Funk charts

Review: Whether the 42 full-length tracks showcased on this four-CD set really are 'the greatest soul, funk and disco' 12" singles of the 1970s and 80s is open to debate, but there's no denying that it's a fantastic collection of classic cuts and dancefloor anthems from the pre-house era. Much of it will be familiar - see Earth, Wind & Fire's 'Boogie Wonderland', McFadden & Whitehead's 'Ain't No Stopping Us Now', Freeez's 'Southern Freez', Chic's 'Good Times' and so on - but there's no denying the quality. What it really delivers is an instant party-starting set of guaranteed floor-fillers from the 70s and 80s that touches not only on disco, soul and funk, but also jazz-funk, boogie and 80s soul. Plus, any compilation that features Hi-Tension's 'Hi-Tension' is alright by us!

Review: Rufus and Chaka Khan's final stretch balances the unfiltered funk of their live performances with the studio polish of their later work. Their live recordings deliver an electrifying set, reworking classics like 'Tell Me Something Good' and 'Sweet Thing' into extended, groove-heavy jams. 'Ain't Nobody' stands outinot just as the lead single but as a masterclass in electro-funk, pairing airtight drum programming with Chaka's soaring vocal for a career-defining moment. Their studio material shifts towards sleek 80s production, offering a more restrained but still soulful contrast. A dynamic farewell from an era-defining partnership.

Review: This definitive triple-disc collection celebrates the pioneering spirit and musical evolution of Brass Construction, a band that consistently pushed boundaries and redefined the landscape of r&b. Spanning their ten albums, this compilation features 43 essential tracks, from the horn-laden funk of their debut to the synth-pop futurism of their final offering. Along the way, they touched upon disco, Latin jazz, rock and boogie funk, showcasing their restless creativity and mastery of diverse styles. Key tracks include the iconic 'Movin'', 'Changin'', and 'Ha Cha Cha', as well as the soulful 'L-O-V-E-U' and the infectious 'Partyline'. With detailed sleeve notes by Charles Waring, this collection is a must-have for any fan of r&b and a testament to Brass Construction's enduring legacy.

Review: The comprehensive five-CD set celebrating George Duke's illustrious solo career from 1977 to 2000 is a treasure box for fans and newcomers alike. Encompassing his prolific years with Epic Records and Warner Brothers, this collection features 87 tracks that showcase Duke's unparalleled versatility across genres. From funky hits like 'Dukey Stick' and 'Say That You Will' to the soulful grooves of 'Shine On' and the infectious rhythms of 'Sweet Baby' from the Clarke/Duke Project, every facet of Duke's musical genius shines through. Included are standout tracks from his Elektra Records era, including highlights from albums like 'Thief In The Night' and his self-titled 1986 release. Duke's ability to effortlessly traverse jazz, funk, soul and beyond shows his innovation in music. With insightful sleeve notes by journalist Charles Waring, this collection pays homage to Duke's legacy as a virtuoso who defied genre boundaries and left an indelible mark on the music world. His passing in 2013 marked the end of an era, but his music ensures that his influence will endure for generations to come.