Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Miami born Robert Rockwell III is an American jazz saxophonist who has lived in Denmark since the 80s. He's put out several albums but few reach the obscure and spaced out jazz highs as this one, Androids, from 1974. It was his debut record was recorded with Bobby Lyle on piano and electric piano. Each of the tunes has a foundational groove that keeps you locked in while the reeds and melodies take you on all manner of wild adventures. This one comes on nice 180g vinyl so it sounds super sharp.

Review: Get ready for the release of Curyman II, Roge's eagerly awaited album, arriving via Diamond West Records. This record has collaborations with esteemed musicians, blending the essence of Brazilian music with innovative elements. It promises to be both a homage and an evolution of Roge's distinctive sound. As a Latin Grammy-nominated and Brazilian Music Awards-winning artist, Roge has become a key player in the revitalization of Musica Popular Brasileira (MPB). Over his two-decade career, he has released seven solo albums, establishing his presence in the contemporary Brazilian music landscape. His U.S. debut, CURYMAN, released in 2023, was produced by Thomas Brenneck of the Budos Band, known for his work with icons like Lady Gaga and Beyonce. This album celebrated samba while conveying themes of resilience and redemption. With Curyman II, Roge aims to build on the momentum of his previous success, delivering even more dynamic samba rhythms and insightful lyrics.

Review: Alpha, a rare psychedelic-funk gem is set to return to vinyl for the first time in 50 years. Led by singer and keyboardist "Round" Robin Lloyd, The Round Robin Monopoly released the album and it is an eclectic fusion of funk, psychedelic pop, and R&B. Alpha initially flew under the radar but over time, however, the album gained a cult following among crate-diggers and DJs. With its standout track 'Life Is Funky' became a sought-after sample for artists like LL Cool J, Ice-T, Public Enemy, and The Chemical Brothers. The album's cinematic hooks, vibrant horns, and funky guitar riffs evoke the atmosphere of a 70s action film soundtrack, explaining its enduring appeal and influence in the music industry. The reissue of Alpha as part of Jazz Dispensary's Top Shelf series ensures that this underrated masterpiece gets the recognition it deserves. Remastered from the original analogue tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio and pressed on 180-gram vinyl, the album comes in a tip-on jacket replicating the original art.

Review: Given the wide-eyed, largely downtempo nature of their music, it's perhaps a little surprising that it took Late Night Tales this long to ask Royksopp to mix a volume in the long-running after-hours series. Royksopp are, of course, old hands at this kind of thing - they delivered an impressive Back To Mine comp back in 2007 - and use the opportunity to mix-up a typically heady selection of stoner soft rock (Little River Band, FR David), sparse dub-rock (Tuxedomoon), cinematic soundscapes (Johann Johannsen), psychedelia (Prelude), well-worn favourites (Acker Bilk) and folksy Balearica (John Martyn). Fans will be pleased to see a sprinkling of unreleased Royksopp fare, including intensely beautiful opener "Daddy's Groove".

Review: Ruby & the Mudflaps were a funk group active throughout the seventies. Many of their best tunes have never before been pressed to vinyl and that is what motivates this new collection. Breezy. It is a superb collection of the band's best studio cuts alongside a number of live recordings, all made back in the seventies. These tunes are exclusive to the Cordial Recordings label and are new to vinyl aside from 'Is That Enough?' which the label put out on a 7" in 2018. The glorious title tune is a great one to kick off with and the funk levels do not dip from there.

Review: Patrice Rushen's Remind Me: The Classic Elektra Recordings 1978-1984 celebrates the unmatched talent of a jazz and r&b legend whose influence extends far beyond her chart success. Rushen's songs, including hits like 'Forget Me Nots' and 'Haven't You Heard,' have left an indelible mark on popular music, with countless artists sampling her work. Despite facing criticism and lackluster label support, Rushen's crossover into sophisticated urban pop paved the way for future R&B and hip-hop hits. This compilation shows Rushen's talents as a musician and arranger, with her production providing the building blocks for decades of musical innovation. Tracks like 'Givin' It Up Is Givin' Up' and 'Remind Me' highlight Rushen's electrifying performances and innovative sound. Rushen's timeless music remains as relevant and influential as ever, cementing her status as a true icon of musical innovation and creativity.

Review: Patrice Rushen's Prelusion marks her dazzling debut into the jazz world, originally released in 1974 on Prestige Records and now reissued on vinyl here in 2024. Before her r&b fame, Rushen showcased her talents as a jazz pianist on this album, backed by luminaries like Joe Henderson on saxophone. The record effortlessly blends post-bop with elements of jazz fusion, highlighting Rushen's versatility across acoustic and electric keyboard. Her performances on acoustic piano and electric keyboards reflect a strong influence from Herbie Hancock, evident in tracks such as 'Haw-Right Now' and 'Shortie's Portion.' Despite her shift to r&b in 1978, Prelusion stands as an early promise in jazz music.