Review: Danny Krivit's officially sanctioned re-edits of Earth Wind & Fire's "Brazilian Rhyme" and "Runnin" have been sought-after since they first appeared on a Japan-only 12" back in 2004. In fact, such is demand that even later bootleg pressings now go for silly money online. As this reissue proves, though, they're arguably amongst Krivit's strongest scalpel works. Certainly, his three-minute revision of the always too short "Brazilian Rhyme" teases it out to just the right length, in the process delivering a sweltering, sing-along summer anthem. The flipside revision of the equally as summery "Runnin" is every bit as good, with Krivit making merry with the original's life-affirming scat vocals and killer piano solos.
Review: For the latest release on their on-point Brasil 45s sub-label, Mr Bongo takes a trip back to 1977, and the early days of legendary fusion outfit Banda Black Rio. Both the cuts here are taken from the band's brilliant debut album, Maria Fumaca, and see them fusing Brasilian samba and jazz sounds with the righteous, dancefloor-friendly grooves of funk and disco. "Maria Fumaca" itself is a deliciously sunny and sweaty affair, with punchy horns, eyes-closed guitar solos and jazz-funk electic piano lines rising above a carnival-ready samba-funk groove. The U.S funk influence comes to the fore more on flipside "Mr Funky Samba", which sounds like Azymuth jamming with members of the T.K Disco, Philadelphia International and Salsoul house bands. Yep, it's that good.
Review: Thanks to their superb collaborative album "Atemporal", many are now fully aware of the joint musical explorations of French band Cotonete and Brazilian singer Di Melo. That wasn't the case in early summer 2018 when their first single, "A.E.I.O.U", landed in stores. The record became a sleeper hit, was later remixed by Dimitri From Paris and is now given the re-press treatment. The original version (side A) is an inspired fusion of warm, breezy Brazilian disco and jaunty jazz-funk with one of the strongest, catchiest choruses we've heard in years. It's utterly ace all told, as is the more spacey and synth-laden B-side "Dub" mix. If you don't already own a copy, do yourself a favour and grab one of these.
Review: Cuban bandleader, composer and rumba magician Ramon Santamaria had a huge influence throughout his 40 year career, notably writing Coltrane's famous "Afro Blue". Here are two of many stand-out cuts from his 1963 album Watermelon Man! While most the album's focus was on his Herbie Hancock cover, it's tracks like these that really gave the album its spirit and unique character; "Yeh Yeh!" is a samba shaking horn-led cut laced with crackling percussion and party cries while "Get The Money" leans back with rhythm and blues sass and a rhythm that's as powerful as Ramon's legacy. Moneymaker shaking guaranteed.
Review: A vault of formerly unreleased Don Blackman material recently surfaced via the Chicago DJ/producer/digger Marc Davis, who in recent years struck up a relationship with the children of the mysterious New York pianist and songwriter. Now this wealth of jams finally gets released: 40 years' worth of unheard Blackman - cassettes, CDs, discs, reel-to-reels, paperwork, even VHS tapes - inevitably once more reignites the obsessive fan interest in his music, which sprang from its already-mystical cult status in the rare funk and soul-digging world.
You Believed In Me (Mr K instrumental edit) (4:52)
Review: Mr. K's series of edits continues. Any self-respecting music head is well familiar with the Most Excellent Unlimited series from Mr K aka Danny Krivit by now, and the latest entry into it is another doozy on 45rpm. The A-side features an edit of the title tune from a 1972 Ralph Bakshi animation originally played by a top crew of San Francisco area musicians. It is a steamy funk workout in a Latin jazz style with plenty of reverb and DJ friendly grooves. Flip it over and you'll find a gem from Philadelphia's Executive Suite which In Mr. K's hands is lit up with addictive strings and driving rhythms that never let up.
Stephen Colebrooke - "Stay Away From Music" (4:28)
Andre Marie Tala - "Sweet Dole" (4:32)
Tyna Onwudiwe - "Lite Low" (4:04)
Rebles - "Sweetest Taboo" (Soca version) (3:26)
Ricardo Marrero & The Group - "And We'll Make Love" (2:31)
Koko Ateba - "Si T'es Mal Dans Ta Peau" (4:03)
Sookie - "Tonight" (feat Jeannine Otis) (4:58)
Raphael Toine - "Femmes Pays Douces" (5:40)
Eboni Band - "Desire" (5:09)
Robert J Riggins - "I Need You Now" (4:06)
Salero - "Teardrops & Wine" (3:07)
Momo Joseph - "War For Ground" (4:13)
Claude Genteuil - "Dreams Of Love" (3:00)
Gatot Soedarto - "Sayangilah Daku Kasih" (1:46)
Synchro Rhythmic Eclectic Language - "Pasto" (5:51)
Review: Since the Beach Diggin' compilation series launched a few years back, a number of its obscure, Balearic-minded selections have been given full length reissues of their own. We can probably expect a number of the tracks from this brilliant fifth volume to get the same treatment. As usual, the wide-ranging track list is thick with highlights, from the synth-heavy, French language reggae of Raphael Toine's 1986 bubbler "Femmes Pays Douces" (taken from the artist's frustratingly hard to find Ce Ta Ou album) and vibraphone-laden jazz-funk smoothness of Yasuko Agwa's sought-after "L.A Night", to the barely-known brilliance of Andre Maria Tole's Cameroonian gem "Sweet Dole". In other words, it's another essential selection.
Kool & The Gang - "Give It Up" (DJ Soopasoul edit) (4:02)
Aretha Franklin - "Rock Steady" (DJ Soopasoul edit) (3:30)
Review: Jalapeno jive maestro Soupasoul had another standout year, in 2024 and only heightened his reputation for crafting exceptional edits that bring new life into funk standards and hidden gems. With a sharp focus on the groove-rich breaks, he is back once again with another instalment that will ignite dance floors everywhere. This time his scorching rework of 'Give It Up' spotlights dynamic horn interplay and soulful jazzy choruses and 'Rock Steady' celebrates Aretha's powerful vocals paired with a killer breakbeat. These finely tuned edits honour the originals while adding fresh energy.
Review: By the time he recorded "Brazilian Dorian Dream" in 1976, Brazilian composer, musician, producer and bandleader Manfedo Fest had already worked on countless bossa-nova, samba and jazz albums, both in the United States and his native Brazil. Yet the album, which Far Out has now reissued, is like nothing else he recorded before or after - and not just because it was based on "the principle of the modal diatonic scales of the Dorian mode". Musically, it's deliciously vibrant and colourful, combining elements of his native Brazilian samba and bossa-nova with Azymuth style jazz-funk, American jazz-fusion, and futuristic, then cutting edge synthesizer sounds. Above all, though, the album strikes a near perfect balance between funkiness and the sweet sunniness that defines some of the greatest Brazilian music.
Review: This latest is a reissue of a Congress Productions EP featuring their seminal 'Neptune'. The much-sampled early 80s jazz-funk classic comes in original form next to two unreleased cuts. The first is a rare boogie cut 'Live It Up' that has been extended for more dancefloor heft having first been dropped under the D'aile' alias as a B-side. Then comes 'Kevin's Funk' which is named in reference to Incognito trumpet player Kevin Robinson, who played as part of a Congress-associated line-up for this session.
Ruth Koleva - "Turn It Around" (Eric Lau remix) (4:28)
The Rebirth - "Caterpillar" (3:57)
Ron Trent - "Ori Space" (7:16)
Ian O'Brien - "Spiraling Prism" (6:25)
Quentin Kane & Simon Sheldon - "The Blue Room" (feat TK Blue - Kaidi Tatham Shokazulu remix) (7:13)
Numbers - "Moonblood" (IG SOS mix) (7:18)
Honey Sweet - "I Put A Spell On You" (feat Cindy Mizelle) (9:37)
Harry Whitaker - "The After Life" (part 2) (6:50)
Review: Two years ago, Volcov set our pulses racing with From The Archive, a superb selection of killer cuts from the depth of his notoriously impressive record collection. Volume 2 is equally as inspired, though the focus is a little different. Whereas Volcov previously chose to concentrate on soul, funk and disco, this edition is far more widescreen in scope. So, we get soaring soul-jazz bliss (Collective Peace's "Let The Music Play"), head-nodding hip-hop soul (Eric Lau remixing Ruth Koleva), futurist jazz-funk (Ron Trent's wild but brilliant "Ori Space"), soul-fired broken beat (Volcov's own re-edit of Xantone Blacq's vintage remix of Intuit's "Planet Birth"), impeccable soundscape jazz ("Lawra" by Tony Williams) and much more besides.
Review: Those who keep a keen eye on the contemporary British nu-jazz scene should already have encountered producer Tom Funk's The Sultan's Swing project. He's already released a trio of fine albums under the alias, each of which combines authentic jazz, jazz-funk and acid jazz instrumentation (provided courtesy of a rotating cast of guest musicians) with nods to trip-hop, downtempo, dub, Balearica and Latin beats. The Sultan's Swing Sessions, Funk's contribution to the Colin Curtis Presents series, takes a similar approach, with predictably excellent results. Our picks of a very strong bunch are the gently spaced-out dancefloor Latin jazz of 'Lotta Arlotto', the summery jazz-fusion of 'Hitchfunkers Slide To The Galaxy' and impeccable opener 'The New Beginning'.
Happening In The Streets (Domo rework 7" edit) (4:24)
Happening In The Streets (DJ Tool) (3:25)
Review: Domo Domo are the duo of Japanese sound engineer Yas Inoue and DJ Takaya Nagase, both based in New York. Their latest 'Happening In The Streets' pays due homage to jazz-funk supergroup The Voltage Brothers, who released their discographic standouts in the 70s and 80s. Two cleverly put-together edits of the eponymous rare groove original come with many filtrations, lengthenings, effects and sonic tweaks.
Review: This 7" vinyl marks the inauguration of the new Konbini Klassics label and it features expertly curated city pop and funk gems from Japan's golden era. The A-side offers 1983's 'Do What You Do' which is a relaxed synth-driven track with irresistibly catchy vocals. On the B-side you can enjoy the sounds of Cosmos, the all-female supergroup who deliver their slap-funk classic 'Midnight Shuffle' with its big horns, funky bass and twinkling synth melodies. A perfect 45 rpm gem, this release brings Japan's iconic sounds back to life and then some.
Review: In cahoots with legendary Japanese record store Jet Set, Freestyle Records has decided to offer-up a 45 featuring two tidy cuts from Lance Ferguson's Rare Groove Spectrum 2 album, a second set of inspired cover versions from the multi-instrumentalist, bandleader and producer. On side A the Melbourne-based musician gives his take on Azymuth classic 'Veo Sobre O Horizonte', re-imaging it as a starry, vintage synth-laden shuffle through sun-baked South American jazz-funk complete with woozy horns, Herbie Hancock keyes and eyes-closed female vocalizations. On the reverse Ferguson turns his hand to Carly Simon's 'Why', adding gorgeous horn solos and sunset-ready flourishes to a faithful re-recording of the reggae-influenced number's familiar groove.
Prime Time Band - "Fall In Love In Outer Space" (2:55)
Kenny Nolan - "You're So Beautiful Tonight" (4:50)
Peter Skellern - "Now That I Need You" (4:09)
Marc Jordan - "Generalities" (4:21)
Severin Browne - "Stay" (2:27)
The Faragher Brothers - "Stay The Night" (3:46)
Alan Price - "Groovy Times" (5:54)
James Felix - "Open Up" (4:19)
Hirth Martinez - "Altogether Alone" (3:55)
Max Leake - "Tell Me The Reasons Why" (4:41)
Stephen Encinas - "Music In Me" (3:54)
Eric Andersen - "Can't Get You Out Of My Life" (2:55)
Jimmie Spheeris - "Beautiful News" (2:43)
Jeanine Otis & Heikki Sarmanto - "Magic Song" (4:32)
Pleasure - "Nothin' To It" (4:06)
Review: Since launching eight years ago, Too Slow To Disco has now become the go-to compilation series for all those interested in AOR disco, glossy West Coast blue-eyed soul, yacht rock and slow-motion disco. This belated fourth instalment - volume three landed in stores five years ago - is every bit as alluring as its predecessors, with an even more obscurity-heavy track listing. Highlights are naturally plentiful, with our picks including the eyes-closed wonder of James Felix's deliciously loved-up 'Open Up', the low-slung shuffle of 'Music In Me' by Stephen Enchilidas, the synth-splashed Balearic rock haziness of Jimmie Spheeris's 'Beautiful News', and the quietly funky brilliance of Severin Browne's 'Stay'
Review: Original Gravity, Luchito Rodriguez and Nestor Alvarez return with yet two more Latin groove versions of funk and soul classics, emulating two sounds not yet brought together enough. 'Dap Walk' is a shot-by-shot cover of the song of the same name by Ernie And The Top Notes - a slick and slippery interpretation that translates the original AAVE of the song's intro into Spanish. 'El Barrio', meanwhile, opts for 70s crime thriller vibes, instrumentally verging on expressionism via djembe, brass sections and vibraslaps.
Review: Dego's latest album is a focused, strip down affair that benefits greatly from extensive lead vocals courtesy of his latest collaborator, rising star Samii. As you'd expect, a few other 2000 Black regulars (Matt Lord, Mr Mensah and Kaidi Tatham) also lend a hand here and there, adding extra layers of warming, jazz-funk influenced musicality to a set rooted in broken beat, modern soul and the jazzier end of the dancefloor spectrum. Highlights come thick and fast, with our picks of an inspired bunch including acid-flecked, deep broken soul number 'En Route', the classic Kaidi and Dego style jazz-funk business 'Proxima Centauri', the sun-soaked brilliance of 'Warp 7' and the neo-boogie excellence of 'Don't Stall'.
Groove Armada - "Fly Me To The Moon" (Exclusive Cover version) (4:01)
BRS - "Lovin' Me" (Dubtribe mix) (8:04)
Good Together - "(We Can) Work It Out" (Underwater Trumpet mix) (8:15)
Tim Love Lee - "Java Jam" (5:52)
Open Door - "Breathe" (6:18)
Kleeer - "Tonight" (5:06)
Roy Ayers - "The Memory" (4:33)
Metro Area - "Miura" (6:44)
Kimbu Kimra - "Raise The Dead" (Love From San Francisco dub) (5:52)
Don Ray - "Standing In The Rain" (6:33)
Al Green - "Truth N' Time" (3:39)
Shuggie Otis - "Strawberry Letter 23" (3:57)
Mr Fingers - "Can You Feel It" (5:48)
Aretha Franklin - "Day Dreaming" (3:50)
Loose Ends - "Feel The Vibe" (4:16)
Sir Patrick Moore - "Peepshow" (part 1 - Exclusive Spoken Word) (5:03)
Review: Groove Armada proven so adept at putting totters intimate late nigh sound tracks that they have made not one, not two, but three different entires into this legendary and long running series. And each one has its own equally special vibe. This one finds the pairing digging into the new York disco of Metro Area, the funk of Roy Ayers, the classic house of Mr Fingers and the gorgeousness of Shuggie Otis. It's as good an after the afterparty mix as you could wish to hear so we're delighted it is being reissue.
Srirajah Sound System - "Si Phan Don Lovers Rock" (feat Molam Inteng Keawbuala) (4:56)
Perikas - "Laberinto" (4:01)
Mac Thornhill - "No Way To Control It" (5:14)
King B - "Love Is Crazy" (6:48)
L'Innovateur Djoe Ahmed & Le Zoukabyle - "Amek Amek" (4:36)
Champagn' - "Bel Ti Negress" (4:56)
Androo - "Lyriso" (6:30)
Hidrogenesse - "La Carta Era Muy Larga" (5:31)
Kajou - "Tet Chaje" (6:10)
Conjunto Baluartes - "Nira Gongo" (2:56)
Land Shark - "Tie Me Up" (The Nas-T version instrumental) (6:27)
Pellegrin El Kady - "Seiva De Carnaval" (6:17)
Lee Jackson Band - "Call On Me" (6:54)
LTA (Love The Action) - "What Comes To Ya?" (6:59)
Urban Volcano Sounds - "Ame No Uta (Rain Song)" (New extended version) (5:45)
Review: For the last decade, John Gomez and Nick The Record's freewheeling Tangent parties have proved popular in London, offering dancers the chance to shake their stuff to a wide selection of superb (and normally insanely rare) records over a high quality soundsystem. The pair's first Tangent compilation, which arrives via Mr Bongo, naturally offers a superb reflection of their approach and is packed with must-have cuts. For proof, check the proto-house era dubbed-out boogie of King B's 'Love Is Crazy', the sun-splashed Brazilian gorgeousness of 'Laberinto' by PERIKAS, the spaced-out headiness of Hidrogenese's 'La Carta Era Muy Larga (Dub)', the heavy batacuda business of 'Nira Gongo' by Conjuto Baluartes' and the dub disco-flecked, deep house brilliance of LTA's 'What Comes To Ya'.
Review: Shokazulu's Vector Smector on 2000 Black is a compelling 7" release that blends nu-jazz and electronic rhythms. The title track, 'Vector Smector,' offers a smooth groove with a classy piano solo that weaves through a polished electronic rhythm section. It's a delightful fusion that balances sophistication with a laid-back vibe. On Side-2 ,'What You Gonna Say,' introduces a funky edge, incorporating crowd noise for added atmosphere. The spacey keyboard work enhances the track's immersive quality, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Despite its brief runtime, this 7" record delivers a powerful punch, showcasing Shokazulu's adeptness at blending genres and creating memorable, groove-laden music.
Review: A warm welcome back to Bruno Hovart's Voilaaa project, traditionally a revivalist Afro-disco vehicle best known for 2015 dancefloor smash 'Spies Are Watching Me'. 'Fache', featuring Pat Kalla, explores similar sonic territory, with punchy Afrobeat horns, woozy chords and crunchy clavinet licks rising above a low-slung, hypnotic, dub disco-meets-Afro-boogie groove. It comes accompanied by a fine, effects-laden instrumental dub and a trio of similarly tasty bonus cuts: the warming, early garage-house and deep house influenced 'Trouble Travel' (featuring Jai-Nah), the languid, soulful and Latin-influenced 'Too Young To Die (featuring Olivia)' and the Afro-speckled disco-goes-jazz-funk loveliness of 'Trop Jeune Pour Sa'.
Review: Esperanto is widely heralded as a Venezuelan jazz-Ffsion masterpiece. It was first released in 1980 and is a real collector's item that is hard to find an expensive. French label Favourite now presents a first ever reissue of the eponymous LP that was recorded in Caracas by a number of talented musicians. It has strong Latin and funk overtones. Squelchy synth sounds and is a must-have for anyone interested in this fine fusion sound. The band started off playing jam sessions that grew ever more refined to the point that they eventually lay down this enduring masterclass.
Review: E. Live returns to Star Creature HQ with his third full-length release, 'Soft Approach,' and it's a jazz-funk-infused and boogie-powered blast-off. Following the success of 2020's Boogie For Life and Cloud Vibes from 2022, this new long player marks a triumphant evolution in his solo journey. With a nu-school disco flair and jazzier undertones, E. Live expertly balances accessibility and sophistication to make for a well-crafted trip overall. Drawing inspiration from musical luminaries like Roy Ayers and Patrice Rushen, these tunes promise to captivate fans of danceable rhythms and refined musicality alike. This release solidifies E. Live's reputation as a trailblazer in the contemporary Boogie scene and confirms he is destined for seismic waves in 2024.
Review: Mr. K Edits' latest release caters to roller skaters and groove enthusiasts alike. It features two mid-tempo tracks uniquely edited by the studio scalpel master himself as they make their debut on 45rpm. First is Rodney Franklin's 'Felix Leo,' which was originally overshadowed by his hit 'The Groove.' It unfolds with hypnotic chords trimmed to their essence and unfolds at a gradual, majestic pace with captivating and lush strings making it all the immersive. Second up is Prince's early gem 'In Love' which showcases his instrumental prowess with drums, bass, guitar, and creamy synth lines. Mr. K extends the mix seamlessly, enhancing its danceable rhythm and timeless appeal with his usual class.
Review: The latest must-cop record from the good people at Big Crown is a real summer special. Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band serve up some seriously soul-enriching grooves, with the impossibly warm and good time vibes that come from steel drums on each and every one. The beats are rooted in funk, with fat bass and expressive horn work bring each one to life. There are sojourns into dub, disco and jazz, and the whole thing bris with so much character and personality that it cannot but put a smile on your face.
Review: Just What The World Needs returns to their own self-titled label with a 14th outing of fiery disco heat. This is potent music that melds together jazz, funk and soul with a lashing of synth goodness. The opener is a real driver with emotive gospel vocals and mad jazz keys. Second is a slower jam with a more dreamy feel then the flip side comes on strong with jazz say leading the way beneath vaping chords and funky, smooth drums. Last of all is a supercharged leftfield bomb with explosive cosmic synths and the sort of energy that stands out in any set.
Review: The music of Earth Wind and Fire is pretty inescapable, but you won't find us complaining. The American soul, disco and funk collective have crafted some of the greatest dance floor tunes of all time, and they still bang decades later. This Ultimate Collection gathers together the best of them on nice heavyweight yellow vinyl. From the epic 'Boogie Wonderland' to the more sentimental 'Fantasy' via super funky gem 'September' there is plenty to love here. First released in July 1999 on Columbia Records, it claimed high in the album charts and remains an invaluable collection.
Thandi Zulu & The Young Five - "Love Games" (9:36)
Tony Wilson - "Hangin' Out In Space" (dub mix) (6:16)
JC Lodge - "In Between The Sheets" (4:02)
Soyuz - "Spring Has Sprung" (feat Asha Puthli & Sven Wunder) (2:08)
Review: Mr Bongo Record Club's Volume 7 presents a meticulously crafted mix of classic favourites and exciting new finds spanning a broad array of genres, including Brazilian, Latin, soul, disco, gospel, cosmic, dancehall and downtempo. This series has fans of the label excited about each volume that comes. With standout tracks like Os Panteras' Brazilian funk, the underground disco vibes of Claude Jay, and the soulful melodies of the Danish duo Gitte & Inger. Truth & Devotion's gospel soul and Chain Reaction's infectious grooves further illustrate the diverse range of influences at play. This volume particularly emphasises Brazilian music, diving deeper into folk and Afro-Brazilian sounds with selections from As Sublimes, Romeu Fernandes, and Conjunto de Percussao Dora Pinto. These tracks offer a refreshing shift from earlier volumes and showcase Brazil's rich musical heritage. A highlight is the exclusive 'Spring Has Sprung,' a collaboration between legendary Asha Puthli, the inventive band SOYUZ, and Swedish producer Sven Wunder. This track exemplifies the high-quality productions Mr Bongo Record Club is known for. Volume 7 blends Brazilian depth with dancefloor-ready hits, such as The Shades of Love's 'Come Inside.' This collection celebrates both timeless and contemporary music, reflecting the enduring allure of diverse and dynamic sounds.
Review: House music has been huge in South Africa for some time, and not just in the underground but everywhere - it can be heard on radio, bleeding from car stereos and out of boomboxes all over the townships. It has its own distinctive twist and influences and some of those are explored on this new Voom Voom 12", which is just the second from this label. It features different remixes of two originals and all are steeped in sun-drenched synths, with funky Afro rhythms underpinning the lush vocals. A heart warming EP of real house depth.
Review: Publicity-shy re-editor Guest has been responsible for some fine re-edits on the Cuts imprint, including this two-track drop of 'mini edits'. What's on offer is summery, sun-splashed and light-touch, edit wise, with the shadowy producer merely rearranging the two cuts to emphasise certain sections and omit others. The results are impressive, particularly A-side 'Breezy Lady', a slap bass-propelled, spiritually enriching rework of an old Japanese jazz-funk gem smothered in luscious orchestration and loose-limbed drumming. On 'Central Timing', Guest turns their attention to a superb slab of electro-not-electro (think Alan Parsons Project mixed with Cat Stevens' 'Was Dog A Doughnut') from 1982, turning the track into a cosmic, break-sporting dancefloor classic-in-waiting.
Juan Pablo Torres - "Cacao" (Dan Tyler NAD Bulto version) (7:54)
Juan Pablo Torres Y Algo Nuevo - "Pastel En Descarga" (Dan Tyler NAD) (3:39)
Grupo Los Yoyi - "Paco La Calle" (Nick The Record re-edit) (8:11)
Review: Dan Tyler and Nick The Record's third installment in the Mr Bongo Edits series brings a bold twist to Cuban classics with three tracks that are equal parts cosmic and dancefloor-ready. On the A-side, Tyler extends two Juan Pablo Torres tracks from his reissued 1978 'Algo Nuevo' and 1977's 'Super Son.' First, Tyler reimagines 'Cacao,' a standout track from Torres' LP, giving it room to breathe and intensifying the percussive climax with swirling synths and spacey dub effects. It's a track that thrives on a big system, building tension as it goes, and works wonders in the right environmentijust ask anyone who caught it at La Paloma in Barcelona. Next, Tyler dials into 'Pastel En Descarga,' turning the Latin-funk fusion into a punchy, trippy dub with delay and drama, keeping the track's energy while taking it further into spacey, cosmic territory. On the flip, Nick The Record tackles Grupo Los Yoyi's 1977 'Paco La Calle,' taking a 2009 edit and expanding it into a longer, more hypnotic piece. The percussion pushes and pulls as the psychedelic synths swirl, creating a dynamic and ever-building groove. The 2025 version is elevated with new synth lines courtesy of Tyler, deepening the track's psychedelic richness. A cosmic whirlwind of reworks that bridges the gap between '70s Cuban innovation and modern dancefloor sensibilities.
Review: Jeroboam serves up the tongue-in-cheek title 'Brexit Funk' on Chuwanaga and is sure to get you moving as a result. There is some serious sunshine and Brit-funk loveliness to the title track. It is lit up with vibes keys and irresistible funk basslines that all brim with good-time fun. 'Peckham Night' is a more sultry and steamy sound for when the sun is setting thanks to its lazy drums and splashy cymbals all topped with some smoky trumpet soul. A dub mix rounds out with even deeper-cut grooves and romantic melodies. Three grown-up delights for sure.
T Funk Collective - "Since I Fell For You" (feat Mali) (4:01)
Atomphunk - "Come Boogie" (feat SI Brad) (4:03)
Review: The story goes that T Funk Collective were formed during lockdown after the wealth of time offered by the anti-pandemic measure allowed Manchester DJ T2Funk to hone and streamline his crate-digging chops - leading naturally to the formation of a collective of producers and turntablists, who now contribute their own modern funk bits to their very own label. 'Since I Fell For You' is a quality, hi-fi instrumental funk number suited for DJs and dancers alike. You'll be hard-pressed to find anything less inhibition-melting for some time.
Review: Marcos Valle's extraordinary life is marked by international fame, political upheaval and diverse musical achievements. Rising to fame overnight, he evaded a military dictatorship and the Vietnam War draft, had his music featured on The Simpsons, and became an unexpected fitness icon. With 22 studio albums since 1962, his work spans bossa nova, samba, disco, rock, and more and compositions have been recorded by legends like Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan, and sampled by Jay-Z and Kanye West. Valle's latest album, Tunel Acustico, brings together his eclectic sound with tracks like 'Feels So Good' and 'Life Is What It Is,' reimagined with fresh arrangements and contributions from prominent Brazilian artists. The album also includes a tribute to Burt Bacharach, so what's not to love?
Review: An elegant fusion of deep house, jazz-funk and disco all showcasing the Japanese house producer's refined touch. Side-1's 'Sei-Un' is a sophisticated blend of jazzy piano melodies, funky undertones and soulful house grooves, creating a warm and inviting soundscape perfect for late-night sessions. The track's seamless integration of jazz elements with modern production highlights Loftsoul's craftsmanship. On Side-2, 'Brilliant Funk' lives up to its name with dynamic grooves and an infectious vocal presence that channels the vibrant energy of early 80s funk. Its polished arrangement and nostalgic vibe make it a great dancefloor cut. Together, these two tracks for a vibrant mix of funk, house and jazz music.
Review: Many will know Teaspoon & The Waves' incredible 'Oh Yeh Soweto' - a brilliant Afro-disco riff on Lamont Dozier's 'Going Back To My Roots' that has appeared on countless compilations and re-edit releases over the years - but fewer have heard the rest of the tracks on the South African band's incredible 1977 debut album (in part because original copies are rather hard to find). To those people, we'll say this: check out this Mr Bongo reissue right now! Blending Afro-jazz with jazz-funk, soul, deep funk and disco, every single track is a winner, with highlights including the celebratory 'Friday Night', the dazzling, duelling solos and heavy percussion of 'Saturday Express' and the life-affirming brilliance of 'Got Me Tight'.
Review: Favorite Recordings returns with the second edition of its compilation series: Fusion Global Sounds. Comprising eight rare and hidden tracks produced between 1976 and 1984 in various parts of the world, this hot-off-the-plate comp delivers a mighty-fine array of dynamic, soul-feeding jazz, soul, disco, jazz and funk delicacies. As a fine collector of jazz-funk and fusion for many years, curator Charles Maurice can be credited for sourcing the ingredients for and cooking up this fine spread of forgotten entrees, this time brought together by a common Brazilian influence.
Srirajah Sound System - "Si Phan Don Lovers Rock" (feat Molam Inteng Keawbuala) (5:03)
Perikas - "Laberinto" (3:59)
Mac Thornhill - "No Way To Control It" (5:09)
King B - "Love Is Crazy" (6:47)
L'Innovateur Djoe Ahmed & Le Zoukabyle - "Amek Amek" (4:39)
Champagn' - "Bel Ti Negress" (5:05)
Androo - "Lyriso" (6:30)
Hidrogenesse - "La Carta Era Muy Larga" (5:33)
Kajou - "Tet Chaje" (6:05)
Conjunto Baluartes - "Nira Gongo" (2:51)
Land Shark - "Tie Me Up" (The Nas-T version instrumental) (6:26)
Pellegrin El Kady - "Seiva De Carnaval" (6:13)
Lee Jackson Band - "Call On Me" (7:01)
LTA (Love The Action) - "What Comes To Ya?" (7:04)
Urban Volcano Sounds - "Ame No Uta (Rain Song)" (New extended version) (5:47)
Review: To celebrate ten years of one of London's most loved underground club nights, Tangent, Mr Bongo are thrilled to launch this new compilation series. Crafted by its two residents, John Gomez and Nick the Record, it aims to transmit a taste of Tangent's spirit: a party rooted in inclusivity and open-mindedness, whose name captures the spontaneous switches in musical direction that are a defining element of their nights. For the compilation, the pair have cherry-picked a selection of their prized, rare and dancefloor-ready tracks from around the globe, that have soundtracked the past decade of parties. Spanning live-recorded disco, Brazilian boogie and weighty lovers' rock, this selection of rare sonic meats is a prized procuring, the consistent quality of which you likely won't be able to track down in many other contexts.
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