Back catalogue: Funk

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: A bumper package of six - count 'em - reworkings of disco grooves by Scruscru, offering a myriad of new takes on classic sounds. Beno, Bernardo Campos's 'Space Gruv' opens proceedings with a luxurious, soulful edge, while Tree Threes' 'Sunshine Miss' coasts along gracefully with more of a beefed up jazz house vibe. Manuel Kane's 'Disco Visions' throws more beautifully jazzy chord shapes and adds a devastating diva vocal for a proper peak time feel, Immersif's 'La Tournee Des Phares' employs more of a broken beat shuffle and 'Rebecca's Mystery Mood' by Punky Wash revolves around Latin beats and lilting guitar lines. Finally comes arguably the EP's jazziest moment of all, Justnique's 'Elevator Music', with some mighty impressive tinkling of the ivories. Authentic, gorgeous sounds overlaid on some sturdy 4/4 templates - pure DJ heaven.

Review: The Shake & Bake Band's Shake & Bake is an undeniable invitation to hit the dancefloor. Side-1 kicks off with 'Shake & Bake (part 1),' where the band lays down a groove that's nothing short of exhilarating. The track stands out for its originality, offering a vibe that feels almost hedonisticiperfect for those looking to experience something fresh and exciting. On Side-2, 'Shake & Bake (part 2)' strips things down, bringing in a hoedown-like twist with the addition of a harmonica. The drumming intensifies, building excitement as the funkiness truly shines through in this version. Overall, Shake & Bake delivers two distinctive takes on a groove that will keep the energy high and the dancefloor moving.

Review: Shokazulu's Vector Smector on 2000 Black is a compelling 7" release that blends nu-jazz and electronic rhythms. The title track, 'Vector Smector,' offers a smooth groove with a classy piano solo that weaves through a polished electronic rhythm section. It's a delightful fusion that balances sophistication with a laid-back vibe. On Side-2 ,'What You Gonna Say,' introduces a funky edge, incorporating crowd noise for added atmosphere. The spacey keyboard work enhances the track's immersive quality, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Despite its brief runtime, this 7" record delivers a powerful punch, showcasing Shokazulu's adeptness at blending genres and creating memorable, groove-laden music.

Review: German sextet "SOUND" recorded a standout set in Frankfurt in 1978, immortalised on the LP "Jazzlife" at Night (Vol.1). Singled out was their composition 'Sound Spirit,' a dancey, post-bop jazz track where Volker Burkhardt's tenorsax soulfully wails in a Coltrane fashion over Werner Bauer' syncopated keys and Heli Kneipp's and Athur Greaves' driving percussion and drumming, intertwined with Jann Meyer's funky bass. All culminate in this super groovy contrapuntal track that often takes you nicely by surprise. Now this seminal piece arrives in a limited edition 7" of 300 on Tramp Records, the small but significant home of some of Germany's best reissued funk, soul and jazz on vinyl. Nat Adderly's 'Sweet Emma' was one of "SOUND's" other distinctive tracks that night, and it too resurfaces on the B side. This upbeat version may teeter on a 'trad' jazz precipice, but as the saxophone takes the cornet parts of the original, its tonality draws the listener in. These tracks already command attention from the discerning contemporary jazz community, and now again available is a must for those who like both upbeat or downtempo late 70s jazz.

Review: Early arrivals at Stone Foundation's intimate gig are greeted with oversized cardboard masks of frontman Neil Jones, setting a playful tone for the evening. As the venue fills, a palpable buzz builds among the devoted fans packed into the steamy room. The band's latest offering, their first new material in over a year, hints at exciting new directions for the UK soul stalwarts. This double A-side single whets appetites for their 11th studio album, due in 2025. Stone Foundation's signature sound evolves here, incorporating fresh influences while maintaining their soulful core. 'Fix You Up' rides a propulsive groove, its urgent rhythm section driving forward as layers of brass and keys build to euphoric heights. Jones' impassioned vocals soar over the mix, his lyrics touching on themes of resilience and redemption. The addition of Mick Talbot's distinctive keyboard work adds a new dimension, his deft touches elevating both tracks. 'Everything and All I Want' takes a more introspective turn, its shimmering arrangement recalling classic 70s soul ballads while feeling thoroughly modern. As the set progresses, the new material sits comfortably alongside fan favourites, demonstrating Stone Foundation's knack for crafting timeless soul music. The limited pressing of 500 copies ensures this release will quickly become a coveted item for collectors. It's a fitting testament to a band continuing to evolve and excite after over a decade in the game, bridging their past work with whatever they're cooking up next.

Review: Suckaside, a creative artist with a deft touch in beat composition, sampling, and mashups, delivers a dynamic offering with Toxic Funk Vol 15. 'Sometimes Bootyful' is a piano-laden funk jam driven by a tight breakbeat that's both hip and infectious. The track seamlessly blends elements of house into its groove, making it accessible to pop fans while staying true to its funky roots. The addition of rap verses adds an extra layer of appeal, making this track a standout. Bringing in 90s funky rhythm vibes, 'Sugar Face' on the B-side cleverly incorporates hooks from D'Angelo's 'Brown Sugar.' This track is a 7" gem for funk and R&B lovers, combining nostalgic grooves with a modern twist.

Review: Some throwback and retro rap and early hip-hop fin here from Fraternity and Und Brother who join forces to put out this gem from Super Lover See and Casanova Rud. 'Girls Act Stupid-aly' takes up the A-side of the 7" with some playful bars and plenty of scratching, machine drum grooves and melodic hooks. 'I Gotta Good Thing' has some superb flow and plenty of James Brown vocals as well as big horns making it a real party starter.

Review: If you read these pages at all often, and specifically those dedicated to Peoples Potential Unlimited, you will know we're fully signed-up fans of this superb DC-based label. Lo-fi funk, soul and disco both new and old is its main trade and here we get another such gem from Dwight Sykes. 'Rock Steady' is a passionate sound with listing hi-hats cutting through the murky analogue airwaves as jumbled drums, bass guitar twangs and epic falsettos all tug at the heart. 'One Night Stand' (feat Jahari) is a slow and seminal soul sound full of yearning and romantic pain.

Review: The third full-length from London nine-piece Soul Grenades distils over a decade of performance into slick, high-impact modern funk. Their sound - sharp brass, syncopated rhythm, deep-pocket bass - owes as much to the horn-driven grooves of the Meters as to the tightly orchestrated grit of early 2000s revivalists. But it's the band's songwriting, honed through years of gigging, that carries the weight here. 'Dopamine' is an instant opener, kinetic and bright, while 'Jealousy' draws from vintage soul drama with horn stabs and raw vocal flair. On 'Star Gazin'' and 'Be Mine', they shift into a softer register without losing rhythmic tension. 'Death At The Disco' ups the stakes, laced with cinematic flair, and 'Suga Mama' punches through with high-speed strut. Elsewhere, the slow-burn closer 'A Better Day' leans into gospel-funk catharsis, building tension in restrained waves. Everything is dialled in - arrangements tight, solos concise, vocal harmonies blended without fuss. While earlier records mapped out the group's energy on stage, this one moves with the confidence of a studio band in full control. As far as raw pleasure goes, they've hit the brief.