Okonski, who has a solid foundation in classical piano training, invited two members of the rhythm section from Durand Jones & The Indications to collaborate on an album that was initially planned as a beat-driven instrumental trio project. Through numerous improvisational sessions, the project reportedly evolved into this introspective and meditat ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)ive mood. The work exudes a sense of tension and drama, as if one were observing a group therapy session. Be sure to pay attention to the rhythm section’s unmistakable soulful vibe as well. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

Smooth falsetto vocals and beautiful string arrangements. With no announcement yet regarding a physical release, features “It’s A Shame”—a track from the album *Corners*, scheduled for release on October 30—as the A-side, while the B-side includes “The Fool,” a gentle, soul-stirring mid-tempo track that closed out the album *Into The Blue* (’24) and would be perfect for a movie’s end credits. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

The melancholic doo-wop mid-tempo track “Movin’ On,” a song about parting, was recorded at Penrose Recordings—the studio of the label Penrose, which carries on the legacy of the prestigious Daptone—with producer and engineer Anthony Masino, who has worked with artists such as Bruno Mars, Thee Sacred Souls, and the Womack Sisters, and was recorded a ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)t Penrose Recordings—the studio of Penrose, a label that carries on the legacy of the prestigious Daptone—. The B-side features “I’m Still Learning How,” a sentimental love song steeped in ’60s vibes and showcasing two-part harmonies. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

Hailing from East LA, Thee Sinseers are an active band that—despite having released only 7-inch singles on labels like Penrose and COLEMINE—has garnered a following among Chicano soul fans worldwide. From ’60s oldies to Jamaican dancehall, Thee Sinseers blend all kinds of vintage elements into their sweet soul sound. It’s a joy to be able to hear s ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)o much of their repertoire. Ten tracks that are both rugged and sweet. Highly recommended. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

The A-side, “Fatal Attraction,” is a heartwarming doo-wop track that captures the frustration of a man at the mercy of a dangerously alluring woman, while the B-side, “It’s Not Our Time,” is a slow ballad depicting a bittersweet breakup.
Featuring producer/engineer Anthony Masino—whose career includes work with Bruno Mars, Thee Sacred Souls, th ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)e Womack Sisters. Recorded at Penrose Recordings—the studio of the Penrose label, which carries on the legacy of the prestigious Daptone—this debut album is packed with the aesthetics of both classic sweet soul and contemporary West Coast soul. At the forefront of soul. Keep an eye out for their future success. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

This release features a number of vocal tracks, with longtime friend and collaborator Divina, a vocalist with a bewitching voice, plus Panamanian vocalist Lourdes Iri singing the anthem of resistance on "Profecía" and the sensual, lilting cumbia "Deseo Celestial," a sensual and lilting cumbia. Once again with a strong horn section, the band has dee ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)pened the densely layered sound that was showcased on their electrifying debut, "Living High in the Brass Empire" ('23). Polyrhythmic, hedonistic, psychedelic dance tracks and lyrics that speak of anguish, love, and defiance. In the spirit of Afrobeat, which was a huge influence on Fela Kuti, the 10 tracks are a superb hybrid, blending his roots music of funk, salsa, cumbia, and soul. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

This work realistically portrays a love story that isn’t just about a happy ending. All 11 members took on specific roles in the production, striving to create an ensemble that transcends individual performances and resembles a single painting. Featuring a nostalgic, warm sound reminiscent of the 1960s—such as upright bass and amplified guitar—alon ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)g with string arrangements by the new members, this album showcases a mature atmosphere that reflects the band’s significant growth since their previous release. The photo-frame-style artwork is also quite understated and elegant. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

These tracks reflect a variety of musical influences and include collaborations with saxophonist Cochemea and harpist Rachel Kitchlew. Their critically acclaimed EP, *Trio Session Demos*, is also included on Side B; this marks the first time these early recordings—which are heavily influenced by hip-hop—have been released as a physical album. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

A soul-soaking gem with sweet slow numbers on both sides: the A-side "There Must Be Something" melts you with lavish choruses and horns, while the B-side "Love Me Like You Used To" delivers wistful doo-wop. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

"1-2-3," a collaboration with Nick DeVan and Vincent John of Philadelphia’s renowned instrumental production team Eraserhood Sound, is an up-tempo soul stomper reminiscent of the Memphis sound of Stax Records. (sample_1) is featured on Side A, while Side B features “Nothing Is Forever,” a ballad with rich string and horn arrangements performed by the Nashville funk ensemble The Gripsweats. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

広がりのある美ハーモニー、ファンキーなベースライン、ポスト・パンク的なアプローチがキュートなファンク・トラック「Cut & Rewind」をA面に、B面には、1979年のシカゴでの「Disco Demolition Night（ディスコ破壊デモ）」をモチーフに取り上げ、その背後にある人種差別・同性愛嫌悪などを批判しディスコが持つ解放性で対抗する、アップビートの最高な一曲「Disco Life」をカップリング。アルバムの中でも人気の高い2曲が収録された嬉しい一枚。 (AYAM)

The A-side, "Say It Again" (sample 1), delivers a dramatic arc with Shawn Lee's guitar work steeped in AOR-tinged melancholy and Kelly Finnigan's vocals moving between soft and hard. The B-side features "Harpsichord Rock" (sample 2), a gritty cut that plays like the soundtrack to an '80s cop drama — exactly what you'd expect from Shawn Lee, a connoisseur of library music. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

Produced by Kendra herself alongside Colemine Records head Terry Cole, aka Leroi Conroy. Recorded at home and at a studio in Ohio, the record has an even warmer, more lo-fi feel than her previous work. Ten tracks in all, including the Prince-evoking "If I Called You" featuring Parlor Greens guitarist Jimmy James, the classically Kendra boom-bap cut ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)s "Don't Wanna Be Happy" (sample 1) and "Back With Me," and "Dear Buddy" (sample 3), a sweet mid-tempo number dedicated to her daughter. Keep an ear out for the reggae track "Flat Tire" (sample 2) — a cool new side of her that suits her perfectly. Leroi Conroy, who has followed her career for years, draws out the best in her here; a record that shows just how well matched they are. Recommended for Amy Winehouse fans too. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

2017年にリリースした7inchが、DJ Premier や Raekwon、Ghostface Killahといったスターたちにサンプリングされ たちまち話題となって以降は、自身のレーベル〈Colemine〉のアーティストのほぼ全ての作品の制作に多くの時間を費やしてきたというTerry Cole。満を辞してのデビューアルバムが完成しました。'ルドヤード・キップリング同名小説を原作とする映画「ジャングル・ブック」の別の物語の架空のサウンドトラック' というコンセプトで制作されたとのことで、ヒップホップのサンプリング文化の中で欠かすことのできない映画音楽への愛が炸裂しております。ダーティーなローファイ・ドラム、鳴り響くホーン、ワウ・ギター「Tiger Trot」(saple_1)、ハモンド・ ...Read more (AYAM)オルガン、フルート、ヴィブラフォンといったヴィンテージ・シネマティックなサウンドに欠かせないパートが完璧に盛り込まれている「Snowcat」(sample_3)など、ハードなドラムブレイク、陰鬱でダークそして時に不協和音を帯びたムーディーなトラック群がとても渋い。レーベル・アーティスト Kelly Finnigan(Key) や Jimmy James(Gt)をはじめ、Colemineのサウンドを支えるプレーヤーたちが多数参加した、レーベルを代表するファミリー作品。 (AYAM)

In 1961 in Port Richmond, Staten Island, NYC, five kids met at a community center where their parents had sent them to keep them off the streets and out of trouble. Bonded by a shared love of doo-wop, they became friends and formed The Splendids. When America invaded Vietnam, two of the five boys were sent off to war, and the group was forced to st ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)op. This time, soul singer/songwriter Eamon steps in as lead singer, backed by the heartfelt harmonies of the three original members. LA-based producer and multi-instrumentalist Dan Ubick (Connie Price & The Keystones, The Lions) handles production, conjuring up a retro 1960s rhythm & blues sound. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

Joey Quinones と Adriana Floresによる爽やかなデュエットのアップテンポ・ナンバー「If We Try」(sample_1)をA面に、〈Penrose〉のThe Altonsでも活躍するメンバー、Brian Ponce(Gt/Vo)の中性的な歌声と、スロー&スウィートな演奏が魅惑の「Give It Up You Fool」(sample_2)をB面にカップリング。 (AYAM)

魔法がかかったような美しいイントロから心を掴まれるA面「No Return」。シンシナティ出身のハープ奏者Rachel Millerの美麗な音色と、無骨で乾いたドラムとのコントラストがとても良い。ミステリアスでシネマティックなヴィヴラフォンとフルート、静かに乱れ打つドラムが渋い「Path Of Man」をB面に収録。圧巻のドラムブレイクに痺れます。 (AYAM)

60〜70年代的サイケ・ソウルをプレイする、ベイエリアのミュージシャン・コレクティブ The Ironsides のベーシストMax Rameyを作曲に迎えた、B面「Let Me Count the Reasons」(sample_2)。豪華なオーケストラを携えたサウンド・プロダクション、ドリーミーな音効にうっとりさせられるロマンティックなスウィート・ソウル。出だしの可愛らしい声に心を掴まれます。 (AYAM)

グラミー受賞歴のあるAlex Gooseを共同プロデューサーに迎え、Freddie Gibbs や Madlib とのコラボレーションで知られる彼のサンプル使いを採用し、R&Bからサイケデリア、ウエスタン、ディスコ、ゴスペルなどをヒップホップ的なメンタリティで表現した素晴らしいソウル・アルバム『Into The Blue』からのシングルカット。Hi-Fiveの同名トラックをサンプリングし、迫力のドラムと濃密なギター・リフが込み上げるA面「Fly Away」(sample_1)と、レイドバックで口ずさみたくなる良フレーズだらけのミッドナンバー「Play On」(sample_2)の両面最高なR&B盤。 (AYAM)

Inspired by Memphis soul, "Get A Hold Of Yourself" (sample_1) rides heavy drums and syncopated guitar for an uplifting tune, delivering a powerful vocal about a shaky romance. "Hurts Me So Much" (sample_2), a moody ballad with tremolo guitar, rolling piano and gospel-flavored backing vocals, is a brand-new song — the first release since the album sessions. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)