Cat レコード& CD

Review: Here comes another all-time classic from the extensive back catalogue of the legendary Miami songstress Gwen McCrae. The instantly recognisable '90% Of Me Is You' has been sampled endless times by hip hop giants like Large Professor, Jaylib, Mobb Deep and more and is a bonafide rare groove gem that is always in demand. Perhaps it's the pairing of the languid guitar and strings, or Gwen's sultry vocals and that steady breakbeat that keeps people hooked. Here it is backed here with its original b-side slow jam 'It's Worth The Hurt' and the whole super-rare 45 has been re-mastered, re-pressed and brought back for the return of the dance floor.

Review: Memphis Rocketeer William Hale wrote and recorded as Little Beaver throughout most of the '70s yet most of his output (besides Betty Wright's "Clean Up Woman") remained rare ever since. In 2008 it finally enjoyed the reissue it's always deserved; "One Of These Fools Has Got To Go" is a straight up heart-melter that comes on strong like Lee Fields with a deep Hayes style funk to the groove. Meanwhile "Concrete Jungle" takes to the streets with more of Cymande strut. Both killer soul funk, this second reissue is also wholly deserved.

Review: Long time disco diva Gwen McCrae is an eternally in demand artist whose music reconnects with each new generation. "All This Love That I'm Givin'" is one of her biggest hits and for good reason. Now it gets a special 7" release on stunning yellow vinyl. The soaring vocals do most of the work but the tentative stabs help bring the funk. It's a totally different vibe on the flip with "Maybe I'll Find Somebody New", a much slower and more sensuous tune with luxurious strings and wind instruments complimenting her smooth and seductive vocal work.

Review: Gwen McRae 1974 album debut either goes by the name of Rockin' Chair or is catalogued under the artist's own name. This reissue from Cat goes for the former, but that doesn't make one fraction of a difference to how iconic and recommended this foundational jazz-fusion LP is; to put it simply, it's up there with all your Herbies and Idris', but perhaps a little more soulful thanks to McRae's singular voice. "Rockin Chair" alone is enough to buy this album, but "Move Me Baby" is another stellar piece of rocked-out soul, and our favourite has to be "For Your Love" - it's a powerful love ballad that is both timeless and impossible to criticize...whether soul is for you or not, you can't touch this. A huge album that should be on everyone's shelf.