Ezra Collective have become one of the most successful bands to emerge from the New London Jazz scene over the last decade, having won the Mercury prize with their last album ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’. Their forth album ‘Dance No One’s Watching’ is a joyous celebration of Jazz-based Dance music. Their sound encapsulates the sound of multi-cultural London, a mix of Jazz, Afrobeat, Reggae and Soul. ‘The Herald’, ‘Ajala’, and the cover of Fela’s ‘Expensive’ are full on funky Afro-Cuban beat dancers. ‘Shaking Body ‘ has an Afro-Cuban groove, and ‘N29’ and ‘Why I Smile’ a slightly slower, jazzier...
Trumpeter Luis Gasca recorded his fantastic 1971 album ‘For Those Who Chant’ for the Blue Thumb label in San Francisco. He is accompanied by an amazing line up of great musicians including amongst many others Joe Henderson on sax, Carlos Santana Guitar, Stanley Clark Bass, Lenny White drums, George Cables and Mark Levine Pianos, Hadley Caliman Flute and Coke Escovedo percussion. It contains four self penned tracks providing 40 minutes of pure vibe. From the first blasts of Gasca’s horn over the funky salsa groove of ‘Street Dude’ you know this album is going to be special. Henderson then takes...
Harpist Dorothy Ashby recorded this very hip and sophisticated album 'Afro Harping' for the Cadet label in 1968. It is produced and arranged by the magnificent Richard Evans, and features some great musicians, alongside the wonderful Ashby we have Charles Stepney on vibes and keys, Phil Upchurch on bass and In places Maurice White on drums. 'Afro Harping' is a beautiful uptempo Soul-Jazz groover. ''Soul Vibrations' an orchestrated funky track that has a beat made for sampling. 'Games' is a lovely mid tempo shuffler, the version of Freddie Hubbard's 'Little Sunflower ' is totally enchanting and sublime, whilst her cover...
Fred Wesley and The JB's released this classic album in 1974, recorded from the same sessions as James Brown's amazing 'The Payback'. 'Damn Right I Am Somebody', 'Same Beat', 'I'm Paying Taxes' and 'If You Don't Get It The First Time' are really funky tracks to really get you moving. The synth led 'Blow Your Head' was very ahead of its time when released but has become very in demand due to its compulsive beat and numerous samples. There is a good cover of Hank Ballard's funky 'Going To Get A Thrill' and a very slinky instrumental cover of...
The Wynd Chymes were a funk/soul band from Jackson Mississippi who made two album for RCA in the early 80s. Their debut 'Arrival' from 1982 was produced by Anthony Lockett of Cameo who also plays synths along with band mate Charlie Singleton. The original LP is now very rare selling for £100 it includes the upper mid tempo groover 'Body Rap' and a couple of nice mid tempo 2 steppers 'Love Has Come Again'' and 'Ain't It Good' and the down tempo ballad ' Sending My Love'. There are some good boogie tunes ' Checking Out Your Stuff' and 'Stylin Smilin and...
Bobby Hutton hailed from Detroit and recorded his only album 'Piece Of The Action' in 1973 for ABC. The ten track album is typical contemporary Soul of its time; good songs, great production, strings and full instrumentation. 'Lend A Hand' is a great uptempo early 70's Soul dancer, which became legendary on the Northern Soul s cene, but has a wider appeal. 'It's Been Said before' and 'I Can't stop talking' are uptempo, along with mid tempo cuts like 'Can't Get Enough Of Your Love' and 'I Love The Way You Feel' being highlights. The CD version includes 11 bonus...
Sometimes an album literally blows you away. Somehow this 1969 album escaped us all. Cuts like ‘Bring On The Heartaches’, ‘I’m Only A Man’ and ‘Loneliness’ are just beautiful songs sung to perfection with sympathetic arrangements. ‘Walk Tall’ is another great late 60’s Soul song. There is even a big band jazzy tune called ‘I’m Related To You’. Click on the product below to listen to the tracks and buy the album.
Great Philly soul album from 1975 from the Modulations. ‘I Can’t Fight Your love’, ‘Love At Last’ are good Philly dancers. ‘I’m Hopelessly In Love’ is a really nice mid tempo track with great orchestration, however these are all overshadowed by the brilliant ‘Rough Out Here’ a hard hitting funky soul stepper. Click on the products below to purchase the album and check other titles in stock.
Plush is an essential boogie album from 1982, produced by Rene Moore, Angela Winbush and Bobby Watson from Rufus. It features Siedah Garrett on female vocals who later came to fame with Dennis Edwards and Michael Jackson. ‘Burning Love’ , ‘Free and Easy’ and ‘Coast To Coast’ are synth bass led dancers. ‘Livin For Your Love’ is an uptempo groover, ‘Strangers Again’ a nice mellow groove and ‘We’ve Got The Love’ a good 2 stepper. Click on the album below to purchase and check out other similar titles.
Patrice Rushen's Prelusion marks her dazzling debut into the jazz world, originally released in 1974 on Prestige Records and now reissued on vinyl here in 2024. Before her R&B fame, Rushen showcased her talents as a jazz pianist on this album, backed by luminaries like Joe Henderson on saxophone. The record effortlessly blends post-bop with elements of jazz fusion, highlighting Rushen's versatility across acoustic and electric keyboard. Her performances on acoustic piano and electric keyboards reflect a strong influence from Herbie Hancock, evident in tracks such as 'Haw-Right Now' and 'Shortie's Portion.' Despite her shift to R&B in 1978, Prelusion...
