Contemporary Funk Vinyl 215 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.

With echoes from the works of Quincy Jones and Roy Ayers and other western influences alive in his tracks, Yuma Hara mixes jazz, soul and funk with high intensity virtuoso performances on his second album "Reality". That’s not to say that this is a strictly solo album as he invites many guests on to collaborate with him including a latin-inspired track with Monique Marian on “Stay With Me”, and AA-side includes a cover of Chaka Khan's smash hit tune "I Feel For You" which was originally written by Prince and polished with Hara's musical characteristic and danceable jazz-like arrangement.

First Word Records is very proud to present a brand new EP from Yazmin Lacey - 'When The Sun Dips 90 Degrees'.
This EP follows on from her two recent singles, '90 Degrees' and 'Something My Heart Trusts', both of which are included here, along with three previously unreleased tracks, 'Heaven', 'Body Needs Healing' and 'Burn & Rise'. This set illustrates again Yazmin's candid songwriting delivered in her uniquely laidback soulful style, whilst a glorious fusion of neo-soul and jazz performed by Pete Beardsworth and her trusty band rides throughout.
In recent times, Yazmin has made live appearances on Jazz FM, BBC Radio 4, 1Xtra and NTS, & received widespread acclaim across the airwaves, including BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, Worldwide FM and Mi-Soul, plus Spotify love from the likes of The Independent and heavy support from DJs such as Gilles Peterson, Jamz Supernova, Tom Ravenscroft, Huey Morgan and Jamie Cullum. Yazmin appeared heavily in The Guardian / The Observer's recent extensive feature on the UK's new Jazz movement too.
Initially a Brownswood 'Future Bubbler' graduate, Yazmin self-released her debut EP, 'Black Moon', last year. This lead to a Maida Vale session late 2017 with Jordan Rakei, Moses Boyd, Oscar Jerome and now label-mates, Children of Zeus. She kicked off the year with a performance at the Worldwide Awards with Skinny Pelembe, and has recently done shows with artists such as Ezra Collective, Tall Black Guy and Fatima. Yazmin has a UK tour scheduled for later in the year, as well as several festival appearances across Europe locked in. There's a lot more to come from this Notts-based Londoner yet.
In Yazmin's words: "'90 Degrees' is about that time of the day / night when there's a shift in pace and energy. When you decide to lock off from the 'outside' world and create your own atmosphere, take some time to give thanks for what's breathing love into your life and smoke off the fuckeries. Everyone needs a little routine for self preservation."
The 5-track vinyl & digital EP is released worldwide on June 15th.

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!

Acid Jazz veröffentlicht die 'Soul Drops' Compilation: Eine seltene Sammlung von Vintage Soul Aufnahmen in einer wunderschönen illustrierten Hülle.

Opaz celebrates 30 years in urban music with a compilation featuring some of their most sought after tracks. Featuring Martine Girault, Mica Paris, Maysa Leak, Cartier Fraser, Imaani, Natasha Campbel, Patrick Jean-Paul-Denis, George Howard, Mary Jane and Ray Hayden. The compilation will be supported with a month advertising on Solar radio, as well as a two hour show featuring Ray's Productions, remixes and songwriting for the likes of Will Smith, Marvin Gaye, Omar, Mary J Blige, Incognito, Tyrese, Sade, Swing Out Sister, Guru and artists from the label.

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."

Mighty Eye Records is proud to present its debut release, the self-titled album by 10th Street. Comprised of some of the best NYC musicians to grace the music scene in the past 20 plus years, this ode to late ’70s disco, funk and boogie is sure to be a future classic!

Recorded at Soul Fire Studios (Williamsburg, Bklyn) over the course of two years, over two dozen musicians were involved in the making of this album, including members of El Michels Affair, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Dap-Kings, Antibalas and more.

This eight track LP was produced and engineered by Jeff ‘Dynamite’ Silverman (Soul Fire Records, Truth & Soul Records, Aloe Blacc), assistant engineered by Lucas Goodman (Lion Babe), mixed by Chris Connors (Liam Bailey, Holy Hive) and mastered by Ryan Schwabe.

Notable contributions on 10th Street include Horn Arrangements by Michael Leonhart and String Arrangements by Leon Michels. Also including the ever talented Terri Walker (Lady) and Camille Sledge (Sister Sledge, Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra) on vocals.

Previously unreleased sessions from mother/son recording pioneers Uku Kuut and Maryn Coote. Contains an alternate tape mix of "Mayday" from the peoples potential unlimited release UKU KUUT "Vision of Estonia" (PPU-034) LP.

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!

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.

The independent label Six Nine Records Ltd. UK, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, proudly presents the astonishing Tracy Cruz and her first release on the label! A double A side record with both the original mix of “Find A Way” and a boogie-fied edit of the same from the genius that is Yuki “T-Groove” Takahashi! Definitely not to be missed as it is a limited UK press with full colour printed picture cover.

Calling all fans of edbl! The Japanese debut from Tilly Valentine! Lending her voice to South London producer edbl on songs such as “Table For Two” and “Symmetry”, Valentine's star is quickly rising!

With high praise from The Oxford Mail and BBC Radio 6 music in her native England, Tilly Valentine has been making waves with her catchy hooks and mellow vocals. Her voice has crossed oceans, as her features on edbl’s South London Sounds have garnered high praise in Asia. Available only on this record is an acoustic version of “Retail Therapy” featuring edbl himself! With an obi-strip, this Japan-exclusive compilation of Tilly Valentine’s fantastic catalog is sure to be mellow, soulful, and groovy.

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.

Debut LP release of this group comprised of members of Orgone and Jungle Fire. Recorded in the San Fernando Valley just a stones throw away from the infamous Van Nuys Blvd. cruising scene, it's no wonder from the debut long player from The Rugged Nuggets hits hard and demands to be turned up loud with the windows rolled down. Delivering west-coast cool at it's finest. With swooning strings, breezy guitars and tough as nails drums, Odds & Ends epitomizes a mellow vibe, but is undeniably cool. FOR Fans OF Menahan Street Band, El Michels Affair, Khruangbin, BadBadNotGood.

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.

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.

This HHV Exclusive Edition of the new Mighty Mocambos album ist limited to 200 copies. Mocambo and HHV continue their tradition of cooperation with this new gem.
A unique longplayer by Germany's Funk champions The Mighty Mocambos: 'Scénarios' is a wild journey through iconic performances captured on 8-track tape, including celebrated versions of breakdance favourites like 'Axel F.' And 'Let The Music Play' as well as brand new original material composed especially for recordings in unusual settings.

Hamburg's deep funk chefs are known for their intuitive recordings that capture the energy of a live performance, and with this record they go all the way.

Just before the pandemic, the group recorded an in-store live session at legendary Hamburg record shop Groove City and taped an impromptu performance at JAM PDM! breakdance battle in Potsdam. Both were released on vinyl 45s, quickly sold out and became secret weapons for DJs. While most bands shifted their stage to the studio in 2020, producing an abundance of isolated lockdown-inspired material, the Mighty Mocambos – never shy of an antidote - took the mobile version of their recording studio on the road.

With no audience allowed at the Pitt Hopkins Music Session charity concert, the group used the occasion to compose meditative folk-soul instrumentals to be performed exclusively on stringed instruments. Sweaty funk does not work via video stream, but the format provided a welcome opportunity to create something entirely different. Even without electricity and drums, the cinematic "Four Two Three" and "Silent Heroes" are unmistakably recognizable as Mocambo themes.

When you follow Nina Simone's credo that an "artist's duty is to reflect the times", it became evident that once the world slowly started opening up again, further concerts would be captured on the group's portable Fostex R-8 tape machine. Luckily, restrictions fell on the very evening that the band hit the open air stage at the Import Export in Munich on September 11th 2021. The extended afrobeat-inspired jam on J.J. Cale's "Carry On" witnesses people celebrating and dancing together again for the first time after a year and the manic "Munich Psycholympics" unleashes all bottled-up energies that had being lying dormant.

The slightly kafka-esque "Ghost Walk" was taped during a soundcheck for a concert that was eventually called off for safety reasons, reflecting once more the uncertainty of the time. The last scénario sees the Mighty Mocambos returning to a packed indoor venue, playing "Let The Music Play" to a audience of b-boys and -girls – a testament to the sheer power of music. Featured as an encore here, an acoustic version of "Where Do We Go From Here?" (originally recorded with Lee Fields) closes the record and its restless voyage through unusual recording situations.

"Scénarios" differs drastically from other live albums as it does not seek to replicate existing material from studio albums. All songs were written or arranged especially for the live recordings in order to combine the group's DJ-friendly trademark sound with added vibes and momentum from the audience. Most of them were recorded while they were performed in public for the first time ever.

Limited to 150 copies.
Two killer breakdance bangers by Germany's funk champions on one 45.

The brand new exclusive studio cut 'Breaker' is a fierce b-boy battle anthem - imagine an electro track performed on organic instruments, like only the Mocambos would do it. Cracking drums, a relentless bassline, a Hohner Clavinet through a stereo phaser and tuned cowbells are topped with a horn section featuring gralla, a Catalan double reed horn with a siren-type sound, ready to ring the alarm.

Featured on the flip side is their stunning cover version of Shannon's 'Let The Music Play', standout track from their much celebrated live album 'Scénarios', now available on 45 to the great delight of all DJs.

Limited Edition for Record Store Day 2018!

The King Rooster are a heavy funk quartet consisting of Ian Stevens & Mark Claydon (Bass & Drums from London funksters, The Getup) joined by Sam Montero on keys & James Forster on guitar. Collectively the band have played, recorded and shared stages with artists such as Sir Joe Quarterman, Alexia Coley, JTQ, Gizelle Smith, Reuben Wilson, Pee Wee Ellis, The Getup, Speedometer and Rhoda Dakar to name but a few. Having released a cassette only EP, Charisma Café, last year followed by a string of limited 7 vinyl only releases on various independent labels in Europe and the US, The King Rooster & Dinked Records are pleased to announce their self titled debut LP on heavy weight 180g black vinyl for Record Store Day 2018. Limited to 500 copies with picture sleeve and printed inner, each copy comes with a unique download card for digital. 14 tracks, including 8 previously unreleased ones. Droppin' hard hitting instrumental workouts along with some heavy vocal bangers, real funk is the order of the day!

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.”

Things are looking up for The Harlem Gospel Travelers, who return here with a new album, a new lineup, and a new lease on life. Produced by Eli Paperboy Reed, Look Up! marks the group's first full-length release as a trio, as well as their first collection of totally original material, and it couldn't have come at a more vital moment. The music still draws deeply on the gospel quartet tradition of the '50s and '60s, of course, but there's a distinctly modern edge to the record, an unmistakable reflection of the tumultuous past few years of pandemic anxiety, political chaos, and social unrest. The songs are bold and resilient, facing down doubt and despair with faith and perseverance, and the performances are explosive and ecstatic, fueled by dazzling vocal arrangements punctuated with gritty bursts of guitar and crunchy rhythm breaks. Born out of an non-profit music education program led by Reed, The Harlem Gospel Travelers_singers Thomas Gatling, George Marage, and Dennis Bailey_released their debut LP, He's On Time, to rave reviews in 2019, with Pop Matters hailing the album's "musical transcendence" and AllMusic praising it as "dreamlike and joyous." The record charted on Billboard, earned the Travelers high profile fans like Elton John (who invited them to appear on his Rocket Hour radio show on Apple Music), and landed them festival slots everywhere from Pilgrimage to Telluride Jazz.

Things are looking up for The Harlem Gospel Travelers, who return here with a new album, a new lineup, and a new lease on life. Produced by Eli Paperboy Reed, Look Up! marks the group's first full-length release as a trio, as well as their first collection of totally original material, and it couldn't have come at a more vital moment. The music still draws deeply on the gospel quartet tradition of the '50s and '60s, of course, but there's a distinctly modern edge to the record, an unmistakable reflection of the tumultuous past few years of pandemic anxiety, political chaos, and social unrest. The songs are bold and resilient, facing down doubt and despair with faith and perseverance, and the performances are explosive and ecstatic, fueled by dazzling vocal arrangements punctuated with gritty bursts of guitar and crunchy rhythm breaks. Born out of an non-profit music education program led by Reed, The Harlem Gospel Travelers_singers Thomas Gatling, George Marage, and Dennis Bailey_released their debut LP, He's On Time, to rave reviews in 2019, with Pop Matters hailing the album's "musical transcendence" and AllMusic praising it as "dreamlike and joyous." The record charted on Billboard, earned the Travelers high profile fans like Elton John (who invited them to appear on his Rocket Hour radio show on Apple Music), and landed them festival slots everywhere from Pilgrimage to Telluride Jazz.

Mosaic is a heavy new three tracker from a band whose reputation exploded this spring with the release of debut album Murmuration. Lead track Mosaic is full of the warmth of this heatwave-summer, syncopation and groove in abundance. Driving melodic lines and keyboard atmospherics suddenly give way to one of James O'Keefe's most powerful guitar solos to date, wild and psychedelic. Transcoso brings the band to the downtempo magic that they have become much loved for. Heavily inspired by Azimuth, an hypnotic beat from drummer Jonny Drop eventually builds to a euphoric, almost slow disco climax for the final section. Maripose is a timely tribute. Debuted at their London album launch this take on the Freeez classic (although the live version in particular) explored a little more of the South London, Brit Funk influences that really drive the band.

Ltd edition pressing of 150, silk screen printed sleeves, hand numbered, black vinyl.

Most bands end up in court or the members try to kill each other by the third album, so to
make it to the seventh means two things: you’ve got funk tenure and a wicker chair is in your
near future. Jay Mumford (drums, percussion, keys) and Pablo Martin (guitar, bass and keys)
have managed to soldier on without repeating themselves or falling into expected retro-funk
tropes. Plug It In gets straight to the point with its title - it’s the band’s funkiest album.
It’s not as psychedelic as their magnum opus, 2020’s A Funky Bad Time, but the title cut
borrows some of that mojo to make a party-starting funk tune. It’s not as jazzy and complex as
last year’s Pressure EP, but Jay’s ride cymbal grooves and the ‘60s Dave Pike influence of
guest vibraphonist Tre D’Ambrocia push “Hole In The Wall” in that direction. The fusion-funk
influences on “Penny Loafers” are rooted in private press releases from a decade later. The
gumbo of modern and vintage influences from their 2016 debut reappear on lead single, “Bay
B. MoMa,” but the groove is a lot stronger these days. The cinematic vibe of 2018’s Gamma
Ray Jones resurfaces on “Tripwire,” but this time with Jay’s never-used-before kalimba as a
lead instrument. Pablo’s experiments with Monotron, Vocoder, use of distortion and vintage
drum machines playing counter to Jay’s drum grooves lend a fresh layer to the band’s sound,
while “Funk Monk” (featuring Beastie Boys’ keyboard wizard, Money Mark) closes out the
album with a whirlwind and brings it all together. Swinging, hard driving, dance floor-ready funk
peppered with all the above. Then there’s “Asbestos,” the hardest-grooving tune in the band’s
catalog. And it grows out of a growling, gnarly organ solo from Pablo.
But it’s still trademark Du-Rites: largely instrumental funk - with occasional vocals from the
band, mysterious street luminary, Broughamin Fred, and vocalist, Marianna D’Ama, who sings
entirely in Italian on “Tioli” - that pulls from everywhere, but mimics nothing.
Outside of The Du-Rites, Jay is a session drummer, who has recently done sessions for Dan
Auerbach, Danger Mouse, Adrian Quesdada, Just Blaze and countless others, in addition to
being sampled by super producers Mark Ronson and Madlib. Pablo holds the lead guitar chair
in the legendary Tom Tom Club, leads punk/rock/soul duo Lulu Lewis and works closely with
Argentinian legends Sergio Rotman and Mimi Maura as a producer. Plug It In is where it all
comes together…and then some.

The Devonns are a new soul band from Chicago, Illinois. Raised on a strict diet of 60s and 70s Soul music, despite their very young age the lads have very clear in their mind what to do. Pulling from influences such as The Impressions, Leroy Hutson, The Bar-Kays, Carole King, The Isley Brothers, Leon Ware as well as from contemporary acts such as Raphael Saadiq and Jamie Lidell, The Devonns’ main focus is on exploring the elements of songwriting and arranging/production that made music from 1965 on. Wrote in 10 minutes, completely on a $300 Danelectro singlecut guitar and recorded at Kingsize Sound Labs in Chicago, the super soulful debut single “Come Back” sees the participation of some top-notch musicians such as Paul Von Mertens (Mavis Staples, Paul McCartney, Elton John) who arranged the string section and Ken Stringfellow (R.E.M) as a special guest on guitar and percussions. The single is appetizer of their debut full length which is scheduled to be released on Record Kicks next autumn. “Come Back” hit the streets next June the 08th on digital download and limited edition 45 vinyl. Started in 2016 by the singer and songwriter Mathew Ajjarapu who, after he dropped out of med school found himself drawn over and over to underground soul hits becoming hooked on their steady groove and impeccable production and arranging values, The Devonns see the rhythm duty entrusted to Khalyle Hagood (bass) and Khori Wilson (drums), while Cam Cunningham is on the guitar.

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.

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.

This one honors the works of a very beloved Miami HipHop outfit. ltd edition, silk screen printed sleeves, black vinyl.

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.

Renowned around the world for his iconic sound, disco legend “t-groove” teams up with one of the greatest street drummers of all time, George Kano, to form the foundation of an 18 man jazz-funk-disco experience! Their debut album, Lady Champagne featured the semi-instrumental “Secret Love”, a silky smooth guitar number that captivated fans of all dispositions. Now re-recorded with the singular vocals of city pop diva Yuko Imai and original Japanese lyrics, this single is sure to dazzle fans of both disco and city pop! Don’t miss this exclusive 7” single, packaged in a flipback cover, only from P-vine Records.

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.

Surprise Chef's music is based on evoking mood; their vivid arrangements utilize time and space to build soundscapes that invite the listener into their world. The quintet's distinct sound pulls from 70s film scores, the funkier side of jazz, and the samples that form the foundation of hip hop. They push the boundaries of instrumental soul and funk with their own approach honed by countless hours in the studio, studying the masters, and perhaps most importantly, the "tyranny of distance" that dictates a unique perspective to their music. Hailing from just outside of Melbourne, Australia their first two albums, All News Is Good News and Daylight Savings amassed a die-hard fanbase and brought their sound from their home studio to every corner of the globe. The band is now signed to Big Crown Records, joining a lineage of contemporary and classic sounds that have influenced Surprise Chef's music since their formation in 2017. Surprise Chef is Lachlan Stuckey on guitar, Jethro Curtin on keys, Carl Lindeberg on bass, Andrew Congues on drums, and Hudson Whitlock-the latest member who does it all from percussion to composing to producing. Their self proclaimed "moody shades of instrumental jazz-funk" have a bit of everything: punchy drums, infectious keys, rhythm guitar you might hear on a Studio One record, and flute lines that could be from a Blue Note session. But when you step back and take in the entirety of their sound and approach, you'll hear and see a group greater than the sum of its parts. In many ways Surprise Chef embodies the idiom "the benefits of limits." They were limited in that there weren't many people making or talking about instrumental jazz/soul/funk in Southeast Australia, let alone putting out records. This left them to develop their sound and approach in a kind of creative isolation where a small circle of friends and like-minded musicians fed off each other. "Being in Australia, being so far away, we only get glimpses and glances of this music's origins," Stuckey says. "But hearing a label like Big Crown was one of the first times we realized you could make fresh, new soul music that wasn't super retro or just nostalgic." This approach is on full display throughout their new album Education & Recreation. Tracks like "Velodrome" pair chunky drums with an earworm synth line that has all the making of something you would find on an Ultimate Breaks & Beats compilation while numbers like "Iconoclasts" show their knack for tasteful use of space. From the crushing intro of "Suburban Breeze" to the floaty mellow bop of "Spring's Theme" Surprise Chef has weaved together an album that takes you through peaks and valleys of emotion and provides a vivid soundtrack that will pull you deeper into your imagination. There is a beauty in the vast space for interpretation of instrumental music and they are adding a modern classic to the canon with this new album. Turn on the record and enjoy the ride, wherever it may take you.

Tokyo-baesd SSW, Shinsuke Sugawara (Shinsuke Sugawara & the 6th Generation) Record DAY exclusive 7ich, including two songs from his solo album "new Day", has just been announced!!

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”.

'Turn Away' is a song in two parts" explains Skinshape aka Will Dorey. "The front section is intended to be classic songwriter style, with a focus on the chord progression and lyrics. The second half perhaps represents a curious epiphany, a realisation of something profound". As the plot develops, Dorey's clandestine charisma creates an alchemic, and most gentlemanly, cleansing of the soul. From his director's chair, Dorey expands that "following the theme of film music, 'Dreams of Panama' could be an exotic scene in the movie, featuring a slight Latin twist and an epic introduction with full choir". The track also makes the most of an opportunity to use a solo female vocal as the main melody.

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.

Diving once more into the forgotten corners of the electronic Spanish music scene from the 80’s and early 90’s, Soundway reissue Scan Man’s full single Arabian. Bringing together a Furious Five retro styled bounce & rhyme and a bite of UK street soul, the track is taken from Soundway’s hugely popular compilation Ritmo Fantasía. Expect soulful American expat rap layered over sitarlike sounds, and a tumbling, rattling, 808 pattern. Along with the original track and instrumental, DJs Trujillo and Ray Mang serve a souped up instrumental primed for modern dancefloors. Recorded at the CEV Studios in Madrid, Arabian was the first composition and production of Marcos Manzanares to get an official release. Using an Ensoniq Mirage Sampler (one of the early, affordable synth samplers), and with Stephen Sutton providing the vocals for the track, he first made his entry into the Spanish music scene. A short while later he would go onto make a career for him self under the name of Tension808, releasing with major labels like Sony Music and EMI Chrysalis.

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!

City Pop meets Modern Funk on the newest Austin Boogie Crew (abc) release by intergalactic artist Saucy Lady! Originally from Japan and based in Boston, singer-songwriter/DJ/producer Saucy Lady exudes an attitude of confidence and sensuality in her music, channeling the free self-expression celebrated in the Disco era. Her newest 7" single Hoshi no Suna (Stardust) is a catchy mid-tempo dancer with alluring Boogie influences. Poetically written in Japanese by R&B artist Lisa Yamaguchi. Warm production by U-key and Saucy Lady, layered with slapping drum machines, funky bass, pretty chords, ear candy leads, and a floating mysterious bridge. Given City Pop’s tremendous resurgence in the States and Japan, this lovable record has strong international appeal. 45 comes in a sleek anime influenced pic sleeve jacket with lyrics printed on the back for the fans. Includes an instrumental version, the ideal soundtrack for a starry night drive!

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.

As the name suggests, Sai Galaxy represents a star-studded cluster of artists from around the world – their varied styles colliding to form a refreshing fusion of classic Afrobeat, disco and West African funk. Drawing from the influence of 70s and 80s Nigerian artists such as Nkono Teles, Jake Sollo and Mike Umoh, the Sai Galaxy collective is on a mission to reproduce the analogue warmth and groove from those decades. Consequently, they lean heavily on 70s production techniques - free from the predictable rigidity of digital sequencing. Spearheaded by Australian multi-instrumentalist Simon Durrington (from Digital Afrika), the members include Olugbade Okunade - former trumpet player from Seun Kuti’s Egypt 80 - as well as guests Gabriel Otu, Ray Lédon and Vanessa Baker. While the EP seeks to reflect 70s production, glimpses of contemporary elements can be found in the arrangements and harmonies, at times reminiscent of modern artists such as Lord Echo, Bosq and Voilaaa. As Durrington believes: “dance is vital to health and community”. And with an EP that urges you to dance from start to finish, consider Sai Galaxy a cosmic tonic for the modern lifestyle.

Another essential pair of instrumental grooves from Sababa 5 and Batov Records, perfect for the beginning or end of the night.

RSN is a producer, DJ and musician from Athens - Greece. his upcoming album "Strange Eyes" is his 4rth one, but also his debut on Agogo Records. this single features the song "Black Sky" feat. Thaliah in the original version and a pretty great rework by Amerigo Gazaway.

The unbreathable air saturated with moisture, the soggy soil that swallows every step like a starving death, the hostile nature and, finally, the remote swamp. The one they invested in composing Fire Eater. The one they left a few traces in. Tracks that can talk. Six men heavily armed with instruments, a seventh fastest, only weighted by a microphone. They left the inhospitable vegetation, leaving behind a succession of footprints. As we try to follow them, the afrobeat that made it easy to spot them now dissipates into a floating mist. So, we have to connect the radars and try to capture the vintage waves of equipment that emit more than one point but several. Be attentive to jazz solos and funk scarifications, as much as to what could chant and tap on the times of these tight rhythms. Because their blending has become a personal style as much as hybrid, and it is to avoid being watched by asphyxiation that they left the stagnant waters. Escaped from the car sound systems or plastered on the walls announcing their many concerts, it is in the city that they are now detected. Infiltrating them is a daunting task. A track where you have to avoid the vigilance of the electric and venomous keyboards, escape the copper flames and the guitar shears. Enter the choking groove to finally enjoy a purely instrumental passage, sneak in and dance. Progress outside the Afro mangrove, Running The Way nevertheless retains many cables still connected. The bottom of the jeans still ‘Roforofo’. ‘Muddy’ in Yoruba. Just 2 years after the first EP Fire Eater released in 2021, Radio Nova’s crush (title Helelyos enthroned 3 months in playlist), the Roforofo Jazz returns with the LP Running The Way, 8 tracks even more ambitious, with careful production, marking a clear progression in its quest for an increasingly more personal sound and writing. Putting the listener immediately in the tone of his atypical afro jazz rap fury, Love In Time and its sharp rhythmic appeal to the power of the music, in an ultra-energetic piece yet smelling with jazz via well-felt keyboard surges. Side To Side is a rearrangement of a piece by Togolese artist Bella Bello and Manu Dibango, yet glancing towards Motown and resonating like a anthem to life and directions to take to counter the negativity of our modern societies. Then on Stand Up in a more deepfunk US style like Breakestra or The Greyboy Allstars, MC Days (aka RacecaR) switches between fast flows and downtempo in an injunction to all fight for what we believe in. An epic piece concluded with a nod to Master Hendrix… Gas punctuates the A side with a light but saving rhythmic lull, coming closer to a nu-soul atmosphere and punctuated with an explosive refrain in which rap, rock and jazz clash, tending to prove as Days chants that by being more realistic our differences can only fade…Title Shawarma has nothing to do with a Kebab sandwich, although…! Life unfolds like a menu, in which everything is not always to our liking but which teaches us to accept judicious and juicy mixes, and combinations. The result is a joint with an oriental touch, almost ethio, a rhythm that perfectly matches the hip-hop flow and the Roforofo Jazz style.The Big Hustle is a UFO. Articulated around a 20 bars loop that gives it a communicative energy, punctuated by a bass line reminiscent of Fela Kuti’s Colonial Mentality, this title sounds like a highway for frantic breakbeat dancers; epic! From Here To Benin brings us back to the group’s Afro-inspired origins, while injecting a slight dose of well-felt pop music. A piece that encourages travel to learn to share, universally. And finally, Mode For DD, a cover of the instrumental title of the obscure jazz funk of The Awakening, with added voice of Days telling the meaning of life and its mysteries, our beliefs and certainties, as human beings as well as artists.