Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Harlem-raised Gloria Barnes got her big break after a couple of her early recordings became big hits on the UK Northern Soul scene. Her sole album, 1971's Uptown, has long been an in-demand item amongst collectors, regularly fetching four-figure sums when copies do occasionally change hands. Here the album gets reissued for the first time, allowing those without money to burn to enjoy its rich and evocative mix of Northern style dancefloor stompers, heart aching torch songs and downtempo soul shufflers. The quality of Barnes' vocals naturally impresses throughout, but the musical backing - provided at different points by the Hustlers, the Disciples and Ohio Players - is every bit as beguiling.

Review: Black Market Brass are back on Colemine with a third full length that once again finds them offering up an all new take on Afrobeat that mixes the traditional sounds of the genre with heavy, hypnotic and sci-fi influences. Saxophonist Cole Pulice has said of the record: "We didn't leave the traditional Afro-beat sound behind, but we did allow ourselves to pull from different places with less hesitation." The nine piece album was recorded live to tap which lends it a lived-in feel and mixes organic instrumentation with heavily processed synthesizers, harsh glitches, fuzzed out guitars and raw percussion. It is a truly arresting and infectious listen.

Review: We're not sure of the back-story of Devlon Lamarr's eponymous trio, but this debut album for Colemine is an absolute killer. Lamarr is a virtuoso organist, and it's jammed-out Hammond organ and electric piano solos that naturally take centre stage throughout. That said, both drummer David McGraw and guitarist Jimmy James play their part throughout, with the former's ambidextrous fills and the latter's raw licks also catching the ear throughout. Musically, the tracks range from Meters-style heavy funk and lounge soul workouts to a range of cuts more heavily influenced by the blues of John Lee Hooker and the similarly instrumental brilliance of Booker T and the MGs.

Review: The Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio are masters of the lost art of music that really makes you feel good without being cheap or cheesy. Making their sound so good is a careful mix of 60s organ jazz a la Jimmy Smith, some soulful strutting that Booker T would be proud of and plenty of sprinkles of Motion or Stax magic. The band is lead by Delvon Lamarr, a self-taught virtuosic musician who light sup each and every track, much like the warm, whirring organs that bring the funk. Expert drums and conversational playing styles all help make this one a real stand out.

Review: Kelly Finnigan's latest album, A Lover Was Born, is a soulful journey rooted in the rich traditions of Midwest labels like King and Curtom. Finnigan, known as the frontman of The Monophonics, infuses this record with the raw passion and heartfelt grit that have become his signature. Across eleven tracks, he blends influences from deep soul, Northern Soul, and hip-hop, creating a sound both timeless and contemporary. From the dramatic piano echoes of Isaac Hayes on 'Be Your Own Shelter' to the stomping rhythms of 'Get a Hold of Yourself,' Finnigan shows his versatility. Tracks like 'Walk Away from Me' and 'Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)' capture his deep soul strength, while 'His Love Ain't Real' and 'Cold World' bring a harder edge with Boom Bap beats. The album's tender moments, such as 'All That's Left' and 'Count Me Out,' reveal the emotional depth that has defined his work. Collaborating with seasoned musicians and drawing from a wide range of influences, Finnigan crafts a record that feels both a tribute to and a reinvention of classic soul.

Review: Kelly Finnigan's A Lover Was Born channels the raw energy and emotion of classic Midwest soul, evoking the spirit of labels like King and Curtom with a contemporary twist. The Monophonics frontman offers a collection of tracks that blend gritty passion with heartfelt elegance, transforming deep emotions into something virtuous and timeless. Following his 2019 solo debut The Tales People Tell, Finnigan's new album marks the culmination of years of creative growth, punctuated by a string of projects, including Monophonics releases and collaborative work with other artists. Recorded across California, Ohio, and Staten Island, A Lover Was Born sees Finnigan partnering with longtime friends and collaborators like Max and Joe Ramey, Jimmy James, and Sergio Rios, to craft its rich sound. The album is a variety of influences, with tracks like 'Get a Hold of Yourself' and 'Chosen Few' featuring Northern Soul's stomping energy, while slower, soulful cuts like 'Let Me Count the Reasons' and 'Count Me Out' showcase Finnigan's tender side. His voice, echoing the rawness of Otis Redding and David Ruffin, brings depth to every song, seamlessly blending soul's past with a fresh, modern sensibility.

Review: The Harlem Gospel Travelers' new album, Rhapsody, is a vibrant exploration of the diverse musical influences that shaped their sound. Released on limited edition Rhapsody Swirl Vinyl with gold foil stamping on the cover, this album is ideal for collectors or those looking for something special. Vocalists Ifedayo Gatling, Dennis Bailey, and George Marage delve into the 1960s era when gospel began incorporating soul and funk elements. Inspired by Numero Group's 2006 release, Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal, the album reinterprets gospel funk tracks with their unique flair, from the high-energy 'God's Been Good to Me' to the hip-hop-inflected 'Get Involved.' Having gained acclaim with their debut, He's On Time (2019), and their 2021 follow-up, Look Up!, the trio, guided by mentor Eli "Paperboy" Reed, continues to push boundaries. Rhapsody is both a nod to the past and a bold step forward, blurring genre lines and redefining gospel music. The balance of traditional gospel while fusing newer genres with it is nothing short of breathtaking.

Review: The Harlem Gospel Travelers' new album, Rhapsody, marks a dynamic return for the trio, composed of Ifedayo Gatling, Dennis Bailey, and George Marage. Following their well-received 2022 release Look Up!, Rhapsody dives into a rich, often overlooked era of gospel music, blending traditional elements with influences from soul and funk. The inspiration behind Rhapsody came when Eli "Paperboy Reed," the group's mentor and friend, suggested they explore and reinterpret tracks from the Numero Group's Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal. The result is a collection that spans from the spirited soul of 'God's Been Good to Me' to the hip-hop-tinged 'Get Involved,' showcasing the group's ability to transcend the conventional boundaries of gospel. Originally formed as a quartet, the group reconfigured as a trio, bringing Bailey into the fold before recording Look Up!. Their journey began when Gatling and Marage met while studying under Reed, leading to the release of their debut album, He's On Time, in 2019, which garnered praise and attention from the likes of Elton John.Rhapsody is a project that not only honors the gospel tradition but also pushes it forward, offering a sound that is both rooted in history and refreshingly contemporary.

Review: Karate Boogaloo are pioneers of Melbourne's cinematic instrumental soul scene, with roots deeply entrenched in the city's DIY soul movement, the quartet's musical journey from high school pals to seasoned collaborators evident in their cohesive sound. Following their acclaimed release Carn The Boogers, Hold Your Horses offers a distinct blend of instrumental funk that we find irresistible. Recorded live with a strict no overdubs policy, the album captures the band's raw energy and tight-knit chemistry. Each track seamlessly flows into the next, blending tension, melody, and funk. Bassist Henry Jenkins, the mastermind behind the band's sound, leads the recording and mixing process, ensuring a consistent sonic aesthetic across the College Of Knowledge catalogue. The collaborative songwriting approach allows the band to expand upon their strengths as musicians and friends. Stylistically, Hold Your Horses draws inspiration from deep funk, European film music and instrumental soul, showcasing a restrained yet dynamic instrumental palette.

Review: Colemine Records is reissuing Orgone's 2008 classic Bacano on vinyl for the first time, here exclusively for Black Friday RSD 2024. Known for their raw, organic California soul, Orgone's music grabs you by the collar and pulls you to the dance floor. The band's journey began in the San Fernando Valley, where two friends, united by their love for gritty 60s and 70s soul, drew inspiration from the vibrant music scene in Los Angeles during the late 90s. This collaboration ignited a movement, and Orgone has since become a key player in delivering timeless funk for music lovers.

Review: Parlor Greens' debut album, In Green We Dream, is a prime example of the raw energy and collaborative spirit that defines their sound. Comprised of seasoned musicians Tim Carman on drums, Jimmy James on guitar, and Adam Scone on organ, this organ trio from Colemine Records dives headfirst into a rich blend of jazz, soul, and funk. The album bursts with vintage vibes reminiscent of Blue Note and Prestige records, yet infused with their distinct flair. From the lively groove of 'Parlor Strut,' where Jimmy James's guitar work shines with rhythm and precision, to the soulful sway of 'Sugar Maple,' each track features their musical chemistry and individual strengths. Adam Scone's masterful command of the organ adds depth and soulfulness throughout, drawing from his extensive experience in the soul revival scene. Recorded at Colemine's Portage Lounge, the album captures the spontaneity and magic of their initial jam session, yielding ten original compositions and a cover, all delivered with infectious energy and tight musicianship. In Green We Dream not only pays homage to their influences like Grant Green and The Meters but also establishes Parlor Greens as a band to look out for in contemporary music.

Review: Parlor Greens' debut album, In Green / We Dream, is an exhilarating entry into heavy instrumental music. This fresh organ trio, featuring Tim Carman (GA-20) on drums, Jimmy James (True Loves, formerly Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio) on guitar, and Adam Scone (Scone Cash Players, The Sugarman 3) on organ, delivers a masterful blend of soul, jazz, and funk. Scone's impeccable organ work, honed through years of soul jazz and Daptone sessions, pairs perfectly with James' signature funky guitar and Carman's rock-solid, blues-infused drumming. Recorded at Colemine Records' new Portage Lounge studio in Loveland, Ohio, the chemistry was immediate. Within minutes of plugging in, the trio wrote and recorded 'West Memphis,' setting the tone for the rest of the album. Over three days, they crafted 11 tracks - ten originals - capturing a raw, soulful energy straight to tape. The result is a stunning collection of music, mixed beautifully for a vintage yet fresh sound. In Green / We Dream is a fantastic debut, showcasing Parlor Greens' collective genius and undeniable groove.

Review: A nine-piece instrumental combo hailing from San Diego, California, The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble deliver a heady brew of jazz, funk and global rhythms on their latest offering. Recorded in their homebase of Lemon Grove, the album sees them expanding their sonic palette, drawing on library music, spiritual jazz and exotica. Tracks like 'Makin' Moves' and 'The Grifter' showcase the band's signature funk-driven energy, their tight grooves and soaring horns recalling the classic sounds of Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power. But there's a more introspective side on display too, with tracks like 'Mother Earth' and 'Freddie' evoking the spirits of Freddie Hubbard and Phil Ranelin, their introspective melodies and atmospheric textures adding a layer of depth and complexity. 'Corporatocracy' is a standout, its extended tabla solo and modal funk groove demonstrating the band's willingness to experiment with unconventional sounds and structures. This adventurous spirit is a hallmark of The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, a band consistently pushing the boundaries of their sound while remaining firmly rooted in the traditions of jazz and funk.

Review: The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, a soul and funk nonnet from San Diego, have long blessed the Colemine modern funk sceptre with crumbled parfaits of funk topped with crumbly analog psychedelia and Afrobeat. With their new album, they ravage fresher sonic territories. Recorded between 2021 and 2024 in Lemon Grove, California, Gemini centres on their already-laid breakbeat-heavy funk-soul-jazz foundation, heard in tracks like 'Makin' Moves' and 'The Grifter', but they also draw influence from library music, spiritually-inclined jazz and exotica adjacents. Personifying the astrological Gemini - curiosity, versatility - 'Corporatocracy' stands out as special, welding an extended tabla solo to a wordless critique of the world's most egregious mega-firms.