Back catalogue: Funk

Review: 1974's Coming Right At You, the sole album from 100% Pure Poison, has long been a sought-after jazz-funk gem. Soul Brother has previously reissued the rare (and increasingly expensive) LP, though this double 7" marks the first time most of these tracks have been available on wax since 2001. Check first opener (and title track) "Windy C", a superb chunk of lolloping, laidback jazz-funk that sits somewhere between Bob James and Cymande, before turning your attention to the slow-burn soulful delights of string-laden torch song "Puppet On A Chain". Over on the second 7", "No More City, No More Country" is a more hard-spun Blaxploitation funk affair, while "Hole In My Shoe" is a horn-fired slab of J.B's style funk-soul fusion.

Review: 9th Creation's Superheros album was a treasure trove of soulful disco tunes that have since become hard to find and ever more desirable. Now the Dynamite Cuts 45s Series has two of the gems from it on this special new 7". It's the first time there a-side has been on its own piece of vinyl and that tune 'Whats Shakin' goes first. It's gloriously glossy and high quality disco with funky horns and big bass, a lush vocal hook and luxuriant sound. 'Much Too Much' is on the reverse and is another floor facing disco tune with a heart swelling vocal and smooth chords that can often fetch L150 on its own.

Review: REPRESS ALERT!: Afrodesia may come on like another dusted down gem from those dedicated detectives at Best, but it is in fact a modern construction from the talented studio trysts of Mystic Jungle and Whodamanny from the Periodica camp. These Italian producers have more than proved their knack for crafting sublime, honey-smooth jams with a nod to the golden studio era of the 70s and 80s, and they're more than up to the task on this killer 12" of heavy funking jams with a dose of boogie and a nod to Ivory Coast disco. It's quite simply perfection, rendered with love and attention to detail, but utterly natural in its feel and flavour.

Review: Not just a beautiful compliment to pay someone special, but a hugely influential record that inspired Floating Points' now legendary Plastic People parties, too... A super obscure and expensive one at that. Now re-issued on Floating Points' own Melodies imprint - across three 45s - the Detroit band get full exposure with the deliciously funky main track enjoying two versions before dipping into the softer, more pastoral charms of "I Feel Like Dancing" and the string-led swoon festival, "Theme For Someone Special". We close on two contrasting grooves; an earthy ballad ("Trust Me") and a Whitfield & Strong style funk instrumental ("Dance Awhile"). Cheers Sam!

Review: Of all of the tracks that seemed to define the soul, funk and disco revival lead by Floating Points and his co-run Melodies International label, it is the title track off this albumfrom Aged in Harmony. It was a real anthem for the multi-hour DJ sets at Plastic People, for his cult-ish NTS shows and the parties he played to record obsessives all over the world. And it's easy to see why - the steamy sax, the classy strings, the hooky bass motifs and the lovely drums. Here it get served up twice, along with a load more tunes that include sentimental steppers like 'I Feel Like Dancing' and the lush Balearic melodies of 'Theme For Someone Special.'

Review: Tom Browne's 1980 single 'Funkin' For Jamaica' has long been something of an anthem - a hybrid funk/boogie classic that remains a staple in sets of hip-hop, disco and soul DJs alike. Given its ubiquity, covering the song is fraught with danger, but remarkably Japanese producer Akiko and guest vocalist Mbanja Richy have successfully put a new spin on it. Their take is subtly tougher and more synth-heavy, with bilingual French/English vocals, nods to Zouk music and a bassline so squelchy it could have been lifted from a P-funk record. Over on the flip, the pair go mellow, deep and laidback on a pleasingly skewed hip-hop soul cover of Terry Callier's legendary vocal interpretation of Alex North's 'Love Theme' from 'Spartacus'. Inspired stuff all told.

Review: Alessandro Alessandroni (often said to be the most famous whistle in the history of film thanks to appearing on famous spaghetti western 'A Fistful of Dollars') is a legendary composer and musician who very much had a big say in the characteristic sound of Italian soundtracks during the 60s and 70s. This lovely 7" from Four Flies showcases that with two well chosen cuts that have been taken from a dusty tape found in the great man's vault. 'Shine On' is superbly stylish funk with some seductive vocals and rolling drums all peppered with golden chords and dynamic horns. 'Prohibition' is a little more mellow but still features magic Rhodes and characterful horns.

Review: As the label artwork makes clear, this two-tracker from the Alex Santos Orchestra was made in tribute to Creed Taylor's legendary CTI Records imprint, which during the 1970s released some of the finest jazz, jazz-funk and fusion records ever made. On side A the studio collective gives their interpretation of Freddie Hubbard's 1970 epic 'Red Clay', with the track's most famous musical elements - jaunty sax riffs and mazy electric piano motifs - rising above a funkier, warmer and tighter interpretation of the track's low-end groove. Turn to the flip for their version of Bob James' favourite 'Nautilus', a harder edged cover that combines a faithfully spacey take on the original's electric piano melody with sweatier beats and heavier horns.

Review: Dig Find Sample Chop Repeat is a new American label throwing its hat into the world of funky 45s. They put each one out on black wax as well as on special coloured vinyl. Alex Santos Orchestar has taken care of this one, as well as the debut, and is made up of a fine group of musicians playing guitar, brass, vocals, drums, congas, keys and trombone. 'Devika(Goddess)' is awash with funk and jazz, slide guitar and spiritual percussion and it's a golden groove for late night slow dancing. 'Expansions' is a little more upbeat but just as richly musical and seductive.

Review: A year after making its debut, Dig Find Sample Chop Repeat serves up its third 45rpm. each one is a deep dive into funk from across the ages and each one has come from the Alex Santos Orchestra. The Los Angeles outfit has previously paid tribute to classic jazz-funk imprint Red Clay Records and now tips its collective hat to Rene Costa. This two-tracker has the superb, horn-led 'Scrabble' on the a-side. It's also got plenty of sunny flutes and nice loose drum breaks to get you going on a hot afternoon. 'Ostonato Bass' does what it says on the tin on the flipside.

Review: The opening notes of Sun Goddess set the tone for what feels like the perfect soundtrack to a summer afternoon. Track one, 'Sun Goddess (Instrumental)', introduces a playful yet sophisticated guitar riff, effortlessly blending elements of funk and soul. It's the kind of groove that immediately hooks you, a little funky, a little laid-back, making it impossible not to nod along. Things get even more vibrant with track two, 'Sun Goddess (feat Mykah 9)'. Here, the energy is dialled up, offering a soulful twist as Mykah 9's vocals glide smoothly over the beat. The track oozes warmth, combining funky rhythms with a band-like cohesiveness that makes you feel like you're right in the middle of a live performance. It's an immersive experience, with the vocals adding richness and depth to an already bright sound. Both tracks embrace that quintessential summer vibe, blending funk, soul and a touch of band music to create something undeniably upbeat and positive. Mykah 9's contributions, particularly on 'Sun Goddess', add an extra layer of groove, making it a standout. There's an ease to these tracks, an effortless cool that makes them feel timeless, and together, they deliver a feelgood, sun-soaked energy that's hard to resist.

Review: Monty Alexander's 'Love & Happiness,' it might not surprise you to learn, is a cover version of the great Al Green's 'Love & Happiness.' He hooked up with Ernest Ranglin for the occasion and the pair laid it down in 1974, two years after the original came out, with super slick jazz-funk fusion over a reggae tinged beat. The original chords are recognisable, but the whole track i such more mellifluous and bright, the golden chords oozing warmth and the rolling rhythm getting you feeling all snuggly and loved up. Definitely worth a place in your collection.

Review: All The People was a Florida-based soul act who joined vocalist Robert Moore Jr on this highly sought after '45. Moore was the master of a singing style known as 'soul scatting'. His career later took him to Miami, where in 1979 he joined a group headed by Herb Reed, one of the original Platters. He stayed with Reed until 1993. Originally released on Blue Candle back in 1972, this much sought after classic has been reissued thanks to Japan's Ultra Vybe with an edit on the flip by Conomark & Hong Kong, which retains the original's big band style of soul music in the tradition of the legendary James Brown.

Review: The JalapeNo label never fails to serve up the sort of hot and spicy funk sounds that electrify dance floors. It is UK beatmakers The Allergies who take care of this one with fire-in-the-hole future classics that pack powerful punches with their famous signature sound. First up is the vintage funk of 'Love Somebody' with its big and beefy breaks and vintage sounds. On the flipside is 'Promised Land' which is the title track from the forthcoming album. It's a big and bulky breakbeat smasher that will get the feet tapping and the fists pumping.

Review: The Allergies first double A-side of the year is so strong, we reckon it may well be one of their best singles to date. A-side "Felony" is particularly potent: a hybrid Northern/Southern Soul stomper rich in crunchy drums, heavy bass, punchy horns and heart-aching vocal samples lifted from (we think) an obscure soul record. The production is formidably fuzzy, making it sound like something recorded in Detroit or Memphis in the 1960s rather than cooked up in their studio in 2019. Flipside "Rile 'Em Up" is similarly weighty, though this time they're off on a Latin funk tip with a little help from regular rapper Andy Cooper, soul-stress Marietta Smith, saxophonist Mr Woodnote and a handful of killer boogaloo samples.

Review: Clear the way when you see them coming through! Three albums deep since 2016, Jalapeno's in-house funk machine The Allergies wheel up with more brand new material. "Every Trick In The Book" shakes and slides with a wry psychedelic groove, a familiar vocal, big horns and lavish dollops of the feel-good flare the Bristol duo have made their signature. Need something spicier? Flip over for "Nuff Respect" where long-standing MC partner in vibes Andy Cooper steps up to cover one of the all time OGs: Big Daddy Kane. Back up and bow.

Review: Bristol duo The Allergies team up with award-winning Afrofuturist K.O.G. aka Kweku Of Ghana for a collaboration that's as explosive as it is catchy. 'Koliko' is a potent blend of late 60s African rhythms and upfront hip-hop swagger, with K.O.G's vocals adding a raw energy and shamanistic intensity. His lyrics, delivered in both English and his native tongue, explore themes of identity and cultural appropriation, adding a layer of social commentary to the infectious groove, while on the flip, 'God Walked Down' takes a different approach, its soulful melodies and uplifting harmonies showcasing The Allergies' versatility and their ability to craft music that moves both the body and the soul.

Review: 'Dreamtime Trance' is a cult gem for those who like to dig deep, and Alston Koch is exactly that person. She is a Sri Lankan-born Australian musician and the mastermind behind the Kookaburra Connection project, a collaboration with Aboriginal musicians, and this track blends indigenous themes with a unique, game-changing beat and infectious groove. It's a pure dancefloor revelation and this reissue includes a new extended version with a longer intro buildup that adds depth to the track. On the B-side, the heartfelt ballad 'Midnight Lady' offers a contrasting mood that is perfect for after-hours relaxation with PiNa Coladas. Remastered and re-issued with the original artwork, this EP is a must.

Review: Beyond Jazz Volume 1 from Truth Manifest Records, spearheaded by Malik Alston, is a vibrant blend of jazz fusion, electronica and soulful dance music. This vinyl release marks the first in a four-part series, setting the tone for a futuristic sonic journey. Alston's production weaves together melodic landscapes with rhythmic precision, creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. Tracks like 'Can You Feel Me' and 'Tour Detroit' are standouts, combining deep grooves with lush, soulful melodies, while 'Long Time' brings a reflective vibe, effortlessly melding jazz with electronic textures. The inclusion of remixes and edits adds a fresh twist, drawing from Malik's Beyond Jazz radio show on motionfm.com. Alston's mastery in blending genres is evident throughout the EP. His long-standing influence in Detroit's music scene shines, reinforcing his position as a boundary-pushing producer and artist. Beyond Jazz Volume 1 is ideal for anyone craving innovative, soulful music.

Review: Chicago's Altered Tapes crew offer up their own unique take on a West Coast gangster rap classic with the A-side of this one on US label Heat Rock. It's the label's seventh outing and places focus on Memphis soul and funk territory. 'The Break Down' is a big, horn led jam with funk beats and crisp rhythms. Reverse this limited 7" to find Oakland's own DJ Platurn. He smashes out a drum heavy, break-heavy edit that pays homage to a cut and paste great. It's funky, filled with vocal samples and mad keys and packs real heat.

Review: Heat Rock Records' latest double-dose of cut and paste madness is as incendiary as you'd expect, with both tracks adding elements of classic dancefloor workouts to fat beats and plenty of added percussion. Chicago's Altered Tapes handles side A, thrillingly re-imagining Dee-Lite classic 'Groove is In The Heart' by utilising more percussive elements (including a killer, cowbell-driven drum-break) from some of the tunes that the New York band originally sampled on their chart-topping house classic. B-Boys and B-Girls the world over will love it! On the flip, Bay Area native King Most combines the vocals from a Salsoul disco classic to a backing track that cleverly combines elements from a Ramsay Lewis style jazz number and a JB's-esuqe funk bomb.

Review: The tenth entry in the Heat Rock catalog direct-ingests a B-Boy vibe, through which Chicago’s Altered Tapes is heard rerendering a 90s diva classic - ‘Groove Is In The Heart’ by Deee-Lite - enhancing it with heavy percussion and a massive breakdown. Then, Bay Area’s King Most flips a Disco acapella, infusing it with a unique blend of jazz and James Brown-style breakbeats. A must-have for collectors; copping doubles is highly recommended by the label.

Review: An iconic electro boogie / go-hop party jam from 1981, everything about AM FM's delivery on their debut single screams funk perfection; the big synth splashes, the sprightly keytar, the super-juiced basslines and the belting vocals all fuse in such harmony it still dazzles over 35 years later. Here we're treated to two subtly crafted versions from maestro Muro as the vocals take predominance on side A while side B is all about the immense instrumental which breaks down to its bare breaks before building back up again with pure party panache. Timeless.

Review: Aside from reissuing a whole heap of glorious boogie material from the 1980'sm People's Potential Unlimited also have their own distribution roster, and Cosmic Chronic is right up there waving the flag for the US stable. To kick-start 2016, we have a four-tracker from newcomer Arcade Odyssey, and as you'd expect, they're every but as funky and lo-fi as those instrumentals from back in the day. "Spring Yard Zone" kicks off with massive electro baseline, tropical melodies, and a hazy vibe, while "Beautiful Forest" breaks the beat down and goes Eastern with its synths. Flip the plate and you'll be confronted by the huge, stabbing bassline and fast beats of the utterly gnarly "Neon Night Riders" - easily the gem of the lot - and wound down thanks to the gentler, more tame waters of "Port Town". Sick.

Review: ATA Records, camped out in Leeds, formed in 2014 by Neil Innes in a formerly disused garage on the outskirts of town. Described as an "Aladdin's Cave of vintage 1960s recording equipment", we've little intel on how exactly Innes chanced upon ownership of such a stockpile, but what we do know is that he soon set about recording these songs exclusively to 2" tape, and using mid-century recording techniques to yield that ever-so-knowable vintage crunch, so native to 60s and 70s funk, soul and soundtrack music. Perhaps a somewhat fictive alias, Kaunas Baltic Connect and the Sorcerers are two such tributary acts to the library archives of yore (KPM, Cavendish, Burton, etc.), and here they lay down 'Baby, I Don't Care' and 'Kaunas Baltic Connect', two fervent fracases packing riffy synth leads and seat-edge strings, nodding to the "brooding menace of Poliziotteschi and Euro-crime movies".

Review: Heavy Jazz returns with Ellis Island, their latest instrumental offering following the success of 'Indian Rope Man'. This new release highlights Brian Auger's signature jazz prowess, delivering another intricate and powerful workout. The flip side honours the late Zoot Money with the first-ever 7" release of 'George Bruno Money'. This limited edition comes in a carefully designed sleeve featuring foldout flaps and a cutaway rear. It's an essential piece for jazz lovers and collectors alike, brimming with soulful rhythms and nostalgic nods to jazz legends.

Review: Reserved for Record Store Day comes this exciting new doublet from brilliant Brazilian jazz-funkers Azymuth, in the form of both an extended mix of their enduring major hit single from 1979, 'Jazz Carnival', and a fresh remix by Yambee, the duo of Ashley Beedle and Yam Who?. The original track was a rare slice of instrumental funk music, dare say instrumental music at all, to climb the UK charts and remain in its upper echelons for a solid twenty weeks. Though its initial popularity was lengthy, it has since then gone underground, becoming a throwback favourite of the likes of Kerri Chandler, Mr. Scruff and Gilles Peterson, to name but a few icons to play it back out over the years.

Review: Kalita Records are proud and honoured to announce the first ever official reissue of the four choice tracks from Randolph Baker's privately pressed sought-after 1982 disco album 'Reaching For The Stars', plus an unreleased instrumental take of 'Party Life' sourced from the original 24-track analogue master tapes.

Originally recorded at Jim Morris and Rick Miller's Tampa-based Morrisound Studios, 'Getting Next To You' features both a mixture of both local Florida talent plus jazz superstar Nat Adderley and bassist John Lamb at their finest. Originally pressed in a limited run of just one-thousand copies, with no distribution and most copies being sold in the local city and on Randolph's own merchandise table at the back of live gigs, original copies have long been sought-after by both collectors and DJs alike, acknowledged as a true grail and masterpiece in the disco scene and deservedly demanding extortionate figures to those lucky enough to find their own.

Here, in collaboration with Randolph, Kalita Records have chosen to re-release the four choice tracks from the album: 'Getting Next To You', 'Jazzman', 'Callin' Me' and 'Party Life'. The former is an in-demand horn and chant-filled disco masterpiece, which, as Randolph explains, concerns unity and "everyone on the same level in other words, everyone just loving life". It is arguably the song that Randolph is most well-known for in the disco and funk scene and perfect for the modern discerning dance floor. 'Jazzman' is an instrumental track with prominent trumpet and saxophone solos working with funky basslines to produce a truly great jazz-funk groove. It was "a tribute to Nat Adderley and Duke Ellington's bass player, John Lamb, for being so generous and saying yes to the project". 'Callin' Me' is a soulful disco number featuring the lead vocals of Laurie Erickson and is "about being on the road and ensuring loved ones that you will always come back home no matter what. It was like a promise to ensure loved ones they didn't have to worry". Lastly, 'Party Life' is a joyous disco track with a strong funk bassline and horns. As Randolph recalls, it "was the joy like after an actor finishes a movie. There was nothing but joy. It's finished; let's celebrate big time. Where everyone in the studio yelled at the top of their lungs - The End!" Here, with access to the 24-track master tapes we have been able to include the original version plus an unreleased instrumental take, allowing us to focus on the infectious bassline and make it even more ready for the modern dance floor.

Accompanied by extensive interview-based liner notes and never-before-seen photos.

Review: From the dedicated Neopolitan archivists Periodica comes a holy grail reissue of a deep cover, highly coveted release from 1983. The groove on Tonino Balsamo's 'Sta Guagliona Mo Dda' is an absolute neck-snapper, with the toughest drum machine beat carrying slinky b-lines and slick synth lines alike while Balsamo flows in a semi-rap style over the top. It's a monster given a fresh master to cut it with any modern jam you care to throw its way in the mix, and the instrumental is on hand for those who want to zero in on that throbbing arpeggio. Also watch out for the dirty beatdown 'Voglia E Mare', which lays the synths on even thicker.

Review: Following the cinematic jazz-funk of 2021's 'Ufo Bar', Banda Maje returns with a new 7" single via Four Flies, which serves as a preview of their upcoming sophomore album Costa Sud. Composer Peppe Maiellano deepens his Mediterranean sound here while honouring his Italian and Neapolitan roots with a heartfelt cover of Peppino di Capri's 'Mo...' on Side A. On Side B, Maiellano explores Brazilian influences with '(Roda De) Samba Maje' featuring Amor Pela Roda and infused with vibrant percussion and cavaquinho. This lovely 45 rpm reflects a rich blend of South-inspired sounds while bridging Italy, Brazil, Africa and modern grooves.

Review: The BDQ duo were in the studio 25 years ago working on these tracks but never quite finished them due to life changes like marriage and kids. Recently, while revisiting old tapes, they discovered a lost tape and decided to give it another listen. They liked what they heard and after a bit of effort to transfer the tracks, they now feel the time has come for a vinyl release. Side 1 features their version of Timebox's 'Beggin'' with vocals by Sarah Orpen and Bryn Barklam laying down some killer Hammond sounds. Side 2 presents their take on the Mirettes' 'Take Me For a Little While' with more stellar vocals from Sarah.

Review: BDQ Records is the outlet for jam quintet BunnDebrettQuintet, who emerged out of 90s acid jazz titans Mother Earth. Their sound has refocused on a raw and rasping strain with a live, in-the-room electricity which comes through brilliantly on this new single with Lydia Sharpe. Taking a few cues from a Led Zeppelin classic, Sharpe strikes a fierce, sultry figure on top of the sizzling hot Hammond organ vamps and low slung rhythm section. It sounds dangerous like a niche 50s cut, but there's plenty of meat on the bones of the production, while the familiar vocal hooks will go down a storm with a busy dancefloor.

Review: super limited Japanese only issue that has been selling for L45 on discogs ! Don't sleep ! 1 per customer !

Review: Get your hips and heart around this bit of L.A. boogie by the elusive Ben White and you cannot help but feel better. It is a highly sought-after rarity that disco collectors have been fawning over since forever. It was originally reissued as a 45 by the great Athens of the North and now comes this 7" version which was sourced from Andy Noble, who has often helped the label out before. It features two sides of exceptional modern soul and boogie that blend rhythm and grove in magical ways that are never going to age. 'I See A World' has lovely and tender falsetto vocals and 'Give Me Love (Always)' is more of a party starter.

Review: Ben (Benjamin Robinson of Ben & Coco) and the Tight Squeeze Band have not long been getting us hot under the collar as Athens of the North put out a reissue of their AM Funk 7" only back in March. Now the faultless Edinburgh label is back with another pair of tunes from them that are just as good. 'Thumping For You' is nice loose-limbed, off-grid funk with love and wonky drums, happy sax lines and sustained chords bringing a golden touch next to the aloof vocals. 'Brandon's Song' is another uplifting one with seductive claps and shakers, squelchy leads and lush string synths.

Review: Kay-Dee Records comes at us with a 45 double-hitter, presenting Bert Hector's 'The Phoenix' and 'The Kraken' with Kenny Dope on remix duties. On the first record, we're treated to 'The Phoenix', a sure-fire funk gem with a super-warm sound - beat is as cool as it gets, with a laid-back and funky attitude sitting beneath a joyous intermingling of sitar, flute, brass and guitar, all performed at expert levels. 'The Kraken', meanwhile, channels a killer groove, strutting at 85 bpm and incorporating a huge brass section which pumps loud, while flute solos and funky Wah-guitar chops take things up a notch.