Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Bassist and composer Joe Sanders shows he is unafraid to explore every side of his artistry with his new, genre-blurring album Parallels. It is a mix of live recordings with Seamus Blake, Logan Richardson and Gregory Hutchinson and dreamy, studio-crafted pieces with Jure Pukl and Taylor Eigsti that, between them, bridge signature East Coast grit and famous West Coast introspection. From intimate family moments to lush Italo-disco textures, Sanders threads his acoustic and electronic sensibilities into a cohesive overall listen that has plenty of fearless jazz exploration, deep groove and all-important emotional nuance. It is the sound of a musician at the height of his creative powers who is as curious as he is versatile.

Review: Recorded live at Copenhagen's Jazzhus Montmartre in 1963, Sahib Shihab's performance captures the moment when the saxophonist and flautist fully embraced both his roots in bop and his growing affinity for the avant-garde. Joined by an impressive cast of musicians, including flugelhornist Allan Botchinsky, guitarist Ole Molin, drummer Alex Riel, and the prodigious 17-year-old bassist Niels Henning Orsted Pedersen, the set unfolds with elegance and innovation. The opening '4070 Blues' is an exuberant, hard-bop driven piece, setting the tone with its intricate brass and rhythm section interplay. 'Charade' slows things down, bringing a contemplative, balladic feel, allowing Shihab's sax to shine. On side two, the ambitious 'Conversations' suite spans three parts, each delving into the complexities of improvisationirhythmic shifts and interplay between the musicians give the track a live energy that feels spontaneous yet controlled. This reissue, with audiophile-grade pressing, offers a fresh perspective on a key jazz moment.

Review: Originally released in 2008, Manifesto captured Canada's The Souljazz Orchestra in full stride i locked into deep Afrobeat, but stretching further into spiritual jazz, militant funk and raw soul. It's one of their most focused records, recorded live with no overdubs, and it still hits hard. Tracks like 'Parasite' and 'People, People' feel especially relevant now, tackling inequality, media spin and class struggle with sharp lyrics and a driving sense of purpose. There's fire in the horns, urgency in the rhythm, but also a feeling of hope and collective strength. The band has offered plenty of highlights since, but Manifesto remains a standout i lean, direct and full of intent.

Review: Moving away from their usual meticulous approach, this Australian cinematic soul outfit embraces spontaneity, infusing their signature sound with newfound energy and groove. The result? A record brimming with vibrancy, experimentation and undeniable funk. The opener, 'Sleep Dreams', is a laid-back entry point before 'Bully Ball' crashes in with its raw, thunderous drums and deep-pocket funk. The band's sonic explorations continue on 'Body Slam', a track that begins with a sweet soul feel before morphing into something dark and eerie, highlighted by a timpani recorded in a distant bathroom. That same adventurous spirit shines in 'Fare Evader', where sci-fi-esque synths punctuate a hard-hitting rhythm. Surprise Chef pushes the tempo on 'Consulate Case' and 'Tag Dag', drawing from afro-funk and jazz-funk influences, while ballads like 'Websites' and the ethereal 'Dreamer's Disease' showcase their softer, cinematic side. With Superb, Surprise Chef amplifies the fun without sacrificing their signature musicianship. This album solidifies their ascent from underground favourites to a global force in modern soul.