Nathan Haines - "U See That" (feat Vanessa Freeman & Marcus Begg - Atjazz Love Soul mix) (5:12)
The Realm x Atjazz x Kelli Sae - "On The Road" (vocal mix) (7:58)
Review: Back ion 2021, the relaunched Foliage Records imprint offered up a killer mix from NYC house legends Mood II Swing, the must-check Deep Rooted. Soon, the revitalised label will release a sequel, with long-serving British deep house don Atjazz at the helm. This sampler EP boasts six of the highlights from that set - all remixed and reworked by Atjazz himself. There's much to enjoy throughout, from the tense, slowly building deep-tech shuffle of Halo''s 'Glorty (Atjazz Galaxy Art Remix)'and the sun-splashed 6am bounce of Atjazz's remix of Dominique Fils-Aime's gorgeous 'Sun Rise', to the dreamy dancefloor wooziness of Ralf GUM's 'AWA' (re-imagined by Atjazz as an Osunlade-esque spiritual house workout) and the jazzy, bass-guitar-propelled broken house excellence of 'On The Road (Vocal Mix)', a three-way collab between Atjazz, Kelli Sae and The Realm.
Review: The miraculous collaboration single "I Don't Know" by Chara and IN-SIST is finally re-released after 10 years! This iconic 7-inch features Chara, a standout in the J-Pop scene, known for her deep roots in black soul music. The A-side, "I Don't Know," is a timeless soul classic that showcases Chara's influence and artistry, solidifying her status as a Japanese pop icon. On the B-side, you'll find IN-SIST's superb hip tune "On & On," adding an extra layer of groove to this must-have release. This reissue brings back the soulful energy and enduring appeal of a legendary collaboration.
Review: When Toronto-based and ever versatile label Do Right! released 'Required Listening' - a raw, diverse and stunning compilation of sounds by artists from Toronto
- critics and music lovers around the globe took notice. 'Required Listening Volume 2' promises to keep up that standard of quality by featuring fresh tracks from
the West Coast, to the East Coast, with some stops in between. Vancouver's Cobblestone Jazz, a band comprised of world-renowned techno producer Mathew
Johnson, programmer Tyger Dhula and keyboardist Danuel Dante who are known for their hype live shows and their jazzy, minimal techno sound heard on the
track 'Creator'. Johnson's own tracks have received critical acclaim and have been caned by Laurent Garnier, Richie Hawtin and Tiga. Cobblestone Jazz have
been steadily creating a buzz around Europe, and were recently featured on Gilles Peterson on BBC Radio 1. Also representing the West Coast is 8-member band
1 Luv along with vocalists Amaila Townsend, Deanna Teeple and Dawn Pemberton. Their groovy, soulful, jazzy house track 'Starz' explains why this band was
discovered by uber-crew Jazzanova and was featured on their 'Secret Love 2 Folk' compilation and how their music has been finding its way into the crates of
people like Phil Asher, Osunlade and Benji B. 'Starz' is taken from 1 Luv's debut album 'Neophilia' on Sonar Kollektiv.
Review: Ed Black, aka "edbl," is an increasingly prominent hip-hop and R&B artist and composer who has emerged from South London's indie music scene alongside luminaries like Jorja Smith and Jamie Isaac. His sound, a blend of lo-fi soul and hip-hop akin to Jordan Rakei and Tom Misch, garnered attention when Spotify UK featured him on their New Music Friday cover. Additionally, Music Business Worldwide Magazine nominated him as one of The Hottest Independent Artists In The World and now he backs up that potential with 'The Way Things Were,' featuring the mellifluous vocals of Isaac Waddington.
Review: Yuima Enya & Inokashira Rangers offer fresh takes on classic Sade tracks with their new release. 'Smooth Operator' transforms into a smoothed-out lounge record infused with reggae, while still retaining the soul and pop appeal of the original. On Side-2, 'Kiss of Life,' becomes a breezy jam with a subdued yet vibrant lounge band feel. Hats off to them for tackling such beloved songs and making them their own. These are great alternative versions, bringing new life to Sade's classics while respecting the originals. Perfect for fans looking to experience these timeless tracks in a new light.
Review: French label Boogie Butt gets us moving and grooving once more with a tasty new EP in the form of The Boogievison EP. It features a lead single from Ian Ash & Ella May, 'I Want To Thank You,' which pairs some jazzy chord work with a low-slung and warm house groove. The bass is funky and the vocals are seductive. It comes as an instrumental as well as a more direct and harder-edged Mr Doris & D-Funk remix. On the flip is Jessie Wagner & Fostin meet Ian Ash with 'Try Again,' a lovely soulful house groove with sublime and emotive vocals over another lush bass guitar. All very sweet tunes, these.
Review: Ltd B's good recent run of form continues with another dive into lush deep house realms courtesy of ICTV. First off the mark is 'Hit The Floor' with its US garage-inspired drums and some old school hip-house vocals. 'Orange Mood' is a steamy one with romantic melodies soothing the soul and some smart vocals adding a tough of firey soul. 'Adrift' then picks up the pace with some high-speed jungle breakbeats and 'Dazzling' sinks back into loved-up late-night sounds with expressive vocal yelps. Last of all, 'Sunset Recall' takes things down into blissed out realms with dusty drums and wispy pads.
A Place In The Sun (Kaoru Inoue remix 45 edit) (3:47)
A Place In The Sun (dub) (4:27)
Review: Yasushi Ide has a storied career reaching back into the 80s club scene in Japan, and he's worked with many a legend in his time. He originally released 'A Place In The Sun' as a Japan-only track on his 2012 LP Late Night Blues, and now the track has been revived by NYC label Love Injection. The track which led to this release was in fact a limited dubplate mix of 'A Place In The Sun' by Kaoru Inoue, which the Love Injection founders Barbie Bertisch and Paul Raffaele found while on tour in Japan. In this remixed form on the A-side, or the dub version of the original on the flip, it's a resplendent slice of downtempo bathed in exquisite musicianship, not least Nobuyuki Nakajima's gorgeous Rhodes and Jamaican legend Ernest Ranglin's unmistakable guitar lines.
Review: The legendary Ike and Tina Turner were at the peak of their collective powers back in the late 60s. For this Record Store Day, two of their most sought after classics make it on to a special 7". First up is an ice-cold early funk jam 'Bold Soul Sister' that has big funk guitar riffs from Albert Collins. It landed initially on the Blue Thumb label in 1969 and has since been pillaged by hip hop producers for all its golden samples. Reverse this one and you'll find 'Somebody (Somewhere) Needs You' which was a classic North Soul tune and has since become hugely sought after. It was written by Frank Wilson and an original will cost you over L150 so don't sleep on this one.
Review: A standout slice of modern soul and disco straight from NYC, penned by producer Alan Jones. This release switches things up from the original by offering a unique B-side with a lower vocal mix, crafted for DJs who want a fresh take for their sets. With a groovy, infectious energy, this updated version is perfect for the dancefloor. A must-have for collectors and DJs alike, this 45 is guaranteed to get the crowd moving.
Review: Imperial Wonders were a Cleveland, Ohio soul vocal group earlier known as The Mints. The wonderful 'Work Of Art' is taken from the compilation The Motown Years (1981-1984) and London's Cordial treats the overlooked classic to some choice remixes. Opolopo stays true to the original, while Pagger gets the late-night boogie-down vibes in effect on side A. On the flip, the inimitable Daft Punk pick up the tempo with their surefire dancefloor burner, while Leo Zero & Des Morgan's remix is the one we were really feeling and it channels that spiritual deep house sound complete with hypnotic polyrhythms.
Review: The backstory to this one is great. It starts in 1978 when a New York producer was in need of some studio musicians to lay down some fast and funky rhythms for a band he was working with, The Imperials. Minneapolis talents Andre Cymone and Prince Rogers Nelson duly stepped up and recorded 'Fast Freddy The Roller Disco King'. An album from the Imperials was set to follow but it never did, leaving us with this one majestic cut. It's soul-drenched and cosmic disco with a killer vocal back with a more leggy and slow-motion cosmic wonder, 'I Just Wanna Be Your Lovin' Man.'
Review: 'Fast Freddie the Roller Disco King' is a tune that is as good as its title. It was originally a single by Little Anthony and the Imperials (as The Imperials), featuring none other than Prince on guitar, synth and keyboards. The track's base was recorded by Prince with Pepe Willie and Andre Cymone at Sound Palace Studios in New York with later vocal and instrumental overdubs by The Imperials. The B-side, 'I Just Wanna Be Your Lovin' Man,' is an early version of '10:15,' though Prince's involvement as guitarist on this one remains unclear. Either way, this is a brilliant reissue for disco and funk lovers.
Review: Hailing from Japan, The In Sound features Bryn Barklam, renowned as the Hammond player in the iconic band Mother Earth. Produced and mixed by BDQ Records, 'The Modernist' is an infectious jazz-infused pocket of energy. With its irresistible groove and impeccable musicianship, this is one for true freeform jazz lovers, delivered on a limited edition 45 that's sure to leave a lasting impression.
Nothing Makes Me Feel Better (Ski Oakenfull remix) (6:30)
Keep Me In The Dark (Bluey's Uplifting Bass remix) (8:10)
Review: Incognito's 'Nothing Makes Me Feel Better' is a double-sided knockout that seamlessly blends house and soul music. Released on Splash Blue, this 7" offers two standout remixes. Side-1 features the 'Keep Me In The Dark' (Bluey Uplifting Bass remix), a house groove infused with funk, pop, and house elements. This track highlights the perfect marriage of soul and house. On Side-2, the 'Nothing Makes Me Feel Better' (Ski Oakenfull remix) ramps up the energy with disco and house vibes, expertly adding soulful touches. Both tracks exude class and showcase Incognito's ability to blend genres, making this release perfect for fans of sophisticated house and soul music.
Incognito - "Freedom To Love" (Atjazz Astro remix) (5:25)
MRMILKDEE & Jill Rock Jones - "2 Positions" (Sean McCabe Cosmos dub) (5:22)
Harold Matthews Jr & Sean McCabe - "Metronome" (Turbojazz remix) (6:16)
KV5 & Kaidi Tatham - "Shook Up" (5:03)
Review: Reel People Music breaks new ground, in more ways than one, with the launch of fresh compilation series Broken, Deep & Dope. A spin-off from acclaimed compilation brand Soulful, Deep & Dope - introduced back in 2015 - this new series sees the much-loved independent imprint pushing further at the boundaries of soulful music. All with that customary Reel People feeling. Broken, Deep & Dope 2024, the series' first instalment, unleashes 20 superlative examples of the soulful 'bruk' (broken beat), nu beat and nu jazz sound that has so innovatively informed contemporary dancefloors around the world since its inception back in late '90s West London.
Review: The Incredible Bongo Band were a loose studio collective interpreting classics of the day in their own inimitable percussive fashion .They are of course most famous for their ultimate b-boy classic version of "Apache". This particular 7" however features two Incredible Bongo Band cuts that have not previously featured on any albums. "The Riot" is a frenetic drum workout and has been championed by the likes of the Chemical Brothers. "Ohkey Dokey (Part 2)" takes on a somewhat more subdued hue in comparison, but has some dope funky clavinet in the mix. Well worth checking.
Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (Smeddles More Ass mix) (6:09)
Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (Smeddles More Ass dub) (5:22)
Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (vocal) (5:42)
Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (acappella) (3:11)
Review: Indeep's 1982 'Last Night A DJ Saved My Life' is a stone cold classic. It has been remixed several times over the years and never stops attracting new audiences with each passing generation. On this latest reissue we get the 1980s New York-based trio's still hard-to-beat original version as well as the acapella and Smeddles's More Ass mix and More Ass dub. They are subtle reworkings that tweak the original for a little more dancefloor heft but do nothing to distill its still golden charms and catchy hooks.
Review: Relative newcomers Infradisco blend a Balearic sound of disco and house for the Italian label Archeo Recordings. Aqua Cheta is a blend of proper electronic examples of Balearic and chill out influences. 'Caduca' (Hear & Now remix) is ideal for the late-night scene with a blend a perfect blend of 80s and 90s but still sounding futuristic. Manu Archeo's remix of 'Dulcis' is a beautiful laid back downtempo jam that shimmers like a hazy day on the beach. We think you will like the organic and mystical 'Fluminea' as well. This EP couldn't finish any better than on the ambient tip with a soul warming float on the marina remix by Ocean Moon. Fans of Balearic, Cafe Del Mar and chill out music will treasure this EP no doubt. This 12" comes with a CD as well.
Review: Nick Ingram is a criminally lesser-spotted artist whose credits stretch back to 1998, among which include his various instrumental and production contributions to the band The New Electrics, as well as single contributions to compilations by NME and Melody Maker. But Dynamite Cuts here call 'Trip Wire' and 'Throng' two tracks expressly made for TV soundtracking - never heard before, they reveal Ingram's repertoire in library scoring; the former track is a feverish trip-funker, packed with twang guitar and yodelling flutes, while the latter is a chromatic instrumental soul-jazz number starring a deeply haunting counterpoint, shared equally between synth and voice.
Inland Knights - "Figure It Out" (remastered) (5:13)
Inland Knights - "Figure It Out" (Mark Farina's Mushroom Jazz edit) (4:10)
Review: The Frosted label is back with more brilliance from Inland Knights in the form of this newly remastered version of the classic 'Figure It Out.' It was first put out back in 2013 as the first release on the label and remains a vital tune from the British pair. On the flip, Mark Farina is one of those hallowed producers who always has his own unique sonic signature, most famously under his Mushroom Jazz alias. His edit brings plenty of depth and broken beat lushness with noodling guitar riffs and spoken words making it a backroom gem.
Review: We aren't sure who Inner Space Quartet are be we are sure you will like them. This is the second new music from them this month and it follows a busy 2022 in which they put out three head-turning 7"s on different labels. They seem to be settling for Funk Night as their home this year but soundwise are harder to pin down - there is Thai funk, space rock, jazz, psyched-out guitars and much more all contained with these two expansive and immersive sounds. 'Paranoia Party' is the really 60s-tinged narcotic opener then 'Delay' brings more rock guitar sounds as if from some secret and tripped-out Stones concert in the desert back in the day.
Review: Inokashira Rangers are kwon around the world as a legendary group of Hammond-heavy reggae masters with a fine knack for laying down big cover versions. Their take on 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' was recently reissued to great acclaim recently and now we get two more gems. First is Radiohead's 'Creep' which has haunting leads and echoing pads capturing the freaky vibe of the original. There is a more laidback vibe on the flip with 'I'm Not In Love' which has noodling synths and lazy drum loops sinking you in deep.
Review: Over the last decade, Inokashira Rangers have proved that you can turn pretty much any track - whether it's a TV theme tune, rave banger or grunge classic - into a reggae or rocksteady gem if you know what you're doing. They're at it again on their latest "45", which opens with a storming, largely instrumental reggae-soul version of Edwin Starr's 1968 soul classic '25 Miles'. Their version - full of reverb-laden drums, fuzzy organ motifs, mazy solos, warming bass and JB's guitars - is naturally hugely different to Starr's version, but recognisably the same song. Their flipside take on Spinners' classic 'It's a Shame' is rather more difficult, with the trio slowing it down to a skanking reggae crawl while retaining the familiar melodic refrain.
Instant Funk - "I Got My Mind Made Up (You Can Get It Girl)" (T Groove remix) (4:42)
First Choice - "Love Thang" (T Groove remix) (4:52)
Review: Here are two absolute gold standard Salsoul classics given a new spruce up thanks to the remix skills of T Power. Wisely, they've chosen to take a softly softly approach to such sacred material, but there's a little extra dancefloor oomph where it counts to make these tracks pop off that little more against more modern fare. First up is Instant Funk's evergreen classic "I Got My Mind Made Up (You Can Get It Girl)", and on the flip it's the impossibly perfect "Love Thang" by First Choice. Both have never sounded better - full credit to T Power for doing this one right.
Review: Regularly spotted passing hands for high triple figures, the Poindexter brothers' New York troupe's second D'ar Recording Company single finally enjoys a reissue. "Beautiful Philosophy" has a little northern soul stomp to it while still shimmering with 70s pop charm and some incredible harmonies while "Too Sweet To Be Lonely" takes The O'Jays' classic to emotional new highs with yet more fine tuned chorused vocals - too sweet to sleep on!
Review: Space Echo returns with a bold funk-fuelled trip here that is powered by irresistible rhythms built on downtempo grooves. The track reflects on war-driven forces destabilising communities and Gianluca Petrella's trombone work channels pure Fred Wesley-esque funk energy while 1970s-inspired choral arrangements amplify its introspective message. Alongside this, Agosta's remix of 'Mother Forgive Us' from The Invisible Session's Echoes Of Africa transforms the track into a futuristic Afro-funk odyssey with tribal percussion tubing up next to pulsating electronics. A great package with a message of climate urgency that calls for a reconnection to nature.
People All Around The World, Can Make It (Studio live take) (5:51)
Review: Milanese quartet The Invisible Session has a proven track record of delivering soulful nu-jazz workouts, with each successive release displaying a different range of influences (think jazz-funk, soul-jazz, Afrobeat, spiritual jazz and so on). So what do they have in store for us this time round? In its original form (side A), 'People All Around The World Can Make It' is a deliciously languid, fluid, sun-splashed number that effortlessly joins the dots between Afro-soul, soul jazz-and jazz-funk - all spiritual group vocals, Tony Allen-style drums, punchy horns and spacey synthesizer flourishes. The accompanying 'studio live take' is stripped-back affair that adds attractive delay trails to the horns, removes the vocals and prioritises the Fela-inspired groove. In other words, it's effectively their take on a reggae style 'riddem' version. Proper.
Review: The Invitations have roots tracing back to the mid-60s and saw various lead singers take the mic until Lew Kirton joined in 1973. Kirton's vocals grace both 'Look On The Good Side' and 'They Say The Girl's Crazy' from 1974 which are now reissued for the first time. Originally released on Silver Blue Records, a label founded by songwriter and producer Joel Diamond, these tracks were arranged and co-produced by Bobby Martin in Philadelphia and boast the unmistakable Philly Sound. Kirton later departed for a successful solo career, notably remembered for hits like 'Heaven In The Afternoon' but this reissue brings forth a timeless slice of soul history.
Chill (Inkswel & Leonard Charles Space Funk rework) (3:50)
Hanna-ma-dia (Inkswel Jazz Cigarette Mash Up) (4:32)
Review: Prolific producer Inkswel becomes Inxxxwel for this new outing on 7" via the always excellent GAMM label. It's a two-tracker that is packed with hip hop, funk, soul and opens with 'Chill' - a Space Funk rework alongside Leonard Charles - which echoes the work of the great J Dilla as well as having some lush 90s r&b overtones. On the B-side, things get pitched down into New Jersey house territory with more sultry r&b tones on the excellent 'Hanna-Mi-Dia' (Inkswel Jazz Cigarette Mash Up) which features vocals from Blu & Ta'Raach. Two red hot jams, for sure.
Review: While the Melodeum label is based in Chicago, many of its releases take cues from rubbery tech-house, minimal techno and early 2000s style German 'digital disco'. There's a flavour of the latter sound, pioneered by the Force Inc label, on 'New Chapter', the lead cut from Iron1's first EP for the imprint. All elastic beats, jazzy synth-bass, playful samples and dreamy chords, it's tech-house-funk for the nu-disco generation. The Argentinian producer opts for a spot of tech-house/synth-jazz fusion on flipside opener 'Gossip', before going deeper and woozier on the sample-rich deep house funk of 'Jameson'. As debuts go, it's impressively assured and genuinely ear-catching.
Review: We haven't heard any new music from super soul group The Ironsides since back in 2020. Boy, how the world has changed dance then, Anyway, their sound has not and is just as life-enriching as ever across these two new tunes. First up is the glorious 'The Changing Light' with its lush sounds and catchy melodies and then on the flip is 'Sommer' which is just as able to melt your heart. The good news is they also have a new album coming on the label either next year or the year after so keep those eyes and ears peeled.
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