DIPLOMATS OF SOUL Vinyl & CDs

Review: Diplomats of Soul is the duo of Mike Allin and Ralph Tee and they are celebrated not just for their funk and soul expertise but also for releasing a steady stream of soulful gems since 2006 through their Expansions label.Continuing their solo project, they deliver a stunning cover of Barbara St. Clair's rare groove classic 'Teacherman' here. Distinct from their earlier hits, 'Teacherman' continues to redefine their promise by offering two lush 70 soul tracks: one vocal and one instrumental, continuing their tradition of soul innovation with a contemporary and groove-heavy edge.

Review: This record is a re-make of a Carmen Amez disco and boogie gem from 1983. The original goes for well over L200 and isn't even that good a pressing. This cover first saw the light of day as a 12" in September that was only acquired by certain DJs. It soon started trading for high prices as people wondered what the hell it was, who it was by, and whether it was a shifty bootleg. That's all resolved now as it gets a proper out with a freshly re-recorded version with strings, horns, bells, whistles and Vanessa Haynes on vocals. It's a lush bit of floor filling heart swelling disco, funk and soul gold with soaring strings to boot.