Notes
Be With Records presents a reissue of Keith Mansfield/Alan Hawkshaw/David Snell's Big Business/Wind of Change, originally released in 1973. Big Business/Wind of Change is mainly the work of the great Mansfield but there's a killer cameo each from Hawkshaw and Snell to help deliver "a thematic suite, diverse in mood, applicable to dramatic and environmental situations". The Big Business of side A is all Mansfield; it's heavy on the suspense and features the vital "Hot Property", an insistent groove that Madlib sampled it to add to Lootpack's "Long Awaited", with Dilated Peoples. "Sleeping Giant 1" is a more fleshed-out version of the equally-dazzling "Fatal Error", evoking David Axelrod. Complete with guitar fills that recall Paris, Texas-era (1985) Ry Cooder, this record is needed for this piece alone. The horn-and-flute-led "Tycoon" is a head-nodder and "Power Complex" has some fantastic percussion. On Side B is the more expansive Wind Of Change, which includes the Snell and the Hawkshaw contributions. But these ain't no filler. Snell's shuffling "International Flight" sounds like a smooth Dorothy Ashby track tossed from the heavens. Hawkshaw's "Road And Rail" is about as luxurious and strung-out as the great man gets and it might just be the highlight of this whole set. Not to be outdone, if Mansfield's "Balance Of Power" doesn't make one feel like king of the world then one must be playing it wrong. Be With has worked with the hallowed KPM to re-issue ten of our favorites from across the KPM 1000 Series and the Themes International Music catalogue, currently under KPM stewardship. Whether it's killer soul-funk, sweet jazz-samba, scuzzed-up guitars or accidental Balearic beauty, these records include some of the most innovative work from some of the most talented composers and musicians of the 20th century. These records were never readily available, being originally released as a ready-made, affordable alternative to commissioning music for television and radio. Consequentially the originals have been unobtainable for decades by all but the most dedicated collectors. The audio for all ten re-issues comes from the original analog tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. The same care has been taken with the sleeves, handing the reproduction duties over to Richard Robinson, the current custodian of KPM's brand identity. 180 gram vinyl.
