New releases last eight weeks: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Ottawa's Afro-jazz-funk collective returns with a limited 7" showcasing two dynamic tracks that highlight their genre-blending prowess. Originally released in 2014 on Inner Fire, 'One Life To Live' kicks off Side-1 with an exhilarating fusion of funk, Latin and Afro rhythms. The track's lively horn arrangements and tight percussion create an infectious groove, balancing intricate musicianship with danceable energy. On Side-2, 'Kingdome Come' dives deeper into jazz territory, merging Afro-Cuban jazz with jazz-funk and Latin jazz elements. The result is a richly textured piece that moves fluidly between laid-back grooves and vibrant, rhythmic bursts. The percussion is sharp, and the brass shines with both restraint and exuberance, highlighting the band's ability to navigate complex arrangements while maintaining a relaxed, natural flow.

Review: Dan Tyler and Nick The Record's third installment in the Mr Bongo Edits series brings a bold twist to Cuban classics with three tracks that are equal parts cosmic and dancefloor-ready. On the A-side, Tyler extends two Juan Pablo Torres tracks from his reissued 1978 'Algo Nuevo' and 1977's 'Super Son.' First, Tyler reimagines 'Cacao,' a standout track from Torres' LP, giving it room to breathe and intensifying the percussive climax with swirling synths and spacey dub effects. It's a track that thrives on a big system, building tension as it goes, and works wonders in the right environmentijust ask anyone who caught it at La Paloma in Barcelona. Next, Tyler dials into 'Pastel En Descarga,' turning the Latin-funk fusion into a punchy, trippy dub with delay and drama, keeping the track's energy while taking it further into spacey, cosmic territory. On the flip, Nick The Record tackles Grupo Los Yoyi's 1977 'Paco La Calle,' taking a 2009 edit and expanding it into a longer, more hypnotic piece. The percussion pushes and pulls as the psychedelic synths swirl, creating a dynamic and ever-building groove. The 2025 version is elevated with new synth lines courtesy of Tyler, deepening the track's psychedelic richness. A cosmic whirlwind of reworks that bridges the gap between '70s Cuban innovation and modern dancefloor sensibilities.

Review: Now working under the alias Balaphonic, long serving Manchester artist Danny Ward steers his ear for percussion into something warm, rhythmically rich and hypnotic. He opens with 'Sunflowers in Dub (Deep Summer Mix)', where sitar, harmonica and fluttering keys glide across a humid dubscape, then folds in sun-dappled samba on 'Disorganics (All Strings Mix)', all brushed guitars and delicate groove. 'Six Fingers' leans deeper into Afro-Cuban melancholy, while 'Udders' chops South American drums into psychedelic loops, teasing out low-end heft. A standout collaboration with Ocean Waves Brasil, 'Oxum' blends gentle acid with dreamy textures and Afro-Brazilian swing, before closer 'Bloco Manco' lets off the brakes-delay-lashed, bass-heavy and totally locked-in. It's music built for dancefloors, but with the patience and touch of a drummer who knows when to let things breathe.

Review: What is there left to say about this landmark recording, which captures the heart and soul of pre-revolutionary Cuban music, bringing together veteran musicians whose artistry might have otherwise been lost to time. The result is a stunning blend of son cubano, bolero, danzon and jazz, each track infused with intricate rhythms and heartfelt performances. Flamenco-tinged vocals soar over interwoven instrumentalsieach simple in isolation but collectively forming a rich, textured soundscape. The interplay between piano, guitar and percussion is electrifying, balancing smooth elegance with raw passion. From the hypnotic pulse of 'Chan Chan' to the fiery energy of 'El Cuarto de Tula' and the aching beauty of 'Veinte ANos', the music effortlessly bridges past and present. Moments of exuberance give way to quiet reflection, showcasing the full emotional range of these master musicians. The sharp piano work, the percussive drive and the warmth of the vocal harmonies create an irresistible urge to dance. Even in its most hurried passages, there's an undeniable charmievery note brimming with life. Now presented on a 4xLP gatefold edition, pressed on 180-gram audiophile vinyl and cut at 45 RPM for maximum fidelity, this reissue elevates an already timeless collection. The past lingers in every note, proving that old songs truly do stir old feelings.

Review: Since his debut with Schema Records in 2001, Gerardo Frisina has poured his soul into modernising styles such as Latin jazz, funk, and soul. In Sight Vol. 1 now introduces a fresh batch of such cosmo-futuristic moodsetters, continuing a trend that was first set in motion with his debut Moving Ahead (2020). Now the new album, preluded by singles 'Mindoro' and 'Desejar', hears seven tracks, including a cinematic bossa supernova 'O SoNho' as well as an exclusive cut from a rare and revered 10" deep cut from 2009. Frisina's attention to detail ensures the standout vibe of each composition, bringing a one-of-a-kind club-orientation to a rich atmospheric mantle.