We Are Busy Bodies Organic Grooves 29 Items

LP | 1973 | US | Reissue (We Are Busy Bodies)

Release: 1980 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Lionel Pillay’s broad list of associations is a testament to how widely respected he was in South Africa’s diverse jazz scene. In addition to his work with Mankunku, he played with Hugh Masekela in the early 1960s, produced the exquisite long-form recordings “Shrimp Boats” and “Cherry” with Basil Coetzee in the 1970s and collaborated with trumpeter Murray Campbell and saxophonist Bez Martin in the 1980s. However, is it with his 1980 album Deeper in Black, backed by core members of the jazz-fusion supergroup Spirits Rejoice, that his legacy was cemented.Deeper in Black was inspired by the 1969 Blue Note recording of American trumpeter Blue Mitchell entitled Collision in Black and took its name from Pillay’s cover of the album’s Peggy Grayson composition. Pillay’s album featured another two compositions from Collision in Black by way of the Monk Higgins track “Keep Your Soul,” with distinct arrangements straddling Side A and Side B, and Vee Pea’s “Jo Ju Ja” closing out the set. Although the source material was over a decade old when Pillay recorded his album, Collision in Black had struck a chord in South Africa with its first pressing in 1969 and even seen a local repressing in 1978. Blue Mitchell owed much of his popularity in South Africa to a six-week tour with saxophonist Harold Land in 1976. It was during this time that As-Shams/The Sun producer Rashid Vally seized the opportunity to record the Dollar Brand album Blues for a Hip King with Mitchell and Land backing Abdullah Ibrahim. Although the recording and release of Pillay’s Deeper in Black coincides with Blue Mitchell’s death in May 1979, the album was not explicitly promoted as a tribute but did certainly offer a respectful nod to the esteemed trumpeter who was among the few American jazz heavyweights who managed to connect with the South African scene during the Apartheid era.

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Virgilio Armas

Espejismo

Release: 1973 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Mike Makhalemele

Peacemaker

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1979 | US | Reissue (We Are Busy Bodies)

Lionel Pillay

Plum & Cherry

LP | 2022 | EU | Original (We Are Busy Bodies)

Release: 1979 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Following the April 2022 reissue of the album Shrimp Boats, We Are Busy Bodies presents companion titles Plum and Cherry and Deeper in Black to round out a Lionel Pillay and Basil Mannenberg Coetzee “trilogy” as part of the label’s As-Shams South African jazz archive series. The connection between these three albums is tight as the 1987 release Shrimp Boats compiled unreleased recordings from both the 1979 session for Plum and Cherry and the 1980 session for Deeper in Black. These two rare records have been carefully remastered from their original tapes and are back in print for the very first time in over 40 years.Shrimp Boats and Plum and Cherry capture the extraordinary musical chemistry that existed between pianist Lionel Pillay and tenor saxophonist Basil Coetzee in the late 1970s. The respective album showpieces “Shrimp Boats” and “Cherry” each occupy an entire side of vinyl with both exquisite musical journeys clocking in at an epic 25 minutes a piece. While “Shrimp Boats” was an instrumental reimagining of the popular 1951 song by American singer Jo Stafford, “Cherry” drew inspiration from Abdullah Ibrahim at the behest of producer Rashid Vally, who wanted to emulate the success of the famous track that had helped launch his independent As-Shams/The Sun record label in 1974. Ibrahim’s hit “Mannenberg” had also featured Basil Coetzee and it was this zeitgeist South African jazz recording that had given rise to his stage name.Capturing the grace and vitality of working-class township life on the city fringe, “Cherry” channels the type of laid-back Cape groove that Abdullah Ibrahim, recording as Dollar Brand, introduced to South African jazz in the 1970s. On the flip side, “Plum” appears to take its own simple chord change in the same direction before breaking into a chugging 20-minute romp that verges on proto-electronica and on which Pillay hangs all manner of savage keyboard riffing and experimentation. The two distinct flavours of Plum and Cherry make for a well-rounded platter with an iconic cover featuring the work of abstract expressionist painter and As-Shams/The Sun collaborator Hargreaves Ntukwana.

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Kosuke Mine Quintet

Daguri

38,99 €*

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 2022 | EU | Original (We Are Busy Bodies)

Sadayasu-Trio- Fujii

Like A Child

38,99 €*

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1970 | US | Reissue (We Are Busy Bodies)

Virgilio Armas

De Repente

Release: 1970 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 2022 | EU | Reissue (We Are Busy Bodies)

Nucleus

Under The Sun

Release: 2022 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1975 | CA | Reissue (We Are Busy Bodies)

Drive

Drive Live

Release: 1975 / CA – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1971 | US | Reissue (We Are Busy Bodies)

Mario Molino

Beat Gregoriano

LP | 1976 | US | Reissue (We Are Busy Bodies)

Release: 1971 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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We Are Busy Bodies is proud to announce the first official reissue of ‘Beat Gregoriano’ by Italian guitarist and composer, Mario Molino. Incorporating styles like surf, rock and folk, Beat Gregoriano is a unique album within the library music genre. Originally released on Dishi Monticarlo in 1971, the album has been remastered from the original recordings by Noah Mintz and art restored by Michael Dawson.

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Pat Matshikiza

Sikiza Matshikiza

LP | 1966 | US | Reissue (We Are Busy Bodies)

Release: 1976 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Recording for the As-Shams/The Sun label in the 1970s, Pat Matshikiza released the collaborative album Tshona! with sax giant Kippie Moeketsi in 1975. The album was followed in 1976 by Sikiza Matshikza, Pat's solo debut with Moeketsi appearing as a featured artist. The personnel on the album were an early iteration of the group that would become Spirits Rejoice in 1977, with Duke Makasi on tenor sax, George Tyefumani on trumpet, Sipho Gumede on bass, Gilbert Mathews on drums and Sandile Shange (who appears alongside Matshikiza and Moeketsi on the album's cover photo) on guitar.Pat Matshikiza's mid-70s recordings mark a high point in his career and are essential documents in the history of South African jazz on vinyl. With these reissues, we hope to bring his artistic legacy to prominence and share his work with lovers of jazz around the world.

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Barney Wilen

Zodiac

LP | 1976 | CA | Reissue (We Are Busy Bodies)

Release: 1966 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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We Are Busy Bodies is proud to announce the first official reissue of 'Zodiac' by brilliant French tenor saxophonist, Barney Wilen. Originally released on the Disques Vogue label in 1966, the album has been restored and remastered from Barney Wilen's personal copy of the album. The album was recorded a few years after performing on albums and European tours with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and Miles Davis. The album is an exploration of free jazz, dedicated to the signs of the zodiac. Wilen and his friend, photographer Jean Larivière worked together to create the photos and artwork for his album, Zodiac. The intention at the time was to also create a film with a storyline and characters developed by Jean. Unfortunately, the concept was never fully realized at the time,. Sketches, photos and further context are included in the accompanying album insert.

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Almon Memela

Funky Africa

LP | 1976 | US | Reissue (We Are Busy Bodies)

Release: 1976 / CA – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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We Are Busy Bodies returns with a reissue of composter, guitarist, and later producer, Almon Memela's ultra rare 1975 album, Funky Africa. From the original liner notes: Africa has always been many things to many people. To some, Africa is the Dark Continent, a mysterious, romantic and vast expanse of unexplored territory. To others, again, Africa is the ultimate symbol of man's triumph over his environment: a wakening giant destined to play a significant role in world affairs. But to Almon Memela, Africa is Home . . . and his music tells it like it really is. "Funky Africa" is the sound of Africa today. And as you listen, you will find that Africa is indeed many things. For in the music of Almon Memela lies everything that is Africa: the call of the wild and the scream of the Jumbo; the throb of the bush and the roar of Commissioner Street. So here it is . . . "Funky Africa". The sound of Africa, by an African, for the world.

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Etubom Rex Williams

Ubok Aka Inua

27,19 €* 31,99 € -15%

The Best Of Vis-A-Vis In Congo Style

Release: 1976 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Originally released in 1976, Ubok Aka Inua is the fifth album by legendary Nigerian saxophonist and band leader, Etubom Rex Williams. The album features Psychedelic Shoes and One Woman Is Enough Trouble, both heard on countless funk and soul compilations. The album was restored from the original tapes by Noah Mintz and artwork restored and recreated by Steve Lewin. "Etubom Rex Williams occupies the genuine space of legend of Nigerian Highlife. His incredible professionalism, vast body of work and huge personality, established him as a veritable force of the genre quite early in his career. A case quite similar to another teenage prodigy of Highlife Music, Sir Victor Uwaifo. However any accolades he earned were well deserved and based on a platform of hard graft and genuine love for his art. He like Uwaifo, straddles the Inter-generational gap between the old masters of Highlife such as Bobby Benson, E.C.Arinze, Inyang Henshaw, Dr Victor Olaiya etc and the latter generation of Eddy Okweddy, Orlando Owoh, Tunji Oyelana, Eric Akaeze, Osayomore Joseph et al." - Ed Keazor, Music in Africa

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Vis-A-Vis

LP | 2021 | US | Original (We Are Busy Bodies)

LP | 2021 | US | Original (We Are Busy Bodies)

Release: 2021 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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We Are Busy Bodies returns with a remastered reissue of The Best of Vis-A-Vis in Congo Style. The album finds the the young band in great form, with six new songs. The album was one of three released by the band in 1976. The band continued to be the backing band of choice of some of Ghana's biggest and most famous musicians all while recording their own albums.

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Vis-A-Vis

Di Wo Ho Ni

Kippie Moketsi & Hal Singer

Release: 2021 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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We Are Busy Bodies exploration of Vis-A-Vis catalogue continues with a remastered reissue of their album Di Wo Ho Ni. The band continued to be the backing band of choice of some of Ghana's biggest and most famous musicians all while recording their own albums. The album has been remastered by Noah Mintz at Lacquer Channel, with art restoration completed by Steve Lewin.

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Blue Stompin'

LP | 1977 | US | Reissue (We Are Busy Bodies)

37,99 €*

Philip Tabane And His Malombo Jazzman

Release: 1977 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Blue Stompin' is a collaborative album between Kippie Moketsi and Hal Singer that was organized and produced by Rashid Vally, owner of The Sun record label. The album prominently features both influential saxophonists as well as other iconic South African players Barney Rachabane and Pat Matshikiza. It was originally released by The Sun in 1977 and is being reissued by We Are Busy Bodies in partnership with the original label. The album has been remastered by Noah Mintz at Lacquer Channel. ---- 'Kippie Morolong Moketsi will appear very prominently in any history of jazz in South Africa. He will span the period from the frantic years when the sounds of the Charlie Parker's and the Dizzy Gillespie's first hit our shores to the now. And into this story some will read a curve: from Kippie teaching himself music by imitation, to a climax of artistic achievement and renown in this country, and then the decline... Others will read a lifetime of involvement, in spite of personal problems. Count me among the latter. A life-time of involvement: Kippie was among the few who understood bebop while the rest of us were still doing the jitterbug to the sounds of swing. In his way he made us see what it was all about. He has seen a generation of colleagues go to join the Orchestra Up Yonder, or merely leave their horns to spiders and their webs while they got on the straight and narrow path of grandfather-hood and six to six jobs at factories. Kippie continues on the wide, wide ' often unappreciated - road, creating music.' Notes by JOE Thloloe (Jazz Critic Drum Magazine)

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The Indigenous Afro-Jazz Sounds Of

LP | 2021 | US | Original (We Are Busy Bodies)

38,99 €*

LP | 2021 | EU | Original (We Are Busy Bodies)

Release: 2021 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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These are the indigenous Afro-Jazz Sounds of the Genius, Philip Tabane ' the original Malombo Jazzman. It started in 1964 at Orlando Stadium when Philip went on stage, leading his group ' 'The Malombo Jazzmen'. On that Saturday afternoon, South Africa was staging its third Jazz Festival. Philip and his group walked away with all the honours. Malombo Jazz-music was introduced for the first time that year. This group started up as a trio and consisted of Flute, Guitar and Drums. Philip has now parted company with the other two members, and today he plays alongside a young drummer by the name of Gabriel 'Sonnyboy' Thobejane. This young man is tremendously versatile, and he plays the Thumb Piano known as 'Dipela' in Northern-Sotho, and Drums. On this LP Philip plays Guitar, Penny Whistle and Drums. Listen to the way Philip plays the Penny Whistle and Drums on 'Dithabeng'. His inherent feel and his knowledge of the instruments can quite obviously be heard. Mastery to say the least! He sings about his sister's child on 'Ke Utlwile', meaning 'I've Had Enough.' Sit back, relax and absorb the vocal and instrumental artistry of Philip Tabane. RAY Nkwe ' President OF THE Jazz Appreciation Society OF South Africa. Remastered by Noah Mintz at Lacquer Channel Mastering and restored by We Are Busy Bodies.

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Eboni Band

36,99 €*

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 2021 | EU | Reissue (We Are Busy Bodies)

The Drive

Can You Feel It

30,99 €*

Release: 2021 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1976 | US | Reissue (We Are Busy Bodies)

Etubom Rex Williams

Ubok Aka Inua

10" | 2022 | CA | Original (We Are Busy Bodies)

Release: 1976 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Used Vinyl

Medium: VG+, Cover: Near Mint

Record is close to NM!

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Drive

Drive Unlimited

Release: 2022 / CA – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 2023 | US | Original (We Are Busy Bodies)

Iphupho L'ka Biko

Azania

34,99 €*

Release: 2023 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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iPhupho L’ka Biko, the highly acclaimed Africanist experimental jazz band, is thrilled to announce the release of their debut EP, ‘Azania’ vinyl through Canadian record label, We Are Busy Bodies. Following the success of their two acclaimed singles, ‘Abaphezulu’, released through Brownswood Recordings, and ‘uThixo uKhona’, distributed by Platoon. The band dedicated the year 2022 to recording and producing this eagerly awaited EP.

Azania delves into a rich tapestry of themes that are close to the hearts of the band members, including spirituality, Pan Africanism, freedom, love, ritual, tradition, culture, and displacement. The EP showcases iPhupho L’ka Biko's unique musical fusion, blending jazz with indigenous African music of imvumane in tracks like Qamata, and infusing jazz with gospel influences in songs like Singabakho. This eclectic approach reflects the fluidity and diversity of the band’s sound, promising an immersive and captivating musical journey. The band’s dynamic sound has been honed and perfected through their numerous live performances across the country, which have garnered them a devoted and loyal fan base. iPhupho L’ka Biko’s ability to connect with audiences through their energetic and soul-stirring performances has elevated them to become one of Johannesburg’s most revered musical collectives. “Azania the EP is an introduction of iPhupho L’ka Biko to the world, marking the beginning of a new era,” shares Nhlanhla Ngqaqu, the band's founder and composer.

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Cliffs

Alex Express

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Joe Mcleod

Dancer And The Bear

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Mike Makhalemele & Winston Ngozi

Bull And The Lion

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Oiro Pena

Puna

30,59 €* 33,99 € -10%

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Basil Kirchin & John Coleman

Mind On The Run

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Elegua