Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: To celebrate the return of the Glastonbury Festival in 2022 and mark the 15th anniversary of an iconic moment, Island Records served up Amy Winehouse's 2007 Pyramid Stage performance for the first time. This unforgettable set saw the troubled genius headline on June 22nd and it was her debut on the Pyramid Stage. She entranced audiences as ever with her soulful voice and electrifying presence and later that day, she also graced the Jazz World Stage and once again wowed those in attendance with another heartfelt and raw performance. The album now gets reissued and commemorates a milestone in Amy's career as well as a chance to relive the magic of her timeless sound.

Review: Beautiful People captures the Wojtek Mazolewski Quintet's vibrant essence, recorded in December 2023 at Polish Radio's S4 studio following a series of acclaimed performances. This album emerges from a period of creative exploration, where the band harnesses their dynamic synergy and respond to enthusiastic crowds with an invigorating collection that marries contemporary spiritual jazz with WMQ's distinct character and Slavic heritage. Mazolewski, a distinguished figure in Polish jazz, show his talent as both a bassist and composer, weaving together traditional jazz influences with modern nuances. The result is an emotionally resonant musical journey that has garnered praise from around the world. With decades of experience, Mazolewski has become a staple of the jazz scene, captivating listeners globally with his electrifying live performances that blur the lines between classic and contemporary styles. Beautiful People has fresh sounds that resonate deeply within the modern jazz landscape.

Review: Stevie Wonder's The Definitive Collection, now reissued on double vinyl, offers a broad overview of his remarkable career, initially compiled in 2002. . The collection highlights Wonder's versatilityipop, funk, soul, and jazz influences are all represented, with timeless tracks like 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours' and 'Sir Duke' standing out. While selections like 'Hey Love' and 'Overjoyed' may seem like odd inclusions when Stevie has had so many hits, the compilation still spans his career highlights, including smash hits like 'I Just Called to Say I Love You' and 'Part-Time Lover'. There are so many legendary songs, it's almost overwhelming - a great introduction to the breadth of Wonder's musical legacy.

Review: Stevie Wonder's enduring genius shines across this translucent orange vinyl collection, charting his most transformative years from 1966 to 1980. Early hits like 'Uptight,' 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered,' and 'My Cherie Amour' radiate youthful energy and soul, while later tracks such as 'Superstition,' 'Living for the City,' and 'Higher Ground' embody his era-defining blend of funk and social consciousness. With its mix of exuberant anthems and introspective masterpieces, this release encapsulates the vibrant artistry that secured Stevie Wonder's place as one of music's greatest innovators.

Review: French label PBT is absolutely on fire right now with a series of massive reissues of long-time boogie, funk and soul grails that will have collectors in a spin. Next up is this hidden gem from Florida's boogie funk archives, Pixie Dust by Wreckin' Crew, which was originally released in 1983 and was once a US-only rarity. It's a bass-heavy, synth-laced prized find for collectors and DJs featuring Robert Rans (who was the co-writer of Freeze's classic 'AEIOU') and veteran producer Kent Washburn. It's brimming with tight grooves and crisp drum programming while smooth vocal harmonies flow throughout. Every track radiates pure 80s boogie energy, all crafted with precision and ready to dominate dancefloors.