Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Disco creator T-Groove has received high praise on both the domestic Japanese and international scene. What better motive, then, to trade on his newly gilded name than to pair up with street drummer George Kano for a transformative set of grooves, in the form of 'Let Me Ride', 'Midnight Lady' and ensuing tracks? That's just what T-Groove has done on his latest record here for P-Vine, incorporating a fusion-like style exquisitely crossing between jazz, rock, Latin and quiet storm. A testament to the chemistry shared between T-Groove and Kano - drummer-and-producer-dyad extraordinaires - this is a well-cooked slice of late night urban fusion and groove.

Review: Erik Tagg's Rendez Vous (1976) is pure seventies soft rock with a touch of jazz fusion, creating a rich, melodic experience. As his second solo effort, it showcases Tagg's evolution from his earlier work with Dutch bands Beehive and Rainbow Train. Produced by Hans Vermeulen, the album is a masterclass in intricate harmonies and sophisticated arrangements, all underscored by Tagg's warm, resonant vocals. Tracks like 'Life Goes On' highlight Tagg's ability to infuse soul-searching lyrics with a smooth, soothing delivery, creating a sound that is both introspective and comforting. The album's lush instrumentation, blending elements of jazz, pop and rhythm & blues, evokes a sense of romantic escapism, making it a hidden gem of the AOR and modern soul genres. Though it didn't achieve mainstream success, Rendez Vous developed a cult following, appreciated for its nostalgic and warm vibes.

Review: Funk Night returns with this magnificent new album Vibrant Kaleisdosonic Rhythms from Zanzibar. It is well infuse by a wide range of worldly sounds, rhythms and moods and kicks off with a melange of incidental jazz keys and raw horn sounds that are super exotic. 'Night In Casablanca' is as steamy as you would expect with a low slung groove, 'Badmington Baobab' is another flute lead sound with mystery and intrigue and 'Hologram Water' is more reflective and inward in its lush keys and delicate organic percussive layers. A nice escapist instrument funk album for laid back times.

Review: At 88, Ebo Taylor, the legendary Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat pioneer, made his U.S. debut at the Jazz Is Dead concert series, captivating audiences nationwide. This historic visit coincided with the recording of Ebo Taylor JID022, a groundbreaking psychedelic afrobeat album produced with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. Younge expressed the significance of this collaboration, likening it to working with Fela Kuti, emphasising the dream of capturing Ebo's essence on analog tape. The album features swirling horns, gritty guitars and polyrhythmic percussion reminiscent of Taylor's seminal 1970s work, alongside spiritually rich backing vocals that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Ebo's heartfelt lyrics, exploring themes of love, peace and spirituality, resonate with nearly a century of wisdom. Tracks like 'Beye Bu, Beye Ba' and 'Kusi Na Sibo' impart life lessons on gratitude and divine provision, solidifying Ebo Taylor JID022 as an essential addition to his storied catalogue and a crown jewel for Jazz Is Dead. This release coincides with his eagerly anticipated tour across the Americas, showcasing the enduring legacy of a true musical icon.

Review: Ebo Taylor, a towering figure in highlife and afrobeat, recorded his latest album during his debut US touria milestone that came at the remarkable age of 88. Teaming up with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Taylor crafted a psychedelic journey steeped in 70s-inspired rhythms. Tracks like 'Beye Bu, Beye Ba' and 'Kusi Na Sibo' reflect his spiritual depth and lyrical wisdom, exploring themes of gratitude and divine guidance. Recorded at Linear Labs, the album pulses with fuzzed-out guitars, polyrhythmic percussion, and Taylor's signature vocal style, standing as both a testament to his enduring brilliance and a crown jewel in the Jazz Is Dead series.

Review: At 88, Ghanaian highlife and afrobeat legend Ebo Taylor made his first-ever journey to the US, performing in the Jazz Is Dead concert series. These shows, which sold out across the country, led to an unexpected and electrifying collaboration between Taylor, Adrian Younge, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. The result is a psychedelic afrobeat album, recorded at Younge's Linear Labs studio, that's bound to thrill fans of both classic West African funk and afrobeat purists. The album channels the raw energy of Ebo's 70s recordings, with swirling horns, fuzzed-out guitars, and the unmistakable polyrhythmic percussion that made Taylor a revolutionary figure in African music. "Collaborating with Ebo Taylor is a bucket-list accomplishment," says Younge, likening the experience to working with another afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti. The analog recording style, embracing the gritty textures of 70s Africa, gives this album an authenticity that's impossible to ignore. Tracks like 'Beye Bu, Beye Ba' and 'Kusi Na Sibo' exemplify Taylor's profound lyricism. His reflections on love, spirituality, and gratitude echo his decades-long career, while the ensemble of Ghanaian vocalists adds a spiritual depth that transports listeners back to his prime. Ebo's son, Henry Taylor, also features, proving himself a formidable talent in his own right. This album is not just a nod to the past but a crowning achievement in Taylor's enduring legacy. For connoisseurs of afrobeat, it's a standout moment in both Ebo's catalogue and the growing canon of the Jazz Is Dead series.

Review: Mad About's latest reissue is a doozy for funk fans. Telstar's Orbiting is a soulful, ghetto-vibed masterpiece that comes all the way from Barbados and is back on wax fr the first time since its original pressing. This album blends infectious rhythms with powerful, emotive vocals that epitomise the essence of 1970s funk and Caribbean-influenced grooves. A standout track is Kool & The Gang's funky version of 'Kool Reggae,' which adds a unique twist to the classic while other highlights like 'World of Tomorrow' and 'Making a Living' have become DJ favs thanks to their killer grooves and timeless appeal.

Review: The 12th album from The Temptations for Berry Gordy's influential Motown label came in 1970. It was written in its entirety by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and produced by Whitfield, and despite the label it came on, Psychedelic Shack pretty much tore up the usual Motown template and instead delved deep into psychedelia. The acid-tinged title track breaks new ground thanks to the influence of the B-52s and they maintained this vibe on 'Hum Along and Dance' but ventured into different territories with the experimental 'You Make Your Own Heaven and Hell Right Here on Earth' and 'Take a Stroll Thru Your Mind.' The album peaks with tracks like 'It's Summer' and the Whitfield-penned classic 'War.' This album remains timeless and a great example of the band's evolution

Review: Originally released on the Soweto label in 1976, this record is a rare gem that perfectly encapsulates the exciting energy of its era. Themba is the sole album from the South African group led by Baba "Themba" Mokoena, a recording that has a timeless blend of sophisticated improvisation and infectious groove. Mokoena, renowned for his guitar prowessifirst spotlighted on Dick Khoza's landmark Chapitaileads a skilled ensemble through a set of tracks that balance technical brilliance with undeniable danceability. The standout cut, 'Fana Fana', exemplifies this alchemy, featuring fluid saxophone melodies, crisp guitar riffs, nice flute solo and an energetic horn section. Throughout the album, the interplay between instruments shows the group's dynamic synergy, creating a sound both lush and immediate. The layered textures and lively rhythms invite listeners into a world brimming with cultural pride and musical ingenuity. Now reissued for the first time nearly 50 years later, Themba resonates with the same soulful vitality that made it a cornerstone of South African jazz. Remastered from the original master tapes under As-Shams Archive, this reissue ensures the album's brilliance continues to inspire new generations.

Review: Also known as "Portland's Pillar Of Soul", Ural Thomas is a widely esteemed Portland based r&b singer-songwriter and musician, active since the 1950s. Still going strong over almost three-quarter century's worth of performing and releasing, Thomas' breathtaking oeuvre comes to a recent head on this latest LP+7" via Cairo, 'Nat Ural'. Eschewing his latest incarnation with backing The Pain (making up Ural Thomas and the Pain), which was formed after a long hiatus, we return to Thomas' solo sensibility here. A new LP backed up by a sneaky extra 7", Thomas' distinctive, homely brand of strutting vocal soul is once more put on display here.

Review: Ella Thompson's new album is a stunning tribute to classic soul, blending the warm, cinematic sounds of the late 60s and early 70s with her unique modern sensibilities. Thompson's soulful, velvet voice takes center stage, effortlessly evoking the timeless elegance of artists like The Chi-Lites and Main Ingredient while maintaining her distinct artistry. From the sweltering grooves of 'Jigsaw' to the slow-burning beauty of 'Other People's Problems', each track brims with lush arrangements featuring piano, slinky guitar, tight rhythms and feathery backing vocals. Co-produced by Liam McGorry and Henry Jenkins, the album captures the essence of vintage soul. Recorded live over two days, Thompson assembled a powerhouse band, including members of Surprise Chef and Hiatus Kaiyote's Jace XL. Together, they deliver expertly layered compositions that feel nostalgic yet fresh. Highlights like 'Let There Be Nothing' and 'One More Step' showcase Thompson's ability to craft songs that resonate deeply, while the wistful closer, 'Don't Be a Taurus', leaves a lasting impression. This is a masterclass in soul revival with its timeless sound and Thompson's breathtaking vocals.

Review: The Unreleased Album by The Horne Section, originally recorded during the years of 1983-1985, offers a vibrant fusion of funk, soul, disco and boogie. This US boogiefunk studio project stayed unreleased for a few decades until 2010, when these gems were collected for release. Each track exudes infectious energy and groove, with funky basslines, soulful melodies, and irresistible rhythms. The seamless integration of horns adds depth and texture, elevating the overall listening experience. From start to finish, the album delivers a captivating blend of retro charm and contemporary flair. Disco, house and funk fans can now enjoy this amazing find.

Review: Originally released in 1983, Hitomi Tohyama's NEXT DOOR was the great Japanese artist's fourth album and now it makes a welcome return to the shelves thanks to this limited edition reissue on clear green vinyl. Deeply inspired by early 80s American pop, this City Pop classic captures the essence of urban life with every track. it is truly packed with sweet and infectious rhythms and nostalgic medics, lush hooks and effortless charm. As such NEXT DOOR is a toe-tapping journey through Tokyo's city lights that is sure to connect with a whole new generation.

Review: Soul Jazz Records is back with another crucial reissue, this time of Dedication by Tribe, a rare gem from the 1970s funk, soul and jazz era as a special limited-edition coloured vinyl for Black Friday 2024. It has been fully remastered and comes with original artwork and mirrors the eclectic sounds of Mandrill, The Blackbyrds and Kool and the Gang. Tribe, led by multi-instrumentalist Earl J Foster and producer Big Dee Ervin, blended funk, jazz, rock, Latin and soul into a singular style on the album which was originally released independently in 1977 and has been out of print for over 45 years. Dedication is a masterpiece that offers a deep, spaced-out fusion.

Review: Tuxedo, the dynamic duo of Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One, return with Tuxedo IV, delivering yet another collection of funk-fuelled gems. Bonding over their mutual love for Parliament, Zapp, and all things funk, the pair channel that influence into a fresh sound designed to light up dancefloors in 2024. The album is packed with tracks that radiate feel-good energy and smooth grooves, perfect for those late-night jams. From the irresistible vibe of 'Roll the Windows Down' to the infectious bounce of 'Back 4 More,' Tuxedo's latest effort doesn't disappoint. With tight production and Hawthorne's signature vocals, the record blends classic funk elements with modern production, creating a set of tunes destined to make you move. Tuxedo IV is another triumph for this unstoppable duo.

Review: Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One, collectively known as Tuxedo, return with their fourth studio effort, continuing their mission to bring timeless funk to the dancefloor. Their chemistry is as tight as ever, blending the sounds of Parliament, Zapp, and other funk pioneers into fresh, energetic tracks made for the here and now. With tracks that are both groove-heavy and irresistibly catchy, the duo delivers yet another collection of floor-fillers that blend retro charm with modern flair. From the smooth, mellow vibes to the more upbeat cuts, Tuxedo's latest release is a celebration of funk's enduring power.

Review: Chikara Ueda's Flying Easy from 1980 is an essential exploration of jazz fusion, combining intricate melodies with infectious grooves. The opening track, 'Flying Easy,' sets the tone with a laid-back, yet dynamic rhythm, led by Ueda's electric piano and synthesiser work. The ensemble, featuring renowned musicians like Harvey Mason on drums, delivers precise and energetic performances throughout. Tracks like 'Cloudy' and 'Jojo' showcase the group's ability to weave complex rhythms with soulful melodies, while 'Do Like You Do In New York' adds an engaging funk groove. This release captures a vibrant era of jazz fusion and remains a standout for its smooth and innovative approach to genre-blending.

Review: The timeless power of gospel music will never wane and if you want proof, listen no further than this fine reissue of Together by Gloster Williams and The King James Version. Originally released in 1977 on Gospel Roots Records, this classic album is now available once more on vinyl through Regrooved Records. Led by Gloster Williams, the choir blends traditional gospel with elements of soul and r&b to create uplifting and inspiring music. The title track, 'Together' is a real gospel favourite that is celebrated for its message of unity. Remastered from the original recordings, this high-quality vinyl reissue preserves the authentic sound so it's a great one to have on the racks for when you need a hit of emotion.

Review: The EP Lagos Paris London by Yannis & The Yaw, featuring the late Tony Allen, is a testament to the powerful creative synergy between two musical luminaries. Initially envisioned as a nostalgic Afrobeat project, the collaboration took on a life of its own, weaving together elements of rock, funk, jazz, and dub in a dynamic fusion. Recorded over a series of sessions in a Paris studio, the music emerged organically from jams and loops, guided by the intuitive telepathy between Yannis Philippakis and Tony Allen. Joined by Allen's regular collaborators, the result is a collection of near-complete songs imbued with high-spirited, loose-grooved exuberance. Despite facing challenges such as scheduling issues and Covid restrictions, Yannis felt a deep obligation to complete the project in honor of Allen's memory and his desire to share the music with the world. Lagos Paris London serves as both a celebration of their friendship and a timeless testament to the enduring influence of Tony Allen's rhythmic talent.

Review: Released in the wake of Tony Allen's death, Lagos Paris London is the latest full-length record by Foals' Yannis Philippakis in collaboration with the late great drumming legend. The Yannis And the Yaw project finally emerges after years of fan-teasers revealing Philippakis to have been working with the acclaimed Fela Kuti bandmate and Afrobeat pioneer in the studio; after Allen's death in 2023, the likes of 'Walk Through Fire' and 'Lagos Paris London' effortlessly blend the sounds of Afrobeat and post-punk, bridging the spirits of each while unexpectedly swerving from the duo's initial impulse to produce a nostalgic record.

Review: This unique album is a bold reimagining of the iconic sweet-soul group, spearheaded by Delfonics' lead vocalist William Hart and infused with Adrian Younge's unique, hip-hop-informed perspective. While the album features elements familiar to Delfonics fans, such as the electric sitar, french horn and lush string arrangements, Younge's approach departs from traditional production, offering a more experimental and idiosyncratic take on the genre. Drawing influence from the eccentric strains of soul and r&b adored by crate diggers, Younge's arrangementsiincorporating harpsichord, glockenspiel and electric sitariimbue the album with a sense of campy psychedelia, yet manage to avoid veering into kitsch. Hart's crystal-clear falsetto remains a cornerstone of the album, with his voice serving as a bridge between the past and Younge's modern vision. Though much of the album sees Hart performing solo, a departure from the layered harmonies of classic Delfonics, it feels organic and fitting for the material. The pairing of Hart's legendary voice with Younge's analog-driven production creates a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Tracks like 'True Love' and 'Stand Up' show how much care has been given to allow the original beauty to the focal point. A genius blend of old-school soul and modern sensibilities.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged, slight surface marks on record***


This unique album is a bold reimagining of the iconic sweet-soul group, spearheaded by Delfonics' lead vocalist William Hart and infused with Adrian Younge's unique, hip-hop-informed perspective. While the album features elements familiar to Delfonics fans, such as the electric sitar, french horn and lush string arrangements, Younge's approach departs from traditional production, offering a more experimental and idiosyncratic take on the genre. Drawing influence from the eccentric strains of soul and r&b adored by crate diggers, Younge's arrangementsiincorporating harpsichord, glockenspiel and electric sitariimbue the album with a sense of campy psychedelia, yet manage to avoid veering into kitsch. Hart's crystal-clear falsetto remains a cornerstone of the album, with his voice serving as a bridge between the past and Younge's modern vision. Though much of the album sees Hart performing solo, a departure from the layered harmonies of classic Delfonics, it feels organic and fitting for the material. The pairing of Hart's legendary voice with Younge's analog-driven production creates a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Tracks like 'True Love' and 'Stand Up' show how much care has been given to allow the original beauty to the focal point. A genius blend of old-school soul and modern sensibilities.