Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Originally released in 2017, 'All Night Long' now gets a well-deserved vinyl release on 7". A tribute to the golden era of funk and disco, this release perfectly captures the electrifying energy of the early 80s while keeping things fresh for modern dancefloors. 'All Night Long' is a shimmering fusion of funk, soul, disco and electro, dripping with nostalgia. The groove is infectious, with crisp drum machines, funky basslines and synth stabs that instantly bring to mind classics from the likes of The Whispers or Shalamar. It's the kind of track that oozes retro charm but remains undeniably timeless. On the flip, 'Funkin On The One' shifts gears into a deep funk workout inspired by legends like Zapp & Roger and The Gap Band. Heavy slap bass, talkbox vocals and tight rhythms make this a certified dancefloor bomb, embracing the spirit of 80s funk with authentic precision.

Review: These are two proper old school dance floor heaters from DJ Friction - yes, the very same - who in 2017 debuted his boogie and modern funk project, Ground Control, with first album Boogie Some More via Sedsoul Records. The glorious tunes feature vocals from David Whitley, Tansy Davis, Adriano Prestel, Ciaan, and Talkboxers Sin2 and CJ and now two tracks from the album come on this exclusive 7". This marks the beginning of a new era for DJ Friction who launches Soulsonic Recordings. Both of these are two more colourful and charming neo-boogie bangers with rich licks, bold basslines and irresistible funk.

Review: Recorded following the release of his near-perfect What's Going On Album, with production and arrangement by the Mizell brothers, 'Where Are We Going?' was one of Marvin Gaye's most prophetic singles. Another conscious soul gem - albeit one with a warmer and fuller sound than the distinctively sparse What's Going On album - it was intended to be the centre piece of an album called You're The Man - a set that was subsequently shelved and eventually posthumously released many years later. This Expansion 7" reissue replicates the track listing of the original Motown "45", pairing the brilliant 'Where Are We Going' with the heartfelt and life-affirming celebration of female empowerment that is 'Woman of the World'. An essential reissue!

Review: Cult outfit The General Store laid down four songs in the year of 1967. They release two of them, but the other two have remained under wraps ever since. Now, more than half a century later, they are getting pressed up to vinyl for the first time thanks to Perfect Toy who have decided to cut just 300 copies. The band themselves have given full blessing for this one and as soon as the needle drops you're taken into a swirling, high-octane world of raw 60s rock heavy funk. It is very much a case of Tower of Power meets Funkadelic with a lo-fi twist.

Review: Mr. Bongo provide a stark slice of Brasiliera with a split 7" tackling star works from scene-fellows Georgette and Claudia, making up the 26th release in their esteemed Brazil-themed series. For this one, the label home in on two firm favourite artists of the 70s Rio scene, whose same two featuring tunes have already been released side-by-side by the label in 2015: Brazilian samba singer Georgette, whose 'Kirie' brings tense suspended flavours to a lively, formerly hard-to-obtain album cut from 1976; and fellow MPB vocalist Claudia's 'Com Mais De 30', a cover of Marcos and Sergio Valle's original version, which commands a springy downbeat and vocal echo. Both made famous again by their selections by various present day popularisers such as Four Tet and Gilles Peterson, Mr. Bongo clamp their mitts on the fervour once more.

Review: Detroit will always be known as the birthplace of techno but the mighty fine Star Creature label does a fine job of offering up different sonic perspectives from the Motor City. Kibbi Gibbon is a new outfit from the 313 that makes a great mark here with two effortlessly cool and breezy new instrumental funk cuts. 'Still Dreamin'' is all leggy drums and thinking melodies with squelchy lines and warming bass that will prove irresistible once the sun comes out and even beyond the time it sets. 'Declaration' on the flip slows things down a little for some extra romance with whimsical leads and a distant cosmic glow.

Review: Tenth 45 release from Producer/Song writer/Arranger/Musician/D.J. Andrew Gillespie from Gloucester, UK who has also released three other 45s as The Aries Vibration and La Glosta Nostra
This is Andrew's seventh release for Funk Night Records, Detroit run by D.J./producer Frank Raines
This time we have a driving Gospel flavoured sister funk cover version featuring Gloucester based Church singer Tricia Bailey covering the famous English Anglican hymn All Things Bright And Beautiful written by Cecil Francis Alexander first published in her Hymns For Little Children in 1848
THE LINE UP
Andrew Gillespie - Congas/Flute/Producer/Arranger
Chris Lujan - Hammond Organ/Guitar/BassGuitar /Mixer
Tricia Bailey - Vocal
Sam Fryer - Drums
Manuel Trabucco - Tenor & Baritone saxes
Tim Kersey - Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Review: Gipsy Power Band - what a name that is, by the way - debuts with aplomb here and mixes up a fiery sonic stew of flamenco rumba, rock and funk that captures the essence of a unique time in Spanish music. Formed in Madrid in 2022, the band originally paid tribute to "cine quinqui," a Spanish exploitation film genre, by performing tracks from its iconic soundtracks and other hidden gems from the mid-70s to early 80s. Drawing inspiration from artists like Los Chichos and Las Grecas, they lit up Madrid's stages with their vintage repertoire. Now, they've evolved to create original music and it comes in the form of these two songs.

Review: Panorama Records reintroduces Danish pop duo Gitte and Inger's electrifying cover of Creative Source's 'Can't Hide Love' with their reissue of 'Ud Af Buret'. Originally released in 1978, this high-energy rendition captures the soul of the original while infusing it with the duo's unique style. Presented on limited 7", this reissue promises to be a party starter, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless classic. With Panorama Records at the helm, collectors can anticipate a discovery of Gitte and Inger's twist on the hit, establishing the label as a tastemaker in the reissue market. Get ready to groove or miss out on this essential addition to your collection!

Review: The PPU label of out DC is one of our favourites. It's lo-fi sound draws on disco, funk and soul and results in always magical 7"s of delightful dancefloor heat that not only serves up killer grooves, but also plenty of memorable and heart aching hooks. This new one from Glass Pyramid has it all. 'Stop It' is a lo-slung and dusty disco gem with lung busting diva vocals and hip swinging drums that will bring tears of joy to the eyes if dropped at the exact right moment in a set. On the flip, 'Better By The Minute' is another banger with hints of UK street soul in the drums and vocals.

Review: On his latest EP 'Sunday Soul', Goodge takes listeners on a four-track journey into the many-chambered heart of funk, r&b, jazz and chillout. From the starting gun, we're hit with whammied axes and street-level audio-bustles, recalling the many exploitation movie soundtracks of the seventies and chic funkouts of yore. Then 'Promised Land' provides a gradual uplift, riffing around and about a lolling bass, as said guitars increase in intensity; this is then followed by 'Sunday Soul', which seizes upon the day of rest with a continued drive (of course, in today's world, no day is safe). Finally, 'Within Myself' ends things on a note of introspection, crafting an internal dialogue of cloudy synth fuggings set against a dust-cloud of instrumentation.

Review: Be Strong Be Free's 7" series is on fire this year and now comes back with a third instalment. It is 'Nuit De Fievre' and it comes from label owner Gratts, aka the "Belgian down under," who revisits disco's golden era by assembling a stellar studio team starring the Moody Mae band in the company of Reinhard Vanbergen on violin and Jaj from Paris on vocals. What they cook up in return is elegant boogie and disco that will chime well with fans of Dimitri From Paris. The B-side features Pellegrino's jazz-funk rendition, adding Mediterranean flair straight from Vesuvius. Both sides promise deliciously uplifting grooves for any disco enthusiast.

Review: Greenwood's 'Sparkle,' originally recorded in 1985 and long forgotten, found a second life thanks to Tokyo's DJ Muro, who included it in his Hawaiian Breaks mixtape in 2009. This unexpected resurgence of interest prompted Greenwood to return to the studio, resulting in a full-length album in 2014 that featured a newly polished version. Aloha Got Soul brings both the original 1985 and 2014 versions of together on a 7" vinyl, now available in a stunning 'sparkling' gold variant. The track, a brilliant English adaptation from the city pop master Tatsuro Yamashita's For You album, is pure 1980s city pop with its shimmering production and infectious groove. Greenwood's newfound success with "Sparkle" has reignited their passion, leading to the release of their sophomore album, Music Book, which continues their exploration of city pop with more Tatsuro Yamashita covers. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the band, this single is a delightful piece of music history, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and timeless charm.

Review: Dynamite Cuts continue in their mission to share jazz, funk and soul deep cuts with the world, this time pulling a timeless gilded funk rabbit out of their hats. Gregory James Edition took on the collective mantle of "Prophets Of Soul" at the moment of their 1973 debut, which would only then be followed by the 1979 record Gonna Grow Some Gold before an eventual disbandment. A shame, since 'Ain't No Sunshine' and 'Changing Things' stand out as the record's finest offcuts; the first track uses its various clavinets and Farfisa Combo organs to estrange an existingly capricious funk sound, rendering it rather odd, alien, spacious. 'Changing Things' contrasts with upswells of gushing piano set to a funk backbeat, which come yet measured by an admirable key change control, again held down by lead player Gregory Bibb.

Review: Guest's Guest Mini Edits Vol 5, released on Cuts, is a delightful fusion of funk and soul. Side-1 features 'Strange Games,' a smoothed-out funk instrumental that exudes magic. The track is elevated by big 1970s strings, adding a touch of disco flair while maintaining a slower BPM, making it uniquely great in itself. Side-2's 'Niagara Falls' offers a deep tribal groove, evoking the vibe of a 70s drama theme show, reminiscent of something you might hear on 'Starsky and Hutch' or 'Emergency!' This EP beautifully captures the essence of that era, making it something to check out for fans of vintage funk and soul.

Review: This 45 delivers two standout tracks with a unique twist. On Side-1, 'Stop On By' offers a clean edit of the classic Bobby Byrd and Vicki Anderson hit, blending soulful post-disco, funk and soul elements into a timeless gem. Side-2 features 'Give A Little', complete a lilting groove, smooth, loungey edges and a classic, pure but sultry vocal that make it a dynamic but still mellow choice for more discerning rare groove DJs.

Review: The Shake & Bake Band's Shake & Bake is an undeniable invitation to hit the dancefloor. Side-1 kicks off with 'Shake & Bake (part 1),' where the band lays down a groove that's nothing short of exhilarating. The track stands out for its originality, offering a vibe that feels almost hedonisticiperfect for those looking to experience something fresh and exciting. On Side-2, 'Shake & Bake (part 2)' strips things down, bringing in a hoedown-like twist with the addition of a harmonica. The drumming intensifies, building excitement as the funkiness truly shines through in this version. Overall, Shake & Bake delivers two distinctive takes on a groove that will keep the energy high and the dancefloor moving.

Review: Vivi Hernandez Y Su Conjunto's 'Tocando Macizas' emerges as a coveted collector's item, limited to 100 copies in a bespoke silkscreen sleeve. This 7" release captures the raw essence of 1971 Mexican funk, offering a tantalising glimpse into a pivotal moment in Latin music history. The A-side's infectious rhythm and bold instrumentation are perfectly complemented by Grupo Caverna's 'Caverna' on the flip. This rare pressing stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of vintage Latin funk, promising to be a prized addition to any discerning vinyl enthusiast's collection.

Review: The 7" single Tocando Macizas by Vivi Hernandez Y Su Conjunto is a standout Latin funk gem from 1971. Known for its raw, heavy grooves, this track epitomises the best of Mexican funk, delivering an irresistible energy. Paired with Grupo Caverna's Caverna on the B-side, both tracks pack an intense rhythmic punch, combining sharp instrumentation with infectious beats. This release has gained legendary status among collectors and DJs for its rarity and quality, marking it as essential for Latin funk aficionados.

Review: The Breaks and Beats label kicks on with a 31st instalment of magical sound that will inject soul and funk into any party and keep working DJs well stocked with heat this winter. First up on this limited 7" is The Webs with 'It's So Hard To Break A Habit', a slow and sentimental sound with aching v vocal harmonies and gentle rhythms laced with melancholic melodies. Gamith's 'Darkness' picks up the energy levels with some more bristling breaks and live drum sounds, funky vocal stylings and psyched-out guitar lines.