Review: The third volume of this series delivers an irresistible blend of funk and 60s-inspired grooves. Side-1 kicks off with a surf-rock-infused funk jam packed with energy and retro vibes. Following that, a swinging 60s sound that combining catchy rhythms and pop sensibilities keeps the momentum going. Side-2 shifts gears a groove-heavy track led by a soulful organ that oozes vintage charm. Closing the collection, there is a gem that features smooth, funk-driven melodies, topped off by a standout sax solo and a subtle British flair. This compilation offers a vibrant mix of styles, perfect for fans of classic funk with a modern twist.
Review: Bamma Gamma returns with a sizzling slab of funk in the form of 'Omelette' via Detroit's renowned Funk Night Records. This one is a digger's dream, raw, gritty instrumental funk with break-heavy drums, tight guitar licks and basslines so greasy they practically drip off the record. True to Funk Night's underground sound, Omelette is unapologetically retro and authentic and serves up irresistible dancefloor heat that feels like a lost '70s cut that has been newly rediscovered. For DJs looking to inject some analogue soul into their sets, it's a no-brainer.
Review: Major Keys revisits the jazz-funk classics with Gary Bartz's Music is My Sanctuary, now making its debut on a 12-inch. This 1977 gem, featuring the double Grammy-winning saxophonist, is an evergreen floorfiller, remastered for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts alike. With Syreeta Wright on vocals, Bill Summers and James Mtume on percussion, and arrangements by Larry Mizell, this track assembles top-tier talent. The lyrics are joyful and heartfelt, all anchored by Bartz's glorious saxophone. It's a timeless piece for both the mind and the dance floor. On Side-2, Carnaval De L'Esprit, is a lesser-known but equally brilliant jazz-funk masterpiece. Its sunny vibe lifts even the weariest spirits, cementing Major Keys as a must-have label. This record is a treasure that will be revisited time and again.
Review: Bloco & Soul Essentials are back with their smooth, feel-good vibes with their 7" There For You. Side-1 features the title track, a joyful slice of soul with a fantastic horn section and classy vocals. It captures a warm, 70s mood with smooth strings and an overall laid-back groove that's perfect for fans of classic soul sounds. On Side-2, 'Shady Lady' offers a slower, funkier groove. The track's funky bassline and gentle piano keys create a relaxed, sultry atmosphere, while the rich blend of guitar and smooth vocals tie everything together beautifully. There For You is an essential pick for anyone who enjoys soul music with a touch of Japanese funk and jazz influences, delivering timeless grooves with a modern edge.
Review: Gustav Brom's 'Calling Up The Rain' from his 1976 album Gustav Brom Plays for You Pop Jazz and Swing is a dancefloor gem that seamlessly blends big band jazz with a Latin groove, featuring a splendid organ and trumpet solos alongside a screeching guitar solo. Panorama Records' reissue of this track reaffirms the label's commitment to unearthing and reintroducing hidden musical treasures to new audiences. The 45 release of 'Calling Up The Rain' marks the first official reissue of this anthem, promising to ignite the enthusiasm of long time fans and those who dig for special new records.
Review: The great jazz trumpeter Chet Baker recorded Broken Wing in Paris in December 1978 and despite what he was going through personally at the time, it remains a showcase of his undiminished talent. The album highlights exceptional chemistry between the main man and his ensemble which featured pianist Phil Markowitz, bassist Jean-Francois Jenny-Clark, and drummer Jeff Brillinger. They deliver remarkable renditions of Richie Beirach's title track, Wayne Shorter's 'Black Eyes,' and Baker's own 'Blue Gilles.' Baker shines on the trumpet and delivers a graceful vocal performance on 'Oh You Crazy Moon' making this rare but now reissued LP an essential addition to your collection.
Review: Trumpet player Chet Baker and pianist Bill Evans are both renowned for their lyrical and introspective jazz performances, but sadly they only recorded together a few times. However, that does make their collaborations rare and special. This album compiles all those rare and special moments - including the full mid-50s LP Chet - The Lyrical Trumpet of Chet Baker, which features this album's iconic title track. This superb jazz collection highlights the chemistry between two jazz legends across a series of magical sounds, together for the first time.
Por Causa De Voce, Menina/Chove Chuva/Mas Que Nada (4:11)
Agora, Ninguem Chora Mais/Charles, Anjo 45/Caramba! Galileu Da Galileia (5:20)
A Minha Menina/Que Maravilha/Zazuiera (5:56)
Bebete Vaobora/Crioula/Cade Tereza (4:45)
Pais Tropical/Fio Maravilha/Taj Majal (5:54)
Vendedor De Bananas/Cosa Nostra/Bicho Do Mato (6:29)
Que Nega E Essa/Que Pena/Domingas (7:28)
Vinheta (0:29)
Review: As you can probably work out from the title, this one is the tenth album from Brazil's samba king and genre game-changer Jorge Ben (it makes a change from him calling most of his albums 'Ben' to be honest.) It came first back in 1973 and features a collection of his then-most popular songs. All of them come from the first decade of his career but were all rerecorded as medleys. They bring with them sunny melodies and his signature stuffing grooves, acerbic and witty lyrics and easy to get lost in rhythms.
How Deep Is The Ocean? (alternate take - bonus track) (3:45)
Review: Released to great fanfare in 1961, the second album by the original Bill Evans trio showcases their many years of refined synergy and pioneering three-way interaction. The seminal group featured pianist Bill Evans, bassist Scott LaFaro, and drummer Paul Motian and here they presented intimate renditions of jazz standards as well as three other, new compositions that became emblematic of their signature sound. Evans himself later cited this recording as one of his personal favourites in a vast catalogue which adds even more significance to its place in jazz history, as well as being a damn good listen that highlighted their exceptional musical chemistry.
Review: Violin extraordinaire and singer Andrew Bird teams up with an Americana icon, whose star has risen and is continuing to rise - Madison Cunningham. Bird says of Cunningham that she is one of the most talented musicians he's ever encountered. Together they've covered the 1973 album Buckingham Nicks - Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham's pre-Fleetwood Mac LP and done a brilliant job of it. Buckingham Nicks was a flop commercially when it was released and despite the duo's subsequent success it was never remastered or re-released digitally, so hard to come by. Thankfully, Cunningham and Bird bring this underrated gem into the limelight and do so in style. "The best reason to cover anyone is that little part of you that thinks you might do it better. This album epitomizes excess and confidence and it only made sense to embody that spirit ourselves," says Bird in a press release. And he's quite right - there's no misplaced arrogance here - they've nailed this homage to a classic.
Review: With a Yamaha organ and a vision, South African artist Pops Mohamed embarked on his musical journey in the mid-1970s as the bandleader and composer of Black Disco. He crafted an enthralling blend of chill-out jazz infused with futuristic drum machine sounds and spiritual nuances. His celestial organ melodies were complemented by two of the most esteemed session musicians on the South African scene: saxophone and flute virtuoso Basil Coetzee, renowned since 1974 for his solo on the hit 'Mannenberg,' and Sipho Gumede, the prodigious bassist already making waves among the veterans of the industry. Initially backed by polyphonic beats from Mohamed's electric organ and later incorporating a live drummer, Black Disco forged a distinctive sound, producing a trilogy of pioneering albums in a creative surge between 1975 and 1976. This first full reissue of their debut album, sourced from the original masters, captures the essence of their innovative spirit and showcases their groundbreaking contributions to the musical landscape. This release embodies the group's vibrant creativity and timeless artistry.
Review: Roots and Herbs, recorded by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers in 1961, was finally released by Blue Note Records in 1970ialmost a decade later. Featuring compositions by Wayne Shorter, the album showcases Blakey's all-star lineup: Shorter on tenor sax, Lee Morgan on trumpet, Jymie Merritt on bass, with alternating pianists Bobby Timmons and Walter Davis Jr. Despite its hard bop energy, the album arrived at a time when fusion dominated jazz, leading to Roots and Herbs being somewhat overlooked. The album's vibrant performances and intricate solos highlight the Messengers' hard bop brilliance. Tracks like 'Ping Pong, 'Roots and Herbs', and 'Master Mind' capture the beauty of Blakey's dynamic leadership. Each musician delivers top-tier performances and Blakey's powerful swing provides the backbone throughout. Though delayed, Roots and Herbs is now being appreciated as one of Blakey's finest works, a testament to both the talent of the Messengers and the timelessness of hard bop. This reissue reaffirms the album's place as an essential piece of jazz history, now reaching a broader audience. This special edition comes on UHQ-CD.
Put Yourself In My Shoes (feat N'dea Davenport & Jan Kincaid - demo)
Brother Sister (Stone One vocal remix)
Dream On Dreamer (Morales extended UK version)
Back To Love (feat Bahamadia - Much Love mix)
Mind Trips (SuperStar remix)
Forever (Mellow mix)
Midnight At The Oasis (Roger's Brand New anthem)
Spend Some Time (Bobby D'Ambrosio remix)
World Keeps Spinning (Spen-N-Jo World mix)
Dream On Dreamer (T-Empo club mix)
Back To Love (Luke Mornay Homecoming mix)
Review: The Brand New Heavies celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1994 album, Brother Sister. Known for its groove-driven, horn-laden funk and N'Dea Davenport's powerhouse vocals, the album delves into deep jazz grooves. Released after their debut and the Hip-Hop collaboration Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol. 1, Brother Sister carved out its own unique space. Debuting at number four on the UK charts, it achieved global success, solidifying the band's Acid Jazz dominance. This newly remastered edition comes as a 2CD version that includes two newly discovered demos, 'Pocketful of Bass' and an alternate version of 'Put Yourself In My Shoes'.
Review: Brother Jack McDuff's Moon Rappin is a bold exploration of funky and spacey soundscapes, marking a departure from his usual soul-jazz style. While the album may not adhere to traditional jazz norms, its fusion of funk rhythms with jazz improvisation showcases McDuff's versatility and willingness to experiment. Tracks like 'Flat Backin' and the title track blend jazz flutters over a funk foundation, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. With its heavy wah guitar and top-notch drumming, the album successfully bridges the gap between jazz and funk, offering a glimpse into the progressive musical trajectories of the era. In hindsight, Moon Rappin emerges as an unintentional precursor to the funk and jam music that would follow, with its spacey soundscapes hinting at the psychedelic funk to come. McDuff's adventurous spirit and willingness to push boundaries make Moon Rappin a noteworthy and influential record that deserves recognition for its role in shaping the musical landscape of its time.
The Next Time You See Me, Things Won't Be The Same
The Take Off
Birks' Works (alternate take)
Lady Be Good (alternate take)
Love Walked In
36-23-36/The Theme
Review: By the time Kenny Burrell took the stage at the Five Spot Cafe in August 1959, he had already 90-degree head-turned his best jazz fellow travellers with a glissando of Blue Note LPs. But this gig, his first live date as a leader, brought a new kind of magic. Contracting Art Blakey, Tina Brooks, Roland Hanna, Bobby Timmons, and Ben Tucker on band duties, Burrell confidently executed a suite of hard bop soaked in sweat, swing, and soul. This 3xLP brings that steamy summer evening back to life in full analogue detail; housed in a tip-on trifold jacket with an accompanying booklet of rare Francis Wolff photos, an essay by Syd Schwartz, and new reflections from Burrell himself, it's a vivid snapshot of a moment when everything clicked.
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