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THE ONE THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY

CHAVOUS – WITHOUT LIMIT CD £14.95
This Sassy sounding lady featured on our ‘This Is Soul 2006’.  Chavous is fresh sounding, and this great album from Philly, who will be compared to Jill Scott. ‘Without Limit’ is a great soulful/R&B dancer, ‘Much Better’ a really nice upper mid tempo foot taper, ‘Iyei’ a funky chugger, and ‘Gone’ a mid tempo floater’. Also check the mid tempo duet with Chris Thompson ‘My World’, the mid tempo groover ‘Thank U’ and the partially spoken word ‘Mother’.  Love the Latin tinged version of ‘Healin’ with its walking bass line, Wispish vocal and lush feel. One for the future.


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3 FROM THE VAULTS

ANITA BAKER – SONGSTRESS (BEVERLY GLEN US) LP £12/ CD £9.95
Anita's great debut from 1983 produced by Patrick Moten and Otis Smith for the short lived but revered Beverley Glen label. Anita was to achieve commercial success with her Elektra material most notably 'Rapture' and to become arguably the top female soul singer from the mid 80's to early 90's by keeping classic soul values at a time when it was out of vogue. It was this album that brought her to the attention of soul fans with her great vocal range and sultry voice. The ballad 'Angel' still rates amongst her best songs and performances, a classic. 'You’re The Best Thing Yet’, 'No More Tears' and 'Sometimes' are also good ballads. The horn backed 'Feel The Need' and 'Will You Be Mine' are great 2 steppers.  These two plus the slightly faster 'Do You Believe In Me' are also highlights. Classic Soul from the 80's.

(click here for all Anita Baker titles in stock)

BLACKBYRDS – BLACKBYRDS (FANTASY US) LP £20/ CD £13.95 (WITH FLYING START)
Released in 1974, this debut has to be one of the finest debuts on record.  Donald Byrd’s protégés and pupils create the kind of tight cohesive groove that only Funk can.  From the street Funk (a la Fatback Band) of ‘Do It Fluid’ to the fast incessant guitar/ bass led ‘Gut Level’, the Blackbyrds deliver.  The guys seemed to be able to encapture a mood with their riffs, melodies and grooves. – take the beautiful ‘Summer Love’, ‘A Hot Day Today’ or the bass driven ‘Lifestyles’ featuring Oscar Brashear.  Also try the jazzier ‘Reggins’, but this set is strong throughout.

(click here for all Blackbyrds  titles in stock)

GEORGE BENSON – BREEZIN (WARNER BROTHERS US) LP £12/ CD £9.95
This 1976 album became the first jazz album to go Platinum, was a two time Grammy winner and topped Jazz, R&B and Pop charts. Brilliantly produced by Tommy Lipuma with orchestra arranged by Claus Ogerman and features an all star cast Ronnie Foster, Phil Upchurch, Jorge Dalto, Stanley Banks, Ralph MacDonald and Harvey Mason. Five of the six tracks are delightful laid back instrumentals highlighting Benson's guitar playing. 'Breezin' a cover of a Womack song, the mid tempo 'Affirmation', the heavily orchestrated 'So This Is Love' and 'Lady' slightly faster 'Six To Four' with a driving beat. The vocal cut 'This Masquerade' shows off Benson as a fine soulful singer and is a truly great track. Classic album an ideal backdrop to a summer's day.

(click here for all George Benson titles in stock)

4 TO THE FLOOR

GEORGE DUKE – BRAZILIAN LOVE AFFAIR (EPIC UK) 12” £15
Amazingly this track was not on the original Brazilian release of the album, but was added for US and European release.  It more mainstream Jazz Funk feel contrasts with the more traditional Brazilian feel of the other tracks.  Byron Miller’s bass and Airto’s tremendous percussion give you a taste of Rio, sunshine and good times on this uplifting opus.

(click here for all George Duke titles in stock)

GAP BAND - OUTSTANDING (TOTAL EXPERIENCE US) 12” £15
The much sought after 12” mix of this 1982 tune combines that heavy early 80’s groove with a 2 Step paced tempo that gets head nodding and feet moving.  From Gap Band IV it is this 12” version that is the business.

(click here for all Gap Band titles in stock)

GWEN MCCRAE – KEEP THE FIRE BURNING (ATLANTIC US) 12” £30
This driving slice of Funk Soul has long been popular with the UK Soul crowd.  The incessant bassline, Gwen’s powerful vocal and the Willie Hutch production give this track its full-on vibe

(click here for all Gwen McCrae titles in stock)

DONNA SUMMER – LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY (CASABLANCA US) 12” £15
In this day and age, it is hard to imagine how much controversy this track created back in 1975.  Banned by the BBC for the moan and groans and the sensual vocal of Ms Summer, this classic Euro Disco record became a hit partly (possibly mainly) because of its notoriety.  Even so the orchestrations (courtesy of Giorgio Moroder) and overall ‘feel’ of the music engendered a style that defined the Disco era.

(click here for all Donna Summer titles in stock)

THE ONE THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY

ANTOINIQUE – INTRODUCING CD £15.95
One of the strongest albums released in the past few years.  Call it ‘organic’, ‘neo’ or just SOUL, this outstanding album from 2003, emphasizes the depth of Soul talent around in the 21st Century.  Antoinique’s sassy style is highlighted on the mid-tempo and funky ‘Blue’.  ‘Fell In Love’ is a superb groove and featured on our ‘This Is Soul 2005’ compilation.  ‘Good Love’, ‘Sweeter’ and the Modern soul crowd’s favourite ‘Sunshine’ are all fine songs with flowing bass lines, strong, largely real instrumentation and quality production and arrangements.  The album was recorded in Philadelphia at Larry Gold studios and that quality shines through.  This is most definitely one of the albums of the 00s.


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3 FROM THE VAULTS

CURTIS MAYFIELD – SUPERFLY (CURTOM US) LP £15/ CD £9.95
Probably the best blaxploitation soundtrack ever recorded, and one of Curtis finest albums. His distinctive production creates one of Soul music's iconic albums, whose influence on our music shouldn’t be under estimated.  Curtis wistful vocals, his lyrics, Johnny Pate's arrangements and orchestration created a gold album that even topped the US pop charts for a month in 1972/3. 'Superfly', 'Freddies Dead', 'Little Child Running Wild', 'Pusherman' and 'No Thing On Me' are all great anti drug use songs with great grooves. 'Give me Your Love' is a classic love song that was covered by Barbara Mason and Sisters Love, but Curtis version is outstanding with a great funky soul backing. The instrumental 'Junkie Chase' is classic blaxploitation theme with wah wah guitars and lots of brass that works as well as a track as a movie backdrop. Absolute classic Soul music, which would stand as a great album even without the movie!

(click here for all Curtis Mayfield titles in stock)

PARLIAMENT – MOTHERSHIP CONNECTION (CASABLANCA US) LP £15/ CD £9.95
This 1975/6 album founded and gave the P-Funk genre its name, featuring George Clinton, Bootsy and co at their most creative (and spaced out). Supported by Bernie Worrell on surreal keyboards, Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Michael and Randy Brecker and Joe Farrell on horny horns, Bootsy's striding bass with background vocals by soulsters inc Taka Khan (Boom), Debra Wright and Sidney Barnes, the sound was unprecedented and fantastic.  The album not only appealed to Clinton's underground audience, but right across the board and was a massive Soul and Pop Chart hit, and founded a new movement. 'P-Funk' with its spoken commentary and rousing chorus immediately differentiated it  from anything that had come before, 'Mothership Connection (Starchild)' still kicks today with some great riffs and melodies and 'Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)' the albums most conventional groove even became a US top 15 pop hit.  'Unfunky UFO', 'Handcuffs' and ‘Supergroovalisticprosifunkstication' keep the Funk groove going. One of THE classic funk albums (alongside ‘Payback’) of all time!

 (click here for all Parliament titles in stock)

DONALD BYRD – PLACES AND SPACES (BLUE NOTE US) LP £40/ CD £9.95
The Mizell brothers produced some great Jazz Funk albums in the early to mid 70's and were most associated with Donald Byrd and this classic 1975 album in particular. Their joyful heavily lushly orchestrated backing tracks framed the lead instrument to create a total sound. Trumpeter Donald had recorded many great albums for Blue Note in the previous 10 years this one was probably his most accessible.  The supporting cast of musicians including Harvey Mason, Chuck Rainey, Skip Scarborough and King Erricson play to perfection. The uptempo 'Change' sets the tone, the beautiful mid tempo 'Wind Parade’, 'Dominoes' and 'Places and Spaces’ are all time classics. The upper mid tempo 'You And Music' , the more gentle 'Night Whistler' and the great cover of 'Just My Imagination' complement them to make this one of the best jazz funk albums of all time, that still sounds fresh each time you hear it. Essential.

(click here for all Donald Byrd titles in stock)

4 TO THE FLOOR

ARNIE’S LOVE – I’M OUT OF YOUR LIFE (STREETWAVE UK) 12” £15
One of the most played tracks from the 80’s, this cut enjoys endless popularity and it is easy to hear why.  Catchy hook line, nice dance beat and an uncomplicated style makes this track a real winner, even with non-Soul fans.

HUDSON PEOPLE – TRIP TO YOUR MIND (HITHOUSE UK) 12” £70
This original version is slightly different from the version that was released on Ensign.  ‘Trip To Your Mind’ has a pounding (UK) Jazz Funk groove with horns and epitomises that sound from the late 70’s.  A really long instrumental break drives the piece.  Brilliant.

 

KOOL AND THE GANG – LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING/ OPEN SESAME (DELITE US) 12” £15
‘Love And Understanding’ was a universal message that the Gang represented during their successful ‘Funk’ era.  It was probably the last track they recorded in that style.  Flip it for the softer, more Disco tinged sound of ‘Open Sesame’ which featured in ‘Saturday Night Fever’.

(click here for all Kool And The Gang titles in stock)

YOUNG AND CO – I LIKE WHAT YOU’RE DOING (BRUNSWICK US) 12” £20
Another catchy number from the era of Boogie, this stomping dancer (from 1980) is as accessible as our music gets.  Again it is the catchiness of the hook line gets you ‘hooked’, but this is a fine, fine dancer.

(click here for all Young And Co titles in stock)

THE ONE THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY

(STEPHANIE) McKAY – MCKAY CD £9.95
Stephanie has a new album ‘Tell It Like it Is’ (taking pre-orders now) out at the end of July , so thought it might be to re-visit her first album.  This eclectic set has a contemporary (future Soul) feel that sounds fresh now. The Hip Hop tinged Soul of ‘Bluesin It’ and the funky ‘Thinking Of You’ – check the b line/ drums - are standouts.  The downbeat and eerie ‘Five Days Of Faith’ adds another dimension. The (bonus) cut ‘Folksong’ is a mid-tempo gem.  Stephanie’s lyrics show a deep insight into the human condition and whilst the quirkiness (in places) of the album may deter some, the depth and varied nature of the music will suit others.


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3 FROM THE VAULTS

BLACK ICE – I JUDGE THE FUNK LP £40
This album is much sought after, mainly for two incredible 2 Step tracks,  the Rare Groove gem ‘Postcard Love Affair’ and ‘Always On My Mind’ which is simply beautiful and has one of the finest falsetto leads I have ever heard.  Try also the mid-tempo funky groover ‘Push’ and the ballad ‘Fantasize’.  There are two Disco Soul uptempo quality grooves in ‘My Fantasy’ and ‘There You Go’, but the strongest dance cut is the title song.

(click here for all Black Ice titles in stock)

BERNARD WRIGHT – NARD ARISTA GRP US LP £20/ CD £19.95
Arguably a Jazz Funk rather than Funk album, ‘Nard’ was Wright’s debut and the man was only 16.  His playing showed much greater maturity.  Backed by the up and coming Jamaica Queens crew that included Don Blackman, Marcus Miller et al, the quality of this album would befit a veteran let alone a rooky.  In retrospect the P Funk-ish ‘Haboglabotribin’ (due to sampling) created a demand for the album.  It is very much on the Don Blackman LP style but is not the best track.  On the Jazz Funk tip, check the blistering ‘Firebolt Hustle’ and the incessant groove of ‘Bread Sandwiches’.  ‘Master Rocker’, ‘Spinnin’ and ‘We’re Just The Band’ add FUNK.  On ‘Solar’, Wright shows his Jazz chops.

(click here for all Bernard Wright titles in stock)

WALTER BISHOP – SOUL VILLAGE MUSE LP £20
Veteran pianist who cut his teeth with Charlie Parker recorded one Fusion date for Muse Records.  ‘Soul Village’ remains one of the best Jazz Funk albums from the late 70’s.  Many of the cuts were re-workings of tracks Bishop had recorded for other labels like Black Jazz, but the versions of ‘Soul Village’ and ‘Soul Turnaround on this album are definitive Jazz Funk cuts that whilst accessible (and commercial) retain an essential jazziness.  ‘Coral Keys’ and ‘Sweet Rosa’ are atmospheric pieces.  The band includes Randy Brecker and Steve Khan. ‘Soul Village’ is one of THE Fusion albums of all-time.

(click here for all Walter Bishop titles in stock)

4 TO THE FLOOR

ACTIVE FORCE – GIVE ME YOUR LOVE (A&M UK) 12” £20
This ever popular Boogie/ Rare Groove tune is as infectious as our music gets and the catchy chorus will surely get you hooked.  Released in 1983, it typifies the early stripped down sound that developed during the 80’s.  Sadly Active Force recorded just one album and faded into obscurity until the UK Soul scene of the late 80’s revived interest in this tune.

Also available on Groove On Down Vol 2 CD/ Double LP

INTRIGUE – FLY GIRL (WORLD TRADE US) 12” £20
Written by Leroy Burgess and Sonny Davenport and co-produced by Leroy, Fred McFarlane and Allen George.  From 1984, this dance classic defines the Burgess sound with its synth bass, upbeat feel and soulful vocal.  This is one of the 80’s greatest tunes – no doubt.

Also available on Leroy Burgess Anthology; the producer Vol 2 CD £13.95
(click here for all Leroy Burgess titles in stock)

MANDRILL – FUNKY MONKEY/ CAN YOU GET IT (ARISTA UK) 12” £10
Two great Disco Funk tracks graced the ‘We Are One’ album.  These breakneck tracks will get feet moving and floors full.  From 1979, they are typical of their era and represent a more accessible, less full-on than Mandrill’s Polydor work.  Nonetheless both cuts are awesome.

Also available on Mandrill ‘We Are One (Arista US) LP £15/ CD £9.95.
(click here for all Mandrill titles in stock)

SONNY ROLLINS – HARLEM BOYS (MILESTONE UK) 12” £12
One of Sonny’s very few excursions into Fusion, ‘Harlem Boys’ is one of those cuts that stays in the consciousness.  Rollins’ rich jazzy tenor works over the clip clop rhythm and simple and happy melody.

Also available on ‘Don’t Ask’ Milestone US  LP £12
(click here for all Sonny Rollins titles in stock)

THE ONE THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY

AMAR KHALIL – WHERE THERE’S A WILL CD £9.95
Lead singer with Toni Tony Tone released this Gospel and Gospel inspired album in 2005.  The quality of the production vocals and material will also appeal to Soul fans.  Jamie Hawkins produced the album and the whole project has a positive feel and exudes a refreshing optimism.
Featuring mainly mid tempo staccato dancers like 'Higher', 'Thank You', 'I See You', 'Solitary' and the standout 'Sunny Day' one of the best tracks of the year so far.   This cut floats like a cool breeze and Amar’s vocal flows also check the slower 'Quickly'. Amar's soulful voice dominates throughout this excellent set.  Musically fans of Toni Tony Tone or Raphael Saadiq will appreciate this album or lovers of good music for that matter.


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3 FROM THE VAULTS

GIL SCOTT HERON –PIECES OF A MAN FLYING DUTCHMAN US LP £50
Gil Scott Heron is a legendary figure on the black music scene.  His lyrics, poetry, political insight and music have inspired many for the last 35 – 40 years.  This was Gil’s first collaboration with Brian Jackson recorded in 1971 and features an all star line up including Ron Carter, Bernard Purdie, Hubert Laws and Johnny Pate.  They provide the perfect backing on this seminal album.  ‘Revolution Will Not Be Televised’ and ‘Home Is Where The Hatred Is’ are acknowledged classics.  The beautiful ‘Save The Children’ and ‘I’ll Think I’ll Call It Morning’ have great melodies and reflective themes. The more uptempo ‘Lady Day And John Coltrane’ and ‘When You Are Who You Are’ have shuffling rhythms and the down tempo ‘Pieces Of A Man’, ‘Sign Of The Ages’ and ‘The Prisoner’ are compelling. The Lyrics are thought provoking, Gil’s story telling voice powerful yet vulnerable, the music outstanding. This is an album you really need to listen to. Classic. 

 



(click here for all Gil Scott Heron titles in stock)

Also highly recommended ‘Messages- Anthology’ CD £13.95 DBL LP £14.95

OHIO PLAYERS – HONEY MERCURY US LP £15
When the album was released in late 1975, the Ohio Players had established themselves as premier league funksters.  A string of heavy sets for Westbound were followed by two hugely successful sets for Mercury (‘Skin Tight’ and ‘Fire’).  Honey featured the obligatory naked woman on the cover and the music oozed Funk.  Cuts like ‘Love Rollercoaster’ and ‘Fopp’ defined their sound with off-key vocals backed by a tight horn section, wicked guitar licks and grooves to make you move.  Killer tune is still the jazzy mid-tempo ‘Sweet Sticky Thing’ with guitar and sax lead; this mid-tempo gem just simmers and glides gracefully during its 6 minute duration.  Awesome stuff.

Also on ‘Honey/ Contradiction’ CD £13.95
(click here for all Ohio Players titles in stock)

GARY BARTZ – I’VE KNOW RIVERS  MILESTONE DOUBLE LP £50
Gary Bartz is one of the world’s most renowned alto sax players, who cut his teeth with the likes of Miles Davis, Pharoah Sanders and Art Blakey.  He recorded a series of fine ‘Spiritual’ Jazz Fusion albums in the early to mid 70’s including this live session recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival.  The standout is ‘I’ve Known Rivers with its semi spoken poetry/ sung lyric intro, before its theme takes you on a musical journey.  ‘Jujuman’ adds hints of Coltrane to the music as does the heavy ‘Sia Zote’.  ‘Dr Follows Dance’ is another joyous epic.  The double album remains one of the finest recorded at Montreux and that is a testament in itself.



Also on CD £16.95
(click here for all Gary Bartz titles in stock)

Also highly recommended Gary Bartz’s ‘Anthology’ CD £13.95/ DBL LP £14.95

4 TO THE FLOOR

RICHARD EVANS – BURNING SPEAR (A&M UK) £15
This Jazz funk classic is a re-working of Richard’s late 60’s track also recorded by Jimmy Smith, SOUL and the Soulful Strings.  It is however the 1979 version that is popular in the clubs with its funky walking bass line and superb horn and rhythm arrangements. The track features Linda Williams on piano.

(click here for all Richard Evans titles in stock)

INDEEP – LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE (SOUND OF NEW  YORK US 12”) £15
This slice of Boogie heaven hails from 1982 and the New York underground dance scene.  The infectiousness of the chorus and its simple lyric has always been popular with dancers and not surprisingly DJs.    Mixed by Tony Humphries the tune is almost the ultimate party record.

 
(click here for all INDEEP titles in stock)

SUN – RADIATION LEVEL (CAPITOL US) £15
This slice of Disco Funk was very popular in the late 70’s, but has faded somewhat into obscurity.  Typical of its era and dipping into the well of outer of space post star wars inspiration, the track is just the same one hell of dance track.  Sun recorded several fine albums and with their full horn section and tight rhythm section were one of the hottest Funk bands around in the late 70’s.

(click here for all Sun titles in stock)

WHISPERS – AND THE BEAT GOES ON (SOLAR US) £15
When the long established harmony group the Whispers teamed up with Dick Griffey at Solar, it was a musical marriage made in heaven.  Solar became renowned for simple catchy Soul tunes that we get you humming or singing the chorus and fill dancefloors all over the Soul world.  No track characterises the label’s sound more than the ridiculously infectious ‘And The Beat Goes On’ and still does.

(click here for all Whispers titles in stock)

THE ONE THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY

YADA YADA – FINGALIKKIN GOOD CD £9.95
Yada Yada recorded three strong albums in the mid/ late 90’s. The brainchild of DJ Chris Bangs and Mick Talbot (keys), the band included two horn players Andrew Ross (saxes/ flute) and Dave Priseman (trumpet).   ‘Fingalikkin Good’ is probably the most consistent and will appeal to fans of Down To The Bone (especially their earlier albums). If you like Fusion with a groove then ‘Floot Juice’ and ‘Southern Fried’ hit the spot. ‘Summer Strut’ takes a more breezy (almost Blackbyrds-ish) route and ‘Won’t U Come Back 2 Me’ adds a soulful spin.  This is one of the forgotten gems of the 90’s Jazz Funk sound that spawned DTTB, Groove Collective et al.


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3 FROM THE VAULTS

LEON WARE –MUSICAL MASSAGE Motown UK £20 (OUT OF STOCK)/ CD £12.95
Leon Ware is prestigious (co) songwriter (‘I Want You’, ‘Bodyheat’, ‘Why I Came To California’ etc).   ‘Musical Massage’ is a masterpiece recorded in 1976 for Motown and probably his best. Recorded just after he wrote and produced Marvin’s ‘I Want You’ album. This is in a similar style, and was over shadowed commercially at the time by Marvin’s classic, but if anything is actually a better all round album. The sensual mood of the album is epitomized by the heavily orchestrated mid tempo ‘Learning How To Love You’, ‘Instant Love’ (feat 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) , ‘Phantom Lover’, ‘Musical Massage’ and ‘Turn Out The Light’. Amongst the five unreleased bonus tracks on the CD are the outstanding ‘Comfort (Come live With Me Angel) (ft Minnie), and ‘I Wanna Be Where You Are’ which Marvin featured on his album. 

LONNIE LISTON SMITH –EXPANSIONS FLYING DUTCHMAN LP £20/ CD £9.95
This magical album recorded in 1975 has to be one of all time great Jazz Funk albums. Lonnie successfully combined electric instruments on the jazz funk tracks with acoustic ones on the jazzier tracks. The all time classic ‘Expansions’ defines the genre, built around Cecil McBee’s incredible B line, a shuffling rhythm, Lonnie’s keyboard textures and brother Donald’s sublime vocals and flute playing making one of the most instantly recognizable jazz funk tracks. ‘Voodoo Woman’ and the mystical ‘Shadows’ paint pictures in the mind and are a journey of discovery. The more acoustic tracks like ‘Desert Nights’ , the shuffling ‘Summer Days’ and the beautiful ‘My Love’ are delightful and the version of Doug Carn’s ‘Peace’ as relevant in today’s world as it was in the early 70’s. The four man percussion section keeps the rhythms flowing and is inspired throughout and Dave Hubbard’s sax and flute enhances the overall feel. An Absolute classic that still sounds fresh 33 years on.

MANU DIBANGO – SOUL MAKOSSA ATLANTIC US LP £30
Last week we featured Afrique’s cover of ‘Soul Makossa’, here is the original.  The album also contains grooves like the popular ‘New Bell’.  This is a strong Afro Funk set with Jazz tinges.  The rhythm section comes alive on cuts like ‘Oboso’, ‘Dangwa’ and the subtle percussive ‘Nights In Zeralda’.  In fact this is quality throughout.  The influx of African musicians into Afro-American and UK/European based bands adds a distinctive flavour to the Funk.

4 TO THE FLOOR

GARY BYRD EXPERIENCE – THE CROWN MOTOWN UK 12” £15
Produced by Stevie Wonder, this early Hip Hop/ Rap track (1983) is very much in the tradition of early Sugarhill Gang/ King Tim III.  The almost spoken rap is complimented by female vocals.  Tracks like ‘The Crown’ were uplifting and the precursor to what followed.

INSTANT FUNK – GOT MY MIND MADE UP SALSOUL UK 12” £15
Almost the ultimate ‘feel good’ track, this elongated percussive slice of Disco Funk possesses one of the catchiest hooks in our music.  Instant Funk started as Bunny Sigler’s backing ground, then first on TSOP and more successfully on Salsoul recorded a succession of dance classics of which this is the best.  The percussion breakdown on the 10 min remix is awesome.

PRINCE  - I WANNA BE YOUR LOVER WARNER BROTHERS UK 12” £25
Before Prince hits the headlines as the pop/rock/ soul superstar in the 80’s, he recorded more soulful tracks like this long funky Disco tune.  The groove is relentless and very unlike his later material.  Apparently Prince played most if not all of the instruments on the track, showing us just what a major talent he was (and still is).

 

ZAPP – MORE BOUNCE TO THE OUNCE  WARNER BROTHERS UK 12” £20
Their debut single produced by Roger (Troutman) and Bootsy has that P Funk tinge.  The use of the vocoder on the chorus adds a high degree of infectiousness, and together with the heavy synth bass makes this tune an absolute Funk classic

THE ONE THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY

GABBIE McGEE – CERTIFIED SOUL CD £9.95
Gabbie McGee is a former Miss Black Atlanta and hails from the Mississippi heartland.  Her voice and music reflect that rich heritage.  Echoes of Jill Scott or India Arie, and lovers of Antoinique’s album would also appreciate ‘Certified Soul’.  The instrumentation is sparser however and there is an independent feel to the entire album.  This varied set from Gabbie has a jazzy tinge that is who has a strong voice and sounds similar to Antonique in places. 'Now I Know' is an organic mid tempo groover, whilst 'Something So' a catchy foot tapper with a nice hook. The breezy radio friendly 'Sunshine and Colors' is another highlight, and 'Diva By Design' is spoken word over percussion.
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Also on This Is Soul 2005 CD/LP

(click here for all GABBIE McGEE titles in stock)

3 FROM THE VAULTS

AL GREEN STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU (HI US) LP £15/ CD £9.95
Given the Al Green revival that his current album ‘Lay It On Me’ is enjoying, it seems appropriate to take a re-look at Al’s halcyon days.  This Classic 1972 album was produced by Willie Mitchell and Al. By this time, Al was one of Soul music’s biggest stars and had crossed over to a worldwide audience, with his understated silky soulful vocals.  The strong rhythm section featured Booke T drummer Al Jackson superbly marshaled by Mitchell to create that highly distinctive ‘Hi’/ Memphis sound. The mid tempo ‘I’m Still in Love With You’ was a no1 R&B hit. ‘Look What You Done For Me’ with its punchy horn riffs was another big hit. However the most memorable track the classic ‘Love And Happiness’ was held back for several years , but is a magnificent upper mid tempo belter with great Organ and Horn Riffs and Al at his best vocally. The really slow ballads ‘Simply Beautiful’, ‘For The Good Times’, ‘One Of Those Good Old Days’ and the haunting mid tempo ‘I’m Glad Your Mine’ are also great. This Is Al at the pinnacle of his career..

Also on CD £9.95
(click here for all Al Green titles in stock)

AFRIQUE – SOUL MAKOSSA  MAINSTREAM US LP £30/ JAPANESE CD £19.95
Afrique was a group of some of the finest session musicians from the 70’s including Chuck Rainey, David T Walker Paul Humphrey and Charles Kynard.  These musicians provided the Mainstream label with its rhythm and horn sections for many of its releases.  They recorded one of many (and one of the strongest) covers of Manu Dibango’s ‘Soul Makossa’ that gives the album its title.  Try also the funky cover of Bill Withers’ ‘Kissing My Love’ and the single ‘Hot Mud’.  This instrumental album has long been in-demand especially with lovers of breaks

Also on CD £19.95
(click here for all Afrique titles in stock)

GROVER WASHINGTON JR – LIVE AT THE BIJOU KUDU US DOUBLE LP £15/CD £13.95
This was the last recording for Creed Taylor’s Kudu imprint – the label which propelled Grover to superstardom.  Grover had released a series of brilliant Jazz Funk albums (especially ‘Mister Magic’ and ‘Feels So Good’).  His band, Locksmith was tight and together and Grover ‘live’ combined his tuneful sax playing with improvisation and ferocity at times that is breathtaking.  ‘Bijou’ includes 2 cracking Jazz Fusion classics ‘Sausalito’ and ‘Summer Song’.  Cuts like ‘On The Cusp’, ’Lock It In The Pocket’ the jazzy ‘You Make Me Dance’ and ‘Juffure’ reflect a legend at the top of his game. There is also a 20 min version of ‘Mr Magic’. This one of the best ‘live’ sets’ ever and a must for Grover and Jazz Funk fans alike.

Also on CD £13.95
(click here for all Grover Washington titles in stock)

4 TO THE FLOOR

D’ANGELO – BROWN SUGAR EMI US 12” £20
The impact of this song when it was released in 1995 can scarcely be overstated.  That languid feel and D’Angelo’s vocal gliding over a mid-tempo bubbling beat was so different from everything else around (especially in the US) at the time.   Swiftly followed by Erykah, Adrianna Evans etc, the track heralded a resurgence of Soul music that became classified as ‘neo’ Soul, but was really just quality Soul.

Also on Brown Sugar CD £6.95
(click here for all D’Angelo titles in stock)

THELMA HOUSTON – SATURDAY NIGHT SUNDAY MORNING MOTOWN US 12” £20
This superb slice of late 70’s Disco is one of Thelma’s finest moments on Motown.  Her powerful vocals stretch out over a track that starts at mid/up tempo then revs up.  Hints of classic Philly (Harold Melvin/ Teddy Pendergrass) about the groove and this is an essential track for any retro Soul club.

Also on ‘Ride To The Rainbow’
‘Ready To Roll’
(click here for all Thelma Houston titles in stock)

HAROLD MELVIN AND THE BLUENOTES – PRAYIN SOURCE US 12” £15
This classic Harold Melvin dancer is from 1979.  written by McFadden and Whitehead, the track from Melvin’s ‘Blue Album’ on the west coast imprint Source Records echoed his Philly work from 3 years earlier.  This record is the epitome of Soul and class.

 

Also on The Blue Album Source LP £15
(click here for all Harold Melvin titles in stock)

WAR – WORLD IS A GHETTO (INSTRUMENTAL) MCA UK 12” £15
War recorded their classic 1972 track as an instrumental Jazz Funk cut.  This track was especially popular in London after its release in 1979.  The groove encapsulated the feel of the time and was mirrored by the early British Jazz Funk/ funk sound.  The 12” is a barnstormer and is an edit and ‘Disco mix’ of the 11 min album cut.

Also on Music Band 2 MCA LP £15
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THE ONE THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY

KINDRED – SURRENDER TO LOVE CD £9.95
Not so much the one that got away, but the one that should have sold better.  Husband and wife duo, often compared to Womack and Womack or Ashford and Simpson sing and write Soul that is both contemporary and relevant yet in the tradition of the music’s great history.  The lyrics reflect a deep love of the music and of each other.  (Their interaction (on stage) reflects that love – one of the best live performances I have seen).   Cuts like the ‘Rhythm Of Life’, the beautiful ‘We’ and ‘Meant To Be’ are sublime. ‘Spread The Love’, sampling War’s ‘River Niger’ is a funky tune that improves on the sample. Every track is strong. Fatin’s vocals echo the great ‘deep’ male Soul singers of yesteryear, and Aja compliments him to perfection.  ‘Surrender To Love’ is in my opinion one of the top 3 or 4 albums of the modern era and one of the few that would make my Soul top 20 of all-time.  Literally essential, it is that strong
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3 FROM THE VAULTS

JERRY BUTLER – NOTHING SAYS I LOVE YOU LIKE I LOVE YOU (PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL US) LP £15/ CD £9.95
Jerry Butler had enjoyed success in the late 60’s with Gamble and Huff. After a short stint at Motown he reunited with the legends for two albums on their Philadelphia International label.  ‘Nothing Says…..’ from 1978 is the strongest and includes the typically Philly jauntiness of ‘Cooling Out’. In similar style is the breezing ‘Mighty Good People’. Jerry’s wonderfully expressive voice conveys Soul and creates a mood especially on tracks like the subtle 2 step of ‘Sad Eyes’ and the superb ballad title cut.  His easy crooning vocal style compliments the Philly production of Gamble and Huff into the perfect musical marriage.

Also on Nothing Says I Love You Like I Love You / The Best Love CD £9.95
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EDDIE HAZEL – GAME DAMES AND GUITAR THANGS (WARNER BROTHERS US) LP £50/ CD £13.95
Eddie Hazel, Funkadelic/ Parliament guitarist combined the Rock guitar of Jimi Hendrix with the Clinton/ Bootsy inspired psychedelic Funk.  His contribution to the P Funk sound is undoubted but sporadic due to health problems.  ‘Game Dames..’ is one of the most sought after P Funk albums.  Recorded in 1977, the album reflects the late 70’s Clinton sound on cuts like ‘Frantic Moment’ and a wicked and unique spin on ‘California Dreaming’.  ‘Physical Love’ (also recorded by Bootsy for the ‘Stretchin Out’ LP) is given a funkier instrumental treatment.  ‘What About It’ is the funkiest groove on the set and like this rest of the album the setting for Hazel’s guitar.

Also on CD £13.95
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RAMSEY LEWIS – SUN GODDESS (COLUMBIA US) LP £15/ CD £9.95
Earth Wind and Fire and ex Lewis sideman Maurice White contribute on 2 tracks.  ‘Sun Goddess’ sounds like a EWF cut with Ramsey soloing over the lazy, relaxed groove.  They also play on the bluesy ‘Hot Dawgit’.  ‘Jungle Strut’ and ‘Tambura’ are Jazz Funk grooves that reflect Ramsey’s style at the time – a small ensemble that includes the outstanding bass playing of Cleveland Eaton.  Strings arranged by Richard Evans add a lush backdrop that works especially on the jazzier ‘Gemini Rising’ that adds an edgier vibe.

Also on CD £9.95 and Re-issue LP