Craft Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Originally released in 1999 and now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Black Sails In The Sunset was the fourth full-length from California hardcore-turned-horror punk heroes AFI, and is often cited as the pivotal project that signalled their sonic, career and identity shift for the decades ahead. Their first album with guitarist Jade Puget, the material marked a notable distancing from the frenetic energy of 1997's Shut Your Mouth & Open Your Eyes, and began their long love affair with gothic romanticism, Lovecraftian lyricism and a newfound horror aesthetic. Perceived by the band and fans alike for being the work that would form the basis of their future sound, while also exuding the first glimpses of vocalist Davey Havok's prowess as a melodious songwriter, there's no more important project in the AFI canon, especially when following onto the career heights of the All Hallow's EP and The Art Of Drowning LP, which likely wouldn't have materialised if not for the creative fearlessness of Black Sails.

Review: The indestructible Ray Barretto demonstrated superb skills on this record back in 1973. His band were at the forefront of the new Afro-Cuban musical movement that was emerging and became known as salsa. His composer skills were well known after he wrote 'Cocinando' and his band were also much loved in the live area though Johnny Rodriguez on bongo and cencerro, bassist Dave Perez, pianist Louis Cruz, along with trumpeter Rene Lopez and vocalist Adalberto Santiago all left him soon after. HIs Indestructible album is his most remarkable, with a constant sense of flow to the rhythms from front to back.

Review: Joe Bataan's 1968 sophomore album Riot! is considered a cornerstone of Latin soul and the record that truly cemented his reputation as the genre's king. Backed by the dynamic Latin Swingers band, Bataan masterfully blends Afro-Cuban rhythms, soul and funk with his signature streetwise flair. Tracks like 'It's a Good Feeling' and the title song capture the energy and emotion of late-1960s urban life while reflecting both personal and societal struggles. Its infectious grooves, raw vocal delivery and tight instrumentation mean that this one remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate across the generations.

Review: For the most part, in 2024 movie soundtracks only really make it into the public domain when the film was a big hit, or has achieved the kind of cult status that turns fans into collectors. April Fool's Day, released in 1986, received widely varied responses from critics at the time, but has since chalked up a strong following among die hard horror, and particularly slasher, movie lovers. We definitely recommend watching it - the flick landed at a great time for genre and sub-genre and refused to kowtow to the canon's rules of the day. In terms of score itself, this is Charles Bernstein working at his most comfortable (his other horror scores include the iconic Nightmare On Elm Street, a year or so earlier), so think tense, ominous refrains, twinkling synths, and descending strings. Oh, and bar room rock & roll.

Review: A deep dive into the Fania vaults has uncovered Cafe, a Latin funk and soul classic that was recorded half a century ago. To mark the 50th anniversary of this great album, which was produced by the legendary conguero Ray Barretto and originally released on Vaya Records, it gets this nice heavyweight reissue on Craft. The standout track 'Si Dame Tu Amor' delivers infectious funk grooves reminiscent of Barretto's own work, while 'Identify Yourself' is another one to light up any party. All the tunes have been cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio so sounds superb.

Review: For all but the most ardent followers of jazz and diehard Miles Davis fans, it can be hard to keep up with the many different albums he put out alongside his Quintet. That Quintet, often said to be the greatest in all of jazz history thanks to including Miles on trumpet next to John Coltrane on tenor, Red Garland on keys, bass from Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones on drums, put out several long players with very similar titles including this one, Miles: The New Miles Davis Quintet, in 1956. It is one of the earlier works from the then newly formed band and the songs in it are a mix of pop and jazz standards.

Review: Together Again!!!! reunites trumpeter Howard McGhee and saxophonist Teddy Edwards in a jazz collaboration originally released in 1961 that is as energised and electric as the title with all its many exclamation marks. This reissue is part of the Acoustic Sounds Series and showcases the exceptional talents of McGhee and Edwards alongside Phineas Newborn Jr. on piano, Ray Brown on bass, and Ed Thigpen on drums. It has been cut from the original master tapes by Bernie Grundman so the AAA lacquers enhance the album's rich sound. It's a mini-classic of the jazz world and it never sounded better.

Review: The original motion picture soundtrack for The Truck Turner delivers a thrilling blend of gritty funk, soul and high-energy jazz that perfectly complemented the 1974 blaxploitation classic. Composed by the great Isaac Hayes, the soundtrack is a dynamic showcase of his signature style that blends soulful melodies with intense orchestral arrangements. Tracks like 'Main Theme' and 'Breaking Into The Business' capture the raw energy and tension of the film while Hayes' deep voice and lush arrangements bring an added layer of sophistication to the score.

Review: Jazz vocalist Helen Humes is not as well known as some of her peers, but that isn't for lack of talent. This was her second album on Contemporary Records and it came in 1961 as a fully realised exhibition of her vocal versatility and charm. Conducted by Marty Paich, the record features an all-star lineup including saxman Art Pepper, bass from Leroy Vinnegar, drums by Shelly Manne and guitar from Barney Kessel. This reissue has been meticulously crafted with AAA lacquers cut from the original master tapes by Bernie Grundman so is an authentic representation of the original magical sound with unmatched fidelity.

Review: Legendary jazz drummer Idris Muhammad really made his mark with his debut album Black Rhythm Revolution! for the Prestige label in 1970. Originally recorded at celebrated Rudy Van Gelder studio in Englewood Cliffs, it is bookend by length tunes 'By the Red Sea' and 'Wander' which feature tight grooves, compact solos and memorable melodies. It is not as intense of some of his later work and features the likes of Virgil Jones on trumpet Clarence Thomas on tenor and soprano saxophone and Jimmy Lewis on electric bass. Craft present this reissue with original artwork on nice 180 g limited edition vinyl.

Review: Art Pepper's most well known record gets reissued here and it has long remained a masterful showcase of the jazz saxophonist's remarkable artistry. It was recorded in 1960 during a particularly vibrant period of his career and delivers exactly what its title promises: a deeply emotive and powerful performance marked by technical brilliance and heartfelt expression. Tracks like 'Gone with the Wind' and 'I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me' highlight Pepper's lyrical phrasing and soulful tone as he blends bebop agility with a poignant sensitivity. Supported by a stellar rhythm section, Intensity is a great testament to Pepper's enduring influence on jazz.

Review: Art Pepper's best albums are being reissued right now and this is one of them. Gettin' Together! is a vibrant and joyous record recorded in 1960 and showcasing Pepper's dynamic interplay with a stellar lineup that features pianist Wynton Kelly and trumpeter Conte Candoli. Often seen as a companion to Meets the Rhythm Section, this album exudes a lighter, more spontaneous energy and tracks like 'Whims of Chambers' and 'Bijou the Poodle' highlight Pepper's fluid alto saxophone style. He blends bebop sophistication with West Coast cool and the ensemble's chemistry is undeniable throughout as they create a swinging yet intimate atmosphere on this gem of an album.

Review: This vinyl reissue honours the wonderful Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound's 1970 debut for Fania Records. Formed in 1969, Apollo Sound became one of Puerto Rico's premier salsa bands. Highlights of this rich and vibrant album include 'Tu Loco Loco, y Yo Tranquilo,' 'El Escapulario,' and the Bobby Capo classic 'SoNando con Puerto Rico.' The 180-gram vinyl features lacquers cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, ensuring top-notch sound quality. Packaged in a vintage-style tip-on jacket, this US import is a must-have for salsa lovers.

Review: Southern Californian punk legends Social Distortion dropped their vital debut album Mommy's Little Monster four whole decades ago now. To mark the anniversary it is getting a special 40th edition reissue and has been freshly mastered from the original analogue tapes and pressed up to 180-gram vinyl for the occasion. The nine songs that were on the original release of the album all feature such as the much loved title track 'Mommy's Little Monster' and single 'Another State of Mind'. Proper original punk business from the US greats.

Review: In 1970, soul icon Carla Thomas recorded a full album at Memphis' American Sound Studio for Stax Records. While two tracks were released as a single, the complete project was shelved and remained unreleased until it surfaced in a 2013 compilation. Now, 55 years later, the long-lost album finally sees its vinyl debut. Featuring songs penned by songwriting legends such as James Taylor, The Bee Gees and the duo Goffin and King, this record offers a long-overdue spotlight on a hidden gem from one of Stax's most beloved voices and captures a soulful moment in time that nearly slipped through the cracks.

Review: The Golden Hour is a new compilation that blends sunbaked sands with the cool sea breeze and offers a groove-filled journey through jazz and funk. Featuring tunes from iconic artists like Johnny Hammond, Sonny Rollins, Vince Guaraldi, Chico Hamilton and more, this collection captures the essence of floating on a wave while soaking in the final rays of the day. The album's cover art was created by Kamil Czapiga using colour inks reacting to the music, which is a nice touch, while highlights include tracks like Hampton Hawes' 'Web,' Vince Guaraldi's 'Little Birdie' and Chico Hamilton's 'Gengis.'

Review: A Charlie Brown Christmas is a stone cold classic Christmas album that now comes with a specially festive gold sleeve. What's here has the air of a sophisticated evening spent enjoying slow drinks in a late night jazz bar. It's sexy and refined stuff, laidback to the point where you can almost see the flames in the fireplace, resulting shadows dancing off the walls. Yes, 'Skating' is far more uptempo, and both 'Hark, The Herald Angels Sing' and 'Christmas Time Is Here' take us to school age Yuletide plays with their vocal choirs. But, on the whole, this might be the most tasteful festive album we'll ever get. So dig in.

Review: In many ways its weird that Hans Zimmer has only won two Oscars - Best Original Score for The Lion King and 2021's Dune remake, alongside four Grammys. Before we reel off a fraction of the movies he's soundtracked, allow us to clear our throat. OK, let's do it - Gladiator, Inception, Blade Runner 2049, Interstellar, The Dark Knight, The Last Samurai, The Rock, we could go on and on. But while Zimmer is often associated with big budget, big screen spectaculars, he's also scored a slew of more intimate films. Like the Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman and Dan Aykroyd comedy drama classic, Driving Miss Daisy. Showcasing a more human side to his oeuvre, the five original tracks here are beautiful, sweet, tender, and truly moving. Meanwhile, the addition of Eartha Kitt's seminal Christmas anthem, 'Santa Baby', and Louis Armstrong's timeless 'Kiss of Fire', elevate the package.