Curtis Baker & The Bravehearts - "Fried Fish ’n’ Collard Greens" (2:40)
The Native Yinzer - "The Hip Strip" (2:33)
Review: The fourth edition in Original Gravity's Down In The Basement series, which gathers instrumental soul and swing cuts onto worthy 7" slabs, resounding the fervent 1960s decadal gap in which mod reigned supreme. With juleps flowing and kneecaps knocking, Abramo & Nestor bring newfangled electric pianistic swing with 'Dig It!', while a twinned "hit it!" injunction is heard from Floyd James & The GTs on the reissued 'Work That Thang'; James' voice is tubed and speed-delayed to terrific effect, achieving a sprung intonation. Curtis Baker brassifies the bonanza with the lively 'Fried Fish 'n' Collard Greens', while The Native Yinzer's exiting excitation 'The Hip Strip' quilts our ears with a mnemic, down-feathery Hammond-breaks bit.
Review: The third volume of this series delivers an irresistible blend of funk and 60s-inspired grooves. Side-1 kicks off with a surf-rock-infused funk jam packed with energy and retro vibes. Following that, a swinging 60s sound that combining catchy rhythms and pop sensibilities keeps the momentum going. Side-2 shifts gears a groove-heavy track led by a soulful organ that oozes vintage charm. Closing the collection, there is a gem that features smooth, funk-driven melodies, topped off by a standout sax solo and a subtle British flair. This compilation offers a vibrant mix of styles, perfect for fans of classic funk with a modern twist.
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (Flying Fish dub) (2:57)
Review: Here's a cover which can't fail to please a huge crowd, as Betty Black takes on Eurythmics' eternal 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)'. Black has been hitting her stride as a modern day soul diva after moving on from her accomplished roots voicing some iconic UK garage tunes, and her cover of 'Cry Me A River' is no joke either. Backed up by The Family Fortune and bringing an undeniable 60s sass to her performance, she makes the track her own. As well as the full vocal version on the A-side, the B-side has the slightly edited, dubbed out 'Work Out' version for when you want to work up a sweat.
Review: A bold fusion of Afrobeat, funk and jazz on the debut LP from Blvck Spvde & The Cosmos, marking an exciting addition to Mello Music Group's catalogue. The album is steeped in legacy, with powerful rhythms and expansive arrangements, with tracks like 'Doom' revealing an intense, layered sound, while 'What You Won't Do' reinterprets a classic with introspective depth. All in all, there's a balance of forward-thinking jazz with hints of raw, soulful energy as the ten-piece ensemble capture the feel of St. Louis' live scene and a spirit that's truly timeless.
Review: The Brazil 45 series is pure gold for lovers of Latin sounds across the funk, jazz and soul spectrum. Each one sells out fats but usually emcees back around, as is the case with this 18th edition. It features Ely Camargo's 'Taieiras' from his Ely's 1972 album Cantos Da Minha Gente and is a lively folk-inspired track sampled famously by DJ Yoda in 2012. Despite recording 12 albums, Ely remains an enigmatic figure whose music is all we have to feed off. On the flip side, Rio sibling trio Trio Esperanca shine with their psychedelic gem from their 1971 self-titled album. Known for their stunning harmonies, the group released seven albums between 1963 and 1975 but this is one of their finest moments.
Review: Those with a deep knowledge of Berlin's Ghanaian ex-pat "burger-highlife" scene may already be familiar with Lee Dodou, a singer who recorded a number of classic singles and albums during the 1980s as part of bands Georg Darko and Kantata. He retired from music in 1991, but has been persuaded to return to action by the Philophon team. This comeback single is pretty impressive all told, with A-side "Basa Basa" - a triumphantly celebratory chunk of 1960s "concert party" highlife rich in punchy horn lines and Dodou's full-throated vocals - being joined on the flipside by the slower, synth-laden "Sahara Akwantou". Brilliantly, the label describes this as "kraut-life" due to its unique (and rather good) fusion of highlife and German kosmiche.
Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity - "Jeannine" (2:12)
Brian Auger & The Trinity - "In & Out" (2:59)
Review: BDQ's next limited 7" is a superb three-way collab between Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity. Their long-lost version of classic dancer 'Jeannine' is powered by wandering basslines and swinging Hammond Organ chords that bring warmth to the free-flowing jazz vocals up top. It has never before been on 45rpm and has been all but unknown for the last 50 years but was recently rediscovered while the label head was looking for something else for the recent 'Auger Incorporated' compilation on Soul Bank Music. On the flip is a mod jazz dancer who is just as hip and ready to make an impact.
Review: Jeff Goldblum is a cult movie actor, a famously likeable bloke and also a damn good jazz singer and pianist with many essential works to his name. Now he has released two new singles featuring singer, songwriter and actress Haley Reinhart. Teaming up with his long-time band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, for the occasion, the unlikely but accomplished pair deliver unique covers of Taylor Swift's hit 'Lover' and Loreen's 'Tattoo.' They add completely different musical perspectives to the delightful pop originals and both tunes are sure to appeal to a wide range of music lovers, not just fans of Goldblum.
Review: Mr Bongo's authoritative Brazilian 7" series continues apace with this delightful gem, featuring the magical talents of Guto on the A-side and Tony Nunes on the flip. Guto's 'Transito Livre' is a sweet slice of MPB (musica popular brasileira) which switches time signatures with flair from verse to chorus. Tony Nunes turns the heat up with 'Por Favor', a 1973 cut which sounds like it could jump right off the turntable with its fiery, funky urgency. Another essential purchase for all those who love hidden nuggets from Brazil's abundant musical history.
M Hawk - "Beat Me Till I'm Blue" (No Horns version) (2:41)
The Mohawks - "Beat Me Till I'm Blue" (Horns version) (2:42)
Review: 'Beat Me Till I'm Blue' is a wonderfully funky classic by The Mohawks presented under the M Hawk alias, the Hawk in question being none other than KPM Music Library overlord Alan Hawkshaw, who wrote the themes from everything from Grange Hill to Countdown. It was a real cornerstone of the late-1960s library and soul-infused grooves of the sort that diggers still fawn over today, and sample fiends still search out. The track delivers Hawkshaw's distinctively driving Hammond organ riffs, tight drum breaks and irresistible rhythms, all of which have made it a favourite among DJs for decades. Two versions are served up here, one with the iconic horns and one with them stripped away, and both offer plenty of energy. .
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: Athens of The North delivers once again here with another delightful reissue of a soul classic by Bernetia Miller And The Soul Groovers. An original of this Georgian gem is insanely rare and in fact the Athens boss himself has never actually seen a copy. It was recorded in the studio of Phil Walden's studio in Macon, Georgia and Bernetia herself has said it took many takes and plenty of hard work to get the result they wanted. Backing band The Soul Groovers had their own bus on which they toured plenty and this reissue is from the master tapes owned by Bernetia. 'You Can Tell Me Goodbye' has lo-fi drums and raw horns with a yearning vocal while 'I've Gotta Keep On Lovin' You' is more slow and steady and emotionally moving with a more tender vocal.
Review: Lorenzo Morresi and Tenderlonious are back to build on the success of their first collaboration, last year's 'Cosmica Italiana.' This new single comes ahead of a forthcoming debut album later in the year and features a couple of gorgeous tunes. 'Acqua' is a joyous tune with a steady 6/8 groove that is loaded with flutes, sax lines and arpeggiated synthesizers. On the flipside is 'Tema Cinque' which comes as an electro ballad, powered by hypnotic drums and sweeping pads with lush and moody sopranos. On this evidence, the upcoming album is going to be an utterly perfect musical escapism.
Review: As they often tend to do, a whole bunch of Anthems of the North 7"s have landed hit smooth and as ever they are all gold. This one is an Ike Noble 45s that comes pressed up with original-style silver ink overprinted labels. Kicking this one off is a previously unreleased cover of James Brown's classic 'Money Won't Change You'. It has some raw-as-hell horns and driving funk breaks that will light up any club and might even be better than the original. The B-side is a sweet as you like ballad that pairs off male and female vocals and deep soul, expressive horns and bittersweet grooves.
Review: On the centenary of the birth of Luigi Nono, the Maurice Quartet - Georgia Privitera (violin), Laura Bertolino (violin), Francesco Vernero (viola) and Aline Privitera (cello) - reinterprets the composition for string quartet by the Venetian composer on the occasion of the 30th Beethovenfest in Bonn, in 1980. This limited edition (300) record hammers home the pensive, minimalistic innovations of Nono, considered a radical innovator in the classical music of his time.
Hakuchu No Shugeki - Theme (feat Terumasa Hino Quintet) (5:10)
Review: The Norio Maeda Trio's 'Alpha Ray' and Terumasa Hino Quintet's 'Hakuchu No Shugeki - Theme' have been unearthed gems from Japan's musical past, revived for contemporary audiences by Jazz Room Records. 'Alpha Ray' exudes hot Latin vibes from the Swinging Sixties, earning its place in Shibuya Jazz Dance Folklore during the Acid Jazz Boom. Meanwhile, 'Hakuchu No Shugeki - Theme' transports listeners to the stylish world of 1970s Japansploitation cinema with its soulful jazz groove reminiscent of Blue Note's golden era. Both tracks, now available on 45 RPM vinyl, promise to ignite the dance floor with their infectious rhythms and timeless charm. Jazz enthusiasts won't want to miss this double dose of vintage Japanese jazz excellence.
Review: The remastered 7" reissue from Brazil 45s/Mr Bongo features two highly coveted tracks from Quinteto Ternura and their predecessor, Trio Ternura. This pressing revives two rare gems from the past with a fresh, high-quality cut. On Side-1, Quinteto Ternura delivers 'Baby,' a dazzling Brazilian modern soul track penned by Caetano Veloso and arranged by Arthur Verocai. Originally from their 1974 self-titled LP, this song is a smooth blend of tropical bliss and has long been a cherished rarity. Flipping to the Side-2, Trio Ternura's 'Filhos De Zambi' offers an upbeat samba-funk delight. Released in the same year, this track is filled with vibrant energy from the original trio, featuring a catchy chorus and a dynamic key change. Co-written by the siblings' father Umberto Silva and Jose Ribamar, it remains a dancefloor favorite. This reissue provides a valuable opportunity to own these classic tracks in their prime.
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.
The Outer Worlds Jazz Ensemble - "Beg, Borrow, Play" (feat Chip Wickham)
Review: The Sorcerers usher in something of a new era here with Exit Athens, which is a further investigation of the worlds of Ethio-jazz and library music from the 60s and 70s. Now the group consists of Joost Hendrickx who has made his mark with the likes of Kefaya, Shatner's Bassoon and Abstract Orchestra, as well as Richard Ormrod on saxes, keys and flutes and ATA label head and bassist Neil Innes. The rhythms here are driving and funky with exotic percussion and plenty of vintage keys as well as great combinations of horns, flutes and vibes. It's a maximal sound but one drenched in soul and which immediately transports you to another world.
Review: The Tito Lopez Combo brings together some of London's finest musicians and here is led by the renowned drummer Harbans Srih, who gained fame for his performance on the iconic Starsky & Hutch theme with the James Taylor Quartet. On this one, 'Bostin ' Norton' gets going with some steamy and seductive sax notes which rise out of a bubbly funk brew. 'Play It Again Sam' los it don t more pensive and prying melodies which unfurl at their own pace of icy cymbals and deep drums.
Review: Strut rings in the holiday season with a special reissue of The Qualities' rare 1961 single 'It's Christmas Time' b/w 'Happy New Year To You!', originally released on Sun Ra's Saturn label. This mysterious vocal harmony group, guided by the visionary Sun Ra, captures a unique moment in music history. Likely recorded around 1956, the festive tracks showcase Sun Ra's influence, blending jazz and harmony group experimentation. Remastered and restored, this exclusive 7" features a new picture sleeve designed by Liam Large, making it a collector's item that celebrates both the holidays and Sun Ra's boundary-pushing legacy.
Review: This one is such an evergreen classic that it is never long between reissues. The Take Vibe EP is musician Laurence Mason and he here mashes together the sounds of Dave Brubeck and Dave Greenfield of The Stranglers - it started on YouTube and got over one million hits, so then made it to vinyl and keeps selling out. On the flip is a romantic, late night jazz version of The Police classic 'Walking On The Moon', making this a real collector's item.
Seahawks - "No More Raindrops" (Steel Pan dub) (2:16)
Review: This 7-inch single, plucked from the 'Seaside Chillout Breeze' compilation, offers a taste of summery bliss. Side A features TAMTAM's delightful cover of Mad Professor's dub masterpiece 'Sweet Cherry'. The Tokyo-based band infuses the track with their signature colourful grooves, adding steel pans for an extra touch of seaside charm. Flip the record over for Seahawks' 'No More Raindrops (Steel Pan Dub)', a slice of Balearic bliss that evokes a carefree summer vibe. Together, these two tracks capture the essence of the compilation, offering a perfect soundtrack for seaside relaxation.
Review: This one is such an evergreen summer classic that it sells out whenever it reappears and gets reissued on a regular basis. Last time was last summer but now the rays are back in our lives we're glad it is available one more. Brazilian jazz vocalist Tania Maria is a true icon with a huge back catalogue of music behind her. Here, Soul Brother look back to her 1983 album Come With Me and lift a pair of pearlers for this vital 7". 'Come With Me' is a sundown slinker, with Maria's airy tone gliding over the sprightly piano chords while on the flip 'Lost In Amazonia' is a joyous, scat-powered slice of jazz funk with incredible slap bass flex. Essential summer grooves.
Review: Dynamite Cuts lives up to its name with this limited 7" from acclaimed Brazilian jazz singer Tania Maria. Two driving and dancey tracks pressed nice and loud for the first time on 45, "Fio Maravilha" is a busy arrangement made up of wild piano, big raw drums and Maria's impassioned, lung-emptying singing that whizzes along at pace. "Bedeu" has a little more Latin flavour, bossa nova swagger and space in the mix for the soul to shine through. Drop either one and take shelter, cause both of these cuts are bombs.
Review: TC.KYLIE x The Hourglass deliver a dynamic jazz fusion outing here that mixes up Hong Kong, Japanese, and British cultures in a top debut album. Jazz fusion pianist Kylie leads her band with great energy while playing keyboard and synth keytar that is a little reminiscent of Japanese jazz rock. Based in Hong Kong and London, she's inspired by Shaun Martin, Robert Glasper and Japanese acid jazz groups like Fox Capture Plan and Jabberloop and that shows in these sounds. They are bright, happy and uplifting with the majestic flute leads of 'Merry-go-round Of Life ' impossible not to fill you with excitement and joy.
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