Ground-breaking collection from The RAH Band lovingly remastered

Classics from the influential producer re-packaged for a new generation of collectors on 'The Producer's Choice'.

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Written by Rocco Universal.

This is a really special package and one we're genuinely excited to feature here. Richard Anthony Hewson – who, alongside occasional vocals from his wife Lizzy, is the sole member of The Rah Band – has been actively composing, performing, and arranging for almost 50 years. A skilled multi-instrumentalist, he's worked with legendary artists including Herbie Hancock and The Count Bassie Orchestra, and has arranged tracks for some of the biggest names in pop, not least The Beatles, Diana Ross, Carly Simon, Fleetwood Mac, and Simon & Garfunkel.

The RAH Band's sound is a dynamic fusion of disco-tinged jazz-funk, and on this release, Martin 'Atjazz' Iveson (no slouch in the studio himself, of course) has carefully selected the finest examples to present in a delightfully charismatic and delicately remastered collection on his Atjazz Record Company label. Martin said of the project, "Richard has been an inspiration to so many people and I'm overwhelmed to represent his amazing works".

It's difficult to imagine the music of contemporary producers such as Space Dimension Controller, Dam Funk, Psychic Mirrors, or Garry Gritness existing without the pioneering work of The RAH Band, alongside a handful of other fusionists of the era. The term jazz-funk doesn't quite do his sound justice – encompassing, as it does, elements of prog-rock, disco, electro, and pop. The net result is not only utterly riveting, but something that still sounds fresh, and if we’re completely honest, stands head and shoulders above much of today’s musical playing field.

The entire album is worth full attention, and as such it was difficult to choose favourites to play you. It would have been irresponsible not to include the epic, space-age explorations of 'Clouds Across The Moon', which appears here in the previously unreleased ‘Supanova mix’. The sophisticated instrumentation and arrangements which characterise The RAH Band's sound combine with tripped-out layers, somewhat sorrowful vocals, and alien synth effects. Richard strips back the track to a breakdown that bangs with raw funk flavour, before the music bursts back in with a tidal wave of power chords and uplifting vocals. Amazing work.

Next up we had to play you the heavy freak-out of 'Electric Fling', for us one of the most eccentric pieces on the record. An enormous synth lead drives the track as it rolls over a solid bass groove. Percussion enlivens the cut as it struts on purposefully, with an electric feel that's alive with prog-rock sensibilities.

Finally, we picked the cool breeze vibes of 'Float'. Shades of Brit-funk permeate here, as the playful lead synth interplays with jazz piano over a deliciously squelchy synth bass. The airy, summertime feel is interrupted as the arrangement switches to sections of dramatic chord stabs before resuming its blissful sojourn. Overflowing with the feel good flavours we all need right now.