New releases last two weeks: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Nestor Alvarez's Midnight in Havana on Original Gravity delivers an electrifying Afro-Cuban instrumental jam that transports listeners to the vibrant streets of Havana. With a mesmerising flute lead and dynamic jam sessions, the track exudes a captivating energy that feels like a theme song for the city's bustling nightlife. The infusion of Cuban soul adds depth and authenticity to the music, immersing listeners in its rich cultural heritage. On the B-side, Alvarez offers a creative cover version of the Happy Mondays' 'Kinky Afro,' reimagined with a Cuban twist. The fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms and the iconic melody of the original song results in a fresh and exciting interpretation that showcases Alvarez's versatility as a musician. Fans of Latin and Cuban dance music are sure to eat this up.

Review: Amirtha Kidambi's New Monuments is a politically charged fusion of avant-jazz, Carnatic music, and rock that confronts colonialism and oppression. Its dark, psychedelic soundscapes express urgent determination through Kidambi's evocative vocals and the experimental instrumentation of her collective, the Elder Ones. Kidambi weaves personal experiences as an Asian American into her critique of global injustices, using her music as a platform for resistance. Through diverse vocal styles and instrumentation, she highlights the interconnectedness of struggles against oppression. Its grim determination underscores the resilience of the downtrodden, their march toward a future where their voices and rights are recognized.

Review: Brazilian artist Lucas Arruda, is fast becoming a regarded figure in the Latin scene. 'Ominira' is his latest long player that once again, finds a home on the French label Favorite Recordings. An album full of rich sounding musical textures that cross boundaries and bridge many genres such as Latin, soul, house, jazz and pop. The vibrant summer jams 'The Bravest Heart' and 'Novos Planos' are A-side standouts that will surely excite veteran and new listeners alike, who are into World music. '4:28' and 'The Mountain' start the second side with some catchy instrumentals that give off memorable beachy 70s vibes. ' Projecoes' closes the album with one of the most soulful performances of the album. All and all, you have a wonderful sounding jazzy grooved piece that ups the expectation of what a Latin jazz album can be. Cafe Del Mar approved!

Review: 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' represents a pivotal moment for Roy Ayers and Ubiquity, marking a departure towards a funkier and more laid-back sound in 1976. With its languid tempo and dreamy atmosphere, captures the essence of summer with its joyful lyrics and hypnotic groove. Ayers' vibraphone melodies intertwine seamlessly with the band's instrumentation, creating a mesmerizing sonic landscape that resonates with listeners. The song's universal appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making it a timeless classic that continues to enchant audiences across generations.

Review: Reserved for Record Store Day comes this exciting new doublet from brilliant Brazilian jazz-funkers Azymuth, in the form of both an extended mix of their enduring major hit single from 1979, 'Jazz Carnival', and a fresh remix by Yambee, the duo of Ashley Beedle and Yam Who?. The original track was a rare slice of instrumental funk music, dare say instrumental music at all, to climb the UK charts and remain in its upper echelons for a solid twenty weeks. Though its initial popularity was lengthy, it has since then gone underground, becoming a throwback favourite of the likes of Kerri Chandler, Mr. Scruff and Gilles Peterson, to name but a few icons to play it back out over the years.

Review: Get yourself geared up for festival season with some fierce party starters certified with the Glitterbox stamp. Melvo Baptiste leads the charge with 'Sweat', a sizzling disco house stomper with Dames Brown giving the biggest diva energy on her show-stopping vocal. Lovebirds bring unbridled joy on the Philly string swoon and slinky b-line funk of 'Burn It Down', while Art Of Tones & Inaya Day keep it peak time on the sassy strutter 'Give My Love'. Young Pulse & Fleur De Mur complete the set with 'Smooth Sweet Talker', another bright and bold vocal cut par excellence.

Review: Laurent Bardainne and Tigre d'Eau Douce's third album, EDEN BEACH CLUB, transports listeners to a sun-drenched paradise and was conceived as an imaginary soundtrack to a day by the sea. Following the triumph of Bardainne's Hymne au soleil album, they set their sights higher and here have crafted a sonic oasis that defies boundaries. Returning to their winning formula, the album seamlessly blends groove, soul, jazz, and electronic elements as each track invites you to lose yourself in a breezy and beachy dance as you celebrate an eternal sunset tinged with electric energy. The album is brimming with sophisticated and laid back melodies and gently persuasive grooves.

Review: Diane Birch returns with that spellbinding voice - a transportive powerhouse packing a timeless quality that resonates through her music. The American recording world doing what it has always done so well, creating huge, heartbreaking, hopeful, and captivating mini operas disguised as pop. Or, if you want to get technical here: soft rock, country, folk, r&b and soul. OK, so there are elements of funk and jazz, too, and the result is a heady brew that's pretty inescapable. Harking back to the balladry heydays, with shades of Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, and Carly Simon, to name but a few - in delivery and performance, if not necessarily tone - no matter where you're listening from it's going to be hard to forget this one.

Review: Maya Blandy's latest single, Lemons, is a vibrant and infectious track that seamlessly blends upbeat urban funk with an acid jazz sound, resulting in a potential pop hit. The song takes a spin on the classic adage about making the best out of life's challenges, presenting it with a fresh and edgy perspective. With its catchy hooks, groovy rhythm, and Maya Blandy's convincing vocals, Lemons is destined to be an instant hit once heard.
The Side-2 is equally as good with 'BIB (Bitch In Black).' This song oozes with soulful vibes, showcasing Maya's mesmerizing vocals against an urban beat backdrop. The addition of a horn section adds depth and richness to the track, elevating its sonic experience.

Review: Sizzling-hot hip-hop duo Blue Lab Beats are on everybody's lips now, thanks at least in part to the announcement of their latest full-length album, Blue Eclipse. Heralding an exciting new era for the duo, these 12 songs reveal the depth and breadth of producer NK-OK, and multi-instrumentalist Mr DM's musical ambition. Throwing back to their debut EP 'Blue Skies', which even pre-dates their involvement with record labels, Blue Eclipse signals a circling back to their origins while also embracing the new; the pair's usual jazztronica remit is lent the utmost contemporary spin, with notes of drill, neoclassical, trap and Jersey bounce - all still prevalent styles - peeking through in these latest productions.

Review: Danielle Boutet's Pieces is a mysterious artifact of Quebecois marginalia, self-released in 1985. Seeming to land squarely in the French no wave niche, yet nonetheless defying it through sinister inversions of the form, the reissued album comes as a reminder of Boutet's impressive command over atmosphere and narrative. Arabesque monologues in her native French soar over warblingly warm arpeggios, which sound ready-primed for traversals of Transylvania, while the more languid cuts make use of impressively synthetic emulations of what could otherwise sound like affectedly acoustic instruments, such as the "harmonica" on 'En attendant l'aube'. This is a welcome unearthing of an otherwise unconscious album, made in the space between REM sleep and authentic, out-of-the-limelight living.

Review: Brainstory's sophomore album, Sounds Good, marks a significant evolution for the LA-based trio. From signing with Big Crown Records to navigating the challenges of COVID, they've honed their craft and tightened their sound. Produced by Leon Michels, the album showcases Brainstory's expanded brotherhood and their ability to blend genres seamlessly. Tracks like 'Nobody But You' and 'Peach Optimo' reveal new facets of their musical range, while 'Gift Of Life' delves into existential themes with haunting beauty. With contributions from Claire Cottrill on 'Hanging On,' and introspective tracks like 'Too Yung,' Brainstory delivers a deeply personal and musically rich experience. Sounds Good is not just an album title, but a testament to Brainstory's growth and the genuine bonds that fuel their artistry.

Review: American jazz drummer Roy Brooks lit a fire under his career when he joined the Horace Silver Combo in the early 1960s; such was the foot in the door that it allowed him to join a multitude of later bands and projects of esteem, including those led by Stanley Turrentine, Yusef Lateef and Charles Mingus. Perhaps it was this early exposure to multiplicity that saw to his incredible collective magnum opus (by then having formed his own band, the Artistic Truth), Black Survival, a live album recorded in 1974 that outwardly heard Brooks' then newfangled sense of spirituality at the time, not to mention his anti-war thematic focus, overflows of emotion, and glorious monologues in favour of peace and unity. One for the spiritual jazz heads, we'd say you can hardly call yourself one if you haven't checked this one out.

Review: BBE has delivered something of a future classic here, as decorated Eastern European harpist Alinha Bzhezhinska and British tenor saxophonist Tony Kofi join forces on a picturesque full-length excursion dedicated to the memory of spiritual jazz maestro Pharoah Saunders. It's a genuinely unique and hugely evocative affair, with Kofi's meandering, mesmeric melodies and inspired improvisations snaking in and out of Bzhezhinska's dreamy harp motifs and melodic percussion instruments (think bells, marimbas, vibraphone, xylophone and so on). It's not a familiar musical palette, but it's one that consistently delivers - and then some. Our picks of a very strong bunch include lucid opener 'Tabula Rasu - Blank Slate', the exotic and psychedelic 'Audite Me - Hear Me', and the picturesque, meditative closing cut, 'Altera Vita - Another Life'.

Review: NYC Records looks outside its in-house stable for the first time here and signs the delightful nu-disco delights of Constellation. This duo hails from Miami and focuses on space disco sounds that fans of the famous Metro Area style are sure to love. They remain mysterious themselves but their beats are brilliantly designed with plenty of retro-future pads, cosmic arps and tight basslines full of colour, texture and soul. Like Daft Punk but deeper and more dubbed out. All four of these cuts are sure to get floors going but also bring plenty of style.

Review: Tyler Daley is a UK hip-hop mainstay and the vice of the brilliant Children of Zeus. Here he branches out with his own solo album, Son of Zeus - see what he did there? It comes on the band's home label of First World and bares plenty of their signature sonic hallmarks - dusty, undercooked production, lazy hip hop beats, and gorgeous vocals that sit somewhere between neo soul, golden era boom-bap from Tribe and something else a little unique. It's a warm world where yearning bars, lush harmonies and hooky melodies all float around the stripped back but bumping beats. Superb stuff.

Review: Lynn Davis, known for her illustrious career as a backing vocalist and member of George Duke's band, continues her solo journey with 'Beautiful You, her second single. Following the success of her debut release, 'Come Over,' Davis showcases her vocal prowess and sensuality once again in this sophisticated r&b ballad with a touch of jazzy swing. In 'Beautiful You,' Davis sings of recognising the inner and outer beauty in her partner, expressing gratitude for finding someone who surpasses expectations. The song beautifully captures the feeling of discovering that something seemingly too good to be true is, in fact, real. With its soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, 'Beautiful You' is another standout track from Davis, reaffirming her talent as a solo artist.

Review: This Hawaii-based label consistently delivers soulful gems like this which is why we love it so much. Mel Day brings genuine depth with 'Every Day I Try,' a poignant reflection on lost love, complemented by the talented Tito Lopez Combo and superb instrumentation. On the other side, 'Baby Girl' showcases Mel's confident and stylish channelling of the spirit of Joe Tex. This vinyl-exclusive release, produced under license from the esteemed music maestro Harbans Srih, pays homage to the golden age of soul music and is destined to become a timeless modern classic.

Review: We're big fans of this label here at Juno HQ as we have said before and how can you not be when it serves up soul as good as this? Mel Day delivers authentic deepness with 'Every Day I Try.' It is a heartfelt lament for lost love that is backed by the accomplished Tito Lopez Combo and some magnificent instrumentation. On the flip side, 'Baby Girl' sees Mel channelling the spirit of Joe Tex with confidence and flair. Produced under license from music maestro Harbans Srih, this vinyl-only release harks back to the golden era of soul music and is sure to prove a timeless modern classic.

Review: Jonny Drop working with Andre Ashong is not a collab you might have seen coming, but it is one you will be glad has happened. Puzzle Dust is reportedly an album that was four years in the making and it comes on a lovely blue slab of vinyl. Musically it is a work that fuses soul and psychedelia with stripped-back broken beats, dusty drums and lo-fi rhythms peppered with earthy percussion. At times sunny and upbeat, at others stoned and horizontal, Ashong's hazy vocals colour the tracks with his signature smoky soul. A fantastic coming together of two diverse but quality artists.

Review: The Cold Diggin label out of Dresden has long been serving up the work of The Duke Ya Love To Hate, which is one of myriad aliases of an artist who gets by the name of Stefan Senf. They are generally few and far between but are always worth copying when they do drop and this one comes on lovely hand-numbered 7" in a special screen-printed sleeve. 'Introducin' is a loose-limbed funk workout with classic hip-hop breaks and free-wheeling pads. 'Prescribin' is more slow and seductive with its florid melodic leads and lovely lazy beats.

Review: Elephant9: previous album, Arrival of The New Elders, showcased a diverse and contemplative side of the trio while maintaining their signature grooves and adopting a more structured approach. The album received widespread acclaim for its seamless collaborative qualities. New record Mythical River follows in the same vein, featuring six stellar compositions by keyboard virtuoso Stale Storlokken and complemented by cosmic interludes. From hypnotic enchantment to precise polyrhythms, the album showcases the trio's continued excellence while drawing comparisons to bands from the 60s, although Elephant9's sound remains contemporary, timeless and even futuristic.

Review: The self-titled debut record from South Carolina soul septet The Entertainers first dropped in 1980 and laid claim to a distinctive quirkiness. The kernel of the album's success was its unabashed choice of subject matter - sexual attraction - which when combined with its bright mixes and burstingly clear compositions, helped propel the band out from their local beach scene roots and into increasing interstate acclaim. With members Earl Dawkins on vocals, Hugh "Tuff" Blanton on bass, Richard Robertson on trumpet andzz flugelhorn, Ric Sanders on keyboards, Danny Baker on guitar, Marc Goins on drums and John Franklin on trombone, the Entertainers did nothing but.

Review: Natacha Fink's 'Pirarublue' delivers a sexy lounge vibe with hints of jazz rock, characterised by its catchy rhythms and melodies, while on the flip Nimalan Yoganathan presents 'Unseen Songlines,' an ambient piece rich in field recording atmosphere and experimental textures. With its unique sounding hord structures and ample use of echo, this track transports listeners on an introspective journey through soundscapes. Overall, the EP showcases the label's commitment to showcasing eclectic and boundary-pushing music from emerging artists.

Review: Greg Foat and Sokratis Votskos come together for a superb jazz-infused Mediterranean musical trip on Live At Villa Maximus Mykonos that was recorded in a picturesque setting. It captures the essence of a sun-kissed Greek island with its breezy rhythms and soulful improvisations as Foat's masterful piano and Votskos' evocative saxophone intertwine seamlessly to transport you to plenty of tranquil seaside vistas. The duo's synergy is palpable and evokes a sense of serenity and joy with each note from enchanting melodies to vibrant improvisations. This gorgeous album really celebrates the beauty of music to take you to another place.

Review: Darvid Thor, Henry Jenkins and Hudson Whitlock (of the bands Karate Boogaloo and Surprise Chef) founded the low-key Frollen Music Library in 2021. Now aided in kind with a public release of their works by Spasibo Records, a heartwarming dialogue is facilitated between two isntitutions by way of a new four-track EP. Hand-picking four sweet treats from two earlier releases put out between 2021 and 2022 respectively - 'By The Phone (You Rang?)', 'Jaw Breaker' and 'Sei Cardigani Di Ball' all hailing from the former's Sweet Treats Vol. 1 compilation and the final track '1/4 Cup Of Sunflower Oil' from the following year's The Fretted Neck' album - these tracks are laid-back, nonchalant refractions of talent, across which the aforementioned cycle through said covers of Ennio Morricone, Pierro Piccioni and Piero Umilliani's standout score cuts with ease.

Review: The Great Revivers is a funk and library band with a focus on organ laced grooves that hails from Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was formed around a decade or so ago from members of bands Wake&Bake! and The Reggaenauts and has put out a steady stream of very danceable 7"s since then. 'Adventures Begin' is their latest and it comes on the Spasibo label with lashing of loquacious saxophone and some nice loose, live drumming. Flip it over for something more laid back and starry eyed - 'Estrellas' has a soothing late night feel and brims with musicality.

Review: Spasibo Records has been busy lining up plenty of great funk sounds that all seem to be dropping at once. One of them is this limited yellow and red marbled vinyl from The Great Revivers. The band hail from St Petersburg in Russia and these two instrumental tunes are perfect examples of their lush library funk sound. Both were recorded pre-pandemic back in 2019 at a vintage studio in an old church. The organs really shimmer and bring the heat to opening cut 'Adventures Begin' while 'Estrellas' dial down into a more late night and intimate atmosphere before the funky breaks and neat guitar riffs come on with full force.

Review: Tommy Guerrero's sublime debut album Loose Grooves And Bastard Blues carved out his name as a musician, and followed hot on the heels of an already established skateboarding career. It's not often we can name an artist whose talents lend just as well to the axe as they do to the deck, but it's plain to see on this insouciant jazz/bossa nova collection: Guerrero is one dextrous bloke. With the skate career held firmly in mind, we can easily imagine these numbers as the backing cuts to a fish-eyed trickstyle video; it's a great testament to the pure joy of music-making too, with Guerrero insisting: "it was never meant to be released. I was just recording for the fun of it - still my fave. Oh so naive!"

Review: Guitarist, composer and skateboarder Tommy Guerrero hears several of his earliest albums reissued now via Be With, of which 2008's Return Of The Bastard was his fifth. Still evidently deep in the throes of recording for the pure fun of it, this fifteen-track album reflects a pure lyricless enjoyment that few other of Guerrero's contemporaries could ever hope to share. Perhaps it's the meditative truck of his earlier skate career that course-corrected his frame of mind to pure creative meditativeness; here driving noisy drum machines, lightly-amped two-tones, the occasional kalimba and faint vocals all collide for the perfect accompaniment to an implied visual narrative.

Review: Matthew Halsall initially crafted Bright Sparkling Light as an exclusive for his 2023 EU and UK tour. He then decided to put it out on vinyl and has now put together this special Japanese Edition which features its three exquisite suites, each averaging seven to ten minutes. Halsall's affinity for hypnotic drones, tenor sax progressions intertwined with lush flute loops and evocative depictions of Newborough Forest shine through here on an album that beautifully bridges the transition from dewy morning to creeping crepuscule. It's a natural, organic soundtrack from one of jazz finest contemporary talents.

Review: Speak Like A Child by Herbie Hancock is a groundbreaking album that defies categorization, blending elements of post-bop, modal jazz, and funk into a cohesive and forward-thinking sound only to be slotted into a wide spanning genre like Jazz-Fusion. The title track, 'Speak Like A Child', is a standout composition that highlights Hancock's signature piano playing, characterized by its lyrical melodies and inventive harmonies. The album features intricate arrangements and complex rhythms, with each track offering a unique sonic journey for the listener. Hancock's ability to push the boundaries of traditional jazz while maintaining a deep respect for the genre's roots is clear throughout the album. 'Speak Like A Child' remains a landmark recording in Hancock's discography, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in modern jazz.

Review: Blue Note first delivered Horace Silver's Silver Serenade in 1964, adding yet once more to their precious collection of sonorous soul jazz metals. With Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Junior Cook on tenor saxophone, Gene Taylor on bass, and Roy Brooks on drums, the natural scarcity of this serenade is a cultivated one, not spooned; Silver's naturalistic trumpet sounds carpal and easy, dancing brightly against clear, impeccably recorded contrapuntal movements by Brooks and Taylor.

Review: Wah Wah welcome the return of multi-talented Norwegian producer Espen Horne, following a 24 year hiatus. Sometimes, such resurfacings must happen - even after such long periods of time - if only to reaffirm the round-robin integrity of the label. The Anatomy Of Serene Eloquence is thus the logical, LP-form follow-up to 1999's acid jazz single/EP 'Magnetica', which, though released only to furtive acclaim, launched the label's reputation as a pusher of delights. This new one, however, makes for a remarkably different turn in sound, coming as a full-length of ambient, tremolo-ing and glistening jazz-funk verging on hip-hop (though certainly cut from the same cloth as 'Magnetica'). Vocalists and instrumentalists such as Olav Wollo, Faye Houston and Aich are kept firmly in tow, squeezing the icing onto an already spongy, delicious sonic gateau.

Review: Bobby Hutcherson's iconic Happenings is a mesmerizing jazz opus that even now all these years later still brims with innovation and emotion. Released originally in 1966, the record showcases Hutcherson's mastery of the vibraphone and how he effortlessly weaves intricate melodies with a vibrant rhythmic pulse. Backed by a stellar ensemble including the one and only Herbie Hancock, Hutcherson crafts a sonic landscape that is both sophisticated and accessible. Tracks never fail to captivate with their dynamic interplay and infectious grooves, while reflective pieces are also included to offer moments of introspection. Happenings then is a standout from an unparalleled talent.

Review: While rooted in the quintessential sound of the late 1950s and early 1960s, UK jazz ensemble The Jazz Defenders explore fresh territory while honouring their jazz heritage on their third album, Memory In Motion. Tracks like 'Chasing Fantasies' and 'Fuffle Kerfuffle' showcase their swing jazz finesse, while 'Meanderthal' and 'Snakebite Playfight' infuse soulful grooves akin to 1960s jazz legends. Collaborations with UK rapper Doc Brown on 'Rolling On A High' and the uptempo funk of 'Net Zero' add modern flair, while introspective moments like 'Take A Minute' and the closing 'Enigma' offer a serene balance. Memory In Motion celebrates jazz's legacy and innovation, blending tradition with contemporary influences for an immersive listening experience.

Review: Son of Todd Osborn (Soundmurderer/Ghostly) Kaito Ian makes a hugely impressing first outing on the Galaxy Sound Co label with a series of lo-fi hip-hop beat-strumentals that cannot fail to get your head nodding. He is a dedicated music lover and skater with a deep knowledge of his craft and that shows here with some refined sounds starting with the soul drenched 'Revert', then on to the warped angelic vocal samples of 'Sequoia' and the percussive jumbled and scratching of 'Trek'. 'Wait Up' is another excellently blissed out joint and 'Sloan' is a sunny, laid back, lazy vibe to close down a superb EP.

Review: The blistering, one-of-a-kind West Coast disco-funk record 'U Need Me' by LA Propinquity surfaces as part of a new body of historic productions initially intended for compilation on a full-length LP. For reasons undisclosed, this never happened; instead, Italian sonic exhumers Cannonball Records have been afforded the privilege of reissuing these tracks across a series of 7"s themselves. Hardly and criminially under-recognised in their day, the L.A. Propinquity were nonetheless composed of the angelic city's finest, with drummer James Gadson forming a prominent part. A blast from the 1970s, 'U Need Me' is a beaming slice of unrequited longing, set to delicious funk tones that are as maximized as they are unstrained.

Review: Originally released in 1960, Harold Land's Fox has not been reissued since 1969; this Craft Recordings reissue is long overdue. The tenor saxophonist delivers six fast-paced hard bop dazzlers here, flaunting an ultra-speedy take on the already high-velocity sound. Aside from the obvious talents of Land, the listener will be equally impressed by the inclusion of St. Elmo Hope in the Land band as pianist, lending an extra-special dimension to this challenging, whimsical, but still breezy album.

Review: 'On A Magic Carpet Ride' was a single originally written by Randazzo/Pike who worked on a lot of Little Anthony records. It is a Northern Soul classic, as is a much sought after and hugely expensive version by Bradford born singer Kiki Dee, who was the first white British female to be signed to Motown in 1970. This cheeky one-sided 7" makes the soul stunner available once more in original form and is full of big bouncing drums, string stabs, soaring vocals and unbridled upbeat joy.

Notes: Maggot Brain Issue 16: Spring 2024

This is a really packed, special issue of Maggot Brain, with the feature cover story a comprehensive interview by celebrated writer Sasha Frere-Jones with essayist, Lucy Sante (who's written for every issue of MB since the start), on the occasion of her awesome memoir about transitioning, I Heard Her Call My Name.

Phill Niblock: A tribute to the genius musician, filmmaker, label head, and generous promoter of ecstatic sound, by Steve Silverstein.

Tresa Leigh: An in-depth feature on the star of Efficient Space's beloved Ghost Riders compilation! Really a beautiful, untold story.

Dredd Foole: As his legacy is revealed through Corbett vs Dempsey's archival series, Foole talks to Six Organs of Admittance's Ben Chasny about the role of his band the Din in the Boston underground. Plus sidebars from Christina Carter, Kris Price, and Phil Milstein.

Loopsel: Mike McGonigal on some of the most elusive, beautiful contemporary music, straight out of Gothenburg.

Jeff Noon: An illuminating interview with the British speculative writer on his newest work as well as the 30th anniversary of the stunning Vurt.

Sleater-Kinney: 30 vital years of uncompromising music, by none other than Audrey Golden!

Hudson of Feature Inc.: A celebration of the most innovative gallerist of our lifetime on the occasion of the Soberscove Press book about his work and life.

Shabazz Palaces: The creator of vital, spiritual hip-hop beautifully interviewed by Detroit-based musician and writer Zachary Weedon.

Birtha: Nate Carson's in-depth feature on the pioneering, all-women boogie-choogle act.

Shonto Begay: One of Maggot Brai's favourite contemporary writers, JD O'Brien, in deep discussion with the great Native American painter-with particular emphasis on how his works engage with and are influenced by music. This piece alone is so well-written and illustrated it's worth buying the issue for.

Some columns: The debut of archivist Andy Zax's fabulous 'Extinctophonics' column! Cassette reviews, plus copious book and record reviews as well! Ana Gavrilovska on Detroit-based jazz duo Balance! Nate Carson on the Earth documentary, in the debut of the music documentary column! The latest Icons column finds Michelle Dove exploring the work of Chicago's beloved Douglas McCombs! 13 Questions for contemporary folk great Lael Neale by Mike McGonigal! And more Lucy Sante!

Review: Magic Number is Ross Hillard, a downtempo and orchestral composer whose engineering and bass playing can be heard on an array of releases, most notably for the likes of his own house favourites including Louie Vega, DJ Spen, Kerri Chandler, Lay-Far and Atjazz. Now debuting his first record on the latter artist's eponymous label, Badly Written Songs sounds like a slice of humble pie, but it's actually well-thought out title: in Hillard's own words, "(it's) a tongue-in-cheek reference to how transient electronic music can be." Thus, writing songs in this genre might not have been the most sensible and sustainable idea - but we all love house music, so we put everything into it, hoping that people don't discard it too soon. True to an engineer's tastes, the album is ultra-dynamic and bright throughout, serving up a consistent guest-vocal steeze reminiscent of Charles Webster or Herbert's gravitas.

Review: Dominick Martin is best known as stone-cold drum & bass don Calibre, a prolific producer with a masterfully deep and smoky sound. He has also made tech house under his own name, but lesser known is this album
Valentia which was originally released in 2013 and has now been remastered and repressed on 180 gram vinyl with a sleeve containing the lyrics. It was written on the amazing Valentia Island, joined to the west coast of Co Kerry in Ireland by a bridge t and battered by strong winds. Says Martin, "I took my computer and mic with me not knowing what to expect when I got there. In one of the rooms sat a piano, and as my fingers touched the keys I knew there was a story there waiting to be told."

Review: Rachel Maxann's 7" single 'All Of This And Nothing' offers a delightful journey back to the swinging 60s. With a sultry voice and passionate singing, Maxann channels the era's essence, accompanied by a backing band featuring a vibrant horn section and captivating organ melodies. The title track oozes with vintage charm and undeniable groove, transporting listeners to a bygone era of soulful music. On the B-side, 'Find Myself Another Man (alternate take)' takes a different turn, embracing early rock 'n roll vibes with a sprinkling of blues influence and soulful flair. Maxann's vocals shine against the backdrop of energetic instrumentals, delivering a rousing performance that keeps the essence of the era alive while adding her own modern twist.

Review: Soul Direction have taken two tracks from his the legendary soul man Tommy Mc Gee's first two 45s and put them together on one limited new 7". Fact fans will appreciate knowing that 'To Make You Happy" was originally titled 'Just to Make You happy' and now gets a rerelease that will surely give some light back to the music as well as the man. These two superb tracks have seemingly been missed by so many collectors over the years, but also have become more elusive in recent times. They feature on the Positive-Negative Album as well as rare 45 releases but to have them together as one here is a no-brainer for soul lovers.

Review: House music and fresh modern funk are happy bedfellows on this new EP from Moniquea with the masterful production taken care of by XL Middleton who, if you ask us, cannot miss at the moment. With an unmistakable West Coast vibe characterised by punchy synth bass and leads, this A-side embraces the good times with pulsating beats and detuned chords. On the B-side, the '97 Remix pays homage to Moniquea's g-funk origins while the bonus Applejac remix of 'Hate To See It' seamlessly blends dance-oriented elements with lush synth strings reminiscent of peak-era Neptunes productions from the 2000s.

Review: Mousse T.'s latest album, Melodie, is a testament to his enduring prowess in the realm of dance music. Following a string of successful remixes and collaborations, Mousse T. teams up with The Shapeshifters and Tensnake to deliver a sophisticated groover that exudes disco nostalgia. Featuring the enchanting vocals of Cleah, 'Melodie' captures the essence of classic disco while infusing it with modern flair. From start to finish, the album is a journey through infectious beats, funky basslines and irresistible melodies, showcasing Mousse T.'s impeccable production skills and his ability to create music that keeps the dance floor grooving. With its timeless sound and undeniable energy, 'Melodie' solidifies Mousse T.'s status as a master of the disco 3000 sound, ensuring that his music will continue to captivate audiences around the world.

Review: Mukatsuku has got another little treasure on its hands here with a tune from MBE and UK Soul legend Omar. It dates back to 2004 and has never been on 7" before having become something of a classic after original release on 12". Dons like Gilles Peterson and IG Culture were early supporters of the driving, peak time broken beat sound and the tune was often a highpoint of Omar's live sets. It has never been released as an instrumental either - until now. Both tunes now together on one 45 make for an essential cop for soul fans and, as always, there is strictly no repress on this one so move fast.

Review: Soul gems from the 60s - well, 1969 to be precise - don't come much more coveted than this one from The Notations. An original copy of this 45 rpm will quite likely fetch over 1500 quid. The r&b group was formed in Chicago, Illinois and featured Clifford Curry, LaSalle Matthews, Bobby Thomas and Jimmy Stroud. They went on to put out four albums and around 15 EPs but none as cherished as this one. 'Trying My Best To Find Her' now lands on a one-sided 7" and is a superb Northern Soul-style, high-energy soul cut with raw drums and aching vocal harmonies that soar and soar and soar.

Review: Electronica production duo Arnau Obiols and Kayyak, who've laid down a name for themselves for their distinct blend of cultural influences and captivating soundscapes, here present two new tracks that seamlessly fuse Afro-inspired rhythms with groovy organic beats. Barely letting us clock for a second that these are in any way electronically programmed or sequenced, this fresh Compost Records 12" hears its two new cuts, 'Faith' and 'San Diago', abound in the ambered, sandy interim of a clear-skied evening, in which cocktails flow and smiles widen. Remixes by Prins Thomas and Medle & Dele Sosimi do just as well to complement the mood.