11 track album

So how’s your year been? Compiling these annual compilations naturally puts me in a reflective mood, looking back over the months since I sat down to put together Volume Fourteen. Last year I wrote about how music can be a refuge from the harsh realities of the wider world and that seems truer than ever. I’ve not known a more turbulent year politically and it seems like there is worse to come in the years ahead. 

But now isn’t the time to dwell on that - you’re here for music and on that score 2018 can be judged in a much more positive light. For us at First Word it has been without doubt our best year yet, with albums from Children Of Zeus, Quiet Dawn, Kaidi Tatham and Eric Lau plus EPs from newcomer Yazmin Lacey and Souleance plus remix packages from Darkhouse Family and Profusion. For the fifteenth instalment of this compilation series I’ve picked one track from each of the year’s releases (including selections from our sister label Excursions) with a couple of exclusives added, rounding it out to 17 tracks of soul, hip hop, beats, jazz and bruk. 

Of the new tracks, we have low slung instrumental hip hop from FW extended family Mo Fingaz and Sleepin Giant, soulful beats from Jake Milliner (featuring Bubblerap) and a sneak peek at Don...  more

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released December 21, 2018 

Design & Sequencing by DJ Gilla

"Cool“ is the second album by Otis Junior and Dr.Dundiff. Otis and Dundiff both are originally from Louisville, Kentucky. They only met shortly before they released their first work together. Sometimes musicians take their time to find a formula, to carve out a way in which they create. Not those two. It was an instant creative connection, a artistic bond from the get go which makes them produce classic song after classic song. Otis once summarized their working approach like this: "As with our previous works, the concepts for the songs and album were born from Dundiff presenting me with broad ideas (instrumentals and titles) and allowing me to define them through my own perspective (with lyrics and melodies)“. 

Dundiff's organic yet hard hitting productions compliment Otis Junior soulful timbre perfectly. Around 60% of the sounds on the album are played live while 40% are based on samples which shows how the music is created within two different musical birthplaces. the result is too Hip Hop to be Soul and vice versa but it is sitting very well in between these chairs. 

When Otis Junior and Dr.Dundiff approach an album production they always try to establish an ongoing theme for the album. Their latest work deals with the concept of „Cool“ and the...  more

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released December 14, 2018

First Word Records is very proud to present a brand new EP from Yazmin Lacey - ’When The Sun Dips 90 Degrees’. 

This EP follows on from her two recent singles, ’90 Degrees’ and ‘Something My Heart Trusts’, both of which are included here, along with three previously unreleased tracks, ’Heaven’, ‘Body Needs Healing’ and ’Burn & Rise’. This set illustrates again Yazmin’s candid songwriting delivered in her uniquely laidback soulful style, whilst a glorious fusion of neo-soul and jazz performed by Pete Beardsworth and her trusty band rides throughout. 

In recent times, Yazmin has made live appearances on Jazz FM, BBC Radio 4, 1Xtra and NTS, & received widespread acclaim across the airwaves, including BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, Worldwide FM and Mi Soul, plus Spotify love from the likes of The Independent and heavy support from DJs such as Gilles Peterson, Jamz Supernova, Tom Ravenscroft, Huey Morgan and Jamie Cullum. Yazmin appeared heavily in The Guardian / The Observer's recent extensive feature on the UK's new Jazz movement too. 

Initially a Brownswood ‘Future Bubbler’ graduate, Yazmin self-released her debut EP, 'Black Moon', last year. This lead to a Maida Vale session late 2017 with Jordan Rakei, Moses Boyd, Oscar...  more

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released June 22, 2018

Clem Beatz new single 'Way Out (feat. MIAE) is out now : Hotstream.lnk.to/way-outSong by Clem Beatz
Featuring MIAE
Artwork by Annabelle Podgornii
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The intrinsic power women have over men through the default divinity they hold.

“Find My Way” is the new single from London-based neo-soul duo Aurora Dee Raynes. Brimming with summer vibes, the track follows their “Do What You Do EP” released on WotNot Music which saw the band gain support from the likes of BBC 6Music’s Huey Morgan, Gilles Peterson and Tom Ravenscroft, Clash and NTS, with the transcendental video of the title track premiering on THUMP.

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released July 12, 2018

A piece that will take you far away into the sunniest Cuban beach. Dive into the beautiful "Cariño" by okvsho (@soulofzurich) and Sreya. Taken off their Traphouse Jazz EP.Read our premiere feature at www.stereofox.com/premiere-okvsho-…rino-feat-sreya/If you enjoyed this, feel free to support with a [Repost] ↻ and a [Heart] ❤︎

ILL DOOTS is constantly thrusting themselves towards the new; with a sound evolving from movie samples and sprawling lyrics built in smokey dorm rooms, into a live, funky beast of a band known for elevating minds, filling hearts, and moving bodies. So it is only appropriate that ILL DOOTS' self titled album is the long-awaited bridge between the live music experience they have been cultivating on the road, and the music that has been available to listeners. After years of dropping mixtapes, touring the US, and putting their mark on the Philly theater scene, ILL DOOTS set out to capture their live sound, stepping away from their tradition of producing beats as individuals and adapting them for live performance, they collaboratively composed new, original music. Inspired by classic records and influenced by genres ranging from Minneapolis funk, classic rock, hip-hop, and everything in between, ILL DOOTS strived to emulate and honor the sounds of the greats—by using the tools of the greats, calling on vintage synths, drum machines, the Rhodes, and more. Working with engineer Micah Forsyth at Watts studio in North Philly the group cut the foundation of the album in just a few days. 

It was clear this album was unlike anything they had ever made before. However, the album’s creation took a dramatic...  more

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releases July 27, 2018 

Recorded & Mixed by Micah Forsyth 
Produced by Scott Ziegler 
Mastered by Ryan Schwabe 

Recorded at: 
Wattstudio-Philadelphia, PA 
Converse Rubber Tracks-Brooklyn, NY 
Tasker House-Philadelphia, PA 
University of the Arts-Philadelphia, PA 
Scott’s House-Philadelphia, PA 

Intro: 
Andrew Nittoli-Vibraphone/Percussion 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Joe Anderson-Trumpet 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Sam Greenfield-Saxophone 
Scott Ziegler-Bass/Pump Organ/Synths/Keyboards 

Suddenly: 
Ron Draper-Vocals 
Khemist-Vocals 
Phantom-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
The Prof.-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Keyboards & Synths 
Scott Ziegler-Bass & Synths 

Lunar: 
Phantom-Vocals 
Scott Ziegler-Bass 

Ain’t No Way to Live: 
Ron Draper-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Phantom-Vocals 
Khemist-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Electric & Acoustic Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Piano, Keyboards, & Synths 
Scott Ziegler-Bass & Synths 

Smile: 
Zeek Burse-Vocals 
The Prof.-Vocals 
Phantom-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Acoustic & Electric Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Piano, Keyboards & Synths 
Scott Ziegler-Bass, Drum Programming & Chord Organ 

Chemicals: 
Phantom-Vocals 
DJ NoPhrillz-Cuts 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Scott Ziegler-Keybass/Synths, Drum Programming, Vocals 

Hue: 
Phantom-Vocals 
The Prof.-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Organ 
Peter Krag-Piano 
Sam Greenfield-Saxophone 
Joe Anderson-Trumpet 
Scott Ziegler-Bass 

Don’t Know Where I’m Going: 
Phantom-Vocals 
Rich Quick-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Ron Draper-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion & Vibraphone 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Organ, Rhodes, Celeste 
Sam Greenfield-Saxophone 
Joe Anderson-Trumpet 
Scott Ziegler-Bass, Piano, Synths 
Aaron Bastinelli-Additional Engineering 

Programming: 
Phantom-Vocals 
DJ NoPhrillz-Cuts 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drum Programming 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Scott Ziegler-Bass, Keyboards, Synths, & Drum Programming 

Sheep: 
Ron Draper-Vocals 
Anwar Marshall-Vocals 
Phantom-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Phantom-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Calvinet & Synths 
Sam Greenfield-Saxophone 
Joe Anderson-Trumpet 
Scott Ziegler-Bass & Synths 

Free: 
Zeek Burse-Vocals 
Khemist-Vocals 
Phantom-Vocals 
Elle.Morris-Vocals 
Andrew Nittoli-Percussion 
Jordan McCree-Drums 
Anthony DeCarlo-Guitar 
Sam Borrello-Guitar 
Brandon Young-Rhodes, Clavinet, Organ & Synths 
Sam Greenfield-Saxophone 
Joe Anderson-Trumpet 
Scott Ziegler-Bass

First Word Records is very proud to present a brand new full-length album from Kaidi Tatham. ‘It’s A World Before You’. 

Following on from two EPs released on First Word last year (‘Changing Times’ and ‘Hard Times’), Kaidi has delivered us thirteen tracks that deftly illustrate his various talents as a multi-instrumentalist.

Kaidi is probably best known for his work with Bugz In The Attic, though his musical contributions over the years have also included Amy Winehouse, Slum Village, Mulatu Astatke, Soul II Soul, Moonchild, Leroy Burgess, Amp Fiddler, Chris Dave, Macy Gray, King Britt, DJ Spinna, Mr Scruff and IG Culture to name but a few! In recent times, he’s worked with DJ Jazzy Jeff on a variety of projects, including his most recent album ‘M3’, touring Europe for Jeff and Will Smith’s reunion shows, and on the PLAYlist album 'Chasing Goosebumps', with Glenn Lewis, Stro Elliot (The Roots), Masego, Maimouna Youssef, Rich Medina, Daniel Crawford and more. 

All this in addition to heating up dances around Europe with his inimitable DJ sets, and working heavily with First Word label-mate, Eric Lau (who also mixed this album) on a variety of projects, and adding releases to his already impressive catalogue on 2000 Black, Eglo and Theo Parrish's Sound Signature, with regular compadre...  more

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released June 29, 2018

Both sides arranged, mixed and mastered by Djar One at Beats House Studio, LH.

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releases July 30, 2018

Grown out of their small-town suburban roots to speak to the trudging nation, The Drop have established themselves touring the UK festival circuit and self releasing a string of singles and EPs, gaining a loyal grassroots following along the way. Marrying jump-up grooves, down & dirty bass, epic walls of sound and clever lyricism they create a mesmeric stage show, captivating the audience from the first track to the reluctant last. 

Taking some time out after a frantic first few years of gigging to perfect their long awaited debut album, ‘Last Stand’, they are primed for a return to the stage. The album, recorded at the prestigious KONK Studios, remains true to the live experience they've developed and features dub pioneer Lee "Scratch" Perry on lead single Dunna Runna.

Stoking the fires of free thought, reggae has long been the spark to ignite any potential brooding youth movement. From The Clash to the explosion of dub-step, they all have their place and are each as culturally significant and quintessentially British as the last. The Drop are set to find their place in this category, coming hard with their own distinctive sound and a strong message.

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releases September 14, 2018

Record Kicks celebrates 15 years in the business with a collection full of exclusive new singles. Available in ltd edition double clear vinyl LP, CD and digital download. 

Side by side with similar outfits like Daptone, Truth And Soul, Freestyle or Timmion, under its motto The explosive sound from Today's scene Milan-based independent label Record Kicks has been pitching the contemporary funk & soul scene since day one. With over 200 releases under the belt, RK has released bands from all over the globe and earnedthe support of VIP fans such as Kenny Dope, Jamie Cullum, Craig Charles and not least Jay-Z, thanks to which the label has recently received a Grammy nomination for HOV's use of Hannah Williams' Late Nights And Heartbreak as backdrop for his 4:44. The new instalment Record Kicks 15th coming out next May 18th on double clear LP, CD and digital download, celebrates 15 years in the business with a collection full of exclusive new tracks and the very best of its roster. 

The album kicks off with RK's latest and youngest signing: from Chicago, heavily inspired by The Impressions and Leroy Hutson, we are proud to present you The Devonns with their super soulful debut single Come Back, an appetizer of their debut full...  more

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released May 18, 2018 

Conceived & Compiled by Nick RecordKicks 
Artwork by Armando Autieri 
Record Kicks 15 Logo by Fabio Conti 
Mastered by Gianluca Pighi at Pigtylus Studio

released May 30, 2018 

Mix: Costa 
Master: Mardoch ( Ciemme ) 
Grafica: Moko

Originally rooted in hip-hop, Tuff City has transitioned its focus toward rescuing thousands of blues, jazz, funk, soul and R&B treasures from obscurity, thus creating several specialized reissue imprints devoted to music of the highest caliber.

Prophet is an underground funk musician from the San Francisco Bay Area, who, until this year, had only put his name to one record: an obscure private-press LP called Right On Time (1984, Treasure Records). Full of mind-blowing leftfield boogie, it now has a dedicated cult following and can be found changing hands for hundreds of dollars online. 

Now Prophet is making a return. His new album Wanna Be Your Man, is produced by Mndsgn, and sounds simultaneously like retro hits and the music of the future. 

Prophet is the first to point out that his journey has been longer than most artists. After Right On Time, he says, “Nobody really gave me a shot. Imagine if someone came up to you and said: ‘It’s not going to break for you for another 30 years.’ I had to stay focused and stay on the path.” 

But there were some fans who kept the flame of that first album alive. Stones Throw founder Peanut Butter Wolf came across Right On Time at San Francisco’s Groove Merchant in the early 2000s and was instantly intrigued. “It was just the kind of music I grew up on, with Prince and The Time vibes, but a rare, lo-fi bedroom version,” he remembers. “Having said that, it doesn’t necessarily...  more

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released May 11, 2018

Access to groovy, funkin', rockin', psychedelic, revolutionary (etc.) African music as we've grown to like it at Paris DJs was not for everyone before the internet age. For Paris DJs co-founder Loik, it began in the early 80s when he met with a former Fela Kuti horn player, who introduced him to Afrobeat. When Loik arrived at Radio Nova in 1986 (he was radio programmer there between 1987 and 1997), he then discovered marvels of African Music (other than Fela), through the radio's vast record collection, which soon led to the word-famous "La Sono Mondiale" concept. 

At the same time, Grant Phabao, in his late teens, discovered Congolese music through friends from Zaire. He gets access to Afrobeat in the mid-90s with a Fela Kuti CD gathering the "Zombie" and "He Miss Road" albums, which long-time friend Djouls brought back from his diggin' sessions in Paris. Many friends ripped and burned that CD, for sure. Then the legendary Daktaris album happened on Desco Records in 1998, followed by the beginning of the Antibalas, the Comet Records & Strut Records compilations in 2000, and soon after Soundway Records… the rest is history but that's roughly how African Music started for us at Paris DJs. 

At this point we met online with Calumbinho on the...  more

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releases June 15, 2018 

A1. Talking & Singing 
Lyrics written by Sandra Nkaké & Jî Drû 
Music composed by Grant Phabao 
Vocals by Sandra Nkaké & Jî Drû 
Flute by Jî Drû 
Hammond Organ by Guillaume Méténier 
Drums, percussion, bass, guitars, keyboards by Grant Phabao 

A2. The Wow 
Lyrics written by AFRODYETE 
Music composed by Grant Phabao & Ben Abarbanel-Wolff 
Vocals by AFRODYETE 
Drums by Tony Allen 
Percussion by Steve Haney, Oghene Kologbo & Alfred Sonou 
Tenor guitar by Adrian Quesada 
Clavinet by Will Rast 
Vox organ by Guillaume Méténier 
Baritone saxophone by Saké Smith 
Tenor saxophone & bass by Ben Abarbanel-Wolff 
Trumpet by Valentin Pellet & Sean Billings 
Guitars, keyboards by Grant Phabao 

A3. Ma Ndiongua Baloueti 
Lyrics written by Swala Emati 
Music composed by Grant Phabao & Sake Smith 
Drums by Tony Allen 
Percussion by Oghene Kologbo & Alfred Sonou 
Vox organ by Guillaume Méténier 
Baritone & alto saxophones by Saké Smith 
Tenor saxophone by Fab Smith 
Trumpet by Raphi Sake Smith 
Bass, guitars, keyboards by Grant Phabao 

A4. Feeling You Feeling Me 
Lyrics written by AFRODYETE 
Music composed by Grant Phabao 
Drums by Tony Allen 
Percussion by Oghene Kologbo & Alfred Sonou 
Baritone & alto saxophones by Saké Smith 
Trumpet by Raphi Sake Smith 
Bass, guitars, keyboards by Grant Phabao 

B1. Longi Kwa Tiena 
Lyrics written by Swala Emati & RacecaR 
Music composed by Grant Phabao & Muyiwa Kunnuji 
Percussion by Oghene Kologbo & Alfred Sonou 
Baritone saxophone by Saké Smith 
Tenor saxophone by Ben Abarbanel-Wolff & Pierre Pierrot 
Trumpet by Muyiwa Kunnuji & Valentin Pellet 
Drums, bass, guitars, keyboards by Grant Phabao 

B2. Fohunnonla 
Composed by Grant Phabao & Gregsky 
Percussion by Oghene Kologbo & Alfred Sonou 
Soprano & tenor saxophones by Gregsky 
Drums, bass, guitars, keyboards by Grant Phabao 

B3. Carib 
Lyrics written by Sandra Nkaké & Jî Drû 
Composed by Grant Phabao 
Vocals by Sandra Nkaké & Jî Drû 
Flutes & percussion by Jî Drû 
Drums, percussion, bass, guitars, keyboards by Grant Phabao 

Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Grant Phabao at Paris DJs studio 
Illustrated by Ben Hito 
A&R by. Djouls 
Published by T.I.M.E.C. 
(p) & (c) 2018 T.I.M.E.C. / Paris DJs

5 track album