Akiko & Masayasu Tzboquchi - "Love Theme From Sparticus" (feat Mbanja Ritchy aka B-Bandj - Clear Day mix) (4:34)
Review: Tom Browne's 1980 single 'Funkin' For Jamaica' has long been something of an anthem - a hybrid funk/boogie classic that remains a staple in sets of hip-hop, disco and soul DJs alike. Given its ubiquity, covering the song is fraught with danger, but remarkably Japanese producer Akiko and guest vocalist Mbanja Richy have successfully put a new spin on it. Their take is subtly tougher and more synth-heavy, with bilingual French/English vocals, nods to Zouk music and a bassline so squelchy it could have been lifted from a P-funk record. Over on the flip, the pair go mellow, deep and laidback on a pleasingly skewed hip-hop soul cover of Terry Callier's legendary vocal interpretation of Alex North's 'Love Theme' from 'Spartacus'. Inspired stuff all told.
Review: Indonesia-based Babon was founded in 2023 by longtime friends Wahyudi T. Raupp and Rayi Raditia and craft instrumentals addressing environmental issues. Their sound fuses Melbourne's vibrant music energy with dangdut rhythms, gamelan percussion, and melodic keroncong folk styles. Here they debut on Batov Records with the wonderful 'Tropical Desert Music' which blends Indonesian traditions with Afro-Latin funk, Morricone-inspired grooves, Bollywood breaks and blues. It's the sort of sound that is perfect for fans of Khruangbin or Sababa 5. The A-side 'Desert Rose' is a spaghetti blues anthem, while the flip 'TNT' tells a miner's tragic tale through cinematic, explosive instrumentation.
Review: Powerful belters from soul supernova Baby Huey. The only solo 45s he cut for Curtom Records before he passed away aged only 26, this was released posthumously and OG copies regularly go for over 200 pounds. Now reissued on Soul Brother, the two sides give you the full fat Huey; "Hard Times" hits with a raw Lee Fields style gravelly, story-telling delivery while "Listen To Me" shows Huey's deft ability to band-lead an all-out rock jam. Raw and emotional, Huey left this world far too soon.
Review: Hamburg's Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band are as enigmatic and alluring as when they released their first single back in 2007, a tidy funk 7" that was to set the scene for a very particular sort of instrumental sound. "Jungle Fever", out on their own excellent Big Crown imprint, is a 2015 single that is truly hard not to play on repeat; the tune is a delicate yet funked-out blend of raw drums and tropical steel melodies, much like the name of the band already implies! The flipside "Tender Trap" is more broken and loose in its arrangement, something that makes it perhaps even more catchy and provocative than the title track.
Review: The always excellently go slow and tropical sounds of Big Crown now look to Bacao Rhythm and Steel Band for covers of two classics. Up first is Grace Jones' nightclub classic "My Jamaican Guy" while on the flip is Erykah Badu's tribute to the legendary J Dilla, "The Healer". Both retain the essence of the original but come with loose hand claps, shimmering steel drums that bring coastal breezes, sand and sun into the equation and leave you laying horizontal. These are fine interpretations of top notch source material.
Review: Bjorn Wagner's Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band combo recently returned from a two-year hiatus with a killer new album, "The Serpent's Mouth". It's that set - a glorious fusion of funk, soul, disco, jazz and Trinidadian steel band music - from which these two top tracks are taken from. A-side "1 Thing" is particularly glorious. As one quick listen to the clips will confirm, it's a riotous instrumental cover of the Amerie R&B classic of the same name, which replaces the singer's vocals with ear-catching steel drums. The same killer combination of flash-friend funk guitars, bustling drums and tropical steel drum sounds can also be heard on B-side "Hoopla Hoop", which also boasts some suitably fuzzy horns.
Review: Big Crown is one of our favourite labels here at HQ. The funk and soul they serve up is perfectly aged yet never overly nostalgic and this new one is another case it point. It's the latest from the Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band and features two singles take from their latest and greatest album Expansions which landed back in June. As always they bring their own unique steel drum sounds and tropical Caribbean vibes to funk music. 'Raise It Up' is a deep cut joint with big horns and rippling steel drums puddles while 'Space' is a more lumpy groove with the drums more front and centre.
Review: Bjorn Wagner's Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band have put out several fresh albums and many great 7"s on Big Crown and 'Hotline Bling' is another one. The mysterious Hamburg outfit brings their famous steel pan sound and reaches new heights here as they again cover songs that span genres and range from mega-hits to album cuts. Their own unique approach is to mix up the traditional sounds of Trinidad and Tobago with the original source material to leave you ready to dance all night long.
Review: They're best known for covering hip-hop classics in their unique, funk band plus steel pans vibe, but Germany's Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band show there are spookier arrows in their quiver when the time of year demands it. Two special halloween themed cover versions grace this 7", the first a rendition of the theme from TV show of the moment 'Stranger Things', the second their version of the title theme from the film 'Halloween', originally penned by the master soundtrack maker himself John Carpenter. Both have a slightly cheeky, quirky and rather joyful atmosphere, tending more towards the cute rather than the spooky side of all hallows, but don't let their lack of scariness put you off, they're both delightful.010920
Review: Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band is an enigmatic steel pan collective from Hamburg that has a hardcore fan following around the world and a new album on the way that is superb. They are loved for their covers of hip-hop classics and last year served up a version of the Stranger Things theme tune but this time out we get 'Love For The Sake Of Dub' of 45 rpm. It is another pair of funky tunes with the signature brass sounds front and centre as the fat bottom rhythms roll deep and fleshy. Another gem from this leftfield outfit.
Review: Coming off their latest long player Expansions on Big Crown Records which is due for release this July, the Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band returns. Using the steel pan sounds that are traditionally from Trinidad and Tabago is the draw and unique approach of the band, and Expansions will have a little bit of something for everyone, with several unique covers along with original tracks like 'Tough Victory'. Two brilliant tracks taken from the album here, with 'Dirt Off Your Shoulder' on the first side and 'I Need Somebody To Love Tonight' over on the flip.
Review: Afro 45's / Mr Bongo show no signs of stopping their tireless run of form and, 7" after 7", they just keep on producing the goods. There's yet more '70s goodness with this new little scorcher: the A-side is 1973's "Tessassategn Eko" by Bahta Gebre Hiwot, a pensive Ethiopian pop hit for all sorts of music fans to enjoy, but "Ayalqem Tedqem" by Alemayehu Eshete on the B-side is where it's at... just listen to that bass and you'll instantly recognize this wonderful little cover.
Review: Original Gravity have been carrying Curtis Baker and the Bravehearts for the past few years, slipping out a clutch of his hot and heavy blues tunes and covers. On this latest single, he's tackling the mighty 'Spoonful', originally written by Willie Dixon and first made famous by Etta James, Howlin' Wolf and eventually Cream. Baker more than does the track justice, hitting a note somewhere close to The Doors' groovy kind of psychedelia, locking in so hard it has to stretch over both sides of the 7".
Review: The third volume of this series delivers an irresistible blend of funk and 60s-inspired grooves. Side-1 kicks off with a surf-rock-infused funk jam packed with energy and retro vibes. Following that, a swinging 60s sound that combining catchy rhythms and pop sensibilities keeps the momentum going. Side-2 shifts gears a groove-heavy track led by a soulful organ that oozes vintage charm. Closing the collection, there is a gem that features smooth, funk-driven melodies, topped off by a standout sax solo and a subtle British flair. This compilation offers a vibrant mix of styles, perfect for fans of classic funk with a modern twist.
Review: Cheb Bakr's latest release reflects the rich interplay of North African tradition and modernity. Rooted in rhythmic Arabic melodies, the tracks blend warm, soulful instrumentation with a contemporary edge. The production draws from Libyan pop's energetic pulse, merging traditional sounds with subtle nods to r&b and hip-hop. This is a striking example of how regional influences can be reinterpreted for new audiences while retaining their cultural depth and vibrancy.
Baile De Mascaras (Jamz Supernova & Sam Interface edit) (5:35)
Baile De Mascaras (Jamz Supernova & Sam Interface remix) (6:12)
Review: This release is a story of serendipitous stars aligning. Having released Bala Desejo's anthemic single, 'Baile De Mascaras', back in May 2023, Mr. Bongo could sense that they had a summer classic on their hands. The label always thought that it had the potential to find fans in a dance music audience; and in a further twist of fate, the sensational DJ, producer, and radio presenter Jamz Supernova recently graced their Great Escape in-store event with a phenomenal DJ set. After some feverish digging and emailing to her team, Bongo discovered that she was a fan of the original song and had made a personal edit to play in her DJ sets. Gilles had heard Jamz spinning the edit and asked for a copy, and by sheer coincidence and good fortune, it all fell into place. The track is a beast of an edit that gets heavier and deeper as it progresses.
Bar Konon Mousso (Musicien C'est Pas Quelqu'un) (Ben Gomori N'est Pas musicien edit) (8:00)
Massa Kamba (Ben Gomori's Massabbatical edit) (9:11)
Review: This officially licensed 12" sees prolific British disco producer Ben Gomori take a scalpel to two cuts from veteran African musician Amadou Balake's 2015 album, In Conclusion. On side A you'll find a fantastic, eight-minute extension of the breezy shuffler "Bar Konon Mousso (Musicien C'est Pas Quelqu'un)", where snaking saxophone solos and sun-kissed, juju style guitars rise above a hot-stepping, bass-heavy groove. Turn to the flipside for a thrillingly epic take on "Massa Kamba", a deeper and slightly more musically intricate cut blessed with a blissful; Pat Metheny style jazz guitar breakdown, memorable chorus vocals and evocative horn lines.
Review: Melbourne's funk pioneers The Bamboos return with a fresh 7" Christmas EPian idea long held by bandleader Lance Ferguson. After their successful 'This Is How You Do It' album and sold-out Jazz Cafe shows, the group offers a festive twist with this limited-edition vinyl, complete in vibrant and custom knitted-sleeve. The A-side, 'Wrapt In A Beau,' sees Kylie Auldist delivering soulful, warm vocals in signature Bamboos style. On the B-side, 'The Bells Of Holly Hill' brings a lush, breakbeat-driven instrumental with sleigh bells, capturing the unique essence of an Australian Christmas.
Review: Bamma Gamma returns with a sizzling slab of funk in the form of 'Omelette' via Detroit's renowned Funk Night Records. This one is a digger's dream, raw, gritty instrumental funk with break-heavy drums, tight guitar licks and basslines so greasy they practically drip off the record. True to Funk Night's underground sound, Omelette is unapologetically retro and authentic and serves up irresistible dancefloor heat that feels like a lost '70s cut that has been newly rediscovered. For DJs looking to inject some analogue soul into their sets, it's a no-brainer.
Review: In 2011, Banda Achilifunk & OJO served up Gitano Real, one of the year's most essential albums. It was caned far and wide by funk lovers, in particular Craig Charles on his 6 Music show. Now, two cover versions taken from the essential album have been pressed to limited edition translucent yellow vinyl. First up, 'I Believe in Miracles' is an overwhelming take on the Jackson Sisters classic with plenty of happy Latin vibes and rumba funk rhythms. Flip it over for a more abstract version of McFadden and Whitehead's seminal 'Ain't No Stoping Us Now' which is a soulful disco number packed with sunshine.
Review: For the latest release on their on-point Brasil 45s sub-label, Mr Bongo takes a trip back to 1977, and the early days of legendary fusion outfit Banda Black Rio. Both the cuts here are taken from the band's brilliant debut album, Maria Fumaca, and see them fusing Brasilian samba and jazz sounds with the righteous, dancefloor-friendly grooves of funk and disco. "Maria Fumaca" itself is a deliciously sunny and sweaty affair, with punchy horns, eyes-closed guitar solos and jazz-funk electic piano lines rising above a carnival-ready samba-funk groove. The U.S funk influence comes to the fore more on flipside "Mr Funky Samba", which sounds like Azymuth jamming with members of the T.K Disco, Philadelphia International and Salsoul house bands. Yep, it's that good.
Miele - "Melo Do Tagarela (Rapper's Delight)" (instrumental) (4:10)
Review: Although Brazil's Banda Black Rio remain infamous for the albums that they recorded in the late 1970s, two beautiful LPs that rode that singular wave of samba-ridden jazz dance, 1980's "Miss Cheryl" is an outstanding tune, and we can hear why RCA picked it up back in the day. Mr Bongo provides us with the reissue here and, if you haven't heard it, it's an absolute delight which switches between disco, psych, and something inherently Brazilian - there's even a wacky synth in there, for good measure. Compatriot Miele appears on the flip with "Melo Do Tagarela (Rappers Delight)", a sublime slice of early, electronic boogie that sounds as fresh today as it did back at the tail end of the 70s. A devious little reissue that you should own...
Review: Banda Male was a collective that formed in a home studio in Salerno, one of the historic districts in the South Italy. It was the initiative of composer and keys man Peppe Maiellano and rapper, DJ and producer Tonico Settanta. The rest of the cast is ever rotating and the music they make is a lively mix of disco, funk and soul with signature Italo melodies. This new single is taken from their June 2021 album UFO Bar and is a low slung number with a steamy vocal and a somewhat sleazy bassline. 'Living Disco Club' (Tonico 70 Reloved) then slows it down further with even more twirling melodies.
Review: These two tracks from Mike Bandoni and Chip Wickham have been a long time coming. The two stablemates from the 'Craig Charles Fantasy Funk Band' have been discussing a collaboration for years and now; and it's finally in the bag! Mike brings his trademark killer funky drums (recorded by the legendary Malcolm Catto), percussion, Rhodes, bass and vintage guitar vibes to the party, whilst Chip delivers some sublime and highly complimentary work on sax and flute. 'Infinity Pool' sounds like a long-lost Bobbi Humphrey-meets-Bob James composition, with the flute taking centre stage - underpinned by what can only be described as mammoth funk grooves on every other instrument - while 'Get It!' is a cool number, channelling a phenomenally infectious groove and hook, both of which remain in the brain for days.
Review: Barbatuques, a well known Brazilian group of body percussionists, originally recorded "Baiana" back in 2005 - which became a staple of their concerts. It is now issued on vinyl for the first time, marking the second volume of Brasingles: a new series on Selva Discos dedicated to releasing 'loud' 12" singles. On the first side, the original is a modern folk song from Bahia composed by Maria do Carmo Barbosa, and featuring a wild mouth harp sound with a stomping Barbatuques' arrangement that imprinted its trademark sound. German producer Jan Schulte (aka Wolf Mueller/Bufiman) heard the song and decided remix it to use in his DJ sets - adding more drums to brilliant effect.
Review: Foremost contemporary funk label Peoples Potential Unlimited have another golden 12" on their hands here thanks to the work of Barnikle Freee. He is the current designer for the label, someone who hoards software and makes expert glitch funk as well as being a multi-string bassist. As ever with this label, it is lo-fi, subtle sounds and frayed edges that define the EPs lovely aesthetic, with roughshod grooves, tumbling kicks and scatter perc all making you want to cut loose and boogie. Part dream-scape, part hazy late night session, part live set, it's all good.
Review: Stevie Wonder's 'Pastime Paradise' has thus far been less recognised as an original soul wonderwork, and more so as a sample by American rapper Coolio on the derivative 'Gangster's Paradise'. Though still having been covered by many artists over the years, Major Keys records highlights this enduring 1981 cover of Wonder's 'Paradise' by Latin percussionist Ray Barretto as among their favourites, if not their absolute favourite. Now the label reissue the gem, flaunting its up-to-date, nigh timeless feel; it's the opposite of a miracle that this has never before been released on a 12" single record, despite the fact that it is a favourite on the floors of jazz and soul rooms the world over. It also flips it with Barretto's own 'La Cuna' and 'Mambotango', taken from the same 1981 LP.
Review: Dynamite Cuts is in a real purple patch right now and keeping that up for the London label is John Barelt. Here, two cuts of his previously released on the Perception label get a first ever 7" vinyl pressing. They come from his hard to find and eponymously entitled album from 1971 and are packed with classic and unknown drum samples. First up is 'Boogie', a steamy number with fantastic Rhodes chords in the background while busy guitar riffs vie for attention up front. The rhythm section flows as smooth as silk and make this a seductive number indeed. On the reverse, 'You've Just Been Bitten' is a vocal cut that teases and pleases.
Review: Major Keys revisits the jazz-funk classics with Gary Bartz's Music is My Sanctuary, now making its debut on a 12-inch. This 1977 gem, featuring the double Grammy-winning saxophonist, is an evergreen floorfiller, remastered for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts alike. With Syreeta Wright on vocals, Bill Summers and James Mtume on percussion, and arrangements by Larry Mizell, this track assembles top-tier talent. The lyrics are joyful and heartfelt, all anchored by Bartz's glorious saxophone. It's a timeless piece for both the mind and the dance floor. On Side-2, Carnaval De L'Esprit, is a lesser-known but equally brilliant jazz-funk masterpiece. Its sunny vibe lifts even the weariest spirits, cementing Major Keys as a must-have label. This record is a treasure that will be revisited time and again.
Review: An intriguing song is 'Aftershower Funk', the Latin American musician Joe Bataan's curt salsa single from 1974. Fresh, cologned, groomed, and with towel firmly wrapped round hair, Bataan's largely instrumental track is about as lightfooted as the sprightly young man he was, then at 34 years old. With heavy tin drum and cowbell clangings peppered throughout, a toe-tapping mood is sure to beset the listener. B-sider 'Fin' continues the mood, uniting percussion with piano, brass, whistle and rhythm guitar; a much fuller exercise in triumphant finality.
Review: This 2024 edition marks the return of Joe Bataan, via the same track that made his name in 2004. Vampi Soul first welcomed the Latin Soul king to the label two decades back, facilitating the release of his 2005 album Call My Name. The pre-release singles for the album were 'Chick-A-Boom' and 'Cycles Of You', packed onto a single 7"; these quickly became DJs' favourites and have thus since remained long out of print. As it was twenty years ago, 'Chick-A-Boom' is a simultaneously upbeat but ghostly track, with Bataan's vocals quadrupling up in a wall of sound while providing the vibe equivalent of a Jackie Chan flick. 'Call My Name', meanwhile, goes heavy on the clavichord and synth whistle, as Bataan revels in a funereal theme, dancing, thundersticking into the great beyond.
Review: ,Joe Bataan has been busy in East L.A. with Orquesta Rene for this new Latin jazz double 7" courtesy of Steady Beat. It features four all new pieces drenched in soul and percussion, starting with 'So Fine' (feat Big Sandy), a mid tempo groove with vocal longing and languid horns. 'Mestizo' is a more steamy and intimate piece with sung-spoken lyrics and glowing, golden chords. 'Mom & Dad' (feat Claudia Lennear) has s steamy shuffle to its rhythms and classic Latin percussive sounds next to a call and response vocal and 'Time After Time' closes with a sentimental feel.
Review: 'Funky Soul' - a 1970 single from New Orleans band David Batise & The Gladiators - rose to prominence in the 1990s thanks to its inclusion on several high-profile funk compilations, before finding further success thanks to a Breakestra cover in the early 2000s. Ahead of a new collection of unheard cuts from the southern funk band, Family Groove records has decided to reissue it. In it's A-side 'Part 1' form, the track is a killer instrumental funk workout rich in razor-sharp guitar licks, weighty bass, crunchy drum breaks and hazy horns (the arrangement of which was provided by Isaac Hayes). Arguably even more frantic and energetic is the flipside 'Part 2' take, whose call-and-response vocals were a familiar feature of the band's popular live shows.
Review: After a 14-year absence, early '90s jazz-funk and street soul label Boogie Back Records returned to action last year which a superb slab of revivalist boogie from Cheri Maree. Here the London-based imprint continues in a similar vein via a fresh two-track "45" from in-house crew BB Soul and honey-voiced vocalist Laura Jackson. A-side "Make It Out" is superb: a wholehearted musical tribute to the smooth, synth-heavy sounds of 1980s soul rich in D-Train style synth bass, wild synth squiggles, warm Rhodes chords and authentic electric guitar flourishes - all topped off with a sublime Jackson vocal. Flipside "Reach Out" is a smoother, arguably even more soulful number that sits somewhere between early '80s electrofunk, mid-80s synth-soul and simmering British street soul. It, too, is impeccably performed and produced.
Review: The BDQ duo were in the studio 25 years ago working on these tracks but never quite finished them due to life changes like marriage and kids. Recently, while revisiting old tapes, they discovered a lost tape and decided to give it another listen. They liked what they heard and after a bit of effort to transfer the tracks, they now feel the time has come for a vinyl release. Side 1 features their version of Timebox's 'Beggin'' with vocals by Sarah Orpen and Bryn Barklam laying down some killer Hammond sounds. Side 2 presents their take on the Mirettes' 'Take Me For a Little While' with more stellar vocals from Sarah.
Review: BDQ Records is the outlet for jam quintet BunnDebrettQuintet, who emerged out of 90s acid jazz titans Mother Earth. Their sound has refocused on a raw and rasping strain with a live, in-the-room electricity which comes through brilliantly on this new single with Lydia Sharpe. Taking a few cues from a Led Zeppelin classic, Sharpe strikes a fierce, sultry figure on top of the sizzling hot Hammond organ vamps and low slung rhythm section. It sounds dangerous like a niche 50s cut, but there's plenty of meat on the bones of the production, while the familiar vocal hooks will go down a storm with a busy dancefloor.
Review: Izipho Soul celebrates its 100th release with another gem. This latest 7" channels the velvety vocals of Barry Whyte, featuring Lawrence Beamen's timeless hit 'Thinking of You.' Initially recorded in 2008, the track has been eagerly awaited for a vinyl release. Finally, it's here, sounding more vibrant than ever. The 7" remix breathes new life into this classic, elevating its charm even further. On the flip side, 'Been a Long Time' brings dynamic energy straight from Oakland, California, rounding out this impressive release from Izipho Soul.
Review: Expansion Records' continues to delve into the bulging archives of Roy Ayers' influential Uno Melodic Records imprint, which issued some superb jazz-funk, soul and boogie throughout the 1980s. Here they offer a new pressing of Ethel Beatty's sought-after, Roy Ayers' produced 1981 double A-side. For some reason they've reversed the running order, with side A offering original flipside 'It's Your Love', a Dee Dee Bridgwater co-authored slow jam that's soulful, seductive and sumptuous. Over on the reverse you'll find the more celebrated ''I Know You Care', a deep disco number full of glistening guitar riffs, smooth chords and warming grooves. In a word: luscious
Review: The Bees were a product of the late 80s South African music scene. They were an unknown band even in their homeland but its hard to see why given their happy kwaito sound. Now, 30 years later, international diggers are bringing the outfit the acclaim they deserve after the band was rather forgotten because they never had a big crossover hit in their early years. Here two of their best tracks are served up by Dutch label La Casa Tropical. They're lit up with pixelated synths and retro-future vibes that European party people love to get down to. "Mamezala" is the more considered of the two, while "Never Give Up" is a strident and rousing proto-house anthem with plenty of boogie in the bass.
Review: It was Dave Godin including this lush bit of aching Louisiana deep soul on the first Deep Soul Treasures CD that renewed interest in it. Now, original copies are pricey and hard to find and last year a nice cover version was served up by Lady Blackbird. The good folk at Beat Goes Public aka BGP have decide to reissue the original. It's an impossible to ignore track laden with heartbreak. On the flip side is another bluesy soul gem in the form of 'Hummin' A Sad Song.'
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