Preview copies of the white label 12” proved so popular, it made ‘Single of the Week’ on tunes.co.uk. So what’s the fuss all about?

After the beautifully packaged ‘Get Carter’ tune by Peak, here’s another tune in the Afro arthouse movie theme tune series. It doesn’t take a genius to know that in Paul’s hands, a tribute to Akira Kurosawa’s film classic — plus influences by the likes of Lee Perry and Zero dB — will produce a modern day classic. Great to hear Ashley ‘Private Sunshine’ Slater is back on Afro Art’s payroll too with his trombone contribution. This is a big tune. It’s a track that shakes foundations and invalidates subsidence insurance. These ‘Seven Samurai’ meet you absolutely face on in the groove. Phat Kiora ska-jazz-juice recommended in every Screen on the Green.

Murphy watchers know that while his historical ‘Jazz Room’ is in London Town (Electric Ballroom to Shiftless Shuffle), he loves to travel with his box. The ‘spiritual home’ has moved to cover what was once called the Eastern Europe, including Cracow, St. Petersburg, Russia and Belgrade (where he met up with Zeljko of Cosmic Sounds; Vol. 1 & Vol 2).

No surprises then that ‘Budapest Chachacha’ gets a Latin-jazz work out in an Irish bar in downtown Budapest. Long time friend Roger Beaujolais joins in on vibes every bit as cool as Cal Tjader’s. Davide Mantovani provides the bass and some cosmic underground vocals from the previously unknown Secta Chameleon. Don’t be put off by the strange start or a touch of The Cure because you’ll soon get a rumba in ya chachacha with a “percussive extravaganza”. Be warned, we’re told the Magyar Mambo lasts all night long!

In addition to ‘Seven Samurai’ and ‘Budapest Chachacha’, there are seven more magnificent tracks to come on Paul’s forthcoming album, The Trip. The last we heard was that these will include a new long version of Soul Call (a la Young Holt stylee bass solo) plus a new funky version of ‘Jazz Room’ featuring both Ashley Slater on ‘bone and Mr. Beaujolais doing an Electric Piano solo.

I’m convinced that The Trip is going to sweep everything aside this year and the reactions are going to be as every bit as positive as they have been for both sides of the 12”. See below from some top guys with ears.

“Seven Samurai is a wobbly winner” Mr. Scruff (Ninja Tune)

“You rude man! Feeling Budapest Chachacha too” Treva Whateva (Ninja Tune)

like the a-side a lot, will be in the box for forthcoming gigs” Glyn Bigga Bush (Stereo Deluxe)

“Budapest Chachacha is my favorite and I will chart it as usual!” Kid Loco

“This is good, isn’t it! Going to be playing this out for a long time. Love the whole combination and arrangement. Will play on XFM Flo-Motion tonight”. Nick Luscombe (XFM)

Reviewed: Paul Murphy — Seven Samurai / Budapest Chachacha (Afro Art) Cat. No. UE 010 12”

Links:
Afro Art www.afroartrecords.com
White Label @ www.tunes.co.uk
Asian Of The Century - Akira Kurosawa
The Cure -‘Killing An Arab’ (Small Wonder Records) [Local Heros in Walthamstow]
Discover Budapest www.budapestinfo.hu/en
The latest from Paul Murphy ‘Top Ten’
1. Origami - ‘Amarcord’ (Schema) “I’ve been dropping a CDr of this for the last 6 months or so and finally it gets a release on Schema in 2006. Bold beats and Fellini to boot! From our 2006 release AFRO ARTHOUSE which is funky versions of your favorite Arthouse movies.”
2. Gerardo Frisina - ‘Alborado’ (Afro Art) “Thank you Mr Frisina for this dancefloor bomb.”
3. JuJu Orchestra - ‘Hipness’ (Audiopharm) “Even better than the first release but hidden away on the b side, this Cannonball Adderley re-edit brings festive joy to all.”
4. DM Project - ‘Habibi’ (Man Recordings) “Electro is back . As good as anything played downstairs at the Camden Electric Ballroom 20 years ago today.”
5. Paul Murphy - ‘Budapest Chachacha’ (Afro Art) “Hungarian hoola in an underground station. Cal Tjader remixes the Cure..”
6. Nephews of Phela - ‘Mulah 2’ (Booty) “Broken beats for Broken Flowers theme.”
7. Jung Collective - ‘The Wicker Man’ (Afro Art) “Jazz Dance is back. As good as anything played upstairs at the Camden Electric Ballroom 20 years ago today”.
8. Danny Lewis - ‘Ghost Dog’ (CDr) “A big big hip hop tune for the New Year.”
9. Businessman “Dubby Games” (Booty) “Wicked! Chris Rea tune sets the dancehall alight in the wee wee hours.”
10. DJ Farrapo & Yanez - ‘Baiano Vem’ (Afro Art) “Drum and Bossa 7 inch coming your way in 2006”.