Juno Recommends Funk / Rare Groove / Reissues : June 2024

Review: Nicholas Bicycle is Nick Bike when in music mode and his next ride takes him deep into the world of the Queen of Soul. Once there he turns out a pair of crucial remixes that will slip right into the upper echelons of your collection. Up first is his take on Aretha's Tramp classic 'A Lil Respect' which comes on strong with more heavy and floor-ready drums. Flip it over and you will find 'A Step Too Far Away' which goes from early evening soul to a nice early evening stepper to get the crowd in the groove.

Review: Miguelito Superstar, co-producer of the acclaimed debut album Si Esto Se Acaba, Que Siga El Boogaloo, delivers pure fire with two electrifying versions on this 7" release. 'Why Don't We Do Some Boogaloo?' emerges as a local classic, while the Latin Funk rendition of New Order's iconic 'Blue Monday' transforms the track into a powerhouse of groove. With special attention to unearthed breaks and a spotlight on the rhythm section, Miguelito elevates both tracks to must-have status for aficionados of Latin music and funk. Miguelito's power in crafting infectious rhythms and breathing new life into familiar classics is on full display here!

Review: DJ Cat comes through on Scruniversal here as the young label continues to go from strength to strength early in its existence. This time he serves up some re-edits and reworks of old and rare records from Scru's friends' collections. Up first is 'Roots & Culture' which is a languid funk workout with Prince style vocals bring some libidinous vibes up top while sci-fi synths and raw claps and perc all flesh out the groove. 'Possibelle' then cuts loose on a much more laid back and steamy summer vibe with the sort of chords that have you laying back in the park and staring up at a cloudless sky.

Review: Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is a true legend of Ghanaian 'high life', responsible for bringing hip-hop influences to bear on the genre in a pioneering fusion which became known as hip life. On this release for Mukatsuku the focus is on instrumental versions of standout jams from his 2017 album Ketan, all the better for the funk DJs looking to hold down a groove without letting lyrics interfere. On the A-side it's 'Walk 4 Ground', an uptempo workout with some deadly organ flexing on top of the insistent rhythm section, while 'I Get Myself To Blame' settles into a smoother, but no less funky flow that just goes and goes, like the best high life should.

Review: New release from Private stock is a double dose of boom bap funk! On Side A, DJ Zimmie recreates an iconic party break with all the OG elements. On Side B, Double A took a super funky classic and somehow added even more funk.

Review: 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' represented a pivotal moment for Roy Ayers and Ubiquity as it marked a shift towards a funkier, more relaxed sound in 1976. It is one of his best-loved tunes as a result and always comes out when the weather warms up. That means it also often gets reissued, as it does here, as the track captures the essence of summer through joyful lyrics and a hypnotic groove. Ayers' vibraphone melodies intertwine seamlessly with the band's instrumentation while on the flip us an instrumental that offers a slightly different vibe. It all comes on nice yellow marbled vinyl.

Review: In 1969, Albina in the US underwent a pivotal transformation which saw the arrival of Black residents displaced by the Vanport floods. While a local Black economy thrived to start with, the neighbourhood eventually got neglected due to disinvestment by the city's elites but citizens didn't take it lying down and some of them formed Shades Of Brown, a group that emerged at the Albina Arts Center which was a haven for artists during civil unrest. With members from various musical acts, they found unity under leader Thara Memory who instilled discipline and required them to read and write music before performing. This EP, which is the group's sole record, embodies their camaraderie and the community's struggle against neglect across six raw-as-you-like funk cuts laden with emotion and narrative.

Review: If you think you know a cooler cat and more brilliant boogie producer than XL Middleton right now then you're lying. His Tap Water very much set that reparation in motion when it arrived back in 2016 right when modern funk was making a comeback thank to Dam Funk et al. It's a hard to find original that still stands up and now it has been followed up by a second volume of brilliantly squelch analogue funk, dazzling boogie baselines, lush sci-fi chords and retro future fills, vocals and hooks.

Review: Florence's Sleeve Records yoink the crown for most obscure reissue, as of late. In their words, "the image on the cover of this record as far as anybody can reasonably tell is probably the only photograph of The Hygrades in existence." Clearly, the promo move for this record is to play up the much-trammeled obscurity/mystery angle, but perhaps the real question should be 'why or how did The Hygrades find themselves in such a historical position to become the object of retroactive sleuthing in the first place?' The answer is: they had an early-career boost as recording artists for HMV/EMI and then seemed to drop off the commercial music map. So, if you're into mysteries, this one might be (and end up in) your bag. But, please, once the mystery is solved, don't also forget to stop and imbibe the glorious Afro-funk and Afrobeats jaunts heard inside, all testifying the potent hotpot of sounds - funk, blues, and soul - that both went into and made pungent the Western African shores of the 70s.

Review: Rhythm Rhyme Revolution, alongside DJ Tabu, delivers a fantastic EP with Summertime / Sunshine Girl. 'Summertime (nuacidfunk)' gradually escalates into a disco crescendo, enriched by Dan Lipman's jazz flute/sax and Gareth Tasker's steaming sitar riff. On the flipside, 'Sunshine Girl' boasts a slinky Afro percussive groove, with DJ Tabu's vocals celebrating love in the sunshine, complemented by Barrie Sharpe's infectious hooks. The ensemble work, featuring Kenny Wellington's jazzy trumpet and vibrant guitar, creates a dynamic sonic landscape. The EP also includes the original version of 'Summertime,' reminiscent of Motown classics. Sharpe's masterful tease and impeccable mood-building make this record a touch of class, leaving listeners thoroughly enchanted.

Review: In 1981, Unity, a new South African band, were making waves with their album Erube Jambo. Produced by the team of Van Blerk/Roos & Greg Cutler, it features succulent voices and melodies, psychedelic Moog, Hohner clavinet and Fender Rhodes, all surrounded by Afro-folky guitars. Unity's journey began between 1972 and 1973 when Poy-Poy Makhubela appeared on four singles with The Young Movers, produced by David Thekwane. In 1975, Poy-Poy, as a lead guitarist, formed Unity with Jeff Radine (Fender Rhodes, Moog), George Legobye (bass), Edward Modiselle (percussion), and Robert Moema (drums). Most members came from The Sound Jaws, except Radine, who played with Rugare, Harari, Chicco, The Black Five, and Prince Nico. In 1978, after hearing Unity in a club, Mike Tswai joined as their manager. Poy-Poy's career has flourished, touring globally and collaborating with South African legends like Brenda Fassie, Don Laka, Blondie & Pappa, Dorothy Masuka, and Kwaito bands such as Alaska, Boom Shaka, and Trompies. Iinnovative spirit and enduring talent ahoy.

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.

Review: Original pioneers of rare groove PUSH made a welcome return with this exciting album back in 2004 when it first dropped. It remains a vibrant workout 20 years later and blends classic underground rare grooves with contemporary feel-good funk and soul, featuring heartfelt songs and incredible instrumental pieces along the way. Emerging from the London club scene in 1987, PUSH thrived on JB-inspired funk, blaxploitation soundtracks, and raw soul-jazz. They toured Europe and Japan, performing at Gilles Peterson's legendary Dingwalls sessions. Key members Crispin Taylor, Ernie McKone, and Mark Vandergucht also played with Galliano and supported US divas like Candi Staton and Marlena Shaw.

Review: Johnny "Guitar" Watson's 1977 funk album, A Real Mother For Ya, solidified his status as a master of the genre. Known for his exceptional guitar skills, Watson's album produced the international hit title track along with standout songs like 'Nothing Left To Be Desired' and 'Lover Jones.' This reissue also includes the 2020 Ben Liebrand Oldskool mix as a bonus track, adding a fresh perspective to Watson's timeless funk sound. Throughout his career, Watson influenced countless artists, including Jimi Hendrix, and earned a Grammy nomination for best contemporary blues album. Tragically, Watson passed away while touring Japan in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and groove. A Real Mother For Ya remains a standout example to Watson's musical genius. Available on black vinyl, this reissue ensures that Watson's electrifying sound continues to engage audiences for generations to come.

Review: Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr., better known as Dr. John, left an indelible mark on the music world with his unique blend of New Orleans R&B, blues, jazz, funk and rock. As a teenage prodigy, he cut his teeth as a songwriter, arranger, and producer for Ace Records before becoming a sought-after studio musician in Los Angeles during the 1960s. His debut album Gris Gris in 1968 catapulted him into the spotlight as Dr. John The Night Tripper, captivating audiences with its mystical allure. Hits like 'Iko Iko' and 'Right Place Wrong Time' solidified his place in music history, earning him six Grammy awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Now, Gris Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968-1974 collects his early singles from his influential years with Atco/Atlantic, offering 26 tracks of pure musical medicine. The iconic 'Such A Night,' alone makes this compilation is essential for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. With liner notes from Gene Sculatti, it serves as a perfect entry point into the timeless world of Dr. John's music and a nostalgic journey through his classic Atco/Atlantic albums.

Review: Vintage funk fans rejoice because this classic mid-60s collection is now available to you once more. James Brown's appropriately entitled Night Train - Mighty Instrumentals album is a high-class assembly of plenty of potent, hard-hitting funk as well as more tender and slow-burning soul sounds. These timeless, loveably lo-fi joints have plenty of low end heft to cut through modern dance floras while also offering up some authentic and original funk allure. It comes on nice heavyweight wax so sounds brilliantly loud and clear.