Review: 'Suite For Chick' is a heartfelt tribute to the late jazz legend Chick Corea. This 12" was assembled to reimagine classics like 'City Gate, Rumble,' 'Time Track,' 'Hymn of the Heart' and Return to Forever's 'Romantic Warrior.' It finds Bangkok-based Maarten Goetheer collaborating with Thailand's jazz virtuoso Pong Nakornchai and blending Wurlitzer chords, Moog basslines, ARP leads and Rhodes phasings. Inspired by his jazz-pianist father, Maarten fuses classic jazz with modern genres like techno, cosmic disco and ambient for a fresh take on jazz fusion. These electrifying interpretations honour Corea's pioneering legacy in jazz and fusion from his groundbreaking work with Miles Davis to founding Return to Forever.
Review: Whether she likes it or not, Sophie Lloyd will always be known for the unfeasibly uplifting gospel disco-meets-gospel-house anthem 'Calling Out'. That was released five years ago and ever since, she's struggled to embrace it's shadow. With 'Angels By My Side', Lloyd seems to have embraced this, delivering another fine gospel-powered number that inhabits a similar sonic space while being different enough to avoid accusations of treading water. It's genuinely good, too, with Pauline Taylor delivering superb lead vocals over a hybrid gospel disco/stomping gospel sound hybrid full of Hammond organ licks, booming bass guitar, piano house riffs and stirring orchestration. In other words, it's another anthem in waiting.
Pam Todd & The Love Exchange - "Can't Hold The Feeling"
The Music Makers - "Jump, Jump, Jump"
Review: Some rare late night delights championed by the great Ron Hardy brought back to life on this one. Catherine Miller's 'Hunchin' All Night' from 1977 is good old fashioned disco that way it was intended, while Pam Todd & The Love Exchange deliver the life-affirming and timeless 'Can't Hold The Feeling' from the same year, and on the flip you have The Music Makers' classic 'Jump, Jump, Jump' from 1979 making RDY #48 a must have for disco lovers.
Espantapajaros (feat La Perla - Poirer remix) (4:36)
Flor De Jazmin (feat Paz Court - John Beltran remix) (4:40)
Review: Pahua is a Mexican singer, percussionist, DJ and producer who was once part of the Sotomayor band but went solo in 2020. Her sound is steeped in Latin influences and resulted in a debut album in 2023 and she recently landed on Razor-N-Tape with some tracks that now get remixed on this new 7". First up is 'Espantapajaros' (feat La Perla - Poirer remix) which is a mix of deep drums and synths with some florid flutes up top to bring the colour and charm. On the flip side is 'Flor De Jazmin' (feat Paz Court - John Beltran remix) which layers in some lovely sunny melodies to the shuffling samba rhythms and expressive vocals.
Painel De Controle - "Relax" (extended Waxist version) (5:54)
Rabo De Saia - "Ripa Na Xulipa" (Charles Maurice extended version) (5:28)
Famks - "Labirinto" (Nick The Record extended version) (6:17)
Review: France's Favorite label dabbles in all things funky and disco-flavoured, and this time they've decided to go with a Brazilian edge on their latest 12". Painel De Controle begins with a Waxist mix of "Relax", a chilled-out boogie monster with sultry vocals, while "Ripa Na Xulipa" by Rabo De Saia is more uplifting and heavy on the disco strings. Finally, Nick The Record rewires "Labirinto" by Famks into a subtly electro-fied boogie nugget. Nice!
Review: The Paradise Projex is a UK group that says they make "music with friends old and new." And that music is stylistically a balance of old and new, as this first EP from the new Expansion signings shows. It has slick modern production but a classic soul vibe over lush jazz drumming, with plenty of glowing and golden synths. The vocal work is buttery smooth and spreading positive messages of love. 'Feels Like Home' is all swooning grooves and beautiful harmonies, 'For This Love' has a Stevie Wonder feel and 'One Mind,Two Hearts' is life affirming dance floor goodness. 'With You' ends on a more pensive note and closes a fantastic EP.
Review: Celestial Echo has got a superb one here for this year's Record Store Day in the form of a reissue of Winfield Parker's superb soul classic, 'I Wanna Be With You.' This gem was first released in Baltimore in 1979 and in the 45 years since it has become one of those many sought-after soul treasures that will often cost four figures now on second hadn't markets. The reissue comes on limited edition 7" and has been meticulously remastered so sounds excellent with its buttery vocals and soothing, hooky melodies.
Review: Detroit innovator and singular soundsmith Theo Parrish returns with a new EP which we're told is his response to "stagnation and nonmovement" either physiologically, mentally or physically. 'Positive Mental Attitude Solves All' is up first and is a tribute to the late great funk-father Amp Fiddler. It's a typically deep cut with dusty drums and irregular, scruffy percussive lines layered in next to diffuse synth warmth and soulful melodies. 'Traffic Jams' plays with similar signature themes and is sure to loosen up mind, body and soul. Another standout bit of work from the venerable Motor City man.
Review: Street soul is one of the many short lived but vital in between genres that have emerged from the studios of the UK over the decades. Pause was an early act who excelled at the form as two incredibly rare and hard to find tunes that are both being pressed up bony Freestyle this month prove. The first one comes on this 12" in the form of 'It's Just Amazing' with various different mixes. The vocal mix pairs lo-fi drum breaks with shards of 80s synth stabs and a gorgeous vocal harmony finished perfectly by a melancholic bassline. The two instrumental mixes are even more dusty and lo-fi but the vocal version is the one that will always stand out and get the floor in a tizzy.
Review: The Perpetual Singers is a collective of gospel singers who hail from Amsterdam. They have linked up with producer Arp Frique for this tasteful new two-tracker via Unknownunknown. The 12" kicks off with 'Father Father' which has some brilliantly jazzy fingers dancing about a Rhodes piano and bringing great feels while a wordless ad-lib brings plenty of soul up top and some retro-future melodies bring a contemporary twist to this most bubbly of soul cuts. 'Elena' on the flip is a more driving grove with dusty drums and big guitar licks adding texture to the bright, shiny chords. It's a passionate sound with a catchy edge.
Children Of Zu Zu (feat Roberto Di Gioia & People Of Tala'aga & Samoa) (7:00)
Schmetterlinge Im Bauch (feat Roberto Di Gioia) (7:41)
Love In Space (feat Jana - part 1) (1:55)
Zu Zu Music (feat Mickey Neher & AdaSoul & Narjara Thamiz) (7:55)
Myth Versus Reality (feat Sun Ra & June Tyson) (5:54)
Love In Space (feat Harald Popp & Lu - part 2) (3:29)
Review: Now we're talking. At the time of writing - mid-spring 2025 - Britain has been basking in the warmest March and April since the first Covid-19 lockdown, but dark skies and a cold lack of humanity are prevailing emotions. Far right, fascism, the death of creativity and the onslaught of automation are enough to leave anyone feeling like they've been locked out of the sunshine and have to fend for themselves against a torrent of chilling realities. But not all heroes wear capes. Some are just called Charles Petersohn, and they make sun-soaked, soul-inspiring, warm jazz-inflected deep house that feels born in a more natural period of Earthly evolution. In fact, it was born after time spent in South Africa, one of the global epicentres of this genre, where the producer was involved in an NGO charity project. Immediately catchy, resolutely life-affirming, and probably the grooviest thing we've had all month.
Review: An original of this is so hard to find that even on the most prominent second hand market site out there it hasn't been traded for more than a decade and a half. And it is certainly you now want to cop if you know what's up: Phase II's a-side delight 'Follow Me' is an adventurous synthed-out peak time boogie jam with spiritual levels of vocal magic. On the flip is a slightly more psychedelic disco stomper with freaky pads and wispy melodies over fast paced drum funk.
Review: A veritable wall of soul sound comes from Pleasure, the Portland, Oregon band whose works were sampled by the likes of LL Cool J and Michael Jackson. 'We Have So Much' is an example of mega-falsettoing, climactic funk, urgently laying home the fact that 'it's now or never', and that, baby, 'it's time to talk about it'. Meanwhile the B-side cut, 'Joyous', meanwhile, hears the aftermath of said relationship's end. A gem from Sherman Davis and co.
Review: Parisian producer Leo Pol is back after a great release on Velvet back in 2014 that showed his potential to create some deep, dusty and totally tripped out house for the afterhours, particularly on the Le Chat Qui Danse EP. He now inaugurates local label IILE (a sublabel of Uniile) with some more hypnotic subtlety; even if it is tougher and faster than his previous effort. There's the opener "2 La Deep De Bretagne" which really rolls deep. "Korben Dallas" gets its swing on in infectious fashion, much like local homeboy Varhat can. On the flip, he teams up with Marc on "21" for a bumpy and minimal jam while closing out the EP is the absolutely sublime "Parking" which is sexy and summery and has a certain DJ Gregory flavour about it.
Review: Amsterdam legends Rush Hour look to the other side of the earth for some irresistible summer sounds here. Precious Bloom is an Indonesian group that offer up a delightful two tracker with the opening track 'Flashlight' inspired by Euro disco coupled with a hint of the city pop sounds of their homeland. It's awash with great arps and quick, funky disco drumming and sparing vocals. The 'Mojo' jam on the B-side "explores a rhyme of witchery" over fat-bottomed drums, tropical percussion and wavy bass undertones, all topped off with bright and breezy xylophone style melodies. Scorching to say the least.
Review: Hurrah for a new one from the ever-excellent Athens of the North label. This time the disco and funk maestros look to a hidden gem from the band Premonition. This group was also sometimes billed as Premonitions, but were always on form. This cut is a modern soul dancer that is pretty impossible to find in its original form and kicks off with an A-side that is a well-crafted proto-disco track. Flip it over and you will be rewired with a more sweet and soulful jam that borders on cheesy but strikes a delicate balance and offers exhilarating crescendos. It's a delightful journey worth exploring, particularly for those who appreciate soulful nuances.
Review: Taken from his debut album, released in 1976, Italian composer legend Presti's rawest funk roots are explored and celebrated to great effect right here. "Funky Bump" lives up to its name beautifully with very neat organ stabs and a relentless groove that's not dissimilar to Grace Jones' "Pull Up To The Bumper". Looking for a much dreamier, dewy eyed jam? Flip for the lavish whirls and swirls of "C. So Buenos Aires"... It couldn't be more 1976 (or Italian) if it tried.
Review: Proh Mic delivers his best work with this new single which sets the stage for an upcoming album that is sure to once more invite us deep into his unique disco-funk world. 'Special Request' is a dance floor anthem but also a tribute to the DJ that is sure to become a Modern funk classic. Produced by Liquid Pegasus, it's a party starter with funky-ass drums and big, irresistible claps under a retro-future vocal. The B-side, 'Free To Be', features Proh Mic singing and rapping about staying authentic in a world that tries to dull our shine. With soulful production by Vitamin D, the track blends fun with deep, life-affirming lyrics and has a truly timeless edge.
Review: Powers That Be is a heavyweight modern funk outfit which counts some serious talent in its ranks. Antibalas drummer and bassist Miles Francis and Phenomenal Handclap Band's guitarist Luke O'Malley are but two of the gifted players laying down a vintage style of deep funk on this sureshot 7" for Mighty Eye. You'd be forgiven for thinking this was a holy grail cut from the 70s, given how warm and natural the sound on the record is, but there's also a degree of finesse on both sides of the record which speaks to the band's collective endeavours in pushing classic funk forwards in the modern era.
Review: Chad Pulley makes his first solo appearance on John Beltran's All Good Music label, although keener eyed spotters will know that Pulley and Beltran previously collaborated on a track under the Bel-Pull Productions moniker. He steps up to the task ably, slipping into All Good style comfortably with the calm and melodic, gracefully coasting techno of 'Through My Eyes', before the flip side reveals the wistful 'Mesmerizing Blue', where pianos and synths call and respond over exotic rhythms. 'Sticks' completes the set, slightly harder and funkier than its two predecessors but again with an emphasis on musicality, off kilter danceability and originality. On this showing, a name to watch.
The Wonderland Band - "Thrill Me" (Joe T Vannelli Classic mix) (5:51)
The Wonderland Band - "Thrill Me (With Your Super Love)" (8:05)
Pure Energy - "Party On" (Vannelli Bros Classic mix) (7:31)
Pure Energy - "Party On" (8:24)
Review: Use Vinyl looks back to two iconic tracks from the 70s and 80s here for source material for a new remix EP by the Vannelli family. Joe T remixes 'Thrill Me' by The Wonderland Band into the sort of direct and funky house sound that brims with early dance music charm while the Vannelli Bros offer their rework of 'Party On' by Pure Energy which comes with plenty of energy for club contexts. Both tracks are presented as Classic Mix versions and bring plenty of new life to the original hits without forgoing the timeless, catchy and meaningful melodies that define the originals. House music like this is as authentic as it gets.
Prof Jah Pinpin 4tet - "The Final Bird (Le Temps D'une Vie)" (3:18)
Review: There is scant little information out there about Yoanson & Karamie. What we do know is that they were young artists from the French African diaspora who met with Nessim Saroussi and his label Ness Music in the late 80s and were encouraged to record the music presented here. It is their only official EP and it is a brilliant mix of Afro-tropical percussions, disco, electro and vocals that call to mind the likes of Arthur Russell. Philippe de Lacroix-Herpin is the man festered here as Prof Jah Pinpin and he brings some of his signature saxophone brilliance to flipside jaunt 'The Final Bird (Le Temps D'une Vie)'.
Review: With influences like Parcels, Electric Wire Hustle, Blood Orange the Berlin based French-Italian duo Panna Cotta releases their accomplished 7 track debut EP "Sunrise" with an additional remix of the title track by label head Marcel Vogel. All songs are composed, mixed and mastered on analog gear to preserve the uncertainty of the moment, the imperfection of love.
Review: L.A. songwriter, producer, and performer Jerry Paper, also known as Lucas Nathan, is back with a rather impressive tenth studio album, INBETWEEZER. This new and vital collection features a blend of crooning rockers and bubble-pop jams that do a good job of showcasing the artist's playful and experimental spirit. The album delves into complex emotions as he embarks on a journey of "radical growth" through therapy and ultimately discovers the path to becoming a therapist. Each track grapples with themes of change, unlearning past behaviours and the continuous cycle of personal development. As such this is more than just a good listen is a thought-provoking work that prompts lots of inward reflection as you experience the artist's introspective exploration and joyful creativity.
Nothing Better Than You (feat Anna Fondi & Erika Scherlin)
You Came Along (feat Stevie Biondi)
Touch The Sky (feat Sweet Candies)
Never Give Up (feat Laura Lanzillo)
Summer Madness (feat Anna Fondi)
Review: Prolfic producer Neiro 'Papik' Poggi founded the Soultrend Orchestra almost 15 years ago as a vehicle for his acid jazz, funk, soul, disco and jazz-funk fantasies. The project has been 'on ice' for a while, with Now Imagine, officially the band's second studio set, appearing a decade after its predecessor. It's a typically musically rich affair with a string of guest vocalists joining the expansive 'orchestra' to run through happy, sun-splashed tracks. Highlights come thick and fast throughout, from a lightly Latin-tinged cover of Sister Sledge disco classic 'Lost In Music' and the Jamiroquai-esque warmth and soul of 'Wiser' (featuring Wendy D Lewis), to the vibraphone-wielding smooth grooves of 'Touched By Your Love' and the glossy jazz-funk-goes-house rainbows of 'You Came Along' (featuring Steve Biondi).
Review: Since 2019, Nairo "Papik" Poggi has served up a trio of Cocktail Italy albums, all of which make use of an impressive variety of (mostly) Italian musicians and vocalists. Volume Four sticks to the same script as its predecessors, serving up sun-flecked, often soulful treats that variously mix and match elements of classic string-laden jazz, soul-jazz, jazz-funk, P-funk, bossa-nova and Latin jazz. Basically, it's music to enjoy while sat somewhere hot (either in the sunshine or by a roaring fire) with a glass of something tasty and refreshing in hand. Highlights include the revivalist disco-soul of 'Primavera (featuring Nadyne Rush)', synth-laden Danny Losito hook-up 'Prima di Andare Via', mid-80s Italo-disco-goes-jazz number 'Notti (featuring Anna Fondi) and superbly summery dancefloor workout 'Ti Sento (featuring Vittoria Siggillino)'.
Programming/Unauthorized Procedure/Criminal Drug Evasion
Soul Control/Quarter Run (feat Alena Waters)
Synthetic Flemm
Galactic Ancestors
Flotation Device/Fear Or Laziness?
Laziness (feat Amp Fiddler)
Fear
Usually Suspected/The Quest (feat Amp Fiddler)
Second Chances (feat Monica Blaire)
Space Cowboys & The Interplanetary Gangster Edit
Review: Theo Parrish's masterful Sound Sculptures Vol 1 on triple LP format gets a timely repressing!! In total here there are 9 of the 27 tracks from the full double CD version but these still run the gamut of Theo's inimitable talents, from rough and tumble disco edits to saccharine soul, raw beatdown and leftfield esoterica. Be sure to check the Omar S- featuring "Synthetic Flemm" and long time Juno favourite "Flotation Device". If ever there was a selection of tracks that fully showcased the incredible breadth of production talent this man has, this is it. Not to be missed!
Review: Theo Parrish is giving his new album with Maurissa Rose the full treatment - serving it up on his preferred vinyl, but also as a CD and here a cassette on his own label Sound Signature. It is a complete coming together of these two revered Detroit musical talents following a string of great singles with one another since 2019. As you can expect, the grooves are dusty, complex and rooted in house but with plenty of influences from soul, funk and jazz. The vocals from Rose are as smooth as you like and take the form of soulful streams of consciousness. Utterly vital.
Review: Pellegrino & Zodyaco's skillfully intertwine Neapolitan disco, funk, jazz and world music while channelling a spirit of creative escape of this new album, which is inspired by Henri Laborit's 'Eloge de la fuite'. It explores conscious escapism as a return to authenticity and seeks a "common language" through sound by merging Mediterranean melodies with global rhythms, vintage instruments and ethnic percussion that all bridge past and present. Four years after his last outing, Morphe, Pellegrino is still in top form here with a soulful, genre-blurring portrait of modern Naples that reflects the fact that, in the city, musical traditions meet modern experimentation.
Review: The Moving Music label continues to unearth some ridiculously odd and inspired Norwegian movie soundtracks. Their latest is taken from 1978's Operasjon Cobra, a "youth movie" with a plot that involves a group of Oslo teenagers foiling a terror plot. The soundtrack, which appears to be one of the first to be completed by obscure Norwegian composer (and former prog rocker) Pete Knutsen, flits between Blaxploitation-inspired jazz-funk, cheery, horn-and-Clavinet-heavy post-disco instrumentals, experimental jazz, creepy synthesizer soundscapes, jazz guitar-rich ambient and heavy funk-rock. Throughout, the production is admirably lo-fi, with Knutsen keeping the tracks largely free of effects or post-production trickery.
Review: Pink Rhythm was John Rocca's mid-80s solo project and it came after his pioneering work with the band Freeez. The group released three singles between 1984 and 1985 including cult favourites like 'Melodies of Love' and 'India.' Rocca's music has been widely sampled by artists such as Jamie xx, Burial and Todd Terry which has cemented his status as a BritFunk pioneer. His tracks have also featured in TV, film, and high fashion and this album includes six classic Pink Rhythm tracks, four of which haven't been on vinyl since 1985 and beautifully blend vintage 80s drum machines, synths, and saxophones.
Review: Led by Luke Solomon, The Legion of Boogie Down returns with their second album, Powerdance II, eight years after the success of their debut The Lost Art of Getting Down. Since then the collective has evolved by adding more experimental sounds to their vision of nightclub and basement music. This album continues their journey of genre-blending with the addition of Chris Penny, rising star Josh Ludlow, and original members Alinka and Lance Desardi. Featuring wild synths, drums and percussion from Holly Madge, this left-of-centre record offers a trippy mix of disco, funk and house that leads to a cosmic musical adventure in some style.
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