Mocambo 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: In the time that passed between their fine 2019 debut on Matsuana Records, 'Madchester Woman', and the release of their sophomore single, last year's 'Don't Sweat The Technique on Mocambo', Heroes of Limbo clearly recorded a lot of material - hence this relatively speedy sequel. Like the duo's previous material, the two tracks showcased here blur the boundaries between funk, highlife and Afrobeat. A-side 'Watch Out Now' is a languid, low-slung treat, with heavy Afrobeat horns, snaking solos, effects-laden Hammond organ and jazzy guitars reclining over a shuffling breakbeat and warming bassline. The pair gently raises the tempo and temperature on B-side cut 'Try Again', with more urgent horns and low-register sax solos weaving in and out of a more tropical-sounding rhythm track.

Review: Carlton Jumel Smith earned himself the title Mr Soul, being one of NYC's foremost exponents of a faithful sound which keeps the Motown flame alive. Having released a couple of singles on Timmion last year as well as linking up with Dojo Cuts on Colemine, now Smith is stepping out on Mocambo with the riotous party starter 'Keep On Swinging', a heated affair with sassy brass, overdriven guitar licks and the man himself holding it down with a killer vocal turn. 'Hope' on the flip is a funkier number which calls to mind classic Curtis Mayfield, not least thanks to that sprightly percussion section. Great modern soul music which knows where it's coming from.

Review: Over the last few years, German deep funk heroes the Mighty Mocambos have taken to capturing their live performances - not just at concerts, but also record shop 'in-store' sessions and soundchecks - via a mobile recording studios. Scenarios, their self-proclaimed 'live album with a twist', features some of their favourite recordings. What makes it extra-special - aside from the quality of the music, of course - is that it features acoustic and semi-acoustic fare (composed for and performed in a lockdown live stream) as well as the heavyweight, floor-friendly jams that we know and love them for. Of course, there's loads of highlights in the latter category, including killer covers of 'Axel F' and 'Let The Music Play' and the squally funk-rock treat that is 'Munich Pyscholympics'.

Review: First released back in 2015, the third album from Bjorn Wagner's break-fired revivalist funk combo, the Mighty Mocambos, has been given the reissue treatment on vibrant red vinyl. It's arguably the most notable of the eight-piece band's full-length excursions, primarily because it features an impressive cast-list of guest rappers, singers and musicians (Shawn Lee even plays autoharp on side two joint 'Cat Fight'). Musically, it's a boisterous and party-starting affair, with Wanger and co flitting between breakdancer-friendly instrumental funk, 1960s style vocal soul ('In The Dark', with Nicola Richards, is a highlight), and largely up-tempo, club-ready numbers featuring singing and rapping from the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Charlie Funk and Donald D.

Review: Having spent much of the last few years offering up tropical grooves under their alternative Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band alias, the Mighty Mocambos have finally got around to recording another funk-focused album. Of course, this is not straight-up revivalist funk or soul in the strict sense, but rather a collection of inventive cuts rooted in bustling breakbeats, fuzzy basslines, razor-sharp guitar riffs and hazy horns. Highlights come thick and fast throughout, from the sweet soul shuffle of Lee Fields collaboration "Where Do We Go From Here" and the rasping dancefloor soul-funk goodness of Gizelle Smith hook-up "Take On The World", to the 1950s sci-fi soundtrack cheeriness of "Return To Space" (featuring legendary composer Peter Thomas), and the synth-fired intergalactic dancefloor goodness of "Golden Shadow".

Review: This unique compilation spotlights the best tracks of Mocambo Records'
scarce 7" vinyl releases that took the deep funk scenery storm in
summer 2006. For Fans Of Jazzman, Freestyle, Daptone, Numero ....