Review: Dynamite Cuts' latest extra-special double "45" mines ones of the earliest albums from soul and funk legends Earth, Wind & Fire, a 1971 set that was notably more psychedelic in sound than many of their more celebrated later releases. Opener "C'mon Children" is fiery, weighty and driving in the style of San Francisco funk-rock heavyweights "Tower of Power", while "Bad Tune" more than lives up to its title in a "bad meaning good" way (it also includes some crazy solos, which is no bad thing). Over on disc two, "Help Somebody" is an insanely up-tempo, horn-heavy Boogaloo style romp, while "Momet of Truth" is a low-down funk number straight out of the top drawer.
Ebony Evans - "Loving You Is All I Wanna Do" (4:38)
Lewzarius - "Step Up" (4:54)
Review: Ebony Evans is a superb soul talent who for this single worked with Manny Campbell who wrote and arranged. Originally recorded in 2004, 'Loving You Is All I Wanna Do' appeared on the Luv's Fire CD Maxi Single and later on a full album in 2006 through Coastal Records but now debut on vinyl thanks to Soul Direction. On the flip side, Lewzarius' 'Step Up" shines as a rich collaboration between Campbell and Haran Griffin, who is best known for 'Movin' Much Too Fast.' Atlanta-born Lewzarius recorded this track during his time at Coastal Records in the late 90s.
Review: Courtial With Errol Knowles's Don't You Think It's Time album gets a first ever vinyl reissue here, and gets deluxe treatment. The original was recorded in 1976 in San Francisco's Bay Area and soon became a real collector's classic for its vital soul and jazz funk sounds. To be honest, the cover art alone is worth the entry price here, but the sounds sure are sublime, with wiggy synth lines weaving their way in and out of the funky drumming on 'Don't You Think It's Time,' 'Best Of Friends' offering lush string sounds and silky grooves and 'Love Nevermore' having a bit of a samba shuffle next to the acoustic guitars and golden Rhodes chords.
Review: The reissue of Earth, Wind & Fire's Greatest Hits album brings so many timeless classics back to the fore while celebrating the iconic band's soulful blend of funk, r&b and disco which so defined an era. This collection captures their iconic tracks like 'September,' 'Boogie Wonderland' and 'Shining Star' and shows the vibrant brass, infectious rhythms and harmonies that made them such legends. Remastered for enhanced audio quality, the reissue invites listeners to experience these chart-toppers with fresh clarity s is a must-have to experience the energy and spirit of one of music's most influential bands.
Review: The music of Earth Wind and Fire is pretty inescapable, but you won't find us complaining. The American soul, disco and funk collective have crafted some of the greatest dance floor tunes of all time, and they still bang decades later. This Ultimate Collection gathers together the best of them on nice heavyweight yellow vinyl. From the epic 'Boogie Wonderland' to the more sentimental 'Fantasy' via super funky gem 'September' there is plenty to love here. First released in July 1999 on Columbia Records, it claimed high in the album charts and remains an invaluable collection.
(Don't Worry) If There's A Hell Below, We're All Going To Go (6:02)
People Get Ready (4:20)
Getting Over (2:14)
I'll Bet You/California Dreamin' (3:43)
Popcorn/Oye Como Va (5:50)
I Love You For All Seasons (3:04)
East Of Java (2:06)
Walk On By (2:40)
Review: How much soul and funk does East of Underground deliver? A lot, that's how much. This raw and righteous gem from 1971 was originally issued by the US Army and handed out to troops during the Vietnam War, which means that original copies are insanely rare and pricey. Thankfully, this reissue brings it back to the people, minus the less memorable Soap LP. What remains is pure fire: gritty covers of Curtis Mayfield, Funkadelic, James Brown and more, all of which are played with heart and urgency by a group of enlisted musicians. Bonus fact: their take on The Fuzz's 'I Love You for All Seasons' became the backbone of US trap star 21 Savage's 'A Lot.'
Review: Cleveland Eaton had an accomplished life as a jazz musician, whether throwing down on piano, saxophone, trumpet, tuba or bass, up to his passing in 2020. As well as recording for the legendary Black Jazz, in 1973 he also released this armour-plated heater on Gamble. The cover is something else, it must be said, but the grooves contained within will soon dispel any prior judgements. These are hot and heavy instrumental funk-outs for crate-diggers, beat-flippers and those who simply enjoy losing themselves in the finest funk money can buy. With some familiar versions slipped in from 'Day Dreaming' to 'Betcha By Golly Wow', there's also a comforting familiarity to the music, even if it sounds like nothing else you've heard before.
Review: Glenn Echo and Daniel Meineck are back on Detroit label MotorCity Wine with their first new music in two years following their well-received Partly Cloudy album. What Happened to Yesterday? is, we are told, the first of two albums from the pair that will arrive several months apart. It finds the pair get super hazy and dubby, with psychedelic charm swirling around their absorbing grooves next to subtle cues taken from the diverse likes of DJ Premier and King Jammy. There is a superb Moog-based cover of De La Soul's 'I Am I Be', Afro-Carribean disco in 'Dancehall of Grandeur' and epic jazz-rock on Volcano Sound' so dig in and prepare to be wowed.
Review: Back in 1980, Roy Ayers assembled the Eighties Ladies - a soulful vocal quintet whose members included sometime Aquarian Dream vocalist Sylvia Striplin. Sadly the group didn't last long, but their vibrant "Ladies Of The Eighties" single - a fine disco-tinged slab of boogie/jazz-funk fusion - became a big club hit. Their debut album, which is here reissued for the first time, is equally as impressive, with highlights including the rushing, part-rapped, attitude-laden "Tell Him" - later covered in the bruk era by West London outfit BB Boogie - cheery "I Knew That Love" and the liquid slap bass-propelled intergalactic space funk jam "It's Easy To Move" standing out. Throughout, Roy Ayers' production and arrangements are as tidy as you'd expect.
Review: This work by Alf Emil Eik is a serene and soothing soundtrack for moments of relaxation, meditation or peaceful ambience. Eik's ethereal melodies transport listeners to a realm of inner peace and timeless beauty. Each track blends intricate layers of sound and evokes serenity and wonder while the harmonies resonate deeply within your soul. Uplifting yet introspective, the music invites reflection on the beauty of life and the mysteries of existence. A fusion of classical, ambient and new age influences abound here and prove Eik to be a master composer.
Review: In the last few years, Livy Ekemezie's sole album - a private-press Nigerian Afro-funk and Afro-disco gem from 1983 - has become a genuinely in-demand item within the record collecting community. It has been reissued once before - back in 2017 - but even that pressing has become highly sought after. This edition, then, is well worth picking up. Putting a distinctive Nigerian swing on disco-funk, it boasts a string of insatiable, floor-friendly highlights - not least opener 'Get It Down' (where William Onyeabor style Moog synth sounds hit the ear), the down-low heaviness of 'Holiday Action', Afro-disco anthem 'Friday Night' (which has been re-edited on several occasions in the past) and the decidedly heavy 'Night Party'.
Review: Madrid-based collective Danzon El Gato channel the city's restless creative energy into a vivid fusion of jazz, funk and roots music. Formed within Madrid's experimental scene, the group revolves around Javier Adan and Santiago Rapallo, longtime collaborators whose past projects range from jazz fusion to avant-garde film scores. This latest release sees them sculpt a kaleidoscopic sound, pulling from North African, Latin American and Mediterranean traditions while staying locked into the groove with a rhythm section indebted to 70s library music and golden-era hip-hop. Across the record, they explore an array of moods and textures. 'Ronda' pairs intricate guitar lines with a propulsive swing, while 'La lucha'ifeaturing Marina y su Melaoileans into percussive Latin jazz. 'Twangy Morocco' lives up to its name, weaving surf-rock guitar into an East-meets-West instrumental, whereas 'Chapoteo' ripples with aquatic, freeform interplay. 'Amambay' and 'Fuimos invencibles' showcase their knack for evocative storytelling through sound, shifting effortlessly between cinematic tension and unbridled release. Danzon El Gato craft music that reflects Madrid itselfidense with influences, rich in movement and ambiguousiin the best way. Their sound captures a city in flux, where past and present collide to create something unmistakably fresh.
Review: If you don't know (well, even if you do know it is still true), Californian multi-instrumentalist Brian Ellis is Egyptian Lover's keyboard player, and is also a member of Campus Christi with Peanut Butter Wolf. He steps out alone here with a new and outlier funk album that shows off his idiosyncratic style. It is a raw and dense sound that mixes up bold funk and gritty psychedelic soul while embracing the darker edges of both styles. Along the way, Ellis explores themes of truth, authenticity and the pitfalls of wealth while reflecting on the cost of giving away one's heart. Tracks like 'The Real Deal' and 'Money Drives Me Crazy 'capture these ideas with unfiltered emotion.
B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition
Lifetime Supply (3:40)
Lonely Wealth (3:28)
The Real Deal (3:34)
This Is For Real (4:31)
Money Drives Me (Crazy) (3:54)
Comfort Zone (3:10)
First One's Free (2:28)
Empty Bed Memories (4:27)
Blurred (3:32)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***
If you don't know (well, even if you do know it is still true), Californian multi-instrumentalist Brian Ellis is Egyptian Lover's keyboard player, and is also a member of Campus Christi with Peanut Butter Wolf. He steps out alone here with a new and outlier funk album that shows off his idiosyncratic style. It is a raw and dense sound that mixes up bold funk and gritty psychedelic soul while embracing the darker edges of both styles. Along the way, Ellis explores themes of truth, authenticity and the pitfalls of wealth while reflecting on the cost of giving away one's heart. Tracks like 'The Real Deal' and 'Money Drives Me Crazy 'capture these ideas with unfiltered emotion.
Review: California multi-instrumentalist, Egyptian Lover's keyboard player and experimental producer Brian Ellis follows up his Quarantine Tapes with his first full-length solo album in four years. Unfortunately, we'll never have a lifetime supply of Brian's music, although that's forgivable since recorded music media also incorporates the genius invention that is playback, which means even one purchase can last for a lifetime as long as you keep your record in good nick! This one is a swirling bomb of bombast funk and dodgy-output psychedelic soul, one that is unafraid of the murkier ends of each sound. Ellis muses on the nature of truth, authenticity, dirty money and the consequence of leasing one's heart out, as on 'The Real Deal' and 'Money Drives Me Crazy'.
Review: Issued on CD by Ace in 1999, Eramus Hall's Your Love Is My Desire was subject to instant popular scrutiny. Though it was recorded in late 1978 by the soul and funk group - who later went on to record another album, Gohead, and many singles - the lone figure on the album cover misleadingly implied that "Hall" was a single person. Despite its obvious stylistic derivation from Funkadelic and co., Hall's first album is still a landmark album; fans of smooth late-70s soul will love it for the title track, and 'Just Me 'n' You'.
Review: If you like your r&b soulful and your funk seductive then you probably already know this classic from Erasmus Hall. His Your Love Is My Desire encapsulates the essence of smooth 70s sound and came in originally in 1980. Now newly remastered, the album radiates infectious grooves and heartfelt lyricism with its silky vocals and the tight, funky instrumentation all full of undeniable charm and timeless appeal. Standout cuts like the titular track and 'Just Me and You' showcase his band's impeccable musicianship and knack for crafting irresistibly catchy hooks. With its lush production and soul-stirring melodies, Your Love Is My Desire is a quite gem in the realm of classic soul.
Review: Eramus Hall recorded their debut, and eventually only, album in 1980; the band was allegedly named after a building in Chicago, named "Eramus Hall", that George Clinton of Parliament saw in the street. The record evolved to become one of the most sought-after of the modern soul era, despite the flashpan profile of the band itself (as were many George Clinton P-funk offshoots). This owed in part to its clarion, crystalline production, held down by Clinton himself, and which served to spell out the nascent funk, soul and r&b sound bubbling over the broth pot's lip that was Westbound Records, Detroit. Now working from the original master tapes at the iconic 54 Sound studio in Detroit, the recordings have been restored and remastered, doing justice to a convergent, then not yet defined r&b sound.
Review: This special The 35th-anniversary reissue of Come Away with ESG celebrates the groundbreaking debut album by the Bronx sisters. It's a proper genre-defying classic that shaped hip-hop, house, and post-punk with its signature minimalist funk. ESG's stripped-down sound is built on raw drumbeats and hypnotic bass lines and defies traditional labels with a more groove-driven, horn and organ-free alternative to funk. Their influence spans decades and has inspires artists across several genres which is why Come Away remains a classic and one that proves that true rhythm lies in the spaces between the beats.
Review: To mark the 35th birthday of this album it has been reissued on vinyl in different colours, so take your pick. As any funk lovers will know, Come Away with ESG is the Bronx sisters' pioneering debut album and a genre-blurring masterpiece that is accepted to have very much helped shape hip-hop, house, and post-punk with its signature minimalist funk. ESG's raw, stripped-down approach offered a fresh alternative to traditional funk in that it was free of horns and heavy organ. Decades later, their influence remains undeniable and has inspired countless artists across multiple genres. This record is all the proof you need that the magic of rhythm isn't just in the beats-it thrives in the spaces between them.
Review: To celebrate the 35th anniversary of this iconic album, it has been reissued on vinyl in various colours including this organ neon sizzler. Come Away with ESG was the groundbreaking debut from the Bronx-based sister group and is recognised as a genre-defying classic that played a pivotal role in shaping hip-hop, house and post-punk. ESG's minimalist funk, stripped of horns and heavy organ, offered a fresh take on the genre. Decades later, their impact is undeniable, influencing artists across multiple styles. This album is a testament to the power of rhythm-not just in the beats, but in the spaces between them.
Review: Esperanto is widely heralded as a Venezuelan jazz-Ffsion masterpiece. It was first released in 1980 and is a real collector's item that is hard to find an expensive. French label Favourite now presents a first ever reissue of the eponymous LP that was recorded in Caracas by a number of talented musicians. It has strong Latin and funk overtones. Squelchy synth sounds and is a must-have for anyone interested in this fine fusion sound. The band started off playing jam sessions that grew ever more refined to the point that they eventually lay down this enduring masterclass.
Review: Seun Kuti has hailed Etuk Ubong as one of the best things to come out of Lagos. He's developed an original style called 'Earth Music' which is hugely popular in his hometown, where he has launched his own venue The Truth - the most prolific in the Nigerian capital since Fela Kuti's Shrine. Ubong was invited by Night Dreamer to record at Haarlem's Artone Studio, where he assembled an international ensemble of skilled musicians to record his compositions direct-to-disc, capturing his enigmatic live performance in its raw and unadulterated form. Ubong is joined by homeboy Michael Awosogo (also on trumpet) and a selection of UK and Netherlands-based musicians who recorded the whole album in one take, on the last day of a five-day session.
Review: Strut's reissue of Experience Unlimited's 1977 debut Free Yourself offers a fresh dive into a seminal record that paved the way for Washington D.C.'s go-go scene. Originally released in 1977, this album fuses soul, jazz, and funk-rock, showcasing the band's eclectic and pioneering style. Formed in 1973, Experience Unlimited caught the eye of Black Fire Records' Jimmy Gray after a school talent show victory. Bandleader Gregory "Sugar Bear" Elliott recalls their early days in the studio with a sense of youthful spontaneity, capturing their genuine selves. Free Yourself reflects this spirit with its vibrant and varied tracks. From the soulful reflections of 'Peace Gone Away' to the funk-driven 'Funky Consciousness' and the nascent go-go grooves of the title track, the album radiates positive energy and innovation. The reissue preserves the original artwork, including Malik Edwards' cover painting, and features remastering by The Carvery. Accompanied by a new interview with Sugar Bear and rare photos, this edition brings a crucial piece of music history back into the spotlight.
God Gave Me Feet For Dancing (feat Yazmin Lacey) (4:11)
Ajala (0:42)
The Traveller (4:48)
N29 (3:56)
No One's Watching Me (feat Olivia Dean) (4:57)
Hear My Cry (3:31)
Shaking Body (3:14)
Expensive (6:10)
Streets Is Calling (feat Manifest & Moonchild Sanelly) (3:08)
Why I Smile (5:20)
Have Patience (2:35)
Everybody (4:01)
Review: The Mercury Prize-winning British jazz group returns this September with the greatly anticipated follow-up to the award-winning 'Where I'm Meant to Be'. The first jazz group ever to win the prestigious accolade, their unique blend of jazz, calypso, afrobeat and roots has carried over into the two singles 'God Gave Me Feet For Dancing' and 'Ajala'.The former features up-and-coming star Yazmin Lacey, whose sudden scouting has made her a necessary one to watch in the British soul scene. Interpolating Nina Simones's 1965 classic 'Feeling Good', the track proposes the group's manifesto of dancing not just as an activity confined to the club, but as a God-given ability - an act of spirituality and community. 'Ajala', by contrast, is a fast-paced afrobeat-cum-bebop jam named after the Yoruba slang for being unable to sit still. Lucky fans were able to hear the recording live at the 'Beyond the Bassline' exhibition at the British Library - with some of the live adlibs and crowd work being included in the single version currently on streaming. Pressed on an indie-exclusive deep red stain disc.
God Gave Me Feet For Dancing (feat Yazmin Lacey) (4:11)
Ajala (0:42)
The Traveller (4:48)
N29 (3:56)
No One's Watching Me (feat Olivia Dean) (4:57)
Hear My Cry (3:31)
Shaking Body (3:14)
Expensive (6:10)
Streets Is Calling (feat Manifest & Moonchild Sanelly) (3:08)
Why I Smile (5:20)
Have Patience (2:35)
Everybody (4:01)
Review: One year on from making history as the first ever jazz band to be awarded the Mercury Prize, Ezra Collective are continuing to pump out their sensational, unique blend of jazz, roots, afrobeat and calypso. 'Dance No One's Watching' is the highly anticipated follow-up to the aforementioned award-winning 'Where I'm Meant to Be'. Set to release in September, the two singles 'God Gave Me Feet For Dancing' and 'Ajala' set the bar high. The prior is a jazzy, drum-led groove backing the buttery smooth Yazmin Lacey, a name to watch in the soul scene (famously she was scouted after being persuaded to sing on a drunken night out.) The track is a sunny interpolation of Cy Grant's 'Feeling Good' (though let's face it, Nina Simone truly made that record) with a quintessential British soul sound that brings to mind the stylings of Greentea Peng, early Jorja Smith work etc. To boil it down to 'easy listening' would feel reductive but, my God, it's easy on the ears for sure. Single number two, 'Ajala' is quite a stark contrast. Incorporating the hectic feeling of bebop classics, it's a blaring and fast-paced brass session with some great high-tempo percussive afrobeat. Taking its name from the Yoruba slang for fidgety, derived from the Nigerian journalist who one day decided to travel the world on a moped, the track does just that: it begs you to get up and move. If these two tracks are anything to go by, the world is set for a future award winner this Autumn.
Review: Much celebrated new school jazz crew Ezra Collective finally unveil their highly anticipated new album Where I'm Meant To Be after a big summer single 'Victory Dance' got us all excited. This record is a life-affirming romp with their famous hybrid sound tasing in all manner of different styles, eras and scenes. Some high-profile features from Sampa The Great, Kojey Radical, Emile Sande and Nao bring extra goodness to this record which is certainly a product of the current London scene but also owes a debt to the sounds of southern Africa. It all adds up to a real doozy.
God Gave Me Feet For Dancing (feat Yazmin Lacey) (4:11)
Ajala (0:42)
The Traveller (4:48)
N29 (3:56)
No One's Watching Me (feat Olivia Dean) (4:57)
Hear My Cry (3:31)
Shaking Body (3:14)
Expensive (6:10)
Streets Is Calling (feat Manifest & Moonchild Sanelly) (3:08)
Why I Smile (5:20)
Have Patience (2:35)
Everybody (4:01)
Review: Dance, No One's Watching is a joyous celebration of the unifying power of dance. Written during Ezra Collective's world tour in 2023, which also saw them become the first jazz act to win the Mercury Prize, this album is full of vibrant energy, a complete sonic journey through a night out in the city, this album succeeds from the opening anticipation to the dawn's quiet conclusion. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios amidst a live communal celebration, Dance, No One's Watching resonates with love, music, and the infectious spirit of dancing. The band's dynamic compositions and rhythmic power are showcased in every track, making it a powerful addition to contemporary British music. The Deluxe 2 LP set on black vinyl, housed in a gatefold jacket with exclusive artwork and a fold-out poster, makes this limited edition the copy to have. Ezra Collective's are innovative with a unifying musical vision.
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