BBE Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Roy Ayers staked a bold claim by flaunting the fact that he had 'Reach[ed] The Highest Pleasure' back in June '77. Unfortunately for us back then, this lifetime hedonistic milestone - documented in instrumental funk form - was shelved for reasons unknown beyond simple artistic oversight. As said, this slick solo instrumental for drums, bass and vibraphone is a perfect soul-jazz, chillout trifecta, one for the rarities collectors.

Review: Original disco remixer John Morales has spent much of the last decade delivering superb, multi-track reworks of classic cuts, in the process showcasing the sublime musicianship and vocals at the heart of these much-loved classics. He's the perfect choice, then, to dip into the immense back catalogue of leading Philadelphia Soul star Teddy Pendergrass and deliver updated versions. The resultant two-disc set is as inspired as you'd expect, with Morales delivering a blend of peak-time ready revisions of surging dancefloor anthems ('The More I Get, The More I Want', 'Don't Leave Me This Way', 'You Can't Hide From Yourself', 'Life is a Song Worth Singing'), sensitive revisions of deeper catalogue cuts and stunning reworks of jaw-dropping slow jams. Throughout, the troubled but immensely talented singer remains the undisputed star of the show.