Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Some high-grade re-edit action here, as dusty-fingered Chicagoan crate diggers Sadar Bahar and Marc Davis join forces with pal (and credited mixer) Rahaan on two fine tweaks of suitably obscure tracks. A-side 'Disco' is a groovy, funky, horn-heavy affair; a sumptuously string-laden, orchestrated blend of righteous gospel-soul, Philadelphia International style proto-disco and grooves reminiscent of those frequently employed on Steely Dan's most up-beat moments. 'Beat Down' meanwhile is a jaunty, percussive and sun-soaked slab of dancefloor-ready Latin jazz that speeds up as it goes along. The jazz dancers will love it!

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: Get yourself geared up for festival season with some fierce party starters certified with the Glitterbox stamp. Melvo Baptiste leads the charge with 'Sweat', a sizzling disco house stomper with Dames Brown giving the biggest diva energy on her show-stopping vocal. Lovebirds bring unbridled joy on the Philly string swoon and slinky b-line funk of 'Burn It Down', while Art Of Tones & Inaya Day keep it peak time on the sassy strutter 'Give My Love'. Young Pulse & Fleur De Mur complete the set with 'Smooth Sweet Talker', another bright and bold vocal cut par excellence.

Review: Foremost contemporary funk label Peoples Potential Unlimited have another golden 12" on their hands here thanks to the work of Barnikle Freee. He is the current designer for the label, someone who hoards software and makes expert glitch funk as well as being a multi-string bassist. As ever with this label, it is lo-fi, subtle sounds and frayed edges that define the EPs lovely aesthetic, with roughshod grooves, tumbling kicks and scatter perc all making you want to cut loose and boogie. Part dream-scape, part hazy late night session, part live set, it's all good.

Review: Stevie Wonder's 'Pastime Paradise' has thus far been less recognised as an original soul wonderwork, and more so as a sample by American rapper Coolio on the derivative 'Gangster's Paradise'. Though still having been covered by many artists over the years, Major Keys records highlights this enduring 1981 cover of Wonder's 'Paradise' by Latin percussionist Ray Barretto as among their favourites, if not their absolute favourite. Now the label reissue the gem, flaunting its up-to-date, nigh timeless feel; it's the opposite of a miracle that this has never before been released on a 12" single record, despite the fact that it is a favourite on the floors of jazz and soul rooms the world over. It also flips it with Barretto's own 'La Cuna' and 'Mambotango', taken from the same 1981 LP.

Review: Major Keys revisits the jazz-funk classics with Gary Bartz's Music is My Sanctuary, now making its debut on a 12-inch. This 1977 gem, featuring the double Grammy-winning saxophonist, is an evergreen floorfiller, remastered for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts alike. With Syreeta Wright on vocals, Bill Summers and James Mtume on percussion, and arrangements by Larry Mizell, this track assembles top-tier talent. The lyrics are joyful and heartfelt, all anchored by Bartz's glorious saxophone. It's a timeless piece for both the mind and the dance floor. On Side-2, Carnaval De L'Esprit, is a lesser-known but equally brilliant jazz-funk masterpiece. Its sunny vibe lifts even the weariest spirits, cementing Major Keys as a must-have label. This record is a treasure that will be revisited time and again.

Review: High Fashion Music has dipped into the back catalogue of '80s electrofunk stars BB&Q Band before, asking long-serving Essex house producer Michael Gray to remix their much-loved scene anthem 'Dreamer'. This time round, they've asked Aussie star Dr Packer - a man famous for his popular updates of disco and boogie jams - to sprinkle some magic over 1986 single 'Main Attraction'. As you'd expect, his full vocal A-side 'remix' makes use of a lot of the band's original instrumentation - synths, synth-bass, sparkling guitar riffs etc - while adding a touch of easy-to-mix house swing. The flip-side 'Dubstramental', which cannily updates the 1980s boogie dub mix sound for 21st century dancefloors, is arguably even stronger.

Review: Expansion Records' continues to delve into the bulging archives of Roy Ayers' influential Uno Melodic Records imprint, which issued some superb jazz-funk, soul and boogie throughout the 1980s. Here they offer a new pressing of Ethel Beatty's sought-after, Roy Ayers' produced 1981 double A-side. For some reason they've reversed the running order, with side A offering original flipside 'It's Your Love', a Dee Dee Bridgwater co-authored slow jam that's soulful, seductive and sumptuous. Over on the reverse you'll find the more celebrated ''I Know You Care', a deep disco number full of glistening guitar riffs, smooth chords and warming grooves. In a word: luscious

Review: The Moiss Music label seems to like to drop their EPs two at a time. They did it in February and they're doing it again in May. This eighth outing collects four more lively disco cuts, each with their own subtle influences. Berobreo's 'White Rabbit' for instance has funky undertones with loopy guitar riffs and nice breaks. The Magic Track's 'Jamming With Mom' meanwhile is more sensuous and deep, with late-night synth work and seductive vocals. Oldchap's 'I Want To Show You' has an expressive soul vocal with more low-slung grooves and Alexny's 'Not Bad' then gets quick, clipped and loopy for its lip-pouting disco thrills.

Review: The Demon Singles Club has been digging deep again and this time they have unearthed a trio of delights from Travis Biggs. Biggs played the keys with Isaac Hayes towards the end of the 70s when Hayes was playing with disco sound. During that same era, Biggs went it alone on a pair synth laced and spaced out albums 1976's Challenge, on TB&C, and 1979's Solar Funk, on MCA subsidiary Source. The trio of cuts on this 12" come from the latter of those two - one of them will be particularly recognisable to J Dilla fans for the famous beatmaker sampled it quite famously.

Review: Marking 40 years since the release of Edwin Birdsong's self-titled and fourth studio album, this Philly reissue couldn't have landed at a more poignant time as the LA funkateer sadly passed away on week of release. "Cola Bottle Baby" is known to absolutely everyone thanks to Daft Punk and that refreshing fizzy groove sounds even better, freer, looser, cooler in its natural state. The lesser spotted "Freaky Deaky Sities" kicks like a loose limbed mule, too. Perhaps a riposte to Roy Ayers "Freaky Deaky" hit the year before, or just another fine trope LA's funk continuum, once again it's the cult fusioneer at his most vibrant. Rest in peace.

Review: A bold fusion of Afrobeat, funk and jazz on the debut LP from Blvck Spvde & The Cosmos, marking an exciting addition to Mello Music Group's catalogue. The album is steeped in legacy, with powerful rhythms and expansive arrangements, with tracks like 'Doom' revealing an intense, layered sound, while 'What You Won't Do' reinterprets a classic with introspective depth. All in all, there's a balance of forward-thinking jazz with hints of raw, soulful energy as the ten-piece ensemble capture the feel of St. Louis' live scene and a spirit that's truly timeless.

Review: Seems it is time for this disco classic to get its latest reissue and we are always glad to hear it. It is a curious Italo disco gem from the rather mysterious Boeing. It came all the way back in 1982 and as soon as the needle hits the record it has you preparing for liftoff. Sprightly, funky and characterised by a classic, slightly trippy voice-of-god spoken word, cute synth squiggles and a rolling percussive layer that's almost too addictive. Comes complete with an instrumental if the vocal commands are just a little too much for you. This is a limited reissue on Full Time Production out of Italy.

Review: Border Edits 02 delivers four distinctive disco edits that blend groove, funk, and boogie into one irresistible package. Side-1 kicks off with 'Love Excess,' a track that strikes a perfect balance between a smooth disco groove and a hefty dose of funk. It's a sweet opener that sets the tone for the record. Next, 'Triple Boogie' serves up a disco boogie builder with a bassline that will feel familiar to many. It reinterprets the original into a jam that invites you to "listen to the music and let your body move." On Side-2, 'Supafunky' lives up to its name as an anthem for getting down, packed with funky rhythms that are impossible to resist. Finally, 'Wordoutro' closes the record with a drum break that's tailor-made for DJs and dancers, providing the perfect backdrop for creative mixes and energetic dance floors. This is a versatile and funky collection of edits that will keep any disco lover moving.

Review: Here's a killer reissue from the Soul Jazz archives which is finally getting a repress. It's hardly surprising when the reissue becomes as sought after as the holy grail original jam from 1970, a sublime instrumental anthem of soulful, skanking perfection with Cedric Im Brooks flexing his sax in glorious style over a beautifully rough n' ready rhythm. It was shortly after this recording was laid down Brooks went on to form The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari with Count Ossie, which tells you all you need to know about the heritage we're dealing with here.

Review: Brother II was an exceptional synth-boogie band in the early 1980s that were formed by, ahem, brothers J. and M. Soso. Their track 'You Was Born' stands as a real gem of of the era that cooly embodies the essence of boogie funk when synths defined the musical landscape. The track's infectious bassline is effortlessly grooving and paired with an unshakeable rhythm and a rich, dominant synth-driven vibe. As a foundational sound of the genre back then, 'You Was Born' is a rather overlooked gem.

Review: Dimitri From Paris returns with a fresh installment of his celebrated DFP Vaults series, highlighting deep cuts that reinforce his status as a top-tier remixer, DJ, and a true connoisseur of dance music's hidden gems. This release holds particular significance for Dimitri, as it pays homage to the legendary James Brown, a figure whose influence in music is beyond measure. The release features Dimitri's 'Special Version' of 'Funky Men,' a track from James Brown's Soul Syndrome. Originally overlooked by Dimitri in 1981, it now shines with a unique disco beat that he's reimagined using both vintage and modern editing techniques. The track has already proven its power on the dance floor. On the flip side, Dimitri revisits 'Just Wanna Make You Dance' by The J.B.'s, featuring Maxxi. This rare disco track, with its Caribbean flair, gets Dimitri's expert touch, enhancing its dancefloor appeal. DFP Vaults, the sister label to Le-Edits Records, presents this release with meticulous attention to detail, featuring state-of-the-art mastering and vintage-inspired packaging.

Review: The Record Store Day releases are coming thick and fast right now, and this is another doozy that arrives in limited quantities. British artist Mark 'China' Burton left an indelible mark with his one and only ever release, which is this soulful disco masterpiece. Produced by Adam Sieff and unveiled on the Logo label in 1979, this string-laden gem remains highly coveted, with original 12" copies fetching over L400. The arrangement, crafted by the UK's John Altman, who later collaborated with icons like Diana Ross and Tina Turner, adds to its allure. Altman, known for his work on the iconic 'Walking In The Air' with Aled Jones, lends his expertise to this limited edition release.

Review: REPRESS ALERT!: Funkyjaws Music is back to make your body move with the latest instalment in its ongoing edit series, Let's Dance, this time with a sixth sizzling volume. Monsieur Van Pratt's loose and languid 'Besame' opens up with some gorgeous strings and funky guitar licks then Kiko Navarro brings a rich Afro flavour with the shuffling and percussive rhythms of 'Bosinga'. Bogdan Ra's 'Get On The Floor' is a fresh take on a disco classic with irresistible vocal charm and swooning pads. Last of all, Zaffa demands you 'Shake It' and you surely will as he layers up wet claps, sliding hi-hats and lively drums into a big-hearted party starter.

Review: Craft Music's Good For Dance series continues with its second instalment and this one has been curated by none other than DJ Craft himself. Joining him are talented pals Schmoltz, Bogdan Ra, Romain FX, and Outra, also known as Joutro Mundo. These deep diggers are celebrated for their prowess in unearthing hidden gems and transforming them into dancefloor anthems and that's what they do here as each artist brings a unique flavour to the mix. Schmoltz's 'Luv The States' is a peak-time percussive disco jam, Bogdan Ra brings some slap-funk drums and glossy Italo synths and 'Tell Me Why' has crunchy drums and jagged synth stabs before a camp closer in 'Colosso'.

Review: The cultured creative minds of James Simonson and Blair French reunite for this new Realities Remix EP on MotorCity Wine which was, in original form, recorded by Simonson in hotel rooms across Europe and the Americas while touring with soul legend Bettye LaVette. As such it takes in myriad global influences as well as evocative field recordings which get reworked in style. Blair French adds his touch with three remixes, firstly the anthemic 'Realities (Projector Remix),' then the more dance-driven 'Elektronolux Overture (Sunday Remix)' and the lush and downtempo 'Hannah (Remix)' featuring violinist Sonia Lee. Two originals 'Realities' and 'Elektronolux Overture' also appear on vinyl for the first time and sound superb.