Back catalogue: Funk/Reissues

Review: Expansion Records' continues to delve into the bulging archives of Roy Ayers' influential Uno Melodic Records imprint, which issued some superb jazz-funk, soul and boogie throughout the 1980s. Here they offer a new pressing of Ethel Beatty's sought-after, Roy Ayers' produced 1981 double A-side. For some reason they've reversed the running order, with side A offering original flipside 'It's Your Love', a Dee Dee Bridgwater co-authored slow jam that's soulful, seductive and sumptuous. Over on the reverse you'll find the more celebrated ''I Know You Care', a deep disco number full of glistening guitar riffs, smooth chords and warming grooves. In a word: luscious

Review: Rhythm, blues and funk outfit The Blackbyrds were formed in Washington, D.C. in 1973, and as we have noted numerous times over at Juno, their music hardly saw the light of day around the time, save for a re-formation in 2012 after renewed interest brought their music back to light. The Washington fusion group were initially mentored by trumpeter Donald Byrd, but their sound came to differ from his sultry and slow tones, working in a more melancholic yet upbeat style, and flowery trumepeteering to boot. This 7" comes in stunning new vinyl quality, showing off a further two lost instrumentals, 'Rock Creek Park' and 'Gut Level'.

Review: The Blackbyrds' 'Reggins' is an instrumental jazz-funk masterpiece that originally hardly saw the light of day around the time of the group's formation in the early 1970s. The Washington fusion group were initially mentored by trumpeter Donald Byrd, but their sound came to differ from his sultry and slow tones, working in a more melancholic yet upbeat style, and flowery trumepeteering to boot. This 7" comes in stunning new vinyl quality, with unmatchable audiophile sound lent to two of their best instrumentals.

Review: Killer version of the Lonnie Liston Smith classic monster club track by Incognito side project Citrus Sun featuring Valerie Etienne on vocals.

Review: Collins And Collins were originally at the Top Of The Stairs back in 1980 when this one first landed. It has since become a revered underground classic much loved on the modern soul circuit as a timeless gem. The song was first composed by Ashford & Simpson who recorded their own version but when playing live would switch to the Collins & Collins version. The tune first came on CD via Expansion back in 1993 and now gets a first official 7" version back with the exceptionally rare version of Gamble & Huff's 'You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good' which first was recorded by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes in 1975.

Review: This one is a rare soul gem that has not been easy to find on 7" for 40 years. It is one of the countless masterpieces that were produced by the great studio legend Larry Mizell who made it for Alabama born soul singer Brenda Lee Eager. She later relocated to Chicago and sang with Jerry Butler in his back up group Peaches and dueted with him on their million-selling duet 'Ain't Understanding Mellow'. Brenda did more backing singing with the likes of Ray Charles, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder and wrote songs recorded by Bobby Womack, Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight before laying this one down in 1974.

Review: First released way back in 1980 on the album of the same name, 'Coming To You Live' is one of the most beloved dancefloor jams in the sprawling catalogue of sorely missed soul-jazz organist Charles Earland. Here reissued on seven-inch (and therefore presented in edited form), the track blurs the boundaries between Latin-tinged disco and jazz-funk - all heady female group vocals, heady horns, spacey Herbie Hancock synths and infectious grooves. Over on the flip you'll find original B-side 'Street Themes', a breezier, similarly Latin-tinged jazz-funk cut that features some sensational keys-playing from Earland. In a word: essential.

Review: Originally hailing from Washington DC, Father's Children were one of the capital's most promising funk outfits in the late 70s. This new 7" reissue on South Street Soul revives two prized tracks from their Mercury Records era, produced by Wayne Henderson of The Crusaders. 'Hollywood Dreaming' is a breezy, rolling slice of mellow soul-funkithe sort of elegant groove that turns up on late-night radio, all gentle clavs and cruising vocals. Flip it and 'Shine On' turns up the energy, driven by a snapping slap bassline, crisp brass jabs and a slick group vocal arrangement. Both cuts originally appeared on their 1979 LP, but the original 45 has long been a holy grail for collectorsifetching triple digits. This reissue not only preserves the format but delivers on fidelity and style, giving DJs and heads alike a long-awaited chance to spin these Washington-grown grooves without fear of shelling out a fortune.

Review: Recorded following the release of his near-perfect What's Going On Album, with production and arrangement by the Mizell brothers, 'Where Are We Going?' was one of Marvin Gaye's most prophetic singles. Another conscious soul gem - albeit one with a warmer and fuller sound than the distinctively sparse What's Going On album - it was intended to be the centre piece of an album called You're The Man - a set that was subsequently shelved and eventually posthumously released many years later. This Expansion 7" reissue replicates the track listing of the original Motown "45", pairing the brilliant 'Where Are We Going' with the heartfelt and life-affirming celebration of female empowerment that is 'Woman of the World'. An essential reissue!

Review: Bobby Hutton, the first singer featured on Soul Train in 1971, sees his rare soul classic 'Lend A Hand' reissued by Expansion. Originally released in 1973, this track is a soulful gem that resonates with fans and collectors alike. On Side-1, 'Lend A Hand' stands out as an impressive track, showcasing Hutton's powerful vocals and emotional depth. Side-2 features 'Come See What's Left Of Me,' originally from 1969. A soulful and elegant experience, highlighting Hutton's early work. Both songs are certified rare and classic soul, making this reissue an appealing one for those who appreciate timeless, heartfelt music.

Review: Legendary Miami songstress Gwen McCrae had plenty of huge hits in her arsenal, from '90% Of Me Is You' to 'It's Worth The Hurt.' Her biggest tune by far is the enduring classic and sure fire dance floor heater 'Keep The Fire Burning.' The strident disco funk beats, the soaring vocal and the impossible warmth and soul of it all never fail to make a mark. Here it is backed with the more slow and deep cut funk of 'Funky Sensation,' which gets those hips swinging and hands clapping.

Review: Expansion deals pretty much in good vibes only and that is what we have here with OZONE's '(Our Hearts) Will Always Shine'. It is a 7" that radiates with infectious energy and heartfelt emotion as it seamlessly blends elements of pop, electronic, and dance music. The uplifting melodies soar high, the pulsating beats power things along and the soulful vocals deliver a message of resilience and positivity. The song's anthemic chorus is destined to take listeners to a new level and ignite dance floor in equal measure and it sure does that. 'Mighty Mighty' on the flip is another feel good and upbeat funky disco workout.

Review: A veritable wall of soul sound comes from Pleasure, the Portland, Oregon band whose works were sampled by the likes of LL Cool J and Michael Jackson. 'We Have So Much' is an example of mega-falsettoing, climactic funk, urgently laying home the fact that 'it's now or never', and that, baby, 'it's time to talk about it'. Meanwhile the B-side cut, 'Joyous', meanwhile, hears the aftermath of said relationship's end. A gem from Sherman Davis and co.

Review: Michigan-via-Ohio gospel group Rance Allen have been going for decades, and thanks to Expansion Records, two of their best known tunes now have a chance at relistenership. 'I Feel Like Going' on barely saw a resurfacing on YouTube, but just one listen and we're sure... this is a shockingly important slice of wax, with slapping electronic disco-soul production embedding sax, viola and castanets in what ought to be considered a criminally undersought pair of dance opals. A modern soul masterclass.

Review: Sylvia Striplin has been heavily sampled by all manner of artists over the years. Here one of her biggest hits 'Give Me Your Love' is presented on a 7". The A-side is the one with its big funky licks, low-slung bass line and celebratory riffs all finished off with the glorious vocal itself.

Review: This rare groove reissue by Expansion Records looks back on the best work of New Orleans percussionist Bill Summers, whose efforts lent revolutions to the latin jazz styles of the early 80s. These are choice bits taken from disparate points in his career; 'Come Into My Life' is a sultry, subtle, slow slice of emotive soul recorded with Earth Wind & Fire's Skip Scarborough. 'Don't Fade Away', meanwhile, features the backing band Summers Heat, and raises the stakes with a striking vocal feature from Leo Miller.