Jorge Ben - "Take It Easy My Brother Charles" (2:38)
Review: Anyone who has heard DJ Marky do one of his "non D&B" sets will know that his love of funk, soul, disco and boogie is real, while there's far more classic Brazilian music in his record collection than some may expect. It makes sense then that he's been asked to provide the follow-up to DJ Format's Brazil 45s box set and pick some vintage carnival-ready gems of his own from Mr Bongo's bulging vaults. There are naturally some stone-cold classics present - see Jorge Ben's floor-slayer 'Take it Easy My Brother Charles' and the boogie-era smoothness of Robson Jorge and Lincoln Olivetta's 'Eva' - but also plenty of lesser-known samba and MPB gems stretched across the five "45s".
Review: The Fania label dives into Latin and Brazilian funk and jazz here on a special one-sided 7" that offers up Bobby Valentin's dancefloor classic 'Use It Before You Lose It.' This low-key cult classic has become hard to find at an affordable price and is a real favourite with those who know. It is three superb sweet minutes of busy and percussive funk rawness with shuffling samba undertones. The guttural vocals are impossible to genre and the jazzy keys are the icing on a fruity cake.
Review: A year after dropping his acclaimed album 'Billy Valentine And The Universal Truth' with Flying Dutchman and Acid Jazz Records, Billy unveils a fresh take on a soul classic. Recorded at LA's prestigious Henson Recording Studio, alongside producer Bob Thiele Jr. and a stellar band including Larry Goldings, Pino Paladino, Jeff Parker, James Gadson, and John Philip Shenale, he introduces three new tracks. His rendition of Gil Scott-Heron's 'Lady Day & John Coltrane', debuted on Gilles Peterson's BBC6Music, mesmerising live audiences. This special edition 7" includes a unique edit of 'Home Is Where The Hatred Is', not previously available on vinyl.
Review: Two sides of 50s exotica as this third release on Jazzman's Popcorn reissue label showcases the wider reaches of the beguiling Belgian popcorn sound. "On A Tropical Island" is a seductive number, with singer Anna Valentino sounding very much the alluring siren as she recounts a passionate love affair on a faraway island. On the flip bandleader and croon-cat Ray McKinley's 1949 rendition of the song "Similau" - which only ever came out on a 78rpm previously - appears. Only 500 pressed so don't sleep!
Review: This EP first appeared in Brazilian stores way back in 1967, just as Marcos Valle was becoming an international singing sensation. Original copies are near impossible to find this side of Rio de Janeiro, hence high second-hand prices and the appearance of this timely reissue. The title track kicks things off via Valle's breezy vocal and a jaunty, hybrid samba/bossa-nova groove, before the Brazilian great opens his heart on the string-laden, easy listening beauty of "O Amar E Chana". There's more of a big band jazz feel to the sweet samba shuffle of "E Preciso Cantar", while horn-heavy closer "Batacuda Surgiu" has the feel of a carnival-ready dancefloor anthem in Valle's traditionally summery, easy-going style.
Review: Two premium Latin funk documents on one limited 45, Mr Bongo deliver once again: Marcos Valle needs no introduction to Brazilian music enthusiasts. "Mentira" is a self-cover as Valle takes his 69 classic "Mentira Carioca" and develops the dynamic with a vocal style that's highly reminiscent of Donovan. Flip for Toni Tornado's Black Rio anthem "Me Libertei". Fusing sleazy rock n roll with jazzy Latin soul, madly this is the first time it's ever graced a 45!
Dance Yourself Free (feat Emilie Boyd & Harry Weir) (6:15)
Anthropology (feat Nadia Carveth & Chris Greive) (6:57)
Procrastination (feat Nikki Foster & Harry Weir) (7:06)
Broken Biscuits (feat Nadya Albertsson) (6:18)
Review: Glasgow-based musician, producer, DJ and curator Rebecca Vasmant makes her first appearance on the Tru Thoughts label here. It is a special Record Store Day Release that blends live music chops and electronic production as well as the artists passion for jazz and broken beat. It is a fine follow up to her revered debut album 'With Love, From Glasgow'. 'Dance Yourself Free' is a big, vibrant tune with standout horn work and restless drum energy and 'Anthropology' (feat Nadia Carveth & Chris Greive) is more smooth and late night in its design. The flip side offers the expressive 'Procrastination' and super sweet shuffler 'Broken Biscuits.'
Review: Bradley Zero's mighty Rhythm Section International has been at the heart fo a new wave of intersectional jazz sounds for a few years now. Back in 2014 the Uk jazz fusionist Els Trio played their part n that with this Yellow Ochre Ep which sold out and led to soul out shows round Europe. Now they have a new album on the way for next year so RSI reissue this early work with a new breakbeat remix of Yellow Ochre Pt. 1 from Footshooter. It's a great reminder of the band's skills as well as a fine teaser for what is to come next year with the full length.
Review: Featuring 11 new compositions from Arthur Verocai with guest musicians, 'Encore' is the highly anticipated follow up to his eponymous debut album from 1972. It sees Verocai take his over 35 years experience in music to create a new classic of Brazilian music that takes in American soul and cinematic experimentation. The single 'Bis' is taken from the album and features Jose Roberto Bertrami aka Azymuth on keys, plus a 17 piece string section and eight horns.
Review: Originally out in 1970 on his own self-titled album, Arthur Verocai's "Sylvia" is a peach of a song, one of those sweet and bubbly percussive tunes that blur the lines between modern civilization and the jungle. The Brazilian composer's music has been heavily sought-after in its original format, and Mr Bongo delivers here in fine style with another killer from the LP, "Na Boco Do Sol". Fans of Marcos Valle will appreciate this one for the slow magnetic waves permeating from just about every angle on the record.
Review: The debut release from the freshly-minted Discodelic label offers up two exceedingly rare - and rather fine - "funky Latin" cover versions from the glory years of hallucinatory funk and soul. Side A sports Via Libre's flash-fried samba-funk cover of Marcos Valle's "Chi Chi Mentira", a heady re-imagination rich in Hammond organ stabs, undulating Latin percussion, groovy bass and a percussive middle section just tailor-made for DJs who like doubling up breaks. Over on the fiip you'll find something even heavier: Grupo Amigos' celebratory, organ-heavy funk-rock take on Trio Ternura's "La Gir Del Diablo", a song that was later famously turned into an international hit by Astrud Gilberto as "Black Magic (A Gira)".
Review: Following the debut album Blackism earlier this year, Acid jazz / Wag club fusioneer Lascelle Lascelles continues to build on his latest explorative endeavour; Vibration Black Finger, a band driven by the ideals of post punk and spiritual jazz. Instantly plugging us in with the raffish loose-limbed electroid funk of "Get Up And Do It", Lascelles then blindsides us with a rainbow of elements ranging from the deep emotional soul of Maggie Nicols on "Got To Believe" and one of the most spiritual takes on "Amazing Grace" we've ever heard. Awash with the smoky sax, shimmering Rhodes and delicate horn work, the vibrations run deeper than ever.
Review: Funk Night Records goes global again here with a new double-sider from Russia's The Vicious Seeds. They offer up two gems with different vibes on this 7". The first is 'Cruel Fist ', a perfect bit of busy and dense instrumental funk for some steamy dance floor business. On the flip is 'Cold Pressed Venom' which is a more slow-moving and psyched-out sound for late night hours. This is often the approach this outfit takes on this label and like all previous times, it works a treat once more here.
Review: Russian outfit The Vicious Seeds are back on their regular home label of Funk Night with yet another of their delightful little 7"s. As always they use each side to offer up slightly different vibes for different settings. First up is the deep-cut instrumental funk of 'Ace Of Haze' with its wah-wah guitars and psyched-out stoner vibes all seducing you into a meditative state of mind. 'Nature Identical Pleasure' then slows it down further with more libidinous vibes, prominent melodies snaking their bay through the dusty drums and grooves that move your soul.
Review: Spasibo Records present a fresh 7" by the Vicious Seeds, hailing from St. Petersburg. With vibraphonist Pavel Chizhik taking centre stage (Chizhik isn't usually a member of the band), 'Village Hassle' makes for a cleverly collaborative rare groove and instrumental reggae-soul release. The titular A-side flaunts Chizhik's vibraphone via the mix alone, fleshing out its low-end elements against a driven instrumental backbeat; 'Monthly Rainfall', meanwhile, goes for all-out slow-jammed soul by way of cross-sticked snares and offbeat chord plucks run through short-release springs.
Review: Mr. Bongo's Brazil.45 continues with a repress of two highly sought-after tracks from earlier in the series, this time from Noriel Vilela and Juca Chaves. On the A-side, Vilela's 1971 cover of Tennessee Ernie Ford's '16 Tons' transforms the classic American folk song into a smooth, samba-infused groove. Vilela's version reimagines the track which was originally released on Copacabana Records, with a deep rhythmic flair. On the B-side, Juca Chaves' 'Take Me Back To Piaui' from 1970 featured on his 1972 album Muito Vivo delivers lush orchestration, velvety vocals and vibrant cuica tones. It's pure escapist bliss.
Review: Hands up all of those who thought Basement Jaxx's Simon Ratcliffe would end up making slowly unfurling spiritual jazz with famed London improvisers Binker Golding (saxophone) and Moses Boyd (drums)? Us neither. To give Ratcliffe credit, this debut single from his new jazz-wise project is simply stunning. Golding's wild sax solos and Boyd's brilliant drumming catch the ear and provide an air of authenticity, but it's Ratcliffe's contributions - drowsy sunrise electronics and meditative synthesizer motifs on A-side "Village Of The Sun", sparkling piano motifs on "Ted" and warm bass on both - that tie everything together and ensure that both tracks are worth far more than the sum of their parts. A surprise, yes, but the results are both thrilling and spellbinding.
Review: Germany's self-proclaimed tiniest but funkiest record label Tramp has pulled another one out of the bag here with Vince Mance Trio's 'Bog Boy.' The title track on the a-side of this reissued 45 is a lush jazz dancer with instrumentals that make the heart soar and grooves that are seductive and well-swung. 'Cast Your Fate To The Wind' is a similarly smart and lush mix of soul, jazz and library music that oozes class and style. Both of these are going to liven up any set.
Review: Spasibo Records introduces a new 7" vinyl by St. Petersburg outfit the Vicious Seeds, this time on yellow and green wax. In an unconventional move, vibraphonist Pavel Chizhik takes the spotlight and the result is that he truly enhances the band's signature sound. 'Village Hassle' offers a unique blend of rare groove and instrumental reggae-soul - the A-side highlights Chizhik's vibraphone prowess, intertwining it with a dynamic instrumental backbeat. On the flip side, 'Monthly Rainfall' delves into a soulful journey, characterized by cross-sticked snares and offbeat chord plucks which create an atmosphere reminiscent of slow-jammed soul with a contemporary twist.
Review: First launched way back in the early 2000s, 4 Hero man Marc Mac's Visioneers project - which also features extensive contributions from fellow producer Luke Parkhouse - has tended to be a vehicle for his love of jazz and hip-hop. This two-track seven-inch single is a little different though. Title track 'Red Cactus', for example, sounds like an all-live mixture of heavy funk, the Chemical Brothers' sample-rich 'Block Rockin' Beats' and the kind of library funk that once appeared on the soundtracks of obscure spaghetti westerns. Flipside 'Issmak' is, if anything, even funkier and heavier - a kind of Blaxploitation-late 60s spy movie soundtrack mash-up full to bursting with heavy drum breaks, heavier bass and flanged guitar licks aplenty.
Review: Voxatone (a.k.a. Markey Funk and Shay Landa) serve up this final release of the year for the Delights label here. It is funk music made from racks of vintage synth gear and with both eyes set firmly on the more psychedelic end of the cosmic scale. First up is 'Figure I.108' which is beautifully evocative synth-led psych-funk and then comes a funk chase through outer space on 'Figure III.122.' Both tunes are absolute winners which really take your mind and imagination into interplanetary new worlds.
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