"you're a jazz group. you have been together for two and a half years. you play here; you play there, you start happening. you've got a dancing, grooving beat that keeps people coming back. you're "out of sight". you're called the hi-fly orchestra (THFO).
only one and a half years after the successful debut album THFO strikes back. again, the tunes have been recorded live on a 16-track tape machine, delivering an authentic and original sound. although the band consists of six men, one man is responsible for keeping the group at performance peak when sideman leave and others take their place - one man holds everything together and was responsible for forming the group - the leader and sax/flute player, florian riedl. instrumentally, the sound effects and expressions are achieved by the use of flute, saxophone, trombone, piano, congas, double-bass and drums, a particularly good combination of instruments to gain a great effect.
this album is not completey jazz-oriented, but it displays the variety of the talents of the band. it will let you hear and feel what is to be expected from them. the hi-fly orchestra are happening … you can happen with them.

check out some reviews by the likes of dom servini, simon hodge and more
---
side a:
1. afro-boo
2. hi-fly stomp
3. chove chuva (feat. mirian aida)
4. crosstown traffic
5. the new b!
side b:
6. carioquinha
7. polonesa (feat. mirian aida)
8. mrs. shing-a-ling
9. mambo atomico

(cd available on ajabu records!)

"zozo," taken from the goun and fon word for "something hot," truly keeps the afrobeat fires burning. a 13-piece ensemble from new york city, zozo afrobeat features musicians from around the world and is led by african music luminary kaleta. born in the republic of benin and raised in nigeria, kaleta grew up recording and performing with legendary nigerian musicians fela kuti and king sunny ade. after moving to the U.S., kaleta toured with femi kuti and most recently with lauryn hill.

with zozo afrobeat, kaleta's music pays homage to the greats, and yet has its own distinctive sound and energy. like fela kuti, who used his music to challenge a corrupt nigerian government, kaleta has written songs that are socially and politically provocative. at the same time, his lyrics reflect a keen sense of humor and a message of hope. on zozo afrobeat's 2007 release, "country of guns", kaleta scatters pop-culture references and marvels of a country with "250 million people and 250 billion guns." on other songs, kaleta sings in yoruba, goan, fon and french.

on stage, kaleta displays remarkable energy - singing, dancing, playing guitar and percussion. the band responds accordingly, delivering cascades of horns, hypnotic benino-nigerian rhythms, and captivating solos. zozo afrobeat has played at the lincoln center "out of doors" festival, the brooklyn museum and various clubs in the new york area.

click here for a recent interview with kaleta (in german) or here for an older one (in english). you may be also interested in some review.
---
side a:
1. get up (9:42)
2. baba nla iya (intense suffering) (11:31)
side b:
3. shake your nyansh (10:16)
4. fimile (leave me alone) (10:34)

after having released two impressive deep funk compilations (movements 1 & 2) on munich's perfect toy records, tobias kirmayer is back with a different batch of grooves for you. it's good to see that someone so well regarded in the 'deep funk' scene is also able to compile such a stunning and diversified selection. the styles stretch from hip-hop to latin-grooves, from jazz-breaks to afro-blue-eyed-soul! tobias proves once again that he should be regarded not just for his work in the deep funk field, but even more as an open-minded guy who is truly passionate about any kind of music done with soul.
so come on, press the 'play' button and immerse yourself into a totally stunning mix of tracks you may have not expected to hear. this is tobias other side, something you'll even be surprised by, selected tracks for your listening pleasure that show the widest of musical roots. fellows, join us, this is tobias doing HIS thing!

just to mention, all songs on this compilation have been fully licensed. also both cd and lp contain liner notes with interesting details about the featured songs. so, in case you dig the soundsnippets below we would really appreciate your support. we people who run small, independent labels need your help! please do not copy or download our releases illegally, simply buy them and give us the chance to continue our work. thank you!
---
side a:
1. intro
2. nitesounds - get clean
3. skin williams & his dominoes - skins funk
4. the blenders - nothin' but a party (edit)
5. the boogoos - bubbles (edit)
6. the hi-fly orchestra - violet
side b:
7. dr. sonnenschein - get high
8. dusty feat. carla vallet - rhythmo
9. caldonia - barbados stew
10. saegaflex & rudy tee - first time around
11. baccarola - trip to afrika
12. outro (cd bonus track)