Brenda Boykin - "All The Time In The World" (4:05)
Step Three - "A Dream" (feat B More - instrumental) (5:51)
Review: This split release offers two laid-back tracks from the depths of Brazil. On the A-side, Brenda Boykin (a jazz vocalist with a rich, creative voice which was nominated for a BAMMY Award in 1997 for Best Vocalist) delivers a soulful cover of Louis Armstrong's seminal 'We Have All The Time in the World,' the theme for George Lazenby's one-time portrayal of James Bond as well as a real karaoke favourite. The B-side features Step Three's 'A Dream,' a funky instrumental track with B. More which became a dance floor favourite following its 1993 release. Pressed on red 7" wax, this one beautifully captures some timeless Brazilian rhythms.
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: The unequalled Soul Jazz label is serving up some monster funk this month and they don't come much bigger than these two cuts from Chuck Carbo. Opener 'Can I Be Your Squeeze' is a super catchy, break heavy and funk fulled party jam to destroy the floor. Written and produced by the celebrated Eddie Bo, it comes with big drums from New Orleans stick man James Black. On the flip is the ever so slightly more mellow but not less dance 'Take Care Your Homework Friend.' These have long been hard to find and now come pressed nice and loud on fresh wax.
Review: Mr Bongo restock a brilliant 7" in their signature Brazil 45s series. The nineteenth to grace it, this blue-starred slice of small wax shone a light on Wilson das Neves' brilliant cover of Average White Band's 'Pick Up The Pieces' on the A, as well as a Mr Bongo fave on the B, Som Tres' potent samba-funk overflow 'Tanga'. The former flexes the historic muscles of a mythic Brazilian percussionist and vibesman, lending fidgety soft feels to AWB's already lull-lifting concoction; then 'Tanga' contrasts to this sense of measuredness with pure animal verve, as Tres' calls out to his bandmates commandingly amid whirlwinds of piano and drums.
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.
DJ Deviant & Swamburger - "Get On The Floor" (3:33)
DJ Deviant - "Where's The Party" (3:47)
Review: DJ Deviant and Swamburger join forces for a double-sided serving of feel-good hip-hop and r&b on this 7" release. 'Get On The Floor' is a surefire party starter, its infectious beat and catchy hooks practically demanding movement and setting the tone for a night of good times. The track is a vibrant blend of classic hip-hop elements and contemporary production, with DJ Deviant's cuts and scratches adding a layer of turntablist flair. On the flip, 'Where's The Party' sees DJ Deviant flying solo, keeping the energy high with a smooth groove and feelgood vibes that are reminiscent of 90s r&b classics. The ever enduring appeal of hip-hop and r&b in full effect.
Review: Japanese talent DJ Koco aka Shimokita is a hardcore 45rpm devotee. They are his chosen tools as a beat-juggling DJ who can do logic-defying things with his grooves. He is a regal on Bloom and already dropped serious heat in January with 'World Famous'. This time he is back with a fresh take on 'Made In New York' which is a 1985 classic by renowned Brazilian funk and jazz pianist Tania Maria. He brings his signature hip-hop flair and creativity with his trusted crew, 45trio, and enlists the dynamic saxophonist King TJ (DA-Dee-MiX) to elevate things further.
Review: Mr Bongo's gold-standard Brazil-45 series turns up more irresistible musical goodness here with steamy underground bubbler 'Quero Ver Voce Sambar'. This is thought to be the only ever recording by Homero Franca and it came originally on a 7" in 1976. It's warm, soulful, quite deep for Latin music and has great vocals. On the flipside is the more fiery Silvinha tune 'Mas Nao Deixe De Ir' with the raw vocals and big horns all making for a great call and response chorus with soulful samba sounds to spare.
Golden Boys - "Segura Na Cintura Dela (O Gaviao)" (2:38)
Silvio Cesar - "Beco Sem Saida" (2:21)
Review: Mr Bongo's essential Brazil 45s series notches up release number 89 via a blast of heavy dancefloor pressure that touches on both Brazilian funk and samba-rock. On the A-side you'll find Golden Boys' 1975 gem 'Segura Na Cintura Dela (O Gaviao)', an irresistible slab of full-throttle, orchestra-sporting, Hammond-heavy samba-funk marked out by strong group vocals and some superb musical arrangements. Over on the flip you'll find another classic from the same producer (Milton Miranda), Silvio Cesar's 1971 carnival masterpiece 'Beco Sem Saida' - an infectious excursion that found fame in the 2000s when Drumagick sampled it on 'Sambarock'.
Review: Izipho Soul has got another release together here that is sure to fly off the shelves as quickly as all their others. It's two tunes taken from a now hard-to-find 2007 album by prolific musicianship and sometimes Diana Ross collaborator Richard Hartley & Soul Resurrection called Face II Face. Phil 'Phillet Of Soul' Ward is the man who has selected them and he's picked real doozies. 'Jesus Makes Me Happy' is a slow motion and sentimental rhythm for dancing at sundown while 'Heart & Soul' is a sentimental ballad.
Special Occasion - "Flyin' To Santa Barbara" (6:37)
Review: Over the years, France's Favorite Recordings has been very good at sniffing out lesser-known European gems from the disco and boogie era, mostly for superb and must-check compilations. Recently, they decided to make some of these licensed obscurities available on a series of 12" singles, where a louder, club-heavy cut is preferable to DJs. The latest sees them offer-up two lesser-known Belgian gems produced in the mid 1980s by future new beat don Tony Baron. Jonathan Jr's 'Hanging On To You' is warm, shuffling and synth heavy, with the artist's soulful and jazzy lead vocal sitting alongside squelchy synth-bass, Nile Rodgers style guitars and post-electro beats. Special Occasion's 'Flying To Santa Barbara', meanwhile, sits somewhere between 80s soul, AOR synth-pop and sax-sporting B-movie soundtrack goodness.
Review: The University Of California Santa Cruz Chamber Singers is a group from the 70s headed up by Bob Masters that released two cult albums A Birthday Celebration and Voices. Their lush, lavish, soul-enriching sound is a harmonious balm that here on the newly reissued 'Children Of Bahia' gets paired with some Latin-tinged jazz sounds, shuffling samba rhythms, busy Rhodes keys work and plenty of organic percussive layers thanks to Randy Masters and Solar Plexus. 'Torremolinos (Windmills)' is an equally spiritual sound with more prominent flutes and dancing piano chords all energising every fibre of your being.
Review: Mr Bongo's crucial Brazil series hits a 94th volume here with vocal and instrumental group Os Carbonos from Sao Paulo. The band had a long and fruitful career that started in the 60s and ran on into the 80s. This offering is a tune from later on in their time and it is a prime slice of Brazilian boogie with funk drums, vamping chords and hip swinging claps all designed to bring the good ties and the sunny vibes. The bass-driven a-side is the one, but the flip from Sandra Sa is a special kind of sentimental soul sound.
Review: Mr Bongo's Brazil45 series continues apace with this 95th entry, which carries two separate sides to keep any Latin-minded DJ very happy indeed. 'Mar Afunda' is a dancefloor delight from Os Novos Crioulos which originally came out on the group's self-titled album on Pirata in 1976. It's shuffling and sublime, sure to get a plethora of ID requests and shimmying moves from the people with their ears tuned in. On the flip we get Supersom TA's 'Brasileira Roxa', a sunny slice of samba fun which originally came out in 1972 and features more cuica flexing than you could ever dream of.
Review: Fresh from dropping another essential seven-inch with his regular Sound Combo band, Misha Paniflov has joined forces with fellow multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee for a string of collaborative singles. This "45" sports two genuinely impressive cuts, each full to bursting with quality live instrumentation. It opens with 'Sigmund Jahn Bossa', a superb fusion of late 1960s library jazz (think Roy Budd's score for Get Carter and you're in the right ballpark), bustling bossa-nova and spiralling psych-funk. Over on the flip the pair continue to deliver lounge, influenced, tongue-in-cheek thrills via the cheap, Sideman drum machine rhythms, tumbling guitars, elongated Hammond organ chords and hazy backing vocals of 'Aquaria'.
Review: 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 party-starting floor-heater "Superstitioun". 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 Hip Hop vocals, is a fine re-edit of the Wonderful jam.
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.
Review: Tel Aviv's premium funk exporters Sababa 5 have built their name on a Middle Eastern funk sound which now get embellished with the addition of Hoodna Orchestra's full-throttle brass section. On 'Eilat 22' they hold down a sizzling breakbeat groove and maintain their signature guitar twang and freaky synth flourishes underneath the bold horn stabs. 'Elifelet 23' is a lighter affair with some catchy licks and an insistent groove which doffs its cap to the JB's as a vehicle for their own synth flourishes and some big chops from the Orchestra.
Review: Sababa 5's latest release, featuring tracks 'Bezani' and 'Ashkamoni' on Batov Records, reaffirms their position as pioneers in Middle Eastern psychedelic grooves. With a discography boasting two albums, an EP with vocalist Shiran Tzfira, and several highly sought-after 45s, Sababa 5 continue to push boundaries in the global grooves scene. 'Bezani' takes listeners on a captivating sonic journey, blending electric synths and percussion-driven rhythms in a mesmerizing fusion of early electronic sounds and Persian folk influences. The track's 6/8 rhythm creates an immersive atmosphere that defies traditional genre categorisation. On 'Ashkamoni,' Sababa 5 showcases their versatility with a rockier edge, infused with a rocksteady swing. The dynamic melody builds tension, while enthralling solos from the lead guitar and synth highlight the band's exceptional musical talent. Drawing from their collective experience supporting various international artists, Sababa 5 delivers a tight sound that seamlessly merges diverse musical elements.
Review: Sababa 5 are a funk band from Tel Aviv who tap into their position in the Middle East to create a dynamic, outernational sound, and they're continuing a hot streak on Batov with this crucial collaboration with Turkish singer Candy Dogan. Dogan is currently a member of the jazz department at Istanbul University, and she sought out the band after hearing their music and noting its similarities to Turkish music. Already an alternative pop sensation on her own terms, Dogan slots into the Sababa 5 sound beautifully, resulting in a must-check 7" single that hopefully signals the start of an enduring partnership.
Review: 'Shehzadi' (which means "Princess") is an Indo-disco gem featuring Solomon's Hindi vocals over Sababa 5's blend of hypnotic drums, nice pulsing bass, bright electric guitar and sparkling synths in a minor key. It channels '80s nostalgia with a modern twist and so rather evokes a Stranger Things meets Bollywood-type vibe. 'Ranjha' (which means 'Lover') shifts to a Middle Eastern feel with synths that echo traditional instruments like the saz. The upbeat groove complements Solomon's dynamic vocals and is filled with hope while dramatic pauses and an exuberant synth solo from Sophia add extra flair to make for a compelling mix of emotion and energy.
Review: The star-studded Sai Galaxy project returns, bringing together West African legends Steve Monite and Rob with multi-instrumentalist Simon Durrington, guitar maestro Alfred Bannerman, and Egypt 80 trumpet player Bade, for a second EP of vital Afro-disco and soul. Following up 2020's 'Get It As You Move' EP, the likes of 'Sometimes It Rains', the homonymous 'Okere', the truth-to-power 'Rich Man, Poor Man', and the live and swinging coda 'Hold Me Tonight' paint a multifaceted picture of a trio, equally as concerned with groove delivery as they are with narrative storytelling. Most emblematic of Sai Galaxy's approach is their inspiration by analog production techniques of similar Afro-soul albums from the 1970s and 80s, adding a modern touch informed by Simon Durrington's Digital Afrika project.
The O'Jays - "Now That We Found Love" (Soul Flip edit) (4:17)
Review: After a pause since last March, Soul Flip Edits returns with a fresh new logo and a highly anticipated new Soul Flip outing on 7" vinyl. To mark this comeback, the much loved label has reimagined a classic: Sam & Dave's 'Soul Man' and they have givien it a punchy update that stays true to the original's vibe. On the B-side, they've reworked 'Now That We Found Love' by The O'Jays by adding a smooth touch that promises to keep dancers moving. Both tracks bring timeless soul energy with an enhanced twist so are two perfectly "flipped" soul anthems ready for the party.
Review: Caito Sanchez lives in New York but was born in Panama and is a dedicated drummer who has spent years as a sideman. He's been honing his craft since the early 2000s and has played with the likes of Charles Bradley, Lee Fields and Brian Jackson. Now he finally makes the big step of going it alone and this debut single shows what he is capable of. He takes care of drums, but also bass, guitar and lead voice on a pair of nuggets that are heavy and psychedelic Spanish rock tunes full of fresh new wave sounds.
Sanctuary - "Disconnect" (extended Disco instrumental) (6:25)
Willie J & Co - "Boogie With Your Baby" (extended Disco mix) (6:21)
Unknown Tape - "Familiar Time & Place" (Chicago mix) (7:05)
Unknown Tape - "Familiar Time & Place" (Detroit mix) (7:09)
Review: The shadowy Edit & Dub crew don't talk about their releases, so it can be difficult to ascertain whether the tracks they're showcasing are long-lost originals, or new edits of ridiculously rare records. Either way, the label's latest EP features versions of some seriously hard to find treats, starting with a fine 'extended disco instrumental' of Sanctuary's 'Disconnect', a fine disco-boogie jam from 1980. They then deliver a (we think) previously unreleased 'extended disco' mix of Willie J & Co's killer 1976 disco-funk gem 'Boogie With Your Baby'. On the B-side we're treated to two takes on the mysterious 'Familiar Time and Place' by Uknown Tapes: a 'Chicago Mix' which sounds like late 80s Windy City acid house smothered in spacey deep house chords and intergalactic electronics and the mid-80s techno-tinged 'Detroit Mix'.
Review: The super Tramp label has done it again here with another mighty soul 7" that packs an irresistible punch. These cuts are super hard to find and fairly pricey for anyone who manages to unearth them, though they have been out on the superb Feeling Nice Vol.4 compilation album. Donnie Sanders is in top form here with 'Shing-A-Ling Baby' starting with big raw horns perform a smooth and low slung bassline arrives and things get moving with swagger. 'Naptown USA' is a more upbeat and party starting funk cut with big organ chords.
Review: Sukuma by Sandy B & LJ Simon is a delightful blend of electronic funk and house music, released with an accompanying remix by Eddie C. On Side-1, the original track exudes a downtempo funk vibe infused with elements of house music, creating an irresistible groove reminiscent of 80s funk. Lead vocals by Sandy B add a dynamic and soulful dimension to the track, enhancing its overall energy and appeal. On Side-2, Eddie C's remix of 'Sukuma' injects fresh energy into the mix with additional dance elements that elevate the funk party to new heights. The remix lively rhythms and a captivating main synth line that transports listeners to a vibrant dancefloor atmosphere. With its infectious beats and charm, 'Sukuma' and its remix offer a unique chance to wow the dancefloor with something different and fun.
Review: Maestro Argentinian producer Kevin Fingier returns with a brand new 45 on his Finger Records imprint, this time lifting the curtain on Santa Fiebre, the newly tipped red-hot rhythm & soul outfit from Buenos Aires. Forged in the fire of the Argentinian capital comes this rip-roaring band, debuting a rootsy, double-clapping, firebrand form of Latin soul. Fingier's in-house production backs up the band's taseringly tasty performances, as 'That's Where We Go' is heard to riff highly on brasses and bombast, and 'Earthsplosion' predicts a future detonation beneath our shared subterranean mantle, producing a bubble-bursting, Hammong-hummingl, bongo-banging funk stank of cosmic proportions.
Review: Mongo Santamaria's 'Green Onions' here (a cover of the iconic Booker T standard) is a classic cut that showcases the legendary Cuban percussionist's mastery on the drums. First released in 1969 alongside the nighttime swayer 'In The Midnight Hour' , the single hears a funking reissue here that once more shines a blinding light on Santamaria's deft ability to blend originally American compositions with Latin rhythms and soul-jazz structures.
Review: This 7" delivers two rare treasures from the early 70s Latin underground, showcasing a blend of innovation and groove. Side-1 is an electrifying gem from 1971, driven by its creative vocal delivery and rhythmic Latin funk foundation. The track's raw energy and unique arrangement make it an irresistible dancefloor favorite. On Side-2, a 1973 classic merges Brazilian jazz with funk and soul, delivering a sophisticated yet infectious groove. Its lush instrumentation and smooth melodies create a heady, distinctive atmosphere, reflecting the musical experimentation of the era. Two tracks that encapsulate the spirit of a dynamic scene.
Review: Fourth Wave reissue one of the great works of Japanese composer, keyboardist and producer Hiroshi Sato. Forming part of a fresh flood of reissues that the label have explicitly mandated, Sato's are highlights among a discrete period of exquisitely recorded and visually designed LPs from the late 70s and early 80s. With a sleekly surreal cover artwork by Tadanori Yokoo - psych rock's pastiching answer to Vaughan Oliver - Sato brought chilled finger-flair to his various recorded synth patches, electric pianos, chamber brasses and guitars, all of which are recorded to produce a precise, razored sound in xpander-funk. Something latent - something much more - than mere smooth AOR is conveyed here. Perhaps it can be focalised in the LP's aura of effortless, disengaged mellowness, as if good comportment and style is an inevitability of life in cosmopolitan 80s Tokyo.
Review: This is the first release on Boston funk superstar Saucy Lady's own label Dippin' Records, collecting two nu-disco bits, and a few alternate versions, all with a skippy, retro flair. Produced by Saucy Lady herself, alongside Yuki "U-KEY Kanesaka, the A-sider 'Why' comes as an electronic space disco version of Carly Simon's original. Meanwhile, the flip's 'One More Night' reinterprets the original song by Phil Collins as an uptempo banger, side-by-side with a retake by Daisuke Miyamoto.
Review: Somewhere between a sauerkraut connoisseur, an ancient Athenian philosopher, and a crate-digging obsessive (we'll assume this is the threefold meaning of the nominal pun until we're course-corrected) Saukrates returns with a new single 'Driftin'' via Love Touch Records. This new limited 7" is indeed as, perhaps even more so, delicious as a jar of pickled cabbage considered in Socratic dialogue. The Juno-nominated Canadian icon is here heard teaming up with producer Gil Masuda, who provides a neo-eighties synthfunk bomb over which Sauks flaunts his singing chops (this is a surprise delicacy, as Masuda is not often heard since his 2006 Big Black Lincoln project). Bursting pianos glide over huge gated digi-snares on this gem, the featureless version of which also appears on the B-side.
Review: Dirty Harry is one of the greatest Western characters of all time and the main title theme from the movie is just as brilliant. Here it gets pressed up to a fiery and funky 7" that follows on from one on this same label back in summer which offered up 'Scorpio's View' on 45rpm. This one opens with the eponymous theme which is a funky and thrilling chase with superb rhythms and lush strings and then the flip is 'Magnum Force' (main Title) which is more subtle and slow burning but just as dramatic.
Review: Craft Music's Good For Dance series continues with its second instalment and this one has been curated by none other than DJ Craft himself. Joining him are talented pals Schmoltz, Bogdan Ra, Romain FX, and Outra, also known as Joutro Mundo. These deep diggers are celebrated for their prowess in unearthing hidden gems and transforming them into dancefloor anthems and that's what they do here as each artist brings a unique flavour to the mix. Schmoltz's 'Luv The States' is a peak-time percussive disco jam, Bogdan Ra brings some slap-funk drums and glossy Italo synths and 'Tell Me Why' has crunchy drums and jagged synth stabs before a camp closer in 'Colosso'.
Review: Dynamite Cuts brings the heat once more with a second volume of their Sound Music 45s series. Siegfried Schwab takes care of the A-side with 'Getting High', a scorching funk workout with hard-worked guitar chords and precise percussion over lots of wah-wah effects. 'Feel It; flip the script with a superbly stripped-down jazz-funk lounge sound. Klaus Weiss then steps up on 'Time For Rhythm' with some loose, percussive funk beats that are raw and organic, then Peter Thomas closes down with 'Documentation', a more richly instrumental and multi-layered jazz-funk sound that conveys real grandeur.
Review: Dynamite Cuts brings the heat once more with a second volume of their Sound Music 45s series. Siegfried Schwab takes care of the A-side with 'Getting High', a scorching funk workout with hard-worked guitar chords and precise percussion over lots of wah-wah effects. 'Feel It; flip the script with a superbly stripped-down jazz-funk lounge sound. Klaus Weiss then steps up on 'Time For Rhythm' with some loose, percussive funk beats that are raw and organic, then Peter Thomas closes down with 'Documentation', a more richly instrumental and multi-layered jazz-funk sound that conveys real grandeur.
Judson Moore & The Al Tog Staff - "Everybody Push & Pull" (3:11)
Review: Soul Junction revisits the Scot-Tees Capri master tapes here to unveil two previously unreleased tracks. First is 'My Sweet Polly' by The Scott Brothers, a late 60s dance tune inspired by Howard Scott's former girlfriend. Coupled with this is a studio version of Judson Moore's "Everybody Push & Pull," a crossover hit influenced by Rufus Thomas. The Scott Brothers evolved from the 'Elpeccios' in 1958 to the Scott Brothers Band in 1963 and were instrumental in Chicago's music scene. Their label, Capri Records, produced hits like 'We Like Girls' and worked with legends like Garland Green. Judson Moore was a veteran singer who thrived under their mentorship and went on to leave a lasting legacy.
Review: Gil Scott-Heron's 'Pieces Of A Man' was the first LP recorded by the poet and musician, made and released in 1971. Owing to the album's importance, BGP have released two of its most standout tracks, the title track and 'Think I'll Call It Morning', on a limited 7" that will doubtess prove exceptionallyy handy for DJs who need to get straight down to business.
Review: Fresh from 68: Atlanta family trio Scott Three only ever recorded two singles and remained something of a local sensation thereafter. It's a shame as there's a real Jackson Five feel to their delivery, especially on "Running Wild" where the session band breaks down and each member pops above the dense music bed. "Gotta Find A New Love" takes a much bluesier tact with rougher instrumentation and an almost rocky build on the choruses. Spotted passing hands for sizeable sums on one bidding site, this is the first time it's been pressed in over 45 years.
Review: Back in the 60s and 70s, library music exploded as a genre. It saw plenty of talented musicians make extra cash by laying down endless instrumental grooves for use in TV, film and radio. The King Underground label is now digging into the vast vaults for a new series of releases of some of the finest sounds from the era. The first 45 features tracks considered to be 'dramatic' from John Scott and Tony Kinsey. Scott's 'Milky Way' opens up with cosmic chords and sweeping strings that take you to the stars while 'Star Voyage' has a more busy lead. Kinsey's 'Kaleidoscope' builds the tension with multiple movements from several instruments.
Review: Izipho Soul and Rena Scott have had a long and fruitful relationship that continues with this new 7". It offers up two new takes on a classic tune from Scott which tells of 'the inevitable frustrations of a long distance love affair.' The original is a big soul number with plenty of golden synths and mid-tempo 80s drums that hark back to the heyday of r&b. On the flip is The Nigel Lowis mix of 'You're So Far Away' which strips away some of the noise and makes the track a deeper, smoother, more seductive soul jam with a rather familiar baseline.
Review: Birmingham, Alabama artist David Sea was the front man for his family's gospel outfit The Question Marks in 1970. He had an extraordinary voice and that is very much front and centre on this new 7" from Jai Alai. It takes two of his most tremendous tunes from his Groove Mission album in 1996 with 'Back In The Day' and 'Back In Love Again' both featuring. The former is a lung-busting number full of raw yearning and lots of nostalgia before some hip hop breaks cut up the midsection, then the flipside is a nice bit of r&b with smooth grooves and lush pianos next to his trademark buttery vocals.
Review: Cordial serve up some previously unreleased funky and soulful vibes from the much loved West Coast group Seaquence. These are high speed and hugely cosmic affairs with squealing synths reaching for the skies over driving rhythm sections. 'Visions Of My Love' opens up and is a short but potent bit of soul power with lung busting vocals and great horns. 'Life' on the flip side is more mellifluous, with acrobatic vocals rising and falling over more great horns and splashes of jazzy drum work.
Review: The red hot 45 series from Dynamite Cuts continues apace with more gold carefully dug out from the rich archives of George Semper. This is the first time ver these tunes have been on 7", and the pressing is limited to 600. "Got To Find A Way To Make Some Money" is a sentiment we can all relate to right now. The tune will certainly lift your spirits though with its rousing vocal harmonies, cheery trumpets and vibe spreading soul sounds. "The Weight" (instrumental) is more intense, somehow, with bristling rhythm sections and lo-fi organs all serving up the heat.
Review: George Semper's 1984 album Themes For Television, Sports and Aerobics is one of the most brilliantly bonkers you're ever likely to hear. It featured the veteran jazz-man reach for the most intergalactic-sounding electronic instruments he could find and lay down a series of short, library music style missives that still sound like the product of some kind of demented acid trip. The people behind Dynamite Cuts are obviously fans, because they've decided to stick a small selection of cuts from the hard-to-find album on this tidy 7" single. On the A you'll find the deep space, jazz-fired electro-lounge madness of "Pretty Lady", while the flip boasts two shorter cuts: jazzy synth-scape "Universe" and spacey ambient doodle "Extraterrestrial Search Contact Tones".
George Semper - "Knowbody's Gonna Love You (Like The Way I Do)" (demo version) (2:19)
Joanne Vent - "Knowbody's Gonna Love You (Like The Way I Do)" (unreleased Acetate version) (2:11)
Review: On their previous deep dives into the archives of Trindadian-American multi-instrumentalist and producer George Semper, Dynamite Cuts has largely focused on reissuing obscure, private-press releases. Here they go one step further, offering up two unheard versions of Semper composition 'Knowbody's Gonna Love You (Like The Way I Do)'. On the A-side you'll find Semper's demo version, a cheery chunk of summery soul bliss blessed with fantastic group vocals, a superb lead vocal from the man himself, and some deliciously chiming melodies. Over on the flip you'll find a fuzzy, more horn-heavy soul version from vocalist Joanna Vent that was previously pressed to an acetate but never released
Review: Surprise: Detroit five-piece Will Sessions warm us up for their next album with two classics from their elusive 2010 jazz fusion homage Kindred. The title track builds on their more cosmic work with frantic guitar flashes and horn cries over a languid moonlit bed creating sudden moments of tension, release. "Polyester People" flips the energy as the troupe tightly roll out a firing jazz funk riff that's so tightly locked the delicious keys can do as they please... And often do. Bring on the new album.
Review: The Sextones are a four-piece soul band from Reno, Nevada, who blend elements of rock, pop, and funk with a deep and mournful soul primacy. Fitting squarely into that oeuvre is their latest 'Beck & Call', which recalls their dearest inspirations - the likes of The Moments, Baby Huey and Curtis Mayfield - for two equally powerful falsetto'ing slow jams. The title track is the more emotive standout, channelling a hefty drum forward plod, lilting strings, soul-foundational bass, and lyrics dealing with letting go of a lost cause. 'Daydreaming', meanwhile, is more of a haze, and notably utilises electronic drums and a prominent sitar.
Review: .US soul combo The Sextones duo have plenty of authentic soul chops - so much so that this one sounds like it could be a long lost 60s classics. But no, it's a new tune from their forthcoming album. The first press sold out instantly and so a reissue is already here. First up is 'Without You' which is an uptempo burner, showcasing playful call-and-response vocals, xylophone and horns over an unapologetically locked-in rhythm section. Turn it over for 'Love Can't Be Borrowed', a mid-tempo slice of soul magic that muses on relationship difficulties.
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