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2x12"
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HE 004LP
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There are still some pearls of dance music from the late '80s to early '90s that have remained in obscurity and have gone unnoticed or at least there has been no special attention, so Jose Manuel has dug deep as he already did in the first chapter of the compilation Milagros del Ritmo . Among the annals of releases between '89 and '93 Jose has found pearls that he wanted to encapsulate in the second chapter of Milagros Del Ritmo II. Nine tracks among which you find: "Come To Me (Ven Aqui)" by La Luna produced by Erik Kupper, where percussion and Latin influences dominate over a house beat, then there is "Teknology" by DJ Raffa, a well-known Brazilian DJ, followed by Lorena with "Tu Eres Igual Que Los Demás (De Luxe Dub)", where the beat vaguely recalls "Los Niños Del Parque" by Liaisons Dangereuses. This second volume of Milagros Del Rirmo II cannot be missed by DJs who love and play the retro sound.
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LP
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OM 020LP
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Optimo Music presents Janara the new album from Italy's José Manuel. The label always has our ears open for music that is unique, powerful and that can conjure up a ritualistic atmosphere, and this meistrerwerk did all that, and then some. Here is José on the album: "This album is a result of the necessity of exploring and opening my mind to new musical horizons, by testing the main traditional instrument of the Italian region Campania, whose name is 'Tammorra'. It is a big drum, which must not be confused with the typical tambourine, made from a wrap of wood shaped in a circle and covered with dried skin (almost always goatskin or sheepskin). This instrument was used during playful events, especially during rituals and ceremonies, such as the frequent devotional pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin Mary. By using this instrument, the sound, the rite and the magic could take possession of the mind and the body creating a perfect union. Also, the dancers, as if they were bitten by a tarantula and possessed by a strange evil, launched themselves to an uncontrolled dance by moving every part of their body. In addition to the Tammorra, I also inserted some texts, which have been written by some Neapolitan friends and interpreted with Neapolitans voices, in honor of the 'JANARA'. The Janara represents a popular belief of the Southern Italian regions, particularly of the Benevento area. The Janara is one of the many types of witches represented by folktales belonging to the rural tradition. The Janara was expert in medical herbs, which were also be used for her magical practices, such as the manufacturing of ointment. The ointment gave her the power to become incorporeal with the same nature as the wind. According to the tradition, in order to snatch the Janara it was necessary to grab her by the hair. It was also said that if anyone was able to capture the Janara during her incorporeal moment then Janara herself would offer protection to them and their family for seven generations, in exchange for her freedom. With this work I hope that the listener might get carried away by the spirit of this pagan and popular legend that can be still be considered as current. As a matter of fact, the folk tales speak of a probable comeback of the Janara, who after being burned at the stake seems to be thirsting for revenge for the evil suffered." Comes with insert.
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2LP
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HE 002LP
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Magic Carpet is the first compilation of the German label Harmonie Exotic. Jose Manuel selected 12 experimental ambient tracks from 1982 to 1994. They are combined by the same feature, namely the magic and mysterious character. Even though all the (remastered) tracks released in different countries, such as Japan, Italy, and France, they are all combined in being rare and obscure songs. In most of them it is possible to verify the oneiric melodies mixed with the different drum machines, typical of that year. For this reason, they show how the magic has been developed over the chosen years, as they were all enveloped from the same carpet. Starting from this idea the compilation's title plays an important role in anticipating the dreamlike listening experience. Features D-Day, Roots, Vangelis Katsoulis, Mauro Sabbione & Maria Cinzia Bauci, Human Software, Raphael Toine, International Noise Orchestra, Meo, Manuel Wandji, Astral Dance, Individual Sensitivity, and Büdi Und Gumbls. Double-LP comes in a gatefold sleeve.
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12"
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OT 024EP
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Yet more Italians on Optimo Trax! Josè Manuel delivers four unique exotic, fourth world, tribal slabs of ritual music. "The Great Beast in Outer Space" is actually an Andrew Liles track that Jose has completely reworked and sprinkled his magic on. "Folklore" is fourth world exotica reimagined for late night dance rites. "Ritual" is exactly what the title says it is. "Sisi" leaves the dancefloor completely and even though Optimo Trax is 100% aimed at DJs, this was simply too lovely to leave off.
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12"
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ESK 501556
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Eskimo Recordings welcomes a new artist to its mansion. Domenico "José Manuel" Cantarella is a young Italian producer (only 24 years old!) and El Sonido De Pamela is his very first record. Expect some delicious, spaced-out cosmic disco grooves for those warm summer nights! Bring it on Pamela!
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