Review: This is another reissue of a record that remains an ongoing favourite. Original Gravity delivered again with the original pressing featuring two unique versions of 'Burning Spear'. Nestor Alvarez opens with a lively, Latin-inspired rendition filled with fluttering flute melodies, raw drum beats and vibrant dancing keys that radiate sunny energy. On the flip, La Machine D'Argent takes a more cosmic approach, smoothing the vibe and layering spaced-out sounds for a dreamy, immersive journey. This release showcases Original Gravity's knack for reimagining funk with flair by offering two distinct yet equally good takes on a timeless groove.
Review: Original Gravity strides into 2025 with this electrifying debut release from I Ragazzi. The limited 45 rpm has been crafted by the talented Neil Anderson and the title cut 'Terremoto' on the A-side bursts with funky, soulful energy that promises to keep floors moving and grooving all night long. It has big drums, crashing hits and driving Hammond organ stabs that never let up. On the flip, things get a little more laid back with 'Via Appia' which is led by more great organs, this time with swirling horn sounds and an inviting rhythm.
Review: More scorching hot soul sounds here from Original Gravity who look to Jodie and Floyd James and the GTs for their latest dose of 7" goodness. Jodie is in powerful form on the a-side as she delivers an empowering vocal over fast paced and chested-puffed drums that will steamroller all in their wake. This soul anthem has class and depth with some slick guitar solos and big horn energy. Floyd James & The GTs step up on the flip side with 'Johnnie's Blues' which is full of Hammond organ chords and 60s guitar riffs.
Review: The Original Gravity label is back with more of its fully functional but also exceptionally flair-fulled funk sounds, this time with Luchito and Nestor Alvarez behind 'Tighten Up.' It is another choice reissue that has been dug carefully out of the vaults and comes in seriously limited quantities on 7". Luchito & Nestor kick off with the original version of 'Tighten Up' on the a-side and it's packed with high-tempo breaks and sung-spoken vocals. On the flip is a more fiery and explicitly Latin affair with the warming chords and florid horns of Nestor Alvarez's 'Just Add Vibes.'
Review: London's Original Gravity label is a trusted source for soul, funk and reggae 45s, and they're back with this seriously hot one from Mafumu. The project is a collaboration between Neil Anderson and Max Jere of The Umoza Music Project, based in Senga Bay on Lake Malawi. On the A side track you can hear Jere singing in Malawi's main language of Chichewa, urging listeners to "vina!" which means 'dance'. It's unmistakably Afro funk, with blasts of horns and a rolling, hypnotic groove that suck you in immediately. On the flip Anderson takes over for the instrumental 'Mkondo Wa Moto', which leans in on the talking drum and lays some funk and and Latin touches into the mix.
Review: London based multi-racial 8-piece Maroon Town formed 30 years ago. Their impact was immediate as they were the first collective to mix up ska, reggae, funk, hip hop, rap and Latin music. Their fresh sound came with conscious and uplifting lyrics and came with an extra seal of approval thanks to production by John Bradbury of the Specials. The band played all over the world, had tune synched to major Hollywood films and dined deals with Dr Martens. They still play the festival circuit and now comes a reissue of some of their pre-2000's material with these two high energy steppers primed and ready to make you move.
Review: It's hard to fault the work of the Original Gravity crew and when the tasteful London label's All Stars assemble it's even more important to take note. It is they who kick off 2025 with a classic funky break that is topped with spoken word samples from an MC at a big fight event (though it's not Michael Buffer, the man behind these famous words, because he has a strict copyright on them). The beats are as fiery as a heavyweight showdown with plenty of punchy horn stabs. On the flip, 'Rumble In The Jungle' is a similar sound that makes just as much impact.
The Umoza Music Project - "Down By The Beach" (3:05)
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Ghetto Guitar" (4:25)
Review: The crucial Original Gravity label is busy this month with three red hot new 7"s all dropping in quick succession. The top-notch funk crew has this spilt 7" from Umoza Music Project and The Woodfield Road Allstars up here on limited wax. The a-side is a sunny bit of original rousing 70s reggae direct from the islands. Backing vocalists provide plenty of butter while the lead laments a love lost and the rhythm rolls on. On the back side is a much more stoner-paced and funk drenched laidback instrumental with Balearic guitar licks that look to the stars as organ chords warm you through and the rocksteady rhythm gently sways to and fro. Two gems for sure.
Review: Nestor Alvarez, known for his vibrant fusion of sounds, brings forth Melting Pot - an album embodying his diverse musical influences on the always good value Original Gravity label. It finds Alvarez delve into the core essence of his music, capturing the raw energy and authenticity that define his sound across eight party ready cuts. From Latin rhythms to electronic beats, Alvarez seamlessly blends several genres, creating a trip that transcends boundaries and eras. Some are fiery and upbeat, others are more slow burning funk but all of them are testament to Alvarez's innovative approach to music production and showcase his ability to craft dynamic compositions that resonate with audiences worldwide.
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