Review: B+'s B-Beat Classic is originally from 1983. It is an early hip-hop and electronic fusion with some great talk-box vocals and a loose-limbed mix of percussion and drums. It moves slowly and purposefully, with scratches over the top and unhinged funk soon permeating your body. Leftover tape was used to create the effects and original copies have a note that the tune was dedicated to a first generation Boston disco DJ named Jim Stuard whose career was cut short by the Everard Baths fire in New York City in 1977.
Review: Indonesia-based Babon was founded in 2023 by longtime friends Wahyudi T. Raupp and Rayi Raditia and craft instrumentals addressing environmental issues. Their sound fuses Melbourne's vibrant music energy with dangdut rhythms, gamelan percussion, and melodic keroncong folk styles. Here they debut on Batov Records with the wonderful 'Tropical Desert Music' which blends Indonesian traditions with Afro-Latin funk, Morricone-inspired grooves, Bollywood breaks and blues. It's the sort of sound that is perfect for fans of Khruangbin or Sababa 5. The A-side 'Desert Rose' is a spaghetti blues anthem, while the flip 'TNT' tells a miner's tragic tale through cinematic, explosive instrumentation.
Review: Hamburg's Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band are as enigmatic and alluring as when they released their first single back in 2007, a tidy funk 7" that was to set the scene for a very particular sort of instrumental sound. "Jungle Fever", out on their own excellent Big Crown imprint, is a 2015 single that is truly hard not to play on repeat; the tune is a delicate yet funked-out blend of raw drums and tropical steel melodies, much like the name of the band already implies! The flipside "Tender Trap" is more broken and loose in its arrangement, something that makes it perhaps even more catchy and provocative than the title track.
Review: Big Crown is one of our favourite labels here at HQ. The funk and soul they serve up is perfectly aged yet never overly nostalgic and this new one is another case it point. It's the latest from the Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band and features two singles take from their latest and greatest album Expansions which landed back in June. As always they bring their own unique steel drum sounds and tropical Caribbean vibes to funk music. 'Raise It Up' is a deep cut joint with big horns and rippling steel drums puddles while 'Space' is a more lumpy groove with the drums more front and centre.
Review: Coming off their latest long player Expansions on Big Crown Records which is due for release this July, the Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band returns. Using the steel pan sounds that are traditionally from Trinidad and Tabago is the draw and unique approach of the band, and Expansions will have a little bit of something for everyone, with several unique covers along with original tracks like 'Tough Victory'. Two brilliant tracks taken from the album here, with 'Dirt Off Your Shoulder' on the first side and 'I Need Somebody To Love Tonight' over on the flip.
Review: The Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band has become the latest jewel in the Big Crown. Lead by Bjorn Wagner, they have stopped several essential recordings not he label, all defined by their famous steel pan sound. Often they turn to covers of the classics such as they did back in March and this time around they take aim at the much loved and low slung hip-hop classic 'Nuthin' But A G Thang' by Dr Dre. In their hands it becomes something else entirely but still delightfully low slung and sleazy. This one is backed with 'How We Do' which is another loveably fresh sound.
Review: Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band is an enigmatic steel pan collective from Hamburg that has a hardcore fan following around the world and a new album on the way that is superb. They are loved for their covers of hip-hop classics and last year served up a version of the Stranger Things theme tune but this time out we get 'Love For The Sake Of Dub' of 45 rpm. It is another pair of funky tunes with the signature brass sounds front and centre as the fat bottom rhythms roll deep and fleshy. Another gem from this leftfield outfit.
Review: Afro 45's / Mr Bongo show no signs of stopping their tireless run of form and, 7" after 7", they just keep on producing the goods. There's yet more '70s goodness with this new little scorcher: the A-side is 1973's "Tessassategn Eko" by Bahta Gebre Hiwot, a pensive Ethiopian pop hit for all sorts of music fans to enjoy, but "Ayalqem Tedqem" by Alemayehu Eshete on the B-side is where it's at... just listen to that bass and you'll instantly recognize this wonderful little cover.
Review: In 2011, Banda Achilifunk & OJO served up Gitano Real, one of the year's most essential albums. It was caned far and wide by funk lovers, in particular Craig Charles on his 6 Music show. Now, two cover versions taken from the essential album have been pressed to limited edition translucent yellow vinyl. First up, 'I Believe in Miracles' is an overwhelming take on the Jackson Sisters classic with plenty of happy Latin vibes and rumba funk rhythms. Flip it over for a more abstract version of McFadden and Whitehead's seminal 'Ain't No Stoping Us Now' which is a soulful disco number packed with sunshine.
Review: For the latest release on their on-point Brasil 45s sub-label, Mr Bongo takes a trip back to 1977, and the early days of legendary fusion outfit Banda Black Rio. Both the cuts here are taken from the band's brilliant debut album, Maria Fumaca, and see them fusing Brasilian samba and jazz sounds with the righteous, dancefloor-friendly grooves of funk and disco. "Maria Fumaca" itself is a deliciously sunny and sweaty affair, with punchy horns, eyes-closed guitar solos and jazz-funk electic piano lines rising above a carnival-ready samba-funk groove. The U.S funk influence comes to the fore more on flipside "Mr Funky Samba", which sounds like Azymuth jamming with members of the T.K Disco, Philadelphia International and Salsoul house bands. Yep, it's that good.
Miele - "Melo Do Tagarela (Rapper's Delight)" (instrumental) (4:10)
Review: Although Brazil's Banda Black Rio remain infamous for the albums that they recorded in the late 1970s, two beautiful LPs that rode that singular wave of samba-ridden jazz dance, 1980's "Miss Cheryl" is an outstanding tune, and we can hear why RCA picked it up back in the day. Mr Bongo provides us with the reissue here and, if you haven't heard it, it's an absolute delight which switches between disco, psych, and something inherently Brazilian - there's even a wacky synth in there, for good measure. Compatriot Miele appears on the flip with "Melo Do Tagarela (Rappers Delight)", a sublime slice of early, electronic boogie that sounds as fresh today as it did back at the tail end of the 70s. A devious little reissue that you should own...
Review: Banda Male was a collective that formed in a home studio in Salerno, one of the historic districts in the South Italy. It was the initiative of composer and keys man Peppe Maiellano and rapper, DJ and producer Tonico Settanta. The rest of the cast is ever rotating and the music they make is a lively mix of disco, funk and soul with signature Italo melodies. This new single is taken from their June 2021 album UFO Bar and is a low slung number with a steamy vocal and a somewhat sleazy bassline. 'Living Disco Club' (Tonico 70 Reloved) then slows it down further with even more twirling melodies.
Review: Foremost contemporary funk label Peoples Potential Unlimited have another golden 12" on their hands here thanks to the work of Barnikle Freee. He is the current designer for the label, someone who hoards software and makes expert glitch funk as well as being a multi-string bassist. As ever with this label, it is lo-fi, subtle sounds and frayed edges that define the EPs lovely aesthetic, with roughshod grooves, tumbling kicks and scatter perc all making you want to cut loose and boogie. Part dream-scape, part hazy late night session, part live set, it's all good.
Review: Dynamite Cuts is in a real purple patch right now and keeping that up for the London label is John Barelt. Here, two cuts of his previously released on the Perception label get a first ever 7" vinyl pressing. They come from his hard to find and eponymously entitled album from 1971 and are packed with classic and unknown drum samples. First up is 'Boogie', a steamy number with fantastic Rhodes chords in the background while busy guitar riffs vie for attention up front. The rhythm section flows as smooth as silk and make this a seductive number indeed. On the reverse, 'You've Just Been Bitten' is a vocal cut that teases and pleases.
Review: ,Joe Bataan has been busy in East L.A. with Orquesta Rene for this new Latin jazz double 7" courtesy of Steady Beat. It features four all new pieces drenched in soul and percussion, starting with 'So Fine' (feat Big Sandy), a mid tempo groove with vocal longing and languid horns. 'Mestizo' is a more steamy and intimate piece with sung-spoken lyrics and glowing, golden chords. 'Mom & Dad' (feat Claudia Lennear) has s steamy shuffle to its rhythms and classic Latin percussive sounds next to a call and response vocal and 'Time After Time' closes with a sentimental feel.
Review: 'Funky Soul' - a 1970 single from New Orleans band David Batise & The Gladiators - rose to prominence in the 1990s thanks to its inclusion on several high-profile funk compilations, before finding further success thanks to a Breakestra cover in the early 2000s. Ahead of a new collection of unheard cuts from the southern funk band, Family Groove records has decided to reissue it. In it's A-side 'Part 1' form, the track is a killer instrumental funk workout rich in razor-sharp guitar licks, weighty bass, crunchy drum breaks and hazy horns (the arrangement of which was provided by Isaac Hayes). Arguably even more frantic and energetic is the flipside 'Part 2' take, whose call-and-response vocals were a familiar feature of the band's popular live shows.
Review: The BDQ duo were in the studio 25 years ago working on these tracks but never quite finished them due to life changes like marriage and kids. Recently, while revisiting old tapes, they discovered a lost tape and decided to give it another listen. They liked what they heard and after a bit of effort to transfer the tracks, they now feel the time has come for a vinyl release. Side 1 features their version of Timebox's 'Beggin'' with vocals by Sarah Orpen and Bryn Barklam laying down some killer Hammond sounds. Side 2 presents their take on the Mirettes' 'Take Me For a Little While' with more stellar vocals from Sarah.
Review: Izipho Soul celebrates its 100th release with another gem. This latest 7" channels the velvety vocals of Barry Whyte, featuring Lawrence Beamen's timeless hit 'Thinking of You.' Initially recorded in 2008, the track has been eagerly awaited for a vinyl release. Finally, it's here, sounding more vibrant than ever. The 7" remix breathes new life into this classic, elevating its charm even further. On the flip side, 'Been a Long Time' brings dynamic energy straight from Oakland, California, rounding out this impressive release from Izipho Soul.
Review: On the second volume in the GATT edits series, Swedish scalpel fiend Beatconductor once again pairs a previously unheard rework with something sought-after from his catalogue. In the latter category you'll find flipside 'Crazy in Kingston', an early noughties mash-up that adds Beyonce's superb lead vocals (and Jay-Z's on-point rap verse) from the peerless 'Crazy in Love' with a dusty old reggae riddim. It's a simple idea, beautifully executed. The brand-new (or at least previously unheard) cut this time around is 'Finger on the Trigger', a lolloping, life-affirming tweak of a 1970s dancefloor soul number that sits somewhere between the stomping heaviness of Detroit Soul and the proto-disco deliciousness of Philly Soul.
Review: Expansion Records' continues to delve into the bulging archives of Roy Ayers' influential Uno Melodic Records imprint, which issued some superb jazz-funk, soul and boogie throughout the 1980s. Here they offer a new pressing of Ethel Beatty's sought-after, Roy Ayers' produced 1981 double A-side. For some reason they've reversed the running order, with side A offering original flipside 'It's Your Love', a Dee Dee Bridgwater co-authored slow jam that's soulful, seductive and sumptuous. Over on the reverse you'll find the more celebrated ''I Know You Care', a deep disco number full of glistening guitar riffs, smooth chords and warming grooves. In a word: luscious
Review: It was Dave Godin including this lush bit of aching Louisiana deep soul on the first Deep Soul Treasures CD that renewed interest in it. Now, original copies are pricey and hard to find and last year a nice cover version was served up by Lady Blackbird. The good folk at Beat Goes Public aka BGP have decide to reissue the original. It's an impossible to ignore track laden with heartbreak. On the flip side is another bluesy soul gem in the form of 'Hummin' A Sad Song.'
Review: Get your hips and heart around this bit of L.A. boogie by the elusive Ben White and you cannot help but feel better. It is a highly sought-after rarity that disco collectors have been fawning over since forever. It was originally reissued as a 45 by the great Athens of the North and now comes this 7" version which was sourced from Andy Noble, who has often helped the label out before. It features two sides of exceptional modern soul and boogie that blend rhythm and grove in magical ways that are never going to age. 'I See A World' has lovely and tender falsetto vocals and 'Give Me Love (Always)' is more of a party starter.
Review: The Moiss Music label seems to like to drop their EPs two at a time. They did it in February and they're doing it again in May. This eighth outing collects four more lively disco cuts, each with their own subtle influences. Berobreo's 'White Rabbit' for instance has funky undertones with loopy guitar riffs and nice breaks. The Magic Track's 'Jamming With Mom' meanwhile is more sensuous and deep, with late-night synth work and seductive vocals. Oldchap's 'I Want To Show You' has an expressive soul vocal with more low-slung grooves and Alexny's 'Not Bad' then gets quick, clipped and loopy for its lip-pouting disco thrills.
Review: The DMV crew presents two Biggie-inspired tracks on a limited 7" vinyl here that drives just in time for you to flip some Christmas party dance floors inside out and back to front. Side A opens with the wonderful and timeless 'Juicy Groove,' which is a funky, brass-infused twist on a classic NYC hit that will connect with a wide array of dancers. Flip to side B and you will find a Caribbean-flavoured mashup that's sure to leave you 'Hypnotized'. Do not excuse the pun.
Review: The Outta Sight label makes a noteworthy debut here with a fine first vinyl release. This reissued 7" gives you a great idea of what to expect froths label going forwards - timeless Northern Soul classics that were there are the birth of the scene and remain a vital part of it decades later. Eddie Billups has a buttery warm voice and a big soul sound. Firstly, 'Shake Off That Dream' is a free-flowing, feel-good sound with big strings and smooth grooves. On the flip, Eddie gets more vulnerable and tender with his effective and confessional 'Try Something New.' Two superb sounds.
Review: If you like your jazz mystical and spaced out then you're on the right page with this one. The Blackhole label returns with a sixth self-titled offering that is buy on sight. 'More Love Songs' has whimsical leads disappearing off into the cosmic ether over mic jazz-funk drums with some breezy vocals finishing it in style. 'Searching The Circle' then take off on another carefree and breezy groove with far-sighted melodies and gorgeous vocal harmonies that melt you to your core. Beautiful stuff.
Review: The Blackbyrds' 'Reggins' is an instrumental jazz-funk masterpiece that originally hardly saw the light of day around the time of the group's formation in the early 1970s. The Washington fusion group were initially mentored by trumpeter Donald Byrd, but their sound came to differ from his sultry and slow tones, working in a more melancholic yet upbeat style, and flowery trumepeteering to boot. This 7" comes in stunning new vinyl quality, with unmatchable audiophile sound lent to two of their best instrumentals.
Review: Rhythm, blues and funk outfit The Blackbyrds were formed in Washington, D.C. in 1973, and as we have noted numerous times over at Juno, their music hardly saw the light of day around the time, save for a re-formation in 2012 after renewed interest brought their music back to light. The Washington fusion group were initially mentored by trumpeter Donald Byrd, but their sound came to differ from his sultry and slow tones, working in a more melancholic yet upbeat style, and flowery trumepeteering to boot. This 7" comes in stunning new vinyl quality, showing off a further two lost instrumentals, 'Rock Creek Park' and 'Gut Level'.
Review: Cicero 'Corey' Blake was a big name on the Chicago soul scene of the 60s. He himself actually hailed from Jackson, Mississippi and became most well known for the superb reissue 7" presented here. It was recorded in 1975 having been written by Phillip Mitchell and in the years since has become a real modern soul room classic that never fails to detonate any crowd all over the world. It will cost you upwards of a money for an original copy if you can find one and here it is pressed up with the original Sam Dees tune 'Your Love Is Like A Boomerang' on the flip. Essential soul for real heads.
Lynn Williams - "How Can You Call Love Fascination" (2:26)
Review: Jimmy Bo Horne brings his raw and expressive vocals to this new release on Japanese label Ultra Vybe. The oft-sampled America singer, writer and producer has been turning out such sounds since the mid 70s but remains on top of his game here. The big horns bring energy, the rolling rhythm section gets you up on your feet and the whole thing screams floor filler. On the flip is Lynn Williams with 'How Can You Call Love Fascination,' a much more slow and sensual soul tune with acrobatic vocals and nice piano fills next to a big horn section.
Review: Legendary Bristol-based funk and breaks master Boca 45 is back with more of his battle-ready DJ tools. This 7" takes the form of a second volume of Tools on the Cold Beer Music label and it offers a brilliant brace of cut n' paste, surefire party starters and floor fillers. 'Kick That' has old school feels with classic piano chords from a certain Fatboy Slim tune that really will get the floor going mad. 'Unwind Your 909' taps into another iconic sample, this time from a sax, with break-neck breaks and plenty of chopped-up energy.
Review: Seems it is time for this disco classic to get its latest reissue and we are always glad to hear it. It is a curious Italo disco gem from the rather mysterious Boeing. It came all the way back in 1982 and as soon as the needle hits the record it has you preparing for liftoff. Sprightly, funky and characterised by a classic, slightly trippy voice-of-god spoken word, cute synth squiggles and a rolling percussive layer that's almost too addictive. Comes complete with an instrumental if the vocal commands are just a little too much for you. This is a limited reissue on Full Time Production out of Italy.
Review: Guillaume Metenier is Booker Gee, a master edit maker and studio wizard who has made his name with some much wanted work on Lucien Entertainment as well as more than once on this label. His second release this month is a trip into the world of ska. 'Out In The Rain' is a perfect sweet spot between rolling reggae rhythms, warm organ chords and skipping kicks. The mood is sensuous and inviting as Gee blends sweet soul with playful funk. The version is only a subtle rework, resining plenty of the charm and allure of the original.
Review: Mother's I'd Like To Funk shows off their reissue credentials once more here with a real sizzler from Danish pop group Boulevard. The tracks are from their little-known 1981 album American Dream and have been fully licensed here. A-side 'Ready For Your Love' is a sweet street soul gem with snappy drums and fleshy arps next to the aloof male vocals. 'Still Ready' on the flip is a Synthphonic Dub that has a very similar rhythm and sound but with some more native chords over the top and an extra bounce and talk box vocals.
Review: The legendary UK acid-jazz innovators Brand New Heavies dropped many a classic sounds and none more so than their iconic album 'Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol. 1. More than three decades after first release it remains an influential work that blends UK club jazz with US hip-hop. Featuring collaborations with artists like Main Source, The Pharcyde, Gang Starr, and Black Sheep, the album marked a groundbreaking fusion of genres back in its heyday and now two standout tracks from the album, 'Soul Flower' featuring The Pharcyde and 'It's Gettin' Hectic' featuring Gang Starr make their way to 7" for the first time and sounds as good as ever.
Review: Brand New Heavies have long had their legacy assured. They played a vital role in establishing the Brit-funk sounds of the 80s and 90s and are one of the most enduring acts on Acid Jazz. Now, their standout album Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol. 1 has two of its finest cuts singled out and pressed up to this Bonafied Funk reissue on P-Vine Japan. The tunes are a blend of their signature sounds with some top-level featured guests including hip hop royalty Main Source and the one and only Grand Puba. Timeless dance floor delights, for sure.
Review: Prior to this year, funk connoisseurs and collectors have known only one record from the 70s Bay Area funk troupe Brass Horizon. That was "We Just Want To Play" and it's been known to go over $1500 in the past. 39 years after its release Super Disco Edits have incredibly unearthed an unreleased gem! So large it takes over both sides, "Horizon's Theme" is a groove heavy instrumental jammed with that classic laid back Berkley vibe where all players get a chance to shine. Part one is all about the organs while part two lets the horns tear the groove a new one. What a find.
Review: 'Good Life' remains an enduring soul classic that unites people of all ages on the dance floor. Well, now you can also enjoy it as reinterpreted by the Brassroots band, made up of leader and trombone man Jerome Harper with various other brass men alongside him. They keep the original's lead hook, which becomes a big, bold, tooting celebration up top while the fat bottom bass drives it along below. On the flip is the big, churning rhythm and more heft bass and bass work of 'Try Again.'
Review: We'll never tire of the incredible Brazil45 series on Mr Bongo, which has provided an authoritative window into the rich history of 60s and 70s grooves from South America. Here's a missing joint from the series which took some time to come to fruition - a split release featuring Brazilian Boys on the A side and Rubinho E Mauro Assumpcao on the B. 'Super Herois' is an obscure slice of off-kilter, psych tinged funk from 1975 that has the kind of individual sound which could find favour with a lot of different DJs. 'Tudo Ai' has a more recognisable samba shuffle, but much like the A side there's a subtle twist in the sound which leans towards blues rock and jazz, locking down on the rhythm and creating a low-key party starter in its own unique way.
Review: The latest addition to Echo Edits keeps the funk coming courtesy of Break Character who delivers two powerful tracks that are indicative of his unique approach, names to enhance each edit with extra layers of FX and beats. 'Cosmic Freaks' takes a 60s go-go rock groove and infuses it with Moog and Space Echo effects while paying homage to the psychedelic club sounds of Pierre Henry and JJ Perrey. 'Cherie Boca' then transports you in an instant to the funky samba rhythms of 70s Brazil with an extended edit and added beats to guide dancers from the favela to the beach. Two distinct styles, perfect for different vibes.
Review: Dynamite Cuts have got another red hot bit of funk on their hands here with Brian Auger's Oblivion Express the subject of this reissue of two of his most blissed out sounds. The first is a magic cover of Marvin Gaye's timeless 'Inner City Blues' from his most iconic album, What's Going On. In this outfit's hands the groove becomes a little more deep and languid, with funky guitars and steamy vocals sinking you into a real romantic vibe. The second is an original tune, 'Voices Of Other Times,' that explores more uplifting soul vibes.
Review: North Carolina outfit Brief Encounter have long been a cult band amongst funk, soul and disco collectors, leading to reissues of both of their albums (1977's Introducing... The Brief Encounter and 1981's We Want To Play). Here Expansion Records continues the trend of delving deep into their catalogue by offering a new edition of 1976 single 'What About Love'. The title track is undeniably excellent - a sweet, funky and attractive chunk of disco-era dancefloor soul just dripping with emotion. Over on the flip you'll find original B-side 'Get Right Down and Do It', a heavier slab of horn-toting disco-funk pleasure that boasts a seriously addictive bassline and some surprisingly surprising synthesizer flourishes.
Review: British multi-hyphenate James Alexander Bright is soon to return with his third album and ahead of that you can get a taste of what to expect in the form of this irresistible electro-boogie banger. 'Straight Line', says Borght, "started out as a wonky homage to 80s & 90s radio" and is "based on the memory of meeting someone you want to stay up all night listening to music with". His voice takes the lead with LinnDrum beats and wispy synths, lithe pads and a slapping bassline. It's sultry, steamy and sure to get temperatures rising. 'Oh My' is a superb jazz-funk workout in a late-night Theo Parrish style.
Review: This is a clear vinyl version, though we also have the black 7", of the latest from Finland's leading jazz label. It's a great return for Bronze, Silver & Brass as they again blend brass, guitar and funky drums for a thrilling fusion of funk, soul and jazz. The A-side delivers fast-paced, cinematic funk reminiscent of 1970s chase scenes and all driven by tight guitar riffs and breakbeat rhythms. On the flip side, 'Brass In Motion' offers a mellow, mid-tempo groove with jazzy undertones and a lyrical, laid-back charm. Together, these tracks showcase the band's knack for infectious, instrumental funk of the highest order.
Review: Talented funk, jazz and soul outfit Bronze, Silver & Brass are back on Finland's finest Timmion Records with a second outing that confirms their top-shelf credentials. This latest high-grade outing opens with 'Renard's Groove which bursts forth and has a speedy, dramatic rhythm driven by tight guitar riffs and breakbeat energy, ll with hints of 1970s cinematic charm. Then comes 'Brass In Motion' which slows the tempo with a smooth, mid-paced jazz-funk groove. It balances its funky vibe with a lyrical, laid-back charm and is another gem from this increasingly essential band.
Review: Here's a killer reissue from the Soul Jazz archives which is finally getting a repress. It's hardly surprising when the reissue becomes as sought after as the holy grail original jam from 1970, a sublime instrumental anthem of soulful, skanking perfection with Cedric Im Brooks flexing his sax in glorious style over a beautifully rough n' ready rhythm. It was shortly after this recording was laid down Brooks went on to form The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari with Count Ossie, which tells you all you need to know about the heritage we're dealing with here.
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