Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Swedish multi-instrumentalist Gustav Horneij, best known as OPE, finally lands on Jazzaggression with a new 10" release that showcases his singular approach to spiritual jazz and overdubbed improvisation. It's a new release composed entirely around bamboo flutes, but the instrumentation stretches far beyond i drums, bass, reeds, harp and subtle string textures are all played by Horneij himself, each part layered with a feel for groove and tone that's entirely unforced. Tracks like 'Instant' and 'Picante Beef' hit with warm, rolling basslines and smoky modal phrasing, while 'The Deepest Bowl' moves slower, drawing you in with flickers of flute and ambient space. 'Udon' is a clear standout, combining a floating top line with an earthy, locked-in rhythm section that could loop forever without tiring. Despite the solo setup, nothing feels precious or overcooked i the mood stays loose and tactile, like a small ensemble jamming in real time.

Review: Brit soul legend Omar's new work finds him in full command of his craft, gracefully vaulting through decades of soul, funk and jazz with a sound that feels both grounded in history and refreshingly modern. His collaborations - from Paul Weller's understated elegance to Giggs' streetwise energy - highlight his remarkable versatility, yet it's his own magnetic voice that pulls everything together. The arrangements are lush, rich with organic instrumentation and tinged with Caribbean warmth, offering a sound palette that's as riveting as it is all-consuming. Tracks like 'There's Much Love In The World' reflect the timeless optimism that runs through Omar's music, celebrating unity while reminding us of the power of soulful connection. Despite the star-studded line-up of guests, this release is unmistakably Omar's. His voice - distinctive and effortlessly smooth - remains at the heart of each song, whether he's trading verses with Raheem DeVaughn or harmonising with Ledisi's rich tones. The musical textures on display are just as varied, blending organic rhythms with electronic beats that never overwhelm the track's emotional core. Over time, Omar's musical approach has only become more layered and expansive, yet his unmistakable sound remains intactianchored in the originality that made him a key figure in modern soul and funk.

Review: ONEGRAM, the cult Japanese reggae band formed in 2011, is back with a new album that takes in everything from their genre-defying journey so far. Though known for blending reggae with lovers rock, they also fold in conscious vibes and disco grooves to their sodden and here the Tokyo-based outfit delivers ten tracks that reflect their unfiltered present. It's their first original album in five years following 2021's cover-focused Random Access Music and highlights include the soulful hit 'After the May Rain,' the groovy 'Crazy For You' (which even got praised by Incognito members) and a dreamy take on Bread & Butter's 1974 classic 'Pink Shadow.'. It's an honest, heartfelt and unmistakably ONEGRAM sound.

Review: BBE, known for its groundbreaking J-Jazz and J-Jazz Masterclass series, now shines a light on an inerasable gem in Japan's national discography: the debut LP Rainbow Love by Orquesta Del Sol, the country's first authentic salsa band. Salsa's roots in Japan trace back to the post-WWII era, with groups like Tokyo Cuban Boys, but it was the 1977 Fania All-Stars tour that initiated wider interest. Percussionist Masahito "Pecker" Hashida, influenced by New York's salsa scene, formed Orquesta Del Sol on his return. Their debut, put out in 1981, blends compositions in Japanese, Spanish, and English, while working in a cover of Noro Morales' 'Rumbambola'. Produced by Shuichi "Ponta" Murakami, the album's bold sound was a product of Japan's studio scene and the band's connection to the Nuyorican salsa style. This reissue includes seven bonus tracks from the band's later years, remastered for a new generation.

Review: First put out in 1973, this jazz gem from Miyako ?tsuki makes a triumphant return after 50 years. Nihon Min'y?: Latin Feeling is a forward-thinking fusion of traditional Japanese folk songs and Latin jazz grooves that was recorded when ?tsuki was in her 20s and remains one of her most unique works. Backed by elite Japanese jazz musicians like flautist Akira Miyazawa and guitarist Sadayasu Nakamaru, the music transforms min'y? into vibrant, rhythm-driven pieces with arrangements by Akira Komachi. It's a rich cultural crossover that's both daring and elegant and this reissue includes two bonus tracks and a vintage-style obi.

Review: The Middle East has always invoked a sense of wonder and escapism, even if a singular tag for a vast and varied global region is an instant disservice. So it's not much of a surprise to find many countries currently in the throes of an explosive rediscovery of psychedelic sounds. Ouzo Bazooka is just one example of the kind of bands we're talking about. Originally solo project from Uri Brauner Kinrot - a musician, scientist and producer - the vehicle quickly grew into the fully fledged group we have loved over the last five albums and ten years, give or take. Widely considered pioneers of the burgeoning scene, Kapaim (Hebrew for 'palms') cements their status as a cut above most psyche rock bands anywhere on the planet. Informed by jazz, soul, blues, and indigenous musical traditions of the South Eastern Mediterranean, it's a smooth and intoxicating ride.

Review: We Carry Eden is an album so deep you can plunge right into it and forget the real world entirely. It comes from Son Of Chi, the latest project by Dutch ambient pioneer Hanyo van Oosterom, and it melds drones, field recordings, dub, jazz and fourth world influences across a two-part composition that features storytelling by West African vocalist Omar Ka. A founding member of CHI and Chi Factory, van Oosterom crafts textured soundscapes rooted in meditative grooves and spiritual depth and is inspired by Patmos and Hopi wisdom. He also weaves nature, myth and memory into a unified sonic journey with fine artwork by Michael Willis underlining the message of harmony.