Review: Fresh from inspiring the global disco community with a tasty debut 7", Portuguese duo the Bam Jam band (AKA Pedro Teneiro and Sergio Alves) return with a similarly impressive sequel. A-side 'Keepin' On' is a genuinely killer workout - a low-slung bass guitar-propelled chunk of revivalist dancefloor disco-jazz rich in sustained organ chords, funky Clavinet licks and restless, Latin-influenced piano riffs and solos. The duo's love of memorable basslines comes to the fore once more on 'Something About Love', a more languid, picturesque and bittersweet affair in which slow, eyes-closed piano patterns and squelchy synths stretch out across a relaxed mid-tempo groove. An artist to watch in 2025 for sure.
Let's Straighten It Out (cut Creators edit) (4:11)
Review: Octave Lab, based in Japan, have embarked on a fresh series of 7"s, onto which the A-side comes pressed with a classic American funk and soul original, whilst the B, handled by a hip-hop hand in the classic stylee, Cut Creator$, flips things to harder and hipper effect. This time we meet again with O.V. Wright's 'Let's Straighten This Out', an omnipotent-sounding instrumental soul track cut from the superb record The Bottom Line. The track adjudicates and resolves, between romantic plaintiff and defendant, an egregious inter-relational tort, by way of ultra-slick, leaden strings and anodyne pianos: "sit yourself down, girl, and talk to me... tell me, whassa on your mind?"
Review: Get your hips and heart around this bit of L.A. boogie by the elusive Ben White and you cannot help but feel better. It is a highly sought-after rarity that disco collectors have been fawning over since forever. It was originally reissued as a 45 by the great Athens of the North and now comes this 7" version which was sourced from Andy Noble, who has often helped the label out before. It features two sides of exceptional modern soul and boogie that blend rhythm and grove in magical ways that are never going to age. 'I See A World' has lovely and tender falsetto vocals and 'Give Me Love (Always)' is more of a party starter.
Review: The long-running Mushi 45 label from Japan is back with another big serving of Afro-tinged funk. This 45rpm is limited to just 300 copies and features both parts of Afro Breed's Toootee. It is our first brush with this artist but we like what we hear here - 'Tootee (part 1)' has a James Brown-style take on funk with trilling acoustic guitar and tumbling drum breaks under big vocals. 'Tootee (part 2)' introduces a more libidinous sax sound that is steamy and sultry and seductive.
The O'Jays - "Now That We Found Love" (Soul Flip edit) (4:17)
Review: After a pause since last March, Soul Flip Edits returns with a fresh new logo and a highly anticipated new Soul Flip outing on 7" vinyl. To mark this comeback, the much loved label has reimagined a classic: Sam & Dave's 'Soul Man' and they have givien it a punchy update that stays true to the original's vibe. On the B-side, they've reworked 'Now That We Found Love' by The O'Jays by adding a smooth touch that promises to keep dancers moving. Both tracks bring timeless soul energy with an enhanced twist so are two perfectly "flipped" soul anthems ready for the party.
Review: Danny Krivit remains in a class of one when it comes to meticulous and masterful edits of classics. He puts out a fair few of them too, but the quality levels never dip, as is the case again here when he throws it back to the energy of his native New York's most legendary dancefloors. Opener 'Flying Machine' by War was originally composed for the 1978 film Youngblood and is a dramatic Latin-infused instrumental packed with swirling flutes, fierce perc and a breakbeat that's fuelled countless Afro house tracks. It's a fiery dancefloor weapon that hasn't been on 7" before and it comes backed with 'How Much Are They', which dives into deep dub territory with help from post-punk legends Jah Wobble, Jaki Liebezeit and Holger Czukay. It's a real mind melter packed with mad effects.
Review: Suckaside, a creative artist with a deft touch in beat composition, sampling, and mashups, delivers a dynamic offering with Toxic Funk Vol 15. 'Sometimes Bootyful' is a piano-laden funk jam driven by a tight breakbeat that's both hip and infectious. The track seamlessly blends elements of house into its groove, making it accessible to pop fans while staying true to its funky roots. The addition of rap verses adds an extra layer of appeal, making this track a standout. Bringing in 90s funky rhythm vibes, 'Sugar Face' on the B-side cleverly incorporates hooks from D'Angelo's 'Brown Sugar.' This track is a 7" gem for funk and R&B lovers, combining nostalgic grooves with a modern twist.
Review: Stix Records is the sub-label of superb French outlet Favorite Recordings, and it is reserved for heavy dub cuts. This one finds label regular Mato reworking a classic reggae roller first written by Kool & The Gang. His gorgeous version is perfect for hot summer nights with its languid Fender Rhodes leads and sun kissed beats. It's loved up and perfectly, frankly. On the flip is a reggae rework of Bill Withers', who is sadly no long with us, 'Use Me,' repackaged with a playful harmonica lead and more grinding chords over the gently tumbling beats.
Review: The BDQ duo were in the studio 25 years ago working on these tracks but never quite finished them due to life changes like marriage and kids. Recently, while revisiting old tapes, they discovered a lost tape and decided to give it another listen. They liked what they heard and after a bit of effort to transfer the tracks, they now feel the time has come for a vinyl release. Side 1 features their version of Timebox's 'Beggin'' with vocals by Sarah Orpen and Bryn Barklam laying down some killer Hammond sounds. Side 2 presents their take on the Mirettes' 'Take Me For a Little While' with more stellar vocals from Sarah.
Review: Boom! Ultra rare outernational funk reissue action by the new Habibi Funk imprint! Dalton were a late '60s soul band formed in Tunis by a group of American music enthusiasts, and their one and only LP under the Dalton name was independently released and super rare until now. "Alech" nears psychedelic territories thanks to its echoing vocals and trippy percussion, whereas "Soul Brother" is more of a classic soul ballad, but filled with the band's own native roots, of course. Be sure to check, this is hot and recommended for the diggers.
Review: With an irresistible blend of broken beat and nu-jazz grooves, 'Chameleon' is a enjoyable smooth jazz gem driven by funky basslines, strings, lively percussive and catchy keys. The arrangement flows effortlessly, creating a sound both sophisticated and danceableia perfect balance of complexity and accessibility. Flipping to the B-side, 'Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong' takes a more laid-back approach. Led by a warm, soulful organ, the track exudes chill vibes with its subtle funk underpinnings and jazzy finesse. The addition of a vocoder adds a playful, retro-futuristic charm, rounding out a composition that's as soothing as it is engaging.
How Long Do I Have To Wait For You? (vocal mix) (4:03)
How Long Do I Have To Wait For You? (instrumental) (2:58)
Review: Remarkably, 16 years have passed since Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings first released 'How Long Do I Have To Wait', one of the revivalist soul and funk band's sweetest and most heartfelt songs. Written and produced by Dap-Kings main man Bosco Mann, the song features one of Jones' most evocative and impassioned lead vocals, as well as a pleasingly laidback, loose-limbed groove, jazzy guitars and pitch-perfect horn blasts. As it did back in 2004, this reissue pairs the peerless vocal version with Mann's typically fuzzy, lovingly crafted instrumental take. If you missed out first time round, make sure you grab a copy.
Review: Talented funk, jazz and soul outfit Bronze, Silver & Brass are back on Finland's finest Timmion Records with a second outing that confirms their top-shelf credentials. This latest high-grade outing opens with 'Renard's Groove which bursts forth and has a speedy, dramatic rhythm driven by tight guitar riffs and breakbeat energy, ll with hints of 1970s cinematic charm. Then comes 'Brass In Motion' which slows the tempo with a smooth, mid-paced jazz-funk groove. It balances its funky vibe with a lyrical, laid-back charm and is another gem from this increasingly essential band.
Love Theme (Ilija Rudman Higher Ground mix part I) (3:20)
Love Theme (Ilija Rudman Higher Ground mix part II) (2:43)
Review: Ilija Rudman shows his class here with two edits for the always-on-point Brooklyn Highs label. He turns his hand to an original by Soul Men aka Black Moses and Part 1 will her you lost in a reverie. The meandering, stoned, slow-motion funk licks, gentle drums and wallowing chords all wash over you like a soothing breeze. The Higher Ground mix part II introduces buttery male vocals that drip with eroticism and soul. This one should come with a pregnancy warning.
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: This long-overdue 7" reissue breathes new life into a rare Latin funk treasure from the golden era of the genre. The A-side, 'Together People (Pamoja Watu),' delivers a fiery blend of James Brown-style grit and Manu Dibango-inspired groove, complete with driving rhythms and infectious energy. On the B-side, 'It's Your Thing' reimagines the Isley Brothers classic as a bold instrumental, packed with Hammond organ flourishes and raw Latin funk swagger. Originally a Bobby Marin studio project featuring Chico Mendoza and members of Ocho, these tracks are essential for DJs and collectors, preserving the spirit of New York's vibrant Latin music scene.
Review: Sometimes the act of love comes accompanied by a feeling of revelry in simplicity; in love, you've skived the potentially overcooked acrobatics of a life led insatiably, playing truant to the ever-increasing and limitless demands of business affairs or public personage. Tearra's 'Just Loving You' is an A-sider single whose sentiment expresses this idea as simply as the product of a real loving relationship can, with the Alabaman singer expressing, in frank terms, the internal limit and thus soul-sating dimension of love: "all my dreams have come true... all I want is lovin' you." Soul Junction's reissue does a timely justice to the original Midtown release format, though the two tunes here have actually never been paired together before.
Cerebro Orgasmo Envidia & Sofia (Bosq remix) (4:40)
Review: Martin Buscaglia's riotous, psychedelic Latin funk anthem from his 2006 classic album El evangelio segun mi jardinero finally makes its much-requested debut on a 7". This release features a stunning remix by Bosq. The original track is a wild, high-energy ride through vibrant Latin funk landscapes, bursting with infectious rhythms and lively instrumentation. Bosq's remix adds a touch of his signature magic, infusing the track with a subtle cumbia feel while maintaining its midtempo groove. Resisting the urge to speed it up, Bosq crafts a remix that's perfect for the dance floor, offering a joyful, everyone-smiling experience. The result is a delightful, midtempo dancefloor treat that celebrates the original's wild spirit while adding a fresh, irresistible twist.
Review: This one from The Sharpees's is a mythical gem among vinyl collectors that has long been revered in the Northern Soul scene. The story began when UK dealer John Anderson discovered an acetate titled 'Go On and Laugh' in Chicago with no artist name. It was sold to DJ John Vincent, who credited it to the Just Brothers, fuelling further curiosity. Years later in 2016, USA label Secret Stash unearthed the mystery by revealing the artist as The Sharpees who were known for hits like 'Do the 45' and 'Tired of Being Lonely'. Now, Anorax reissues this limited edition 7" alongside 'Tired of Being Lonely' to feed enduring demand.
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
Come On Down (To New Orleans) (feat Fullee Love aka Soup Of Jurassic 5 & Haisizzle) (4:13)
Come On Down (To New Orleans) (feat Fullee Love aka Soup Of Jurassic 5 & Haisizzle - Professor Shorthair Bounce remix) (4:41)
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: The Ellis Hall Group's upcoming 7" release, 'Music, Sweet Music,' on Super Disco Edits is sure to find its way into many DJ sets. Originally recorded in 1978, this release is the second in a series where the label unearthed hidden gems from the archives. Ellis Hall Jr. and his Boston-based band bring two tracks that didn't make it to their Night Shift TV performance but are now seeing the light. 'Music, Sweet Music' is a breezy, summer anthem reminiscent of the Blackbyrds and Stevie Wonder, packed into a short but sweet 2:38 runtime. On the flip side, 'Forward Motion' offers a funkier vibe with a new wave edge, kicking in with powerful horns, driving drums and infectious melodies. Featuring Ellis Hall on keyboards and vocals, alongside a talented lineup, these tracks are perfect for fans of classic funk and soul.
Review: The charming 'Xango' by Magalhaes from his 1986 album E Sua Guitarra on Gravasom Records is an electrifying Lambada track with haunting vocals and infectious energy that now gets reissued as part of the superb series from Mr Bongo. It is a guaranteed dancefloor rescuer for DJs worldwide and has in fact been building momentum in recent years. It remains a favourite for its driving rhythm and captivating intensity and on the B-side is 'Lambada Pauleira' by Os Panteras, which was released in 1987 on Gravasom. Known for Joutro Mundo's popular re-edit, this original version stands out with its quirky charm and undeniable appeal and is a staple for renowned Brazilian DJs, including Augusto Olivani (aka Trepanado).
Review: These artists got together back in 1969 to record Let The Sunshine In, a landmark album that blended jazz, rock and soul into a vibrant sound that captured the spirit of its era with its experimental soundscapes and electrifying performances. These two tunes are taken from the album and come on 7" for useful DJ deployment. Driscoll's emotive, soulful vocals pair beautifully with Auger's masterful Hammond organ and the Trinity's dynamic instrumentation. The title track in particular is a real anthem of its day and is sure to make just a s much of a mark all these years on.
Review: Riveting, super-punchy uptempo funk from Japan's Mushi 45 imprint, the label home of the band The Mushi Players, and whose wily curatorial wits are put on full display with this incredible new release shared with Super Eagles Band. The Players' fourteenth release, 'Sock It To Me' welcomes the newly formed Super Eagles for an enthralling sonic spectacle; part one on the A signals an unmatched taste for unisons and tightness, prepending singeing axes with gnarly vocal yaps and an overall unmatched fonk; the instrumental B-sider, meanwhile, eschews the various voxes and solos for a full-frontal exposing of the nude groove, evincing a strong taste for on-beat hat-batterings and firmly-held sax notes in their place.
Review: Medium Wave Band's 'So Tender' is a smooth, late-night jazz slow jam with sultry, soulful vocals that feel oddly familiar. The B-side, 'Games (Instrumental)' delivers a perfect example of Britfunk and UK jazz-funk with a bass-driven groove reminiscent of Elite Records releases. Surprisingly, this 7" was a private press by the band and not released on a label. The lineup featured Elliot Browne, Ron Lyseight, Andrew Proverbs, Tony Peart, Paul Snook, Linton Levy, and the stunning vocals of Jaki Graham, best known for her hit 'Could It Be I'm Falling in Love.' Only 200 copies were pressed, mainly sold in Birmingham, and so this is a cult classic for many and a welcome reissue.
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: Martin Reeves aka Krafty Kuts was a key player in the breakbeat explosion at the turn of the millennium. Like many of his peers in the scene, he was of course also a deep digging DJ with an extensive knowledge of breaks and funk and it is that which he twisted into his own contemporary style. Now he returns to those roots somewhat for a seance time on his FF45 label with a pair of hard and hella funky hitting beats. The first is 'Street Hop which is a raw, Nas-style hip-hop joint with tough bars and beats. 'You Got It' then takes the energy levels down a touch for a deeper vibe with bars that remind more of Biggy.
Review: Montreal producer and keyboard maestro Anomalie offers a full-MOT servicing of funk-jazz on 'Velours', a choice track that presaged his 2018 EP 'Metropole'. Born of a chilled bedroom jam, the first iteration of this track was uploaded to YouTube in 2017, and utilised stacks of Yamaha pianos as well as sleek, sexily designed sample pads. Anomalie provides a rich, honeyed set of chordophonal can-cans over nothing but a swung backbeat, bringing seemingly boundless phonic fruition from little nutrient. Now the song hears a full reproduction and repackaging in vinyl form via Devins 7s.
Review: Few bands live up to their name in the way Jungle Fire do; fusing Cumbia, Afrobeat and trad funk, each JF jam blazes the floor with real power. "Firewalker" is the buzz-cut here, swaggering with Afro-disco confidence; it's all about the epic horn Q&A and cutlass-sharp guitar lick. "Chalupa" takes a deeper route into the dancefloor by way of a classic soul riff that sways to-and-fro before breaking down into a more staccato rhythm. Watch out for the pay-off... Those jazz horns are a delight to behold!
Time (feat Angela Johnson - 7" Sax intro edit) (4:27)
Review: Micky More & Andy Tee's Groove Culture delivers a fresh spin on jazz-funk classics with a new 7-inch release. The Side-1 features a dj-friendly cover of Lonnie Liston Smith's 'Expansions,' blending disco and house with a funk-driven bassline, soulful vocals, and beautiful keys. On Side-2, it offers a high-energy remake of Light Of The World's 'Time,' featuring Angela Johnson's powerful diva vocals. This track shines with its lively disco vibe, sax intro and dancefloor appeal. Both tracks encapsulate the essence of fun disco and soul and should appeal to a wide range of dance music fans old and young.
Review: The Brazil45 series has always been pure gold and now come a pair f beauties from Harmony Cats, a vocal quintet-turned-trio from Sao Paulo known for their disco-era hits. Harmony Cats' 'Theme' from 1976 is their most recognised track outside Brazil and is inspired by Rhythm Heritage's Barretta's Theme with its spacey breakbeats, lush vocals and percussive flair, all of which have made it a true crossover classic. On the B-side, 'Seja Como Nos (De Pe No Chao)' delivers an exuberant Brazilian twist on The Jacksons' 'Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)'- it's a guaranteed floor-filler with radiant disco energy and Harmony Cats' signature vocal style.
Review: Cheeba's Latin brothers are back with yet another Havanan shuffle, extensively vacationing in Cuba to soak in very best of the nation's ripest stylistic amassments. Taking cues from cut and paste funk to Latin boogaloo, 'Cuban Shuffle' and 'Pablo's Theme' urge us formerly to "keep it going, now" before latterly dropping us into a fuzz-scat vat of hazy brass and stomping, found percussion. Most notably, the A-side's vinyl scratches sate a pruritic itch, and a careful dosage of reverb marks out a roomy but expansive atmosphere, one difficult to recreate lest you actually were there in 1970s Cuba.
Review: Sun Atlas is a mysterious ensemble whose origins remain elusive. Listening to their music, you wonder whether they could have been based in Los Angeles, New York, Marrakesh or somewhere else entirely. Their only tangible existence is found on this 45, but it's a brilliant one which showcases their irresistible sound. Afrobeat, ethiojazz, surf, cinematic soul, crime jazz and funk and hip-hop breaks all colour these tunes as Sun Atlas create a razor-sharp, genre-defying mix that speaks volumes without saying much. Their music is full of drama and tension, narrative and diverse rhythms and it all adds up to an enigmatic vibe. This release proves that sometimes, the sound itself is all that matters.
Equipe Radio Cidade - "Bons Tempo Sao Paulo (Good Times)" (3:38)
Review: Sandra de Sa's 'Olhos Coloridos' and Equipe Radio Cidade's 'Bons Tempos Sao Paulo' bring vibrant Brazilian boogie back to life in this remastered reissue from Mr Bongo's Brazil 45's series. Sandra de Sa's track, from her 1982 self-titled LP, is a brilliant example of '80s MPB and boogie, featuring the iconic collaboration of Lincoln Olivetti, Robson Jorge, and members from Banda Black Rio. Funky basslines, dreamy Rhodes and jubilant horns complement Sa's outstanding vocals, making it a joyous, danceable piece reminiscent of Tim Maia and Marcos Valle's best. On Side-2, Equipe Radio Cidade's 'Bons Tempos Sao Paulo' transforms Chic's 'Good Times' into a Brazilian boogie delight. Originally a rare promo-only release from 1980, this version infuses the classic melody with samba rhythms, clavinet grooves, and cuica percussion breaks. Voiced by Sao Paulo radio DJs with festive greetings, it adds a unique local flavour to the familiar tune, reminiscent of the era's vibrant Brazilian music scene.
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: The Hot Rox label drops more glowing nuggets of hip-hop goodness with a second offering on 7". These are party-starting b-boy breaks with plenty of big samples and lively beats to get the floor rocking. Ronnie Frazzle's 'The Bronx Rocker' is just that with its hi swinging claps, old school raps and al the bells, horns and whistles you'd expect. On the flip is a DJ tool in the form of the main refrain from the Queen classic, 'We Will Rock You.' A useful weapon for your arsenal for sure.
What You Won't Do For Love (feat Ryuto Kasahara - Muro re-edit) (4:44)
Love Theme From Sparticus (Kenichiro Nishihara remix) (3:07)
Review: Japanese jazz, funk and rare groove sensations Nautilus share their latest cover version, this time of Bobby Caldwell's 'What You Won't Do For Love'. This version stars Toshiyuki Saki on guest drums and vocalist Ruto Kasahara on vocals, bringing a digressional arc to Nautilus' usual sound. On the flip comes another rerub, this time of Nautilus' own 'Love Theme From Spartacus', from their latest album, remixed by producer Kenichiro Nishihara, which incorporates a light-hearted and feathery jazz-hop verve.
Review: Madrid via Cuba musical gang El Combo Batanga have finally dropped this new double-sider 7". It was teased by the early reals sou the a-side which brings plenty of dance floor filing heat with 'El Que La Rompe La Paga'. It's packed with samba shuffle, expressive horn work and results, and relentless keys work designed to get the ass moving. On the flip is 'Toca La Campana' which is a little less dense but not less rhythmic in the way it sways to and fro with fiery Spanish vocals and funk riffs.
Review: Jay Murphy - Franco-American musician, producer and singer based in Paris - and South African singer songwrite Natalie Nova join forces to give a fresh spin to a classic, reinterpreting a well-loved track with their own unique flair. The original mix oozes with jazz-funk vibes, where Murphy's smooth keyboard work and Nova's soulful vocals combine effortlessly, adding new depth and energy to the timeless track. The groove is rich and inviting, pulling you into its rhythmic charm while still honouring the essence of the original. On the remix, Young Pulse brings his signature style, turning the track into a soulful, funky journey with added layers of warmth and groove. His touch injects an extra dose of funk, transforming it into an irresistible dancefloor-ready tune.
Review: Accomplished keyboard player Hank Jacobs enjoyed much renown on the American West Coast live music circuit at the height of the soul era, having already scored a recorded instrumental hit with 'So Far Away' in 1964. His subsequent gigs as a session musician might've proven him capacious only for life in showbiz as a sideman, but this possibility would be firmly and permanently negated by 'Elijah Rockin' With Soul'. The record emerged by lucky chance from a recording session with arranger Arthur Wright, and Jacobs afterwards went on to make four further releases on Alton Scott's Call Me label at Wright's behest. Now, spanning two favourite Jacobs 'sides with different regional appeals, this new one from Kent Soul hears 'Elijah' as the A track - a precocious future compliment for the Northern soul scene - and 'East Side', an instru *mental* recording with a walloping full-colour sound, more propitious to the LA scene.
Review: Austin's Vapor Caves enlist funk heavyweights XL Middleton and E. Live for a powerful remix release that brings plenty of dance floor goodness. On the A-side, XL Middleton, who is rightly dubbed the 'Modern Funk King', delivers a high-energy boogie-blast that elevates the original track to new heights. Flip to the B-side and you will find E. Live crafting a smooth, jazz-infused remix with a relaxed, soulful vibe that's sure to win over any right-thinking dancefloor. Star Creature is on a winning streak at the moment and here delivers yet another essential joint for fans of modern funk.
Review: Shuggy's It's A Soul Thing featuring Alvin Worthy offers a captivating blend of soul and urban vibes. The vocal mix on Side-1 exudes catchiness and hipness, with smooth vocals delivered over a backdrop of sleek instrumentation. The track boasts a great horn section that adds depth and texture, contributing to its overall urban feel. On Side-2, the instrumental version showcases the band's excellent playability, with a groovy arrangement that allows the instrumentation to shine. Overall, 'It's A Soul Thing' is a standout offering from Shuggy, blending soulful vocals with tight musicality to create a track that is both infectious, enjoyable and a lot of fun.
Review: Bristol beatmsiths and remixing duo The Allergies have been hot since '16, quietly pushing the buttons, twisting the dials and raising the throw levers on their resident soul console, Jalapeno Records. This time, though they've not revealed their sources, the boys have once again delivered on their promise to scour the waxen depths of Philly filler-upper funk, with 'Bye Bye Baby' panning a mammoth breaksoul gold rush, and 'Heartbreaker' offering a counterpoint in longing body percussions and "please don't leave me"s.
Review: Side-1 kicks off with a raw and funky garage band jam that perfectly captures the spirit of 1967. With its dynamic energy, the track blends elements of jazz, rock, funk and blues, creating an exciting, soul-infused experience. The rhythm section drives the track with relentless energy, while the soulful melodies and infectious groove make it a standout piece. The mix of surf rock and mod influences gives it a timeless, gritty edge that resonates with both vintage and modern listeners. Side-2 takes a more experimental turn with a unique jam laden with saxophone and rich instrumental textures. The track's experimental nature is underscored by its unconventional structure, utilizing the harpsichord to create a distinctive, jazzy vibe. The saxophone adds a layer of depth, intertwining with the rhythm to produce a mood that's both introspective and lively. This track offers a refreshing, avant-garde twist that contrasts beautifully with the raw energy of the opening side.
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