Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Drissi El-Abbass's Rai Sidi Bel Abbes - Volume 2 is a superb eight-track compilation that tells the evolutionary story of Rai music from the late 1970s to the 1990s. Released by Nashazphone on four sides of wax, it highlights El-Abbassi's soft vocals and innovative fusion of traditional Algerian music with electronic elements which came after he started his career with Les Aigles Noirs and later collaborated with guitarist Ahmed Zergui. El-Abbassi embraced synthesisers and drum machines to shape a modern Rai sound that has stood the test of time and tracks like 'Maak Probleme' and 'Datli Laakal' blend nostalgic melodies with bold production to offer a vivid portrait of Rai's creative transformation.

Review: Viaje Sideral is a cosmic journey led by El Leon Pardo and his ancestral instrument, the kuisi, which is a pre-Colombian flute that traditionally symbolises resistance and survival. This second album from Pardo explores humanity's connection with the stars by blending Caribbean percussion, analogue synths, deep bass, electric guitars and the distinctive sounds of kuisis and trumpets. The tunes channel the tropical psychedelia of the 70s and 80s while incorporating ambient and electronic influences from artists like Terry Riley and Kraftwerk. Viaje Sideral is a great mix of dreamlike astral sounds with tropical rhythms that mean both the earthly and the cosmic are explored.

Review: If you don't know (well, even if you do know it is still true), Californian multi-instrumentalist Brian Ellis is Egyptian Lover's keyboard player, and is also a member of Campus Christi with Peanut Butter Wolf. He steps out alone here with a new and outlier funk album that shows off his idiosyncratic style. It is a raw and dense sound that mixes up bold funk and gritty psychedelic soul while embracing the darker edges of both styles. Along the way, Ellis explores themes of truth, authenticity and the pitfalls of wealth while reflecting on the cost of giving away one's heart. Tracks like 'The Real Deal' and 'Money Drives Me Crazy 'capture these ideas with unfiltered emotion.

Review: California multi-instrumentalist, Egyptian Lover's keyboard player and experimental producer Brian Ellis follows up his Quarantine Tapes with his first full-length solo album in four years. Unfortunately, we'll never have a lifetime supply of Brian's music, although that's forgivable since recorded music media also incorporates the genius invention that is playback, which means even one purchase can last for a lifetime as long as you keep your record in good nick! This one is a swirling bomb of bombast funk and dodgy-output psychedelic soul, one that is unafraid of the murkier ends of each sound. Ellis muses on the nature of truth, authenticity, dirty money and the consequence of leasing one's heart out, as on 'The Real Deal' and 'Money Drives Me Crazy'.

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


If you don't know (well, even if you do know it is still true), Californian multi-instrumentalist Brian Ellis is Egyptian Lover's keyboard player, and is also a member of Campus Christi with Peanut Butter Wolf. He steps out alone here with a new and outlier funk album that shows off his idiosyncratic style. It is a raw and dense sound that mixes up bold funk and gritty psychedelic soul while embracing the darker edges of both styles. Along the way, Ellis explores themes of truth, authenticity and the pitfalls of wealth while reflecting on the cost of giving away one's heart. Tracks like 'The Real Deal' and 'Money Drives Me Crazy 'capture these ideas with unfiltered emotion.

Review: Rocksession, released in 1973, is a standout entry in Embryo's extensive discography, showcasing their unique fusionf of jazz, rock, and ethnic influences. Known for their innovative approach, Embryo, led by Christian Burchard, created a captivating blend of space rock and traditional sounds. This album, the fifth in their catalogue, is notable for its improvisational spirit and eclectic mix, reflecting the band's ongoing evolution. The album features a lineup that includes Siegfried Schwab on guitar, Jimmy Jackson on organ, Mal Waldron on electric piano, Edgar Hofmann on saxophone and violin, Jorg Evers and Dave King on bass, and Burchard on drums. Rocksession comprises four tracks, each demonstrating the band's dexterity and musical breadth. The opener, 'A Place To Go,' is divided into two segments: the first is characterised by dense percussion and a fusion of Oriental and European sounds, while the second features prominent bass lines and vibrant solos. 'Entrances' is a dynamic improvisation that merges rock energy with jazz refinement, highlighted by engaging solos and interactive performances from the musicians. 'Warm Canto' offers a subtler mood, enriched by vibraphone, organ, and violin, with touches of blues and jazz. The closing track, 'Dirge,' builds tension gradually with its rhythmic intensity and extensive solo'. The album embodies the experimental spirit of 1970s German progressive rock and jazz fusion, presenting a rich, timeless sound. For those looking to explore Embryo's innovative approach, Rocksession serves as a compelling introduction to their influential and eclectic style.