Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Edwin Birdsong's self-titled album was originally released in 1978 on Philadelphia International Records and very much captured the spirit of the great disco era. By then, Birdsong was already a significant figure at the cult label having proven himself as both a songwriter and producer. The album features several tracks that became dance floor staples such as 'Cola Bottle Baby,' 'Kunta Dance' and 'Goldmine,' each packed with infectious funk grooves perfect for partying. Famously, 'Cola Bottle Baby' was later sampled by Daft Punk in their smash hit 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger'. Although the album didn't chart, it remains a prized find for disco and soul heads.

Review: Don Blackman's self-titled debut album, released in 1982, stands as a testament to his versatility as a musician, blending jazz-fusion, funk, and r&b with a distinct creative vision. Though it may not have made waves on the charts, its legacy has only grown with time, cementing it as a cult classic in the 80s jazz-funk landscape. Blackman, a skilled keyboardist and vocalist, had already built a name through collaborations with heavyweights like Parliament-Funkadelic and Roy Ayers, but his debut marked a bold foray into the spotlight. The album itself feels like a rich, meticulously crafted groove machine, where Blackman's keyboard wizardry is matched by his soulful vocal delivery. Tracks like 'Heart's Desire' and 'Holding You, Loving You' highlight his knack for catchy melodies, while 'Yabba Dabba Doo' leans into playful funk, embodying the joyous experimentation that permeates the record. Each song brims with tight, polished arrangements, grounded by smooth basslines and Blackman's ability to switch between genres effortlessly. What makes this album so significant is its impact on future generations. While not an immediate commercial hit, it's become a goldmine for hip-hop producers, with many of its tracks being sampled by major artists, pulling it from obscurity into a cherished underground classic. In an era when funk and jazz were evolving, Blackman's debut was - and remains - an unsung yet influential piece of music history, offering a snapshot of an artist at the peak of his creative powers, melding diverse sounds with a rare sophistication.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Don Blackman's self-titled debut album, released in 1982, stands as a testament to his versatility as a musician, blending jazz-fusion, funk, and r&b with a distinct creative vision. Though it may not have made waves on the charts, its legacy has only grown with time, cementing it as a cult classic in the 80s jazz-funk landscape. Blackman, a skilled keyboardist and vocalist, had already built a name through collaborations with heavyweights like Parliament-Funkadelic and Roy Ayers, but his debut marked a bold foray into the spotlight. The album itself feels like a rich, meticulously crafted groove machine, where Blackman's keyboard wizardry is matched by his soulful vocal delivery. Tracks like 'Heart's Desire' and 'Holding You, Loving You' highlight his knack for catchy melodies, while 'Yabba Dabba Doo' leans into playful funk, embodying the joyous experimentation that permeates the record. Each song brims with tight, polished arrangements, grounded by smooth basslines and Blackman's ability to switch between genres effortlessly. What makes this album so significant is its impact on future generations. While not an immediate commercial hit, it's become a goldmine for hip-hop producers, with many of its tracks being sampled by major artists, pulling it from obscurity into a cherished underground classic. In an era when funk and jazz were evolving, Blackman's debut was - and remains - an unsung yet influential piece of music history, offering a snapshot of an artist at the peak of his creative powers, melding diverse sounds with a rare sophistication.

Review: The reissue of Earth, Wind & Fire's Greatest Hits album brings so many timeless classics back to the fore while celebrating the iconic band's soulful blend of funk, r&b and disco which so defined an era. This collection captures their iconic tracks like 'September,' 'Boogie Wonderland' and 'Shining Star' and shows the vibrant brass, infectious rhythms and harmonies that made them such legends. Remastered for enhanced audio quality, the reissue invites listeners to experience these chart-toppers with fresh clarity s is a must-have to experience the energy and spirit of one of music's most influential bands.

Review: Benny Golson, an iconic figure in jazz renowned for his bebop and hard bop mastery, surprised listeners with his 1978 album I'm Always Dancin' To The Music. While celebrated for his work with legends like John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie, Golson takes a bold step into the world of jazz-funk and disco on this release. Known for classics like 'Whisper Not' and 'Killer Joe', the album presents a different side of his musical talents, perfectly capturing the energetic spirit of the late 70s. The title track, a standout groove, has earned a revered status among soul, funk, and jazz collectors, cherished as a rare gem. Its infectious instrumental hook has been widely sampled by artists across genres, including Naughty by Nature and Leona Lewis. Produced by the accomplished George Butler, the album boasts impeccable sound quality, making it a treat for audiophiles. The music's crisp production, tight arrangements, and Golson's unmistakable sax work all contribute to an album that blends danceability with artistic depth. I'm Always Dancin' To The Music is a hidden treasure with a fresh and funky twist to Golson's Tillustrious career.

Review: Pantechnicons of Philadelphia soul, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes reached their musical peak with Teddy Pendergrass between 1972 and 1975. Their 1975 album Wake Up Everybody hears Pendergrass' last vocal contribution to a band before he went solo; the record is filled with thought-provocations and gnomic lyrics, and became famous more by way of its covers than its originals. Returning the favour, 'Wake Up Everybody' was later covered by John Legend & The Roots, while 'Don't Leave Me This Way' became a disco classic thanks to the vamping vocal verves of Thelma Houston. This 750-copy 50th anniversary repress now comes with a special bonus: a rare 11-minute remix of 'Don't Leave Me This Way' by remixing pioneer Tom Moulton.

Review: The Modulations released their album It's Rough Out Here in 1975, not only impressing both industry and laity with the singles 'Rough Out Here and 'I Can't Fight Your Love', but also spurring the considerable career of a funk quartet whose merit outdoes their reputation alone. The Modulations recorded extensively with MFSB, the house band of the famed record label Philadelphia International; these sessions yielded this album, one considered a gem of 1970s soul music. Exemplary of the long, wistful titles of the Philly funk era and beyond, the titular roughness of the record is also nonetheless embedded in a sea of audible Romance; the Modulations' hard knocks don't exclude the necessity of letting emotion in, with 'Head On Collision With Heartbreak' being an indelible example of this sense of being swept up in one's own emotions in the face of heartbreak, away from the perseverance aesthetics of "gritty" realism one might expect from a title like this.

Review: This vinyl reissue of Plush's 1982 album is a joyous celebration of a hidden gem from the golden era of r&b. Originally overlooked, Plush were more than just another band; they were more a collaboration of talented artists including Bobby Watson, Rene Moore and Angela Winbush. Together, they crafted a blend of dance music featuring the vocals of Siedah Garrett, Tony Phillips, and Ambrose Price II. Discovered by chance in 1983 with the radio hit 'We've Got the Love,' often mistaken for Dynasty, Plush faded into obscurity despite its promising start. With production reminiscent of Shalamar and Leon Sylvers III, Plush's self-titled album encapsulates the vibrant r&b trends of early 80s with infectious melodies and pulsating rhythms. The standout single 'Free and Easy,' penned by Moore and Winbush, embodies the era's transitional r&b sound, driven by a pronounced bass line and upbeat percussion. Despite its short-lived presence, Plush's legacy is revived through this reissue, allowing modern listeners to appreciate its rich musicality and Angela Winbush's influential contributions. 40 years later, this album oozes nostalgia about a great time in dance and rhythm and blues.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***


The tenth studio album by the American female soul vocal group Pointer Sisters is here reissued by MOV, harking back to a certain, unmistakably breakout moment in glitzy, metropolitan electro-soul that emerged just over 40 years ago. The Pointer Sisters broke into the late 70s and 80s charts especially, at the height of the glam era, and rocked the style as it would visibly cross into Studio 54-esque synthpop and disco. Suitably motoric and 'Automatic', this was far from the Pointers' debut album and yet it was also their most popular, attesting a rare example of a group who found their wave well past their industry initiation. Consecutively, on an almost track-by-track basis, the record moves between pacy rock & roll/r&b and glammy electronique, typifying the distinctly vanguard-edging mood of the 1980s West Coast.

Review: The tenth studio album by the American female soul vocal group Pointer Sisters is here reissued by MOV, harking back to a certain, unmistakably breakout moment in glitzy, metropolitan electro-soul that emerged just over 40 years ago. The Pointer Sisters broke into the late 70s and 80s charts especially, at the height of the glam era, and rocked the style as it would visibly cross into Studio 54-esque synthpop and disco. Suitably motoric and 'Automatic', this was far from the Pointers' debut album and yet it was also their most popular, attesting a rare example of a group who found their wave well past their industry initiation. Consecutively, on an almost track-by-track basis, the record moves between pacy rock & roll/r&b and glammy electronique, typifying the distinctly vanguard-edging mood of the 1980s West Coast.

Review: This 1979 release showcases a bold, genre-blending approach to r&b and jazz fusion, marked by unpredictability and diverse musical influences. Opening with a Chic-inspired, glossy disco track, the album quickly shifts gears, weaving in elements from Parliament's funky grooves to sophisticated quiet storm vibes and instrumental jazz-funk. The lush, soulful ballads are particularly noteworthy, with one track featuring a caressing, unforgettable vocal performance that became a beloved quiet storm classic. The fusion of styles is impressive, moving seamlessly from upbeat funk to smooth, sensual tracks that remain engaging from start to finish. The overall effort shines with its creativity and range. The album is a testament to the artist's ability to surprise listeners, delivering an eclectic mix of sounds that keep the listener hooked. True to form, the release is a likable and enjoyable listen that stands out for its genre-defying exploration and captivating compositions.

Review: Johnny "Guitar" Watson's 1977 funk album, A Real Mother For Ya, solidified his status as a master of the genre. Known for his exceptional guitar skills, Watson's album produced the international hit title track along with standout songs like 'Nothing Left To Be Desired' and 'Lover Jones.' This reissue also includes the 2020 Ben Liebrand Oldskool mix as a bonus track, adding a fresh perspective to Watson's timeless funk sound. Throughout his career, Watson influenced countless artists, including Jimi Hendrix, and earned a Grammy nomination for best contemporary blues album. Tragically, Watson passed away while touring Japan in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and groove. A Real Mother For Ya remains a standout example to Watson's musical genius. Available on black vinyl, this reissue ensures that Watson's electrifying sound continues to engage audiences for generations to come.

Review: Based in Jackson, Mississippi, the Wynd Chymes earned a deal with RCA/Victor Records on the strength of their independently released 1981 single, 'Ride' - a killer boogie-soul number that lit up black dancefloors across the United States. Arrival, their debut album, has long been considered a slept on classic - hence this audiophile-friendly Music On Vinyl reissue. It begins with the rather weird new-age ambience of 'Arrival' and ends with the Latin-tinged, Herb Alpert-esque excellence of 'Alakazam'; in between, you'll find an enticing mix of P-funk and boogie-inspired dancefloor workouts, synth-fired slow-dance ballads and energy-packed electrofunk workouts.