Abase Sholto - Metropolis / The Right Orchid - 7-INCH SINGLE [7 inch Vinyl Disc]

London cinematic soul artist Sholto continues the build-up to his forthcoming album The Sirens with a powerful double A-side 7Inch. 'Persephone's Perception' is a sweeping, horn-led instrumental rich with jazz harmony and dramatic, filmic arrangements, while 'Tied to the Mast' locks into taut funk grooves, rich strings, and soaring melodies. Together, they offer a bold preview of the grandeur and emotional depth that defines Sholto's next chapter. Album Tracks 1. Persephone's Perception 2. Tied to the Mast

This one was an unexpected treat. Two of our favourite contemporary musicians, Finn Rees & SHOLTO coming together and collaborating on a double dose of celestial, cinematic alchemy. At Mr Bongo we are massive admirers of drummer, musician, and producer Sholto (Oscar Robertson). His two albums on Funk Night Records and DeepMatter Records, had both been highlights of their respective years. We'd gotten to know Oscar and sent him a few records. Included in the package was Australian pianist-composer Finn Rees' debut album, Dawn Is A Melody, which was one of our favourite releases on Mr Bongo in 2024. In Oscar's words 'For me it was a standout modern jazz record - encapsulating a spiritual / hazy dreamy soundscape which hugely resonated with me. Glissando keys and harp with rich melodies, I was instantly intrigued.Inch The pair started following each other online and as luck would have it, Finn was staying in London for the summer season, so they arranged to meet. The pair instantly clicked and said it felt like they'd known each other for years. After 40 minutes of chatting, they started to jam. 'Love In Memory' and 'Bluebell' were recorded over two days - a track a day in Oscar's SFJ studios. Laid down on mostly analogue equipment, the pair utilised Wurlitzer's, mellotrons, and ribbon mics through Oscar's '70s Studer desk. Composed and crafted without any real intentions, other than a shared appreciation for the same style of music and approach, the tracks started to take shape. The results were as rich, nostalgic and textured as you'd expect from these two brilliant musicians, with a classical feel inspired by artists such as Piero Piccioni, Piero Umiliani, and Henry Mancini. For the beautiful string arrangements, the pair recruited the talents of Sholto's long-time friend and collaborator Clementine Brown (Penguin Cafe Orchestra) and Matthew Hayes of 30/70, Allysha Jo

Coming off the back of covers on CRACK and PERFECT Magazine Cktrl announces his highly anticipated new EP Zero. The producer and multi-instrumentalist shares his latest blend of contemporary-classical and electronic R&B that features a collaboration with GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter 'Mereba' with artwork captured by multi-award winning Campbell Addy. The follow-up to last year's critically acclaimed EP 'robyn' which charted a journey from heartbreak to optimism, 'zero' is a tender exploration into love. As a genre-spanning artist whose music waives between R&B, jazz and neo-classical, Cktrl's latest record builds on his emotive sound whilst leaning towards a more electronic-tinged style of production with stunning featured vocals. On the project, Cktrl says InchZERO allowed me to explore my journeys in knowing love. And as a result I now know that I need to allow myself to let my relationships be what they're meant (to manifest organically) free of expectations and without dreams of an idea of someone. Past hurt definitely informed my decisions but it was so crucial for me to grieve those feelings from ROBYN and learn how to be gentle with myself. Just to be able to feel something new, loving again is always different and exciting, once you can open up. ZERO is that journey of ending up back where you started but different, loved and willing to give.Inch The EP opens with the touching 'mazes' - initially released back in May via a beautifully crafted video courtesy of Yasser Abubeker. On this cut Cktrl's skills as a saxophonist immediately shine through as he portrays the complexities of loving someone through all it's twists and turns. On title track 'zero' Cktrl links with Ethiopian-American musician Mereba for a forward-thinking yet delicate collaboration that effortlessly meanders between Cktrl's various musical influences, before 'felt' provides a l