Renowned for its expertise in compilations, reissues, and pioneering new artist albums across diverse genres spanning African, Caribbean, & Latin music, jazz, soul, funk, & disco, Strut has carved an indelible mark on the industry. Established by Quinton Scott, Strut aimed to craft considered and well-researched releases focusing on the vinyl market. A vanguard in compilations, the label began by releasing meticulously crafted collections that chronicled pivotal moments in dance music history. Notable releases such as 'Larry Levan Live At The Paradise Garage', the revered 'Music For Dancefloors' library music series, and the genre-defying 'Disco Not Disco' curated by Dave Lee & Sean P, underscored Strut's commitment to illuminating various genres, locales, and cultural scenes with their releases.
Through iconic compilation series like ‘Nigeria 70’ & ‘Next Stop Soweto’, Strut reset the market for global sounds, leaving an indelible imprint on labels and vinyl aficionados worldwide. The label's dedication to resurrecting the careers of African music luminaries, including Ethio-jazz pioneer Mulatu Astatke, highlife legends Pat Thomas and Ebo Taylor, Afro-soul trailblazer Orlando Julius, and the US spiritual jazz collective The Pyramids led by Idris Ackamoor, cemented Strut’s lasting impact on the industry. Today, Strut remains at the forefront of rediscovery, collaborating with the Sun Ra estate, stewarding Patrice Rushen's groundbreaking catalogue, partnering with Ghana's premier independent label Essiebons, and preserving Miriam Makeba's Reprise recordings.Strut continues to elevate new voices in 2024. From the soulful jazz stylings of Nubiyan Twist and the dynamic performances of UK jazz supergroup Flock, the label's commitment to innovation and artistic expression remains unwavering.
Review: The band briefly known as Crispy & Co are these days better known as both ICE - an alias used in their formative years - and Lafayette Afro Rock Band. They recorded 'Funky Flavored', their sole LP as Crispy & Co, in 1975 following the success of a handful of singles released under the same alias. The set has long been in-demand and seen as something of a cult classic, so Strut Records has licensed it and delivered this first (we think) digital download edition. Featuring their typically heavy rhythms - all weighty, fast-fingered bass guitar and sweat-soaked drums - paired with early disco style orchestration and heady horns, it's an enticing and hugely dancefloor-friendly concoction. Highlights include 'Brazil', the Afro-funk-flavoured 'A.E.I', the Clavinet-heavy joy of 'Love Can' and the low-slung heaviness of 'Super Queen'.
Review: Strut take a slightly different approach with their latest compilation of African music, handing over the curatorial reins to Kampire, a DJ based in Kampala, Uganda who first rose to prominence at that country's Nyege Nyege festival and now spins all over the globe. While the album title references the Zambian city of Ndola, where she grew up, hers is a pan-African approach to selection and the tracks here - some brand new, some dating back as far as the 70s and 80s - range, we're told, "from Congolese rumba and soukous to 1980s township bubblegum and Zambian kalindula". Not being any great expert on African music, this reviewer can't really say how accurate that description is; what I can tell you is that it's a varied enough set to warrant investigation even if African music isn't usually your thing.
Review: Nubiyan Twist's vibrant new album on Strut Records, "Find Your Flame," marks a scorching evolution for the nine-piece London band. The album finds them seamlessly blending global grooves, soulful vocals, and pulsating jazz with electronic flourishes and improvisational bursts. The addition of vocalist Aziza Jaye injects a fresh dimension of Patois and R&B into their sound. Standout collaborations include disco legend Nile Rodgers adding his signature guitar work to the euphoric "Lights Out," and Seun Kuti infusing his afrobeat mastery into the electrifying "Carry Me." While "So Mi Stay" showcases the band's love for captivating rhythms and deep grooves, the album also embraces moments of introspection, with "Pray For Me (Part 1 & 2)" offering a soulful and reflective soundscape. Nubiyan Twist draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of UK sound system culture, evident in the dynamic shifts throughout the album. From the frenetic energy of broken beats to the laid-back swagger of reggae influences, "Find Your Flame" keeps you guessing while remaining undeniably cohesive.
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