Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: German guitarist and bandleader JJ Whitefield, known for his authentic, timeless sound, delves into 'spiritual jazz' on his latest album, The Infinity Of Nothingness. With a career spanning over three decades, Whitefield's journey began in the early 90s with Poets Of Rhythm, pioneers of the Deep Funk scene. Since then, he has explored various musical styles, including funk with Karl Hector and Ethiopian Jazz, West African highlife, Kraut-rock, and ambient music under his Rodinia moniker. The Infinity Of Nothingness is a set of mature, meditative orchestrations, drawing inspiration from Sun Ra and Pharoah Sanders without becoming mere tributes. The album weaves subtle elements of hip-hop, library music, and avant-garde into its sound, creating a unified, trance-like feel. From the sparse opener 'Nothingness' to the three-part 'Infinity Suite' - 'Time', 'Space' and 'Energy' - the album reflects Whitefield's exceptional ability to craft music that resonates deeply with its influences while standing the test of time. As with his early work, Whitefield's latest project continues to set a high standard in musical exploration.

Review: This enchanting album from Welsh jazz harpist Amanda Whiting is a heartwarming celebration of the festive season. Combining her deep love for Welsh culture, jazz, classical music and Christmas, it radiates warmth and charm throughout. Whiting's virtuosity on the harp shines as she reimagines seasonal classics by Vince Guaraldi, Bill Evans, Holst and Tchaikovsky, offering original arrangements that breathe fresh life into these beloved pieces. The 14-track collection exudes joy and nostalgia, with standout moments like the recent singles 'Peace Piece' and 'Skating'. Whiting's arrangements are both intricate and inviting, with a sound that's cozy and uplifting. Inspired by legendary artists like Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, her music is a perfect blend of jazz sophistication and classical elegance, creating a timeless atmosphere. Supported by her accomplished trio, the album is a fitting soundtrack for the holidays, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life with every note. Whether you're curled up by the fire or enjoying festive gatherings, this release offers a musical embrace that's truly comforting. A stunning work that showcases Whiting's exceptional talent and her ability to craft an unforgettable seasonal experience.

Review: Bernie Worrell's posthumous release Wave from the Wooniverse emerges as a brilliant example to his enduring influence and creativity. Hailing from Asheville, NC, Worrell, known for his groundbreaking work with Moog synthesizers and his tenure with Parliament-Funkadelic and Talking Heads, left behind quite a bit of unreleased material upon his passing in 2016. Curated and completed by a stellar lineup including Sean Lennon, Bootsy Collins, and Buckethead among others, this CD collection breathes new life into Worrell's compositions. From funk-infused grooves to ethereal synth landscapes, each track showcases Worrell's lyrical keyboard prowess and musical versatility. The album's diversity reflects Worrell's eclectic career, blending genres seamlessly while maintaining a cohesive sonic narrative. With contributions from original P-Funk members and contemporary collaborators, Wave from the Wooniverse resonates as a fitting tribute to a visionary musician. Whether you're drawn to deep-fried funk or introspective instrumentals, this release is a stunning CD for aficionados of innovative and soul-stirring music.

Review: A compilation of tracks from past albums, collaborations and formerly unreleased cuts by XL Middleton, G-funk-master extraordinaire from LA. Compiled specifically for XL's recent Japan tour, this release comprises the bulk of remaining copies, which, we can vouch, flew largely off the shelves, and fast. The sole focus on G-funk, albeit in his own signature style, has proven so far effective for XL; his production style tends towards the unmistakably steezy and squeezy, and it also borders on West Coast crunk and DJ Mustard-esque ratchet at points. XL entertains wonky 808s and smooth 2-stepped blears, effectively conveying the mood of "layered back", best enshrined in the happily system-conscious track 'Unemployment'.

Review: 'Linear Labs: Sao Paulo' marks Adrian Younge's next chapter, bringing together unreleased tracks from his global collaborations. Known for blending analog warmth with modern sound, Younge delivers an exciting mix of psychedelic soul and hip-hop. The album includes highlights like 'Something About April III' and 'Don't Cry for the Devil' with Snoop Dogg, alongside contributions from artists like ALA.NI, Bilal, and Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier. Each track taps into different influences, from Brazilian samba to Middle-Eastern psych, creating a dynamic sonic experience. This CD release presents Younge's curated vision of musical innovation, a must-have for fans of his boundary-pushing sound.

Notes: On the cover:

Grace Jones by Tamara Palmer: Palmer delves into the entire history of this remarkable artist, who will naturally deliver a stunning cover image. Jones is even more of a one of a kind musician and persona than most of us realize, so Maggot Brain extra excited to feature her on the cover of this issue.

Deep archival dives with living luminaries:

Pulp: Peeling back the onion of time, we are graced with a fine selection of ephemera and rare images from the forthcoming Hat + Beard book on the cult band's cult band: I'm With Pulp, Are You?, by Mark Webber.

Mayo Thompson: Jasper Leach has delivered a stunningly good and very deep dive into the genesis and long life of Thompson's masterpiece Corky's Debt to His Father.

Redd Kross: They've already had a great double album and documentary readied for summer but in the Fall there's also a definitive RK book so Maggot Brain enlisted Jen B. Larson to do a career-spanning feature on your favourite teen babes from Monsanto. Larson wrote Hit Girls: Women of Punk in the USA 1975-83.

Mary Timony: Mary Timony is one of the great guitar luminaries and songwriters of the indie era, but rarely does she get the credit she deserves. Audrey Golden, author of I Thought I Heard You Speak: Women at Factory Records, not only went into every nook and cranny of Timony's career, but the first question she asked Timony is one for the ages: "Is that a lute?"

More mid-sized features:

The Chills: Maggot Brain put together a lovely tribute to Martin Phillipps, thanks to the work of three talented New Zealanders who knew him and his music the best.

The Spatulas: The PPM release of the recently bicoastal band is so good, so Maggot Brain went through each song in depth.

208: Leave it to Fred Thomas to help us all to Detroit's happingest garage-punk two-piece.

Jandek: After Jeff Economy put together the underground show of the year (sorry for the Dad joke!), with the representative from Corwood performing at the bottom of a mine, Maggot Brain put together a beautiful package about it, with amazing photos.

Winston Hightower: Prolific, smart as hell Columbus musician and skater talk about his great new record on K.

Trouble In Mind: None other than Fred Thomas interviewed the duo behind the superb Chicago-based record label.

Columns:

Record reviews, Lucy Sante, the advice column, and more Andy Zax excellence with his 'Extinctophonics' column.

Literary + visual stuff:

Stacey Levine: Mairead Case did a great interview with the hilarious, weird Seattle-based writer and PEN winner about her new book Mice 1961.

Holly Woodlawn: Maggot Brain have scored a sweet excerpt from the definitive bio on her, which will be published by Feral House shortly.

Sarah Chait: Maggot Brain are excited