Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: In a meeting between generations of broken beat titans, Andrew Ashong and Kaidi Thatham's Sankofa Season rightly earned classic status soon after its release in 2020, and now we're being taken back into the heart of these tracks with a heavyweight remix package from some serious talent. Mala's imperious dubstep touch brings some low-end pressure to 'Low Ceilings' or Shy One chopping up 'Learning Lessons' in her peerless deft style, there's a lot of ground covered by this considered gathering of minds. Special mention goes to Equiknoxx's Gavsborg and Shanique Marie, bringing a sweetly soulful touch to 'To Your Heart'.

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.

Review: Cool Million has long been synonymous with the boogie funk style, which is sadly a genre lost by the late 1980s. Collaborating with singers spanning eras from the 80s to today, they bridge generations of soul, funk, and boogie. Here they work with English soul sensation Kenny Thomas, known for his UK Top 40 hits, who is a cornerstone of the original UK soul scene, boasting eight Top 40 singles and two Top Ten albums. His track 'Without Your Love' exemplifies this genre, a driving uptempo anthem with a funky uplift. The accompanying dub version enhances its appeal for DJs worldwide, affirming its place in contemporary record bags.

Review: Jalapeno jive maestro Soupasoul had another standout year, in 2024 and only heightened his reputation for crafting exceptional edits that bring new life into funk standards and hidden gems. With a sharp focus on the groove-rich breaks, he is back once again with another instalment that will ignite dance floors everywhere. This time his scorching rework of 'Give It Up' spotlights dynamic horn interplay and soulful jazzy choruses and 'Rock Steady' celebrates Aretha's powerful vocals paired with a killer breakbeat. These finely tuned edits honour the originals while adding fresh energy.

Review: Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell and Kim Weston. What an outfit. And what music they made. The Motown soul legends penned several great soul hits between them and now two of them arrive on this 45 rpm courtesy of West Grand. First is Gaye and his lover Terell with 'Tears At The End Of A Love Affair', a tambourine-laced, raw and impactful soul anthem. On the flip is the more tender sound of 'Just Too Much To Hope For' with Kim Weston which is packed with buttery harmonies.

Review: Son of Todd Osborn (Soundmurderer/Ghostly) Kaito Ian makes a hugely impressing first outing on the Galaxy Sound Co label with a series of lo-fi hip-hop beat-strumentals that cannot fail to get your head nodding. He is a dedicated music lover and skater with a deep knowledge of his craft and that shows here with some refined sounds starting with the soul drenched 'Revert', then on to the warped angelic vocal samples of 'Sequoia' and the percussive jumbled and scratching of 'Trek'. 'Wait Up' is another excellently blissed out joint and 'Sloan' is a sunny, laid back, lazy vibe to close down a superb EP.

Review: Kalita Records are proud and honoured to announce the first ever and official reissue of Kallaloo's sought-after 1982 disco single 'Star Child', accompanied by interview-based liner notes. Originally released on Jeffrey Turpin's Trinidadian record label IDA, 'Star Child' has since become highly sought-after by both DJs and collectors alike as an invisible, yet astonishing piece of Caribbean disco. Unable at the time to gain the traction and success that it deserved, we hope that this re-release provides an opportunity to bring such a great record to a much wider audience.

Kallaloo consisted of various Trinidadian musicians including Keith Alexander and Peter Wayne Barkley. Keith had been well-respected as a member of the Trinidadian group Impact, and was later to become an in-demand producer and composer under the name of Keith Diamond, responsible for various hits by Billy Ocean, Donna Summer, Starpoint and Melba Moore. In contrast, Peter was a well-known recording session drummer, but after 'Star Child's' release he moved to North Carolina to pursue other interests and "was never heard from again".

'Star Child' was recorded at Right Track Recording, in mid-town Manhattan, New York. As Jeffrey recalls, the atmosphere in the studio was "great", with "everyone upbeat, the cream of the crop just looking for that break... everyone was talented and just wanted the chance to express their own ideas". Five hundred copies of the record were released on IDA with a white label design, and they were sold both in Brooklyn, New York and Port of Spain, Trinidad. It was also released on a red label, however this was not to Jeffrey's knowledge at the time.

Jeffrey explains that the reason why the record didn't fare well at the time was because of the difficulty in getting the song played on the radio. As he recalls, radio stations were much more likely to play 'radio versions' of songs which lasted for a couple of minutes, rather than five or seven minute 'extended' versions such as 'Star Child', which were more suitable to a club environment. In addition, as Jeffrey explains, radio airplay is a "political business", and also within a short while band members such as Keith got their own breaks, and the Kallaloo era was over as quickly as it had started.

Review: Expansions' latest essential reissue takes us back to 1980 and the much sought after seven-inch edition of singer Ty Karim's collaboration with lesser-known soul man George Griffin. "Keep On Doin' Whatcha' Doin'" was written and produced by Karim's other half Kent Harris and, like the original seven inch, appears here in two parts. The glorious A-side version is a lolloping chunk of disco-era sweet soul rich in soaring orchestration, fluttering flutes and Marvin Gaye/Tammi Tyrell style duet vocals from Karim and Griffin. Part two focuses more on the killer groove and the duo's impassioned improvised vocalizations, with a variety of tasty solos helping to whip things into a mid-tempo dancefloor frenzy.

Review: Italo disco heads take note, here's a quintessential one-hit wonder from a mystery crew known only as Kash. Arriving in 1981, this particular release leans more towards the organic, band-led sound of the 70s with some choice synth flourishes on top, rather than the more driving sound which would catch hold further into the 80s. 'Supercool' is a bubbling, funky-as-hell joint which will loosen up any dancefloor with ease, but 'Percussion Sundance' might well be the popular pick here thanks to its outstanding drums and hazy ambience. It's an essential purchase for anyone who loves a proper disco curveball made the classic way.

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.

Review: Sonar Kolletkiv has dug deep for this one and got the rights to reissue Shirley Turner's 1965 recording 'I Wish You A World Of Happiness. ' It its one of those set soul jams that has been an evergreen fav and crate digger's delight thanks to its Northern soul elegance, controlled but emotive vocals and snappy drums. The KBCS is a union of musicians who all hail from Hamburg, Germany. They have their own unique styles but complement one another perfectly on their cover version on the A-side. They bring their own lush soul vibes and more contemporary drums to a version that will get floors going, no doubt.

Review: The intriguingly named Humus Per Tutti label has made us wait well over two years for a seance EP after the tantalising first volume of this self-titled series. It comes from a section of artists who are all editing some worldly source material. First off is a Jean Kefta edit that locks you in a guitar loop while intoxicating vocals up top bring the charm. The Babach Flangerman mix of the A1 is another loopy disco cut with a Middle Eastern flavour and the comes Jean Kefta & Max Houmous's snake charming and psychedelic disco groover 'Muharaqa'.
.

Review: Who doesn't like a sentimental soul 7" in their bags to drop as that magical end-of-the-night tune? Well not us, that's for sure, and this one more than fits that bill. Paul Kelly's buttery smooth vocals and romantic overtones make 'You Make Me Tremble' a real classic of the genre. The chords are warm, the drums gentle, and the sentiments intimate. The flip side of this 45rpm from Soul4real is 'Come With Me' which is even more heartbroken, with its quivering strings and oh-so-delicate vocals.

Review: Curtis L. Kendrick is a Rochester-based artist who single-handedly crafted and produced his debut solo album, 3rd Degree. It came all the way back in 1982 on a small and limited run of 200 cassettes and so years later it is still a much sought-after classic and has even reached 'holy grail' status amongst those who know. Prime Time has now got this special 7" which is the first single, 'Heartbeat,' off his upcoming new album. On the flip is a reimagined version of Curtis' super soulful track by Brian Ellis, who is the pride of Escondido, CA. Ellis is a talented multi-instrumentalist who adds his unique blend of magic and menace to the original and brings it right up to date.

Review: Taken from the album of the same name, this 1976 classic from Temptations frontman Kendricks was a huge disco anthem when released. Only, apparently, to be overshadowed by Donna Summer's "Love Trilogy". Kendricks' trademark falsetto rings with emotive insistence and with a tight guitar and bass backbone, big strings and bold horns, funk oozes out of every single beat matching his soul bar for bar. An excellent reissue.

Review: Dewey Kenmore clearly knows the pains of unrequited love and irrelationship better than most artists. The enigmatic soul singer's new single 'Before We Say Goodbye' channels the denial stage of grief: "you know it's just you and I, do or die", he opines, desperately grasping after the former ecstasy of a now fading relationship. The song is full of doomy minor chords and Hammond organ-ic reverie, laying on thick the mood of irreversibility around life's milestones.

Review: For five years, Acid Jazz has been showcasing Kevin Fingier's productions with each one carrying his signature Latin flair. It all began with 'Latin Dynamite', which sold out 15 days before its release and was followed by 'Cocktail de Medianoche' and 'Why Don't You Go Home', which were both instant sellouts. The second pressing of 'Latin Dynamite' included a fiery Latin rendition of the r&b classic 'It's Your Voodoo Working'. When Fingier released 'Not Strictly Soul,' it featured the Latin gem 'El Popcorn' which is now available on 7" for the first time. These four Latin Soul anthems are now united in one explosive Boogaloo EP that arrives just in time for summer.

Review: The latest single from The Kevin Fingier Collective, 'My Heart Is Burning' is an astounding dancefloor bomb, and the culmination of Kevin's three year journey on Acid Jazz. Featuring the three singers - Diane Ward, Jo Ann Hamilton and Josi Dias - who have helped make the Fingier 45s so in-demand. Its an uplifting r&b track which combines an infectious rare-soul beat with a classic girl-group vibe. It will be a must have for any DJ session or house party during these sultry summer months.

Review: Fingier Records is a new Acid Jazz sub-label that is back with a brand new 7" from The Kevin Fingier Collective. It's a real dance floor heater that is perfectly aged and authentic as it mixes up Northern Soul and r&b with driving guitar rhythms and steamy piano chords. The horns are killer but the vocal is the icing on the cake. On the flip things get Latin flavoured with the bossa-tinged mod jazz of 'The Great Akerman' which is defined by lush flute and organ vamps. This is a great taster of the full length to come from The Kevin Fingier Collective.

Review: Elado Gulab Jamun did a fantastic job with his edit of this Bollywood gem to the extent that it has become a real dancefloor gem that's been much loved all around the world for the last two years. Now it makes its way to a 7" vinyl pressing and is backed with his 4am mix of the same tune. This one is a sublime and dubbed out, acid tinged electronic trip that comes with original CD artwork that pays great tribute to original artist Nadim Khan. Another tasteful outing from Razor-N-Tape for this fresh edit.

Review: Kimberlite Records serve up this new single from Aladean Kheroufi in the form of a tidy double sided 7". Aladean hails from Algeria but lives in Edmonton in Canada and is a songwriter, arranger, multi-instrumentalists and DJ and producer who also runs his own Keeping On Records label. His lo-fi and worldly funk sounds are idiosyncratic, soulful and devastatingly emotive. He bends genres, turns heartbreak into party starting groves then back into melancholy in an instant. He's in party mode on the a-side here, then more sentimental on the flip.

Review: The latest missive from modern funk maestros The Sleeperz Records is a red seven-inch double header that pairs Canadian neo-boogie queen Maya Killtron (a label regular) with two similarly minded producers. She joins forces with Andrew Napoleon on A-side 'Body Fly', a glossy slab of mid-80s synth-funk/synth-pop fusion rich in squelchy P-funk bass, bright lead lines and colourful chords. Estonia-based Latvian Artis Boris sits in the producer's chair on side two, underpinning a typically expressive and soulful Killtron vocal with sinewy strings, modern boogie grooves and nods aplenty to early 1980s disco. Naturally, the sound is nostalgic, but both cuts sound undeniably fresh.

Review: Soul-Direction presents the first legitimate re-release of this bona-fide soul rarity which has been licensed courtesy of Resnik Music Group. The track was recorded by King George and The Fabulous Souls and was originally released in the late 60s and early 70s in Los Angeles, where it became a quick favourite on the soul scene. 'I Need You' and its counterpart 'Baby I've Got It' were both written and produced by lead vocalist "King" George Renfro. Despite little information on Renfro or the group, the song became a sought-after gem after being championed by DJ Ion Tsakalis in the 80s.

Review: Emotional Rescue closes out another brilliant year with one final hot drop. This sorting 7" Safari by King Sporty was the artist's first ever single back in 1976. It comes after the label has served up plenty of reissues of the man known as Noel Wiliam's tackle but this one might be the best. It's from his album Deep Reggae Roots and is nice tropical excursion with steamy hits, wooden percussive sounds and funky bass over a low-slung groove and chanting vocals. This one is backed with a special disco mix by Lexx that reworks the tune for more lively moments.

Review: New York City was the early block city foment of The Fatback Band, who would, on the official account, see their names written into history as some of the pioneers of funk at large. Aside from their disputed four-to-the-floor point-sourcings with 'Oops Upside Your Head', The Fatback Band were equally known for many a hit, including 'I Like Girls' and 'Yum Yum (Gimme Some)', and the formula for such repeated successes has been expertly localised by some as resting in the charismatic wiles of one Johnny King, the founding member whose proud, biped posture and wicked vocals brought to the group a firm and charismatic leading presence to the group. This originally 2004 cut by working Master Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez hears us lean into the funkier ends of the latter's remix-craft, as 'Peace, Love Not War' is given a profound kneading and planing across an excoriating final funk beat.

Review: Kinsman Dazz Band was founded in 1976 in Cleveland, Ohio and was a composite of jazz fusion band Bell Telefunk and Mother Braintree. They set out to make danceable jazz and did so with aplomb. They joined Motown 1980 and had some r&b hits both major and minor. They have penned more than 20 albums in their long career and now some of their more recent tracks - namely 'Ghetto Preacher' and the follow up 'Saved' make it onto this newly pressed up 7", together for the first time.

Review: There is some class edit and mash up business going on here with the latest one from the Disco Bits crew. The 45 takes the form of of classic cuts reworked with an all new and contemporary edge with the dancefloor very much in mind. First up, a Patti Job classic gets taken apart and rebuilt with new vocals and a more stepping beat. The Chopper's 'People Hold On' is a more smoochy sound with classic vocal refrains singing out and twanging guitar riffs powering along a groove that is suited for everything from weddings to late night shenanigans.

Review: "You've never really lived" is usually the kind of thing one might hear in a school playground, but Frederick Knight meant it to lament a close love interest's lack of ever having fallen in love. "Do you know how it feels to fall in love?" trills the Alabama soul great's distinctively high vocals, as a complex yet lulling backing beat sends us bowling straight down the love train's tracks. Fun fact: these tracks are never-heard-before rarities, preceding the artist's biggest run of commercial success in the mid 1970s. The B, as well, is a highly sampleable and minimal synth-soul affair, with honest sonics and sad themes to boot.

Review: Absolute funk fire from Gladys and co; "Love Is Always On Your Mind" is arguably one of their most overlooked jams in history. Heavily swung and quite gritty in comparison to their other work, it's an instant floor display lavished with stacks of energy and groove. Flip for the heavily referenced, sampled and edited 1980 classic "Bourgie Bourgie". Silky soul disco at its finest. Another white hot reissue success from Buddah.

Review: Two powerful women-led soul acts from the 60s combine for memorable 45 with two tracks penned by Ivy Jo Hunter and a feast of rich vocals and timeless melodies. Gladys Knight & The Pips' 'The Stranger (1969) showcases their epic vocal prowess, blending classic soul with powerful pop hooks that resonate with emotional depth, a masterclass in vocal arrangement and soulful storytelling. On the flip side, The Marvelettes' 'I'll Keep Holding On' proves a captivating mix of classic 60s soul with an upbeat rhythm, a Top 40 hit that displays the band's signature harmonies and unforgettable drive.

Review: This delightful 7" features a collaboration between two Star Creature veterans from Northern and Southern California who deliver a raw, uncut boogie track. The wonderful 'Girl Ur Freaky' is both breezy and laidback but irritably dance. The vocal harmonies are heart-melting, the wispy synths bring cosmic cool and the drums and squelchy bass sit together perfectly. The vocal version really is where it's at with this one but if you want it more subtle then the flip-side instrumental is the one for you.

Review: Japan meets Jamaica in Tokyo Riddim Band's latest single where illustrious keyboardist Izumi 'Mimi' Kobayashi joins forces with Jamaican singer Ras Tavaris. This track revives Kobayashi's 1981 hit, 'Lazy Love,' originally from her sought-after Coconuts High LP recorded in LA. Featured on Time Capsule's 2024 Japanese reggae compilation Tokyo Riddim 1976-1985, the song now transforms from soulful pop to a deep dub cut. The Tokyo Riddim Band brilliantly blends Japanese and London sounds and infuses the track with big energy, reggae rhythms, funky bass lines, and smooth City Pop guitar, all enhanced by Prince Fatty's studio magic.