Theo Parrish – Solitary Flight (Sound Signature)
Like Bradock’s ‘Deep Burnt’, Parrish’s 1997 ‘Solitary Flight’ should be played to anyone who questions the power and artistry of house music. Built around a Vangelis sample from the Blade Runner soundtrack, Parrish trades in his usual grainy Detroit sound for something more spiritual and evocative. The Detroit legend may have produced more experimental and conceptual works, but none has yet eclipsed the timelessness and beauty of ‘Solitary Flight’.
Gloria Ann Taylor – Love is a Hurtin’ Thing (Luv N’ Haight)
A favourite of DJ Harvey and Floating Points, ‘Love is a Hurting Thing’ is a slice of 1970’s soul, which has been a perennial favourite for rare groove aficionado. Despite it’s two-and-half-minute intro of fuzzy electric guitars, sweeping strings and rolling percussion, the track is best remembered for Taylor’s heartbreaking vocals. File the track alongside Charmels ‘As Long as I’ve Got You‘ and Wendy Rene’s ‘After Laughter‘ as one of the rawest, saddest and beautiful rare soul tracks you will likely to hear.
Gigi Masin – Wind (The Bear On The Moon)
The Italian composer released a number of brilliant albums in the 1980s, yet his work never received the wider appreciation it deserved at the time. Since Music From Memory reissued his album Talk to The Sea last year, Masin has been steadily regained the fan base he always should have. These include Jonny Nash and Young Marco, who went on to compose an album with Masin under the moniker Gaussian Curve. Like the trio’s gorgeous debut album that dropped earlier this year, Wind is packed full of delicate piano keys, shimmering synths and otherworldly sounds. If you are fan of John Martyn, Brian Eno and Nils Frahm, you will love Gigi Masin.
Paki and Visnadi – Imaginary Choreography (Antinote)
Antinote have dug deep to bring you a brilliant slice of 1980’s new age from Italian duo Paki and Visnadi. Played by Bradley Zero during his set at Brillant Corners, the 15 minute epic title track is the standout of an album filled with mysterious and intriguing spaced out sounds. Like Gaussian Curve’s album Clouds, Paki and Visnadi sparce use of synth drum machines, guitar and piano throughout the album shows that sometimes greatness lies in simplicity.
Bazaré D. Pablo et Orchestre – Ivoire Promotion (Sofrito)
Over the last few years, Sofrito has enraptured fans and DJs alike (from Theo Parrish to Optimo) with their tropical releases and parties. For their most recent release, the label showcases the sounds of Ivory Coast with some 1975 highlife from little know artist Bazare D. Pablo. Like the best Sofrito reissues, it is the filled with intricately woven percussion, delicate guitar licks and beautiful vocals yet would still manage to make quite an impact of the dancefloor.