New releases last four weeks: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Craft Recordings and Jazz Dispensary announce the first-ever vinyl reissue of Johnny Lytle's long-sought-after soul-jazz gem, People & Love. Primarily hailed for his talents on the vibraphone, Lytle led an enviable career, combining his talents with his ability to bandlead, and People & Love was surely among this mode's most matchingly enviable productions. Guides his fellow musicians through five sublime tracks, including extended, soulful covers ('People Make the World Go 'Round,' 'Where Is the Love?') and groovy originals ('Libra', 'Tawhid,' 'Family'). The 1973 session also boasts a stellar line-up of players, including Daahoud Hadi (formerly Butch Cornell) on the electric piano and organ, Bob Cranshaw on the electric bass and harpist Betty Glamann.o

Notes: Maggot Brain Issue 16: Spring 2024

This is a really packed, special issue of Maggot Brain, with the feature cover story a comprehensive interview by celebrated writer Sasha Frere-Jones with essayist, Lucy Sante (who's written for every issue of MB since the start), on the occasion of her awesome memoir about transitioning, I Heard Her Call My Name.

Phill Niblock: A tribute to the genius musician, filmmaker, label head, and generous promoter of ecstatic sound, by Steve Silverstein.

Tresa Leigh: An in-depth feature on the star of Efficient Space's beloved Ghost Riders compilation! Really a beautiful, untold story.

Dredd Foole: As his legacy is revealed through Corbett vs Dempsey's archival series, Foole talks to Six Organs of Admittance's Ben Chasny about the role of his band the Din in the Boston underground. Plus sidebars from Christina Carter, Kris Price, and Phil Milstein.

Loopsel: Mike McGonigal on some of the most elusive, beautiful contemporary music, straight out of Gothenburg.

Jeff Noon: An illuminating interview with the British speculative writer on his newest work as well as the 30th anniversary of the stunning Vurt.

Sleater-Kinney: 30 vital years of uncompromising music, by none other than Audrey Golden!

Hudson of Feature Inc.: A celebration of the most innovative gallerist of our lifetime on the occasion of the Soberscove Press book about his work and life.

Shabazz Palaces: The creator of vital, spiritual hip-hop beautifully interviewed by Detroit-based musician and writer Zachary Weedon.

Birtha: Nate Carson's in-depth feature on the pioneering, all-women boogie-choogle act.

Shonto Begay: One of Maggot Brai's favourite contemporary writers, JD O'Brien, in deep discussion with the great Native American painter-with particular emphasis on how his works engage with and are influenced by music. This piece alone is so well-written and illustrated it's worth buying the issue for.

Some columns: The debut of archivist Andy Zax's fabulous 'Extinctophonics' column! Cassette reviews, plus copious book and record reviews as well! Ana Gavrilovska on Detroit-based jazz duo Balance! Nate Carson on the Earth documentary, in the debut of the music documentary column! The latest Icons column finds Michelle Dove exploring the work of Chicago's beloved Douglas McCombs! 13 Questions for contemporary folk great Lael Neale by Mike McGonigal! And more Lucy Sante!

Review: Magic Number is Ross Hillard, a downtempo and orchestral composer whose engineering and bass playing can be heard on an array of releases, most notably for the likes of his own house favourites including Louie Vega, DJ Spen, Kerri Chandler, Lay-Far and Atjazz. Now debuting his first record on the latter artist's eponymous label, Badly Written Songs sounds like a slice of humble pie, but it's actually well-thought out title: in Hillard's own words, "(it's) a tongue-in-cheek reference to how transient electronic music can be." Thus, writing songs in this genre might not have been the most sensible and sustainable idea - but we all love house music, so we put everything into it, hoping that people don't discard it too soon. True to an engineer's tastes, the album is ultra-dynamic and bright throughout, serving up a consistent guest-vocal steeze reminiscent of Charles Webster or Herbert's gravitas.

Review: Dominick Martin is best known as stone-cold drum & bass don Calibre, a prolific producer with a masterfully deep and smoky sound. He has also made tech house under his own name, but lesser known is this album
Valentia which was originally released in 2013 and has now been remastered and repressed on 180 gram vinyl with a sleeve containing the lyrics. It was written on the amazing Valentia Island, joined to the west coast of Co Kerry in Ireland by a bridge t and battered by strong winds. Says Martin, "I took my computer and mic with me not knowing what to expect when I got there. In one of the rooms sat a piano, and as my fingers touched the keys I knew there was a story there waiting to be told."

Review: Rachel Maxann's 7" single 'All Of This And Nothing' offers a delightful journey back to the swinging 60s. With a sultry voice and passionate singing, Maxann channels the era's essence, accompanied by a backing band featuring a vibrant horn section and captivating organ melodies. The title track oozes with vintage charm and undeniable groove, transporting listeners to a bygone era of soulful music. On the B-side, 'Find Myself Another Man (alternate take)' takes a different turn, embracing early rock 'n roll vibes with a sprinkling of blues influence and soulful flair. Maxann's vocals shine against the backdrop of energetic instrumentals, delivering a rousing performance that keeps the essence of the era alive while adding her own modern twist.

Review: Soul Direction have taken two tracks from his the legendary soul man Tommy Mc Gee's first two 45s and put them together on one limited new 7". Fact fans will appreciate knowing that 'To Make You Happy" was originally titled 'Just to Make You happy' and now gets a rerelease that will surely give some light back to the music as well as the man. These two superb tracks have seemingly been missed by so many collectors over the years, but also have become more elusive in recent times. They feature on the Positive-Negative Album as well as rare 45 releases but to have them together as one here is a no-brainer for soul lovers.

Review: House music and fresh modern funk are happy bedfellows on this new EP from Moniquea with the masterful production taken care of by XL Middleton who, if you ask us, cannot miss at the moment. With an unmistakable West Coast vibe characterised by punchy synth bass and leads, this A-side embraces the good times with pulsating beats and detuned chords. On the B-side, the '97 Remix pays homage to Moniquea's g-funk origins while the bonus Applejac remix of 'Hate To See It' seamlessly blends dance-oriented elements with lush synth strings reminiscent of peak-era Neptunes productions from the 2000s.

Review: Mr.Scruff and Ninja Tune are both entities that need little introduction. Veterans of the urban sounding landscape they both go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly. Always creative with naming things, Mr Scruff giving a 'Ninja Tuna' title to this 3x12 is a jammed packed compilation of older tracks as well as different versions of desired and classic Mr. Scruff gems. Included among others are the unique 'Music Takes Me Up' featuring Alice Russell, the addictive quirkiness of 'Whiplash', the funked up, sample-heavy 'Rocking Chair', and the classic 'Nice Up The Function' with Roots Manuva. Mr.Scruff gives us a collection here that demonstrates his amazing ability to make catchy instrumentals while also being elite at featuring singers over his eclectic style. 'Ninja Tuna' is sure to be a favorite with anyone into music regardless of your background or experience in music.

Review: Mukatsuku has got another little treasure on its hands here with a tune from MBE and UK Soul legend Omar. It dates back to 2004 and has never been on 7" before having become something of a classic after original release on 12". Dons like Gilles Peterson and IG Culture were early supporters of the driving, peak time broken beat sound and the tune was often a highpoint of Omar's live sets. It has never been released as an instrumental either - until now. Both tunes now together on one 45 make for an essential cop for soul fans and, as always, there is strictly no repress on this one so move fast.

Review: Gerry Mulligan's album Night Lights exemplifies his mastery of the baritone saxophone within the West Coast jazz scene. Recorded at The Nola Penthouse Studios in New York, Mulligan's quintet delivers a captivating performance. The title track sets the tone with Mulligan's crystalline piano work, while Art Farmer and Bob Brookmeyer showcase their finesse in solos. Louis Bonfa's 'Carnival' and 'Wee Small Hours' evoke emotion, with standout solos by Jim Hall. Mulligan's arrangement of Chopin's 'Prelude In E Minor' adds depth, leading into the upbeat 'Festive Minor' and the tender 'Tell Me When.' Despite being overlooked upon its release, Night Lights remains a gem, cherished by enthusiasts for its timeless elegance and still growing with recognition,

Review: This is a second new and standalone 7" that is taken from Incense Music for Bed Room, a new compilation series from Incense Music that was curated by Toru Hashimoto and legendary Japanese downtempo and Balearic master Calm. On the A-side, we delve into Haruka Nakamura's beautiful tribute to Bill Evans' timeless piece 'Soiree'. On the flip, 'Valsa de Euridice' is a rendition of Vinicius de Moraes' classic from Etepalma, the inaugural 2006 album by Nobuyuki Nakajima. Renowned as a composer and pianist, Nakajima presents a captivating interpretation that captures the essence of the original piece. Together, these tracks offer a harmonious blend of homage and reinterpretation.

Review: With members living between Denver, Colorado, the UK and Spain, the New Mastersounds are currently centred on the British city of Leeds, and bring their adept keyboard instrumental Hammond funk and r&b chops to us receptive fans in the form of a new ten-track back-to-school album, Old School. Composed in a short breath in a studio situated in the heart of the English Peak District during a rainy week in July 2023, all tracks here showcase the earthy essence of the band via their signature vocabulary of uncomplicated funk, soul-jazz, classic r&b and reggae-infused grooves.

Review: The Acid Jazz label recently celebratedits 35th year in business and, despite having an entire genre named afterit, has been very influential in supporting various genres, with its roster like a who's who of downtempo music. One of the newer artists that has received much critical acclaim has been New Street Adventure, their urban street soul with a modernist cool and insightful lyric have set out from the crowd. This reissue of 'The Big AC' on 7" features for the first time, the original version by the late Noel McCoy, taken from their standout 2015 album No Hard Feelings.

Review: Soul gems from the 60s - well, 1969 to be precise - don't come much more coveted than this one from The Notations. An original copy of this 45 rpm will quite likely fetch over 1500 quid. The r&b group was formed in Chicago, Illinois and featured Clifford Curry, LaSalle Matthews, Bobby Thomas and Jimmy Stroud. They went on to put out four albums and around 15 EPs but none as cherished as this one. 'Trying My Best To Find Her' now lands on a one-sided 7" and is a superb Northern Soul-style, high-energy soul cut with raw drums and aching vocal harmonies that soar and soar and soar.

Review: The late legendary Japanese beatmaker Nujabes was a musical genius, this we know to be true. His constant resurgence on social media throughout the years affirms this, with 'Modal Soul', his second full-length album in 2005, blowing up time and time again online. It comes as no surprise, his meticulous devotion to hip-hop-jazz was unlike any before him, or since. 'Other Side of Phase' is a 12" three track record, with its title track being the instrumental for the famous anime 'Samurai Champloo', originally featuring one of Japan's most prolific MCs to ever hold the mic. A standout is 'Rainyway Back Home', a fly song combining the keys from an old Jeru the Damaga cut and the drums from a Power of Zeus track. Nujabes will never - ever - go out of style.