Review: Hot Piroski Records have been on something of a hiatus for the last year or so but now make a welcome return with a new EP series. This collaborative affair is the result of an epic journey in an old Mercedes from London to Gunjur and finds label head Robin 12Tree working with The Gambia and Bongo Koi as Gambian Disco Express. 'Enlightenment is Now' marks their first release on Hot Piroski Records and it comes with vocals from Gambian mystic Rev. Joseph N'Gole, recorded on the banks of the River Gambia. This one has already been hammered by Psychemagik, Pete Herbert, and Severino from Horse Meat Disco so it comes quality assured.
Review: The brilliantly entitled 1619 Bad Ass Band covered myriad different styles from mellow sound to furious funk on their superlative and self-titled debut long player back in 1976. Two of it's standout tunes now get pulled and pressed on this red hot 7" from P-Vine, complete with a flip-back sleeve. That LP is a rare one amongst the famous TSG catalogue and first up from it is the mid-tempo dance gem 'Nothing Can Stop My Loving You' while on the flip there is the more heavy funk sound of 'Step Out' which anyone who has listened to any DJ Shadow will know he sampled.
Review: The 4 Jades are a mysterious soul and funk group from Ohio, who first released these two stunning tracks in 1972 under the label Cin-Town Records. Written and produced by label owner Wilbert Longmire, who also features on guitar here, he joins the likes of William L Johnson for a loving stylistic homage to the likes of James Brown and Curtis Mayfield here. Both 'Gee, How I Miss You' and 'Doon-Chang' express the sultrier and waltzier respective ends of the Jades' sound; don't let their name fool you, as they're anything but 'jaded', with the former track flaunting their lithely harmonic acapella abilities and the latter reflecting a more sexually tense atmosphere, one that hardly assumes a thing.
Review: After an absence of a few years, 40 Thieves return to Leng Records with one of their most special releases to date: a hook-up with long-time Patrick Adams collaborator Gary Davis and long serving soulstress Cinammon Jones. What's on offer is a re-make of one of Jones' songs, 'The Gift', whose sweet lyrics celebrate the arrival of a new day. 40 Thieves take, explored first in the A-side 'Disco Mix', sounds like it was designed to be danced to during a San Francisco sunrise - think dub disco delays, hypnotic grooves, bubbly electronics, languid guitar licks and gentle melodies. Over on the flip, they take the track further into 'woozy 6am open air dancing territory' on a superb, stretched out 'Disco Dub' mix, before peppering a killer drum track with spaced-out electronics on the 'Beats' version.
Review: RNT welcomes Brooklyn-based band 79.5 to the family with the first single from their forthcoming eponymous LP. Soulful and psychedelic, the haunting melodies of Club Level float above a steady strutting rhythm section, punctuated by moaning baritone saxophone and drenched in washy reverb.
NYC mainstay Eli Escobar crafts a masterful remix that leans into 80s nostalgia, with a soundscape and arrangement nothing short of perfection.
Review: A Skillz and Krafty Kuts are veteran names by now but at one option they were some of the hottest new DJs and producers in the game. They pioneered a breakbeat, cut-up and paste sounds 20 years ago that was high on energy and with plenty of character. Now they look to the roots of the sounds they used to draw from and serve up a new single on Jam City that is all about disco. 'Lit Up' has loose, jumbled drums and funk basslines with some great vocal flourishes up top from Gizelle Smith. A remix on the flip takes things into deeper new soul territory.
Dream A Dream (ID edit - Cryptic Retouch By Che & Matica) (7:14)
Review: After five years on ice, Greg Wilson has rebooted his long-running A&R Edits imprint, an outlet the UK electrofunk pioneer founded back in 2013. As usual, the edits come not from the man himself, but rather mates and collaborators. Ian Ossia steps up first with 'Papa Stoned', a deep, driving, dubby and lightly acid-flecked rework of 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone' with tightened, beefed-up drums and heaps of peak-time potential. Over on the flip, Che and Matica provide a 'cryptic retouch' of a familiar disco-funk favourite (titled here 'Dream a Dream'), foregrounding heady horn blasts, sprawling and spacey synth solos, and another sweat-soaked disco groove.
Review: There is very little info out there about the Milkcrate Mondays label but we do know that their only other release last year was well hyped and quickly sold out. This second one is likely to follow suit. It comes from Able and is a dusty house cut with an old school feel thanks to the gentle breaks that power it along as a signature smoky soul vocal from Amy Winehouse brings plenty of emotion to a-side cut 'Winehouse Magic'. On the flip is 'Drake Punk' which pairs Daft Punk filter house loops with auto-tuned vocals all sure to bring some fun to the 'floor.
Review: Dave Lee's "AC Soul Symphony" alias has been releasing delectable and sultry disco since 2005 but reached his magnus opus in 2023 with the release of the Metamorphosis LP. Here we find two tracks handpicked from the album and delivered, for the first time, in a 7" format. The single starts much as the album does with the track "Windy City Theme", beautifully scored, recorded, and produced legato strings envelope the track, punctuated with horns and vocals reminiscent of a Love Unlimited Orchestra production. This version of the track has been rearranged, speeding up the pacing of the track and reaching the juicy parts in a really satisfying way. On the flip side we have the title track from the album Metamorphosis, which is the first time the vocal version has been made available on vinyl. A bass laden intro gives ways to glistening pianos and those signature strings (have we mentioned how good the strings are?). A more laid back and seductive track than the A-side, but no less appealing. Again, due to the limitations of the 7" format, 'Metamorphosis' has been expertly rearranged with loving care and attention.
Review: Three standout tracks from Dave Lee's 2023 album Metamorphosis - which he dropped under his AC Soul Symphony alias - now get pulled apart and reworked by the one and only Dub-disco king Ray Mang. First comes 'It's Got To Be Love' with its super funky and bubbly bass and lush string elegance, then he flips 'Tradewinds' into a deeper, still lush and lavish instrumental disco gem that is seductive and warm for the winter months. Last but not least, 'K-Jee' brings an infectious groove to the dance floor with a little more percussive energy and upbeat bounce - but again swooning strings are the icing on the cake. All three of these are classy and sophisticated reworks from the one and only Mang.
Review: Berlin producer Acud follows up 2023's Matjesfilet and Verbrennungsmotor with another multi-mix remix single, 'Supermarkt'. Flexing the network with a lead remix by none other than Prins Thomas - followed by versions from Ost & Kjex, Ana Helder, Dirty Acid, Mijo, and two from Amount - this remix EP makes for a comprehensive take on just how many times a track can be reinterpreted. Straying from the original's downtempo disco whimsies and supermarket-tannoy ready basslines, each producer lends their own deconstructed flair to the original, best of which in our view has to be Amount's retakes, which seize the opportunity to create something almost entirely new and singular from the stems.
Review: Originally taking form as Universal Robot Band's dreamy instrumental disco cut "Thyme" in 1977, within a year of its release Patrick Adams invited Marta Acuna to add suitably yearning, hazy vocal. Adding to the silky groove's allure without taking any of its original soul, Marta elevated an already pristine track into a real moment that embodies the deeper, most soulful aspects of late 70s disco. A highly authentic P&P reissue.
Review: Soul fans are in heaven this month, just from the releases of Soul Direction alone. The label has been hard at work serving up plenty of golden nuggets and next in the spotlight is Joe Adams. 'That's Not Half Bad' is his stunning version of the Gene Woodbury classic. This is another lost tune that was found on a DAT tape recording made from material that was laying around in an old basement. It comes steeped in rich Philly soul and with gorgeous vocals that for us outshine the original. On the flip, it is backed with an equally sublime mid-tempo heart-wrencher for those tender moments.
Review: African Dubplate delivers a thrilling selection of classic and rare Afro jams, reworked and pressed with a disco single flair. Though the mysterious artist behind the project remains anonymous, it's clear the source material hails from the rich well of African rhythms. Each track brings fresh energy to timeless sounds, crafted with the dancefloor in mind. Be sure not to miss out as this limited stock release is sure to fly off the shelves. Grab yours while you can!
Review: Many Hands is a fresh label helmed by Jona Jefferies and Kava that here kicks out an eclectic EP with four tracks from various members of its musical family. Dan Aikido opens with '0800 TXT4 Herb,' a smooth fusion piece that builds a laid-back groove, blending fretless bass, jazzy keys and soulful vocals all reminiscent of Rare Silk's 'Storm.' Ernie Ruso's 'Stroke It' offers slow, sensual r&b infused with P-funky wah-wah effects while DJ Nomad's 'African Boy' brings upbeat pop house next to funky organ and a female reggae MC.Jefferies' closer 'A Change Will Come' samples Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with a rave-inspired beat and soulful piano. Cracking stuff.
Review: This is one of those raw soul sounds that never goes out of fashion, and thankfully neither does it often disappear from availability. It features two r&b classics, the dancefloor-ready 'Last Night' and the soulful 'Don't Break Your Promises', both originally released on the Rainbow label in the UK and a long-time bastion of Aitken's mastery of blending Jamaican and British influences. The opener draws from The Mar-Keys and Georgie Fame, showcasing r&b's imprint on Aitken's style. 'Don't Break Your Promises' is a Milson Luce cover that gained fame in Jamaica before inspiring numerous versions.
Kidz (Elena Colombi's Are The Kids Alright remix) (6:14)
Review: This is the debut EP from DJ, producer and multidisciplinary artist Sol Leon under the moniker aka-Sol. It marks years of creative evolution and finds him blending vibrant energy with raw emotion across three tracks. aka-Sol channels a psychedelic edge into the punk roots of electronic music here by using modular synths and analogue textures to challenge modern club norms and genre boundaries. It results in a fearless offering that is equal parts love letter and provocation and invites headbanging and liberation on the dancefloor. A remix by Osare! Editions' Elena Colombi completes the EP, with experimental, post-punk and club intersections.
Review: Since establishing itself in 2012, the Al-Tone Edits series has proved to be an excellent source of obscurist reworks, with label bosses Alvin Delk and Tony Fields guaranteeing material that's effortlessly soulful, and righteously dancefloor-friendly. This sixth edition in the series focuses on the world of gospel, offering a quartet of reworks of praise-worthy soul, funk and disco jams. First up is the trumpet-laden funk-soul skip of "Mad Dash", before "My Soul" provides some choral gospel vocals, spacey synths and deliciously rubbery slap bass. Flip for the killer gospel-disco hustle of "U" - all impassioned vocals, parping horns, hustling bass and sinewy strings, and the intergalactic synthesizer assault that is "Worship".
Review: Legalize Lambada Vol 6 brings a vibrant Italo homage that showcasing the talents of Albion, Ric Piccolo, and Hysteric. Side-1 kicks off with Albion's 'Nucleare,' an early 80s DIY sound track seasoned with robotic Italian vocals, serving as a unique introduction. Next, Ric Piccolo's 'Disco Teacher' delivers a potent mix of early disco and 80s electro sounds, setting the stage for some serious dancefloor action. On Side-2, Ric Piccolo returns with 'Alright,' continuing the danceable energy with another infectious groove. Finally, Hysteric's 'Moment' offers a moody, keyboard-rich Italo house track, exuding a sexy, soulful vibe that prompts deep, introspective dance moves. This compilation is for fans of Italo disco and disco and those seeking something fresh in these genres. Legalize Lambada Vol 6 is steeped with that Italo sound with modern twists, making it perfect for both nostalgic disco enthusiasts and new listeners alike. Whether you're looking to fill a dancefloor or enjoy some soulful Italo vibes, this release delivers.
Breakfast In Space (Charles Maurice dub version) (4:10)
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: Back in 2017, Four Flies Records unearthed and released a previously unheard "Afro-cosmic funk" EP from Italian soundtrack and library music legend Alessandro Alessandroni. Three years on, they've decided to give the 1978 recording the remix treatment. Bolissa and guests Calibra 35 kick things off with a densely percussive, out-of-this-world take on "Afro-Voodoo", before Pad re-imagines "Afro Darkness" as a chugging chunk of beatdown-disco laden with colossal chords, arpeggio bass and intergalactic electronics. Over on side B the "Jolly Mare Lifting" version of "Afro Discoteca" is a veritable leftfield disco stomper notable for its low-slung bass and spacey Moog lines, while Luca's "Quirky Version" of "Afro Darkness" is the kind of hallucinogenic, Marimba-tinged number that you can imagine Daniele Baldelli playing at the Cosmic Club circa 1981.
Review: Soul Jazz Records promise this is a one off and strictly limited pressing of Alien Starr's 'World Of Ecstasy.' It is a faithful reproduction of the original in terms of art and sound and has been restored from the label after they included it on their excellent recent Space Funk 2 - Afro-Futurist Electro Funk In Space 1976-84 compilation. tUSA in 1985 featuring big slap bass energy, hand claps, drum funk and electro boogie bass. .
Review: Donna Allen's 1988 cover of Maze classic - a glossy, synth-sporting, decidedly loved-up 80s soul affair - is perhaps not one of her most celebrated singles, but it's still a genuine gem - and a fine alternative interpretation of a much-loved song. As you'd expect, this remixed edition looks firmly towards 21st century dancefloors, with popular re-editor-turned-remixer Dr Packer upping the tempo and reaching for disco-flecked house beats in a bid for peak-time plays. The Aussie producer's A-side vocal version is tasteful and undeniably club ready, making use of most of the original instrumentation while (we think) re-playing the bassline. That bassline comes to the fore more on the stripped-back (but similarly loved up) B-side 'dubstrumental' mix.
System Breakdown On Wikileaks (feat Fred Ventura) (6:54)
In The Night (6:03)
The News (feat Fred Ventura) (7:09)
Review: Lovin', freedom, passion... just three key ingredients make up the bare necessities of wellbeing, which must be secured before we venture into the endless subjectivities of human happiness. Crack this emotional code, and you're in for a good time, so say the Bordello A Parigi resident players Also Playable Mono (Rafal Lachmirowicz) and Fred Ventura. Teaming up for the first time for a blistering take on nu-glossy Italo disco - informed by the former's nascently needly version of the sound, and the latter's contrastingly classic post-punk come club education of the same - this insanely glittered plumper features Ventura feature on vocals through alternating takes on the present global condition, the A-sider marking a stark contrast to the A2 side's suddenly socially charged statement, 'System Breakdown On Wikileaks'. The B-side ventures veer vocoded, flipping the script onto two further, emphatic pleas for change.
Review: Italian disco DJ and producer Corrado Alunni shares his latest nu-disco soul nostrum, 'Make It Feel More', which, owing to the title, is an EP whose aim is to enliven the largely electronic and mechanistic bent of nu-disco with a good bit of live-recorded pizzazz. Such is heard on the title track, which moves naturally through both augmented and diminished electric piano cadences, not to mention slap basses, to be poised against the beats. Then 'Perfect Direction' brings the boughed basses and disco hits to a new layer of chill; with this, and the ensuing 'Keep Moving', it feels as if we've kept finding new rooms, in which new room contains a new type of hors d'oeuvre to try. 'The Beat Goes On' closes on a snappier and vinyl-driven vexation, perfect for the snakier kind of dancer.
Review: Anbau's debut on Bordello with a Giro d'Italia themed EP pays homage to the legendary riders of the race, notably the late Marco Pantani. Coinciding with the 108th edition of La Corsa Rosa, celebrates Pantani's iconic victory at Passo del Mortirolo in 1994. Inspired by disco and nu-disco, the tracks exude energy and rhythm reminiscent of the exhilarating atmosphere of the race. Each copy includes a limited edition sleeve adorned with a rare original Merlin collector's sticker from the 78th Giro in 1995, adding a unique touch to the release. With its blend of disco house and Italo disco, Anbau's EP is a vibrant tribute to the passion and determination of Giro d'Italia's heroic riders.
Review: Detroit mainstay and masterful hip hop and deep house fusionist Andres is back with not one but two new EPs. For this first one, he brings some silky electro rhythms to his signature sound but doesn't forgo that irresistible sense of r&b lushness he is known for. Track 1 brings a heart-aching vocal sample to quick beats and pristine snares, Track 2 has skittish rhythms topped with snapping snares and another classic, well-worked sample, then Track 3 takes off to the cosmos on ice-cold electro rhythms topped with plaintive chords. There is a hint of acid squelchy to Track 4 but it still somehow sounds very much like Andres. A fresh EP indeed.
Review: From the wide-ranging livestream sets he does from his basement to the sprawling hip hop and house albums he does for Moodymann's Mahogany via disco-laced house anthems like 'New 4 U', Andres always unites this music with a unique sense of groove and emotion. That is still true now as he steps out on GT Flips with a bunch of electro-leaning cuts that are classy yet primed and ready to ignite any party. Track 2 is a quick and punch one with ghetto undercurrents and jazzy keys, Track 4 is an excellent ass-wiggler with expertly deployed vocal hooks and Track 3 is a stripped-back bumper with a feel-good vibe.
Review: This is a full artwork version of the same release that dropped recently as a pre-release white label, so will look as good on the shelves as it sounds on the decks. DJ Dez Andres has been particularly productive of late after releasing a series of" records that showcase his signature edits. The collection includes 'Boogie,' a broken beat banger featuring a catchy whistle, followed by 'Maxin',' a sensuous, downtempo track with smooth pads and laid-back beats. The final track, 'Talking,' wraps things up with soulful vocals and a romantic, late-night vibe.
AfroQbano - "El Bucanero" (feat Kevin Ford - Dez Andres remix) (4:40)
Review: Chicago label Future Rootz is a collective of mix media DJs who all play and rework global roots, tropical bass, world electronic and Latin house. Who better to do that than Detroit's Dez Andres, a deep-diving DJ, house head and producer with Cuban roots. He goes first here with 'El Trombone', which has a signature low-end thump with sunny Latin vocals, joyous horns and florid melodies. He then slows things down with one of his trademark remixes of AfroQbano's 'El Bucanero', which has noodling bass and poolside charm.
Review: Oooh! Angie Stone's "Wish I Didn't Miss You" definitely belongs in the canon of all time modern soul classics. Taken from her 2001 second album Mahogany Soul, the Swizz Beats produced track made optimum usage of an O' Jays sample and was instrumental in that LP going gold and propelling the former D'Angelo collaborator to stardom. It also inspired countless official and under the counter remixes with Blaze's perhaps the most recognisable. So yes this reissue on 7" from Outta Sight is worthy if you don't have the original in your collection and features a housed up remix from Hex Hector on the flip.
Review: Best Italy continues to do a wonderful job of unearthing much-sought after gems and giving them the re-press they deserve. Lily Ann was a quintessential one hit wonder of Italo disco perfection that surfaced in 1984, and "Going Crazy" captures the mood of early 80s dance music perfectly. Adding value to the release beyond the fresh mastering job and high-end modern pressing, as well as the previously released vocal and instrumental we also get treated to a dub mix of "Going Crazy" to give you even more options for dropping this impeccable slice of Italian dance music history.
Review: Montreal producer and keyboard maestro Anomalie offers a full-MOT servicing of funk-jazz on 'Velours', a choice track that presaged his 2018 EP 'Metropole'. Born of a chilled bedroom jam, the first iteration of this track was uploaded to YouTube in 2017, and utilised stacks of Yamaha pianos as well as sleek, sexily designed sample pads. Anomalie provides a rich, honeyed set of chordophonal can-cans over nothing but a swung backbeat, bringing seemingly boundless phonic fruition from little nutrient. Now the song hears a full reproduction and repackaging in vinyl form via Devins 7s.
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