Back catalogue: Funk

Review: The Scepters, formed in 1967 in Paraiso by guitarist Celso Spencer, were a popular Panamanian band known for their energetic performances across military bases and high school dances in the Canal Zone. Alongside Lionel Best and Jose James, they covered Top 40 hits and iconic rock bands like Santana and Jimi Hendrix. They released two 45s, including 'Message,' which debuted at Panama's first National Soul Music Festival in 1971 and features next here to a jam from Conjunto Raza, another project led by Agustin Leiro, this one with rotating musicians. They released a single 45 on Onda Nueva in the mid-70s and it blends Zonian and Panamanian talent with aplomb.

Review: TakeFingz returns with its seventh release and offers up a double A-side 7" tailored for dancefloor devastation. On Side A, DJ Katch reworks classic funk breaks into a groove-heavy party igniter that betrays some seriously sharp turntable skills and crowd-moving instincts. It's a surefire weapon for any set in high-energy settings. On the flip, DJ Toby Gee drops a bass-driven boogie funk jam packed with vintage chants and break-heavy grooves. Both tracks are precision-crafted with nods to B-Boy culture among them perfect for bodypoppers and lockers alike.

Review: Discodelic and Groovie Records unveil a pair of rare 1970s Panamanian gems here with forgotten tracks from The Meditators, and Los Misticos. Originally recorded for radio and left in storage, these Latin psych funk bombs capture the underground spirit of Panama's vibrant music scene from more than 50 years ago. Licensed through Tamayo Records, these songs have been beautifully mastered and now the long-lost recordings, which barely made it to vinyl the first time around, become available for all who are keen to drop the heat and learn about Panama's hidden musical treasures at the same time.

Review: 'I'll Take You There' by Leon Mitchison, featuring mixes from Kenny Dope, is a standout release from Kay-Dee Records, in a rare label head-to-head with Now-Again Records. This special edition tosses us an unreleased remix from Kenny Dope, infusing his signature funk-in-the-trunk style into an authentic and primally mixed track, working directly from Mitchison's original 8-track tapes. Acclimatising the first's deeper grooves to Dope's dope, breaks-heavy production, the artist is truly deft at upcycling vintage sonic garms.

Review: Jazz Peace has been digging in the archives to put together this new and limited 12", 'Happy Tears'. The original 1975 studio sessions captured the essence of Stockholm, Sweden, with tracks from the unreleased album Wildlife. Recorded during a pivotal moment in the mid-70s, this 45 offers up raw, unfiltered material that offers a glimpse into the creative process of the era. The music blends rich instrumentation with experimental flair that delivers a unique sound that's both nostalgic and timeless.

Review: Levanna, the celebrated "Northern Soul Girl," shines in her new 'rare soul' series from the Charly vaults. As an influencer, dancer, promoter and DJ, she brings her energetic personality and deep love for Northern Soul to this LP compilation. Gathering her rare grooves in one record, this release is a DJ's delight, eliminating the need for extensive crate digging. Levanna's dedication and passion for Northern Soul music have earned her widespread respect and press acclaim. This collection captures her vibrant spirit and showcases some of the finest, hard-to-find tracks, making it an essential addition for any Northern Soul enthusiast.

Review: Some 15 years after its original release in 2009, This Is ... by Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos remains a classic in the sister funk genre. Raw, melodic, and vibrant, the album hasn't aged a bit and now, as a result of that, it's being re-released with unreleased bonus tracks, rare remixes and a limited-edition double vinyl. With standout tracks like 'Working Woman,' which became a global DJ fav, the album brims with Gizelle Smith's unique style and powerful vocals. Blazing horns, soulful guitars and dynamic production all help bring them to life on a record that is rooted in the golden era of soul but coloured with modern charm.

Review: Funk Night returns with this magnificent new album Vibrant Kaleisdosonic Rhythms from Zanzibar. It is well infuse by a wide range of worldly sounds, rhythms and moods and kicks off with a melange of incidental jazz keys and raw horn sounds that are super exotic. 'Night In Casablanca' is as steamy as you would expect with a low slung groove, 'Badmington Baobab' is another flute lead sound with mystery and intrigue and 'Hologram Water' is more reflective and inward in its lush keys and delicate organic percussive layers. A nice escapist instrument funk album for laid back times.

Review: One of the leading lights of Ghana's vibrant musical ecosystem, Ebo Taylor cast a monumental influence thanks to his deft blend of Afrobeat, jazz and funk, helping define the now-canonical highlife sound. 'Twer Nyame' was released as a three-track single in 1978, although the 16-minute run time of the track makes it much more than a rapid fire hit. Backed with the delicate delights of 'Peace On Earth' and the shuffling funk perfection of 'Atwer Abroba', it's a rare gem of Ghanaian groove from the undisputed king of the sound.

Review: At 88, Ebo Taylor, the legendary Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat pioneer, made his U.S. debut at the Jazz Is Dead concert series, captivating audiences nationwide. This historic visit coincided with the recording of Ebo Taylor JID022, a groundbreaking psychedelic afrobeat album produced with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. Younge expressed the significance of this collaboration, likening it to working with Fela Kuti, emphasising the dream of capturing Ebo's essence on analog tape. The album features swirling horns, gritty guitars and polyrhythmic percussion reminiscent of Taylor's seminal 1970s work, alongside spiritually rich backing vocals that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Ebo's heartfelt lyrics, exploring themes of love, peace and spirituality, resonate with nearly a century of wisdom. Tracks like 'Beye Bu, Beye Ba' and 'Kusi Na Sibo' impart life lessons on gratitude and divine provision, solidifying Ebo Taylor JID022 as an essential addition to his storied catalogue and a crown jewel for Jazz Is Dead. This release coincides with his eagerly anticipated tour across the Americas, showcasing the enduring legacy of a true musical icon.

Review: At 88, Ghanaian highlife and afrobeat legend Ebo Taylor made his first-ever journey to the US, performing in the Jazz Is Dead concert series. These shows, which sold out across the country, led to an unexpected and electrifying collaboration between Taylor, Adrian Younge, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. The result is a psychedelic afrobeat album, recorded at Younge's Linear Labs studio, that's bound to thrill fans of both classic West African funk and afrobeat purists. The album channels the raw energy of Ebo's 70s recordings, with swirling horns, fuzzed-out guitars, and the unmistakable polyrhythmic percussion that made Taylor a revolutionary figure in African music. "Collaborating with Ebo Taylor is a bucket-list accomplishment," says Younge, likening the experience to working with another afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti. The analog recording style, embracing the gritty textures of 70s Africa, gives this album an authenticity that's impossible to ignore. Tracks like 'Beye Bu, Beye Ba' and 'Kusi Na Sibo' exemplify Taylor's profound lyricism. His reflections on love, spirituality, and gratitude echo his decades-long career, while the ensemble of Ghanaian vocalists adds a spiritual depth that transports listeners back to his prime. Ebo's son, Henry Taylor, also features, proving himself a formidable talent in his own right. This album is not just a nod to the past but a crowning achievement in Taylor's enduring legacy. For connoisseurs of afrobeat, it's a standout moment in both Ebo's catalogue and the growing canon of the Jazz Is Dead series.

Review: Originally released on the Soweto label in 1976, this record is a rare gem that perfectly encapsulates the exciting energy of its era. Themba is the sole album from the South African group led by Baba "Themba" Mokoena, a recording that has a timeless blend of sophisticated improvisation and infectious groove. Mokoena, renowned for his guitar prowessifirst spotlighted on Dick Khoza's landmark Chapitaileads a skilled ensemble through a set of tracks that balance technical brilliance with undeniable danceability. The standout cut, 'Fana Fana', exemplifies this alchemy, featuring fluid saxophone melodies, crisp guitar riffs, nice flute solo and an energetic horn section. Throughout the album, the interplay between instruments shows the group's dynamic synergy, creating a sound both lush and immediate. The layered textures and lively rhythms invite listeners into a world brimming with cultural pride and musical ingenuity. Now reissued for the first time nearly 50 years later, Themba resonates with the same soulful vitality that made it a cornerstone of South African jazz. Remastered from the original master tapes under As-Shams Archive, this reissue ensures the album's brilliance continues to inspire new generations.

Review: Also known as "Portland's Pillar Of Soul", Ural Thomas is a widely esteemed Portland based r&b singer-songwriter and musician, active since the 1950s. Still going strong over almost three-quarter century's worth of performing and releasing, Thomas' breathtaking oeuvre comes to a recent head on this latest LP+7" via Cairo, 'Nat Ural'. Eschewing his latest incarnation with backing The Pain (making up Ural Thomas and the Pain), which was formed after a long hiatus, we return to Thomas' solo sensibility here. A new LP backed up by a sneaky extra 7", Thomas' distinctive, homely brand of strutting vocal soul is once more put on display here.

Review: Ella Thompson's new album is a stunning tribute to classic soul, blending the warm, cinematic sounds of the late 60s and early 70s with her unique modern sensibilities. Thompson's soulful, velvet voice takes center stage, effortlessly evoking the timeless elegance of artists like The Chi-Lites and Main Ingredient while maintaining her distinct artistry. From the sweltering grooves of 'Jigsaw' to the slow-burning beauty of 'Other People's Problems', each track brims with lush arrangements featuring piano, slinky guitar, tight rhythms and feathery backing vocals. Co-produced by Liam McGorry and Henry Jenkins, the album captures the essence of vintage soul. Recorded live over two days, Thompson assembled a powerhouse band, including members of Surprise Chef and Hiatus Kaiyote's Jace XL. Together, they deliver expertly layered compositions that feel nostalgic yet fresh. Highlights like 'Let There Be Nothing' and 'One More Step' showcase Thompson's ability to craft songs that resonate deeply, while the wistful closer, 'Don't Be a Taurus', leaves a lasting impression. This is a masterclass in soul revival with its timeless sound and Thompson's breathtaking vocals.

Review: The Unreleased Album by The Horne Section, originally recorded during the years of 1983-1985, offers a vibrant fusion of funk, soul, disco and boogie. This US boogiefunk studio project stayed unreleased for a few decades until 2010, when these gems were collected for release. Each track exudes infectious energy and groove, with funky basslines, soulful melodies, and irresistible rhythms. The seamless integration of horns adds depth and texture, elevating the overall listening experience. From start to finish, the album delivers a captivating blend of retro charm and contemporary flair. Disco, house and funk fans can now enjoy this amazing find.

Review: Soul Jazz Records is back with another crucial reissue, this time of Dedication by Tribe, a rare gem from the 1970s funk, soul and jazz era as a special limited-edition coloured vinyl for Black Friday 2024. It has been fully remastered and comes with original artwork and mirrors the eclectic sounds of Mandrill, The Blackbyrds and Kool and the Gang. Tribe, led by multi-instrumentalist Earl J Foster and producer Big Dee Ervin, blended funk, jazz, rock, Latin and soul into a singular style on the album which was originally released independently in 1977 and has been out of print for over 45 years. Dedication is a masterpiece that offers a deep, spaced-out fusion.

Review: Tuxedo, the dynamic duo of Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One, return with Tuxedo IV, delivering yet another collection of funk-fuelled gems. Bonding over their mutual love for Parliament, Zapp, and all things funk, the pair channel that influence into a fresh sound designed to light up dancefloors in 2024. The album is packed with tracks that radiate feel-good energy and smooth grooves, perfect for those late-night jams. From the irresistible vibe of 'Roll the Windows Down' to the infectious bounce of 'Back 4 More,' Tuxedo's latest effort doesn't disappoint. With tight production and Hawthorne's signature vocals, the record blends classic funk elements with modern production, creating a set of tunes destined to make you move. Tuxedo IV is another triumph for this unstoppable duo.

Review: The EP Lagos Paris London by Yannis & The Yaw, featuring the late Tony Allen, is a testament to the powerful creative synergy between two musical luminaries. Initially envisioned as a nostalgic Afrobeat project, the collaboration took on a life of its own, weaving together elements of rock, funk, jazz, and dub in a dynamic fusion. Recorded over a series of sessions in a Paris studio, the music emerged organically from jams and loops, guided by the intuitive telepathy between Yannis Philippakis and Tony Allen. Joined by Allen's regular collaborators, the result is a collection of near-complete songs imbued with high-spirited, loose-grooved exuberance. Despite facing challenges such as scheduling issues and Covid restrictions, Yannis felt a deep obligation to complete the project in honor of Allen's memory and his desire to share the music with the world. Lagos Paris London serves as both a celebration of their friendship and a timeless testament to the enduring influence of Tony Allen's rhythmic talent.