Harlem River Drive is the main expressway up the east side of Manhattan past Harlem to NY state, it is also the name of one of the best Funky Latin Jazz bands from the early 70s, led by pianist Eddie Palmieri. Their self titled album from 1971 released on the Roulette label is a genre defining masterpiece. The band included leader Eddie Palmieri on Piano, his brother Charlie on Organ, Ronnie Cuber outstanding on Baritone Sax, Cornell Dupree on Guitar, Bernard Purdie on Drums, Randy Brecker on Tenor Sax and the so soulful Jimmy Norman on vocals along with many...
Singer and Trumpeter Johnny Britt releases another strong album 'Midnight In Paris'. It is a mixture of instrumentals and vocal tracks inspired by Johnny's regular visits to Paris where he has been studying music and language. The vocal cuts include the lovely sensual Marvin-esq mid tempo 'Show Me', the super smooth mid tempo groover 'Boulevard St Michel' the swinging 'Cherie Je T'Aime' and down tempo 'Whatever You Want I Will Do' which like on some the other tracks Johnny sings and speaks in French. The notable smooth Jazz instrumentals included 'Midnight In Paris' , ' Emotions' , 'You Are...
The legendary British funk group Cymande announce their return with first studio album since 1974's 'Promised Heights'. Renascence is a true return to form with album that caps off their already classic discography. The album kicks off with a funky number in 'Chasing An Empty' a track that wouldn't be out of place with their early albums. The is a more spiritual side to this album with tracks like 'Road To Zion' but the majority of it is very soulful and funky. Standout tracks include 'Coltrane', 'How We Roll' with Jazzie B, and 'Sweden' as well as 'I Wanna Know'...
Leon’s classic and best album , a masterpiece recorded in 1976 for Motown , just after he wrote and produced Marvin’s ‘I Want You’ album. This is in a similar style, and was over shadowed at the time by Marvin’s classic but if anything this is actually a better album. The sensual mood of the album is epitomised by the heavily orchestrated mid tempo ‘Learning How To Love You’, ‘Instant Love’ (ft Minnie Riperton) ‘Body Heat’ (Leon co-wrote and sang on Quincy’s original a year earlier) , ‘Journey Into You’ , and the slower ‘Holiday’ (ft Marvin and Womack) ,...
The band Eramus hall were apparently named after a famous Detroit landmark building by George Clinton. Their debut album 'Your Love Is My Desire' was released on Westbound in 1980 , the last album on the label, although it was recorded a couple of years earlier. It shows influence from Ohio Players, Blackbyrds and not a long way off Breakwater. 'Your Love Is My desire' is a lovely jazzy soul modern soul mid tempo horn backed dancer. They cover J.R.Bailey classic stepper 'Just Me N You' with a lusher jazzier soul production. There are some nice mid tempo ballads 'She...
October London’s ‘The Rebirth Of Marvin’ has been one of the most sought after contemporary Soul albums since it appeared as a download nearly two years ago, now it is finally available as a limited edition CD and LP. October displays a very credible and heavy influence from Marvin Gaye in his vocal delivery, style and songs on this very strong 11 track album. Most of the songs are mid tempo beat ballads like ‘Rollercoaster’, ‘Back To Your Place’ and ‘You Give Me Love’. There are more upper mid tempo semi funky tunes like ‘Make Me Wanna’ and the slightly slower but outstanding...
British-Ghanaian Singer Songwriter Myles Sanko releases his fifth studio album 'Let It Unfold', a unique blend of Soul and Jazz. It is a strong self written, produced, mixed and released album. Myles has a very rich voice and his songs have powerful lyrics of self-fulfilment, healing, hope and positive energy. Myles is backed by some good musicians that include Tom O'Grady on keyboards and drummer, percussion and vibes player Ric Elsworth (both from Resolution 88) and long term associates, Jon Mapp on bass and Gareth Lumbers on sax and flute, plus Samuel Ewens on trumpet and flugelhorn. Highlights include the...
Emilia Sisco from Finland has previously released a few nice 45s but now has her fine ten track debut album ‘Introducing Emilia Sisco’ backed by the excellent Cold Diamond & Mink. It is a superb retro early 70s soul album recorded and mixed at the Timmon studios. Emilia possesses a sweet wistful soulful voice and harmonises beautifully over the sympathetic backing from the five piece, horn led band that includes Jukka Eskola on trumpet and flugel horn. ‘Say Yes’ is a lovely mid tempo groove oriented track. ‘Your Girl’ is a mid tempo beat ballad, as is ‘Love So...
The ever reliable Will Downing returns with another 6 tracks of quality romantic sophisticated soul ‘Luscious’. The tracks are all conversions of classic songs restyled by Will featuring some great musicians. Marcus Johnson plays piano on his version of Junior’s ‘Mama Used To Say’ taken at a slower pace than the original but in someways it actually suits the song better. Jon Lucien’s beautiful ‘Rashida’ features Marion Meadows on sax and naturally, it is a very soulful version. ‘The Power Of Love’ features Randy Bowland on guitar and Rhodes and the song epitomises Will Downing’s music. No surprises, just quality music...
Gina Sedman (formerly Gina Carey) returns with 'Valuable People', a collection of 11 self-written and produced songs, her first album in a while. The title track and 'What The World Needs' are very funky grooves. The mid tempo 'But What's Inside' has an 80s Soul feel. 'Smile' is a highlight featuring Michael J Calhoun of Kinsmann Dazz on guitar and Kevin Flournoy on electric piano which has a rare groove approach. There is also a remix which has a more percussive groove. 'Grace' is another highlight, an upper mid tempo groove. 'I Refuse' is more uptempo. 'Living In A World'...
