Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Back ion 2021, the relaunched Foliage Records imprint offered up a killer mix from NYC house legends Mood II Swing, the must-check Deep Rooted. Soon, the revitalised label will release a sequel, with long-serving British deep house don Atjazz at the helm. This sampler EP boasts six of the highlights from that set - all remixed and reworked by Atjazz himself. There's much to enjoy throughout, from the tense, slowly building deep-tech shuffle of Halo''s 'Glorty (Atjazz Galaxy Art Remix)'and the sun-splashed 6am bounce of Atjazz's remix of Dominique Fils-Aime's gorgeous 'Sun Rise', to the dreamy dancefloor wooziness of Ralf GUM's 'AWA' (re-imagined by Atjazz as an Osunlade-esque spiritual house workout) and the jazzy, bass-guitar-propelled broken house excellence of 'On The Road (Vocal Mix)', a three-way collab between Atjazz, Kelli Sae and The Realm.

Review: Spiritual endurance tester Joaquin "Joe" Claussell returns for another topup for the Yellow Jackets series. Volume Eight is yet another heliotropic hummer, with the two ingenious progressive, naturalisti-house cuts found thereon (two new versions of 'Erratic Telepathy' and 'Who Do You Love', the latter by Josh Honeycomb) bringing much tweezy and brain-furthering motif to the two-side mix form. The first track is especially impressive for the counterpoint set up between the right-panned marimba and the left-panned filter-synth, the latter of which dances like a magic firefly against the former's lemni-spatial mallet-bed. The B-sider is much more soulful, bringing interspersive vocals and subtle hat layering to a an all-out funky freakout.

Review: It's (almost) summertime which means all bets are off, sets get more playful, DJs slacken their own usual rules and reach into a wider world of vocal, uplifting sounds to please sun burnt dancers. Enter this reissue of Michel Cleis's stone-cold Ibiza classic 'La Mezcla.' It's got a chunky groove, fluttering flutes that bring Latin flair and carnival vibes aplenty. This 12" also comes with two remixes - Paul Kalkbrenner flips it into a deeper, more loose and languid groove with tribal funk and the Charles Webster club mix is pure warm and soulful goodness.

Review: Musica Solida sampler 1 marks a thrilling celebration of 40 years of Flexi, the venerable record emporium that has stood the test of time in the ever-evolving music industry landscape. As the label weathered storms and celebrated triumphs, it has remained a beacon for vinyl enthusiasts, and this compilation embodies its enduring spirit. Curated by Flexi Cuts, Musica Solida promises a series of carefully selected singles spread across multiple 12-inch samplers, showcasing the talents of cherished Flexi-affiliated artists and producers. With a vision to cultivate a movement of sublime tunes, the compilation aims to uphold the commitment to quality that Flexi has exemplified within the Italian music scene and beyond. Musica Solida sampler one sets the stage with an eclectic lineup of artists, each bringing their unique flair to the table. DJ Rocca stands as a stalwart of the clubbing scene, while Club Soda delivers live electronic ensembles brimming with house-flavored jams. Lex & Locke bring a touch of Greek sophistication to the mix, showcasing their groovy sound destined for future acclaim. Hiroyuki Kato emerges as a Japan-based multi-instrumentalist with a punchy debut track, and The Mechanical Man (feat. Bob Vito) adds a raw, gritty energy to the compilation. For those that are adventurous in finding unique music, you will want to check out this great release.

Review: Stefano De Santis kicks off Ten Lovers' new 'Best Of Various' release with 'Murk'; as the name suggests, this is indeed a dark workout from Rome's finest. The tone is set thereout for a thoroughly varied V/A, blending every curious hallmark from jazzdance, G-funk, Chicago house and progressive. The opener is a muted but no less expansive start, establishing the broken, one-beat-eliding, live-drummy mood that is then heard throughout. Batavia Collective's 'Rearview' thematically harks after an unconscious joy, considering what can only be implied, not stated, by way of a gorgeous, what sounds to be largely live, modal synth squeezer on which the slowdown is the real highlight. Future Jazz Ensemble's 'Over The Rainbow' is by far the most challenging, blurring any woulda-been established lines popularly splitting 'live' and 'electronic' with a reverb-drenched generative fill workout, while closer 'Outer Heaven' from Takahiro Fuchigami, hailing from Fukuoka, rounds things off on a note of Hancockian jive.

Review: Long-serving, jazz-loving deep house duo Kemetic Just have been working with Terrence Downs for years, with the singer's soulful vocals appearing on many of their tracks over the last two decades. There's no original mix of 'We R Culture' here, but rather a quartet of club-ready remixes. DJ Spinna leads the way with vocal and instrumental variations of his 'Galactic Soul Mix' - a gorgeously colourful, pin-sharp shuffle through synth-powered deep house loveliness with all of the intricate musical touches and kaleidoscopic keyboard solos you'd expect from the NYC producer. Elsewhere, Wipe The Needle re-frames the track as a breezy, musically rich slab of jazz-funk-tinged broken beat of the sort regularly served up by Dego and Kaidi Tatham, while the Househeads mix is a carnival-ready, samba-house treat.

Review: A special summer-tuned dedication to two of Africa's most creative contributors who both passed away at the birth of the New Year. First up, South Africa's Shaluza Max's 2002 classic gets the revisitation it deserves; big accordions, honeyed Zulu vocals and a chugging groove that could plough into any dancefloor under the sun, it struts with a timeless sense of universal groove science. Flip for a rewind to the mid 80s as Soundway pays tribute to the hugely prolific Tabu Lay Rochereau. Complete with smooth, soothing synths, show-stopping harmonies and slinky bassline that won't quit, it's as heart-rending now as it was 30 years ago.

Review: Label regulars Roberta and Trilaterals are back on Worldship Music to take part in the latest Herald Tarccs instalment. Reelsoul is a new name to join the fun and pens up with 'La Costa' which is a throwback disco house sound with wild melodies and big horn leads vying for attention and getting hands skyward. Trilaterals bring plenty of percussive funk and jumbled drum brilliance to 'Flo Jo' and Teflon Dons taps into a Philly sound with the string loops of 'DONTWANTU2GO.' Roberta's "Hang Back' is a classy little jazz-house number.

Review: Timmy and South African songstress Toshi Tikolo, who hails from Kwalanga Township in Cape Town, collaborate on this powerful Afro House track that showcases a deep, spiritual side of the genre. Known for its impact on Shelter Heads and beyond, the instrumental mix alone packs a punch. Joaquin Joe Claussell elevates things with his signature and sacred style that transforms the original Afro roots into something entirely unique. His remixes, including the wonderful Cosmic Arts Afro and Drum Gathering versions, add plenty of depth to an already captivating original. This is as authentic as Afro house gets.

Review: The Robinson and Takahiro Fuchigami take a side each on this compelling exploration of house music infused with diverse jazz influences. This release effortlessly blends genres, creating a rich and textured soundscape that bridges lounge, disco and blues. Side-1 opens with 'Passion Is The Key', a track that leans into lounge jazz vibes, pairing smooth melodies with a laid-back house groove. Following this, 'A Satisfying Day' injects disco elements into the mix, creating an uplifting fusion of rhythm and melody. Side-2 deepens the jazz-house connection. 'Jazzing Bird' delivers an intricate, jazz-forward interpretation of house, balancing vibrant improvisation with danceable beats. 'How's That Sound?' captures the essence of a smoky jazz club, blending sultry brass lines with a steady house pulse. Closing the release, 'In Motion' incorporates bluesy undertones into a chilled-out vibe, offering a soulful, reflective end to the journey.

Review: Kaidi Tatham back on 2000BLACK needs little explanation really, does it? Anyone who takes broken beat and neo soul seriously should already be slipping this on in their cart, but for the uninitiated this is one of the grandmasters of the sound in full flight. 'Galaxy' is a beautiful, uplifting soul-boogie jam with a stunning vocal turn from Lola Violet, and it comes in two different twists depending on the energy you need to bring to your set - for us the 'Uptempo Mix' is a perfect shot of joy in the arm. 'A Message From Above' cools things down with gorgeous keys, a characteristically snagging beat and sultry horns, and 'Ergonomic Structures' slinks into the sweetest of downtempo funks that'll have you head nodding hard and keeping you chill all in the same beat.

Review: Ed Temple takes things back to the glory age of seminal clubs like Paradise Garage and The Loft with this fresh outing on the Temple Musiq label. 'Pink Velvet' opens up with the sort of lush and dreamy arps that you want to hear either to ease you in or take you out of the dance. 'Don't Wait' then awakens the sense with steamy sax sounds drifting up above mid-tempo house drums and 'On My Mind' is all woozy vocals and smeared jazz guitar licks for some Balearic brilliance. Last but not least is an Inkswel remix of 'On My Mind' that explores broken beats and sunny vibes with a stylish original vocal.

Review: Tenderlonious returns with a standout 12" vinyl, delivering three tracks that blend deep house with lush, jazzy textures, limited to just 200 hand-stamped and signed copies. Kicking off with 'Underworld,' the A-side offers a ten-minute groove of rolling 808s, atmospheric synths, and sweeping stringsia dancefloor essential. Side B opens with 'Wild Horses,' a mellow, bass-driven journey marked by rich analogue pads and a touching piano solo, followed by 'Ur Love,' a nod to the London club scene with its layered rhythms and melodic twists.

Review: Hardcore followers of deep and jazzy house might well know the name Terry Tester already. He has dropped some fine cuts on labels like Brownswood and BBE and now he cooks up some gritty but glorious new grooves for Creak Inc. His loose-limbed rhythmic style is laid bare on the opener 'Walkin' while 'Wansel' brings some bright and jazzy melodies that light up the ramshackle drums with future soul. Things get nice and trippy on 'Chance' which is wried up with pixelated stabs, acid mumbles and off-grid hits. The best of the lot might be the final cut 'Seven' with its seductive female vocal coos, wispy pads and Detroit drums. Innovative stuff for sure.

Review: Series Of Taboo presents its third release, collating the fiery, broken works of two ingenious verging on igneous artists. The first is the established Copenhagen producer Terry Tester, who sports a two-decades-long career as a turntablist and beatmaker. The second is the talented producer Jay Sound, the keyboardist and composer based in Detroit. Whether more a testament to biographical clout or the music itself, 'Rhythms From World Vol. 1' EP is a compellingly minimal broken beat bound-about, both tracks giving off ineffable moods of formal curiosity over concept ('Triplets' taking after the stave-straddling, crotchety musical three) and 'Loose Idea' sounding like, well, just that.

Review: Two years ago, Thomas Xu announced himself via a fine debut 12" on Sound Signature where he shared vinyl space with Julion De'Angelo. Here he launches his own label, Steady Flight Circle, via a first full solo EP of his own. It's really rather good, with Xu combining spacey jazz-funk synths, emotive chord progressions and rich musicality with beats that tend towards the jazzy, broken and off-kilter. All three tracks feel loose, warm and immediate, as if they were jammed-out in one take. While they clearly weren't, this improvised feel is hugely endearing. From the sounds of "Different Widsoms", Xu will clearly be a producer to watch in the months and years ahead.

Review: The rightly acclaimed Thundercat put out his latest album It is What It Is on Flying Lotus's Brainfeeder earlier in the year. Now a lead single from it gets offered up as three different versions. The album version is a romantic track with mellifluous chords rippling over lo-fi and subtle drums while the vocals bring the vibes. The always on point Floating Points then reworks it for the dance floor with airy drums that float in mid air as the keys get a bit busier and the vocals remain in place to bring the soul. An instrumental and acappella mean all bases are covered.

Review: An artist who continues his tradition of lush, Afro-influenced deep house with a release that exudes groove, musicality and tight craftsmanship. Trinidadian Deep (Damian Lee Ah Yen) has been one of the most consistent and respected names in deep house music for the better amount of 20 years now with his latest record being a perfect example at the quality and musicality of his style. Side-1 opens with 'Orisha Stomp', a percussive, jazz-tinged workout that keeps the energy high with its layered rhythms and hypnotic drive. It's tracky yet intricate, brimming with creative flourishes that make it a standout DJ tool. The title track, 'Light Work Productions', shifts into a more melodic and futuristic space, blending rich strings and deep, rolling basslines with a touch of Detroit soul. It's atmosphere strikes a balance between dancefloor momentum and emotive depth. On Side-2, 'U Are Loved' winds things down with warm keyboard grooves and a soothing, late-night vibe. Its effortless flow and strong playability make it a perfect closer, reinforcing Trinidadian Deep's ability to craft music that is both soulful and sophisticated.

Review: Tweak's latest is another fine trip through rhythm, texture and atmosphere across three originals that are couched in broken beat. 'Generation' leads with lovely laidback grooves and a warm, gloopy bassline as precise electronics merge with a hint of vintage soul. The 'Red Rover' (Rework) is another sunny, horizontal sound with bubbly broken beats and lush flutes adding the hook, then 'Fathorn' explores darker, more tribal rhythms with deep bass and ritualistic percussion. Raw Deal's Freedom Time Remix of 'Fathorn' takes it further with some fluid grooves and expressive brass top notes next to glowing, golden Rhodes chords. A fantastically feel-good and fuzzy sound.

Review: Fresh Sounds #000 is a new and unique series, limited and numbered to 150 examples thanks to the efforts of its parent company Ribo Cochlee. For the very first edition of the series, a mockley crew of newcomers come to the fore, be they DJ Moar, Disco Flegrei or Holdtight. Centring on woozy jazzdance and disco with an airily produced bent, the highlights on this one have to be Flegrei's 'Titamesque', which basks in a kind of sexy sophistry procured by the heady combination of live drums and a (we think) muted bass clarinet, and Yured Jones' 'Far Away', which breaks from the genre prescription for a more cinematic breakdown.

Review: Since the 1970s Danny Krivit has been a prolific re-editor. We're used to him cutting up classic cuts - think disco and soul, in particular - but he's never been afraid to turn his talents to contemporary cuts. That's what you get on this surprise Defected release. On the A-side he turns his attention to "Heaven", the killer gospel-inspired modern disco single from The Vision and Andreya Triana, turning in a version with plenty of drops, instrument solos and more emphasis on the righteous, life-affirming vocals. He's in a smoother mode on side B, extended and rearranging the rich and soulful dancefloor treat that is Kai Alce's Original NDATL vocal mix of The Dangerfeel Newbies' "What Am I Here For?" - a gem from 2016 that has previously been criminally overlooked.

Review: TrioRox is a new project uniting three prominent Italian music figures namely pianist Giovanni Guidi, bassist Joe Rehmer, and electronic musician DJ Rocca aka Luca Roccatagliati. Guidi, a jazz piano prodigy, has recorded for ECM and collaborated with Enrico Rava and Ricardo Villalobos before now while Rehmer, an American bass player based in Italy, has worked with jazz greats like Bob Mintzer. Here they combine their skills with Rocca on a record that is a mix of electronic, dance, jazz and pop styles, all with some sleek underlying grooves and hints of electro, classical and minimalism that add up to a real melting pot.

Review: First Word Records thrill us with a brand new album from present-day jazz legend Kaidi Tatham. Miles Away marks his sixth solo full-length for the award-winning London label, with ten fresh tracks all performed by the multi-instrumentalist himself. This is a masterclass in forward-thinking, genre-blurring electronic jazz; Rhodes keys, pianos, synths, strings, horns, and flutes flow floridly over roomy percussion and drum intricacies, representing Kaidi's unmistakable sound. From the smooth funk of 'Misty Garden' to the infectious 'Sweet Cherry Punch', the album redshifts a kaleidoscope of styles: bruk, boogie, soul, and even reggae-steppers on the closing 'Ku Deh'.

Review: The word 'legend' gets banded about rather a lot, but it is certainly applicable to West London scene stalwart Kaidi Tatham. Further confirmation of this elevated status can be found throughout "It's A World Before You", a staggeringly good album that marks the musician-producer's first solo set for some seven years. While rooted in the kind of warm, rich and life-affirming jazz-funk-fuelled broken beat workouts with which Tatham is most readily associated (and they're naturally superb), there's plenty of killer diversions dotted throughout. These include a couple of spacey, soul-flecked ambient rubs, a sublime collaboration with hip-hop/modern soul fusionists Children of Zeus, and a fine head-nodding hip-hop jam featuring rapper Uhmeer. In a word: essential.