Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Back ion 2021, the relaunched Foliage Records imprint offered up a killer mix from NYC house legends Mood II Swing, the must-check Deep Rooted. Soon, the revitalised label will release a sequel, with long-serving British deep house don Atjazz at the helm. This sampler EP boasts six of the highlights from that set - all remixed and reworked by Atjazz himself. There's much to enjoy throughout, from the tense, slowly building deep-tech shuffle of Halo''s 'Glorty (Atjazz Galaxy Art Remix)'and the sun-splashed 6am bounce of Atjazz's remix of Dominique Fils-Aime's gorgeous 'Sun Rise', to the dreamy dancefloor wooziness of Ralf GUM's 'AWA' (re-imagined by Atjazz as an Osunlade-esque spiritual house workout) and the jazzy, bass-guitar-propelled broken house excellence of 'On The Road (Vocal Mix)', a three-way collab between Atjazz, Kelli Sae and The Realm.

Review: Label regulars Roberta and Trilaterals are back on Worldship Music to take part in the latest Herald Tarccs instalment. Reelsoul is a new name to join the fun and pens up with 'La Costa' which is a throwback disco house sound with wild melodies and big horn leads vying for attention and getting hands skyward. Trilaterals bring plenty of percussive funk and jumbled drum brilliance to 'Flo Jo' and Teflon Dons taps into a Philly sound with the string loops of 'DONTWANTU2GO.' Roberta's "Hang Back' is a classy little jazz-house number.

Review: The Robinson and Takahiro Fuchigami take a side each on this compelling exploration of house music infused with diverse jazz influences. This release effortlessly blends genres, creating a rich and textured soundscape that bridges lounge, disco and blues. Side-1 opens with 'Passion Is The Key', a track that leans into lounge jazz vibes, pairing smooth melodies with a laid-back house groove. Following this, 'A Satisfying Day' injects disco elements into the mix, creating an uplifting fusion of rhythm and melody. Side-2 deepens the jazz-house connection. 'Jazzing Bird' delivers an intricate, jazz-forward interpretation of house, balancing vibrant improvisation with danceable beats. 'How's That Sound?' captures the essence of a smoky jazz club, blending sultry brass lines with a steady house pulse. Closing the release, 'In Motion' incorporates bluesy undertones into a chilled-out vibe, offering a soulful, reflective end to the journey.

Review: Tenderlonious returns with a standout 12" vinyl, delivering three tracks that blend deep house with lush, jazzy textures, limited to just 200 hand-stamped and signed copies. Kicking off with 'Underworld,' the A-side offers a ten-minute groove of rolling 808s, atmospheric synths, and sweeping stringsia dancefloor essential. Side B opens with 'Wild Horses,' a mellow, bass-driven journey marked by rich analogue pads and a touching piano solo, followed by 'Ur Love,' a nod to the London club scene with its layered rhythms and melodic twists.

Review: An artist who continues his tradition of lush, Afro-influenced deep house with a release that exudes groove, musicality and tight craftsmanship. Trinidadian Deep (Damian Lee Ah Yen) has been one of the most consistent and respected names in deep house music for the better amount of 20 years now with his latest record being a perfect example at the quality and musicality of his style. Side-1 opens with 'Orisha Stomp', a percussive, jazz-tinged workout that keeps the energy high with its layered rhythms and hypnotic drive. It's tracky yet intricate, brimming with creative flourishes that make it a standout DJ tool. The title track, 'Light Work Productions', shifts into a more melodic and futuristic space, blending rich strings and deep, rolling basslines with a touch of Detroit soul. It's atmosphere strikes a balance between dancefloor momentum and emotive depth. On Side-2, 'U Are Loved' winds things down with warm keyboard grooves and a soothing, late-night vibe. Its effortless flow and strong playability make it a perfect closer, reinforcing Trinidadian Deep's ability to craft music that is both soulful and sophisticated.

Review: First Word Records thrill us with a brand new album from present-day jazz legend Kaidi Tatham. Miles Away marks his sixth solo full-length for the award-winning London label, with ten fresh tracks all performed by the multi-instrumentalist himself. This is a masterclass in forward-thinking, genre-blurring electronic jazz; Rhodes keys, pianos, synths, strings, horns, and flutes flow floridly over roomy percussion and drum intricacies, representing Kaidi's unmistakable sound. From the smooth funk of 'Misty Garden' to the infectious 'Sweet Cherry Punch', the album redshifts a kaleidoscope of styles: bruk, boogie, soul, and even reggae-steppers on the closing 'Ku Deh'.