Funk | Soul 86 Items

Monstrous blue-eyed soul / garage double-sider and a must for any rare groove DJ.
250 copies pressed.

Iconic 1968 Northern Soul Anthem, One Of The Famed “3 Before 8” As Played Every Sunday Morning At Wigan Casino During It’s 8 Year Reign Coupled With The Original Demo, Recorded By The Writers At The Impact Studio, Detroit, 1965

Vinyl LP pressing.

When first released Astro-Sounds From Beyond The Year 2000 promised an uncharted trip beyond the now generation! And it certainly delivered, as soon as the needle drops onto the opening track ‘Flameout’
we are in astral freak-out territory with cosmic strings phased beats & displaced fuzz guitars... Despite being released as a budget label’s take on the burgeoning psychedelic scene Astro Sounds, delivers the real deal.
This is thanks in no small part to the central role played by Wrecking Crew guitarist Jerry Cole. Cole had previously been the involved some L.A. session colleagues and cut his own psychedelic
album: The Inner Sounds of the Id by 'The Id' and was the perfect choice to front Astro Sounds which can be considered a development from the seminal sounds of the Id.
Astro Sounds has suffered from some unofficial releases that offer poor audio quality. This Vinyl Exotica re-issue is remastered from the original tapes and is presented on coloured vinyl

1968, in the Brazilian dictatorship, Fábio released this psychedelic gem LSD (Lindo Sonho Delirante), writed by him and Carlos Imperial.

A soul / garage floor killer till today. Besides the alucinated rhythm, the song was an explicit provocation to the political society of the 60’s.

In 1962, legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans collaborated for the first time on record with jazz guitarist Jim Hall to create the landmark album Undercurrent. And even though it is a two-person improvisational affair, it is almost unfathomable that these two giants alone fill up all the grooves on this record. The thoughtful interplay between these two musicians created such a beautiful, lush, and emotional journey that their work influenced many. At the time of this recording, Bill Evans was one of the top jazz pianists (his performance with Miles Davis on Kind Of Blue is still a high-water mark), but he had stopped performing and recording after the death of his peer, bassist Scott LaFaro. Eventually, he was persuaded to return to music, and this was one of the first recordings upon his return. Guitarist Jim Hall - who had worked with Ella Fitzgerald, Sonny Rollins, and Chico Hamilton - started his partnership with Evans during this time. Recorded over two sessions in April and May 1962, the two have that beautifully unspoken musical language of give and take; their recordings are refreshingly busy but also incredibly sparse. These two giants understand that intertwining their personalities and harmonic styles could create greatness. This notable re-issue is an all-analog production affair—AAA Mastered and cut live by audio guru Kevin Gray (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Charles Mingus)—and it’s never sounded better. So dim the lights and let this music breathe with you; it’s an incredible listen and an essential album for both the novice listener wanting to dip their toe into the genre or the audiophile who needs to replace their well-worn vinyl copy. And depending on your day, it will color your mood in any emotive shade you desire.

James Ray kickstarted his career as a teenager in 1959 after he left Washington DC for New York, but debut single ‘Make Her Mine’ flopped. Two years later, songwriter Rudy Clark discovered Ray and got him signed to the Caprice label, the resultant ‘If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody’ a top-30 hit that the Beatles covered in early live sets. Ray’s self-titled debut album had that hit and the equally appealing follow-up, ‘Itty Bitty Pieces,’ as well as ‘I’ve Got My Mind Set On You,’ later successfully covered by George Harrison. An overdose would tragically cut short Ray’s career, this sole LP a testament to his enduring talent.

Shape of Things to Come is the fifth studio album by the American guitarist George Benson, recorded in 1968 and arranged by Don Sebesky. It was his first album for A&M Records and his first album to be produced by Creed Taylor, who would remain his producer until 1976. After four years and three different labels, Benson signed with the A&M/CTI label in 1968. He was to be the replacement for their star Wes Montgomery, who had died earlier in the year. For his first album with the label, producer Taylor brought in all of the labels heavyweights, arranger Sebesky, engineer Rudy Van Gelder, and guest artists Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter. The album is mostly cover songs from artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin, The Monkees and Glenn Miller. It also contains a pair of original compositions and some reworkings of movie soundtracks.

On top of tree and cookies, a successful Christmas should also include proper music. If your household only holds one Christmas album, it should definitely be “Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas”. Ella Fitzgerald sings like an angel and swings so hot that it's barely allowed at that celebration. The classic album from 1960, which Rolling Stone placed at number 10 on its “25 Greatest Christmas Albums of All Time” list, is now available in the most appealing edition ever, as a festive red, remastered LP with a fresh new cover design. Give it to your loved ones - or to yourself.

Originally released on Sue Records in 1963 this was Ike & Tina Turner fourth album, the one that earned them a first grammy nomination and a further step in the consolidation of their international success. Most of the tunes here are highly energetic up-tempo numbers while the whole album comes as the fruit of a unique combination of raw R&B and highly energetic Rock n Roll.

All Analog Process From The Original Master Tapes. Cut by Kevin Gray. Long out of print 1965 Mono release. Featuring the legendary The Mar-Keys’ horn section. Includes the hit single "Soul Dressing". Limited Clear Vinyl Pressing

The house band at Memphis's legendary Stax Records, Booker T. & the M.G.'s played on some of the most legendary and unforgettable soul recordings in history. Originally released in 1962, the title-track of their debut LP Green Onions is arguably the most recognizable piece of instrumental pop and soul ever to be released; an absolute stone classic of a jam, with Booker T.'s organ at the fore. In addition to being a classic group, Booker T. & the M.G.'s were one of the first soul and rock groups to have both white and black members, and understandably their music is often associated with the Civil Rights Movement that was going on all around them in the American south of the 1960s. Essential American originals from Booker T. & the M.G.'s.

Isolated at the rural fringe of Northern California, Bailey's Nervous Kats took Shasta County by storm in the early '60s. Combining surf, rock n' roll, exotica, and R&B, the Kats were a teenage dream draped in Magnatone amplifiers and crisp white polo tees. Their self-titled_and only_LP came at the dead end of the band's run, issued on Orville Simmons' one-shot Emma imprint in 1965. The mid-century modern LP of your dreams.

Isolated at the rural fringe of Northern California, Bailey's Nervous Kats took Shasta County by storm in the early '60s. Combining surf, rock n' roll, exotica, and R&B, the Kats were a teenage dream draped in Magnatone amplifiers and crisp white polo tees. Their self-titled_and only_LP came at the dead end of the band's run, issued on Orville Simmons' one-shot Emma imprint in 1965. The mid-century modern LP of your dreams.

Southside sweethearts, the Dreamliners, first came into the scene as the Royaltones in 1961 when they were students at South San High School in San Antonio, TX. In 1963, label head Abie Epstein signed them to his Cobra & Jox labels producing 4 singles. On the way to a studio session, Ana (Ana) Wilburn coined "The Best Things in Life" on the dashboard of her car. Out popped a playful Farfisa and harmony-driven tune reminiscent of the Crystals or Ronettes. Ana also wrote and sang lead on the haunting ballad "Just Me & You." A song about longing and adolescent heartache that's perfect for any post-breakup kleenex session.

Texan rhythm and blues icon Barbara Lynn made an incredible impact in 1962 with the chart-topping debut single, ‘You’ll Lose A Good Thing,’ which has since been covered by Aretha Franklin, Freddy Fender, and countless others. A southpaw guitarist who wrote her own material, debut LP You’ll Lose A Good Thing captured our heroine at her best, the soulful smoky voice a striking contrast to the blues base of her backing musicians (including Dr John on keyboards). Containing the follow-up hits ‘Second Fiddle Girl’ and ‘Letter To Mommy And Daddy’ as well as the cherished title track, it’s a winner from start to finish.

Billy Preston’s mastery of the organ was such that he was commissioned for collaboration by The Beatles, The Stones and countless others, his classic Hammond work a defining element of ‘Get Back.’ Released in 1964 when Preston was still 19, The Most Exciting Organ Ever mixes swinging originals such as ‘Low Down,’ ‘Soul Meetin,’ ‘The Octopus’ and ‘Billy’s Bag’ with expressively soulful covers of standards such as ‘If I Had A Hammer’ and ‘Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying,’ ably showcasing Preston’s awesome dexterity and unmatched ability on his chosen instrument. With every track a winner, the title rings true!

Among the most famous husband-and-wife soul duos of all time, Ike & Tina Turner scored an incredible array of hits in the 1960s and 70s, before Tina finally exited the partnership. The debut LP on the Pompeii label, So Fine dates from 1968, a couple of years after a support slot on a Rolling Stones tour boosted their profiles; in addition to a remake of early hit ‘A Fool In Love,’ there’s an awesome take of Johnny Otis’ ‘So Fine’ and a competent rendition of ‘Shake A Tail Feather.’ Tina is fully in her element, the Ikettes keep up the harmonic pressure, and producer Ike handles the rest. Recommended listening for all soul fans!

Here are the fabulous Mar-Keys, the Memphis based group, remembered to be the first house band at Stax Records. A bunch of talented, solid studio musicians who formed the foundation for the legendary Stax sound. Originally issued in early 1962, "Do the Pop-Eye" was the band's second album, a collection of minimal, infectious Soul-Funk-Rock instrumentals. Among the players: guitarist and composer Steve Cropper, bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn and organist Booker T. Jones. Just the right people to lay down the perfect groove for a quintessential album of instrumental music to dance to.

Although Ben E King's name is synonymous with The Drifters, he only actually sang on a dozen tracks with them, most of which were recorded concurrent with the start of his own solo career. This compilation anthologises Ben's solo recordings between 1960-62, presenting his early singles plus a handful of standout album tracks.

All his early hits are here, including the Drifters-like First Taste Of Love, his first million-seller Spanish Harlem, his signature song Stand By Me, the lilting Latin shuffle of Amor, the dramatic, bluesy Here Comes The Night/Young Boy Blues, his Sex'n'Soul double-sider Ecstasy/Yes, the explosive Don't Play That Song, the soulful Too Bad, the haunting I'm Standing By and Goffin & King's Tell Daddy.

Ben E. King’s ‘Don’t Play That Song!’ album is pressed on a single clear LP and is a one time pressing.

This vinyl release is a part of Atlantic Records' 75th Anniversary vinyl collection.

Reissue as a part of the Start Your Year Off Right Kampagne von Warner. This 1965 collection from The King of Soul™ is as fresh and urgent now as ever. Featuring “That’s How Strong My Love Is” and “Mr Pitiful” among this beautifully curated collections of soul ballads, this is a foundational record in any collection. (Original RD: March 1965)

First Lady of Song Ella Fitzgerald overcame the challenges of a tumultuous youth through music, her performances with the Chick Webb Orchestra at the Savoy Ballroom and distinctive scat singing leading to early recordings and the 1938 breakthrough, ‘A Tisket A Tasket.’ After recording bebop LPs for Decca, manager Norman Granz launched the Verve label to allow her to broaden her musical horizons, exploring the Great American Songbook. Released in 1960, Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas sees her tackle Christmas classics as only Ella can, the lavish orchestration overseen by noted conductor Frank de Vol.

Fame collectors know how rare this 45 is to find in the wild; it hardly ever happens. ‘Go Away With Me’ is a fabulously, catchy dance number from 1963 when the little-known Dixon wandered into the Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals and laid these track down. It is one of Dan Penn’s very early compositions and the nascent talent of the writer is in evidence here. The tuneful self-penned ‘Time Will Tell’ flip reveals another accomplished musical bent to the singer who, though he only cut two 45s, was revered as a major Muscle Shoals influence by the likes of Jimmy Johnson, Donnie Fritts and David Hood.

Here are two great cuts, previously unreleased as singles, recorded for Al Sears’ Sylvia label in New York City in 1965. The Corvairs had one very good release on the label in a soul group harmony style. ‘I'll Never Do It Again’ and ‘A Feeling Deep Inside’ are more R&B and sound earlier than the 45 release. Both tracks have picked up admirers from their New Breed and Modernist CD releases and their release as a Sylvia repro label single will be very welcome.

Among the rarest albums from Jim Kirchstein's Wisconsin-based Cuca label, 1964's Birdlegs & Pauline runs a playful gamut of girl group soul, sultry R&B, bluesy torch songs, and junk shop doo-wop. The Rockford, Illinois-based husband and wife duo struck gold with their Top 20 R&B hit "Spring" the year prior and frequently returned to Sauk City to see if there was any additional magic up Cuca's sleeve. Gathered here are the best of Birdlegs & Pauline's family album of songs, featuring several previously unissued songs found deep in the Cuca vault.

Among the rarest albums from Jim Kirchstein's Wisconsin-based Cuca label, 1964's Birdlegs & Pauline runs a playful gamut of girl group soul, sultry R&B, bluesy torch songs, and junk shop doo-wop. The Rockford, Illinois-based husband and wife duo struck gold with their Top 20 R&B hit "Spring" the year prior and frequently returned to Sauk City to see if there was any additional magic up Cuca's sleeve. Gathered here are the best of Birdlegs & Pauline's family album of songs, featuring several previously unissued songs found deep in the Cuca vault.

The Show Stoppers was formed in 1967 by Alex Burke and Laddie Burke (Yes! they were brothers of Solomon Burke...) who joined with fellow brothers Timmy Smith and Earl Smith, all of them were students of Germantwon Highschool (Philadelphia). They are best remembered for their 1967 hit "Ain't Nothin' But A House Party" and they have recorded a bunch of 7" EP/Sge until they disbanded in 1972. This EP contains four of their best songs.

Very unknown artists from Brixton (London), they have recorded two singles on Beacon label in 1968. And no more info about them. But we Love these four tracks of killer Soul & R'n'B in the vein of Ike & Tina.

Originally released in 1962, The Twenty-Fifth Day Of December is The Staples Singers’ holiday classic, featuring traditional songs such as “Joy To The World, “Silent Night,” “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and more. This reissue features the original album artwork and is cut from the analog master, pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Memphis Record Pressing and housed in a tip-on jacket.

Born in rural Mississippi and associated with Memphis, versatile entertainer Rufus Thomas is a legendary figure, having been a tap-dancer, comedian, and DJ before recording for Satellite in 1961—the label that soon became Stax. Thomas’ improvised hit, ‘The Dog,’ led to immortal follow-up, ‘Walking The Dog,’ so massively popular that it became the centerpiece of his debut LP, an irresistible blend of funk and soul with lashings of Thomas’ trademark humour. Whether with originals or standards like ‘Ya Ya’ and ‘Land Of 1,000 Dances,’ Thomas keeps the action tight and in addition to both ‘Dog’ hits, there is further installment, ‘Can Your Monkey Do The Dog,’ co-penned with Stax’s Steve Cropper. A killer set!

Most listeners only became aware of Billy Preston as a solo artist after he signed to Apple Records in the late 1960s. But he'd been recording for a long time prior to that, dating back to when he was a teenager. This instrumental album for Sam Cooke's SAR label (issued on its sister Derby imprint) was cut in March 1963, when Preston was still going to high school in Los Angeles. The very fact that it's wholly instrumental indicates that it's pretty early in Preston's evolution, and though he does play some piano, it's really on the more uptempo, organ-dominated tunes where he hits the best groove. In truth, these aren't any great shakes even when it comes to soul organ instrumentals, but they have a nice swinging bounce that places them a cut above period background music, though they fall a good ways short of being spellbinding. The slower numbers (including covers of hits by Sam Cooke and Ray Charles) verge on easy listening; in contrast, the more urgent cuts are cookin', with bop, jazz, and gospel influences spicing up the soul/R&B recipe. (allmusic)

A scorcher from the golden age of gospel, via its cardinal label.
From 1960, during the family’s second decade with Savoy, featuring Gertrude Ward, Christine Jackson, Mildred Means and Vermettya Royster — and Clara, totally riveting and in-your-face with evangelistic fervour and raw soul.

Plus a rambunctious, floor-filling Wade In The Water, by Jessy Dixon and his Singers.

Handsomely sleeved (showing a contemporary but slightly different Wards lineup).

1965 funky Instro-Soul album from Chicago that originally came out on Mercury. It deals with new interpretations of James Bond themes and own Bond inspired compositions. Feat. Studiomusic Clarence Perry (tenor), Richard McCrea (organ) and Ed Townsend (Piano).

Debut single from the mighty Tim Maia! Released upon his return from the USA in the late 60’s. Highly sought after and prized in its original form, we are very proud to reissue this record. Maia sings in English here – influenced by his time spend travelling and working in the USA. Both songs are very soulful, reminiscent of the great soul singers of 1960’s USA, who were clearly a powerful inspiration to him. Official Mr Bongo reissue. Licensed from Som Livre.

His grandmother is purported to have transported objects using her spiritual powers and it is said that she sometimes floated through the room. Her grandson Malcolm Rebenneck was fully aware of his unique features when he appeared under the name of Dr. John, a voodoo healer in the 19th century, and was the first person to transcend from pitch-black spheres to psychedelic music as its high priest, so to speak.
In the seven magical musical numbers of "Gris-gris", the root doctor conjures up a potent mixture of creole melodies, primeval heathen sounds, a pinch of mardi-gras and New Orleans jazz and even undreamt-of sounds. "Gumbo Ya Ya", a dragging procession with archaic sing-song, shows that suggestive Afro sounds are what rule in this album. And to play with them, to soften them here and there, or to enhance them with dance-like expression and voices from afar ("Danse Fambeaux") is all part of the programme in this collection of artistic treasures. In between raspy sounds there are flattering, intimate tones such as the springy, gentle and forward-looking "Croker Courtbullion".
The equation Witchcraft = Masterwork certainly applies to this unrivalled album, which is listed at No. 143 in the 500 Greatest Albums of all Time by the magazine Rolling Stone.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com.
All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: 1967 at Gold Star Studios, Los Angeles
Production: Harold Battiste

180 gram vinyl!

The Delfonics were a trio consisting of brothers William Hart, Wilbert Hart, and Randy Cain and had lush, high-pitched, male vocal harmonies typical of the Philly Soul sound.
In 1997, songs from the Delfonics were heavily featured in the Quentin Tarantino movie Jackie Brown, thus gaining more popularity to a new, younger crowd.

Debut studio album by the American instrumental R&B/funk band. The title single was a worldwide hit that has been covered by dozens of artists. 'Green Onions' was the first album released on the famous Stax label.

Originally released in 1969, “Fischiando in beat” presents twelve gems of instrumental beat music,
fabulous specimen of that music genre often labelled with the much-abused term ‘lounge’ – or ‘easy
listening’, if you prefer. Forget about the experimental “Synthi Time”: here you can only breathe an
incredible desire for fun and dream of the late 60s, Rome and its exclusive cocktail party.

Sly & the Family Stone came into their own with their second album, Dance to the Music, released in 1968. It contains the Top Ten hit single of the same name. "Dance to the Music" peaked at #8 in The Billboard Hot 100, and reached 9th place in the R&B Singles of 1968. The song propelled Sly & The Family Stone into the stratosphere. This seminal album helped lay the groundwork for the development of Funk music.

180g vinyl.

'Tell Mama' is the eighth studio album by American singer Etta James. The album was originally released in 1968 on Cadet Records and was produced by Rick Hall.

colored vinyl

Back To Black 180 gram vinyl reissue

11 tracks ... sampled by Guru, Ghostface, Geto Boys ... 180 gram vinyl

sampled by Afu-Ra, Diamond D ...