Review: American Bobbi Humphrey is one of the most well loved jazz flautists. She turned out plenty of vibrant albums, none less so than this, Fancy Dancer, which was her fifth. It came on Blue Note in 1975 and is full of all killer no filler gold. It also saw her, along with producers the Mizell Brothers aka Larry and Fonce, come up with a fresh new largely instrumental funk sound. Weaving in everything from world music to soul-jazz to club music to pop, it's a widescreen sound that is packed with uplifting flute from Humphrey and lush production that reveals something new with each listen.
Review: Brazilian artist Hyldon's 1981 album 'Sabor De Amor' is a Latin classic that is well overdue this reissue by Jazzybelle Records. It was the fourth from the soul man, singer and instrumentalist who was, with equally celebrated peers Tim Maia and Cassiano, at the very heart of the Brazilian soul revolution of 70s. This may be his most consistent album with its more than accomplished backing by Azymuth musicians including Alexandre Malheiros on bass, drums from Ivan "Mamao" Conti and Hammond jams from Sergio Carvalho amongst others. The bass is funky, the arrangements are sophisticated and full of sun with noodling jazz melodies and Portuguese vocals all oozing summer magic. From mellow moments like the title cut to more dazzling and upbeat dancers like 'Amor Na Terra Do Berimbau' this isa joyous listen.
Review: The Ethiopian Ibex Band's 1976 album Stereo Instrumental Music is being re-released as a cornerstone of Ethiopian music. This record is credited with shaping the modern sound of Ethiopian music and the band's enduring influence can be felt in the works of legends like Aster Aweke, Girma Beyene and Mulatu Astatke. Created by Giovanni Rico and Selam Woldemariam, Stereo Instrumental Music is part of a significant legacy that challenges the idea of a "golden age" of Ethiopian music and highlights the constant evolution of the sound. The Ibex Band, later known as The Roha Band, has remained central to that and Ethiopia's wider scene.
Review: Takeshi Inomata is a pioneering drummer in Japan's jazz scene who launched the band Sound Limited in the late 1960s and set to work blending jazz and rock in a vibrant new direction. Influenced by the brass rock movement, Inomata sought to create music full of energy and free from the constraints of modern jazz. He brought together young, talented musicians to play with vitality and envisioned a large-scale sound. Their debut album, The Sound of Sounds LTD back in 1970, became a classic filled with dynamic performances, including the iconic 'Theme~Mustache,' a track that continues to define the band's legacy.
Review: 'Liberated Brother' might just refer to Weldon Irvine's liberation from the trappings of fame. While this debut album of this, originally released in 1972, was made around the same time as his come-up with Nina Simone as her bandleader, Irvine was not as impacted by publicity or subject to the same degree of pop culture notoriety. But just because a spark burns brightly, doesn't make it the most effervescent; this first LP charts the multi-instrumentalist's futuristic frolicks through funk-jazz, fusion and soul, all distilled into a romantic 8-tracker of trilling pianos ('Liberated Brother') and moody noir jams ('Gloria'). Hot off the plate with a reissue by Japanese label P-Vine, this is an exclusive obi-strip version not many will get their mitts on; it could still be you, though.
Review: Weldon Irvine was one of the finest American jazz pianist and composers of his generation. He released several classic albums man of which are now being reissued thanks to P-Vine, but not before being fully remastered for the occasion. Weldon and The Kats was one that he put out on his own label Nodlew Records after releasing some albums through RCA and Strata-East. It is perfectly indicative of his style and has his early work 'Mr.P.C' on it, which was recorded in 1968 with Steve Grossman on tenor sax and sometime Miles Davies associate Lenny White on drums. This one has never been reissued before so snap it up before it goes again.
Review: A whole bunch of Weldon Irvine albums are being remastered and reissued at the moment, which will be music to the ears of spiritual jazz fans - literally. The American composer and pianists was one of the big names of his time and reals don labels like RCA and Strata-East as well as his own label. Young Gifted & Broke has never been on vinyl before as the recordings were only discovered in the early 2010s. It was a musical that was released in 1977 and inspired by the Black Civil Rights anthem 'Young, Gifted and Black,' which Weldon had written with Nina Simone. Talents like Marcus Miller joined the recordings which as can now be heard are magnificent to say the least.
Review: In 1977, American jazz composer, pianist and organist Weldon Irvine helped create the musical Young, Gifted & Broke, which was in part inspired by Aretha Franklin's 1969 anthem 'Young, Gifted & Black' - a song whose lyrics were penned by none other than Weldon. Irvine was naturally responsible for the writing the soundtrack, which was recorded at the time but only released for the first time 12 years ago. It's an exceptional set all told, joining the dots between jazz, Blaxploitation funk, soul and gospel, with inspired instrumentals sitting side by side with songs that showcase the talents of both the lead characters and a talented chorus of backing singers.
Review: Uganda: Dawn Of Rock is a great collision of creative talents from Akira Ishikawa and Count Buffaloes who combine to deliver a captivating exploration of rock music's emergence in Uganda. A classic since it was first issued, the album showcases Ishikawa's masterful drumming and Count Buffaloes' dynamic instrumentation. It overflows with infectious rhythms and soulful melodies and each track immerses listeners in the vibrant music scene of Uganda where rock and local African sounds are fused into something new. As such this is a record that offers a perfect glimpse into a pivotal moment in Uganda's musical history.
Tell Me When You Need It Again (part 1 & 2) (4:59)
Climbin' Up The Ladder (part 1 & 2) (6:36)
Voyage To Atlantis (4:25)
Livin' In The Life (4:14)
Go For Your Guns (2:15)
Review: Go For Your Guns by The Isley Brothers was originally released in 1977 and now gets reissued by Music On Vinyl on lovely translucent blue wax in limited quantities. Spanning over eight decades, The Isley Brothers boast one of the most enduring and diverse careers in music history. Originating as a trio in 1954 from Cincinnati, Ohio, the group, comprising O'Kelly Jr., Rudolph, and Ronald Isley, has sold over 18 million records in the U.S. alone. Their 15th album, Go For Your Guns, soared to No. 1 on Billboard's Top Soul chart and No. 6 on the Billboard 200. Notably, it features 'Footsteps In The Dark,' sampled by Ice Cube for his hit 'It Was A Good Day,' which itself reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-hop Songs chart.
Review: The Jackson 5 were a legendary American pop band consisting of famous musical brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael Jackson. Managed by their father, Joe Jackson, the group achieved great success in the 1970s and were much loved amongst younger audiences. They had plenty of chart hits and several of them went on to have great solo careers, of course. Their eighth studio album, G.I.T.: Get It Together was released on September 12, 1973, under the Motown label and now gets reissued on limited red vinyl with an insert.
Review: Most people will recognize Brian Jackson as the most important collaborator with Gil Scott-Heron - between them the pair laid down a mesmerising new kind of soul which resonates in its influence and brilliance to this day. Jackson went on to work with scores of legends of Black American music, but this new album is something altogether his own. Working with Daniel Colias from Phenomenal Handclap Band, Jackson revived a long-dormant solo project from the 70s and brought it to fruition in a set of ascendant soul cuts which speak to Jackson's mighty legacy while offering something wholly contemporary. 'All Talk' bursts with jazz funk and boogie flourishes, while 'Path to Macondo / Those Kind of Blues' takes a more introspective trip into Jackson's illustrious musicality. Forget reissue culture for a minute - here's a bonafide legend still doing it in the here and now.
Review: James Taylor is a stone cold legend in the acid jazz and jazz funk scene. Here working with his quartet once again, he returns with superb new album that proves his credentials beyond doubt. Man in the Hot Seat is a giant record with a giant sound that is speed in big walls of sound and effortless melodic funk. The fullness of the tune sis utterly imposing with hints of classic film soundtracks and big band energy. Real musicianship and production mastery add to the greatnesses of this, which might be one of JTQ's finest.
Review: Making its debut release on vibrant neon green 12" vinyl for Record Store Day 2024, this release from Sony spotlights Jamiroquai's dazzling 2006 BBC live session, recorded at Maida Vale for radio legend Ken Bruce. It features all of the funk one's most epic tunes such as the perma-hit 'Cosmic Girl', the infectious 'Canned Heat' and the superb opener 'Runaway'. A great album, a great new pressing, a great one to snap up for when you need some colourful cosmic uplifting in your life.
Review: This is a historically significant album now gaining deserved recognition with this anniversary reissue. Born George Folurunsho Johnson in Nigeria in 1916, Ginger's Yoruba heritage shaped his music and by the late 1940s, he had moved to London and was busy collaborating with British jazz icons like Ronnie Scott, Phil Seaman and Kenny Graham's Afro-Cubists. A pioneering figure, Ginger recorded some of Britain's first African music releases and mentored a young Fela Kuti and became a cornerstone of the African and West Indian musical community. By the 1960s, Ginger's mastery of Afro-Cuban percussion cemented his legacy across genres and performances, including the Notting Hill Carnival, and this album shows why he was such a singular artist.
Review: A definitive master of jazz, soul and pop sounds across the decades, Quincy Jones pulled off another gem with this genre-defying collection. It highlights an unparalleled level of musical craftsmanship where the arrangements are lush and use orchestral instruments, funky rhythms and smooth vocals to create a timeless sound. Standout tracks like 'What's Going On?' and 'Theme From The Anderson Tapes' showcase Jones' ability to merge complex jazz harmonies with commercial appeal. He also balances upbeat tracks with introspective, slower tunes with the result reflecting Quincy's deep influence on the music of the last half-century.
Review: If you're not familiar with the 1973 American-Philippine action movie Savage! then join the club. Distributed through Roger Corman's New World Pictures, the Cirio H. Santiago production was one of around 40 that the Hollywood legend worked on at far lower costs in the Asian island nation compared with back in the US. A somewhat exploitative business model taking advantage of lower wages in a developing country, the story also used more than a few totems of the Blaxploitation canon to tell the tale of a criminal who winds up getting caught up in a revolution to overthrow a military government. Heavy stuff dealt with in a pulp fiction style, the score reflects this - funk filled guitar licks, slap bass and woodwind hooks. Hip hop selectors take note, then, there's plenty to play with here.
Review: Ekoya is the fourth album from Jupiter & Okwess and it marks a new chapter in their sound as they embrace Congolese funk, rock, Afropop and Latin influences. This record was conceived during a South American tour and recorded in Mexico so reflects a cross-cultural fusion that's deeply rooted in African history and features collaborations with artists like Flavia Coelho and Mare Advertencia. Along the way, the music tackles themes of change, resilience and the global challenges we face so tracks like 'Selele' and 'Orgillo' fuse political commentary with big rhythms. Through a great mix of languages, rich instrumentation and powerful messages, Ekoya is a wonderfully worldly celebration.
Review: Is there a more genuinely eclectic producer than Kalbata operating right now? We certainly can't think of one. Over the last decade and a half he's turned his hand to everything from dub, techno, dubstep and electro to Balearic beats, downtempo grooves and inspired musical fusions that simply cannot be categorized. His latest excursion - made in cahoots with five-piece Israeli band Tigris -falls into the latter category, offering up a brilliant blend of African and Caribbean rhythms, Turkish psych-funk organ solos, off-kilter electronics, wavy ambient chords and glistening guitars. It's hard to accurately describe but brilliantly produced and hugely entertaining. Don't sleep on this one!
Review: Japanese artist Kimiko Kasai is a revered vocalist who worked in the world of jazz throughout the eighties. Her unique style made her an in-demand collaborator who worked with the likes of Mal Waldron, Gil Evans and Herbie Hancock. She released a total of 23 albums on majors including EMI which is where, in 1987, she dropped this full-length of electro-pop Japanese works. Perigo A Noite features a collection of songs all written by the lady herself and many of them have an adult and exotic style that blends pop, funk and soul with her signature jazz.
Review: The legendary Kashmere High School Brass Band from Houston, Texas always deliver an incredible jazz-funk storm and in this rare groove masterpiece, they have rarely sounded better. Known as the world's best student band, their astonishing groove defies what you would think a bunch of high school musicians would be capable of. Originally released in 1974, this sixth album features original compositions by their teacher, Conrad Johnson, and includes all four titles from their catalogue, complete with a fine jacket design and exceptional sound quality. The tunes come thick and fast and include 'Kashmere' with its killer breakbeats, 'Head Wiggle' a fast-paced bass-driven funk, 'Do You Dig It Man?' big band funk at its best and 'Thunder Soul' which is percussive jazz funk brilliance.
Review: High school band directors used to press up their bands' performances to vinyl, & none made as much sweet noise as this "Texas Thunder Soul." Deluxe gatefold package as well as some previously unreleased live music, plus a bonus documentary.
Review: High school band Kashmere Stage Band was formed in Texas by students from Kashmere High School's elite music division under the guidance of leader Conrad O. Johnson. They recorded plenty of albums but they only got sold locally and made in small numbers so now P-VIBE is embarking on a much-needed reissue run. Zero Point came in 1972, right in the middle of the band's activities which ran from the early 60s to the late 70s. It's a funky jazz fusion workout with great echoed vocals and fuzz-tone guitar.
Review: Kashmere Stage Band was formed in the 1960s and was made up of students from Kashmere High School and group leader Conrad O. Johnson. Bumper-To-Bumper Soul is their second album, and it was recorded between 1969 and 1970. The record, which like all their others was only pressed in small quantities and sold locally in Houston, Texas, so is hard to find but much in demand, is an extension of the high school group's debut album, but with a high percentage of groovy jazz funk, covering well-known songs in their now fast funk style.
Review: KSB stands for Kashmere Stage Band group that was initially founded by Conrad O. Johnson. He was at the heart of the group which is surely one of the most accomplished student outfits of all time. They hailed from the eponymous Kashmere High School in Houston, Texas, and were active in the 1960s on until the late 1970s. They related a number of albums which only get got pressed up a maximum of 1000 times so have become cult favs and hard to find treasures. P-VINE however changes all that with a series of limited reissues of their most renowned albums, including this one, Out Of Gas But Still Burning, as well as some others which have never actually been on wax before.
Review: Self-released in 1969, Our Thing was the debut album from the Houston-based Kashmere Stage Band, a now legendary funk, soul and jazz ensemble formed at Kashmere High School under the guidance of musical director Conrad O. Johnson. The student band released several cult albums on Kram Records before disbanding in 1978. They became known for their raw funk sound and a distinctive Blacksploitation vibe and their energy and style were truly unique. This black vinyl LP reissue comes with a Japanese obi-strip and is a great way to celebrate the legacy of a group that left a lasting mark on the funk scene.
Review: Late, great Japanese guitarist Ryo Kawasaki is behind this classic bit of jazz-funk fusion from 1976. It was recorded originally in New York and now gets a reissue form the hard working Mr Bongo crew. It is a record that has picked dup cult status over the years for those looking for samples and has been pillaged by everyone from Diamond D, Puff Daddy, and Kool G Rap. Playing on the sessions were drummer Jimmy Young as well as rhythm guitarist Hugh McCracken and bassist Stu Woods who all help bring every track to life.
Review: The good folk at Mr Bongo are reissuing Herman Kelly's seminal 1978 album that birthed the iconic breakbeat classic 'Dance To The Drummer's Beat.' This Miami-based disco-funk project headed up by the drummer and producer features Latin, funk and percussive grooves that have gone on to influence generations of hip-hop and dance music producers. It is thought to have been sampled over 125 times by legends like DJ Shadow, N.W.A. and Run-D.M.C. after initially gaining fame via Ultimate Breaks & Beats in 1986. This reissue presents the sought-after 4:12 Alston Records version and it is as infectious and irresistible as ever.
Review: The first release from the all new Epsilon label is Loving Cup, an album from Keys & Friends that features eight of their incredible and previously unreleased soul songs from the mid-70s. These have all been sourced directly from a master tape that was unearthed in the CEO and Founder of Music Of The Sea Inc, Eddie Caldwell's vault. The group was assembled by the famously talented Southside Chicago songwriter William A. Keyes and some included here were tracks first penned for artists like Sly Johnson, Little Johnny Taylor, and Joyce Faison. Now available on vinyl for the first time, these high-quality recordings capture the essence of 70s soul and disco with some upbeat delights next to rueful downbeat beauties.
Review: Vibraphonist Khan Jamal has made many fine albums over the years, though few are quite as revered within the jazz scene as Infinity, a self-released set from 1984 that has been near impossible to find for years. While Jamal's fluid and attractive vibraphone playing is given an airing throughout the album, it never dominates the sound space, with the storied members of his backing sextet - including scene legends Byard Lancaster (alto sax, flute) and drummer Sunny Murray - all being given a chance to shine. Musically, it sits somewhere between spiritual jazz, jazz-funk and Latin jazz, with hectic dancefloor numbers (see the superb 'The Angry Young Man') being joined by a wealth of deeper, more laidback compositions.
Black Market/Running The Dara Down (part 2) (10:02)
Sightseeing (7:45)
Cocktail/Walk Tall/Agharta (10:34)
Dream Clock (6:28)
Abstraction (3:08)
Can It Be Done (4:26)
Badia/Boogie Woogie Waltz (5:19)
Fast City (6:39)
Domino Theory (7:45)
Face On The Barroom Floor (3:59)
Review: Luniwaz LIVE is the sound of Scott Kinsey paying tribute to Joe Zawinul and Weather Report, not by basic imitation, but through fearless reinvention. The album was recorded live in Prague and brings Zawinul's spirit to life with raw energy and deep improvisation alongside Kinsey's seasoned rhythm section. As part of that, Hadrien Feraud and Gergo Borlai join forces with rising saxophonist Patrick Bartley Jr to blend jazz mastery with modern flair alongside guest appearances from Pedro Martins, Meredith Salimbeni and Bobby Thomas Jr, who further elevate the sound. Far from an exercise in nostalgia, this is a great reimagining of a jazz legacy.
Review: The classic 1991 debut album from Zev Love X Subroc and Onyx a seamless blend of funny skits and uniformly slick breaks laced with biting wit. Now available as a limited DJ friendly special 2xLP edition with full colour pic sleeve shrink wrapped and with original centre label artwork.
Review: Originally self-produced and released in the mid-70s by members of Kitakyushu City University's Knights, a light music club, Knights Company was a rare two-disc set that came as an LP and EP and was sold in very limited quantities. Virtually unknown even among collectors, this album combines the high-energy soul influence of James Brown with a bluesy, melodic West Coast and AOR sound. Decades later, its appeal is undiminished as it captures the youthful spirit and talent of northern Kyushu's finest. This masterpiece has been revived as a compilation with high-quality remastering by 8ronix and a striking new design that makes it collectible all over again.
Review: Japanese keyboard player, singer-songwriter, music producer Mimi Izumi Kobayashi was born in Funabashi and went on to become a cult artist who released six albums, all of them in the eighties. Tropicana came in 1983 and is maybe the best known of lot and it now gets reissued on limited vinyl via Universal. It's a bright and vibrant blend of city pop, soul, disco and tropical sounds with nostalgic 80s drum sounds, hook vocals in English and Japanese and plenty of camp and catchy grooves. A real exotic wonder.
Review: Choice Cuts 1978-1983 gathers eight tracks from four of Mimi's early albums-Sea Flight (1978), Coconuts High (1981), Nuts Nuts Nuts (1982), and Tropicana (1983). Opening with a funky, syncopated take on Sergio Mendes' 'Mas Que Nada' and the crisp techno-pop of 'Coffee Rumba,' all of which mean the compilation showcases Mimi's eclectic style. It also features the synth jam 'Quiet Explosion' and the piano samba 'Espresso.' Two standout tracks from Coconuts High-the sultry 'Crazy Love' and the lively 'Palm Sr'-highlight her playful Latin-tinged jazz fusion. Released on Takanaka's Kitty Records, this collection reveals Mimi's vibrant and innovative artistry.
Review: Kokoroko have been on all world music lovers' radars since their very first and very impressive EP on Brownswood back in 2018. Now we are treated to an expansive and adventurous debut album on the same label that sees the group build on their great early start. Could We Be More has been preceded by new single 'We Give Thanks' and draws plenty of inspiration from the highlife and jazz sounds of West Africa, the Afrobeat and psych-funk sounds of the 70s and plenty of modern broken beat styles. Each tunes swells with emotion and evokes good times.
Review: Rather bizarrely, Fela's London Scene was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in 1971, but didn't get a UK release until the mid 1990s. This is the first time it has appeared on wax since. While the legendary Afrobeat pioneer and his equally revered backing band, Africa '70, may have been in unusual surroundings, the music showcased on the album was pure Nigerian Afrobeat gold. With Fela in fine form on the mic, and Africa '70 providing typically punchy, horn-heavy backing, tracks such as "E Gbe Mi O", "Buy Africa", and "Fight To The Finish" are every bit as good as anything they recorded in their Lagos studio. "Who're You", with its' changes of intensity and gentle progressions, is particularly good.
Review: There are a bunch of reissues of classic Fela Kuti albums dropping right now which is always going to be good news for collectors and Afrobeat lovers a like. As was often the case with his music, this album Kalakuta Show from 1976 was a way of him taking revenge on the military regime that attacked and brutalized him two years prior when the police mounted a large scale raid on Kalakuta Republic incoming Fela's own heavily guarded compound. They were the second raids in eight months and left Fela with scalp wounds and a broken arm, and us with this most remarkable musical retort.
Review: Nigerian Afrobeat composer, bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist Fela Kuti has a vast catalogue that dates back over half a century. Roforofo Fight is one of the many standouts and it was recorded in Lagos in 1972 on the Jofabro label with the legendary Tony Allen on drums as well as Christopher Uwaifor on tenor, Lekan Animashaun on baritone and many other key players alongside the main man. The lyrics convey Fela's frustration at intolerant and violent behaviour as told through the story of a street fight.
Review: 'Afrodisiac' was the renowned Afrobeat pioneer and infamous polygamist Fela Kuti's sexual mating call in album form. At the very prime of his career - which saw to the man marrying and sheltering over ten wives (while also engaging in anti-colonial political activism) - the album came about as a defining statement of Kuti's practice. Its best known song, 'Jeun Ko Ku', is listed by its Pidgin title 'Chop and Quench' on this 50th Anniversary edition. It's a satire about gluttony - "eat and die" in Standard English.
Review: Destination Nigeria, 1975, Fela and Africa 70 are indelibly locked into a hugely prolific groove with well over 10 albums behind them. Then they release this, an LP comprised solely of two wondrously extended work outs from the troupe. "Expensive Shit" famously tells the tale of Fela's brush with the jaded law while "Water No Get Enemy" speaks - or rather sings - for itself. One of Fela's many notable and hugely influential releases; your collection isn't complete without it.
Review: Regarded by many as Fela and The Africa 70's zenith, Confusion is 26 minutes of total Afrofunk immersion delivered over two sides. Gradually building - thanks largely to Tony Allen's dynamic drum work that's as delicate as it is powerful, Fela's dreamy, almost jazz-like keys and a rigid, spine-like rhythm guitar - the groove and narrative is developed with a natural sense of well-instrumented drama. A genuine classic, if your collection isn't blessed with this now is most certainly the time.
Review: La Clave's self-titled album from 1973 is a refreshing mix of Latin rhythms and the vibrant sounds of the city of San Francisco. Formed by nine musicians from Mexico, Panama, Cuba and Puerto Rico with Benny Velarde at the helm, the group blended their rich cultural backgrounds with the soulful and experimental music scene of the Bay Area during that period. This unique mix created a joyful, energetic sound that still lures you in to this day, which is why this mini-classic gets reissued as part of the Verve By Request series.
Review: On Good Together, Lake Street Dive embraces a renewed sense of purpose and focus on unity amidst social divisions. Described as "joyful rebellion", the album blends energetic, danceable sounds with a defiant, principled message that makes a long-lasting impression. "There's so much pain and division but living in anger isn't sustainable," drummer Mike Calabrese explains adding, "Joy is a powerful way to sustain yourself, and we wanted to remind people of that." The album he has made with his bandmates was produced by Grammy-winner Mike Elizondo and is the first time they collaborated on songwriting from the start. In turn, this expanded their creative range and has brought a new depth to their sound.
Review: Lakeside's Fantastic Voyage dates back to 1980 and is also the name of the number one hit the Dayton, Ohio group had in 1981. The song topped the r&b chart and marked their one and only ever entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 55. Sample hounds may know that hip-hop star Coolio used parts of this song for his own hit of the same name in 1994. The rest of the tunes are just as much a great and funky fusion of soul, disco and r&b with great vocal harmonies, guttural male growls and infectious drums.
Review: Azar Lawrence's 1976 solo album People Moving is one that puts his skill on tenor, alto, and soprano saxophones front and centre throughout. The classic album was assembled by a stellar lineup including none other than Patrice Rushen on electric piano and vocals, as well as Harvey Mason on drums and Mtume on percussion. It was dedicated at the time to Charles Stepney and blends funk, soul, and jazz into a vibrant musical experience. The title track, 'People Moving,' stands proud with Lawrence's soulful saxophone and Jerry Peters' impressive horn arrangements really drawing you in. The record also marks Skip Scarborough's debut as a producer, and it's a role he later expanded when working with artists like Bobbi Humphrey, Con Funk Shun, and Phyllis Hyman.
Review: Drummer and composer David Lee Jr.'s acclaimed yet hard to find gem Evolution from 1974 is revered for the way it ingeniously melds the experimental spirit of John Coltrane and Sun Ra with the infectious rhythms of New Orleans. A standout among legendary New Orleans drummers, including Zigaboo Modeliste and Idris Muhammed, Lee Jr. showcased fiery innovation and unparalleled experimentation here on this 'lost classic' deep jazz album, originally released on Lee Jr.'s Supernal Records. It embodies a quest for creative progress and spiritual freedom and is rooted in the vibrant rhythms of New Orleans and Afro-Futurist musical concepts. It remains a rare and monumental achievement in the realm of deep and spiritual jazz, and here has been newly remastered for a limited magenta vinyl edition.
Review: Anyone who has seen Nigerian saxophonist Bukky Leo perform with his backing band Black Egypt will tell you how incendiary they are live, frequently delivering performances that blur the boundaries between Afrobeat, Afro-jazz and Afro-funk. It's fitting then that Bukky and his band's latest release is a live album made up entirely of their interpretations of tracks from legendary Nigerian musician William Onyeabor. It's simply superb, with the ensemble's wonderfully laidback Afrobeat interpretation of 'Atomic Bomb', a rousing, dance-along romp through 'Good Name' and an insatiable, deliciously low-slung shuffle through sensual classic 'Body & Soul' belong amongst the many musical highlights.
Review: Wewantsounds continues its deep dive into Algerian music with the first-ever reissue of Les Abranis' sought-after-by-those-who-know 1983 long player, Album No. 1. Originally recorded in Paris and privately pressed in small quantities, the album, which is also known as Id Ed Was, fuses Kabyle rhythms with funk and touches of reggae. This reissue has been curated by Cheb Gero (of recent Sweet Rebels compiling fame) and features remastered audio, though it retains the original artwork. It's a great line document of Algeria's diasporic groove with a two-page insert featuring fresh liner notes by journalist Rabah Mezouane.
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