapes for Ronnie McNeir Makes a Move were discovered in Mickey Stevenson’s extensive master tape collection, and the result is a full new LP of classic McNeir—a true gift for his many soul fans, particularly in Europe where he is so deeply admired.

In 1971, Ronnie recorded more than twenty tracks with Stevenson’s production company. Eleven appeared on his RCA debut Ronnie McNeir, but ten remained in the vaults—until now.

The title cut, “Let’s Make a Move,” composed with longtime collaborator Andre Moore, bursts with urgent funk energy. “I’m Sorry” offers an earlier take on “Gone Away,” complete with a female vocal response track that didn’t make it onto the 1972 RCA release.

McNeir also reimagines Motown classics. “Say You,” first recorded by the Monitors in 1965, is given a laid-back twist, while “The Girl’s Alright With Me” features stellar backing vocals from Hodges, James, Smith & Crawford. Both the single and alternate versions of “Say You” are featured here. In a surprising turn, Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” gets a jaunty, soulful makeover.

Other standouts include the slow-burning “My Day Will Come,” co-written with his wife Mona and already drawing attention from modern soul DJs, and “Tell Your Mama,” a sensuous groove in the spirit of Marvin Gaye. “East Side, West Side” brings a streetwise social edge, tackling the realities faced by young people at the time.

A multi-instrumentalist with deep jazz influences, McNeir also included two instrumental jams: “Ronnie’s Bag #1” and “Ronnie’s Bag #2.” Driven by piano, keyboards, and early synthesizers, the first leans toward jazz while the second heads straight into funk territory.

Ronnie McNeir Makes a Move is a fascinating rediscovery that expands the picture of McNeir as an artist—versatile, soulful, and ahead of his time.

Track Listing
A1. Let’s Make a Move
A2. I’m Sorry
A3. My Day Will Come
A4. East Side, West Side
A5. Ronnie’s Bag #1

B1. Ronnie’s Bag #2
B2. The Girl’s Alright With Me
B3. Say You
B4. Tell Your Mama
B5. Blowin’ in the Wind

Just to Keep You Satisfied: Motown’s Overlooked Male Voices of the 1970s Resurface

Satisfaction comes in many forms. When the magical word Motown is uttered, most people are hard-wired to think of The Four Tops, The Temptations, and The Supremes. But to reduce Motown to the effervescent sixties is only part of the label’s remarkable legacy.

By the 1970s, a different sound was emerging. America was on edge—the Vietnam War had been a disaster, urban street crime was epidemic, and college campuses were alive with political resistance. The joyful hope that had inspired “Baby Love” now felt out of place in a world where unrest was impossible to ignore.

The industry was shifting too. The 45rpm single that had driven Motown’s success in the 1960s was being eclipsed by concept albums. Edwin Starr released his anti-war statement War and Peace in 1970. The Temptations ventured into psychedelic territory with Psychedelic Shack. And in 1971, Marvin Gaye reshaped the possibilities of soul with his state-of-the-nation masterpiece What’s Going On.

By then, Motown had arguably the greatest roster of male vocalists in the world, including former Temptations leads David Ruffin, Dennis Edwards, and Eddie Kendricks. Around them, singer-producers like Leon Ware and Frank Wilson were stepping forward with their own powerful visions. Ruffin’s “Crime in the Street” captured Detroit’s epidemic of violence, his voice raging quietly against gun crime. A few years later, his cult favorite “Rode by the Place” would sound even more ahead of its time.

This was the fertile ground where Motown helped shape what would later be called “quiet storm”—a mid-tempo, moody, and deeply soulful style that carried intimacy and fire in equal measure. Groups like The Originals and The Fantastic Four, led by the impassioned “Sweet” James Epps, pushed this sound forward, leaving behind music that still resonates today.

Just to Keep You Satisfied invites listeners to revisit this overlooked chapter in Detroit soul, showcasing the creativity of Motown’s male voices during the early 1970s. It’s a collection that proves Motown was more than just the hit machine of the 1960s—it was a label willing to evolve, innovate, and reflect its times.

Track Listing
A1. Blackmail – David Ruffin
A2. Crime in the Street – David Ruffin
A3. Look Out Your Window – Frank Wilson
A4. Just to Keep You Satisfied – The Originals
A5. I Pray You Still Love Me – Jimmy Ruffin

B1. I Hate Myself for Loving You – The Fantastic Four
B2. If I Can’t Love You Then I Can’t Love Me – Eddie Kendricks
B3. When the Lights Come Down on Love – Dennis Edwards
B4. You Are the Way You Are – Leon Ware
B5. Don’t You Wanna Come – Leon Ware