Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: 'Back For More"' by Cool Million stands out as a true Neo-Boogie classic. Originally released in 2010, this infectious dancefloor anthem has become a coveted gem among DJs and collectors, with original pressings fetching remarkable prices due to its limited run of just 1,000 copies. Featuring the iconic vocals of Eugene Wilde, the title track is a soulful synth funk jam that continues to dominate playlists worldwide. The flipside offers another smooth midtempo delight featuring DeeDee alongside Wilde, further showcasing the duo's knack for crafting irresistible grooves. Now, in 2024, Cool Million is set to reintroduce their signature sound with new recordings, while simultaneously delighting fans with a limited re-release of the original pressing. This is an essential addition for any serious vinyl collector or DJ looking to elevate their sets.

Review: The soul, funk and disco 7" community is a strong one. Besides garage rock and psychedelic rock, there might not be another genre that is so beloved on the small but mighty 45rpm format. So, it completely makes sense if you are a newer producer releasing music in these genres then definitely know your fan base. Cool Million is a Danish and German duo doing just that. Their track 'Stronger' is the track and the title of their sixth full length album from 2019. The album has gained such strong reviews that they put it now as a single along with the Dub version on the reverse side. 'Stronger' is a positive and upbeat anthem that is sure reign in the innocent bystanders to party. The Dub is a super-cool alternative version that reminds of us classic roller-skating funk track from Midnight Star or Kool & The Gang. Need a party starter? Get this!

Review: This evergreen favourite gets another reissue, this time on coloured vinyl. Cool Million's 'Tonight' featuring the legendary Glenn Jones mixes up lush 80s soul and funk with a modern twist. Jones's soulful vocals seamlessly float as he serves up smooth lyrics that perfectly complement the infectious groove crafted by Cool Million. There's a nice balance of nostalgia throughout as retro influences kiss up with modern production which means that the tune carries a timeless appeal and always stands out in any set. This remains a must-cop, especially as we head into summer.

Review: Cool Million has long been synonymous with the boogie funk style, which is sadly a genre lost by the late 1980s. Collaborating with singers spanning eras from the 80s to today, they bridge generations of soul, funk, and boogie. Here they work with English soul sensation Kenny Thomas, known for his UK Top 40 hits, who is a cornerstone of the original UK soul scene, boasting eight Top 40 singles and two Top Ten albums. His track 'Without Your Love' exemplifies this genre, a driving uptempo anthem with a funky uplift. The accompanying dub version enhances its appeal for DJs worldwide, affirming its place in contemporary record bags.

Review: 'One of a Kind' expands Cool Million's sound and marks a new direction towards a more diverse boogie funk style ahead of a much anticipated new full length which is due to arrive next year. This latest dancefloor hit features Seest, a Danish soul singer and longtime collaborator, while the tune blends funky, jazz-infused boogie that draws inspiration from artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, and The Crusaders. It boasts powerful horn arrangements, rich chord changes and driving basslines with an up-tempo power-funk groove at its finest. This single serves as a great taste of the album to come.

Review: Sedsoulciety Recordings have got several new 7"s dropping from Danish-German production duo Cool Million this month. For this one which arrived on black wax in March and now comes on a coloured slab, they work with Tomas Thordarson - whose Latin-flavoured single 'Shame On You' was Denmark's 2004 entry into the Eurovision Song Contest. He gets much more funky here with elements of UK street soul on 'My Life (main)' with its boogie bass and loose, louche claps, rubbery bass and catchy grooves. Flip this one over for a superb dub version.

Review: Danish-German production duo Cool Million (Frank Ryle, Robert 'Rob' Hardt) are specialists in nu-disco and neo-boogie. Until late, they've flaunted this expertise via their renditions of old funk standouts, be that from the likes of Donald Byrd or James Brown. Here, however, the pair team up with Tomas Thordarson for a front-and-centre G-funker of the squeeziest quality, 'My Life', whose lyrics match its form via mentions of 'cutting like a knife' rhymed, of course, with 'paradise'. The instrumental dub is just as glassy and arid, its standout element being the huge, zesty, quivering chords marking out the phrase transitions.

Review: Miracle Thomas and Rob Hardt bring new life to 'Sugar Free,' the 1985 hit by Juicy, just in time for the arrival of spring. The funky bassline and smooth vocal runs make this cover instantly catchy and memorable. Miracle's sultry delivery, paired with Rob's groove-heavy production, creates an irresistible blend of old-school soul with a fresh twist. The song's infectious chant and hook elevate it to a dancefloor favourite, while the chemistry between Thomas and Hardt is undeniable. This track will no doubt soar on the charts, earning its place on playlists and keeping listeners hooked for months. It's the perfect mix of nostalgia and contemporary soul.

Review: Mousse T.'s latest album, Melodie, is a testament to his enduring prowess in the realm of dance music. Following a string of successful remixes and collaborations, Mousse T. teams up with The Shapeshifters and Tensnake to deliver a sophisticated groover that exudes disco nostalgia. Featuring the enchanting vocals of Cleah, 'Melodie' captures the essence of classic disco while infusing it with modern flair. From start to finish, the album is a journey through infectious beats, funky basslines and irresistible melodies, showcasing Mousse T.'s impeccable production skills and his ability to create music that keeps the dance floor grooving. With its timeless sound and undeniable energy, 'Melodie' solidifies Mousse T.'s status as a master of the disco 3000 sound, ensuring that his music will continue to captivate audiences around the world.

Review: Soul Kitchen Cookin Crew delivers a blend of smooth, soulful grooves and infectious energy on Soul Avenue. The opening track sets the tone with a deep, warm bassline and crisp drums, immediately drawing you in. 'Midnight Soul' weaves together jazzy melodies with rhythmic precision, while 'Street Lights' carries a mellow yet uplifting vibe, bringing together lush instrumentation and slick, laid-back vocals. The group's ability to balance classic soul influences with modern production shines through, particularly on 'Urban Rhythm,' where funk-driven basslines complement tight percussion. Each track offers something different, but the cohesive sound ties it all together, making this a record that's both refreshing and timeless.

Review: This release sees David A Tobin exploring the multifaceted nature of love, delivering a soulful house cut that's both uplifting and introspective. 'Fallin' In Love' is a journey through the complex emotions of romance, with warm chords and a driving bassline creating an irresistible groove. Tobin's emotive vocals capture the vulnerability and excitement of falling head over heels, while the track's soulful melodies and uplifting energy create a sense of hopeful optimism. The B-side, 'Turnin' Me On', takes a slightly different approach, with a more playful and seductive vibe. The track's infectious groove and seductive vocals are sure to get bodies moving, while its soulful undertones maintain the overall sense of heartfelt emotion. Together, these two tracks showcase Tobin's versatility as a producer and vocalist, delivering a well-rounded listening experience that will appeal to house heads and soulful music lovers alike.

Review: Sedsoul welcome back one of their mainstays, David A Tobin, with a fresh new tune, emblematic of a soul supremo reared in the gospel tradition. Tobin's nominal credits stretch as far back as the early 1990s, when he operated as a house music vocalist working under the stage name Phoenix, but his more recent efforts under his own name have seen him steer in a determined soul direction, post-2010. 'Fallin' In Love' is an amorous cascade and an homage to sea-changes, with the titular "falling in love" coming backed by refrained urges to "turn your life around".