A host of unreleased and never-before-heard Jazz standard covers by soul legend Marvin Gaye – recorded before he was murdered 40 years ago to this day – is to be released later this year in time for Christmas.

Here is an exclusive first listen of some of that music, which those who knew him best, say brings the prince of Motown back to life, if only for a moment.

The man who unearthed those tunes is Marvin Gaye’s long-time friend and collaborator Rodney Trotter, who’s producing the new album.

We ask what he found in his vaults.