Now Again US 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: Previously unreleased, Joe Bataan (real name Bataan Nitollano) recorded the bulk of the material making up Drug Story in 1972. This new, highly limited box set hears seven revered, rarely-heard gems of Latin jazz, deep soul, raucous boogaloo, and heavy salsa by the legend, most of which were largely salvaged from his very own self-run Ghetto Records vaults. Drug Story was inspired by true events, and hears Bataan croon graciously over themes of destitution, lost family members and friends, and addiction. One of three definitive reissues of Bataan's greatest works, licensed from Bataan himself, with his oversight and input into a 15 page oversized book by Pablo Yglesia,s that details Bataan's larger-than-imagination life and his little Latin label that could.

Review: Back in the 1970s, Boris Gardiner was digging deep and tilling his dub fields and often coming up with real treasure. This second volume of Ultra Super Dub on Now Again is a mega rare collection of work from Gardiner, a Jamaican bass player, bandleader, songwriter and singer of great repute. This is the first time this one has been reissued and it comes with great context in an extensive booklet. It is one of the landmark albums of his career so it's great to have it back in print.

Review: You can always count on Egon's Now-Again label to bring the finest curios from music's hidden history into the reach of the record buying public. On this occasion they're looking to the work of Jamaican legend Boris Gardiner, a singer, bassist and guitarist with a long and winding history through the beating heart of reggae culture. Ultra Super Dub is the rarest of rare dub treasures, pulled from Gardiner's prolific mid 70s era and originally issued by a Miami-based label in an incredibly short run. On it, you can expect to hear superlative, skeletal versions of classics from Otis Redding, Jimmy 'Bo' Horne and many more. Of course, the sonic treatment is top-notch on this reissue, and there's in-depth writing from Jeff Mao to take you into the world these versions came from. This is how a reissue should be done.

Review: Candido Y Su Movimiento's cult favourite album Palos De Fuego album is a rhythmic journey through the vibrant landscapes of Afro-Cuban jazz and Latin music that was first released in the 1970s. It superbly showcases the virtuosity of Candido Camero, a percussion maestro often hailed as the "Father of Modern Conga Drumming" as the album pulsates with infectious beats, intricate rhythms, and soulful melodies, all of which embody the essence of Afro-Cuban traditions while embracing contemporary influences. As a testament to Candido's enduring impact on the genre, Palos De Fuego stands tall and is a timeless exploration of percussive brilliance that continues to captivate and inspire Latin jazz lovers worldwide.

Review: A year and a half on from Ykytu, Brazilian guitarist Fabiano Do Nascimento returns to Now-Again for his fifth LP, once again presenting the most tender of fingerpicking magic embellished here by swooning string arrangements to well and truly melt your heart. The orchestral swells come courtesy of Vittor Santos, who worked closely with Do Nascimento on developing the exquisite sound you can hear on this wonderful record. If you're hungry for some beauteous instrumentals that invoke sunshine, whatever the weather, then Lendas has got you covered. Just check the romantic lilt of lead track 'Fonte' and prepare to be swept away.

Review: A classic album by Mark Fry, an English singer-songwriter, and an obscurity-lover's choice folk artist. Now over 50 years on from its first release in 1972, the album already held sway among its fans back then for its surreally up-close-and-personal, yet muffled, quality. But now more than ever, the passage of time lends further effect to Fry's approach to song, and could be construed as a coming-of-age piece, considering he was only 19 years old at the time of its recording. Through all its crud and layering, we can still make out the voice of a sweet soul, though the mystery of the titular Alice is still wrapped up in much illusion and allusion, with nods to the Lewis Carroll-created character cropping up throughout.

Review: Wendell Harrison is an icon of Detroit's jazz heritage, not least as part of the Tribe collective. Following his collaborative album with Phil Ranelin in 1972, he stepped out as bandleader for the confrontational An Evening With The Devil, bringing a level of controversy and aggressive playing which undoubtedly ruffled feathers on its release. With Marcus Belgrave on flugelhorn, Ranelin on trombone, Charles Moore on trumpet, William Austin on bass and Ike Daney on drums, this important piece of Motor City jazz history gets a fresh lease of life via Now Again, sounding shocking and supernatural in equal measure, with moments of snatched beauty amidst the madness.

Review: High school band directors used to press up their bands' performances to vinyl, & none made as much sweet noise as this "Texas Thunder Soul." Deluxe gatefold package as well as some previously unreleased live music, plus a bonus documentary.

Review: Wendell Harrison and Phil Raneli's Message From The Tribe is regarded by those who know as an untouchable example of spiritual jazz. The Tribe label - run of course by the pair themselves - it came on was also one of the great of its era in the 1970s. Here the album has been remixed from the OG master tapes, all under the watchful eye of its creators, then lacquered by Bernie Grundman. It is an expansive and indulgent record that includes a vast booklet that takes us through the history of the label and touches on the story of Black American empowerment.

Review: Rediscover the hidden treasure of 1970s Harlem soul and funk with the Ray Alexander Technique, now officially reissued for the first time. Let's Talk offers bonus tracks and previously unreleased alternate mixes that all add up to a collection of unabashedly sincere songs with a nice authentic and lo-fi aesthetic. It captures the essence of the era's black pride and cultural awareness, alongside the poignant emotion of pursuing dreams amidst urban decline. With its soulful melodies and raw authenticity, this album resonates with the vibrant spirit of Harlem, transporting you immediately to a time of resilience and creativity against the backdrop of a changing neighbourhood.

Review: Cold Heat: Heavy Funk Rarities 1968-1974 Vol 1 is a vibrant compilation album that encapsulates the essence of early funk music during the late 1960s to the early 1970s. Featuring obscure tracks from that era, it showcases the raw energy, infectious rhythms, and soulful grooves that defined the funk movement. From big, fat basslines to horn sections that pack a punch, each track immerses you in impossibly catchy rhythms so you journey through the golden age of this genre. With its diverse selection of rare gems, Cold Heat offers a glimpse into a musical era characterized by innovation.

Review: Denny Zeitlin is a US jazz maestro perhaps best known for his work on the Invasion Of The Body Snatchers soundtrack. On this release for Now Again, we get treated to an unreleased 1969 LP he recorded with Mel Graves and George Marsh, previously only available as an acetate or limited private pressing. It's a powerful and expansive work with Zeitlin's limber piano playing up front, but reaching across styles in a fusion which gets seriously funky in some places, positively cosmic in others. The title track alone is a 12-minute opus which will take you far and wide, like all the best jazz should.