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: When deciding on tracks to release on '45' for the first time, the Dynamite Cuts team seems to mine a mixture of sought-after sets, familiar favourites and overlooked obscurities. This single falls int the latter category, featuring as it does two killer cuts from Funk In Hell, a 1976 album by library music collective-turned-instrumental funk outfit Button Down Brass (a band founded by trumpeter and arranger Ray Davies). A-side 'Superstition' is simply superb: a down-low cover of Stevie Wonder classic 'Superstition' that sits somewhere between down-low library funk and Blaxploitation movie soundtracks, with a dash of big band funk thrown in. Instrumental flipside 'Shades of Hades' is equally as vibrant, with elongated electric guitar notes, heady hand percussion and spacey synth sounds combining superbly with spy-funk horns and weighty bass.As played by DJ Muro from Japan
Review: DC-based label Peoples Potential Unlimited aka PPU is a real favourite for us here. It's got a signature lo-fi funk sound and deals in perfectly ageless sounds with a big heart. Robbie M has been a frequent name in the label's catalogue and is back on this new 7" next to Midnight Express. The latter kicks off with big cosmic disco synths, hip-swinging claps and great vocals. Robbie M's brilliantly boogie-fried 80s electro-funk then appears in the form of 'I Need Good Lovin'' with its seductive vocals and catchy broken beats.
For The Wicked (Professor Shorthair extended mix) (5:15)
Review: A unique smashing of worlds between funk and hip-hop, this fantastic, vibrant, red-and-black splatter 7" brings together a host of collaborating greats, all of whom have contributed in major ways to both sounds over the years. With Dan Ubick on guitar (Breakestra, Big Daddy Kane), Julius Augustus on bass (The Sandollars), Dan Hastie on organ (Orgone, Alicia Keys), Steve McCormick on dobro and Professor Shorthair on the cuts and edits - and mastered by Dave Cooley (J Dilla, Madlib) - this is a mournful yet masterful example of live-recorded battle breaks.
Review: Acid jazz star Rad has worked on tracks featuring top-tier talent including the Tower of Power Horns, David Garibaldi, Roger Troutman, Ray Obiedo, Bobby Vega and Michael Spiro. Originating from the San Francisco Bay Area, which is of course home to musical legends like Herbie Hancock, Tower of Power, and Sly & The Family Stone, she now delivers on her Oakland funk roots with a pair of killer cuts on this new 7". Her second album, Gotta Be from 1994 captured funk's essence with sharp breaks, hooky melodies, and her captivating voice and these newly remastered songs, from it ensure their timeless groove remains ever-present.
Review: Michigan-via-Ohio gospel group Rance Allen have been going for decades, and thanks to Expansion Records, two of their best known tunes now have a chance at relistenership. 'I Feel Like Going' on barely saw a resurfacing on YouTube, but just one listen and we're sure... this is a shockingly important slice of wax, with slapping electronic disco-soul production embedding sax, viola and castanets in what ought to be considered a criminally undersought pair of dance opals. A modern soul masterclass.
Monsieur Van Pratt Le Groove - "El Rap Clap O" (Regroove) (4:40)
Bully Boy - "Fear'n'Loathing In Funk Vegas" (4:34)
Ben Jamin - "Old Time Feeling" (4:50)
Review: French funk lovers Acts of Sedition roll out another tasty double 7" here that features some massive joints from around the world. First up is the Latin heat of Rare Cuts's 'Amigo Bracno' with its big, bright leads, string lushness and percolating, percussive groove goodness all finished with a great Portuguese vocal. Monsieur Van Pratt Le Groove's 'El Rap Clap O' (Regroove) hits a little harder but with similar funk playfulness and some great chord work and Bully Boy then offers the raw and strident funk of 'Fear'n'Loathing In Funk Vegas.' Ben Jamin slows it right down with the sun-kissed late night bliss of 'Old Time Feeling.'
Review: If you're after fresh workouts for body-popping break-dance sessions, this 45 from John Reed & The Automatics on Funk Night Records should be essential listening. While there's something undeniably alluring about the more suspenseful B-side, 'Space Break' - where effects-laden electric guitar licks and alien-sounding synths rise above a metronomic bassline and a relaxed funk break - it's the more up-tempo A-side, 'Stardust Break', that's the real winner. Based around drum-breaks that reference 'Apache' and a seriously squelchy synth bassline, it's an intergalactic club jam that's just tailor-made for headpins, windmills and caterpillars.
Review: Reflex was a band assembled in the 1980s by drummer David Humphrey from bands including Public Image Ltd. and they put pout their biggest hit 'Funny Situation' privately via Star Records in 1981. Paint A Picture now serve up a first ever fully remastered and licensed reissue of the superb 7". An original will cost you upwards of L200 if you can find it so this is welcome indeed. The record includes an insert with some content on the release, which was made in the same studio and engineered by the same man as the classic Britfunk anthem 'Southern Freeze.' It is similarly tight and funky and will make any floor go off.
Review: For his latest trick, cheeky scamp The Reflex has turned his attention to the Herbie Hancock tune that inspired countless 1980s kids to don a tracksuit, grab a pair of Adidas Shelltoes and hurl themselves around like the Crazy Legs crew. Naturally, his version of 'Rockit' is a body-popping treat that subtly extends and rearranges sections - especially those containing Hancock's jammed-out synth parts - and adds a few tasty breakdowns before unleashing the now familiar melody. Over on the flip the French producer takes his scalpel to the Isley Brothers, providing a fine multi-track edit and extension of the group's much-loved, guitar-solo sporting proto-disco soul number 'That Lady'.
Review:
Ultra Vybe is one of the many superb soul labels to operate out of Japan. This time they turn their attention to the sounds of the 70s soul vocalist Clarence Reid. He had a slew of hits and two of them make it on to this 7". First is 'Rockin Chair' from his 1975 album It Keeps in Raining. It's mid tempo, warm and well swung with a louche vocal turn. ''Till I Get My Share' is a more direct cut with a passionate vocal and big horn stabs over prickly rhythms. It's one of his earlier singles from 1972 but still bangs in 2021.
All You Got To Do (feat Jimmy James & Alex Rose) (4:29)
Original (feat Marina Alberto) (4:01)
Review: Reposado aka Tequila Funk brings more Latin and Afro flavours magic to this new 7". It makes a perfectly international soundtrack for global dancefloor fun with A-side 'All You Got To Do' bringing an uptempo soul vibe with some legendary guitar from the one and only Jimmy James, while some soulful background cooing comes from Alex Rose. It's a feelgood gem that will unite all who hear it and then the reverse is a salsa-tinged delight. 'Original' has masterful piano from Marina Albero and is an irresistible gem that completes a fine two-tracker.
Ronaldo Reseda - "E Novamente Mas Que Nada" (5:19)
Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti - "Ginga" (2:57)
Review: The 65th volume in Mr Bongo's admirable Brazil 45s series shines a light on Rio De Janeiro's turn-of-the-'80s boogie scene. On the A-side you'll find "E Novamente Mas Que Nada" by Ronaldo Resado, a five-minute chunk of samba-laced boogie sunshine that was originally featured on the artist's eponymous 1979 debut album. While wonderful, it's slightly overshadowed by flipside cut "Ginga", one of the highlights from Robson Jorge and Lincoln Olivetti's sought-after 1982 full-length (which, incidentally, was recently reissued by Mr Bongo and is well worth checking). Joining the dots between synth-heavy electrofunk, horn-toting disco-funk and languid jazz-funk, the instrumental track is arguably one of the best Brazilian boogie records ever made. Don't sleep.
Review: Ricardo Bomba was not only a studio owner, engineer, pianist and composer, but so too was he an accomplished amateur skateboarder. He lay down these previously unreleased, sun soaked Brazilian tunes in 1978 after years as bandleader with the one and only Jorge Ben's live show. The master tapes were said to have been binned during a heavy studio clear out but the man himself kept a tape copy that has been remastered for this special 7". Mariana Couto provides the angelic vocals while the music all trills with joy and happiness.
Review: La Differencia, Dutch singer Hubertus Richenel Baars' 1982 debut, has long been considered something of a slept-on classic by those in the know. Charmingly lo-fi and homemade in feel, the cassette's 10 tracks - six of which are featured on this first ever vinyl reissue - brilliantly joined the dots between blue-eyed soul, spacey electro, disco, electrofunk and slap-bass wielding space boogie. As usual, Music From Memory has done a terrific job with the re-mastering; the tracks sound stronger than ever, if even they have retained some of the charming fuzziness of Baars' original production. All told, it's another essential reissue from Music Is Memory.
Review: UK artist Risk Assessment is back once again with some potent sonic weaponry that is designed to make a big impact in the club. All four of the disco cuts are peak time sounds starting with 'Something New' which is awash with some crystalline synths and gloriously lush pads. 'Party People' is nice raw and live-sounding disco with lo-fi drums, slapping hits and a James Brown-style funk vocal. 'Like This Like That!' brings some funky little guitar motifs and a jumble of percussion while last of all, 'Girl At The Disco' shuts down with a more sensuous sound and slinky grooves that worm their way into your affections.
Review: Limited white vinyl repress.DJ Soopasoul's last mash-up was an inspired affair that saw him perfectly fuse tracks by Philadelphia Soul legends MFSB and the Beastie Boys. Here he takes a similar approach, placing the rap vocals from the 1995 hip-hop classic 'How High' atop a suitably funky, lolloping beat crafted from clavinet-heavy sections from Stevie's party-starting floor-heater 'Superstition'. It works remarkably well on the A-side vocal mix, and those who'd not heard either track would be convinced that there was no mash-up antics going on. Over on side B you'll find an instrumental mix that showcases Soopasoul's editing skills; minus the vocals, is a fine re-edit of the Wonder-ful jam.
Undercover Of The Night (unreleased instrumental) (4:52)
Miss You (unreleased instrumental) (4:49)
Review: Rolling Recordings from Antigua makes its debut here with a first release under the guise of Rock Star Heroes who offer up a couple of hard-to-find and previously unreleased funky disco influenced club bound instrumentals of out and out rock classics from one of the worlds best known stadium bands. These are perfectly designed for the club and collide rock, funk, disco and more into fresh forms. Opener 'Undercover Of The Night' popular with the likes of DJ Harvey and is a slice of raw, hard-hitting groove magic with organic percussion and live drums laden with funky guitar riffs and lively chord work that brings the whole thing to life. On the flip is an instrumental version of 'Miss You' which still has all the swagger of the iconic original with sultry harmonica luring you to the floor where the masterful drums and guitars will keep you moving.
Review: Roy Ayers made a number of killer disco cuts in the late 1970s, though few are quite as essential as 'Running Away', which has now been reissued by South Street Disco. Built around an instantly recognisable (and much-sampled groove), the extended 12" version is rich in rubbery, rising and falling bass, clipped guitars, spacey Rhodes motifs, superb lead vocals from Ayers and even better backing vocals courtesy of the female quintet who would later become Eighties Ladies (who's superb 'Tell Him' was reissued in 2020). Turn to the flip for another chance to savour Fever album-opener 'Love Will Bring Us Back Together', a deeper and more low-down disco groover that boasts some seriously good Clavinet riffs and another inspired Ayers' vocal.
Review: The Barefoot Beats crew return with outing number 14 and once more it is music for sunny climates. Aroop Roy takes care of the A-side of this 10" with 'Fankiando Taniador', the Latin flavoured deep cut disco and funk roller with 80s horn stabs and rumbling bass all topped with a red hot vocal full of flair. It's pure Brazilian heat that is perfect for outdoor dancing and Bernardo Pinheiro's 'Expresso Amor' then brings more sunshine goodness with its slinky disco house beats and swinging hand claps all irresistible to anyone with a heart.
Zeca Do Trombone & Roberto Sax - "Coluna Do Meio" (2:58)
Review: Mr Bongo offers up an incredible 86th volume in the Brazil45 series, and this time it's Black Rio funk from two mainstays of the sound, Toni Tornado & Zeca Do Trombone. A-side 'Sou Negro' is from Tornado's 1970 EP on Odeon Records. It's a sought after number that despite lasting only just over two minutes still makes an indelible impression. Zeca Do Trombone & Roberto Sax join forces on the flip for 'Coluna Do Meio,' which is a more smooth, easy going jazz laced tune compared with the raw and direct a-side. This one has an acrobatic vocal and sunny riffs bringing pool-side vibes under clear blue skies.
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.
Ship Of The Desert - "Count Of Monte Thisgo" (6:00)
Frank Hatchett Dance Explosion - "Super Hero" (1:51)
Cherish - "For You" (3:26)
Jaze - "Wanna Get Down With You" (7:21)
The 21st Century - "One Of These Days" (5:23)
Porno Disco - "Go Down Moses" (4:19)
Cousin Ice - "Catch Your Glow" (feat Zack Sanders) (6:18)
Boobie Knight - "Juicy Fruit My Love" (6:27)
John Lamkin - "Ticket" (6:21)
Review: You can always count on Z Records to bring a deep-digging, dedicated approach to anything they put out, and that goes double for their flawless Under The Influence series. The 10th volume in the series sees them inviting the incredible Chicago-born DJ Rahaan to select some seriously headsy cuts from his collection, carefully cleaned up, de-clicked and remastered for the best listening experience. Given the nature of the series, don't expect the usual suspects, and instead savour the discovery of some of Rahaan's most treasured cuts, presented here on a double LP comp brimming with discoid magic.
Cousin Ice - "Catch Your Glow" (feat Zack Sanders)
Boobie Knight - "Juicy Fruit My Love"
John Lamkin - "Ticket"
Joyce Lawson - "Ride Like The Wind"
Gerard Djoumbissie Avec Les "golden Sounds" - "Till I Make You See Straight"
Kay Carter - "Disco Sickness"
Rosa King & Upside Down - "Summer Time"
Will King - "You're My Woman"
Ford & Co With The Co Co - "Be Who You Are"
Gordon Herderson & U Convention - "Hard World"
Review: Under The Influence is Z Records' effort to document and preserve lost, forgotten soul-and-funk-feeding-into-house finds. Rahaan, from Chicago, here gets their attention and praise; a DJ and early progenitor of Chicago house, these tracks (unearthed from the vaults) are expensive and weighty forays through italo, disco and new wave, all carefully chosen by the man himself.
Review: Trombonist Phil Ranelin alongside Wendell Harrison founded Tribe as a community enterprise and record label in Detroit in the 70s that went on to have a huge impact. Its musical legacy lives on through plenty of vital albums, not least Vibes From The Tribe. The Japanese Edition of the original album now arrives on Groove Diggers complete with an obi-strip and six spellbinding tunes that have all been remixed and remastered from the original multi-track tapes or lacquered directly from master tapes. It is as good as spiritual jazz gets, frankly.
Review: Another highly anticipated reissue from the vaults of the legendary 70s label TSG here that has already been put out late last year by P-Vine Japan. But Reality's unknown classic Disco Party is always going to sell out quick so we're certainly happy about another pressing. Almost nothing is known about the band apart from their association with TSG, the label had a divine touch in picking out the best unknown musicians from New York's bustling funk and soul scene. Their music is full of vibrant riffs and funky bass and cannot fail to detonate in the club.
You Don't Want To Go To War (feat Soulja Slim) (7:42)
Rockin' On Your Stinkin' Ass (8:12)
Pop That Pussy (feat Cheeky Blakk) (7:03)
Hot Venom (7:33)
Thinking About Ya (6:29)
Let's Do It Again (7:56)
Doing Bad (4:46)
Let Me Do My Thing (7:42)
Review: In their day, Rebirth Brass Band were New Orleans' premier brass ensemble and in 2001 they showed it with the fiery energy of their album Hot Venom. This record has never previously been available on wax and captures the band's signature blend of traditional brass sounds with their own take on modern grooves. Highlights include dynamic collaborations with rap legends Soulja Slim on the musically and socially hard-hitting track 'You Don't Wanna Go To War', and Cheeky Blakk on the unapologetically bold 'Pop That Pussy.' Wherever you turn here you're confronted with infectious rhythms and raw New Orleans energy that cannot be faked. Hot Venom really is the sound of a band at their innovative best and bridging musical worlds.
Review: Freddie Cruger was once best known as 3 Foot People but since 2007 he has done great work as Red Astaire. He is a deep digging DJ with a penuche for neo soul, downtempo, hip hop and soul drenched late night beats that ooze lush vibes. His Nuggets For The Needy series is always a treasure trove of such sounds and the third volume is one of the best yet across two slabs of vital wax. The 12 red hot cuts are influenced by classic reggae, hip hop, R&B, downtempo and dub with standouts like the out of print 'Ghetto Hell' and an unheard version of his classic 'Follow Me.'
Beat The Street/Love How You Feel/You're A Winner/Somebody Save The Night/Never Give You Up (Megamix) (16:16)
Review: Sharon Redd was at the heart of the Prelude sound at a time when they were on top of the world and dropping endless amounts of electronic disco heat. Her own standout hits include 'Beat The Street' which features here and lends its name to a collection of her many other still fresh tunes. Darryl Payne's production was behind some of these and this reissue comes on gatefold translucent blue and pink swirl vinyl with a special megamix mash-up of the highlights as the final tune.
Review: The Reel Estate label is back with another limited slab of clear wax and two devastating outsider-disco cuts. 'Shape The System' has crashing hits and dark, chugging drums, with plenty of sleazy guitar lines king out of the mix, effects and delay adding tension and a bulbous bassline bringing the weight. On the flip, 'River Art' is less dense but no less out there with its twanging riffs, muted jazz horn motifs, broken beat drum tumbles and organic percussion. It's controlled chaos that makes you shake your limbs loose. An essential leftfield cut.
Review: In 1982 L.J. Reynolds released his second solo album Travelin', which was a split production between Reynolds and Don Davis. This classic soul album includes "Trust In Me", "Say You Will" and "Call Me", the latter being written by Aretha Franklin. Travelin' features guest performances by Bernie Worrell and William "Bootsy" Collins. A classic soul album for your ears' sultrier side.
Review: This 180g swimming pool blue vinyl is a Record Store Day exclusive of an early 80s gem. Rhyze to the Top came in 1981 and marked the debut album by American funk and r&b band Rhyze. Listening back now it's clear the record captured the vibrant energy of early 80s sounds with lush synth work and nice Casio keys. That means it is a must-have for funk and r&b heads of any era and is why original copies often sell for over L50 on second hand markets. The album has remained out of print on vinyl for 43 years up to now but for this occasion has been fully remastered. Whack it on and take yourself back to a golden age.
Royksoop - "Ice Machine" (Exclusive Depeche Mode cover version)
FR David - "Music"
Prelude - "After The Goldrush"
Andreas Vollenweider - "Hands & Clouds"
Richard Schneider Jr - "Hello Beach Girls"
Byrne & Barnes - "Love You Out Of Your Mind"
John Martyn - "Small Hours"
Acker Bilk - "Stranger On The Shore"
This Mortal Coil - "Til I Gain Control"
Popol Vuh - "Aguirre I Lacrime Di Rei"
Benedict Cumberbatch - "Flat Of Angels" (part 2 - exclusive Spoken Word Piece)
Review: Given the wide-eyed, largely downtempo nature of their music, it's perhaps a little surprising that it took Late Night Tales this long to ask Royksopp to mix a volume in the long-running after-hours series. Royksopp are, of course, old hands at this kind of thing - they delivered an impressive Back To Mine comp back in 2007 - and use the opportunity to mix-up a typically heady selection of stoner soft rock (Little River Band, FR David), sparse dub-rock (Tuxedomoon), cinematic soundscapes (Johann Johannsen), psychedelia (Prelude), well-worn favourites (Acker Bilk) and folksy Balearica (John Martyn). Fans will be pleased to see a sprinkling of unreleased Royksopp fare, including intensely beautiful opener "Daddy's Groove".
Don't Change Horses (In The Middle Of A Stream) (2:47)
You Want Me (3:11)
Time (3:02)
Country Girl (3:51)
Mountain Man (version 2) (3:14)
Review: Ruby & the Mudflaps were a funk group active throughout the seventies. Many of their best tunes have never before been pressed to vinyl and that is what motivates this new collection. Breezy. It is a superb collection of the band's best studio cuts alongside a number of live recordings, all made back in the seventies. These tunes are exclusive to the Cordial Recordings label and are new to vinyl aside from 'Is That Enough?' which the label put out on a 7" in 2018. The glorious title tune is a great one to kick off with and the funk levels do not dip from there.
Review: Jazz Room Records is back with another high class reissue of an album that is considered to be a grail by those who know. The story goes that back in the late 70s in the Seattle area of the Pacific North West, Danny Ward & Reality were an oft called upon funky jazz collective for anyone throwing college or hardcore funk parties. Rather than just serving up covers of the day's big hits they offered proper musical trips though more considered fair from artists like George Benson. This album catches them at their best on one such mid-week gig in the summer of 1977.
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