Funk / Reissue Recommendations November 2013

Review: Following 2012's fourth volume that celebrated the existential work of Tim Maia, here we find Luaka Bop exploring the legacy of William Onyeabor. A high chief and Kenyan diplomat who allegedly refuses to discuss his music, he self-released eight albums in the 70s and 80s and these are some of the many highlights. Stretching from the New York-influenced post-punk synth funk of "Good Name" to the most authentic Afro fusion of "Why Go To War", Onyeabor's range not only reflects his clear creative skill, but also the ever-developing international language of music during the fruitful period he was active. Who is William Onyeabor? Press play and find out yourselves...

Review: It's unofficial 'let's remember how great Pilooski is' week! The Frenchman's excellent robo-funking take on LCD Soundsystem's 45:33 was the subject of a much needed reissue via DFA's White Out series and now the dinked Originals label offers up one of Pilooski's best edits. Whilst that Frankie Valli edit might have brought Cedric Marszewski to great acclaim when it featured on the Adidas advert that inspired this record label series, let's not forget there were much better examples of his masterful craft on those Dark & Lovely 12"s that started surfacing in 2006. Chief amongst them was his barn-storming take on "Send Him Back" by The Pointer Sisters that deftly upped the dynamism of the original via some subtle handclaps, beefed up low end and killer looping. It will remain a certified dancefloor killer for many years to come.

Review: This seven from the Originals label perfectly encapsulates what the series is all about, pairing a track whose elements have been sampled numerous times over with perhaps the best example of how it was musically reinterpreted. Even if you don't know "Up Above The Rock", the title track from the 1968 LP by Philadelphia based jazz pianist and composer Ray Bryant, by name you'll immediately recognise it's distinctive break and piano riff. This latter element was incorporated superbly on the early 90s hip hop cut "On The Run" from Kool G Rap and DJ Polo which lines the B Side, slowed down somewhat but still distinctively the work of Bryant.

Review: From the creative, crate-digging minds of the Supafrico imprint, Supalatino digs deep into rich annals of South American disco and funk to present five previously rare-as-hen's-teeth floor fillers. Highlights include Ray Barretto's extended cover of Stevie Wonder's "Pastime Paradise", Marcia Maria's seductive, off-beat vocal delivery on "Meu Amigo Branco" and the soul jazz fusion of "Sunny", a track that's gave the house scene a very well-known brass sample. Heavenly.

Review: Commencing on Record Store Day last year, Ubiquity's Luv N'Haight Edit series has wisely taken a universal approach calling on everyone from Pitchfork darling Nico Jaar to Gifted & Blessed via Carlos Nino to rework material from the label's Luv N'Haight catalogue. Volume 6 arrives and it's the turn of Sun Sound Records owner, edit master and renowned record collector Paolo Scotti to dig through the Luv N'Haight. Scotti's focus lands on two Turner Brothers jams in the shape of "Running In The Rain" and "Cause I Love You" and his reworks in cahoots with Giacomo Silvestri echo the edits of disco days gone by - think Walter Gibbons, John Morales. Originals of both tracks are here should you feel the need for immediate comparison.

Review: ** SUOHNO REPRESS **Two gorgeous re-edits here from Italian funk stallion Suonho. "Ghetto 74" takes the Leroy Hutson standard and tones down the flare-swinging, sideburn sizzling bravado for much more of a liquid groove. On the B we see him giving George Benson similar treatment but with more of a jazzy, deep house vibe. Two well selected ghetto makeovers; this is a very clever package.

Review: Taken from their forthcoming fourth album Chrome Waves, Dutch funksters Kraak & Smaak team up with Get Cape Wear Cape Fly's Sam Duckworth for this undeniably catchy pop gem. Peppered with disco bubbles and the trio's now-trademark pristine production, it's one of those tracks you'll be whistling for hours after you've heard it. For something a little deeper and dubbier head for Yesking's more sedate, meditative mix. A fine introduction to their album, Kraak & Smaak never disappoint.

Review: Classic alert !! Album only track get's a timely repress as a one sided 45 for specialist crossover dance floors the world over.

Review: Promoting his limited vinyl series from the 7" league to the 12" premiership, Diesler's Buried Treasure brand provides its biggest beat bounty to date. Charged with a thriving sense of turbo funk and broken beat mischief, each cut screams carnival and peak time perkiness. The tight horn harmonies and percussive textures of "Smokin Jo Crow"; the slower, seductive boogie-based jam "In The Loop"; the tight, jazzed out Bugz-style stomps of "Rokko Loko"; the acid wiggles and tropical riddim of "Lullaby"... Every aspect of this extensive release sparkles with sonic soul.