Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: The Milanese outfit dive headlong into cinematic Afro-disco on this limited 7", reworking two cult dancefloor staples with characteristic flair. On the A-side, their version of Piero Umiliani's 'Discomania' hits with tightened syncopation and swirling synth arrangements, turning the cosmic Italo-disco cut into a hypnotic afrobeat strut. Flip it over for a rich reimagining of Azymuth's 'Jazz Carnival'iCalibro 35 boost the groove with deep-bottomed funk and crisp horns, pushing the original's samba swing into widescreen. Known for their work at the intersection of funk, soundtrack and psych, the band bring sharp musicianship and warm analogue heat to both sides of this essential 45.

Review: Canadian soul artist Tanika Charles is very much on the rise and these two new singles, produced by Scott McCannell and mixed by Kelly Finnigan of Monophonics for Record Kicks, mark another step on that journey. 'Don't Like You Anymore' and 'Here When You're Ready' are from her upcoming album Reasons To Stay. The A-side is a mid-tempo gospel funk track with booming drums and basslines, perfect for the dancefloor. The B-side then offers a smooth mid-tempo soul vibe that enriches your heart. Tanika Charles has toured globally and performed with notable artists like Lauryn Hill and Mayer Hawthorne, so is a real modern titan.

Review: Calibro 35 recalibrate with Exploration, a fresh dive into cinematic jazz-funk marking their first full-length LP on the independent since 2023's Nouvelle Aventures, continuing the path set by last year's 'Jazzploitation' EP. Yarning vintage soundtrack stylings with contemporary groove, the Milan group balance reverent covers - like Roy Ayers' 'Coffy' and Bob James' 'Nautilus' with bold, golden originals. Lead tune 'Reptile Strut', not to mention 'The Twang' and 'Pied De Poule', twine round taut rhythms, lush horn lines, and evocative cinematic textures. The band tips its hat to touchstones like Herbie Hancock, Lalo Schifrin, and Italian great Piero Umiliani, whose 'Discomania' appears on the accompanying limited clear blue 7" single, backed with 'Jazz Carnival'.

Review: Tanika Charles has long paired throwback soul with incisive songwriting, but this latest release feels especially raw. Now four albums deep, the Toronto-based artist pivots inwarditrading the usual tales of romance and heartbreak for something more fragile: the fallout of early family trauma. 'Don't Like You Anymore' and 'No More' snap with funk-driven defiance, but it's the quieter moments that linger. 'The Lament' and 'Talk To Me Nice' lean into vulnerability, while 'Win', a duet with Quebec's Clerel, glows with understated uplift. Charles leads a tight teamiScott McCannell, Kyla Charter, and Chino de Villa shape the grooves; Monophonics' Kelly Finnigan adds the rougher edgeibut the clarity here is hers. Her voice, resolute yet tender, is unafraid to ask difficult questions and even braver in leaving them unanswered. There's growth in every chord, as the arrangements span lilting r&b, classic soul, and easy-stepping slow jams. From Polaris nods to JUNO nominations, Charles has long commanded her placeibut this is something more personal, more courageous. Soul music as a form of release, not just rhythm.