Back catalogue: All genres

Review: In celebration of 50 years in the performing arts, Idris Ackamoor presents Artistic Being for Record Store Day 2025-a powerful blend of jazz, spoken word and activism. Featuring the voices of acclaimed actor Danny Glover and stage legend Rhodessa Jones, this record captures highlights from the Underground Jazz Cabaret, which was performed during Black History Month 2024 at The Lab in San Francisco. Co-produced by Ackamoor's Cultural Odyssey, the release fuses poetic storytelling with evocative musical textures while reflecting on social justice, identity and resilience. Artistic Being is a profound statement from a visionary artist.

Review: Risco Connection were the perfect reggae-disco crossover act, founded by Studio 1 sticksman Joe Isaacs after he moved to Canada in the late 60s. Searching for a sweet spot between the plush orchestration of disco and the upbeat shuffle of rocksteady, he embarked on a series of covers with a strong cast behind him, taking on the likes of Chic's 'Good Times', 'It's My House' and a version of 'Ain't No Stopping Us Now' which became a staple at David Mancuso's mythical Loft parties. This collection gathers together all the singles - vocals, dubs and all - and comes packaged with an interview with Isaacs and liner notes, restored and remastered and sounding better than ever.

Review: Patrice Rushen's Remind Me: The Classic Elektra Recordings 1978-1984 celebrates the unmatched talent of a jazz and r&b legend whose influence extends far beyond her chart success. Rushen's songs, including hits like 'Forget Me Nots' and 'Haven't You Heard,' have left an indelible mark on popular music, with countless artists sampling her work. Despite facing criticism and lackluster label support, Rushen's crossover into sophisticated urban pop paved the way for future R&B and hip-hop hits. This compilation shows Rushen's talents as a musician and arranger, with her production providing the building blocks for decades of musical innovation. Tracks like 'Givin' It Up Is Givin' Up' and 'Remind Me' highlight Rushen's electrifying performances and innovative sound. Rushen's timeless music remains as relevant and influential as ever, cementing her status as a true icon of musical innovation and creativity.

Review: Patrice Rushen's album from1982, Straight From The Heart,' is a real landmark, It now gets presented as a definitive version by Strut. It was made during a period when the original label were striving to make 'sophisticated dance music.' Mission accomplished. This is an album packed with high class arrangements and disco and boogie stylings along with great musicianship. Patrcei's own vocals explore a broader range than ever before, and singles from the seminal album included 'Breakout!', 'Number One' and the most ionic of them all, 'Forget Me Nots'. The album overall had huge success, was a Billboard Chart hit and became a regular source for samples in the world of hip hop and R&B as well as picking up a Grammy nomination.