Roy Ayers Ubiquity's first Polydor album from 1970 includes gems like ‘Pretty Brown Skin’, Nat Adderley’s ‘Hummin’ and the psychedelic ‘The Fuzz’. Roy’s take on ‘Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head’ has a wicked walking jazzy bass line. The funky ‘Love’ has a groove that later would-be known as Jazz Funk, whilst ‘Can You Dig It’ is funkier still. Ubiquity’s members at the time included keyboard wizard Harry Whittaker., Edwin Birdsong on organ and vocals and Alphonse Mouzon on drums. This album laid the foundations for one of the best exponents of the jazz-funk genre throughout the 70's and early...
Saxophonist Benny Golson had already been recording for 20 years as a leader, when he made this Jazz-Funk album for Columbia in 1978. Golson is joined by some great musicians including James Gadson on drums and vocals, Ray Parker guitar, Bobby Lyle keys, Paulinho Da Costa percussion, plus great backing vocals from Clydie King, Julia and Maxine Waters and former Ikette Jessica Smith. ‘I’m Always Dancin’ To The Music’ has become a rare groove 2 stepper anthem over the past 30 years, a great track that has a punchy groove and is hard to sit still to. ‘Blues March’ and...
James Brown funky people was originally issued in the mid 80s as a single album, but now issued as a double lp with 13 classic funk tracks produced by the godfather. It includes the J.B's 'Gimme Some More', 'Hot Pants Road', 'Pass The Peas', 'Givin Up Food For Funk' , 'J.B's Monouail' , 'Same Beat' and 'Damn Right I'm Somebody' alongside some great sister funk from Lyn Collins 'Think (About It)', 'Rock Me Again and Again', 'Mama Feelgood' and Take Me The Way I Am'. Brilliant funk compilation. Click below to purchase the album and check out other albums in...
Seminal album from 1982 that has been a major source for countless hip hop and disco samples, Don Blackman’s self titled album includes the 2 step gem ‘Holding You Loving You’ and the popping boogie of ‘Hearts Desire’, along with the big party funkers ‘Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide’, ‘You Aint Hip’ and ‘Yabba Dabba Do’. The mellow, expansive ‘Since You’ve Been Away So Long’ is a slow burn soul gem. Classic album. Essential. Click on the album below to view youtube audio links.
New London Jazz keyboardist Ashley Henry follows up his superb ‘Beautiful Vinyl Hunter’ set from 2019, with a really excellent new album ‘Who We Are’, which will appeal to a much wider audience. It features some great musicians including Myele Manzanza and Peter Hill on drums, Alec Lewes on bass, James Messiah on flute alongside Ashley’s piano and keys, plus guest musicians and singers. Judi Jackson sings and scats on the modal jazz ‘Love Is Like A Movie’, a lovely melodic track. Ashley vocalises on ‘Take It Higher’ which features strings and horns and builds wonderfully, and the melancholy ‘Who...
Kelly Finnigan has established himself as one of the leading voices and producers of retro Soul over the past few years. His two previous solo albums, as part of the Monophonics and producing The Sextones amongst others, are all testaments to his talent. His third solo album 'A Lover Was Born' contains eleven new quality soulful songs that sound and feel as if they were recorded in the early to mid 70s, full of drama and changes as Kelly tells his stories. His vocals are as soulful as ever, supported by backing singers and full instrumentations with horns, strings and percussion....
Soul Brother Records released for Record Store Day 2017 one of the most elusive Soul LP’s of all time, a truly Holy Grail album. Susan Phillips ‘Soft Sexy Soul’ was recorded for Sylvia Robinson’s All Platinum label 1971, pressed in small quantities. Few copies have ever surfaced, it is so rare that many collectors doubt if it was ever released. However, a copy has just sold on Discogs for $20,000 (£15,500) and has still never been listed on Ebay. The album has that classic early 70’s New Jersey Orchestrated Soul sound. The album contains the in demand 2-step single ‘He...
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...
