Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Since being founded in 2013 in Rome, Sonor Music Editions has become a treasure trove of archival music that was originally made for films, radio and television. The mysterious Mandrassi & Zollinger, here backed by the I Beati studio band, cooked up one such killer but hitherto unknown library session, Rhythm & Sound, back in 1973. Andreassi is said to one of the first female library music composers and likely the release of this album is going to change how she is perceived. It's packed with endless breaks, superb funk grooves and plenty of chasing beats with a loose, live jam session feel that makes it all the more vibrant.

Review: Brand new compilation including Ohio soul supergroup Zapp & Roger's essential tracks. Flaunting a formidable repertory, including 'More Bounce To The Ounce' and 'Computer Love', Now Playing charts the rise and plateau of Roger Troutman, whose light still embers on; the match was lit in the early 1960s, during which time the breakout hits 'Jolly Roger' and 'Night Time' propelled Troutman to early successes. A career dip in the 1970s didn't stop him; it took until 1976 for Zapp to gestate and come to fruition, initially under the name Roger & The Human Body. As time went on, it became clear a snappier name was required, thus conceiving Zapp. Just ten tracks of instant-grat, Troutman and co. are heard here in full, time-capsuling swing.

Review: Latin funk music's best and brightest recollector-reissuers Vampi Soul continue to do what they do best with this latest reissue of the debut self-titled album by Zulu. One of the last great albums of the first wave of Peruvian rock,and originally released in 1974, Zulu was infamous for its linking of psych-tinged rock with Afro-Latin American beats and folk pop. The enigmatic Zulu (real name Miguel Angel Ruiz Orbegoso) was best known during his lifetime as a member of the bands Traffic Sound and Los Nuevos Shain, but his only solo album commands a unique aura as a numinous rarity, immediately pre-dating his latter-career immersion in the religious community. Reissued for the first time with the collaboration of Zulu, including extensive liner notes and one extra track, the likes of 'Si en el cielo yo viviera', 'Laberintos' and 'Candela' are pastoral gems of folk-cumbia and salsa, playing back with a level of sensitivity and texture that could only be born of a worthy spirit.