Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Soul and r&b are rich scenes that often cross-pollinate. Right now, few are doing it better than the organic creative partnership between LA's Jamma-Dee and London's Qendresa. Their new work 'Undercover Lover' finds its roots in Jamma-Dee's robust beat which anchors a tapestry of intricate rhythms and textures that define the West Coast soul-funk scene. Qendresa's adept songwriting adds seamless hooks and flowing vocal melodies that have true bold energy. Gary Gritness's live bassline, born from a spontaneous studio session, injects deep groove into the track while engineer K15 enhances the record with resonant richness.

Review: The remastered 7" reissue from Brazil 45s/Mr Bongo features two highly coveted tracks from Quinteto Ternura and their predecessor, Trio Ternura. This pressing revives two rare gems from the past with a fresh, high-quality cut. On Side-1, Quinteto Ternura delivers 'Baby,' a dazzling Brazilian modern soul track penned by Caetano Veloso and arranged by Arthur Verocai. Originally from their 1974 self-titled LP, this song is a smooth blend of tropical bliss and has long been a cherished rarity. Flipping to the Side-2, Trio Ternura's 'Filhos De Zambi' offers an upbeat samba-funk delight. Released in the same year, this track is filled with vibrant energy from the original trio, featuring a catchy chorus and a dynamic key change. Co-written by the siblings' father Umberto Silva and Jose Ribamar, it remains a dancefloor favorite. This reissue provides a valuable opportunity to own these classic tracks in their prime.