Hot Casa Records is an Afro soul and tropical funk label created in 2002 in Paris by DJ Julien Lebrun and Djamel Hammadi aka Afrobrazilero. The idea of the label was to produce forgotten artists and rare vinyl gems from the past by licensing directly to the musicians or the labels, and also to record and develop upcoming new talents. Hot Casa Records holds strongly to the traditional way of producing and making music, with a few principles in mind: we always try to press our releases on a vinyl 7? or LP, try to have original artwork, and try to promote classic, soulful sounds with social content and a dope sound quality. We came from a soul and jazz culture and were raised during the hip-hop golden era, always looking for the perfect loop and the ultimate break. We have traveled throughout the years to India, Brazil, Russia, the U.S. and especially the African continent, searching for the lost golden tapes from the past.
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CD
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HC 079CD
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Hot Casa Records present Togo Soul 2, selected rare Togolese recordings from 1974 to 1989. A treasure-trove of rare and unusual recordings mostly recorded in Lomé during the '70s and '80s. A fusion of traditional voodoo chants, raw soul and even electro funk. Finding these tracks and their rights holders hasn't become any easier even after few trips all over this west African country bordered by Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso. After eight years, Hot Casa Records, with the kind help of Roger Damawuzan, decided to select thirteen tracks, a snapshot of some hundreds of rare and often forgotten tapes from the most prolific, professional and exciting phase of the country's recording history included international stars like Akofa Akoussah, Gregoire Lawani, and Roger Damawuzan. Many of the tracks featured here are peppered with innovation and experimentation highlighting how diverse, the music scene in Togo was at the time even if the political context influenced their creation. Many of the original albums these tracks are taken from high prices online due to their rarity and so with great pleasure Hot Casa present a selection here that evokes a golden boomtime in Togolese music history. Includes biographies and rare photos. Remastered by Frank Merritt. Includes 32-page booklet. Also featuring Ali Bawa, Napo De Mi Amor, Alognon Degbevi & Les Vétérans Jazz, Mamo Lagbema, Koffi Ottytana Bebli, Deg Dos, Tomede Ehue, Mawuli Decker, Palete Wawa, and Agboti.
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2LP
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HC 079LP
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Double LP version. Hot Casa Records present Togo Soul 2, selected rare Togolese recordings from 1974 to 1989. A treasure-trove of rare and unusual recordings mostly recorded in Lomé during the '70s and '80s. A fusion of traditional voodoo chants, raw soul and even electro funk. Finding these tracks and their rights holders hasn't become any easier even after few trips all over this west African country bordered by Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso. After eight years, Hot Casa Records, with the kind help of Roger Damawuzan, decided to select thirteen tracks, a snapshot of some hundreds of rare and often forgotten tapes from the most prolific, professional and exciting phase of the country's recording history included international stars like Akofa Akoussah, Gregoire Lawani, and Roger Damawuzan. Many of the tracks featured here are peppered with innovation and experimentation highlighting how diverse, the music scene in Togo was at the time even if the political context influenced their creation. Many of the original albums these tracks are taken from high prices online due to their rarity and so with great pleasure Hot Casa present a selection here that evokes a golden boomtime in Togolese music history. Includes biographies and rare photos. Remastered by Frank Merritt. Includes 32-page booklet. Also featuring Ali Bawa, Napo De Mi Amor, Alognon Degbevi & Les Vétérans Jazz, Mamo Lagbema, Koffi Ottytana Bebli, Deg Dos, Tomede Ehue, Mawuli Decker, Palete Wawa, and Agboti.
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7"
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HC 078EP
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Reissue of one of the ultimate Soukous banger! Originally recorded in 1992 in Paris, Eki Bis is a party classic. The chorus became a common expression all over the world helped by the hypnotic guitars of the maestros Diblo Dibala and Rigo Star and a smashing up-tempo electro-acoustic drum beat. Le Cobra de Sundama is a famous singer from Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) who composed more than 12 albums backed by great band such as Empire Bakuba, and was considered to have a voice like Kofi Olomide or Papa Wemba, mixing Lingala and French street expressions. After many concerts and tours all over the continent, he finally settled in Angola. The B-side features a DJ/radio edit with the addition of few electro synths. Produced in Paris by the great producer Jacky Toto and now officially licensed. Remastered by The Carvery and pressed on limited 500 copies.
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12"
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HC 077EP
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Tribute to the soul brother of Benin with rare Afro-funk and digital soul songs from the Maestro. Following the tremendous Dans le Tchink System reissue album, Hot Casa wanted to celebrate the legacy of one the greatest singers from Cotonou. Owhaaou...! is an original four-track 12 inch vinyl taken from the extremely obscure, futuristic and now expensive record Metamorphose released in 1985 and recorded on 24 analog tracks channel with an incredible backing band such as Hilaire Penda on bass and Daniel Bentho from Poly Rythmo de Cotonou to name a few. The B-side is a DJ-friendly edit of the dance floor burner "Zemidjan" recorded in 1991. A composition to pay tribute to the taxi moto of Cotonou. The last track "Mi Tchinker" is a typical Stanislas Tohon hit with a mix of Tchink rhythm, soul and funky melodies. The famous soul singer from Cotonou started his musical career at this age of 9, played with the greatest such as Gnonnas Pedro and recorded almost 35 albums. Influenced by the traditional "Tchingoume" music, he invented his own rhythm called "Tchink Système", a mix of soul and Beninese traditional rhythm. Sang in Fon, his native language from Benin, this EP is a soulful call for peace, respect, and unity in Africa, a real definition of Afro-soul music! Remastered by The Carvery (UK), officially licensed and strictly limited to 1000 copies.
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CD
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HC 076CD
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Since his introduction in the '60s, he has lit stages on fire, whether it be with The Rickers Orchestra or with The Melo-Togo Orchestra (taking home second place for the first National Festival of Tologese Music). His first seven-inch vinyl, Wait For Me, is a holy grail for diggers all around the world. It was such a hit that Togolese music is and will forever be stamped by Roger Damawuzan. He was principal in introducing Gazo, Akpesse, and Kamou rhythms to modern day soul music. In Avépozo -- a few kilometers from the capital, Lomé. Though Tropicana Hotel has been closed for years, the many European tourists who were lucky enough to visit have not forgotten the nights that Roger Damawuzan set ablaze throughout the years. Indeed, in their collective memory is nostalgic of his flaming spirit and the rawness of his rigorous funk. He is timeless: since 1987, the Tropicana is no longer but Damawuzan roars on. In response to requests from his studio and his label, "Tropicana Sounds", which, during '80s, was responsible for releasing his work, Damawuzan also gave his expertise and was a major influence on the evolution of hip-hop and Tologese electro. Relentless and unstoppable, Roger Damawuzan is now making a comeback with Seda. Afro, soul, funk, Vaudou. This album may be described, but it cannot be explained. Only through listening to this disk at a high volume will one completely understand, at its full scope, Roger Damawuzan's emotions, his complaints, his cries, and all his evisceration when he takes the mic. Such a force of nature, Roger Damawuzan could have been supported by only one group. Led by Peter Solo, the members of the Vaudou Game and Lomé's most talented musicians are at Damawuzan's disposal for this album. The bass thunders in his honor, the brass escorts his arrival through the drums' rhythmatic steps, and the guitars riff so perfectly to serve as the ideal bedrock. Such a force of nature, this album could have been only captured, if not mastered, by one studio. Such mission was accomplished by the legendary studio OTODI (Office Togolese of Disks) by utilizing solely analog equipment to translate and to breath all of Damawuzan's soul into this album. In Mina, Roger Damawuzan's native tongue, Seda means "listen". And this is neither advice nor a suggestion -- it's an order! Seda!
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LP
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HC 076LP
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LP version. Since his introduction in the '60s, he has lit stages on fire, whether it be with The Rickers Orchestra or with The Melo-Togo Orchestra (taking home second place for the first National Festival of Tologese Music). His first seven-inch vinyl, Wait For Me, is a holy grail for diggers all around the world. It was such a hit that Togolese music is and will forever be stamped by Roger Damawuzan. He was principal in introducing Gazo, Akpesse, and Kamou rhythms to modern day soul music. In Avépozo -- a few kilometers from the capital, Lomé. Though Tropicana Hotel has been closed for years, the many European tourists who were lucky enough to visit have not forgotten the nights that Roger Damawuzan set ablaze throughout the years. Indeed, in their collective memory is nostalgic of his flaming spirit and the rawness of his rigorous funk. He is timeless: since 1987, the Tropicana is no longer but Damawuzan roars on. In response to requests from his studio and his label, "Tropicana Sounds", which, during '80s, was responsible for releasing his work, Damawuzan also gave his expertise and was a major influence on the evolution of hip-hop and Tologese electro. Relentless and unstoppable, Roger Damawuzan is now making a comeback with Seda. Afro, soul, funk, Vaudou. This album may be described, but it cannot be explained. Only through listening to this disk at a high volume will one completely understand, at its full scope, Roger Damawuzan's emotions, his complaints, his cries, and all his evisceration when he takes the mic. Such a force of nature, Roger Damawuzan could have been supported by only one group. Led by Peter Solo, the members of the Vaudou Game and Lomé's most talented musicians are at Damawuzan's disposal for this album. The bass thunders in his honor, the brass escorts his arrival through the drums' rhythmatic steps, and the guitars riff so perfectly to serve as the ideal bedrock. Such a force of nature, this album could have been only captured, if not mastered, by one studio. Such mission was accomplished by the legendary studio OTODI (Office Togolese of Disks) by utilizing solely analog equipment to translate and to breath all of Damawuzan's soul into this album. In Mina, Roger Damawuzan's native tongue, Seda means "listen". And this is neither advice nor a suggestion -- it's an order! Seda!
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2LP
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HC 075LP
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Double LP version. 2+ is the third album of DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson. A new sound stopover in their funky trip since their beginning with T'es Qui? album in 2015 (HC 034CD). This new building stone prolong their critically acclaimed album Aimez Ces Airs released in 2019 (HC 061CD/LP). Aimez Ces Airs De Plus loves this theme again, that's exactly what the two sidekicks want to present with their diptych. What's new? 15 tracks, eclectic, soft, deep, and funky, where electro, soul even Afrobeat touches, or bossa nova live together harmoniously. DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson make praise of slowness "Pas si vite"), address environmental issues on ("Coeur béton"), social statements on ("Police", "Raie publiques", "Clic" and the social media addiction), childhood on ("Bola Mba"), the post-colonial relation between Africa and the other continents. Love is also really well presented ("Thé à la menthe", "Ping Pong") and why not sailing to Essaouira in Morocco; During the summer of 2020, when the French National Radio asked them to perform a live cover, the French funky duo chose the famous "Né quelque part" by Maxime Leforestier released in 1987. Their suave interpretaion, haunting beat, and spatial and languid atmosphere give a fantastic tribute to this beautiful melody and strong lyrics. They found a very intimate link with chorus in Zulu, harking back to the strong connection they made with South Africa during their last tour. It became clear that they needed to put this track on their new album, as their now club remix classic "Bwe Dlo" performed with their friend David Walters. After their tour in South Africa, they met Cool Affair the musician and electro house producer in Johannesburg who made a beautiful remix of "Aimé Césaire" which close perfectly this new opus. Recorded at "Le triangle des Bermudes" the home studio of Lieutenant Nicholson, produced and mixed by him with a electro analog sound dear to them. Horns, live drums, percussions, and vocal choir were recorded at Bastille village at the label basement, even during the pandemic. On 2+, you can also hear the swirls of Antoine Berjeaut at the trumpet and bugle, magic keys from Florian Pellissier, two new flagships of the French jazz scene. Once again, DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson push the boundaries of the traditional "French song" to make the world dance. They want to keep their international audience, from Australia, Japan, USA, South Africa to name a few of the dancefloors around the world that will ignite with this new album. The French touch will still shine.
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CD
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HC 075CD
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2+ is the third album of DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson. A new sound stopover in their funky trip since their beginning with T'es Qui? album in 2015 (HC 034CD). This new building stone prolong their critically acclaimed album Aimez Ces Airs released in 2019 (HC 061CD/LP). Aimez Ces Airs De Plus loves this theme again, that's exactly what the two sidekicks want to present with their diptych. What's new? 15 tracks, eclectic, soft, deep, and funky, where electro, soul even Afrobeat touches, or bossa nova live together harmoniously. DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson make praise of slowness "Pas si vite"), address environmental issues on ("Coeur béton"), social statements on ("Police", "Raie publiques", "Clic" and the social media addiction), childhood on ("Bola Mba"), the post-colonial relation between Africa and the other continents. Love is also really well presented ("Thé à la menthe", "Ping Pong") and why not sailing to Essaouira in Morocco; During the summer of 2020, when the French National Radio asked them to perform a live cover, the French funky duo chose the famous "Né quelque part" by Maxime Leforestier released in 1987. Their suave interpretaion, haunting beat, and spatial and languid atmosphere give a fantastic tribute to this beautiful melody and strong lyrics. They found a very intimate link with chorus in Zulu, harking back to the strong connection they made with South Africa during their last tour. It became clear that they needed to put this track on their new album, as their now club remix classic "Bwe Dlo" performed with their friend David Walters. After their tour in South Africa, they met Cool Affair the musician and electro house producer in Johannesburg who made a beautiful remix of "Aimé Césaire" which close perfectly this new opus. Recorded at "Le triangle des Bermudes" the home studio of Lieutenant Nicholson, produced and mixed by him with a electro analog sound dear to them. Horns, live drums, percussions, and vocal choir were recorded at Bastille village at the label basement, even during the pandemic. On 2+, you can also hear the swirls of Antoine Berjeaut at the trumpet and bugle, magic keys from Florian Pellissier, two new flagships of the French jazz scene. Once again, DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson push the boundaries of the traditional "French song" to make the world dance. They want to keep their international audience, from Australia, Japan, USA, South Africa to name a few of the dancefloors around the world that will ignite with this new album. The French touch will still shine.
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7"
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HC 075EP
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The funky French duo is back with a new 7". Once again, DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson push the boundaries of the traditional "French song" to make the world dance. Two funky electronic flow, ready to electrify clubs worldwide. Our two "chansonniers" are the leaders of "Afropeanité" and the Creolity. The song "Pas si vite" champions deceleration and positivity during our complex period. "Caipirinha" is a soft tribute to bossa nova, the dream of hot and sweet destination in a cold winter. Recorded at "Le triangle des Bermudes" the home studio of Lieutenant Nicholson, produced and mixed by him with an electro analog sound dear to them. Horns, live drums, percussions and vocal choir were recorded at Bastille village at the label basement, even during the pandemic. Mastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery (London).
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7"
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HC 076EP
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Since his introduction in the '60s, he has lit stages on fire, whether it be with The Rickers Orchestra or with The Melo-Togo Orchestra (taking home second place for the first National Festival of Tologese Music). His first seven-inch vinyl, Wait For Me, is a holy grail for diggers all around the world. It was such a hit that Togolese music is and will forever be stamped by Roger Damawuzan. He was principal in introducing Gazo, Akpesse, and Kamou rhythms to modern day soul music. Relentless and unstoppable, Roger Damawuzan is now making a comeback with a heavy funk 7". Afro. Soul. Funk. Vaudou. Such a force of nature, this album could have been only captured, if not mastered, by one studio. Such mission was accomplished by the legendary studio OTODI (Office Togolese of Disks) by utilizing solely analog equipment to translate and to breath all of Damawuzan's soul into this album. Such a force of nature, Roger Damawuzan could have been supported by only one group. Led by Peter Solo, the members of the Vaudou Game and Lomé's most talented musicians are at Damawuzan's disposal for this new soul DJ friendly vinyl.
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LP
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HC 074LP
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2023 restock! A classic and essential highlife and Afro funk album from one of the greatest Ghanaian singer and composer, reissued for the first time. The legendary Alhaji Kwabena Frimpong's fantastic rare album was recorded in 1984 in Germany and originally produced and distributed from Hamburg. K. Frimpong was born on July 22nd, 1939 at Ofoase in the Ashanti Akim district, and died Oct 18th, 2005 in Kumasi (Ghana). He entered right into music after elementary school by joining Star de Republic and later Oko's Band after which he left to go to K. Gyasy's band where he worked for more than six years. As a prolific songwriter and singer, here's the reissue of his amazing album, a modern fusion of highlife and soul. The excellent background is given by the famous Cubanos Fiesta with members of Vis-A-Vis band, such as the famous Sammy Cropper on guitar or Slim Manu on bass. Originally produced by Atakora Mensah in Hamburg, this four song recording is a blend of danceable and spiritual soul and straight highlife. A must have vinyl of percussive Afro funk for all the music connoisseurs. LP is a true masterpiece that's hard-to-find and is nearly impossible to find a decent affordable copy. Remastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery. Fully licensed by the Alhadji Kwame Frimpong family.
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LP
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HC 072LP
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2023 restock. A classic and essential hi-life and Afro-funk album from one of the greatest Ghanaian singer and composer, reissued for the first time. The legendary K. Fimpong's fantastic rare album was recorded in 1980. K. Frimpong was born on July 22nd, 1939 at Ofoase in the Ashanti Akim district and entered right into music after elementary school by joining "Star de Republic" and later Oko's Band after which he left to K. Gyasy's band where he worked for more than six years. As a prolific songwriter and singer, here's the reissue of his amazing album, a modern fusion of hi-life and soul. The excellent background is given by the famous Cubanos Fiesta with members of Vis-A-Vis band. Originally produced on the major Polydor, this four songs recording is a blend of danceable and spiritual soul and straight hi-life. A must have vinyl of percussive Afro-funk for all the music connoisseurs, Me Da A Onnda a true masterpiece. Remastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery; Pressed on Replika format; Fully licensed by the Alhadji Kwame Frimpong Family.
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7"
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HC 070EP
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African, funky, sarcastic, bewitching, ecstatic: these words collide to describe Vaudou Game and all of them are true. "Bella" is the first vinyl single derived from the upcoming album called Noussin, due to be released in the summer of 2021. A smashing summer hit, sang in Mina and French. It's an ode to the nature and love in these hard times. "Be My Wife" on the B side, is a trip into a rock/funk universe with an up-tempo twist rhythm, sang into the voodoo harmonies. Composed in Lyon on 100% analog equipment during the lockdown, those two songs might be the funkiest nuggets of any DJ and radio playlists.
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CD
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HC 071CD
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African, funky, sarcastic, bewitching, green, ecstatic: these words collide to describe Vaudou Game and all of them are true. Noussin is the fourth album of the French Afro funk band. Forced into lockdown, like much of the planet, Peter Solo and his Vaudou Game had no choice but to retreat into the studio. A reunion to once again invoke the spiritual forces of the Voodoo Deities. A reunion that was Initially imagined for an EP -- yet these spiritual forces behind that imagination yearned for something more, and as we all know, these forces are impossible to push away once they have decided to stay. Under the strain enforced by the current socioeconomic climate, as much as by the environmental peril that faces us all today -- they diverted the course of the groove towards daring new vibrations. Without extinguishing or diminishing its highly communicative power, they released Vaudou Game from its origins of pure Afro funk to gradually engage into compositions which crystallized themselves into tones resembling more rock than funk. On this fourth album, with an entirely revisited line-up, Peter Solo separates for the first time in his career from his brassy guard, leaving saxophone, trumpet and trombone outside to invite an arsenal of keyboards to define, with him, this new voodoo sound. A sound, as usual, built on vintage and precise analogical material -- grime even on the white side of the tape, a blunt instrument used to blanket anything that strived to shine too much in the mix. Graced with tapered guitars stringing out rhythmic bumps or withdrawing a few beats to indulge in infectious solos, this album is boisterously alive with vintage '70s funk, infused with a few digressions into other ethers of the funk timeline, nicking different sounds and frequencies to render the black and white keys of an inspired keyboard to reach new euphoric levels of melodic acidity. Tearing off the enigmatic mask to reveal his true face: on a few titles, Peter Solo ventures outside of his sacred voodoo range to reconnect with his London years, these titles feature small nods to the time he spent in "The Smoke" where the incantations of British music culture were written within him. "Noussin". Which means "Stay strong" in Mina, a dialect spoken in the south-west of Togo. "Noussin". A message of hope as much as a call to come together to weather the turmoil and to come out better on the other side. Don't let them grind you down -- Noussin.
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LP
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HC 071LP
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LP version. African, funky, sarcastic, bewitching, green, ecstatic: these words collide to describe Vaudou Game and all of them are true. Noussin is the fourth album of the French Afro funk band. Forced into lockdown, like much of the planet, Peter Solo and his Vaudou Game had no choice but to retreat into the studio. A reunion to once again invoke the spiritual forces of the Voodoo Deities. A reunion that was Initially imagined for an EP -- yet these spiritual forces behind that imagination yearned for something more, and as we all know, these forces are impossible to push away once they have decided to stay. Under the strain enforced by the current socioeconomic climate, as much as by the environmental peril that faces us all today -- they diverted the course of the groove towards daring new vibrations. Without extinguishing or diminishing its highly communicative power, they released Vaudou Game from its origins of pure Afro funk to gradually engage into compositions which crystallized themselves into tones resembling more rock than funk. On this fourth album, with an entirely revisited line-up, Peter Solo separates for the first time in his career from his brassy guard, leaving saxophone, trumpet and trombone outside to invite an arsenal of keyboards to define, with him, this new voodoo sound. A sound, as usual, built on vintage and precise analogical material -- grime even on the white side of the tape, a blunt instrument used to blanket anything that strived to shine too much in the mix. Graced with tapered guitars stringing out rhythmic bumps or withdrawing a few beats to indulge in infectious solos, this album is boisterously alive with vintage '70s funk, infused with a few digressions into other ethers of the funk timeline, nicking different sounds and frequencies to render the black and white keys of an inspired keyboard to reach new euphoric levels of melodic acidity. Tearing off the enigmatic mask to reveal his true face: on a few titles, Peter Solo ventures outside of his sacred voodoo range to reconnect with his London years, these titles feature small nods to the time he spent in "The Smoke" where the incantations of British music culture were written within him. "Noussin". Which means "Stay strong" in Mina, a dialect spoken in the south-west of Togo. "Noussin". A message of hope as much as a call to come together to weather the turmoil and to come out better on the other side. Don't let them grind you down -- Noussin.
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CD
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HC 069CD
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A fantastic fifth album of the sensational French jazz band. "In this tropical daze, contemplating the surrounding landscape, the luxuriance of nature, with the ocean and her ballet of gentle waves, caressing the sand -- timidly gaining a few inches with each passing adagio. The temperature, as if perfectly adjusted to the most precise degree by an artful yet mercurial hand knowing full well that it could, with idle ease, sway the fragile quality of this luscious and suave atmosphere... However, just a few months before, the course had been set for New Jersey. More specifically; to Rudy Van Gelder's studio: one of jazz's greatest institutions. This pilgrimage was to both celebrate and crown the twentieth anniversary of the quintet. An unchanging line-up that yielded four albums, with this fifth recording intended to be our artistic culmination before moving onto something else . . . The energy, the dynamics of the group were, at that time, not parallel with those tempestuous qualities so when we pushed, something resisted. We strived to sink into darkness -- yet reality lead us back again and again towards an ever more sensitive space of grace and elegance. We arrived wanting to take out the machete, but finesse, in the end, called out to us. Obviously, the sessions saw new trails emerge, basked in a serendipitous and welcoming light. Rather than battling, we instead turned our compass towards the calmer latitudes of Capricorn and Cancer. It was then the quintet embarked for tropical promenades in the newfound tranquility of this legendary studio. So how did we get there? By not upsetting the creative forces that willed the powers of voodoo against taking our souls, at least this time anyway. From afar, my faithful creative daemons came galloping out, like gazelles, from the groove and gracefully forged a rhythm machine, encased with futuristic vibes that I myself then layered with synthesizers. At once intoxicated by all these sultry elements and fulfilled by our orchestral solstice -- I thought of Rio. And this one's to my Rio." --Florian Pellissier (Transcribed by Franck Cochon). Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studio (New Jersey, USA), mixed by Jordan Kouby at Question de son (Paris), and mastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery (London, UK).
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LP
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HC 069LP
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LP version. A fantastic fifth album of the sensational French jazz band. "In this tropical daze, contemplating the surrounding landscape, the luxuriance of nature, with the ocean and her ballet of gentle waves, caressing the sand -- timidly gaining a few inches with each passing adagio. The temperature, as if perfectly adjusted to the most precise degree by an artful yet mercurial hand knowing full well that it could, with idle ease, sway the fragile quality of this luscious and suave atmosphere... However, just a few months before, the course had been set for New Jersey. More specifically; to Rudy Van Gelder's studio: one of jazz's greatest institutions. This pilgrimage was to both celebrate and crown the twentieth anniversary of the quintet. An unchanging line-up that yielded four albums, with this fifth recording intended to be our artistic culmination before moving onto something else . . . The energy, the dynamics of the group were, at that time, not parallel with those tempestuous qualities so when we pushed, something resisted. We strived to sink into darkness -- yet reality lead us back again and again towards an ever more sensitive space of grace and elegance. We arrived wanting to take out the machete, but finesse, in the end, called out to us. Obviously, the sessions saw new trails emerge, basked in a serendipitous and welcoming light. Rather than battling, we instead turned our compass towards the calmer latitudes of Capricorn and Cancer. It was then the quintet embarked for tropical promenades in the newfound tranquility of this legendary studio. So how did we get there? By not upsetting the creative forces that willed the powers of voodoo against taking our souls, at least this time anyway. From afar, my faithful creative daemons came galloping out, like gazelles, from the groove and gracefully forged a rhythm machine, encased with futuristic vibes that I myself then layered with synthesizers. At once intoxicated by all these sultry elements and fulfilled by our orchestral solstice -- I thought of Rio. And this one's to my Rio." --Florian Pellissier (Transcribed by Franck Cochon). Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studio (New Jersey, USA), mixed by Jordan Kouby at Question de son (Paris), and mastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery (London, UK).
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HC 068LP
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A spectacular hi-life album with funky digital touches from the great Ghanaian producer, Frimpong Manso. Recorded in 1987 at Ghana Films Studio in Accra, the album Boafo Ne Nyame (translates as "Helper is god") is led by the great and sweet voice of K. Adusei. Five long tracks filled with hypnotic hi-life grooves and many funk inflections that go way beyond lots of standard riffing of modern Afro funk. The track "Asem De Ye So" is a dancefloor friendly song, already known by the connoisseurs and may be a future anthem when the clubs. Frimpong Manso was born Feb 21st in Nkawkaw and sadly died Nov 23, 2016 in Kumasi. This reissue is officially licensed by his son Kwaku Frimpong. Remastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery. Replica vinyl; 180 gram vinyl.
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HC 066LP
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Restocked. A classic and essential hi-life and Afro-funk album from one of the greatest Ghanaian singer and composer, reissued for the first time. The legendary K. Frimpong's fantastic rare album was recorded in 1978 at Ghana Films Studio in Accra. K. Frimpong was born on July 22nd, 1939 at Ofoase in the Ashanti-Akim district and entered right into music after elementary school by joining Star de Republic and later Oko's Band after which he left to go to K. Gyasy's band where he worked for more than six years. As a prolific songwriter and singer, this Frimpong reissue is an amazing album, a modern fusion of hi-life and soul. The excellent background is given by the famous Vis à Vis band, composed with the help of the great Collins Obiba Marfo. Originally produced on Ofo Bros, the label of the Ofori brothers in Kumasi, this four songs recording is a blend of danceable and spiritual soul and straight hi-life. A must have album of percussive Afro-funk. Remastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery. Pressed on replika format.
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12"
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HC 064EP
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A fantastic Afro-Brazilian futuristic funk anthem! After a few other successful projects, Franck Biyong, the French-Cameroonian Afrobeat composer, guitar player, and singer, is back on Hot Casa with a futuristic Afro-Brazilian club anthem. The similarities and filiations between traditional West African drumming and Afro-Brazilian religious musical rites such as the Candomblé are many: under colonial rule African people and African slaves outwardly practiced Christianity but secretly prayed to their own God, Gods, or Ancestor spirits. So, Biyong aimed at keeping the gritty urban menacing sound and poetry of Afrobeat with the percussive mass rumble of Batucada with the poignant beauty of Carioca. He then got in touch Cristina Violle, the first lady of "Samba de Roda" in Paris, who graced the release with a startling inspired and heartfelt melody to address the same issues of hope, resilience, courage, and humility; the people who live in Africa's shanty towns of Brazil's favelas again have in common a shared living experience. The first completed version of the song then briefly went on alternative radio. They went back to the studio in the summer of 2019 and started ironing the song again from scratch. That same initial spirit and energy caught hold of the, again from the day they started and, like for Francis Bebey's New Track in 1982 or King Sunny Ade's Syncro System in 1983 who were recorded in Paris over 35 years ago, they worked relentlessly to create a balanced but experimental track showcasing roots-y sound, pop instrumentation, tight world beat drumming, song structure, jazzy horns, spacy synthesizers, choral-like vocal harmonies with call and response figurative vocals. 45RPM.
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HC 065LP
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Limited restock. Hot Casa present a reissue of K. Fimpong & Super Complex Sounds' Ahyewa Special, originally released in 1975. Essential highlife and Afro funk from Ghana! The legendary K. Fimpong's fantastic rare second album recorded in 1975 at Ghana Films Studios. K. Frimpong was born on July 22nd, 1939 at Ofoase in the Ashanti-Akim district and entered music right after elementary school by joining Star de Republic. Later he was in Oko's band after which he went to K. Gyasy's band where he worked for more than six years. As a prolific songwriter and singer, here's the reissue of his second album, a modern fusion of highlife and the traditional beat called "Ahyewa". The excellent background is given by the Super Complex Sounds band which makes the Ahyewa beat abundantly, danceable, and colorful. Originally produced on the Ofo Bros label led by the Ofori brothers in Kumasi, these two side-long recordings were divided into six themes per side on the original release, each delivering a deep, 16-minute long hi-life trance. A must have vinyl of percussive Afro funk and modern highlife for all the music connoisseurs. Fully licensed by the Alhadji Kwame Frimpong Family.Remastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery Pressed on Replika format.
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HC 063LP
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2021 restock. Hot Casa present a reissue of Manu Dibango's African Voodoo, originally released in 1972. A fantastic and rare album by the Afro soul maestro. These files were recorded in 1971 at Pathé-Marconi studio (Boulogne-Billancourt) for professional sound illustration intended for the cinema, television, and advertising. At the time, jazz musicians were interested in and experimented with all genres, and started to convert solely to what soon to be called "rare groove", somewhere between soul, jazz, and Afro funk with a hint of Latin clave. These tunes have not aged and the sound will be considered as "huge" by many cratediggers. These recording were not supposed to reach the club or radio audience, they were freer sessions, a moment for the musicians to open their imagination and test their "Afro something", like Manu Dibango liked to say. These recording sessions included the best of the French soul scene at the time: Yvan Julien (trumpet), Slim Pezin (guitar), Jacques Bolognesi (trombone), Lucien Dobat (drums), Emile Boza (percussion), Manfred (bass), and the conductor himself at the vibraphone, marimba, saxophone, organ. This album is a wonderful return to the future and should satisfy the need of the Afro soul aficionados. Mastering by The Carvery. Replica; vinyl-only; 180 gram vinyl; includes interview by Jacques Denis; limited press.
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2LP
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HC 061LP
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Double LP version. The French-Afropean duo is back with a new funky masterpiece album, Aimez Ces Airs. DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson are French composers and Afro-soul singers. The duo is creating a new vibe with French sounds and mixing it with jazz, Afrobeat, electronic, and soul. T'es Qui? (HC 034CD, 2015) was their first album released in 2015 and re-released a year later under the name Remets T'es Qui? (HC 044CD/LP, 2016). It was result of an intense collaboration that has lasted many years, on stage and in the studio. They call their music "Afropean songs", a collection of jazzy-pop melodies, Afro-soul, and funk arrangements. This album has 15 songs and features a tribute to the famous poet Aimé Césaire on the title. The Antilles are also honored with creole lyrics, and if you listen carefully -- you'll hear them distilled within the album. La Montagne Pelée's eruption in 1902 is evoked under the prism of August Cyparis, one of the three survivors. The rhythms are tight and focused, with some Antilles, but also Detroit elements thrown in, accompanied with a strong horns section, vibraphone, and analog drums. There are lots of echoes from the era of jazz funk and the lyrical French mode, mixed with some slightly warmer currents that show their wider love of modern funk and eclectic tastes. It is a unique sound, an original recipe, using French wordplay with a universal message. In the summer of 2018, they presented the now critically acclaimed first single "El Nino" (HC 057EP), an Afro-funk gem about climate change, and "Fontaine", an Afro hit with a great combination of analog take and electronic dancefloor ingredients. With massive support from national radios and prestigious international DJs such as Gilles Peterson, Aimez Ces Airs could be one of the top funky albums of 2019. Cover designed by the artist Felix. Mastered by DJ Vas.
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CD
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HC 061CD
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The French-Afropean duo is back with a new funky masterpiece album, Aimez Ces Airs. DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson are French composers and Afro-soul singers. The duo is creating a new vibe with French sounds and mixing it with jazz, Afrobeat, electronic, and soul. T'es Qui? (HC 034CD, 2015) was their first album released in 2015 and re-released a year later under the name Remets T'es Qui? (HC 044CD/LP, 2016). It was result of an intense collaboration that has lasted many years, on stage and in the studio. They call their music "Afropean songs", a collection of jazzy-pop melodies, Afro-soul, and funk arrangements. This album has 15 songs and features a tribute to the famous poet Aimé Césaire on the title. The Antilles are also honored with creole lyrics, and if you listen carefully -- you'll hear them distilled within the album. La Montagne Pelée's eruption in 1902 is evoked under the prism of August Cyparis, one of the three survivors. The rhythms are tight and focused, with some Antilles, but also Detroit elements thrown in, accompanied with a strong horns section, vibraphone, and analog drums. There are lots of echoes from the era of jazz funk and the lyrical French mode, mixed with some slightly warmer currents that show their wider love of modern funk and eclectic tastes. It is a unique sound, an original recipe, using French wordplay with a universal message. In the summer of 2018, they presented the now critically acclaimed first single "El Nino" (HC 057EP), an Afro-funk gem about climate change, and "Fontaine", an Afro hit with a great combination of analog take and electronic dancefloor ingredients. With massive support from national radios and prestigious international DJs such as Gilles Peterson, Aimez Ces Airs could be one of the top funky albums of 2019. Cover designed by the artist Felix. Mastered by DJ Vas.
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HC 062LP
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Hot Casa present a reissue of Katakata by Kings Aigbologa Bucknor, originally released in 1978. Amazing Afro-beat album from a disciple of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. A sublime spiritual and political session recorded at Phonogram studio (Lagos, Nigeria) in 1979, on a 16-track. After the critically acclaimed second album released in 1979 and reissued in 2017, African Woman (HC 050LP), Hot Casa present the first and really hard-to-find vinyl reissue of Kingsley Bucknor. Also known as "King Bucknor", the famous Nigerian producer, arranger, and singer delivered two brilliant, hypnotic and long traditional Afro-beat tracks. All the ingredients of the "Afro-beat" definition are here: killer drums, straight riff guitars, hypnotic bass, heavy horns chorus, strong political lyrics with beautiful melodies. Ultra-rare, unique, and essential.
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