Back catalogue: All genres

Review: They're best known for covering hip-hop classics in their unique, funk band plus steel pans vibe, but Germany's Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band show there are spookier arrows in their quiver when the time of year demands it. Two special halloween themed cover versions grace this 7", the first a rendition of the theme from TV show of the moment 'Stranger Things', the second their version of the title theme from the film 'Halloween', originally penned by the master soundtrack maker himself John Carpenter. Both have a slightly cheeky, quirky and rather joyful atmosphere, tending more towards the cute rather than the spooky side of all hallows, but don't let their lack of scariness put you off, they're both delightful.010920

Review: The Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band has become the latest jewel in the Big Crown. Lead by Bjorn Wagner, they have stopped several essential recordings not he label, all defined by their famous steel pan sound. Often they turn to covers of the classics such as they did back in March and this time around they take aim at the much loved and low slung hip-hop classic 'Nuthin' But A G Thang' by Dr Dre. In their hands it becomes something else entirely but still delightfully low slung and sleazy. This one is backed with 'How We Do' which is another loveably fresh sound.

Review: The third volume of this series delivers an irresistible blend of funk and 60s-inspired grooves. Side-1 kicks off with a surf-rock-infused funk jam packed with energy and retro vibes. Following that, a swinging 60s sound that combining catchy rhythms and pop sensibilities keeps the momentum going. Side-2 shifts gears a groove-heavy track led by a soulful organ that oozes vintage charm. Closing the collection, there is a gem that features smooth, funk-driven melodies, topped off by a standout sax solo and a subtle British flair. This compilation offers a vibrant mix of styles, perfect for fans of classic funk with a modern twist.

Review: Kalita Records are proud and honoured to announce the first ever official reissue of the four choice tracks from Randolph Baker's privately pressed sought-after 1982 disco album 'Reaching For The Stars', plus an unreleased instrumental take of 'Party Life' sourced from the original 24-track analogue master tapes.

Originally recorded at Jim Morris and Rick Miller's Tampa-based Morrisound Studios, 'Getting Next To You' features both a mixture of both local Florida talent plus jazz superstar Nat Adderley and bassist John Lamb at their finest. Originally pressed in a limited run of just one-thousand copies, with no distribution and most copies being sold in the local city and on Randolph's own merchandise table at the back of live gigs, original copies have long been sought-after by both collectors and DJs alike, acknowledged as a true grail and masterpiece in the disco scene and deservedly demanding extortionate figures to those lucky enough to find their own.

Here, in collaboration with Randolph, Kalita Records have chosen to re-release the four choice tracks from the album: 'Getting Next To You', 'Jazzman', 'Callin' Me' and 'Party Life'. The former is an in-demand horn and chant-filled disco masterpiece, which, as Randolph explains, concerns unity and "everyone on the same level in other words, everyone just loving life". It is arguably the song that Randolph is most well-known for in the disco and funk scene and perfect for the modern discerning dance floor. 'Jazzman' is an instrumental track with prominent trumpet and saxophone solos working with funky basslines to produce a truly great jazz-funk groove. It was "a tribute to Nat Adderley and Duke Ellington's bass player, John Lamb, for being so generous and saying yes to the project". 'Callin' Me' is a soulful disco number featuring the lead vocals of Laurie Erickson and is "about being on the road and ensuring loved ones that you will always come back home no matter what. It was like a promise to ensure loved ones they didn't have to worry". Lastly, 'Party Life' is a joyous disco track with a strong funk bassline and horns. As Randolph recalls, it "was the joy like after an actor finishes a movie. There was nothing but joy. It's finished; let's celebrate big time. Where everyone in the studio yelled at the top of their lungs - The End!" Here, with access to the 24-track master tapes we have been able to include the original version plus an unreleased instrumental take, allowing us to focus on the infectious bassline and make it even more ready for the modern dance floor.

Accompanied by extensive interview-based liner notes and never-before-seen photos.

Review: These two tracks from Mike Bandoni and Chip Wickham have been a long time coming. The two stablemates from the 'Craig Charles Fantasy Funk Band' have been discussing a collaboration for years and now; and it's finally in the bag! Mike brings his trademark killer funky drums (recorded by the legendary Malcolm Catto), percussion, Rhodes, bass and vintage guitar vibes to the party, whilst Chip delivers some sublime and highly complimentary work on sax and flute. 'Infinity Pool' sounds like a long-lost Bobbi Humphrey-meets-Bob James composition, with the flute taking centre stage - underpinned by what can only be described as mammoth funk grooves on every other instrument - while 'Get It!' is a cool number, channelling a phenomenally infectious groove and hook, both of which remain in the brain for days.

Review: Stevie Wonder's 'Pastime Paradise' has thus far been less recognised as an original soul wonderwork, and more so as a sample by American rapper Coolio on the derivative 'Gangster's Paradise'. Though still having been covered by many artists over the years, Major Keys records highlights this enduring 1981 cover of Wonder's 'Paradise' by Latin percussionist Ray Barretto as among their favourites, if not their absolute favourite. Now the label reissue the gem, flaunting its up-to-date, nigh timeless feel; it's the opposite of a miracle that this has never before been released on a 12" single record, despite the fact that it is a favourite on the floors of jazz and soul rooms the world over. It also flips it with Barretto's own 'La Cuna' and 'Mambotango', taken from the same 1981 LP.

Review: Major Keys revisits the jazz-funk classics with Gary Bartz's Music is My Sanctuary, now making its debut on a 12-inch. This 1977 gem, featuring the double Grammy-winning saxophonist, is an evergreen floorfiller, remastered for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts alike. With Syreeta Wright on vocals, Bill Summers and James Mtume on percussion, and arrangements by Larry Mizell, this track assembles top-tier talent. The lyrics are joyful and heartfelt, all anchored by Bartz's glorious saxophone. It's a timeless piece for both the mind and the dance floor. On Side-2, Carnaval De L'Esprit, is a lesser-known but equally brilliant jazz-funk masterpiece. Its sunny vibe lifts even the weariest spirits, cementing Major Keys as a must-have label. This record is a treasure that will be revisited time and again.

Review: An intriguing song is 'Aftershower Funk', the Latin American musician Joe Bataan's curt salsa single from 1974. Fresh, cologned, groomed, and with towel firmly wrapped round hair, Bataan's largely instrumental track is about as lightfooted as the sprightly young man he was, then at 34 years old. With heavy tin drum and cowbell clangings peppered throughout, a toe-tapping mood is sure to beset the listener. B-sider 'Fin' continues the mood, uniting percussion with piano, brass, whistle and rhythm guitar; a much fuller exercise in triumphant finality.

Review: BDQ Records is the outlet for jam quintet BunnDebrettQuintet, who emerged out of 90s acid jazz titans Mother Earth. Their sound has refocused on a raw and rasping strain with a live, in-the-room electricity which comes through brilliantly on this new single with Lydia Sharpe. Taking a few cues from a Led Zeppelin classic, Sharpe strikes a fierce, sultry figure on top of the sizzling hot Hammond organ vamps and low slung rhythm section. It sounds dangerous like a niche 50s cut, but there's plenty of meat on the bones of the production, while the familiar vocal hooks will go down a storm with a busy dancefloor.

Review: Number 80 in Mr. Bongo's Brazil.45 series shines a spotlight on two iconic 80s tracks by Brazilian legend Jorge Ben. The A-side features the infectious groove of 'Curumin Chama Cunhata Que Eu Vou Contar (Todo Dia Era Dia De indio)' from the 1981 Dadiva album and paying tribute to Brazil's Indigenous tribes. On the flip, 'Rio Babilonia' delivers a classic Brazilian-boogie vibe that celebrates life in Rio, its beaches and landmarks. Originally released in 1983, the track showcases arrangements by the legendary Lincoln Olivetti.

Review: Here comes a truly show-stopping swooner on Penrose, the sublabel of the ever-trusty Daptone Records. This is the first solo outing for Jensine Benitez, who is usually found singing with Thee Sacred Souls, a hard-gigging outfit who always send the crowd home elated after Benitez takes centre stage. With her bandmates on hand to provide back-up duties, we get treated to a pair of dreamy soul songs that capture a little 50s swing which gels beautifully with Benitez's arresting voice. Both tracks are downtempo lullabies perfect for those intimate, wind-down moments with the one you love. Trust us, this is some seriously romantic stuff.

Review: The Demon Singles Club has been digging deep again and this time they have unearthed a trio of delights from Travis Biggs. Biggs played the keys with Isaac Hayes towards the end of the 70s when Hayes was playing with disco sound. During that same era, Biggs went it alone on a pair synth laced and spaced out albums 1976's Challenge, on TB&C, and 1979's Solar Funk, on MCA subsidiary Source. The trio of cuts on this 12" come from the latter of those two - one of them will be particularly recognisable to J Dilla fans for the famous beatmaker sampled it quite famously.

Review: KC

Review: A new single release from the amazing Betty Black, following her first two releases 'Cry Me A River' and 'Sweet Dreams', both also available on Skyline Recordings. Whereas the first two releases were covers, the label now delivers a wholly original slice of Betty material, 'Lonely Man'. This single-sided soul stomper is a veritable wall of sound, in which Black sings of emotional miserliness, rainy days, bleeding hearts and missed opportunities against a lively backing, making for a sure-to-be hit.

Review: Rhythm, blues and funk outfit The Blackbyrds were formed in Washington, D.C. in 1973, and as we have noted numerous times over at Juno, their music hardly saw the light of day around the time, save for a re-formation in 2012 after renewed interest brought their music back to light. The Washington fusion group were initially mentored by trumpeter Donald Byrd, but their sound came to differ from his sultry and slow tones, working in a more melancholic yet upbeat style, and flowery trumepeteering to boot. This 7" comes in stunning new vinyl quality, showing off a further two lost instrumentals, 'Rock Creek Park' and 'Gut Level'.

Review: Blue Mode and El Chavo present two fantastic new cover versions. The A-side is of course one of the biggest tunes of the grunge era, and is here lent a jazzy, funky, groovy alteration by Blue Mode - though it is an ostensible Nirvana cut, the band were influenced by everything from the Gap Band to Louie Louie and a fair smattering of 80s indie here. This production by Chip Wickham mixes a swinging 60s Blue Note vibe and acid jazz refrains, brings it bang-up-to-date with contemporary nu-jazz. Side B is a boogaloo Latin jazz version of the Lonnie Smith track 'Hola Muneca', beloved of the acid jazz era's foremost DJs, and formerly released on a now impossible-to-find 7" single that shifts for crazy prices.

Review: Jimmy Bo Horne brings his raw and expressive vocals to this new release on Japanese label Ultra Vybe. The oft-sampled America singer, writer and producer has been turning out such sounds since the mid 70s but remains on top of his game here. The big horns bring energy, the rolling rhythm section gets you up on your feet and the whole thing screams floor filler. On the flip is Lynn Williams with 'How Can You Call Love Fascination,' a much more slow and sensual soul tune with acrobatic vocals and nice piano fills next to a big horn section.

Review: The reissue of Joao Bosco's 'O Ronco Da Cuica' alongside Antonio Adolfo E A Brazuca's 'Transamazonica' captures a slice of Brazil's musical brilliance. Bosco's track, originally from his 1976 album Galos de Briga, pulses with vibrant cuica rhythms, soulful vocals, and delicate acoustic guitar. On the flip side, Adolfo's 'Transamazonica' is a stunning piece of Brazilian jazz fusion, rich with dynamic instrumentation. This release brings these timeless Brazilian gems to a new audience, reintroducing their infectious grooves and intricate musicianship.

Review: 'Imprevisto' by Bossa Tres and Ana Rosely's 'Skim Dum Dum Dum' receive well-deserved attention in their remastered reissue by Mr Bongo. Bossa Tres's track, featured as the final piece on their 1965 'Em Forma!' LP, stands out as an unmistakable Brazilian jazz classic. Opening with a dramatic intro and a hypnotic piano line, the song evolves with panned percussion and upright bass, showing the band's refined musicality honed from their early days touring jazz clubs in the USA. This 7" release marks a significant reissue of Bossa Tres's sophisticated sound in a concise format. On Side-2, Ana Rosely's 'Skim Dum Dum Dum' from 1984, originally released by RGE Discos, adds a different flavor with its infectious groove and enigmatic charm. Despite limited information about Rosely, her releases have become sought after for their rarity and musical quality. With 'Skim Dum Dum Dum,' her talent shines brightly within the unique style of Brazilian music. This remastered edition with refreshed artwork offers collectors and enthusiasts a chance to rediscover these gems of Brazilian jazz and music history.

Review: We'll never tire of the incredible Brazil45 series on Mr Bongo, which has provided an authoritative window into the rich history of 60s and 70s grooves from South America. Here's a missing joint from the series which took some time to come to fruition - a split release featuring Brazilian Boys on the A side and Rubinho E Mauro Assumpcao on the B. 'Super Herois' is an obscure slice of off-kilter, psych tinged funk from 1975 that has the kind of individual sound which could find favour with a lot of different DJs. 'Tudo Ai' has a more recognisable samba shuffle, but much like the A side there's a subtle twist in the sound which leans towards blues rock and jazz, locking down on the rhythm and creating a low-key party starter in its own unique way.

Review: Dynamite Cuts have got another red hot bit of funk on their hands here with Brian Auger's Oblivion Express the subject of this reissue of two of his most blissed out sounds. The first is a magic cover of Marvin Gaye's timeless 'Inner City Blues' from his most iconic album, What's Going On. In this outfit's hands the groove becomes a little more deep and languid, with funky guitars and steamy vocals sinking you into a real romantic vibe. The second is an original tune, 'Voices Of Other Times,' that explores more uplifting soul vibes.

Review: Gustav Brom's 'Calling Up The Rain' from his 1976 album Gustav Brom Plays for You Pop Jazz and Swing is a dancefloor gem that seamlessly blends big band jazz with a Latin groove, featuring a splendid organ and trumpet solos alongside a screeching guitar solo. Panorama Records' reissue of this track reaffirms the label's commitment to unearthing and reintroducing hidden musical treasures to new audiences. The 45 release of 'Calling Up The Rain' marks the first official reissue of this anthem, promising to ignite the enthusiasm of long time fans and those who dig for special new records.

Review: Talented funk, jazz and soul outfit Bronze, Silver & Brass are back on Finland's finest Timmion Records with a second outing that confirms their top-shelf credentials. This latest high-grade outing opens with 'Renard's Groove which bursts forth and has a speedy, dramatic rhythm driven by tight guitar riffs and breakbeat energy, ll with hints of 1970s cinematic charm. Then comes 'Brass In Motion' which slows the tempo with a smooth, mid-paced jazz-funk groove. It balances its funky vibe with a lyrical, laid-back charm and is another gem from this increasingly essential band.

Review: Timmion Records presents the debut 7" vinyl single from Bronze, Silver & Brass, an eight-piece brass ensemble making waves with 'Conrad's Lesson' b/w 'Ward to Ward'. This release offers two spectacular tracks showing the group's influences from soulful stage band music to New Orleans street funk. On Side-1 'Conrad's Lesson' features a pulsing midtempo groove, driven by funky drums and mellow horn melodies. On Side-2 'Ward to Ward,' delivers upbeat New Orleans second line funk, brimming with syncopated beats and spirited horn arrangements, capturing the essence of celebration and joy. Inspired by the soulful sounds of the Kashmere Stage Band and Curtis Mayfield, as well as contemporary brass trailblazers like Young Blood Brass Band and Hot 8 Brass Band, Bronze, Silver & Brass blends these influences into a unique and infectious sound. Their debut single invites listeners to celebrate the rich heritage of brass music while keeping it severely funky. Get ready to march to the rhythms of Bronze, Silver & Brass.

Review: Here's a killer reissue from the Soul Jazz archives which is finally getting a repress. It's hardly surprising when the reissue becomes as sought after as the holy grail original jam from 1970, a sublime instrumental anthem of soulful, skanking perfection with Cedric Im Brooks flexing his sax in glorious style over a beautifully rough n' ready rhythm. It was shortly after this recording was laid down Brooks went on to form The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari with Count Ossie, which tells you all you need to know about the heritage we're dealing with here.

Review: Here's a proper genre fusion for the dancehall heads. On his latest reissue, Robert 'Dubwise' Browne testifies to over 20 years of hitmaking with a standalone 7" edition of his remix of Ramsey Lewis' 'Sun Goddess', first released on Vortex in 2023. Whereas Lewis' original 70s funk version is a sweet and sunkissed headboard-licker with a simple backbeat, Browne prefers to cant things dubwise, swapping the aforementioned out for a phat dotted stomp. Clock the new pairing with Browne's version of Grover Washington's jazz-funk classic 'Mister Magic'.

Review: BunnDebrettQuintet has got a monster modern soul tunes on their hands here with the legendary Brian Auger on Hammond B3 helping bring the style. The glorious A-side 'Truth In My Tears' has a raw but heartfelt vocal and big horn energy over driving drums. It's a real dancefloor heater and then the flip is 'Wasn't It You', a more soulful groover with lush backing vocals but still dynamic drums powering it onwards. This outfit's last single went on to become a much sought-after release that is now well spenny on Discogs so do not sleep on this limited follow up.

Review: Expansion's focus right now is on reissuing classic tracks alongside a newer version of it. They are all coming on tidy 10" eco vinyl in mad limited numbers and next up is Norman Connors and Bembe Segue. Connors dropped his superb 'Mother of the Future' in 1975 and it is a mad jazz dancer with layer upon layer of Afro drumming, loose percussion and expressive vocal ad-libs. Flip it over and we're taken to 2008's live version of the same tune by Bembe Segue. It's a little less intense but no less busy, with silky jazz grooves and new vocals layering in some future soul.

Review: These artists got together back in 1969 to record Let The Sunshine In, a landmark album that blended jazz, rock and soul into a vibrant sound that captured the spirit of its era with its experimental soundscapes and electrifying performances. These two tunes are taken from the album and come on 7" for useful DJ deployment. Driscoll's emotive, soulful vocals pair beautifully with Auger's masterful Hammond organ and the Trinity's dynamic instrumentation. The title track in particular is a real anthem of its day and is sure to make just a s much of a mark all these years on.

Review: BDQ's next limited 7" is a superb three-way collab between Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity. Their long-lost version of classic dancer 'Jeannine' is powered by wandering basslines and swinging Hammond Organ chords that bring warmth to the free-flowing jazz vocals up top. It has never before been on 45rpm and has been all but unknown for the last 50 years but was recently rediscovered while the label head was looking for something else for the recent 'Auger Incorporated' compilation on Soul Bank Music. On the flip is a mod jazz dancer who is just as hip and ready to make an impact.

Review: This Juno colour vinyl exclusive finds Linda Lyndell serve up her own majestic cover of the classic "What A Man." Her vocal is smooth and buttery but also laden with gravitas, while the sweeping horns and jazzy keys all around her help to lift the spirits. On the flip is an ice cold slice of funk from Billy Hawks in the form of his "(O Baby) I Do Believe I'm Losing You". It's raw soul that glides at high speed with plenty of hip swinging claps. This is a much sought after reissue that will shift quick, so make sure you do too.

Review: At the start of 2024, BADBADNOTGOOD channeled their renewed creative energy into the Mid Spiral series. Fresh off a string of international tour dates and collaborations with artists like Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson, and Turnstile, the Canadian trio - Al Sow, Chester Hansen, and Leland Whitty - returned to the studio with a vibrant sense of purpose. Joined by touring member Felix Fox-Pappas and key Toronto jazz musicians Kaelin Murphy, Juan Carlos Medrano, and LA's Tyler Lott, they embarked on an intensive recording session at Valentine Studios in Los Angeles. The result is the Mid Spiral series, initially released digitally in three parts - Chaos, Order, and Growth - and now available as a double LP and CD. These suites mark a return to their instrumental jazz roots while seamlessly blending elements of hip-hop, neo-soul, psychedelic and funk.

Review: In early 2024, contemporary jazz cats BADBADNOTGOOD reported that they returned to the studio energised by recent international shows and collaborations with artists like Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson and Baby Rose. The Canadian trio of Al Sow, Chester Hansen and Leland Whitty then joined with friends including Felix Fox-Pappas, Kaelin Murphy and Tyler Lott for an intensive recording week at Los Angeles' Valentine Studios. The result was the Mid Spiral series which explores distinct themes of Chaos, Order and Growth. Released initially in three digital parts, this genre-blending project now arrives on CD via XL and is another superb listen that explores how their roots in instrumental jazz fuse with hip-hop, neo-soul and funk.