Back catalogue: Funk

Review: New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee Bette Smith returns with her third album, Goodthing, which blends soul, gospel, and rock & roll. Produced by Grammy winner Jimmy Hogarth, the album features anthemic soul rock sounds driven by Smith's raspy, soulful vocals and rather reminiscent of the late great Tina Turner, as well as Aretha Franklin and Etta James. Influenced by her childhood in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, Smith merges street-corner soul with the gospel music her mother loved. Building on the success of her previous albums, Jetlagger and The Good, The Bad, and The Bette, this new work again showcases her powerful range and solidifies her as a dynamic and ever-rising soul artist.

Review: International Anthem has become one of the contemporary jazz scenes most crucial labels. It deals in the most cutting edge sounds in the genre as well as offering up fantastic fusions with sounds from the world's hip-hop, R&B and broken beat. Here they look to Charles Stepney for an album that he recorded back in the 1960s in his Chicago basement. He played all the instruments himself and across four sides of vinyl he serves up his so-called and signature "baroque soul" sound with widescreen arrangements, innocent melodies and curious rhythms.

Review: Sylvester's Live At The Opera House is a monumental release capturing a pivotal moment in his career, celebrated with unrivalled splendour. Recorded in 1979 at San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House, this first-ever complete release of the concert showcases Sylvester's commanding stage presence and profound musicality. Backed by a 26-piece orchestra, the performance unfolds over 13 unedited tracks, including the mid-show ceremony where he received the key to San Francisco, a poignant tribute during a tumultuous time for the city's LGBTQ+ community. From the electrifying opener to his iconic hits like 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' and 'Dance (Disco Heat),' Sylvester delivers a transcendent blend of disco, soul, and pop, amplified by the impassioned vocals of Martha Wash and Izora Rhodes Armstead, known as Two Tons o' Fun. The setlist spans from soulful ballads to exhilarating dance anthems, each moment infused with Sylvester's signature blend of glamour and vulnerability. Joshua Gamson's liner notes enrich the experience, offering historical context and personal insights into Sylvester's legacy. Whether revisiting classics or discovering unreleased gems, Live At The Opera House is glimpse into Sylvester's enduring artistry and cultural significance, marking a definitive chapter in the history of disco and LGBTQ+ music.