Tags: Rare groove

Review: Some compilations manage to both educate, inform and educate in equal measure; this fine collection from Japanese crate diggers DJ Yoshizawa Dynamite and Chintam is one such set. Comprising mostly little-known tracks recorded by Japanese artists between 1968 and '70, it offers up a wealth of cuts inspired by American jazz-funk "rare groove". There's much to admire across the ten tracks, from the mazy Rhodes solos, fizzing big band jazz grooves and traditional Eastern instrumentation of Toshiko Yonekawa's "Soran Bushi", and the languidly-slung brilliance of Tadaki Misago and Tokyo Cuban Boys' multi-faceted musical fusion "Jongara Reggae", to the Jimi Hendrix-goes-funk heaviness of "Incitation" by Monica Lassen & The Sounds, and the drums-driven dancefloor madness of Masahiko Sato Jiro Inagaki & Big Soul Media's "Sniper's Snooze". Recommended.

Review: The Ellis Hall Group's upcoming 7" release, 'Music, Sweet Music,' on Super Disco Edits is sure to find its way into many DJ sets. Originally recorded in 1978, this release is the second in a series where the label unearthed hidden gems from the archives. Ellis Hall Jr. and his Boston-based band bring two tracks that didn't make it to their Night Shift TV performance but are now seeing the light. 'Music, Sweet Music' is a breezy, summer anthem reminiscent of the Blackbyrds and Stevie Wonder, packed into a short but sweet 2:38 runtime. On the flip side, 'Forward Motion' offers a funkier vibe with a new wave edge, kicking in with powerful horns, driving drums and infectious melodies. Featuring Ellis Hall on keyboards and vocals, alongside a talented lineup, these tracks are perfect for fans of classic funk and soul.

Review: Should you be hankering after some suitably positive music right now - and let's face it, most of us are - then we'd recommend checking out this fine four-tracker from French jazz-funk combo Aldorande. There are two original cuts to choose from: the languid, laid-back and undeniably sunny breeziness of "Summer Body" - all female scat vocals, bustling jazz-funk bass, sweet pianos, two-step beats and boogie synths - and the bolder, more electronic fizz of "Breakfast In Space", which reminded us a little of vintage weather report. Charles Maurice delivers instrumental Dub versions of both, naturally beefing up the basslines and adding a little extra percussive pressure.

Review: .Guest is a mysterious producer who delivers two stunning edits of rare and obscure tracks on this 7' vinyl. On the A-side cut 'Always Dancin' he transforms a disco gem into a groovy and funky dancefloor anthem with a catchy chorus and a smooth bassline. On the B-side, he takes a spiritual jazz tune and adds some cosmic synths and percussion on 'Krishna' to create a hypnotic and psychedelic trip. This record is a must-have for lovers of eclectic and adventurous disco music.

Review: The legendary edit king Mr. K is back with more of his trademark sonic treatments here, this time focussing on some lick funk sounds from the Motor City. His mid-tempo selections on this Detroit-themed 7" open-up with G.C. Cameron, a Motown mainstay with a wide vocal range as demonstrated on this classic rare groove cut, 'No Matter Where.' On the backside is more rare groove from Detroit but this time from the 80s and Candye Edwards's 'Time Is What You Need.' Edwards was part of the Detroit funk powerhouse One Way and through that got connected with songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kevin McCord. They cooked up real gold together on a solo debut album with this being the standout cut from it. Perfect for warm outdoor dancing.

Review: St Paul's Catholic Church in Louisiana was hosting a summer youth program in 1970 and 1971 and it was there that Tunnie Smith was spotted by Father George Artist, who saw potential in his great singing abilities. Smith was introduced to local musicians and bands as a result and was soon playing the local circuit. He landed a record label 18 months later and his first single came in 1973. Success followed as did an album that never actually got roasted. It was then in 1983 that he laid down the slow-burning mid-tempo soul numbers which feature in this 7" for the first time.

Review: Washington DC group Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers have got a real belting Latin tune on their hands here with 'Berro e Sombaro'. It's a tune that has been sampled many times over the years though you will be hard-pushed to find an original version anywhere. It was originally the last tune on Chuck's Bustin Loose album from 1979 and soon became a go-to funk track with a big impact that also saw it make a mark on the 80s rare groove scene. On the flipside here is an exclusive 7" edit of 'Never Gonna Give You Up', which was composed by Gamble & Huff composed and has never been on 45 rpm before.

Review: Fantasy Love re-issues a cherished soul and funk underground classic. Liason was a legendary Bay-Area group who were known for their vibrant performances and distinct sound. Led by Morris 'Skid' Clay, Liason was originally released on their independent imprint, 'A.L.C.' and named after three of the group's members' astrological signs: Aquarius, Libra, and Capricorn. Recorded in 1977, this double single shows the spirit of the band in these stellar songs. 'Life' features a grand vocal performance with a fantastic horn section while the B-side, 'Disco Party' enjoys dancefloor romp from the disco heyday. Both tracks are special in their own way. For those people looking for rare grooves, look no further!

Review: The latest addition to the Mood Mosaic series is a soulful, groove-filled treasure, perfect for late-night listening. Pressed on lush green vinyl and complete with a poster, this collection delivers some long-awaited, funky vibes that build on the style of previous volumes while offering fresh, extended edits that amplify the funkiest elements of each track. Highlights include Leon Haywood's sultry 'Want A Do Something Freaky To You' and Flowers' 'For Real (extra long version),' which keeps the groove going with infectious energy. Starvue's 'Body Fusion' and Hipnotic's 'Are You Lonely' add smooth, seductive rhythms, while Herbie Hancock's 'Stars In Your Eyes' brings a touch of jazz-infused soul. The new edits, like 'Closer Closer (edit)' by Celi Bee & The Buzzy Bunch and 'Feel The Heat (edit)' by Kathy Baker, offer fresh takes that enhance the late-night vibe. With tracks that flow seamlessly from one to the next, this set is a stellar mix of classic funk and soul with a contemporary twist.

Review: A UK club culture icon for all the right reasons, Luke Unabomber has put in a helluva shift over the years bringing the best tunes to the best parties for decades upon decades. He might be just as visible these days as a social media raconteur-comedian, but his depth of knowledge is unfathomable and a compilation like this is the perfect vessel to realise just a little of what he possesses in his fabled record shelves. Away from direct dancefloor firecrackers, this is a chance for Una to show off some jaw-dropping mellow cuts spanning soul, jazz funk, spaced-out electro and scores more obscurities besides. It's a collection like no other, featuring fully fledged songs that will burrow into the soundtrack of your own life without even a shred of resistance.