Review: Ace's introduces the Soul Harmony label with a thrilling discovery from Golden State Recorders. The 87th Off Broadway, hailing from Seaside, California, recorded a series of tracks in April 1972, with arrangements by Los Angeles' Rene Hall. These sessions, featuring the group's self-penned songs, remained unheard for decades. 'Instant Replay is the final track from these sessions to be released, following previous funk releases on Ace's BGP label. The group later evolved into Welfare, who recorded 'What About The Child' (under the name Gold) for the MRC label in 1977. The intricate harmony and high-quality production of 'Instant Replay' have already garnered praise on the Lowrider scene. The music of Larry Sanders has seen the soar among collectors, capturing the essence of a summer romance with his lush, harmonious sound.
Review: This is another reissue of a record that remains an ongoing favourite. Original Gravity delivered again with the original pressing featuring two unique versions of 'Burning Spear'. Nestor Alvarez opens with a lively, Latin-inspired rendition filled with fluttering flute melodies, raw drum beats and vibrant dancing keys that radiate sunny energy. On the flip, La Machine D'Argent takes a more cosmic approach, smoothing the vibe and layering spaced-out sounds for a dreamy, immersive journey. This release showcases Original Gravity's knack for reimagining funk with flair by offering two distinct yet equally good takes on a timeless groove.
Young Pulse & Fleur De Mur - "Smooth Sweet Talker" (6:53)
Review: Get yourself geared up for festival season with some fierce party starters certified with the Glitterbox stamp. Melvo Baptiste leads the charge with 'Sweat', a sizzling disco house stomper with Dames Brown giving the biggest diva energy on her show-stopping vocal. Lovebirds bring unbridled joy on the Philly string swoon and slinky b-line funk of 'Burn It Down', while Art Of Tones & Inaya Day keep it peak time on the sassy strutter 'Give My Love'. Young Pulse & Fleur De Mur complete the set with 'Smooth Sweet Talker', another bright and bold vocal cut par excellence.
Review: After a 14-year absence, early '90s jazz-funk and street soul label Boogie Back Records returned to action last year which a superb slab of revivalist boogie from Cheri Maree. Here the London-based imprint continues in a similar vein via a fresh two-track "45" from in-house crew BB Soul and honey-voiced vocalist Laura Jackson. A-side "Make It Out" is superb: a wholehearted musical tribute to the smooth, synth-heavy sounds of 1980s soul rich in D-Train style synth bass, wild synth squiggles, warm Rhodes chords and authentic electric guitar flourishes - all topped off with a sublime Jackson vocal. Flipside "Reach Out" is a smoother, arguably even more soulful number that sits somewhere between early '80s electrofunk, mid-80s synth-soul and simmering British street soul. It, too, is impeccably performed and produced.
Lynn Williams - "How Can You Call Love Fascination" (2:26)
Review: Jimmy Bo Horne brings his raw and expressive vocals to this new release on Japanese label Ultra Vybe. The oft-sampled America singer, writer and producer has been turning out such sounds since the mid 70s but remains on top of his game here. The big horns bring energy, the rolling rhythm section gets you up on your feet and the whole thing screams floor filler. On the flip is Lynn Williams with 'How Can You Call Love Fascination,' a much more slow and sensual soul tune with acrobatic vocals and nice piano fills next to a big horn section.
Review: It might be getting cold and dark and wet here in the UK but music will always be able to transport us to warmer, sunnier, happier climes. And so it is with this new 7", which includes a booklet, from Discodelic. It's a two tracker from Cizana and La Nueva Generation that is flame hot and bristling with energy - Cizana's 'She Sold Her Soul' kicks off with its joyous flutes, hand drums and percussive Latin grooves then La Nueva Generacion slow things down and up the brass with their carnivalesque Afro-funk workout 'Uhru Sasa'.
Review: France's faves Battle Weapons deliver two heady new edits, only for those ready. On the A comes an ingenious, probably never-done-before, almost laughably why-hasn't-anyone-else-ever-thought-of-this-until-now breakbeat rendition of Peter Bjorn & John's 'The Young Folks'. To be frank, they've not done much besides beef up the backbeat a little, but a simple sprucing up is sometimes all a tune needs. On the flip comes a phattened version of 'Forgot About Dre' mashed up with the Azzido Da Bass UK garage classic 'Dooms Night', also produced to hilariously, surreally arresting effect.
Review: In a move towards soulful French electro-funk from the duo that brought us 'Caipirnha', comes the latest new single from DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson. The two producers here bring together a vast cast of musicians playing everything from Moog to claviers, culminating in a texturally rich afro-soul single that urges us to "hold our horses" ('Pas Si Vite') in these troubling times.
Review: Intriguing new reissue from Ernie & The Family McKone on the acclaimed Boogie Back, just one of many labels to focus on obscure street soul, freestyle and R&B since the early 90s. One side is a freestylectro remix of an absolute classic, while the B's 'Make A Move On Me' is much sultrier, replete with digital organs and soft strings against a steady-sexy house backing.
Ebony Evans - "Loving You Is All I Wanna Do" (4:38)
Lewzarius - "Step Up" (4:54)
Review: Ebony Evans is a superb soul talent who for this single worked with Manny Campbell who wrote and arranged. Originally recorded in 2004, 'Loving You Is All I Wanna Do' appeared on the Luv's Fire CD Maxi Single and later on a full album in 2006 through Coastal Records but now debut on vinyl thanks to Soul Direction. On the flip side, Lewzarius' 'Step Up" shines as a rich collaboration between Campbell and Haran Griffin, who is best known for 'Movin' Much Too Fast.' Atlanta-born Lewzarius recorded this track during his time at Coastal Records in the late 90s.
Review: Maledetta Discoteca closes out its year with this special blue vinyl featuring a mix of brilliant Italo disco artists. They all hail from Italy and Argentina and are editing originals that span disco, electro, proto-house and more. Hararis' 'Si No Pagan' is the first under the scalpel and is a funky cut with raw drums. Lance's 'Yo Quiero A Lucy' is a more slowed down and seductive sound with 80s synths, Marta Paradise's 'Calling' (edit) is a direct and sugar synth laced house stomper and Alan Strani's 'Tension Salsable' brings things to a closer with a nice stomping disco grove with mysterious synths and lush percussion.
Review: Give My Love by In Dat Groove & Lee Wilson is an infectious late-night jam with soft calypso vibe to it and the DJ Spen Rework elevates with soulful house flair, adding a depth and groove that's irresistible for dancefloors. The L'Amour Disco mix rounds out the package, paying homage to classic r&b, disco and house sounds with a polished nod to the 80s. Both versions offer a unique flavour, making this release a stunning collection that caters to diverse musical tastes. Whether you're in the mood for tropical warmth, soulful beats, or nostalgic disco, 'Give My Love' delivers beautifully.
Review: Teddy Powell and Zee Desmondes are The Jack Moves, a contemporary disco and hip hop outfit who here link with unknown newbies The People Of Newark and Larry Hamm for this tidy new 7" on Star Creature. 'Horror Games' has a squelchy synth bass line that carries the loose drum work and bustling methane of background vocals and found sounds. A lead singer takes charge up top as various chatting crowds play out in the background. It's a busy tune that also comes as an instrumental for those who prefer the focus to be on the well crafted drums and bass.
Review: The new joint on Wildcards comes from a hornsman sometimes known as Lucky Brown, sometimes as plain old Joel Ricci. He's done plenty of excellent work in the past, but after a few quiet years he's back in the saddle and this new single really takes the cake. 'A Thing Of Beauty' is a lilting slice of instrumental funk which lets Ricci's playing soar, and it's all rendered with a dusty, red-lining charm which will make it all the hotter in the dance as well as appealing to crate diggers hankering for more hot n' heavy grooves to sample. Speaking of which, the flip 'Drums Of Beauty' gives you breaks for days - B-boys and B-girls take heed.
Review: Former band "Kadri Six" - five men plus singer "Lamia" - have devoted themselves to the real spirit of funk and soul music with the release of 'Cold Sweat' on Sonorama. Their trademark sound is "real", "alive" and "black", with raw vocals, moving organ, hard hitting bass lines and trombone or sax riffs to set every dancefloor on fire.
Review: Brit-boogie obscurity alert! You might not be familiar with La Famille - a short-lived group established by jazz guitarist Alan Weekes, whose members also included then future Soul 2 Soul singer Caron Wheeler and a pre-fame Cleveland Watkiss - but in 'Dancer', they made one of the loveliest jazz-funk/boogie crossover records of the early 1980s. Originally a white label-only release and near impossible to find since, the record has long been crying out for a reissue. It has all the ingredients you'd expect - squelchy synth-bass, soulful vocals, leisurely jazz guitars, drum machine beats and an overriding sense of musical sweetness - and is presented in equally essential vocal and instrumental mix variations.
Review: La La Lopez's debut single, 'You Can Call Me Rose,' marks her impressive entry on SOLA Records, offering a soulful, modern r&b response to Thee Sacred Souls' classic 'Can I Call You Rose.' Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, La La brings her unique blend of influences, from Mariachi and Rancheras to Soul and oldies, creating a sound that transcends borders. Recorded at SOLA Studios in Los Angeles and OLAH Producciones in Veracruz, this record shows her versatility. On Side-1, 'You Can Call Me Rose,' exudes soulful warmth, while the flip side, 'Deny,' is a vibrant Latin Pop track with English lyrics and rich Latin percussion, perfect for the dance floor. La La's music resonates deeply with her life experiences, a quality evident in her past works and future releases with SOLA Records. 'You Can Call Me Rose' has already garnered praise across generational audiences, affirming La La Lopez as a musical force to watch. Now available on 7" vinyl!
U Need Me (instrumental - feat Todd Del Giudice) (4:56)
Review: The blistering, one-of-a-kind West Coast disco-funk record 'U Need Me' by LA Propinquity surfaces as part of a new body of historic productions initially intended for compilation on a full-length LP. For reasons undisclosed, this never happened; instead, Italian sonic exhumers Cannonball Records have been afforded the privilege of reissuing these tracks across a series of 7"s themselves. Hardly and criminially under-recognised in their day, the L.A. Propinquity were nonetheless composed of the angelic city's finest, with drummer James Gadson forming a prominent part. A blast from the 1970s, 'U Need Me' is a beaming slice of unrequited longing, set to delicious funk tones that are as maximized as they are unstrained.
Review: The Cuban boleros of the 1950s and Nuyorican street soul of the 1960s always embodied a timeless Caribbean romanticism in the midst of New York City's urban landscape. La Triunfadora's debut album captures this sense of revival with experimental, psychedelic arrangements that revitalise classic tunes with fresh interpretations. Their debut 7-inch on Names You Can Trust honours Cuban bolero maestro Cesar Portillo De La Luz with lush orchestration and vocals by Candace Camacho and Benjamin R. Julia. The B-side reimagines Ralfi Pagan's 1969 Latin soul gem 'Hijo De Mama' by blending analogue warmth with a modern twist.
Review: After her magnetic debut EP for Running Circle in 2017, Nottingham's Yazmin Lacey lands on our charts with her follow-up 12", a piece of work that sounds deeply accomplished and expansive for being her second EP to date. Largely roaming within the jazzo-sphere, When The Sun Dips 90 Degress is a beautifully seductive five-tracker, with the artist's voice reigning supreme over the cascading showers of piano keys and subtle electronics, somehow tapping into the Alice Coltrane sort of vibe. There's no harp here, but plenty of soulful charisma. Fear not thy devout jazz fanatic - this can get real deep and real smooth. It's a broken beat fan's dream some true. More from Lacey is, indeed, expected in the remainder of the year. Marvellous stuff.
Review: Divine Who thrillingly announce their latest collaborative 7" release made with legendary gospel artist Lady Lois Snead, longtime fixture of the sixties US gospel-disco circuit and notably a member of the Dorothy Norwoods. Reworked, revamped and tweaked with love, Snead's gliding croons are revitalized for a new audience, be that on the pulsing cheat-buster 'I Found Out' or the more lolloping, stringy fable in song, 'Until We Learn', all against a fresh, modern instrumental production backdrop.
Review: Lady Wray delivers a powerful two-sider here as she hooks up with Grammy-nominated producer Leon Michels of Clairo and El Michels Affair for another single as they put the final touches to her upcoming album. The A-side, 'Be A Witness,' features Nicole's soaring vocals gliding over deep drum machines and Nick Movshon's funky bass which makes it a smooth mid-tempo groove about destined love and good vibes. On the flip, 'Best For Us' explores love, commitment and perseverance with lush synths and harmonies floating over Homer Steinweiss' tight drumming. They provide the perfect setting for Lady Wray's standout voice and get us excited for the full length.
Piece Of Me (feat Ghostface Killah - remix) (4:34)
Joy & Pain (Pete Rock remix) (4:30)
Review: Lady Wray's Piece of Me is a second sizzling album of superb soul. It marked something of a homecoming for the artist as she debuted on this label back in 2016 and found her leaning towards her usual soul and r&b as well as more hip-hop influences than ever: classic boom-bap drums and chunky bass hist loud and proud and for that reason the originals are ripe for remixing as they are here. Two legends of the game in Pete Rock and Ghostface Killah step up and bring their own signature sound and dusty drum beats to make for a crucial little 7".
Lady Wray, Les Imprimes, & Surprise Chef - "Come On In" (Les Imprimes remix) (2:55)
Lady Wray, Les Imprimes, & Surprise Chef - "Under The Sun" (Surprise Chef remix) (3:34)
Review: There are a whole host of soul talents on display on this new and limited edition 7" from Big Crown. Lady Wray, Les Imprimes & Surprise Chef all combine their forces for the gorgeously lo-fi and authentic soul single that is 'Come On In.' It has heart-aching vocals and a slow, heavy beat that is raw as you like. It is presented first as a Les Imprimes remix that makes a devastating emotional impact, and then as a Surprise Chef remix which is a little less heavy and more upbeat, with prickly drums and uplifting energy.
Review: Primetime smooth soul on the long-awaited 7" release of the fourth collaborative work between Lagheads and HIMI, 'Dance'. With impeccable production scooping out a thick copse of luscious basses, watery chorused electrics and glittering twinkles, the track is difficult to compare to any other; HIMI's vocals are fay as they are nimble, sounding sultrily pucklike over the sheer sonic city-soul fabric that is the instrumental piece. The B-side hears a remix by Hikaru Arata of WONK!A fame and fleshes out the latent weight of the track for a jazzier hip-hop version.
Review: LaJohn and Sheila's 'Too Far Gone' is an otherworldly disco cut from the Chicago label Magic Touch, which is benefitting from a reissue spotlight courtesy of Numero. The track was unearthed by Mr Peabody for a BBE compilation a long way back, but finally the tune is getting its own proper outing thanks to this tidy little 7", which comes in clear blue on this edition. Some tracks are holy grails for more than their scarcity, and this is truly one of those perfect records that everyone will want in their lives for all time once they clap ears on it.
Review: First released in 2007 and here reissued for the first time since, Jennifer Lara's inspired reggae cover of Marlena Shaw's 1968 soul classic "Woman Of The Ghetto" was reportedly one of the last recordings made by both Lara and producer Clement Seymour "Sir Coxsone" Dodd. It remains a stunning version, with Lara's weary, heartfelt vocal working perfectly with the chunky, dub-wise riddim provided by the Jackie Mittoo-fronted Sound Dimension backing band. The trippy, flipside "Side Walk Doctor Version" revision is arguably even better, with snippets of Lara's vocal echoing across Dodd's formidably dubbed-out soundscape.
The Dave & Darrell Band - "True True Love" (instrumental) (2:20)
Review: Known for its apt inclusion in the soundtrack for the classic Northern soul genre biopic Good For The Soul by director Dean Chalkley, Tobi Lark's fast-paced classic 'True True Love' hears a worthwhile pairing alongside The Dave & Darrell Band's instrumental retake here on a new Kent Soul 7". Recalling the quick-footed fouettes of dancer Durassie Kiangangu, who in the film entrains himself to many variously heated - and often difficult to dance to - Northern Soul rhythms, this track flaunts Lark's distinctly gravelly Canadian gospel voice, set against quick-witted drumming from longtime collaborator Darrell; both were favourites of the influental but short-lived Detroit label Topper.
Review: 2 more gems from the ever growing Dynamite Cut 7 inch series. First up and first time ever on a 45 featuring Linda ''Tequilla'' Logan on vocals on a dirty funk drenched groove. On the flip the rare super sexy 7 inch version of the infamous Turn Off The Lights taken from the original tapes is presented here. Infectious essential classic funk for the nu & old generation alike.
Review: This is the debut release by the French duo Last Bongo In Paris, also known as Cleon & Jazzy Pidjay. Both are DJs and producers with a background in Latin funk and jazz-funk, and these influences more than strongly shine on 'Green Season', a release whose priority is heavy breakbeats backed by a whismical, live-instrumental flavour. The title track swims and sways through meandering kazoos and psychedelically-filtered falsettos, while the B-side brings up the flip with yet three more incredible live-but-edited-in-post numbers, plus a really weird, never-heard-before 'Bonus Scratch'.
Review: Dynamite Cuts is one of the most aptly named labels in the game. Its latest releases have focused on The Last Poets with 'Tribute To Obabi' droopy on the same day as this one to kick off 2023 in style. As per that 45rpm, this one features a special 7" edit of a longer tune in 'Blessed Are Those Who Struggle'. It's laced with musings on oppression and slavery with funky drumming and speak-sung vocals making for a compelling mood. On the A-side is the Afro-jazz of ''It's A Trip' complete with unique vocal styles and funky basslines.
Review: 1977's Delights of the Garden, which saw The Last Poets accompanied by legendary soul-jazz sticks-man Bernard Purdie, remains one of the proto-rap innovators' greatest albums. The team behind the Dynamite Cuts label clearly agree, because they've decided to stick two of the set's most magical tracks on one must-have 45. On the A-side there's a chance to savour LP highlight 'It's a Trip', where the band sings and speaks over skittish, loose-limbed Purdie breakbeats, fizzing funk guitars and rubbery bass. Turn it over for special (and tastefully executed) 7" edit of 'Blessed Are Those Who Struggle', a classic chunk of politically charged proto-rap featuring killer drum work from the ever-impressive Purdie. In a word: essential!
Review: Late Night Tuff Guy has long since proven his credentials as a master of the cheeky edit. He now mints his own new label Tuff Cuts with a first EP of what will surely be many. It features two reworks hand picked by the man himself and then pressed on 12". The first is a dancefloor ready rework of the Bill Withers classic 'Lovely Day' with a nice rolling groove and plenty of the original's charm still in tact. Things get more sultry and seductive on the soul drench and more slow motion sounds of 'Love About' on the flip. It's a real beauty for the end of the night moments when love is in the air.
Review: Late Nite Tuff Guy's Soul Cut #04 offers three expertly crafted edits that breathe new life into classic 70s tracks, blending disco, jazz, funk, and pop into a seamless listening experience. On Side-1, 'Beijo' sets the tone with a smooth, disco-infused reimagining of Earth, Wind & Fire's classic interlude. The track has a light funk undercurrent, creating a vibe that's perfect for dancing all night, with a Balearic twist that adds a fresh touch to the original. Side-2 kicks off with 'Sunshine,' a tasteful edit of Roy Ayers' iconic 'Everyone Loves the Sunshine.' Late Nite Tuff Guy maintains the soulful essence of the original while adding his own groove, making it a perfect summer anthem. The EP closes with 'U Got It Bad,' a rendition of Stevie Wonder's 'You've Got It Bad Girl,' reworked into a smooth, jazzy track that's both nostalgic and timeless. An excellent 12" for fans of classic disco, funk and jazz, with a modern twist.
I Don't Know What It Is But Keep That Light Shining On Me (Keith Lawrence Refix version 1) (4:26)
I Don't Know What It Is But Keep That Light Shining On Me (Keith Lawrence Refix version 2) (4:32)
Review: Keith Lawrence is a DJ and producer from Brixton in South London with plenty of credentials, and here he serves up a pair of refixes of 'I Don't Know What It Is But Keep That Light Shining On Me', a reggae jam with an edge. The first one is laden with hooky guitar riffs and has soaring call-and-response vocals expanding the sound up top. The second is more raw and a little stripped back with a focus on the timeless rhythms and sounds. Two tunes that demand to be played loud and with bass - obviously - pushed to the max.
Review: A reissue of American singer Debra Laws' 1981 single here on Expansion. She made her debut as a solo recording artist in in the same year, with the release of her album titled Very Special. This album, produced by her brothers Hubert and Ronnie, was a success with the singles "On My Own" (a lovely neon-lit disco-funk groove) and "Very Special" (a super sensual ballad on the slo-mo tip) being featured here. Up until the beginning of the '90s, Laws worked with her three siblings, recording and doing many live performances in the United States and abroad. Samples from "Very Special" can be heard in Jennifer Lopez's 2002 hit single of "All I Have".
Review: Jarrod Lawson's latest release pairs his soulful stylings with the dynamic vocals of Raquel Rodriguez in 'Next Move,' a nostalgic yet fresh r&b slow jam. Channeling the feel of classic 90s ballads, the track explores a charged intrigue between two strangers with a blend of innocence and allure. Years in the making, this collaboration reveals each artist's strengths, weaving a groove that feels timeless. Released via Dome Records, 'Next Move' is set to be a highlight of this year, merging retro influences with contemporary energy.
Review: Featuring the world famous London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) remixed here by Ayce, 'Rather Be' is a masterpiece, blending soul, funk and house with gospel-tinged vocals from Annette Bowen. The mix elevates the original, adding a contagious funk groove that brings joy to every beat. The uplifting choir harmonies, sublime horns and heavenly pads are joined by wicked guitar riffs, creating an infectious rhythm that will have you dancing all night. The eight minute instrumental version allows the music to shine with its vibrant keys and dynamic production. LCGC, Europe's premier contemporary gospel choir, brings their signature power and positivity, while Ayce's remix takes it to the next level, blending soulful house with funk and r&b. With a rich history of collaborations with major artists like Madonna, Elton John and Jessie J, LCGC's performance here is nothing short of electrifying.
Review: Francesco Fisotti is the leader of the new Italian disco-funk band Le Dune and this makes their debut release. 'Sugar' features a fusion of electronic drums, synths and groovy bass with a retro feel but fresh modern production flair next to vibrant guitars. When you pair all that with catchy, pop-driven vocals you have a timeless disco vibe that will unique all manner of dancers. Alongside the original version, the Extended Mix emphasises the groove, the Instrumental Version' leans into a percussive, tribal sound while the 'La Notte Mix' co-produced by Issam Dahmani delivers a late 80s proto-house feel.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.