Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Kiko jean & The Tonics is a four-piece soul, r&b and rock n blues band based in Barcelona. Their funk sounds come steeped in classic 60s references as highlighted by this new 7" on Buenritmo. 'Sick & Tired' has nice elastic rhythms with warming Hammond organ chords and dancing keys all forming a foundation for the soulful vocals. On the flip side, 'Let Me Be Free' gets much slower and more sentimental with epic guitar solos ringing out. The Hammond chords are more muted but the vocals grow even more impassioned.

Review: For fans of 60s/70s soul, American Psych-Soul band Monophonics have released another 45 from their acclaimed 2022 album 'Sage Motel'. Frontman and LA native, Kelly Finnigan is the conductor of this train taking the listener through a journey of Bay-area psych guitars, 60s soul trumpets and Motown influences sprinkled here and there, printed on a limited swirled 7" disc. Side B's 'Crash & Burn' is the mellow ballad that succeeds Side A's 'Warpaint', originally the ninth track on the ten-track LP. A sombre, wistful track that sees Finnigan's keyboard skills on full display, the psychedelic elements taking over, having an element of St Vincent's groovy 2021 album 'Daddy's Home' in its warbling synths and hippie-esque percussion. You don't know whether you want to cry to it or get high to it, or both.

Review: The third release from Soul In The Horn features tracks from Rockwilder and KingPros, the former's 'Love In Need' proving to be a captivating mid-tempo house rendition of a classic tune by the esteemed hip-hop producer, blending the original melody with the soulful rhythms and textures of mid-tempo house. King Pros' 'You Had to Know' is a powerful mid-tempo rework of a very well respected voice. The result is two stunning tracks that demonstrate the versatility and vitality of the genre.

Review: London singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka builds on the success of his first two albums by drafting in Danger Mouse and Inflo to produce the beats that house his hugely expressive voice. That voice is of course front and centre - and whether delivering tender moments of intimacy or more breezy soul, it is always wrought with tension and emotion, slow burning and buttery smooth. The production feels timeless yet contemporary whether offering gauzy, guitar laden textures "Hero" or soaring pop ("Final Days") and makes this an album that touches on all forms of soul with equal originality.

Review: The latest album from Michael Kiwanuka continues his exploration of soul, folk and jazz, with production from Danger Mouse and Inflo. Following the path set by his previous work, the album offers a familiar yet comforting sound, blending rich soul vibes with subtle jazz influences. The opening track, 'Floating Parade', sets the tone with its dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere, while 'Lowdown' - a two-part track - channels 70s Afro-rock with a laid-back vibe. Kiwanuka's introspective lyrics reflect themes of self-reflection and gratitude, with tracks like 'One and Only' and 'Stay By My Side' offering heartfelt messages to his family. Musically minimalist, the album emphasises warmth and simplicity, as seen in 'Live For Your Love', where Kiwanuka expresses regret and appreciation for his wife's patience. The album's standout moments draw from 70s soul and afro-rock influences, bringing a fresh twist to Kiwanuka's signature sound. Overall, this album provides a comforting, soulful experience, showcasing Kiwanuka's growth both musically and personally, offering listeners an intimate and reassuring journey through his life and musical evolution.