SPEEDOMETER Vinyl & CDs

Review: The UK's renowned jazz-funk outfit Speedometer spawns a new single here that takes the form of a bunch of classy covers, all taken from their recent third album Four Flights Up. The A-side offers a refined version of 'Am I Your Woman?', plus a take on the Chi-Lites' classic 'Are You My Woman (Tell Me So)' with Ria Currie's standout vocals lodging deep in your soul. This one was inspired by a night spent dancing at a club in Osaka during their 2005 Japan tour and arms with a smooth groove. On the B-side, they do a fine job of 'Nam M'Yoho Ren'Ge Kyo,' originally by the Night Blooming Jazzmen, by delivering a tight, funky groove with exceptional horn and drum arrangements.

Review: Speedometer's still superb The Funk and Soul Sessions was originally recorded live at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London. It was initially created for the Abbey Road Masters label as two exclusive library albums for TV and film, and came in limited quantities, as it does again here with this reissue for which the label has pressed just 250 copies for fans and collectors alike. Now celebrating their 25th anniversary, Speedometer's classic soul sound on side A features powerhouse vocals from SheZar and Angelo Starr. Side B highlights Speedometer's signature hard-hitting, heavy funk, performed live by their eight-piece band. This limited edition LP is top notch for authentic funk and soul heads.