Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Band - "What Can You Bring Me?" (2:45)
Review: You just cannot miss with this superb label which is now up to release number 33 in this series. And the latest is a golden-era classic featuring legendary mic men A Tribe Called Quest and top soul boy Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Band. The A-side features the track taken from A Tribe Called Quest's Love Movement album so is packed with their signature beats and bars. On the B-side, you are treated to the funky original sample source from Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Band which delivers a raw, infectious groove. If you love classic hip hop and funk, and why wouldn't you, this is a great pairing.
Review: 'Storia Fantasy' is a second release from Reparto Vinile that again marries Italo influences to a range of different genres. The label is based in Monferrato in Italy (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and it is helmed by influential Italian Luca Bernascone. Here he assumes his new production alias Cabopolonio for a super new single. The vocal version is a nice mood tempo roller with lush pines and cosmic twinkles, vibraphone melodies and a nice retro edge to it. The instrumental version is a little more deep and slow. The dub element means it seduces even more and marks a second fine drop from this label.
Review: Stone cold New Jersey funk business; Calender's seminal "Hypertension" has been a waymark in dancefloor developments since '75 and its big strings, high energy and nagging vocals still have total resonance to this day as proved by this rolling, conga fuelled twist from Mexican maestro Hotmood. Flip for more relevance as "Ritmo Latino" (from Calender's '76 album "It's A Monster") gets a cheeky breakbeat facelift from Voodoocuts. Now there's no excuse not to get funky every single day of the year.
Review: On the latest edition of their excellent Soul Essentials series, Outta Sight has decided to bring together two versions of 'Ordinary Joe', a seemingly perennial favourite written by the late, great Terry Callier. His celebrated 1972 recording - all bold, sing-along choruses, organ stabs, jangling piano and lolloping grooves - breezes its way across side A, while Jerry Butler's earlier version, laid to tape in 1970, sits on side B. His version is much more expansive and musically detailed than Callier's take, with superb production from Gamble & Huff and some brilliant orchestral arrangements courtesy of Donny Hathaway. Both versions are, or course, incredible.
Rickey Calloway & His Tennessee Band - "Do It On The One (Stay In The Pocket)" (3:10)
The Tennessee Band - "Ain't It A Crime" (instrumental) (3:06)
Review: Funk Night cop a couple of fine funk gems here from Rickey Calloway. He is an r&b singer, as well as a rhythm guitar musician and songwriter from Jacksonville, Florida. His Tennessee Band helps him serve up funk that comes direct from the 70s, James Brown style. Both of the singles here are [rimed to fire up the floor, with 'Do It On The One (Stay In The Pocket)' the more direct of the two and the flip side 'Ain't It A Crime' (instrumental) going deeper.
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: Brazilian talent Rafael Cancian has grown in stature thanks to solid outings on the tasteful likes of Razor-N-Tape and Hot Pot Records. Now with that profile established, he heads out with a new label of his own in the form of About Disco. He inaugurates it with a quartet of edits that he has already been deploying to great effect on various dancefloors around the world. 'Sounds Chicago' does indeed with raw drums and great keys dancing over the beats. 'Ti Amo' has a more funky undercarriage and disco percussion, 'D'Afrique' again brings a funky bass riff to the fore with some psyched-out sounds for company and 'Opera' shuts down with some late-night and soul-drenched synths over intimate and stripped back house drums.
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: .No, this is not a surprise jazz-funk outing from Dan 'Caribou' Snaith, but rather a reissue of the sole single that French outfit Cortex released as Caribou, way back in 1977. Copies of that record are now very hard to come by, so it's great that Trad Vibe have delivered this fresh edition. It's worth picking up for 'Californie' alone. The track is a near perfect fusion of the Gallic ensemble's usual loose jazz-funk sound and energetic, sun-drenched disco - all breathless electric piano solos, memorable guitar licks, dancefloor-friendly grooves and spiralling group vocals. Original flipside 'Stevie', a more relaxed and loved-up affair closer in tone to Cortex's usual material, once again resides on the reverse.
Review: Late 70s funk fusion from Tunisia: capturing the moment leading Tunis bands Dalton and Marhaba Band joined forces for some legendary disco fusion. "Alech" ignites with a Doobie Brothers style shiny guitar, big slap bass and soaring synth work while "Hanen" is a little more introspective and soulful with its honeyed harmonies and cascading chord sequence. Complete with instrumentals.
Review: The Carver Area High School Seniors' 'Get Live '83 (The Senior Rap)' is a stone cold party hip hop classic. It has been out of print for some four decades, however, and so has become a rather hard to find and expensive record. Thankfully, Soul Jazz Records have got the rights to this full reissue which was first pressed in 1982 on the private press label Challenger. The cut featured as the standout on Soul Jazz Records' recent 'Yo! Boombox' collection and now standalone as a seven minute stunner. It's an old school party disco delight with great rap and killer beats, all presented with the original artwork.
Review: Two more rare grooves purloined from Cultures Of Soul's Brasileiro Treasure Box Of Funk & Soul and delivered on a sweet 45: Celia's "A Hora E Essa" is a steamy Latin funk workout from 72; all horns, cuicas and soft, honeyed vocals. Franco's "Ei, Voce, Psiu!" takes a more US funk idea with Franco's spoken vocals giving off a strong air of bandleader as the band lock down a tight groove beneath. Watch out for samba flip towards the end. Blink and you'll miss it.
Review: Fresh from the Harlem hotpot, 1980: Harold Sargent's Chain Reaction teamed up with Sound Of New York's founder and producer Peter Brown for a star-lit, horn-baked, organ-licked disco creation that still funks hard 36 years down the line. With its maximal approach, disco bubbles and emphatic gutsy vocals, it could be argued that this funk even harder today due to it ticking every possible disco, boogie and funk box possible.
Review: Charles Green, who performed under the name Chas, released his debut album For Your Love on Love Joy Records in 1985. The album's soulful r&b accompanied Green's smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics at the forefront. The album's title track was also released as a single and received some airplay on radio stations at the time and helped to establish Green as a promising new voice in the soul and r&b music scenes. Green went on to be a keyboardist for boogie, funk, soul and house releases such as Scott Grooves & Roy Ayers 'Expansions' in 1998 among others.
Review: Wirl, Palo, Trex, and Ted & Way were the original labels that put out these super rare, super obscure and super funk gems as part of eight majestic tunes on various 45rpms back in the 70s and 80s. Now, Common Ground International brings otters two of them on this reissued 7". A-side pearler 'Disco Groove' is just that - it has disco rhythms with an afro touch, plenty of big and characterful horns and silky synths fleshing out the beats. ON the flip is the more international sounding 'Spouge Beat' which is infectiously funky.
Review: Echi Chamber is reissuing the records is served up late last year because they were all so excellent they sold out. This one is from Cheeba's Latin Bros, a new Latin and boogaloo project from Si Cheeba who is a long-time vet' of the jazz and groove scene that was so big back in the 1990s in Manchester. Limited to just 300 copies, it features one tune spread across two sides of vinyl. 'New York Streets (part 1)' is a raw percussive hustle with big horns and impassioned funk vocals that never let up. Part two is a continuation of that same vibe with just as much raw, direct and percussive goodness to get lost in.
Review: Echo Chamber Recordings celebrates its first anniversary this month with a new release in the Boogaloo Lessons Series. This latest instalment comes in special hand-numbered orange vinyl 7" limited to 150 copies and features Cheeba's Latin Bros, who deliver exceptional boogaloo tracks as per usual. The A-side, 'One Step Beyond,' boasts infectious rhythms, powerful drum beats and dynamic fills. On the B-side, 'Set Your Soul Free' combines the energetic boogaloo vibe with a touch of soulful tenderness, featuring vibrant percussion and captivating, offbeat chords. This release promises to keep the dance floor moving and showcases the rich, rhythmic textures of the boogaloo sound.
Review: Admittedly, we're as in the dark now about Cheeba's Prestige Allstars as we were when it first dropped last year, but it sold out so has done well. This reissue of the limited 7" release is a steamy blend of Afro and Latin funk. 'Dig This!' (vocal version) delivers a raw, energetic cut with punchy drums and lively James Brown samples, complemented by bold saxophone riffs. On the flip side, the instrumental version retains the groove, albeit slightly stripped back, maintaining the essence of James Brown's mic presence. While details about the band remain elusive, their music speaks volumes, offering a vibrant fusion of sounds that captivate dancefloors.
Review: Wild Cards serves up a new 7" from a band about which we know nothing of note. The Cnthonics are good at laying down timeless funk sounds, though, with great instrumentals though defining their sound. Up first is the playful sax-led sound of 'Persephone On Rollerskates' which snake-charms its way into your affections. 'Chthonic Rock' on the flip is a brilliantly bizarre fusion of drums, melodies, percussion and whistles that is lo-fi and high class. Super limited to just 300 copies this one so do not miss out on these funky breaks.
Sono Come Sono (Whodamanny instrumental remix) (4:29)
Sono Come Sono (Whodamanny remix) (4:00)
Sono Come Sono (Whodamanny extended instrumental remix) (6:26)
Review: Internationally acclaimed Italian singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Chiara Civello unveils a new single, 'Sono Come Sono', blending a mixture of Neapolitan funk and club-infused rawness into four mixes. With the title roughly translating to 'it is what it is', the tune is a true, happy reflection on all things being immutable, and struggle being ultimately futile. Party on!
Review: It might be getting cold and dark and wet here in the UK but music will always be able to transport us to warmer, sunnier, happier climes. And so it is with this new 7", which includes a booklet, from Discodelic. It's a two tracker from Cizana and La Nueva Generation that is flame hot and bristling with energy - Cizana's 'She Sold Her Soul' kicks off with its joyous flutes, hand drums and percussive Latin grooves then La Nueva Generacion slow things down and up the brass with their carnivalesque Afro-funk workout 'Uhru Sasa'.
Review: 'Deixa Eu Dizer' is a timeless Brazilian classic that was famously sampled by Marcelo D2 on his iconic hip-hop track 'Desafabo' and maybe just as notary, it was also the debut release on Mr Bongo's now much loved Brazil 45's imprint. It originally featured on Cizinha's stunning album of the same name and until Mr Bongo stepped in it had never been available on a 7". 'Deixa Eu Dizer' has been a long-standing favourite with deep diggers despite its mysterious origins and this welcome reissue not only celebrates Cizinha's unforgettable contribution to Brazilian music but also brings this beloved track to a new generation.
Review: It's always a buzz to see a new Athens of the North 7" drop onto our shelves. This first drop of the year comes from label regulars Coast to Coast who had their unreleased and self-titled soul album reissued here back in October 2021. It is the opening track from that glorious record that gets its own pressing on 45 rpm here with an instrumental on the flip. The original from core members Mark Beiner and Ben Iverson, 'Love Is The Same' has glorious vocal falsettos and super sweet rhythms that bring feel-good vibes like no other.
Review: The rare Stephen LP by Nassau-born multi-instrumentalist Stephen Colebrooke offers elusive sunshine boogie vibes that have long been sought after by those in the know. Recorded at GBI studios in Freeport with guidance from Frank Penn (of Grand Bahama Goombay), two of the tracks from it now get pressed up to this crucial 7" by the faultless Numero Group. Both of these tunes are groove-filled disco delights with both 'Shake Your Chic Behind' and 'Stay Away From Music' sure to do damage on a wide range of dance floors this summer and beyond.
Review: Collins And Collins were originally at the Top Of The Stairs back in 1980 when this one first landed. It has since become a revered underground classic much loved on the modern soul circuit as a timeless gem. The song was first composed by Ashford & Simpson who recorded their own version but when playing live would switch to the Collins & Collins version. The tune first came on CD via Expansion back in 1993 and now gets a first official 7" version back with the exceptionally rare version of Gamble & Huff's 'You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good' which first was recorded by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes in 1975.
Review: Pressed for the first time on 7" vinyl, two killer rock club tracks from the legendary Colloseum, track 1 and 2 from their sophomore 1969 album 'Valentyne Suite' - 'Elegy' and 'The Kettle'.
The powerful and up-tempo 'Elegy' is a funky love song, with steaming guitars and heavy groove, an absolute home run of a funky club banger. On the flip is the 'The Kettle', featuring a heavy rock groove that the attentive ear will recognise as sampled by Fatboy Slim for 'Ya Mama'.
Review: This latest is a reissue of a Congress Productions EP featuring their seminal 'Neptune'. The much-sampled early 80s jazz-funk classic comes in original form next to two unreleased cuts. The first is a rare boogie cut 'Live It Up' that has been extended for more dancefloor heft having first been dropped under the D'aile' alias as a B-side. Then comes 'Kevin's Funk' which is named in reference to Incognito trumpet player Kevin Robinson, who played as part of a Congress-associated line-up for this session.
Review: Discodelic comes correct again with a new 7" that features a pair of rather lesser-known and brilliantly obscure Latin psych-rock gems. Conjunto Raza' 'African Dream' is all crackly and immediately nostalgic because of it, with noodle acoustic guitar sounds making way for a more upbeat and driving 60s garage rock sound but all in loveable lo-fi. Add in a red-hot vocal and you have a flame cut full of funk. On the reverse, The Scepters 'Message' is another well-aged jam that brings rawness and emotion in equal measure.
Review: The Scepters, formed in 1967 in Paraiso by guitarist Celso Spencer, were a popular Panamanian band known for their energetic performances across military bases and high school dances in the Canal Zone. Alongside Lionel Best and Jose James, they covered Top 40 hits and iconic rock bands like Santana and Jimi Hendrix. They released two 45s, including 'Message,' which debuted at Panama's first National Soul Music Festival in 1971 and features next here to a jam from Conjunto Raza, another project led by Agustin Leiro, this one with rotating musicians. They released a single 45 on Onda Nueva in the mid-70s and it blends Zonian and Panamanian talent with aplomb.
Review: Norman Connors 's 'She's Gone' and ''Mr.C' (the title cut from an album of the same name) have never been available on vinyl before but this year's record store day celebrations end that with a nice heavyweight pressing courtesy of Arista. 'She's Gone' is a timeless blend of soul and r&b that is much loved in the soul scene for its fresh composition and stirring, heartfelt vocals. The instrumentation too is next level and superbly fuses horns, strings, and rhythm instruments. Newly remastered but with a sympathetic ear for the original 80s sounds, this one will fly off the shelves.
Bembe Segue - "Mother Of The Future" (live version)
Review: Serious jazz dance fusion from 1974, Norman Connors' cover of Carlos Garnett's "Mother Of The Future" drives with shamanistic fury before the firing keys, heaving horns and deep soul vocals fly into the mix. For a more contemporary jazz take, flip for Bembe Segue's emphatic live version. Lavished with her distinctively rich vocals and stern spoken word and complete with wild bass runs and a thick bed of percussion, it's an instant show-stopper. Two incredible covers, one special 10".
Review: NYC Records looks outside its in-house stable for the first time here and signs the delightful nu-disco delights of Constellation. This duo hails from Miami and focuses on space disco sounds that fans of the famous Metro Area style are sure to love. They remain mysterious themselves but their beats are brilliantly designed with plenty of retro-future pads, cosmic arps and tight basslines full of colour, texture and soul. Like Daft Punk but deeper and more dubbed out. All four of these cuts are sure to get floors going but also bring plenty of style.
Review: Cool Million has long been synonymous with the boogie funk style, which is sadly a genre lost by the late 1980s. Collaborating with singers spanning eras from the 80s to today, they bridge generations of soul, funk, and boogie. Here they work with English soul sensation Kenny Thomas, known for his UK Top 40 hits, who is a cornerstone of the original UK soul scene, boasting eight Top 40 singles and two Top Ten albums. His track 'Without Your Love' exemplifies this genre, a driving uptempo anthem with a funky uplift. The accompanying dub version enhances its appeal for DJs worldwide, affirming its place in contemporary record bags.
Review: It's a damn shame Cool Runners aka the duo of Paul Tattersall and Chris Rodel and was such a short-lived group because the tunes they made are next level. This reissue proves that with their 1982 single 'Checking Out' served up on a 12" with the sought-after 'High on a Feeling' on the flip. The open is lush street soul with boogie bass and twanging funk guitar riffs topped off with a gorgeous vocal. The second offering 'High On A Feeling' has leggier drums and more of a disco feel, but still plenty of brilliant boogie in the bass. Two cult classics, then.
Review: Coolin' Out's back with a fourth volume of seductive edits for those more cultured dance floors. This one kicks off with 'Solstice' which is laidback and oozes cool. Gentle drums and mellifluous synths rise up from the deep cut and slow-motion groove with plenty of cosmic edge. The tight instrumentation creates a sublime atmosphere that is both full of relaxation and subtle euphoria. The flipside, an edit of Soul Vibrations,' flips the script with dusty drum breaks, a hint of Italian Library music instrumentation and some rousing melodies that get you on edge.
Review: This is a first ever reissue for this lovely little jazz 7", which first landed in 1976. It was recorded just after French jazz fusion group Cortex's iconic Troupeau Bleu LP and is awash with gentle drum tumbles, twinkling keys and sustained strong sounds that bring a golden touch. The female vocal harmonies are a perfect counter for the male spoken words and the whole thing really tugs at the heart. Flip it over and there is the much more upbeat 'Back to Life' with its busy harmonica, funky drumming and rippling Rhodes work. Fantastic stuff.
Review: Get ready to experience a true soul classic reimagined with this special 7" reissue of Matt Covington's magical 'I'm So In Love With You' which was originally released in 1983. Now a real rare groove gem, it embodies early 80s r&b with its smooth vocals and lush instrumentation. Covington's heartfelt delivery and the track's elegant arrangement have made it a collector's favourite with original pressings now hard to find and very pricey. This reissue is sure to introduce a new generation to its timeless appeal and the flip side features 'Muhammad Ali', a funk-infused tribute to the legendary heavyweight boxer.
Review: Crash Party kicks off the new year with a high-energy return to Breakbeat Paradise's Toxic-Funk series. Fresh from his debut album Everything Happens for a Reason on Big Beat Sunday, he delivers two explosive party anthems. 'Tribe Called Wonder' blends classic breaks with an infectious groove and legendary rap flows for instant dancefloor impact. On the flip side, 'Break On' slows the tempo but keeps the funk alive with heavy grooves and old-school rap hooks. This one is packed with vintage vibes and modern flair that makes it stand right out.
Review: This killer UK boogie 12-inch by Tony Crockett was originally recorded and released in 1982. It has some brilliant raps delivered in an aloof style, with plenty of swagger, and a touch of campness. They sound dated but in a good, nostalgic way, while the music around still sounds fresh with the sleek bass and big flutes, low slung drums and warm chords. On the reverse is /Plane Jane', another cheeky bit of UK boogie that oozes funk and cool. These are fun tracks for sure and come in a full picture cover.
Review: Favourite Records' new reissues series come with a new concept; each classic track comes with an exclusive bit of artwork on each side of the 12" sleeve. This time, they compile two speedy funk tracks from Crystal and J.E.K.Y.S.; 'Funky Biguine' is an homage to the French ballroom style of the same name, from which it draws influence, while 'Looking For You' is a devotional dream from J.E.K.Y.S., a French band singing in English. Slick, quick, and affecting stuff.
Johnny King & Fatback Band - "Keep On Brother Keep On" (2:05)
Review: Bill Curtis' Fatback Band is known around the world for its soul and disco hits but their roots actually lay in funk. They were one of the most impressive outfits around in that particular genre and so they have, for those who are willing to dig deep enough, plenty of rare funk gems to call upon from their earliest days. Here we get a couple of them with 'Dance Girl' - the last tune they released in 1974 before signing to Event/Spring. It was a real classic at block parties back in the day and on the flip is a tune that will cost you over L1000 if you can find an original, namely 'Keep On Brother Keep On' - the group's second single on Curtis BC Projects II label.
Review: Private Stock Records is slowly but surely building up a golden catalogue of funk magic. This fourth EP is another high-class double dose that opens with Cutso's 'Fallen Love (Woo Woo)', a swirling slow burner of a tune with heavy, languid drums and twisted vocal samples that eventually coalesce into a warming party vibe. Excel's 'Had To Shut You Down' is a glorious soul gem with lush Philly strings and ornamental arrangements that raise your spirits and elevate your mood with its seductive grooves, not to mention a classic r&b vocal sample.
Review: Freestyle 'Turn Up The Music' courtesy of this new 12" from Roy Hamilton, Cosmo Bowen and Dennis Palmer. The trio worked together way back in the 80s and back then it was as part of a nine-piece outfit known as Breeze. Anyone who attended the iconic Ronnie Scott's in London back then will probably have heard them play upstairs with the likes of Hi Tension and Gonzalez. In 1984 they decided to lay down this one and only 12" on the HBS label they ran. It's a stomper but a laid-back one that is now well in demand on the funk and soul scene.
Review: This 7" vinyl marks the inauguration of the new Konbini Klassics label and it features expertly curated city pop and funk gems from Japan's golden era. The A-side offers 1983's 'Do What You Do' which is a relaxed synth-driven track with irresistibly catchy vocals. On the B-side you can enjoy the sounds of Cosmos, the all-female supergroup who deliver their slap-funk classic 'Midnight Shuffle' with its big horns, funky bass and twinkling synth melodies. A perfect 45 rpm gem, this release brings Japan's iconic sounds back to life and then some.
Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou-Dahomey - "It's A Vanity" (4:21)
Clement Melome Et Le Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - "Nougbo Vehou (La Verite Blesse)" (4:49)
Review: The legendary Afro funk fusionists Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou Dahomey have got unlimited amounts of big tunes in their back catalogue and the fiery 'It's A Vanity' is one of them. It has fat and chunky drums with trademark horns leading the way next to the impassioned vocals. The tune twists and turns on a vibe as it funks you up and then on the flip is the more lo-fi and stripped back, earthen funk sounds of 'Nougbo Vehou' (La Verite Blesse). Anotehr killer 7" reissue from this great collective.
Review: Breakbeat Paradise's Toxic Funk series rolls out a ninth volume here with two more powerful cuts. These come from Paul Sitter and Crash Party who together cook up plenty of horn-lead action on 'Don't Touch Me.' It has old school bars and some retro synth work that all adds up to a full thrill funk banger. 'Wake Up' is another raw and raucous one with big rock guitars and slamming drums. A b-boy hip-hop vocal is paired with yelping female vocal samples and the crispy drums never let up. Two dynamite tracks for sure.
Review: Random Rap Records offshoot Dinked 45 has hit gold with 'Happy (Hammond)', the first single in seven years from Chris Read and keyboardist Rob Barron's occasional So Much Soul Players project. As the title suggests, it's a cheeky and cheery Hammond funk reinvention of Pharrell Williams' classic which features Barron playing the famous melody - alongside a few wild solos - atop a sweaty, bass-heavy, breakbeat-driven dancefloor groove. It's a simple idea brilliantly executed all told and a guaranteed party-starter to boot. Over on the flip you'll find a slightly tougher, shorter 'Instrimental Mix' that cuts down the use of the melody in favour of elongated Hammond chords and more prominent beats, as well as a short 'Bonus Beats' drum track for DJs who like to get busy in the mix.
Review: A deep dive into the Fania vaults has uncovered Cafe, a Latin funk and soul classic that was recorded half a century ago. To mark the 50th anniversary of this great album, which was produced by the legendary conguero Ray Barretto and originally released on Vaya Records, it gets this nice heavyweight reissue on Craft. The standout track 'Si Dame Tu Amor' delivers infectious funk grooves reminiscent of Barretto's own work, while 'Identify Yourself' is another one to light up any party. All the tunes have been cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio so sounds superb.
Review: Since emerging in their home country a decade ago, Caixa Cubo have flitted between labels (most notably Heavenly Recordings and Jazz 'N' Milk) while establishing trademark sound that expands on the jazz-funk-meets-samba-jazz template created by fellow countrymen Azymuth (like that band, they're a trio based around drums, bass and organ/electric piano). Unsurprisingly, they've now found a home on Joe Davis's Brazil-focused Far Out Recordings, a stable that has done much to champion Azymuth in the UK. Modo Avia (air mode) is typically warm, breezy and gently tropical, fusing killer grooves and infectious, off-kilter rhythms with brilliant solos, infectious riffs and far-sighted musical flourishes. It feels like the sort of set that will be talked about in hushed tones in 30 or 40 years, and we can think of no greater praise than that.
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