Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Arjuna Oakes' Abbreviations on 7" vinyl is a delightful journey through jazz and soul. Side-1 features 'The Love That I Feel,' a soulful track brimming with emotional depth and vibrant energy. Oakes' expressive vocals and the band's tight performance, especially with the legendary Nathan Haines, create an uplifting and captivating experience. On Side-2, 'Mallet Groove' offers a contrasting, yet equally engaging, experience. This downtempo track is soothing and gentle, with beautifully played keys that set a relaxing mood. The groove is soft and inviting, drawing listeners into its calming embrace. The emotional drive within the music is palpable, making it a deeply compelling piece that encourages introspection. Overall, Abbreviations shows Arjuna Oakes' ability to blend soulful performances with smooth, relaxing grooves, making it a standout release in contemporary jazz and soul.

Review: This superb remix of Yuji Ohno's soulful gem 'Fairy Night' feat. Sonia Rosa, which is the ending theme for the anime Lupin the Third Part III from 1984, is now released as a 7" single to mark the 40th anniversary of its original release. The 45 rpm features two tracks: Side A showcases DJ Taro's fresh city funk remix, while Side B presents the classic 1984 version by Yuji Ohno. This limited release offers a rare opportunity to enjoy Sonia Rosa's sweet, evocative vocals through both the original and contemporary renditions which are subtly different but both equally excellent.

Review: A masterful ode to 70s soul, created in collaboration with Ray Hayden's Opaz, reviving the timeless spirit of rare groove, bringing forth deep rhythms, lush arrangements and vocals that feel like they're lifted straight from an era of analogue richness. Flip to the other side, 'Holding You Tight' drifts into a slower, entrancing space that closes with an instrumental coda; a feast for the senses. Mixed and mastered by Ray Hayden on vintage gear, this record's journey to vinyl delivers a truly transportive experience that's all warmth, soul and authenticity.

Review: Groovadelica is a New Zealand-based record label that comes through now with its third offering in the form of this 7" from young and fast-rising new artist Soul Prophet. His 'Back To Dilla' features the buttery tones of UK soul sensation Omar and pays tribute to the great beat maker that was the late J Dilla. It's a jam full of dusty beats and jazzy key samples with a laid-back and late-night feel. The lush flute sounds come from Nathan Haines with extra tabla for even more musical richness. This one has already been getting plays from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Patrick Forge and Mr. Thing so expect to hear it plenty more this winter.

Review: London-based New Zealander Arjuna Oakes impresses hugely with this debut album, a contemporary soul and jazz fusion, global folk, electronica and post-rock motifs all woven in. Like any good LP, While I'm Distracted is a deeply personal journey exploring common themes of vulnerability, identity and hope in a world shaped by ever-more existential angst and social media stress. We're told that Arjuna approached this full-length album like a filmmaker crafting a feature and aiming to evoke emotion over concept. Performing vocals, piano, synths and arranging strings himself, he also leads a talented ensemble of collaborators who help him on this emotional odyssey.

Review: Orlas, a father-son duo consisting of Victor Chicri and Vic Delnur, offers a vibrant blend of Brazilian musical traditions on their debut album Viver o Mar. Named after the Portuguese word for "shores," the project is a heartfelt tribute to the ocean, weaving together elements of samba-jazz, bossa nova, fusion, and disco-funk. Victor Chicri, a seasoned maestro and pianist with deep roots in Rio de Janeiro's 70s music scene, has collaborated with legends like Gal Costa and Seu Jorge. His extensive experience, including performances with the Quincy Jones Orchestra at Montreux Jazz Festival and a Latin Grammy win, shines through in the album's sophisticated arrangements. Vic Delnur, a versatile multi-instrumentalist and producer, brings a modern touch to their sound, drawing on his global experiences playing with artists like Sessa and Mahmundi. The result is a dynamic fusion of old and new, enriched by an eight-piece orchestra that adds lush textures to the grooves. The title track, 'Viver o Mar,' is a smooth, breezy fusion of samba-jazz and disco-funk that captures the spirit of the sea. 'Alagoas,' the second single, is a soulful tribute to Delnur's grandmother, celebrating the simple joys of life in the tropical paradise of her homeland. Viver o Mar is a celebration of Brazilian music's rich heritage, delivered with a modern flair.

Review: Marysia Osu's debut album, harp, beats & dreams, is a stunning example of her musical evolution and innovative spirit. Known for her role in Levitation Orchestra and as a Brownswood 'Bubblers' graduate, Marysia blends her classical roots with contemporary exploration in this enchanting release. Originating from Poland and enriched by her musical education in London, she has embraced the harp with profound artistry, now intertwining it with electronic elements and personal introspection. The album opens with the hypnotic 'seatime,' a journey through coastal reverie that celebrates self-acceptance and inner harmony. It continues with 'care to care,' where Levitation Orchestra's Plumm adds ethereal vocals, advocating for self-care and personal space. The track 'memento mori' features YUIS's illuminating flute, echoing stoic reflections on life's impermanence. Marysia's return to the piano and spontaneous clarinet experiments, inspired by a vivid dream, add depth to her soundscape. The clarinet's breath symbolises life's essence, bridging body and mind, enhancing the album's introspective quality. Marysia Osu's debut is a an exciting debut, offering a serene escape thanks to her talent and unique vision.