Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Funk legend Bootsy Collins drops his rather indelible 23rd studio album at the age of 73. Despite the advancing years, Bootsy remains a restless innovator and tireless blender of funk, punk, rock, r&b and futuristic sounds. This latest concoction album features collaborations with icons like Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and Dave Stewart alongside fresh talents such as October London and Fantaazma. Bootsy embraces his role as mentor here and ensures that his singular grooves are embellished with new school energy. Beyond music, he's also launching the Bootsy Collins Network, a streaming hub for live shows, tech and gaming that could well be worth a look.

Review: Originally released in 1972, Dr John's fifth album is an upfront tribute to his inimitable hometown of New Orleans. A collection of covers, tracks chosen from the almost-endless archives of classic blues, jazz and creole tracks that have come out of the Big Easy over the preceding century or so. It also marked something of a character and stylistic sidestep for the legendary Louisiana player. Building a cult following and rather unique reputation for his eccentric stage performances and often pretty left-of-the-middle songwriting and arrangements, by comparison Dr John's Gumbo plays it much straighter, making this an authentic and respectful tribute to rhythm and blues as it has long been played. That's no criticism - the same masterful musicianship remains very much intact, while the personality still shines through. Simply put, the songs have been done again and again, but this album could only be Dr John.

Review: The 180-gram vinyl reissue of Dr. John's Gris-Gris by Music Direct is a meticulously remastered version of the classic 1968 album, using pure analogue components from the master tapes to the cutting head. This reissue highlights the album's intricate soundscapes, balancing catchy choruses with Afro-Caribbean percussion, swampy grooves, and haunting vocals. Dr. John's unique blend of voodoo mystique and psychedelic atmospheres transports listeners deep into the heart of New Orleans' spiritual underworld. Tracks like 'Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya' and 'I Walk On Gilded Splinters' evoke a timeless, hypnotic quality, making the album as revolutionary now as when it debuted.

Review: In 1970, Akira Ishikawa, a key figure in the jazz rock movement, ventured into bold new territory with his album Electrum. This ambitious project shows his innovative spirit, pushing jazz boundaries with its intense, precise grooves and the musicians' quest for new heights. The album features standout tracks like the tempestuous 'Electrum,' the complexly layered 'Revulsion,' and the tranquil 'Speak Under My Breath,' which captures the serene clarity of dawn. The presence of distinguished pianists and arrangers Masahiko Sato and Hiromasa Suzuki adds further depth and brilliance to this already vibrant work. Electrum is celebrated as a major achievement in Ishikawa's career and is a notable highlight within the Victor "Japanese Jazz" series. Its revival brings renewed attention to Ishikawa's groundbreaking exploration of jazz fusion.

Review: Off the Wall isn't just an album; it's a coronation. This is where Michael Jackson truly takes the throne, cementing his reign as the King of Pop. Released in 1979, this nine-times platinum landmark is a visionary blend of funk, disco, soul and r&b, a vibrant tapestry of sound that still shimmers with life four decades later. Featuring timeless hits like 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' and 'Rock With You', Off the Wall is a testament to Jackson's unparalleled talent and innovative spirit. Mobile Fidelity's numbered-edition hybrid SACD presents this classic album in all its audiophile glory. Sourced from the original master tapes, this reissue explodes with energy, playing with tremendous clarity, detail, and dynamics. Every note, every beat, every vocal nuance is rendered with stunning precision, allowing you to experience Off the Wall as if you were in the studio with Jackson himself. Housed in mini-LP-style packaging, complete with the iconic tuxedo-clad album cover, this SACD is a must-have for any serious music lover. It's a chance to rediscover a masterpiece, to immerse yourself in the magic of Michael Jackson at his creative peak. From the infectious grooves of 'Workin' Day and Night' to the heartfelt ballad 'She's Out of My Life', Off the Wall is a timeless classic that deserves to be heard in its purest form. This Mobile Fidelity reissue delivers just that.

Review: Mixed by Japanese producer and DJ Muro, who has a background in hip-hop, this connoisseur is never short on deep cuts and takes us on a journey through soulful, vintage AOR sonics from his home country. Whilst no two tracks are by the same artist, there's a cohesion to the tracklist thanks to Muro's ear in pulling out things that sit so well together. Asakawa Mak's 1988 cut 'American Night' is a smooth nod to sophisti pop greats Prefab Sprout; whilst Seri Ishikawa's elegant and lush number, 'Eternal 1/2', highlights how innovative she was in forging new sounds back in 1985. These two cuts are just the tip of the iceberg, yet this compilation is an ideal entry point to some of the finest Japanese music of the late 20th century. You can bank on Muro delivering the goods.

Review: Renowned DJ and selector MURO is a Jedi-level compiler and this new collection of his delves into Victor's extensive archives to spotlight a world of Japanese jazz, fusion and AOR. It take sin plenty of internationally known names like Yasuko Agawa on the sunset sounds of 'L.A. Night', Sadistics who offers the more psyched out guitar leans of 'On the Seashore', Yuji Ohno's neo-Balaeric bliss-out 'The Dawn of Seychells' and Hiroshi Fukumura's soul soothing Ry Ayres-style melodies on 'White Clouds.' These are luxurious sounds and timeless tracks with MURO's signature funky perspective making this a brillaint choice for brighter, warmer days.

Review: Fourth Wave's latest compilation feels like a musical postcard from Japan's vibrant underground, gliding through genres with effortless charm. Mari Nakamoto's 'Day Dreaming' sets a tranquil mood with her airy vocals drifting over soft, dreamy instrumentals. Yudai Suzuki's 'Midnight Calling' brings smoky sax riffs and laid-back grooves, perfect for late-night introspection. Yasuhiro Abe's 'Night Fish' dives into psychedelic waters, swirling with hypnotic melodies and unpredictable rhythms. Maki Asakawa's 'Kohi Hitotsu' radiates raw emotion, her voice rich with longing. Yuji Ozeki's 'Futaribun No Yume' blends traditional Japanese sounds with modern electronics, crafting a sound both timeless and futuristic. Jin Kirigaya's 'Matenro Monogatari' closes the collection with cinematic depth, its sweeping arrangement lingering long after the final note.

Review: Soichi Noriki's debut album Noriki (1983) showcases a polished blend of City Pop and jazz fusion, characterised by lush production and smooth, professional instrumentation. The album hits all the right notes for fans of the genre and does not lack the adventurous spirit found in Noriki's later esteemed work like Dream Cruise. Tracks like 'You Need Me' and 'Anyway' feature Yurie Kokubu's excellent vocals. 'Do What You Do' also provides a opportunity for her talent to shine. 'Black Duck' adds an edge with its distinct bass and brass sections, while 'Rag Box' stands out with its brisk tempo. Overall, the album excels in technical mastery, offering slick solos and pristine arrangements. Noriki is an enjoyable listen with many moments of excitement.

Review: This Price album was originally part of the 2023 Diamonds and Pearls Super Deluxe box set, but now the triple vinyl live recording arrives on standalone yellow vinyl in a fancy triple gatefold sleeve. It was initially captured on January 11, 1992, at Prince's Glam Slam club in Minneapolis and is a performance that showcases Prince and The New Power Generation at their creative peak, just ahead of their epic world tour. Spanning over 100 minutes and 14 tracks in all, the still electrifying set focuses on material from the Diamonds and Pearls era and includes a preview of the then-unreleased 'Sexy M.F.' to make for a fine snapshot of a new era in Prince's evolving sound.

Review: In their day, Rebirth Brass Band were New Orleans' premier brass ensemble and in 2001 they showed it with the fiery energy of their album Hot Venom. This record has never previously been available on wax and captures the band's signature blend of traditional brass sounds with their own take on modern grooves. Highlights include dynamic collaborations with rap legends Soulja Slim on the musically and socially hard-hitting track 'You Don't Wanna Go To War', and Cheeky Blakk on the unapologetically bold 'Pop That Pussy.' Wherever you turn here you're confronted with infectious rhythms and raw New Orleans energy that cannot be faked. Hot Venom really is the sound of a band at their innovative best and bridging musical worlds.

Review: The landmark first album by Dom Salvador released in 1969. Exemplary of Salvador's characteristic blend of Brazilian rhythms and American jazz influences, the album flaunts a mix of samba, bossa nova and hard bop, highlighting Salvador's innovative approach and technical prowess. A bright and redolent sound wafts from the likes of 'Cantinflas' and 'O Rio', which build and burgeon as danceable motifs that would work equally as well for montage or opening sequences in film. Elsewhere, the more freeform rhapsodies like 'Pais Tropical' hear Salvador's piano in full sway.

Review: Carl Marshall's musical journey spans over 30 years, but his popularity has surged in recent times. Raised in the vibrant music scene of New Orleans, Louisiana, Marshall played guitar in Sam & the Soul Machine, which was a group featuring talents like Aaron Neville and Cyril Neville. In 1976, he debuted with Movin' On under the name Soul Dog and it included the proto-rap track 'Soul Dog' delivered in a trucker's MC style. Beyond performing, Carl worked as a radio personality at Kiss 104.1 in Meridian, Mississippi and his enduring dedication has cemented his legacy in the world of soul and funk, as has this wonderful showcase of his sound.

Review: Live At the Opera House captures Sylvester's legendary 1979 concert at the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House in full, previously available only in heavily edited excerpts. This release features 13 unedited songs and a recording of the mid-concert ceremony where Sylvester received the key to San Francisco, offering over two hours of music. The album package includes newly discovered photographs and liner notes by Joshua Gamson, author of "The Fabulous Sylvester: The Legend, The Music, The Seventies in San Francisco." Sylvester, the undisputed queen of disco, delivers a performance that is both a musical triumph and a cultural milestone. With over 20 top 10 dance hits throughout his career, Sylvester's legend continues to shine brightly with his vast catalog. This live album is an beacon to his enduring influence and the vibrant energy of his music, making it an essential piece for any disco aficionado.

Review: Disco E Cultura Volume 2 by Portuguese label Mad About Records is a fantastic collection and retrospect into the vibrant dance music landscape of Brazil during the 70s and 80s. Curated by Joaquim Paulo, this compilation delves deep into the soul, funk, disco, boogie, and jazz-funk sounds that defined the era. Featuring a diverse selection of tracks, the album offers a kaleidoscope of colorful, floor-friendly jams adorned with punchy horn lines, classy vocals, and irresistible grooves. Standout highlights include Lafayette's infectious 'Sol De Varao,' Franco's Barrio-funk groove, and Aloisio's jazz-funk gem 'Tema R,' which impresses with its hot-stepping breakbeats and strong synth solos. The second side of the compilation continues the more amazing music with tracks like 'Deixa Rodar' by Hanna, 'Manifesto' by Marilia Barbosa, and 'Fogo Sobre Terra' by Coral Som Livre, each contributing to the rich heritage of Brazilian dance music.

Review: These unreleased recordings from 1970 are an absolute treasure for soul jazz aficionados. Serving as an essential companion to the originally released Vol.1/2 recordings, they offer a dreamlike experience that you never want to end. Fuzzed-out guitars intertwine with raunchy organs and powerful brass blasts, all guided by the steady pulse of the drums. Sony Japan has truly delivered with this release and offer it up with outstanding recording quality that captures every nuance and emotion of the music. It's a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the raw energy and creativity of this era so is a must-have addition to any music collection.

Review: This special Anniversary Edition celebrates the groundbreaking band War's 55th year with a remastered version of the original album by legendary engineer Bernie Grundman. The iconic, multi-million selling, Billboard 200 Top Ten original has plenty of seminal WAR classics such as 'Low Rider' and the title track 'Why Can't We Be Friends?' and next to this eon disc one is a second disc filled with unreleased tracks from the original sessions, along with unedited mixes that offer deeper insight into the group's creative process. Blending funk, soul, jazz, pop and Latin influences, this genre-defying band has remained a cornerstone of Los Angeles's scene for over five decades.

Review: To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wild Magnolias' debut album, Decca Records from France is releasing a special vinyl box set that pays tribute to these legendary recordings. This limited-edition 3LP collection includes the two original Barclay albumsiThe Wild Magnolias and They Call Us Wildialongside four bonus tracks and two previously unreleased remixes. This beautiful set is presented on 140gm vinyl, is housed in a lift-off lid box that features the original album artwork for the first two LPs. Fans and collectors alike will appreciate this carefully curated release, which not only revisits the groundbreaking work of the Wild Magnolias but also adds fresh content to their storied legacy. The collaboration between Willie Tee, the New Orleans Project, and the commanding vocals of Bo Dollis brought the soulful energy of New Orleans to life, and these recordings remain some of the most dynamic and cherished representations of that spirit, even five decades later.

Review: Often touted as a "masterpiece of jazz-funk live albums," The Wooden Glass's 1972 live recording proves it's more than just hype. Featuring vibraphonist Billy Wooten who previously played with Grant Green, this record was recorded at Indianapolis' The 19th Hole club and captures the essence of fusion driven by soulful 60s influences. Wooten's gentle melodies contrast with the gritty, distorted sound of Harold Cardwell's powerful drumming and Emmanuel Riggins' Hammond organ while the energetic performance from the band, including guitarist William Roach, creates a tapestry of intensity and dreamlike vibes. It's raw, electrifying, high-energy jazz.