TURNTABLE LAB

9dw
9dw (180g, Clear Vinyl) 2LP

electro jazz fusion fresh from Japan

Taking electro-fusion to the next dimension is no easy job. But Tokyo-based futurists 9dw aren't afraid to gaze beyond the limits of the Milky Way, riding on a celestial quest toward a world where the atmosphere is analog and the beat of a neon ocean washes against a beach of synthesizer sand. Opener "Stone And Fruits(1)" is perfect glass of wine by the fireplace music. Things take a more funky turn on "Migrant(2)" and "Posse(3)." Building their sonic landscape on an arsenal of vintage instruments and technology, the music of 9dw is a refreshing mix of jazz instrumentals, skilled guitars, fresh breakbeats, and funky keys. "Black Coffee(4)" resonates with the slow burning funk of Herbie Hancock, while "Thinking Makes A Mistake(5)" carries on where Bob James and the CTI crew left off. Fans of Weather Report and Joe Zawinul will fall in love with "S.E.V.(6)." With an ear to the past and their eyes on the future, this band of the Rising Sun heralds a return to the 1970s heyday of jazz originality and flavor. Although 9dw’s self-titled debut has been available in Japan for some time, it has yet to see any form of stateside release until now. 13 tracks in all. Hand numbered collector's edition 180 gram clear vinyl.
reviewed by Michu Meszaros

file under:
wax poetics / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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Adrian Younge
Black Dynamite (Original Motion Picture Score) LP

authentic vintage-sounding soul & funk, limited and numbered

Incredible debut release from the extremely talented Adrian Younge - composer, principal musician, and recording engineer of the Black Dynamite original score. It's no wonder Wax Poetics decided to sign him on to the label; the sound is jaw-droppingly authentic, original vintage soul in every sense of the word. You could've told me this was a 70s record and I would have totally believed you! This is a new record (2009), but produced with golden era recording techniques and utilizing all vintage gear pre-1970 from instruments, mics, mic pres, and recorded straight to 2-track tape. No easy feat by any means, but Adrian comes out like a champ with a record that does more than just rehash the music of the time and sounds just right next to Curtis' Superfly, Roy's Coffy, or Marvin's Troubleman. Check out "Black Dynamite Theme(1)," "Cleaning Up The Streets(2)," "Man With The Heat(3)," "Shine(4)," "Gloria(5)," "Jimmy's Apartment(6)," "Chicago Wind(7)" and "Rafelli Chase(8)." Limited, hand numbered edition of 2000. Highly Recommended.


reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
wax poetics / funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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Earl Zero
Righteous Works / Heart's Desire 12"

Wax Poetics veers away from the funk for a moment, instead dusting off this outstanding pair of lost roots cuts for the third release on their label. Discovered by his boss as a 22-year old construction worker, Earl Zero (aka Earl Johnson) had a brief but impressive career in Kingston, never quite acheiving stardom for himself but penning tunes which would eventually be versioned (to put it nicely) by legends like Johnny Clarke. This 12" features two sides recorded with American producers Warren & Earl "Chinna" Smith and the Roots Radics Band at Channel One in 1979: the upbeat "Heart's Desire(1)" and a rare "disco-mix" of Earl's trademark tune, "Righteous Works(1)," originally released on 12" by Greensleeves back in the day. Limited pressing.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
wax poetics / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / roots singles

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Melvyn Price
Rhythm & Blues CD

rare latin jazz

Another rare treat from the bubbling WaxPo label (WPR004, if you're counting), this time unearthing a private press gem from 1974 by the Michigan-born, Stockholm-trained Melvyn Price. Despite its title, there's nothing actively "bluesy" about this album in the traditional sense... but boy is there some rhythm. Latin percussion forms the foundation upon which Melvyn and his Swedish players throw down soulful horns and jazzy, swinging piano. It all melds together perfectly in Price's deceptively simple yet moving arrangements. All six tracks are phenomenal stuff, but I'm especially digging "Voodo Love Dance(1)," "Last Train(2)," and the percussion-only joints "Toward Brazil(3)" and "Five O'Clock Traffic(4)." Comes in a perfect reproduction sleeve with detailed liner notes from Jon Kirby. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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Melvyn Price
Rhythm & Blues LP

BONUS: Purchase this album and receive a coupon for a free MP3 download of Melvyn Price's "The Subway" from his 1971 album Rytmer II, redeemable at Wax Poetics Digital.

Another rare treat from the bubbling WaxPo label (WPR004, if you're counting), this time unearthing a private press gem from 1974 by the Michigan-born, Stockholm-trained Melvyn Price. Despite its title, there's nothing actively "bluesy" about this album in the traditional sense... but boy is there some rhythm. Latin percussion forms the foundation upon which Melvyn and his Swedish players throw down soulful horns and jazzy, swinging piano. It all melds together perfectly in Price's deceptively simple yet moving arrangements. All six tracks are phenomenal stuff, but I'm especially digging "Voodo Love Dance(1)," "Last Train(2)," and the percussion-only joints "Toward Brazil(3)" and "Five O'Clock Traffic(4)." Comes in a perfect reproduction sleeve with detailed liner notes from Jon Kirby. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
wax poetics / funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / and more

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The Moments
Baby I Want You / Pray For Me 7"

Originally released on the short-lived Hog Records in 1965, this 45, sporting a pair of rare Larry Mizell-penned originals, has been commanding four figures on the 'Bay in recent years. Never fear, broke fiends - it's WaxPo to the rescue once more. Listening to "Baby I Want You(1)," it's impossible to understand how such an energetic and beautiful track could become such a rarity. (The accompanying liner notes make more sense of the situations.) With its impressive harmonies and stringwork from the United States Air Force Band - a funny coincidence, if you recall the first WaxPo Records release - it should've been one of the first in a long line of Mizell classics. The equally lovely but much more mellow "Pray For Me(2)" is on the flip. Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
wax poetics / funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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V/A
Black Dynamite (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) LP

original funk library music compiled

This is the actual music track for the Black Dynamite movie, comprising of actual funk library music from the 1970s. These tracks were originally created for use in TV and films by famous British composers Alan Hankshaw, Johnny Pearson, Brian Bennett and Alan Tew. Great moody breaks and cinematic themes to sink you ears into, plus tons of sample-worthy moments here for hungry MPCs. 23 tracks of vintage funk flavor pressed on super thick vinyl from Wax Poetics. Limited, hand numbered edition of 2000. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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wax poetics / funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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Wax Poetics
Anthology, Vol.1 Book

collection of articles on vinyl culture

Ahh, the choice pick for the collector's collector. Wax Poetics has been feeding our wax fetishes from their first issue in 2000. In fact, they started up right after TTL, and in many ways, we've grown up with them. From the small "heads only" mag at the height of the crate digger era, to the respected record connoisseur magazine it is today, you can definitely say they've come a long way. Since back issues of this mag are hard to find and in high demand (they're all shelved in the bosses' room), Wax Po put together this official hardcover anthology book, covering the prime articles from the first 5 issues. If you're avid WaxPo reader, you'll love the change to the large format. The pictures are just as priceless as the stories behind them, and when they're blown up this nice, it becomes that much harder to put down. 8.5 x 11", 240 pages, with 480 color plates. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

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music + culture books / lab recommended / all mags / wax poetics / and more

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Wax Poetics
Anthology, Vol.2 Book

Eight years deep in the game and WaxPo has become one of the most respected music rags (sorry, "journals") in the world with its distinct mixture of vinyl archaeology and behind-the-scenes stories of artists both obscure and well-known. Anthology, Vol.1 focused on the first five issues, so it stands to reason that this new hardcover collection should bring us creme de la creme of Issues #6-10 (Fall 2003 - Fall 2004) in blown-up 8.5" x 11" format. Includes pieces on Sun Ra, 45 King, Incredible Bongo Band, Rev. Eugene McDaniels, Willie Mitchell, Scientist, Les McCann, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Roy Ayers, Eddie Bo (and so, so many more) along with a slew of rare full-color pictures and label scans. Hardcover; 240 pages.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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music + culture books / all / all mags / wax poetics / and more

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Wax Poetics
Cover Story: Album Cover Art Book

The connoisseurs at Wax Poetics get brilliant on this one. The concept gathers some of the magazine's most esteemed contributors to pick out 20 of their most personable albums and pair them up according to their individual significance. The result is a combination of rare record art, classics and funky music juxtaposed in an intriguing order. Kinda like a random assortment of "Desert Island" picks, if you will. The only text is in the preface and intro, but besides that the mystery of the pair ups are as subjective as the music locked in the grooves. The covers range from comedic, funky and outrageous, to refined, poetic and thought provoking(see detail pics) but all of them carry a timeless quality. Because this indirectly highlights the working artist before computers, I highly suggest this for anyone interested in graphics for music. I think you'll agree that the old methods were less fleeting. Recommended.
reviewed by Cmish

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music + culture books / lab recommended / all mags / wax poetics / and more

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Wax Poetics
Issue #16 (Bill Withers)

Wax Po' are back on their now-bi-monthly grind -- and with Bill Withers on the cover, no less. You already know these dudes keep it high quality, but this is an extra dope issue, with features on the aforementioned Mr. Withers, Cut Chemist (aka Haircut Chemist), reggae's Studio One, an overview of Detroit techno... the list goes on. Also included are great, in-depth articles on Brazil's legendary Banda Uniao Black and the newly rediscovered California soul legend Darondo (the latter piece written by Mr. Soul Sides himself, Oliver "O-Dub" Wang). 138 full color pages.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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all mags / wax poetics /

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Wax Poetics
Issue #22 (Betty Davis)

Time to be blessed once again by the record afficianados at Wax Po. This issue features an entrancing article on Betty Davis, ex-wife and muse of Miles Davis, and a new interview with the west coast's OG hustler, Too Short. Also includes detailed pieces on Brazil's Jao Donato, Ornette Coleman, Pharoah Monch, Marva Whitney, Kon and Amir, portraits of the people of Sao Paolo by B+ and much more. The info is so densely packed, it's pretty much a must-have issue for any music fanatic.
reviewed by C'mish

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all mags / wax poetics /

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Wax Poetics
Issue #24 (Mandrill)

New issue from the Knights of the Wax tables. Really have to give it up to these dudes for growing their wax nerdus empire to the level of respect they have now. I've even seen hot girls reading it in the city! Anyways, this months turn your attention to Herman Histon's Psychedelic Soul, James Brown collectible tour posters, NY DJ legend Eddie Cheba (Cheba-Cheba ya'll), Brazil's Marcos Valle, a full back story and interview with Brooklyn's own musical treasure, Mandrill. Awesome and thorough as usual. Don't miss.
reviewed by C'mish

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Wax Poetics
Issue #26 (Hip Hop Issue)

It's the Hip Hop Issue from WaxPo, as always comin' correct with the meticulously detailed articles and jewels of knowledge you won't read in any other mags. In addition to the usual vintage singles reviews and solid photography, there's a piece on the life of Bobby Byrd, hip hop history with 9th Wonder, NYC public access talk with "Uncle Ralph" McDaniels, plus pieces on Just Blaze, Devin The Dude, Percee P, Alchemist, Evidence, Osaka Monaurail and more. Naturally, they squeeze some funk and soul in there too. Great front and back cover paintings from Zachariah O'Hora seal the deal. 138 pages.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

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all mags / wax poetics /

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Wax Poetics
Issue #27 (Grand Master Flash)

Between the great cover shots of Grandmaster Flash and Eddie Harris, the new issue of Wax Poetics features pieces on the Hot 8 Brass Band, Camp Lo, Build An Ark, Newcleus, S.O.U.L., Blue Note, Brownout, Cuba, Chuck Brown and more. The issue's centerpiece is a collection of stunning photos from music journo / renaissance man Tom Terrell, including pics of Kurtis Blow, Rashaan Roland Kirk, Mississippi McDowell, Bob Marley, Funkadelic, Howlin' Wolf, Ras Michael and more. 138 pages.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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all mags / wax poetics /

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Wax Poetics
Issue #28 (Al Green)

Another month, another quality issue of everyone's favorite music mag. Al Green and Q-Tip take the respective front and back covers this time; inside are features on Phil Ranelin, Flying Lotus, early James Brown accomplice J.C. Davis, Karriem Riggins, Dam-Funk, King Britt, ?uestlove on the making of Al Green's Lay It Down, Estonian music, plus all the usual bells, whistles and drool-inducing rare record reviews you've come to expect from WaxPo. 128 pages.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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all mags / wax poetics /

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Wax Poetics
Issue #30 (Rock)

#30 is "The Rock Issue" of WaxPo, an issue which editor-in-chief Andre Torres has been in the works for two years and which comes with a great juxtaposition of covers, featuring Bad Brains on one side and Elvis Presley on the other. In addition to features on those two icons, we get pieces on Detroit's soul-rock mainstays The Dirtbombs, Black Rock Coalition, The Rascals, Black Merda, Dave Bartholomew, Ernie Isley, Prince's early days and tributes to a number of recently-passed legends (Jimmy McGriff, Buddy Miles, Bo Diddley, Ike Turner). 128 pages.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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Wax Poetics
Issue #33 (The Philly Issue)

WaxPo number 33 is dedicated to the City of Brotherly Love and features Gamble & Huff sharing cover duties with Teddy Pendergrass (rocking the illest fur coat!). Features stories on Questlove, Jneiro Jarrell, First Choice, Pop Art Records and many more. 104 pages.
reviewed by Hires

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Wax Poetics
Issue #37 (Michael Jackson)

Young MJ gets both covers of WaxPo #37, and inside you'll find several features on the man's life and career. You'll also find stories on Mayer Hawthorne, Emperor Machine, Illa J, Lee Fields, Nicky Siano and more. 112 pages.
reviewed by Hires

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