Funk / Reissue Recommendations July 2013

Review: One of funk's longest standing representatives, Fields continues to contribute to myriad genres, including contemporary acts like Kraak & Smaak. For this reissue, however, Tramp take us back to 1979 with a snapshot from his debut album Let's Talk It Over. Tight swings and frenetic horn work give both sides a real JBs thrust while The Devil's Personal Band are allowed to let loose on their own on "The Bull Is Coming". Another successful reboot of a once rare-as-hens-teeth 7", Tramp have well and truly spoilt us.

Review: Only 250 units pressed of this double double classic. Don't sleep !

Review: Brussels' leading tropical enthusiast and global groove selector takes two traditional African standards and reshapes them playfully for the floor. "Mesida" is one of his wildest constructions to date, taking a biguine drum track and chant he's applied all manner of SFX and sirens. File under 'post apocalyptic Afro beat'. "Yemana", meanwhile is much more light-hearted, taking a sun-kissed benga standard and anchoring it with a warm, weighted 4/4 kick it's the perfect feel-good foil to the craziness of the A.

Review: Soul papers: not just a fun term for rolling papers, but also a superb new soul act. Following the rather successful "Kendra Cash", "One Love" is perfect seasonal material thanks to its Ayers style horn cascades, breezy pads, lazy beats and Coco's emphatic delivery. For something a little more cosmic yet upbeat flip for "Find The Love". Beautiful.

Review: A genuine funk legend, Haitian Henri Pierre first scored serious exposure in the 70s but remained criminally overlooked thereafter. Revisited by the consummate selectors at Wah Wah 45s, last year saw the re-release of his album Piano and this year they've got an even bigger treat... These two stunning, previously unreleased, cover versions. Walter Murphy's "A Fifth Of Beethoven" is a pounding exercise in key stroking and p-funk bass that playfully flirts with the classic riff before dropping it in with a bold climax. Meanwhile on the B, the jazz standard "Mercy Mercy Mercy" gets an equally vigorous disco-funk seeing to. Faultless funk; this is not to be missed.

Review: Formed via the Broadway musical Fela!, The Fontanelles serve up their debut on the consistently exciting (and wonderfully unpredictable) First Word imprint. The result is two pieces of raw, emphatic Afro funk. "Pinprick" has a touch of the snake charmer about it with eastern minor key phrases and wild jazz noodles on the muted sax. "Criminality" comes armed with much more gusto with lively drums and a powerful carnival attitude. Strange name but apt... Anyone with a penchant for Afro funk will have soft spot for The Fontanelles before long.