Various artists

Manteca, double CD

“The names may not mean much to a western audience, but almost every track is thrillingly addictive.” - Uncut

Land-locked and mountainous, fiercely independent and with a complex history, perhaps it’s not surprising that Ethiopia - and the music of Ethiopia - should confound our Western preconceptions.

Beginning in 1986 with Mahmoud Ahmed’s ‘Erè Mèla mèla’ on Crammed Discs, Francis Falceto has worked hard for this music. His abiding passion is the urban sound that flowered during the late 60s and early 70s - the dying years of Emperor Haile Selassie and the beginnings of the ‘Derg’, a military junta led by Mengistu, now an exile in Zimbabwe.

Mahmoud’s ‘Erè Mèla mèla’ was 11 years old by the time Francis gave it its first non-Ethiopian release, and the response to the big-band sound with powerful vocals and strange yet strangely familiar 5-note scales over an urgent, addictive 6/8 groove, was very healthy. But the junta had other ideas. Travel was restricted, exports controlled, paranoia ruled. There was also the small matter of a tragic war.

Today the politics are still confused, but some policies are more relaxed and the “distinguished fan club” of that early release and the ‘golden years’ of the 60s and 70s is growing by the day. On Buda Musique “this stubborn collection” of ‘éthiopiques’ now numbers over 20 albums and the use of arranger Mulatu Astatqé’s music in the cult movie ‘Broken Flowers’ (included here) has helped reach a wider audience. High-profile media converts are a regular occurrence, e.g. Robert Plant, Brian Eno, Jamie Cullum, Elvis Costello, Charlie Gillett and Gilles Peterson.

Because once this music gets under your skin, it just won’t let go. Enigmatic, elusive, mysterious and different, yet familiar and evocative: the adjectives become more confused as the addiction takes hold. Union Square Music is proud to present 2 CDs that open the door to one of the most fascinating musical worlds of our time: ‘éthiopiques’.

“...Ethiopia’s contribution to popular music has been like a broadcast beaming out from a parallel universe. Thrilling, loopy, intriguing, an emotional cauldron.” - fROOTS

“...this curiosity offers a route into a great word-of-mouth cult, raved about by a cognoscenti that runs from Elvis Costello to Win Butler.” - The Times

“A rich and enjoyable box of musical delights...” - The Wire

“Funk, soul and hot jazz from the heart of swinging Addis Ababa” - Mojo

“Hearing just one track will make you curious; hearing all 28 will force you to rationalise your storage solutions in readiness for welcoming the entire series into your home.” - The Word

“Do yourself a favour and discover the Ethiopian R&B counterparts to James Brown, Elvis Presley and Jackie Wilson, but also jazz composers, folk minstrels and bluesmen with the power and wildness of Bukka White or Son House, or contemplative piano music that might suggest Bill Evans or Maurice Ravel for a moment, but is really from a strange and wonderful place of its own.” - Elvis Costello

We are giving a copy of this CD away in our music quiz, along with our usual voucher prize, so go on, have a go!

Tickets for all four UK concerts can be ordered from the following credit card hotline number 0871 424 4444 or from www.ticketline.co.uk. The tour follows hot on the heels of Al Green''s critically acclaimed new studio album Lay It Down, produced by Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson of the Roots.

Regular Music presents Al Green''s only Scottish date on Thursday 30th October at the Glasgow Clyde Auditorium.  Tickets for the Glasgow concert are now on sale by calling 0870 040 4000 or booking online from www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

Full list of tour dates:

Tuesday 28th October -

Birmingham NIA Arena

Thursday 30th October -

Glasgow Clyde Auditorium

Monday 3rd November -

Manchester Evening News Arena

Wednesday 5th November -

London Royal Albert Hall

Thursday 6th November -

London Hammersmith Apollo

Title: Sarah Vaughan – Jazz Manifesto

Format: 2 CD

Label: Performance

Running Time: 46 + 58 mins approx

Release Date: 4th August 2008

RRP: £5.99

Cat No: 38283

Barcode: 5024952382835

* All original recordings digitally remastered

* Live and in the studio. Features the albums ‘Mr Kelly’s Live’ and ‘Swinging Easy’

* Vaughan usually recorded with a large string orchestra accompanying her. On these two albums however, she was backed by a Jazz trio which complemented her vocals perfectly.

Sarah Vaughan was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1924 and became known variously as “Sassy” and “The Divine One” during a highly distinguished career which rightly saw her achieving an elevated status alongside Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday among the greatest female jazz singers of the 20th century. The late distinguished jazz critic Richard Cook rated her as “one of the most gifted of all jazz vocalists, with a big range and broad variety of tone, a bopper’s way with scat though she rarely used it, and the stage presence of a forbidding diva…never as popular as Holiday or Fitzgerald, but some would say better than either.”

This double CD features the classic albums ‘Swingin’ Easy’ and ‘At Mr. Kellys (Live)’ which show case her incredible vocal talents. Also features 11 bonus tracks of Sarah singing standards.



CD1

1. Shuile A Bop; 2. Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be); 3. I Cried For You; 4. Polka Dots & Moonbeams; 5. All Of Me; 6. Words Can’t Describe; 7. Prelude To A Kiss; 8. You Hit The Spot; 9. Pennies From Heaven; 10. If I Knew Then (What I Know Now); 11. Body And Soul; 12. They Can’t Take That Away From Me; 13. Linger Awhile; 14. Poor Butterfly; 15. Sometimes I’m Happy; 16. Always

CD2

1. September In The Rain (Live); 2. Willow Weep For Me (Live); 3. Just One Of Those Things (Live); 4. Be Anything But Darling Be Mine (Live); 5. Thou Swell (Live); 6. Stairway To The Stars (Live); 7. Honeysuckle Rose (Live); 8. Just A Gigolo (Live); 9. How High The Moon (Live); 10. I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm; 11. Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered; 12. It’s Got To Be Love; 13. Cheek To Cheek; 14. If This Isn’t Love; 15. Embraceable You; 16. Lucky In Love; 17. Dancing In The Dark

Title: Anita O’Day – Jazz Manifesto

Format: 2 CD

Label: Performance

Running Time: 64 + 66 mins approx

Release Date: 4th August 2008

RRP: £5.99

Cat No: 38284

Barcode: 5024952382842    

* All original recordings digitally remastered

Few female singers matched the hard-swinging and equally hard-living Anita O’Day for sheer exuberance and talent in all areas of jazz vocals. Though three or four outshone her in pure quality of voice, her splendid improvising, wide dynamic tone, and innate sense of rhythm made her the most enjoyable singer of the age. This double CD features full recordings from her 3 classic albums ‘This Is Anita’. ‘Anita Sings The Most’ and ‘Pic Yourself Up With Anita’.



CD1                                                                             

1. ‘S Wonderful / They Can’t Take That Away From Me; 2. Tenderly; 3. Old Devil Moon; 4. Love Me Or Leave Me; 5. We’ll Be Together Again; 6. Stella By Starlight; 7. Takin’ A Chance On Love; 8. Them There Eyes; 9. I’ve Got The World On A String; 10. You Turned The Tables On Me; 11. Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered; 12. I Didn’t Know What Time It Was; 13. I Won’t Dance; 14. Don’t Be That Way; 15. Let’s Face The Music And Dance; 16. Pick Yourself Up; 17. Sweet Georgia Brown; 18. Stompin’ At The Savoy; 19. Stars Fell On Alabama; 20. The Man With The Horn



CD2

1. I Never Had A Chance; 2. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square; 3. You’re The Top; 4. No Moon At All; 5. I Can’t Get Started; 6. Honeysuckle Rose; 7. Time After Time; 8. I Fall In Love Too Easily; 9. Who Cares?; 10. Beautiful Love; 11. Love For Sale; 12. Lover Come Back To Me; 13. From This Moment On; 14. Medley: There Will Never Be Another You / Just Friends; 15. Lullaby Of The Leaves; 16. I Cover The Waterfront; 17. We Laughed At Love; 18. I’ll See You In My Dreams; 19. The Man I Love; 20. You Don’t Know What Love Is

Title: Chet Baker – Jazz Manifesto

Format: 2 CD

Label: Performance

Running Time: 71 + 77 mins approx

Release Date: 4th August 2008

RRP: £5.99

Cat No:  38288

Barcode: 5024952382880    

* Original recordings digitally remastered

* One CD features all vocal tracks & the other instrumental

* Includes “Let’s Get Lost” & “My Funny Valentine”

Chesney Henry “Chet” Baker Jr. (23 December 1929 - 13 May 1988) was an American jazz trumpeter and singer. Specializing in relaxed, even melancholy music, Baker rose to prominence as a leading name in cool jazz in the 1950s. Baker’s good looks and smoldering, intimate singing voice established him as a promising name in pop music as well. But his success was badly hampered by drug addiction, particularly in the 1960s, when he was imprisoned. (wikipedia.org) CD1 features vocal performances and CD2 show cases his instrumental skills.



CD1

1. My Funny Valentine; 2. Let’s Get Lost; 3. The Thrill Is Gone; 4. But Not For Me; 5. Grey December; 6. I Fall In Love Too Easily; 7. Like Someone In Love; 8. Daybreak; 9. Just Friends; 10. Look For The Silver Lining; 11. There Will Never Be Another You; 12. That Old Feeling; 13. I Remember You; 14. My Buddy; 15. It’s Always You; 16. Long Ago (And Far Away); 17. My Ideal; 18. I’ve Never Been In Love Before; 19. You Don’t Know What Love Is; 20. Time After Time; 21. I Get Along Without You Very Well; 22. Someone To Watch Over Me



CD2

1. A Foggy Day; 2. Mythe; 3. Tenderly; 4. V-Line; 5. To Mickey’s Memory; 6. Worrying The Life Out Of Me; 7. For Minors Only; 8. Summertime; 9. These Foolish Things; 10. I’ll Remember April; 11. All The Things You Are; 12. There’s A Small Hotel; 13. A Little Duet For Zoot And Chet; 14. Love; 15. Love Walked In; 16. Moonlight Becomes You; 17. Stella By Starlight; 18. I’m Glad There’s You; 19. Isn’t It Romantic; 20. Imagination

The world’s first official tribute to the life and work of Syd Barrett

The death of Pink Floyd founder and sixties icon Syd Barrett in July 2006 was greeted with great sadness all over the world. Though his star shone but briefly, Syd’s creativity continues to inspire generations of musicians; he perhaps more than any other artist sowed the seeds of the creative flowering that characterised the 60’s underground psychedelic movement.

The City Wakes will be the world’s first official tribute to Syd Barrett and will incorporate a series of multi-faceted events that are expected to generate considerable international interest.

Premiering in Syd’s hometown of Cambridge, before transferring to London, The City Wakes is an ambitious insight into Syd’s early life, organised by arts and mental health charity and professional production house Escape Artists, which will celebrate the creative mind of this fascinating figure.

The series of exciting events has the full support of Syd’s family and friends. Highlights will include:

• An exhibition of Syd Barrett paintings including many never seen before works, displayed alongside extremely rare Syd Barrett related memorabilia, original pieces from Pink Floyd’s legendary designer Storm Thorgerson, and archival photos from world-famous photographer Mick Rock

• Concert performances presenting fresh interpretations of Syd’s greatest songs. Directed by award-winning musician and composer, Simon Gunton, the production will showcase specially-created video art and stunning Floyd-esque lighting displays and will culminate in a one-off gala performance of the concert

• A new book of interviews and memorabilia, based on the memories and collections of Syd''s friends and family. Focussing on Syd''s early life and the exciting Cambridge cultural scene in which he was such key figure, the book includes interviews, photos, drawings and letters that have never been seen in print before

• Special guided tours for fans of all the major Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd-related historic sites in Cambridge 

• Music workshops under the expert eye of The City Wakes Musical Director, Simon Gunton offering members of the public the opportunity to explore the surreal genius behind Syd’s wonderfully unorthodox music and lyrics

• A recreation of a 1960s-style ‘happening’ – directed and hosted by a group of Syd’s former friends (http://cambridgehappening.wordpress.com/)

• Storm Thorgerson’s first ever solo exhibition in Cambridge. Mind Over Matter: Images of Pink Floyd will contain photographs of over 60 of Storm’s Pink Floyd/Syd Barrett related works

The City Wakes tribute to Syd Barrett is supported by his friends and family. Friends of Syd’s who are contributing to the project include Pink Floyd’s long-time art collaborator Storm Thorgerson, Syd’s famous photo-biographer Mick Rock, internationally renowned stage craftsman Stephen Pyle, actor and author Matthew Scurfield and Syd’s close friend David Gale.

Beat poet and author William Pryor, film director Nigel Lesmoir-Gordon and film maker and internationally renowned glass artist Anthony Stern will also be involved. The City Wakes is a chance for the City of Cambridge, and Syd Barrett fans from all over the world to pay tribute to a very special talent.

Syd’s sister Rosemary Breen said:

“I am thrilled to be involved in this project. Syd, my brother, was someone for whom creativity was as necessary as breathing. His music and painting were such an integral part of his being that without them he couldn’t function.”

Escape Artists’ Director and Producer of The City Wakes, Matthew Taylor commented:

“It''s a great privilege to be involved in this project. Syd Barrett''s breakthrough hits for Pink Floyd made a big impression on me when I was young. I never thought, some forty years later, that I''d be able to assist in bringing those songs to new audiences and in helping to stage an exhibition of Syd''s paintings in his hometown. The fact that this is all happening in Cambridge, the city in which the Pink Floyd story began, and that so many of Syd''s old friends are getting back together, through The City Wakes, to celebrate his achievements, only adds to the unique and special nature of the events.”

The City Wakes Musical Director, Simon Gunton, commented:

“Syd was an unbelievably talented musician and to be able to work with his songs is a real honour. It seems to me that one of the great things about Syd was that he never played a song quite the same way twice. It’s amazing to be able to carry on that tradition; the insight and creative input of the mental health care service users with whom I’m working has been just incredible and his given me a whole new perspective on Syd’s music.”