album – Record Kicks

Alexis Evans: the new album “Yours Truly”

Record Kicks presents “Yours Truly”, the new album by Bordeaux’s “Soulboy”, Mr. Alexis Evans.

RKX087 ALEXIS EVANS “Your Truly” (LP, CD, DIGI) Date: Feb 03 2023 Pre-order the CD and LP on our Webshop.

Like fine Red Wine, “Soulboy” Alexis Evans gets better with Age. The best evidence of this is his brand new album “Yours Truly”, set for release on February 3rd, 2023 on LP, CD and digital via Milan-based label Record Kicks. Watch the official teaser below. Produced and mixed by Louis-Marin Renaud (Lou Doillon, Theo Lawrence, Desmond Myers), “Yours Truly” is the third studio album by Bordeaux-based singer-songwriter Alexis Evans and sees the light 4 years after his previous LP “I’ve Come A Long Way”. “Yours Truly” consists of 12 brilliantly soulful cuts that take direct inspiration from 60’s & 70’s classic soul music adding a sound that is firmly rooted in the new millennium.

Alexis Evans, songwriter with a timeless style based in Bordeaux, France, found the love of music and learnt to play guitar thanks to his father, an English musician. His inspirations range from Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke to David Bowie. Mr. Evans has built a household name in the scene as the “enfant prodige of soul” consolidated his reputation with his long play “I’ve Come a Long Way”, released in 2019 on Record Kicks. Rolling Stone France described it as “The Soul album of the year”, while Blues & Soul Magazine and BBC 6 defined him as “One of the most exciting additions to the international Soul Scene”. Following the release of the album, Alexis toured in France and Europe extensively, stopped only in 2020 by the Pandemic. Thanks to the forced break, Alexis started to lay down the new album, and he’s now ready to present the fruit of his hard work: “Yours Truly”.

RKX087 ALEXIS EVANS “Your Truly” (LP, CD, DIGI) Date: Feb 03 2023 Pre-order the CD and LP on our Webshop.

Tanika Charles: the new album “Papillon de Nuit”

Twice JUNO-nominated and two-time Polaris Prize listed, Toronto’s soul songstress Tanika Charles unveils her album “Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly”, out Friday April 8th 2022.

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Canadian Soul/R&B powerhouse Tanika Charles unveils the new album “Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly” that is going to be released worldwide on Milan-based Record Kicks label on April 8th. “Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly” is the third studio album with features by rising Toronto rapper DijahSB and multi-disciplinary artist, Khari McClelland. Composed and recorded while in and out of lockdowns, “Papillon de Nuit” is an album anchored in growth and maturity. The inspiration came from an unlikely source, a creature that soars after the sun sets, but often goes unnoticed until the light shines on it. It is the “papillon de nuit” to some, but drably referred to as a moth by others, revealing a bias in language alone.

“I always thought it was a strange insect. Once while in Paris, a friend swatted at one and I asked: ‘Was that a moth?’. I was told: ‘No, that’s a papillon de nuit.’ I thought that was the most beautiful description for this otherwise overlooked creature. When I later learned of the symbolism associated with it, I felt that really spoke to both my own situation and also what we’ve all been going through.”

Following the success of “Soul Run” (2016/17) and “The Gumption” (2019), Tanika had found a comfortable cadence of releasing an album then hitting the road over the following year to bring her show to new markets far and wide. So when things changed for all of us, and plans of touring “The Gumption” properly fell through, there was a realization that getting to work on the next project was the healthiest choice to make.

“I was in some dark places. My energy was stagnant and the only reliable constant was this perpetual uncertainty. I had gone from feeling like I was everywhere to only being in one place. From seeing so many new faces, to only my own, in the mirror, everyday and having to face that. Getting back to work on music allowed me to explore these feelings through the format I know best. And I wanted to make sure that when things were ready to resume, I’d be ready with something new for my audience too.”

While writing the album, Tanika was assisted by frequent collaborator Robert Bolton (“Soul Run”, “Remember to Remember”) and accomplished solo performer Tafari Anthony (Priyanka, of RuPaul’s Drag Race). Featured guests include the multi-disciplinary artist Khari McClelland and the ascendent Toronto rapper, DijahSB. Both Dakarai Morris-James (Joanna Majoko, BeBe Zahara Benet) and Sean “D/SHON” Henderson (“Love Overdue”, Serena Ryder) assisted with vocal arrangements across multiple songs.

“I think this album represents my best work to date. And yet, it also represents me coming to terms with who I am as an artist. For the first time I think I’ve actually accepted my own voice. I can hear beyond the imperfections, and I realized that when paired with the right music, it can sound pretty good. I still have my doubts and my dark places, but a little less of them.”

Calibro 35: the new trilogy of reissues and the digital deluxe versions

Record Kicks presents the re-issue of the albums “Traditori di Tutti”, “S.P.A.C.E.” and “DECADE” by mythical cinematic-funk combo CALIBRO 35 on crystal-coloured vinyl and digital Deluxe edition with bonus tracks.

Order the Trilogy on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Record Kicks is proud to present the reissue of “Traditori di Tutti” (Traitors), “S.P.A.C.E.” and “DECADE”, respectively the legendary fourth, fifth and sixth studio albums by seminal cinematic funk combo Calibro 35 on “coloured” vinyl and in digital “deluxe” edition with bonus tracks. The reissue is part of the second series of trilogies published by Record Kicks about the Milanese band. The first trilogy, which was about the first three albums “Calibro 35”, “The Return of” and “Any Resemblance”, was released in 2020.

This time, Record Kicks reissues in digital deluxe format with bonus tracks and on “Crystal” vinyl of three different colors three other hard-to-find and in-demand records of the band: “Traditori di Tutti (Traitors)”, the “crime-funk” debut on Record Kicks label of 2013, which will be released on all platforms and in record stores on March 4th, 2022, “S.P.A.C.E.”, the space adventure of 2015, which will be available from March 25th 2022, and the orchestral “DECADE” of 2018, to be released on April 29th 2022. The digital Deluxe edition includes unreleased tracks and B-sides. Among the unreleased tracks available for the first time, the ones that stand out are “Milan, Michigan”, the ultra-funk gem from the session of “Traditori” album and “Omicron Padadox” and “The Haploids”, recorded at the legendary Toe Rag Studio in London, made famous by the White Stripes, who recorded the award-winning “Elephant” LP there. Among the B-side bonus tracks, you’ll find the explosive cover of “Get Carter” by Roy Budd, classics of any live set of Calibro 35 such as the funk track “CLBR35”, the “punkish” “Gomma” and the exotica “Polymeri (Afro-Utopia Version)”, all four previously released on 45 vinyl only.

The Diasonics: the debut album “Origin of Forms”

Record Kicks presents “Origin of Forms”, the debut album by Moscow-based band The Diasonics: an album bursting with experimental, global, cinematic grooves, taking us on an expedition around USSR in the 70s.

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Record Kicks is proud to present the hypnotic psychedelic universe of The Diasonics. “Origin of Forms” is the startling debut full-length by the Muscovite band, out January 28th 2022 on ltd edition LP, CD and Digital. The album was anticipated by the first instrumental soul single “Gurami”, released on limited edition 45 vinyl and digital, and by the following singles “Andromeda” and “Deviants”, released on digital platforms.

Welcome to “hussar funk”, that’s how The Diasonics call their music: a style that blends infectious deeply cinematic instrumentals, Eastern European flavours, hip-hop rhythms and psychedelia. Firmly rooted in the late 60s and early 70s, their debut album “Origin of Forms” was recorded on an 8-channel Japanese tape recorder Otari MX-5050 MK III at The Diasonics HQ’s Magnetone Studio in Moscow and was mixed by Henry Jenkins (The Cactus Channel / Karate Boogaloo) in Melbourne. All the band’s influences are well reflected in the heavy cinematic sound of the 12 tracks of their debut LP. From the Eastern funk atmosphere of tracks such as “Almandine” and “Salmanazar”, to the trip-hoppish solid groove of “Spiders” and “Andromeda”; from the 70s heavy cinematic moods of “Origin” and “Affair”, to instrumental soul gems such as “Kayana” and “Balance”, “Origin of Forms” has the power to hypnotize you, captivating you from start to finish. Built on deep grooves, with a hint of raw soul and experimental Eastern beats, the 40+ minutes of the album can either plunge the listener into a comfortable melancholy, or cause them unstoppable dance impulses.

The Diasonics are one of the latest additions to the Russian instrumental funk scene. The band was only formed in 2019 and it’s made of five young and seriously talented Muscovite musicians: Anton Moskvin (drums), Maxim Brusov (bass guitar), Anton Katyrin (percussions), Daniil Lutsenko (electric guitar) and Kamil Gzizov (keyboards). In just a couple of years the band has amassed a cult following, releasing a shower of ten celebrated singles and various in-demand 45 vinyl records on funk labels such as Funk Night Records and Mocambo Records.

Fans of Khruangbin, Dj Shadow and of instrumental soul, take note!

The Grease Traps: the debut album “Solid Ground”

Record Kicks drops Solid Ground, the explosive debut album by US band The Grease Traps, recorded at Kelly Finnigan’s Transistor Sound and mixed by Orgone’s Sergio Rios.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Recorded between Kelly Finnigan’s Transistor Sound in San Francisco and Fifty Filth Studio in Oakland and mixed by Orgone producer and guitarist Sergio Rios and Kevin O’ Dea, Record Kicks is proud to finally present Solid Ground, the long-awaited debut album by the United States’ finest deep funk & soul outfit, The Grease Traps. The album is set for worldwide release on November 5 2021 on vinyl, CD and digital format. The band, based in Oakland, CA, is the latest addition to Milan-based Record Kicks roster. Active since 2005, with a 45 released on well-respected funk/soul label, Colemine Records, now, after six years spent working on the album’s recording and mixing, they are ready to present their first full-length release Solid Ground on Record Kicks. The album is anticipated by the two killer funk singles “Bird of Paradise” and “More and More” on limited edition 45 vinyl.

As avid record collectors and fans of that old school analog sound, Solid Ground was recorded straight to 8-track tape on a Tascam 388, which also graces the cover art. Half of the tracks were recorded live at Transistor Sound Studio by soul crooner, Kelly Finnigan, and Ian McDonald where both Kelly and their band, Monophonics, have recorded their last few albums. The other half of the tunes were recorded by Kevin and Aaron at Fifty Filth Studio in Oakland, CA where the band also rehearses and mixed by analog-obsessive Orgone producer and co-founder Sergio Rios. The album’s original tunes draw from the Traps’ various soul influences ranging from gritty funk (“Bird of Paradise” and “Hungry”) to fuzzed-out psychedelic (“Residue”) to sweet lowrider soul (“More and More”). The lyrics by lead singer The Gata also don’t shy away from pressing issues of the day such as racism in America (“Roots”) and finding hope in a world that seems pitted against you (the JB’s style “Solid Ground”). The rare funk covers from the album provide a taste of the raw energy one would experience at a Grease Traps live show. The Traps also supplemented their sound with special guests including the Monophonics horns, background vocals from seasoned Bay Area vocalists, Sally Green and Bryan Dyer, as well as strings organized by Kansas City master viola player, Alyssa Bell.

The seed of The Grease Traps formed back in 2000 when keyboardist, Aaron Julin, answered an ad put out by guitarist, Kevin O’Dea, searching for players who were hip to the rare grooves laid down by Blue Note artists such as Grant Green and Lou Donaldson. They quickly formed Groovement, covering those same artists along with other jazz-funk staples. When their sax player and frontman moved away, they switched gears to form the band, Brown Baggin, getting into the harder funk of the JB’s, the Meters, Kool & the Gang, and lesser known acts such as Mickey & the Soul Generation. They also started digging into the rare funk compilations put out by Keb Darge, Jazzman Gerald, and labels like Harmless, Ubiquity, Soul Jazz, and Now-Again. Modern day soul and funk outfits such as Breakestra, the Whitefield Brothers, and the Daptone/Soul Fire crews provided additional inspiration.

In 2005, while still playing with Brown Baggin yet fed up with juggling the schedules of seven band members, Aaron and Kevin put out an ad to find a bassist and drummer to jam with as a quartet. The first two cats to show up were bassist, Goopy Rossi, and drummer, Dave Brick. It was clear from the get-go that this rhythm section had great chemistry. Originally intended as a fun side project, the Traps quickly took priority as Brown Baggin dissolved. Performing as an instrumental quartet for a number of years, they eventually expanded their repertoire to include horns as well as that sharp-dressing soul brother, The Gata, on lead vocals. Over the years, they’ve shared the stage with acts such as Shuggie Otis, Robert Walter, Durand Jones, Monophonics, Neal Francis, and Jungle Fire.

Whatitdo Archive Group: the long-lost soundtrack “The Black Stone Affair”

Record Kicks presents “The Black Stone Affair”, the lost Italian Cinematic Masterpiece by Whatitdo Archive Group out on April 9th 2021.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

For the first time ever, Record Kicks is pleased to announce the release of the long lost soundtrack by Whatitdo Archive Group to the Italian Cinematic Masterpiece “The Black Stone Affair” on beautiful gatefold vinyl, CD and digital format on April 09 2021. The first extract from the movie soundtrack, which will be available on all digital platforms and limited edition 45 vinyl on March 05 2021, is the “The Return of Beaumont Jenkins feat. Alessandro Alessandroni JR”. Alessandro is the son of one of one of the greatest composers of the Italian Golden age of soundtracks, Alessandro Alessandroni. Alessandroni worked with Ennio Morricone on a number of soundtracks including many Sergio Leone’s classics.

Long thought to be lost alongside the movie itself by the production studio, the soundtrack’s master reels were recently recovered and its audio meticulously restored and remastered by J.J. Golden in Ventura, CA. The movie itself was understood to be unusual for its time: a globetrotting adventure/western-noir written and directed by aspiring visionary, Stefano Paradisi. Unfortunately for Paradisi, the tragic loss of his masterpiece during a fire also meant the end of his short lived career in movies. People who worked on the film have been cited as saying this film was very ambitious, set to be a turning point in Paradisi’s carrier putting him on the map alongside the likes of Sergio Leone and Antonioni.

While the movie never saw the light of day, the soundtrack by obscure band Whatitdo Archive Group has thankfully been recovered. The music itself is staggering to hear, each track evoking all the senses almost all at once. “The Black Stone Affair (Main Theme)” sets the story with its dizzying bassline underneath a Morricone-esque harpsichord melody eventually all digressing into a psych-freakout of guitars swirling over what is the overarching motif groove of this iconic soundtrack.

We then get taken into the giallo-steeped melody of “Blood Chief”. What can only be the theme of the antagonist, this cut offers crunchy drum breaks, reverb-drenched bongos and a sinister baritone guitar line that seems to be indicative of its character. “Ethiopian Airlines” transports the movie into exotic lands with its afro-centric rhythms and mysterious horn melody. The search is on for the elusive Black Stone, an artifact so coveted it had been hidden for decades for its fatal power of seduction. For fans of KPM and De Wolfe Music, “Il Furto Di Africo” definitely delivers a similar ‘library’ flavor popular at the time. Our ears are treated to an ambiguous sense of center. What were Whatitdo Archive Group thinking? There almost seems to be two key centers at once and a slithering flute line blending between both. We can only imagine that the Black Stone was successfully stolen from the small Italian village of Africo with this track.

What movie really is complete without a lounge-y Bossa number? “Italian Love Triangle” delivers that sun-soaked Mediterranean romance. Our cunning female lead, Lola, decides the only way she can acquire the Black Stone is to pit the trio of characters against each other with an erotic love triangle she carefully crafts to exploit the vulnerability of Blood Chief and Beaumont Jenkins. “Last Train to Budapest” finds our two male leads in a gun-wielding, high-stakes train chase through the dizzying mountains of Bosnia racing to Hungary’s capital city. The music brilliantly calls upon the soundtrack’s multiple melodic motifs to all collide into a single stressful heart-racing track sure to put a knot in your stomach.

Probably the most unusual song appearing in this soundtrack is the French infused “L’amour au Centre de la Terre”, an obvious yet tasteful homage to the composers’ musical hero, Alain Goraguer. A lilting monologue is recited by who seems to be Lola, the tragic female lead in “The Black Stone Affair”. Her passage speaks of the entangled romance she shares with the other two male leads and her plan to acquire the elusive Black Stone for herself. It’s every man (and woman) for themselves! Paranoia and deceit has crept into the minds and motives of our conniving trio. No one can be trusted and false alliances are crumbling from within.

“The Black Stone Affair (Reprise)” evokes the characters’ gut-wrenching feeling with its ever-rising key center. “Farewell Lola” is the saddening funeral dirge and exit of the aforementioned Lola. Sworn enemies Beaumont and Blood Chief stand silently outside the church and watch as Lola’s casket is lowered into her untimely grave. This is merely an armistice between the remaining opponents, only to resume after paying their respects to their former ‘lover’. A gory fight leaves Blood Chief standing. Beaumont is nowhere to be seen and only a cloud of dust slowly settles into the landscape as the mournful guitar and harmonica of “Beaumont’s Lament” plays quietly in the distance. All is not lost. Triumphantly, Beaumont Jenkins stands tall, throws one last devastating blow to Blood Chief leaving him incapacitated. “The Return of Beaumont Jenkins” plays loudly in the face of Blood Chief desperately reaching for the stone only to realize it’s a false! Our new hero, Beaumont Jenkins, sustained by Alessandro Alessandroni Jr.‘s cinematic whistle, rides away victoriously into the night sky… the Black Stone hidden cleverly in his hat. End credits.

Steeped in obscurity, a cult following of crate-diggers and musical oddity collectors has been brewing over the mysterious releases of the Whatitdo Archive Group. Surfacing in 2009 from the high deserts of Reno, NV, USA, this recording collective focuses solely on curating, performing and preserving esoteric soundtrack, library and deep-groove collections. The personnel of the group consist of three musicians; each of them avid composers, recording engineers and obsessive record collectors. Alexander Korostinsky, Mark Sexton and Aaron Chiazza met in college and have been working together on producing music for over 10 years. (Both Korostinsky and Sexton also happen to write and perform in critically-acclaimed soul group “The Sextones”). In 2015 they quietly released a small batch of lo-fi deep-groove demos recorded exclusively to cassette in an old garage. This became their first full length offering, “Shit’s Dope”, and it began to quickly spread across the internet piquing the interest of record collectors and DJs all over the world—a record Fleamarket Funk describes as “Falling in between some Headhunters and Lunar Funk 45s” and becoming a bestseller on Bandcamp of that year.

During this time, the Whatitdo Archive Group also began what is often hailed as a vital turning point in Reno music history; by hosting their famous “Whatitdo Wednesday” residency at a local venue. These packed performances drew the attention of not only live music-goers, but also the most accomplished jazz musicians in the area, often joining them on stage. Eventually, these shows stumbled into the arena of obscure performance art, where the band would facetiously distribute written and multiple choice tests during their performance for the audience to participate in.

After their residency came to a bittersweet end, the Whatitdo Archive Group refocused their attention on the wonderful world of 1970’s soul-jazz, where they wrote and recorded what would be their follow up 7” release, “Crocker Way / Steve’s Romp”. This limited edition 45RPM became a hot ticket item for UK record collectors who had been previous fans of WAG’s older lo-fi work. “Crocker Way” was also a featured track on BBC Radio 6. Shortly after producing “Crocker Way / Steve’s Romp”, the group again started production on their crown jewel of a record, a concept album that had been tossed around for several years beforehand but never executed. As band member Mark Sexton explains “We wanted to create an album that encompassed everything we love and admire about old Italian soundtrack scores, and bring that energy back into the spotlight”. The group spent 9 months of research, digging through their personal collections of dusty LP’s scrutinizing the work of Piccioni, Torossi, Roubaix, Alessandroni and of course Morricone, recording, mixing and working with over 24 skilled musicians. The Whatitdo Archive Group finally completed what would be their finest work to date, “The Black Stone Affair”. Recorded entirely in Korostinsky’s home studio, this record is a labor of love, dedication, appreciation and respect for the golden age of Italian Soundtrack and Library music.

Record Kicks unveils the mysterious band behind “The Black Stone Affair” soundtrack

Record Kicks unveils Whatitdo Archive Group, the mysterious band behind “The Black Stone Affair” soundtrack.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Record Kicks is proud to unveil Whatitdo Archive Group, the mysterious band behind the high concept homage to old Italian Film Soundtracks “The Black Stone Affair”. The soundtrack for a movie that doesn’t exist that hits the streets Friday April 9th on LP, CD and digital format via Milan label Record Kicks, is brought to you by Reno’s trio Whatitdo Achieve Group and is based on the supposed finding of the soundtrack’s master reels, long thought to be lost alongside the movie. The movie itself is described to be unusual for its time: a globetrotting adventure/western-noir written and directed by an aspiring visionary filmmaker named Stefano Paradisi.

Steeped in obscurity, a cult following of crate-diggers and musical oddity collectors has been brewing over the mysterious releases of the Whatitdo Archive Group. Surfacing in 2009 from the high deserts of Reno, NV, USA, this recording collective focuses solely on curating, performing and preserving esoteric soundtrack, library and deep-groove collections. The personnel of the group consist of three musicians; each of them avid composers, recording engineers and obsessive record collectors. Alexander Korostinsky, Mark Sexton and Aaron Chiazza met in college and have been working together on producing music for over 10 years. (Both Korostinsky and Sexton also happen to write and perform in critically-acclaimed soul group “The Sextones”). In 2019 the group started production on their crown jewel of a record, a concept album that had been tossed around for several years beforehand but never executed. As band member Mark Sexton explains “We wanted to create an album that encompassed everything we love and admire about old Italian soundtrack scores, and bring that energy back into the spotlight”. The group spent 9 months of research, digging through their personal collections of dusty LP’s scrutinizing the work of Piccioni, Torossi, Roubaix, Alessandroni and of course Morricone, recording, mixing and working with over 24 skilled musicians. The Whatitdo Archive Group finally completed what would be their finest work to date, “The Black Stone Affair”. Recorded entirely in Korostinsky’s home studio, this record is a labor of love, dedication, appreciation and respect for the golden age of Italian Soundtrack and Library music.

The Tibbs: the new album “Another Shot Fired”

Premier Dutch soul band The Tibbs returns with the new album “Another Shot Fired”, out on November 20th 2020.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Dutch vintage soul combo The Tibbs presents “Another Shot Fired”, their second studio album that will hit the streets November 20th 2020.

The new album “Another Shot Fired” was recorded during lockdown at Electric Monkey in Amsterdam under the production of Paul Willemsen (Lefties Soul Connection, Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions) and it introduces a new singer to the project: the young super-talented Roxanne Hartog, who penned the lyrics of most of the songs.

Based around Amsterdam, The Tibbs took off in 2012 working right from the start with producer Paul Willemsen. In 2016 their first LP, “Takin’ Over” marked their debut with Milan based imprint Record Kicks. The singles “Next Time” and “The Story Goes” received critical acclaim on radio stations throughout Europe and North America and the 45s flew out the door in record time. The release of “Takin’ Over” delivered the band far richer rewards. Playing sold-out venues in both Milan and Frankfurt. The Tibbs’ profile rose further still with wonderful festival performances in Germany and Hungary, followed by a successful sold-out tour of Spain. In late 2018, Elsa Bekman decided to follow her heart and focus on a solo career. The Tibbs duly began their search for a truly worthy successor, bringing astonishing vocalist Roxanne Hartog and the band together for the first time. With new recordings in the bag and a great new album about to be released, The Tibbs are once more ready for lift off.

The Devonns: the self-titled debut album

The Devonns dust off the golden era of 70’s Chicago soul with their self-titled debut album on Record Kicks.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Straight from the streets of Chicago, Illinois, The Devonns (pronounced “De vaughns”) are the brand new soul outfit and the latest addition of the Record Kicks’ family, whose self-titled debut album that drops June 5th 2020, is an assortment of influences taking us back to the heyday of soul.

Drawing influences from bands such as The Dramatics, The Isley Brothers and Leroy Hutson, yet bringing in their own unique modern twist, influenced by artists such as Jamie Lidell and Raphael Saadiq; singer Mat Ajjarapu explains how unintentionally, the rich heritage of Chicago’s history with soul music influenced him.

“The city was at the epicentre of a lot of good music back in the 50’s all the way to the 80’s, a lot of the labels specialising in soul were based in the Chicago and we even had our own sound known as ‘Chicago soul’. Through several years of crate digging it surprised me how many songs I loved were recorded in this city, for example one of my favourites is this great little song by The Natural Four, produced by Leroy Hutson ‘Can This Be Real’, and released via Curtom Records”.

The band started in 2016 after multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Mathew Ajjarapu dropped out of med school and found himself unemployed and drifting. Listening to music constantly at the time, he found inspired to put a band together and create his own music. Pairing up with some of the best musicians Chicago has to offer, he founded The Devonns: the rhythm duty is entrusted to Khalyle Hagood (bass), Ari Lindo (guitar) and Khori Wilson (drums).

The release took almost two years to complete as Mat explains: “I am a perfectionist, I had a very specific vision in my head about how it should sound and I wasn’t going to rest until I achieved it”.

“This is a definitely a throwback soul record, as well as being drawn to the lush and intricate arrangements of Motown, I was also inspired by the more lo-fi works of smaller labels such as Chess and Capsoul, and I wanted to capture the magic they had in those recordings in our record, as everything feels too precise nowadays”, clarifies Mat.

It was thanks to his engineer Mike Hagler, who introduced him to Paul Von Mertons (Mavis Staples, Paul McCartney, Elton John) who arranges and conducts for Brian Wilson’s live touring show and after a 45 minute phone conversation about what Mat wasn’t keen on, on the album, he realised Paul totally understood where he was coming from.

After a few months wait for Paul to get back from touring they entered the studio with “Paul’s players” and as soon as they hit record, Mat explains: “I was getting chills up my neck, it was one of the happiest days of my life, and finally we had nailed it!”.

The introduction of percussionist, organist and guitarist extraordinaire Ken Stringfellow best known for his work with REM since 1997 who features throughout the album really was the icing on the cake for Mat. “Ken is a family friend and had previously collaborated on my older brother Phil Ajjarapu’s solo album. It was incredible to be in the studio with these two giants”.

Tracks such as “Come Back”; which Mat wrote in ten minutes on a $300 Daneelectro Singlecut guitar initially, came to life, with Paul’s rich string arrangements.

It still took a few months to get the recording process finished but finally after a torturous nineteen months the album was finally finished. The result is an album filled with lavish string arrangements and catchy melodies which take us on a nostalgic musical journey inspired by chic 70s soul, yet the band don’t hesitate to add their own unique and elegant contemporary stamp to the record.

Calibro 35: the new album “Momentum”

Record Kicks is proud to present “MOMENTUM”, the new album by Calibro 35, out worldwide on January 24th 2020.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Italian cult combo Calibro 35 release their highly anticipated 7th studio album “MOMENTUM” on January 24th 2020. “MOMENTUM” follows “DECADE”, their previous studio album released in 2018 that had marked 10 years of Calibro 35, and it stands out as a new starting point for the project. In the last 10 years Calibro 35 have dug the golden age of soundtracks and they have been to the future with “S.P.A.C.E.”. “MOMENTUM”, as the band stated: “represents a look at nowadays and a reflection about making music right in the time that we’re living”.

Inspired by the work of artists such as Tortoise, Jagajazzist, Dj Shadow, Budos Band, Stelvio Cipriani, Ennio Morricone, Sandro Brugnolini, White Noise, Comet is Coming, JPEGMafia and DJ Signify, compared to the previous Calibro 35’s full lengths on the 10 tracks that make up the new album, band’s instruments and sounds have increased in number and complexity as well as reality. The music palette is further extended by incorporating even more synths and electronic sounds, but keeping everything true and 100% real, with all the instruments played live and with no presets or programming. The two featurings on the album serve the cause as well. On the first single “Stan Lee”, they collaborated with rapper, producer and songwriter Illa J, a former member of super group Slum Village and younger brother of the late legendary hip hop producer and rapper J Dilla. On “Black Moon”, the combo from Milan provided the groove for London-based artist MEI. “If ‘DECADE’ was the sum of everything that the band had felt in the previous ten years”, Calibro 35 says, “‘MOMENTUM’ is the prequel of what you will hear in the next ten”.

To mark the new beginning and come full circle, the recordings took place under the expert hands of usual suspect Tommaso Colliva, in the same studio where Calibro released their self titled debut album twelve years ago.

The band will be on tour, starting in February 2020. Down here the UK tour dates and further up the video teaser of the album, made by Sugo Design and Francesco Imperato and available on Youtube and on the band’s social medias.

Hannah Williams & the Affirmations: the new album “50 Foot Woman”

Record Kicks is proud to present “50 Foot Woman”, the new album by Jay-Z 4.44’s soul hurricane Hannah Williams & The Affirmations.

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Hannah Williams, the British soul hurricane who sensationally became part of Jay-Z‘s chart-topping 4:44 album, is primed and ready for her own national and international breakthrough. Williams turned heads worldwide when the hip-hop superstar sampled her heart-stopping vocals on ‘Late Nights & Heartbreak‘ for the title track, ‘4.44’ on his 2017 album. Now Hannah and her exemplary, Bristol-based band the Affirmations deliver a definitive career statement with the drop-dead soulful new album 50 Foot Woman which will be released October 18th on the Milan based imprint Record Kicks.

The album captures all of the visceral power of the band’s increasingly legendary live performances. Shades of classic Soul and Psychedelic Funk blend uniquely with modern-day flavours on a record destined to set the soul agenda for 2019 and far beyond. “I’ve never been as proud of anything in my entire career” says Hannah. Born in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, Williams’ father was a musically gifted minister, and her mother let her join the church choir at the age of six. Hannah could read music before she could properly read words, and when she discovered soul by listening with her mum to Motown and Bill Withers, there was no turning back. After a 2012 debut with her previous band the Tastemakers, it was 2016’s Late Nights & Heartbreak that announced the arrival of Hannah Williams and the Affirmations. But little did she know that Jay-Z was listening.

One day, at herthen-day job running the music department at the University of Winchester, he sent her a text.
Once she’d established that it wasn’t a wind-up, and summoned the courage to call him back, she learned that JayZ’s producer, No I.D., had played him Hannah’s track to inspire his response to Beyoncé’s Lemonade,
on which she sang of his infidelities. Williams was as in the dark about how ‘Late Nights & Heartbreak’ would be used until 4:44 dropped. But the substantial sample of her voice opened doors she never dreamed of. “It was an incredible catalyst,” she says, “as a change in our collective career, and getting a global audience. Suddenly, there were millions of predominantly American hip-hop fans listening to my voice, going ‘Is this from the ’60s? Is she dead?’”

What followed was a year of the band’s widest-ever touring including an invitation to perform at Central Park Summer Stage NY, Toronto Jazz Festival and Brooklyn Bowl NY and expanded audiences in continental Europe where she and the Affirmations had already made a mark. Then came the burning determination to make the record of their lives. The captivating 50 Foot Woman is that album, produced by Shawn Lee, a respected presence on the funk/soul scene whose credits include Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Rey and Alicia Keys. Lee has released five solo albums as Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra on San Francisco label Ubiquity Records and is also one half of the cool melodic pop duo Young Gun Silver Fox. Now the world will hear what the cognoscenti have known for a while: that Hannah Williams is the real deal, and sings from her very soul. “I feel like my performance comes from my solar plexus,” she says. “The emotional side of it is so intrinsic; I can’t take it away from what I do“.

Tanika Charles: the new album “The Gumption”

Record Kicks presents “The Gumption”, the new album by Juno Award and Polaris Music Prize-nominated Canadian soul star Tanika Charles.

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Produced by a stable of some of Canada’s finest musical minds including 3 Grammy Awards winner Chin Injeti (DJ Khalil, Eminem, Drake, Aloe Blacc), Record Kicks proudly presents “The Gumption” the awaited new album by Toronto soul star Tanika Charles that will hit the streets worldwide on May 10th 2019.

“What gave you the gumption?” Tanika Charles rhetorically asks during the introductory notes of her sophomore album appropriately titled The Gumption. While the apprehensive lover at the receiving end of that inquisition should feel slighted by the remark, it also alludes to the assuredness Tanika has gained since the release of her Juno Award and Polaris Music Prize-nominated debut Soul Run. The Gumption picks up where Soul Run left off, continuing her tradition of marrying classic soul with modern production styles. Across a dozen songs spanning 38 minutes, Tanika addresses moments of vulnerability, vindication, uncertain love, forbidden fruit and the state of the world today.

Predominately guitar-driven mid-tempo soul, with a handful of dance floor friendly tunes and some psychedelic leanings, The Gumption was indirectly influenced by the likes of Alabama Shakes, The Supremes, Khruangbin, D’Angelo, and Moses Sumney. It is sonically moody at times, but with consistent silver-lining arcs. “I’ve grown up and learned to deal with situations significantly better. We have a tendency to hold back our innermost feelings for fear of hurting others. Even when we’re happy we worry about over-sharing, as if joy is a competition you don’t want to gloat about.”

The success of Soul Run propelled Tanika in front of new audiences far and wide, with extensive touring in North America and Europe. “I’ve been touring, experiencing new places and meeting new people. And in that time also worked on completing this album”. While criss-crossing Canada with festival appearances on both the east and west coasts, Tanika also embarked upon four overseas tours for a combined 45 European shows within a one year period. This included performances at the prestigious Trans Musicales Festival in France, the Lärz, Germany Fusion Festival, Mostly Funk & Soul and Jazz Festival in UK, the Holy Groove Festival in Switzerland, and the Canarias Jazz Festival in Spain.

Alexis Evans: the new album “I’ve Come a Long Way”

The enfant prodige Alexis Evans returns with a new album that makes Bordeaux the new French capital of deep soul.

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Forget about great wines for a second, from Bordeaux rolls in Alexis Evans, the next big thing of the French deep soul scene. Following his acclaimed debut LP “Girl Bait” (2016) Record Kicks is proud to present “I’ve Come A Long Way”, the new installment of the Anglo/French artist that will hit the streets worldwide on March 8th 2019. Recorded in Bordeaux, mixed in Sydney by Dojo Cuts’ and The Liberators’ head honcho Nate Goldentone and mastered in LA at Golden Mastering, with “I’ve Come A Long Way” Alexis Evans is ready to impress you with one of the most original and honest deep soul and rhythm and blues album that you’ll find around.

“I’ve Come a Long Way” might seem like an ambitious album for a 25 years old guy, but from the soulful opening track “She Took me back” to the last rock and roll storming cut “Rock’N’ Roll Healer” you’ll be immediately captured by Alexis’ incredible musicianship and songwriting. Imagine a soulful and much funkier version of Jon Spencer where the Meters, Otis Redding and Sly & The Family Stone are kings. “I spent a few months composing and arranging all these tracks with the idea of approaching the songs of The Impressions, Allen Toussaint or Bobby Womack” says Alexis “and with everyone in the right mood, we found our own sound and we recorded the album”.

Despite his relatively young age, the Bordeaux-based singer-songwriter-producer Alexis Evans is not a newcomer in the music scene. He discovered Afro-American music as a child and learnt to play guitar thanks to his father, an English musician. At the age of 17 he debuted with his first project “Jumping to the Westside”, with which he was awarded the “Cognac Blues Passion” prize and flew to the “International Blues Challenge” in Memphis, Tennessee, where he impressed the American audience even though he was still a teenager. Mr.Evans has built a household name in the scene as the “enfant prodige of soul”, touring extensively his country with explosive live sets at RDV Erdre Nantes, Rhino Jazz St-Etienne, Lyon Ninkasi, Club Nubia Paris, Festivals Relâche Bordeaux, Jazz à Vienne as well as Festivals in England, Switzerland and Wales.

Fans of Daptone and Stax Records you better take note.