Back catalogue: Funk/Reissues

Review: Climactic, psychedelic soul and blues brilliance by Don Covay, co-written by Donny Hathaway and backed by a proto-Balearic sweetmeat on the B, Harvey Mandel's 'Baby Batter'. The A-side was originally released one year after (1972) the B-side (1971) on the American Janus label, and the tracks provide a palpable contrast, drawing on the same idiom yet approaching it with remarkable difference. Covay's lyrics are, thematically, overflowing with determination, despite the psychic conflict at the track's heart. Is there any resolution? "The sweeter you, look, mama... the bitterer you treat me..."

Review: Two out-and-out rarities from Hancock's Columbia-era output. Strictly the sole preserve of DJ promo back in 79/80, the clue is in the title 'special' disco remixes. Smooth, soulful and arranged with such style, every element of Herbie's essential ingredients is brought to the fore in its own time with its own space. "Stars In Your Eyes" swoons with a soulful ballad feel while "Saturday Night" pumps and jumps with party-pulling allure. Simply essential.

Review: Herbie Hancock has been responsible for many era-defining records over the years - "Rockit" being a particularly good example - but few of his compositions have been quite as game changing as "Chameleon". First featured on 1973 album "Head Hunters", the 15-minute epic was revolutionary in a number of ways, not least in its use of a killer 12-note bassline, "percussive" style guitar parts and loose-limbed funk beat. It remains one of the greatest jazz-funk moments of all time, as this timely reissue proves. This time round, it comes accompanied by another "Head Hunters" classic - Hancock's groovy, synth-laden re-recording of his own 1962 composition "Watermelon Man". Two stone cold classics for the price of one: what's not to like?

Review: At the start of the COVID-19 shutdown, Rob Hart and David A. Tobin were writing music for an artist's project. When the artist left, they found themselves reflecting not on lost work but on their shared love for music. Their conversation turned to the 90s-a time when hip-hop fused with funk and soul, promoting fun, parties and unity. Inspired by this, Rob created a sound palette echoing the hits of the early 80s and 90s, while David envisioned a local club vibe. In one day, they crafted this song with infectious hooks, nostalgic beats and joyful energy. Rob's production polished the track into a "hands-in-the-air" anthem-a tribute to good times and a beacon of positivity in dark times.

Review: American jazz pianist Gene Harris first released 'Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong' and its counterpart 'Summer' in 1974, when both initially appeared on the classic soul jazz album Astral Signal. Thereafter, it enjoyed a second bout of popularity after being picked up by the trailblazing rare groove scene in London. Now for a third: Selector Series now proffer another reissue of this rare groove workout, a Latin funk gem for an age not yet properly recorded or recognised. Snappy, pugilist drums, wowwing synths and filling choral counterpoints make this a real funk treat.

Review: Mayer Hawthorne's debut release hears a faithful reissue via Stones Throw. 'Just Ain't Gonna Work Out' was first released in 2008 as the first forerunner to the LP A Strange Arrangement, which was released the following year. Housed on a distinctively oblong, heart-shaped, red 7", the star track hears Hawthorne segue uncertainly from serenade to breakup song, and we're treated to his trademark croaky falsetto too; too nice to pass up. B-sider 'When I Said Goodbye' is a haunting soul reminiscence, giving barbershop harmonies laid down by a ghostly troupe, amid talk of shattered wills and wistful post-breakup apologies.

Review: Haze, an Exeter band that in 1981 endlessly toured the South West of England and released the album "SILVERTOPS REFLECTS HAZE" upon which many contemporary tracks were given the Haze treatment from Barry Manilow's 'I Can't Smile Without You' to Johnny Cash's 'Ghost Riders in the Sky'. In the mix Azymuth's Latin funk anthem 'Jazz Carnival' and Space's legendary electronic 'Magic Fly' surfaced, the latter two of which make up this exceptional 7" release by Panorama records, this relatively new label that celebrates idiosyncratic rarities. Haze seem to like breaking down the original and making space between the beats and yet on this A side an already pumping track pumps faster with an extra electronic edge on the Moog-ish organ, whilst paradoxically Haze's lead guitarist takes on Jose Roberto Bertrami's originally syncopated keys in a more regulated way - not a bad thing if not a jazz dancer but someone who just loves to dance! Intelligently, Panorama have coupled this with Haze's percussion heavy version of 'Magic Fly' on the B side, that even if it remains more so electronic, even poppy, it nicely compliments the Brazilian homage of side A. If you love a rare version, 7" 45s and early 80s jazz funk with a synthesised edge you'll love this.

Review: This single is taken from the only studio album from US soul/rare groove duo Heaven Sent & Ecstasy, originally released back in 1980. P-Vine reissued it as CD in 2006, but this is the first time it has been released on 7' format. Features the well known track 'I'm A Lady' newly edited as single version, in addition to 'The Greatest Love Story' on the flip which is taken from their only album of the same name. A highly treasured album with strong appeal to collectors.

Review: 'The Catfish' by Peter Herbolzheimer is a thrilling addition to Dynamite Cuts' 7" series, featuring the German big band jazz maestro's powerhouse sound. Originally recorded live at the renowned ONKELPO in Sweden, this release features two monster tracks that pack a punch. On the Side-1, 'The Catfish' delivers a heavy moog and drum groove layered with outstanding horn sections, creating an electrifying atmosphere that is sure to get listeners moving. Meanwhile, the Side-2 offers 'Head Egg,' an uptempo and powerful groove with a banger of a drum loop that will leave audiences craving more. For fans of big band funk and jazz, this 7" release is a must-have addition to any collection, offering irresistible energy and infectious grooves that will captivate music lovers of all stripes.

Review: Some labels deal only in pristine soul legitness - and Celestial Echo are one such set of aesthetes. A reissues label, Celestial Echo focuses on modern soul and boogie, and is curated by Miche (Michael Davies) and Stu Clark. Following three impressively chosen sonic chrisms, all reissued in 2024 - releases by Glenda McLeod, Brutal Force and Winfield Parker - comes this fourth foray into one of the best-loved and perhaps only publicly known tunes by the obscure boogie singer Lisa Hill: 'I Am On The Real Side'. New York's Qit Records were the original purveyors of this track, though its initial obscurity is so baffling to us that we'd guess some case of derelict nobility was at play here; either that, or there was just this much amazing soul music being made in the big city at the time! Here, Hill proclaims her place on the right side of love, with a lyrical emphasis on the object of her passions proving themself to her before she submits.

Review: Late, great Japanese funk don Takehiro Honda's vaults get the treatment from HMV as two of his many famously fizzy jams enjoy a new lease of life. 1971's "Ain't It Funky Now" should be familiar by all as it subverts the good work of the greatest band leader of all time with mild jazz and funk fusion. "Greasy Spoon" on the B can be found a few years deeper into Takehiro's discography as part of his 1973 album "What's Going On". Another supreme, lucid fusion cut; not only does it still kick up a fuss on the dancefloor, it also salutes the best cooked breakfasts on the planet. Not to be slept on.

Review: Curated as part of the iconic street artist's Tate exhibition this year, The World Of Keith Haring unites many of the talented souls Keith knew, or was inspired by, during his prolific rise as one of the most vital cultural spokesmen through the 70s and 80s. Soundtracking the gritty downtown NYC streets he made his first mark on, this limited collection captures the whole melting pot from b-boy culture with cuts such as "E.T Boogie" and "Bump N Grind", raw boogie and soul ("Over & Over") and pure drama ("The Guardian Angel Is Watching Over Us"). A powerful collection as striking and relatable as his own signature.

Review: Rhapsody, the Harlem Gospel Travelers' third studio album, was inspired by a request from the band's friend and mentor, Eli "Paperboy" Reed to record some covers of classic and lesser-known gospel-funk songs from the mid-to-late 1960s and early 1970s. Naturally, the New York based trio have put their own spin on the material, offering nods to hip-hop, stomping soul (see the genuinely terrific 'Somebody's Watching You'), doo-wop ('How Can I Lose', with its infectious vocal harmonies and irresistible hand-clap rhythm) and heady slow hams ('Have You Tried Jesus', the squelchy, hip-hop-soul flavoured 'Searching For The Truth'). It's a superb set all told, with the group's impeccable vocals rising high above brilliantly realised and expressively played instrumental backing tracks.

Review: Isaac Hayes passed 16 years ago but his legacy as a soul music icon endures and likely always will. Known for his groundbreaking work with Stax's Enterprise label, Hayes set the standard for what became known as "symphonic soul" by crafting albums that remain as powerful as when first released. Alongside his LPs, Hayes also achieved massive success with singles and had 16 consecutive hits on the r&b chart from 1969 to 1976, many of which crossed into pop. Hot Buttered Singles is the first collection to feature every A and B-side of his 'Yellow Stax'-era singles in their original versions and they all sound superb.