HOLY BASIL Archives - Guerssen Records

Storie Di Guerra

GuerssenAdmin — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 22:00:00 +0000

Ominous drums, obscure cellos, fuzzy and distorted guitars, psychedelic piano sequences: legendary Italian composer Alessandro Alessandroni creates a somber and gritty war atmosphere on this classic library album “Storie Di Guerra”. Originally released on the Octopus Records imprint by Flipper Music in 1972, this obscure and spooky library has been long out of print — 50 years past its release we are happy to bring this back on vinyl in collaboration with Flipper Music as a limited edition of 500 copies!

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Disco Music

GuerssenAdmin — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 22:00:00 +0000

Composed by legendary library guitarist and founding member of I Gres, Silvano Chimenti, and accompanied by his orchestra, “Disco Music” is an essential release of the Usignolo catalog and probably one of the most sought after titles of the series. This album displays a broad range of styles masterfully blended together by Chimenti, going from disco-funky bangers “Happy California” and “Autostrade Americane” that lead way to the more dramatic and suspenseful vibes of “Society Problem” and “Tragedy”, finishing off with the rock vibes of “Indian Summer” and the mellow atmospheres of softer, lounge-like songs such as “Lady Primavera” and “Chiara”. One of the most complete and well-rounded library albums of its era, “Disco Music” is finally available on vinyl once again after a very long time as a limited edition pressing of 500 copies.

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High Tension Vol 1

GuerssenAdmin — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 22:00:00 +0000

Following the release of Lee Selmoco’s “Mosaico” we continue our journey with Vedette Records to bring back to life part of their incredible catalog, with the reissue of the first instalment of the “High Tension” series by Lesiman. Born in Florence in 1935, Paolo Renosto, the man behind the moniker Lesiman, was an incredible composer, experimenter, music teacher and piano player whose amazing skills and sound research brought him to work with Luigi Dallapiccola and Bruno Maderna, as well as being a member of the Associazione Nuova Consonanza of Roma. He obviously joined, for some time, the renowned Gruppo d’Improvvisazione, with Franco Evangelisti and Domenico Guaccero. Released exactly 50 years ago and packed with dramatic tension, obscure drums and asphyxiating atmospheres revolving around the theme of war, composed with the additional input of Romolo Grano, Sandro Brugnolini and Guido Baggiani, this first volume in the series is a holy grail in Italian libraries as well as a prime example of “music especially crafted for films, television, radio, publicity and industrial use”. Now available on vinyl for the first time as a limited edition of 500 copies.

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Special Sound Series – Vol. 1: Catch in Alice

GuerssenAdmin — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 22:00:00 +0000

Considered by many one of the most gifted and outstanding players in the Electone community thanks to his fresh, energetic, rhythmic and sometimes humorous style of playing, from 1975 to 1977 Shigeo Sekito released a four-LP album set titled Special Sound Series for the iconic Nippon Columbia. On the first chapter of this series, Sekito revisits, in his own colourful style, compositions such as “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” by Stevie Wonder, “Oh, My Love” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, “Andalucia” by Ernesto Lecuona, alongside some of his own composition such as “My Sweet Girl” and the title track “Catch In Alice”, creating a blend of easy-listening jazz with funk and soul influences. Long out of press, we are very proud to bring this “brilliant electone” album back on vinyl under exclusive license from Nippon Columbia.

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Special Sound Series – Vol. 4: Summertime

GuerssenAdmin — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 23:00:00 +0000

We are very happy to announce the continuation of our reissues of Shigeo Sekito’s iconic “Special Sound” series with its 4th instalment, “Summertime”, a radiant musical tapestry woven by the ingenious Japanese musician. Unveiled in the vibrant 1970s, this album radiates with the warmth and effervescence of the summer season, showcasing Sekito’s ability to infuse his compositions with a sun-kissed energy and a sense of carefree joy. As the fourth installment in the Special Sound Series, “Summertime” is a celebration of the spirit of the season, where Sekito’s musical prowess shines brightly. Drawing inspiration from the carefree vibes of summer, the album seamlessly blends elements of jazz, soul, and funk, creating a sound that mirrors the sunlit days and breezy nights. Sekito’s virtuosity is palpable in every note, as he skillfully navigates a melodic journey filled with upbeat rhythms, infectious grooves, and soulful arrangements. The album’s title, “Summertime,” encapsulates the essence of the music within – a vibrant and uplifting experience that captures the spirit of the season with a musical palette. From the lively and danceable beats of tracks like “Sunshine Samba” to the mellow, contemplative moments in “Golden Evenings,” Sekito crafts an auditory landscape that mirrors the diverse experiences of summer. Each composition is a testament to his ability to evoke emotions and paint vivid sonic pictures, transporting listeners to sun-drenched beaches, lively festivals, and leisurely afternoons.
“Special Sound Series – Vol. 4: Summertime” stands as a testament to Shigeo Sekito’s musical versatility and his innate ability to capture the essence of a moment through sound. This album, with its infectious energy and melodic charm, has earned its place as a timeless tribute to the carefree and joyful spirit of summer, making it a delightful addition to any music collection.

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Special Sound Series – Vol. 5: Artistic Electone

GuerssenAdmin — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Closing out the Special Sound Series in style, we are proud to present the long-awaited vinyl reissue of Shigeo Sekito’s 1985, an instrumental masterpiece that arrived nearly a decade after his iconic Kareinaru Electone Special Sound Series of the 1970s. A true pioneer in the world of Electone music, Sekito’s name–instantly recognizable in katakana–has left an indelible mark on the genre.
This album showcases his signature artistry across eight captivating tracks, blending originals and covers with his distinct sonic palette. The cosmic allure of the original composition “Amish At Dusk” stands out among the set, while the Manhattan Transfer cover “Twilight Zone, Twilight Tone” brims with dynamic, fast-paced arrangements. Meanwhile, Sekito’s take on The Crusaders’ “Rhapsody And Blues” unfolds with a laid-back groove, gradually building into an uplifting crescendo. Drifting between chill-out and ambient sensibilities, 1985 captures a wistful, melancholic beauty– where the rich textures of the Electone transport listeners into a world of nostalgia and dreamlike introspection. This final reissue in the series is a must-have for collectors and fans alike. Experience 1985 in its warm, analog glory, now on vinyl.

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Pulsation

GuerssenAdmin — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:00:00 +0000

On May 27th 1983, drummer Masahiko Togashi and guitarist Masayuki Takayanagi, two pivotal figures in the Japanese free jazz scene that had been working together since the 1960’s, performed and record this unique set at Zojoji Hall in Tokyo. At the time, Japanese jazz musicians were trying to find their own voice, welcoming creative elements coming in from the USA and Europe. The two musicians were at the fore-front of this generation, with Takayanagi developing his own guitar style through influences of mainstream and more extreme jazz, and drummer Togashi had developed a unique approach to drums and percussions, using silence as an integral part of music making, also due to an accident that forced him on a wheelchair after 1970. The record is divided in two tracks (“Inner Pulsation” and “Outer Pulsation”), each one about 22 minutes in length, mirroring the original LP sides. The performance can be regarded as a single piece though, with a clearly symmetrical structure, even if the musicians cover much musical ground over the course of the album. The extreme abstractness of the music guarantees many possibilities, but the main themes here are pure sound and space, investigated through a massive use of silence, ever-changing dynamics and slow structural developments unfolding with a mysterious musical logic. Originally released on iconic Japanese label Paddle Wheel and out of a print for a very long time, the album has become a very sought after collector’s item and we are glad to bring this back on vinyl in collaboration with King Record Co.

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