Funk | Soul Vinyl 790 Items

LP | 1976 | EU | Reissue (Strut)

Release: 1973 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Labyrinth is dark, brooding, beat-heavy, melancholic mood music courtesy of Ian Carr and the Nucleus crew. A favourite of Madlib, it goes without saying that this is one magnificent record. Originally released on Vertigo in 1973, Labyrinth was never re-pressed and of course those original copies are now very tricky to score. Like all the Nucleus records, it’s aged ridiculously well and this Be With re-issue, re-mastered from the original analogue tapes, shows off just why this deserves to be back in press.

Genius trumpeter and visionary composer Ian Carr was one of the most respected British musicians of his era. He was a true pioneer and saw the potential in fusing the worlds of jazz with rock, just as Miles Davis and The Tony Williams Lifetime did in the US. In late 1969, following the demise of the Rendell-Carr quintet, and tiring of British jazz, Carr assembled the legendary Nucleus. Regarding music as a continuous process, Nucleus refused to “recognise rigid boundaries” and worked on delivering what they saw as a “total musical experience”. We can get behind that.

Under bandleader Carr, Nucleus existed as a fluid line-up of inventive, skilled musicians. This constant evolution and revolution was all part of the continuous musical exploration and discovery that took jazz to new levels. And the music has kept relevant. To steal a line from a recent review of our re-issue of Roots, when it comes to anything Nucleus “it’s basically already hip-hop”.

At this point Carr had parted ways with guitarist Alan Holdsworth and as a result the Nucleus sound found itself returning to the core elements of groove and melody. Carr had become bolder and more self-confident in his compositions and it shows in the sheer ambition of Labyrinth. Composed by Carr, and with lyrics written by his wife Sandy, Labyrinth was the result of a commission from the Park Lane Group and funded by the Arts Council of Great Britain. Originally a live performance by an augmented Nucleus, some of the expanded cast were brought back for the recording sessions, including vocalist Norma Winstone. So as the front cover of the finished album says, this is literally “Nucleus Plus”.

Labyrinth is presented as a suite, based on the ancient Greek legend of the Minotaur with musical instruments representing the various elements of the mythology. According to the LP’s original sleeve notes, the bass clarinet represents the tragic element, the trumpet represents the heroic element and the voice represents the human element. The rest of the musicians represent the two societies of Athens and Crete and their comments on the story as it unfolds.

The album opens with the experimental, sumptuously dissonant “Origins”. Teasing strands of atmospheric bass clarinet introduce the first theme before swiftly fading out with a startling blast of staccato fanfares and big drums. Heavy. The album soon finds its rhythm as it alights on the spell-binding and groove-friendly “Bull-Dance”, showing off the best Nucleus has to offer: subtle trumpet melodies, compelling rhythms, a psych-rock vibe and tight soloing. And of course there’s Norma Winstone’s stunning wordless vocals, that also take the lead in the next track “Ariadne”, a spacey-jazz song with beautiful piano, flute and clarinet, and the only recognisable lyrics on the album. You might recognise a snatch of it being looped by Madlib on Quasimoto’s “Astro Travellin”. The first part of the improvised “Arena” closes out the first side of the album, a short experimental piece with piano and horns.

Over on the flip-side, the powerful second part of “Arena” introduces a new theme. It swiftly builds, with vocal melodies, piano and horns all pronounced over the thick drums snapping your neck. It comes on like an alternate take on “Bull-Dance”, noisier, with a looser rhythm. The triumphant, shuffling Latin-jam “Exultation” leans on more scintillating vocals from Winstone, and a chunky counter melody from the rhythm section. It’ll get you moving.

The final track, the haunting, twelve minute “Naxos”, is an incredible way to close out this remarkable record. A circling bass guitar loop inspiring the group to a meditative psychedelic jazz rock improvisation in a silent, Miles kind of way, with a great flugelhorn solo from Carr and an ace synth climax.

This Be With edition of Labyrinth has been re-mastered from the original Vertigo master tapes, Simon Francis’ mastering working together with Pete Norman’s cut to weave their usual magic with these wonderful recordings. Another great Keith Davis sleeve has been restored in all its airbrushed Golden Age of comics, gatefold splendour. Complete with Minotaur of course.

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Wayne Davis

22,99 €*

LP | 1971 | US | Reissue (Prestige)

Release: 1976 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Strut present the first ever reissue of an essential lost classic from the Black Fire catalogue, Wayne Davis’ powerful self-titled gospel-soul album from 1976.

An accomplished vocalist and keyboard player, Davis had studied in Washington D.C. and had worked with Roberta Flack and she subsequently secured him a recording deal with Atlantic Records; he released the A View From Another Place album in 1973 and Roberta contributed electric piano to one of the tracks. Davis was then dropped from the label and his subsequent album was released by Jimmy Gray on Black Fire. Produced by Jimmy Watkins and Bias Studios manager, Bob Dawson, the album line-up featured the celebrated poet and flautist Wanda Robinson and the horn section from legendary D.C. go-go pioneers Experience Unlimited. Wayne later returned the favour, appearing as a vocalist on Experience Unlimited’s seminal Free Yourself album.

This first international reissue of the album features new sleeve notes including band member interviews and original illustrated artwork by Muzi Branch. Audio was transferred from the original tapes by the album’s engineer, Bob Dawson, and was remastered by The Carvery.

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Sonny Phillips

Black on black!

16,99 €*

Leonard Lothlen Project / Gospel Clouds

Release: 1971 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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with Bernard Purdie, Melvin Sparks, ...

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In The Presence / Let Us Pray

7" | 1971 | UK | Reissue (Izipho Soul)

Love On The Line / You And Me Together

Release: 1971 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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It was a blessing to make contact with California gospel music icon Leonard Lothlen.

The concept behind this release was to place two gospel compositions recorded fifty years apart on one record! Musically diverse, both inspirational. IN THE Presence features Derick Hughes’ powerhouse vocals with a nod of respect to the late great Bishop Rance Allen

Leonard’s first record in the group G.C.’s from 1971, LET US Pray is a proven rarity with only a handful of copies documented as sold online. Uniquely trippy in sound with the sweetest of harmonies. Limited edition of 300 copies.

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Roy Roberts

7" | 1977 | UK | Reissue (Izipho Soul)

Black Children Sledge Funk Group

Release: 1977 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Once again it is an incredible honour to license music from Soul Blues legend Roy Roberts, the picks on offer this time are Love ON THE Line, which was recorded last year - this one hits the Southern Soul sweet spot for us and we are naturally thrilled to present it on vinyl.

On the flip is dreamy stepper YOU AND ME Together, taken from the revered LP ‘Country Star’ which also gained a 7” release on Roy’s House of Roton label in 1977.

Limited Edition of 300 copies.

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Love Is Fair Record Store Day 2022 Black Vinyl Edition

LP | 1976 | EU | Reissue (Afrodelic)

Ten Percent Record Store Day 2022 Vinyl Edition

Release: 1976 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Nigerian classic Black Children Sledge Funk Group 1976’s debut album full of positive vibrations and feel-good grooves! A sunny blend of Reggae and Afro-Funk with a lot of percussions, psychedelic and rhythmic guitar and organ. In the mid-seventies in Nigeria everybody loved them. Pride of 70’s Africa Repressed for the first time.

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Double Exposure

LP | 1976 | US | Reissue (Salsoul)

LP | 1974 | EU | Reissue (Demon)

Release: 1976 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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TEN Percent is the debut studio album recorded by Philadelphia-based disco group Double Exposure. Originally released in 1976 on the Salsoul label, the album reached #40 on the US R&B chart (#129 on the Billboard 200). The album features the title track, which peaked at #2 on the Hot Dance chart, #54 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #63 on the Hot Soul Singles chart. Also featuring the singles “Everyman (Has to Carry His Own Weight)” (#8 US Dance), and “My Love Is Free” (#15 US Dance), as well as the group’s incredible rendition of the Four Tops “Baby I Need Your Loving.” Out of print for over 25 years, this limited-edition reissue contains updated cover sleeve artwork and is pressed on opaque light green vinyl!

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Chairmen Of The Board

Skin I'm In

26,99 €*

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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God's Prescriptions Black Vinyl Edition

Camille Doughty

LP | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Regrooved)

God's Prescriptions Green Vinyl Edtion

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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ReGrooved repress of God’s Prescriptions, Camille Doughty’s sole solo effort - a rare soul/gospel album that was originally released in 1978 on Gospel Roots. Available on black or green vinyl Handmade Tip-On Sleeves Analogue Remastered

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Camille Doughty

LP | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Regrooved)

LP | 1980 | EU | Reissue (Petit Cherie)

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Marlon Hunter

It's Summer

Full Court Press Record Store Day 2022 Vinyl Edition

Release: 1980 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Rare soul/funk album out of Oakland, CA. Featuring Marlon Hunter along with the Group The Standards Of Living. Six songs full of jazz/funk groove and Modern Soul atmospheres. First time released in 1980 as a private press this rare pearl represents a must have for diggers, djs and collectors

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Calvin Keys

39,99 €*

Sounds Of The City Experience

Release: 1985 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Limited to 1800 copies with obi strip & sleeve notes. Rare Soul-Jazz-Funk album from 1985. First ever vinyl reissue.

Jazz guitarist Calvin Keys is a legend among soul-jazz-funk fans for both his work as a session & touring musician and for the catalog of classic releases under his own name. Key’s playing style is lean & muscular and his unique phrasing balances sophisticated jazz harmonics with funky R&B & soul grooves. Since the 1960s Calvin Keys has performed/recorded with renowned artists such as Ahmad Jamal, Ray Charles, Pharoah Sanders and Joe Henderson. He is also a mentor to young talent, offers private lessons, and is a frequent teacher at the yearly happening ‘Jazz Camp West’.

Calvin Keys was born in 1943 in Omaha, Nebraska. His first musical influence was his father Otis, a well-known drummer in the city's music scene…he passed the music bug on to Calvin, who picked up the guitar early. Keys landed his first notable gig as a member of Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson's band when he was 17 and then went on to play with Preston Love (of the Count Basie Orchestra). Later on, he would also join The Jimmy Smith Trio and then worked through the rest of the 1960’s with legends such as Jimmy McGriff, Richard 'Groove' Holmes and Brother Jack McDuff.

After moving to Los Angeles in the 1970’s, he signed to Gene Russell's now-legendary Black Jazz label where he cut his first two albums: Shawn-Neeq (1971) & Proceed with Caution (1974). Next to his own output on Black Jazz Records, Calvin Keys also did session work for the label and played on several of its hit records. At this point in time Keys also auditioned for the Ray Charles Orchestra…his unique phrasing and his ability to balance sophisticated jazz harmonics with tough R&B and soul grooves were showcased nightly in Charles’ band. Before relocating to San Francisco in 1975, he also played on Billy Brooks' jazz-funk classic ‘Windows of the Mind’ (1974) and focused on more live and session work. Keys then joined Ahmad Jamal's group and spent close to a decade with the pianist, touring the globe and recording six albums with him.

The 1980’s and 1990’s also proved similarly fruitful for Calvin Keys…he was a ‘first-call’ studio & live sideman and amassed massive credits for touring with all-stars from the likes of Tony Bennett, Pharoah Sanders and Sonny Stitt. He released two more fantastic solo albums: Full Court Press (1985) & Maria’s First (1985), this time on Olive Branch Records. In 1991 he was featured on the recordings for the original score of the film ‘Dying Young’ composed by James Newton Howard. Next to all of this, his session and live work with his own trio continued at a relentless pace. He settled down in the Bay area and played a multitude of gigs throughout the 1990’s.

After being sidelined in 1997 by heart surgery, Calvin Keys entered the new millennium with a bang! He released five widely acclaimed Jazz-charting albums & worked with major players from the likes of Taj Mahal (Santana, Miles Davis), Chester Thompson (Tower Of Power), Big John Patton (Blue Note), Phil Ranelin (Tribe), Sonny Fortune (Roy Ayers, Strata East), Buell Neidlinger (Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones), Peter Erskine (Joni Mitchell, Weather Report) and Lonnie Smith. There’s no such thing as ‘slowing down’ for Mr. Keys!

On the album we are proudly presenting you today (Full Court Press) you’ll find seven sublime tracks recorded in 1984 and released in 1985 on the Olive Branch label. This was Calvin Key’s first solo album since his recordings for Black Jazz Records back in the 1970’s. Full Court Press features an impressive arsenal of working road dogs that Keys had shared the stage with over the years. Included are: Maxayn Lewis (The Ikettes, Morris Day), Mike Thompson (Freddie Hubbard), James Gadson (Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock), Donny Beck (Buddy Miles, Bobby Lyle)…and many others.

Full Court Press is THE dictionary definition of smooth (yet funky) soul-jazz, with washes of warm, laid back grooves pinned under Keys’ endless dancing up and down the fretboard. The playing is ‘deep in the pocket’ and comes off elegant and effortless. Fluid rhythmic fingerpicking that makes you forget all about time and space. This essential release deserves a prominent place in your record collection!

Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the First ever vinyl reissue of “Full Court Press” (originally released on Olive Branch Records in 1985). This rare record (vintage copies are not easy to come by) now comes as a deluxe 180g vinyl edition, strictly limited to 1800 copies worldwide with obi strip and features the original artwork by John Heard (Azar Lawrence, Count Basie) & sleeve notes by Sherman Ferguson (Pharoah Sanders Quartet). Released exclusively for Record Store Day 2022 and available in participating stores on April 23, 2022.

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Release: 1976 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Released on the famed tax scam label Tiger Lily in 1976, Sounds Of The City Experience’s self-titled debut album is a rare groove treat with original pressings often reaching astronomical figures on the second-hand market. Its quality carries over into the sound with its richness of character pushing beyond what must have been a very limited recording budget. The members, whose anonymity today stands in stark contrast to the instant fame they generate on the record, go from strength to strength across these ten tracks, and craft some of the most catchy and enticing soul and funk of the 70s. P-vine is excited to be reissuing the album for a limited edition LP package with an iconic Japanese obi strip attached.

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Ingram

The Ingram Kingdom

36,99 €*

LP | 1973 | JP | Reissue (P-Vine)

Release: 1976 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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History tends to look back kindly on musicians unafraid to proudly wear their music on their sleeves. On the cover of their 1976 debut album The Ingram Kingdom, the members of Ingram stand united in front of a banner that reads "the funk is in our music," and the transfixing image of the cover flows deep in the body of the album’s audio landscape.

The title track opener further reinforces the foundations of the group's sanctuary with a sprawling funk jam; fit with crunching guitar solos and towering vocals. These moments of funk euphoria are matched evenly with pauses for thought and calm in the spacious soul ballads 'Tried It and Liked It' and 'She’s All Alone (I Need A Man)'. P-vine is delighted to present The Ingram Kingdom as a limited edition reissue with obi strip attached.

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Weldon Irvine

Time Capsule

30,99 €*

Genesis Clear Vinyl Edition

Release: 1973 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The impact of Weldon Irvine’s music across a wealth of genres cannot be overstated with his piano playing and compositions regularly handed down through generations, and influencing new waves of musicians. Artists like Q-Tip and Mos Def are noted admirers of the jazz-funk artist, and the distinct sounds of Irvine can be heard in the tapestry of the 90s sound via samples appearing in key records of the jazz hip-hop movement and beyond.

Time Capsule was originally released in 1973, and is keen to strike up a conversation with the listener as social commentary and poetic reflections signpost the way through its otherworldly jazz. Early tracks like 'Feelin’ Mellow' see a contemplative Weldon brew a satisfying blend of soul with lovingly warm vocal harmonies and gliding instrumentation. In contrast, other windows into the mind of Weldon like the meandering 'Watergate - Don’t Bug Me!,' are as much a virtuoso display of his bouncing creativity, as a charting of the rocky political climate at the time.

P-vine is thrilled to be releasing Time Capsule as a limited edition LP with a newly remastered audio, and an iconic Japanese obi strip attached.

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Harari

LP | 1977 | US | Reissue (Tidal Waves Music)

32,99 €*

Marvin Gaye's Trouble Man Adapted 50th Anniversary Edition

Release: 1977 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Harari was formed in the late sixties and originally known as The Beaters, the South African group consisting of guitarists Selby Ntuli & Monty ‘Saitana’ Ndimande, bassist Alec Khaoli and drummer Sipho Mabuse decided to change their name to Harari during a tour through Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1976. The name is taken from a township outside Salisbury (which is now the capital, Harare). With their afro-rock/funk/fusion style they achieved huge successes back home and in the neighbouring states, and they were the first local black pop/rock band to appear on South African TV.

The Beaters/Harari had been disciples of ‘Soweto Soul’ – an explosion of township bands drawing on American soul and inspired by the assertive image of Stax and Motown’s Black artists. They supported Percy Sledge on his 1970 South African tour (and later Timmy Thomas, Brook Benton and Wilson Pickett). But their watershed moment was a three-month tour of Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) where they were inspired by the strengthening independence struggle and musicians such as Thomas Mapfumo who were turning to African influences. On their return, the neat Nehru jackets that had been the band’s earliest stage wear were replaced by dashikis and Afros. In the process, they created a sound that was labelled all too simply as ‘Afro-rock’ but was really a fusion of funk- and rock-inspired rhythms with African roots.

In 1976 Harari were also voted South Africa’s top instrumental group and were in high demand at concert venues across the country (they were the first Black band to headline their own show at Johannesburg’s Colosseum Theatre). Harari released several albums and their South African based label (Gallo), even got them a two-album deal with the US major label A&M. Their single, 'Party', entered the American Disco Hot 100 in 1982. After the untimely death of Selby Ntuli in 1978 they would go on to record more albums with a new line-up but it was never the same again. By 1984 the group disbanded, and Harari’s members launched successful solo careers.

Harari was a band that was deeply rooted in pan-African politics, the parallel cross-influences of the Black Panther Movement and Black Consciousness. African American soul music and Soweto Soul contributed to the way Harari became purveyors of all the styles we know today as Afro-soul, Afro-pop and Afro-jazz. The Beaters/Harari left behind a body of work that fused traditional African sounds with rock, funk, jazz, soul and psychedelia into a unique and coherent sound. It shows their ability to capture the many genres flying around South Africa during a time of intense political and cultural shifts.

The album we are presenting you today (Genesis from 1977) comes swinging right out the gate with a set of six monster anthems, explosive up-tempo jams, gorgeous vocal harmonies and chants, Afro-centric fusions of rock, funk and indigenous influences. The album is packed with mesmerizing drum-grooves, psychedelic improvisations and catchy Afrobeat rhythms. This is a quintessential Harari record that every serious collector or fan needs to have in his collection.

Originally released in 1977 on Gallo Records South Africa (and later repressed in 1982 on the same label), Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first official reissue of this rare album (original copies tend to go for Large amounts on the secondary market…that is if you’re lucky enough to come across one). This is also the First time ‘Genesis’ is being released outside of the African continent. This unique record comes as a deluxe 180g vinyl edition (strictly limited to 500 copies) with obi strip and featuring the original artwork.

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Low Res

LP | 1972 | EU | Reissue (S'plat)

30,99 €*

Release: 1972 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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"Marvin Gaye's Trouble Man adapted and conducted by Low Res"

Marvin Gaye was extremely proud of his pioneering film score for the “blaxploitation” film “Trouble Man”. In 1982, he commented: “The "Trouble Man" film score was one of my loveliest projects and one of the great sleepers of all our time. I'll probably be dead and gone before I get the probable acclaim from the "Trouble Man" album, musical track, that I feel I should get. And put to a symphony, if someone took my album and did a symphony on it, I think it would be quite interesting.”

American musician Daniel Zelonky (aka “Low Res”) had been captivated by this record for decades. Given the opportunity to recreate and conduct the entire film score live with a 36 piece orchestra at Voohuit, a beautiful classical venue in Gent, Belgium he set about meeting this daunting challenge: to be faithful to the feeling of the original and yet to create something "new", to expand upon certain elementts in a formal way, no "jamming" on the themes.

After a very successful performance, the resulting recordings were augmented in studio with additional instrumentation, and with the vocals of Blackwolf, singer of the late, lamented "Kings Go Forth" (Luaka Bop Records).

We think that the crate-digging denizens of the original soundtrack, and the curious Marvin Gaye fans alike will find much to enjoy in this 50th Anniversary tribute to Marvin's Blaxploitation masterpiece!

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Lloyd Price

Music - Music

2LP | 1978 | JP | Reissue (P-Vine)

Release: 1976 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Followers of TSG Records will be well aware of the mystery that hovers around much of the short-lived tax-scam label’s artists, so it’s fair to say the releases from the widely-known legend of 50s R&B Lloyd Price stand out among the crowd. Music Music was released in 1976, and sounds markedly different from the trailblazing rhythm and blues sound that had galvanized hits such as “Stagger Lee” and “Perfection” almost twenty years previously.

By the mid-70s Price had moved into the record business as the co-owner of LPG records, and would go on to establish one of its subsidiary labels in secret - TSG Records. Music Music embodies the characteristics of a seasoned label boss with its strong grasp of the music climate, and its embedded recipes for hit-making soul and funk grooves. P-vine is thrilled to be reissuing Music Music as a limited edition LP for the first time in the world with an iconic Japanese obi strip attached.

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Lemuria

44,99 €*

LP | 1980 | JP | Reissue (P-Vine)

Release: 1978 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The 1978 self-titled album by the free soul band Lemuria remains much talked about around rare groove circles. Formed by Kirk Thompson of the iconic Kalapana, it’s a proud statement of Hawaiian AOR, and highlights the magic touch of Thompson as both a keyboardist, and behind the mixers, his work as the album’s serving producer. For this new reissue edition, P-vine is including three bonus tracks and two alternate takes for the first time on vinyl, resulting in this deluxe fourteen track double gatefold package.

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Cecil Lyde

Stone Free

Release: 1980 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Stone Free was the only album to be released by funk and soul specialist Cecil Lyde in 1980, and its sumptuous body of songs immediately takes hold upon first spin. Originally released with the short-lived Californian label Aladdin Records, Chicago-native Lyde created an album of uncompromising modern soul and boogie that has an urgency to entertain. Title track “Stone Free (Freaks With Me)” is a bold opener with percussion laced like a whip, and active bass melodies complementing Lyde’s falsetto harmonies. Another highlight, “Money’s Funny” doubles down on intricate percussion and bass eccentricities, driving home inspired funk hooks and untapped pleasures. P-vine is thrilled to be reissuing Stone Free under its groove-diggers imprint with an iconic Japanese obi strip.

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The Corner Gang

Stone Out Of Your Mind

There's A Riot Going On Red Vinyl Edition

Release: 1976 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Another heavyweight release from the vaults of the legendary tax scam label TSG comes this reissue of The Corner Gang’s Stone Out Of Your Mind. Living up to the striking haze of the album’s sleeve, here are nine tracks of energetic pop and sweet soul packed with enough heat to ward off the coldest of winters. Album highlight “The Music Of Your Mind” hits the sweet-spot of the record with its chugging bassline, funk guitars and snarling vocals bouncing off the walls.

By the time the needle reaches the end of the groove, and it finally dawns on you that the album cover may have pinched an idea or two from Jimmy Mcgriff’s At The Organ, the band and its anonymous members have packed up their instruments and disappeared without a trace. P-vine is thrilled to be reissuing Stone Out of Your Mind on vinyl with a limited run for the first time since its original release in 1976. It is also newly remastered and fitted with an iconic Japanese obi strip.

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Sly & The Family Stone

LP | 1973 | UK | Reissue (Sony)

35,99 €*

LP | 1981 | EU | Reissue (Favorite)

Release: 1973 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Sly & The Family Stone are celebrating their 50th anniversary of There’s a Riot Goin’ On released December 10th 1971. The album was a commercial success featuring the hit single “Family Affair” reaching number 14 on the official UK chart. This was a departure from the optimistic psychedelic soul of previous records and shifted to a more political and militant vibe, perfectly encapsulating the turbulent political climate in the United States at the turn of the 1970s. To this day the album is highly regarded and continues to rank in many publications’ best-album lists, including 500 Greatest Albums of All time. This year There’s a Riot Goin’ 50th anniversary features a limited edition red 1LP, which will supported with a PR and marketing campaign.

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Esperanto

Vegas

22,99 €*

Free Man Black Vinyl Edition

Release: 1981 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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After the recent reissue of their first eponymous album, Favorite Recordings proudly presents Vegas, the second LP from Venezuelan band Esperanto. Rare and sought-after for many collectors, it was recorded in between Las Vegas and Caracas and originally released in 1981. Following bandleader Jorge Aguilar in his musical trip to the infamous American city bathing into flashing lights and vivid colors, we're invited to an excursion in Disco, Boogie and Jazz-Funk territories. Finally reissued, fully remastered, Vegas will be available as Gatefold Tip-On Vinyl LP. With great care and attention to details, Esperanto managed to create a very convincing sequel to their JazzFunk debuts. Vegas keeps indeed a perfect balance between various influences. Through energic disco beats with intense funky solos, catchy AOR-influenced songs, where Jorge delivers convincing vocal performance, or sunny jazz-funk slow jams, the album still reveals something quite authentic. And this feeling echoes surely the one that could have been felt by Jorge Aguilar while discovering USA on a trip - where it all started for the music he loves. Like sometimes a foreigner's enriching view on some local specialty, he surely brought with the band all his authenticity and young but vibrant experience while convincing at the same time major labels for distribution. With certain notoriety coming with the release of their first album, Jorge Aguilar and his drummer Pablo Matarazzo planned to go to Los Angeles for a few gigs. But once there, they realized their contact had to leave for Tina Turner's tour in Europe. Before that, he invited them to come along to Las Vegas and eventually meet musicians there. Luckily, the plan worked perfectly: Jorge came back to Los Angeles with a lot of contacts then moved to Boston and NYC before finally coming back to Caracas. He told: "I was so impressed with this trip that I told myself that one day I would return to Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The first tracks I did them in Los Angeles with Kenny More, James Gadson and other session musicians from that city. Later, I took the tracks to Caracas where the musicians of the band recorded overdubs. After that, I returned to Los Angeles to master with Bernie Grundman who was still working in his small studio at A & M records studios in Hollywood. As can be seen in the title of some of the songs like "Hollywood", "Vegas", "Kenny's Place", were only the translation of my experiences at the time."

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Friimen Muzik Company

LP | 1976 | US | Reissue (Tidal Waves Music)

LP | 1972 | US | Reissue (Today)

Release: 1976 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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THE Friimen Muzik Company (also known as Friimen) was formed after the Biafran war in 1973-1974 in the town of ABA in the eastern part of Nigeria. Aba was the Number 1 Music Hub in the entire Eastern Region of Nigeria. While bands and artists like ‘Ofege’ and ‘Fela Kuti’ ruled the Lagos scene, bands like ‘Friimen’ and ‘The Apostles’ were ruling the ABA scene.

Before forming the band, most of its members were already working together as freelance session musicians backing up solo artists on several recordings and concerts (or were playing in military bands that gradually became civilian bands because the war had just ended). Friimen members’ credits were numerous and they played, wrote or performed on recordings from well-known acts like The Funkees, The Jets, The Apostles…and countless others.

When they started concentrating on writing their own songs, the group instantly took off and became an overnight hit that resulted in them doing multiple successful nationwide tours. Friimen would go on to record three albums: Free Man (1976), We Can Get It On (1978) and Merry Man (1979). All three albums were released on the Aba based label Anodisc Records (the key label to be on if you wanted your music heard and out there), Anodisc also released hit records by ‘Sweet Unit’ and ‘Voice Of The Cross’ but The Friimen Muzik Company was the label’s signature band.

The Friimen Muzik Company was so solid that every new group or artist wanted the Friimen to back them up in the recording studio. As a result, Anodisc Records received tons of demo cassettes from aspiring artists…the label would then first consult the Friimen members to see if these new acts were worthy of giving a chance to record and release an album for Anodisc. Over the course of the years the band went through several line-up changes…but in 1980 the band finally broke up and their story came to an end.

The album we are presenting you today (Free Man from 1976) was recorded at the famous Decca Studios in Lagos and comes swinging right out of the gate with a set of no less than Eight monster tunes. Expect nothing less than crazy afrobeat and over the top melodic funk influenced by a wide array of artists (both local and international). Mesmerizing solos, captivating grooves, impeccable sequences that turned many heads…everything you need to get a dancehall into a complete uproar. The musicians’ skills are just plain incredible! Free MAN is a quintessential record that every serious collector or fan needs to have in his/her collection.

Originally released in 1976 on Anodisc Records Nigeria, Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first official reissue of this seminal Afrobeat/Afrofunk album. This is also the first time the album is being released outside of the African continent. This unique record comes as a deluxe 180g vinyl edition (strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide) with obi strip and featuring the original artwork. This reissue also comes with an insert featuring pictures of the band and extensive liner notes from band-member Arthur Freds.

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Madhouse

Serve 'em

Release: 1972 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Cecil Holmes Soulful Sounds

Music for soulful lovers

LP | 1973 | US | Reissue (Buddah)

Release: 1973 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Hugh Brodie And The Real Thing

LP | 1975 | US | Reissue (Kheba)

Release: 1975 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1977 | JP | Reissue (P-Vine)

Erik Tagg

Rendez Vous

47,99 €*

Release: 1977 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Erik Tagg’s blend of warm, deeply resonating vocals spread like butter over the smooth instrumentation of this AOR and modern soul classic. 1976’s Rendez Vous was the second album from Tagg who had played in the Dutch bands Beehive and Rainbow Train outside his activity as a solo artist. From his debut two years prior, his emergence as a solo artist had always been full of promise. Yet Rendez Vous still came as a surprise with its expanded instrumentation, and the added weight of his voice on tracks, like the soul-searching “Life Goes On,” fine-tuned a winning formula.

Back in 2020 P-vine reissued the album for the first time on vinyl format through its Groove-Diggers imprint, and will again repress the album as a deluxe double gatefold edition with clear vinyl. Also included are four tracks that weren’t originally compiled on the album bringing the total tracklisting to thirteen.

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John Valenti

Anything You Want

Release: 1976 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Anything You Want, The debut solo album from former Puzzle drummer John Valenti makes its way back to LP for the first time in ten years through P-vine’s Groove-Diggers imprint. Originally going by the name John Livigni, his talents had been stewing for some time in the run-up to the original 1976 release. And yet, after supporting smooth pop arrangements for one of the few white bands signed to Motown records, few could have predicted the infectious disco beat and Valenti’s snarling and soulful lead vocals across these eleven tracks. From album opener and title track “Anything You Want,” Valenti establishes a hypnotic connection, and album highlight “Why Don’t We Fall In Love” is as moving as it is an encompassing display of Valenti’s soul power. P-vine is proud to be repressing Anything You Want, and hope that new fans can connect with this free soul classic.

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1619 Bad Ass Band

Introducing - The Brief Encounter

Release: 1976 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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To single out a release in catalogue of the 70s famed ‘tax scam’ label TSG is a hard ask - the level of quality remained both consistently and inexplicably high during its two years of operation. Thus calling 1619 Bad Ass Band’s 1976 self-titled album a stand-out release doesn’t honour the spirit of the catalogue, and yet, by all accounts, everything about this monolithic funk and soul unit is striking.

Lead by bandleader Khalid Abdul Shalid, album opener “Love to Love” beats down the door with a pulsating funk jam, snarling boy-girl vocal comradery and segues into the mellower reverb-soaked soul track “I Am Mine”. Phyllis Harris, sister of band bassist Carl Harris, takes over as the lead vocalist soon after, and shines on baroque pop-infused album highlight “Just for You”. She later delivers a knock-out vocal performance on the moving soul ballad “Rain (Always Finds Me Crying)”. The band depart on “Nobody” in the same way as they arrive with more stellar funk grooves and call-and-response unity.

Prices on the second-hand market for the original LP and 1978 Graham International reissue have priced out virtually everyone interested in the release for decades. For its first widely available release, P-vine is thrilled to be reissuing the album on LP fitted with an iconic Japanese obi strip.

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Brief Encounter

LP | 1977 | JP | Reissue (P-Vine)

36,99 €*

The Stars / How Can I Tell

Release: 1977 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Hot on the heels of announcing a singles collection from the North Carolina funk and soul group, P-vine Records is proud to be repressing Brief Encounter’s debut album Introducing - The Brief Encounter for the first time in eleven years. A much-loved favourite among Rare Groove fans, this album was originally released in 1977 on Seventy Seven Records where it spent the better part of 30 years amassing untouchable prices on the second-hand market. With its first reissue in 2010, many fans were finally able to hop on board the pleasure-bound trip, and with those records now becoming a rarity, a second repress was always on the cards. Album opener “The Brief Encounter (introduction)” ignites the members with rallying vocals, and pacey percussive funk grooves that keeps spirits high and punctuate the album up until its joyous closer “We’re Gonna Have A Good Time”. It’s an album also unafraid to show tenderness at its core, and the soulful ballad arrangements of “Loving and Caring” and “In A Special Way” drops the tempo for a mid-album masterstroke of dynamics. As before, this reissue will come fitted with a unique Japanese obi strip.

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Barbara Lewis

LP | 1970 | EU | Reissue (Outta Sight)

17,99 €*

Release: 1970 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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J.J. Barnes / John Gary Williams

Sweet Sherry / The Whole Damn World Is Going Crazy

LP | 1974 | EU | Reissue (Outta Sight)

17,99 €*

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Joshie Jo Armstead / Carla Thomas

I Got The Vibes / I'll Never Stop Loving You

LP | 1973 | EU | Reissue (Outta Sight)

17,99 €*

LP | 1977 | EU (Survival Research)

Release: 1973 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Led by maverick composer Abigail Moura, Orquestra Afro-Brasileira were one of the most influential yet overlooked groups in Brazilian music history. Operating for almost thirty years until 1970, they released just two albums - the first of which, Obaluayê, has recently been reissued by Night Dreamer Records - and left behind a legacy of Afro-Brazilian consciousness that continues to resonate today.

Combining Yoruba spirituality, folk tales, Candomblé chants and West African percussion with the instrumentation of the big band jazz tradition in the United States, the Orquestra placed Afro- Brazilian heritage in a new and vital context. Weaving emancipatory narratives into complex poly- rhythms and powerful, syncopated horn lines, the group educated and enlightened all those who saw them perform.

For Abigail’s protégé and percussionist on the group’s 1968 album Carlos Negreiros, the message of the group’s music had a profound impact: “I became aware of what it is to be black,” he says, “discovering the extraordinary potential of the Afro-Brazilian culture in the making of the national ethos.”

Now the last remaining member of the original Orquestra, Carlos was tracked down by producer Mario Caldato Jr. - whose credits include Beastie Boys, Marcelo D2 and Seu Jorge among others - to oversee the first new album of Orquestra Afro-Brasileira material since 1968.

“I was overwhelmed with the percussive rhythms, beautiful deep vocals and combined energy,” Caldato Jr. explains. “It felt like the most authentic Brazilian roots music I had ever heard. It was raw and dynamic, a pure organic sound and energy. It was a spiritual experience.”

Alongside arranger Caio Cezar, Carlos assembled his Orquestra to record five tracks at Berna Ceppas’ Estudio Maravilha 8 studio in Rio De Janeiro. With percussion, horns and vocals cut in single takes over three days, the session captured the intuitive, pure and natural spirit of the group in full flow.

Following the success of the initial session, five additional tracks were recorded at the iconic Estudio CIA dos Tecnicos in Copacabana to complete the album. Mixed by Caldato Jr., 80 Anos is a contemporary incarnation of Abigail Moura’s vision, bristling with the flair of the original recordings.

“This is an important continuation of the Orquestra Afro Brasileira sound and movement that is still strong and relevant today,” Caldato Jr. says.

80 Anos celebrates 80 years since the formation of the group, bringing its trailblazing legacy into the spotlight for a new generation of musicians and listeners alike.

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West Coast Revival

LP | 1975 | EU | Reissue (Modern)

Release: 1977 / EU

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Seattle-born preacher’s son Luther James Rabb played sax with Jimi Hendrix in the Velvetones and after forming popular horns-based rock act Ballin’ Jack, moved to Los Angeles, where soul harmony trio West Coast Revival was born. Early singles for United Artists were produced by Howard Scott and Lonnie Jordan of War, and their sole LP, released in 1977, is an exceedingly rare soul-funk gem, with solid vocal harmony, hard funk breaks, and a touch of sophisticated strings. ‘My Mind Is At Ease’ is a breakbeat special and ‘Feelin’ Allright’ rides a meaty bass groove, both underlining the War connection; our edition comes with bonus love song ‘Beautiful Girl,’ an early single B-side. Overall, this is prime soul-funk with uncommon elements, ripe for rediscovery by all discerning funk fans.

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Nikki Giovanni

Way I Feel

Release: 1975 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1971 | EU | Reissue (Modern Harmonic)

Nikki Giovanni

Truth Is On Its Way

Release: 1971 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1973 | EU | Reissue (Modern Harmonic)

Nikki Giovanni

Like A Ripple On A Pond

Release: 1973 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Christmas Card Colored Vinyl Edition

The Temptations

LP | 1970 | EU | Reissue (Island)

Release: 1970 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1983 | EU | Reissue (Mad About)

Popcorn

Prime Choice

LP | 1977 | US | Reissue (Tidal Waves Music)

Release: 1983 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Rare Modern Soul/Funk private press LP from Miami! Almost impossible to find an original copy of this 1983 Modern Funk Soul Boogie masterpiece.

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Harari

Genesis

Twenty Four Hours A Day / Rejoice

Release: 1977 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Messengers Incorporated

7" | 1972 | EU | Reissue (P-Vine)

LP | 1976 | EU | Reissue (P-Vine)

Release: 1972 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Although the word "ultimate" is rarely attached to the Rare Groove world, there are certain records deserving of such titles and among them, Messenger's Incorporated's Soulful Proclamation is a legendary work of funk and soul. It was dug up in the boom of deep funk, and P-vine is delighted to be bringing of its most two popular tracks to 7" single. The highlight of the album "Twenty Four Hours a Day" is a funk jam whose contrasting melancholy in the vocals of Barbara Burton add an alluring quality to the single. On the B side, the high tension instrumental funk on"Rejoice" that concludes the album is a power to behold.

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Spice

Let There Be Spice

LP | 1974 | EU | Reissue (P-Vine)

Release: 1976 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Along with other reissues for The Ultimates, The Topics and Ricardo Marrero, P-vine has been steadily reissuing the hard-to-find funk and soul gems on the short-lived 70s label TSG, and this latest reissue for Spice's 1976 record Let There Be Spice is of no exception and is packed with seasoned heat. It's a record that complements and blurs the lines of soul, funk and disco, and was once so rare that not even the band knew of its existence. Only in recent times have we been able to put together a picture of a group growing up in The Bronx with the burning desire to perform and light up the stage.

Tracks like "Everything Is You", "Don't Fight It" and "Fool In Love" are glorious examples of the heavenly soul sound the group construct with harmonising waves of soothing vocals dancing together with warm string sections. "Happy Music" and the following "Do It Nice" up the tempo and show off another side to their sound as the songs twist and turn through proggy synthesizer solos and funk guitar rhythms. P-vine can't wait to deliver this exciting release and keep the fire burning strong for this exceptional album.

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100% Pure Poison

Coming Right At You

33,99 €*

LP | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Adarce)

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The sole album released in 1974 from this almighty group of nine musicians lead by Chicago native Danny Leake continues to turn up in the hands of the most determined collectors for good reason. Formed in the most unlikely of circumstances as a group of American military workers stationed in Germany, the band made one dazzling leap onto the frontline of soul before promptly disbanding and never looking back. As with all records that get marked with the coveted 'rare' status, what we don't know about the record outweighs what we do, but as the needle fits the groove on album opener "You Keep Coming Back," and the vocal and instrumental harmonies build into a frenzy, the addictive joy of the record takes hold for repeated listens. P-vine is delighted to be bringing this album back from the vaults for a limited pressing fitted with a unique Japanese obi strip.

After the opener rich with soul, "No More City, No More Country" changes pace with a psychedelic funk jam that blossoms into a piece of spiritual jazz and social commentary of 70s America. "Windy C" is an album highlight and kicks off the B-side with a lost funk classic where the individual talents of Steve Maxwell's organ playing, Leake's guitar and John Jackson's percussion all combine to make the deftest of touches count. The wealth of compositional talent behind the album contributes to its varied sound, and the might behind Marvin Daniels' vocals and trumpet playing joins Leake on the songwriting credits with producer Rick Hartung. Leake would later make his name as the trusted sound engineer of Stevie Wonder, but his roots as the mythical bandleader of 100% Pure Poison lives on in the books of rare record folklore.

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Paco Ros

Clasicos Con Ritmo

21,99 €*

7" | 1983 | EU | Reissue (Discs Of Fun And Love)

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Adarce proudly presents the reissue of ‘Clásicos con Ritmo’ by Paco Ros. Originally released in 1978 on Discos Maller, still sounds as special and out of time as when it was released; a strange album that has become one of the most sought after jewels - and most hard to find - for lovers of Spanish Groove. 'Clásicos con Ritmo' offers a mix of sounds that range from a kind of analog pre-Balearic to something similar to Library Music, passing through a slow cadence groove based on sinuous layers of Hammond organ, Fender pianos, vibraphones and xylophones. During the 11 songs on the album, Paco Ros revisits his life trajectory through memories: his Valencian childhood in Godella, his professional beginnings in Madrid and his musical adventures as a backing band, his return to Valencia -where he would form 'Los 4 Ros, then simply the Ros - to finally take refuge in his Mallorcan retreat, cradled between Party Rooms, Hotel Discotheques and endless sunrises, moved as always by his infinite love for music.

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Jimmy Mack

Pop Goes The Weasel

LP | 1974 | EU | Reissue (Sommor)

Release: 1983 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Discs of Fun and Love return again with another 7 inch of pure soulful goodness, this time taking a trip to Wisconsin with Jimmy Mack's ‘Pop Goes The Weasel’. Originally released in 1983, this incredibly hard to find record comes with the original and an edit from one of the UK's most exciting producers and a great friend of the label, Bristol's Admin. Super sweet soul for the perfect moments in the dance.

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Barrabas

Soltad A Barrabas!

21,99 €*

7" | 1980 | EU | Reissue (Athens Of The North)

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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“¡Soltad a Barrabás!” (Release Barrabás!) was the third album by the famous Spanish funk-rock band. Recorded in the US and originally released in 1974, housed in a shocking gatefold cover, this time the sound was 100% funk oriented and included big hits like “Hi-Jack”, covered by Herbie Mann. After reaching worldwide success with their previous two albums and a lenghty South America tour, Fernando Arbex went even further with Barrabás: he wanted to register their third album in the US. So he managed to book MGM studios in Hollywood and the band spent a month in L.A. Fernando encouraged all the other Barrabás members to write songs for the planned album. The result was a fantastic pro-sounding recording (thanks to the work of sound engineer Humberto Gatica), where the band nearly dropped their previous Latin influences to concentrate on funk and black music. “Hi-Jack” rocketed to number one in the Billboard and Black Music charts in the US and soon after Herbie Mann released his famous jazzy cover. The album also included other ace tracks like “Tell Me The Thing” - much in the vein of Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears, “Suzie Wong”, “Lady Love”...

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Rivage

I Need You Baby

LP | 1978 | EU | Reissue (P-Vine)

Release: 1980 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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70s Soul perfection, both previously unreleased on 45 so should keep collectors and DJs smiling as we head back into the clubs. We released the crazy rare Rivage LP last year, but felt it was time to drop them on our favourite format for the first time.
'I Need You Baby' was my go to spin on the LP (apart from 'Strung Out' Obviously) A positive 70s floater with a vocal that just holds it together.
On the flip 'Answer' It's Mid-tempo Jam time, kind of has a feel it out as you go vibe which I like, the backing holds it together and love the guitar solo.

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Ted Coleman Band

Taking Care Of Business

Love Life w/ Damaged Sleeve

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Conjuring up flashes of the masterly mellow tones heard in Roy Ayers and Billy Wooten’s local jazz funk, P-VINE’s Rare Groove will revisit New Jersey, a series favourite location, for a joyous and unassuming record of vibraphone grooves and smooth Jazz. Taking Care of Business was originally released in 1980 and marked the debut for Ted Coleman, a musician whose craft extended beyond the box and took the reins of not only its production work, but also the fetching typography design on the cover jacket. In fact, Coleman’s careful architecture oversees all aspects of this release, and whether it’s his soothing voice breathing life into his graciously composed lyrics or skillful musings on his percussive instrument of choice, it’s a record built with the richest materials that has stood the test of time. Includes a Japanese obi strip.

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Cindy

LP | 1986 | JP | Reissue (Universal Music Japan)

53,99 €*

Release: 1986 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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First vinyl reissue since original 1986 release
Japanese pressing

Cindy is a female vocalist who has worked with Tatsuro Yamashita and Yumi Matsutoya as a backing singer.

Her music has been used in many scenes in the anime 'Mezong Ikkoku' as background music, probably due to the fact that she debuted in the opening the

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Eric Dunbar

Freeway

LP | 1978 | JP | Reissue (HMV Record Shop)

Release: 1976 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Here is the upcoming P-vine presents ＜ultimate TSG Survey＞ reissue series following Ricardo Marrero, The Topics and The ultimates. "Freeway" was released in 1976 as the only work from pianist and composer Eric Dunbar who was based on New Orleans. Almost nobody had the original edition vinyl released by a legendary tax scam label "tsg Records" because this LP had pressed only a few quantities just for tax saving. Currently, this album is well known as one of the most rare and valuable titles among releases of the label. Not only its rarelity but the music itself is also truly almighty, all tracks are full of intense low-mid grooves and skillful brass sections support the base of sound strongly. The opening number "Freeway (m1)" is one of the highlights of this long play. P-vine is proud to present this long awaited reissue with newly digital remastering and Japanese OBI-strip.

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Kingtones & Marie

Resurrect

39,99 €*

Need It Tom Noble & Fredfades Remix

Release: 1978 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Released in 1978 The Kingtones, the doo-wop group with the big hit “Good Night Baby”, tried their hand at city pop.
The album includes three songs by Tatsuro Yamashita: “Let’s Dance Baby”, “Touch Me Rightly” and “My Blue Train”.

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Cosmo With Chuy

12" | 1980 | EU | Reissue (Fantasy Love)

Bubbha Thomas & The Lightmen

Release: 1980 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Electronic & Dance

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This obscure 80s left field disco joint was brought to the table by David Haffner, the tapes were transferred by John Morales & forwarded to friends of the label, Tom Noble & Fredfades, to re-envision the works of 'Cosmo with Chuy', as showcased on this limited 12" release

A few words from Tommy aka 'Cosmo'..

"Cosmo was my nickname. I used to play John Coltrane style on slow ballads etc. Chuy was the singers nickname. Jesus Gomez was his real name I think. I was playing Las Vegas at the time, early 80's, with an Elvis impersonator, Morris Bates, for nearly 4 years. Since Elvis passed in the late 70's the impersonation show was a big success. I played Sax, Flute and sang back up harmonies. We played the Silver Slipper casino, then the Landmark Hotel and casino, 14 shows a week. We toured South Africa and played Morris' home town in Vancouver Canada a lot. The late nite band of Chuy's played at a smaller venue on the strip in Vegas from 12pm to 5am. I sat in and jammed one night, and said I'd like to record a couple tunes with his band. So I coughed up some money and we recorded a few songs"

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Boogie Down

7" | 1980 | EU | Reissue (Pressure Makes Diamonds)

LP | 1977 | US | Reissue (Ubiquity)

Release: 1980 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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On 'Boogie Down' Bubbha Thomas and The Lightmen lean away from the jazzier moods that they were best known for, towards a mid-tempo boogie/funk workout featuring wide open drum breaks, analog synths, fat claps and vibey backing vocals.

The original 45, released in 1980, now goes for silly money if you can find one, so we thought it would be nice to make it available again. Dedicated to the extensive musical and educational work of Bubbha, who passed away at the end of 2020.
Remastered from original master tapes, officially licensed from Now Again.

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Francisco Aguabella

Hitting Hard

Mackey Feary Band Black Vinyl Edition

Release: 1977 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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“Hitting Hard” originally released in 1977 by Epsilon Records is widely regarded as one of Aguabella's seminal works, with its “street-style” rare groove fusing Brazilian, salsa, Latin jazz, and funk flavors. Playing with a talented cast of heavyweights including San Francisco vibist Nerio De Gracia, the dynamic Cedric Deon Bi on vocals, and percussion great Armando Peraza. With original copies still fetching a pretty penny in the secondary market, this limited reissue of essential Latin jazz-funk is a worthy addition to any record collection.

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Mackey Feary Band

LP | 1978 | US | Reissue (Aloha Got Soul)

LP | 1981 | JP | Reissue (P-Vine)

Release: 1978 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Must have rare groove classic from Hawaii * Original tracklisting includes full version of 'Powerslide' * Meticulously restored and remastered by Jessica Thompson * First official reissue outside of Japan

Highly coveted Hawaiian jazz/soul album. The debut album from Mackey Feary’s solo band after departing seminal contemporary Hawaiian group, Kalapana. This LP reads like a who’s who in the local 70s music scene: Nohelani Cypriano (of “Lihue” cult fame), Azure McCall (of Lemuria), Jimmy Funai (who produced Hal Bradbury’s debut), and Gaylord Holomalia (who now runs the island studio where stars record, incl. Kanye West, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey). Unlike other reissues, this Aloha Got Soul pressing includes the full version of “Powerslide” in all its 7-minute glory. An all-time classic must-have record from the Hawaiian Islands.

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Fay

This Is A Blessing

LP | 1970 | Reissue (Be With)

Release: 1981 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Fay Hill has been based in LA since the 1980s and is best known for her 2nd album "Island In My Mind" which was released in 1987 with a rich selection professional musicians and engineers from LA. This, her debut album "This Is A Blessing", released six years earlier in 1981, is by comparison a much more raw and spontaneous affair which in turn spotlights her powerful gospel vocals, and the bustling funk and soul scene of LA in the early 80s.

"I Don't Know You" (m5) is an album highlight produced by Michael ORR who will be familiar to Rare Groove followers along with its wonderful cutting guitar line. "I Know Who You Should See" (m2) and "Any Load You Can Handle" (m7) were also released as single-cut 7 inches at the time and are still in high demand.It's an album truly full of killer tunes, and finally seeing its first reissue in the world!

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Willie Hutch

Season For Love

7" | 1988 | EU | Original (Jimmy's Production)

Release: 1970 / Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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A monumental force firmly rooted in the soul canon, Willie Hutch is most notable for recording two of the best Blaxploitation soundtracks, The Mack and Foxy Brown. Yet his legacy is much greater. Outside of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson, Hutch was arguably Motown's top male solo artist of the 70s. Prior to his association with Gordy et al, Hutch crafted his opening statements for RCA, two vital LPs that Be With Records is honoured to present today. Often-overlooked, his second album Season For Love (1970) is a must for all deep soul fans and has been sought-after by collectors of different stripes for decades. Whereas his debut featured thundering, gritty numbers, Hutch treats us to a mellower soul here - sumptuous, warm and string-led. He compared his approach to that of Otis Redding and there are definite parallels; from the raspy, rough-hewn vocals that tend to roam between sweet and deeply impassioned to the horn-heavy, emphatic sonic backdrops.

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Cousin Brown

Sex's Machine

Release: 1988 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Superfine Feeling Record Store Day 2021 Edition

Rare Pleasure

7" | 1977 | EU | Reissue (Ramrock Retro)

13,99 €*

Here Come The Girls / Back Street Lover Record Store Day 2021 Edition

Release: 1977 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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In 2020, Dance Music don, Ashley Beedle was approached to edit the unreleased track which had a UK 12” vinyl release in 2021 on the charity A's and Bees label. Having heard the track in all its glory, Ramrock Boss Lady, Jo Wallace immediately thought that a 7” edit would sound like a Blackpool Mecca classic that never existed! And so, the editing process began again and, this time, the North Street Collective came up with ‘Superfine Feeling’ 7” Edits and, in the true tradition of soul tracks, named them Pt1 & Pt2. An exuberant, uplifting, Mecca Soul unreleased monster finally receiving the talcumed dancefloor love it deserves 44 years later!

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Ernie K. Doe

7" | 1970 | EU | Reissue (Janus)

11,99 €*

Stand In For Love / Love's Needed Record Store Day 2021 Edition

Release: 1970 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Record Store Day 2021 Release. Most people will remember the Boots advert from 2007 which used Ernie K. Doe's infectious funky 'Here Come The Girls' and caused a surge of new interest in this killer 1970 New Orleans vintage groover. The Sugababes then nicked it and managed a Top 3 hit. However, accept no substiture for the original! An essential Allen Toussaint song and production which should be in everyone's 7Inch box as a staple. Instant flloor-filler anywhere and everywhere.

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Pandella Kelly

7" | 1971 | EU | Reissue (Horoscope)

The Sweetest Thing / Someone Else's Arm Record Store Day 2021 Edition

Release: 1971 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Record Store Day 2021 Release. Quite simply, this is one of the rarest records in the world right now. Literally less than a handful of copies and we're talking multi-thousand megabucks to anyone that can prise this out of any long-term collectors box. Good luck with that. Produced by the O'Jay's, written by Eddie Levert and released on the tiny Horoscope label, this is a Soulful work of art which completely justifies it's price. Now available on the original label for everyone to have a chance at owning this masterpiece. A 50th year anniversary release for RSD.

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Channel 3

7" | 1973 | EU | Reissue (Dakar)

Round Robin And Brimstone

Release: 1973 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Record Store Day 2021 Release. This one-off 1973 release turned out to be the only recordings of Chicago veterans Channel 3. Powered by a brilliant Carl Davis production, a sublime William Sanders arrangement and a sterling Willie Henderson rhythm, 'The Sweetest Thing' is quite simply a masterpiece of Chicago Soul which has become even more popular over the years. A mint original is £250+ these days so this has been long overdue for a 7 Inch release.

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Round Robin And Brimstone Record Store Day 2021 Edition

LP | 1980 | US | Reissue (Luv N' Haight)

30,39 €* 31,99 € -5%

Give Me The Sunshine Record Store Day 2021 Edition

Release: 1980 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Record Store Day 2021 Release.
Limitation: 1200 copies.

The highly sought after self-titled album by Round Robin and Brimstone typically changes collector's hands for hundreds of dollars and has been on the radar of modern soul/boogie fans for some time with featured cuts on Kon and Amir's "Off Track Vol.1" and our own Groove Merchant Turns 20 compilation. Deep Funk/Soul enthusiasts also know "The Round Robin Monopoly" band which is another project by band leader Robin Lloyd.

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Leo's Sunshipp

7" | 1978 | UK | Reissue (Expansion)

20,99 €*

LP | 1975 | EU | Reissue (Wewantsounds)

Release: 1978 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Record Store Day 2021 Release.

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Sylvia

Sweet Stuff

33,99 €*

7" | 1978 | US | Reissue (Fraternity)

Release: 1975 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Soul Classic BY Soul and Hip Hop Godmother Sylvia Robinson, Released IN 1975 on her Vibration Label and reissued on Vinyl for the first Time IN Decades, With Bonus Tracks.

Wewantsounds is delighted to reissue Sylvia Robinson's super rare soul LP released in 1975 on her Vibration label, part of her All-Platinum/Stang/Turbo empire. A few years later, she would launch Sugarhill Records and put hip hop on the map with "Rapper's Delight" in 1979 and "The Message" in 1982. "Sweet Stuff" features several Sylvia cult classics including "Private Performance," "Soul Je T'aime", a cover of Serge Gainsbourg's "Je T'aime Moi Non Plus" and the mellow favourite "Sho Nuff Boogie" recorded with The Moments. As bonus tracks, the release features "Sho Nuff Boogie, Part 2" which only came out as the single's b-side at the time and the long version of "Soul Je T'aime", all packaged in the album's original artwork. Born and raised in New York, Sylvia Robinson began recording at a young age under the name "Little Sylvia" in the early 1950s. She gained exposure when she teamed up with Mickey Baker scoring a hit in 1956 with "Love Is Strange" as Mickey & Sylvia. She went on to record many singles during the late 50s and 60s before setting up her own label, All Platinum Records in 1966 followed by Stang Records and Vibration. Through these labels, she had several hit records in the 70s as a producer including The Moments' "Love On A Two Way Street" and Shirley & Co's "Shame Shame Shame". ? Sylvia Robinson continued to record as a solo artist shortening her name as 'Sylvia'. She got a massive hit of her own with "Pillow Talk" in 1973, a song she'd originally penned with Al Green in mind. The song went to nr 3 in the charts and started a string of other hits over the next few years. In 1973 she covered Serge Gainsbourg's 1969 megahit "Je T'aime Moi Non Plus" renaming it here "Soul Je T'Aime" and duetting with Fania Records' Latin soul singer Ralfi Pagan. ? The following year was also busy for the singer and producer with three singles that went to the R&B chart: the Soul Ballad "Alfredo", the Funky "Private Performance" and "Sho Nuff Boogie," sung with The Moments. They are all featured on the album "Sweet Stuff" which was released in 1975. Interestingly the song "Sweet Stuff" notoriously sampled by J Dilla for "Crushin'" doesn't appear on this album even if "Sho Nuff Boogie" sounds very much like a forerunner of the song with its similar languorous pace and almost identical melody. "Sweet Stuff" is packed with other tasty soul songs including "I Can't Help It", "The Notion" and "Love Is The Only Thing." Four years later in 1979, Sylvia Robinson would make another genius move with the launch of Sugarhill Records and the Sugarhill Gang's single "Rapper's Delight" which would revolutionize music and almost single-handedly launch hip hop but that's another chapter of Sylvia Robinson's life. Wewantsounds is delighted to reissue one of her rarest albums from her best 70s period for the first time in decades and make it available on vinyl.

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La Pregunta

Shangri La

LP | 1975 | US | Reissue (Demon)

Release: 1978 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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True school heads already know the deal! One of the all-time classic, original break beats, “Shangri La” is a must for any crate. The mysterious La Pregunta came out with this double A-side single in 1978 and it immediately was in rotation for all dance floors — from disco heads to b-boy circles. “Paradise is very nice!” is the familiar catch-phrase that follows the instantly recognizable, uptempo drum break, and paradise is where DJs will be with doubles of this very cut-able small-hole 7-inch. Following the layout of an alternate pressing of the original 12-inch, the Fraternity Music Group’s from-the-masters reissue has the lesser-known “saxophone mix” as the flip side, but for the first time, a tape speed alteration from the original has been fixed, leaving both sides at the same tempo as they were first recorded. Perfect replica labels and a high-quality 33 RPM pressing round out the package of this essential ultimate break. Real DJs Have Doubles!

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Total Eclipse

A Great Combination

Release: 1975 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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I Always Wanted To Be In The Band

Step By Step

LP | 1976 | US | Reissue (Demon)

Release: 1976 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The Best Of Philadelphia International Records

V.A.

LP | 1981 | EU | Reissue (Sony Music Catalog)

26,99 €*

Release: 1981 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1977 | EU | Reissue (Mad About)

Syndicate

Conveyance

LP | 1976 | UK | Reissue (Matsuli Music)

Release: 1977 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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In Summer 1977, Syndicate band from Las Cruces, New Mexico, recorded and released this album "Conveyance". It is the only recording the band ever released. Super rare Latin Funk album from New Mexico with a killer cover of Curtis Mayfield and the Sisters Love masterpiece "Give Me Your Love".

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Harari (The Beaters)

Rufaro

LP | 1975 | EU | Reissue (Matsuli Music)

Release: 1976 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Top reissue of their in demand 1976 LP by the super group. Includes the long jam ''Oya Kai'', keeps on going.. Also holds their known tune ''Musikana'', killer groove. Alec Khaoli, Selby Ntuli and Sipho Mabuse with their first album as Harari made a great debut channeling a raw energie following up their LP as the beaters. The Beaters – Harari was released in 1975. After changing their name, Harari went into the studio late in 1976 to record their follow-up, Rufaro / Happiness. In 1976 they were voted South Africa’s top instrumental group and were in high demand at concert venues across the country. Comprising former schoolmates guitarist and singer Selby Ntuli, bassist Alec Khaoli, lead guitarist Monty Ndimande and drummer Sipho Mabuse, the group had come a long way from playing American-styled instrumental soul in the late sixties to delivering two Afro-rock masterpieces. Before these two albums the Beaters had been disciples of ‘Soweto Soul’ – an explosion of township bands drawing on American soul and inspired by the assertive image of Stax and Motown’s Black artists. The Beaters supported Percy Sledge on his 1970 South African tour (and later Timmy Thomas, Brook Benton and Wilson Pickett). But their watershed moment was their three month tour of Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) where they were inspired by the strengthening independence struggle and musicians such as Thomas Mapfumo who were turning to African influences. On their return, the neat Nehru jackets that had been the band’s earliest stage wear were replaced by dashikis and Afros. “In Harari we rediscovered our African-ness, the infectious rhythms and music of the continent. We came back home inspired! We were overhauling ourselves into dashiki-clad musicians who were Black Power saluting and so on.” Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, talking of the band’s time spent on tour in the (then) Rhodesian township from where they took their name. As well as expressing confident African politics, Alec Khaoli recalled, they pioneered by demonstrating that such messages could also be carried by “...happy music. During apartheid times we made people laugh and dance when things weren’t looking good.” The two albums capture the band on the cusp of this transition. One the first album Harari, Inhlupeko Iphelile, Push It On and Thiba Kamoo immediately signal the new Afro-centric fusion of rock, funk and indigenous influences. Amercian soul pop is not forgotten with Love, Love, Love and, helped along by Kippie Moeketsi and Pat Matshikiza a bump-jive workout What’s Happening concludes the album. The second album Rufaro pushes the African identity and fusion further, with key tracks Oya Kai (Where are you going?), Musikana and Uzulu whilst the more pop-styled Rufaro and Afro-Gas point to where Harari were headed to in years to come. The popularity and sales generated by these two classic albums saw them signed by Gallo and release just two more albums with the original line-up before the untimely death of Selby Ntuli in 1978. Whilst they went on to greater success, even landing a song in the US Billboard Disco Hot 100 in 1982, it was never the same again. “Harari’s music still speaks directly to one of my goals as a younger artist: to express myself as an African without pretending that I don’t have all these other musical elements – classical, jazz, house – inside me.” (Thandi Ntuli, niece of Selby Ntuli).

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The Beaters

Harari

27,54 €* 28,99 € -5%

LP | 1983 | JP | Reissue (P-Vine)

Release: 1975 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Excellent reissue of this amazing LP by the South African super group. Check the tunes ''Harari'' and 'Thiba Kamoo'', super groovy arrangements and tight cohesion between Alec Khaoli on bass guitar and Sipho Mabuse on drums, laced with the soaring vocals and guitar play by Selby Ntuli. Tip! The Beaters – Harari was released in 1975. After changing their name, Harari went into the studio late in 1976 to record their follow-up, Rufaro / Happiness. In 1976 they were voted South Africa’s top instrumental group and were in high demand at concert venues across the country. Comprising former schoolmates guitarist and singer Selby Ntuli, bassist Alec Khaoli, lead guitarist Monty Ndimande and drummer Sipho Mabuse, the group had come a long way from playing American-styled instrumental soul in the late sixties to delivering two Afro-rock masterpieces. Before these two albums the Beaters had been disciples of ‘Soweto Soul’ – an explosion of township bands drawing on American soul and inspired by the assertive image of Stax and Motown’s Black artists. The Beaters supported Percy Sledge on his 1970 South African tour (and later Timmy Thomas, Brook Benton and Wilson Pickett). But their watershed moment was their three month tour of Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) where they were inspired by the strengthening independence struggle and musicians such as Thomas Mapfumo who were turning to African influences. On their return, the neat Nehru jackets that had been the band’s earliest stage wear were replaced by dashikis and Afros. “In Harari we rediscovered our African-ness, the infectious rhythms and music of the continent. We came back home inspired! We were overhauling ourselves into dashiki-clad musicians who were Black Power saluting and so on.” Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, talking of the band’s time spent on tour in the (then) Rhodesian township from where they took their name. As well as expressing confident African politics, Alec Khaoli recalled, they pioneered by demonstrating that such messages could also be carried by “...happy music. During apartheid times we made people laugh and dance when things weren’t looking good.” The two albums capture the band on the cusp of this transition. One the first album Harari, Inhlupeko Iphelile, Push It On and Thiba Kamoo immediately signal the new Afro-centric fusion of rock, funk and indigenous influences. Amercian soul pop is not forgotten with Love, Love, Love and, helped along by Kippie Moeketsi and Pat Matshikiza a bump-jive workout What’s Happening concludes the album. The second album Rufaro pushes the African identity and fusion further, with key tracks Oya Kai (Where are you going?), Musikana and Uzulu whilst the more pop-styled Rufaro and Afro-Gas point to where Harari were headed to in years to come. The popularity and sales generated by these two classic albums saw them signed by Gallo and release just two more albums with the original line-up before the untimely death of Selby Ntuli in 1978. Whilst they went on to greater success, even landing a song in the US Billboard Disco Hot 100 in 1982, it was never the same again. “Harari’s music still speaks directly to one of my goals as a younger artist: to express myself as an African without pretending that I don’t have all these other musical elements – classical, jazz, house – inside me.” (Thandi Ntuli, niece of Selby Ntuli).

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Jim Schmidt

Somethin' Right

Novaphonia Black Vinyl Edition

Release: 1983 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Long awaited reissue for AOR fans is here! JIM Schmidt is a American Christian singer actived in 80's west coast and his only work "Somethin’Right" had been released in 1983 from Emerald Records, produced and arranged by Terry Winch. this work was highly regarded as a masterpiece of CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) AOR, the chorus participation of Richard Page and Steve George of Paiges and some tracks is compsed by Bob Wilson from Seawind and Roby Duke. AOR listeners can not stand with opening tune "Love Has Taken It All Away"! this reissue will come with OBI-strip.

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Antonio L. Newton

LP | 1987 | US | Reissue (Tidal Waves Music)

LP | 1976 | EU | Reissue (Demon)

Release: 1987 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Antonio L. Newton AKA Tony Newton (born 1948) is a multi-instrumentalist from Detroit, MI who began his professional career at the age of thirteen, playing bass guitar with blues legends like John Lee Hooker and T-Bone Walker. Discovered by Motown executive Hank Cosby while playing the Detroit blues circuit at the age of 18, he became the touring bassist with Smokey Robinson and the Miracles on the famed 1965 European ‘Motown Review’ tour. Within two years, Newton became the Miracles’ musical director.

Tony Newton also toured and recorded with other Motown artists such as The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5…and countless others. Earning the nickname “the Baby Funk Brother” he left his trademark of solid, hard-driving and deftly clever grooves on such timeless hits as “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” “Stop In The Name Of Love,” “Nowhere to Run,” “ABC,” “Never Can Say Goodbye,” “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” and many others. Next to his impressive body of work for Motown, Newton can be heard on several hit singles from labels like Invictus-Hotwax and Stax. Later, Newton gained recognition as a member of both the acclaimed jazz-rock fusion group: The New Tony Williams Lifetime (headed by Miles Davis’ drummer Tony Williams) and the British hard rock group: G-Force (with veteran guitarist Gary Moore).

Tony Newton also recorded several solo albums during his impressive career, including the two total classics: ‘Mysticism & Romance’ (1978) and ‘Novaphonia’ (1987).

On the album, we are presenting you today (Novaphonia from 1987) the listener is treated to something Unique (and this is not an overstatement). Newton really puts the ‘multi’ into multi-instrumentalist, playing the synthesizers, the electric bass and the drum machine. Experimental is the keyword here, sounds vary from psych/trance (almost like a soundtrack from a space movie), to funk, fusion, rock, R&B, soul and jazz. Novaphonia has both elements of Tony Newton’s impressive musical past and his vision for the future.

Spacious synths, unusual instruments and an all-around cosmic approach make this an ‘out of this world’ and Very intriguing album. Resonant, sonically rich, sonorous, colorful, mind-expanding sounds are what one should expect from the 20th century Novaphonic sound developed to its greatest extent. These harmonies are innately pleasing to the human ear, mind and nervous system.

Explore new musical frontiers intended to catapult the listener towards new dimensions…this is an album that just begs for a special place in your record collection!

Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first-ever vinyl reissue of ‘Novaphonia’ since its release in 1987. This rare & private pressed album (original copies tend to go for large amounts on the secondary market) is now finally back available as a limited 180g vinyl edition (500 copies) complete with the original artwork.

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Jackie Wilson

Nobody But You

Release: 1976 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1973 | EU | Reissue (Demon)

Brown Sugar

Featuring Clydie King

Release: 1973 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Life & Times Clear Vinyl Edition

Bubbha Thomas

39,99 €*

I Don't Know / This Is A Blessing

Release: 1985 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Clear vinyl edition limited to 100 copies worldwide.

Houston’s reputation for developing first-class jazz acts is well-established, as a stream of young players has been distinguishing themselves for decades…among those musicians and mentors who stood tallest, Bubbha Thomas was no exception (and a major key-player) in this long tradition of talent.

Before becoming an artist and educator, Bubbha Thomas (born 1937) was a Fourth Ward kid who grew up in a music-filled household. In High School, he divided his time between music & basketball (he excelled at both) and studied with jazz legend Conrad “Prof” Johnson. “Prof” would later bring jazz glory to Texas with the Kashmere Stage Band, the group of teenagers who would win the “Best High School Stage Band In The Nation” prize in Mobile, Alabama in 1972 and who were anthologized in 2006 on Now-Again’s ‘Thunder Soul’ (which led to the 2010 Jamie Foxx documentary of the same name).

After finishing college, Bubbha got drafted in the service (he was a Korean War veteran) and would return to Houston in the early 1960s where he found work as a session drummer for the Duke and Peacock labels. Thomas drummed on recordings by O.V. Wright, Buddy Ace and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. He was playing his own stuff and backing luminaries such as R&B singer Chuck Jackson and homegrown legends like Lightnin’ Hopkins. Bubbha Thomas also teamed up with some of his equally legendary peers (like guitarist Melvin Sparks & organist Leon Spencer) and eventually established his own group, the Jazz Merchants.

Bubbha learned every style that was thrown at him and he played straight-ahead jazz with renowned artists before the political and social upheaval of the late 1960s led him to a path first charted by Coltrane and Sun Ra…the result of these newfound influences was the incredible spiritual jazz ensemble ‘The Lightmen’, who released four incredible recordings in the 1970s. Their first album ‘Free As You wanna be’ predates the deep-set, maverick jazz issued by the likes of Tribe and Strata East and is a harbinger of some of the best in the 1970s jazz underground. The Lightmen albums eventually fell out of print until 2017 when the Now-Again record label brought them back into circulation and generated new interest in Bubbha Thomas’ work.

Thomas had a storied career as a drummer and bandleader, but perhaps his most enduring work is that as a founder of Houston’s Summer Jazz Workshop, a remarkable program that nurtured upcoming talent for generations…we can’t begin to count the number of young people who benefitted from the exposure to music-arts because of Bubbha Thomas and what he meant to the Houston music community. In his career he earned five Grammy nominations and authored a pair of books. Next to this he was also a writer/editor for several local newspapers, ran one of the first Houston African American Television shows and he hosted a radio program on KYOK. Impressive to say the least!

Bubbha Thomas passed away in March 2020 at the age of 82. It was obvious he was a principled, fiery & wise person…and any anger he felt at America’s (and the world’s) injustices he met with music, intellect, activism and unity!

Next to his work with ‘’The Lightmen’’, Bubbha also released the fantastic (solo) album ‘Life & Times’ in 1985. ‘Life & Times’ (which we are proudly presenting you today) is particularly interesting to boogie-enthusiasts because of its high doses of funky twerks, solid grooves, crazy synth work, soulful vocals and excellent drum-beats courtesy of Mr. Thomas himself. You’ll quickly find yourself shaking hips the moment the needle hits the first track! The whole album is backed by a fantastic cast of all-star players and includes Howard Harris (Ruth Copeland), Dwight Sills (Bobby Lyle – TLC), Jerry McPherson (Donna Summer), Leo Polk (Kashmere Stage Band), John Gordon (Strata-East) and Jackie Simley (Queen Latifah – Lionel Richie). All of the above makes this LP an essential purchase for any self-respecting fan and collector.

Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the FIRST ever vinyl reissue of this fantastic album (originally released in 1985 on Lightin’ Records). This rare record (original copies tend to go for large amounts on the secondary market) is now finally back available as a limited 180g vinyl edition (500 copies) complete with the original artwork.

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Fay

7" | 1981 | EU | Reissue (P-Vine)

LP | 1974 | UK | Reissue (Mr Bongo)

Release: 1981 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Fay's only work "This Is A Blessing" Originally released in 1981 has never been reissued in history but it was the finest and overlooked masterpiece of 80's city soul …p-vine would like to present 2 tracks from that album as 7inch EP! These tracks are edited by Michael Orr, who well known by "Spread Love" which has inpressive front cover, for just this release!

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Tom Brock

I Love You More And More

22,99 €*

Release: 1974 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Al 'Man' Muntzie And The Embraceables

Die Happy / Die Happy (Instrumental) Red Vinyl Edition

7" | 1976 | UK | Reissue (Mr Bongo)

16,99 €*

Al 'Man' Muntzie And The Embraceables

Release: 1976 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Official Mr Bongo Soul Reissue We stumbled onto Al Muntzie's under the radar soul beauty 'Die Happy' after conducting an interview with Joe Quarterman for a feature on our website. It got us salivating about the prospect of further productions, which Joe had recorded, but had perhaps been overlooked. 'Die Happy' was originally released in 1976 and was the only release on S.B. Moon Records. The record has a crossover vibe as it sits beautifully between modern soul, funk, and proto-disco. Initial research didn't shed much light onto the background of the song. The trail was sparse, other than the record appearing on the sales list of rare-soul collectors and record dealers. So we decided to go back to the source and find out about the record directly from Joe himself. "I met Al Muntzie through my bass guitar player, Elliot Adams. Elliot informed me that Al was looking for a song that was funky and suitable for a group. At that time, 1976 - 79, I had written the words and melody to 'Die Happy" and Elliot cranked out a mean bass part that gave the song life. He should be credited as co-writer for his outstanding bass part. At this time my band, FreeSoul, had dis-banded and worked as sideman musicians. Elliot and I made a demo of the song on a cassette and we let Al Muntzie hear it: he liked it. We set a recording date at the Omega Recording Studio in northern Virginia. We used a combination of two bands; FreeSoul and Experience Unlimited (eu). Al sang lead vocal and me and the Embracebles did the background vocals. Al was very cooperative and did not say much during the session. He followed my direction and got the job done. The session took all day into the late evening hours where we mixed and mastered the tune to perfection. We had a good time creating this work of art." We are forever thankful to Joe for giving us the opportunity to present this fantastic production by Al, Elliot, and Joe, and to give it the new lease of life, which it rightfully deserves.

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Die Happy / Die Happy (Instrumental) Black Vinyl Edition

7" | 1976 | UK | Reissue (Mr Bongo)

OST That's The Way Of The World

Release: 1976 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Earth, Wind & Fire

LP | 1975 | EU | Reissue (Music On Vinyl)

28,49 €* 29,99 € -5%

Release: 1975 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Second Best (Is Never Enough) Blue Vinyl Edition

The Finishing Touch

12" | 1974 | UK | Reissue (Brookside Music)

11,99 €*

Release: 1974 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Philly Groove and Brookside are back at it! This time with a remix edit of Finishing Touch - 'Second Best (Is Never Enough)'. Side A gets a Mike Maurro Remix, edited down to a DJ friendly 7'' version and the B Side contains the original single version. Pressed on limited edition blue vinyl 7'' for the collectors.

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The Ultimates

You're My Lady

56,99 €*

Release: 1976 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Well known as a super rare vinyl of sweet soul will be reissued again by P-vine! originally issued by the TSG records in 1976 according to producer Bruce Clark, TSG's LP is bootleg as well as The Topics

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The Topics

Giving Up

54,99 €*

LP | 1985 | EU | Reissue (Favorite)

Release: 1976 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The current market price is over 3000 dollars?! P-vine reissues the TSG version LP of The Topics again for over 20 years! Aaccording to producer Bruce Clark, TSG's LP is bootleg as well as Ultimates' one

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George Sauma Jr.

21,99 €*

Everybody Needs Lovin, Nows The Time / Hey Look At Me

Release: 1985 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Favorite Recordings proudly presents an exclusive eponymous LP by Brazilian singer and composer George Sauma Jr., originally produced in 1985. Imagine a never-marketed release on which you’d hear not only the beautiful and genuine George’s songs but also the work from two figures of the Brazilian Music Golden Age: Arthur Verocai and Junior Mendes! A much-needed album for all Brazilian connoisseurs. Back in the days, George Sauma Jr. was a young artist from Rio de Janeiro, learning on his side how to play chords and compose songs since he was 10. Still at the university, he’s influenced by Brazilian artists like Cassiano or Tim Maia, deeply fascinated by the arrangements and the “levada” (the groove) of all these new Brazilian songs. Simple and romantic music that resonated to his soul and creativity. Around 1985, the story took an unexpected turn. George tells: “Dna Deyse Lucidy, the mother of Junior Mendes was a candidate for deputy and went to my father’s company to advertise. When I saw her, I shouted, “I’m a big fan of your son!” ” Of course, she could not praise more the work of her son. On her advises, George went to his studio on Rua Siqueria Campos at Copacabana. Junior loved the project and sent him to Arthur Verocai to improve the arrangements. Without money, the decision was taken to record everything at Junior Mendes’ studio on an 8-channel mixer. It was a small set-up but the emotions were there! George surely had other plans for some of his songs but without the budget, they ended up doing everything the best they could. And they did very fine with a top-notch team of musicians: Paulo Black on Drums, Arthur Verocai on Guitar, Ricardo Do Canto on Bass and Helvius Vilela on Keyboards. Leaving the studio with the tapes, George tried to knock doors of international labels, but none did even dare to give him an answer. With less than 1000 copies pressed back in the days and without any distributor or label behind him, he went with proud to record stores, but received nothing than a strong reality check regarding the difficulties for a young Brazilian artist to achieve something on the saturated market of the 80s. Even for free, record stores didn’t want it. In the end, he ended up giving copies to friends and families, knowing deep inside that the songs were good! George tells: “I decided to leave, calm and conscious. I’ve still made three more albums, however on tapes, as it was more affordable. This time, just for my pleasure…”. Thirty-five years after, it’s with great emotion that this first album by George Sauma Jr. is now made available as Vinyl LP with its original offset printed innersleeve & CD.

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Jelly

7" | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Fantasy Love)

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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In the Spring of 1978, Aaron McCarthy Jr, a.k.a. ‘Jelly’ was invited to Miami by local producer, Thomas Fundora to assist Herman Kelly with his forthcoming album, ‘Percussion Explosion!’. Herman, who was studying at the University of Miami at the time, had met Jelly whilst studying Music Theory together at Henry Ford Community College in Detroit. Both Detroit natives, Jelly had founded the group the Soulful Sonics, later to be known as Pure Pleasure whilst Herman transferred to Miami. The group Life consisted of Jelly on Vocals, Percussion & arrangement, Oliver Wells on Keys, John DeMonica on Bass, Michal Cordoza on, Guitar, Travis Biggs on Horn Arrangements and Keys. ‘Percussion Explosion!’, which included the infamous ‘Dance To The Drummer Beat’, was recorded at ‘Miami Sound Studios’, as a forthcoming release on Fundora’s Electric Cat label, distributed by RCA. On reviewing which tracks made the album, there was a track recorded during those sessions that Herman decided to leave out, a song Oliver Wells had been working on and completed once Jelly arrived called ‘Everybody Needs Lovin, Now’s The Time’. Originally known as ‘Now’s The Time’, Jelly finalised the lyrics and arrangement and cut a deal with Fundora to transfer the master for an independent release on a joint label ‘fu-ja’, made up of FU (Fundora) & JA (Jelly). Jelly had started performing professionally after joining the Navy in 1970. Stationed at Naval Air Station Glynco in Brunswick Georgia, he was part of the Navy band as well as working the clubs with local groups. ‘Hey Look At Me’ was written whilst in boot camp, a song that when he performed & won with at a Whcb talent show upon returning to Detroit. The song was recorded using a 4 track in 1976 at Richard Wells Studio, Detroit. During the late 70s, Jelly was pursuing a successful career in music locally in Detroit by hiring spaces and hosting cabarets. A graduate of local teacher & Motown Orchestra player Ernie Rodgers, Jelly would hire musicians from his class to perform with him at these events. The majority of players who would become Jelly’s group, ‘Skybirst’. Both ‘Hey Look At Me’ & ‘Everybody Needs Lovin, Now’s The Time’ were mastered by Greg Reilly at Super Disc in Detroit and sent to Nashville to get pressed as a quantity of 200. Jelly released his single in July of 1978 as part of a show he had lined up at ‘Mr Kelley’s Lounge’, an exclusive venue in downtown Detroit. Fast forward 30+ years, Jelly was reminded about this single after Brad Hales of Peoples Records played this track at a European Soul Weekender that, needlessly to say, saw a regained interest in this elusive single. Jelly’s currently working on his biography so be sure to look out for that, it’s a pleasure to be able to present to you these two timeless tracks.

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Danny Dee

Movin' In

7" | 1976 | EU | Reissue (South Street Disco)

Release: 1976 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Danny Dee aka Lil Albert was an original member of Hawaii's Society of Seven, P-Vine present a vinyl reisue of his sought-after 1976 album Movin' in.

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Rare Pleasure

Let Me Down Easy

12" | 1981 | EU | Reissue (Record Shack)

Release: 1976 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The instantly recognisable, Northern / Modern Soul crossover, Rare Pleasure – Let Me Down Easy, featuring the entrancing Sandy Barber on lead vocals, gets a much-welcomed official reissue on 7" for RSD. A classic in it’s own right, alongside being expertly sampled by David Morales for the house anthem ‘Needin’ U’, original’s trade hands for £100+ so an official reissue is long overdue.

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Touch Down

Ease Your Mind

13,99 €*

Rockin - Poppin Full Tilting

Release: 1981 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Full colour picture sleeve - officially licensed and remastered 12 inch reissue. Seen as one of the sparks that ignited the bridge between the Brit-Funk and UK Disco styles, Touchdown's 'Ease Your Mind' is a British classic from back in '81. Released on the iconic, influential and original UK dance music label Record Shack from the minds of Jeff Weston and Northern Soul, Blackpool Mecca and Wigan casino DJ/Promoter/icon, Ian Levine.

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Lee Alfred

7" | 1980 | EU | Reissue (Cancer)

Jackie Wilson / Doris & Kelley

Release: 1980 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Black 7" dinked centre hole vinyl. Fully remastered reissue with replica artwork of this super sought after slice of 1980’s disco, 'Rockin – Poppin Full Tilting' celebrating the 40th anniversary of it's original release. A classic in it's own right, Midland brought it back to the forefront of people's minds, expertly sampling it in the 2016 summer anthem ‘Final Credits’, leaving many scrambling to find an original copy of the 7 inch. And with prices in excess of £125 it's high time an official reissue came around.

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Because Of You / You Don't Have To Worry

7" | 1973 | UK | Reissue (Deptford Northern Soul Club)

Life & Times Bone Colored Vinyl Edition

Release: 1973 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Soul legend Jackie Wilson’s 1973 Brunswick single is a smooth, hook-laden, vibe-driven classic that goes for £80 and upwards. In typically fine voice, Jackie’s ‘Because Of You’ is an aching tale of the power of love that’s irresistible. ? Backed with Dori

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Bubbha Thomas

25,59 €* 31,99 € -20%

Life & Times Black Vinyl Edition

Release: 1985 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LImited to 100 copies on bone colored vinyl. Only at HHV.

Houston’s reputation for developing first-class jazz acts is well-established, as a stream of young players has been distinguishing themselves for decades…among those musicians and mentors who stood tallest, Bubbha Thomas was no exception (and a major key-player) in this long tradition of talent.

Before becoming an artist and educator, Bubbha Thomas (born 1937) was a Fourth Ward kid who grew up in a music-filled household. In High School, he divided his time between music & basketball (he excelled at both) and studied with jazz legend Conrad “Prof” Johnson. “Prof” would later bring jazz glory to Texas with the Kashmere Stage Band, the group of teenagers who would win the “Best High School Stage Band In The Nation” prize in Mobile, Alabama in 1972 and who were anthologized in 2006 on Now-Again’s ‘Thunder Soul’ (which led to the 2010 Jamie Foxx documentary of the same name).

After finishing college, Bubbha got drafted in the service (he was a Korean War veteran) and would return to Houston in the early 1960s where he found work as a session drummer for the Duke and Peacock labels. Thomas drummed on recordings by O.V. Wright, Buddy Ace and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. He was playing his own stuff and backing luminaries such as R&B singer Chuck Jackson and homegrown legends like Lightnin’ Hopkins. Bubbha Thomas also teamed up with some of his equally legendary peers (like guitarist Melvin Sparks & organist Leon Spencer) and eventually established his own group, the Jazz Merchants.

Bubbha learned every style that was thrown at him and he played straight-ahead jazz with renowned artists before the political and social upheaval of the late 1960s led him to a path first charted by Coltrane and Sun Ra…the result of these newfound influences was the incredible spiritual jazz ensemble ‘The Lightmen’, who released four incredible recordings in the 1970s. Their first album ‘Free As You wanna be’ predates the deep-set, maverick jazz issued by the likes of Tribe and Strata East and is a harbinger of some of the best in the 1970s jazz underground. The Lightmen albums eventually fell out of print until 2017 when the Now-Again record label brought them back into circulation and generated new interest in Bubbha Thomas’ work.

Thomas had a storied career as a drummer and bandleader, but perhaps his most enduring work is that as a founder of Houston’s Summer Jazz Workshop, a remarkable program that nurtured upcoming talent for generations…we can’t begin to count the number of young people who benefitted from the exposure to music-arts because of Bubbha Thomas and what he meant to the Houston music community. In his career he earned five Grammy nominations and authored a pair of books. Next to this he was also a writer/editor for several local newspapers, ran one of the first Houston African American Television shows and he hosted a radio program on KYOK. Impressive to say the least!

Bubbha Thomas passed away in March 2020 at the age of 82. It was obvious he was a principled, fiery & wise person…and any anger he felt at America’s (and the world’s) injustices he met with music, intellect, activism and unity!

Next to his work with ‘’The Lightmen’’, Bubbha also released the fantastic (solo) album ‘Life & Times’ in 1985. ‘Life & Times’ (which we are proudly presenting you today) is particularly interesting to boogie-enthusiasts because of its high doses of funky twerks, solid grooves, crazy synth work, soulful vocals and excellent drum-beats courtesy of Mr. Thomas himself. You’ll quickly find yourself shaking hips the moment the needle hits the first track! The whole album is backed by a fantastic cast of all-star players and includes Howard Harris (Ruth Copeland), Dwight Sills (Bobby Lyle – TLC), Jerry McPherson (Donna Summer), Leo Polk (Kashmere Stage Band), John Gordon (Strata-East) and Jackie Simley (Queen Latifah – Lionel Richie). All of the above makes this LP an essential purchase for any self-respecting fan and collector.

Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the FIRST ever vinyl reissue of this fantastic album (originally released in 1985 on Lightin’ Records). This rare record (original copies tend to go for large amounts on the secondary market) is now finally back available as a limited 180g vinyl edition complete with the original artwork.

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Bubbha Thomas

Makoto Kubota And The Sunset Band

Release: 1985 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Black vinyl edition limited to 500 copies worldwide.

Houston’s reputation for developing first-class jazz acts is well-established, as a stream of young players has been distinguishing themselves for decades…among those musicians and mentors who stood tallest, Bubbha Thomas was no exception (and a major key-player) in this long tradition of talent.

Before becoming an artist and educator, Bubbha Thomas (born 1937) was a Fourth Ward kid who grew up in a music-filled household. In High School, he divided his time between music & basketball (he excelled at both) and studied with jazz legend Conrad “Prof” Johnson. “Prof” would later bring jazz glory to Texas with the Kashmere Stage Band, the group of teenagers who would win the “Best High School Stage Band In The Nation” prize in Mobile, Alabama in 1972 and who were anthologized in 2006 on Now-Again’s ‘Thunder Soul’ (which led to the 2010 Jamie Foxx documentary of the same name).

After finishing college, Bubbha got drafted in the service (he was a Korean War veteran) and would return to Houston in the early 1960s where he found work as a session drummer for the Duke and Peacock labels. Thomas drummed on recordings by O.V. Wright, Buddy Ace and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. He was playing his own stuff and backing luminaries such as R&B singer Chuck Jackson and homegrown legends like Lightnin’ Hopkins. Bubbha Thomas also teamed up with some of his equally legendary peers (like guitarist Melvin Sparks & organist Leon Spencer) and eventually established his own group, the Jazz Merchants.

Bubbha learned every style that was thrown at him and he played straight-ahead jazz with renowned artists before the political and social upheaval of the late 1960s led him to a path first charted by Coltrane and Sun Ra…the result of these newfound influences was the incredible spiritual jazz ensemble ‘The Lightmen’, who released four incredible recordings in the 1970s. Their first album ‘Free As You wanna be’ predates the deep-set, maverick jazz issued by the likes of Tribe and Strata East and is a harbinger of some of the best in the 1970s jazz underground. The Lightmen albums eventually fell out of print until 2017 when the Now-Again record label brought them back into circulation and generated new interest in Bubbha Thomas’ work.

Thomas had a storied career as a drummer and bandleader, but perhaps his most enduring work is that as a founder of Houston’s Summer Jazz Workshop, a remarkable program that nurtured upcoming talent for generations…we can’t begin to count the number of young people who benefitted from the exposure to music-arts because of Bubbha Thomas and what he meant to the Houston music community. In his career he earned five Grammy nominations and authored a pair of books. Next to this he was also a writer/editor for several local newspapers, ran one of the first Houston African American Television shows and he hosted a radio program on KYOK. Impressive to say the least!

Bubbha Thomas passed away in March 2020 at the age of 82. It was obvious he was a principled, fiery & wise person…and any anger he felt at America’s (and the world’s) injustices he met with music, intellect, activism and unity!

Next to his work with ‘’The Lightmen’’, Bubbha also released the fantastic (solo) album ‘Life & Times’ in 1985. ‘Life & Times’ (which we are proudly presenting you today) is particularly interesting to boogie-enthusiasts because of its high doses of funky twerks, solid grooves, crazy synth work, soulful vocals and excellent drum-beats courtesy of Mr. Thomas himself. You’ll quickly find yourself shaking hips the moment the needle hits the first track! The whole album is backed by a fantastic cast of all-star players and includes Howard Harris (Ruth Copeland), Dwight Sills (Bobby Lyle – TLC), Jerry McPherson (Donna Summer), Leo Polk (Kashmere Stage Band), John Gordon (Strata-East) and Jackie Simley (Queen Latifah – Lionel Richie). All of the above makes this LP an essential purchase for any self-respecting fan and collector.

Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the FIRST ever vinyl reissue of this fantastic album (originally released in 1985 on Lightin’ Records). This rare record (original copies tend to go for large amounts on the secondary market) is now finally back available as a limited 180g vinyl edition (500 copies) complete with the original artwork.

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Stardust / Dixie Fever

7" | 1977 | JP | Reissue (Solid)

20,99 €*