Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Funk Night cop a couple of fine funk gems here from Rickey Calloway. He is an r&b singer, as well as a rhythm guitar musician and songwriter from Jacksonville, Florida. His Tennessee Band helps him serve up funk that comes direct from the 70s, James Brown style. Both of the singles here are [rimed to fire up the floor, with 'Do It On The One (Stay In The Pocket)' the more direct of the two and the flip side 'Ain't It A Crime' (instrumental) going deeper.

Review: The on point Funk Night label returns with these raw and emotive jams from Rickey Calloway & The Tennessee Band. The tidy two track 7" opens with the raw soul jazz sounds of 'Everybody Say Yeah' with its blasts of horns, expressive vocals and rolling rhythm section all cutting deep. Flip it over for the slightly more loose feeling 'Mr Meaner,' an instrumental version with the backing singers left in place to inject some human warmth to the lo-fi grooves.

Review: Two more rare grooves purloined from Cultures Of Soul's Brasileiro Treasure Box Of Funk & Soul and delivered on a sweet 45: Celia's "A Hora E Essa" is a steamy Latin funk workout from 72; all horns, cuicas and soft, honeyed vocals. Franco's "Ei, Voce, Psiu!" takes a more US funk idea with Franco's spoken vocals giving off a strong air of bandleader as the band lock down a tight groove beneath. Watch out for samba flip towards the end. Blink and you'll miss it.

Review: Hailing from sunny California, funk/soul/jazz crew The Charities bring heart and grit to a track that delves into the intoxicating pull of a love destined to implode. The song paints a vivid portrait of a desriable yet destructive partner whose charm conceals a narcissistic core. With sharp, emotive lyrics and a bittersweet melody, it yearns for the intensity of love's highs and the sting of its inevitable downfall. It's a classic tale of attraction turning to heartache, delivered with a raw authenticity that lingers. Their third single since forming, 'Fatal Attraction' might just be their best yet, while on the flip side, 'It's Not Our Time' shifts to a softer, more reflective tone. This bittersweet ballad explores the ache of love interrupted, as two lovers part ways with the hope that time and distance will lead to a brighter reunion. The warmth of the band's instrumentation, coupled with tender, heartfelt vocals, makes this track a touching counterbalance to the A-side's intensity. The Charities' ability to channel deep emotion through timeless grooves is soulful storytelling at its finest.

Review: The rare Stephen LP by Nassau-born multi-instrumentalist Stephen Colebrooke offers elusive sunshine boogie vibes that have long been sought after by those in the know. Recorded at GBI studios in Freeport with guidance from Frank Penn (of Grand Bahama Goombay), two of the tracks from it now get pressed up to this crucial 7" by the faultless Numero Group. Both of these tunes are groove-filled disco delights with both 'Shake Your Chic Behind' and 'Stay Away From Music' sure to do damage on a wide range of dance floors this summer and beyond.

Review:  Loveland, Ohio's Colemine label offer a 7" indie exclusive on this furtive freshener from house engineer and regularly featured artist Leroi Conroy, returning after his last 45 in 2017 with a sharp double-sider flaunting his rhythmatic flair and deeper verbal intuitions. 'No Return' outlays crisp boom-bap drums wrapped in fluttering flute lines from Michael Sarason (of Say She She) and shimmering harp hallelujahs, courtesy of Cincinnati handywoman Rachel Miller. There's a distinct nod to Dorothy Ashby's work here, but reimagined for a 2025 palette; the flip leads the way to the 'Path Of Man', stripping the bark back to murkier moods, pulling from the darker corners of Conroy's upcoming full-length. He's come a long way since vacationing from the cutting lathe, representing himself in a new soulful and cinematic light, one which is yet raw and unpolished where it counts.

Review: It's a damn shame Cool Runners aka the duo of Paul Tattersall and Chris Rodel and was such a short-lived group because the tunes they made are next level. This reissue proves that with their 1982 single 'Checking Out' served up on a 12" with the sought-after 'High on a Feeling' on the flip. The open is lush street soul with boogie bass and twanging funk guitar riffs topped off with a gorgeous vocal. The second offering 'High On A Feeling' has leggier drums and more of a disco feel, but still plenty of brilliant boogie in the bass. Two cult classics, then.

Review: This killer UK boogie 12-inch by Tony Crockett was originally recorded and released in 1982. It has some brilliant raps delivered in an aloof style, with plenty of swagger, and a touch of campness. They sound dated but in a good, nostalgic way, while the music around still sounds fresh with the sleek bass and big flutes, low slung drums and warm chords. On the reverse is /Plane Jane', another cheeky bit of UK boogie that oozes funk and cool. These are fun tracks for sure and come in a full picture cover.

Review: Freestyle 'Turn Up The Music' courtesy of this new 12" from Roy Hamilton, Cosmo Bowen and Dennis Palmer. The trio worked together way back in the 80s and back then it was as part of a nine-piece outfit known as Breeze. Anyone who attended the iconic Ronnie Scott's in London back then will probably have heard them play upstairs with the likes of Hi Tension and Gonzalez. In 1984 they decided to lay down this one and only 12" on the HBS label they ran. It's a stomper but a laid-back one that is now well in demand on the funk and soul scene.