Review: The Leo Zero Edit Archive is here, you can safely assume, to serve up edits from the vast archives of Leo Zero. The first volume is a doozy that kicks off with 'Love Affair' - a lazy and low sung funk burner with noodling bass riffs and a glorious vocal full of happiness. 'Let Me Love U' has a yearning male vocal that is as lovestruck as they come over more leggy mid tempo beats. 'Easy Does It' is defined by its superb string stabs and rolling drums and 'For A Living' closes out with a more house learning disco beat that is fat and fantastic. We can't wait for more.
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: The DFA debut of longstanding member Jayson Green also signals the revival of the classic DFA twelve-inch format, so you might playfully suggest it stands for Dying Formats Always. Jay has lent his vocals to various bands such as Panthers, Violent Bullshit, Cheeseburger, and the renowned hardcore group Orchid, always showcasing his wit and humor without veering into cynicism. Assuming a bandleader role, he presents a classic A-side here with the low slung funk of 'Local Jerk,' which was recorded during a lively party. It has tight disco drums, resounding claps and a groove-inducing bassline with big horns. On the B-side, 'I Need Love' unfolds as a darkly humorous nightlife satire.
Review: Freestyle 'Turn Up The Music' courtesy of this new 12" from Roy Hamilton, Cosmo Bowen and Dennis Palmer. The trio worked together way back in the 80s and back then it was as part of a nine-piece outfit known as Breeze. Anyone who attended the iconic Ronnie Scott's in London back then will probably have heard them play upstairs with the likes of Hi Tension and Gonzalez. In 1984 they decided to lay down this one and only 12" on the HBS label they ran. It's a stomper but a laid-back one that is now well in demand on the funk and soul scene.
Prof Jah Pinpin 4tet - "The Final Bird (Le Temps D'une Vie)" (3:18)
Review: There is scant little information out there about Yoanson & Karamie. What we do know is that they were young artists from the French African diaspora who met with Nessim Saroussi and his label Ness Music in the late 80s and were encouraged to record the music presented here. It is their only official EP and it is a brilliant mix of Afro-tropical percussions, disco, electro and vocals that call to mind the likes of Arthur Russell. Philippe de Lacroix-Herpin is the man festered here as Prof Jah Pinpin and he brings some of his signature saxophone brilliance to flipside jaunt 'The Final Bird (Le Temps D'une Vie)'.
Review: A superb 12" slab of rare South London British jazz funk, originally released in the UK in 1984 by Jamaican-born producer Tony Williams, the man behind the seminal Funk Masters' jazz-funk masterpiece, 'Love Money'. Now heard again, 'Keep On Searching For Love' is emblematic of London's 80s dub disco sound, with its every constituent part recorded, arranged and processed to the discotheque-addict's letter. Gated snares and acapella croons abound, with the uplifting vocals of Linda Taylor shining as brilliantly as star at the peak of its supernova. The flipside instrumental, 'Eastern Lady', comes complete with hypnotic bassline, drum machines, synths and stabbing horn lines; both tracks have been lovingly remastered from tape and now come exquisitely repackaged for you to enjoy. Gotta keep on!
Review: Sukuma by Sandy B & LJ Simon is a delightful blend of electronic funk and house music, released with an accompanying remix by Eddie C. On Side-1, the original track exudes a downtempo funk vibe infused with elements of house music, creating an irresistible groove reminiscent of 80s funk. Lead vocals by Sandy B add a dynamic and soulful dimension to the track, enhancing its overall energy and appeal. On Side-2, Eddie C's remix of 'Sukuma' injects fresh energy into the mix with additional dance elements that elevate the funk party to new heights. The remix lively rhythms and a captivating main synth line that transports listeners to a vibrant dancefloor atmosphere. With its infectious beats and charm, 'Sukuma' and its remix offer a unique chance to wow the dancefloor with something different and fun.
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: Leading Italian disco outlet IRMA is back with more irresistible and dazzling goodness, this time courtesy of Funky Destination with some pretty standout remixes. 'Take It Down' opens up as a new version by LTJ Xperience that has percolating funk lines and slow, sensuous grooves. 'Mr Bong' (Louie Beat Re-work) is a more percussive number with brilliant drumming and sunny melodies and 'Take It Down' offers a sensuous soul sound and some psyched-out guitar riffs. Last of all is the most streamy and busy of the lot with unresolved drum loops, disco percussion and rousing pads that will fill the floor.
Review: For decades, the humble disco re-edit has offered wannabe-producers a way into music production. In recent years, there's been an upsurge in house 'edits' too - a trend that has seen countless producers combine bits of classic and obscure cuts with their own peak-time ready grooves. This debut from the previously unknown Jay Rook fits into that category. Check first opener 'Master Wonnin', where Rook turns what appears to be a classic Highlife jam into a bouncy, bass-heavy Afro-house workout, before further refining the same attractive, sun-splashed formula on 'Eme (Yeah Yeah)'. Over on side two, Rook changes tack on 'Do God a Favour', adding a touch of hip-swinging, disco-flexed gospel-house flavour to a bluesy old soul-jazz cut, while 'Jesus Saved Me (Glad)' is a filter heavy disco-house re-wire of a righteous gospel number.
Review: Legofunk Records is back with a more summer-ready and vibrant funk sounds this time with Matalo in charge of some super hot beats. 'Si Senor' is a fiery opener that is dense with whistles, percussion, vocals and Latin rhythms. 'Escucha Mi Melodia' is an undulating groove with twanging guitars and steam male top lines while 'Esclavo' dials it back a little to a more ass-wiggling bit of tropical funk. Last of all is the slinky sound of 'Everything Is Drum' with its steel drum sounds and loose-limed percussion.
Review: Chicago outfit Wavelength tap into the funk traditions of bands like Parliament here with a seductive and rather sleazy new EP for Soulistic 360. The whole thing has been arranged by Windy City soul innovator Rahaan and comes on white marbled vinyl 12". Opener 'Can You Handle This Funk' is slow, steamy, sensuous with its languid kicks, live, raw drums and drawled vocals all luring you into the groove. The remix is a subtle teak of the original and on the flip is 'Kemetic Dance Party' which brings more Afro style drums and some bold sax lines to get things going in a more energetic way.
Review: The frankly named imprint Disco Records - surely you know what you're in for - return for their fourth release, continuing their specialty: editing rare and obscure disco gems from the 70s and 80s. It can't exactly be pinpointed as to who helms the label, but we're sure they're veterans of the Parisian disco scene, as a battle-scarred expertise is flaunted across four choice disco and funk numbers held close to this anonymous releaser's heart. Few of these would be baitheads' choices; and all are of the 'obscure and interesting' variety.
It Ain't Because Of Me Baby (Dope Jams feat Greene Block party take) (10:31)
Review: Bill Withers' 'Lovely Day' is a quintessential soul masterpiece that radiates warmth and positivity. The track stands out as a magical single, encapsulating the essence of a perfect, sunny day with its beautiful strings, uplifting background vocals and a delightful horn arrangement that adds depth to its feel-good vibe. This song effortlessly lifts the spirits, making it a timeless anthem of joy. On the flip side, 'It Ain't Because Of Me Baby' shows a funkier side of Withers' artistry. Its rhythmic groove and engaging melodies provide a captivating contrast to the uplifting nature of the title track, demonstrating Withers' versatility as a songwriter and performer. Together, these tracks create a delightful listening experience that highlights the genius of Bill Withers.
Review: As far as the Juno Records review team care, the DC based Peoples Potential Unlimited have been on a run of 100% boogie heaters roughly since their inception in 2008. The latest transmission from Andrew Morgan's label sees a 12" presentation of disco funk holy grails from Milwaukee act Dazzle ahead of a PPU released long player Made In The Shade. Not to be confused with the Patch Adams and Leeroy Burgess fronted group of the same name, Dazzle was the work of Donald D. Smith and this 12" presents three tracks originally recorded in 1981. "Explain" is the outright jam here, heavily stacked with thick analogue leads and brisk funk riffs. All hail PPU!
Review: Fresh from the Harlem hotpot, 1980: Harold Sargent's Chain Reaction teamed up with Sound Of New York's founder and producer Peter Brown for a star-lit, horn-baked, organ-licked disco creation that still funks hard 36 years down the line. With its maximal approach, disco bubbles and emphatic gutsy vocals, it could be argued that this funk even harder today due to it ticking every possible disco, boogie and funk box possible.
Review: The well-regarded Far Out label starts a new catalogue number series for this first reissue from Brit-funk band Freeze. They are of course best known for lighting up the charts and dance floors of the 1908s with their super hit 'Southern Freeez' but also penned plenty of other gems. 'Keep In Touch' is right up there amongst them and now comes as an original and edited version on heavyweight vinyl. It is a joyful track packed with busy jazz-funk keys that cannot fail to amp up the party, especially in unison with a busy and tight bass riff and hip-swinging claps and drums. The edit shortness things up t make for an even more potent gem.
Review: United Disco Organisation have been tapped up by the ATA label for its first voyage into the world of disco. The band is made up of producer and bassist Neil Innes and guitarist and singer Chris Dawkins and here they head off to the cosmos with a classically inclined sound that comes with lashings of Philly soul influences. 'Send The Rain' opens things up and features a fine flute lead from label-mate Tony Burkill. Dawkins's vocals then take the lead over a nice woody, organic groove and an instrumental is also featured. 'Funky Thing' is a glossy, vibes-heavy tune with big melodies and chunky drum funk.
Review: The Lahaar is a Trans-Tasman collaboration between Julien Dyne, Horatio Luna and Surprise Chef's Lachlan Stuckey, featuring Mara TK and Toby Laing on vocals. Channeling a heady cocktail of inspirations from New York to Lagos, the supergroup easily moves through different styles in quick succession, from uptempo boogie to mega-ploddy dub. Seguing between original bangers and exploitation movie library music, the EP closes on the riveting 'Chase Scene (Part 1)', which casts evadign tjhe law in a surprisingly emotive light.
Review: During the first half of the 80s, Andy Sojka and Richard De Jongh wrote and produced countless UK jazz-funk, electro, soul and boogie jams, working with both obscure and relatively well-known acts (Atmosfear included). They also released a handful of singles of their own under aliases, including this one as Distance. Long out of print and finally getting a reissue courtesy of Freestyle, 'Just One More Kiss' is a superb chunk of breezy, synths-and-drum-machine driven chunk of British electrofunk featuring sweet lead vocals from Janet Halley. Over on the flip you'll find the original instrumental/dub version, 'Just One More Mix', a fine alternative take that wisely concentrates on the groove, guitars and synths and largely avoids cheesy 80s production trickery and stuttering edit effects.
I Like (The Music That You Play) (club vocal) (7:30)
I Like (The Music That You Play) (club instrumental) (7:07)
Review: Parisian jazz-funk, disco and boogie band Chatobaron - an outfit helmed by multi-instrumentalist Frank Chatona - have previously worked in the studio with house and nu-disco mainstay Art of Tones, so it's no surprise to see them recruiting the mighty Dimitri From Paris to mix their latest single. His A-side 'Club Vocal' mix is a genuinely riotous and celebratory affair, with strong group vocals (singing about how much they love 'your' music) and heady horns rising a jolly and joyous, piano-sporting disco-funk groove rich in low-slung bass and Cerrone style percussion. It comes accompanied not by one of Dimitri's deconstructed dubs, but rather an equally excitable 'Club Instrumental' mix that boasts all the goodness of his A-side mix minus the vocals.
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: Veteran Newcastle-based producer Johnathan Watson aka Smoove is back with the third instalment in the Multitrack Reworks, a new series that will be putting out limited edition, hand-stamped white label 12's that are made from reworked tunes constructed from the original multitracks. This one features the deep down and dirty P-funk of A-side cut 'Deep', while over on the flip Watson lends his Midas touch to a solid reconstruction of a certain deep funk classic by Slave, as well as a spruced up soul classic for all the heads out there on 'Superman'.
Review: The backstory to this one is great. It starts in 1978 when a New York producer was in need of some studio musicians to lay down some fast and funky rhythms for a band he was working with, The Imperials. Minneapolis talents Andre Cymone and Prince Rogers Nelson duly stepped up and recorded 'Fast Freddy The Roller Disco King'. An album from the Imperials was set to follow but it never did, leaving us with this one majestic cut. It's soul-drenched and cosmic disco with a killer vocal back with a more leggy and slow-motion cosmic wonder, 'I Just Wanna Be Your Lovin' Man.'
Review: Freestyle Records has got a brilliant and rather rare bit of boogie here in the form of Eddie Capone's 'I Wont Give You Up.' This is the first officially licensed reissue of this 1985 gem by the reggae, funk and soul mainstay of that decade. He played with various noted outfits such as Chairmen of the Board, Arthur Brown's Kingdom Come and Edwin Starr and was also in the short-lived band Casablanca. He founded the Treatment band in the early 1980s and played with a rotating cast of musicians. The tunes included on this 7" are some of them with Diane Jones providing vocals on the A-side, which is the standout gem.
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: Kaymany & Asestar hail from Rome, a city where many musicians spend most of their days producing sounds for the television industry and even shopping malls. That's part of the reason the country has such a reparation for great jazz-funk sounds and now adding to that cannon are Kaymany & Asestar. 'Effimera' is glossy and feel good disco with retro future chords, while 'Digressione' has a Bob James style energy to it with its high speed funky bass and incidental chords. 'Capao' closes in Latin fashion with manic keys and more plucked and funky bass slaps making you shake every limb.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.