Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Thee Heart Tones, Big Crown Records' newest addition, showcase their youthful exuberance and musical prowess on their debut single. Recorded at Diamond West Studio with producers Leon Michels and Tommy Brenneck, the band delivers a captivating performance on both tracks. 'Forever & Ever' is an infectious, feelgood anthem with lead singer Jazmine Alvarado's captivating vocals soaring over the band's lively groove. The song's catchy chorus is bound to linger in listeners' minds long after the music stops. On the B-side, their rendition of the classic 'Sabor A Mi' demonstrates their versatility and skill, with Jazmine's vocals shining once again. Thee Heart Tones have made a promising entrance into the music scene, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating their forthcoming debut album.

Review: Marie and Necalli's new Thee Lakesiders project has been snapped up by the Big Crown imprint and slapped up onto tasty 7" format! We just love new soul and jazz, with too many reissues filling up our charts these days, and especially if it sounds anywhere near as fresh as this. "Si Me Faltaras Tu" is a straight-up soul groover, made with LA's sun-kissed charm and South American sensibilities, while "Parachute" is the stand-out piece, all lo-fi and stripped-back, but filled with enough mystique and garage sensibility to render it comparable to the very best psych acts of the 70s. TIP!

Review: Two tracks from the Indonesian three piece - and two moods to match. 'Not Today' is all warmth and groove, a feel-good anthem built for slow mornings and easy afternoons, with Natassya Sianturi's vocals gliding effortlessly over the beat as she carves out space for self-preservation. On the flip, 'Over' evolves into a more contemplative space, opening with a weighty drum break before unfolding into layers of rich melody and soaring emotion. Sianturi traces the emotional arc of a love affair from spark to collapse, her voice soaring over Raka's intricate, slow-burning arrangement, all crashing into a dramatic finale. It's a perfect balance of light and shade, showcasing the group's ability to move between joy and heartbreak with effortless finesseia compact but potent statement from a group hitting their stride.

Review: Thee Marloes are next up on the popular and brilliant Big Crown label with two seductive soul sounds. This is a 45rpm debut from this band and a fine one too that comes all the way from their homeland of Surabaya, Indonesia. As such this is a wide mix of sounds from American soul, jazz, and pop with plenty of local culture and influences. The A-side is an upbeat jam with dancefloor grooves and ear worm melodies while the flip is a different vibe entirely with wide open space used beautifully and great Indonesian vocals.

Review: Those superb soul overs at Big Crown have dug deep again and unearthed a new one from Thee Marloes, who turn out a ballad sung in Indonesian. It's an inescapably exotic vocal and it comes over a stripped down track made from lovely hand drums, warm electric piano, and super guitar lines. This tune comes as the Thee Marloes are in the midst, we're told, of working on their new album but whether it is a tune from it is unsure. On the B-side of the 45rpm is 'True Love', another heartwarming gem with worldly charm and unforgettable grooves.

Review: 17 albums deep and Lee Fields still has something to say. Arm in arm with longstanding band The Expressions, the troupe dig deep an impeccable roll of soul: The soft harmonies and yearning horns of "I'm Coming Home", the light electronic elements on the rhythm of the hazy, laidback torch song "Never Be Another You", the swooning blues of "Let Him In", the almost highlife sparkle to the guitars on "Where Is The Love"... Each of the ten tracks hits with a freshness, energy and realness that few - if any - 70s troubled troubadours could muster. Essential.

Review: Thee Heart Tones hail from California and bring plenty of freshness to the modern soul scene with their debut album on the superb Big Crown label. Led by the vocals of 19-year-old Jazmine Alvarado, and produced by Leon Michels and Tommy Brenneck, this 14 track record marries teenage soul with modern production to craft infectious melodies and emotive ballads. Their cover of the classic 'Sabor A Mi' pays homage to their roots, while tracks like 'Need Something More' bring a Northern Soul vibe to the dancefloor. Forever and Ever is more than just an album - it's an example to the band's musical chemistry and their commitment to connecting audiences young and old with the soulful sounds of Chicano culture.

Review: Thee Marloes bring a fresh and unique sound to the soul music scene, blending elements of soul, jazz, and pop with their Indonesian roots. Hailing from Surabaya, the trio consists of Natassya Sianturi on vocals and keys, Sinatrya ("Raka") Dharaka on guitar, and Tommy Satwick on drums. Their debut album, Perak, harnesses their ability to craft deeply emotional and rhythmically engaging tracks. Opening with 'Midnight Hotline,' a vibrant dancefloor hit with jazzy guitar riffs and infectious piano, Thee Marloes immediately capture attention. The B-side, 'Beri Cinta Waktu,' is a soulful ballad sung in Indonesian, demonstrating their linguistic versatility and heartfelt delivery. Tracks like 'I Know' explore themes of deception in love with a mid-tempo groove, while 'Not Today' offers an uplifting, feel-good vibe perfect for any laid-back setting. 'True Love' dives into soulful jazz, creating a cinematic atmosphere reminiscent of a Tarantino film. The album closes with 'Over,' starting with a powerful drum break and evolving into a beautifully layered melody that encapsulates the intensity of a sudden breakup. Perak is a beacon of Thee Marloes' passion and creativity. Their music transcends cultural and language barriers, leaving a lasting impression.

Review: Thee Marloes, hailing from Surabaya, Indonesia, blend their unique background with a soulful sound that's both familiar and distinct. Led by Natassya Sianturi's excellent vocals, with Sinatrya 'Raka' Dharaka on guitar and Tommy Satwick on drums, the trio combines soul, jazz, and pop with an Indonesian twist. Their debut album, Perak, released under Big Crown Records, features standout tracks like 'Midnight Hotline,' a punchy dancefloor hit, and 'Beri Cinta Waktu,' a soulful ballad in Indonesian. Songs like 'I Know' and 'Not Today' showcase their ability to craft heartfelt, relatable music. Thee Marloes' authentic sound and infectious energy ensure their music will remain a turntable staple, transcending language and cultural barriers.