Back catalogue: Funk

Review: During the disco era, there were numerous albums by one-off studio collectives that have since gone on to become sought-after items amongst collectors. One of those is undoubtedly the sole, self-titled album from Stratavarious, a 1976 set produced by sometime Philadelphia International Records arranger John L. Usry. This must-check "45" features two versions of one of the album's highlights: laidback, Latin-tinged, occasionally jazzy number 'Nightfall'. You'll find the extended seven-inch edit on the flip, where celestial female backing vocals and languid trumpet solos rise above a samba-tinged beat and luscious orchestration. Japanese producer T Groove provides an arguably even better A-side re-edit which is a little more groove-based while retaining all of the track's detailed, intricate musicality.

Review: R. Ackley is the man behind this particular Status project - there are many others in various genres - and he is credited with just one release - 1977's Girl, which has become a cult classic in the world of funk and soul. It was written alongside C. Barton and is a glorious bit of lavish and immersive soul with a tricky rhythm section firing out minimal but punch rhythms under the AOR-style vocals. It's cosmic and Beatrice and perfect for so many settings. On the flip is 'Wild Woman' written with S. Bourne and it is another heater well worth having, especially as an original of this will cost you well over 300 quid.

Review: Sylvia Striplin has been heavily sampled by all manner of artists over the years. Here one of her biggest hits 'Give Me Your Love' is presented on a 7" for the first time with 'You Said' on the flip. The A-side is the one with its big funky licks, low-slung bass line and celebratory riffs all finished off with the glorious vocal itself. 'You Said' is a more jazzy and low-key number, with swirling drums and hip-swinging claps taking you later into the night on a more cosy and personal vibe.

Review: For their sixth addition to the Eastside Edits series, Ontarian hip-hop editors (and here, total reconstructors) Suckaside drop two new versions down the chimney for Christmas. As ever, the cat-and-mouse game of original-track discovery is up; this time, we hear new takes on Snoop Dogg's 'What's My Name' (here reincarnated as 'Heres My Name') and Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' (here, 'Heard It Through Creedence'). Both are stereo-centred and bass-bolstered, with new big beats and slick instrumental varnishings providing ample extra headroom for ever-rejuvenative dancefloor goings-on.

Review: This rare groove reissue by Expansion Records looks back on the best work of New Orleans percussionist Bill Summers, whose efforts lent revolutions to the latin jazz styles of the early 80s. These are choice bits taken from disparate points in his career; 'Come Into My Life' is a sultry, subtle, slow slice of emotive soul recorded with Earth Wind & Fire's Skip Scarborough. 'Don't Fade Away', meanwhile, features the backing band Summers Heat, and raises the stakes with a striking vocal feature from Leo Miller.

Review: Soul-Direction Records recently had huge success with the release of the Decisions' 'We're In Love/I Love You' and now follow it up with another vital 45rpm after a conversation with Numero who gave their permission. As such this is the only 7" vinyl release of 'P's and Q's' and its instrumental version. These tracks were part of the quartet from Washington DC's recordings with DC International. The band generated plenty of local buzz but never quite got the major label deal they craved. On these evidence of these two, though, they should have. 'P's & Q's' is lively and funky work, with heart-melting vocals and super smooth grooves.

Review: The tireless work of Funk Night continues here more steamy late-night sounds. This time it's Sunday Papers at the helm and first off comes 'Smoke.' It's a dense, busy cut with sleazy guitar riffs, plenty of sonic grit, raw, edgy drums and vocal stabs as well as some hints of psyched-out soul. On the flip, the rather horribly titled 'Greasy Meat Pocket' is actually a lovely sound with pensive piano chords and signature Hammond organ grooves that make for a nice late night jaunt.

Review: Riveting, super-punchy uptempo funk from Japan's Mushi 45 imprint, the label home of the band The Mushi Players, and whose wily curatorial wits are put on full display with this incredible new release shared with Super Eagles Band. The Players' fourteenth release, 'Sock It To Me' welcomes the newly formed Super Eagles for an enthralling sonic spectacle; part one on the A signals an unmatched taste for unisons and tightness, prepending singeing axes with gnarly vocal yaps and an overall unmatched fonk; the instrumental B-sider, meanwhile, eschews the various voxes and solos for a full-frontal exposing of the nude groove, evincing a strong taste for on-beat hat-batterings and firmly-held sax notes in their place.

Review: This is one of the many exclusive Record Store Day 2024 releases and one of the many you will find yourself wanting to add to your collection. It is the reissue of Superior Elevation's soulful rarity, 'Giving You Love.' Originating from Lake Charles, Louisiana, this 1985 release embodies the band's deep connection to their hometown's soulful roots and in the realm of rare discoveries, they don't come much better. Original copies are exceedingly rare and that scarcity, coupled with the track's inherent soulful charm, cements this as an essential addition for anyone seeking killer dancefloor obscurities.

Review: The Supremes and Magic Disco Machine deliver double the dancefloor delight with 'Bend A Little' on 7" vinyl for the avid soul DJs. The vocal version by The Supremes, previously exclusive to CD, finally graces vinyl, showcasing their undeniable talent and energy. On the flip side, Magic Disco Machine's instrumental rendition takes flight with infectious grooves and funky beats. It's a great little 45 for DJs and collectors alike, marking the first vinyl release for both tracks. Don't miss out on this electrifying addition to your music collection!

Review: Daniele Prencipe, a former member of Ganymed, the influential Austrian space disco band from the late 70s, is a versatile multi-instrumentalist with a rich discography spanning jazz to pop. Based in Italy, he excels as a musician, singer, and composer, yet remains underrated despite his evident talent. His solo projects and work with Surprise showcase his exceptional abilities. Particularly notable are tracks like 'Wow' and 'Singin' And Steppin'' which are reissued now by Baba and show how he pioneered the use of the Minimoog and Vocoder. These compositions feature intricate arrangements that set them apart. Originally released on a rare 7" by Polydor in 1983, these are standout funk jams.

Review: A rare groove treasure trove from Sweet Charles, this new collection brings together three standout tracks that are sure to delight collectors and fans alike. First up is 'I Like It Like That,' making its vinyl debut after years of anticipation. Then there's 'Soul Man,' originally released on a 7" styrene pressing back in the 70s and now ready for a fresh spin. Rounding out the set is the sunshine club anthem 'Yes It's You,' a bona fide mover that still lights up dancefloors. For rare groove aficionados, this is a must-have release, capturing Sweet Charles at his soulful best.

Review: Tiki Tumbao keeps up the early pressure of their first few releases with a fine debut from The Swizzlas. This raw mix of soul and funk speaks of the group's deep roots in Southern Florida and New Orleans. It brings upright bass, crunchy drums and myriad funky riffs that never stop percolating and keep you on your toes. That's the exquisite A-side while on the flip you get the short but sweet 'Dippin Deux' which is a rolling instrumental with organ chords and neat riffs.

Review: Scruscru and Los Protos hook up on the former's ever-reliable label for some more funk-fuelled and sample-heavy madness. This eight-tracker draws on the best of Library, jazz, hip hop and soul and collides elements of all of those together with some raw, and what sounds like, MPC beats, all tapped out with a lovably loose vibe. Some like 'Local Sugar Diggers' look up towards a sunny, cloudless sky, others like 'Dreams Of Sonora' are swaggering broken beat workouts with sensuous sax lines setting a steamy tone. 'Por Do Sol Em Shelekhmet' is another highlight with its aloof, angelic vocal tones.

Review: Famously, Shadow's Sweet Sweet Dreams album was panned by critics when it first appeared way back in 1984. In the years since, it has attained cult status, with collectors of Trinidadian music particularly enjoying its curious blend of bustling boogie electronics, Soca rhythms, traditional instrumentation and sassy disco-pop style. As this tasty reissue proves, the album has lost none of its lustre over the last 30 years. Put simply, it still sounds ahead of its time, with intergalactic dancefloor workouts such as "Let's Make It Up" (with its "we're gonna have a party" refrain) and "Way Way Out" resonating particularly loudly.

Review: Shango is the name for the Yoruba 'Thunder God' in Nigeria and Ojo Okeji, the leader of the Shango Dance Band was all about injecting military power and warlike energy in his own strain of Nigerian highlife and afrobeat. However, apart from all of Okeji's cult-like stories involving him and his part in the Nigerian army during a time of civil unrest in the late 60's and through to the 70's, and his often troublesome relationship with the great Fela Kuti, the truly special aspect of the Shango Dance Band album is that it was never properly released following its production in 1974. Comb & Razor have done the right thing here and, without them, this magical LP would still be locked away in the never-ending vaults of Nigerian music. This is very personal, incredibly singular African jazz-dance with a raucous psychedelic edge that lifts it high and mighty above the competition. A truly special album - DO NOT MISS IT.

Review: International Anthem has become one of the contemporary jazz scenes most crucial labels. It deals in the most cutting edge sounds in the genre as well as offering up fantastic fusions with sounds from the world's hip-hop, R&B and broken beat. Here they look to Charles Stepney for an album that he recorded back in the 1960s in his Chicago basement. He played all the instruments himself and across four sides of vinyl he serves up his so-called and signature "baroque soul" sound with widescreen arrangements, innocent melodies and curious rhythms.

Review: Sylvester's Live At The Opera House is a monumental release capturing a pivotal moment in his career, celebrated with unrivalled splendour. Recorded in 1979 at San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House, this first-ever complete release of the concert showcases Sylvester's commanding stage presence and profound musicality. Backed by a 26-piece orchestra, the performance unfolds over 13 unedited tracks, including the mid-show ceremony where he received the key to San Francisco, a poignant tribute during a tumultuous time for the city's LGBTQ+ community. From the electrifying opener to his iconic hits like 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' and 'Dance (Disco Heat),' Sylvester delivers a transcendent blend of disco, soul, and pop, amplified by the impassioned vocals of Martha Wash and Izora Rhodes Armstead, known as Two Tons o' Fun. The setlist spans from soulful ballads to exhilarating dance anthems, each moment infused with Sylvester's signature blend of glamour and vulnerability. Joshua Gamson's liner notes enrich the experience, offering historical context and personal insights into Sylvester's legacy. Whether revisiting classics or discovering unreleased gems, Live At The Opera House is glimpse into Sylvester's enduring artistry and cultural significance, marking a definitive chapter in the history of disco and LGBTQ+ music.