Artist: The Hackney Colliery Band Title: Money Label: Wah Wah 45 Genre: Broken Beat/Nu-Jazz, Funk Format: 7", Digital
Hackney has many things, but a colliery brass band has been sorely lacking… until now that is. Brought together by an appreciation of New Orleans marching bands, Balkan brass and other funky things, this ten-piece have dazzled on stages since 2008, and individually played with Jarvis Cocker, The Bollywood Brass Band and jazz outfit Porpoise Corpus. Along with two percussionists, they count among their number a flugel horn, a superbone (no sniggering at the
back) and a sousaphone (making it possibly the second coolest use of such an instrument after The Roots’ own sousaphone, played by the brilliantly nicknamed “Tuba Gooding Jr”).
This is their first single on venerable funk label Wah Wah 45’s and it’s a great cut for anyone with a love of brass or just a love of unexpected covers of pop songs. “Money” is a perfectly parping version of Kelis and Old Dirty Bastard’s “Got Your Money”, with that deliciously funky bassline transferred to the bassy parts of the band. They even kick it off with an intro vamp around Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out” for maximum crowd-pleasing/head-scratching fun, and drop back into it again like a DJ juggling between two records. The full force of all that brass is a pleasure to hear and explains why they’re currently such a sought after live outfit.
On the flipside is an HCB original called “What’s The Time Mister Wasp?” which grooves along at a slower tempo and has a great soundtrack quality to it, akin to Quincy Jones or David Shire, and comes complete with some soaring solos. This is an excellent pair of songs and hopefully the start of many such singles from the HCB. Oliver Keens
Artist: The Bamboos Title: You Ain't No Good Label: Tru Thoughts Genre: Funk Format: Download
The soul-drenched ‘You Ain’t No Good’ was nailed on to become a future single from The Bamboos latest album 4, and the Australian funk stars have enlisted a crack squad of DJs and producers to deliver an awesome set of remixes to complement it.
Probably the most high profile man tasked with retooling the eight-piece is Dj Yoda, who rejigs the instrumental ‘Up On The Hill’, keeping it pacy by scratching the famous ‘Kool Is Back’ beat by Funk Inc while swooping strings and sitars pick out a brilliant Eastern melody.
Randomer, on a solo mission after his recent collaborations with Fife, seems to be getting funkier with every release at the moment – his mix of ‘Keep Me In Mind’ rocks some bouncing kicks and bass while the brass and vocals from the original are layered perfectly over the top.
Tru Thoughts’ Flevans also does wonders with ‘Keep Me In Mind’, keeping the tempo similar to the original but adding a depth to the drums that seriously impresses. The backing is kept deliberately simple and the long, strung-out chords make the vocals shine through.
With instrumentals available of all the mixes, and an acapella of ‘You Ain’t No Good’ also up for grabs for the remix-heads, this is an essential release for Dj’s and funk fans alike.
Artist: Various Title: Jalapeno Funk 2 Label: Jalapeno Genre: Funk Format: Digital
Following on from the initial Jalapeno Funk, the beat-centric label’s first foray into the world of compilations, comes its equally vital and zesty sequel. With label stars like Kraak and Smaak, Skeewif and Max Sedgley present and correct, as well as a host of others, it’s a pleasing mix of vibes and genres and quality the whole way through.
Opener “Whole Wide World” mixes and dices between beats and samples with a deft hand from the appropriately named Radio Trip. Dr Rubberfunk also rocks the samples, this time as a backing for some sassy and jazzy female vocals from Sitzka. Kraak and Smaak’s “Squeeze Me” gets a fun and fresh makeover from A Skillz, who scratches the vocals over a heavy bassline. Tape Loops’ single with Finley Quaye on vocals, “Never Do That,” gets its rocksteady rhythms bolstered by Parker on the remix, while Crazy P turns Smoove & Turrell’s “Beggarman” into a delicious nu-disco diamond.
While quality beats underpin everything from Jalapeno, the range of styles and genres is genuinely impressive. Look no further than the sitars on Skeewiff’s “Ruby’s Revenge” or the awesome 8-bit tech-funk of Neighbour’s “Pistachio Ride” as an example. With additional treats like an acapella of Doug Lazy’s “Let It Roll” on offer as well, Jalapeno Funk 2 is yet another hot hot treat.
Recorded in 1978 but lovingly excavated from the vaults and remastered by Trad Vibe records, this third album by French band Cortex is a wealth of funky delights. Like Steely Dan, the core of Cortex consisted of pianist Alain Mion and drummer Alain Gandolfi, but for recording their number was swelled by a host of session musicians. Combining fusion with pop and rock melodies, they seriously sound like they were in the same zone as Stevie Wonder circa “Songs In The Key of Life” – the use of synth basslines and funky clavinets in particular recall the great one.
Recalling another great lost album, Shggie Otis’s Inspiration Information, the atmosphere is tight and warm as songs like “Images” follow some superb jazzy chord changes. “La Bulle” is a sexy and slow rocky number that owes a debt to Isaac Hayes, and sounds like the kind of thing Air listened to around the time of Moon Safari. The uptempo disco of “Running From You” is made slightly camp due to the clipped English language vocals, but it’s still a hell of a tune (ideally suited for a cosmic Todd Terje edit). Closing track “Matin Gris” is the most downtempo thing on the album and a fitting send-off, with the glorious analogue phasing on the synths proving a real highlight. This is funky French rock at its best, and very deserving of a reissue and a whole new audience.
Artist: Irakere Title: Cuba Libre Label: Far Out Genre: Funk Format: CD, Digital
Recorded at a time when Japan was in the midst of an intense love affair with all things jazz-funk, this long lost album by Cuban band Irakere (which was recorded in Japan in 1980) has been lovingly brought back into stock by the diggers supreme at Far Out Records.
Having formed in Cuba in 1973, Irakere brought their fusion of jazz and Afro-Cuban funk to these recordings, which were put together by Japanese bandleader Chikara Ueda (notable for having been sampled by Phoenix on “If I Ever Feel Better”). The recordings certainly bear a distinctive Japanese quality to the production (sounding similar to Sadao Watanabe’s 80’s output), but Irakere’s funk certainly punches through as well. Opener “Cuba Libre” sounds like an out-take from Curtis Mayfield’s Superfly sessions complete with some tight Latin percussion, while “Sea Mail” is looser and blessed with some inspired alto-sax solo’s.
The calm and sanguine “Que Pasa?” really shows off the clarity and perfection of the recording techniques, with every rim shot and guitar pluck picked up perfectly and clearly – rarely has this style of music been recorded in such a meticulous way. “Gospelanza” is another real highlight, as two separate pianos panned left and right duel with each other before the brass takes over and does the same. It’s a magic moment on an album full of unexpected delights – a very worthwhile reissue indeed.
Artist: Various Title: Cumbia Beat Volume 1 Label: Vampi Soul Genre: Funk Format: Unmixed 2xCD, Digital
Cumbia has had something of a revival over the last few years, with its familiar rhythms being used by a host of Brazilian beat makers especially. But it’s specifically Peruvian interpretations of cumbia that dominates this collection from the Vampi Soul label.
The collision of cumbia rhythms and the early 60s beat guitar influences shines though on opener “El Avispon” by Silvestre Montez y sus Guanatameros, featuring loud twangy guitars played in a distinctly South American style. An instrumental with some virtuoso percussion breaks, it’s a delight, as is “Los Orientales” de Paramonga by Lobos Al Escape – a freakbeat tune with vicious wah-wah chords and lead melodies similar in sound to Ennio Morricone’s spaghetti western soundtracks. While the focus of the collection is undoubtedly on that distinctive cumbia rhythm, it’s worth also appreciating the incredible guitar playing that runs through the songs on this superb collection. “Viento” by Grupo Celeste for example features some of the most accomplished playing you’re likely to hear in a long while – clearly influenced by native folk melodies yet transcribed to the electric guitar perfectly and played beautifully.
Toward the end of the 60’s, the wider forces of rock clearly made their influence on Peru’s musicians – Los Destellos’s “Guajira Sicodelica” in particular sounds like Cream or The Byrds at times, yet without the big heavy drums and still faithful to the sweet and shuffling cumbia rhythm. This exhaustive collection highlights a fascinating and criminally underrated clash of styles and cultures from the ’60’s and more importantly is full of some fantastic tunes of a strange and rare pedigree.
Artist: Various Title: Afro-Tropical Soundz Vol.1 Label: Soundway Genre: Funk Format: Unmixed CD, Digital
Since 2002, the Soundway label has established itself as a haven for rediscovered funk, rock and disco from around the world. Label boss Miles Cleret has now compiled a personal collection of some highlights so far – the songs that make up Afro-Tropical Soundz Vol.1 – and it’s a first-class trip around various under-appreciated sounds and styles.
Colombian salsa is represented for example by Fruko y sus Tesos, a 70s phenomenon that managed to export their sound briefly beyond their native shores. “A La Memoria Del Muerto” gets pulled out of the crates by Cleret here and it still sparkles today in all its cowbell-driven glory. Elsewhere, the brassy Afrobeat of Ghanaian Ebo Taylor’s “Heaven” will have new listeners riveted to its tight grooves and awesome sax solo’s. Cumbia fans will also enjoy the similarly huge brass on Lito Barrientos y su Orquestra’s “Cumbia En Do Menor”. Anchored down to a steady kick drum, the percussion taps away in a typical cumbia pattern while a clarinet takes the solo. Biguine also gets a look in on “Jet Beguine” by Haiti’s Les Loups Noirs – done at a rollicking, breakneck speed with a tropical organ keeping rhythm in the background. Nigerian band Action 13 also shine with the loose Afro-funk of “More Bread To The People” – again underpinned by organs and chanking wah-wah’d guitars with an infectious chanted chorus that’ll stick in the craw for days. The delights of Soundway’s years of excavating and digging have clearly paid off – this is a very special collection with eleven solid-gold nuggets from around the world ready to be enjoyed.
A self taught multi instrumentalist, Greek producer George Fotiadis, AKA Basement Freaks is one of the go-to men on today’s nu-funk circuit. We caught up with the man from Thessaloniki (but now based in Cologne) to find out what is in his record box this month…
Artist: Cosmic Groove Orchestra Title: Time Has Come Label: Perfect Toy Genre: Funk Format: CD, Digital
Taking their cues from some of the more spiritual and celestial thinkers in jazz’s history, German group Cosmic Groove Orchestra have turned their influences into something truly transcendent. Time Has Come has a genuine vibe to it that’s fresh and unique – all the tracks were recorded live and organically, letting the instruments breathe in the room to create a hothouse of ideas. The instrumentation itself is unique – a mix of harp, electric guitar, drums and double bass. Using the harp in a jazz setting instantly reminds you of Alice Coltrane, and this debt is acknowledged by their cover of her classic “Journey in Satchidananda”.
The electric guitar really gets to shine though on “Midnight Tango”, which stumbles drunkenly at a deathly slow pace while a guitar solo glides wildly over the top playing Eastern European motifs. More conventionally, the two part “Suite Cosmique” reaches for the stars with the harp playing some glorious phrases along the way. “Time Has Come” also showers the listener in melody, with the Bill Frisell-like guitar playing recalling some of Miles Davis’s late-60s output.
Artist: Various Title: The Golden Age Of Discos Fuentes Label: Soundway Genre: Broken Beat/Nu Jazz, Funk Format: 12", CD, Digital
A truly great collection put together by the wise folk at Soundway, this package couldn’t be a better primer for a label known as “the Motown of Columbia”. While Discos Fuentes was started in 1934, carrying the honour of being Columbia’s first record label, it really hit its stride from the ’60s onward. By then the African influences the label had brought to mainstream attention were feeding into the new breed of musicians, and you can hear it leaking across the tracks here. Distinctly native genres like cumbia are represented handsomely here by Lito Barrientos Y Su Orquestra’s “Cumbia En Do Menor” for example, which boasts a trad-jazz clarinet solo that warms the cockles of your heart.
Climaco Sarmiento Y Su Orquestra’s “La Pata Y El Pato” also boasts a slow cumbia rhythm set alive with a female vocal. Other genres like salsa get a look in too – check out Michi Sarmiento Y Sus Bravos’s “Hong Kong” – as well as the balladeering vocal on Fruko Y Sus Tesos’ “Al La Memoria Del Muerto”. Those searching for slightly camp throwbacks (in line with DF’s often hilariously kitsch sleeve art) should head straight for “Tifit Hayed” by Wganda Kenya, while Afrobeat fans will love the glossy guitar textures on Afrosound’s “Pacifico”.
While other Discos Fuentes compilations have been done in the past, none appeal quite as much to contemporary ears. The grit and analogue goodness is captured here perfectly and it is to Soundway’s credit that they’ve unearthed a collection so rare and so unique.
Artist: Sunlightsquare Latin Combo Title: Havana Combo Label: Sunlightsquare Genre: Broken Beat/Nu Jazz Format: CD, Digital
Having formed in 2004, this London based Latin collective are best known for the single “Amuyada” and their cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Pastime Paradise”. They’re much loved by fans of funk, Latin and soul and have had plenty of support along the way from Gilles Peterson among others. This latest record was recorded in Cuba at the famous Radio Rebelde studio and it seems to have given them a whole new lease of life.
From the very start you can hear the inspiration seeping into the tracks. Opening song “La Banda” is a kaleidoscopic explosion of ideas, almost worthy of 50s exotica composer Esquivel for the sheer amount of verve bursting out of all 20 of the players. Title track “Havana Central” settles nicely into a groove, giving ample space for the soloists to show off and also keeping things tight with some sung choruses.
First single “I Believe In Miracles” will be the jewel in the crown though for funk fans. A cover of the rare groove and b-boy classic by The Jackson Sisters, the SLC transform it into an explosive Latin romp that loses none of its sparkle transposed into a different genre. The more jazz structured slower songs, such as “Bebidas Para Ti”, again give the musicians ample space to impress on the wide variety of instruments at their disposal. The other immediate go-to track must be their version of Massive Attack’s “Teardrop”, with a Herb Albert-style trumpet taking the lead melody, and a delicate but riveting backing from the rest of the combo. With such an accessible pathway into this tremendous album, there’s really no excuse for not succumbing to its huge charm.
Artist: Various Title: Fresh Out The Box Label: Freestyle Genre: Funk Format: CD, Digital
Compiled by one of the lynchpins of the British funk scene, Fresh Out The Box is a 13 track collection of some original and remixed rarities. As well as being in charge of the Jazz Cafe, Adrian Gibson also runs his Freestyle label in order to break new talent in the world of jazz, funk, soul and Latin music. This latest collection is stuffed to the gills with quality spanning all those genres and more.
Funk fans will immediately revel in the cover of The Blackbyrds classic “Rock Creek Park” by Beggar & Co which stays faithful to the glorious original whilst also adding some club-friendly kicks and percussion. On a more organic live funk tip, Lack of Afro’s “I Can’t Dance With You” delivers plenty of Hammond-driven thrills and some huge drums to boot. The Jezebel Sextet’s “Mr Hot Pants” is another nu-funk bomb, with brass spilling out all over the track yet all held together with some precision bass and drums.
Bennson’s remix of “No I Can Do” however is more produced and sounds like prime 80’s boogie, in a similar vein to Junior or Jocelyn Brown. The Mo’ Horizons mix of “Life Is A Trip” also shows off their studio skills, looping parts of Gypsy Brown’s original and adding some bouncy broken beats into the fun. Mop Mop also does wonders with Valique’s “Where Is The Love”, building an intriguing mood with some vibes and thumb-pianos before dropping the beats and vocals for maximum impact.
Released on David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label, a haven for rare gems from around the world comes Milwaukee-based funk phenomenons Kings Go Forth. The brainchild of rare funk DJ Andy Noble, these guys have come a long way very quickly – their first ever gig was supporting the ultra-tight Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings in front of 700 people.
Though similar in many ways to the Dap’s winning revival of retro-funk and soul, what sets the Kings’ apart is having three male singers upfront and harmonising beautifully just like the Four Tops and the Temptations before them. You’re The One for example is drenched in harmonies during the choruses, while the gritty live sound of the bass and drums is captured perfectly. In fact you’d have to have a sharp ear to realise that this is not some unearthed treasure from 1971, similar to DJ Shadow’s re-releases of vintage Texan funk band Mickey and the Soul Generation. The vibe on songs like “Get A Feeling” is not only perfectly authentic, it’s also made for dancing and throwing funky shapes too. “Now We’re Gone” and “I Don’t Love You No More” are fast and energetic to the core, propelled by some fantastic fatback drums. There are some delightful slow tunes too which make great use of the three-part harmonies such as “High On Your Love”, a doo-wop ballad like you’ve never heard before, and the anthemic and R&B flavoured “Fight With Love”.
To make this an even more essential debut, disco production god and inventor of the remix Tom Moulton gets his hands on “Don’t Take My Heart” – an epic Philly soul belter with Moulton’s requisite mid-song extended breakdown present and correct. Whether you’re a hardcore crate-digger or just a fan of sweet soul music, there’s so much to get out of this fine debut it would be criminal to give it a miss.
Artist: Cortex feat Alain Mion Title: The Unreleased Versions Label: Trad Vibe Genre: Funk Format: Digital Buy From: Juno Download
Alternative Parisian label Trad Vibe proudly issue two rare and previously unreleased tracks from elusive cult French band, Cortex. “Unreleased Versions” meanders through soul, jazz, funk and chill out on its two tracks, “Les Oiseaux Morts” and “Mary & Jeff.”
Led by Alain Mion, Cortex are a French jazz-funk band with an extremely rare discography that drives record collectors and music lovers wild. Happy to part with handsome figures in exchange for their rare releases, the record collectors out there are dealt a lucky treat here, as are music lovers of all types, as they are given the chance to own two tracks that only a handful of fortunate people have ever heard.
Side A is an alternate and previously unreleased take of “Les Oiseaux Morts.” A slower and deeper version, it grooves its way through gentle French jazz-funk and soft pop. A crawling drum beat joins melodic keys as the track smoothly glides along to the soulful male vocal. “Mary & Jeff” is much more upbeat. It was recorded for television in 1977 and includes an explosive Fender Rhodes chorus giving the release a truly special feel as the original track was performed on an acoustic piano. Alongside this, there are plenty of funked up guitars and energetic drum rolls making for an enthralling five minute hair raising ride through Parisian jazz at its untamed best. Owning something rare always comes with a special feeling in itself, but when the rarity also sounds this good – then you really have got something special on your hands.
Artist: Mr Day Title: Small Fry Label:Favourite Genre: Funk/Rare Groove/Reissues Format: 7″, Digital Buy From:Juno Records, Juno Download
The multi talented Mr Day provides another release on Favourite Recordings with “Small Fry.” Perfectly in tone with label and artist, this soulful release offers the original alongside a disco mix from Patchworks.
Hailing from France, Mr Day has his highly insurable fingers in several pies. He is the singer for both the French jazz combo, Metropolitan Jazz Affair and The Dynamics. He has also featured on highly acclaimed productions by Patchworks, Boozoo Bajou and Mr President not to mention his own electro soul releases on indie label Rotax. Now, Favourite recordings will be unleashing his debut solo album next month and have therefore decided to release “Small Fry” as a taster of the album which goes by the same name.
Displaying his immensely soulful disposition, the track evokes classic 70s soul from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield and Al Green. Its composition is sparse and roomy, each sound is given space to breathe as this easy and enveloping track unfolds with swagger and finesse. Effortlessly suave, “Small Fry” perhaps hints at the kind of pure soul music, dipped in elegance that we can expect from the forth coming full length. It is a beautiful track that also touches on Northern soul and Motown whilst keeping Mr Day’s unique own sound.
Completing the package is fellow Frenchman, Patchworks. The esteemed producer and long time collaborator with Mr Day gives us a fresh and upfront disco-soul remix. More suited to the dancefloor than the original, his remix still retains the warm, vintage style that his production is known for.
Artist: Teddy Presberg Title: Outcries From A Sea Of Red (Remixed Volume 1) Label:Timewarp Greece Genre: Funk/Rare Groove/Reissues Format: Digital Buy From:Juno Download
Teddy Presberg is an American underground jazz and funk improvisation performer. A guitar player of an incredible talent and blessed with an ability to conjure mass amounts of soul and emotion with his music, Teddy is one of the most exciting acts in an already unrestrained and explosive scene. This compilation is a selection of tracks from his most recent album, Outcries From a Sea of Red that have been remixed and re-edited by Timewarp artists.
Many Timewarp artists have been admirers of Presberg’s work and once approached, have embraced the challenges of fusing his work with modern electronic grooves. Following on from Timewarp Inc’s opening remix of “Bella’s Boogaloo” we get a selection of groove-laden mixes from the likes of Niles Philips, Atfunk, Medras and Quasamodo & Trotter. Each adding their own style and flavour, the overall feel of Teddy’s vintage soul sound remains present throughout. Along the way, we encounter nujazz, funk, disco, house and even elements of reggae and dub. To put it simply, this album has a sound all of its own.
With promises of a second volume already made, fans and musicians alike will be extremely excited to see what sounds can be merged next. If this album is anything to go by, then we can expect even more talented artists wanting to get involved and make their own unique interpretations of the legend that is Teddy Presberg.
Artist: The Bamboos Title: On The Sly Label: Tru Thoughts Genre: Funk/Rare Groove/Reissues Format: 12″, Digital Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download
Australian band The Bamboos have been holding down things on the funky side of town since 2001, gaining fans all over the world with their authentic, dirty funk nuggets. In the same vein as bands like El Michels Affair or Breakestra, these guys are students of the classic breaks that underpinned the sample-hungry glory days of hip-hop. They’ve also had the incredible honour to back up some of funk’s most revered names, notably New Orleans hit-machine Eddie Bo, Syl Johnson and Eddie Floyd.
Ahead of their new album 4 comes single “On The Sly”, a perfect slice of mid-tempo joy, which has the same rollicking cowbell-driven vibe as classic UBB staple “Get Me Back On Time, Engine Number 9″ by Wilson Pickett. Soulsides MC and singer Lyrics Born joins them on 2nd cut “Turn It Up”, another popcorn funk winner complete with chicken-scratch guitar parts worthy of James Brown stalwart Jimmy Nolen. Hanging out with the Aussies seems to have rubbed off on the Californian MC, as he even sings “Turn it up mate” at one point. DJ’s get taken care of with an accapella and an instrumental too, making this release a good way to put some funk back in your trunk.
Artist: Mavis Title: Mavis presented by Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris Label: K7 Genre: Funk/Rare Groove/Reissues Format: CD, Digital Buy From:Juno Records, Juno Download
Anyone with any preconceptions about this album had better read the small print first: this is an album concept that beggars belief! After getting back into the seductive soul of Mavis Staples, House legends Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris made a 58 bpm ballad in the style of their new obsession, and sent it to Lambchop’s Kurt Wagner (previously a guest on X-Press 2’s Give It). Thankfully, the idea snowballed into a whole album. The boys sent the same beat to a host of other vocalists, and made adjustments to each backing track over the course of the whole album.
It starts appropriately with the original, complete with Kurt Wagner’s smokey vocals. But despite the apparent limitations, every song is fresh, unique and essential. Candi Staton’s “Revolution” is anthemic, string-laden genius and absolutely dripping in soul (also included is a well-earned extended mix). The stripped-down Ed Harcourt track “Puzzles and Riddles” is also a gem, made up of his smooth vocals, some piano and some mesmerising effects and production. Cerys Matthews also turns in a wonderful performance on “Nemesis Required”, which has the brilliant chorus “Things been awful quiet, nemesis required”. Other vocalists to lend their talents for the love of Mavis include Chris Coco, Crazy P’s Danielle Moore, Edwyn Collins and St Etienne’s Sarah Cracknell.
As a tribute to a legend, this is top notch. But don’t let the novelty fool you – Ashley and Darren have unexpectedly made one of the most sweet and soulful albums in recent years. An amazing idea, and more importantly, an album full of brilliant and beautiful songs. Highly recommended.
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