Review: 'Funky Broadway' by The Villagers appeared on the well-received Movements Vol.12 compilation album and was a clear standout amongst standouts. As a response to that it now makes its long-awaited debut release on standalone vinyl. It's a soul-stirring gem that brings classic sounds and heart-melting grooves. On the B-side comes the red hot garage-rock gem 'You're My Baby (Don't You Forget It)' which is originally from 1966, and which coincided with Dyke & The Blazers' original recording of 'Funky Broadway' in the same year. Neat.
Review: The Voices Of East Harlem were an ensemble of vocalists who for Just Sunshine Records recorded two albums under the direction of Leroy Hutson and Curtis Mayfield. "Cashing In" is one of their most classic songs, a highly sought after track on original 7" fetches a small fortune on the collectors market. First recorded and released in 1973, it has all the hallmarks of a Leroy Hutson composition and an established audience that crosses the boundaries of northern, crossover and modern soul. The song is coupled here with "Take A Stand', another highly regarded and sought after modern soul room dance floor tracks, never previously released on 7" single until now
Review: Produced by Leroy Hutson and Curtis Mayfield, released by Just Sunshine Records, over the course of five years, the community-based collective Voices Of East Harlem blessed the world with three albums and a whole string of funky singles, including these two cult tracks. "Wanted Dead Or Alive" is straight up funk with a strong splash of gospel. One of their most popular cuts, it was taken from their 1973 self-titled album. "Can You Feel It" on the B offers much more of a rare groove and funk vibe with keys and some powerful backing vocals. It still sounds as fresh as it did 45 years ago. You feeling it?
Review: Those with knowledge of rare groove should be well aware of The Voices of East Harlem's 'Wanted Dead Or Alive', a 1973 album track from the band's eponymous second album that was reissued in 1988 due to its popularity on London's rare groove scene. Here the superb, string-laden, Leroy Hutson produced classic appears on seven-inch for the first time, courtesy of Dynamite Cuts. This time round it comes backed with another killer jam from the same album: the proto-disco soul swell of 'Little People', which was famously sampled by Young Disciples on their 1991 skit 'Get Yourself Together'. Essential stuff all told.
Review: Waldir Calmon's 'Airport Love Theme' has that special appeal that makes it a true gem. Sampled by Madlib on the Madvillain album track 'Curls', this lounge classic from Calmon's 1970 Waldir Calmon E Seus Multisons LP on Copacabana exudes nostalgic charm. Despite its unassuming cover, 'Airport Love Theme' delivers a dreamy, feel-good vibe that could soundtrack a perfect world. Afro Son, from the same album, shifts towards a Brazilian-rooted, cinematic groove, reminiscent of Jean Jacques Perrey's E.V.A.. Calmon, a Brazilian music fixture from the 50s to the 80s, who collaborated with legends like Tom Jobim and Joao Gilberto and left a unique musical legacy that lives on in these timeless tracks.
Children Of The Night (Ryuhei The Man edit) (3:38)
Children Of The Night (3:59)
Review: Japan seems to excel at everything and anything it does, including reissuing golden jazz funk. This time out, Hysear Don Walker's "Complete Expressions Vol. 2" is mined for the two escapist and mellifluous tracks that make up this essential 7". Ryuhei The Man edits "Children Of The Night" into a smooth flowing bit of late night and romantic jazz funk. It rides on a pensive bass loop and has a subtle sense of drive, while the slower original is that bit more sentimental with its noodling chords and more meandering mood. Both sides are pure winners.
Review: A unique slice of classic library music flies off the shelf. These four tracks were lifted from the classic library music series known only as 'Sounds Music Album Volume 18', and were made by the library maestro Klaus Weiss, the former jazz drummer who later turned to the trade after falling in with German music publisher Ring Musik. An eerie uncanniness cuts across these instrumentals, as Weiss' drumming provides steady boppage to serene yet dubious backings of strings and synth.
Review: The work of legendary drummer turned library musician Klaus Weiss continues to be reissued. For this series, Dynamite Cuts are looking back on a mid-1970s series of EPs released by Weiss originally for the famous library Sound Music. Carrying a minimal production that still has appeal for the modern listener (don't Dynamite know it), the four tracks here are curt, squelchy and beat-centric, with highlights including the clavichord-wacky 'Frogs', the sonically obese 'Productive Facilities', and the space-age drum freakout 'Coordinates Meeting'.
Review: This great series from Dynamite Cuts continues to delve deep into the alluring world of library music. It is sound that captures real feelings and evokes all sorts of memories, even those that are imagined, with a single note or seductive groove. This collection is made of tracks from the German Library series Sound Music Albums which sell for over L150 if you can find a copy. There are four tunes in all, three from Klaus Weiss and one from Peter Thomas, all of which add up to another great collection and a must for serious music heads.
Review: The Whatnauts are best known for their evergreen classic 'Help Is On The Way', but they've got a mighty fine catalogue which goes deeper and further than just that tune. Here Dynamite Cuts gather up three essentials and press them to a 7" for your convenience, leading in with 1972's 'Why Can't People Be Colours Too?' from the Whatnauts On The Rocks album. When the break drops, you'll fully understand why it got picked - pure understated perfection. 'Souling With The Whatnauts' and 'Message From A Black Man' are both taken from 1970s Introducing The Whatnauts, offering up a more mellow, reflective side of this cult Baltimore group.
Review: The reissue of Ike White's 'Changin' Times' brings a rare soul treasure from 1976 back to life. On Side-1, 'Changin' Times', is a low-key funky gem, its understated groove and soulful depth capturing a timeless beauty. Flip to Side-2 and 'Love & Affection' takes the spotlightia vibrant, funk-infused track with echoes of Stevie Wonder's iconic 'Superstition' taken from Ike's full length release. Its forward-thinking soul grooves blend seamlessly with funky rhythms, making it a standout piece that feels both nostalgic and ahead of its time. This 7" packs a punch with its perfect balance of understated charm and bold musicality.
Review: New Orleans funk outfit The Wild Magnolias were active in the mid 70s, releasing two albums and then regrouping in the 90s. Their sound is in step with their more renowned Louisiana peers, but certainly running hotter than the likes of The Meters. "Handa Wanda" is a stirring, effervescent call and response epic that shows the band at their best, rocking a wall of sound approach that keeps the pressure up the whole way through. "(Somebody Got) Soul, Soul, Soul" is a more fluid track, but it's certainly no slouch in the energy department either. This is hi-octane funk to get people shaking and sweaty.
Review: The Williams Brothers, hailing from East Orange, New Jersey, burst onto the scene with a compelling blend of sweet soul and deep funk. Their standout double-sider featuring 'That's Life' and 'Rap On,' originally released in 1972 on Twain Record, showcases their exceptional musical abilities. This release, now a rare gem, captures the soulful depth and vibrant energy that defined the group, making it a collector's dream. Starting in gospel music, the brothers transitioned to R&B with their father's reluctant blessing, quickly becoming local sensations. Their journey took a significant turn when they won a competition by New Zealand Breweries, leading to international tours and increased fame. Despite facing early challenges, including a tragic car accident that paralyzed the youngest brother Anthony, the Williams Brothers have continued to evolve, recently venturing into EDM and gaining recognition as an electrifying opening act for major DJs. Their records, especially early releases like 'That's Life/Rap On', are highly sought after today, commanding thousands of dollars per copy, solidifying their status as an underground legend of music.
Review: During the "rare groove" boom in London during the 1980s, Linda Williams' 1979 album track "Elevate Our Minds" became something of an anthem. Curiously, it was never released as a single at the time, making this surprise 7" edition something of a bonus for those still searching for the track. It remains a fine song, with Williams' brilliant vocals rising above bossa-influenced beats, warm bass, luscious boogie orchestration and gentle Latin style horn lines. The flipside features "City Living", the title track from the very same 1979 LP that "Elevate Our Minds" was taken. It's far funkier and more elastic in feel, with horn arrangements and a chunky groove reminiscent of some Teena Marie tracks from the same period.
Review: Dave Welding's Soul Junction label is back with another limited edition 45rpm that keeps up the fine run of recent form. These two gems are the work of the late great Willie Williams, a blind singer from Chicago who was discovered performing in the Windy City's local clubs. He was signed to ABC records in 1966 and put out only a couple of other well received singles. 'Give It All I Got' is a beautiful piece with raw drum work and lush vocal backing harmonies next to a gentle piano line. It is stirring stuff while the flips-side 'Do You Understand' is more upbeat with its funky riffs, more great backing vocals and a rolling beat that locks you in.
Review: Destination 78/79: Expansion take us deep into the illustrious back cat of revered boogaloo fusionist Willie Bobo for two of his many fiery delights. Side A is his feel-heavy cult instrumental take on Ronnie Laws' disco classic "Always There" while Side B throws us into the heart of his 1979 album Bobo with gutsy raw soul power (and just a few cheeky funk slap bass twangs for good measure) Two stone cold classics together for the first time on 45.
Review: The Winston Brothers make a triumphant return with two new tracks, this time pressed on striking blue vinyl, following the success of their 2022 debut Drift. The A-side, 'Straight Shooter,' is a full-throttle funk workout, packed with gritty guitar licks, sharp horns, and head-nodding drum breaks. With a raw edge and plenty of analogue warmth from the Fostex 8-track recording, it's a b-boy anthem in waiting. On the B-side, 'Island Travel' shifts gears into a more laid-back groove. A smooth afrobeat-inspired journey, it blends spiritual jazz and ethno-funk, with Kimo Eiserbeck's serene flute solo gliding over the hypnotic rhythms. Perfectly balancing the A-side's intensity, this one's for the heads looking to kick back and vibe out.
Review: The Winston Brothers return with two fresh cuts on their latest 7" single, marking their first release since 2022's Drift. On the A-side, 'Straight Shooter' lives up to its name, a raw funk jam that could kickstart a b-boy battle. Funky guitar riffs, punchy horns, and tight drum breaks propel the track forward, its energy intense and unfiltered, thanks to an all-analogue recording on a Fostex 8-track. On the flip, 'Island Travel' takes a more laid-back turn. It's a hypnotic Afrobeat number, with dreamy flute work from Kimo Eiserbeck, blending ethno-funk with spiritual jazz vibes. It's cinematic, atmospheric, and offers a perfect contrast to the edgier A-side.
Review: With roots as a backing singer for Stevie Wonder, Wycoff went on to become a soul ambassador throughout the early 80s. This 1982 reissue is one of the best examples of his silky, heartfelt delivery... "Looking Up To You" is a dynamic love song where traces of big 70s production build and build throughout. "(Do You Really Love Me) Tell Me Love", meanwhile, was only ever released as a B-side. Its 80s production counter the dramatics of the A-side with cool synthetic perfection. Reissues don't get much broader in production or sweeter in sound than this.
Review: Side-1 kicks off with a raw and funky garage band jam that perfectly captures the spirit of 1967. With its dynamic energy, the track blends elements of jazz, rock, funk and blues, creating an exciting, soul-infused experience. The rhythm section drives the track with relentless energy, while the soulful melodies and infectious groove make it a standout piece. The mix of surf rock and mod influences gives it a timeless, gritty edge that resonates with both vintage and modern listeners. Side-2 takes a more experimental turn with a unique jam laden with saxophone and rich instrumental textures. The track's experimental nature is underscored by its unconventional structure, utilizing the harpsichord to create a distinctive, jazzy vibe. The saxophone adds a layer of depth, intertwining with the rhythm to produce a mood that's both introspective and lively. This track offers a refreshing, avant-garde twist that contrasts beautifully with the raw energy of the opening side.
Review: Fresh off the back of X-Ray Ted's debut album Moving On comes this instrumental/scratch tool version of 'Get Loose', one of the record's best-loved non single tracks. Prior to the full album's making and eventual completion, The Bristol-based DJ and producer had spent years honing his craft and refining his signature sound, which drew heavily on soul, funk, hip-hop and breaks; all of which were styles heavily indebted to the street battle breaks culture found in 90s New York and other major cities. 'Get Loose', the seventh track on the record, features British rappers Dr. Syntax and Elemental and is a fiery exploration of what it means to loosen oneself; the track features here in full original form, alongside its locked groove and acapella versions, the former of which samples an oldskool comedy set characteristic of the kinds of sources battle DJs would sift theirs from.
Review: Born on the French Island of Martinique, Louis Xavier later settled in France where he discovered the freedom of jazz, and an idea to mix his influences into a global melting pot of sound. He formed his band (Synchro Rhythmic Eclectic Language) in Paris in the early '70s, making music that was both spiritual and eclectic for its time. Both tracks are jazz in essence but with instrumental funky rhythms infused with intricate percussion and electric keys.
Review: Inell Young was a New Orleans-based singer who recorded with Eddie Bo and also had a small clutch of solo singles in the late 60s-early 70s. Soul Jazz picked up on one of Young's rarest offerings, a beautiful single which came out some time in the 60s. They first reissued it in 2014 and it keeps getting repressed for very good reason - it's just a perfect slice of southern soul. 'The Next Ball Game' is a fiery, funky number with a clattering beat and plenty of overdriven energy, raw like the best music should be but oh so sweet thanks to Young's angelic voice. 'Part Of The Game' is a swooning heartbreak ballad that makes the perfect inversion to the firecracker of an A-side.
Review: Inell Young's What Do You See In Her is often said to be one of the most powerful soul songs to have ever come from the great New Orleans scene. Eddie Bo is of course the great man behind it - as he was so many of these great tunes from this place and this ear - with the voice of Inell adding the spice. Finding an original is hard as, and will also cost you very close to four figures, so snap this one up while you can. Both sides are pure gold.
Review: A whole host of crucial funk reissues are landing right now courtesy of the good folks at BGP and up there with the nest of them is this one from Chester Randle's Soul Senders, an ensemble featuring a rotating vests of musicians from America that were active in the 60s onwards. Their 'Soul Brother's Testify' came in two parts, both of which take up one side each of this 7", and were mainstays of the deep funk movement that rose up around the late 90s and early 2000s. They still do a job now with their hard hitting breaks and funky ass riffs.
Michael Jackson - "I Wanna Be Where You Are" (Underboss remix) (3:56)
Michael Jackson - "I Wanna Be Where You Are" (2:54)
Marvin Gaye - "I Want You" (Underboss remix) (4:00)
Marvin Gaye - "I Want You" (4:33)
DeBarge - "I Like It" (Soul Synopsis mix) (4:21)
DeBarge - "I Like It" (3:45)
Switch - "There'll Never Be" (Solidified Soul mix) (3:13)
Switch - "There'll Never Be" (3:34)
Eddie Kendricks - "Body Talk" (TBG mix) (4:43)
Eddie Kendricks - "Body Talk" (4:27)
Sisters Love - "Now Is The Time" (The Mack Revisited mix) (3:21)
Sisters Love - "Now Is The Time" (The Mack Revisited mix - instrumental) (3:21)
Jackson 5 - "Tribute Medley" (Underboss remix) (3:58)
Jackson 5 - "I Want You Back/ABC/The Love You Save" (Medley) (3:09)
Review: This special 7" boxset Motown State of Mind is a collection of Motown classics remixed by the legendary rapper, producer and member of D.I.T.C., Lord Finesse. The first two tracks tackle the one time King of Pop, while the undisputed soul god that is Marvin Gaye then gets some special treatment with an Underboss remix of "I Want You." The smooth grooves continue on DeBarge's "I Like It" (Soul Synopsis mix), which is pure sultry and steamy gold. Elsewhere Eddie Kendricks - "Body Talk" (TBG mix) is a string laced and slow motion disco funk gem and Sister of Love and Jackson 5 also get some careful treatment.
Ranil Y Su Conjunto Tropical - "Sonido Amazonico" (3:09)
Los Wembler's De Iquitos - "Sonido Amazonico" (2:32)
Review: Two cornerstones of rare Amazonian (!) cumbia appear together on 7" for the first time, as Vampisoul resurrect these wildly sought-after versions of 'Sonido Amazonico'. On one side is a hypnotic, percussion-heavy take by Ranil Y Su Conjunto Tropical, first and only released on LP. Led by Raul Llerena, this Iquitos band helped forge the sound of psychedelic cumbia through Llerena's Producciones Llerena imprint, now a holy grail label for collectors of such trove-bound tropical rarities. On the inverse comes Los Wembler's de Iquitos - of equal stature as one of the genre's most enduring groups - bringing their stomping rhythmoids to the same track; it also just so happens to remain one of their most defining anthems. The UK's not the only "jungle scene" out there - just listen to these killer, understoried sonic forests.
Review: Soul Jazz, as always, have got tons of good stuff line-up for Record Store Day 2021. This bumper Funk 70 Box Set is the latest example and is a limited-edition one-off collector's edition with 10 rare and timeless funk gems on five individual bespoke 7" singles. All killer and no filler, this collection features the likes of a rare Detroit funk tune from Jackie Harris, the seminal 'Latin Strut' by Joe Bataan's which arguably helped make Salsoul Records into the force it became, and some excellent New Orleans funk from Eddie Bo, as well as much more.
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