Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Mr Bongo's Brazil 45's series brings us two Brazilian classics: Rita Lee & Tutti Frutti's 'Agora E Moda' and Pete Dunaway's 'Supermarket'. 'Agora E Moda' from Lee's 1978 album Babilonia is a psychedelic disco-boogie groove highlighted by squelching guitar licks, funk drums, and cosmic vocals. Rita Lee, the former lead singer of Os Mutantes and a key figure in the Tropicalia movement, left a lasting legacy upon her passing in 2023. On the flip side, Dunaway's 'Supermarket' is a rare groove/AOR gem with a standout bassline, swaggering guitar, and lush strings, showcasing his talent as a composer and multi-instrumentalist. This release celebrates the enduring influence of Brazilian music.

Review: REPRESS ALERT!: New York producer P-Sol has hit on a super effective formula for starting the party, stitching together a selection of familiar samples and hooks, adding some beautifully dusty breaks and adding a final sheen of shiny production skills. Both sides of this 7" have a touch of raw 'two turntables' action about them, while remaining impeccably constructed and tight, with the A-side 'This Way' proving to be the slightly speedier and slightly more funk/r&b-flavoured, while 'Breathe & Stop (Abstract Blend)' is the one for the pure hip-hop heads. Both, however, are dynamite in the box, needless to say.

Review: Ohio-based instrumental organ trio Parlor Greens, known for their blend of soul, funk and blues, return with a new 7" that follows their acclaimed debut from 2024. Side-1 features 'Driptorch', which is driven by crunchy drums from Tim Carman, funky guitar riffs by Jimmy James and Adam Scone's expressive Hammond organ. The track delivers a high-energy, groove-filled adventure. On Side-2 ,'200 Dollar Blues', introduces a fresh, mid-tempo instrumental. This blues shuffle highlights James' searing Stratocaster solos, complemented perfectly by Scone's soulful organ work. Their interplay exudes a raw, electrifying energy, while Carman's steady, dynamic drumming grounds the track, making this one for fans of deep soul and blues.

Review: This 7" reissue revives a true funk gem from Miami-based Cuban rock band Pearly Queen. Featuring the infectious 'Quit Jive' In' and a fiery cover of The Rascals' 'Jungle Walk,' this 1974 release on Sound Triangle Records has long been a sought-after rarity. Introduced to collectors by DJs like Keb Darge and Jazzman Gerald, and later immortalised by DJ Shadow in his Brainfreeze mix, the record oozes groove. 'Quit Jive' In,' penned by Ray Fernandez, is a funk powerhouse, while 'Jungle Walk' brings a cinematic rock-funk flair, perfect for a Tarantino soundtrack.

Review: The Perpetual Singers is a collective of gospel singers who hail from Amsterdam. They have linked up with producer Arp Frique for this tasteful new two-tracker via Unknownunknown. The 12" kicks off with 'Father Father' which has some brilliantly jazzy fingers dancing about a Rhodes piano and bringing great feels while a wordless ad-lib brings plenty of soul up top and some retro-future melodies bring a contemporary twist to this most bubbly of soul cuts. 'Elena' on the flip is a more driving grove with dusty drums and big guitar licks adding texture to the bright, shiny chords. It's a passionate sound with a catchy edge.

Review: Is there a more celebrated combination in all of reggae than Lee Perry & The Upsetters? The master producer and his iconic backing band laid down many of the genre's most vital sounds and helped subtly evolve it across the seventies and beyond. This single 'Jungle Lion' came right in the midst of that in 1974. An original 7" will cost you upwards of 500 quid, and that's if you can find one. Here it gets reissued on the young but already well-formed Skank & Groove label and is backed with a version by The Upsetters named 'Freak Out Skank' that gets even more warm, cavernous and dubby.

Review: An original of this is so hard to find that even on the most prominent second hand market site out there it hasn't been traded for more than a decade and a half. And it is certainly you now want to cop if you know what's up: Phase II's a-side delight 'Follow Me' is an adventurous synthed-out peak time boogie jam with spiritual levels of vocal magic. On the flip is a slightly more psychedelic disco stomper with freaky pads and wispy melodies over fast paced drum funk.

Review: It has now been three years since Matasuna Records unveiled a scorching Latin 45 showcasing two tracks by Venezuelan ensemble Phirpo y sus Caribes, led by Porfi Jimenez. Now, Matasuna is reissuing two more cuts from their sole album, Parrilla Caliente, this time on a 7" vinyl - a debut for these tracks in this format. The original 1972 album, a scarce collector's gem on Philips, holds official licensing from Jimenez's family. On the A-side, 'Y Esa Pava Que?' ignites with Latin funk fervour and is driven by robust drums, potent horns, and groovy, psychedelic keys and guitars. The B-side features 'Pa' Los Rumbero,' a vibrant rendition of Tito Puente's classic, showcasing Jimenez and his band's exceptional musicianship.

Review: A refreshing take on classic soul and its relationship with gospel music. Side-1 features a soulful party anthem with a gospel-influenced vocal performance that stands out with its raw emotion and energy, the unique voice of The Preacher adding a distinctive flair, making it a compelling listen. Side-2 delivers 'The Blessing', a funky groove that blends soulful rhythms with upbeat energy. The track has a lively, infectious vibe, showcasing a different side of The Preacher's versatility.

Review: Connie Price & The Keystones team up with Fullee Love (aka. Soup of Jurassic 5) - as well as New Orleans' very own bounce king Hasizzle - to bring you the brand new second-line funk anthem 'Come On Down (To New Orleans)'. Patently referencing and working within the regional New Orleans hip-hop style known as bounce music, Price, Love and Hasizzle stick true to the soulful, syrupy and yet still hard-edged call-and-response style indicative of this 80s-90s stylistic cusp. Slacken lyrics, soul-tinged choruses, skrrt ad-libs and one-two-step antiphony predominate on this versioned A-B sider, as Professor Shorthair also provides a quintessential bounce demo mix on the B.

Review: Spiritual jazz fans are going to rather excited about this new one from the hard working people at P-Vine over in Japan: Chicago saxophonist Prince Billy Mahdi Wright's finest work, 'Summer Love', is now arriving on its own 7" for the first time ever. It is previously lost material that showcases his next level sound though here featuring mainly keyboard instruments as opposed to his more usual saxophone, but that only makes it all the more uplifting. On the flipside is a remix that is just as rare so this one really is an essential record for your collection.

Review: Caught in a Prince Buster fever, Rock-A-Shacka complement an eagerly awaited release - the third album from the legend so named, offering 12 tracks spanning Jamaican funk to rocksteady to early reggae - with a promotional 7", bolstering the full-length's legitimacy with an as-it-was 45. Here 'Funky Jamaica' and 'Clap Your Hands' coincide. The first is an early dancehall phenotype, its strong tresillo matching a heady array of audio-mancer's chants; instructive shouts from Buster himself. Then the B-side follows, a brilliant James-Browned toasting of an uptempo pre-ska progression, put together against a rhythmic cage of swift, proficient drums.

Review: Principles Of Joy, the dynamic French soul outfit, joins forces with Germany's Unique Records for their latest release, 'Mermaid's Tale.' Led by keyboardist and composer Ludo Bors, the band, fronted by the captivating Rachel Yarabou, delivers a potent blend of deep soul with psychedelic and hip-hop elements. The title track seamlessly blends fantasy and reality in a psyche soul mood. Yarabou's smooth yet intense vocals glide effortlessly over the lush instrumentation, including heavy bass, hip-hop-inspired drums, and dreamy Rhodes and guitars. Meanwhile, 'Kick Off The Road' picks up the pace with its bluesy verses and funky choruses, showcasing the band's Stax and James Brown influences. Yarabou's spirited delivery tells the tale of a girl determined to forge her own path, echoing themes of freedom and women's emancipation. With its dynamic arrangements and compelling storytelling, Principles Of Joy's collaboration with Unique Records is a refreshing addition to the soul music landscape, blending traditional and contemporary elements with finesse and flair.

Review: Proh Mic delivers his best work with this new single which sets the stage for an upcoming album that is sure to once more invite us deep into his unique disco-funk world. 'Special Request' is a dance floor anthem but also a tribute to the DJ that is sure to become a Modern funk classic. Produced by Liquid Pegasus, it's a party starter with funky-ass drums and big, irresistible claps under a retro-future vocal. The B-side, 'Free To Be', features Proh Mic singing and rapping about staying authentic in a world that tries to dull our shine. With soulful production by Vitamin D, the track blends fun with deep, life-affirming lyrics and has a truly timeless edge.

Review: A stunning showcase of Pu Poo Platter's ability to craft infectious, captivating grooves, Funk Night Records proves again here that is never disappoints in delivering top-tier funk from all eras. The A-side, 'Pbppbp,' features loose, live-sounding drum breaks paired with haunting chords creating an eerie, late-night vibe, complemented by soulful guitar lines. On the B-side, 'Pbpbppbb' slows things down with a laid-back groove, offering a relaxed, rolling rhythm enhanced by exquisite keys and smooth chords. This 7" is a perfect blend of energy and soul.

Review: You can never go wrong with the music put out by US label Funk Night. It covers all aspects of funk from across the ages and here we have some hot shit from Pu Poo Platter. First up on the highly effective 7" is 'Pbppbp' with its loose, rolling, live-sounding drum breaks and rather haunting chords which bring an eerie late night edge next to the soulful guitar lines which worm in and out. 'Pbpbppbb' then cuts back and chills you out with a more lazy rolling groove and some exquisite keys and chords.

Review: The American Latin-jazz group, formed in 1959 and led by Henry 'Pucho' Brown, Pucho And His Latin Soul Brothers first released these remixes of their 'Sidewinder' and 'Got Myself A Good Man' back in 2014. It's a classic bit of future jazz and electronic fusion that will bring some streamy South American vibes to any party. 'Sidewinder' is the real highlight with its jangling rhythms and big horns, steamy synth sounds general good vibes and sunny sounds. Get this reissue before it disappears fast, as did the original.

Review: Push returns with a vibrant 7" release featuring their acclaimed classic 'Cut Me Loose' on Side-1. Originally unleashed in 1994, this funk gem, inspired by the JBs, remains a defining piece of rare groove art. The song has been in demand since so this reissue should satisfy those rare groove buyers in getting one. On Side-2, the funk outfit unveils 'Superstar Skd,' their first new recording in a decade. This upbeat anthem, reminiscent of Roy Ayers and Pleasure, promises to impress audiences and earn its place in DJ selections globally. With boogie music making a triumphant return, Push reaffirms their mastery of infectious grooves, ensuring their lasting impact on the funk scene.

Review: Spanish Ethio-jazzers Pyramid Blue return with their latest 45 rpm rotunda on Discos Martos. Another one signalling the best of this rather recherche band's evolving sonics, they here team up with with Habiba Chaouf, a talented Arab singer deeply rooted in Spain's flamenco scene. Habiba's mesmerising vocals bring a rich layer to the A-side, where identifiably Arab melodies intertwine seamlessly with deep Afro-funk rhythms. 'Amal' means "hope" in Arabic, suggesting themes of longing, uncertainty, and soul-search. The B-side's 'La Esperanza', meanwhile, adds a touch of 70s film soundtrack bombast, combined with a whispered mid-record rap.

Review: Use Vinyl looks back to two iconic tracks from the 70s and 80s here for source material for a new remix EP by the Vannelli family. Joe T remixes 'Thrill Me' by The Wonderland Band into the sort of direct and funky house sound that brims with early dance music charm while the Vannelli Bros offer their rework of 'Party On' by Pure Energy which comes with plenty of energy for club contexts. Both tracks are presented as Classic Mix versions and bring plenty of new life to the original hits without forgoing the timeless, catchy and meaningful melodies that define the originals. House music like this is as authentic as it gets.

Review: Fresh off the back of X-Ray Ted's debut album Moving On comes this instrumental/scratch tool version of 'Get Loose', one of the record's best-loved non single tracks. Prior to the full album's making and eventual completion, The Bristol-based DJ and producer had spent years honing his craft and refining his signature sound, which drew heavily on soul, funk, hip-hop and breaks; all of which were styles heavily indebted to the street battle breaks culture found in 90s New York and other major cities. 'Get Loose', the seventh track on the record, features British rappers Dr. Syntax and Elemental and is a fiery exploration of what it means to loosen oneself; the track features here in full original form, alongside its locked groove and acapella versions, the former of which samples an oldskool comedy set characteristic of the kinds of sources battle DJs would sift theirs from.

Review: Roland Haynes Jr. and his band Phenix may have only released one 45 in 1983, but their legacy extends far beyond that solitary record. This new collection of live recordings from the Quarter Moon club in Orangeburg, South Carolina, reveals the brilliance of Haynes and his ensemble. The album features a vibrant mix of originals and covers, including renditions of tracks by Marvin Gaye, Santana, Hubert Laws and The Jeff Lorber Fusion. These recordings, drawn from Haynes' personal archive, showcase the band's exceptional talent and ability to reinterpret classics while adding their own unique flair. The collection allows Haynes to assert his place among the most innovative jazz and soul artists of his time, capturing the energy and creativity of Phenix in their prime.

Review: The Boston-based band The Post Pop Space Rock Be Bop Gospel Tabernacle Chorus and Orchestra was led by Webster Lewis and this album was recorded live in Oslo, Norway, in 1971. The original album was released in 1972 and this expanded edition includes previously unreleased songs, unseen photos and the full backstory of the historic concert. It is a rather rare recording that showcases spiritual and soul jazz at its finest and blends instrumental and vocal tracks for a unique, eclectic sound that has made it highly sought after. Newly transferred from the master tapes, it offers improved sound quality and is a must-buy for jazz cats.

Review: Pacific Express were an South African funk/jazz outfit with vibes of Stevie Wonder or Earth, Wind & Fire's music of the day and, originally released in 1979, this reissue showcases the band's pivotal role in shaping Cape Town jazz. Their blend of soul, funk, disco and r&b creates a seamless, groovy atmosphere, with the band's tight rhythm section and smooth instrumentation very much at the forefront. Tracks like 'Come True' highlight the excellent vocal performances and musicianship, with lush piano and string arrangements adding a lounge-like vibe. The standout ballad 'What Is The Answer' is emotionally charged, showcasing the band's depth. 'What I Feel' offers a catchy, upbeat groove, perfectly encapsulating the album's blend of relaxed yet funky vibes. Somewhat incredibly, this the album's first reissue, so our advice would be to jump on it.

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: This compilation is a vibrant celebration of Gnonnas Pedro, the legendary Beninese composer and musician. Spanning his career from 1967 to 1985, it showcases Pedro's remarkable versatility and eclectic musical palette; featuring 21 tracks that traverse genres with ease, from the Afrobeat energy of 'Pas De Petard' and 'L'Indomptable Gnonnas Pop' to the salsa rhythms of 'Tembleque' and the soulful grooves of 'How Much Love Naturally Cost'. Pedro's music is a fusion of influences, blending traditional African sounds with funk, soul and Latin flavours and highlights here include the irresistible 'Dadje Von O Von Non', the funky 'Yiri Yiri Boum', and the soulful 'Bailando Mi Solo'.

Review: Analog Africa is back with a dedicated project celebrating Gnonnas Pedro, the king of Modern Agbadja, and they press it up on a marvellous double album that includes an eight-page booklet with a ton of extra info. This bumper pack features 16 of Pedro's best works, all of which captivated Africa at the time. His vibrant blend of Agbadja, Cuban fon, jerk, highlife and more unique styles, all of which come with vocals sung in Fon, Mina, Yoruba, French, English and Spanish, add up to one hell of a rich sound. A great testament to the artist's extraordinary legacy.

Review: Pellegrino & Zodyaco's skillfully intertwine Neapolitan disco, funk, jazz and world music while channelling a spirit of creative escape of this new album, which is inspired by Henri Laborit's 'Eloge de la fuite'. It explores conscious escapism as a return to authenticity and seeks a "common language" through sound by merging Mediterranean melodies with global rhythms, vintage instruments and ethnic percussion that all bridge past and present. Four years after his last outing, Morphe, Pellegrino is still in top form here with a soulful, genre-blurring portrait of modern Naples that reflects the fact that, in the city, musical traditions meet modern experimentation.

Review: Penza Penza, led by Misha Panfilov, is back with a fourth LP, Alto E Primitivo, which was recorded at private events in Funchal, Portugal, and Tallinn, Estonia. The album underscores Panfilov's genre-blending prowess on Detroit's Funk Night Records across 14 tracks that blend deep grooves, intricate guitars, and soulful rhythms from psychedelia to garage rock. The dynamic tracks showcase the groups' newly matured sound with refined production that will find favour with fans of Khruangbin and The Budos Band. Tracks like 'Wacky,' 'Pterodactyl,' and 'Boo Hoo Boogaloo' highlight their instrumental prowess while occasional distorted vocals add texture. Alto E Primitivo then is another gem from Penza Penza.

Review: Izipho Soul chart the best unreleased works of the band Phyrework, dousing the would-be disco-funk pyromaniac in freshly siphoned sonic fuel. The burst radii on these unissued mortar shells and peony whistlers are rather large, and their emotive impact warrants large curtilage zones; you'd better put up a whopping fence around this shoot site. Only a couple of tracks from the original and horribly undersung Phyrework LP from 1978 feature here, because this is a record built to refire the squibs that didn't make it past the licensers' firing line, not bask in the ash of those already fired. Contemporaries of Earth, Wind & Fire and Marvin Gaye, Phyrework bring complementary girandolas of P-funk on 'Never Felt Like This', and twirl fire through the air on the Afrobeat-tinged soul cut 'Make It Last'.

Review: Led by Luke Solomon, The Legion of Boogie Down returns with their second album, Powerdance II, eight years after the success of their debut The Lost Art of Getting Down. Since then the collective has evolved by adding more experimental sounds to their vision of nightclub and basement music. This album continues their journey of genre-blending with the addition of Chris Penny, rising star Josh Ludlow, and original members Alinka and Lance Desardi. Featuring wild synths, drums and percussion from Holly Madge, this left-of-centre record offers a trippy mix of disco, funk and house that leads to a cosmic musical adventure in some style.

Review: This release sees Connie Price & The Keystones bridging the gap between classic soul and contemporary hip-hop, delivering a collection of hard-hitting grooves that are both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. It features a stellar lineup of guest MCs, including Bootie Brown, Rakaa Iriscience, and Guilty Simpson, each adding their unique flavour to the mix. The A-side is a showcase of raw lyricism and infectious beats, with tracks like 'All Night (The Pharcyde)' and 'For The Wicked (Dilated Peoples)' capturing the essence of golden-era hip-hop while maintaining a distinctly soulful edge. On the flip, Professor Shorthair provides a series of remixes, adding a touch of dancefloor energy to the proceedings. From the extended mixes of 'All Night' and 'For The Wicked' to the bounce-infused reimagining of 'Come On Down (To New Orleans)', these remixes showcase the versatility of the original material and its ability to transcend genre boundaries. This is a must-have for fans of both classic soul and contemporary hip-hop, a testament to the enduring power of music to connect generations and inspire new creative expressions.

Review: Prince's early career was marked by a fearless blending of musical genres, provocative lyrics, and an undeniable magnetism that propelled him into superstardom. One of the key moments in this trajectory was his Controversy tour in 1981-1982, which cemented his status as an innovative and trailblazing artist. The live album, Controversy At The Capitol: New Jersey Broadcast 1982, captures a crucial moment during this tour and now offers those who were there, or those who want toffee like they were, a glimpse into his artistry at a time when he was beginning to define his future legacy.

Review: NPG Records and Paisley Park Enterprises, in partnership with Warner Records, are pleased to announce the release of a brand-new audiophile Blu-ray featuring 2024's Dolby Atmos mix of Prince and the Revolution's iconic 1984 album, Purple Rain, as well as Prince's original 1984 stereo mix, in high-definition 24bit / 96kHz audio.

Prince shattered all expectations and made music history when he released the album Purple Rain, followed by the hit movie of the same name weeks later. The 9-track LP went on to win two Grammy awards ("Best Rock Performance by a Group" & "Best Album of Original Score Written For A Motion Picture"), two American Music Awards, a Brit Award, and an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. In 2012 the Library of Congress added the album to the National Recording Registry, which only accepts sound recordings that "are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States." Purple Rain spent 24 weeks at #1 on the Billboard album charts, sold over 25 million copies worldwide, and appears on countless 'Best Of' polls, most recently achieving the #4 spot on Apple Music's Top 100 Albums Of All Time.

The 2024 Atmos presentation of Purple Rain featured on this Blu-Ray, was meticulously mixed from the original multi-track master tapes by Prince's protege and Best Engineered Grammy nominee Chris James. It was released via all participating Digital Service Providers on June 21, 2024. "In 2024 we started our year-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain, we are thrilled to present Prince's masterpiece in ATMOS, providing an immersive, surround auditory experience of Prince's legendary album. This highly crafted release will present Prince's iconic work with more space and depth while preserving the beautiful songs that have shaped music and popular culture, and touched the lives of countless fans around the world." - Paisley Park Enterprises

Region code: universal

Review: Asha Puthli's triumphant return to the stage after 44 years is marked by tour dates across the US, Australia, and Europe, including iconic performances at Glastonbury and We Out Here. To celebrate this milestone, Mr Bongo has repressed her legendary 1976 album, The Devil Is Loose, on gold vinyl. This album, featuring the psychedelic disco-funk classic 'Space Talk,' exemplifies Puthli's eclectic career spanning 60s psyche, free-jazz, pop, rock and disco. Each track on The Devil Is Loose highlights Puthli's celestial style and sumptuous vocal range, supported by orchestral-infused, disco-enhanced instrumentation. The album transitions seamlessly from the infectious funk of 'Flying Fish' to the cosmic transcendence of the title track, and the choir-channelling 'Say Yes.' Puthli's majestic vocals cast a unique spell, making the album cinematic and captivating throughout. Whether replacing a worn-out original copy or discovering Asha Puthli for the first time, this quintessential slice of her world promises to enchant and inspire.