Soul Brother Vinilo y CD

Review: First released in 1976 on Polydor, 'All Alone By The Telephone' is a lesser-sung sleeper hit by the Checkmates Ltd., but it hardly deserves this obscurity compared to their far more well-known hit 'Black Pearl', produced by Phil Spector. This one, to contrast, was produced by H.B.Barnum. It's a known go-to for DJs on the 2-step and modern soul scenes, but it's not the hype that counts; rather, the track's production is delectable, meting out near perfect harmony and balance to evoke the excruciating feeling of loneliness. 'Body Language', on the B, hears the band rested and recuperated from this isolated spell, and comes far funkier, more delightful.

Review: Soul startlers Crystal Clear (not to be confused with the many house and drum & bass artists of the same name) laid down 'Stay With Me' in the mid-1970s. The song is a sweet and romantic, yet no less punchy, ditty, packed with contrasts between flitty, fay vocals (from an unknown singer no less) and a heavy-set drum recording to juxtapose. Now re-released via Soul Brother, we're reintroduced to the song in all its hip-swanging glory. Just as its themes deal well with reconciliation, we feel to have been reunited with its charms, as we eagerly oblige the command to "stay"...

Review: Although hard-to-find, Harold McNair's 1968 cut 'The Hipster' has long been an anthem on the British jazz-dance scene, with numerous contemporary musicians (Chip Wickham included) referencing it in their work. Here reissued officially by Soul Brother, the track features the Jamaican-born flautist and saxophonist delivering energetic, life-affirming flute solos over an infectious, piano-sporting jazz groove. As the original RCA 45 did, this pressing also features fellow 'Flute and Nut' album track 'Indecision' - a more laidback affair built around brushed snares, languid jazz breaks and rubbery double bass - on side B.

Review: Soul Brother home in on a rare gem from Mojoba, 'Say You Will', a paean for intra-relationship commitment in the mode of soul. Recorded in the mid-to-late 1970s as a B-side for the then already wildly succesful 'I Know', 'Say You Will' was an unpredicted sleeper hit, perhaps owing to its high-slung vocals and deft unisons between guitar backings and impeccable drum swangs. A comparatively funky Southern soul number, its Sam & Dave-style harmonies oscillate away, to an endearing extent.

Review: A defiant rhythmic funk odyssey for those needing a little sonic boost before overcoming life's struggles and challenges, 'We're Gonna Make It' is a neat slice of understanding, optimism and determination. Recorded by New World, an American soul group active throughout the 70s, the song is emblematic of the sunniest facets of soul and funk, backed by a hand-drummed skeleton and falsetto'd vocal refrains. This new release version comes part of the Soul Brother series, reissuing this rarity for the completists out there who aren't remotely fussed about first editions.

Review: Next time your kid is going through the "why" phase, give them this record. 'Step Inside My World' by The Reason Why - an incredibly obscure band releasing with Polydor originally in 1977 - is an excellent modern soul mid-tempo dancer, having remained in hot demand for many years thanks to its sensitive recording and lyrical matter. With original issue copies having reportedly sold for roughly L700, we can only affirm that the two songs on the record amount to no less than sonic blessings, spanning keen emotivity and string-laden passion.

Review: This one is such an evergreen summer classic that it sells out whenever it reappears and gets reissued on a regular basis. Last time was last summer but now the rays are back in our lives we're glad it is available one more. Brazilian jazz vocalist Tania Maria is a true icon with a huge back catalogue of music behind her. Here, Soul Brother look back to her 1983 album Come With Me and lift a pair of pearlers for this vital 7". 'Come With Me' is a sundown slinker, with Maria's airy tone gliding over the sprightly piano chords while on the flip 'Lost In Amazonia' is a joyous, scat-powered slice of jazz funk with incredible slap bass flex. Essential summer grooves.