Vampisoul Newsletter November 2007




Hola, hello you groovers!




Welcome to our first newsletter !!! Yeah, we know it took us a long time to start this newsletter-mailing, but in our defense we can say we´re very busy putting out some of the rarest and coolest records in the world! In any case, if you signed in a long time ago our apologies for the long wait.






The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you timely informed about Vampisoul´s new releases, and some other activities of our label. Don´t worry, we plan to send just one newsletter a month, no risk of us filling up your mailbox. Oh, you are receiving this email because you signed in through our website, or maybe we added you email address because you contacted us before, or filled one of our surveys. If for whatever reason, at any time, you don´t want to keep receiving our newsletter please go to our website and send us a message using the "contact" form. Please do not use "reply-to" because this email address (newsletter@.) is not checked.






ABOUT VAMPISOUL...



   VAMPISOUL is record label where you can find some of the most exciting artists ever. The place where raw boogaloo meets vintage funk, where latin jazz goes hand in hand with salsa, where groovy organs melt with scorching bongos and… MUCHO MORE!  It can be the sounds from the heart of NYC´s Spanish Harlem in the late 60s with Joe Bataan, the absolutely hardcore funk assault of legendary nasty gal Betty Davis, the afro-jazz experiments of drummer maestro Tony Allen, the songs of the east Los Angeles chicanos in the early 60s, some of the most impressive and raw soul music ever recorded, unknown sonic treasures from not usual music paradises like Peru, Brasil, or Uruguay, the birth of rap with The Last Poets in 1970, the sophisticated and bewitching pop of French diva Claudine Longet, or a fantastic selection of the coolest latin soul, boogaloo, and salsa artists. Most of our releases date back to the 60s and 70s, some of them have been out of print for decades, and all of them have been carefully researched, licensed, compiled, and packaged. Talking about packaging and format... Vinyl is not dead!! Yeah, of course this is the digital age, compact discs are great, convenient, and everybody loves them. But still, there are a few vinyl maniacs out there. It´s not only a bunch of DJs buying LPs, but music lovers of all ages, collectors, etc. So, along with the CDs, we do release almost everything on vinyl as well, and give all these vinyl fanatics all ´round the world what they look for. All our vinyl is unbeatable audiophile quality extra thick & heavy virgin vinyl. We use the best pressing plants in the world and cut the groove as LOUD as possible to give our reissues the sonic punch they need and deserve.



And now lets go with the latest news!!!! What do we have???











NEW RELEASES






ARTIST: Tony Allen
TITLE: Afro Disco Beat
CAT NUMBER: VAMPI 090 / VAMPICD 090
CD: 3 panel digipack double CD + booklet with extensive liner notes.
LP: 3LP 140 gram + insert with extensive liner notes.



   How often does a superstar band leader hand his band over to his drummer, while he steps back to become a sideman? That´s what Fela Kuti, undoubtedly the coolest, hippest, best known African musician on the planet both inside and outside of Africa, did in 1975. Find here the complete ´70s anthology of the drummer and music director of superstar FELA KUTI's band AFRICA 70, from 1968 until 1979, the creators of a new style called "Afrobeat" one of the (if not THE) hippest rhythmic music styles of the 70s. An incredible drummer of whom Fela Kuti said "he sounds like FOUR drummers", and indisoluble half of Fela´s work and success in the ´60s and ´70s. This monster pack includes Tony´s first four solo albums: Jealousy (´75), Progress (´76), No Accomodation for Lagos (´78), and No Discrimination (´79). The first three produced by Fela Kuti himself and with Africa 70, the last one with Tony´s own band The Afro Messengers. Complete extensive liner notes inside.



TRACKLIST: Jealousy; Hustler; Progress; Afro Disco Beat; No Accomodation For Lagos; African Message; No Discrimination; Road Safety; Ariya; Love Is A Natural Thing.















ARTIST: Orlando Julius
TITLE: Super Afro Soul
CAT NUMBER: VAMPI 091 / VAMPICD 091
CD: 3 panel digipack double CD + booklet with extensive liner notes.
LP: 3LP 140 gram + insert with extensive liner notes.



   One of the most innovative and pioneering musicians of his time, Orlando Julius has made an amazing difference to the Nigerian music between the sixties and the seventies. Our double CD pack includes "SUPER AFRO SOUL" with Orlando Julius & his Modern Aces, and "ORLANDO’S AFRO IDEAS 1969-72" by Orlando Julius & his Afro Sounders. A mind blowing mix of nigerian highlife style with jazz, soul, and funk.
   SUPER AFRO SOUL was Orlando´s first album, released in 1966, a head on collision between HighLife (the music of West African political/social aspiration at tha time) and ´60s Soul from the USA (the soundtrack of Afro-America´s struggle for civil rights and equality). Before that Orlando, born 1943, had been playing with Highlife stars Flamingo Dandies, with Juju music star I.K. Dairo´s Dance Band, and with Eddy Okunta´s Top Aces in Lagos, all of them important groups in Nigeria. But around this time, with his own band The  Modern Aces, his two musical obsesions, Jazz (Parker, Coltrane…)  and Highlife, were joined by a third, as the airwaves filled wit the sounds of 60´s Soul.
   ORLANDO´s IDEAS, the CD2 in our pack, is a compilation of the other two albums Orlando Julius recorded for Polygram. Here you can hear the evolution of his sound along with the changes that were happening on the Lagos scene. Orlando formed a larger band, the Afro Sounders in the late ´60s and began to explore and altogether deeper, funkier highlife fusion, responding to psychedelia (Psychedelic Afro Shop), the deeper funk grooves that were coming from the USA (James Brown Ride On) and also to Fela Kuti´s new Afrobeat (Alo Mi Alo). The tracks are longer, the sound mellower, the rootsier grooves profoundly hip shaking.
   As the seventies rolled on OJ decided to left Lagos and went to the USA where he worked with the cream of ´70´s US soul (Isaac Hayes, Bark Kays, O´Jays, Chaka Khan, Curtis Mayfield) and later with many jazz stars like Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Sarah Vaughn, and Art Blakey, before returning to Nigeria in 1999 and forming the Nigerian All Stars with whom he has recently celebrated his fourtieth anniversary as one of Nigeria´s funkier ever musical pioneers.



TRACKLIST: Mapami; Efoye So; Ise Owo; Solo Hit; Oni Suru; Wakalole; Ma Fagba Se Ye Ye; Bojubari; My Girl; Jagua Nana; Ijo Soul; Topless; Olulofe; E Se Rere; Home Sweet Home; Psychedelicafro Shop; James Brown Ride On; Mura Sise; Esamei Sate; Alo Mi Alo; Ketete Koro; New Apala Afro; Ignehin Adaba.






TONY ALLEN AND ORLANDO JULIUS PRESS CLIPS:
"A long-overdue duo of two-CD sets that illuminate two master musicians who to this day continue to mess up genres and make music. - All four Allen´s records are lovingly presented here". VILLAGE VOICE (USA)
"Orlando Julius, one of the Nigeria´s biggest soul and funk artists in the 1960. This is some great groove music with lots of jazz, soul and African rhythms".
"Tony Allen was a hugely influential musician. The cool thing about this reissue is that it includes cuts from three albums that Fela produced". CBC-METRO MORNING (Canada)
"6/6". SVENSKA DAGBLADET (Sweden)















ARTIST: Fulanos, Los
TITLE: C´mon Get Dancing b/w Soul Drummer
FORMAT: 7" 45 rpm single.
REF: 45038




   Vampisoul presents Barcelona´s pride Los Fulanos, an amazing boogaloo, sing-a-ling band, from el barrio to you. Los Fulanos is a super orchestra composed of true aces of the catalan music scene, fierce combatants in the battle of disco-funk, salsa, soul or whatever else. Members play or come from famous bands such as Fundación Tony Manero, Los Van Van, NG La Banda, Chocodelia Internacional, Los Manolos, etc…. Los Fulanos is the only group around today (in Spain) that’s bringing back boogaloo –that fantastic style born from the fusion of Latin rhythms and the funk-soul of the 60s New York Diaspora -the major champions of which were Ray Barretto, Joe Bataan, Willie Colon, Joe Cuba, Mongo Santamaria, Pete Rodriguez, Willie Bobo, etc... This is a special Vampisoul single in a glossy colour picture sleeve, and two danceable tracks for your fiestas! C´mon, get dancing!!!!











And, since this is the first our our newsletters and you might be missing a bunch of our most recent releases.... here they are!





NATHANIEL MAYER: I Want Love And Affection... 2LP/CD (VAMPI072)



   The first, only, complete and definitive anthology of Nathaniel Mayer´s music, with the full story on Michael Hurtt´s massive liner notes. Includes ALL the singles Nathaniel released in the 1960s, plus a rare single from 1980. It´s all here!! Savage Soul from the streets of Detroit!



NATHANIEL MAYER PRESS CLIPS:
"The 23 unmastered tracks prove that everything Myer did was an in-the-red yelp of untamed wildness". MOJO MAGAZINE (UK)
"The thoroughly annotated 23-track set reveals that even though Mayer is best known for crooning Village of Love, he was capable of belting hard and getting funky before James Brown made it genre unto itself". NOW TORONTO - PERLICH´S PICK (Canada)
"Savagely sweet stuff". I-94 BAR (Australia)
"Excellent". VIBRATIONS (France)
"A must have-album". SONIC (Sweden)
"I must say this release is one of the very best reissues/comps this year. An absolute must for any serious 60s soul fan!". LOWCUT (Denmark)












VARIOUS: GOZALO Vol.2, 2LP/CD (VAMPI092)



   After the success of Vol.1, here´s the second in our series of tropical Peruvian music of the 60s. Exciting artists who were experimenting with "foreign" sounds and rhythms such as jazz, pop, boogaloo and soul during the 60s and 70s, and giving them their very own and unique peruvian flavour. All unknown vintage gems. A rare treat for the Latin music enthusiast!



GÓZALO VOL 2 PRESS CLIPS:




"A terrific way to sample plethora of talent present in 1960s Peru and a compilation that stands out for the impressive array of songs". MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS (UK)




"Whether it´s Latin Boogaloo, Afro-Cuban, Cumbia, Psychedelic rock or Big-Band swing, there´s an innocence and freshness in these 28 tracks that makes you wonder how this Peruvian goldmine of music remained a secret for so long".  ABC RADIO NATIONAL-THE DAILY PLANET (Australia)




"A stellar second instalment in Vampisoul´s amazing document of the searing Latin jazz, storming R&B and bruising boogaloo jams recorded in Peru during the 60cs and 70s. - For those searching for unique booty-bumpin'  Latin hybrids need to check the righteous rawness that Coco Lagos, Lucho Macedo and Tito Chicoma were putting down". NOW TORONTO - PERLICH´S PICK (Canada)


















RABBITS & CARROTS: Soul Latino, LP/CD (VAMPI088)
Anthology of Mexico’s #1 instrumental soul/funk combo. Copies of these fine album and 45 have been played constantly by the goods of Keb Darge, Mr Fine Wine and few other DJs. Find here their only album (first time since its original 1969 release), plus bonus tracks on the vinyl version. Lots of great covers done mex-way!






RABBITS & CARROTS PRESS CLIPS:
"A groovy mix of funk, rock, soul, psych and Latin jazz. Definitely my Vampisoul pick!" LOWCUT (Denmark)
"Delicious collection. - Every one of these 14 tracks is a cracker". RHYTHMS MAGAZINE (Australia)
"Scores a big ten out of ten". FUNKBEATSJAZZ (Australia)
"What really makes 'Soul Latino' stand out is the compact density these joints - not one lasts over five minutes - yet each is chockfull of searing Latin percussion, sweet jazz-influenced guitar soloing and oscillating Hammond B-3 fills, elevating what could have been a novelty into truly satisfying listening experience. - Highly recommended reissue". EXCLAIM! (Canada)














ALDEMARO ROMERO & MONNA BELL: La Nueva Onda en Mexico, LP/CD (VAMPI087)
Originally released in 1970, the rarest album from Aldemaro Romero (the venezuelan Esquivel). A cult record for “rare grooves seekers” because of its completely unique concept of combining traditional Mexican music arranged by a cosmopolitan venezuelan conductor influenced by Bossa Nova, sung by a pop singer from Chile and orchestrated by Mexican jazz musicians! Complete liner notes inside.





ALDEMARO ROMERO PRESS CLIPS:




"This hot slice of Latin-fuelled joy has remained a well-kept secret since its inception in 1970. This is one of the most sublime clashes of sound, cultures and talent we´ve heard in years. Fused together like a wild salsa sauce, a type you´ve never tasted before, and once you´ve had a mouthful you want lots more". RECORD COLLECTOR ( UK )




"The sprightly music's bossa, big band jazz and waltz influences weave concentric patterns, like maypole dancers. Often the singing is impassioned, but behind the romantic veil is some truly feverish playing". THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD ( Australia )




"A major rediscovery and one that will grace many a dancefloor for several years to come". MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS (UK)
















JAIME DELGADO APARICIO: El Embajador y Yo (soundtrack), LP/CD (VAMPI086)
Many consider this soundtrack the masterpiece of one of the most talented sothamerican jazz musicians ever. Captivating jazz with a distinctive tropical flavour. Written in 1966 when JDA was only 23 years old, we have added five bonus tracks from 1964 by the JDA Jazz Trio.








JAIME DELGADO APARICIO PRESS CLIPS:
"An exhilarating, suspenseful and joyously quirky soundscape". MOJO MAGAZINE (UK)
"For those who lived through the 60s this soundtrack is a great reminder of the reason why the musical time was great. While for those who missed it the first time round, this a great soundtrack to start your education of a decade thast was". FLY GLOBAL MUSIC CULTURE (UK)
"Soundtrack shifts smoothly from low-key lounge groovers to smoky ballads and on to the orchestral surf jams that betray his Berkley schooling". NOW TORONTO - PERLICH´S PICK (Canada)
"Cool and elegant". RYTMI (Finland)



















NILO ESPINOSA: Shaken Not Stirred, LP/CD (VAMPI085)
A comprehensive anthology of outstanding peruvian flute and saxophon player Nilo Espinosa during the 60s and 70s. A feast of tropical music, bossanova, boogaloo, latin soul, jazz funk, rumba, lounge, and even disco!








NILO ESPINOSA PRESS CLIPS:
"Vampisoul has made a phenomenal job to bring back to life some of the most important musical personalities of our America. Nilo Espinosa is certainly one of those and this collection demostrates it". HERENCIA LATINA (Puerto Rico)
"As with many of the Peruvian hip shakers that Vampisoul has dug up, there are plenty of references to American and pan-Latin influences adapted to the Peruvian musical scene". EXCLAIM!" (Canada)
"A wicked collection. - If you like tropical music, bossa nova, boogaloo, Latin soul, jazz funk, rumba, or Lounge, get this one". CBC - METRO MORNING (Canada)



















VARIOUS: CRASH OF THUNDER, CD/Boxset7". (VAMPI083)
Boss Soul, raw Funk, and hypercharged R&B compiled by NYC Dj supreme Mr.Fine Wine from the vaults of the King, Federal and Deluxe group of labels! All killer no filler !! The perfect soundtrack for your next party.








CRASH OF THUNDER PRESS CLIPS:
"Brilliant rare soul and funk from the mighty King stable... This geat compilation proves it´s still possible to release a set of 20 superb dancefloor sides not compiled before. Stupendous and esential. 5/5". RECORD COLLECTOR (UK)
"There´s plenty here to get the collector and the funk lover gagging for a bit of this pie. A great compilation". SOULGENERATION (UK)
"An energetic brew of polished soul belters and funky bombs. No fillers here... it´s all good!" JELLYJAZZ (UK)



















UPCOMING CONCERTS




Vampisoul recommends!








NATHANIEL MAYER:




Nov 26 @ Bassi - Berlin, Germany
Nov 29 @ Pit's - Courtrai, Belgium
Nov 30 @ Waterfront - Rotterdam, Nertherlands
More info: http://alive-totalenergy.com/








JOE BATAAN:




Dec 31 @ Steven´s Steak House – Commerce, CA, USA




More info: www.joebataan.net








CELOFUNK:




Dec 22 @ El Junco – Madrid, Spain




More info: www.myspace.com/celofunk









DIPLOMATS OF SOLID SOUND:




Nov 10 @ Reverb – Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA




Nov 17 @ Rock Island Brew - Rock Island, Illinois, USA




Nov 30 @ The Note – Chicago, Illinois, USA




More info: www.myspace.com/thediplomatsofsolidsound









THE NEW SWING SEXTET:




Nov 14 @ New York, USA




Nov 16 @ Columbus 72 – New York, USA




Nov 19 @ Session 73 – New York, USA




More info: www.myspace.com/newswingsextet