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 / shota's jazz section

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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

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

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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

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

visual collection of rare album covers

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 #10 (Mingering Mike)

Glad to see the incredible story and artwork of cover artist Mingering Mike land in the proper venue for it (here); this issue features a great 10 page spread with plenty pics of his home-made album covers and the full, curious story of Mike and how he was ìdiscovered.î Other features include Montgomery Express, Antibalas, Les McCann, Wattstax, Beastie Boys, Eddie Fisher, Melvin Van Peebles, Texas Stage Bands Pt 2, Keepintime, and Scientist.
reviewed by mgmnt

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all mags / wax poetics /

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Wax Poetics
Issue #13 (The Meters) - Last Copies

Wax Poetic's summer issue puts the Meters on the cover, with an in-depth (20 page) story and discography. Other interviews include King Jammy & the development of the Sleng Teng riddim, Sharon Jones, Rakim on Paid In Full, Gary McFarland, Strong Island's JVC Force, Dooley O and the discovery of Skull Snaps, classic hip hop photography from Joe Conzo, private press reviews by Dante Carfagna, funk from Panama and more.
reviewed by mgmnt

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all mags / wax poetics /

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Wax Poetics
Issue #14 (David Axelrod)

Egon's 15 page David Axelrod feature takes centerstage in another strong issue of Wax Po. Other points of interest include features and interviews with James Gadson, Edan, Gilles Peterson, Big Boi, Mulatu of Ethiopia, Blow Fly, Jazzy Jay, Reggae originator Clancey Eccles, Rickey Powell, QSO, The Fever & Brooklyn Jazz. Plus 12x12 by Greg Wilson with a run down of Manchester's biggest beats from 82-83.
reviewed by mgmnt

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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 #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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all mags / wax poetics /

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Wax Poetics
Issue #25 (Photo Issue)

I know that Wax Po just came out with their anthology, but could it be that this is just as collectible? This is the first photo issue I've seen from Wax Po and it is HEAVY. Photo essays featuring the classic hip hop photography of George DuBose, Ernie Paniccioli, Janette Beckman, the B&W portraits of David Corio, and classic NY street photography by Charlie Ahearn, Jamel Shabazz (check our site for his full book), and Joe Conzo. Also check the thorough articles and rare photos on Miles Davis, the percussion stars of Brasilintime, New Orleans, and the early Beasties. Of course they wouldn't leave you hangin' without all their regular features, with spotlights on Malcom Catto's Heliocentrics, Sharon Jones and Max Roach. If you love the music, I'd even buy two! The full color pages would make for great mini-posters. Told you it was packed.
reviewed by C'mish

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all mags / wax poetics /

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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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all mags / wax poetics /

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Wax Poetics
Issue #31 (Shuggie Otis)

Shuggie Otis and MF Doom grace the green-tinted covers for issue #31 of our favorite music rag going. Inside - in addition to our man Monk's great chat with the supervillain and a revealing Shuggie interview by Ronnie Reese - you'll find bits on Brooklyn funk/soul all-stars Menahan Street Band, legendary Brazilian weirdos Os Mutantes, Mikey Dread (RIP), J.Rocc, Slick Rick, Patrick Adams, Grant Green, Count Bass D and Chin Chin, plus the usual array of tributes and obscure diggery. 128 pages.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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all mags / wax poetics /

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Wax Poetics
Issue #32 (Sly Stone)

Wax Po gets the split cover treatment for the first time since Issue #17. This issue comes with one of two cover combos: Sly Stone & Jimmy Cliff, or Sly Stone & Anton Ellis. (Shipped randomly!) In addition to insightful pieces on those artists, you'll also hear about electro legends the Egyptian Lover and Arabian Prince, jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, Large Professor, Jean Grae, the state of the Korean B-boy scene, and tons more of the usual excellence from WaxPo. 112 pages.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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all mags / wax poetics /

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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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all mags / wax poetics /

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Wax Poetics
Issue #34 (Jazz)

Wax Poetics number 34 is "The Jazz Issue," featuring John Coltrane on one cover and Freddie Hubbard on the other. Inside there's lengthy interviews with Creed Taylor (the man behind Impulse Records, Verve Records and CTI Records), Melvin Sparks, Horace Tapscott, Richard Evans and more. 112 pages.
reviewed by Hires

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all mags / wax poetics /

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Wax Poetics
Issue #35 (Roger Troutman)

WaxPo is back with another round of super well done articles that are sure to delight the record nerdus within you. This issue features Roger Troutman on the cover, and then stories about the El Michaels Affair, STS9, Glass Candy, Lord Finesse, Byron Lee, Def Jef and more inside. 104 pages total.
reviewed by Hires

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Wax Poetics
Issue #38 (Curtis Mayfield)

WaxPo #38 features Curtis Mayfield on one cover, and Radio Raheem on the backside (for their write up on Spike Lee). Along with those stories, you'll find pieces on Adrian Younge, David Holmes, Iceberg Slim, Ralph Bakshi, library music and all of the other regular features that WaxPo is known for. 112 pages.
reviewed by Hires

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all mags / wax poetics /

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Wax Poetics
Issue #39 (Fela / Africa Issue)

Oh boy... The Africa Issue. For some reason the Pro Squad thought I should be the one to write the review for this and then insulted me by suggesting that I am incapable of keeping a review succint. Dammit, they're right!! I'm nerding out on everything from the table of contents down to the ads in this joint! How can I be brief about an issue of Wax Po with Fela (a rare press photo, there weren't many of him) on the cover and Tony Allen on the flip? Quickly describe two of the funkiest artists to ever walk the Earth? Casually mention that Fela is the creator of the musical movement called Afrobeat and that Tony Allen provided the rhythmic backbone of that sound? C'mon, son! Getdafuckouttaherewitdatbullshit. Actually that wasn't so difficult. And luckily, the articles have all the details that you want to dig into. Also in these beautiful pages are pieces on what is virtually a Tkat Dream Team starting lineup. Learn more about Voodoo Frank (you need his blog in your life), Shafiq Husayn (the mind behind one of my favorite albums at the moment), Soundway's new Ghana Special release (my favorite compilation label hands down), Rich Medina (one of my favorite DJs/NY nightlife personalities), Orchestre Poly-Rythmo (a sound so rich and so raw), Chico Mann ('bout to blow!!), and much more. I'll be brief and leave it there. Really, right there. Oh, and go see Fela! the musical next time you're in NY. Big love to Antibalas and the whole crew. Ok, I'll be brief and leave it there. Recommended. Purchase one.
reviewed by Tkat

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all mags / wax poetics / reviewer recommended / and more

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Wax Poetics
Issue #4 - Tracy 168 (Last Copies)

Deadstock original copies.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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