Tramp Germany レコード& CD

Review: Tramp's Praise Poems series has given rise to many majestic moments of funk, with the best of each release often finding their way on their own 7"s. The eighth volume sure has many tracks worth of that treatment, starting with the driving jazz of 'A Perfect Day' from Bobby Cole and then taking in high speed 60s workouts from Helmut Pistor's Big Rock Jazz Band and more Americana styled cuts like 'If You're So Smart' from Gemini. Elsewhere are more sentimental thinkers from The Menagerie, and a particular highlight from Ron & Sally Price with their gorgeously lo-fi and aching 'California Feeling.'

Review: The much loved Tramp label is mighty good at serving up the soul and this time it is the buttery smooth sounds of Stroke they turn to for this reissue. The original 45rpm is one of those rare as hens' teeth cuts that cost way too much to buy even if you do track one down. The A-side is the sort of wonderfully uplifting tune that brings life-affirming joy to your life. On the flip is something really quite different - a more rock-tinged funky stepper by the name of 'The Real Deal'.

Review: The small but potent Tramp label is back with more irresistible gems from Frederic Rabold Crew. The bad was formed in 1968 and went on to soon become big names in the German jazz scene of their era. The crew travelled a lot throughout Europe and between 1972 and 1980 dropped an impressive six studio albums. It is 1975's Open House record that is pillaged for the two singles presented here after they have been served up as part of Tramp's spiritual jazz compilation album Peace Chant which is as worthy of your attention as this 7".

Review: Missouri man Early Turner is the latest to be celebrated on the always sharp Tramp label. This was his first record in the late 70s, right on the cusp between trad funk and the emergent sound of boogie. 'S'port City Rock' is a sweat-inducing dancefloor cut with a deadly on-the-one groove and some serious bass, letting just a few choice synth zaps to sneak into the mix but keeping things primarily organic. 'Sunshine' is a softer soul number - the perfect sentimental foil to the serious get-down on the A-side.

Review: As they say themselves, Tramp Records is one of Germany's tiniest but funkiest record labels. That's backed up once more here with two versions of a super golden soul tune from Van Buren. This originally appeared on the label's mighty fine which was a various artists collection a while ago. It is a tune well worthy of its own pressing though: 'Bronco Queen' (vocal) has low-slung drums with sensuous vocal harmonies and tumbling funk basslines all embellished with some sunny day melodies. The instrumental on the flip allows those melodies and brass lines to really shine.