News
Next release 'On The Way' SWP 040
SWP 040, the next release will be ‘On The Way’ by the Gijs Hendriks Quartet (with Siegfried Kessler, Bert van Erk, Michael Baird) and guests trombonist Slide Hampton, trumpeter Sonny Grey and conga drummer Raul Burnet. The recordings, made in 1976-77, are from a double-lp that was never released for legal reasons. By now, these are historical rercordings, and yet the music still sounds fresh and happening!
The cd will be released on May 18th during the first concert by the Gijs Hendriks/Michael Baird Reunion Quartet (with Maarten van der Grinten and Frans van der Hoeven). There are only 90 tickets available for this concert, starting at 20.30 hours, at Het Muziekhuis, Loevenhoutsedijk 301, Utrecht: you can reserve tickets by transferring €12.50 per ticket to bank account number 421798505, in the name of St. Sharp Wood Productions, in Utrecht, and your ticket will be waiting for you at the door.
Cheap cheaper cheapest
Special offer: buy 'The Kankobela of the Batonga Vol. 1' and 'The Kankobela of the Batonga Vol. 2' together, and save 4.50 euros. Also, do you realise that with our offer of any 11 cds for the price of 10, if you buy the complete Hugh Tracey series of 22 cds you only pay for 20? Yes indeed, basic arithmetic!
As the shipping costs get calculated per transaction on this site, it means that the more cds you order per transaction, the cheaper the price per cd becomes for you. (This is of course totally logical, but we thought we'd just point it out to you!). SWP cds also make great presents - inspire your friends with a gift of pure music.
Check out the new reviews of the latest releases
Go to the reviews button - under 'about Michael Baird' for SWP 035 and 038 and under 'about African music (& Phil Seamen)' for SWP 037 and 039. Last updated May 12th 2012.
New release SWP 039 'The Kankobela of the Batonga Vol. 2'
In spite of global economics, more new SWP Records releases are slowly but surely on their way. We just feel that the world needs this music and we see it as our task to make it available. Because otherwise you aren’t going to get to hear these beautiful sounds!
SWP 039 ‘The Kankobela of the Batonga Vol. 2’ was released on October 19th 2011! After the seven players on Vol. 1, we present eleven more old masters - so much musical genius, but they are the last ones, as the tradition is dying out. More great players and songs, more Tongatronics! And a special offer of Vol 1 and Vol. 2 together for 17.50 euros (save €4.50).
We have finished mastering wonderful recordings from the Zambian bush (made by Michael Baird in 1996, 2002, 2008, 2010) for a second 'Zambia Roadside' album, featuring music by the Tonga, Ila, Leya and Aushi peoples. Uplifting music!
We still have on hold ‘Johnny Simubba and the Kalonda Band’: in 2007 singer/guitarist/songwriter Johnny Simubba died, allegedly killed by witchcraft. A cd by the best contemporary musican in Zambia’s Southern Province, recordings made in 1996 and 2002. We have finished mixing the music. Great grooves and sharp lyrics.
Release SWP 038 'Ends and Odds'
Two other recent releases
SWP 036 ‘The Kankobela of the Batonga Vol. 1’. Field recordings by Michael Baird from Zambia and Zimbabwe of the beautiful kankobela (thumbpiano) of the Tonga people. But this tradition is dying out, as there is not one known case of a young person learning the instrument. Seven surviving masters are presented here. Otherworldly songs, deep buzzing and mesmerizing time patterns. Tongatronics - but without any electricity!
SWP 037 ‘The Late Great Phil Seamen’. A compilation of highlights of arguably Europe’s greatest jazz drummer. A legend within his own lifetime, he died in 1972. Phil in bands led by Jack Parnell, Victor Feldman, Ronnie Scott, Dizzy Reece, Stan Tracey, Kenny Graham, Joe Harriott, Harold McNair, Jimmy Witherspoon. The tracks are from between 1953 and 1972, and have been lovingly remastered. A salute that is long overdue: Ladies and Gentlemen, dinner is finally being served!
