Back catalogue: Funk/Reissues

Review: Taken from his debut album, released in 1976, Italian composer legend Presti's rawest funk roots are explored and celebrated to great effect right here. "Funky Bump" lives up to its name beautifully with very neat organ stabs and a relentless groove that's not dissimilar to Grace Jones' "Pull Up To The Bumper". Looking for a much dreamier, dewy eyed jam? Flip for the lavish whirls and swirls of "C. So Buenos Aires"... It couldn't be more 1976 (or Italian) if it tried.

Review: Spiritual jazz fans are going to rather excited about this new one from the hard working people at P-Vine over in Japan: Chicago saxophonist Prince Billy Mahdi Wright's finest work, 'Summer Love', is now arriving on its own 7" for the first time ever. It is previously lost material that showcases his next level sound though here featuring mainly keyboard instruments as opposed to his more usual saxophone, but that only makes it all the more uplifting. On the flipside is a remix that is just as rare so this one really is an essential record for your collection.

Review: Caught in a Prince Buster fever, Rock-A-Shacka complement an eagerly awaited release - the third album from the legend so named, offering 12 tracks spanning Jamaican funk to rocksteady to early reggae - with a promotional 7", bolstering the full-length's legitimacy with an as-it-was 45. Here 'Funky Jamaica' and 'Clap Your Hands' coincide. The first is an early dancehall phenotype, its strong tresillo matching a heady array of audio-mancer's chants; instructive shouts from Buster himself. Then the B-side follows, a brilliant James-Browned toasting of an uptempo pre-ska progression, put together against a rhythmic cage of swift, proficient drums.

Review: Use Vinyl looks back to two iconic tracks from the 70s and 80s here for source material for a new remix EP by the Vannelli family. Joe T remixes 'Thrill Me' by The Wonderland Band into the sort of direct and funky house sound that brims with early dance music charm while the Vannelli Bros offer their rework of 'Party On' by Pure Energy which comes with plenty of energy for club contexts. Both tracks are presented as Classic Mix versions and bring plenty of new life to the original hits without forgoing the timeless, catchy and meaningful melodies that define the originals. House music like this is as authentic as it gets.

Review: An exceptional, almost entirely unreleased jazz-funk LP from Roland Haynes Jr., previously known only for a single 45 released in 1983 (included here). If you're thinking undiscovered James Mason, you're on the right track. This LP is huge, even by the highest standards. Until now, that rare single was the only material trace of Haynes and his band. However, Haynes meticulously documented his musical journey, recording both packed-out live gigs and studio sessions. The tracks on this release come directly from Haynes' personal archive, offering an incredible glimpse into his unreleased, carefully crafted studio work.

Review: Roland Haynes Jr. and his band Phenix may have only released one 45 in 1983, but their legacy extends far beyond that solitary record. This new collection of live recordings from the Quarter Moon club in Orangeburg, South Carolina, reveals the brilliance of Haynes and his ensemble. The album features a vibrant mix of originals and covers, including renditions of tracks by Marvin Gaye, Santana, Hubert Laws and The Jeff Lorber Fusion. These recordings, drawn from Haynes' personal archive, showcase the band's exceptional talent and ability to reinterpret classics while adding their own unique flair. The collection allows Haynes to assert his place among the most innovative jazz and soul artists of his time, capturing the energy and creativity of Phenix in their prime.

Review: Timely reissue of this rare Japanese Fusion/Boogie Classic!

Review: Pacific Express were an South African funk/jazz outfit with vibes of Stevie Wonder or Earth, Wind & Fire's music of the day and, originally released in 1979, this reissue showcases the band's pivotal role in shaping Cape Town jazz. Their blend of soul, funk, disco and r&b creates a seamless, groovy atmosphere, with the band's tight rhythm section and smooth instrumentation very much at the forefront. Tracks like 'Come True' highlight the excellent vocal performances and musicianship, with lush piano and string arrangements adding a lounge-like vibe. The standout ballad 'What Is The Answer' is emotionally charged, showcasing the band's depth. 'What I Feel' offers a catchy, upbeat groove, perfectly encapsulating the album's blend of relaxed yet funky vibes. Somewhat incredibly, this the album's first reissue, so our advice would be to jump on it.

Review: De Wolfe Music Library is reissuing Keith Papworth's 1975 album which will be music to the ears - pun intended - of record diggers who probably thought they might never own a copy of this grail. His masterpiece is perfectly entitled and is defined by super hard hitting drums and high action hits. The minimalist sounds and heavy grooves have funk deep in their bones, and extra theatre comes from the whistles, natty basslines and big riffing guitars. Papworth not only wrote for this label but also has music featured in Monty Python skits and movies. This, though, is his standout work.

Review: Parlor Greens' debut album, In Green / We Dream, is an exhilarating entry into heavy instrumental music. This fresh organ trio, featuring Tim Carman (GA-20) on drums, Jimmy James (True Loves, formerly Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio) on guitar, and Adam Scone (Scone Cash Players, The Sugarman 3) on organ, delivers a masterful blend of soul, jazz, and funk. Scone's impeccable organ work, honed through years of soul jazz and Daptone sessions, pairs perfectly with James' signature funky guitar and Carman's rock-solid, blues-infused drumming. Recorded at Colemine Records' new Portage Lounge studio in Loveland, Ohio, the chemistry was immediate. Within minutes of plugging in, the trio wrote and recorded 'West Memphis,' setting the tone for the rest of the album. Over three days, they crafted 11 tracks - ten originals - capturing a raw, soulful energy straight to tape. The result is a stunning collection of music, mixed beautifully for a vintage yet fresh sound. In Green / We Dream is a fantastic debut, showcasing Parlor Greens' collective genius and undeniable groove.

Review: Parlor Greens' debut album, In Green We Dream, is a prime example of the raw energy and collaborative spirit that defines their sound. Comprised of seasoned musicians Tim Carman on drums, Jimmy James on guitar, and Adam Scone on organ, this organ trio from Colemine Records dives headfirst into a rich blend of jazz, soul, and funk. The album bursts with vintage vibes reminiscent of Blue Note and Prestige records, yet infused with their distinct flair. From the lively groove of 'Parlor Strut,' where Jimmy James's guitar work shines with rhythm and precision, to the soulful sway of 'Sugar Maple,' each track features their musical chemistry and individual strengths. Adam Scone's masterful command of the organ adds depth and soulfulness throughout, drawing from his extensive experience in the soul revival scene. Recorded at Colemine's Portage Lounge, the album captures the spontaneity and magic of their initial jam session, yielding ten original compositions and a cover, all delivered with infectious energy and tight musicianship. In Green We Dream not only pays homage to their influences like Grant Green and The Meters but also establishes Parlor Greens as a band to look out for in contemporary music.

Review: This compilation is a vibrant celebration of Gnonnas Pedro, the legendary Beninese composer and musician. Spanning his career from 1967 to 1985, it showcases Pedro's remarkable versatility and eclectic musical palette; featuring 21 tracks that traverse genres with ease, from the Afrobeat energy of 'Pas De Petard' and 'L'Indomptable Gnonnas Pop' to the salsa rhythms of 'Tembleque' and the soulful grooves of 'How Much Love Naturally Cost'. Pedro's music is a fusion of influences, blending traditional African sounds with funk, soul and Latin flavours and highlights here include the irresistible 'Dadje Von O Von Non', the funky 'Yiri Yiri Boum', and the soulful 'Bailando Mi Solo'.

Review: Analog Africa is back with a dedicated project celebrating Gnonnas Pedro, the king of Modern Agbadja, and they press it up on a marvellous double album that includes an eight-page booklet with a ton of extra info. This bumper pack features 16 of Pedro's best works, all of which captivated Africa at the time. His vibrant blend of Agbadja, Cuban fon, jerk, highlife and more unique styles, all of which come with vocals sung in Fon, Mina, Yoruba, French, English and Spanish, add up to one hell of a rich sound. A great testament to the artist's extraordinary legacy.

Review: Pellegrino & Zodyaco's skillfully intertwine Neapolitan disco, funk, jazz and world music while channelling a spirit of creative escape of this new album, which is inspired by Henri Laborit's 'Eloge de la fuite'. It explores conscious escapism as a return to authenticity and seeks a "common language" through sound by merging Mediterranean melodies with global rhythms, vintage instruments and ethnic percussion that all bridge past and present. Four years after his last outing, Morphe, Pellegrino is still in top form here with a soulful, genre-blurring portrait of modern Naples that reflects the fact that, in the city, musical traditions meet modern experimentation.

Review: Penza Penza, led by Misha Panfilov, is back with a fourth LP, Alto E Primitivo, which was recorded at private events in Funchal, Portugal, and Tallinn, Estonia. The album underscores Panfilov's genre-blending prowess on Detroit's Funk Night Records across 14 tracks that blend deep grooves, intricate guitars, and soulful rhythms from psychedelia to garage rock. The dynamic tracks showcase the groups' newly matured sound with refined production that will find favour with fans of Khruangbin and The Budos Band. Tracks like 'Wacky,' 'Pterodactyl,' and 'Boo Hoo Boogaloo' highlight their instrumental prowess while occasional distorted vocals add texture. Alto E Primitivo then is another gem from Penza Penza.

Review: The Houston Talent Expo '82 is one of those curious releases that has come out of a very special moment in time. Moreover, it's a one-off, a exception that came to be out of chance. The group was an extended collection of African-American in the Houston area throughout the 1980s, and this was their only release as a unit. "Let's Get High" sets the scene in perfect fashion, a funky, slow-motion groove with enough soul to kill the devil himself, but there's even gear for the diggers and samplers to salivate over. The absurdly good "Chocolate Coated People" drops a wonky, gritty slice of percussion over drugged-out melodies and a sea of funkiness. This is a truly special piece of music - don't miss it.

Review: Gilles Peterson's obsession with Cuba is long running and well documented over various compilations from across the years. His latest focusses on Experiments in Latin Music from 1975 to 85 and the title suggests it will be the first of an ongoing series on Soul Jazz, compiled in collaboration with Stuart Baker. Across three vibrant sides of vinyl all manner of grooves are offered up, some more traditional, some bravely out there, all drawing on the jazz, funk, Brazilian tropicalia and disco - mixed with classic Latin and salsa - which made it to the island in the 70s.

Review: Izipho Soul chart the best unreleased works of the band Phyrework, dousing the would-be disco-funk pyromaniac in freshly siphoned sonic fuel. The burst radii on these unissued mortar shells and peony whistlers are rather large, and their emotive impact warrants large curtilage zones; you'd better put up a whopping fence around this shoot site. Only a couple of tracks from the original and horribly undersung Phyrework LP from 1978 feature here, because this is a record built to refire the squibs that didn't make it past the licensers' firing line, not bask in the ash of those already fired. Contemporaries of Earth, Wind & Fire and Marvin Gaye, Phyrework bring complementary girandolas of P-funk on 'Never Felt Like This', and twirl fire through the air on the Afrobeat-tinged soul cut 'Make It Last'.

Review: Joyous Craft is the by third album by Portlandian funk outfit Pleasure, active from 1974 to 1982. They were discovered by Wayne Henderson of The Crusaders, who produced their first three albums, including this one. The consensus among Pleasure fans is that this is their masterpiece. Not only is it a prominent torch-bearer on the front of transitioning funk into hip-hop - the title track is anthemic, having been enduringly sampled by many pioneering hip-hop artists including De La Soul, Janet Jackson and Madlib - the bulk of the music here is essentially the sonic expression of the band's name, delivering endless promises of happy living, gilded proclamations of love and movement via regal brass sections and bulbous drumming, and even future-facing synthfunk fusions (e.g. 'Can't Turn You Loose').

Review: A formerly impossible to find second album by Nicaraguan band Poder De Alma, first released in 1975. A cool mix of Latin funk, jazz, salsa and psychedelic grooves, this one includes some of the group's most sought-after tracks like 'Bacanal' 76,' 'Mimo' or the antiracist statement 'La Conga de las Dos Razas.' After recording their first LP in Guatemala, the Nica supergroup travelled to Costa Rica to register their second album; this time, the recording studio and equipment available to them (including a Mini-Moog) were an improvement compared to their prior project and the band saw a new line-up. The result was a powerful album which is now one of the holy grails of Latin funk worldwide.

Review: These days, there are countless bands authentically recreating the fuzzy sounds of 1960s and '70s Black American soul and funk. That wasn't the case when the Poets of Rhythm released their first records in the 1990s. Their attempts to create a new (old) funk sound arguably peaked with 2001's Discern/Define, the German combo's second and final full-length. Here reissued on wax for the first time since with a slightly expanded track list, the album remains a classic collection of funk-some gems that digs deep for inspiration. Yes, there are nods to James Brown, Stax Records and the Meters, but also dusty reggae-soul, Blaxploitation soundtracks and obscure Latino funk. In a word: essential.

Review: Led by Luke Solomon, The Legion of Boogie Down returns with their second album, Powerdance II, eight years after the success of their debut The Lost Art of Getting Down. Since then the collective has evolved by adding more experimental sounds to their vision of nightclub and basement music. This album continues their journey of genre-blending with the addition of Chris Penny, rising star Josh Ludlow, and original members Alinka and Lance Desardi. Featuring wild synths, drums and percussion from Holly Madge, this left-of-centre record offers a trippy mix of disco, funk and house that leads to a cosmic musical adventure in some style.

Review: This release sees Connie Price & The Keystones bridging the gap between classic soul and contemporary hip-hop, delivering a collection of hard-hitting grooves that are both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. It features a stellar lineup of guest MCs, including Bootie Brown, Rakaa Iriscience, and Guilty Simpson, each adding their unique flavour to the mix. The A-side is a showcase of raw lyricism and infectious beats, with tracks like 'All Night (The Pharcyde)' and 'For The Wicked (Dilated Peoples)' capturing the essence of golden-era hip-hop while maintaining a distinctly soulful edge. On the flip, Professor Shorthair provides a series of remixes, adding a touch of dancefloor energy to the proceedings. From the extended mixes of 'All Night' and 'For The Wicked' to the bounce-infused reimagining of 'Come On Down (To New Orleans)', these remixes showcase the versatility of the original material and its ability to transcend genre boundaries. This is a must-have for fans of both classic soul and contemporary hip-hop, a testament to the enduring power of music to connect generations and inspire new creative expressions.

Review: A series of Prince albums are being reissued by Warner, including this one from 1994. By then the legendary funk artist's relationship with his label was hugely stringed and he had recently change his name, for the first of several times to [Love Symbol]. This album was one of a number that the Purple One wrote in a short space of time in order to free himself from his contract with the major label. Despite those circumstances, it is still a standout record that managed to get to Number One in the UK despite a lack of support from Prince himself upon release.

Review: Prince is a name that needs no introduction. The Vault ... Old Friends 4 Sale was originally released in 1999 , a full three years after being submitted to Warner Bros in 1996. Thus, it was recorded in 1994 and 1995 which in many fans' eyes, follows some of the best Prince work when he was known as the symbol. Stylistically, the album has Prince exploring more jazz elements while still remaining clearly a Prince album. Perhaps due to Prince not doing a world tour to support the album and lack of radio friendly singles, the album wasn't the chart success that the label hoped for but to fans it holds a special place in their Prince discography.

Review: Prince's early career was marked by a fearless blending of musical genres, provocative lyrics, and an undeniable magnetism that propelled him into superstardom. One of the key moments in this trajectory was his Controversy tour in 1981-1982, which cemented his status as an innovative and trailblazing artist. The live album, Controversy At The Capitol: New Jersey Broadcast 1982, captures a crucial moment during this tour and now offers those who were there, or those who want toffee like they were, a glimpse into his artistry at a time when he was beginning to define his future legacy.

Review: Few words required: Prince's legacy is like no other and will live on as long as there is music. His self-titled sophomore release, of his 39 studio album repertoire this one is especially significant. You can hear him revelling in experimentalism, playing with ideas that would become the lead on future works (such as the big glam guitars on "Bambi" and lewd, brazen slap bass on "Sexy Dancer"), it also contains his original version of "I Feel For You" (famously covered by Chaka Khan) and his first hit single "I Wanna Be You Lover". Laced with some really heart-rending ballads (made all the more poignant since he passed away), it's one of many testaments that we'll never forget him. Rest in peace.

Review: NPG Records and Paisley Park Enterprises, in partnership with Warner Records, are pleased to announce the release of a brand-new audiophile Blu-ray featuring 2024's Dolby Atmos mix of Prince and the Revolution's iconic 1984 album, Purple Rain, as well as Prince's original 1984 stereo mix, in high-definition 24bit / 96kHz audio.

Prince shattered all expectations and made music history when he released the album Purple Rain, followed by the hit movie of the same name weeks later. The 9-track LP went on to win two Grammy awards ("Best Rock Performance by a Group" & "Best Album of Original Score Written For A Motion Picture"), two American Music Awards, a Brit Award, and an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. In 2012 the Library of Congress added the album to the National Recording Registry, which only accepts sound recordings that "are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States." Purple Rain spent 24 weeks at #1 on the Billboard album charts, sold over 25 million copies worldwide, and appears on countless 'Best Of' polls, most recently achieving the #4 spot on Apple Music's Top 100 Albums Of All Time.

The 2024 Atmos presentation of Purple Rain featured on this Blu-Ray, was meticulously mixed from the original multi-track master tapes by Prince's protege and Best Engineered Grammy nominee Chris James. It was released via all participating Digital Service Providers on June 21, 2024. "In 2024 we started our year-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain, we are thrilled to present Prince's masterpiece in ATMOS, providing an immersive, surround auditory experience of Prince's legendary album. This highly crafted release will present Prince's iconic work with more space and depth while preserving the beautiful songs that have shaped music and popular culture, and touched the lives of countless fans around the world." - Paisley Park Enterprises

Region code: universal

Review: Asha Puthli's triumphant return to the stage after 44 years is marked by tour dates across the US, Australia, and Europe, including iconic performances at Glastonbury and We Out Here. To celebrate this milestone, Mr Bongo has repressed her legendary 1976 album, The Devil Is Loose, on gold vinyl. This album, featuring the psychedelic disco-funk classic 'Space Talk,' exemplifies Puthli's eclectic career spanning 60s psyche, free-jazz, pop, rock and disco. Each track on The Devil Is Loose highlights Puthli's celestial style and sumptuous vocal range, supported by orchestral-infused, disco-enhanced instrumentation. The album transitions seamlessly from the infectious funk of 'Flying Fish' to the cosmic transcendence of the title track, and the choir-channelling 'Say Yes.' Puthli's majestic vocals cast a unique spell, making the album cinematic and captivating throughout. Whether replacing a worn-out original copy or discovering Asha Puthli for the first time, this quintessential slice of her world promises to enchant and inspire.

Review: Mr Bongo reissues a classic record here from an iconic musical maverick. From her roots in India, to becoming a world famous artist with a celebrated career in music and acting, Asha Puthli forged a career path through '60s psych, free jazz, pop, rock, disco, and more. Her 1976 album The Devil Is Loose is maybe the most well known record, featuring the classic 'Space Talk' which was championed by many DJs, most famously the late David Mancuso at The Loft, in addition to being sampled The Notorious B.I.G., P Diddy and The Pharcyde. In later years, Puhtli went on to collaborate with the likes of Bill Laswell, DJ Spooky and Talvin Singh.