Funk / Reissue Recommendations October 2012

Review: We like stories here at Juno HQ, especially ones as wild, funky and freaky as Roy's. The late, great jazz man Porter collaborated with the likes of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, survived wild drug addictions, been in and out of prison and is widely recognised as one of the chief instigators of 'future jazz'. His Sound Machine contributions can be found at the latter end of his discography. Mellowing somewhat with age, this selection shows more signs of jazz funk than the more experimental stuff that really put him on the map. Soothing, easy-going and sometimes heart-punching poignant and reflective, this is a fine introduction to of one of modern music's most unsung characters.

Review: If we said 'a Latin funk cover of Michael Jackson's "Bad"' what would you say? If the answer is anything other than 'WTF? I need that in my life' we are officially worried about you. Who wouldn't want that? Not to let the cheeky b-side outshine the A, "Feelings" is a Banda Achilifunk original; rolling with a rhythm n' blues motif and some fly Spanish lyrics, it's feel good party joint with heaps of distinction.

Review: Upfront to Juno, this is some truly irresistible hip swaying instrumental Hammond organ funk heaven from The Sugarman 3, who have been rocking dancefloors since 1998 . With "Dirty Water" we get a 1960's R&B/Mod arrangement with soaring tenor saxophone, while on the flipside there's a low down instrumental funk-inspired blues number, heavy with emotion and screeching at every possible twist and turn.

Review: Some fine Dutch funk right here. Don Gardner cover "My Baby Likes To Boogaloo" originally surfaced on Juicebox's Popcorn 69 album in 2006 and, rumour has it, the band took six years to put it out on 7" because they were busy entering their baby in dance-offs around the world! Either way, it's saturated in a fine lo-fi fuzz, dripping in R&B authenticity. Meanwhile on the flip we find a cover of Booker T's "Heart & Soul". A Hammond stroking instrumental with a slinky low-swung groove, it's the perfect counter to title track.

Review: Solidarity marks a welcome return to the studio from Canadian six-piece The Souljazz Orchestra following an extended break for touring. As with previous outings, the 10 tracks bristle with summery intent, mixing heavy bottom end pressure with piercing horns and authentically fuzzy vocals. The production makes it sound authentically 1970s, as if it was recorded in some cheap West African studio. Given the band's love of Afro-funk and Afro-beat - as well as the sort of psychedelic afro-jazz that so enthuses record collectors - it's a wise move. If anything, it makes the album even more desirable; certainly, there's an authenticity to The Souljazz Orchestra that can't be denied.