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.
James Brown - "Funky Men" (Dimitri From Paris Special version) (6:13)
The JB's - "Just Wanna Make You Dance" (feat Maxxi - Dimitri From Paris Special version) (6:48)
Review: Dimitri From Paris returns with a fresh installment of his celebrated DFP Vaults series, highlighting deep cuts that reinforce his status as a top-tier remixer, DJ, and a true connoisseur of dance music's hidden gems. This release holds particular significance for Dimitri, as it pays homage to the legendary James Brown, a figure whose influence in music is beyond measure. The release features Dimitri's 'Special Version' of 'Funky Men,' a track from James Brown's Soul Syndrome. Originally overlooked by Dimitri in 1981, it now shines with a unique disco beat that he's reimagined using both vintage and modern editing techniques. The track has already proven its power on the dance floor. On the flip side, Dimitri revisits 'Just Wanna Make You Dance' by The J.B.'s, featuring Maxxi. This rare disco track, with its Caribbean flair, gets Dimitri's expert touch, enhancing its dancefloor appeal. DFP Vaults, the sister label to Le-Edits Records, presents this release with meticulous attention to detail, featuring state-of-the-art mastering and vintage-inspired packaging.
Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity - "Jeannine" (2:12)
Brian Auger & The Trinity - "In & Out" (2:59)
Review: BDQ's next limited 7" is a superb three-way collab between Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity. Their long-lost version of classic dancer 'Jeannine' is powered by wandering basslines and swinging Hammond Organ chords that bring warmth to the free-flowing jazz vocals up top. It has never before been on 45rpm and has been all but unknown for the last 50 years but was recently rediscovered while the label head was looking for something else for the recent 'Auger Incorporated' compilation on Soul Bank Music. On the flip is a mod jazz dancer who is just as hip and ready to make an impact.
Review: Discodelic and Groovie Records unveil a pair of rare 1970s Panamanian gems here with forgotten tracks from The Meditators, and Los Misticos. Originally recorded for radio and left in storage, these Latin psych funk bombs capture the underground spirit of Panama's vibrant music scene from more than 50 years ago. Licensed through Tamayo Records, these songs have been beautifully mastered and now the long-lost recordings, which barely made it to vinyl the first time around, become available for all who are keen to drop the heat and learn about Panama's hidden musical treasures at the same time.
Grab The Moment (instrumental Fonkymoog version) (5:21)
Review: Tracey Hamlin's voice brings a richness and vitality to this collaboration with MasterFonk, riding atop an arrangement that radiates warmth and precision. Layers of rhythmic guitar, bold brass flourishes, and a commanding bassline work together to create a dynamic yet effortless groove. The instrumental cut offers a different perspective, stripping away vocals to highlight the interplay between melody and rhythm. It's a track that bridges the past and present of funk and disco, showcasing both genres' enduring power to move bodies and lift spirits.
Review: Tower Vinyl is very quickly becoming one of our favourite labels. its current run of releases is absolutely top notch and focuses on vintage soul sounds from across a wide spectrum. This latest 7" as part of the Free Soul series comes from Odessey whose 'Battened Ships' has big brass, funky drums and lots of killer guitar lines and rich bass, all topped with heartfelt vocals. The wonderful Terry Callier and is unique ones then bring jazz and soul stylings to the bouncy 'Ordinary Joe' on the flip.
Review: From the grave, Prince is serving up a banger just in time for Christmas fun this year in the form of a one-sided 12" on Warner. It found him working with his trusty New Power Generation and features the 'damn near 10 min' mix of the song 'Gett Off' which is sure to fire up any dancefloor. It was originally a single - also served up as a one-sider - to promote Prince's new band with a cover that boldly declared that "Nothing can stop Prince and the New Power Generation" and was only issued on 1500 copies, so this is a great treat for fans to own all these years later.
Review: TC.KYLIE x The Hourglass deliver a dynamic jazz fusion outing here that mixes up Hong Kong, Japanese, and British cultures in a top debut album. Jazz fusion pianist Kylie leads her band with great energy while playing keyboard and synth keytar that is a little reminiscent of Japanese jazz rock. Based in Hong Kong and London, she's inspired by Shaun Martin, Robert Glasper and Japanese acid jazz groups like Fox Capture Plan and Jabberloop and that shows in these sounds. They are bright, happy and uplifting with the majestic flute leads of 'Merry-go-round Of Life ' impossible not to fill you with excitement and joy.
You Got What It Takes (The Reflex Revision) (10:02)
You Got What It Takes (12" mix) (9:32)
You Got What It Takes (instrumental) (7:43)
Review: Bobby Thurston's 'You Got What It Takes' is a soaring, spiralling disco classic whose , squelchy synth-bass and highly addictive horn refrains are not only instantly familiar, but also never fail to raise the temperature out on the dancefloor. This coloured vinyl reissue, released as part of Unidisc's ongoing 40th anniversary series, offers up both the original 12" mixes (vocal and instrumental), as well as a fresh, stretched-out rework from re-edit master the Reflex that's worth the admission price on its own. He naturally makes the most of the original's key elements, building up the groove before unleashing Thurston's vocals, the celebratory horn riffs and - most pleasingly - the track's spacey, life-affirming synth solo.
Review: Owhaaou features four cuts taken from the incredibly hard-to-find and obscure Metamorphose album that was released back in 1984 by this legendary Benin soul star. He blends rare Afrofunk with digital soul as evidenced by the recent reissue of Dans le Tchink System. Now this label celebrates his work once more with this futuristic and expansive new record which was recorded on 24 analogue track channels with skilled backing musicians such as Hilaire Penda on bass, Poly Rythmo de Cotonou's Daniel Bentho and more. The title track is a big disco party starter then there are more sombre moods on 'Magnifiec' and a silky edit of 'Zemidjan' before 'Mi Tchinker' gets that booty shaking.
Review: Hitomi Toyama's 'Sweet Soul Music' originally made it to wax last year, when the track appeared as part of a rare Japanese funk compilation curated by the sound's brightest stars, Wamono. Now, though, it gets a proper release on 7", and is backended by the sultry B-side 'Wanna Kiss', which sounds pitched up and chirpy in its shrill alto vocals, which assure us we're held. The A, meanwhile, is as horny (in both senses of the word) as ever, quite obviously singing the praises of "sweet soul music... I love you!"
Review: 17 albums deep and Lee Fields still has something to say. Arm in arm with longstanding band The Expressions, the troupe dig deep an impeccable roll of soul: The soft harmonies and yearning horns of "I'm Coming Home", the light electronic elements on the rhythm of the hazy, laidback torch song "Never Be Another You", the swooning blues of "Let Him In", the almost highlife sparkle to the guitars on "Where Is The Love"... Each of the ten tracks hits with a freshness, energy and realness that few - if any - 70s troubled troubadours could muster. Essential.
Review: Ernie Hawks is the occasional artistic alias of virtuoso flautist and trombonist Erno Haukkala, a Helsinki-based musician best known for his membership of long-serving Finnish funk combo the Soul Investigators. Fittingly, his debut solo album was produced in cahoots with the long-running band. Throughout, his band-mates provide brilliant backing for his languid trombone solos, jaunty flute lines and - on rare occasions - wild harmonica playing. It's a very enjoyable and impressive set, all told, with Haukkala's compositions variously drawing influence from classic soul, Cymande, Ennio Morricone's "Spaghetti Western" soundtracks and the higher quality end of the library music spectrum. Naturally, it's all brilliantly played and produced, with an emphasis on gentle mood enhancement.
Review: Is there a more genuinely eclectic producer than Kalbata operating right now? We certainly can't think of one. Over the last decade and a half he's turned his hand to everything from dub, techno, dubstep and electro to Balearic beats, downtempo grooves and inspired musical fusions that simply cannot be categorized. His latest excursion - made in cahoots with five-piece Israeli band Tigris -falls into the latter category, offering up a brilliant blend of African and Caribbean rhythms, Turkish psych-funk organ solos, off-kilter electronics, wavy ambient chords and glistening guitars. It's hard to accurately describe but brilliantly produced and hugely entertaining. Don't sleep on this one!
Review: Few sounds transcend time like Afrobeat, and few artists defined it as profoundly as Tony Allen who has long been the genre's legendary heartbeat. In 2011, Allen recorded a masterful rhythmic session for Comet Records' Afrobeat Makers Series where his drumming, unconstrained and deeply expressive, speaks a universal truth through its unique cadence. On this album, La BOA-La Bogota Orquesta Afrobeat-engages Allen's legacy in a remarkable dialogue led by Daniel Michel. The Colombian band blends Afrobeat's essence with their unique rhythms and merges Caribbean beats, Pacific grooves and Andean influences into a fittingly lively tribute and a seamless cultural exchange where Bogota meets Lagos.
The Georgia Prophets - "Don't You Think It's Time" (2:13)
Frankie Newsome - "Tauting Love" (3:54)
Cashmeres - "Finally Waking Up (Bashful Man)" (2:31)
Tiny Tim Harris - "Don’t Say" (2:46)
Lenny McDaniel & The New Era - "Something Out Of Nothing" (2:32)
Lee Bates & Point Of View - "I’m Superman" (2:28)
Thomas East - "Follow The Rainbow" (3:27)
Benny Spellman - "This Is For You My Love" (2:18)
The Bobettes - "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" (2:30)
The Sonatas - "Going On Down The Road" (2:36)
Review: Levanna, the celebrated "Northern Soul Girl," shines in her new 'rare soul' series from the Charly vaults. As an influencer, dancer, promoter and DJ, she brings her energetic personality and deep love for Northern Soul to this LP compilation. Gathering her rare grooves in one record, this release is a DJ's delight, eliminating the need for extensive crate digging. Levanna's dedication and passion for Northern Soul music have earned her widespread respect and press acclaim. This collection captures her vibrant spirit and showcases some of the finest, hard-to-find tracks, making it an essential addition for any Northern Soul enthusiast.
Review: Jazz doesn't come much more wildy expressive, idiosyncratic, off the cuff, challenging and dense that this album from 1977. The Human Arts Ensemble came together in 1970 in St. Louis adn was a loose collective that associated themselves with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and the Black Artists' Group (BAG) collective. They had no rues and no restrictions on who could play and it shows as different instrments shoulder their way to the front and vie for attention, from the drums to the keys, the sax to the double bass. This reissue features the original artwork as well as all new remastered audio and fresh liner notes by Howard Mandel that provide great context.
Review: There was one irrepressible Chicago club act that refused to be replaced by any DJ's sound system. Soul septet Maxx Traxx (and Third Rail before them) commanded a scene unto themselves in the early 80s, playing live five-plus nights a week somewhere in the 312. Their two LPs, both recorded in 1982, are a sheer energy-ride almost too explosive to be captured by studio tape. And yet these two stone-cold classics would remain unanswered by a city, as it moved determinedly toward the motorik sound of house. Hop the turnstile and move with this complete document of Chicago's last great club band told in detailed text, newly revealed photos and complete studio recordings painstakingly remastered.
Review: The Natural Yogurt Band, purveyors of enigmatic library music, return with their eighth release, a cosmic odyssey that pushes the boundaries of their signature sound. Joined by keyboardist Huw Rees aka The Oracle, the band ventures into a richer galaxy of sonic exploration. 'Projections' sets the stage with its warped organs and gritty drum breaks, while 'Altered States' and 'Bio Morphic Patterns' delve deeper into the cosmic unknown, their swirling melodies and hypnotic rhythms evoking the vastness of space. 'Messages' and 'Nebulous' offer moments of introspection, their ethereal textures and ambient soundscapes creating a sense of otherworldly wonder. On the flipside, 'Perception' and 'Poly Morph' continue the exploration, their pulsating rhythms and experimental soundscapes challenging the listener's perception of reality. 'Existence' and 'Dimensions' close out the journey, their expansive sounds and philosophical undertones leaving a lasting impression. This is a must-listen for those seeking a unique and thought-provoking musical experience.
Rim & The Believers - "I'm Not Going To Let You Go" (3:11)
Rim & The Believers - "Peace Of Mind" (3:52)
Review: Having re-released Rim Kwaku's long lost Rim Arrives album, BBE follow it up with more dusty disco treasures from the Ghanaian hit maker's repertoire. From the blistering horns and thundering drum rolls of the near-nine-minute romp "Shine The Ladies" right the way through the looser, more Afrobeat-focussed "Peace Of Mind" by way of the emphatic Stevie Wonder-style showmanship of "I'm A Songwriter" it's a collection that still sparkles with soul 30 years after they were recorded. If you're unaware of Rim's story, you'd be wise to check it; from Quincy Jones endorsements to homelessness in the space of 24 hours, Rim's tales are as serious as his music is funky.
The Time Is Right For Love (Swing-O aka 45 remix) (4:34)
Coffee High (Bellevilloise) (1:01)
Snake Charmer (instrumental) (3:32)
Free Vibes (part 2 - vocal version) (2:59)
Burn This Disco Out (live) (3:13)
Magic Time Machine (live)
June (live)
Hold Fast (Jr Blender remix)
The Time Is Right For Love (Flute version)
Working (part 2 - instrumental) (0:05)
Review: Some 15 years after its original release in 2009, This Is ... by Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos remains a classic in the sister funk genre. Raw, melodic, and vibrant, the album hasn't aged a bit and now, as a result of that, it's being re-released with unreleased bonus tracks, rare remixes and a limited-edition double vinyl. With standout tracks like 'Working Woman,' which became a global DJ fav, the album brims with Gizelle Smith's unique style and powerful vocals. Blazing horns, soulful guitars and dynamic production all help bring them to life on a record that is rooted in the golden era of soul but coloured with modern charm.
Review: Disco creator T-Groove has received high praise on both the domestic Japanese and international scene. What better motive, then, to trade on his newly gilded name than to pair up with street drummer George Kano for a transformative set of grooves, in the form of 'Let Me Ride', 'Midnight Lady' and ensuing tracks? That's just what T-Groove has done on his latest record here for P-Vine, incorporating a fusion-like style exquisitely crossing between jazz, rock, Latin and quiet storm. A testament to the chemistry shared between T-Groove and Kano - drummer-and-producer-dyad extraordinaires - this is a well-cooked slice of late night urban fusion and groove.
Review: Tantra II, the fourth album by Tantra, showcases the band's electric fusion of disco, funk, and electronic elements. The recording sessions were helmed by producer Celso Valli, and the record was initially unveiled in 1982 to great acclaim. The album takes the form of two extended jams, one on each side, with funk, Italo, Balearic, cosmic and more all influencing the extended dance floor jams. Now it is reissued for the first time ever on vinyl so gets the full treatment with a pressing on nice heavyweight 180g wax and is presented in a limited edition run of just 300 copies.
Review: Funk Night returns with this magnificent new album Vibrant Kaleisdosonic Rhythms from Zanzibar. It is well infuse by a wide range of worldly sounds, rhythms and moods and kicks off with a melange of incidental jazz keys and raw horn sounds that are super exotic. 'Night In Casablanca' is as steamy as you would expect with a low slung groove, 'Badmington Baobab' is another flute lead sound with mystery and intrigue and 'Hologram Water' is more reflective and inward in its lush keys and delicate organic percussive layers. A nice escapist instrument funk album for laid back times.
Don't Rush The Process (feat The Easy Access Orchestra) (5:06)
Just Not Right Rudi (0:48)
All I Need (1:57)
We Chillin' Out (feat The Easy Access Orchestra) (5:07)
Knocknee Donkey (3:15)
Any Flavour (2:38)
Funky Fool (1:31)
Sooretama (feat Robert Mitchell) (4:33)
Runnin' Tru (3:59)
What A Dream (2:20)
Mind Yourself (0:42)
Review: Kaidi Tatham is a master of broken beats and a widely respected figure in the London music scene. His new 12 track album takes us on a lush and louche trip through all his myriad musical skills and styles. Boogie, gospel-tinged hip-hop, jazz-funk and more all colour the futurist grooves with contributions from The Easy Access Orchestra, and pianist Robert Mitchell. This is a fourth solo album from the man and maybe his best yet, even though it has come so quick on the heels of the release of An Insight To All Minds in 2021.
Review: One of the leading lights of Ghana's vibrant musical ecosystem, Ebo Taylor cast a monumental influence thanks to his deft blend of Afrobeat, jazz and funk, helping define the now-canonical highlife sound. 'Twer Nyame' was released as a three-track single in 1978, although the 16-minute run time of the track makes it much more than a rapid fire hit. Backed with the delicate delights of 'Peace On Earth' and the shuffling funk perfection of 'Atwer Abroba', it's a rare gem of Ghanaian groove from the undisputed king of the sound.
Pat Thomas & Ebo Taylor - "Ene Nyame Nam A Mensuro" (6:16)
Review: In afrobeat circles, Ghanaian highlife guitarist Ebo Taylor has long been regarded as one of the scene's most undervalued talents. During his golden period during the 1970s, Taylor was responsible for some landmark recordings - not just as an artist, but composer, arranger and producer. This comprehensive set from serial crate-diggers Strut revisits that fertile period, gathering together the best of Taylor's solo, collaborative and production work. For those with a passing interest in afrobeat and highlife, it's near-essential. Highlights come thick and fast, from the strangely spaced-out grooves of "Peace On Earth" and lazy afro jazz-funk of "Ohiana Sua Efir" to the epic American R&B stylings of "Aba Yaa".
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