Disco | Boogie Vinyl 299 Items

/ he's the greatest dancer

Pure unadulterated boogie fire from the Gold Mink vaults, which combined the power of James Bedford with the production genius of Roy Ayers back in ’81. With original copies trading hands for £150+ it’s high time a remastered and officially licensed reissue came around. A firm favourite of the likes of Mr Scruff and Sadar Bahar, ‘Just Keep My Boogie’ is that uplifting slice of boogie that is a tried and tested dancefloor bomb. The brightest of funk keys dance around delicious little guitar licks as those infectious vocals burrow their way into your brain.

This 2020 re-issue sees all tracks cut again from the official studio files, ensuring both audio quality and originality. Soweto Soul Orchestra is produced and composed by Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, whose importance to South-Africa's music scene can hardly be underestimated. Being a formative member of The Beaters, which was later renamed Harari, he toured Africa extensively and even hit the American charts with their "Party" single. After Harari split in 1982, Sipho went solo and scored another hit with "Burn Out", which could be heard in every township, and produced and recorded for Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba among others. The Soweto Soul Orchestra project boasts a variety of funky tracks, all marked with that jazzy South-African sound. The stand-out tune on this one, for us, is the epic 8 minute long cosmic disco cover of "Hang em High", the original soundtrack for the eponymous classic Western movie.

The Star Beams album is a bit of an enigma. When we first came across their epic dance-floor monster 'Disco Stomp’ it was on a Disco Calypso compilation, so we assumed it originated from the Caribbean. Years later we worked out how wrong we were and that this nugget was actually from South Africa and taken off an ultra scarce album on JAS Pride records from 1976. The next problem was tracking down an original copy and we don’t think we’ve ever seen our Bongo team member Gary Johnson as happy as the day he turned up clutching a copy under his arm.
'Play Disco Specials' was produced by Ray Nkwe who also worked with Mankunku Quartet and The Soul Jazzmen, with all writing credits on the album going to Ray, the recording credited to engineer Robin Ritchie and the artwork to Carol Knowles. Other than this, the personnel of the record remains a mystery, but sometimes a bit of mystery is a good thing.
Aside from the disco-jazz-funk of 'Disco Stomp’, which has found it’s way into the DJ sets of Theo Parrish, 'Play Disco Specials’ will appeal to fans of The Star Beams South African contemporaries The Drive, Batsumi and Pacific Express.

The third release 2020 of Best Record Italy is finally coming out with the 12" Vinyl De-Luxe of Dr. TOGO "Be Free" . Two untouched and untouchable original versions from 1982 produced by Gigi Figini and mixed by unforgettable Leonardo "Leopardo" Re Cecconi. Vocals by great Glen White, born Glenn Edritch White, fantastic performance!

Jake Sollo (Born in Nigeria as Nkem Okonkwo) started his career in the 1960s as a member of The Hykkers, a popular band that drew large audiences across the country (even during the turmoil of the Biafra civil war). After The Hykkers disbanded, Jake joined the Aba-based super-group The Funkees…a musical outfit turned into instant superstars due to the State Broadcasting Service's heavy rotation of their demo tracks. The Funkees became a phenomenon that spread across the country fast (and eventually to England where they were championed by the legendary John Peel). By 1976, due to creative and personal tensions, The Funkees slowly started disintegrating. Jake Sollo was soon offered the golden opportunity to join the ‘crème de la crème’ of Afro-rock groups: Osibisa. Jake’s distinctive rhythm guitar graced their hits, but his tenure with them was short-lived…in 1977, Sollo and two other members left the band because of financial disagreements.

Jake Sollo quickly moved on and did just fine after his experiences with said bands…he got steady work as a session musician and became a hot producer in the London scene. Eventually, that chapter came to a close as well (with budgets and visas to record in the UK becoming increasingly scarce at this point). Jake returned to Nigeria where he started recording and producing albums, during this period he became the MOST in-demand producer in Nigeria.

Sollo’s specialty was bouncy ‘high-gloss’ boogie (though he occasionally produced artists in other genres as well). Regardless of which style he was working in, a ‘Jake Sollo production’ was always instantly recognizable and his records’ main sonic signature was probably the distinct sound of the Prophet "V" synthesizer (a hot piece of hardware that was transforming music in Europe and America). Rumor has it that Sollo owned one of the two only Prophet synthesizers present on the African continent (the other one belonging to William Onyeabor). Without exaggeration and according to his peers…Jake was the hottest and most prolific music producer in Nigeria between the late 1970s and mid 1980s.

Next to his productions for other artists and major labels like EMI & Polydor, Jake Sollo would go on to record a total of three astonishing albums: ‘Coming Home’ (1977), ‘Show Me How’ (1979) and ‘Boogie Legs’ (1980). Boogie Legs would be Sollo’s final album, his career was cut short when he tragically died in a car accident in 1985…depriving the world of what no doubt would have been decades of more innovative and creative music.

On Boogie Legs, the listener is treated to Jake Sollo’s trademark sound with touches of pop, plenty of African groove disco, moments of psychedelic reggae, chattering guitars, mad synth skills and fat angular basslines … all bound together with Jakes distinctive guitar playing and smooth production. A triumphant album that combined the raw power from his roots with the slick tricks he learned in London. Also featured on these recordings are some ‘all-star’ guest appearances by musicians from the likes of Trevor Murrell (Kim Wilde, Sade) and Ray Carless (Maxi Priest, Adele).

Boogie Legs is a sexy monster of an album that shows off Jake Sollo as the multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire and Apostle of Nigerian music he was…the sound of an artist at the height of his power, with a career that came to an untimely end…but leaving us with a BIG legacy.

Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first ever vinyl reissue of Jake Sollo’s ‘Boogie Legs’ album (originally released in 1980 on Taretone). This rare Nigerian record (original copies tend to go for large amounts on the secondary market) is now finally back available as a limited vinyl edition (500 copies) complete with the original artwork.

Second release from Royer Records. This very hard to find disco holy grail is finally back on the shelves for the first time since 1978. "Super-Disco" is the first ever release from Cameroonese artist Pierre Tchana. A 2 tracker holding the dancefloor filler "Soul Disco" on face A while the flip hold a more afro-rock tune called "Get Up Dance" .
This comes pressed on an heavy 12" and in limited quantity.

Another rare gem from Record Shack gets its first officially licensed 12” release – the absolutely killer early ‘80s jazz funk tinged, boogie bomb from The Oceans – ‘Bad Guy, Good Guy’, fully remastered for maximum audio pleasure.
With the release only ever being a whitelabel there was much confusion over the correct titling due to the stamp simply stating ‘Pacific Dream’, however the actual track titles are those housed on this release - ‘Bad Guy, Good Guy’ and the instrumental ‘Synth Good Guy’. Those original whitelabels command prices of up to £120 and it’s no surprise when you hear those infectious guitar riffs blended with buoyant synth flurries and sensuous vocal harmonies. For those that would rather leave the vocals at bay, the B side houses the instrumental mix in all its glory. A radiant release that still sparkles as bright as it did back in 1980 – an essential buy!

/ love is the answer / soul cha cha

Brit Funk at it's best! The 1981 classic Index - 'Starlight', that commands prices of up to £85, gets a much deserved and long-awaited, remastered reissue.
A melding of genres, that incorporated elements of funk, disco, soul and jazz, Brit Funk harnessed a raw energy bubbling up in the UK scene through the late ‘70s & ‘80s. Index 'Starlight' is a prime example of this spirit. Timeless in its makeup, glistening keys, full-frontal basslines and bold funk guitars give the foundation for those divine male and female vocals to sweep over.
Take to the B side for 'The Break' version leaving the vocals at bay and letting the exquisitely arranged instrumentation work the dancers into a frenzy. Favoured by everyone from Four Tet and Motor City Drum Ensemble to Gilles Peterson and DaM-FunK for its extended grooves and uninterrupted breaks, it's a Brit Funk bomb if there ever was one. A must for any discerning digger out there, this deserves a place in every collection!

They Say: “Documentary and industrial underlays for current themes of modern life”. We say: Mind-blowing, percussion-heavy, Afro-tinged, cosmic-disco library bomb. This is the one. An absolutely outstanding record from 1983 and definitely one of the hardest to find on the collectable German library label, Coloursound. The Now Generation (Percussive Underscores) is comfortably one of the very best library records full stop.

London’s new reissue label Discs of Fun and Love are excited to announce DFL001 - a reissue of Rochelle Raboüin's modern soul rarity "This Is My Year".
Originally recorded in 1977 at Malaco Studios and Sound City this still relatively unknown modern soul dancer is ready to light up dance floors, with the smooth downtempo flip side perfect for the afters. Once a singer in the Earl White Revue, Rochelle had her moment on this beautiful crossover record. After talking to some of the top modern soul DJs across the world, this record still seemed illusive for the deepest of diggers.
The record has been remastered by Grammy nominated mastering house the Carvery.
Discs of Fun and Love is a reissue label run by DJs and diggers Miche (Spiritland’s programmer) and Frederika (a resident at Spiritland).

Tyree Glenn Jr. is no new name in the Tramp family. He is featured on both "Can You Feel It" Modern Soul/Disco comps and not to forget the Tramp 45rpm single release of two LP-only tracks (check his James Brown cover of "Superbad"!).
"Jealous Love" and "Beautiful Woman" were originally released on a superrare german 33rpm single EP from 1984. The first 150 copies come with a picture sleeve, so those who purchase it quickly may be lucky and get one of those!

Reissue on black vinyl limited to 200 copies.

2024 Repress

Get Up! Time to release this beast on 7''.

Breakwater’s earth-shattering “Release The Beast” is unquestionably the standout song from their 1980 funk masterpiece LP Splashdown. It also came out as a now-hen’s-teeth-rare 7" in the same year and when it came to putting it out as a 7" again we just had to do it in a miniature version of the Splashdown sleeve. It’s one of the best album cover shoots of all time.

For the b-side, we’ve backed Breakwater’s biggest track with Be With’s favourite: the quietly majestic gem “Let Love In”, another winner from the same LP.

Possessing a sound and a feel that was lightyears ahead of its time, “Release The Beast” is a showcase for Breakwater’s phenomenal power-funk capabilities. The energy is astounding. It rips out of the grooves on a deep funk tip, with speaker-smashing, room-shaking drums competing with distorted funk-rock guitar, bumping bass and space-age synths. But it’s not without its compellingly haunting elements too. What else can we say? It’s a genius piece of music.

And, yes, of course this is the tune Daft Punk sampled for their 2005 track “Robot Rock”. Let’s be blunt, they lifted the Philly act’s funk-rock vamping pretty much wholesale. But to be fair to them we wouldn’t have messed with the perfection of the original either and those Parisians shone a much-needed spotlight on an innovative band from the halcyon period of post-disco funk.

On the flip, “Let Love In” is a smooth, easy glide that demonstrates Breakwater’s superb, sophisticated musicianship. The tight horn section and irresistible bass make for an undeniable groove. However, it also reveals a depth to their lyricism that’s often overlooked. In these dark days, the sentiment of the opening lines is truly one to we should all take to heart:

“It feels good to be friends with everyone, Walk around and the feeling’s in the air, No more hate can’t you see, This is really for me.”

A feel good hit for the summer if ever there was one.

Remastered for this vinyl reissue, we’re delighted to present this modern soul double-sider. Essential in every way.

In Gabon, 1983, Frédéric Gassita decided to form the band "Surprise" with his longtime friend Jean-Jean Gateau, having a strong inspiration from the US funk that invaded the radio waves of Gabon: Earth, Wind & Fire, the Commodores, Maze by Frankie Beverly ....
The Guitarist Célestin Assélé Bongo joined the band and provided them the necessary means to record an album. Florence Nang Ekomye, a talented self-taught jazz singer, is immediately recruited, being the voice of Surprise.
Recorded in 1985, benefiting from the unique recording conditions of Studio N'Koussou in Libreville: probably one of the handful studios in the planet to use a Digital 48 Tracks recorder at the time; The result is a sensational production, the use of synthesizers is slamming and the charm of Florence’s voice make the recording quite unique.
Totally unknown until recently, Surprise, primarily an early work from the great composer Frédéric Gassita, still sounds fresh and crisp and we hope it will now get the attention it did not get upon release.

Daughter of the mighty George Kerr, Sandy set the scene alight in ’82 with the explosive classic, ‘Thug Rock’. Badass slap basslines, zapping synths, ethereal pads and Sandy’s iconic rap were a timeless recipe of pure ‘80s, boogie-infused power that’s blasted from many a boombox, sung on all manner of club systems and sound tracked endless open road cruises over the years.
Released on the South Carolina label Catawba Records, two prolific duos blessed ‘Thug Rock’ alongside Sandy and co. Her father, who produced for the likes of Alice Clark and The O’Jays and Sugarhill wizard, Reggie Griffin, headed up the production and arrangement, with ever-dependable M&M aka John Morales & Sergio Munzibai taking the reins on the mix. Their combined talents can be heard in the tangible weight of the track, each element getting the space it deserves to facilitate that crystal-clear clout - from the huge bass riffs and sublime keys, to the punchy drums and Kerr’s infectious rap. An earworm if ever there was one!
Take to the flip to find the much in-demand dub version, echoing out choice snippets of Sandy’s rap to focus in more on that killer boogie-funk groove. Original copies are tough to come by in the UK, so an official reissue will be music to many an ear.

Early ‘80s boogie business from De De, ‘S & M (Sexy Music)’, gets a much-deserved, official reissue. OG copies regularly trade hands for £30+ so it’s high time this sweet sexiness found its way out of more sound systems.
With a title like ‘S&M (Sexy Music)’ it was only ever going to be a sleazy, sexy, synthy heater, drenched in tantalising keys, spacey arps, funk guitars and salacious vocals. And with the production prowess of George Kerr & Reggie Griffin behind it - who produced, wrote and arranged for the likes of The O’Jays, Treacherous Three, The Whatnauts and Patti Labelle to name only a handful – it had certified party starter written all over it!
Two mixes take either side of this full frontal 12 inch. The A side houses the ‘Rated G’ mix, where layered vocals trade off from male to female and sleazed up saxes parade through the later stages as that short but sweet rap rolls around. The B side’s ‘Rated X’ mix adds even steamier verses with ever more female power behind them and extra unadulterated, squelching bass into the pot.
Sensuous offerings from De De that will get any crowd crying out for more.

An official reissue of the collectable Disco 12 inch version of the two standout tracks from Lonnie Liston Smith’s 1978 LP ‘Exotic Mysteries’ remastered and released for RSD.
One side the cosmic, jazz-infused disco sounds of ‘Space Princess’ and the other housing the effortlessly beautiful smoothness contained in ‘Quiet Moments’.

Two Rose Royce treasures from the 1982 Epic LP, “Stronger Than Ever” get a much deserved official, remastered reissue, with each side respectively fetching a pretty penny on their own.
First up, ‘Still In Love’, opens with otherworldly keys and a rumbling bass before diving into an alluring disco anthem where lively strings and animated pianos dance with a dose of ‘80s synth action. The powerful and emotive tones of Rose Norwalt swell with the rising string section, before making way for an exquisite piano solo that give this the power to enthral any dancefloor.
Take to the flip to find ‘Best Love’ which follows in those sparkling footsteps, utilising pitch bent top lines, graceful violins and a springing bassline that blend perfectly with Rose’s voice. A sweet and tender tale with an irresistibly soulful touch.
A Rose Royce double header spread lovingly over either side of a 12” for maximum clarity and punch.

Genuine underground freakiness”– Patrick Lundborg (Acid Archives)

Screaming psychedelic garage from L.A. with fuzzed out guitars, Vox organ, killer vocals, early Oriental vibes...Recorded in 1967-68 but not widely released until 1972.

File next to Music Emporium, Tiffany Shade, Seeds, Rebecca & The Sunnybrook Farmers … Formed in California in 1967, Lite Storm was the first incarnation of spiritual seekers Johnima & Kalassu Wintergate (later on Lightstorm, One…). A pioneering psychedelic band, Lite Storm played at all the hip Sunset Strip clubs, were friends with Kali Bahlu and travelled to the Orient and Far East, touring in Vietnam in 1970.
“Warning” was recorded at a four-track studio in 1967-68, first released as a custom tiny pressing before being licensed to the Beverly Hills label for a proper release. This is the first ever vinyl reissue.

Official, remastered reissue of this disco tinged, afro funk treasure and the first time the ‘Karam Bani’ single has been cut to 12” – maximising every ounce of highlife soul from Sidiku Buari’s productions.

Much anticipated re-release of South African disco funk outfit Kumasi's catalogue! Incl the known tunes Picnic (Moger) & Anomakoliwa. Strong from start to finish! TIP!
Kumasi was a group comprised of Ray Phiri, Jabu Sibumbe, Isaac Mtshali and Lloyd Lelosa. Sometime between their formation as The Cannibals (*needing reissues*) and the almighty group Stimela, Kumasi released one album and a couple of singles. The artists had contracts under Gallo and couldn't reveal that they were linked to the music in any way, leading Kumasi to have only a brief mysterious run in the early 80s.
But the secrets out! This release presents a collection of five songs from their incredibly rare full length LP, and adds to that their version of the South African classic, ‘Picnic’. Pressed as a 2x12” compilation, sounding incredible! Kumasi brings a unique blend of disco funk with that special South African tinge.
Ray Phiri died in 2017 - this album goes out in dedication.

Originally released in South Africa in 1978, “Whistling Jigs To The Moon” is not only a very rare and sought-after album but also a wonderful collection of traditional and original folk tunes with a strong Celtic influence. Featuring Alison O’ Donnell and David Williams from psych-folk legends MELLOW CANDLE.
In 1974, following the break-up of Mellow Candle, Alison and David arrived to South Africa. Once there, they met a couple of fellow expat musicians, Barrie Glenn and Jo Dudding, forming Flibbertigibbet in a niche folk and traditional circle of immigrant and local musicians, building up a repertoire of tunes and songs both original and traditional. They appeared at evenings held in communal houses, at folk nights and the Boksburg Folk Club.
Producer David Marks offered to release their album and launch it in a series of concerts at the renowned Market Theatre. They enlisted the help of a number of fine musicians on the recording, namely classical first violinist Francesco Cignoli, jazz bassist Denis Lalouette, Nippy Cripwell on string bass, Colin Shapiro on flute and Dave Lambert on fiddle.
“Whistling Jigs To The Moon” saw the light in 1978.
First ever legit vinyl reissue, master tape sound and insert with lyrics, liner notes and photos

Rain&Shine continue the love for Steve Elliott’s self-produced music by giving his second LP ‘Completion Of A Miracle’ (1982) another lease of life.
Remastered from the original reel-to-reel tapes. Includes dancefloor cut ‘Wake Up’. Another essential release from Rain&Shine, set to become a future collector’s item.

Charly Kingson, (ps. for Charlie Kingue Soppo) is a legend of afro-funk who managed to shake the entire continent up with his infamous 1978 LP, Born In Africa. Often forgotten when conversations turn to Afro-dance, and the likes of Tony Allen or Fela Kuti, he has been an incredible source of inspiration to many musicians exploring the funkier side of jazz-dance, and this album itself goes way beyond any traditional notion of tropical discotheque. "Born In African" itself is a funky groover for the dancefloor and here is the original 1982 Remix, made by Dutch legendary percussionist Eddie Conard available again, featuring “Nimele Bolo” on the flip-side. Released in 1982 on Ariola/Fleet, but also pressed on the original Fleet label. The latter (remarkably with identical catalog-number) never saw daylight. But, we got them all! All in all, this hard to find 12” (at Discogs copies on the Ariola/Fleet label go for around 250 euro) was recently re-discovered, and now you can finally enjoy it again.

First legit ever vinyl reissue of this ITALO-DISCO / FUNK anthem from 1983 produced by TONY CARRASCO and originally released on Proto Records. File next to KLEIN & MBO.

Rare and in High demand Afro digital Soul EP, recorded in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) in 1981.
Originally from Martinique, Clem Marise Voltine aka Mac Gregor moved to Abidjan in 1979 searching for, what she called, her “negritude quest”. She sang about her love for her adoptive city until her death in April 2004 at CHU of Abidjan, Trechville Hospital.
A visionary composer, poet and singer, mixing Creole, French and Nouchi, she made a brilliant musical bridge between the West-Indies and Ivory Coast, backed by a soulful group of top Ivorian musicians such as the great Houon Pierre.
This unique and must have record is a pure dancefloor killer and will definitely be the next Afro Tropical Hit of the next decade!
Fully Licensed in Abidjan, remastered at Carvery Studio on a 12inch vinyl (45 RPM).