Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Duke Ellington and bassist Ray Brown deliver a riveting performance in this set of duets, evoking echoes of Ellington's earlier collaborations with Jimmy Blanton. The dynamic interplay between piano and bass creates a lively and engaging atmosphere, reminiscent of the groundbreaking work of Blanton in liberating the string bass as a solo instrument. Featuring the four-part 'Fragmented Suite for Piano and Bass' along with five standards, including Ellington-associated tunes like 'Pitter Panther Patter,' the album showcases Brown's creativity and virtuosity on the Blanton model. The music is delightful and often playful, capturing the essence of Ellington's timeless style. Cut from existing metal parts mastered by Doug Sax and pressed at Quality Record Pressings, this reissue offers superior sound quality.

Review: Originally released on Concord Records in 1985 and recorded the year before, this reissued album features legendary bassist Ray Brown - along with pianist Gene Harris and drummer Gerryck King - playing a lively selection of jazz standards. Harris, who had retired to Idaho after his Three Sounds days, was coaxed back into the spotlight by Brown, leading to a fresh chapter in his career and this album delivers a soulful bop vibe with highlights like 'Exactly Like You', 'Teach Me Tonight' and 'Sweet Georgia Brown'. Adding to the energy, guitarist Emily Remler and saxophonist Red Holloway join the trio on 'Mistreated But Undefeated Blues'. Originally recorded at Coast Recorders in San Francisco, the sound is close-miked, capturing an intense, in-the-room feel. This reissue solidifies Soular Energy as a timeless jazz gem, reaffirming Concord's legacy in audiophile-quality jazz.

Review: In their day, Rebirth Brass Band were New Orleans' premier brass ensemble and in 2001 they showed it with the fiery energy of their album Hot Venom. This record has never previously been available on wax and captures the band's signature blend of traditional brass sounds with their own take on modern grooves. Highlights include dynamic collaborations with rap legends Soulja Slim on the musically and socially hard-hitting track 'You Don't Wanna Go To War', and Cheeky Blakk on the unapologetically bold 'Pop That Pussy.' Wherever you turn here you're confronted with infectious rhythms and raw New Orleans energy that cannot be faked. Hot Venom really is the sound of a band at their innovative best and bridging musical worlds.

Review: This is the first release in 33 years from jazz guitar legend Emily Remler. The previously unreleased collection features performances from Alan Grant's "4 Queens Jazz Night" radio program, which was recorded live in Las Vegas and broadcast on KNPR. The limited-edition 180-gram triple vinyl set includes quartet performances with pianist Cocho Arbe, bassist Carson Smith and drummer Tom Montgomery and trio performances with Smith and drummer John Pisci. Mastered from original tape reels by Bernie Grundman, the deluxe set features liner notes by Bill Milkowski and insights from artists inspired by Remler so is a complete collector's item.

Review: This album recorded by Tatum and Webster in 1956 came just prior to Tatum's passing less than two months later. Revered as a masterpiece, the dynamic interplay between Webster's blend of aggression and lyricism and Tatum's flamboyance and delicacy creates a captivating encounter, with Callendar and Douglass providing impeccable support. Reissued previously by Essential Jazz Classics, this new edition adds bonus tracks from a 1953 Tatum solo session and four numbers from a summit meeting between Webster and Teddy Wilson.The opener sets a languid tempo, diverging from the breakneck pace of many bebop jams, establishing the album's relaxed vibe. And even as later cuts quicken the pace, there's an underlying sense of ease that permeates throughout. Tatum's cascades of notes serve as ornamental accents rather than urgent directives, while Webster, despite the excess reverb of the era, focuses on melody.