Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Emerging on Wah Wah 45s this year, the 27 year-old North London-based multi-instrumentalist known as Gene Dudley has been one of modern funk's most memorable recent discoveries with high praise coming from the likes of Kenny Dope and Daz-I-Kue for his debut Saturday Shifting. Wah Wah bossmen Servini, Goss and Scrimshire do the wise thing here and present an addendum 45 featuring album highlight "The Hilo Bay Halfway" whose uptempo tropical nature makes it a perfect fit for the more discerning 45 selectors out there. Dudley further demonstrates how talented he is with a self styled 'disco dub' on the flip that adds some squelchy bass and generous handclaps to proceedings.

Review: Wah Wah 45s' never-ending hunt for exciting funk talent continues as they introduce the one-man-wonder Gene Dudley. A highly talented multi-instrumentalist, Gene plays every note you hear on this 7", from the tight raspberry blowing horns to the swish-tickling drums. The title track is a Daptone-esque doo-wop with a neat refrain and simple Q&A structure while "The New Lots Of Cooperstown" meanders a little more into sombre soul territory. Two stunning instrumentals, one memorable introduction - Gene Dudley's talents are likely to take him far.

Review: A side-project from some of the members of excellent Spanish funk band Speak Low, the Gigoletto Brass Band have come together to release two vibrant and lush songs on this excellent single. "Boogalow" is a delight, a live and organic sway through some classic mamba and boogaloo rhythms with a healthy helping of brass on top. "Africa Con Bajo" has a more 70s funk feel, with some riveting key changes and a quirky rhythm to really make it stand out.

Review: Big Single is definitely skilled at releasing soul reggae crossovers. Two successful covers here: Gloria Jones' northern soul anthem "Tainted Love" and the Bee Gees disco hit "Saturday Night Fever". Grand Magneto turns these into lovely, soulful, rocksteady tracks.

Review: Hailing from Brighton, The Grits were formed in late 2005 by guitarist Stuart Carter and organist Nick "The Organizer" Harris with the intention of playing proper funk in the style of The Meters, Eddie Bo, The Gaturs, The JB's and countless other anonymous funk heroes. Drummer Johnny and bassist James were then recruited to make the rough, rare, grimy and greasy instrumental funk you have before you. With the simplest of line-ups, every last drop of funk is squeezed out of each tune. "Boom Boom" is a great release on Freestyle.

Review: The music of Jazzinho has slipped into our musical consciousness and into the record boxes of DJs worldwide. Jazzinho have successfully balanced an impressive live dimension with the need to make an impact on the dancefloors of a constantly shape shifting club scene. Their globally renowned self titled debut album, released in 2004, enlisted the skills of musicians like Da Lata's Chris Franck and it reflected Guida's passion for the music of Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan alongside Brasilians like Joyce, Gilberto Gil and Azymuth. Jazz maintains a powerful role at the core of Jazzinho's sound and the influence singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone meshes with the indomitable spirit of "New Thing" instrumentalists like McCoy Tyner and Archie Shepp. So now in 2006, they bring you their new album - "Atlas". Having been holed up in an East End shed with top Brazilian Producer and musician Ed Motta, they have crafted 12 tracks of beautiful Brazilian musicianship and song writing. From the opening track "The Lagoon Monster", this album shows off Guida's stunning vocal. The rhythm and fender Rhodes drive us through a carnival of sun-drenched songs.