Review: Missouri man Early Turner is the latest to be celebrated on the always sharp Tramp label. This was his first record in the late 70s, right on the cusp between trad funk and the emergent sound of boogie. 'S'port City Rock' is a sweat-inducing dancefloor cut with a deadly on-the-one groove and some serious bass, letting just a few choice synth zaps to sneak into the mix but keeping things primarily organic. 'Sunshine' is a softer soul number - the perfect sentimental foil to the serious get-down on the A-side.
Review: You can always rely on Super Disco Edits for exactly that. The long-running label's 68th such serving is from the Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign and features a couple of their previously unreleased joints. Opener '69 Cents' brings slick and sleek afro drumming with some splendid horn sections powering things along. A smooth and soulful vocal ride in amongst the drum grooves and takes you on a fine trip. On the reverse is 'That Is Why,' which slows things down a little and gets more loved up. The backing vocals lend the whole thing an air of class as the lining trumpets soar and the mellifluous chords sink you in deep.
Review: The Ebonys' debut single, 'Back In My Arms' showcases their rich vocal harmonies and the soulful production that would define their future work. Recorded in 1968 and released in 1969 under Raymond Waterhouse's Avis label, this single may not have charted, but it laid the groundwork for the group's later success at Philadelphia International Records. Both tracks reflect the distinct r&b flavour of the late 60s, blending heartfelt lyrics with lush arrangements by the late Roland Chambers. 'Back In My Arms' features a yearning narrative, highlighting the group's emotional depth, while 'I Can't Help But Love You' brings a smoother, romantic vibe that perfectly showcases their vocal prowess. Now remastered, this edition brings fresh life to a long-overlooked gem, allowing listeners to appreciate the foundation that led to The Ebonys' future hits.
Review: Denie Corbett, Marva Hicks, Susan Beaubian, Sylvia Striplin and Vivian Prince are Eighites Ladies, a vocal ensemble best known for their hit 'Turned On To You'. An iconic rare groove gem from the 80s, it has since been sampled any number of times by giants like A Tribe Called Quest. An edited version has been put out before on an Expansion 7" but an extended version has alway been sought after. Well, here it is along with 'Give Me Your Love', a solo tune from Sylvia. 'Sing Me' also makes the cut to ensure this soul gem is an essential pick up.
Review: The electrifying return of El Combo Batanga. The Afro-Cuban band and Ubiquity Records favourites descend upon us once more in a sallying storm of Isthmian lightning, bridging the spirit of classic Fania and Tico Records releases, and whipping them back around and through gales of Latin funk, son, timba and boogaloo. "Batanga" refers to the traditional Cuban instrument heard throughout their records, if you listen closely: new A cut 'La Cuota' brings an urgent, hyperbolic funk, while 'Darling' contrasts with nixie moods, a heart-burning Latin soul lament.
Review: Longstanding New York troupe El Michels Affair bite down on 2017 with two on-point left-sided soul jams. "Tearz" is a biggie, not least because it features Lee Fields and The Shacks. A warm, organ groove with loose breaks and drops into pure harmonic bliss, it's another spellbinding affair from the Wu-approved crew. "Verbal Intercourse" takes more of a slinkier, subtle approach with clipped horns spitting an insistent hook over sparse, twanging instrumental elements. Stunning, as always.
I Still Love You (feat Intrigue - instrumental) (4:50)
Review: En-To-End's 'Money Talks' is an old school street soul classic from the late 80s. It's been reissued before by Backatcha Records but is an ever-green anthem so is also welcome back. This version comes with a yellow label on limited 12". And so to the tunes - 'Money Talks' is a low-slung groove with spoke-sung vocals and lush chord work. Also included is the brilliant drum work of 'I Still Love You' with its r&b vocals and irresistible groove. Instrumentals of each feature on the flip but the vocal versions really are the ones.
Money Talks (Sean P Special mix - instrumental) (5:58)
Are You Gonna Be (instrumental) (4:27)
Review: 'Money Talks' by En to End is a street and soul disco classic from the end of the 80s. It's a real favourite here at Juno HQ and so whenever it reappears we're glad to see it. Right now Backatcha Records has got two versions available with a yellow label edition and this straight black label edition with slightly different versions. The tunes stand up, however, they are presented - two delightful slices of dance floor action with oodles of romantic vibes. 'Money Talks' (Sean P Special mix) is doused in vocal harmonies and glowing keys and on the back is the deeper, more sentimental 'Are You Gonna Be' with instrumentals of both on the flip side.
Review: Astonishingly, original copies of Energize's 1979 private press single "Piece of Class" have changed hands for over 500 quid online. Helpfully, Rain & Shine have decided to save us all a few bob by slinging out this licensed reissue. The title track is something of a bustling disco-funk gem - a genuinely wonderful fusion of hazy vocals, dueling horn solos, spacey synthesizer flourishes and driving bass guitar. B-side "Star of the Disco" is an even more up-tempo affair, with mazy saxophone solos, rasping horn stabs and starry jazz-funk keys riding a walking bassline and high-octane disco drums.
Review: Newcomers Energy MC2 are exactly the sort of ensemble needed by the supremely funky Soul Junction imprint. The label have done a great job in continuously finding new, raw talent in the soul game, and these dudes know the score. "If You Break It" features the voice of Vincent Bonham, and it's a veritable lovers tune, made for dance floor antics and Saturday night romance, whereas "Other Side Of The Mirror" is more of a soulful abstraction, a gorgeous little ballad led by the delicate, majestic vocals of Arnell Carmichael. Oh, boy...
Review: Originally released on the Soulful Thangs Vol. 7 compact disks for Latin Soul Recordings in 2007, the song 'It's So Hard To Say So Long' by the Equasions took on a life of its own. A timeless soul and funk single recorded in San Antonio in 1971, revered by sweet soul collectors internationally, has now become available for the first time in over 50 years through Symphonical Records. In partnership with band leader and songwriter, Robert Williams, this group also features high school classmates Vernon Shannon, James Hartfield, Ricky Cotton, and Lamar Sumter. 'It's So Hard To Say So Long', is a poignant sentiment to lost love, yet hope created through beautiful harmonies, whereas 'World Of Loneliness' is a psychedelic reflection of society of the era, which Robert mentions remains true today. Big shout out to Symphonical for putting out this very desirable 7"
Review: Ernie Mckone & Toby Baker have produced this new single for Erine & The Family McKone. The A-side features Valerie Ettienne who is well known for her work with the likes of Galliano and Jamiroquai (with him she made a cover of a Brenda Russell classic). 'In The Thick Of It' is a super silky and mid-tempo soul jam with lavish melodies and gentle grooves. The flipside is in cahoots with Lex Cameron, an increasingly noteworthy London-based singer. It's a tender and loved up tune for cosy dance floor moments.
Review: As a result of business-related difficulties, Dee Ervin only released two sides on Hotlanta, but these as yet unearthed recordings match anything he might have created in a more "successful" career. By 1974 he was as much a composer as artist, but he excels at both on these two numbers, both of which were fully produced and ready for release. 'You Make Me Happy' is a terrific uptempo dance track that recently featured on Masterpieces Of Modern Soul; Vol 6; 'Give Me One More Day', meanwhile, was issued erroneously in 1975 as a Tribe LP track on ABC, but the session details clearly have it as a Dee Ervin recorded number.
Review: Oh we do so love a mysterious white label. Everything You're About To Hear Is True appears to be a disco edit label with plenty of Balearic chops, which leads in with a supremely slinky rub down of Lynsey De Paul's 1981 disco funk masterpiece 'Strange Changes'. Things pitch down without holding back on blue-eyed funk for 'Jesus Train', originally by Swedish songwriter Per-Erik Hallin. On the flip there's no less than three hits, from the boogie funk perfection of 'Get It' to the jazz funk ascendance of 'Surge' and the swooning disco of 'Wilson'. Rock solid songs given a respectful touch up for the discerning DJ.
The DC Blossoms - "This Is Your Last Chance" (2:50)
Review: Eddie Singleton, once a prominent figure in Los Angeles' music scene post-Shrine Records, recorded a poignant soul ballad with the little-known group Exclusive around 1969. This track, previously unreleased, captures Singleton's emotional depth and soul craftsmanship. Earlier, in 1966, Singleton and his collaborators, Keni St. Lewis and Dale Warren, recorded a track with Washington DC's Blossoms, titled 'This Is Your Last Chance. Although it didn't make the initial single release, it gained notable attention when featured on the Kent CD Shrine, The Rarest Soul Label Vol 2. The song, beloved especially by Latin American soul enthusiasts on the West Coast, is now being released on a 45 for the first time, offering a new chance for fans to experience this soulful gem.
Review: There is currently only one copy of this on Discogs and it is listed at a rather eye watering L1200. Thankfully this reissue means you can own an undeniably brilliant tune for a much more reasonable price. It is a seminal New Orleans joint from the main man Eddie Bo who made it for the hugely popular group The Explosions. Juanita Brooks is the powerhouse soul sister who provides the vocals and on the other side is something just as good - a deep soul gem to warm you to your core.
Review: Bobby Ozra was on tour back in 2019 and the final date was in New York City. He had some time before returning home to Finland so hooked up with El Michel's Affair and Diamond Mine to record some music. The pair hit it off immediately, and Bobby used the chance to write about more esoteric subjects with the pair soon deciding to work on a full length album together. They are now well on with that process but in the meantime offer up two new gems. 'Losing It' is sun in Spanish and English and is a dramatic and moving tune while 'Watcha Know' explores death with some philosophical ponderings.
Review: Colemine Records has devoted itself to releasing top notch soul music for close to 20 years now. Those who follow the label closely trust the purveyor of the label (Terry Cole) enough to blindly pick up each and almost every release. The label's knack for finding and sharing some of the best versions of soul music is clearly evident from the latest by a group called The Splendids. Originally recorded in 1961, these two songs were destined to launch this talented ensemble. Two things' happened in 1962 though. Beatles music made Doo-Wop almost irrelevant overnight. In addition, members of the group got called into Vietnam. 63 years later after originally forming, the surviving three of the five members recording once again. The result is phenomenal and makes us feel like we are back in the 1950s. Only 500 copies in total have been pressed.
Bibleway Church Of God In Christ - "Since Jesus Came Into My Life" (3:09)
Eliezer Mass Choir - "Where He Leads Me" (3:01)
Review: If you're looking for an introduction into the world of original 1970s and '80s gospel funk and gospel soul, you can't do better than Tone B Nimble's ongoing Soul is My Salvation series of double A-side "45s". This is the eighth edition in the series and contains two more thoroughly obscure workouts. On the A-side you'll find Bibleway Church of God in Christ's 'Since Jesus Came Into My Life', a fizzing gospel-soul stomper that was first featured on the organisation's 1980 private press LP What Do You Say About Jesus. Over on the flip there's a chance to savour Eliezer Mass Choir's 'Where He Leads Me', a more disco-tinged number that reminded us a little of the Joubert Singers' much-loved 'Stand on the Word'.
Review: During the various pandemic lockdowns of 2020, BBC Radio Wales suggested to multi-instrumentalist Carwyn Ellis that he joined forces with their National Orchestra of Wales and Brazilian band Rio 18 for a one-off, audience-free concert. In the end, Rio 18 were not permitted to travel, so instead their contributions were recorded remotely and assembled by Ellis and his producer Shawn Lee, to which the orchestrated parts were then added live. Despite this complex recording process, the results are stunning: sublime songs, sung in Welsh, with an attractive mixture of Brazilian rhythms and instrumentation, soaring orchestration and attractive melodies aplenty. It has a conceptual theme - it's meant to be a sort of musical day in Rio - but that doesn't really matter; what matters is the music, and it's uniformly spellbinding.
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