Arthur Prysock
Let It Be Me

2a023 sees trumpeter, friend and long-time label affiliate Nick Walters bring his Paradox Ensemble back to life with the mini-album 'Awakening'. The thirteen piece ensemble combine spiritual and eastern jazz moods with West African rhythms across four extended tracks. Limited one-off pressing, manufactured at Optimal, Germany.Channelling the spirit of Woody Shaw, Charles Mingus and absent friends the band features some familiar faces such as Ed Cawthorne (aka Tenderlonious) on tenor sax and flute, Aidan Shepherd (Ruby Rushton) on accordion and synth, and of course the incomparable Nick Walters (Ruby Rushton & Riot Jazz) on trumpet and synths.Nick Walters is arguably one of the most underrated musicians in the UK jazz scene. This project on 22a, which is entirely composed and arranged by him and featuring a roster of unbelievably talented musicians, will hopefully change this. He has dedicated this record to the memory of Oli Coles and Becky Dykes.

January 12th, 2020, a Sunday night in Toronto - Matthew Tavares and Leland Whitty (of BADBADNOTGOOD fame) are reunited at Burdock for a live improvised Jazz session. The pair are joined on stage by bassist Julian Anderson - Bowes and drummer Matt Chalmers as part of Burdock’s Piano Fest, an annual event at the city's brewery and music hall.Two days later an email from Matthew hits Mr Bongo's inbox... "I think it turned out amazing, brought some really nice recording gear and it sounds almost like a studio record, thought I'd share. Moments definitely get to the jazzier side but there is some spiritual moments that are so far out". The Bongo office were all blown away by this free-flowing session, one which sounded like a well-rehearsed set at the end of a long tour, rather than a one-take improvised assembly. The chemistry between the musicians is magical. The tight friendship and musical connection between Tavares and Whitty are self - evident, however, Chalmers and Anderson - Bowes have a great contribution to make too. They act as the solid foundation that leaves Tavares and Whitty free to roam and explore moments of darkness and light, intensity and beauty. From the first time of hearing this intimate session, we knew this had to be shared.The same quartet feature on Matthew Tavares & Leland Whitty's 2020 album 'Visions'. The plan to promote 'Visions' was to tour, with each night comprising a uniquely improvised set. Sadly due to world events, this couldn't happen, but for now 'January 12th' is a snapshot of the wizardry that would have been from four amazing musicians at the top of their game.

Quite possibly the best album ever from this fantastic funky combo! The band grooves hard and funky – with incredible drum work from Paul Stubblefield, tasty guitar from Walter Winston, and some famous funky flute and sax work from Gus Hawkins. Tracks on the album are rough and raw – with plenty of breakbeats, and some very tasty funky basslines that work perfectly with their choppy instrumental groove. A few tracks have vocals, but even those boast a real strength in the instrumental department – and very nicely keep up with the rest of the material. Titles include "Down In The Ghetto", "Burning Spear", "Express Yourself", "Soul", "Memphis Underground", and "Message From A Black Man".

Wewantsounds continues its collaboration with Bob Shad's formidable label Mainstream Records, to present a selection of 12 turntable-friendly tracks recorded between 1971 and 1975 and showcasing the label's superb blend of Spiritual Jazz, Funk and Soul by the likes of Buddy Terry, Sarah Vaughan, LaMont Johnson and Johnny Coles. Most of the tracks are released on vinyl for the first time since their original release in the early 70s.