Review: Dreamy, lo-fi souldance from Curtis Lee, a rare name in the world of soul and funk who released but one small on Canton, Ohio's Spade Records in 1979 - this now cutely-reissued single, 'Steppin'. Featuring the crooner doubling up with an uncredited female vocalist on a late-night boozy rendezvous, we're keen to learn a new meaning of the word "steppin'". 'Funkadize Me Please' is an equally charming and naive B-side, predictive of the stark minimality found in much UK soul.
Review: For over 50 years, The Legendary Beyons have captivated Portland with their music and now their work is finally documented in this high-fidelity LP. Accompanied by a detailed oral history and a booklet filled with archival photography, this release serves as a period piece for those unfamiliar with the group. The album features their only surviving 20th-century recordings, showcasing soulful harmonies in tracks like 'Dreaming You In My Mind' and 'There We Were, Here We Are'. This LP offers a deep dive into Portland's Black music history through the lens of The Legendary Beyons.
Give Me The Sunshine (extended UK 7" Grapevine RED 3 mix) (4:40)
Review: Leo's Sunshipp is an iconic rare groove record that gets a reissue here on Expansion. The special Record Store Day 2021 limited and hand-numbered 7" offers up two different versions, both of which are primed and ready to add at least 10 degrees of heat to even the sunniest DJ set. The original US 7" mix is languid and long legged, laidback and in a hurry to go nowhere fast. The soaring strings and steamy vocal, tumbling perc and distant horns capture a lazy afternoon soaking up some rays. The extended UK 7" Grapevine RED 3 mix ups the ante a little for slightly more energetic moves.
The Leonard Lothen Project - "In The Presence" (feat Derick Hughes) (5:17)
Gospel Clouds - "Let Us Pray" (3:38)
Review: Leonard Lothlen is a California gospel music icon who this label made contact with for this release. It comes with a concept and that is "to place two gospel compositions recorded fifty years apart on one record." It means there are two very different and diverse tunes but two equally brillaint ones on this 7" with powerful vocals from Derick Hughes on 'In The Presence.' They come with a subtle doff of the cap to the late great Bishop Rance Allen. On the flip is 'Let Us Pray,' which was the first tune Leonard did with his GC's group in 1971. It is a real rarity and expensive gem if you can find an OG, Importantly, it is worth the cash whatever you pay.
Review: The Leonhart Brass Band, the latest project from trumpeter Michael Leonhart, was born out of the 2020 lockdown, an inventive response to the halt of his 18-piece orchestra performances at NYC's Jazz Standard. Stripped down to a brass-heavy ensemble that could perform outdoors without amplification, Leonhart took inspiration from classic brass bands like Dirty Dozen and Rebirth, blending in hip-hop and funk influences to create a unique sound. The opening track, 'Jabbar', is a tribute to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the basketball icon with a rich jazz background. Centred on an infectious bass riff in C minor, Leonhart's trumpet and Jason Marshall's bass saxophone deliver bold, brassy solos, conjuring the vitality and strength of the track's namesake. Another standout is 'The Iceman', a nod to George Gervin, the basketball great known for his unflappable demeanour on the court. The brass section splits into two distinct groups, creating counterpoint melodies that mirror Gervin's grace and intensity. Stuart Bogie's baritone sax solo, complete with tape echo, adds an unexpected texture, grounding the track in a deep, funky groove. With members from Antibalas, the Dap-Kings, and Red Baraat, the Leonhart Brass Band fuses tight musicianship with an exhilarating energy that carries the weight of New Orleans tradition, while forging its own path in the modern jazz and funk worlds.
Review: Several years before Uzi Kinrot, we were lucky enough to attend a cultural exchange, of sorts, between Lithuania's burgeoning electronic scene and Israel's fertile alternative music community. The results were staggering, and in addition to presenting the Balkan state as an epicentre of leftfield dance, it also made a strong case for the Middle East as a hotbed for the kind of music makers destined to score some Quentin Tarantino or David Lynch movie. Back up to date, and Les Dynamites, whose reputation has long reached beyond their Jerusalem hometown, have returned to emphasise the latter point. Uzi Kinrot is a groove-packed double-A side that feels alive with energy, perhaps thanks to the single-take recording process. It's twangy, psychedelic, nostalgic and yet utterly timeless stuff that yearns to be heard on a beach while you hide from the heat of afternoon sun.
Building on the triumph of Les Imprimes' inaugural album, Reverie, Big Crown Records presents two standout tracks from the album pressed onto this 7". For the A-side, Morten provides an edit and infuses the mix with an extra dose of depth reminiscent of Larry Levan's style. The result is striking and hits harder, igniting the dancefloor with its infectious rhythm while delivering a resonant message about the consequences of investing too much in the wrong relationships: On the B-side, 'You' bursts forth with a captivating crescendo, setting the stage for a sublime sweet soul melody. This beautiful declaration of love and reassurance is equally enchanting both musically and lyrically. Morten Martens' talent for arrangement shines through on both of these lovely tunes.
Review: Norwegian outfit Les Imprimes have already found their feet with their earliest outings on Big Crown. As they continue to build towards their new album Reverie they drop another single from it here in the form of 'Falling Away' backed with 'Still Here'. Both cuts are beautiful and display fine musicianship, the sort of soul that melts your heart and breezy grooves that bring calm to your mind and body. Vocals enrich each cut and on this evidence, the upcoming album is going to be special indeed.
Review: Two formerly passed-over bonus tracks from two of Lettuce's earlier records, 2008's Rage! and 2012's Fly respectively. The US collective and Berklee College graduates, seasoned stalwarts of funk and soul, first featured 'Monorail 3000' and 'Star Children' as afterthoughts on their otherwise sprawling third and fourth records, both funded by Velour Recordings. The tracks alternate between dextrose sweetness on the light-rail A and cosmic rocketship B-side, demonstrating the great versatility of these all-heart alumni.
Review: It was back in 1986 when obscure UK electrofunk band Leval released their sole 7" - a sparkling slab of pop-boogie brilliance that has long been a secret weapon for dusty-fingered diggers and Brit-funk collectors. As this Athens of the North reissue proves, the record remains a brilliant Brit-boogie gem. Check first 'Our Love', a confirmed earworm that sees the band wrap duetting male/female vocals around a deliciously bustling blend of rubbery slap-bass, eyes-closed soft rock guitars, warm synthesizer chords and a dewy-eyed, jazz-funk style breakdown. Flipside 'It's Up To You' is a little more eccentric thanks to an unusual time signature and drum track, but boasts the same addictive blend of male and female lead vocals, slap bass and synths.
Review: The Lewis Connection was a Soul / Funk band from Minneapolis who may have looked like your average local band save for one exception - the guest member addition of Prince. These tracks are lifted from the self-titled album and "Got To Be Something Here" with Prince on background vocals and guitar marks the first time he appeared on a release by another artist on a track he did not write. In addition, it's also considered an early record of what would become the signature Minneapolis funk sound. This fine historically rich tune will be available in 45 rpm format for the first time.
Review: The Soul 4 Real label do a damn fine job of digging out the deepest cuts from soul legends you know and those you don't. Jimmy Lewis may not be a household name but he wrote for the likes of Ray Charles, and with his 1974 album Totally Involved he revealed himself to be something of a pinnacle of real soul music. From a similar era when he was recording for Hotlanta, the two tracks on this 12" were previously only available on a CD compilation but they absolutely deserve to be ringing out on this beautifully crafted 7".
Review: This is the first time these two mega obscure and super rare Northern Soul nuggets have been re-released. They were initially recorded at Edgewood Studio in Washington DC in 1969 by Keni St. Lewis who was a prolific songwriter who recorded only a couple of his own tunes. He as a part of various other groups like The Cairos and The Chancellors and this was his first real hit as a solo artist after he wrote others for the likes of Billy Butler, Gene Chandler and The O'Jays.
Right By Your Side (JD B-Boy Fantasy remix) (4:22)
Review: Lexx's latest release, 'Right By Your Side,' is a disco-infused collaboration featuring the smooth vocals of Stones Throw recording artist Stimulator Jones. The track exudes Balearic and pop disco vibes, inviting listeners to groove along to its infectious beat. On the flip side, Jamma-Dee from Los Angeles offers up a remix that adds a slightly more uptempo flair while maintaining the essence of the original. Lexx's production skills shine through, creating a seamless blend of retro and contemporary sounds that will surely get dancefloors moving. With Stimulator Jones' catchy and Jamma-Dee's expert remix, 'Right By Your Side' is something to get your hands on.
Review: Fantasy Love re-issues a cherished soul and funk underground classic. Liason was a legendary Bay-Area group who were known for their vibrant performances and distinct sound. Led by Morris 'Skid' Clay, Liason was originally released on their independent imprint, 'A.L.C.' and named after three of the group's members' astrological signs: Aquarius, Libra, and Capricorn. Recorded in 1977, this double single shows the spirit of the band in these stellar songs. 'Life' features a grand vocal performance with a fantastic horn section while the B-side, 'Disco Party' enjoys dancefloor romp from the disco heyday. Both tracks are special in their own way. For those people looking for rare grooves, look no further!
Review: Numero are taking a look through the cult Chicago label Magic Touch and dusting down some of the most coveted releases from their archives, starting with this smokin' hot joint from Light Touch Band. It's a record of two halves which kicks off with the laid back rap of 'ChiCAGO (Is My Chicago)', a funky-as-hell jam which pays tribute to the Windy City in fine style. The flip is the real gem though, as 'Sexy Lady' swerves into P-funk flavoured waters with dazzling results. The OG copies of this record were changing hands for crazy money, so don't hang around while this one's in reach.
Review: Occasionally a single comes along that shows off a contemporary group's samplework. 'Hustler's Convention' from Dynamite Cuts is one. This new 7" recalls funk supergroup Lightnin Rod's album of the same name - originally released in 1973, it is renowned for being one of the major influences on hip-hop, bringing a sociopolitical commentary to black music at the time. Here the original track 'Sport', named after one of the album's protagonist hustlers, is blended with the B-side 'Four Bitches Is What I Got', which builds a smoke-filled narrative story involving poker tables and underworld czars around the funk backing.
Review: While Last Poets are rightly regarded as the 'godfathers of rap', others would insist that Hustlers Convention - a 1973 solo album from member Jalal Nuriddin under the Lightnin' Rod alias - had more influence on the birth of hip-hop. In part, that's down to the funk backing he received on the album from his chosen backing bands, which included the mighty Kool & The Gang. Here, Dynamite Cuts prove the point by offering two killer cuts from the set on 7" for the very first time. A-side 'Sport' is a Blaxploitation style delight - all ear-catching horn motifs, shuffling funk breaks, weighty bass, wah-wah guitar and languid spoken word vocals - while 'Four Bitches Is What I Got' sees our hero make merry over a more stripped-back take on the same backing track.
Review: Monika Linges' voice sways between jazz and bossa nova with a natural ease that makes it seem like she was born for this. But her latest track pushes things furtherigently drawing you in with a relaxed yet intricate arrangement, before layering in subtle harmonies and rhythmic flourishes. There's a warmth to the way she sings, each note spilling effortlessly into the next, hinting at a deeper emotional core. It's a performance that feels personal yet universal, bringing the complexities of her influences into a fresh light. By the time it fades, you're left with the feeling of something timelessia quiet reflection on both genre and soul.
Review: 'On A Magic Carpet Ride' was a single originally written by Randazzo/Pike who worked on a lot of Little Anthony records. It is a Northern Soul classic, as is a much sought after and hugely expensive version by Bradford born singer Kiki Dee, who was the first white British female to be signed to Motown in 1970. This cheeky one-sided 7" makes the soul stunner available once more in original form and is full of big bouncing drums, string stabs, soaring vocals and unbridled upbeat joy.
Review: The red hot Dynamite Cuts label happily serves up this slice of rare groove magic from Little Beaver. The unique artists write both of the tunes included on this 7" for his "When Was The Last Time" album and neither has appeared in this format before now. It comes with a cover as iconic as the tunes, which are both soul-stirring and heart-wrenching slower dancers. 'Concrete Jungle' has an eye-watering falsetto over deep bass and swooning strings with plenty of funky chords, then 'I Just Love The Way You Do Your Thing' is another aching beauty with elegant grooves.
Review: Richmond, Virginia's Tyrone Thomas is widely known in the world of crate digging for his iconic 'Seven Minutes of Funk,' a track sampled countless times throughout music history. But to those immersed in Northern Soul and Low-Rider Oldies, he's better remembered as Little Tommy, the teenage prodigy who emerged in the 60s on the Sound of Soul label. At just 16, Thomas released his debut single, 'I'm Hurt' b/w 'Lov'h,' which has since become a cornerstone of both genres. The raw emotion of 'I'm Hurt' struck a chord with Low-Rider communities, while 'Lov'h' became an enduring favourite for Northern Soul fans. The rarity of this 45 continues to drive demand, with clean copies often fetching hefty sums.
Review: Like many of the best tunes from the Northern Soul era, this is a revered gem and a highly sought-after original which has been known to trade hands for well over 2000 English pounds. As such it is extremely collectible with both sides offering up monster tracks. 'Love Finds A Way' is a big raw lung buster with snappy drums and lush harmonies adding plenty of soulful warmth. On the flipside, 'I Need Some Loving' is another big one with all the right textures, rhythms and hooky vocals.
Review: Tapping vocalist Latrell James on Bostonian vox duties, Live A Little dishes out a deep 12" and promises to deliver it straight to our doors, not unlike pizza delivery. Across a woodfired record, we're assured we've "got it good", with an initial "get it, get it, good" sample rounding out a ferrety lead beat, as "cribs" and "crooks" are further concept-checked by James. Caserta flips the A with a melodious meander on the B-side, lifting the record from its opening certis of loose-slung 4x4s and haggard textures for a reversion that brightens, smoothens and softens everything out, as if to say, "chop-chop!".
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