VARIOUS – Middle Eastern Grooves (Selected By DJ Kobayashi) – 2LP – Gatefold Vinyl

2LP -Black Vinyl housed in a Gatefold Sleeve.Hand selected by Batov label co-founder DJ Kobayashi.

Batov Records is thrilled to announce the release of Middle Eastern Grooves, a double gatefold LP compilation of standout tracks from the labels highly successful series of 7 singles released under the same name, hand selected by label co-founder DJ Kobayashi. Spanning from 2015 to the present day, the compilation features a mix of classic favourites, new releases, and never-before-heard gems from some of the most talented emerging artists.

Batov Records Middle Eastern Grooves 7 series have become staples in the sets of DJs looking to broaden their sets to incorporate psychedelic and Middle Eastern sounds alongside the familiar funk, jazz, and soul catalogue. In the process, the series has enjoyed support across BBC 6 Radio Music, from Gilles Peterson to Gideon Coe, and made waves around the world, from Radio Nova and FIP in France, across the Atlantic to KEXP and Music Is My Sanctuary, and laid the seeds for debut albums from series staples, Sababa 5 and atellites.

The compilation opens with the desert funk sound of “Badawee” by the iconic producer and multi-instrumentalist, Kutiman, followed by the instrumental edit of “Ya Raiyat” by Tel Aviv digging pioneers Radio Trip. Other highlights include the deranged & spooky synths of The Egyptian by Baharat, a prime example of the label’s core sound, the psychedelic Middle Eastern groove bomb “Deli Deli” by atellites, and Nasnusa, Sababa 5s acclaimed collaboration with Japanese vocalist Yurika Hanashima.

The compilation also includes some exclusive tracks, released here for the first time. Following their recent collaborative EP, Sababa 5 back the newly discovered vocalist Shiran Tzfira with a simple but effective combo of synths and percussion on the haunting Manginat Mahepeha. atellites band leader Itamar Kluger contributes Saved From The Jazz from his new psychedelic funk project Eje Eje – watch out for the drums on this! And finally, underground belly dancing princess turned Mediterranean psych chanteuse, Cherry Bandora, contributes the hypnotic Es.

This first volume of highlights from the Middle Eastern Grooves 7″ series offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of the label’s sound and its place in the wider musical context. From surf rock to Mediterranean psych, this collection showcases the diverse and captivating sounds of the Middle East and its influence on modern music.

When he isnt managing Batov Records, DJ Kobayashi can be found digging for grooves and melodies that stand out from the norm, and sharing them at the likes of Brilliant Corners, Spiritland, and his biweekly show on Soho Radio. His vast collection spans funk and beats from across the globe, and reflects, of course, a particular predilection for Middle Eastern grooves. His refined tastes have created a great demand for his selections, leading to him playing alongside the likes of Islandman, Balkan Beat Box, The Apples, and Baba Zula.

Tracklist:

A1. Kutiman – Badawee
A2. El Khat – Ya Raiyat (Radio Trip Edit)
A3. Boom Pam – Uniton
A4. Baharat – The Egyptian
A5. Les Dynamites – Pop Oud #2

B1. Sababa 5 & Shiran Tzfira – Manginat Mahapeha
(feat. Matan Caspi)
B2. Sababa 5 (feat. Yurika) – Nasnusa
B3. Sababa 5 – Baksheesh
B4. Sababa 5 – Rosenzweig

C1. Eje Eje – Saved from the Jazz
C2. Yossi Fine & Ben Aylon – Peres
C3. Yuz – Galgalit
C4. Baharat – Parsley Disco
C5. Romano – Six

D1. Buttering Trio – Little Goat (Iza Ktana)
D2. Koy Kardeler – Shuruk
D3. atellites – Deli Deli
D4. Cherry Bandora – Esy