Contemporary Funk Vinyl 186 Items

Lava Love is the new album by Zoe’s Shanghai. Led by singer Zoé Renié Harris, the band has made a splash into the crowded neo-soul scene with their debut EP A Mirage (Meant To Last Forever) released in 2019 - a deeply evocative sound and Zoe’s extraordinary voice gained them immediately the spotlight as ones to watch (“a worthy torchbearer for heady and hearty soul music”- Earmilk). Following a successful string of EPs and singles, the Barcelona & Paris-based four-piece band is now ready to share with the world their first full-length album. Lava Love was recorded in an old stable in the French region of Auvergne - known for its mountain ranges and dormant volcanoes, this region could not have been a more apt setting. Lava and love portray in fact a dynamic flow of memory and meaning pouring out of Zoe’s Shanghai’s heart. In and out of the metaphor, Lava and love can be powerful, frightening, beautiful, dangerous and at the same time are essential elements that create fertile change and growth. Through the 11 songs, the band evoke memories and pose questions - inner dialogues, life stories, encounters and relationships – the album depicts a kaleidoscope of moods and feelings, prompting the listener to open to the conversation: while each song presents a microcosm on its own, the album manifests itself in the shared musical experience - immersive music to listen to and enjoy with your loved ones. Produced with Oli Barton-Wood (Nubiyan Twist, Joe Armon-Jones, Nilufer Yanya), the sound of Lava Love brings together hypnotic melodies, groovy rhythms and thoughtful lyrics - fusing the essence of multiple music styles and forging Zoe’s Shanghai unique contemporary soul. The album follows the critically acclaimed EP ‘A Mirage’, which garnered the support of Gilles Peterson & Huey Morgan (bbc 6 Music), Jamz Supernova (bbc Radio 1Xtra), Worldwide FM and Earmilk to name a few.

YPY is back with his third full-length album, his second on EM Records, following his 2016 debut Zurhyrethm, and 2020 on Where To Now? YPY is the solo alias of Osaka-based Koshiro Hino, who has honed his rhythmic instincts as leader of the acclaimed Japanese band goat and the sound installation/theatre project GEIST and Virginal Variations. His preoccupation with propulsion is on full display here, across five tracks of varying density and intensity, all thoroughly beat-oriented, with skeins of synthesized and sampled sound stretching to the horizon, rising from a bedrock of minimal drum machine pulses, all lovingly embraced in a cassette-borne sonic fug. The cover image and title hearken back to Hino’s past, with the image obscurely referencing his yesteryear green mohawk, and the title derived from Talking Heads, but this effervescent album, though recorded using cassette technology, is not a sad tale of nostalgia, rather a look at a present/pleasant reality. Cover drawings by NAZE.

Just as clubs and music venues worldwide have shuttered, victims of a pandemic and overall dystopian experience that most living human beings have never been through, XL Middleton unexpectedly brings us the soundtrack for the dancefloor in our minds with Rose Bowl Motel . It’s a four-track EP crafted with XL’s signature synth sound - modern funk music turned sideways, into something that house/electronic DJ’s can easily work into their sets as well. The songs on Rose Bowl Motel run long and expansively, evolving slowly and giving any turntablist plenty of time to weave in and out of a mix. Moods are set via dexterous analog bass lines and shimmering keys. In fact, the entirety of R BM is instrumental, save for the EP’s thunderous opener, “Shotgun Lover,” featuring a slinky vocal from Zackey Force Funk plus vocoder work from XL himself. “Crown Royal Bags” centers around airy keys and boogie bass syncopations, while “Swervin’ On The 210” alternates between jazzy rhodes chords and sharp synth leads reminiscent of D-Train classics. The album’s closer, “1990 Brougham d’Elegance,” was the first song Middleton cut for the project, several years back between sessions working on his Tap Water album, and sounds like a sharp turn from anything he released in that period. Warm chords, housey organ stabs, and DX7 jazz guitar solos are the recipe here, proving XL is, and always has been, an artist/ producer capable of working effectively in many different modes. The club may have been shut down for now, but there’s always an afterhours going down in a smoky room at Rose Bowl Motel .

Austin Boogie Crew had to do something special for our first vinyl release of 2019, and with that we present H1NDS1GHT , a killer double 7” modern funk EP by the one and only XL Middleton! Hailing from Pasadena, California, XL has established himself as one of the premiere musicians, label owners (MoFunk Records), and tastemakers in the game. Using outstanding and mostly unreleased material from his archives as the foundation for this project (hence the name H1NDS1GHT), XL reimagined these songs and penned fresh lyrics specifically for the release. We divided the EP into two 45s, each with its own distinct vibe, and with the help of illustrator Austin Cashell and designer Rene Cardenas, created a unique album jacket that forms one image when the two records are held side by side. Viewed as a whole, this EP is an exceptional ride that will carry you from spring into summer!

Vol. 2 A: “Gamin’” (120 BPM) - Broken beat inspired drums and soaring chords lay the groundwork for this exceptional jam about approaching a woman with respect and care. With a sick solo and some vocoder peppered into the mix, this is a winner in more ways than one.

B: “Enjoyable Sunburn” (116 BPM) - XL crafts a playful yet smooth instrumental that would sound at home in an Outrun video game or on the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack. But it isn’t just the nostalgia factor that will keep you coming back to this one, it’s the compositional finesse, amazing synth sounds, and heart.

Austin Boogie Crew had to do something special for our first vinyl release of 2019, and with that we present H1NDS1GHT , a killer double 7” modern funk EP by the one and only XL Middleton! Hailing from Pasadena, California, XL has established himself as one of the premiere musicians, label owners (MoFunk Records), and tastemakers in the game. Using outstanding and mostly unreleased material from his archives as the foundation for this project (hence the name H1NDS1GHT), XL reimagined these songs and penned fresh lyrics specifically for the release. We divided the EP into two 45s, each with its own distinct vibe, and with the help of illustrator Austin Cashell and designer Rene Cardenas, created a unique album jacket that forms one image when the two records are held side by side. Viewed as a whole, this EP is an exceptional ride that will carry you from spring into summer!

Vol. 1 A: “Nervous” (112 BPM) - Making a lasting impression out the gate, “Nervous” is a modern funk anthem for anyone who’s struggled with the confidence to approach someone romantically. On top of the endearing and refreshing songwriting, the instrumentation on this one is crisp and way funky.

B: “Digital Devils” (113 BPM) - Originally featured on the 2014 cassette compilation Is This The Future?, this irresistible instrumental is long overdue for the vinyl treatment. The slapping drums and wet, punchy bass on this one immediately demand attention. With lovely changeups and 16-bit style leads, this is an ace in the hole on any dance floor.

Once again singer extraordinaire ANTHONY MILLS and soundscape master FREDDIE CRUGER aka RED ASTAIRE return as WILDCOOKIE and this time, they sound more diverse and doper than ever. This 7-track "MAXI-EP" is part soul, part hip-hop and completely bananas!

From label owner Terry Cole, "It was on March 16, 2020 that we closed up our storefront as the reality of a worldwide pandemic began to spread across the Midwest. We had no idea how it was going to impact our shop, our label, or the artists we represent. We were all fortunate to have our family members stay safe and healthy; however, the livelihood of many of our friends and artists were drastically and immediately impacted. No tours, no live performances, record shops closed, pressing plants shut down, etc. And while the level of uncertainty was unnerving, from that uncertainty came the idea for Brighter Days Ahead. We knew we wanted to continue to release new music, but proceeding with our heavy 2020 release schedule as planned seemed ill advised. So the idea was to release individual tracks from many of our artists on a weekly basis and as a musical family, we could all help shine light on each individual artist weekly. Strength in numbers! So throughout the summer and into the fall, that's what we did. We released several dozen tracks and the weekly announcements certainly garnered a strong sense of community for our artists and fans alike. We're very proud to present Brighter Days Ahead: a compilation from our talented stable of artists on both our Colemine and Karma Chief imprints."

Ending the season on a breezy note, our new VA 'Boogie Angst, Edition Three' delivers the ideal wares for a buoyant last stretch to an otherwise trying year. Spanning a brightly hued kaleidoscope of pop-infused house and mellifluous boogie, Edition Three pushes forth a selection of our choicest grooves from the past year as well as a batch of unheard and exclusive gems to keep you in the warmest, most positive mindset for the winter to come. Through fifteen cuts covering a wide but cohesive spectrum of balmy sonics, the compilation once again offers a much spitting image of what the label's been up to in recent times. High Høøps playful revamp of Secret Rendezvous' fresher-than-fresh RnB joint 'Back In The Day' sets the tone right away, followed closely by Moods & Two Another's lush coastal disco number 'Control' and Snacks & Eric Biddines neo-big band style house treat 'All Night' - a singular chunk of ballroom bop tinged with soulful blues tropes and Caribbean melodic accents, sure to have the dancers jiving without further ado. Here comes Inkswel's synth-splattered mix of 8-bit pixelation and Run DMC-esque hip-hop 'Too Late' (ft. Stan Smith) and Saux's dream folk excursion 'You're Not Wrong'. A highlight of the package and mesmerizing piece of wistful, kosmische-laced disco, Kraak & Smaak 'Centro De Placer' ushers us in a realm of velveteen ingenuousness and sun-streaked utopianism, steering us away from the tar-scented gloom of soulless metropolises into an all engulfing prism of hope, love and grace. Utrecht-based vibist Feiertag punches the clock with 'Encino Boogie' - a four minute-odd slab of buoyant funk sprinkled with laid-back house tropes and brass-heavy, loungey dub tonalities, perfect for drawing out the pleasure of dreamlike summer boogie sessions. Clear your mind and shuffle your feet to that solar-powered mix of fevered drums, slap bass and sensually aqueous groove. Next, Kraak & Smaak's add their easily identifiable, almost Beck-ian spin to Jean Tonique's lysergic pop hit-en-puissance 'Too Bad' whilst Bondax lo-slung remix of Moods' sense-awakening soul tune 'Slow Down' (ft. Damon Trueitt) eases you into a place of inviting suavity. Inkswel's funky robot chugger 'The People' (ft. Dave Aju) picks up the torch next, followed by Flevans, your go-to man for proper electroid floor traction. The UK-based producer has you covered with 'Everything I See' - a surefire, bass-driven roller inbound for severe club impact with its infectious mix of fiery riffs, mangled female vox slivers and racing groove. Next, Secret Rendezvous' sun-beamy ballad 'Your Love' takes us on a gently bouncy, romantic ride. Last but not least, Vhyce's smooth hybrid of synth-strewn RnB and lo-velocity funk 'Lose Our Minds' (ft. Yves Paquet), David Harks' metronomic disco-pop anthem 'Twice' and Saux's sleek-textured synthpop exponent 'Night Is All There Is' round off the package on a typically smooth and vibrant sentimental touch. For the wax heads out there, a limited 9-track vinyl sampler will be issued alongside the digital compilation, featuring some of the tracks on the album + a few alternative versions, and furthermore a vinyl exclusive of Kraak & Smaak's remix of Izo FitzRoy's 'When The Wires are Down', initially released only digitally via Jalapeño Records.

The independent label Six Nine Records Ltd. UK, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, proudly presents Two Jazz Project featuring Marie Meney and the track "Time & Space (Wake Up The Soul)”. This is Two Jazz Project’s third release on the label and it definitely gets better and better with each one; this is a fantastic future modern soul anthem, with an atmospheric soundscape that just gives you an instant urge to throw your hands in the air. Marie Meney delivers the most amazing vocals, which complete the song and really fits perfectly with this sound. And as if this wasn't enough, the utterly brilliant Yuki "T-Groove" Takahashi spoils us with an extraordinary remix of his on the flip side!

From The Independent Uk Label Six Nine Records Ltd, Based In Newcastle Upon Tyne, Two Jazz Project, The Late Enois Scroggins And Marie Meney Together With Yuki “T-Groove” Takahashi Are Here With Two New Fantastic Songs! Definitely Not To Be Missed As It Is A Limited Uk Press With Small Hole And Full Colour Printed Picture Cover!

The mysterious Tuxedo Funk Crew drops it in full length in 2015!

LA DJ/producer drops 2 inspired, illicit remixes: a glitchy, twisted electronic remix of Johnny Cash's "Straight A's In Love" b/w a moody, epic sounding remix of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good" that starts off with a scary sounding intro and then chucks in some big band breakbeats.

Tiombé Lockhart, known from the Platinum Pied Pipers cult classic Triple P, unearths her unofficial debut album The Aquarius Years for a complete re-mastering and premiere vinyl release. An elusive masterpiece of underground R’n’B featuring tracks previously only available on CD, that was sold during her tour supporting Bilal in the early 2000s or on a sought-after Japanese bootleg. The jazz phenomenon and multiple Grammy Award winner Robert Glasper is featured on the instant classic G.P. and a soaring cover of California Dreaming, which truly highlights Lockhart’s unforgettable voice that flawlessly fits Glasper’s incredible harmonies. The infamous soul singer Bilal, a lifelong collaborator of Lockhart, features on the sombre stepper Sexy Suzy On A Sunday, where they effortlessly blend trap-like 808s with classic, soulful R’n’B. Essential stuff!

Right after the beautiful album ” The Aquarius Years”, Cali-Soul queen Tiombé Lockhart is back again on Mother Tongue with a special follow up. “Sexy Suzy on a Sunday” receives two cosmic treatments from jazz-star Christian Scott and Intergalactic Don Carlos Niño. Expect to be transferred into another (Soul) galaxy!

Five piece uptempo deep funk band from Cornwall ready to launch their recording career with this debut full-length, for which they recruited the
powerful voice of Dojo Cuts singer Roxie Ray. The Underbelly as one of the
most exciting funk bands to emerge today: already counting on the support of DJs such as Nik Weston, Andy Smith and Craig Charles, who called them “the
find of the year”.

Nubian Crackers member The Undercover Brother (AKA veteran Queens, New York-based beat-maker Victor Piagneri) fires up his U.B.'s project and delivers another taster for the forthcoming "Ultimate Covers w/Breaks" LP. On the A-side you'll find his instrumental interpretation of Frederick Knight cut "Uphill Peace Of Mind", a heavy, stripped-back revision rich in killer drum breaks, Red Hot Chili Peppers style funk-rock guitars and life-affirming piano solos. Turn to the flip for Piagneri's vocal-free version of The Honey Drippers' 1973 anti-Nixon anthem "Impeach The President". He allows the track's much-sampled opening drum break a little more room to breathe, before carefully layering up Hammond organ riffs and a snaking saxophone solo that effectively replaces the original vocals.

San Diego's own The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble is back with their sophomore LP “Out On The Coast”. Cinematic soul is the order of the day from this west coast group. Covering a lot of soulful territory here: deep funk, soul jazz, breakbeats, and more! The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble is a heavy, original, instrumental soul band based in San Diego. They draw influence from the masters of the style from the past and modern day, including: The Meters, Isaac Hayes, El Michels Affair, Mulatu Astatke, Budos Band, The Nite Liters, Menahan Street Band, Fela Kuti and The Poets of Rhythm. In June of 2015 they released their debut self titledalbum on Colemine Records. The band has shared the stage with Lee Fields and the Expressions, New Mastersounds, Monophonics, Kamasi Washington, and many other touring bands. They perform live regularly all over California and worldwide.

An Canadian group formed by 3 outstanding female vocalists "the SPANDETTES".their masterpiece second album which was released in 2015 and also includes a cover of the popular Hawaiian AOR Lemuria, is released as the LP with OBI-strip! A casual sense of disco boogie and acid jazz, a sweet and tropical atmosphere that is perfect for summer.

New Jersey born Clyde Kingrap (aka The Real Fake MC) is probably the freakiest MC on earth. His Flow is definitely influenced by old-school Hip-Hop masters, but The Real Fake MC declares that his major influence remain in P-Funk, Gogo and early Punk Rock.

For more than 15 years he’s been grabbing mics and spreading funky vibes on stage & in collabs all around the world. His two 12? out on Favorite Recordings, Live & Survive & Hunt Ya Sunshine, and his 1st LP Rock It Up were produced by French producer Patchworks aka Mr President.

These two musicians have been dropping some tracks together for more than a decade, with always the same target: educate their love for Hip-Hop with jokin lyrics and Funk inspired beats played live with instruments.

They’re back with a brand new LP, Future Funk Survivors out on Boogie Butt Records.

Within Melbourne's burgeoning cinematic-soul scene, which includes breakout acts Surprise Chef and Karate Boogaloo, mysteriously sit The Pro-Teens. Helmed by prolific drummer and percussionist Hudson Whitlock, who also plays in both aforementioned bands, this breakaway studio project involves an interchangeable collective of incognito, Melbourne-based, esteemed instrumentalists playing under outlandish pseudonyms such as "'Dead Honest’ Dean Amazing" and "Libby Clique-Baite". Symbolically led by keyboardist "Snooch Dodd", new album ‘I Flip My Life Every Time I Fly’ is the latest musical concoction from Whitlock's eccentric brain, marrying the soul/funk roots of sample culture with the principles of boom-bap hip hop.

Incorporating the colourful comic book stylings of MF Doom and Kool Keith, or the dark and exotic flavours of Gravediggaz and The Wu-Tang Clan, The Pro-Teens also take cues from their composing heroes Galt MacDermot, Richard Evans and Marc Moulin. The Pro-Teens bop, zip, whip and fling on this phantasmagorical journey - an unorthodox patchwork of cinematic soul, hip hop-guided funk breaks, vivid instrumental textures and film score-esque moods.

The Pro-Teens work on the same analogue recording model adopted by the tight-knit College Of Knowledge label, self-recorded and produced with the rag-tag crew of musicians putting tracks down live to tape in crammed attic studios and sharehouse recording spaces. The first limited pressing of 'I Flip My Life Every Time I Fly' was released on the 'College Of Knowledge' imprint in late 2020. It was one of the highlights of the year at Mr Bongo HQ who loved the concept and felt this tripped out masterpiece from Melbourne needed to be heard well beyond those lucky enough to have bagged those limited first copies.

Within Melbourne's burgeoning cinematic-soul scene, which includes breakout acts Surprise Chef and Karate Boogaloo, mysteriously sit The Pro-Teens. Helmed by prolific drummer and percussionist Hudson Whitlock, who also plays in both aforementioned bands, this breakaway studio project involves an interchangeable collective of incognito, Melbourne-based, esteemed instrumentalists playing under outlandish pseudonyms such as "'Dead Honest’ Dean Amazing" and "Libby Clique-Baite". Symbolically led by keyboardist "Snooch Dodd", new album ‘I Flip My Life Every Time I Fly’ is the latest musical concoction from Whitlock's eccentric brain, marrying the soul/funk roots of sample culture with the principles of boom-bap hip hop.

Incorporating the colourful comic book stylings of MF Doom and Kool Keith, or the dark and exotic flavours of Gravediggaz and The Wu-Tang Clan, The Pro-Teens also take cues from their composing heroes Galt MacDermot, Richard Evans and Marc Moulin. The Pro-Teens bop, zip, whip and fling on this phantasmagorical journey - an unorthodox patchwork of cinematic soul, hip hop-guided funk breaks, vivid instrumental textures and film score-esque moods.

The Pro-Teens work on the same analogue recording model adopted by the tight-knit College Of Knowledge label, self-recorded and produced with the rag-tag crew of musicians putting tracks down live to tape in crammed attic studios and sharehouse recording spaces. The first limited pressing of 'I Flip My Life Every Time I Fly' was released on the 'College Of Knowledge' imprint in late 2020. It was one of the highlights of the year at Mr Bongo HQ who loved the concept and felt this tripped out masterpiece from Melbourne needed to be heard well beyond those lucky enough to have bagged those limited first copies.

Brooklyn’s funk ambassadors invite J.Bless, Captain Planet, Navagente & Juno What to pump up the volume, w/4 bin rattlers to ignite floors their own spin on the 'part gangsta, part janky' sound the Pimps have become known for.

The Pendletons take a bold step with their first full forthcoming length album, 2 Steps Away, releasing this spring on the Bastard Jazz imprint. Recorded in San Francisco with a rock-solid band consisting of some of the best musicians in the Bay Area, including guitarist Carl Locket (Shalamar, Rick James) and Star Creature recording artist Elive, the duo taps into a classic soul/boogie sound that rides a wave of '70s and early '80s funk with ease but somehow remains true to the excitement of those classic recordings without being overly nostalgic
On this preview 7" the band showcases the uptempo disco/boogie slapper "You Do You" featuring legendary Soul singer Howard Johnson (Nightflyte / Kashif) while on the flip is the sweet soul of "Life To Me" over an irresistible groove.

Truth & Soul presents the second single from the newest band to come out of the burgeoning Brooklyn soul scene, The Olympians. Led by maverick keyboard player Toby Pazner, the Olympians second single is a perfect mix of deep soul and european library music. Recorded in Toby Pazner's bedroom studio, both songs are masterfully orchestrated, instrumental gems.

Repress! Returning after their Last Transmission collaborative album with Melvin Van Peebles, the Heliocentrics finish off their trawl through the vaults of tracks recorded at their old digs – Quatermass Studios – with psychedelic tinged funk and jazz instrumentals Rolling Stone describes as “…sprawling, with percussive patterns that suddenly morph into extraterrestrial sound blasts and opaque, detouring patterns.”

Four years after their latest release – SCEB925LP/CD / “Do Hipsters Love Sun (Ra)?” – the most cinematic duo in town is coming back in Autumn 2019 with a new full-length record called “Art Is A Cat”, anticipated by the first single “When You Died”, released as a 7-inch with two versions of the same song.
Side A contains the album version of “When You Died” and features singer Sean Martin on vocals – yes, the same one that sang on the band’s super classic number “Tunnel” back in 2003! A funk song with a ’70s psychedelic taste, with an emphasized groove typical of some American rock bands such as Black Merda.
Side B includes a rework of the same composition made by Massimo Martellotta (Calibro 35), who transformed the original track into a compelling disco soul midtempo tune.
Are you ready to dance?

Dark and yet still luminous, the new album of The Buttshakers, Arcadia remains true to the spirit of soul : hope out of struggle, light out of fear; even when the cracks expose the darkest side of humanity, soul music has always given us the assurance that out of this chaos, a better day will come. A philosophy on which they built their discography and their stage presence; founding principles that the group has always been faithful to: to awaken the listener, to ignite the fire, to bring the dance.

Named "best kept secret of Canadian funk" by the Quebecois newspaper La Presse, The Brooks are a band of accomplished musicians, well-known in the soul/funk scene across the Atlantic. Expert instrumentalists led by Alexandre Lapointe create a dazzling combo with frontman Alan Prater— an incredibly energetic showman who has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry. This passionate and experienced band fan the sacred fire every time they perform! Thanks to a solid realization, their musical message comes across beautifully. The Brooks go beyond mere interpretation and style exercises: they are a powerful groove machine and a driving force in their sector. 50 years of African American music are condensed in the band's aesthetic. In their live shows and in their records, you can hear James Brown's meticulousness, D'Angelo's delightfulness, Fela Kuti's radiance, Herbie Hancock's intergenerational openness, and J. Dilla's innovative spirit. These heroes of music didn't let rules and trends dictate their messages, and neither do The Brooks. Just like these history makers, they built their reputation with sweat and rigor, outside of conventional channels. The Brooks are incredibly hard workers united in a project where pleasure and complete artistic freedom are the only key words. After 8 years of existence, with an EP and two albums, they have already won many awards and nominations (gamiq, Independent Music Awards, ADISQ...) and built a solid reputation in the Quebec indie world. Who are The Brooks? First, there's the icon, Alan Prater! This Florida-born musician can boast that he shared the stage with the Jacksons! Thanks to his many trips and experiences, he became a key member of Montreal jazz. He is the band's biggest asset: if The Brooks were a sports team, Alan Prater would be captain. Then, at the drums: Maxime Bellavance, one half of the Beat Market duo, whose "dancy and retro futurist" groove can be heard in several major and underground projects in Canada. Philippe Look aces guitar and vocals. His experience as a session musician working with famous bands for 20 years allowed him to take part in different projects: rock, downtempo, trip hop, electro… As one of the founding members of The Brooks, he also wrote many of the band's songs. Keyboardist Daniel Thouin is an integral part of the Montreal jazz scene. He is both an accomplished acoustic piano player and synthesizer player, well versed in writing as well as in improvising, in organic sounds as well as in the latest technologies. Thouin possesses a double vision, which allows him to both exalt and lead productions. Composer Sébastien Grenier wows us with his saxophone. Thanks to his theoretical knowledge and his 20 years of experience, acquired through continuous training all around the world, he is a true guiding force. French trumpetist Hichem Khalfa begun learning the instrument at 7 years old. He attended a musical conservatory before going to the Haute École de Musique and finally pursuing his studies at McGill University. He won prizes at Rimouski International Jazz Festival and received the François Marcaurelle prize at Montreal Off Festival. His successful jazz projects allowed him to work with famous musicians like Blitz the Ambassador, Nomadic Massive, Rhonda Ross and Kalmunity. Philippe Beaudin can be considered an apostle of Afro-Latin percussions, which he teaches and practices with great passion. Thanks to his participation in several projects, you can discover his talent both on stage and onscreen. The Brooks' philosophy is based on art in its rawest form, on perfectionism in musical practice. The choices they make and the directions they take are motivated mostly by instinctive feelings. This is how The Brooks recently crossed the path of Underdog Records during a trip in France. It was love at first sight for the two groups who share a passion for soul. Their chemistry allows them to be completely free in their creative process and natural as ever in their conception-creation-communication approach.

Time to bust out those shades as we have two brand new blasts of sonic sunshine from Bristol beatmakers, The Allergies. 'Move On Baby' finds the duo on career-best form. With their sampling savvy hitting new heights, as vintage rhythm 'n' blues vocals ride highly re-energised Latin loops, and some seriously funky drums. Totally their signature sound – Tough beats, catchy hooks and horns, and feel-good dancefloor vibes – But turned up to 11. It's got "Sound of the Summer" written all over it, weather permitting. Also shining bright is B-side banger, 'Are You Ready'. This stomping soul sensation features LA rap legend, Andy Cooper [Ugly Duckling] and the powerful pipes of Miss Marietta Smith. The peak-time powder keg is set to detonate on this one. And the call-to-arms manifesto gives you the full Allergies' band stage show experience in one beefed up jukebox single.

NBN Records is very proud to introduce to you, Teddy Bryant, singer, composer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist from Conway, South Carolina.

Despite being his first solo album, Teddy Bryant is no rookie in the music industry, as he's been playing local shows with his Contemporary Jazz band called Urbyne since 1998 and releasing a Neo-Soul album in 2012 under the moniker of Moonlight Ora. Being the son of a Jazz player and after learning the piano at an early age, he soon realized he had unique musical skills : a boiling talent for composing melodies and harmonies and an unparallaled voice that could remind of none other than the legendary Marvin Gaye. Teddy does his own thing though, and he approached the label with the album already finished from top to bottom, including the artwork, made from an old analog poto of Teddy's mother.

On « In The Beginning » Teddy invites you to a trip around his world, at a cross between Contemporary Soul, Street Soul and R&B. « A dreamy concept of sonic realness is an ode to everlasting love and pays tribute to Sade, Marvin Gaye, Prince and Quincy Jones » as he describes it. Showcasing out-of-this-world vocal abilities and composition skills, Teddy sounds just as good as the all-time greats he got his inspiration from.

Deep druggy dancefloor business from a well known crew from the east, not so much an edit, more of a rebuild, flipped with some JazzDiscoâ„¢ business for those who know.
Real heads know the deal, 300 only so quick if you want a feel.

We are proud to announce the creation of our label Discopathe Records! As our first release, we chose to defend Ginger Ale, the debut album from Soyouzz, a young band from Montpellier (France). This first EP influenced by modern jazz/funk vibrations was inspired by Herbie Hancock, Snarky Puppy, Vulfpek and Louis Cole.
Welcome aboard SOYOUZZ spacecraft. Let yourself be led into a unique and colorful retrofuturistic sound experimentation of 25 minutes and 5 steps to Ginger Ale. A collective of six musicians will be your captain. You will feel some pleasant turbulence during the flight, as you will go through deep bass sound with curls from brass instruments, going from a killer groove to a mind-blowing trance. Don’t panic, the spacecraft will stabilize by flirting blithely with electronic music.

Following the mighty rendition of "I Want You", Soul Sugar (a.k.a. Guillaume 'Gee' Metenier) is back with another massive Soul-Reggae version, this time taking on Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much".
Fearlessly taking on such timeless classics is serious business, and Leo Carmichael delivers, once again, with a maximum dosage of finesse and feeling. Seductively delicate backing vocals from Carl Lee Sharshmidt and Karene Brown keep it as warm and intimate as one would hope, while Thomas Naim's tasteful guitar licks and Gee's minimal production allow the song to breathe and flow steadily on its own.
Recorded in Paris, Kingston, Miami and London, the resulting blend of Soul and Reggae riddims has rarely felt so natural. On the A-side, Gee's "Discomix" dubs a generous dose of the sultry backing vocals over a minimal, bassy groove that dips, dives and flows on into the sunset. UK producer Adam Prescott lets loose with an infectious 90's dancehall rerub, aiming straight for the dancefloor... ladies' choice! Finally rhythm legends Sly & Robbie drop the BASS with a heavy dancehall treatment, taking it low, letting it ride, while the vocals float on... Never Too Much!

The independent label Six Nine Records Ltd. UK, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, proudly presents the second release from Tedi “Son Of Pearl” Robinson! Florida native Theodore E. Robinson aka Tedi Robinson aka Son Of Pearl is back with two brand new stunning tunes! His “mellowfunkism” signature sound and brand is all over these two beautiful tracks, with his bass playing skills being right on point. And as the man himself sings: “all we have to be is wonderful”! Definitely not to be missed as it is a limited UK press with small hole and full colour printed picture cover!

The man behind this fine selection of RK sounds needs no introduction, DJ/Producer Smoove has been an avid collector of all that is funk for more than 30 years and is one half of the renown duo Smoove & Turrell. He has releases out on Acid Jazz, Jalapeno and Unique to name a few, as well as having founded the labels Wack Records and Wass Records. Not only did Smoove lovingly hand-pick each cut that appears on MO’ RK II, but he is also responsible for 2 of the first-rate remixes that appear here: The New Mastersounds and Nick Pride & The Pimptones both get a Smoove reworking, while brand new afro-funk combo from Sydney The Liberators are remixed by Kokolo head honcho Ray Lugo, The Diplomats Of Solid Sound are given the Lack Of Afro treatment, Ray Harris & The Fusion Experience get a makeover by Valique and “Are You Ready” by Mr. Comicstore feat. Nicole Willis appears in a new discomix version. Other highlights of the compilation include a cracking gospel funk piece by William Joseph Fowler & The Disciples, some deep funk by recent RK signing Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers, and brand new material by Big Boss Man’s bass player Scott Milsom aka The Hawk. Plus singles by The Baker Brothers, Link Quartet, Floyd Lawson, Crabs Corporation and more!

A singularly talented man with an extraordinary voice and groove, an impassioned artist who has absorbed music influences of the most varied styles since a very young age: from Jazz, to Latin and Blues and beyond. For example, you can hear Marvin Gaye in the track “Why ft. Ra- chel Claudio, Erik Truffaz & Valérie Delgado”, J Dilla in his cover of Al Green’s “Simply Beautiful”, or Bobby McFerrin on the track “Good Morning”.

* New pressing on pink colored vinyl

Ritual is the product of a series of live late night ambient recording sessions, focusing track-by-track on different themes and aspects of witchcraft. From the opening drone of Blood Moon until the very last melodic notes of Ritual, its intent is to transport your mind to another place.

By nature, a ritual is a very ceremonial thing. Everything has its place, and everything has a purpose. The same as the cadence of a spell, or the ingredients to a potion, every track ebbs and flows in a delicate balance, at times slowly slipping under consciousness in a warm and inviting manner that dances with moments oftension to keep from tipping too far into the light.

The subtle beauty, even at its most lawless moments, pull listeners to the powers and true magic of ambient electronic experimental music. Blurring the lines between destruction and creation in an immersive and entrancing experience from start to finish.

Described as "an audiovisual production and performance duo," Shiro Schwarz is truly a complete multimedia experience. The bright, 64-bit aesthetics of their visual style are a perfect compliment to their synth-heavy tunes, which blend elements of boogie funk, synth-pop, and new wave, while wrapping it all in an air of digital mystery, which lends deeply to the allure of their sound. This 12" maxi single includes "Electrify," originally released in 2015 on their "Street Beat" album, and "Breeze" from 2013's "Exoplanet Love." Originally pressed to wax in 2016, it sold out quickly and has become a scarce find in the aftermarket. This 2021 reissue includes a full picture cover with art designed by Pammela Rojas of Shiro Schwarz.

Sheila was reborn in Detroit as one of George Clinton's fiercely funky Brides of Funkenstein. More than simple sex appeal and sass, Sheila sang on the seminalNever Buy Texas from a Cowboyas well as P-Funk hits like "Atomic Dog," making a name for herself alongside P-Funk collective greats. After this mothership connection, Sheila toured with Rick James in 1981 as an original Mary Jane Girl, wrote for Clinton's solo records in the mid '80s and even made a soul connection with Bruce Willis -- who inspired the singer to do her own thing. She then departed the P-Funk stratosphere for another planetary dimension, recording with Aurra, Civil Attack and Public Enemy.

Shawn Lee’s classic Ping Pong Christmas album is now available for the first time on colored vinyl! The limited LP version is randomly pressed on red and green vinyl.

Limited edition of 1000 copies!

20 years HHV: our team has selected an album from each of these years that is particularly relevant and precious to us. On a monthly basis we release exclusive and limited pressings of these records in collaboration with some of our favorite labels.

The fourth album by Sault scored 97/100 at Metacritic and is the most beloved album at HHVs Supreme 100 of 2020 list, chosen by 150 journalists, musicians, label makers and record collectors.

Sault returns with a new album featuring Michael Ofo and Little Simz. NINE will be limited to a short press run of 16,000 units, never to be re-issued again!

* The latest vinyl offering from Seattle’s hologram funk soul singer SassyBlack
* Special-edition four-song EP containing the missing musical accompaniment to the Black Panther movie
* Pressed on 7” vinyl in multiple colors, limited to 500 individually numbered copies
* Cover design by visual artist Wutang McDougal
* Specially mastered for vinyl by Adam Straney

Wakanda Funk Lounge” by SassyBlack, is a svelte slab of hologram funk delivered directly from the Black Panther nation of Wakanda. This four-song EP contains the chart-topping hits from that nation’s funk lounges, and rising star, SassyBlack.

SassyBlack is a "blaxploitation, sci-fi warrior queen" and is also a multi-talented, space-aged songwriter, beatmaker, composer and singer. Her music has been described as “electronic psychedelic soul,” with roots in experimental hip-hop, R&B, and jazz. Her voice has been compared to that of Ella Fitzgerald, Erykah Badu, and Georgia Anne Muldrow and her beats owe a debt to Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones. Like Queen Latifah, she sings, raps, is an actor and produces all her own music. Before going solo, she recorded and performed as half of the Afrofuturist hip-hop duo THEESatisfaction. Her music has received attention from Okayplayer, Afropunk, The Fader, Pitchfork, Bitch magazine and more.

Her brand new “Wakanda Funk Lounge” EP has been recently released as a 500-copy special-edition 7” single on Seattle hip-hop record label Crane City Music. The cover was designed by visual artist Wutang McDougal and each copy is pressed on colored vinyl and is individually numbered. The music is also available online on all major streaming services and can be purchased digitally through Bandcamp. It’s funky music that reminds us that Wakanda’s main export is “VIBE-ranium.”

In describing the project, SassyBlack says that “Wakanda Funk Lounge is about black freedom. When I think of “Black Panther,” it is talking about black freedom, so much that we have our own secret space. What would be freer than a Wakanda funk lounge?”

This is not her first sci-fi or superhero-themed project. SassyBlack performed at 2018’s Emerald City Comic Con, and her 2016 full-length album, “No More Weak Dates” contains numerous references to Star Trek. In an interview with Hearst publication Shondaland, she explains her sci-fi fascination: “Star Trek and Star Wars have always had bars and concerts. There’s no culture without music… And so Black Panther’s M’Baku invites me to come and perform in one of Wakanda’s funk lounges. This EP is the music I perform there. And where it gets crazy is that I’m like, ‘Listen, I have to leave Wakanda now because I’m going to go join Starfleet.’ [laughs] It could technically work.

Latest solo release by legendary Grammy nominated producer Salaam Remi that reflects his perspective of what it means to be "Black on Purpose", with features from Nas, Busta Rhymes, Jennifer Hudson, Super Cat, Common and more.

Due to incredible demand, another immensely popular record from from Sababa 5 gets a re-release with a new limited edition version. Crossroad of Love Limited Edition Transparent Green Vinyl

2020 first release from PPU laid way back to japan. undeniable electric soul from image cluv pioneer ryu tsuruoka. your talkbox vacation summertime anytime all the time tune.

Amazing instrumentals in best El Michel's tradition with a touch of Roots Music, straight from Canada - we love it.

Japan import! Better don't sleep!

This 12" EP anticipates Ray Harris & The Fusion Experience’s debut album on Record Kicks. Raymond Harris from Glasgow successfully manages to blend dancefloor jazz with latin & brazilian vibes and a touch of funk. Incl. a faboulous Lack of Afro remix!

The independent label Six Nine Records Ltd. UK, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, proudly presents Petawane (ft. Alura) and his first release on the label! Petawane was born and raised in Harlem, New York and started his singing/music career at the young age of six, when he both performed in church and for friends of the family. The great response and appreciation he got from his performances made him pursue the dream of becoming a full time performer and musician. He’s always been influenced by the old school greats, such as Sam Cooke, Willie Hutch and Curtis Mayfield to name a few. “Lovers Dream” is a stunning mid-tempo track featuring Alura, together they deliver amazing vocals and a tune which definitely makes the perfect soundtrack to hot summer nights in the company of friends and lovers! Definitely not to be missed as it is a limited UK press with small hole and full colour printed picture cover!

When one thinks about a "Mirage," the first thought that likely comes to mind is the illusion of a well-hydrated paradise in the middle of a hot, arid desert. If you could spin that illusion into a full-on fantasy, a 32-bit utopia with a neon soundtrack, you would have the Mirage presented to you by Marcos Miranda & Ivan Redondo, collectively known as Paradise Phantoms.
In musical form, Mirage is deceptively eclectic - A collection of pulsating dance cuts with a pastel glow, rooted in retro funk, but cleverly spiked with rock and streamlined with pop. The result is a project with equal appeal for classic boogie funk fiends and contemporary dance music enthusiasts alike - Mirage could hit hard in Ibiza, yet sounds like it was purified in the waters of Lake Minnetonka. Indeed, one of the album's standout cuts declares with no uncertainty that "Prince Was Right." Uptempo drum machine hits collide with icy FM synths and slick bass grooves as if the year was 1988. Yet, the dynamic arrangements and modern production values remind us that this is brand new music - The type that sounds as if its creators never forgot a childhood spent playing Sega Genesis in a room lined with NPG & Max Headroom posters.
Mirage is also available in a vinyl LP package perfectly suited to the aural treats within - A limited edition picture disc.

Triple LP version comes with bonus 7”, detailed liner notes (8 page full colour booklet) and free MP3 download.

Conceived by Colombian musician Mario Galeano, the force behind the band Frente Cumbiero, and English producer Will ‘Quantic’ Holland, Ondatrópica brings together an all-star cast representing both the classic and modern styles of la musica Colombiana.

Over 3 weeks in January 2012 at the famous Discos Fuentes studios in Medellín legendary figures from Colombian music joined a group of younger Colombian musicians that included members of both Mario’s band Frente Cumbeiro and Quantic’s Combo Barbaro. The plan; “to re-interpret the tropical musical heritage of Colombia with new approaches in composition, arrangement and production in a classic and mythical setting.”

For the recording Will and Mario were joined by Colombian legends including big-hitting saxophonist Michi Sarmiento, multi-instrumentalist Fruko and accordion-playing don and singer Anibal Velasquez as well as a new wave of Colombian and South American musicians such as Chilean MC Ana Tijoux and El Chongo, a young percussionist and beatboxer from the city of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast.

A mixture of well known and classic Colombian styles such as cumbia, porro, gaita and champeta clash head-on with boogaloo, ska, beat-box, hip hop, dub and funk on the record. The tracks range from straight-up timeless pieces with one foot in the 1960s and 70s to progressive and forward-looking recordings firmly rooted in the 21st century. Mario and Will also adopted a 100% analogue recording approach in tribute to a sound and feel that the studio had been lacking for some years now.

Soundway’s exploration into Colombian music began in 2007 with it’s much acclaimed compilation ‘Colombia! The Golden Age of Discos Fuentes The Powerhouse of Colombian Music 1960-76’. That compilation features many original works from the above-mentioned artists as well as some of the main session men of the day that also played on this new record. It’s fitting then that Ondatrópica came together in the legendary Discos Fuentes studios in Medellín.

Nootkatone, the slightly acid groove. A diva on the wire, a brass ensemble out of control and a surgical rhythm section. This team of young musicians hits the Parisian stage with this first EP completely self-produced. Recorded in the rules at Midilive Studio in Paris, the musicians put forward a new jazz-funk that they call “the Katone”. Their music moves by its sincerity and subtlety. Doubtless, one of the brightest groups of the capital city of love.

Limited to 400 copies.

Highly recommended!

All tracks written & performed by NCY Milky Band Recorded & produced at BMM Land Studio (Nancy) by Le Serveur All tracks mixed by Romain Clisson at Durango Studio (Paris) except Love Alert mixed by Le Serveur Mastered by Damien Bolo at Spectrum Studio (Nantes)

Artwork & Sleeve design by Corentin Ohlmann Photography by Louis Perruchaud

Special thanks to Joe for the trust he has given throughout the years. Big up to Marl for his support, fun energy and kindness. High five to Adri & Hùng for their nice playing skills & ideas. Thanks to Julie, Samy, Genshu, Achille, Sim, Marie for their honest listening. Thanks to the creative heads, Pol, Perrin, Pilax, Drio & Cosh. Huge thanks to Ched for his smooth medicine & cheese. Thanks to Thibaud at Nancy Jazz Pulsations & Clément at Limitrophe Production for giving us time and attention. And finally, big up to all the people who will give this a listen and spread the burn!

New York-Based Japanese Singer Nao Yoshioka's Latest Work, Which Challenges the US Mainstream Head-On, Is Now Available in Analog Format Nao Yoshioka is a Japanese soul singer who moved to the US in 2018 and has been enjoying unprecedented success as a Japanese soul singer, reaching #32 on the Billboard Urban Adult Contemporary charts and receiving acclaim from Rolling Stone. Undeniable" is the latest release from Nao Yoshioka, who has moved to New York and released his first album in three years, and is a stunning fusion of organic and digital sounds that are timeless and in tune with the theme of "impulse". The album, which is his fourth album to break into the mainstream of US R&B, was co-written in New York, LA and Philadelphia with Eric Roberson, Carli Mateen, Devin Morrison, Keir Victoria and other up-and-coming young artists, and was reconstructed with a band including Kyriam Shakespeare. The band played in a reworking of the piece. Philly masters such as Larry Gold and Vidal Davis also lend their skills, resulting in an aggressive, sensitive, world-class album.