Review: Neil Anderson's Original Gravity loves to look back and revive forgotten classics and that is what it does again here with a quick reissue of something it dropped back in March. This time out it is two more massive slices of tasty Latin funk getting served up. The first is Abram & Nestor's 'Four Minutes Of Funk' which is indeed four minutes of funk that will unite dancefloors from here to eternity with its big organ magic. Nestor Alvarez' 'El Trombonista' is as you might guess denied by its big trombone and also boasts some great horn work. Do not sleep.
Review: Making your debut release at 100 years old must be a feat that no-one's ever achieved before. This isn't just a novelty act. Marshall Allen remains a force of nature, and 'New Dawn' proves it. The lead single and title of his debut solo album is a subdued yet powerful statement, showing a different side to the legendary saxophonist who has shaped the Sun Ra Arkestra for over 70 years. Featuring Neneh Cherry, 'New Dawn' unfolds as a contemporary jazz odyssey, balancing Allen's signature cosmic energy with a deep, introspective warmth. His alto sax glides gently over the composition, offering space for Cherry's ethereal presence and the bright young talents surrounding him. On the flip, the instrumental edit allows Allen's playing to shine even more, revealing his intricate phrasing and the emotional depth behind every note. It's not the explosive free-jazz chaos of Sun Ra's wildest moments but a thoughtful meditation on time, legacy and reinvention. For a musician who has always looked to the future, Allen's 'New Dawn' is both a bold continuation and a fresh beginning. A special release for a special artist.
Review: The Brazil 45s / Mr Bongo outlet is back with its classic moves, coming through with some truly special soul blends out of the Brazilian golden era. Dalila and Neyde Alexandre feature in this latest 7", the former with 1968's "Canto Chorado", a slow-burning bubble of funky exotica - surely impossible to find in its original shade - and the latter with a funky little bomb from 1971 by the name of "Perplexidade" - surely the smoothest, sexiest soul number out this week! Lovely stuff.
Review: Lisa Decker makes a return with two new singles here that are taken from her upcoming album which is due in May of this year. It comes two years after her debut with the Japanese jazz trio Nautilus and marks something of a conceptual shift in her sound. 'Love & Hope' finds her turn in a stylish jazz vocal with funky bass loops and organic drums and percussion that straddle many different genres. 'Summer Child' then sinks into a nice smooth jazz-funk vibe with soft focus chords bringing a touch of class to her breezy vocals.
Everything Is Recorded, Noah Cyrus & Bill Callahan - "Porcupine Tattoo" (3:31)
Everything Is Recorded - "Norm" (feat Bill Callahan) (3:04)
Review: XL boss Richard Russell's Everything Is Recorded returns with 'Porcupine Tattoo', an unexpected yet compelling collaboration with Bill Callahan and Noah Cyrus. The track, released via XL Recordings, came about during sessions at LA's infamous Chateau Marmont hotel, when Russell asked Callahan who he'd most like to write a song for. Callahan's surprising answer: Noah Cyrus. The result is a stripped-down folk tune with subtle gospel undertones, featuring Callahan's deep, pitched-down vocal layered alongside Cyrus' delicate voice. Russell's production, iminimal yet atmospheric, ihighlights the contrast between Callahan's gravelly tone and Cyrus' ethereal presence. Recorded during a rain-soaked week, the track evokes a sense of melancholy and intimacy. On Side-2 'Norm', is a tribute to comedian Norm Macdonald, featuring only Callahan. This release continues Russell's tradition of creating genre-blurring, evocative collaborations.
Review: Kiss Klassics have been producing some high-quality promo double singles for a while now, this double headliner of Nelly and Fat Joe being the eighth instalment in their archival series. Side A was the runaway standout from New York rap legend Fat Joe's 2001 titanic-sized album 'Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.)', 'Whats Luv' with the one and only Ashanti. This marked Ashanti's debut year as an artist, the Tina Turner sample hook becoming the soundtrack of the block party and becoming one of the biggest songs of 2002. Side B needs no introduction. "It's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes". No matter what you think of Nelly, 'Hot in Herre' continues to have the world in a chokehold over 20 years later.
Peter Hunnigale & Tippa Irie - "Hard Times" (3:43)
Nick Manasseh - "Dub Hard" (3:42)
Review: The cult figure that is Peter Hunnigale and South London reggae sound system mainstay Tippa Irie have teamed up to deliver a fresh rendition of Pablo Gad's classic riddim 'Hard Times.' This new version is just the fifth release from the Tok 2 label and it arrives on a 7" that showcases both artists' distinctive styles with Hunnigale's soulful vocals and Irie's dynamic DJing making it a real winning sound. The B-side features a dub mix by renowned producer Nick Manasseh, and he adds real dub depth to the track.
Review: The Original Gravity label is back with more of its fully functional but also exceptionally flair-fulled funk sounds, this time with Luchito and Nestor Alvarez behind 'Tighten Up.' It is another choice reissue that has been dug carefully out of the vaults and comes in seriously limited quantities on 7". Luchito & Nestor kick off with the original version of 'Tighten Up' on the a-side and it's packed with high-tempo breaks and sung-spoken vocals. On the flip is a more fiery and explicitly Latin affair with the warming chords and florid horns of Nestor Alvarez's 'Just Add Vibes.'
Review: A stellar mix of DJ-able breakbeat and northern soul from Luchito Rodriguez and Nestor Alvarez, two of our favourite contemporary funk artists active today (as long as we're certain of their identities, that is). This limited 7" contains two versions of the same killer track: 'Soy Un Hombre' reincarnates the triumphant 'achievement' of manhood through carnal brasses and kettle drums, in a quiver-inducing cover version of Spencer Davis Group's classic track 'I'm A Man'.
Review: The Original Gravity label is dedicated to unearthing deep cover gems from across a world of funky grooves, and this time they're turning their attention to the work of Luchito and Nestro Alvarez. 'Fortune Teller' is a big beat 60s-style Latin stomper with more soul than a shoe shop, all tumbling drums and punchy brass. 'Para Que?' takes things in a smokier direction, letting the piano lead the way while holding down a tight groove that should go down smooth as silk on a jazz-minded dancefloor.
Review: Original Gravity, Luchito Rodriguez and Nestor Alvarez return with yet two more Latin groove versions of funk and soul classics, emulating two sounds not yet brought together enough. 'Dap Walk' is a shot-by-shot cover of the song of the same name by Ernie And The Top Notes - a slick and slippery interpretation that translates the original AAVE of the song's intro into Spanish. 'El Barrio', meanwhile, opts for 70s crime thriller vibes, instrumentally verging on expressionism via djembe, brass sections and vibraslaps.
Review: "Here we go again, yeah!" exclaim Luchito Rodriguez and Nestor Alvarez - Original Gravity's two core mainstays - who team up once again to evoke the undeniable spirit of a 'Boogaloo Party' for the ages. Channelling the sound of the inimitable Latin dance style, but also gradating it so as to be mixable in DJ sets, 'Ain't Nothing But...' delivers compelling call-and-responses and horn-swelling builds. 'Fiesta Bugalu' dubs things out for a reflection on the party just gone, retaining the tempo but relaxing things for extra percussive effect.
Review: Latin Fever Vol. 3 offers a vibrant collection of tracks from Luchito & Nestor, as well as solo efforts by Nestor Alvarez (a.k.a. Neil Anderson). Luchito & Nestor's rendition of The Olympics' 'Good Lovin' kicks things off with a blistering Latin boogaloo twist, featuring infectious rhythms and lively brass. The instrumental Part 2 replaces lead vocals with a dynamic flute topline, adding a fresh layer to the classic hit. On the flip side, Nestor Alvarez's 'La Gordita Americana' is an uptempo boogaloo groover led by horns and piano, delivering an energetic and danceable vibe. The collection concludes with 'Ixo's Taxi,' a skeletal xylophone-led funk track that brings a unique, nostalgic charm. Each track on this release has a rich blend of Latin rhythms and boogaloo energy, making this an exciting 7" to hit the dancefloor to.
Review: Primetime Paris producer Jay Murphy first teamed up with Natalie Nova in 2022 to release 'Boogie Oogie', a rejig of the classic A Taste Of Honey song. Emphasising postmodernity, we hear a timeless club classic liquefied for a fluid psychic economy: Murphy, a Franco-American musician based in Paris, produces, sings and key-plays over this funky opus, attesting his involvement in the funk scene since as far back as the early 1990s. But now Rob Hardt and Young Pulse bring their own versions, spanning slapping, chime-trilling propulsions, and a wildout inductive monologue from an anonymous contributing vocalist: "if you think you're too cool to boogie, boy have I got news for you... I wanna see you shake your derriere..."
Review: Jay Murphy - Franco-American musician, producer and singer based in Paris - and South African singer songwrite Natalie Nova join forces to give a fresh spin to a classic, reinterpreting a well-loved track with their own unique flair. The original mix oozes with jazz-funk vibes, where Murphy's smooth keyboard work and Nova's soulful vocals combine effortlessly, adding new depth and energy to the timeless track. The groove is rich and inviting, pulling you into its rhythmic charm while still honouring the essence of the original. On the remix, Young Pulse brings his signature style, turning the track into a soulful, funky journey with added layers of warmth and groove. His touch injects an extra dose of funk, transforming it into an irresistible dancefloor-ready tune.
Flamenco Sketches (DJ Mitsu The beats remix) (4:25)
Flamenco Sketches (4:44)
Review: The third volume of the Incense Music compilation series, Incense Music For Dining Room, curated by Toru Hashimoto (Suburbia), comes new iterated on a split 7". Carrying over its themes of fragrance and music, 'Flamenco Sketches', named and remixed after Miles Davis' classic jazz bit, brings an exquisite reed diffusion of live-feel beats and scooped-out bliss-sound. With cover art by Jiro Fujita (FJD) and mastering by Calm, a key figure in the Japanese jazz, chill-out, and Balearic scenes, the record promises serenity: DJ Mitsu the Beats ensures a quietly contented DJ's touch. Side B offers another lo-fi cover of 'Flamenco Sketches' by Nobuyuki Nakajima, lowering the pace to an unassuming, dozy, guitar-blessed tread.
Review: This is a second new and standalone 7" that is taken from Incense Music for Bed Room, a new compilation series from Incense Music that was curated by Toru Hashimoto and legendary Japanese downtempo and Balearic master Calm. On the A-side, we delve into Haruka Nakamura's beautiful tribute to Bill Evans' timeless piece 'Soiree'. On the flip, 'Valsa de Euridice' is a rendition of Vinicius de Moraes' classic from Etepalma, the inaugural 2006 album by Nobuyuki Nakajima. Renowned as a composer and pianist, Nakajima presents a captivating interpretation that captures the essence of the original piece. Together, these tracks offer a harmonious blend of homage and reinterpretation.
Review: Narco Marco returns to Pace In Stereo for more adventures through yesterday's tomorrow. As ever, the production is incredible, offering two tracks that pack a timeless sound informed by Italo, early electro-pop, cold and synth wave, a twin delight that somehow serves as the ideal home or headphone listen, yet is also dance floor ready and primed for proper parties. Starting on the slowest, tempo wise, 'Bald Tag' doesn't exactly owe a debt to Kraftwerk but certainly offers a place for sounds could have evolved in the back catalogue of the German pioneers. It's a weird and warbling, stepping, highly musical ride. 'Ice Tea', meanwhile, opts to get more of a stomp on, glittering harmonies painting stars in the sky above, vocals swapped out for more melodic depth.
Life Is Like A Dice Game (feat Cordae & Freddie Gibbs) (4:45)
Life Is Like A Dice Game (instrumental) (4:44)
Review: A whole bunch of Nas singles are being reissued on 7" courtesy of Mass Appeal at the moment, and each one is as essential now as it was when it first arrived. This one is slightly different as 'Life is like a Dice Game' was a demo and one of the firm fan favourites from the legendary New York mic man, taken from his undeniably best period - the Illmatic era. Now 30 years old, it gets revisited and completed properly with Freddie Gibbs and Cordae, who were 11 years old and not born when the track was initially recorded in 1993. The unfinished original version leaked in 1995 so to finally have it officially completed is epic.
Review: US rap royalty Nas's 'Ultra Black' features producer Hit-Boy and was released in mid-summer 2020 as the lead single from his thirteenth album, King's Disease. Lyrically, Nas pays homage to all things Black as he draws on his black heritage and African-American culture while the beats remain deeply laidback with jazzy chords up top. In an interview at the time with NME, the rapper said the song "represents love" although some interpreted the lyrics as a diss towards singer and rapper Doja Cat. This 7" features the vocal version and an instrumental.
Review: First featured on Nas' peerless 1994 album "Illmatic" - a classic that really should be in your collection - "The World Is Yours" is a classic Pete Rock production that has never appeared on a seven-inch single before. Mr Bongo has decided to set the record straight, pairing the album version, which includes some of Nas' most potent lyrics, delivered in fine style as you'd expect, with an instrumental take that showcases Pete Rock's brilliant beat and tight, on-point scratches. It's a deliciously baggy beat all told, with sampled pianos and subtle jazz lifts combining cannily to create a suitably laidback, golden-era groove.
Review: Ahead of a fresh album due later in the year, Nat Birchall fires up his quartet and returns to the Jazz45 series with a second seven-inch salvo for the Jazzman offshoot. A-side "Obeah Man" is wonderfully sweet, soulful and breezy, with Birchall and company layering jaunty spiritual jazz style piano riffs and snaking solos (think Clarinet, sax, trumpet etc) over a warm, loose and bustling groove. They continue on a similar vein on the slightly bolder flipside cut "Seeking", where bandmembers trade solos atop a classic jazz style bassline and fizzing drums. That forthcoming album should be killer.
Review: Once of the more creative jazz singers, Nanette Natal was active in the mid-'70s after switching from a career as a classical singer in the 1960s. .Originally released in 1981, both of the tracks on this dynamite 7" are taken from the private press album My Song of Something. They feature outstanding vocal work over high energy, superbly kinetic jazz dance grooves that brim and bristle with more energy than a whole junior school full of children after too many sweets. This marks the first tie these two classic jazz bangers have made it to their own 7".
Review: Natural High was a reams-of-talent funk band from Mississippi, whose core crock of releases came about in the mid-to-late 70s, but in more recent memory saw two reissues in 2015, largely of songs heard on their first and only album, Natural High 1. One of the star tracks from said project, 'I Think I'm Falling In Love With You', was first released on Chimneyville; was later heard reissued on Soul Brother as a single; and now comes reissued once again on the Solid label. Once again here, the track is heard side-by-side with its sonic soulmate 'Trust In Me', which has served as its complement since the 70s. Both exemplify Natural High's approach, which combined bright horn sections, rainsoaked electric pianos and conflicting lyrical affects, all in all evoking a moodswung take on the soul music of their day.
Review: A never-heard-before unearthing of another Northern soul curiosity, 'Let's Get Together' is a formerly lost gem by Natural Impulse, an eight-piece soul group from San Francisco whose diverse lineup included Jess Gonzalez, Andres Soto, Hank Oden and Geoff Gilbas. This jubilant get-on-upper pines after a 'baby' for whom the lead singer couldn't live without; the twist is that this rather wistful assessment hardly registers any sense of melancholy in the listener. Instead, you've got all manner of horns, breakbeats, electric pianos and solos operating in harmonious unison, painting an entirely happy picture of new love. Cop it while you can.
Review: Tramp Records come at us with an exclusive, ninja-lethal wax, chucked squarely in our direction: the debut 7" single from Natural Life lays down two extra-special instrumental jazz-funk cuts for our pleasure. Never heard before on the tiny label, and with little background info out there to scour (we're pretty sure it's not the same Natural Life as the upbeat funk band active throughout the 1990s), all that's left is to use our ears. Both versions of the eponymous track are essentially an obverse and inverse of the same theme, except for the fact that one is funky in the fast, riveting sense; the other in the slower, sultrier sense. Both are nonetheless rapid, to-the-point heaters, and can be easily deployed and exploited in many a party - or afterparty - context.
Review: Soul Direction's 19th outing might be their best to date. It is some top work from The Natural Soul Brothers Ltd that was originally recorded in Philly for the Wally-O Production stable back in 1970. It never got released after originally being laid down back then and that's a shame because it has plenty of great talent on display. The soul grooves are defined by a haunting sound and lingering vocals that make for a mellow but involving track. On the flip, there is more rambunctious energy, prickly drum rhythms and free-form guitar riffs next to a big vocal.
Review: There are not many songs in the history of hip-hop that are more important than 'Hip-Hop Hooray'. The track single handedly helped catapult underground rap sounds into mainstream success. The song was a massive hit moving into the top ten on the Billboard and #1 on the hip-hop chart and with a memorable video directed by Spike Lee, it was in heavy rotation on every music and video platform. Naughty By Nature became household names and the single went on to sell platinum status. You could not escape this anthem of the streets. Now, the groundbreaking song is reissued on 7" for the first time in over 30 years.
Review: 'O.P.P.' by Naughty By Nature is an iconic hip-hop song that not only achieved commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning platinum status, but broke barriers and became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s. The song's success helped Naughty By Nature establish themselves as a major force in hip-hop and contributed to their longevity in the industry. 'O.P.P.' continues to be celebrated and remembered, showing the group's ability to blend rough subject matter with catchy pop hooks, making it a timeless classic in the genre. The Hip-Hop movement was arguably the most important cultural movement in the 80s and 90s. Here you have one of its most important soundtracks.
What You Won't Do For Love (feat Ryuto Kasahara - Muro re-edit) (4:44)
Love Theme From Sparticus (Kenichiro Nishihara remix) (3:07)
Review: Japanese jazz, funk and rare groove sensations Nautilus share their latest cover version, this time of Bobby Caldwell's 'What You Won't Do For Love'. This version stars Toshiyuki Saki on guest drums and vocalist Ruto Kasahara on vocals, bringing a digressional arc to Nautilus' usual sound. On the flip comes another rerub, this time of Nautilus' own 'Love Theme From Spartacus', from their latest album, remixed by producer Kenichiro Nishihara, which incorporates a light-hearted and feathery jazz-hop verve.
Review: With an irresistible blend of broken beat and nu-jazz grooves, 'Chameleon' is a enjoyable smooth jazz gem driven by funky basslines, strings, lively percussive and catchy keys. The arrangement flows effortlessly, creating a sound both sophisticated and danceableia perfect balance of complexity and accessibility. Flipping to the B-side, 'Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong' takes a more laid-back approach. Led by a warm, soulful organ, the track exudes chill vibes with its subtle funk underpinnings and jazzy finesse. The addition of a vocoder adds a playful, retro-futuristic charm, rounding out a composition that's as soothing as it is engaging.
Review: New-gen rare groove band Nautilus, operating out of Japan, deliver their latest 7" record, 'Life'. Just two crisp, piquant, fresh, and bubbly uncorkings in sound - 'Life', featuring vocalist Emi Tawata, and the instrumental 'Master Blaster'- are here heard sprayed like buckshot across the stereo system. The former is a candid admission by Tawata of her fear of the dark and ghosts, one which compels the listener to ponder the song's spiritual metaphor - "I'd rather have a piece of toast, watch the evening news" being the lyric of note - while the latter is a comparatively muted four-to-the-floor funk inflammation, held together by a phat but tricksy drum line and overgirding Rhodes.
Review: Hey everybody, here's... Nautilus! This prolific contemporary jazz trio are at the top of their game. Regular contributors to their patrons Urban Discos and Oonops Drops, their repertoire extends to everything from full-length EPs' and albums' worths of original material to one-off guilty pleasure covers. This new rendition of Oasis' 'Wonderwall' definitely falls into the latter category. This slick new version abounds in gut-grasping major chords and spine-tingling drum brush caresses, and features passionately candid yet no less elegant vocals by Ray Yamaoda. On the B comes the comparatively funky knockout and jazz original, 'Through The Night'.
Review: Prolific Japanese jazzers Nautilus - made up of drummer Toshiyuki Sasaki, keyboardist Daisuke Takeuchi, and bassist Shigeki Umezawa - present their latest 7" release 'A Story About You'. It's an emotive A-and-B-sider of mournful mood, with the A-side cemented by rolling pianos and a central lyric-melody performed by Mariko's talkbox, and B-sider 'Sweet Power Your Embrace' coming as a cover of the 1977 classic by James Mason. Signaling news of a full-length album to come - you'd better fasten your seatbelts.
Review: On this fresh disco 7", DJ Koco (aka. Shimokita) and DJ Kawasaki have re-edited and cut Nayutah's hit songs 'Keep It Up' and 'Stand Up' into an enduring pair of bright disco edits. Both Nayutah's original tracks really wanted us to keep it supine; Koco and Kawasaki act as commanders of this charge, not shying away from the ostensible stringy glitz of the original song. Kawasaki's edit skews funkier, employing live bass and rhythm guitar and adroit drumming to fit around Nayutah's agile, sisterly vocals, and drawing on his already extensive experience of working alongside Nayutah for her album, also called Keep It Up.
Review: NEMS, the "Mayor of Coney Island," joins forces with DJ Skizz and SkyAsia to drop 'Christmas Spectacular' on 7" vinylia physical release after its digital debut. This one is a proper holiday banger backed by High Water Music, FYL and DWMG and featuring eye-catching artwork with Kith's photography and a layout by Sieteson. Known for his gritty style and wit, NEMS puts his own twist on festive vibes, making this bit of vinyl a must-have for hip-hop fans wanting a fresh spin on holiday cheer.
Review: The double-sider 'Black Mother Goose' with 'Chase Those Clouds Away' is a substantial release from the early 70s soul scene, making waves at the Twisted Wheel and Blackpool Mecca. On Side-1, 'Black Mother Goose' offers a rare gem of early soul, highlighted by its brilliant horn section that gives the track a rich, dynamic sound. Side-2's 'Chase Those Clouds Away' channels a feel-good vibe reminiscent of Percy Sledge or Otis Redding, delivering a soulful anthem perfect for summer. This track radiates peace and love, embodying the spirit of the era with its uplifting melody and heartfelt performance. Both sides showcase a blend of classic soul influences and are essential listens for soul fans.
Review: Ramrock Retro strikes gold again with Aaron Neville's soulful classic 'Hercules.' This track instantly stirs real emotions with Neville's effortless, heartfelt vocals, deep-swinging drums and classy horns. A falsetto at the breakdown elevates the song before the rhythm powers on. On the flip side, Al Jarreau's 'Use Me' delivers familiar yet timeless vibes. Whether you prefer this version or others, the result is always the same: deep, slow-motion funk with a sensual, groovy edge that you will not want to end.
Review: Following on from Gladys Knight & The Pips, Ramrock Retro have a real goldie on their hands here. Aaron Neville's 'Hercules' is an affecting tune that immediately gets the emotions going. The effortless vocal conveys real soul as the drums swing deep and horns bring the class. A falsetto coo at the breakdown takes things to the next level before the drums power on once more. Flip it over for 'Use Me' by Al Jarreau. It's a familiar sound but whichever version you prefer the results are always the same - deep cut and libidinous slow motion funk that hits different.
Dance Your Blues Away (The Mighty Zaf edit) (4:32)
Review: Originally released in 1979 as a B-side to The Neville Brother's "Sweet Honey Dipper", "Dance Your Blues Away" saw Ivan go solo for the first time on this sultry modern soul jam. Laced with a plucky bass and just the right smattering of sleaze, it set the foundations for Ivan's extensive solo career. It also provides the perfect groove tools for The Mighty Zaf to work his editor craft and beef up the vibe with subtlety. Keep on dancing!
Review: Not-for-profit label Rain & Shine likes to do reissues differently, offering all profits - rather than a percentage - to the families of the artists whose records they release. The latest artist to profit from their generosity is New Horizon, an act whose sole single - 1977's "True Love" - is here given the reissue treatment. The A-side "Part One" version is a wonderfully sweet and musically rich modern soul number that combines slick male vocals with subtle orchestration and loose, languid grooves. "Part Two" (side B) is a much more forthright version; a dancefloor-friendly take that combines a funkier, heavier version of the groove, twinkling piano lines, beefy bass and jazzy guitar licks with punchier drums and selected snippets of backing vocal.
Review: The Super Disco Edits camp have pulled off something of a coup here, securing the rights to a previously unissued 1987 cut from studio duo New Jersey Connection, whose sole 1981 single, "Love Don't Come Easy", has long been a favourite of boogie DJs. "Red Light Green Light", featuring the breezy vocals of Cynthia Wilson, sounds like a long lost boogie classic: all sugary-sweet backing vocals, rubbery bass guitar, twinkling '80s soul synthesizer melodies and punchy drum machine percussion. The A-side vocal version is accompanied by a tasty instrumental mix, in which the focus switches to the NJ twosome's superb production. File under: "must have".
Review: The Acid Jazz label recently celebratedits 35th year in business and, despite having an entire genre named afterit, has been very influential in supporting various genres, with its roster like a who's who of downtempo music. One of the newer artists that has received much critical acclaim has been New Street Adventure, their urban street soul with a modernist cool and insightful lyric have set out from the crowd. This reissue of 'The Big AC' on 7" features for the first time, the original version by the late Noel McCoy, taken from their standout 2015 album No Hard Feelings.
Review: A defiant rhythmic funk odyssey for those needing a little sonic boost before overcoming life's struggles and challenges, 'We're Gonna Make It' is a neat slice of understanding, optimism and determination. Recorded by New World, an American soul group active throughout the 70s, the song is emblematic of the sunniest facets of soul and funk, backed by a hand-drummed skeleton and falsetto'd vocal refrains. This new release version comes part of the Soul Brother series, reissuing this rarity for the completists out there who aren't remotely fussed about first editions.
Review: Newban is a band that hailed from Westwood, California, and was made up of Sharon Bryant, Jonathan Lewis, Porter Carroll and Joseph Phillips alongside Mark Slifstein, Keith Johnson, Albert Jones and Gregory Press. After the release of their first single they rammed themselves Atlantic Starr but then put out a couple albums in 1977, Newban and Newban 2. That's the backstory sorted, and so to this reissued 7" which kicks off with the deep cut funk of 'If I Could (Make You Mine)', a tune with sung-spoken lyrics and rousing horns. 'Rhythm & Rhyme' is smoother and more seductive, with a quieter soul sound seducing as it unravels.
Review: The Nextmen team up once more with Kiko Bun here and he is proving himself to really be one of the UK's standout vocal talents right now. Together they to deliver a big anthem bursting with feel-good vibes. Perfect for sunny days, this track begs for windows down and volume up. The vocals are packed with soul and flow freely over instrumental beats with a cool sense of funk. The tune has another robust groove doused in club culture and a love of hip-hop, as is often the case with Dom Search and Brad Baloo aka The Nextmen who are renowned UK DJs and producers celebrated for their eclectic mixes, albums and podcasts.
Review: Don't forget to put on your Anorax... A new retro-futuristic outing by veteran dance music exec Neil Rushton marks his latest configuration in techno, which has kept mutant ever since the DJ broke from his infamous, 1970s Northern soul label Inferno. If Inferno was a glittery bodysuit, Anorax is like blast-protective PPE. Here Rushton welcomes Mark Archer and Chris Peat aka Nexus 21 back to the fold. Emissaries of the Salford dance music circuit, Nexus 21 have always harked a frontier-scouring, centennial vibe in sound. Their latest release is reissued from 2008, though the Network Records original only cut it to B-side: 'Self-Hypnosis' is a semiconscious auto-state in sound, bringing jam-born orchestra-stabs and sprung synth toms to a strange brew. We're left spiral-eyed.
Review: Presenting a standout 45 from Jalen Ngonda and his bandia release that's already making waves. With 'Illusions' gracing the BBC Radio 2 A-List and 'Rapture' lighting up BBC Radio 6, these tracks deserved a spin on vinyl. Packed with sophisticated arrangements and grooves so smooth they practically glide, Jalen's voice holds it all together with a richness only seasoned live performance brings. Both sides are primed to ignite dancefloors, adding class to soul nights around the world.
Review: Jalen Ngonda shares two 7"-incarnated selections from his debut album Come Around and Love Me. Anyone who has had the pleasure of seeing Jalen perform live knows that he is one of the most captivating performers on today's soul scene. His voice, equal parts raw feeling and elegance, exudes confidence and charm - disarming packed rooms of rowdy concert-goers, leaving them silent as they hold fast to every syllable sung. For his studio project, however, Ngonda and his team at Hive Mind Studios in Brooklyn developed skulful blends, heavy arrangements and introspective lyrics with a Motown sophistication, leaving the listener in a blissful wash of wonderment. Ngonda creates a classic approach that is rooted in the sounds of revered pioneers, without falling into imitation; most symptomatic of this is the beautiful cinematic soul echoer 'What Is Left To Do', a song sure to dazzle for years to come.
Review: Jalen Ngonda's latest single, That's All I Wanted From You, features his exceptional talent for soul music. Released on Daptone Records, the track features beautifully orchestrated melodies under Ngonda's stirring vocals. With a perfect blend of raw edge and melody, the song includes female backing vocals that evoke a soothing nostalgia. The tight rhythm section propels the track into a rousing bridge, making it a standout piece. Ngonda, originally from Washington, DC, and now based in London, has excited audiences with his vintage soul appeal and unique personality. Having played major festivals and sold-out shows in Europe, his signing with Daptone has generated significant buzz. 'That's All I Wanted From You' is available on 7", and it cements Ngonda's status as a modern soul artist with an old soul charm.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.