Back catalogue: Funk

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: Originally released on Flying Dutchman in 1973, Leon Thomas' Blues and the Soulful Truth is an outstanding slice of soul funk from one of the genre's all time greats. Thomas came to fame working with Pharoah Sanders on 'The Creator Has A Master Plan', but on this album he was in full flight writing his own songs, backed up by Pee Wee Ellis as a conductor and with Bob Thiele as producer. Thomas had an unflinching approach to his message, best heard on incredible cuts like 'Shape Your Mind To Die', but there's tenderness to match the toughness. Just listen to the sweetness of 'China Doll' on this long overdue reissue and take in the full spectrum of the Leon Thomas sound.

Review: Recorded and initially released in 1976, Stage 2 was one of a trio of killer albums that highlife legend Pat Thomas recorded with the Marjarita backing band. Although amongst his most popular sets in his native Ghana, the album has never been released outside Africa - until now. This remastered edition, which comes pressed on clear vinyl, is therefore long overdue. It remains a superb set all told, with Thomas and his collaborators serving up a fuzzy, sometimes fiery fusion of Afro-Soul, highlife, Afro-funk, rocksteady, reggae and Afro-rock. Thomas is in terrific form throughout, delivering effortlessly soulful and impassioned vocals that turn an otherwise excellent album into a genuinely terrific one.

Review: We love RSD only for one thing, and that's providing us with inaccessible records that have been snapped-up by Discogs sharks over the years. This timely reissue of Pat Thomas second LP from 1976, the wonderful Marijata, is one such record that has become impossible to find in its original format, and one which allows us to have some access to the highlife beat, one of our biggest loves. While much of this album rests in classic soul and funk, Pat Thomas' Ghanaian influences are loud and present, whether through the guitars, the aesthetics of each instrumental and, of course, the quality of the recording itself. Funk out to some ORIGINAL STYLE. Cop it quick!

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: Chicagoan trumpeter and flugel hornist Malachi Thompson made some fine records during his lifetime, though none are better than his 1980 solo debut The Seventh Son. It's been an in-demand item amongst jazz collectors for some time, making this belated vinyl reissue a welcome development. The set is spiritual in tone, but musically draws just as much from soul-jazz and fusion as it does the more freewheeling end of spiritual jazz. As a result, the tracks are largely warming, melodious and alluring, with Thompson's dexterous and imaginative playing leaving a lasting impression. Our highlights include 'Street Dance' and the epic 'Denise', but to be honest the whole set is essential listening.

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: 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: Unlike previous instalments in the 180g label's Wamono series, this isn't a compilation in the strictest sense of the term, but rather a retrospective. It showcases a range of killer jazz-funk and rare groove tunes recorded at Nippon Columbia studios in the mid 1970s by arranger Kiyoshi Yamaya, koto legend Toshiko Yonekawa and shakahuchi master Kifu Mitsuhashi. Highlights come thick and fast throughout, from the mellow, slow-burn lusciousness of 'Nanbu Ushioi-Uta' and the up-beat, guitar solo-laden brilliance of 'Hohai-Bushi', to the all-time Japanese jazz-funk classic that is 'Saitaro-Bushi' and the solo-laden brilliance of 'Asadoya Yunti', whose dazzling Fender Rhodes solos are reminiscent of the early '70s work of the late, great Billy Preston.

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: 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.