ROY AYERS UBIQUITY VIBRATIONS CD £9.95 original Vinyl LP £20
Brilliant Roy Ayers album from 1976, 'Vibrations' includes his classic 'Searching', but this set combines Jazz Funk and Soul in equally strong measure. Check the uptempo dancers 'Domelo', 'Come Out And Play' and the compelling 'Movin Groovin' and the heavier Funk of 'One Sweet Love To Remember'. 'The Memory' is pure mid-tempo Ayers magic as is the 2 Step paced 'Baby I Need Your Love'. ESSENTIAL.

BILLY GRIFFIN BELIEVE IT OR NOT COLLECTION CD £12.95
All of Billy's best tracks on one CD. includes the classic 'Hold Me Tighter in The Rain' , the up tempo dancers 'Systematic' and 'Serious', the boogie dancer 'Don't Ask Me To Be Friends' and 'Understand' with its great bassline. The steppers 'So Many Ways' and '2nd Day Love Story' and mid tempo floaters 'Olivia' and 'All The Way To Love' and the recent modern soul shuffler 'Like Water'. Also includes his 70's hits with Miracles 'Love Machine' and 'I Spy For The Brotherhood'.

C L BLAST LAY ANOTHER LOG ON THE FIRE CD £14.95
This CD comprises the complete Juana sessions from 1976-84 produced by Fredrick Knight apart from Sam Dees produced gritty funky soul 'Don't Fight The Feelin' and magnificent ballad 'Hard To Get The Feelin'. Highlights are outstanding Latimore-esq southern soul mid tempo title track , the modern soul dancers 'Love Don't Feel Like Love No More' and 'Lets Do Something Different Tonight' and the string laden funky soul 'I Wanna Get Down'. also check the beat ballad '50/50 Love' the uptempo 80's soul 'I Need To Love You' and 'Let Me Entertain You' and the ballad 'If I Could Feel That Old Feeling Again'

JAZZ CRUSADERS OLD SOCKS NEW SHOES CD £9.95
Originally recorded for Chisa, this album predated the dropping of 'Jazz' from the band's name, but fits perfectly with their early Blue Thumb albums like '2nd Crusade' and Crusaders 1'. You can feel the transition from 60's west coast based Jazz outfit to the Jazz Funk sound that propelled them to international fame. Only on 'Jazz' do they retain that 60's Bop inspired style. The opener a version of Sly's 'Thank You…' is a funky slice of Jazz Funk. 'Way Back Home completes the set- a soulful track which became a firm favourite at their concerts.

GROVER WASHINGTON JR INNER CITY BLUES CD £9.95 Original Vinyl LP £15
This 1971 album was Grover's debut and sees the sax maestro in soulful but raw form. His take on Marvin's 'Inner City Blues' is a Jazz Funk masterpiece as is the shorter 'Mercy Mercy Me'. tHe album consists of covers and his interpretation of Bill Withers' 'Ain't No Sunshine/Theme From Man And Boy' is exquisite. Arranged by a young Bob James, the all-star band included Bob, Idris Muhammad, Eric Gale, Ron carter and Airto! The 'CTI/Kudu' sound was falling into place; Grover's debut was an integral part of that process.

MICHAEL WYCOFF – LOVE CONQUERS ALL CD £19.95
Michael’s best album produced by Webster Lewis in 1982. Includes the 80’s boogie dancers ‘Still Got The Magic’ and ‘Diamond Pearl’ and the much sampled all time classic ‘Looking Up To You’. The ballads ‘Love Conquers All’ and ‘Its Over’ and the down tempo stepper ‘Love Is So Easy’ with its nice heavy bass line provide a good contrast.

ROY AYERS  RED BLACK AND GREEN CD £13.95
Now available at a more realistic price, this great 1973 album is one of the best from the period when  he played vibes more than sang. his brilliant up tempo covers of  Bill Withers 'Aint No Sunshine' and the  Tempt's 'Papa Was A Rolling Stone' , and the more mellow Aretha's 'Day Dreamin' are great. Of the originals 'Red Black And Green' is the standout with a chant over the funkiest of grooves and some  great musicianship and strings. 'Cocoa Butter' is a good vibes led instrumental shuffler and the funkier 'Rhythms Of Your Mind' are also excellent on this consistently good album.

TERUMASA HINO – CITY CONNECTION CD £16.95
One of the finest Japanese Jazz Funk albums, ‘City Connection’ was recorded by Trumpeter Hino in 1979. There are three outstanding tracks on the album; firstly the urgent Latin Jazz Funk of ‘Samba De-La Cruz’. The soulful ballad ‘Stay In My Waking Heart’ and the warm jazzy Soul groove of ‘Send Me Your Feelings’ are top notch cuts with female lead vocals and Hino especially soulful. The straight up Jazz Funk title song is thumping good groove. Hino’s playing resembles Freddie Hubbard during the latter’s Jazz Funk period.

MARVIN GAYE HERE MY DEAR (DELUXE) DBL CD £18.95
Marvin's original 1978 double album documenting his divorce was overlooked at the time but is now regarded as another of his classic albums. It is extended here by alternative versions and mix's. The album was made as a story and is best listened to in that way rather than by selecting individual tracks but its highlights are 'When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You', the semi funky 'Anger' and 'Time To Get Together' (the extended alternative versions are really good), 'Is That Enough', 'Falling In Love again' and the funky dancer 'Funky Space Reincarnation'.
Also recommended Whats Going On ,Lets Get it On, I Want You CD's £9.95 DBL CD'S £18.95 each

ASIKO – TAKE A TRIP WITH CD £14.95
This rare underground Afro-Funk album from Nigerian band recorded in Miami c. mid 70’s.  The Funk of ‘Love And Peace’ compliments the jazzier and more laid-back grooves of ‘Hot Black’.  It is the funky cuts like ‘Mind’ and the horn-led breakneck paced ‘Okeron’ and the slower ‘T K Love’ that hit the spot.

KHEMISTRY KHEMISTRY CD £16.95
Classic and in demand 1982 Boogie album produced by Willie Lester and Rodney Brown . Includes the boogie dancers 'I Cant Lose With The Stuff I Use', 'Sucker For Boogie' and 'I Got A Feeling' and the more soulful 80's dancers 'Can You Feel My Love' and 'Whos Fooling Who'. Also check the 2 stepper 'Walking Papers' and the ballad 'There's No Me Without You'. This album is strong throughout and is one of the best from its period.

INTRUDERS SAVE THE CHILDREN CD £16.95
Classic 1973 Philly album prod by Gamble and Huff, backed by the superb MFSB. includes their classic philly dancer 'I'll Always Love My Mama' , their excellent cover for Gil Scott's 'Save The Children', the mid tempo 'Hang On In There' and 'To Be happy Is The real Thing' and a couple of great ballads 'I Wanna Know Your Name' and 'Memories Are Here To Stay', theres even 4 bonus tracks inc 'Win Place or Show (Shes A winner)' , 'Energy Of love' and 2 others . Classic 70's Philly Soul.

MARY GRESHAM VOICE FROM THE SHADOWS CD £14.95
Mary released a few 45's for Abet in the late 60's like the stompers 'Going Thru The Changes' and 'Motivation' but its her unreleased material from 72-73 for Wishbone that really makes this album so good. The modern soul 'I'll Never Let You Walk Alone' , the modern dancers 'You've Never Really Lived' and 'So Many Ways' and the southern-ish 'You've Been Doing Wrong For So Long' are top drawer stuff. The ballads 'Leaving Me', 'I Want To Be Loved' , Color Of Man'and the mid tempo 'Just Me And You' are also strong and there's a good cover of Bill Withers 'Use Me'. A Real Find.

STEPHANIE MILLS SWEET SENSATION CD £14.95
1980 album produced by Mtume and Lucas includes the hit single 'Never Knew Love Like This Before' and the up tempo 'Sweet Sensation', 'Try My Love', 'Wish You Were Mine' and 'Dancin' and the ballads 'I Just Wanna Say' , 'Still Mine'and 'Mixture Of Love'.
Also recommended ‘Love is To Listen (a retrospective) CD £13.95 DBL LP £14.95

NIGHTWIND FT ANGELA CHARLES AND WINDSONG CD £19.95
Classy mid 80's down tempo soul album ft Angela Charles whose voice , phrasing and material sounds very similar to Anita Baker. 'Love My Baby' is a lesser known classic melodic ballad with great instrumentation on which Angela excels.  The cover of Minnie's 'Lovin You' and the ballads 'Falling In Love' and Nightwind' and the slightly faster mid tempo 'You're Someone Special' and 'Message To My Lover' are also good on this consistently good album.

ARETHA FRANKLIN  RARE AND UNRELEASED DBL CD £14.95
35 previously unreleased tracks and demos demonstrate why Aretha was the Queen of Soul in the 60's and early 70's. The raw piano accompanied demo's of 'I Never Loved A man' and 'Dr Feelgood' are interesting but it's the unreleased tracks that will really set you going. 'So Soon' a Van McCoy written dancer, the semi-funky 'Mr Big' and the ballads 'Pledging My Love/The Clock' , 'You're Taking Up Another Mans Place' and 'Im Trying To Overcome' are 60's soul magic. The 70's  highlights are the spiritual 'My Cup Runneth Over', the alternative mix of her classic 'Rock Steady' , 'Heavenly Father', 'Sweetest Smile and Funkiest Style' 'Tree Of life', 'Can You Really Love You' 'At Last' and the alternate take of Womack's 'That's The Way I Feel About Cha'   Essential.

BOBBY WOMACK  HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS/PIECES CD £12.95
These two albums were cut in mainly in Muscle Shoals for Columbia in the mid 70's, and amongst the best that Bobby recorded..Two Prince Phillip Mitchell tracks,  'Home I Where The Heart Is' a great track , a dancer that has retained its popularity, and 'Something For My Head' another popular dancer are probably the highlights from 1976 'Home Is' album., although the ballad 'One more Chance On Love' and the cover of 'Change Is Gonna Come' are also great. The 1978 Don Davis produced 'Pieces' contains' the epic mid tempo 'Trust Your Heart' with David Ruffin on bv's, and the lovely 'Stop Before We Start' ft Candi Staton' and the great 'Caught Up In The Middle' . Excellent 70's Soul.
Also highly recommended  'Facts Of Life' , 'Understanding', Communcation' and 'Poet' CD's  £9.95

SANDRA WRIGHT - WOUNDED WOMAN/JAMES GOVAN CD £14.95
Sandra's in demand classic rare album was recorded for Stax in 1974 but not issued until 1989. It includes the modern soul dancers 'Midnight Affair' and 'A Man Cant Be A man' along with the mid tempo title track. The shufflers 'Sha-La Bandit' , 'I Came Running Back' and the southern soul  ballads 'I'm Not Strong Enough To Love You Again'  , 'I'll See You Through' and 'Please Don't Say Goodbye' are also worthy of note on this excellent album which will appeal to those you like Shirley Brown. James Govan 1982 album also produced by David Johnson is added as a bonus, but its Sandra's album that will have greater appeal.

OHIO PLAYERS SKIN TIGHT/ FIRE CD £13.95
OHIO PLAYERS HONEY/ CONTRADICTION CD £13.95
Four classic Ohio Players' album on two CDs, bear witness to the Funk band's halcyon years.  'Skin Tight' is a fantastic Funk track, whilst 'Jive Turkey' and the instrumental 'Streakin Cheek To Cheek' keeps the Funk flowing, but it is the 2 Step 'Heaven Must Be Like This' is a classic.  'Fire' is equally strong with the title song being the stand out.  'Honey' is full of great cuts such as the dancers 'Fopp' and 'Love Rollercoaster', though it is the Jazz tinged 'Sweet Sticky Thing' with its sax and guitar leads that takes the breath away.  'Contradiction' includes the infectious riff-laden 'Who'd She Coo' and the heavier 'Far' 

EARTH WIND AND FIRE  VERY BEST OF CD £6.95
15 CLASSICS INC 'September', 'Boogie Wonderland', 'Saturday Nite', 'Shining Star' , 'That's The Way Of The World', 'Serpentine Fire' , 'Jupiter' and 'Got To Get You Into My Life'

All time classic EWF albums ALL N ALL, THAT'S THE WAY OF THE WORLD, SPIRIT  £9.95 each

JACK McDUFF – HEATING SYSTEM CD £19.95
‘The Heating System’ is one of the funkiest most intense organ sets ever laid down and one of the last great ones.  The title cut starts as a slow blues then turns on the funkiest drums and bassline.  ‘The Boiler’ is an aptly entitled rocket fuelled Hammond groove with McDuff burning it up, ‘The Prophet’ is a slowish slice of gritty Funk and ‘Pressure Gauge’ is funkier still – check the horns.   The mellow vibe of ‘Lonesome Is The Night’ offers brief respite from the frenetic Funk.  A brooding take on ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and the menacingly atmospheric ‘Radiation’ completes a brilliant 70’s Hammond Fusion set.  Supporting cast includes Phil Upchurch (bass), Don Myrick (sax) and Derf Reklaw (percussion).  ESSENTIAL.

LEON THOMAS & GARY BARTZ QUINTET – PRECIOUS ENERGY CD £14.95
This unique ‘live’ collaboration was recorded at Ethell’s Jazz Club in Baltimore and is a reminder of how great a vocalist Leon Thomas was.  Joined by trumpeter Eddie Henderson, the frontline of Leon, Gary and Eddie is an all-star cast.   ‘Precious Energy (Sun Song)’ is a 13 minute cover of the song Leon recorded with Pharoah Sanders.  ‘(Little) Sunflower’ captures the feel and spiritual lyrics of Leon’s collaboration with Louis Hayes – Leon’s words being particularly moving and poignant.  Coltrane’s ‘Cousin Mary’ is a barnstormer with our 3 geniuses inspiring one another.  Bartz is especially in fine form ably supported by Henderson and a tight band – check ‘Close Your Eyes’.  The guys also immerse themselves in the blues on cuts like ‘Woman’ and ‘You Treat Me Like A yo-yo’.

SANDRA WRIGHT - WOUNDED WOMAN/JAMES GOVAN CD £14.95 (FROM MID TO LATE DEC)
Sandra's in demand classic rare album was recorded for Stax in 1974 but not issued until 1989. It includes the modern soul dancers 'Midnight Affair' and 'A Man Cant Be A man' along with the mid tempo title track. The shufflers 'Sha-La Bandit' , 'I Came Running Back' and the southern soul ballads 'I'm Not Strong Enough To Love You Again' , 'I'll See You Through' and 'Please Don't Say Goodbye' are also worthy of note on this excellent album which will appeal to those you like Shirley Brown. James Govan 1982 album also produced by David Johnson is added as a bonus, but its Sandra's album that will have greater appeal.

HAROLD McNAIR THE FENCE (PLUS) CD £9.95
Flautist/ sax player from the swinging 60's based in London, McNair has attained cult acclaim due to the brilliant modal cut 'The Hipster' (bonus cut on this CD). This 1970 set features 5 long workouts including a wonderful take on 'Scarborough Fair' that echoes Coltrane's version of 'Greensleeves'. 'The Fence' and 'Early In The Morning' are wicked grooves that straddle 60's Modal/Late Bop and 70's early Fusion (a la Brian Auger). 5 bonus tracks from his self-titled 1968 album including the aforementioned 'Hipster' and the swinging 'The Cottage' add value to this excellent mid-priced set. Essential British Jazz.

BOBBY WOMACK ROADS OF LIFE CD £12.95
This 1979 album from Womack produced by Patrick Moten , includes the all time classic 'How Could You Break My Heart' a great mid tempo groover. Also of note are the uplifting mid tempo modern soul 'Give It Up' , the stomper 'Mr DJ Don't Stop The Music', upbeat title track and the slower 'Roots In Me'.
Also recommended forthcoming ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is/Pieces’ CD £12.95 (due lateNov/Dec)

PIECES OF PEACE – PIECES OF PEACE CD £13.95 LP £13.95
This previously unreleased material was recorded in Chicago in the early 70’s and is a mix of Funk and Spiritual Jazz ft Derf Reklaw and EWF horns. In style, this seven piece band is not unlike the Pharoahs. ‘Pollution’ is a superb slice of leftfield Funk that echoes Exit 9’s driving street sound. ‘Peace & Blessings’ hits a wickedly jazzy groove with its walking bassline ,whilst ‘Peace And Blessings’ starts with EWF style vocal harmonies and then builds into a spritiual jazz workout. Highly recommended

LIFEFORCE – FEARLESS WARRIORS CD £13.95 LP £13.95
From 1979, this Spiritual Jazz tinged Fusion set derives its inspiration from the likes of Pharoah Sanders. ‘Fearless warriors’ is fine tough Jazz Funk groove, whilst ‘To Pharoah With Love’ adds a Bossa flavour. Previously this album was released solely as a private pressing and is nigh impossible to find. The slower ‘Atlanta Anna’ and the relaxed ‘Wow’ are archetypal late 70’s Jazz Funk a la Crusaders/ early Spyro Gyra, whilst ‘Sister Bea’ is a melodic groove.

CHARLES KYNARD – CHARLES KYNARD CD £19.95
Hammond maestro released this superb funky organ set in 1971. Powered by Kynard’s driving B3 and fluid fender bass lines courtesy of Carol Kaye, tracks like ‘Greeze’ and ‘El Toro Poo Poo’ are relentless. ‘Grits’ is a bluesy affair, whilst ‘Greens’ is a tough swinging groove, with Ernie Watts starring on tenor sax. Kynard recorded a few fine organ albums for Mainstream and Prestige, this up there with the best of them.

GATO BARBIERI RUBY RUBY CD £12.95
Follow up to 'Caliente', this under-rated album is more Latin tinged than its predecessor, which is a classic Jazz funk album). Gato's earthy tenor is expressive and growls over laid-back grooves like 'Latin Reaction' and 'Nostalgia'. The breezy 'Ngiculela-Es Histoiria..' is an upbeat dancer, 'Adios' flows at an ever increasing pace. The rhythm section includes Lenny White and bassist Gary King. This Fusion album oozes class and manages to sound fresher today than when it was recorded.

FRANK FOSTER LOUD MINORITY JAPANESE CD £19.95 LP £9.95
Ex Count Basie MD, Foster's intense sax is the perfect vehicle for this great Spiritual Jazz album. The title song featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater is a definite political statement and was re-interpreted in the 90's by UFO. 'JP's Thing' is a hard left of centre funky Jazz groove, driven by Stanley Clarke's relentless bass line. Try also the gentlier 'EW Beautiful People', whose vibe is very spiritual.

FOUR MINTS – GENTLY DOWN YOUR STREAM CD £13.95
Excellent and extremely rare vocal harmony album recorded in Columbus Ohio in 1973 for the Capsoul label. Includes the in demand two steppers ‘Row My Boat’ and ‘You’re my Desire’ and some great ballads ‘why Did I Go’, ‘Do You Really Love Me’ and ‘Cant Get Strung Out’. Also check the modern/northern dancers ‘You’ll Want To Come Back’ and ‘Keep On Loving You’.

GLORIA BARNES UPTOWN/CHOSEN FEW TAKING ALL THE LOVE I CAN CD £12.95
2 Rare connoisseurs’ raw soul albums from the Maple released in the early 70’s but possibly recorded earlier. Gloria’s album consists of northern dancers ‘I’ll Call Ya Back Later’ and the Ohio Players ‘Gotta Get Away’ and ‘You Don’t Mean It’, along with the mid tempo stepper ‘She Wants A Stand In’ and the southern ballad ‘Home’. Chosen Few inc the northern ‘Birth Of a Playboy’ and OP’s ‘Trespassin’ and ‘I Got A Hold On’, the motown-esq ‘Nobody Can Save Me’ and horn backed title track.

CARLA WHITNEY – CARLA WHITNEY CD £11.95
Reissue of super rare 1975 Modern soul album backed by and produced by Choker Campbell and his super sounds. The highlights are the mid tempo modern dancer ‘I’ve Been Hurt So Many Times’ and the beat ballads ‘Lovin At Midnight’ and ‘I’m Still In love With you’. Also check the string laden mid tempo ‘Questions’, the ballads ‘What Made you Change Your mind’ and ‘Tears On My Pillow’, the semi-funky ‘War’ and the funky soul stompers ‘Its You For Me’ and ‘Wisdom Song’. Strong album.

ROY AYERS – LIFELINE CD £9.95
From 1977, apart from ‘Running Away’, this album tends to get overlooked in the Roy Ayers discography, which would be a shame as it has stood the test of time. The afore mentioned classic is the standout, but check the mid-tempo groovers like ‘This Side Of Sunshine’, the marvellously atmospheric ‘Gotta Find A Lover’ and the jazzy ‘I Still Love You’, which is enhanced by the vocal contribution of Dee Dee Bridgewater. On the uptempo slant check the jaunty ‘Sanctified Feeling’ or the silly ‘Cincinnati Growl’.
Includes a bonus the long 12” version of ‘Running Away’ with vibes solo.

STANLEY CLARKE – CHILDREN OF FOREVER CD £9.95
Early classic Stanley Clarke from 1973, ‘Children’ was produced by Chick Corea and features vocalists Andy Bey and Dee Dee Bridgewater. The spiritual Jazz inspired cuts like the title song, ‘Unexpected Days’ and the 16 minute opus ‘Sea Journey’ and ‘Butterfly Dreams’ are a joy and deep. Try also the heavy instrumental ‘Bass Folk Song’. Clarke’s playing on upright bass is awesome, and this album is inspirational.

PRINCE PHILLIP MITCHELL –MAKE IT GOOD CD £9.95
Outstanding 1978 album from the great soulful underrated singer and songwriter. Standouts are the fantastic driving modern dancer ‘One on One’, the great stepper ‘Make It Good’, and the bonus killer string laden ballad ‘What Part Of Heaven Do you Come From’. The cover of AWB ‘Star In The Ghetto’ mid tempo stepper ‘You’re All I get In The World’ and the ballads ‘’Falling From Heaven’ and ‘Only Smoke Remains’ are also really good.

RONN MATLOCK –LOVE CITY CD £9.95
1979 album contains the modern soul/2 step classic ‘I Cant Forget About You’, the atmospheric mid tempo plodder ‘Feeling Something’ and the modern dancer ‘You Got The Best Out Of Me’. Also try the mid tempo ‘Love City’ and the ballads’ Working Man’ and ‘Take Me To The Top Of Your Mountain’. Great Voice, shame he only made one album.

GWEN MCCRAE – GWEN MCCRAE - CANCELLED ****NOT ISSUED
1981 Album incl the boogie monster ‘Funky Sensation’ in both original album and superior previously unreleased extended remix (with heavier beat and bass line). The other single from the album ‘Poyson’ and the string laden and deeper bass propelled ‘Feels So Good’ are also good boogie tracks. ‘Have A Good Time’ and ‘Movement’ are also club tracks, whilst ‘All My Love’, ‘Stood The test’ and ‘Do You Wanna Be Mine’ are nice mid tempo ballads.

GWEN McCRAE – CANCELLED ****NOT ISSUED
1982 album includes the uplifting weekender anthem ‘Keep The Fire Burning’ (written by Willie Hutch) both in original album and UK 12” remix and alternative versions. ‘Doin It’ is another good boogie track and the mildly funky ‘I Didn’t Take Your Man’ is a horn backed dancer. The ballads ‘Make Believe’, ‘I Need To Be With You’ and ‘Be For real’ are also highlights.

FOUR MINTS – GENTLY DOWN YOUR STREAM CD £13.95
Excellent and extremely rare vocal harmony album recorded in Columbus Ohio in 1973 for the Capsoul label. Includes the in demand two steppers ‘Row My Boat’ and ‘You’re my Desire’ and some great ballads ‘why Did I Go’, ‘Do You Really Love Me’ and ‘Cant Get Strung Out’. Also check the modern/northern dancers ‘You’ll Want To Come Back’ and ‘Keep On Loving You’.

GLORIA BARNES UPTOWN/CHOSEN FEW TAKING ALL THE LOVE I CAN CD £12.95
2 Rare connoisseurs’ raw soul albums from the Maple released in the early 70’s but possibly recorded earlier. Gloria’s album consists of northern dancers ‘I’ll Call Ya Back Later’ and the Ohio Players ‘Gotta Get Away’ and ‘You Don’t Mean It’, along with the mid tempo stepper ‘She Wants A Stand In’ and the southern ballad ‘Home’. Chosen Few inc the northern ‘Birth Of a Playboy’ and OP’s ‘Trespassin’ and ‘I Got A Hold On’, the motown-esq ‘Nobody Can Save Me’ and horn backed title track.

CARLA WHITNEY – CARLA WHITNEY CD £11.95
Reissue of super rare 1975 Modern soul album backed by and produced by Choker Campbell and his super sounds. The highlights are the mid tempo modern dancer ‘I’ve Been Hurt So Many Times’ and the beat ballads ‘Lovin At Midnight’ and ‘I’m Still In love With you’. Also check the string laden mid tempo ‘Questions’, the ballads ‘What Made you Change Your mind’ and ‘Tears On My Pillow’, the semi-funky ‘War’ and the funky soul stompers ‘Its You For Me’ and ‘Wisdom Song’. Strong album.

ROY AYERS – LIFELINE CD £9.95
From 1977, apart from ‘Running Away’, this album tends to get overlooked in the Roy Ayers discography, which would be a shame as it has stood the test of time. The afore mentioned classic is the standout, but check the mid-tempo groovers like ‘This Side Of Sunshine’, the marvellously atmospheric ‘Gotta Find A Lover’ and the jazzy ‘I Still Love You’, which is enhanced by the vocal contribution of Dee Dee Bridgewater. On the uptempo slant check the jaunty ‘Sanctified Feeling’ or the silly ‘Cincinnati Growl’.
Includes a bonus the long 12” version of ‘Running Away’ with vibes solo.

STANLEY CLARKE – CHILDREN OF FOREVER CD £9.95
Early classic Stanley Clarke from 1973, ‘Children’ was produced by Chick Corea and features vocalists Andy Bey and Dee Dee Bridgewater. The spiritual Jazz inspired cuts like the title song, ‘Unexpected Days’ and the 16 minute opus ‘Sea Journey’ and ‘Butterfly Dreams’ are a joy and deep. Try also the heavy instrumental ‘Bass Folk Song’. Clarke’s playing on upright bass is awesome, and this album is inspirational.

PRINCE PHILLIP MITCHELL –MAKE IT GOOD CD £9.95
Outstanding 1978 album from the great soulful underrated singer and songwriter. Standouts are the fantastic driving modern dancer ‘One on One’, the great stepper ‘Make It Good’, and the bonus killer string laden ballad ‘What Part Of Heaven Do you Come From’. The cover of AWB ‘Star In The Ghetto’ mid tempo stepper ‘You’re All I get In The World’ and the ballads ‘’Falling From Heaven’ and ‘Only Smoke Remains’ are also really good.

RONN MATLOCK –LOVE CITY CD £9.95
1979 album contains the modern soul/2 step classic ‘I Cant Forget About You’, the atmospheric mid tempo plodder ‘Feeling Something’ and the modern dancer ‘You Got The Best Out Of Me’. Also try the mid tempo ‘Love City’ and the ballads’ Working Man’ and ‘Take Me To The Top Of Your Mountain’. Great Voice, shame he only made one album.

GWEN MCCRAE – GWEN MCCRAE - CANCELLED ****NOT ISSUED
1981 Album incl the boogie monster ‘Funky Sensation’ in both original album and superior previously unreleased extended remix (with heavier beat and bass line). The other single from the album ‘Poyson’ and the string laden and deeper bass propelled ‘Feels So Good’ are also good boogie tracks. ‘Have A Good Time’ and ‘Movement’ are also club tracks, whilst ‘All My Love’, ‘Stood The test’ and ‘Do You Wanna Be Mine’ are nice mid tempo ballads.

GWEN McCRAE – CANCELLED ****NOT ISSUED
1982 album includes the uplifting weekender anthem ‘Keep The Fire Burning’ (written by Willie Hutch) both in original album and UK 12” remix and alternative versions. ‘Doin It’ is another good boogie track and the mildly funky ‘I Didn’t Take Your Man’ is a horn backed dancer. The ballads ‘Make Believe’, ‘I Need To Be With You’ and ‘Be For real’ are also highlights.