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.
Fountain Of Life Joy Choir Under The Direction Of Kevin Yancy - "I'm So Happy" (Marc Davis & Sadar Bahar edit) (6:17)
Rev Charles H Nicks Presents The Baptist Assembly Of Free Spirit Mass Choir - "Optical Illusion" (Marc Davis & Sadar Bahar edit) (7:20)
Review: If you go to the sort of quality dances where you might hear old sound disco then there is a good chance you will have lost your shit to this one at some point the past. It is a disco gospel 12" curated and edited by Chicago pair Sadar Bahar and Marc Davis. First, they up the energy levels on the joyous Fountain Of Life Joy Choir Under The Direction Of Kevin Yancy tune 'I'm So Happy' which is high speed, high spirit and life-affirming goodness. Then they tweak Rev Charles H Nicks Presents The Baptist Assembly Of Free Spirit Mass Choir's 'Optical Illusion' with swirling big band energy and magnificent organ chords.
Review: Huzzah! New music from Liam Bailey, who has voiced a couple of the most gorgeous reggae, soul and dub fusion 7"s we've got in our collection in recent years. He has, we're told, recently been recording a new album and the two tunes pressed up here on Big Crown are taken from it. El Michels Affair man Leon Michels is the go-to producer once more for Bailey and they strike gold as always with 'Dance With Me'. It is a hella catchy two-stepper that harks back to the earliest days of reggae. On the flip, 'Mercy Tree' has hard-hitting drums and big horns that come with a powerhouse vocal that speaks of racial tensions that sadly persist throughout the world. It's a standup jam with a potent message.
Review: A timely revisit to two of the stand out covers on Italian jazz/lounge posterboy Andrea Balducci's 2012 album Bloom. "Spooky" is a soft, sweet and succinctly measured take on Shapiro and Middlebrooks' mid 60s standard while "Hurts So Bad" is a respectful twist on Weinstein, Harshman and Randazzo's similar era classic that was made famous by Linda Ronstadt years later.
Review: These previously unreleased tracks from Revelations member Phillip Balou were offered to Super Disco Edits by one-time British soul journalist David Nathan, who worked alongside the musician and band mate John Simmons at the tail end of the 1970s. A-side "Ain't Nothing Like The Love", a gospel inspired slice of sumptuous soul complete with jazzy guitar solos and an evocative lead vocal from Ballou, is undoubtedly the pick of the two tracks and well worth anyone's hard-earned cash. That said, deep and sugary flipside "For Real" - a thrillingly evocative slow jam full of gospel style choral backing vocals, sumptuous electric piano and sweeping, synthesized strings - is almost as good.
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: Northern Soul fans will be well familiar with Darrell Banks, who is a proper scene legend. In 1966 he put out his Iconic Revilot single 'Open The Door To Your Heart', backed with 'Our Love (Is In The Pocket).' It is one of the most played, collected and revered 45s in the whole scene and when a copy was found in 2014, it was eventually auctioned off for L14,000 and helped cement his status. He had many other gems in his catalogue including this one. 'I'm The One Who Loves You' has it all - the swirling grooves, the big horns, the lush strings and aching vocal. 'Forgive Me' sinks into a slightly deeper and more tender vibe, and makes just as much of an impact.
Review: Dave Barker of 'Double Barrel' fame is back on the mix here for the Original Gravity label. This is the second form the many in as many months and is on the faster end of the reggae tempo scale so prepare to be swept up and skanking in no time. The lo-fi 60s reggae and early ska vibes are strong on this one as the dancing Hammond organ chords compliment Barker's effortless flow. Horn stabs and drums with infectious swagger complete the a-side 'Peace of Mind'. On the flip, The Regulators offer up a nice and laidback, deep-cut dub version with 'Jamaican beat.'
Review: The ever vital Boogie Back has another pearler on its hands here. This 7" is an SOS Band influenced double header produced by Ernie McKone, with Cheri Maree on the vocals. Firstly, 'Time Waits' pairs nice analogue drum work and big, pixelated chords straight from the 80s. It's a sugar sweet tune with a buttery smooth vocal that will get those rumps wiggling. Flip it over and you will find 'Is It You', a more slow and sentimental tune with splashy chords and bendy bass. The vibe is steamy and romantic, with the sort of tempting groove that you won't be able to resist.
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: Hawaiian label Izipho Soul makes it to the not-so-small milestone of 100 releases here. This latest 7" is another pearler that channels the buttery baritone of Barry Whyte. It takes the form of Lawrence Beamen's timeless hit 'Thinking of You,' initially recorded in 2008, which has long been sought after for a vinyl release. Finally, after years of anticipation, it's here and sounding more vibrant than ever. The 7" remix injects new life into this classic, enhancing its allure even further. On the flip side is 'Been a Long Time,' a dynamic track straight from Oakland, California.
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: Some hand-stamped 7" white-gold here with Beactconducter serving up a couple of brilliant disco dazzlers for late night sessions. 'The Drag Stop' pairs some aching soft-rock vocals with tumbling congas and chunky disco drums that march on wards and upwards as the synths bring some cosmic drama. On the flip is a more retro sousing disco gem with 'Something Better' (edit). It has funky drums and piano chords dancing next to hip swinging finger clicks and some big vocals. All in all a vital pick up that offers two some dance-y disco delights.
Review: Long-serving scalpel fiend Beatconductor is in old-school mash-up mode on this tidy seven-inch single, which serves as the third release on his freshly minted GATT imprint. On 'Human Emotions' he cannily combines two classic cuts: the instrumental of Human League synth-pop classic 'Don't You Want Me' and the full female acapella from a loved-up, glassy-eyed soul/R&B gem that should be familiar to most. He does something for more revolutionary on the surprisingly brilliant 'I Can FIXX A Hole', where the acapella from a Pepper-time era Fab Four favourite rises above a tweaked, slightly dubbed-out version of a vintage, Rhodes-sporting Hall & Oates groove. It shouldn't work, but it genuinely does!
Review: Sweden's mash-up maestro Beatconductor returns with six tracks of masterfully cross-pollinated bangers on this hand-stamped white label. On tap we have edits of the likes of Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Elvis et al., indicating a worthy breadth of knowledge of both classics and non-classics - but all classily recontextualized in ways only the Beatconductor himself can manage. Set to heavyweight 12" wax on two sides, we're certain this one'll serve you well for drunken Saturday dancefloors and upmarket, warmly-lit Sundays alike.
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: Favourite France drop some absolute truth with this killer reissue of Beckie Bell's 1980 classic "Music Madness", from the album 'In Need Of...'. This is he funkiest disco you can possibly ask for, a chirpy, upbeat tune that calls for the good times. It's the sort of track that can be slapped on in just about any set, anywhere, and Bell's vocals are as infectious as the tight groove that pushes the track forwards. There are a couple of remixes, though, which bring out the best of the original and make it even more playable than before. The first one is a more beat-heavy reinterpretation from Voilaaa, while Tom Noble injects the perfect level of houseness into the equation thanks to a slamming 4/4 and some extra percussion. Perfect, and very much recommended if you've somehow slept on the original.
Review: Isle of Jura's 18th tasty 7" is from Melody Beecher who serves up a lovers rock cover of an 80s classic. 'Careless Whisper' was originally released as part of a very small run of 45rpms back in 1985. It was written by Beecher and produced by her husband Paul Beecher. The OG has been re-mastered from the original session tape here and then served up in a nice kraftboard sleeve. It is a gorgeous and fleshy cut with splashy hi hats and nice snaking leads with a more heady and fx filled dub on the flip.
Review: Back around the early 1970's, Bell Telephunk was formed around the New Jersey area. Some members moved to Cleveland, Ohio where the group performed in local bars and clubs at the time. The band disbanded early on but the name lay dormant for a few years until round the mid '70s; when Michael Calhoun and a few others decided to rejuvenate the name again. They played often at the Kinsman Grill in Cleveland where they cut their teeth. They ventured into the studio just once and record a series of six songs: crossover ghetto soul of the highest order and on their newly formed Kinsman Records label. This previously unissuedversion courtesy of Super Disco Edits.
Archie Bell & The Drells - "Where Will You Go When The Party's Over" (A Tom Moulton mix) (9:06)
People's Choice - "Jam Jam Jam (All Night Long)" (A Tom Moulton mix) (7:42)
Teddy Pendergrass - "I Don't Love You Anymore" (A Tom Moulton mix) (8:46)
Lou Rawls - "See You When I Git There" (A Tom Moulton mix) (9:39)
Review: During the latter stages of the "Philly Soul" era, New York remixer Tom Moulton delivered a string of inspired, DJ friendly reworks for the Philadelphia International label. For proof, check this fine selection of classic Moulton mixes for the storied imprint. Check first his version of Archie Bell and the Drells' "Where Will You Go When The Party's Over", which he brilliantly teases out and increases in intensity over nine spellbinding minutes. The funkier flex of People's Choice's "Jam, Jam, Jam (All Night Long)" is a sweaty, low-down treat, while the Teddy Pendergrass rework is a soaring disco classic in the Philly Soul style. Best of all, though, is the string-drenched disco celebration that is his mix of Lou Rawls' "See You When I Git There".
Review: Trained by the likes of Jimmy Bo Horne and Marvin Gaye, and eventually co-fronting The Dazz Band, Philly's Jerry Bell has plenty of rich soul heritage behind him. He released one album back in 1981 the flawless soul album Winter Love Affair, and you can certainly feel that short day wistfulness in the two tracks Expansion have picked up for this delightful 7" drop. 'Tell Me You'll Stay' is a sweet heartache anthem, with Bell's voice soaring over the funk-licked, easy-listening arrangement. 'Call On Me' is an outright ballad for when the lights turn down low, ready for the slow jam section or those quiet, cosy moments when the nights draw in.
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.'
Review: Get your hips and heart around this bit of L.A. boogie by the elusive Ben White and you cannot help but feel better. It is a highly sought-after rarity that disco collectors have been fawning over since forever. It was originally reissued as a 45 by the great Athens of the North and now comes this 7" version which was sourced from Andy Noble, who has often helped the label out before. It features two sides of exceptional modern soul and boogie that blend rhythm and grove in magical ways that are never going to age. 'I See A World' has lovely and tender falsetto vocals and 'Give Me Love (Always)' is more of a party starter.
Review: This limited release offers a rare glimpse into the genius of Jorge Ben, the father of samba rock, with two coveted tracks that any collector would jump at. One track is previously unreleased, while the other is a live performance from 1972 that was originally only available in Japan, making it a cult favourite among a select group of collectors. Featuring the legendary Trio Mocoto as his backing band, Ben's incisive guitar and signature sound shine in two extraordinary live cuts that capture the raw energy and brilliance of samba rock at its peak. Pressed on limited white vinyl, this 7" release is a treasure for anyone seeking rare gems from Brazilian music's golden age.
Review: Jonny Benavidez is the soul star we can't get enough of right now and thankfully he is back with another doozy with Cold Diamond & Mink, whose mesmeric grooves make for another sublime voyage. This new 7" is a double-sider that has tunes taken from the My Echo, Shadow and Me album and 'Do What You Wanna Do,' is a lovely dancer with buttery top lines from Benavidez, rolling grooves, backing vox and big horns embellishing it yet further. On the B-side is 'Your Last Song,' a more bluesy and downtempo sound that is packed with powerful melodies that you wont't be able to stop humming.
Review: Having played a slew of inimitable and unforgettable television comedy characters over the past decade or so, from Toast of London's Stephen Toast to Douglas Reynholm in The IT Crowd, Dixon Bainbridge in The Mighty Boosh and Todd Rivers in Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, you could be forgiven for expecting Matt Berry to use songwriting and music as another form of hilarious release. That's definitely not the case. There's plenty of release on I Gotta Limit, but this is anything other than satire. The first new music to come from Berry's 2025 album, Heard Noises, the two tracks here are pure joy, authentic and genuinely impressive on a technical level. Exchanging lines in a duet with Kitty Liv for the titular number, the vibe is part Northern Soul, part psych rock, and pretty much all completely captivating.
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (Flying Fish dub) (2:57)
Review: Here's a cover which can't fail to please a huge crowd, as Betty Black takes on Eurythmics' eternal 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)'. Black has been hitting her stride as a modern day soul diva after moving on from her accomplished roots voicing some iconic UK garage tunes, and her cover of 'Cry Me A River' is no joke either. Backed up by The Family Fortune and bringing an undeniable 60s sass to her performance, she makes the track her own. As well as the full vocal version on the A-side, the B-side has the slightly edited, dubbed out 'Work Out' version for when you want to work up a sweat.
Review: Mr Bongo take a trip back into the golden era of boogie with this choice reissue from the mighty Elite label. There were countless classics on there back in the day, but they were rarely pressed in mammoth quantities and so some have become highly prized items in the ever-ravenous second hand scene. Beverley Skeete laid down some killer singles in the early stretch of her career, and 'Warm' is one of them. Originally out in 1985 and sounding as funky as ever, it's a great opportunity to cop this jam, which comes backed with the lilting finery of 'If The Feeling Is Right', an evergreen downtempo soul jam originally put out in 1983.
Review: Frankie Beverly And The Butlers featured main man Frank alongside Jack "Sonny" Nicholson, Joe Collins, John Fitch, and Talmadge Conway. They put out 11 or so singles from 1964 to 1969, so burned bright but not for long. 'If That's What You Wanted' is one of their later singles and a damn good Northern Soul work out complete with physical drum funk and big horns as well as tambourine details. On the flip is 'Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)' which slows things down and draws out the emotional pain both with a forlorn vocal and more heavy heart drums and strings.
Review: This is a translucent vinyl yellow version (though we also have a regular black pressing) of a reissued soul treasure from 1983, penned and produced by the legendary Larry McGee. Over four decades old, it seamlessly blends disco, UK street soul, and boogie into an irresistible tune, perfect for both dance floors and romantic home listening. With lovestruck vocals, persuasive basslines, and sultry saxophone lines, "Space Lady" captivates from start to finish. Flip over this 7" vinyl, and you'll discover an extended version tailor-made for DJs, ensuring smoother deployment on the turntables. A true gem that shines bright, even after all these years.
Review: This is some much anticipated reissued soul treasure from 1983 that comes on black wax as well as yellow, which is also available on Juno. It was originally written by the legendary Larry McGee and though it is over 40 years old now it is still irresistible. This track effortlessly fuses disco, UK street soul, and boogie, creating an irresistible tune suitable for both dance floors and intimate home listening sessions. Featuring lovestruck vocals, persuasive basslines, and sultry saxophone melodies, 'Space Lady' mesmerises listeners from beginning to end. Flipping over this 7" vinyl reveals an extended version crafted specifically for DJs, guaranteeing seamless transitions on the turntables. A genuine gem that continues to shine brightly, even after the passage of time.
Review: The Outta Sight label makes a noteworthy debut here with a fine first vinyl release. This reissued 7" gives you a great idea of what to expect froths label going forwards - timeless Northern Soul classics that were there are the birth of the scene and remain a vital part of it decades later. Eddie Billups has a buttery warm voice and a big soul sound. Firstly, 'Shake Off That Dream' is a free-flowing, feel-good sound with big strings and smooth grooves. On the flip, Eddie gets more vulnerable and tender with his effective and confessional 'Try Something New.' Two superb sounds.
Review: Although little known in the UK, Sicilian singer Mario Biondi has sold huge amounts of records in his native Italy. It's not surprising, really, given the quality of his Barry White-esque deep and soulful vocal style. Here he pops up on Schema, offering up the seductive, slow dance-friendly silkiness of "Never Stop Dreaming" and the warm and groovy Philly Soul revivalism "Stay With Me". That track is given the once over by fellow Italian LTJ Xperience. Interestingly, his full vocal remix is faster, warmer and looser than his normal metronomic productions, while retaining his usual DJ-friendly grooves. His soulful house style instrumental Dub is pretty darn tasty, too.
Review: Brazilian electronics are back in vogue, and Tony Bizzaro might have just snaffled up said new wave's crown. All the way from 1976 comes 'Que Se Faz Da Vida', a strutting, suave, emotionally cool EP of only the most DJ-able and collected soul-funk. This reissue is, bizarrely, Bizarro's first ever.
Review: If you like your jazz mystical and spaced out then you're on the right page with this one. The Blackhole label returns with a sixth self-titled offering that is buy on sight. 'More Love Songs' has whimsical leads disappearing off into the cosmic ether over mic jazz-funk drums with some breezy vocals finishing it in style. 'Searching The Circle' then take off on another carefree and breezy groove with far-sighted melodies and gorgeous vocal harmonies that melt you to your core. Beautiful stuff.
Review: Black Sugar were a Peruvian Latin funk band who formed in the late 1960s but unfortunately disbanded in 1975, leaving a wealth of musical trace magic behind. One such collection of vestiges now comes in the form of 'Baila', an EP comprising four tracks that were first released as singles between 1971 and 1974, and which takes its namesake from the band's greatest hit. The titular opener lays bare their blitzing blend of Latin funk via brass bellowings and organ solos, while the likes of 'Checan' and 'Too Late' deal in black-market flutes and loose-wristed percussion breaks, perfect for sunning by the shore, or wining in a winding, cobbled street somewhere in the Mediterranean.
Review: A new single release from the amazing Betty Black, following her first two releases 'Cry Me A River' and 'Sweet Dreams', both also available on Skyline Recordings. Whereas the first two releases were covers, the label now delivers a wholly original slice of Betty material, 'Lonely Man'. This single-sided soul stomper is a veritable wall of sound, in which Black sings of emotional miserliness, rainy days, bleeding hearts and missed opportunities against a lively backing, making for a sure-to-be hit.
Review: Betty Black's 'Gypsy Heart' is a sassy, driving dancer, brimming with flair and powerful vocals. The track marries Rhythm and Blues under the watchful eyes of Gospel and African-American Spirituals. It's mystical and cinematic, yet gutsy and funky - a true Roots Revival Soul with a sophisticated twist, perfect for the dance floor. On the flip side, 'Sweet Beautiful Lies' blurs the lines between Motown, Latin Soul, and Funk. Betty is surrounded by a Phil Spector-inspired wall of sound, delivering a 60s aura as she recounts a young woman's encounter with a smooth-talking man. Backing vocals echo the timeless theme with a modern touch. The track boasts fat backbeat drums, roaring bass, a full Latin percussion section, and horns, all crammed into the studio to accompany Betty.
Review: A vault of formerly unreleased Don Blackman material recently surfaced via the Chicago DJ/producer/digger Marc Davis, who in recent years struck up a relationship with the children of the mysterious New York pianist and songwriter. Now this wealth of jams finally gets released: 40 years' worth of unheard Blackman - cassettes, CDs, discs, reel-to-reels, paperwork, even VHS tapes - inevitably once more reignites the obsessive fan interest in his music, which sprang from its already-mystical cult status in the rare funk and soul-digging world.
Review: .5 Borough Breaks are back with another essential slice of 90s hip-hop nostalgia. Their latest 7" revives a 1995 Hot 97 favourite-a gritty, golden-era banger that once ruled the NYC airwaves. Handily pressed for both DJs and collectors, Blahzay Blahzay's 'Danger' captures the raw energy of East Coast rap at its peak. As always with this label, the flip side features the original sample source: a soulful gem 'Rockin Chair' from recently departed legend Gwen McCrae whose legacy shaped generations of soul fans and hip-hop heads. As such, this 7" combines deep digging with authentic hip-hop flair and pays tribute to both the beatmakers and the soul pioneers who inspired them. Essential wax.
Review: Cicero 'Corey' Blake was a big name on the Chicago soul scene of the 60s. He himself actually hailed from Jackson, Mississippi and became most well known for the superb reissue 7" presented here. It was recorded in 1975 having been written by Phillip Mitchell and in the years since has become a real modern soul room classic that never fails to detonate any crowd all over the world. It will cost you upwards of a money for an original copy if you can find one and here it is pressed up with the original Sam Dees tune 'Your Love Is Like A Boomerang' on the flip. Essential soul for real heads.
Review: Matasuna Records, based in Berlin, kick off their 2025 with a ladling of fresh soul soma food, this time by Barca's finest one-girl band The Blaxound (Marta Roman), in collaboration with singer John Vermont. Building on irreverent, vintage 60s pop from Spain, whose sound is categorically fiendish to replicate, the two artists have nonetheless managed a close hewing here. 'No Es Por Ti' showcases Vermont's throaty singing, lyrically playing out the eternally relatable breakup trope of "it's not you, it's me." Then 'Qu Ms Te Da?' follows with an affectingly syncopal rhythm, with a tightened snare played only on the 4, heightening the erotic tensity of the scene, driven by shuffling hats alone, whilst the artists' respective cools are kept.
Synthetic Substitution (Just Blaze take 6 Master mix) (3:49)
Review: Originally released in 1973 by New York-born soul singer Melvin Bliss, 'Synthetic Substitution' was never meant to change music. A B-side to his single 'Reward', it quietly slipped out on Sunburst Records i and then, years later, exploded. With 'Funky Drummer' sticksman Bernard Purdie's drums at its core, it became one of the most sampled tracks in hip-hop history, forming the rhythmic backbone of cuts by De La Soul, Mobb Deep, LL Cool J, Justin Bieber and hundreds more. This new release gives the track its due, with a sharp remaster and a respectful rework from Just Blaze. The original still hits hard i a slinky, minimal soul groove with impeccable swing and eerie vocal calm. On the flip, the 'Just Blaze Take 6 Master Mix' lifts that legendary break into widescreen, looping and layering it with warmth and flair. It's not flashy, just smart i honouring the DNA while letting it breathe. It's a fresh pressing of a foundational beat, and a timely reminder of how deep hip-hop's roots run. Whether you're crate-digging or just craving drums with history, this is as vital as it gets.
Review: Bloco & Soul Essentials are back with their smooth, feel-good vibes with their 7" There For You. Side-1 features the title track, a joyful slice of soul with a fantastic horn section and classy vocals. It captures a warm, 70s mood with smooth strings and an overall laid-back groove that's perfect for fans of classic soul sounds. On Side-2, 'Shady Lady' offers a slower, funkier groove. The track's funky bassline and gentle piano keys create a relaxed, sultry atmosphere, while the rich blend of guitar and smooth vocals tie everything together beautifully. There For You is an essential pick for anyone who enjoys soul music with a touch of Japanese funk and jazz influences, delivering timeless grooves with a modern edge.
Review: Rhythm's Got Soul is a sonic trip back to the fever-pitched disco era, where Asabi Goodman's powerhouse vocals and Geoff Boardman's dynamic production converge to create an electrifying dancefloor experience. Bursting through the stratosphere with all frequencies blazing, the track treats listeners to pitched horns, filtered drums, and sultry vocals, reinforced by Andrew 'Bigfoot' Leslie's everlasting bass. Momentum builds with Dave VHS's rhythm guitar and vamp keys, accompanied by hectic percussion, culminating in a groove that's both syncopated and loose, thanks to the MPC4000 sample treatment by The Soulicitors. On the flip side, 'Rhythm's Hot' (Afro Instrumental) takes listeners on an Afrocentric trip, with a relentlessly persuasive percussion groove reminiscent of Midnight Marauders chords. Well-timed transitions spread smooth like butter, weaving elements like A Taste Of Honey basslines into an instrumental strut that builds to a disco-fever crescendo. It's a monster cut that keeps the energy high and the dancefloor moving. Asabi Goodman's vocal versatility, effortlessly shifting from sweet and soulful to commanding and powerful, adds depth and emotion to each track, while Geoff Boardman's production shines through, blending samples and live instrumentation into a resonating dynamic disco experience. 'Rhythm's Got Soul' is a standout collaboration that begs to be checked out.
Review: 'Rhythm's Got Soul' is the highly anticipated collab record between singer-songwriter Asabi Goodman and producer/arranger Geoff Boardman aka. Blunted Stylus. A testament to the enduring efficacy the mixture of belter vocals and powerhouse production, 'Rhythm's Got Soul (Lose Control)' and its contrapuntal 'Afro Instrumental' make for raunchy, impudent soul-dance divinations, with booming kicks n' claps, felt-out breaks, and longing harmonies making up their effusive bulk. The B is particularly great, making use of spare components and one-off vocal injunctions to "come and dance with me."
Review: A bold fusion of Afrobeat, funk and jazz on the debut LP from Blvck Spvde & The Cosmos, marking an exciting addition to Mello Music Group's catalogue. The album is steeped in legacy, with powerful rhythms and expansive arrangements, with tracks like 'Doom' revealing an intense, layered sound, while 'What You Won't Do' reinterprets a classic with introspective depth. All in all, there's a balance of forward-thinking jazz with hints of raw, soulful energy as the ten-piece ensemble capture the feel of St. Louis' live scene and a spirit that's truly timeless.
Review: For the first time on green vinyl, cinematic funk and r&b singer Boz Scaggs gives us the Lowdown. One of the breakthrough hits from his 1976 album Silk Degrees, Scaggs' stylised, night-flighty sound is put on full blast here. Co-written by Scaggs and keyboardist David Paich (Toto), the record's unburdened and frolicking feel acts to disguise its subject matter: Scaggs' intention is double-sided, with the lyrics warning the listener about an unreliable, buttery figure, whose romantic trickery warrants an urgent briefing (hence "lowdown"). A twist arrives at the point of the chorus, when we realise that said bullshit artist might just be Boz himself. Well, we can't quite believe it. Are all us romantics loving a lie, to some extent?
Review: We have always got time for new heat from Big Crown and that's just what we have here from Brainstory. This trio of artists take cues from the label's co-owner Leon Michels and his work interpreting the Wu-Tang but with this own energy. They dropped a first EP back in 2014 and since then have looked to jazz, hip-hop old and new, soul and cinematic opulence for their inspiration. This new 7" comes as the outfit is finishing off its second full length and is a fine taster of what to expect with a show stopping two-sider that will soon find its way into you heart.
Review: Bread & Souls is an ensemble of musicians, singers, DJs, producers and, most of all, long term friends: a globally-spread family re-gathered by Franco Fusari - entrepreneur, music lover and dreamer. 'Find The Beauty' is the project's 7" preview track (preceding the full project), featuring Detroit-based Paul Randolph on vocals, Tommaso Cappellato on drums, Marcus Machado on guitar and Taku Hirano on percussion, all directed by eclectic project leader and producer Mark de Clive-Lowe, the pianist and true electronic-jazz pioneer. A remarkably well-rounded disco-jazzdance sprawler full of glitzing swing and synthetic ornaments, there's something in 'Find The Beauty' for all the family.
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