Cannonball Italy Vinyl & CDs

Review: Leon Cook once said, "I think every musician should have the experience of being on the road with a teacher, like I was. (Jazz) is something that teaches you not only how to play your instrument but it teaches you how to be a person." Considering his craft a lifelong practice, 'Steppin' In' exemplifies this outlook. The song, originally licensed from the obscure Ohio guitarist's mega-limited LP 'Cookin' With Leon Cook', shows off his deft production, guitarwork and vocal style, and reflects on a once-lost relationship. The B-side, meanwhile, hears the relationship rekindled. Clearly, just as Cook implied, time heals all wounds, just as it teaches.

Review: The Delights were somewhat unsung heroes from the peak days of the Philly Soul scene back in the 60s and 70s. The local talents were first known as The Twilights and only recorded three demos in their early years though they did land on Phil-L.A of Soul in the mid-seventies. The musicians in the band did also work on several other records with other artists so had plenty of chops as this new 45rpm shows. It features 'Now We're Sure' with soaring vocal harmonies and lovely funky bass next to smooth drum work. The instrumental allows that to shine through even more.

Review: The blistering, one-of-a-kind West Coast disco-funk record 'U Need Me' by LA Propinquity surfaces as part of a new body of historic productions initially intended for compilation on a full-length LP. For reasons undisclosed, this never happened; instead, Italian sonic exhumers Cannonball Records have been afforded the privilege of reissuing these tracks across a series of 7"s themselves. Hardly and criminially under-recognised in their day, the L.A. Propinquity were nonetheless composed of the angelic city's finest, with drummer James Gadson forming a prominent part. A blast from the 1970s, 'U Need Me' is a beaming slice of unrequited longing, set to delicious funk tones that are as maximized as they are unstrained.

Review: After a sterling run of 7" soul cuts last year, Cannonball get straight back to it with this supremely rare slice from Split Evolution. The Chicago group had some hits in the late 70s and early 80s, but this one slipped through the cracks. Dave Morley from Tesla Groove Records procured a test pressing of this original which had never enjoyed a wider release until now, as sister label Cannonball presses it up for widespread enjoyment. It's a powerful, beautifully rendered slice of soul from the easy-tempo funk of 'Bedroom Eyes' to pitch-perfect B-side 'Let Me Do It', and the ever-devoted soul community will be quick to snap this one up for sure.