Review: Masterminded by Jeff Dynamite Silverman, 10th Street is an all-star studio band comprised of some of NYC's best disco, funk and soul musicians of the last two decades (including members of Antibalas, the Dap-Kings, The Expressions and El Michels Affair). The collective's self-titled debut album, which dropped earlier this year, is a genuine must-listen and offers a near perfect distillation of disco, soul and funk flavours of the 1970s. This 7" single sports two of that set's standout cuts: hazy, mid-tempo, laidback disco-funk number 'Livin' In New York City', where Blaxploitation guitar licks, spacey synths, sustained organ chords and eyes-closed female vocals catch the ear, and the weightier, more percussive and undeniably dancefloor-friendly instrumental 'Moodie's Basement'. In a word: essential!
Review: The brilliantly entitled 1619 Bad Ass Band covered myriad different styles from mellow sound to furious funk on their superlative and self-titled debut long player back in 1976. Two of it's standout tunes now get pulled and pressed on this red hot 7" from P-Vine, complete with a flip-back sleeve. That LP is a rare one amongst the famous TSG catalogue and first up from it is the mid-tempo dance gem 'Nothing Can Stop My Loving You' while on the flip there is the more heavy funk sound of 'Step Out' which anyone who has listened to any DJ Shadow will know he sampled.
Review: Little is known about this early 1970s psychedelic soul group from Germantown, Philadelphia. However, their record was recorded in 1969 and released in 1970 as one of two releases on Michael Nise's Round Records (Nise Productions INC). Now, remastered from an original pristine vinyl copy in collaboration with Nise Productions, this marks the first official reissue of the album. The group's music captures the essence of the era's soul and psychedelic influences, making this a long-awaited release for collectors and fans of vintage soul.
Review: Fryers presents 'I Need You Girl' from The 3 Pieces. In the early 1970s, Detroit-born jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd moved away from his previous hard-bop jazz base and began to experiment with jazz fusion, jazz-funk, soul-jazz, and rhythm and blues. Teaming up with the Mizell Brothers, they produced 'Black Byrd', which was enormously successful and became Blue Note Records' highest-ever selling album. The Mizell Brothers followed up their success with more albums for Byrd: 'Places and Spaces', 'Steppin' Into Tomorrow' and 'Street Lady' were also big sellers, and have subsequently provided a rich source of samples for acid jazz artists such as Us3. Another Donald Byrd production was for The 3 Pieces, a vocal trio signed to Fantasy Records. Until now the their music has been confined to their 1975 album 'Vibes of Truth', so it's about time that someone took the two strongest tracks from their masterpiece and cut them onto a 45. Not only that but Fryers got hold of the master tapes and did a special transfer just for the 45. So now you have two of the most sublime '70s soul dancers on 7", sounding better than ever: rich soulful strings, crispy sharp drums and deep ranging bass. 1975 never sounded so good.
Review: 400 Years Of What dropped this often talked about, but seldom seen, single on Counterpart Records back in the heyday of Black Power but the record barely made it out of Ohio. With original copies nearly impossible to uncover, it has only been through deep-pocketed collectors and DJs that anyone has gotten to hear the amazing A-side. Features a burning instrumental track with extended drum breaks and an irresistible groove. The B-side is just as strong, a funkadelic-esque stoned head-nodder with chanted vocals.
Review: 7th Wonder - "Daisy Lady" is such a special and in-demand tune that no matter how many times it gets reissued it always sells out. This latest pressing on Breaks & Beats is a hand-numbered and limited edition 7" that is backed with Blackbusters's 'Old Man'. It's a cosmic funk workout with some great synth magic drawn out and weaved into funky breaks with all the bells and whistles (literally.) But really that 7th Wonder jam is the one here with its pumping drums and lavish horn sections all making for a colourful and vibrant wedge of irresistible funk.
Review: 9th Creation's Superheros album was a treasure trove of soulful disco tunes that have since become hard to find and ever more desirable. Now the Dynamite Cuts 45s Series has two of the gems from it on this special new 7". It's the first time there a-side has been on its own piece of vinyl and that tune 'Whats Shakin' goes first. It's gloriously glossy and high quality disco with funky horns and big bass, a lush vocal hook and luxuriant sound. 'Much Too Much' is on the reverse and is another floor facing disco tune with a heart swelling vocal and smooth chords that can often fetch L150 on its own.
Review: Dynamite Cuts is one of the most apply named labels of them all. Once again here it brings the serious funk heat on a tidy 7" from The 9th Creation. Both of these super sexy killers are taken from the mega rare Bubble Gum album and it's not hard to see why it has become such a highly sought after record. The title tune is only just over two minute long but has steamy spoken word vocals with Moog funk bass. 'Rule Of Mind' is longer at over five minutes, and the way the keys shimmy into your affections and the lead sax brings the lustre is second to none. What an EP.
Review: Soon to be followed by two more from the mighty Ratio - ACR:EPC and ACR:EPR - EPA is the opening chapter in a triptych born from nothing. Or at least no fixed plan or specific agenda. A day spent jamming in the studio with close friend of the band and regular vocal collaborator, Denise Johnson, the recordings here and on the pair still to come represent the work they did that day, shortly before the world lost the woman in question forever.
Passing away in July 2020, well before her time, this is ACR paying tribute to another integral part of the Manchester music Factory. From the hypnotic and woozy 'Wonderland', where Donna Summer meets acid jazz, to the more straight-laced disco material - delivered with an edge you'd expect in terms of instrumentation and vocals - EPA is a fitting way to honour her legacy.
Review: A Skillz and Krafty Kuts are veteran names by now but at one option they were some of the hottest new DJs and producers in the game. They pioneered a breakbeat, cut-up and paste sounds 20 years ago that was high on energy and with plenty of character. Now they look to the roots of the sounds they used to draw from and serve up a new single on Jam City that is all about disco. 'Lit Up' has loose, jumbled drums and funk basslines with some great vocal flourishes up top from Gizelle Smith. A remix on the flip takes things into deeper new soul territory.
Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Band - "What Can You Bring Me?" (2:45)
Review: You just cannot miss with this superb label which is now up to release number 33 in this series. And the latest is a golden-era classic featuring legendary mic men A Tribe Called Quest and top soul boy Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Band. The A-side features the track taken from A Tribe Called Quest's Love Movement album so is packed with their signature beats and bars. On the B-side, you are treated to the funky original sample source from Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Band which delivers a raw, infectious groove. If you love classic hip hop and funk, and why wouldn't you, this is a great pairing.
Review: Neil Anderson's unashamedly revivalist Original Gravity label is back once again - when are they not dropping heat, frankly? - with more funk goodness. This time out it is two more massive slices of tasty Latin funk getting served up. The first is Abram & Nestor's 'Four Minutes Of Funk' which is indeed four minutes of funk that will unite dancefloors from here to eternity with its big organ magic. Nestor Alvarez' 'El Trombonista' is as you might guess denied by its big trombone and also boasts some great horn work. These are two steamy and sizzling cuts that prove irresistible.
Review: Neil Anderson's Original Gravity loves to look back and revive forgotten classics and that is what it does again here with a quick reissue of something it dropped back in March. This time out it is two more massive slices of tasty Latin funk getting served up. The first is Abram & Nestor's 'Four Minutes Of Funk' which is indeed four minutes of funk that will unite dancefloors from here to eternity with its big organ magic. Nestor Alvarez' 'El Trombonista' is as you might guess denied by its big trombone and also boasts some great horn work. Do not sleep.
Review: After years of silence following the loss of Sonny Knight in 2017, former Lakers members Blair Krivanek and Cy Pierpont return with their new project, Ace Box Shift. The duo have made plenty of standout contributions to the soul revival scene before now and here they debut on Secret Stash Records with another pair of fiery instrumental cuts that work exceptionally well for DJs and dancefloors alike. They find Krivanek's jazz-infused guitar work meeting Pierpont's pounding rhythms with raw, funk-driven results that make for a bold, high-energy comeback that pays tribute to their roots while also moving things onwards.
Review: A '68 Brunswick classic that's since been covered and sampled by many, Barbara earned her stripes as a backing vocalist on the legendary Chess Records. This, her sophomore single, brought her to the masses and has settled in many a digger's collection ever since. The slightly lesser known "Love Makes A Women" is equally as powerful, and comes with a rather funky swing. Fryers don't churn out represses like their peers... But when they do, they're gold.
Review: A new take on a Jonathan Richman classic from 1977 which has lit up clubs for 45-odd years, especially during the punk era. The track's infectious rhythm has inspired various reggae remixes but now it's getting a fresh cumbia twist. Cumbia and reggae share a common groove, making them a perfect match for DJs to mix and this one was recorded in Lima by Pancho Acosta, founder and guitarist of Company Quinto, who transforms the track into an upbeat cumbia gem. The flip side features Acosta's 'Carnaval de Jujuy' blended with Money Chicha's modern take on Peru's fuzzed-out chicha sound.
The Born Messengers - Let Love Flow (LLorcavaller remix) (4:48)
Coffe & Cocaine (Bruno Belissimo edit) (3:39)
It Ain't Reggae (Lego edit) (4:21)
This Time Baby (Bully Boy dub) (4:43)
Review: Those playful edit and remix maestros at French label Act of Sedition are back with another red hot, super limited 2 x 7" special. It kicks off with a nice languid remix of the classic 'Let Love Be Free' with an extra low slung sleazy bassline beneath the gorgeous vocal. Bruno Belissimo goes for a heavy, scuffed up deep house take on 'Coffee & Cocaine' that has a vast bassline and some jazzy keys all tumbling off grid. Lego edits 'It Aint Reggae' into a high speed boogie gem and Bully Boy offers a chunky disco stomper to round things out.
Review: Alex Puddu's Afro Soul Prophecy project continues to blaze into the year with pure molten lava grooves. "Daddy's Groove" is a perfect summer heater with its laid back horns that ooze over the wah wah licks and strutting rim-shots. "Let Me Be Your Lover" takes more of a Latin approach with its upbeat rhythm and bossa tendencies. Listen out for those cosmic guitars in the background... Dreamy business.
LA Nights (extended version - previously unreleased) (5:29)
But Beautiful (4:28)
New Yor Afternoon (3:01)
Review: Yasuko Agawa's 'L.A Nights', a glossy 1986 single inspired by Light of the World's earlier dancefloor hit 'London Town', has long been regarded as a Japanese 'city pop' classic. It was also a big favourite amongst dancers on the UK's jazz-funk and soul scenes - thanks to a British issue on Bluebird - during the period, too, making this reissue extra appealing. Excitingly, this edition leads with a previously unreleased extended mix that wonderfully stretches out the tactile, laidback, synth-sporting jazz-funk number. The bassline, vibraphone solos and lead vocal from Agawa - sounding more like a Black American jazz singer than a Japanese popstar - are all superb. It comes backed by two fine B-sides: the classic, late-night vocal jazz of 'But Beautiful' and the stirring, up-tempo 'New York Afternoon'.
Review: Not just a beautiful compliment to pay someone special, but a hugely influential record that inspired Floating Points' now legendary Plastic People parties, too... A super obscure and expensive one at that. Now re-issued on Floating Points' own Melodies imprint - across three 45s - the Detroit band get full exposure with the deliciously funky main track enjoying two versions before dipping into the softer, more pastoral charms of "I Feel Like Dancing" and the string-led swoon festival, "Theme For Someone Special". We close on two contrasting grooves; an earthy ballad ("Trust Me") and a Whitfield & Strong style funk instrumental ("Dance Awhile"). Cheers Sam!
Review: Of all of the tracks that seemed to define the soul, funk and disco revival lead by Floating Points and his co-run Melodies International label, it is the title track off this albumfrom Aged in Harmony. It was a real anthem for the multi-hour DJ sets at Plastic People, for his cult-ish NTS shows and the parties he played to record obsessives all over the world. And it's easy to see why - the steamy sax, the classy strings, the hooky bass motifs and the lovely drums. Here it get served up twice, along with a load more tunes that include sentimental steppers like 'I Feel Like Dancing' and the lush Balearic melodies of 'Theme For Someone Special.'
Review: This 7" fits into a set between the good hip hop, freestyle sampledelic, real funk and real soul!! When you love Quantic you'll love AIFF!!! This heavy 7" is limited - just 1000 copies!! Get your ass in to gear and grab this whilst you can!
Akiko & Masayasu Tzboquchi - "Love Theme From Sparticus" (feat Mbanja Ritchy aka B-Bandj - Clear Day mix) (4:34)
Review: Tom Browne's 1980 single 'Funkin' For Jamaica' has long been something of an anthem - a hybrid funk/boogie classic that remains a staple in sets of hip-hop, disco and soul DJs alike. Given its ubiquity, covering the song is fraught with danger, but remarkably Japanese producer Akiko and guest vocalist Mbanja Richy have successfully put a new spin on it. Their take is subtly tougher and more synth-heavy, with bilingual French/English vocals, nods to Zouk music and a bassline so squelchy it could have been lifted from a P-funk record. Over on the flip, the pair go mellow, deep and laidback on a pleasingly skewed hip-hop soul cover of Terry Callier's legendary vocal interpretation of Alex North's 'Love Theme' from 'Spartacus'. Inspired stuff all told.
Review: Tip Of The Iceberg presents 'Fela Dey'. These two tracks are lifted from 'P.D.P. (President Dey Pass)', the second CD
from the New York afrobeat scenesters, Akoya Afrobeat. Fully representing the instrumentation and capacity of a true
African-style super group, 'P.D.P.' is a marker of the living musical legacy of afrobeat founder Fela Kuti. Active on the
New York music scene since 2002, Akoya's sound rules dance floors home and abroad with the deep afro funk. Fueled
by infectious, all-consuming percussive grooves and a warm, pulsating rhythm section, the band delivers the knockout
punch with a massive horn section and soulful vocals. Musical roots not withstanding, 'P.D.P.' forges new ground in
many directions, yet still retains the central quality that bridges all musical tastes. Deep cyclical composition with a
prominent backbeat is their hallmark, and with razor-sharp transitions and melodies, listeners will be constantly surprised and elated.
Review: The mysterious Al Tone returns with another edition of crisp editcraft but this time on their own brand new label 020312. Business as usual in the groove department, though... "Remember Me" is a sultry disco funk jam, "Beggar" has a touch of Lagos late 70s about it with its fizzy guitar work and loose but firm strut while "Heaven" lives up to its name with full falsetto charm. Finally we close this monumental party with "Long Journey" an outrageously funky gospel jam that will have your floor asunder by the first slap bass twang and happy slappy piano roll. These numbers stack up.
Review: The UK's Mr Bongo has been reissuing old music and putting out new tunes since the late 1980's, and the label is still going strong in 2015. This latest 7" features two of Ethiopia's greatest musicians, Alemayehu Eshete and Mahmoud Ahmed, in a head to head, split EP. On the A-side, Mr Bongo has resurfaced Eshete's "Tchero Adari Negn", a supremely funky piece with the man's own voice gliding effortlessly over hard drums and fuzy guitar riffs; "Bemim Sebeb Litlash" goes deeper and more psychedelic on the flip, and Ahmed's voice is a pleasure as always. Check their other material on Mississippi for a broader introspective.
Review: Alessandro Alessandroni (often said to be the most famous whistle in the history of film thanks to appearing on famous spaghetti western 'A Fistful of Dollars') is a legendary composer and musician who very much had a big say in the characteristic sound of Italian soundtracks during the 60s and 70s. This lovely 7" from Four Flies showcases that with two well chosen cuts that have been taken from a dusty tape found in the great man's vault. 'Shine On' is superbly stylish funk with some seductive vocals and rolling drums all peppered with golden chords and dynamic horns. 'Prohibition' is a little more mellow but still features magic Rhodes and characterful horns.
Review: Alessandro Alessandroni is a library music legend who set the blueprint for the genre early on and then managed to get even more famous because of providing the iconic whistle on famous spaghetti western 'A Fistful of Dollars'. The influential composer and musician had a big say in the world of soundtracks during the 60s and 70sFour Flies have often released his work or covers of it. The tunes on this 7" are taken from an obscure 1975 Italian film by Elio Bartolini. They walk the thin line between disco and funk and jazz-funk with big horn and rhythm sections. Both might have been lost forever if it weren't for the fact that this label put them on the now modern classic and hard to find compilations Esterno Notte and Esterno Giorno.
Review: As showcased by DJ Koco from Japan on instagram and as the label artwork makes clear, this two-tracker from the previously unheard Alex Santos Orchestra was made in tribute to Creed Taylor's legendary CTI Records imprint, which during the 1970s released some of the finest jazz, jazz-funk and fusion ever made. On side A the studio collective gives their interpretation of Freddie Hubbard's 1970 epic 'Red Clay', with the track's most famous musical elements - jaunty sax riffs and mazy electric piano motifs - rising above a funkier, warmer and tighter interpretation of the track's low-end groove. Turn to the flip for their version of Bob James' favourite 'Nautilus', a harder edge take that combines a faithfully spacey take on the original's electric piano melody with sweatier beats and heavier horns.
Review: As the label artwork makes clear, this two-tracker from the Alex Santos Orchestra was made in tribute to Creed Taylor's legendary CTI Records imprint, which during the 1970s released some of the finest jazz, jazz-funk and fusion records ever made. On side A the studio collective gives their interpretation of Freddie Hubbard's 1970 epic 'Red Clay', with the track's most famous musical elements - jaunty sax riffs and mazy electric piano motifs - rising above a funkier, warmer and tighter interpretation of the track's low-end groove. Turn to the flip for their version of Bob James' favourite 'Nautilus', a harder edged cover that combines a faithfully spacey take on the original's electric piano melody with sweatier beats and heavier horns.
Review: Dig Find Sample Chop Repeat is a new American label throwing its hat into the world of funky 45s. They put each one out on black wax as well as on special coloured vinyl. Alex Santos Orchestar has taken care of this one, as well as the debut, and is made up of a fine group of musicians playing guitar, brass, vocals, drums, congas, keys and trombone. 'Devika(Goddess)' is awash with funk and jazz, slide guitar and spiritual percussion and it's a golden groove for late night slow dancing. 'Expansions' is a little more upbeat but just as richly musical and seductive.
Got To Get Your Love (Muro Diguma edit - instrumental) (4:15)
Review: The latest set of Diguma Edits sees dusty-fingered Japanese digger-turned-re-editor DJ Muro take his scalpel to 'Got to Get Your Love' by Clyde Alexander & Sanction, a suspenseful and action-packed 1980 number from producers Peter Brown and Gary Davis. Muro first cuts down and compresses the ten-minute vocal version, making merry with the track's unusual combination of classic disco grooves, showtunes-style orchestration and eccentric vocals. Over on the flip he does a similar job on the slightly different instrumental take, in turns showcasing the track's crunchy guitars, warming electric pianos, spacey synths and grandiose orchestration.
Review: Bernard "Pretty" Purdie and his Playboys were an iconic funk group of the late 70s who had big hits with the likes of Gil Scott Heron on his seminal 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' single. A year later on the same label, Flying Dutchman, they served up the 'Heavy Soul Slinger' single which gets reissued here. It's driven by big drum breaks and funky hits, with plenty of lush chords and rolling basslines all taking you on a high class and sophisticated trip. On the a-side is Harold Alexander 's 'Mama Soul' from the same era, but with a much more experimental sound rooted in wordless ad libs and frantic flutes.
Review: Monty Alexander's 'Love & Happiness,' it might not surprise you to learn, is a cover version of the great Al Green's 'Love & Happiness.' He hooked up with Ernest Ranglin for the occasion and the pair laid it down in 1974, two years after the original came out, with super slick jazz-funk fusion over a reggae tinged beat. The original chords are recognisable, but the whole track i such more mellifluous and bright, the golden chords oozing warmth and the rolling rhythm getting you feeling all snuggly and loved up. Definitely worth a place in your collection.
Review: American jazz and gospel singer came up in Chicago and world the local scene - both playing in the clubs, but also as part of an a cappella choir for a number of years. She moved to LA to pursue her dreams in 1962, and the move paid off. She recorded 24 albums and nearly as many EPs right up until the mid nineties. 'Baltimore Oriole' was originally recorded in 1957 but this version is from 1977 . It is a glorious bit of uptempo Afro-Cuban jazz with lush jazz, funk and soul stylings all topped off by a fine vocal.
Music Saves Me (feat Baby Bam - Beatvandals remix) (4:17)
Review: Second time around for Ali B's Afika NX-sporting bomb 'Swing It', a weighty fusion of electro, rap and - whisper it quietly - electro-swing that first surfaced earlier this year. This edition doesn't boast the original, but instead a fresh rework from bootleg remix king Jim Sharp. His take is little less than a total re-imagining, with Afika NX's rap sounding deliciously laidback atop a boom-bap beat rich in woozy electric piano chords and sampled sax lines. Over on the flip, another vintage Ali B cut gets the remix treatment, as Utah Saints manbutt dons the Beatvandals alias to re-frame sleazy rap jam 'Music Saves Me' (featuring Jungle Brothers' Baby Bam) as a cheery slab of disco-boogie fun. Basically, it's a guaranteed party-starter.
Cramp Your Style (Conomark & Hong Kong edit (brew)) (3:41)
Review: All The People was a Florida-based soul act who joined vocalist Robert Moore Jr on this highly sought after '45. Moore was the master of a singing style known as 'soul scatting'. His career later took him to Miami, where in 1979 he joined a group headed by Herb Reed, one of the original Platters. He stayed with Reed until 1993. Originally released on Blue Candle back in 1972, this much sought after classic has been reissued thanks to Japan's Ultra Vybe with an edit on the flip by Conomark & Hong Kong, which retains the original's big band style of soul music in the tradition of the legendary James Brown.
Review: "Cramp Your Style" by All The People surely belongs among the canon of all time funk standards, sampled aplenty over the years, included on numerous compilations as well as being the recipient of cover versions from Breakestra and Killer Meters. Originally issued on the Blue Candle label back in 1972, a newly remastered edition of that 7" is now available for any funkateers out there without the 45 in their collections already. Robert Moore's yearning vocal sounds all the better for it too! And don't sleep on the bluesy delights of B side track "Watcha Gonna Do About It?".
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