Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Don Blackman's self-titled debut, released in 1982, is a jazz-funk masterpiece that has long been overlooked despite its significance in the genre. While it may not feature the familiar production of P-Funk luminaries like George Clinton, its essence resonates deeply within the Venn diagram of funk, soul and jazz-fusion, placing Blackman at the center of a unique musical nexus. Produced by Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen for GRP Records, the album stands alongside other funk classics like Fuzzy Haskins's A Whole Nother Thang and Bernie Worrell's Blacktronic Science. Tracks like 'Hearts Desire', with its captivating slap bass groove and 'Holding You, Loving You', showcasing romantic lyrics and harmonies, exemplify Blackman's artistry. His blend of aggressive jazz-funk is not only infectious but also reveals a distinctive sound that deserves recognition. This reissue of Blackman's album serves as a timely reminder of its place among the top funk records.

Review: This is a bold, progressive funk album from one of the genre's masters in Isaac Hayes. Although Hayes who was rooted in r&b was often overlooked in favour of prog-rock bands like Emerson, Lake and Palmer, his music was just as expansive and expressive across his career. This album served as the soundtrack for Hayes' first major film role and perfectly matches the gritty, exaggerated tone of the movie. Over time, its tracks were reimagined and sampled and influenced works from Geto Boys to Quentin Tarantino films, which has ensured it a lasting legacy in both cinema and music history.

Review: By and large, disco albums of the 1970s and 80s are largely rubbish, mixing shorter versions of dancefloor epics (at least in their superior 12" version forms) with saccharine ballads. Sylvester's Step II, first released in 1978 and here revived in audiophile-friendly form, is an exception to the rule. Unusually, there's no excess fat and plenty of righteous, life-affirming dancefloor heat with the peerless 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' and San Fran disco-classic 'Dance (Disco Heat)' being accompanied by the high-octane disco-funk stomp of 'Grateful' and the languid soul-funk bump of 'Was It Something I Said'. Even the slower numbers are excellent, particularly 'Epilogue' - a slowed-down, gospel-tinged 'reprise' of 'Mighty Real' that's worth the admission price on its own.