Back catalogue: Funk

Review: James "Baby Huey" Ramey's sole album remains a striking reflection of his talent and untimely passing. The Chicago-born soul singer, best known for his work with Baby Huey & the Babysitters, was in the midst of recording his debut when he tragically died from a heart attack in 1970 at just 26. The resulting albumiunfinished at the time of his deathiwas later completed by producer Curtis Mayfield and released posthumously in 1971. A blend of psychedelic soul, funk and rock, the album's standout moments include a sprawling, otherworldly take on Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' and the deeply emotive 'Hard Times', which later found its way into the lexicon of hip-hop, sampled by the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Ghostface Killah, and Ice Cube. The work's raw energy and emotive performances give it a timeless quality, a feeling of tragic grandeur heightened by Ramey's powerful vocal presence. Tracks like 'Mama Get Yourself Together' and 'One Dragon Two Dragon' are emblematic of the freewheeling creativity of 70s soul, blending jazz-inflected structures with funk grooves that seem to stretch toward an unknown, future-facing horizon. Despite its unfinished nature, it is an album that never feels incomplete, embodying a voice and vision that remains eternal in its influence. From his time performing around Chicago to his collaboration with Mayfield, Baby Huey's legacy continues to reverberate across generations.

Review: New York outfit The Budos Band return with their first full-length release on Diamond West, the new label founded by band members Tom Brenneck and Jared Tankel. VII was produced by Brenneck and engineered by Simon Guzman and has plenty of their signature taut, groove-driven tracks that blend Afro-soul, doom rock and 70s psychedelia. They were all recorded in California and feature the percussionist Rich Tarrana, who adds his own fresh texture without detracting from the raw, hypnotic MO of the band. As usual, this is music that is equal parts cinematic and visceral and is perfect for nocturnal drives and deep immersion. Now more than two decades in, The Budos Band are still able to surprise and compel.

Review: Released in 1967, Open marked a daring debut for Brian Auger and The Trinity with soulful vocals from Julie Driscoll. The album embodies London's vibrant late-60s scene with jazz, r&b, pop and psychedelia all reflecting the era's genre-crossing spirit. Auger's jazz roots shine on tracks like 'In and Out' and 'Isola Natale' while Driscoll brings emotional depth to covers of Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin hits. This is an always eclectic and adventurous album that combines virtuosic musicianship, surreal humour and heartfelt soul. Now regarded as a cult classic, it had a huge influence on British jazz fusion and progressive scenes.