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7"
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BTR 095EP
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Sababa 5, the relentless explorers of Middle Eastern psychedelic groove, present their latest tracks "Bezani" and "Ashkamoni" on their sixth 45 for Batov Records. With two albums, an EP featuring vocalist Shiran Tzfira, and five highly collectable 45s under their belt, Sababa 5 have established themselves as trailblazers in the global grooves scene alongside the likes of Altın Gün, Yin Yin, and Misha Panfilov. Garnering support from esteemed DJs and institutions such as BBC Radio 6, Radio Nova, Songlines, and Star Wax, the band's innovative fusion of diverse musical influences continues to captivate audiences worldwide. "Bezani" transports listeners on a sonic journey with its electric synths and percussion-fueled 6/8 rhythm. Drawing inspiration from early electronic sounds and Persian folk, the track creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that pushes the boundaries of genre blending. On "Ashkamoni," Sababa 5 showcase their versatility with a rockier feel infused with a rocksteady swing. The track's captivating melody builds dynamically, while the lead guitar and synth engage in enthralling solos, demonstrating the band's exceptional musical prowess. Sababa 5's collective experience backing a wide variety of international artists has no doubt driven their tight sound and ability to seamlessly fuse genres. With influences ranging from the world-renowned Funk Brothers, Wrecking Crew, and Daptones, to Middle Eastern psych, the band effortlessly blends diverse musical elements into their distinctive sound. "Bezani" and "Ashkamoni" mark another milestone in Sababa 5's musical journey, further solidifying their reputation as innovators in the world of psychedelic groove. Fans and music enthusiasts alike can expect to be enthralled by these latest additions to the band's impressive repertoire.
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LP
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BTR 086LP
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Sababa 5 continues their musical journey following the success of their acclaimed self-titled debut album, which fused deep funk and Middle Eastern grooves. Their latest offering, still under the Batov Records label, ventures into more explorative and experimental instrumental compositions. While evolving their musical direction, Aspan delves into the realm of psychedelic rock while retaining the essence of the band's signature Middle Eastern groove.
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7"
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BTR 077EP
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Sababa 5, Tel Aviv's funkiest export, upgrade their signature Middle Eastern psychedelic funk with the addition of Hoodna Orchestra's dynamic brass section, another essential 45 from Batov Records' Middle Eastern Groove series. Sababa 5 have created a modern sound, fusing funk, disco, and psychedelic rock with a wide range of Middle Eastern influences, culminating in last year's acclaimed self-titled debut album, named after their new studio address on the border of Jaffa and Tel Aviv, "Eilat 22" and "Elifelet 23" spring from the same sessions that delivered Funk #1/Funk #2 45 (BTR 076EP). Sababa 5's tight-as-ever instrumental grooves are enriched by the bright bass sounds of The Hoodna Orchestra brass section, comprising Bar Ashkenazi on trumpet, Eylon Tushiner on tenor, and Elad Gelert on baritone saxophone. Hoodna are renowned for their energetic take on Afrobeat, and have been touring and recording recently with Ethio jazz legend Mulatu Astatke, and here they supply a touch of JB's meets Africa '70 energy. On "Eilat 22" the Sababa 5 rhythm section of Raz Man on drums and Amir Sadot on bass is in full funk force, supporting a vibrant hook from the Hoodna brass section, leaving room for solos from guitarist Ilan Smilan and synth mage Eitan Drabkin, full of Middle Eastern flavor. On the flip "Eiffelet 23" grooves along like a Dap Kings funk nugget, except in this case there's room for Eitan to improvise across the jam with a microtonal organ sound reminiscent of legendary Egyptian musician Magdi elHusseini.
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BTR 076EP
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This double-headed monster of a 45 marks a return to the band's successful run of sold-out 45s. Only interrupted last year by their first full length album, which cemented their reputation for crispy desert grooves that combine psych, surf, and funk with a Middle Eastern accent, and caught the attention of BBC 6 Radio Music icons Iggy Pop, Huey Morgan, and Cerys Matthews, and leading French radio station FIP and Nova Radio. On the A-side, the simply titled "Funk #1" packs a solid punch of skull-snapping drums and electric bass, Mediterranean synths and a healthy dose of JBs meet Omar Khorshid guitar, finally let loose for a hair-raising solo. On the flip, "Funk 2" picks up the pace with a frenetic drum rhythm, classic circling funk guitar, and crazed synths, held down by an irresistible bassline and psychedelic organ chords. Don't stop, pass go and collect the latest essential slice of wax from Tel Aviv's premiere psychedelic funk exports on Batov Records delectable Middle Eastern Groove series.
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LP
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BTR 065LP
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Sababa 5 finally delivers their long-promised, and self-titled album of original instrumentals, built around the band's distinct mix of Middle Eastern psych, funk, and disco groove. Sababa 5's knack for intricate grooves and catchy melodies have led to a series of acclaimed singles, from fresh takes on classic melodies to vocal collaborations, championed by the BBC's Gilles Peterson, Cerys Mathews, and Gideon Coe in the UK, and Radio Nova and FIP, in France, whilst they gradually found their own contemporary sound, creating original music together that could stand up on its own across a whole album. Across these eight songs, the group blends the Afro disco, reggae, jazz, funk, and a plethora of Middle Eastern traditions, whilst traveling time and space, drawing a musical, cultural and geographical line from Somalia to Iran, via Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt and Turkey, from the late '70s and early '80s to today. Thus, Sababa 5 creates a unique psychedelic groove that builds on the approach that the likes of the Daptones have taken to working independently, writing, producing, and recording original music, with their own modern take on '70s soul and funk. Standouts include "Malca" (a girl's name that means "queen"). Built around broken synth lines, a languid East Africa meets Anadolu psych groove and vintage organ licks, the instrumental peaks a transformative chord change, shooting it into the stratosphere. The carnivalesque "Lizarb" ("Brazil" backwards), raises the tempo and temperature. The piece kicks off with a guitar-led call-and-response before a synth-led melody lifts everything to another level. Topped off before the end by a beautiful wah-wah meets psychedelic Mizrahi style guitar solo over a pulsating drum and groove line, demanding a physical response. "Habedil" ("the idiot" in Hebrew), is named for the innocent, child-like synths that lead off towards the start, whilst the bass and guitar riff repetitively, crafting an irresistible groove before dovetailing into an epic disco synth vamp. With this, their debut, self-titled album, Sababa 5 is ready to take a seat among the most exciting and original instrumental-based groups across the globe, with an exciting and distinct approach to groove, sound, and melody. For fans of: Surprise Chef, Sven Wunder, Yin Yin, The Soul Surfers, ATA Records.
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7"
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BTR 067EP
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Middle Eastern groove masters, Sababa 5 take on the unthinkable for Batov Records. "Popcorn" and the "Birdie Song" are reworked into psychedelic dancefloor smashes laden with synths, surf guitars and Hammond licks. Tel Aviv based four-piece Sababa 5 naturally came together, having collaborated in so many key sessions and concerts, not only for the likes of Hoodna Orchestra, Tigris, and Kutiman Orchestra, but also whilst backing leading vocalists such as Gili Yalo, Ester Rada, and Liraz Charhi. Following a string of sold-out 45s, championed by BBC Radio 6 Music DJs such as Gilles Peterson, Cerys Mathews, and Gideon Coe, the group have crafted a deadly pair of instrumentals that will trick your children into appreciating a killer rhythm and at the same time help you rediscover your inner child. Off the bat, "Popcorn" snakes its charm into your head with an off-beat drum and bassline pattern before "woosh!" The synths enter the fray and proceed to lay down the classic riff with maximum flair. On the flip, birdsong appears to herald "The Bird Song". Beautiful Hammond chords and guitars and another classic Middle Eastern rhythm build anticipation for the familiar melody, which lands with an almost jazz-like aplomb, showcasing some hip shaking percussion, courtesy of guest Matan Caspi on a darbuka drum, that will have you flying around the dancefloor. Far from just novelty cuts, these instrumentals are set to raise the levels of any party. Another essential 45 from Sababa 5 and Batov Records.
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7"
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BTR 054EP
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2021 release. Sababa 5 returns with a double dose of euphoric Persian psych and purely instrumental groove on Pur/Baksheesh, the tenth release on the highly collectible Batov Records Middle Eastern Grooves series. Tel Aviv based four-piece Sababa 5 is practically a supergroup of musicians from the local scene, having earned their chops in the likes of the Hoodna Orchestra, Tigris, and Kutiman Orchestra. Between them, they have recorded and performed with leading vocalists such as Gili Yalo, Ester Rada, and Liraz Charhi. Liraz Charhi won wide acclaim delving into her Persian roots on her recent releases, secretly recording with Iranian musicians. Whilst backing Charhi on tour, Sababa 5 guitarist Ilan Smilan and bassist Amir Sadot had to learn the music inside and out and, in the process, developed an obsession with Persian music too. Sababa 5's knack for Middle Eastern grooves with killer hooks is also apparent on their recent 45 for Batov Records. On A-Side "Pur" (Persian for "luck"), an additional drum machine kick subtly adds a steady pulse to the song, which peaks with a wild synth solo by Eitan Drabkin. On the flip, "Baksheesh" (bribery) begins with a slippery, almost surf- like Middle Eastern guitar motif, before the powerful bassline and skittery drum rhythm deliver the groove. However, the star of the show could well be Eitan's gritty organ. Apart from delivering the hook, the organ solos through half the record with near wild abandon. In summary, Pur/Baksheesh is another essential pair of instrumental grooves from Sababa 5 and Batov Records, ready for the discerning dancefloor, kitchen, or bedroom.
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BTR 055EP
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2021 release. On "Rosenzweig", the four-piece Sababa 5 blend their Turkish psych-influenced style with a Jimmy Smith jazz groove. Eitan Drabkin's organ leads the motif, before stepping back to support the rhythmic charge of Raz Man's tight drumming, whilst guitarist Ilan Smilan solos like Grant Green on a Middle Eastern odyssey. "Smilansky" slows proceedings further still, really allowing Drabkin and Smilan's brilliant musicianship to shine over the airtight rhythm section of Raz Man and bassist Amir Sadot. This deadly double-sided 45 follows 2021's electric Pur/Baksheesh single, as championed by BBC Radio 6 Music's Cerys Mathews and Gideon Coe. Practically a supergroup, the band earned their chops with the likes of the Hoodna Orchestra, Tigris, and Kutiman Orchestra. Between them, and have recorded with leading vocalists such as Gili Yalo, Ester Rada, and Liraz Charhi. Another essential pair of instrumental grooves from Sababa 5 and Batov Records, perfect for the beginning or end of the night.
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