Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Originally released in 1969, Exciting Drums African Rock Party is the first album from Akira Ishikawa under his Count Buffalo alias. It's a wide-ranging affair which includes covers of contemporary standards such as 'You Keep Me Hanging On', 'Back In The U.S.S.R.' and 'Soul Limbo', all given a bold and brassy jazz revision by Ishikawa's band, which included Hiromasa Suzuki on piano, Masaoki Terakawa on bass and Takeru Muraoka on tenor sax. This is the first time it's been repressed since its release, so you can expect all Japanese jazz aficionados to be jumping on this one quickly.

Review: To celebrate 30 years since their band first formed in 1991, Japan's pioneering Mondo Grosso has assembled a greatest hits collection that comes across two compilations, each on four sides of vinyl. Included are many of the biggest moments as well as new remixes and new mixes of key tunes, with a fresh remaster by the bands main man Shinichi Osawa himself. He was responsible for deciding which of the band's many tracks made the cut too so you can be sure it is as authentic as they come.

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: 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: As part of Rhino Records' Start Your Ear Off Right series - which consists of reissued versions of classic albums by Dream Theater, Fleetwood Mac, The Ramones, ZZ Top and many more - comes this fabulous new version of Allen Toussaint's Southern Nights. Originally released in 1975, this is a celebrated album, showcasing Toussanint's signature blend of funk, soul and r&b. One of many records to put Touissant on the map as a soul songsmith, and to associate him with the rich musical tradition of New Orleans, the record is well-known and much celebrated for its bold and unexpected use of orchestral arrangements, unusual for New Orleans r&b at the time.

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.