Colemine US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Harlem-raised Gloria Barnes got her big break after a couple of her early recordings became big hits on the UK Northern Soul scene. Her sole album, 1971's Uptown, has long been an in-demand item amongst collectors, regularly fetching four-figure sums when copies do occasionally change hands. Here the album gets reissued for the first time, allowing those without money to burn to enjoy its rich and evocative mix of Northern style dancefloor stompers, heart aching torch songs and downtempo soul shufflers. The quality of Barnes' vocals naturally impresses throughout, but the musical backing - provided at different points by the Hustlers, the Disciples and Ohio Players - is every bit as beguiling.

Review: We're not sure of the back-story of Devlon Lamarr's eponymous trio, but this debut album for Colemine is an absolute killer. Lamarr is a virtuoso organist, and it's jammed-out Hammond organ and electric piano solos that naturally take centre stage throughout. That said, both drummer David McGraw and guitarist Jimmy James play their part throughout, with the former's ambidextrous fills and the latter's raw licks also catching the ear throughout. Musically, the tracks range from Meters-style heavy funk and lounge soul workouts to a range of cuts more heavily influenced by the blues of John Lee Hooker and the similarly instrumental brilliance of Booker T and the MGs.

Review: Kelly Finnigan's A Lover Was Born channels the raw energy and emotion of classic Midwest soul, evoking the spirit of labels like King and Curtom with a contemporary twist. The Monophonics frontman offers a collection of tracks that blend gritty passion with heartfelt elegance, transforming deep emotions into something virtuous and timeless. Following his 2019 solo debut The Tales People Tell, Finnigan's new album marks the culmination of years of creative growth, punctuated by a string of projects, including Monophonics releases and collaborative work with other artists. Recorded across California, Ohio, and Staten Island, A Lover Was Born sees Finnigan partnering with longtime friends and collaborators like Max and Joe Ramey, Jimmy James, and Sergio Rios, to craft its rich sound. The album is a variety of influences, with tracks like 'Get a Hold of Yourself' and 'Chosen Few' featuring Northern Soul's stomping energy, while slower, soulful cuts like 'Let Me Count the Reasons' and 'Count Me Out' showcase Finnigan's tender side. His voice, echoing the rawness of Otis Redding and David Ruffin, brings depth to every song, seamlessly blending soul's past with a fresh, modern sensibility.

Review: The Harlem Gospel Travelers' new album, Rhapsody, marks a dynamic return for the trio, composed of Ifedayo Gatling, Dennis Bailey, and George Marage. Following their well-received 2022 release Look Up!, Rhapsody dives into a rich, often overlooked era of gospel music, blending traditional elements with influences from soul and funk. The inspiration behind Rhapsody came when Eli "Paperboy Reed," the group's mentor and friend, suggested they explore and reinterpret tracks from the Numero Group's Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal. The result is a collection that spans from the spirited soul of 'God's Been Good to Me' to the hip-hop-tinged 'Get Involved,' showcasing the group's ability to transcend the conventional boundaries of gospel. Originally formed as a quartet, the group reconfigured as a trio, bringing Bailey into the fold before recording Look Up!. Their journey began when Gatling and Marage met while studying under Reed, leading to the release of their debut album, He's On Time, in 2019, which garnered praise and attention from the likes of Elton John.Rhapsody is a project that not only honors the gospel tradition but also pushes it forward, offering a sound that is both rooted in history and refreshingly contemporary.

Review: Karate Boogaloo are pioneers of Melbourne's cinematic instrumental soul scene, with roots deeply entrenched in the city's DIY soul movement, the quartet's musical journey from high school pals to seasoned collaborators evident in their cohesive sound. Following their acclaimed release Carn The Boogers, Hold Your Horses offers a distinct blend of instrumental funk that we find irresistible. Recorded live with a strict no overdubs policy, the album captures the band's raw energy and tight-knit chemistry. Each track seamlessly flows into the next, blending tension, melody, and funk. Bassist Henry Jenkins, the mastermind behind the band's sound, leads the recording and mixing process, ensuring a consistent sonic aesthetic across the College Of Knowledge catalogue. The collaborative songwriting approach allows the band to expand upon their strengths as musicians and friends. Stylistically, Hold Your Horses draws inspiration from deep funk, European film music and instrumental soul, showcasing a restrained yet dynamic instrumental palette.

Review: Karate Boogaloo's latest album, Hold Your Horses, offers a captivating collection of original instrumental tunes from Melbourne, Australia's vibrant soul scene. The album's lead single 'One Hand One Bounce' sets the tone with its spacious and introspective vibe, all moody dynamics that draw the listener in. Drawing from influences like Booker T & The MG's and The Meters, Karate Boogaloo infuse their music with a blend of cinematic tension, whimsical melodies, and eerie discordance, all underpinned by heavy funk grooves. The band's chemistry, developed over 15+ years of friendship and musical collaboration, shines through each track, creating a cohesive, immersive listening experience. Recorded live with no overdubs, Hold Your Horses captures the raw energy and spontaneity of Karate Boogaloo's performances. The instrumental palete, limited to drums, guitar, bass and organ, establishes a consistent tone while allowing for neat shifts and nuanced execution.

Review: Parlor Greens' debut album, In Green We Dream, is a prime example of the raw energy and collaborative spirit that defines their sound. Comprised of seasoned musicians Tim Carman on drums, Jimmy James on guitar, and Adam Scone on organ, this organ trio from Colemine Records dives headfirst into a rich blend of jazz, soul, and funk. The album bursts with vintage vibes reminiscent of Blue Note and Prestige records, yet infused with their distinct flair. From the lively groove of 'Parlor Strut,' where Jimmy James's guitar work shines with rhythm and precision, to the soulful sway of 'Sugar Maple,' each track features their musical chemistry and individual strengths. Adam Scone's masterful command of the organ adds depth and soulfulness throughout, drawing from his extensive experience in the soul revival scene. Recorded at Colemine's Portage Lounge, the album captures the spontaneity and magic of their initial jam session, yielding ten original compositions and a cover, all delivered with infectious energy and tight musicianship. In Green We Dream not only pays homage to their influences like Grant Green and The Meters but also establishes Parlor Greens as a band to look out for in contemporary music.

Review: Parlor Greens' debut album, In Green / We Dream, is an exhilarating entry into heavy instrumental music. This fresh organ trio, featuring Tim Carman (GA-20) on drums, Jimmy James (True Loves, formerly Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio) on guitar, and Adam Scone (Scone Cash Players, The Sugarman 3) on organ, delivers a masterful blend of soul, jazz, and funk. Scone's impeccable organ work, honed through years of soul jazz and Daptone sessions, pairs perfectly with James' signature funky guitar and Carman's rock-solid, blues-infused drumming. Recorded at Colemine Records' new Portage Lounge studio in Loveland, Ohio, the chemistry was immediate. Within minutes of plugging in, the trio wrote and recorded 'West Memphis,' setting the tone for the rest of the album. Over three days, they crafted 11 tracks - ten originals - capturing a raw, soulful energy straight to tape. The result is a stunning collection of music, mixed beautifully for a vintage yet fresh sound. In Green / We Dream is a fantastic debut, showcasing Parlor Greens' collective genius and undeniable groove.

Review: Thee Sinseers' debut album, Sinseerly Yours, cements their cult status among soul enthusiasts. Led by Joey Quinones, the East Los Angeles band crafts a unique blend of retro soul, low rider ballads, and contemporary R&B. The singles 'Can't Do That To Her' and 'Hold On' showcase their range from upbeat 60s harmonies to somber, old-school ballads. The album's ten tracks offer more of this delightful variety, with highlights like the lush 'Keep On Calling,' 'Give It Up You Fool,' and the title track, reminiscent of the 60s Impressions. Quinones' falsetto evokes the soul of Mark Greene, adding to the intoxicating sound. A standout surprise is 'Taking Back,' a honking-sax instrumental with a live, party vibe. Described as "vintage blissful soul," Sinseerly Yours is poised to be one of the standout soul albums of the year.