Back catalogue: Funk

Review: The shadowy Edit & Dub crew don't talk about their releases, so it can be difficult to ascertain whether the tracks they're showcasing are long-lost originals, or new edits of ridiculously rare records. Either way, the label's latest EP features versions of some seriously hard to find treats, starting with a fine 'extended disco instrumental' of Sanctuary's 'Disconnect', a fine disco-boogie jam from 1980. They then deliver a (we think) previously unreleased 'extended disco' mix of Willie J & Co's killer 1976 disco-funk gem 'Boogie With Your Baby'. On the B-side we're treated to two takes on the mysterious 'Familiar Time and Place' by Uknown Tapes: a 'Chicago Mix' which sounds like late 80s Windy City acid house smothered in spacey deep house chords and intergalactic electronics and the mid-80s techno-tinged 'Detroit Mix'.

Review: Whether or not this label is named in reference to long-life semi-skimmed milk, we do not know, but the tunes on it are certainly fatter than the 2% you get with UHT. 'Set Your House In Order' is the sort of raw, from-the-heart soul sound that will bring any floor to rapture with its gospel influenced lyrics, big horns and neat organ chords. It's a real dancer, while 'Lego Brick Road' is more of a funk-strutter with moody bass and upright kicks embellished with some warped vocals and playful licks. Two gems.

Review: Universal Cave set out on a brand new cosmic spelunk. Flipping a pair of raucous Latin disco pancakes on a searing summer lowrider bonnet (in lieu of a non-stick pan), these free-range disco ovules pack much underfoot promise for the discerning dancefloor. The Philly collective kicks things off with the spry 'So Soft So Sweet', with an elusively sourced sing-along hook, blazing synth-gasms, and impulsive drums. 'Mishugina Mambo', on the other hand, gleans its inspirations from the classic Sofrito Specials series: bold horns fly in the face of relentless percs, urging everyone and your mother to get moving.

Review: A few years after recording at Damon Studios in Kansas City, Bump & The Soul Stompers-led by Jerald "Bump" Scott-rebranded as the Unnatural Funk Band. Unable to find a label for 'I Can Remember' they recorded at Cavern Studios, a unique space built in a Missouri limestone cave. Their track 'Living in the Past' features a nostalgic falsetto, while 'Strange Happenings' showcases a standout funk groove. This previously unreleased music was rediscovered with Scott's help during the Numero Group's research for the Eccentric Soul: The Forte Label collection, which now brings fresh attention to this rare Kansas City soul act.

Review: Years after their 1970 sessions at Damon Studios in Kansas City, Bump & The Soul Stompers, under the direction of Jerald "Bump" Scott, adopted the name Unnatural Funk Band, a nod to the era's unconventional naming trends. Despite their efforts, "I Can Remember" failed to find a label. This led them to the famed Cavern Studios in Independence, Missouriiliterally carved out of a limestone cavern. The result is a fascinating juxtaposition of sounds: 'Living in the Past' offers a wistful, falsetto-laden journey with a laid-back narrative, evoking a nostalgic aura. In contrast, 'Strange Happenings' delivers a remarkable funk experience, revealing the band's prowess in crafting vibrant and innovative grooves. This track, a hidden gem from a virtually undocumented Kansas City soul ensemble, was uncovered with the help of Scott during the Numero Group's 2013 research for the Eccentric Soul: The Forte Label compilation. Unnatural Funk Band's release, featuring these previously unreleased tracks, represents a significant find for funk aficionados. The limited-edition 10" vinyl showcases their unique blend of nostalgic funk and innovative rhythms, a testament to the enduring impact of their music.

Review: Chikara Ueda's Flying Easy from 1980 is an essential exploration of jazz fusion, combining intricate melodies with infectious grooves. The opening track, 'Flying Easy,' sets the tone with a laid-back, yet dynamic rhythm, led by Ueda's electric piano and synthesiser work. The ensemble, featuring renowned musicians like Harvey Mason on drums, delivers precise and energetic performances throughout. Tracks like 'Cloudy' and 'Jojo' showcase the group's ability to weave complex rhythms with soulful melodies, while 'Do Like You Do In New York' adds an engaging funk groove. This release captures a vibrant era of jazz fusion and remains a standout for its smooth and innovative approach to genre-blending.

Review: PPU is one of your favourite labels when it comes to dusty and lo-fi soul and related sounds. Now the DC-based crew delivers another gem with Grand Hotel, a collection of ten rare tracks from Estonian funk legend Uku Kuut, who they have released several times before now. The instrumental album traces Kuut's journey through the Soviet Union, Sweden, Los Angeles, and Estonia and is a window into his excellently eclectic style. Highlights include his first home recording from 1982 and a track produced in Herbie Hancock's studio. After more than 30 years of travelling across borders, these precious masters have found a permanent home and means that Grand Hotel is a fine tribute to Kuut's international influences.

Review: Fresh on the heels of a first-time-on-CD edition of The Undisputed Truth's first three albums compiled into a single record, the American Motown signees and psychedelic soulsters now hear a revisiting of their first album - the emergent basis of the now renewed interest in the band - onto a limited edition LP by Kent Soul. Known for its prescient mixture of the classic Tamla Motown soul sound with psychedelic rock, fan favourites such as 'You Got The Love I Need' and 'Since I've Lost You' come amix with many covers, including 'I Got Heaven Right Here On Earth' and 'Like A Rolling Stone'. The sound is nocturnal and rife with tender, candlelit, story-time moods, with a slinky dark slickness contrasting a otherwise normally bright psychedelic sound.