Review: Şatellites - Aylar (Batov Records)

At first I thought, a tribute to Albert Ayler?  But no, this is 'Aylar', Turkish for "moons" or "months" (sometimes words have more than one meaning) but even Albert would get excited of these 10 tracks in global Turkish psych-funk.

We first came across Şatellites a couple of years ago on the compilation 'Middle Eastern Grooves'  on Batov Records (see review HERE) but they are now a fully fledged band that tours (Ed. In them flares?) with a space-mod-out there vibe; like I say Albert would love to jam along to this.

At times they can sound prog-rock like Jethro Tull, 'Bak, Gör' or quite poppy, 'Tisladi Mehmet Emmi' or traditional folk-psych-grunge 'Yok Yok'.  You can see why DJ's as far apart as BBC 6 Music's Gilles Peterson and Seattle's KEXP had them in session after their first album tfrom 2022.

And now they're even better!  'Gizli Ajan' is amazingly like a Incredible Bongo Band vs. The Tornados and with vocals Rotem Bahar on 'Midnight Sweat'.  Whilst instrumentals like 'Hot Jazz' are typical and easier to say than the Rotem tracks, at time she can hold some Plant-like phrasing whilst the band touch on 'Kashmir' showing that there's more to this band than the next Altin Gün or Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek hype.

It so happens Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek have their own album out next week, 'Yarin Yoksa', but don't overlook 'Aylar' as these guys are at the cutting edge; not only in trouser length - or you could even say, "over the moon!"

Artist: Şatellites

Title: Aylar

Release date: 7th March, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR

Format: Limited LP / Digital / Bandcamp

 

Review: Sababa 5 featuring Sophia Solomon - Shehzadi - शहज़ादी / Ranjha - रांझा (Batov Records)

Sababa 5 like to collaborate but this is a little leftfield even for them with India born singer Sophia Solomon as Sababa 5 featuring Sophia Solomon - Shenzadi / Ranjha (Batov Records)  they go Indo-Middle Eastern grooves with this new 7" single, 'Shenzadi' / 'Ranjha'.

With this meeting of psych-funk with Bollywood disco fans of Batov will get excited for authentic classic sounds of 'the new' Asha Bhosle that has a touch of Asha Puthli (Ed.she was brilliant at We Out Here festival last year).

After the album with Yurika, 'Kokoro' (see review HERE) where else in the world are they going to go?

Artist: Sababa 5 & Sophia Solomon

Title: Shehzadi - शहज़ादी / Ranjha - रांझा

Release date: 21st February, 2024

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR108

Format: 72 Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Mulatu Astatke and Hoodna Orchestra - Tension (Batov Records)

The only tension in the air here is the wait it's been since this brilliant collaboration between Mulatu Astatke and Hoodna Orchestra have this album come out, 'Tension' is released today!

This is easily one of the top ten album's of the year and if you don't know the work of Mulatu, just be aware that he is the founder of Ethio-jazz being the mix of Latin jazz and traditonal Ethiopian music, that has crossed the genre boundaries of jazz, psych, funk, hip-hop, spiritual jazz and more.

Strut, Soundway, Mochilla have all released Mulatu's music as he became more recognised for the originator/founder he is since 1972's 'Mulatu Of Ethiopia' album (sponsored by Ethiopian Airlines if I remember right and ironically recorded in New York) which gained popularity on the back of the soundtrack to Jim Jarmush's 'Broken Flowers' film and latterly, the 'Ethiopiques' compilation series.

So what's six tracks on 'Tension' like?  Well, Batov's got their finest in psych/soul/funk in the Hoodna Orchestra with the additional bonus of Neal Sugarman (Dap-King) who also produced the album.

'Tension' is a huge misnomer as all the trademark vibes by Mulatu are of effortless cool: even on a thrusting funk of the title track - could be a OST track itself.

'Dung Gate' and 'Major' have been previous singles that have been favoured by obvious publications (Songlines, Uncut, The Guardian, etc) and BBC 6 Music's great and good, Cerys Matthews, Huey Morgan, Gilles Peterson and GP old producer, Benji B on BBC Radio 1.

'Major' is so good, like a 60s Cowboy film  with a North African feel of Morricone on a Farfisa organ and 'Hulata' which follows is like slo-mo funk version (featuring Mulatu on piano - this guy is in his 80s!) with a sound of a Sun Ra Arkestra; shame the climax doesn't break down into a Sun Ra and His Astro-Intergalactic-Infinity Arkestra meets Salah Ragab plus The Cario Jazz Band in Egypt free jazz explosion (perhaps being saved for a 12", we live in hope) 

'Yashan' returns to the cloppity clop of a jazz night club where James Bond would hold court and 'Deliah' (not the "Why, Why" Tom Jones tune) the one for the Flute Gang and some nice twangy guitar.  

And in mentioning, Bond and Jones, the whole album is drenched in 60s Mod-jazz cool of New York - Addis - London, but produced today - it's nearly perfect (the only downside, is it me but does the artwork look like the guy that impersonates Albert Einstein of the energy advert?) 

Artist: Mulatu Astatke and Hoodna Or8chestra

Title:  Tension

Release date: 8th November, 2024

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR103

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Mamman Sani & Tropikal Camel - Nijerusalem (Batov Records)

Those out there that ever thought that Batov should celebrate their 100th release with an electronic album by a duo that reflects their Middle Eastern/North African roots, 'Nijerusalem' is what you've been waiting for.

Mamman Sani (synths/vocals) and Tropickal Camel (various electronics) have created a bit of a lo-fi global album that hints at 'Who Is William Onyeabor?'

The eight track album was the unlikely result chance meeting of the two main players in Uganda at the Nyege Nyege Festival.  The single, 'Nomadic' has a North African space-ska groove that's sounds a little like some Madtone with sand on his sandals; the dub is cool too.

It's a shame that not all of the tracks have a dub take but you never know if there's enough support for this album, the 'Deluxe Edition' may well be on the cards. The vocal track 'Venusian Lady' is a bit Malian but watch out for the lyrics and prepare yourself for 'Fulani UFO' (flute gang friendly), 'Sultan Umnaru's Trip' and the dubby 'Touareg Spaceship'.

We loved Bolbec's 'Victime De l'aube' that was released August (see review HERE) but in terms of dancefloor friendly, 'Nijerusalem' will turn heads.

Artist: Mamman Sani & Tropikal Camel 

Title:  Nijerusalem

Release date: 20th September, 2024

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR100

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Babon - Desert Rose / TNT (Batov Records)

Batov Records continues to release excellent nuggets on 7" and here's another one,  Desert Rose' / 'TNT' by Babon.

Slipping from the Middle East heartland, Babon are a duo based in Indonesia with Wahyudi T. Raupp (drums) and multi-instrumentalist Rayi Raditia.

'Desert Rose' is a great oasis of twisted Afro-funk-reggae and 'TNT' is the explosive B side which they call "Tropical Desert Music'.

Very different to Bolbec's 'Victime De l'aube' Eastern Grooves base (see review HERE) or is it?

Artist: Babon

Title:  Desert Rose / TNT 

Release date: 23th August, 2024

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR101

Format:  7" Vinyl [500 copies only] / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Bolbec - Victime De l'aube (Batov Records)

Multi-instrumentalists Axel Concato and Barth Corbelet are Bolbec and as they've been friends from childhood, this album is crammed full of influences, a 'Victime De l'aube' youloung might say

This is an album that deep in the OST world of Piero Piccioni, Michel Legrand or Jonny Trunk's favourite, Basil Kirchin with a more than healthy dollop of library.

If you'd come across a track like 'Feuille D'orage' in a diggers vault you'd have to pay a hefty some to get your rare bossa flute gang banjo hands on it; worth the price of the album in itself.

Even then there's 'Vengeance Tropicale' for some Herb Alpert-ish jazz shuffle for a Sunday Afternoon or even they title tracks which is a strange blues walk al a Horace Silver meets Mark Murphy as an instrumental (wonder if someone will let it slip any of these in the Dingwalls 'tent' at WeHowHere Festival).

But there's 9 other tracks that are out there from the 70s synth pop-corn theme of 'Rue Nue',  the childrens TV theme of 'Funaise' or lost in a rain forest, 'En Bermuda'; it all sounds so familiar yet it's new!

The duo are supported by the rhythm section of Notalgia 77 (still love 'The Lonliest Flower In The Village; see review HERE) but as always with such albums, great tracks like 'Nuitée' and 'À L'instar Du Flair', whilst beatifully formed, just seem a little short.

As you can tell, it's a lot to the leftfield of Batov Records 'traditional' Middle Eastern Sounds but If you know your Bruton from your KPM's, this is the must have album of the summer.

Artist: Bolbec

Title:  Victime De l'aube 

Release date: 9th August, 2024

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR101

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

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Reveiw: Mamman Sani & Tropikal Camel - Nomadic (Batov Records)

So, you've got your Desert Boots ready to go to WOMAD festival but make sure you pack the latest digital single from Batov Records.

Batov Records could have filled my WOMAD (25-28th July, Charlton Park, Malmesbury, Whiltshire) mixtape on their own (especially after Sababa 5 & Yurika's 'Kokoro' - see review HERE) but this latest offering is a bit sideways for the being the sneak previous of a forthcoming album from Mamman Sani (synths) and Tropical Camel (assorted electronics).

'Nomadic' is a Middle Eastern reggaefied groover, a bit like their version of William Onyeabor, and you can't get more WOMAD than that.  Well, perhaps you can as Mamman Sani and Tropikal Camel actually met at the Nyege Nyege Festival in Uganda!

Let's hope this single representative of the rest of the album, 'Nijerusalem' - eight tracks including a 'Nomadic (Dub)' [Ed. can't wait for that] so get your orders in now for the vinyl coming in September. 

Artist: Mamman Sani & Tropikal Camel 

Title:  Nomadic

Release date: 10th July, 2024

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR100-1

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Sababa 5 & Yurika - Kokoro (Batov Records)

The perfect answer to anyone who says there's nothing new in music anymore, this is so fresh, Surfin' Dave has promised to hang up twangin' guitars!

Regular readers will know that we love a Japanese element, whether it's the incredible 400 page ' J Jazz - Free and Modern Jazz Albums From Japan 1954 - 1988', the more focused compilation 'East Wind: Revolutionary Japanese Jazz in the 70s' or 'DJ Notoya Presents Funk Tide: Tokyo Jazz Funk from Electric Bird 1978-87' or even the 'Tokyo Riddim 1976-1985' with features a hose of female vocalist doing J-Reggae/Dancehall!

'Kokoro' is more is that ball park as Middle Eastern/surf rock/pysch/disco as a backing band to Yuirka.  The Japanese singer joined the band on stage and fans have already fallen in loved with their tracks 'Tokyo Midnight, 'Nasnusa' and 'Crossroad Of Love' but there's even more on the eight track album; particularly the synthed belly dancin' 'Empty Hands' and the sing-a-long title track and 60s sounding J-pop, 'Halilim Halilim'.

If you're happy with the Batov 7" release series or the Middle Eastern Grooves compilation (see review HERE), you're going to love this even more.  

Batov's DJ Kobayashi recently featured Wah Wah 45s Dom Servini (more on WeWah25 to come) but it'd be cool to see him take on DJ Notoya - that'd be heavyweigh sound clash.

Artist: Sababa 5 & Yurika

Title: Kokoro

Release date: 5th July, 2024

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR098

Format: LP Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Kolonel Djafaar - Getaway (Batov Records)

Batov Records are on the right track again with more Middle Eastern Menahan Street Band style funk! 

As big fans of the last album on Batov Records, Shay Hazan's 'Wusul وصول' (see review HERE) it's with a bit of trepidation that we listen to the next album off the rank - but you can't get away from the fact this is exceptional.

Is 'Convoi Exceptionnel' is the most brilliant cross genre Mulatu Astake Ethio Afrobeat funk from the casbah...on the Transe Horn of Africa Express.

The horn section try and steel the show but all members of the band work as one, on 'Phil's First Tear' which is one of the many stand-out tracks.  

This is so impressive as their base is in Belgium and for fans of their 'Cold Heat' EP of 2021, it's been a long wait for this album. It's definitely been worth it as their 'Getaway' is the equivalent of winning Ronde de Flanders, Paris–Roubaix, Liège–Bastogne–Liège all in one season.

Artist: Kolonel Djafaar 

Title: Getaway

Release date: 5th April, 2024

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR089

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Shay Hazan - Wusul وصول (Batov Records)

When it comes to global, jazz, funk and spiritual sounds, Shay Hazan's album 'Wusul' is going to be hard to beat in 2024, if not impossible!

'Wusul' (Arabic for 'arrival' - Shay became a Dad 3 months ago) certainly marks a musical turn up for the books, like a 12 track mainline terminal station with hot sand falling from ya sandals; or more accurately Shay's synths, guimbri, guitar and percussion . 

This sounds another but a one man band, the killer track 'Sunflowers' featuring the keys of Nitai Hershkovits which fades just as they get into a Mulatu afro-jazz groove; WHY? Even so, it's definitely "uplifting and danceable masterpiece". But don't worry as there's more guest and diversions on tracks to follow.

The core band joining Shay, Tal Avraham (trumpet), Eyal Netzer (tenor sax) and Shahar Haziza (drums) must have had a great time recording all this original Hazan compositions (the quieter/reflective/traditional 'Yarabi' being the one exception).

The guimbri is a traditional instrument of Morroco (lots of Morroco around at the moment like DJ/producers Omary and DJ Medi - perhaps they'd be up for a housey remix?) but in the hand of Shay it's hard to tells as his productions sound as much mod-twangy guitar and wild 70s synth.

There's a listening party on bandcamp today at 7pm (28th February - so tune in) and you'll hear the album open with 'Dew' which is like a jazz morning but it really gets cooking with 'Oladipo' that's like a desert blues mixed with Sun Ra (when he was hanging out with Astatke) with Fela hanging around.  'A Bite Of Sand', with it's Tinariwen twang at the wadi is hypnotic as the guimbri sounds like a harp at times. 'A Walk In Dir El-Assad' and 'Yooltz' are more on the danceable side with slips into Afro-jazz-2step-Joe Meek whilst and 'Shimo Kitazawa' is like a Japanese inspired 'Wusul' dub.

If there's one track that encapsulates the album it's probably 'Vide Jadid' but I wish that all the tracks were as long as the 5 minute 'Street Souls'; which links in nicely with the closing track 'Riff Raff' which is dedicated to the guys that live in the street outside of his studio and represents the 'thin walls' that separate us (all for that matter).  

People will want to experience this album livee/on tour (are there plans? I'll keep you posted) but if you can't make it to a gig, this album and his 2021 debut 'Reclusive Rituals' (both on Batov) are highly recommended.

Artist: Shay Hazan 

Title: Wusul وصول 

Release date: 1st March, 2024

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR088

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Various Artists - Batov Artists 3 (Batov Records)

So another stunning release from Batov Records and better than that, it's a nine track compilation of some of their biggest stars... but there's some even better news!

We've love a the sounds from Batov this year; from Eje Eje's 'Five Seasons' (see review HERE) who are represent on this album with 'Black Sea Majic (Autumn)' to some lounge samba for ya Jonny Trunk types with Moriah Plaza's 'Samba Moosh' (see review HERE).

The great news is that the Sandman Project (the Emanative / Jessica Lauren project) is here in the form of  Hamsa Remixes EP (see review HERE) and more proof that there's more to just 'middle eastern' grooves, Muito Kaballa's 'Luna' is 60s jazz proggy and middle eastern. 

Of course, the hous band/flag wavers of the label, Sababa 5 are represented with the new track, 'Aeolus' from the album Aspan' (see review HERE) but the album is all gems like this.

Oh! And the "even better news", this compilation by label co-founder DJ Kobayashi is on Bandcamp as a digital release as a "Thank you" for a mere £1.00 if you get in quick; indeed "Thank you" Batov Records and all the artists and fans alike.

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Batov Artists 3

Release date: 15th December, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR090

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Sababa 5 - Aspan (Batov Records)

Apparently, mod-culture is back, but how mod are you without Sababa 5's new album 'Aspan', out on Batov Records?

Filled with 60s inspired instrumental psychedelic funk rock and Middle Eastern grooves, this is another winner you can't do without.

Opening up with 'Wembley' (no hint of a football chant but 1966 and all that; RIP Sir Bobby Charlton) and the 'Tri Li Li' isn't nursery rhyme influenced like the title hints at but comes with some dub vibes!

The cover looks like something from a Joe 90 annual but as a follow-up to last years' self-titled debut album, (see review HERE) I think they've gone deeper and more mainstream all at the same time.

The single, 'Fa Sol La' is the high speed version of the Med coastline Joe Meek (very popular this one) that's matched by the equally fast title track.

If there's more dreamy beach scenes with 'Carmel', 'Aeolus' and the closing track, 'Indra'.  And in constrast, 'Barabara' does her thing; possibly on a TV theme/opening credits with some proggy organ at the end and then, going off script, 'Alpis' is like an instrumental version by The Stranglers/Brian Auger.

With such well crafted tracks, it's hard to believe that the band consist of Ilan Smilan (guitar), Amir Sadot (bass), Raz Man (Drums) and Eitan Drabkin (keys/synths).

Trendies like BBC 6 Music's Cerys Matthews, Deb Grant/Tom Ravenscroft, Gilles Peterson are big fans and yes Abigail, "I'm a mod" and so are Sababa 5; middle eastern jazz-mods but definitely now!

Artist: Sababa 5 

Title: Aspan

Release date: 17th Novmember, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR086

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

 

Review: Sababa 5 & Canay Doğan - Bigâne / Namdar (Batov Records)

Here's another in the limited edition 7" series on Batov Records and this time label favourites Sababa 5 are joined by Canay Doğan on the mesmerizing a-side, 'Bigâne'.  

'Bigâne' sounds like a Turish version of Sterolab on Top Of The Pops; somewhat usual you might think for Canay is a staff member at Istanbul University's Jazz Department. 

'Namdar' is slightly funkier than the a-side but both tracks are so good I, fully expect them to appear on the next edition of Middle Eastern Grooves (see review HERE of the latest verson also on Batov Records).

And if you can't get your hands on the vinyl, there's always the digital downloads as you don't want to miss out on either track.

Artist:  Sababa 5 & Canay Doğan

Title: Bigâne / Namdar

Release date: 4th August, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR080

Format: 7" / Digital / Bandcamp

 

Review: Eje Eje - Five Seasons (Batov Records)

Batov Records continue to make a huge contribution to world music with their latest release, the debut album by Eje Eje (aka Itamar Kluger).

The album, 'Five Seasons' is spread over 12 tracks; two each for winter, spring, summer and autumn with another two for late summer, plus a couple of bonus tracks.

Fans of the single, 'That Rainy Dawn' / 'Coral Sex' (see review HERE) plus one of the highlights the compilation on Middle Eastern Grooves (see review HERE - all on Batov Records) will have a very good idea of what to expect.

They've seemed to have squeezed in some Desert Blues into their psych rock funk with some Turkish trad folk, Levantine dabke and Persian bandari. This might seem a bit of a stretch but from 'New Roots' to 'Mountain Disco' (featuring Yuli Shafriri) it's an real joy; current favourite is 'Black Sea Majic' with it's mixed in dub, spiritual jazz acid excesses.  But 'current favourite' has possibly been one or more of all the tracks on repeated listens including 'That Rainy Dawn (Autumn)', 'Saved From The Jazz (Spring)' and 'Mountain Disco (Bonus)'.

Perhaps a bit of a stretch to translate into the tracks to the five seasons of traditional Chinese medicine but it's a special album that will raise your spirits.

As good as the line-up is for WOMAD this year, let's start the campaign for a whole Batov Records Stage for next year; wouldn't that be great!

Artist: Eje Eje

Title: Five Seasons

Release date: 28th July, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR073

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Moriah Plaza - Moriah Plaza (Batov Records)

 When you hear the first track by Moriah Plaza, you'll think that this is nuts, fantasticly warped bossa nova, but nuts. A one off!  But no! There's a whole album of the Moriah Plaza sound on Batov Records!

Batov Records are not known for the Brazilian affliations but Tel Avivians(?) Tamir Chen and Moosh Lahav are currently based in Berlin and where they've already been involved with some leftfield dance pop jazz. 

Now teamed up with poet/singer Cecilia Erismann and multi talented Flavia Annechini (both from Brasil).
So bring in soume elevator muzak/lounge ('Lagoon de Merim' is so kitsch that it's post kitsch in the ultra lounge.

Annechini founded the Tropical Disco Club and I hope they Moriah Plaza are the house band as this project is equally inspired for the Tamir's mother who was the hotel piano bar resident at the Sheraton Moriah (see cover photo) a building/location that looks as lifeless as water in the Dead Sea that it overlooks.

'Samba Mooch' has got a touch of 'One Note Samba' (Samba de Uma Nota So) about it and you can almost hear the Rat Pack trying to join in for another appearance in thier best tuxedos.

Big with the BBC 6 Music big boys already an it's bound to get picked up by all the Latin-jazz dance guys so don't hang around and get this ordered today.

Artist: Moriah Plaza

Title: Moriah Plaza

Release date: 7th July, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR071

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Eje Eje - That Rainy Dawn / Coral Sex (Single) (Batov Records)

You may recall that on the Batov Records' Middle Eastern Grooves compilation, one of the many stand out tracks was 'Saved From The Jazz' by Eje Eje (see review HERE).

Well, such was the response to that track, they've now got a 7" single with the 'traditional' funk of 'That Rainy Dawn' and the even more fantastic 'Coral Sex' - that strangely has the organ vibe of The Doors' 'Riders On The Storm' (a pretty rainy track itself!)

As part of Batov's 7" singles series, it's not one to miss out on.

Artist: EJE EJe

Title: That Rainy Dawn / Coral Sex

Release date: 9th June, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR079

Format: 7" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Sababa 5 feat. Hoodna Orchestra - Eilat 22 / Elifelet 23 (Batov Records)

Hey! Sababa 5 get deeper into the psych-funk surf and need extra room on the longboard for the Hoodna Orchestra's horns.

Following on from the previous single, 'Funk #1 ' Funk #2' (see review HERE), these are finding their feet in their new studio on the outskirts of Tel Aviv that's the equivalent of 60s Holloway Road as they become more and more in their own version of a Joe Meek/Daptone/El Michels Affair world.

'Eilat 22' and 'Elifelet 23' double A side just goes to show how tight they are and can swing any dancefloor.

The single is on Batov Records.

Artist: Sababa 5 

Title: Eilat 22 / Elifelet 23

Release date: 2nd June, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR076

Format: 7" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Various Artists - Middle Eastern Grooves (Batov Records)

Those that have recently picked up on Batov Records via the outstanding releases by the mighty Sababa 5 will be more than interested in this new compilation, 'Middle Eastern Grooves' celebrating Batov's history from 2015 - 2023 that's been selected by label co-founder DJ Kobayashi.

This 2xLP set will also appeal to a even wider audience as it features a mix of new and old plus some previously unreleased tracks; like a proper label compilation. 

It's great if you're into your World funk surf rock and it stretches further as there's lots of hip-hoppy/psych going on like the monsters 'Saved From The Jazz' by Eje Eje (can you be post-Bongo Rock? See review of latest re-issue of album that's now 50 years old, HERE) and Baharat's 'Parsley Disco' or the eastern edge, 'Nasnusa' by Sababa 5 featurig Yurika.

There's no Sandman Project (see review HERE) but you get previously released tracks from Kutiman, Sababa 5, Boom Pam (who have just released thier album 'Royal' just in time for Charlie III), Şatellites and the pop-cornesque 'Six' by Romano.

This is the kind of album that can change your summer holiday destination choice and puting your big toe into the sea/pool/waters of the Middle East (it's a big catchment area) or just catch DJ Kobayashi as he's regularly at trend hot beds like Brilliant Corners and Spiritland plus he's got a bi-weekly show on Soho Radio too!

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Middle Eastern Grooves

Release date: 19th May, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR

Format: 2xLP / Digital / Bandcamp

 

Review: Sababa 5 - Funk #1 / Funk #2 (Batov Records)

Been diggin' for some long lost funk on 45?  Dig not more and bring your own dust if you must as you won't find anything as good as this; and it's brand new!

The biggest psychedelic funk band in Tel Aviv, if not the world, are back with two slices of out-there middle-eastern funk on 7" vinyl.

Limited to 500 copies so be quick as this synth funk style doesn't hang around for long.

So much fun(k) and more than enough to get you into their previous release like last years' self-title album (review HERE) and thier other previous singles.

And this is one of a series of 7"s and whilst you want to get 'em all, check 'The Egyptian'/'On The Way To The Wedding' by Baharat. Not for MAFFSA - Bonkers!

Artist: Sababa 5 

Title: Funk #1 ' Funk #2

Release date: 24th March, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR076

Format: 7" / Digital / Bandcamp

Sandman Project - Hamsa Remixes (Batov Records)

Lots of fantastic remix projects about at the moment and here's one not to be overlooked.

Batov Records have organised four different versions of 'Hamsa' by experts in their own fields as they take on the original track that's Mulatu Astatke of Ethiopia with a West African psychedelic rock vibe.

No. 1 for us is absolutely brilliant. This is usually the case with anything to do with Jessica Lauren and Emanative - typically in the Sun Ra meets Ethio Jazz.  We have to declare an interest as I've DJ'd with Emanative (aka Nick Woodmansey) way before the release of his critically acclaimed albums for Brownswood Recordings, Jazzman Records and Futuristica Music.  And he's not shy when it comes to remixes, (most recently, the far too short 'San Francisco Dance' for RE:WARM) and like any good DJ/producer/drummer/show-off he's reworked 'Hamsa' playing the drums himself and getting bests mate keyboard whiz Jessica Lauren to do a Farfisa solo plus Vince Vella adding an Afro-Latin kick, on congas, udu drums and other assorted percussion. 

Stunning I think you'll agree. But wait! What's this Ayala's Rhythm Mix?  Sticking to the theme but a bit more jazzy horn whilst the Koichi Sakai remix is Ethio with trumpet and housey keys that grooves then gets a little dubby sometimes and a little spacey too!  And not to be outdown in the spacey dubby groove, Italian DJ/Producer Woxow gets deeper into all aspects with some added spoken word 'thoughts'. 

Batov Records (they of Sababa 5 - see our review HERE) are getting in the party mood with this one and I'm expecting more of the same quality next year too!

Artist: Sandman Project

Title: Hamsa Remixes EP

Release date: 2nd December, 2022

Label: Batov Records

Catalog Number: Digital