Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Contemporary reggae artist Junior Dell and his backing band the D-Lites do it just as their forbears did back in the 70s and 80s. Stalwarts of parent label Original Gravity and favourites of theirs, it comes as no surprise: Dell recharges the reggae genre with seemingly limitless battery power, asserting without compromise the Jamaican genre's unstoppability. Appeals to infinitude aside, it still would've certainly needed a heck of a lot of electrical power to fuel all those soundsystems. Even so, 'Can't Stop The Reggae' is a serene track, deploying a lovers' tinge whilst Dell peppers the sound with his suspended vocal lilts. Woodfield Rd Allstars go a little more experimental with things, electronically sequencing their vintage drums and bubbles to a highly miscible eight-note blessup.

Review: The classic 1982 funk anthem 'Don't Fight The Feeling' by American r&b and funk band One Way gets a fine 12" pressing here, which means it can be played nice and loud. Singer Al Hudson leads the way with his buttery vocal, while a stepping and broken rhythm with lovely dry claps and w sloppy synth squeal make for a pretty unique sound given when this was first recorded. On the flip side, Windjammer's 'I Thought It Was You' offers a more mellow, melodic contrast full of the band's signature blend of r&b and jazz with cooing, heart-melting vocals and a nice stepping rhythm that lovers of UK street soul will surely be drawn to.

Review: Kent Soul continue in their efforts to 100% faithfully replicate the works of old soul greats from the 60s and 70s, sustaining the everlasting flame of Northern soul and its various splinter hubs across the UK. Now Cincinnatian blues legend Albert Washington gets his due: a highly productive recording artist, active from the 60s all the way through to the 90s, Washington's 'I'm The Man' seizes the a short window moment in which a new spinster might be met with an opportunistic proposition after a bad breakup. "You don't have nobody to call your own / darlin', I'm the man / I share your pain, I do / I can make all your dreams come true / now, come on / yessir, you need me..."

Review: Donna Washington is a US soul singer from LA who had a number of big hit including her duet with The Dramatics' LJ Reynolds, 'I'm Into You' 'You Can't Hide From The Boogie' is a disco gem that featured on the Boogie Times Presents The Great Collectors Vol. 8 compilation back in 2008 but now get its own pressing on a standalone 7". It's leggy, glossy and a real lung buster with funky drums and big horns. Linda Clifford's 'Build A Fire' is another track from the 1980s boogie and disco era that still bangs but has a more deep, stripped-back and seductive sound.

Review: Whatitdo Archive Group goes deep with Wild Man, diving headfirst into the eerie side of holiday folklore. This isn't your average Christmas fare; Side A's 'Wild Man' pulses with heavy, driving bass and swirling wah-guitar that captures the energy of dark legends like Krampus and the Yeti. On the flip side 'Greensleeves' takes on a haunting Ethio-jazz edge, stretching the familiar tune into shadowy, hypnotic territory. Each track is a bold reimagining, blending ancient mythology with grooves fit for any late-night winter gathering that dares to step off the beaten path.

Review: The sounds of Stevie Wonder are destined to live on forever, such is the universal appeal and enduring musicality of what he does. When you have artists reworking the originals into different forms, that is also going to help them endure and that's what we have here with a couple of house mixes of his classic 'All I Do.' The Vocal House Remix is first and goes heavy on the filters while laying down some lovely soulful grooves that never quit. The Jazzed instrumental remix then pairs it back a little and allows some magical melodies to shine over more laid back grooves perfect for sunny sessions.

Review: Paul Weller is perhaps one of the best non-soul musicians to ask to compile a rare soul compilation. Rather than documenting soul music as it proliferated in the 1960s, Ace Records' soul aim was to capture a genre, fashion and style as one man saw it in retrospect, in light of his involvement in the mod revival of the mid 1970s. Weller would later go onto form and front The Jam, but in late 1974, shortly before his involvement in the punk movement, he was about none of that business at all. Punk partly grew on febrile tissues of mod, which was in turn an offshoot of 60s soul; and it is true that we may hear a foetal form of the sound in the brasher cuts on this record, be it Billy Stewart's 'Summertime' or James Carr's 'Pouring Water'. Also clock Brother To Brother's 'In The Bottle', a super-early drum machine blues gem perfect for the house heads.

Review: This enchanting album from Welsh jazz harpist Amanda Whiting is a heartwarming celebration of the festive season. Combining her deep love for Welsh culture, jazz, classical music and Christmas, it radiates warmth and charm throughout. Whiting's virtuosity on the harp shines as she reimagines seasonal classics by Vince Guaraldi, Bill Evans, Holst and Tchaikovsky, offering original arrangements that breathe fresh life into these beloved pieces. The 14-track collection exudes joy and nostalgia, with standout moments like the recent singles 'Peace Piece' and 'Skating'. Whiting's arrangements are both intricate and inviting, with a sound that's cozy and uplifting. Inspired by legendary artists like Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, her music is a perfect blend of jazz sophistication and classical elegance, creating a timeless atmosphere. Supported by her accomplished trio, the album is a fitting soundtrack for the holidays, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life with every note. Whether you're curled up by the fire or enjoying festive gatherings, this release offers a musical embrace that's truly comforting. A stunning work that showcases Whiting's exceptional talent and her ability to craft an unforgettable seasonal experience.