Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Junior Scaife delivers two ensouled sides, produced and co-written by Penrose mainstay Anthony Masino. One of the most gifted vocalists in the soulscape of today, Scaife infuses every note with a shrill sprechgesang, a longing, heaving intonation heard between the runs. 'Nobody Gets My Love' is an ode to tensions of love and pride, wielding the late-60s Hestor and Wylie Detroit sound as a listless instrument for impudence. On the B, 'Too Much Too Soon', offers a slow-burning ballad laced with wah guitar and a comparatively elegance, marking a standout for the lowrider soul crowd.

Review: Jimi Tenor's latest single, ahead of his upcoming album, presents two contrasting moods that evoke his inimitable style with striking clarity. 'Summer of Synesthesia' conjures the feeling of long summer days, where sound melts into colour and colour into flavour. The track flows with a dreamy synth progression, subtly assembled over Cold Diamond & Mink's rhythm section, while Tenor's soft vocal adds a final touch of elegance. It's a sweet escape, a piece that envelops you from start to finish. On the flip, 'Tsicroxe' is a stark departure, opening with a menacing organ riff straight out of a horror film. The funk underneath from Cold Diamond & Mink grounds it, but Tenor's eerie flute solo keeps the tension high. It's a dark, ritualistic journey and the cryptic vocal snippets at the end are an invitation to rewind and discover something hidden.

Review: Jimi Tenor's collaboration with Cold Diamond and Mink on Is There Love In Outer Space produced an exceptional album of jazz, soul and broken beat that served as a portal to another universe. It landed earlier in the year and now two standout tracks from it are featured on a special limited edition yellow 7". The title track enchants with its cosmic balladry, while 'Orbiting Telesto' offers a delightful cosmic voyage with celestial keys and soulful vocal touches. This music transports listeners beyond the confines of Earth and up amongst the stars with its escapist melodies and smooth grooves.

Review: West Coast soul outfit Thee Baby Cuffs keep the slow-burning romance alive with 'There Ain't Enough Roses', a tender ballad drenched in harmonised falsettos and vintage charm. Now composed of Joe Narvaez and Reality Jonez, the group channels classic lowrider soul, working once again with Finnish production outfit Cold Diamond & Mink. Their signature downtempo style remains intactilush instrumentation, delicate grooves, and a melody built to sway. Previous Timmion singles like 'My My Baby' and 'You're My Reason' cemented their status as torchbearers of group soul, and this latest offering only deepens that legacy. On the flip, a flute-led instrumental nods to Steve Parks, sealing the track's timeless appeal.

Review: After two years of nonstop touring following their highly praised debut album, Thee Sacred Souls are back with 'Lucid Girl,' the lead single from their upcoming second album, Got a Story to Tell. The track features a robust beat and rich arrangement, with vocalist Josh Lane delivering a soulful performance that belies his youth. The song narrates an empowering story of a girl who clearly prioritises her own needs over those of potential suitors. On-Side 2, 'Losing Side of Love,' complements the single perfectly. This 7" release is ideal for vibrant DJ sets and is sure to resonate with fans old and new.

Review: The Sinseers' 'For You' is the quintessential soundtrack to Southern California vibes. From the opening notes that evoke images of beautiful beach strands under the sun to the heartfelt chorus, the song transports listeners to another world. Led by Joey Quinones, a true son of East Los Angeles, Thee Sinseers defy categorisation as mere oldies players. Over the past five years, they've honed their craft, infusing r&b and soul with a modern twist. With 'For You,' they deliver a timeless blend of music that captures the essence of a bygone era while remaining fresh and relevant in today's scene.

Review: Side-1's 'Can't Call My Baby', highlights the powerful lead vocals of Adriana Flores, taken from the full length debut of Thee Sinseers, which has already amassed nearly seven million streams on Spotify within just three months. Flores delivers a stunning performance, effortlessly conveying the song's emotional depth. On Side-2, the band unveils 'Take A Chance', a fresh and unreleased track. This song showcases Joey Quinones' signature crooning, as he encourages listeners to embrace love while they still can. The track's soulful harmonica adds a vibrant touch, seamlessly merging classic Motown influences with Latin soul rhythms. Together, these tracks exemplify Thee Sinseers' unique sound and artistic range, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair. Thee Sinseers continue to impress with their ability to capture the complexities of love through their melodic storytelling.

Review: Benson's first album since rejoining Warner Music Group earlier this year, it was originally recorded in 1989 but was never released. It features the celebrated composer-arranger Robert Farnon and his orchestra and Farnon's lush arrangements beautifully complement Benson's soulful vocals and fluid guitar work on American standards like 'Autumn Leaves,' 'At Last,' and 'My Romance', as well as reimagined pop classics such as the Beatles' 'Yesterday' and Leon Russell's 'A Song For You.' The album was delayed and subsequently lost until recently rediscovered in Benson's archive and with the help of pianist, composer and arranger Randy Waldman, Benson has revived and remastered the recordings, adding new overdubs and choral arrangements. This release adds a new chapter to Benson's illustrious career, following his tenure with Warner Records from 1976 to 1993, during which he released 12 studio albums, including the triple-platinum Breezin'. Recognised as a jazz master by the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) in 2009, Benson continues to be a giant in both jazz and contemporary music.