THE MR K EDITS レコード& CD

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.

Review: The crucial Mr K is back with a special repress for Record Store Day 2024. This one throws it back to his two superb edits of Kratwerk's 'Trans Euro Express' which is cited often as the start of techno. Side A offers stripped-down, bare drum bones, with naked drums shaped into futuristic fusion, while Part II adds synthetic context. Deconstructing Kraftwerk's original sci-fi masterpiece at a slow, smouldering pace, it presents a classic in an entirely new light. This release unlocks doors of serious DJ creativity and should be snapped up quickly before it's gone again.

Review: The wonderful Mr K is back with more edit magic on his own Most Excellent label, this time adding his own spin to 'Wela Wela', a hard edge and raw funk cut from Black Blood, a band of musicians from central Africa but who were based in Belgium. This one was never a hit back in the day for some reason but is built on a killer groove that Mr K reworks and tweaks for more suitable dance floor deployment. It was formerly on his Grass Roots record but now makes its way to a handy 7". On the flip is 'Komi Ke Kenam (Fish & Funjee)' which has tough breaks and funk bass that will ensure 'floors get down and dirty.

Review: Legendary DJ and edit king Mr K is back on Most Excellent Unlimited with the latest in their essential collaborative series. As always this is a slab of wax that offers up two gorgeous cuts that have been skilfully cut down to a maximum 7" 45rpm format. The first is Luther Vandross's 'Funky Music (Is a Part of Me)' which David Bowie later reworked to become one of his many hit singles 'Fascination.' In its original form, it has rickety soul grooves and lavish stings next to the soaring vocals. The tune second is Zulema's 'Giving Up' which has a dramatic intro, Mr K remasters it and allows the rolling piano, great string ensemble and guitar sounds to really cut through clearly. Two bonafide dancefloor delights.

Review: The legendary edit king Mr. K is back with more of his trademark sonic treatments here, this time focussing on some lick funk sounds from the Motor City. His mid-tempo selections on this Detroit-themed 7" open-up with G.C. Cameron, a Motown mainstay with a wide vocal range as demonstrated on this classic rare groove cut, 'No Matter Where.' On the backside is more rare groove from Detroit but this time from the 80s and Candye Edwards's 'Time Is What You Need.' Edwards was part of the Detroit funk powerhouse One Way and through that got connected with songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kevin McCord. They cooked up real gold together on a solo debut album with this being the standout cut from it. Perfect for warm outdoor dancing.

Review: Most Excellent Unlimited has now been serving up these collaborations with master editor Danny Krivit for some time, but they never grow old. The New York-based Body and Soul mainstay this time looks to Euro-disco maestro Alec Constandinos to kick off with. 'Love & Kisses' was one of his earliest works and took up a whole side of vinyl but here becomes a more compact cut with funky vibes, bass breakdowns to die for and fine a cappella to close. The legendry Donna Summer's 'Heaven Knows' then gets the Mr K treatment on the flip and becomes a horn-led and ecstatic trip to the heavens that will leave dancefloors in raptures.