Back in stock: Jazz

Review: The legendary Roy Ayers has a wealth of great material to his name but Virgin Ubiquity: Unreleased Recordings 1976-1981 might just be the cream of the crop. It's packed with gold that fuses soul and funk, jazz and disco into a load of killer cuts that never got their own release. There are husky vocal tracks featuring Merry Clayton on "Oh What A Lonely Feeling," "I Really Love You" and "What's the T?", sensual soul stirrers from Carla Vaughn such as "Mystic Voyage" and "Together Forever" and of course liquid synths and rhythm sections underpinning each of the tracks.

Review: Chris Bangs' varied and eclectic musical journey is a key reason he was chosen to curate a compilation for Ace. With a background ranging from space rock with The Mighty Om to DJ residencies across London, Bangs' career spans numerous genres, from jazz, funk, to soul. Bangs' DJ sets and parties - in such time-honoured venues as Special Branch in Brentford, London - were seminal in the evolution of the acid jazz genre alongside Gilles Peterson, where "acid jazz was never meant to be more than a pisstake". His foray into production, such as the proto-acid jazz classic 'Psychedelic Jack' with Peterson on vocals, cemented his legacy, but it's curation highlights such as this that really get our gears going. Hold tight as we scour early acid jazz brilliants from Gunky to Vera Cruz to Brazilian Skies to Jubilation.

Review: Donald Byrd's Kofi, part of the esteemed Tone Poet Vinyl Series, presents a compelling snapshot of the trumpeter's transition from hard bop to fusion. Recorded in December 1969 and December 1970 but only released in 1995, this LP captures Byrd at a pivotal moment in his career, straddling the line between traditional jazz and the emerging fusion genre. The 1969 session features Byrd's originals 'Kofi' and 'Fufu,' with Duke Pearson's electric piano adding a shimmering layer to the complex arrangements. The ensemble includes notable musicians such as Lew Tabackin on flute and tenor saxophone, Frank Foster on tenor saxophone, William Campbell on trombone, Ron Carter on acoustic bass among other strong musicians. The 1970 session continues this exploration with tracks like 'Perpetual Love' and 'Elmina,' featuring Wally Richardson on guitar and Mickey Roker on drums, along with Moreira and Dom Um Romao adding percussion. This reissue, curated by Joe Harley and mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog tapes, is pressed on 180g vinyl and housed in a deluxe tip-on jacket. The Tone Poet Series ensures exceptional quality in both sound and presentation, offering a definitive version of Byrd's adventurous work.

Review: James Gallardo & Sol released their collaborative debut album in 1975 in a burst of bright colour and next-level musicianship. There's a fiery, rockist spirit running through the over driven guitar cartwheeling through "Maranatha", but there's equal space for measured grooves and Gallardo's expressive horn playing. Mellower moments like "Patrice" let in a more soulful side of the project, while "El Que Se Fue" nods to the Latin roots of Sol. Expansive, bold and inventive, this is a treasure for jazz funk heads, marking the first official repress since the first copies slipped out many moons ago.

Review: This genuinely organic album, Godtet, recorded live in Studios 301, Alexandria, Sydney in 2016 is repressed for the first time in six years on the La Sape label. It celebrates the meditative potency of the (just over or under) two-minute track that begins, like 'Arp' or 'Hahahhaha', as ambient exploratory rhythmical waves leading into sounds to come. Like 'Hekkaz' where Tully Ryan and Dominic Kirk's percussive poundings and slappings pleasurably alert the listener to the more luxurious melodic mixture of Andrew Bruce's keys with Godrigues' lamenting guitar, playing harmonious echoey expressive beats. Here, one of the many stand out tracks 'Ensueo' is only matched by the even more groovy and halting 'Comedy', bassline by Jan Bangma. Recorded and produced by Godriguez and Jack Prest who also mixed and mastered this conceptual adventure into the world of rhythm and reverb where John Martyn meets Alfa Mist, Godtet lovingly foregrounds each band member's singularity, culminating in the exceptional self-titled final piece. A must for those who love a late-night listening session over and over again.

Review: Since bagging the 2014 Mercury Music Prize for sophomore set V.20, GoGo Penguin has become one of the most talked-about outfits around. The self-confessed "very modern piano trio" has succeeded largely due to their far-sighted ability to fuse more traditional jazz and classical music sounds with a surprisingly wide palette of influences, most notably dancefloor-focused 21st century electronic music. On A Humdrum Star, their fourth full length, the Manchester threesome has decided to take a "freer" and more "liberated" approach. The resultant music is every bit as exciting, entertaining and beguiling as you'd expect, with the full-throttle, high-octane dancefloor jazz of "Raven", atmospheric and undulating "Bardo" and gently jazz-funk influenced brilliance of closer "Window" amongst the highlights.

Review: This latest offering is a testament to Guts' curatorial flair, stitching together rhythms from across the globe. Each track is carefully chosen to highlight soulful grooves and infectious melodies, all while maintaining a sense of discovery. The release moves effortlessly between vibrant Afrobeat, laidback funk, and hypnotic Caribbean influences, creating a natural flow that feels like an intimate DJ set. This is music with heart and authenticity, a celebration of the dancefloor's rich diversity.

Review: Described as "Sci-fi Jazz", this slice of New York's jazz scene from 1974 is getting a well sought-after repressing. In the homes of thousands, the 9-piece group symphonically combine a spiritual blend of percussion, sax, and drums to compliment Smith's refined vocal. The real magic is in-between the sang passages however, with the organic progression of acoustics building up to create a relaxing jazz-funk and jazz fusion sound that is completely distinct. 'Cosmic Funk' and 'Naima' are real highlights, especially vocally with Smith's 'Cosmic Funk' powerful scream and belted vocals counteracting the gently flowing sounds emitting all around the listener (this record is a joy to hear in stereo sound by the way). Snap this vinyl up before it goes away again, they may not land back on earth for a long time.

Review: Helsinki-based sextet Soft Power return with their fourth release i a richly detailed and expansive jazz-rock record that confirms their standing as one of Finland's most original ensembles. Formed in 2015, the group continues to push forward with a sound rooted in Nordic jazz and progressive traditions, but always shaped by clarity, control and sharp melodic thinking. It's a new release that leans into modal harmony, rhythmic intricacy and instrumental colour, without ever tipping into excess. 'Zeppelin' unfurls with measured power, while the title track 'Space To Breathe' delivers a slow, immersive build full of harmonic subtlety and textural weight. Lush electric keys and layered horns give the record its warmth, while tight ensemble playing keeps the edges crisp. There's a sense of atmosphere here that's as important as any solo or theme i a carefully built tension between groove, abstraction and mood. Without falling into pastiche, the band channel the mysticism of 70s European fusion and reshape it for the present, offering a record that's cool, grounded and quietly complex. A standout addition to the Finnish jazz-rock catalogue and a clear sign that this group continues to grow with purpose.

Review: This double LP compilation from Jazzman Records unearths a wealth of spiritual jazz gems from the SABA and MPS labels, spanning the 1960s and 70s. Showcasing a diverse array of international artists, the collection features American heavyweights like Elvin Jones and Nathan Davis alongside European innovators like Pedro Iturralde and Jef Gilson. The music traverses a wide spectrum of styles, from soulful ballads and fiery modal explorations to avant-garde excursions, reflecting the labels' commitment to releasing exciting and innovative jazz. Highlights include the adventurous sounds of the Joachim Kuhn Group, Nathan Davis's soulful 'Evolution', and Pedro Iturralde Quintet's 'Veleta De Tu Viento'.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged, slight surface marks on record***


This unique album is a bold reimagining of the iconic sweet-soul group, spearheaded by Delfonics' lead vocalist William Hart and infused with Adrian Younge's unique, hip-hop-informed perspective. While the album features elements familiar to Delfonics fans, such as the electric sitar, french horn and lush string arrangements, Younge's approach departs from traditional production, offering a more experimental and idiosyncratic take on the genre. Drawing influence from the eccentric strains of soul and r&b adored by crate diggers, Younge's arrangementsiincorporating harpsichord, glockenspiel and electric sitariimbue the album with a sense of campy psychedelia, yet manage to avoid veering into kitsch. Hart's crystal-clear falsetto remains a cornerstone of the album, with his voice serving as a bridge between the past and Younge's modern vision. Though much of the album sees Hart performing solo, a departure from the layered harmonies of classic Delfonics, it feels organic and fitting for the material. The pairing of Hart's legendary voice with Younge's analog-driven production creates a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Tracks like 'True Love' and 'Stand Up' show how much care has been given to allow the original beauty to the focal point. A genius blend of old-school soul and modern sensibilities.