Review: Admin's 'Mystical Circles 02' delivers two vibrant tracks that embody the essence of dancefloor-ready disco and funk. On Side-1, 'Three Eight Four' kicks off with infectious tribal drum fills and funky bass licks, accentuated by a commanding saxophone that invites listeners to groove. Its lively energy makes it a standout choice for any party. Flipping to Side 2, 'Ionosphere' continues the momentum with wicked bass notes and a stunning groove, complemented by powerful horn arrangements that elevate the track's dynamic feel. This release perfectly blends disco house with jazz funk elements, making it an essential addition to any DJ's set. Mystical Circles 02 is a celebration of sound that is sure to get everyone on their feet.
Review: A strikingly unique dance music project from Nagasaki producer, DJ and sound director Keisuke Yamazoe, Aflex Combo has always been an impressive project, straddling several EPs stretching back to 2002 - and all centring, in the artist's own words, on heavy funk beats and obscure jazz and Latin grooves. Jazz Roomn Records now release his cover-remix of the underground club classic 'Hibaros', originally by B&G Rhythm (Donny Beck & Steve Gutierrez, featuring Bobby Lyle). Several unusual time signatures modulate across its A-sided, dancey groove - don't be fooled, things need not settle into a 4/4 repetition to be worthy of a ball - whilst B-sider 'Something Special' lets things slack a little more, letting several, live-recorded drum loops rest on top of one another, while a sort of glockenspiel/celeste-esque instrument tinkles over the top. Something special indeed.
Review: Religion, and specifically gospel music, always played a key part in shaping the sounds and emotions of easy house music. It is clearly going to have just as much impact on this new label God Iz Enough which debuts with an EP of the same name from Tomi Ahmedeus. His style on the opener is to lay down raw and dusty beats with an early Windy City feel and infuse them with evocative, guttural gospel vocals that really bring them to life and make them inescapably emotive. 'The Rise Of The Guttersnipe' strips things back a little and brings a shuffling tech vibe with some glistening melodies while 'Ms Ludus' is a gorgeous ambient closer.
Review: The Alex Santos Orchestra is a self-described "orchestra" orchestrated for the express purpose of sanctifying one Alex Santos' lifelong love for jazz and Latin music. Following the much loved 'Alex Santos Y Su Orquesta', 2021's next step in Latinizing said quasi-conceptual ensemble, we've now landed in the project's live ambit. 'The Alex Santos Orchestra On Tour' captures just two live highlights from a much more recent outing (given the mystification surrounding the project, this may or may not have happened). Whatever the case, these recordings span both potentialities, retaining something of a highly-strung Hammond organ come upfront-drumkit drama on the B-side, 'Mr Clean', and an equally stirring version of the main theme from 'The Godfather' on the A.
Review: The opening notes of Sun Goddess set the tone for what feels like the perfect soundtrack to a summer afternoon. Track one, 'Sun Goddess (Instrumental)', introduces a playful yet sophisticated guitar riff, effortlessly blending elements of funk and soul. It's the kind of groove that immediately hooks you, a little funky, a little laid-back, making it impossible not to nod along. Things get even more vibrant with track two, 'Sun Goddess (feat Mykah 9)'. Here, the energy is dialled up, offering a soulful twist as Mykah 9's vocals glide smoothly over the beat. The track oozes warmth, combining funky rhythms with a band-like cohesiveness that makes you feel like you're right in the middle of a live performance. It's an immersive experience, with the vocals adding richness and depth to an already bright sound. Both tracks embrace that quintessential summer vibe, blending funk, soul and a touch of band music to create something undeniably upbeat and positive. Mykah 9's contributions, particularly on 'Sun Goddess', add an extra layer of groove, making it a standout. There's an ease to these tracks, an effortless cool that makes them feel timeless, and together, they deliver a feelgood, sun-soaked energy that's hard to resist.
Mike Mars (dirty Digital anthem remix edit) (6:30)
HB Remix (Malik's Linwood mix) (6:53)
Review: Beyond Jazz Volume 1 from Truth Manifest Records, spearheaded by Malik Alston, is a vibrant blend of jazz fusion, electronica and soulful dance music. This vinyl release marks the first in a four-part series, setting the tone for a futuristic sonic journey. Alston's production weaves together melodic landscapes with rhythmic precision, creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. Tracks like 'Can You Feel Me' and 'Tour Detroit' are standouts, combining deep grooves with lush, soulful melodies, while 'Long Time' brings a reflective vibe, effortlessly melding jazz with electronic textures. The inclusion of remixes and edits adds a fresh twist, drawing from Malik's Beyond Jazz radio show on motionfm.com. Alston's mastery in blending genres is evident throughout the EP. His long-standing influence in Detroit's music scene shines, reinforcing his position as a boundary-pushing producer and artist. Beyond Jazz Volume 1 is ideal for anyone craving innovative, soulful music.
Review: This is a full artwork version of the same release that dropped recently as a pre-release white label, so will look as good on the shelves as it sounds on the decks. DJ Dez Andres has been particularly productive of late after releasing a series of" records that showcase his signature edits. The collection includes 'Boogie,' a broken beat banger featuring a catchy whistle, followed by 'Maxin',' a sensuous, downtempo track with smooth pads and laid-back beats. The final track, 'Talking,' wraps things up with soulful vocals and a romantic, late-night vibe.
Review: Motor City legend Andres is back with another superb run of 12"s on the GT Flips label. The latest edition is another smoking hot three-tracker that opens up with 'She Spoke To Me', a laid-back blend of live drums and dusty snares with neat little sax motifs and a soothing vocal coo. 'Head Over Heels' finds Andres looking to a classic 80s sound for the main vocal hook and reworks it over what sounds like live MPC beats. 'Spoof' is the third and final gem here, this time with some erotic vocal pleasures and sensuous pads.
Review: Mike Bandoni's new outing on Village Live Records is a super good drum outing that has been doing the rounds amongst some top-tier funk DJs. Bandoni is a talented multi-instrumentalist and is also the former drummer for the Craig Charles Fantasy Funk Band so knows his sound inside out. Opener 'Kool Trippin' is an uptempo classic with energy to get any floor going. On the flip is another bit of pure bait for B-boys and girls with irresistible funk breaks and catchy hooks. Both tracks are taken from 'Rhodium Breaks' and come in limited quantities.
Review: The Beat Broker's debut 45, El Barrio Strut, is the Latin-infused heat your sets have been craving. Side A brings the fire with its uptempo 60s-style boogaloo banger, blending punchy horns and lively keys into a dancefloor-ready groove. On the flip, you'll find Bass By Dope Demand, a beat-tape gem that nods to King Bee's classic hip-hop before diving into heavy psych-funk territory. Then there's Steppa's Delight, a deeper, looser groove featuring Latin funk percussion, squelchy blaxploitation guitars and horns. Both tracks are short but impactful, leaving you wishing for extended versions.
Review: Bedroom beat producer Blank Check has teamed up with Honolulu's Aloha Got Soul and Tokyo's Grand Gallery for this majestic new six-song EP which comes on tidy 10" vinyl. It's mega limited with only 300 copies produced and it showcases loop-based music that evokes a floating sensation, which is reminiscent, say the accompanying notes, of Tommy Guerrero's world view. The instrumental sound features a dub-like quality that perfectly captures an urban mellow vibe that feels both original and authentic. Essentially it serves as a soundtrack to a short film that immerses you in atmospheric and cinematic soundscapes.
Review: Over the past decade, Cory Champion has navigated multiple musical dimensions. As a composer, drummer, and bandleader, he has led the Clear Path Ensemble through two albums of celestial, dance-infused jazz under Cosmic Compositions and Soundway Records. Simultaneously, as Borrowed CS, he has crafted dubby techno, minimal electro, and soulful jazzy house. His second Borrowed CS release, Rise n Shine via Planet Trip Records, expands on his "Mystic Shuffle" sound and is a brilliant new blend of futurist machine funk, post-disco, and future soul with some fine features from the one and only Steve Spacek and smooth crooner Mara TK who help deliver grooves that shimmer and snap with rhythmic precision.
Brenda Boykin - "All The Time In The World" (4:05)
Step Three - "A Dream" (feat B More - instrumental) (5:51)
Review: This split release offers two laid-back tracks from the depths of Brazil. On the A-side, Brenda Boykin (a jazz vocalist with a rich, creative voice which was nominated for a BAMMY Award in 1997 for Best Vocalist) delivers a soulful cover of Louis Armstrong's seminal 'We Have All The Time in the World,' the theme for George Lazenby's one-time portrayal of James Bond as well as a real karaoke favourite. The B-side features Step Three's 'A Dream,' a funky instrumental track with B. More which became a dance floor favourite following its 1993 release. Pressed on red 7" wax, this one beautifully captures some timeless Brazilian rhythms.
Working On It (feat Rich Medina & Bembe Segue) (4:23)
Together (feat Vanessa Freeman) (3:51)
Never Gonna Leave (instrumental) (4:04)
Little Did I Know (Domu's dancefloor mix) (5:44)
Anybody Out There (Volcov remix) (6:36)
Review: Bread & Souls emerges as an exciting new venture from Italian music enthusiast Franco Fusari, who has enlisted the expertise of Mark de Clive-Lowe for this collaborative project. This latest release, Chapter 4, continues to explore diverse musical landscapes with contributions from a stellar lineup of artists including Bembe Segue, Vanessa Freeman, Paul Randolph, Rich Medina, and Tommaso Cappellato. The opening track, 'Working On It,' draws inspiration from bossa nova rhythms, featuring Rich Medina's introspective lyrics that delve into life's intricacies, complemented by Bembe Segue's rich vocal tones. Vanessa Freeman takes the spotlight on 'Together,' delivering an uplifting soulful house track that radiates timeless charm. Domu returns with a new remix of 'Little Did I Know,' this time infusing it with a broken beat twist that promises to energise the dancefloor. The final track, remixed by Neroli's Volcov, offers a 4/4-driven take on 'Anybody Out There,' catering to fans of rhythmic precision and groove.
Review: IRMA has assembled a trio of top remixers here to add their own spin to some fine originals from Bright Magnus. Up first is the LTJ Xperience remix of 'Jungle Corner' and it is a low slung and steamy funk number with loose shakes of a tambourine and languid bass riffs drawing you in. 'Selim/Miles' (DJ Rocca 606 remix) is a blend of smeared synths and woozy guitar riffs over more lush downtempo beats that make it perfect for the midnight hours. Last but not least is 'A Way' (DJ Rocca Black Satin remix) which is a more psychedelic sound thanks to the drawn-out synth percolations that stretch through the mix.
Review: Caruso's 'Thank You', released on Ten Lovers Music, delivers a refined blend of broken beat and nu-jazz. The title track on Side-1 is a smooth and jazzy number, featuring a laid-back, shuffling rhythm with subtle Latin or island influences. The groove is easy-going yet rich, making it an effortless listen with an inviting vibe. On Side-2, 'Breathe For Me' leans into broken beat territory with a smooth, soulful vocal and standout keyboard work. The track flows seamlessly, offering a mellow yet rhythmic experience. Both songs exhibit Caruso's ability to fuse jazzy elements with contemporary beats, creating a soothing and sophisticated sound that will resonate with fans of nu-jazz and broken beat.
Review: Colin Curtis - an early purveyor of rare groove and jazzdance whose credo rings far and wide - has been helming his own label of originals for some time now. Presently focusing on the best live-feel broken beat, house and jazz in his orbit, his latest curation, Cengiz and Ishfaq's 'Vibrations', is no break from this general rule. Each artist helming one side respectively, Cengiz' 'Motf' and its remix work a steadily built progression around faint jeers, metallic percs, filterpassed tom fills and space-age risers, the latter of which is much more skeletal than the former; while Ishfaq's 'Wonderjazz' moves impressively somewhere in the lost interregnum between speed garage and techfunk.
Review: Central's latest single, 'Pastime Paradise,' breathes new life into Stevie Wonder's 1979 classic with a fresh Central-style update. The groove, crafted by percussion, bass and keyboards, is infectious, while the horn ensemble's arrangement is a testament to Central's unique style. As a precursor to their upcoming album, this 7" single is a true gem, showing Central's penchant to revitalise timeless tracks with their signature sound.
Review: Following the success of Joaquin Joe Claussell's sold-out edits of Crowns of Glory's 'Lord Look at Your People' from his Praise - Gospel Music According to Joaquin Joe Claussell series comes another 12" release featuring two more of his masterful edits. Side A offers 'Jerusalem,' a rework of a gospel soul rarity by Bishop Jeff Banks and The Revival Temple from Master of The Mind. The original version is also included while over on the flip, we finally get the much-anticipated vinyl version of Claussell's edits of The Gospelaires' 'God Helps Those Who Help Themselves,' which is yet another gem in his long line of innovative gospel edits. Hallelujah.
Elegua (feat Jose Cochise Claussell Of Rebel Tumbao) (3:45)
Makussa Part Three (Afrikan Basement extended demo mix) (9:14)
Diyi Mayo (live Jam extended mix) (9:32)
Afrofunkjazz (extended demo mix) (8:36)
Review: Edit king and remix master Joaquin Joe Claussell's 'Ancestral Food & Healing Medicine' 12" first dropped in 2020 and became another one of his instant classics. It found him taking things to an all-new level with the reuses all best heard on loud systems when it is impossible not to be enraptured by a religious experience of gel and soul-infused sound. The therapeutic grooves heal you to your core with their uplifting synths and meaningful messages. For that reason, an original copy has become rather experience but fear not as this new reissue allows you to cop these sounds in nice new red wax.
The Mechanical Man - "Uncle Swing" (feat Bob Vito) (4:31)
DJ Rocca - "The Box Above" (6:03)
Lex & Locke - "Soul Escape" (6:56)
Review: Musica Solida sampler 1 marks a thrilling celebration of 40 years of Flexi, the venerable record emporium that has stood the test of time in the ever-evolving music industry landscape. As the label weathered storms and celebrated triumphs, it has remained a beacon for vinyl enthusiasts, and this compilation embodies its enduring spirit. Curated by Flexi Cuts, Musica Solida promises a series of carefully selected singles spread across multiple 12-inch samplers, showcasing the talents of cherished Flexi-affiliated artists and producers. With a vision to cultivate a movement of sublime tunes, the compilation aims to uphold the commitment to quality that Flexi has exemplified within the Italian music scene and beyond. Musica Solida sampler one sets the stage with an eclectic lineup of artists, each bringing their unique flair to the table. DJ Rocca stands as a stalwart of the clubbing scene, while Club Soda delivers live electronic ensembles brimming with house-flavored jams. Lex & Locke bring a touch of Greek sophistication to the mix, showcasing their groovy sound destined for future acclaim. Hiroyuki Kato emerges as a Japan-based multi-instrumentalist with a punchy debut track, and The Mechanical Man (feat. Bob Vito) adds a raw, gritty energy to the compilation. For those that are adventurous in finding unique music, you will want to check out this great release.
Review: Milo Johnson AKA DJ Nature is not a newcomer to the re-edit scene - he's been serving up reworks, bootlegs and floor-focused DJ tools for decades - but he has become more prominent in recent years, thanks in no small part to the efforts of edit specialists Hot Biscuit Recordings. Here he delivers the second part of his Versions project, offering up six more revisions stretched across two slabs of wax. Check first the lightly dubbed-out, string-laden jazz-funk shuffle of 'Felix', before admiring the summery South American jazz-fusion brilliance of 'Caso De Amor de Brasileiro' and the low-slung funk-goes-jazz-dance headiness of 'Steppin'. His love of low-slung, dub-flecked workouts returns on EP highlight 'Tarzoon March', before he reaches for the lasers on disco-funk jam 'Disco Queen' and successfully tampers with a jazzy deep disco number on 'Have Mercy'.
Review: Fortunea Records's 33rd release features two esteemed Italian producers, DJ Rocca and Mike Riviera. Their 'Night Jamz' EP offers up four vibrant tracks on the Austrian label and they are sure to energise dancefloors all winter lingo with their with raw, snappy warehouse grooves. DJ Rocca has been a legendary figure since he began his career in the late 1990s producing drum & bass, breakbeat and future jazz under the Maffia Soundsystem brand, while Berlin-based Mike Riviera is known for his Italo disco-inspired productions, and it is the combination of all of those backgrounds that makes this such a fresh EP.
Review: The Tequila Grooves label drops its first vinyl release here and it comes in the form of serval remixes of Dos Buratinos's Control U. 'Control U' (Ant To Be remix) channels 90s Future Sound of London and jazzy broken beats and jungle before the extended mix brings languid rubbery rhythms under colourful synths. Things get all steamy, deep and seductive with the romantic sax tones of the LPO Deep & Sensitive remix. Last of all, the LPO dub remix takes all the energy out of it and layers in pensive chords and free flowing jazz melodies.
Review: Into The Cosmos kick off their label with a promising start, demonstrating rather than describing their stated sonic mission with a rivetingly unusual fusion of footwork and fourth world; nu-house in a new age. Drum Dance's 'Zani!' is zany enough, sparring subtle sonic mysticisms contra hard-driving synth and drumwork, with the titular opener recalling the subtleties in the work of Machinedrum, albeit excepting the latter artist's technical itches for a calmer sonic drapery of tropical, topical balms and salves. 'Body Heat' goes housier, fusing the chromatic electric piano chords common to the voguish, incantatory ends of UK funky with the whispering yet determined hollers of a female vocal dance-guide. The B-side moves much more Balearic, preferring detuned, overtonic tremolos and slow ataraxic fruitions, ending on the calmly carpet-squatting jazz suspension that is 'Adan On Dot Soley'.
Review: The Duke Ya Love To Hate might sound like a turntablist slash battle-scratcher from the late eighties, but he's actually a gaunt-looking dude from the-time-is-now. Real name Stefan Senf, this artist has enjoyed every stylistic meander from juke to noise since at least 1995, and he here marks his debut album in the vein of bristly potpourri prangout breaks; a golden crate of 7"s in the style has thus far also been procured for the Cold Diggin label. However, I Really Have No Idea What's Going On Here, But I Like It is the first continuous mix made for the moniker, limited to just 100 cassette tapes and continuing the beloved Cadillac tape series (whose original provenance we can't track down, but we'll take his word for it). A super-limited artist edition, made especially for the event Back In The Day, which took place in Dresden on August 24. Handmade, every tape is unique.
Check Minnie's Love (Naughty NMX & Runex Brexit mix) (3:55)
Review: Reissue of a classic alert! On 'Breakin' My Heart,' the wonderful Jim Sharp seamlessly blends A Tribe Called Quest's summery vibes with the original instrumentation sampled by J Dilla. Bebel Gilberto's iconic vocals glide over boom-bap drums and create an undeniably catchy groove. On the flip side, 'Check Minnie's Love,' Naughty NMX and Runex deliver once again by layering horns, heavy beats, deep bass, and smooth vocals into a gem with a nostalgic 90s feel. Minnie's silky vocals transform it into a dancefloor banger, capturing the essence of '92 without missing a beat.
Review: London-raised, Lisbon-based songwriter, producer, and DJ William Florelle has been making waves at R2 Records with his soulful electronic groove for a while now. His work has always seemed a natural fit and that tradition continues with 'Red Velvet' which is a sultry track that blends Will Flo's jazz, r&b, and club influences while capturing his uniquely organic yet electronic sound. Also on the 12", Kaidi Tatham delivers a stunning remix with his signature broken-jazz style, while Karizma brings a beat-down dub perfect for late-night sets. Ato Ayerra rounds it out with the Beringei '2am Snack' remix which confirms this is a crucial pick-up.
Chain Reaction (DoctorSoul You Can't Fake It extended Re-Therapy) (6:49)
When Sly Calls (DoctorSoul Don't Touch That Phone radio Re-Therapy) (5:33)
When Sly Calls (DoctorSoul Don't Touch That Phone radio Re-Therapy) (3:45)
Review: The launch of an official reworks series from The Warmer Music catalogue marks an exciting new collaboration between Too Slow To Disco and Warner Music, a partnership long in the making. Kicking off this series are the official DoctorSoul reworks of tracks by Michael Franks, a legendary figure in the Californian West Coast/Jazz/AOR/Yacht scene, who has personally endorsed these new versions. Over his 33-year career and 16 albums, Franks has captivated fans worldwide with his unique blend of sensual, witty, and reflective lyrics, seamlessly fused with jazz, soul, pop, and global influences. His music has been covered by international stars such as The Carpenters, Shirley Bassey, and Natalie Cole, and continues to inspire modern Balearic/Soft Disco musicians. Parisian producer DoctorSoul, a longtime collaborator with TSTD, has finally brought his revered reworks of Franks' music to an official release. Known for his eclectic remixes across genres, DoctorSoul's contributions are now available on stunning turquoise vinyl here with this version.
Review: Colin Curtis Presents 'The Head Hunter' EP by GeeW, aka. Glenn Worthington, a relative new kid on the block, yet whose releases since 2021 have dealt in expert specialist wares of danceable acid jazz and nu-jazz. Such factors continue on this latest output, with the cloud nines and fluting solos of 'Head Hunter' and 'Speedball' whisking the listener away unto a quick flight, with spirited zoomings-past of electric bass and French horn, which dance astride the craft's flanks, as we shoot ever further into the abyss of jazzspace. Then B-siders 'Brazsecco Interlude' and 'How Long Has This Been Going On?' mark a migration from the cockpit through to the onboard lounge, in which Prosecco is poured and mounted speakers vibrate, curtailing anxieties with sweetly arranged vocals and carefully stacked percussion.
Review: Gaika is the experimental rapper, producer, and visual and performance artist you need in your life, and what better way to get acquainted if you aren't already than with this new 12" for Theme LTD. 'S Composites' opens up and features Liu adding some angelic vocal sounds to the crunchy broken beast, glassy synths and generally frosty, lo-fi production aesthetic. It's a tune that will lodge deep in your brain then on the flipside is 'Racing Gloves' (feat The Narrator). It's a spacious, eerie, rather haunting number with woozy pads and some nice conscious bars over the dubby low ends.
Review: On his latest EP 'Sunday Soul', Goodge takes listeners on a four-track journey into the many-chambered heart of funk, r&b, jazz and chillout. From the starting gun, we're hit with whammied axes and street-level audio-bustles, recalling the many exploitation movie soundtracks of the seventies and chic funkouts of yore. Then 'Promised Land' provides a gradual uplift, riffing around and about a lolling bass, as said guitars increase in intensity; this is then followed by 'Sunday Soul', which seizes upon the day of rest with a continued drive (of course, in today's world, no day is safe). Finally, 'Within Myself' ends things on a note of introspection, crafting an internal dialogue of cloudy synth fuggings set against a dust-cloud of instrumentation.
Tell Me What You Want (Rob Hardt Afro Vibe mix) (4:22)
Tell Me What You Want (Rob Hardt Groove mix) (4:51)
Review: Classic R'n'B and Afro Beat have found a harmonious blend in this standout reissue from Sedsoulciety Recordings. This release is not just a fresh take but also a revival of a collaboration that brings together the best of both worlds. "Tell Me What You Want" is back on the scene, and it's showcasing why this fusion was so groundbreaking. The A-side features the Afro Vibe Mix, where warm, pounding beats meet the rhythmic pulse of AfroBeat, all wrapped in the smooth elegance of modern r&b. On the flip side, the Groove Mix takes a more driving approach, maintaining the track's lush vocals while ramping up the energy for a dance-ready vibe. This reissue kicks off Sedsoulciety's gold line, a new series set to highlight the freshest takes on genres including Rap, HipHop, Neo-Soul, and Neo-Funk. Each release will delve into powerful beats and sophisticated vocal performances, reflecting the label's commitment to contemporary, genre-blending music. "Tell Me What You Want" serves as a prime example of how classic sounds can be revitalized to resonate with today's audience. This exclusive vinyl release is a testament to the enduring appeal of both R'n'B and Afro Beat, and it's sure to be a coveted addition to any collection.
Review: Born in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, Ino Hidefumi displayed his musical talent early and started piano at age five. His journey took a significant turn in 2002 when he founded his own cafe, "Tenement," in Ebisu, Tokyo, which became the home base for his music projects. This new release features an AOR love song on the A-side coupled with an unreleased track from 2019 on the B-side. After transitioning from a non-singing songwriter to a singer-songwriter, Ino now explores new ground and 'Squall,' here is an AOR track that debuted digitally in September 2019. Meanwhile, 'Eternal Slowmotion' is previously unreleased and so makes its first appearance on this 7" pressing.
Review: Ino Hidefumi is an electric pianist, jazzist, experimental electronicist, and music venue owner based in Japan. The sole purveyor of music on his own, strikingly singular, idiosyncratic Innocent Record label, Hidefumi's output remains starkly un-fuck-withable, betraying the highest concern with both songrcraft and packaging design. Sonically, everything he's made over the years sounds as tight as an oxidised tap in a vacuum seal, and 2018's 'Can't Sleep' is no exception to this. Emblematic of his preference of short EPs over albums, Hidefumi's tendency to pour over his music is evident here: 'Can't Sleep' portrays him slumped over the piano, having involuntarily dozed off, presumably after spending hours composing this curt but crucial sonic corpus. Embossed Rhodes novae and gullet-sung vocals abound on the title track, their effortless feel working to portray the hilarity of such eugeroic lapses, while 'Good Night' moves ever so slightly more emphatic, beelining to wish the listener goodnight, despite the subverted resolution to fall asleep after all.
Review: Rick Holmes' Remember to Remember is a gem of a reissue from 1981, faithfully presented with both original tracks on each side. this 12" vinyl from gold mink records is gleaming with top soul-jazz and funk music with a crisp production that stands out. Sadly, Rick Holmes recently passed away which makes this reissue extra special. The title track 'Remember to Remember' and the B-side 'Tothe Unknowledgeable One' showcase infectious grooves and soulful rhythms that mark this record as a true classic. Hearing it for the first time on jfm/horizon radio in the early 80s was a revelationiintroducing many to rare groove soul. Records like this weren't typical at parties, where uptempo tracks ruled, making its presence all the more striking. It played a crucial role in the rare groove scene, which was just on the brink of exploding and changing how underground soul was appreciated. for collectors and enthusiasts, this reissue is a nostalgic and essential piece of music history.
Review: LA's Jarren returns to Apron Records with a six-track EP of glitz. Following on the heels of his last LP Antera, 'Fresco' marks a return to the EP form, and flaunts some of the crispest, swangiest electronic funk, house and electro on offer in the city of angels right now. We open with 'Jam', which catches us off guard almost but signalling that this could be the start of another kind of record, with staccato sports whistles, and three-note cheese synths aplenty, against a decided new jack swing. Only after this detour are we offered the real meat on things; the knocking 4x4 neons of 'Round & Round' and 'Florence Blue', and the increasing raw bootylectro of 'Gina' and/or 'The Way You Do'.
Review: Jeroboam serves up the tongue-in-cheek title 'Brexit Funk' on Chuwanaga and is sure to get you moving as a result. There is some serious sunshine and Brit-funk loveliness to the title track. It is lit up with vibes keys and irresistible funk basslines that all brim with good-time fun. 'Peckham Night' is a more sultry and steamy sound for when the sun is setting thanks to its lazy drums and splashy cymbals all topped with some smoky trumpet soul. A dub mix rounds out with even deeper-cut grooves and romantic melodies. Three grown-up delights for sure.
Review: John Beltran's 'Serendipia' gets a fresh remix treatment on Oath Records, blending deep house with Latin-infused rhythms. Kicking off Side-1, Danilo Plessow injects 'Sa Coma Blue' with a vibrant groove, stretching it to an engaging groove Kareem Ali brings warmth to 'Cachaca', layering soulful textures over its Afro House foundation, while Melodiesinfonie keeps things smooth and sun-kissed with 'Suenos Soleados,' a short yet sweet journey. Side-2 opens with Session Victim's rework of 'Ask Anlari', a jazzy deep house number that strikes the right balance between rhythm and melody. Fila Brazillia's remix of 'Em Trancoso' leans into a Balearic vibe, giving it a breezy, laid-back feel. Xique-Xique rounds out the collection with 'Yangu Milele', adding earthy percussion and a rich melodic flow. A brilliant, diverse take on John Beltran's work, this release shines with musical depth and global influences.
Review: Colin Curtis Presents hosts veteran producer Juju for yet another new five-track 12”, delivering a righteous sequence of funky and twangy nu-jazz and dance uplifts in quick step. The producer otherwise known as Roderick Stewart has made a welcome comeback to productions after an almost 25-year hiatus, landing on Colin Curtis with this EP, and the ‘Black Samba’ EP in 2023, well after his debut record ‘Evolution-Revolution’ in 1997. Whereas the earlier ‘90s record spanned the aethereal corners of the jazzstep and drumfunk ends of drum & bass, the likes of ‘Haute Couture’ demonstrate the inevitable shifting of tastes towards jazz and Latin fusion, as if to suggest a mellowing-out over the years, a settling-down into ease. Never letting up the dance, Juju brings a fantastically naturalistic edge to the patented 4x4 pulse, corralling an impressive cadre of instrumental collaborators including saxophonist Luke Radford, trombonist Harry Jones and rhythm guitarist Derek McDonald.
Review: Just What The World Needs returns with more retro disco delights with a new four-track and limited edition EP packed full of heat. This 16th outing opens up with a retro funky disco sound with live drums and funky guitar riffs topped off with broody horns. Track 2 is a more steamy affair thanks to the conversational horns that lead the way over deeper disco grooves and Track 3 then keeps it low-slung and playful with busy bass guitar riffs and nice jazzy Rhodes keys. Last of all is a percussive and loose-limbed number with a dubby, swaggering rhythm and a well-known vocal hook for maximum seduction.
Review: Three slices of nu jazz/broken beat manoeuvres from multi-instrumentalist Fuminori Kagajo, fresh from the capital of the mountainous northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, Sapporo. A1 track 'Summer Daze' marks the producer's first foray into a foreign language, with a soulful edge and a disco feel, not to mentions some fantastically searing synth solo action. 'Sunset Groove' is lighter and airier but still grooves along with an infectious dancefloor-ready shuffle, while final track 'Quiet Lights' proves the jazziest of the three, natty electric piano tinkling meeting with an almost salsa-esque beat and sultry-as-anything sax. Wave goodbye to the summer with a taste of pure class - or three.
Review: Karen Nyame KG, aka the "Goddess of Rhythm," presents her new EP here and it's another one designed for big things. The title track, 'The Remedy,' is a classic soulful house sounds with great bounce and glossy jazz infusions that are perfect for the last days of summer in the UK. Meanwhile, also included is 'Ritual', which is a stark contrast featuring nods to her Afro-electronic roots. It boasts a powerful low end, seductive horns, an earth-shaking bass line as well as a rhythmic groove that makes it a standout club weaponon the newly established London label One Level.
Review: KAU return just one year after their debut on Sdban Ultra, and they're not slowing down. Their latest double single release is another energetic showcase of the trio's tight band dynamics, with intricate synthesiser arrangements, rapid drum patterns and deep basslines that capture the raw energy of their live performances. The first track, 'Kaugummi', fuses a dub bassline with complex drumming, resulting in a groove that feels both fresh and familiar. On the flip side, 'Mad Kau'-a reimagining of 2022's 'Mad Max'-stays true to the live version, bursting with frenetic arpeggios and synths. Both tracks push forward into the vibrant space where jazztronica meets jam band sensibilities, with nods to British jazz and that unmistakable 'Brussels sound'. This double A-side, set to drop on limited 7" vinyl in September 2024, is a must-have for fans who crave the trio's signature fusion of live energy and studio precision
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