MALENA FRIED SAMBA CD £13.95
This joyous expression of Latin comes with a heavy dose of Jazz Funk. The flute led aggregation hail from Manchester and the mix of Samba rhythms great drums/ percussion and basslines topped with fine melodies and solos is totally enchanting. Cuts like the Latin Jazz Funk of 'No Llores Mas' with its semi-Incognito vibe and 'More Afro' gets your in the spirit and feet moving. 'Llega El Veraano' is percussive vocal shuffler, where as 'Flute Juice also highly percussive is a driving slice of dance driven Latin.

2BO4 (2 BANKS OF FOUR) JUNKYARD GODS CD £13.95
This eclectic selection of Nu Jazz will appeal to those that love musical tales of the unexpected. Take the semi-symphonic 'Shadowlands' with its female vocal and (in places) Pharoah Sanders' influenced groove. 'Dead Afternoons' has a modal feel. This album has a unique almost defying description that should be approached with an open mind and given a couple of listens the album is somewhat quirky which makes it even more intriguing..

VLADIMIR CETKAR- WE WILL NEVER END CD £13.95
Feel good grooves from Macedonian guitarist/vocalist whose playing has shades of George Benson, and sound have a late 70's jazz funk feel to them. 'We Will Never End' is a good dancer with an EWF influence, 'In The Open Space' is a string laden dance with a Roy Ayers (sweet tears) influence.
'Born For The Screen' is another uptempo track, and 'All For You' a horn back dancer with a driving basline, whilst 'Ocean Of Love' has a more contemporary uptempo groove with a wicked guitar riff (think 'We Got The Funk'). The Jazzier instrumentals, the uptempo 'Magic Hill Of Lihnid' and the mid tempo 'Soul Splendor' have nice guitar work and provide a variation of this fresh sounding , retro feel album.

LTC  A DIFFERENT VIEW CD £13.95
Italian piano/bass/drums trio deliver an album full of good time Jazz grooves.  Signed to Finnish label Ricky Tick, this set is reminiscent of the funky Jazz trio of Gene Harris and the Three Sounds (60's period).  'Just Give Me Time', the title song and the shuffling modal 'Magic Mirror' are quality Blue Note inspired 60's style Jazz.  The boys hit that Baptist beat on 'Meninos Das Laranjas', whilst the finger popping good time groove of 'Easy Does It'.

QUASIMODE – LAND OF FREEDOM CD £13.95
Follow-up to the highly acclaimed ‘Oneself-Likeness’, this set surpasses the standards of its predecessor. The two tracks featuring Carmen Lundy – a re-working of her ‘Time Is Love’ classic and the more spiritual Jazz tinged ‘Object In The Mirror’ are outstanding. ‘Man from Nagpur’ is a Sleepwalker style stomper, whilst the percussive driving ‘For Self Defense’ build remorselessly towards a crescendo that is but the fore taster to the faster ‘Percussion Revolver’. The acoustic bass line on the title song glows and growls over which the ever excellent horn section and brilliant pianist express themselves in a Modal/ Hard Bop framework.

SUPER-PHONICS INTERSTELLAR CD £13.95
This selection of fine soulful and upbeat grooves is provided by a collection of stellar UK session players. Try the driving riff-laden 'Dial L For Love' or the funkier Clavinet led 'Give A Little Love'. Linda Williams' 'Elevate Our Minds' is given a flute driven jazzy re-working, whereas 'Interstellar' is an early 80's style British Jazz Funk dancer. 'Everybody' follows a similar theme (Incognito/Freeez influence). Highly recommended.

VARIOUS ARTISTS  BLUE NOTE STREET CD £19.95
Blue Note tracks from across the years, reworked and re-cut by some of toady's finest Japenese Jazz artists.  Soil And Pimp do their thing on McCoy Tyner's 'Mode To John', whilst Jazztronik hit the spot with 'Street Walking Woman'.  Kenny Dorham's 'Afrodesia' is given a modern and interesting take by Muro.  Toshio Matsuura Group beef up 'A Night In Tunisia' with Jose James on vocals.  'Avila And Tequila', re-done by Sunaga T Experience is a Hard Bop joy and Takesdhi Makatsuka's take on 'Blakey's 'Moanin' is a barnstorming groove.  An eclectic set full of punchy

JAZZTRONIK  GRAND BLUE CD £19.95
Jazztronik's latest sojourn across our music is a joyful expression of good grooves.  Standouts include the Incognito inspired 'Beauty-Flow' featuring Lorraine Cato on vocals. The Latin tinged dancer 'Mista Swing' is driven by Monday Michiru's upbeat message.  Tracks like Brazilian Jazz flavoured 'Sanctuary' the early 80's feel of 'Sunshine' and the infectious dancer 'Voyage'

NOSTALGIA 77 ONE OFFS, REMIXES AND B SIDES DOUBLE CD £11.95
This double CD's title is self explanatory and as such covers the wide spectrum of Jazz style that Nostalgia 77 embrace.  On the remix set try Povo's remix of 'Wildflower', T M Juke's take on the almost psychedelic 'Conventical'.  Nostalgia's remix of New Mastersounds' 'Your Love Is Mine' that features Corinne Bailey Rae is delightfully frothy.  CD 2 focuses on alternate versions and the long take on 'Desert Fairy Princess' and even longer 'Impossible Equation' are awesome.  These elongated tracks showcase the band's musicianship.   Love the live take of 'Hope Suite' and the spiritual Jazz of 'Nativeland', both brilliant performances.

CHRISTIAN PROMMER’S DRUM LESSON VOL 1 CD £13.95
Excellent New Jazz album covers big dance tracks but making them in the jazz tradition with fantastic piano. Contains the modal ‘Plastic Dreams’, the shifters ‘Trans Europa Express’ and ‘Higher State Of Consciousness’, ‘Strings Of Life’ , ‘Beau Mol Plage’ and ‘Nervous Track’ and the beautiful Elle’.

JAZ'PRESSO - .JP CD £19.95
Excellent Jazz dance album.. The smouldering swinger 'Blank' compliments the fuller and tougher grooves like 'Against The Wind'.  'There Is No Meaning' mixes a lightness of touch with a full-on groove sounding like a movie theme. 'Gule Gule' and the incessant and heavier 'Mode Mode' are driven by wicked basslines and topped by strong ensemble and solo horns.  The breakneck paced take of 'Vera Cruz' ends this essential Jazz album on a high.  Jaz'Presso emphasizes the strength of Japanese Jazz at this time, alongside the likes of Quasimode, Sleepwalker and Soil & Pimp.  Their Jazz credentials are strong with fine solos, haunting melodies and foot tapping grooves.

FASCINATIONS – QUIET DANCE CD £19.95
Japanese Jazz just gets stronger. The Fascinations have a more melodic and laid-back take than say Sleepwalker or Quasimode more ‘West Coast sound’ than Hard Bop/ modal. With its vibes lead (a la Cal Tjader) or prominent Grant Green sounding guitarist, this album swings but subtly. The vocal ‘Rock The Casbah’ is the epitome of ‘cool’. ‘Matador’, the wicked ‘Fascinations Waltz’ and the heavier ‘Next Step’ groove sublimely. ‘Blues Minor’ echoes the sound of early 70’s CTI. Strong set that is a grower.
Also available The Fascinations 'Color Code' CD £19.95.

CARMEN LUNDY COME HOME CD £13.95
Carmen possesses the most exquisite of Jazz voices combining clarity, delicacy and power. Except for the sublime and subtle take on 'Nature Boy', this album is self penned, and a fine lyricist she is too. Jazzy grooves like 'Lil Lu' and 'Gossip' are perfect vehicles for her vocal range. 'Afrasia' is a stunning 8 minute opus and check the understated beauty of the opener 'Lost In San Rafael'. The band is first class and features her brother Curtis on bass; Geri Allen adds her stylish keyboard playing to four of the tracks. This album is vocal Jazz at its very best.
Also recommended 'This Is Carmen Lundy CD £15.95

PAUL HARDCASTLE – 5 CD £14.95
Mr consistency returns with an archetypal set of mellow groove to seduce your senses. Hardcastle has established a unique niche transcending Smooth Jazz, ‘ambient’ and Soul. The strongest cuts are the vocal cuts ‘Don’t You Know’ the dreamy ‘Closer’, the jazzy ‘Keep Movin’ and the ballad ‘Blew My Mind’. ‘Marimba’ and ‘Lucky Star’ are wonderfully ‘smooth Hardcastle instrumentals. ‘5’ will appeal to his legions of devoted fans, but is well worth a listen if you are not among them.
Also available – Hardcastle 3 £14.95 Hardcastle 5 & 6 £15.95 (each)

JAARED – ADDICTION CD £14.95
Saxman Jaareed has quietly built a reputation for fine mellow sax grooves. ‘Addiction’, his third album, will enhance this rep. Solid gently grooves like ‘Night In Rio’, ‘That’s Alright’ and ‘Piccadilly Circus’ are smoothness personified, whilst ‘Deuces Wild’ adds a funkier edge. Ex pat Oli Silk adds his keyboard skills plus vocals on the cover of ‘You Like Me Don’t You’. Try the atmospheric slowies ‘Your Smile’ and the beautiful ‘Jamaican Winds’.

SHUYA OKINO  UNITED LEGENDS REPLAYED BY SLEEPWALKER DBL CD £23.95
Shuya Okino's album from last year is played with real instruments by Sleepwalker who raise the bar several notches and take it to another level. These guys have to be one of the best jazz groups at the moment. CD1 feat Navasha Day of Fertile ground on 'Thank You'  a great modal jazz dancer that really swings with great Sax and Keyboards. 'Shine' Ft Diviniti has an Incognito feel to it, whilst 'If It Is Love' ft Clara Hill is a little slower and has some nice Flute playing. Josh Milan Of Blaze adds his soulful vocals to 'Love Is The Key', Yukimi Nagano 's distinctive tones help 'Pieces of You' another modal number and Carleen Anderson shines on 'Beautiful Sadness'.  CD2 has instrumental versions of the six tracks highlighting Sleepwalker's great playing on this brilliant album.

JAZ'PRESSO - .JP CD £19.95
Excellent Jazz dance album.. The smouldering swinger 'Blank' compliments the fuller and tougher grooves like 'Against The Wind'.  'There Is No Meaning' mixes a lightness of touch with a full-on groove sounding like a movie theme. 'Gule Gule' and the incessant and heavier 'Mode Mode' are driven by wicked basslines and topped by strong ensemble and solo horns.  The breakneck paced take of 'Vera Cruz' ends this essential Jazz album on a high.  Jaz'Presso emphasizes the strength of Japanese Jazz at this time, alongside the likes of Quasimode, Sleepwalker and Soil & Pimp.  Their Jazz credentials are strong with fine solos, haunting melodies and foot tapping grooves.

VARIOUS ARTISTS  BLACK FINGER CD £19.95
Compiled by Kyoto Jazz Massive's Shuya Okino, this 11 track selection is both eclectic and of the highest standard.  Sleepwalker contributes the Headhunters-ish Fusion of 'Ignition Heads'.  Cro-Magnon's revenge mix 'track 4' (title is in Japanese) is a Brass Construction/ Mass Production slice of Disco Funk.  Elongated live versions of Jazztronik's 'Rita' and Kyoto Jazz Massive's 'Eclipse' fire on all cylinders.  Check also Hajime Yoshizawa's 'Waltz For Jason (Yoshihiro Okino Re-edit' and Masa Collective's wonderful take of Pharoah's 'Love Is Everywhere' complete a superb comp.

ROB DIXON  WHAT THINGS COULD BE CD £12.95
Modern day Jazz Funk with a soulful edge, especially on the vocal tracks characterise this excellent funky set.  On the funk side of Fusion check the Hancock-ish 'Flagships' and the more contemporary 'Galaxies Colliding'.  Tough grooves underpin the slinky 'Soul Solid', whilst the summery 'A Better Way' is a delightful mid-tempo chugger featuring the vocals of Goldie Johnson.  Lady of the moment, Cynthia Layne adds her soulful vocals to the outstanding floating 'Love Of My Life' and the beautiful 'Still'.  This album will appeal to all those who like the funkier side of Fusion (Keith Anderson/ Roy Hargrove) and his playing is reminiscent of Karl Denson.

NEU JAZZ  COMPILED BY JAZZANOVA CD £13.95
Great comp of new and recent jazz dance tracks. Incl 2 Banks Of 4 'Queen Of Crows', Dalindeo 'Solifer Lento' Sleepwalker 'Wind', Shirley Eubanks modal 'Blessing Song' , Soulstance 'Lead The Way', Hipnosis 'Carrousel', Quasimode' Last nine days', Fertile Ground 'Simple Timeless', Jazzanova ft Bembe Segue 'That Night' and Hajime Yoshizawa 'Waltz For Jason' amongst other great tracks.  

DERRICK GARDNER AND THE JAZZ PROPHETS  SLIM GOODIE CD £12.95
This Hard Bop style album echoes the great album's of 60's Blue Note, with trumpeter Derrick Gardner.  Full-on cuts like 'Slim Goodie', and 'The Big Beat' hit that groove, whilst the swaggering 'Soul Talk' has that late 60's 'hip walk' vibe.  'Nica's Tempo' revisits the Gigi Gryce classic reverentially.   Wayne Shorter's 'Seeds Of Sin' and 'Double Entendre' sustain the high standard of musicianship, in which the horn line of Rob Dixon (sax), Vincent Gardner (trombone) and Derrick Gardner are outstanding.  At times, this album sounds much like a Freddie Hubbard Blue Note date with touches of the Jazz Messengers and Horace Silver also in the mix. 

TONY REMY AND BLUEY  FIRST PROTOCOAL: INCOGNITO GUITARS  CD £13.95
Tony Remy is one of the UK's finest session guitar players having contributed hugely to the success of Incognito and Down To The Bone among others and played with the likes of Frank McComb.  This 10 track collaboration with Bluey combines Tony's virtuoso guitar playing with Bluey's immaculate arranging/ songwriting and production.  Try the upbeat grooves of 'Beyond Jupiter' or the Benson like fluidity of 'The Other Side Of Me'.  'Only Child' enjoins a soulful House vibe with an Incognito-ish sound.  The Bossa tinged 'Dans La Mancha' with its eerie trumpet creates an atmospheric backdrop for the boys.  Excellent set that grows better with each play.

NOSTALGIA 77  WEAPONS OF JAZZ DESTRUCTION CD £10.95/ LP £13.95
Nostalgia 77 always release interesting albums; 'Weapons..' is a mix of the styles that they touched on across the past few albums.  'Journey Home' is an intense instrumental Jazz groove, whilst the vocal 'Stars' has a serene spiritual Jazz feel.  The Eastern influenced 'Musical Slit' adds a 60's modal influence, whilst the equally mystical 'Medusa' is freer.  'One Step Out' is a fine, but deep vocal spiritual Jazz journey.  Throughout the rhythm section is tight and the horn work (Trumpet, Trombone Tenor and Alto Sax)  both ensemble passages and solos  is superb. 

LIN ROUNDTREE  GROOVETREE CD £14.95
New name to us, this trumpeter's rich tone is reminiscent of Rick Braun and this album does not sound unlike the funkier and more soulful of Rick's repertoire. Smooth fluid grooves like 'For Your Love', the driving 'Groove Tree', and the slower heavier 'Bio-Funk' will thrill Smooth Jazz fans.  Try also the joyful 'Candice' and the vocal 'The Message' adds a smooth soulfulness.  Rhythm section includes Al Turner and Tim Bowman.

2UNES (NORTH WOODALL)  STRAIGHT @ YOU CD £12.95
This accomplished guitar man has been around for sometime and has earned his 'chops'.  This mix of covers and originals will delight from the opener 'Rock Steady' to the cover of EWF's 'Let's Groove Tonight'.  The uplifting 'All I Need Is You', the riff-laden 'Rain Forest', the rocking 'MVP' and the Jazz Funk of 'Just Like Water' and 'Café 290' are all fine cuts.  The grooves are strong and North's guitar playing is to the fore on this excellent mix of originals and covers delivered in the Smooth Jazz style.

REGINALD H HARMON  FOLLOW THE LIGHT CD £12.95
Impressive independently produced Smooth Jazz that is a fine showcase for Harmon's lush sax and flute playing.  'Space N' is a flute led instrumental groover, where as the serene 'Waterfall And Rainbow' is a beautiful landscape for Harmon to paint.  Harmon explores a range of black music styles from the Dayton like Funk of 'Humble Pie', the upbeat dancer 'Baby Don't You Worry' and the sumptuous ballad 'Coming Soon'.  Try the dreamy vocal 'Say You Need Me' or the melodic 'Rose Garden'  shades of Grover or Kenny G.

AFRO ELEMENTS IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN CD £13.95
Aka Mr Gone, deliver a fine modern day Jazz Funk album. Propelled by Simon Bramley's Pastorius/ Paul Jackson style bass, the instrumentals like 'Ju Ju' and the driving horn fuelled 'Volcano' (complete with Raydio mix feat Jeff Lorber). Try the heavier Funk of 'Four Letter Word' and fast Jazz Funk of 'Stop You're Killing Me'. Vocal cuts include the Jazz Funk dancer 'Lift Your Life', the soulful 'Things You Do', the groove driven 'Chocolat', the latter featuring the vocals of Gerry Williams. This album will appeal to lovers of Down To The Bone and the Jazz Funk side of Incognito.

LUISITO QUINTERO PERCUSSION MADDNESS REVISITED CD £12.95
Remix albums rarely hit the heights of the originals, but when Louis Vega is at the helm then preconceptions go out the window. The remixes have not been submerged by dance orientated beats, allowing the subtlety and beauty of the music to breath, though the single 'Music For Gong Gong' is dancefloor heaven. 'Tumbao' is a shuffling slice of Latin Soul Jazz that is graced by the flute of Nestor Torres and 'Skinny Papa' is an amusing slice of Boogaloo. The Latin Jazz of 'Quintero's Jam' shines with its walking b-line and layered percussion; Hilton Ruiz is outstanding on piano. Blaze gives the dance feel to 'Love Remains The Same' but again their qualities compliments rather than detracts.

BEGGAR & CO FT FUNK JAZZ COLLECTIVE BRASS STRINGS N'THINGS CD £12.95
(Available from mid November)
Classic Jazz funk recorded live at Jazz Café ft their (light of the world) hits 'Time', 'London Town' 'Im So Happy' 'Petes Crusade' and 'Somebody Help Me Out' along with covers of classics like 'Movin', 'Evolution' , 'Cosmic Lust' 'Throw Down' and 'Nature Boy' .also check the studio remix of 'Time' . Features Light of The world, Carmelle Hinds, Bluey etc Loads of Energy !

JIMMY SOMMERS SUNSET COLLECTIVE CD £14.95
Superb album that veers more towards Fusion than Smooth Jazz, laced with some nice Soul cuts too. If you like Boney James then this set will appeal. 'Out of Nowhere' has that Boney/Grover feel, slowish sensual groove topped by fine sax playing. Rahsaan Patterson adds his distinctive vocals to the excellent dancer 'Let your Body Go', whilst Vikter Dupliax adds his typically languid touch to 'If I Knew'. Fans of the smooth groove will adore 'Happy Hour' featuring Paul Brown and 'Kickin It' featuring Brian Culbertson. The Bossa tinged 'Besame Mucho' simmers and adds a touch of Latin. Jimmy gets funky on 'House Party' and 'Vertical'. Ultra strong album that will appeal to a broad spectrum of listeners.

EVERETTE HARP MY INSPIRATION CD £14.95
This fine funky and smooth set from the sax maestro, sees a return to form and to his Jazz fusion roots., 'All Jazzed Up', 'Funky Palisades' and 'Juke Joint' provide a riff and groove laden backdrop to Harp's soulful and warm sax playing. Harp sounds uncannily like Grover and Wilton Felder on this predominantly instrumental album that oscillates between smooth Fusion and highly melodic songs such as 'Old School' and 'In Time'. Try also the accomplished cover of Dennis Edwards' 'Don't Look Any Further'. Heavyweight guests include George Duke and Jeff Lorber, whilst the rhythm section includes the exquisite bass playing of Alex Al. Highly recommended.

DAVE SERENY TAKE THIS RIDE CD £14.95
Exceptional selection of Smooth Jazz grooves, whose appeal will extend beyond the genre's aficionados. Sereny is a talented guitarist in the Benson/ Norman Brown mould his playing is clean cut and highly melodic, but possesses an understated Funk. Check his version of Rick James' 'Give It to Me Baby', plus Fusion tinged instrumentals like 'Keep Goin'. Mid-tempo groovers like 'St Tropez' and 'Blueberry Groove' are springboards for the guitarist's virtuosity. Viktar Duplaix contributes 3 typically languid songs including the outstanding 'Take This Ride' featuring N'Dea Davenport and 'Lucy' with guest Bob James. 'Fly Away' is another gem on this fine set.

SOUND STYLISTICS PLAY DEEP FUNK CD £13.95 LP£13.95
Sound Stylistics are some of the UK's finest session men brought together by a joyous love of Funk and features players that have contributed to the success of the likes of Incognito, James Taylor and Snowboy (the latter form part of the backing to the group). Check the JB like 'Shake And Hip Drop', the awesome 'Players Theme' and the gutsy 'Put It In The Pocket'. If you like 'Deep Funk' or just Funk simply buy this awesome album. Also check the Jazz Funk groove of 'Keepin On'. BRILLIANT.

QUASIMODE – LAND OF FREEDOM CD £23.95
Follow-up to the highly acclaimed ‘Oneself-Likeness’, this set surpasses the standards of its predecessor. The two tracks featuring Carmen Lundy – a re-working of her ‘Time Is Love’ classic and the more spiritual Jazz tinged ‘Object In The Mirror’ are outstanding. ‘Man from Nagpur’ is a Sleepwalker style stomper, whilst the percussive driving ‘For Self Defense’ build remorselessly towards a crescendo that is but the fore taster to the faster ‘Percussion Revolver’. The acoustic bass line on the title song glows and growls over which the ever excellent horn section and brilliant pianist express themselves in a Modal/ Hard Bop framework. This album is a contender for our Jazz album of 2007.

GERARDO FRISINA – NOTEBOOK: A JOURNEY IN SOUND REMIXES
CD £14.95 DBL LP £15.95
Gerardo Frisina’s albums epitomize the essence of the Schema label. Vibrant groove led Jazz that echo the sound of the great Blue Note in its Hard Bop/ modal heyday. This selection of new tracks and remixes/reworks from Gerardo will be a must for fans of the label. The remixes (mostly adding the bass and drum of the Lo Greco brothers) beef up cuts like Combo Moderna’s ‘Ghetto Stomp’ and Hipnosis’ Black Forrest Stomp’. Three previously unreleased cuts like the blistering Blue Note sounding ‘Tokyo’s Dream’, the movie theme tune like ‘Es Diferente’ and the vibes led groover ‘Calle De Candela’. The percussive ‘Alborado’ and Dizzy Gillespie’s ‘Swing Low Sweet Cadillac’ reworked keep the tempo and spirit up. A fine addition to the 2 previous highly recommended albums:

TIMO LASSY – SOUL AND JAZZ OF TIMO LASSY CD £13.95/ LP £13.95
Another candidate for Jazz album of the year, the sax player from Five Corners Quintet combines the 60’s Blue Note style of say Horace Silver, Hank Mobley and Lee Morgan (esp. on ‘Live At The Timber Yard’) with a contemporary freshness. Timo’s fluid sax playing creates a vibrant storm on tracks like the modal swinger ‘Early Move’, the fluent ‘The Call’ and the heavier percussive ‘African Rumble’. Check also ‘Weldon’ the more laid-back ‘Sweet Spot’ and the deep, slow ‘Universal Four’, on which Timo’s playing is particularly evocative. Essential Jazz dance.

RANDY MULLER – BOOM CHANG BANG-GROOVIN U CD £11.95
Ex Brass Construction main man and legendary producer delivers a groove driven set that will appeal to lovers of upbeat late 70’s dancers, Fusion and Smooth Jazz. The instrumental ‘Magic’, the vocal ‘Groovin U’ or try the atmospheric floater ‘Luvanova’ are all strong cuts. ‘Easy Luv’ is another mid-tempo gem, whilst ‘Bala’ adds a light Brazilian Jazz touch and ‘Devotion’ is a straight forward Soul dancer. Randy plays all instruments plus takes the lead and solos on flute.

DWAYNE KERR – HIGHER CALLING CD £11.95
Featured flautist with Erykah Badu’s band, delivers his second album, which is a fine mix of Smooth Jazz and Fusion. Erykah add vocals to Kerr’s pleasing take of Bill Withers’ ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’. The mid-tempo shuffler ‘Daughters’ is fine slightly Latin tinged cut and is a vehicle for Dwayne’s solo prowess. The slower ‘Yeah’ and the uptempo ‘Being With You’ featuring Kirk Whalum are joyful smoothish grooves. The riff-laden ‘Keep It Right There’ and ‘Higher Calling’ are fine slowish grooves and Dwayne’s playing soothing and soulful throughout.

VARIOUS ARTISTS – BLACK FEELING CD £13.95 LP £13.95
Another great compilation from Freestyle, this set kicks funky ass. From Pacific Rhythm Combo’s take on Bill Doggett’s JB groove ‘Honky Tonk Popcorn’ to Shirley Eubanks Ensemble’s jazzer ‘The Blessing Song’ and the fast Latin take of Rusty Bryant’s ‘Fire Eater’ from Sexteto Excellencio make this groove driven comp varied and cohesive. The Prestige like Jazz groove of Prince Nafa and His Polynesians’ ‘Whatcha Feel Is Whatcha Get’ revisits 60’s Soul Jazz, whilst Luther Harris’ ‘Black Feeling’ is given a riff laden rework. 12 strong Jazz and Funk grooves all produced by Australia’s Lance Ferguson

LACK OF AFRO – PRESS ON CD £13.95
Interesting 12 track set that, whilst is based on Funk is a varied and eclectic. Check the awesome ‘The Outsider’, the groove laden ‘Live At The Club’, the tough ‘Mongrel Strut’ and the jam ‘Wait A Minute’. Check the jazzier;’Roderigo’ and the late 60’s Soul tinged ‘Touch My Soul’. If you like something different, then try this innovative album.

QUEEN LATIFAH – TRAVELIN LIGHT CD £11.95
This selection of (mainly) Jazz standards is delightful and showcases just what a fine voice Queen Latifah possesses. ‘Georgia Rose’, ‘Travelin Light’, the spiritual ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ and ‘Don’t Cry Baby’ are all gorgeous slow numbers, whilst the big band ‘I’m Gonna Live Till I Die’ is a lively upbeat cut. The Pointer Sisters’ funky ‘How Long’ echoes the original, whilst the soulful late 60’s sounding ‘What Love Has Joined Together’ is superb and she breathes new life into 10CC’s hit ‘I’m Not In Love’.

HAGGIS HORNS – HOT DAMN CD £13.95
UK based Funk band that is as tight as any of their contemporaries are blessed with a classic 70’s style Funk horn section. Coupled with funky guitar licks, running bass lines and tough drums is a winning combination. The first two cuts ‘Enter The Haggis’ and ‘Pipe Bag’ set the tone – quality hard driving Funk. ‘The Bump’, ‘Got To Lose Your Way’ is tough grooves, whilst ‘The Traveller’ and ‘Tribe Vibes’ add an Afro-beat feel. Kool’s ‘Who’s Gonna Take The Weight’ and the quirky ‘Naughty Buddha’ keep the Funk quotient high. Excellent JB inspired stuff.