Far Out Vinilo y CD

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: Together under the starry skies of the 70s, Arnaud Rodrigues and Chico Anysio made some of the most incredible music of that decade, under the name of Baiano & Os Novos Caetanos. Their legendary debut LP from 1974, under their own name, has become a Brazilian funk addict's must-have, not to mention a Holy Grail for contemporary sampling. Until now, it's been difficult to get a hold of it on viny format, so we're super psyched that the irresistibly reliable Far Out label has decided to reissue it. With 11 tracks to marvel at, there is a slice of funk for all walks of life and, of course, there is so much grooving to done! Quite simply, this is feel-good music for feel-good people, and this duo's vibes are just about the best thing we could ask on this June morning. Cop it before it's too late - we wouldn't want you to suffer at the hands of the online sharks, now!

Review: The evergreen Far Out Recordings here serve up, for the first time ever on vinyl, Mora! II, alongside the previously released Mora! Mexican-American percussionist and former member of the Sun Ra Arkestra, Francisco Mora Catlett recorded the first of these albums as private presses in 1987. The follow up was with an expanded Detroit jazz brass section but was shelved for many years. Both are pan-American melting pots that stir up afro-cuban rhythms, fiery sambas, frenetic batucadas and much more which is why they have become such gold standard Latin jazz classics.

Review: The well-regarded Far Out label starts a new catalogue number series for this first reissue from Brit-funk band Freeze. They are of course best known for lighting up the charts and dance floors of the 1908s with their super hit 'Southern Freeez' but also penned plenty of other gems. 'Keep In Touch' is right up there amongst them and now comes as an original and edited version on heavyweight vinyl. It is a joyful track packed with busy jazz-funk keys that cannot fail to amp up the party, especially in unison with a busy and tight bass riff and hip-swinging claps and drums. The edit shortness things up t make for an even more potent gem.

Review: Before tearing up dancefloors - and the pop charts - with 1981 single 'Southern Freeez', Brit-funk outfit Freeez self-released a couple of singles on main man John Rocca's Pink Rhythm label. These are now sought-after items, particularly debut double A-side 'Stay'/'Hot Footing It', hence this handy reissue. 'Stay', an early composition from UK jazz-funk legend Jean-Paul Maunick, is a deliciously expansive affair, with Spanish guitar solos, dazzling electric piano motifs, rubbery bass, shuffling drums and sweet female lead vocals all vying for attention in the mix. 'Hot Footing It' is a more straight-up UK jazz-funk floor-filler full of fluid jazz-bass, bustling drums and warming Rhodes riffs. Both tracks have naturally stood the test of time very well.