Tags: Jazz Funk Disco

Review: Chris Bangs is widely, albeit not so, known for coining the term 'acid jazz'. If it weren't for him it's likely we wouldn't have modern day future jazz pushers like Soul Jazz or Brownswood. This new compendium, 'Firebird', charts the DJ and producer's latest sonic explorations, blurring the boundaries between every influence from contemporary jazz, UK electronic dance, and Latin dance styles from bossa nova to salsa. It also contains several examples of what is known as his 'East Coast' sound, which pays homage to the fusion of jazz and funk and which spread throughout UK nightclubs as far back as the early 80s.

Review: Following a string of standout singles and a full-length album last year, seasoned Tokyo salsa collective Central waste no time with a killer new 7" release, a finisher for the floor. The A1 delivers a fresh Latin take on Earth, Wind & Fire's evergreen floor fave 'Brazilian Rhyme', optically shifted through vibrant, horn-driven movements and bolder basslines, shimmering electric pianisms, and brumming brass, concocting an patented sound all their own. On the flip, DJ Kawasaki steps in to reimagine the band's much sought-after 2023 single 'Samurai', already a global wantlist staple, transforming it into a hotter club-salsa charmer.