Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: The Moon and the Melodies, a collaboration between Cocteau Twins and ambient pioneer Harold Budd, stands as a unique gem in both artists' discographies. Originally released in 1986, this ethereal album is now being reissued on vinyl, remastered from the original tapes by Robin Guthrie. Unlike anything else the Cocteau Twins ever produced, this record blends their dreamlike soundscapes with Budd's serene, improvisational piano work. The result is an atmospheric journey, at once intimate and expansive. Tracks like 'Sea, Swallow Me' shine with Elizabeth Fraser's otherworldly vocals, intertwined with Guthrie's shimmering guitar and Raymonde's grounding bass, creating a sound that feels both familiar and entirely unique. Instrumentals like 'Memory Gongs' and 'The Ghost Has No Home' highlight Budd's delicate piano, enhanced by the band's signature ambient textures. The album is a study in contrasts, vocal tracks sit alongside instrumentals, each contributing to a cohesive yet diverse listening experience. For fans, this reissue is a chance to revisit a pivotal moment in the evolution of dream pop and ambient music. The album's enduring appeal is evident in its continued influence in social media. The Moon and the Melodies remains a shining light that can happen when artists from different realms come together to create something truly timeless.

Review: Predating Herbie Hancock's landmark electro experiment 'Rockit' by two years, this 1981 album from the legendary Miles Davis may reference his his 1952 10" LP Young Man With A Horn in its title, but there's nothing traditional or retro about its sound. Having been tempted out of a six year hiatus by his nephew Vince Wilburn, Miles incoporated brand new synth and programming technology into his sound and elements of funk, soul and fusion jazz into the finished article, which features both tracks with Wilburn's band and others featuring saxophone player Bill Evans, bassist Marcus Miller and drummer Al Foster. It's not your average Miles album by a long chalk, but quite a fascinating insight into how the legend refeused to rest on his creative laurels all the same.

Review: 1977's Quiet Nights is one of legendary American jazz figure Mile Davis' lesser known albums. It's not Bitches Brew or Kind of Blue, but it is a delightfully easy to listen work, with references taken from Brazilian folk on 'Prenda Minha' which actually gets renamed 'Song #2' here, or Spanish classical on 'Adelita' which was written by the pioneering Francisco Tarrega and is here called 'Song #1' .There are also some woozy ballads and standout big band jam 'Summer Night.' This reissue comes on heavyweight vinyl and is a great reminder of the range of the influential jazz legend.

Review: Miles Davis' The Bootleg Series, Volume 1: Live in Europe 1967 is a monumental release, capturing the essence of one of jazz's most legendary ensembles. This 5xLP box set from Columbia/Legacy, featuring 180-gram audiophile vinyl, showcases previously unreleased live performances by Davis' second great quintetiWayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. The set documents five concerts from October and November 1967, a transitional period in Davis' career. While this quintet never achieved the pop-cultural impact of Davis' earlier or later groups, their work during this era remains highly influential. The recordings reveal a band pushing the boundaries of bebop with exhilarating spontaneity and creativity. Tony Williams' dynamic drumming is particularly noteworthy, adding intense energy to tracks like 'Footprints,' while Hancock's innovative piano work and Shorter's probing saxophone contribute to the band's distinctive sound. Live in Europe 1967 represents a crucial moment before the group's shift to electric jazz, epitomising the quintet's mastery of live improvisation and interaction.

Review: In a discography that is jam packed with high quality albums, Miles Davis's Sorcerer is one of the standouts. Now newly reissued by Music on Vinyl, it transports listeners into the heart of 1967's avant-garde jazz landscape when it was originally released as part of Davis's Second Great Quintet era. The music showcases the maestro's pioneering fusion of modal jazz and free improvisation from the enigmatic title track to the haunting Prince of Darkness. Davis and his ensemble craft a sonic tapestry that mesmerises with every note here and Wayne Shorter's evocative saxophone, Herbie Hancock's masterful piano, and Tony Williams's dynamic drumming all help make that so.

Review: Star People by the legendary Miles Davis stands as a distinctive piece in his extensive discography, marking both beginnings and endings in his career. Notably, it introduces electric guitarist John Scofield, who was recommended by saxophonist Bill Evans, and features bassist Marcus Miller on several tracks. The album also signifies the final collaboration between Davis and longtime producer Teo Macero, as well as his last work with the renowned Gil Evans. This album showcases Davis's innovative spirit, particularly on the 18-minute title track, where he plays trumpet and Oberheim synthesiser simultaneously, creating an expansive blues composition without overdubs. The rhythm section, featuring guitarist Mike Stern, drummer Al Foster and percussionist Mino Cinelu, complements Davis's explorations with a dynamic groove. Star People also features live recordings like 'Come Get It' and 'Speak,' highlighting the energy of Davis's performances while pushing the boundaries of the LP format. The album's front cover, adorned with Miles's own artwork, and liner notes by jazz critic Leonard Feather, add depth to this unique release, and for fans of Davis's work from this era, Star People is a compelling listen with the innovative appeal of his late-career experiments.

Review: Deep Forest's third studio album, Comparsa, released in December 1997, presents a vibrant blend of world music and electronic elements, with a strong emphasis on Latin and Caribbean rhythms. Now available on translucent green vinyl, this album showcases the group's signature fusion of global sounds, featuring contributions from musicians across Cuba, Belize, Mexico, and Madagascar. Comparsa's 13 tracks are a journey through diverse musical landscapes, with highlights like 'Noonday Sun' and 'Tres Marias' highlight the album's dynamic energy. The group's founders, Eric Mouquet and Michel Sanchez, craft lush soundscapes that are rich in texture, combining whispered vocals with rhythmic beats and vibrant instrumentation. Tracks like 'Madazulu' and 'Radio Belize' illustrate the duo's skill in blending traditional sounds with modern electronic production, creating a sound that is both innovative and accessible. Comparsa remains a well-produced and exhilarating listening experience, perfect for those seeking a musical escape to far-off lands. Now on translucent green vinyl, the album's rich textures and global rhythms are given new life, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection.

Review: Krush's eighth - and last - album Jaku is up there with Endtroducing and Donuts in terms of seminal, influential and forward-thinking beat longer players. 10 years since its release and it still sounds as timeless, unique and exciting as it did in 2004. The slick licks of a young Mr Lif on "Nosferatu", the post-apocalyptic tension of "Univearth" the sludgy, swampy cosmic hip-hop of the Aesop Rock-featured "Kill Switch" and the unashamed sax sex of "Slit Of Cloud"..... Do we need to go on? Limited edition, 180g transparent vinyl; even if you already have this in your collection this is a very, very appealing investment.

Review: A pivotal figure in the early 1970s MPB scene, Salvador was not only a highly regarded sessionist and composer but also a band leader. His 1971 album is a vibrant mix of bossa nova, samba, funk, and carioca styles, infused with raw energy. Original copies of this influential fourth album often fetch around $200 due to its eclectic range. From the lively opener 'Uma Vida' to the Beatles-esque narrative of 'O Rio' and the orchestral boogaloo of 'Number One', the album showcases Salvador at the height of his fusionist creativity and musical prowess.