Review: Danny Krivit's officially sanctioned re-edits of Earth Wind & Fire's "Brazilian Rhyme" and "Runnin" have been sought-after since they first appeared on a Japan-only 12" back in 2004. In fact, such is demand that even later bootleg pressings now go for silly money online. As this reissue proves, though, they're arguably amongst Krivit's strongest scalpel works. Certainly, his three-minute revision of the always too short "Brazilian Rhyme" teases it out to just the right length, in the process delivering a sweltering, sing-along summer anthem. The flipside revision of the equally as summery "Runnin" is every bit as good, with Krivit making merry with the original's life-affirming scat vocals and killer piano solos.
Review: Rewind to 1975, Brazilian supergroup Azymuth hit their richest creative vein with this self-titled full-length. Just as the band remain so themselves, this is still hugely relevant and ridiculously on-point considering it's 40 years on the clock. Proof can be found on every track from the sedative harmonic charms of the opener "Linha Do Horizonte", the raw slap bass funk, velvet keys and soaring synths on "Seems Like This" and the frenetic, almost techy mentality of "Wait For My Turn". An essential addition to any collection, this would have blown minds to pieces back in 1975.
Review: For the latest release on their on-point Brasil 45s sub-label, Mr Bongo takes a trip back to 1977, and the early days of legendary fusion outfit Banda Black Rio. Both the cuts here are taken from the band's brilliant debut album, Maria Fumaca, and see them fusing Brasilian samba and jazz sounds with the righteous, dancefloor-friendly grooves of funk and disco. "Maria Fumaca" itself is a deliciously sunny and sweaty affair, with punchy horns, eyes-closed guitar solos and jazz-funk electic piano lines rising above a carnival-ready samba-funk groove. The U.S funk influence comes to the fore more on flipside "Mr Funky Samba", which sounds like Azymuth jamming with members of the T.K Disco, Philadelphia International and Salsoul house bands. Yep, it's that good.
Review: Thanks to their superb collaborative album "Atemporal", many are now fully aware of the joint musical explorations of French band Cotonete and Brazilian singer Di Melo. That wasn't the case in early summer 2018 when their first single, "A.E.I.O.U", landed in stores. The record became a sleeper hit, was later remixed by Dimitri From Paris and is now given the re-press treatment. The original version (side A) is an inspired fusion of warm, breezy Brazilian disco and jaunty jazz-funk with one of the strongest, catchiest choruses we've heard in years. It's utterly ace all told, as is the more spacey and synth-laden B-side "Dub" mix. If you don't already own a copy, do yourself a favour and grab one of these.
Review: Cuban bandleader, composer and rumba magician Ramon Santamaria had a huge influence throughout his 40 year career, notably writing Coltrane's famous "Afro Blue". Here are two of many stand-out cuts from his 1963 album Watermelon Man! While most the album's focus was on his Herbie Hancock cover, it's tracks like these that really gave the album its spirit and unique character; "Yeh Yeh!" is a samba shaking horn-led cut laced with crackling percussion and party cries while "Get The Money" leans back with rhythm and blues sass and a rhythm that's as powerful as Ramon's legacy. Moneymaker shaking guaranteed.
Review: A vault of formerly unreleased Don Blackman material recently surfaced via the Chicago DJ/producer/digger Marc Davis, who in recent years struck up a relationship with the children of the mysterious New York pianist and songwriter. Now this wealth of jams finally gets released: 40 years' worth of unheard Blackman - cassettes, CDs, discs, reel-to-reels, paperwork, even VHS tapes - inevitably once more reignites the obsessive fan interest in his music, which sprang from its already-mystical cult status in the rare funk and soul-digging world.
Ruth Koleva - "Turn It Around" (Eric Lau remix) (4:28)
The Rebirth - "Caterpillar" (3:57)
Ron Trent - "Ori Space" (7:16)
Ian O'Brien - "Spiraling Prism" (6:25)
Quentin Kane & Simon Sheldon - "The Blue Room" (feat TK Blue - Kaidi Tatham Shokazulu remix) (7:13)
Numbers - "Moonblood" (IG SOS mix) (7:18)
Honey Sweet - "I Put A Spell On You" (feat Cindy Mizelle) (9:37)
Harry Whitaker - "The After Life" (part 2) (6:50)
Review: Two years ago, Volcov set our pulses racing with From The Archive, a superb selection of killer cuts from the depth of his notoriously impressive record collection. Volume 2 is equally as inspired, though the focus is a little different. Whereas Volcov previously chose to concentrate on soul, funk and disco, this edition is far more widescreen in scope. So, we get soaring soul-jazz bliss (Collective Peace's "Let The Music Play"), head-nodding hip-hop soul (Eric Lau remixing Ruth Koleva), futurist jazz-funk (Ron Trent's wild but brilliant "Ori Space"), soul-fired broken beat (Volcov's own re-edit of Xantone Blacq's vintage remix of Intuit's "Planet Birth"), impeccable soundscape jazz ("Lawra" by Tony Williams) and much more besides.
Review: This latest is a reissue of a Congress Productions EP featuring their seminal 'Neptune'. The much-sampled early 80s jazz-funk classic comes in original form next to two unreleased cuts. The first is a rare boogie cut 'Live It Up' that has been extended for more dancefloor heft having first been dropped under the D'aile' alias as a B-side. Then comes 'Kevin's Funk' which is named in reference to Incognito trumpet player Kevin Robinson, who played as part of a Congress-associated line-up for this session.
Review: Those who keep a keen eye on the contemporary British nu-jazz scene should already have encountered producer Tom Funk's The Sultan's Swing project. He's already released a trio of fine albums under the alias, each of which combines authentic jazz, jazz-funk and acid jazz instrumentation (provided courtesy of a rotating cast of guest musicians) with nods to trip-hop, downtempo, dub, Balearica and Latin beats. The Sultan's Swing Sessions, Funk's contribution to the Colin Curtis Presents series, takes a similar approach, with predictably excellent results. Our picks of a very strong bunch are the gently spaced-out dancefloor Latin jazz of 'Lotta Arlotto', the summery jazz-fusion of 'Hitchfunkers Slide To The Galaxy' and impeccable opener 'The New Beginning'.
Review: Naya Beat, which translates from Hindi as 'new beat', continues on its mission to unearth foundational sounds from the subcontinent and South Asian diaspora through reissues, remixes and compilations. On this new long player the label has tracked down the original stems and recordings of Puthli's most seminal albums, including 'The Devil is Loose', and has worked with her to select a series of producers to add their own spin to the vocal source material. As such we get plenty of sublime deep disco sounds with a real cosmic twist from the likes of Maurice Fulton, Psychemagik, Turbotito & Ragz and many more.
Review: In cahoots with legendary Japanese record store Jet Set, Freestyle Records has decided to offer-up a 45 featuring two tidy cuts from Lance Ferguson's Rare Groove Spectrum 2 album, a second set of inspired cover versions from the multi-instrumentalist, bandleader and producer. On side A the Melbourne-based musician gives his take on Azymuth classic 'Veo Sobre O Horizonte', re-imaging it as a starry, vintage synth-laden shuffle through sun-baked South American jazz-funk complete with woozy horns, Herbie Hancock keyes and eyes-closed female vocalizations. On the reverse Ferguson turns his hand to Carly Simon's 'Why', adding gorgeous horn solos and sunset-ready flourishes to a faithful re-recording of the reggae-influenced number's familiar groove.
Happening In The Streets (Domo rework 7" edit) (4:24)
Happening In The Streets (DJ Tool) (3:25)
Review: Domo Domo are the duo of Japanese sound engineer Yas Inoue and DJ Takaya Nagase, both based in New York. Their latest 'Happening In The Streets' pays due homage to jazz-funk supergroup The Voltage Brothers, who released their discographic standouts in the 70s and 80s. Two cleverly put-together edits of the eponymous rare groove original come with many filtrations, lengthenings, effects and sonic tweaks.
Review: Reserved for Record Store Day comes this exciting new doublet from brilliant Brazilian jazz-funkers Azymuth, in the form of both an extended mix of their enduring major hit single from 1979, 'Jazz Carnival', and a fresh remix by Yambee, the duo of Ashley Beedle and Yam Who?. The original track was a rare slice of instrumental funk music, dare say instrumental music at all, to climb the UK charts and remain in its upper echelons for a solid twenty weeks. Though its initial popularity was lengthy, it has since then gone underground, becoming a throwback favourite of the likes of Kerri Chandler, Mr. Scruff and Gilles Peterson, to name but a few icons to play it back out over the years.
Review: Original Gravity, Luchito Rodriguez and Nestor Alvarez return with yet two more Latin groove versions of funk and soul classics, emulating two sounds not yet brought together enough. 'Dap Walk' is a shot-by-shot cover of the song of the same name by Ernie And The Top Notes - a slick and slippery interpretation that translates the original AAVE of the song's intro into Spanish. 'El Barrio', meanwhile, opts for 70s crime thriller vibes, instrumentally verging on expressionism via djembe, brass sections and vibraslaps.
Review: Dego's latest album is a focused, strip down affair that benefits greatly from extensive lead vocals courtesy of his latest collaborator, rising star Samii. As you'd expect, a few other 2000 Black regulars (Matt Lord, Mr Mensah and Kaidi Tatham) also lend a hand here and there, adding extra layers of warming, jazz-funk influenced musicality to a set rooted in broken beat, modern soul and the jazzier end of the dancefloor spectrum. Highlights come thick and fast, with our picks of an inspired bunch including acid-flecked, deep broken soul number 'En Route', the classic Kaidi and Dego style jazz-funk business 'Proxima Centauri', the sun-soaked brilliance of 'Warp 7' and the neo-boogie excellence of 'Don't Stall'.
Review: James Gallardo & Sol released their collaborative debut album in 1975 in a burst of bright colour and next-level musicianship. There's a fiery, rockist spirit running through the over driven guitar cartwheeling through "Maranatha", but there's equal space for measured grooves and Gallardo's expressive horn playing. Mellower moments like "Patrice" let in a more soulful side of the project, while "El Que Se Fue" nods to the Latin roots of Sol. Expansive, bold and inventive, this is a treasure for jazz funk heads, marking the first official repress since the first copies slipped out many moons ago.
Review: Esperanto is widely heralded as a Venezuelan jazz-Ffsion masterpiece. It was first released in 1980 and is a real collector's item that is hard to find an expensive. French label Favourite now presents a first ever reissue of the eponymous LP that was recorded in Caracas by a number of talented musicians. It has strong Latin and funk overtones. Squelchy synth sounds and is a must-have for anyone interested in this fine fusion sound. The band started off playing jam sessions that grew ever more refined to the point that they eventually lay down this enduring masterclass.
Review: A warm welcome back to Bruno Hovart's Voilaaa project, traditionally a revivalist Afro-disco vehicle best known for 2015 dancefloor smash 'Spies Are Watching Me'. 'Fache', featuring Pat Kalla, explores similar sonic territory, with punchy Afrobeat horns, woozy chords and crunchy clavinet licks rising above a low-slung, hypnotic, dub disco-meets-Afro-boogie groove. It comes accompanied by a fine, effects-laden instrumental dub and a trio of similarly tasty bonus cuts: the warming, early garage-house and deep house influenced 'Trouble Travel' (featuring Jai-Nah), the languid, soulful and Latin-influenced 'Too Young To Die (featuring Olivia)' and the Afro-speckled disco-goes-jazz-funk loveliness of 'Trop Jeune Pour Sa'.
Review: Those who've been followed the nu-jazz sound closely over the last two decades should already be familiar with the work of Italian trumpeter Gerardo Frisina; after all, this is the Schema regular's eight studio set since the dawn of the century. In our opinion, Moving Ahead is also one of the best, with Frisina expanding on his usual Latin-jazz inspired sound via tracks that variously incorporate elements of samba house, West and East African drum music, jazz house, dub and tropical-tinged jazz-funk. Yet for all the subtle eclecticism, there are constant threads that run throughout, specifically densely packed percussion and Frisina's haunting trumpet and sax solos.
Review: Shokazulu's Vector Smector on 2000 Black is a compelling 7" release that blends nu-jazz and electronic rhythms. The title track, 'Vector Smector,' offers a smooth groove with a classy piano solo that weaves through a polished electronic rhythm section. It's a delightful fusion that balances sophistication with a laid-back vibe. On Side-2 ,'What You Gonna Say,' introduces a funky edge, incorporating crowd noise for added atmosphere. The spacey keyboard work enhances the track's immersive quality, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Despite its brief runtime, this 7" record delivers a powerful punch, showcasing Shokazulu's adeptness at blending genres and creating memorable, groove-laden music.
Groove Armada - "Fly Me To The Moon" (Exclusive Cover version) (4:01)
BRS - "Lovin' Me" (Dubtribe mix) (8:04)
Good Together - "(We Can) Work It Out" (Underwater Trumpet mix) (8:15)
Tim Love Lee - "Java Jam" (5:52)
Open Door - "Breathe" (6:18)
Kleeer - "Tonight" (5:06)
Roy Ayers - "The Memory" (4:33)
Metro Area - "Miura" (6:44)
Kimbu Kimra - "Raise The Dead" (Love From San Francisco dub) (5:52)
Don Ray - "Standing In The Rain" (6:33)
Al Green - "Truth N' Time" (3:39)
Shuggie Otis - "Strawberry Letter 23" (3:57)
Mr Fingers - "Can You Feel It" (5:48)
Aretha Franklin - "Day Dreaming" (3:50)
Loose Ends - "Feel The Vibe" (4:16)
Sir Patrick Moore - "Peepshow" (part 1 - Exclusive Spoken Word) (5:03)
Review: Groove Armada proven so adept at putting totters intimate late nigh sound tracks that they have made not one, not two, but three different entires into this legendary and long running series. And each one has its own equally special vibe. This one finds the pairing digging into the new York disco of Metro Area, the funk of Roy Ayers, the classic house of Mr Fingers and the gorgeousness of Shuggie Otis. It's as good an after the afterparty mix as you could wish to hear so we're delighted it is being reissue.
Review: The latest must-cop record from the good people at Big Crown is a real summer special. Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band serve up some seriously soul-enriching grooves, with the impossibly warm and good time vibes that come from steel drums on each and every one. The beats are rooted in funk, with fat bass and expressive horn work bring each one to life. There are sojourns into dub, disco and jazz, and the whole thing bris with so much character and personality that it cannot but put a smile on your face.
Review: Just What The World Needs returns to their own self-titled label with a 14th outing of fiery disco heat. This is potent music that melds together jazz, funk and soul with a lashing of synth goodness. The opener is a real driver with emotive gospel vocals and mad jazz keys. Second is a slower jam with a more dreamy feel then the flip side comes on strong with jazz say leading the way beneath vaping chords and funky, smooth drums. Last of all is a supercharged leftfield bomb with explosive cosmic synths and the sort of energy that stands out in any set.
Review: Mr. K Edits' latest release caters to roller skaters and groove enthusiasts alike. It features two mid-tempo tracks uniquely edited by the studio scalpel master himself as they make their debut on 45rpm. First is Rodney Franklin's 'Felix Leo,' which was originally overshadowed by his hit 'The Groove.' It unfolds with hypnotic chords trimmed to their essence and unfolds at a gradual, majestic pace with captivating and lush strings making it all the immersive. Second up is Prince's early gem 'In Love' which showcases his instrumental prowess with drums, bass, guitar, and creamy synth lines. Mr. K extends the mix seamlessly, enhancing its danceable rhythm and timeless appeal with his usual class.
Srirajah Sound System - "Si Phan Don Lovers Rock" (feat Molam Inteng Keawbuala) (4:56)
Perikas - "Laberinto" (4:01)
Mac Thornhill - "No Way To Control It" (5:14)
King B - "Love Is Crazy" (6:48)
L'Innovateur Djoe Ahmed & Le Zoukabyle - "Amek Amek" (4:36)
Champagn' - "Bel Ti Negress" (4:56)
Androo - "Lyriso" (6:30)
Hidrogenesse - "La Carta Era Muy Larga" (5:31)
Kajou - "Tet Chaje" (6:10)
Conjunto Baluartes - "Nira Gongo" (2:56)
Land Shark - "Tie Me Up" (The Nas-T version instrumental) (6:27)
Pellegrin El Kady - "Seiva De Carnaval" (6:17)
Lee Jackson Band - "Call On Me" (6:54)
LTA (Love The Action) - "What Comes To Ya?" (6:59)
Urban Volcano Sounds - "Ame No Uta (Rain Song)" (New extended version) (5:45)
Review: For the last decade, John Gomez and Nick The Record's freewheeling Tangent parties have proved popular in London, offering dancers the chance to shake their stuff to a wide selection of superb (and normally insanely rare) records over a high quality soundsystem. The pair's first Tangent compilation, which arrives via Mr Bongo, naturally offers a superb reflection of their approach and is packed with must-have cuts. For proof, check the proto-house era dubbed-out boogie of King B's 'Love Is Crazy', the sun-splashed Brazilian gorgeousness of 'Laberinto' by PERIKAS, the spaced-out headiness of Hidrogenese's 'La Carta Era Muy Larga (Dub)', the heavy batacuda business of 'Nira Gongo' by Conjuto Baluartes' and the dub disco-flecked, deep house brilliance of LTA's 'What Comes To Ya'.
Commodores - "Girl, I Think The World About You" (4:34)
Rufus & Chaka Khan - "Once You Get Started" (4:27)
Johnny Hammond - "Fantasy" (7:26)
Ramsey Lewis - "Whisper Zone" (3:01)
Leon Ware - "What's Your Name" (4:12)
Ashford & Simpson - "Stay Free" (5:24)
Kleeer - "Tonight's The Night" (7:12)
Dexter Wansel - "I'll Never Forget (My Favourite Disco)"
Sister Sledge - "Pretty Baby"
Jose Feliciano - "California Dreamin'"
Dexter Wansel - "Life On Mars"
Lalo Schifrin - "Theme From Enter The Dragon" (main Title) (2:17)
Marvin Gaye - "Here, My Dear" (2:49)
Patrice Rushen - "Music Of The Earth" (3:52)
Brian Blessed - "The White City" (part 3) (10:39)
Review: The Late Night Tales series is an absolute bastion of late-night parties back at yours after a heavy club session, or maybe even on a Sunday morning to welcome you to a day of being hungover. Everyone who is everyone had made their entry over the years and used the chance to show off a different side to their sound and that is just what cosmic disco funkster Jamiroquai did when he stopped up. Now his fine choices get pressed up to four sides of vinyl for this fine reissue.
Review: House music has been huge in South Africa for some time, and not just in the underground but everywhere - it can be heard on radio, bleeding from car stereos and out of boomboxes all over the townships. It has its own distinctive twist and influences and some of those are explored on this new Voom Voom 12", which is just the second from this label. It features different remixes of two originals and all are steeped in sun-drenched synths, with funky Afro rhythms underpinning the lush vocals. A heart warming EP of real house depth.
Review: Publicity-shy re-editor Guest has been responsible for some fine re-edits on the Cuts imprint, including this two-track drop of 'mini edits'. What's on offer is summery, sun-splashed and light-touch, edit wise, with the shadowy producer merely rearranging the two cuts to emphasise certain sections and omit others. The results are impressive, particularly A-side 'Breezy Lady', a slap bass-propelled, spiritually enriching rework of an old Japanese jazz-funk gem smothered in luscious orchestration and loose-limbed drumming. On 'Central Timing', Guest turns their attention to a superb slab of electro-not-electro (think Alan Parsons Project mixed with Cat Stevens' 'Was Dog A Doughnut') from 1982, turning the track into a cosmic, break-sporting dancefloor classic-in-waiting.
Debbie Cameron & Richard Boone - "Stop Foolin' Yourself" (3:14)
A Bossa Eletrica - "Sob A Luz Do Sol" (5:06)
Guillermo Reuter - "Mr Jenkins" (3:37)
Jean Marc Jafet - "Offering" (5:47)
Jon Lucien - "Come With Me To Rio" (4:13)
Sonzeira - "The Mystery Of Man" (Rainer Truby & Corrado Bucci presents Truccy remix) (8:23)
Grupo Ebano - "Pe No Chao" (3:31)
Review: This is a new compilation album by the German DJ and producer Rainer Truby, coming as the sixth installment of the Glucklich series, which aims to showcase the best in contemporary jazz and jazz-adjacent music on an international scale. It's the latest to top up a longstanding series, which has been going since 1994. What one might call nu-jazz, broken beat and nu-soul appears across as string of contributions from the likes of Kyoto Jazz Massive, Nicola Conte, Jazzanova, Quantic and more on this slinky curator's gem.
Isabela (feat Elza Soares & Cesar Camargo Mariano) (3:57)
Irere (feat Gilberto Gil) (5:18)
Samba Nova (4:13)
Quem Vem La (feat Marcio Local) (3:49)
Deixa Estar (feat Aleh) (4:34)
Lindos Olhos (feat Seu Jorge & Don Pixote) (3:45)
Aos Pes Do Redentor (feat Caetano Veloso) (3:27)
Review: Brazilian heavyweights Seu Jorge, Marcio Local, Elza Soares and Cesar Camargo Mariano all make up the legendary Banda Black Rio band. This was their much anticipate comeback album originally put out in 2001. Far Out have now secured reissue rights and serve up a special edition with two tracks that have never previously been on vinyl. They are 'Irere (feat. Gilberto Gil)' and 'Aos Pes Do Redentor (feat. Caetano Veloso)' and they sit with silky jazz-soul gems like 'Louis Lane' and contemporary samba jams like 'Samba Nova' with some exquisite guitar playing.
Review: Jeroboam serves up the tongue-in-cheek title 'Brexit Funk' on Chuwanaga and is sure to get you moving as a result. There is some serious sunshine and Brit-funk loveliness to the title track. It is lit up with vibes keys and irresistible funk basslines that all brim with good-time fun. 'Peckham Night' is a more sultry and steamy sound for when the sun is setting thanks to its lazy drums and splashy cymbals all topped with some smoky trumpet soul. A dub mix rounds out with even deeper-cut grooves and romantic melodies. Three grown-up delights for sure.
To Be As One (feat Theo Croker - Venom remix) (6:17)
Lazy Days (feat Emma Jean Thackray - Wallace remix) (8:00)
Review: Str4ta is a joint project that includes Gilles Peterson and Jean-Paul Maunick aka Bluey, inspired by 80s Brit funk bands. In 2022, Str4ta released their third album Str4tasfear for Gilles's label, Brownswood Recordings and this 12" stamped white label offers two dance remixes of two tracks from Str4tasfear. For the A-side, 'To Be As One' is remixed by Venom with vocal by Theo Croker. This soulful house version is jazzy and slightly psychedelic, that gives off a tremendous 70s vibe to it, while the second side sees 'Lazy Days' is remixed by Wallace, adding a bit more of a Latin house feel and features Emma Jean Thackray on vocals. Both versions turn the originals into the perfect dancefloor shufflers for eclectic people. This is the perfect 12" for house, soul and Latin DJs to express their more jazzy side.
T Funk Collective - "Since I Fell For You" (feat Mali) (4:01)
Atomphunk - "Come Boogie" (feat SI Brad) (4:03)
Review: The story goes that T Funk Collective were formed during lockdown after the wealth of time offered by the anti-pandemic measure allowed Manchester DJ T2Funk to hone and streamline his crate-digging chops - leading naturally to the formation of a collective of producers and turntablists, who now contribute their own modern funk bits to their very own label. 'Since I Fell For You' is a quality, hi-fi instrumental funk number suited for DJs and dancers alike. You'll be hard-pressed to find anything less inhibition-melting for some time.
Review: Marcos Valle's extraordinary life is marked by international fame, political upheaval and diverse musical achievements. Rising to fame overnight, he evaded a military dictatorship and the Vietnam War draft, had his music featured on The Simpsons, and became an unexpected fitness icon. With 22 studio albums since 1962, his work spans bossa nova, samba, disco, rock, and more and compositions have been recorded by legends like Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan, and sampled by Jay-Z and Kanye West. Valle's latest album, Tunel Acustico, brings together his eclectic sound with tracks like 'Feels So Good' and 'Life Is What It Is,' reimagined with fresh arrangements and contributions from prominent Brazilian artists. The album also includes a tribute to Burt Bacharach, so what's not to love?
Thandi Zulu & The Young Five - "Love Games" (9:36)
Tony Wilson - "Hangin' Out In Space" (dub mix) (6:16)
JC Lodge - "In Between The Sheets" (4:02)
Soyuz - "Spring Has Sprung" (feat Asha Puthli & Sven Wunder) (2:08)
Review: Mr Bongo Record Club's Volume 7 presents a meticulously crafted mix of classic favourites and exciting new finds spanning a broad array of genres, including Brazilian, Latin, soul, disco, gospel, cosmic, dancehall and downtempo. This series has fans of the label excited about each volume that comes. With standout tracks like Os Panteras' Brazilian funk, the underground disco vibes of Claude Jay, and the soulful melodies of the Danish duo Gitte & Inger. Truth & Devotion's gospel soul and Chain Reaction's infectious grooves further illustrate the diverse range of influences at play. This volume particularly emphasises Brazilian music, diving deeper into folk and Afro-Brazilian sounds with selections from As Sublimes, Romeu Fernandes, and Conjunto de Percussao Dora Pinto. These tracks offer a refreshing shift from earlier volumes and showcase Brazil's rich musical heritage. A highlight is the exclusive 'Spring Has Sprung,' a collaboration between legendary Asha Puthli, the inventive band SOYUZ, and Swedish producer Sven Wunder. This track exemplifies the high-quality productions Mr Bongo Record Club is known for. Volume 7 blends Brazilian depth with dancefloor-ready hits, such as The Shades of Love's 'Come Inside.' This collection celebrates both timeless and contemporary music, reflecting the enduring allure of diverse and dynamic sounds.
Review: Favorite Recordings returns with the second edition of its compilation series: Fusion Global Sounds. Comprising eight rare and hidden tracks produced between 1976 and 1984 in various parts of the world, this hot-off-the-plate comp delivers a mighty-fine array of dynamic, soul-feeding jazz, soul, disco, jazz and funk delicacies. As a fine collector of jazz-funk and fusion for many years, curator Charles Maurice can be credited for sourcing the ingredients for and cooking up this fine spread of forgotten entrees, this time brought together by a common Brazilian influence.
Review: Many will know Teaspoon & The Waves' incredible 'Oh Yeh Soweto' - a brilliant Afro-disco riff on Lamont Dozier's 'Going Back To My Roots' that has appeared on countless compilations and re-edit releases over the years - but fewer have heard the rest of the tracks on the South African band's incredible 1977 debut album (in part because original copies are rather hard to find). To those people, we'll say this: check out this Mr Bongo reissue right now! Blending Afro-jazz with jazz-funk, soul, deep funk and disco, every single track is a winner, with highlights including the celebratory 'Friday Night', the dazzling, duelling solos and heavy percussion of 'Saturday Express' and the life-affirming brilliance of 'Got Me Tight'.
Review: This 7" vinyl marks the inauguration of the new Konbini Klassics label and it features expertly curated city pop and funk gems from Japan's golden era. The A-side offers 1983's 'Do What You Do' which is a relaxed synth-driven track with irresistibly catchy vocals. On the B-side you can enjoy the sounds of Cosmos, the all-female supergroup who deliver their slap-funk classic 'Midnight Shuffle' with its big horns, funky bass and twinkling synth melodies. A perfect 45 rpm gem, this release brings Japan's iconic sounds back to life and then some.
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