Think what you want about Lena Horne – but this is a plenty darn groovy album! Sure, Lena's style is usually a bit classy and uptown – almost so much so that we don't really dig most of her records. But here, she's working in a very groovy style – paired with the great guitarist... read more
A cool collection of rare recordings from trumpeter Allen Houser – mostly recorded around the DC scene of the 70s, all with hip small group players and a pretty soulful feel overall! Houser's trumpet is set up in quartet, quintet, and sextet formations – often with a groove that draws... read more
Fabulous stuff – one of the legendary albums that funky flute player Bobbi Humphrey cut with producer Larry Mizell! The record's a prime example of the Mizell genius at work – as Larry's arranged these fantastic backdrops for Bobbi's flute – soaring keyboard lines, layers and... read more
The Isleys sure aren't out to prevent teen pregnancy with the title of this set – but given the strength of the album, we can easily forgive them for any lack of social consciousness! In an era when countless young artists are copping the Isley groove of the 70s, the Brothers are back to... read more
This is the first full length by underground favorite J-Live. He rhymes like a veteran rapper on this album, although this was actually shelved and in label limbo for some time. Tracks include "Got What It Takes", "Get The Third", "Vampire Hunter J", "Them That's... read more
Michael Jackson —
Bad ... CD
Epic,
1987. Used ....
$4.99
The third great album in the trilogy that includes Off The Wall and Thriller – and a set that still has Michael Jackson running strong at the height of his solo powers! Quincy Jones is still at the helm, and Michael more than proves that he can still come up with a pop tune without going too... read more
One of those records that we remember dismissing at the time – but honestly, it really lives up to repeated listenings in later years! Sure, Michael Jackson's no longer working with Quincy Jones – and instead goes for Teddy Riley and some other (then) contemporary producers – but... read more
A beautiful combination we'd like to hear more of – one that comes from the meeting of Milt Jackson's vibes and the guitar of Wes Montgomery – both recorded here in easygoing brilliance! The session's a nice break from the usual sound of both players at the time – and although... read more
Bo Jacobsen —
Spirit ... CD
Embla Music & Experience,
2010. Used ....
$1.99
An expanded version of the first Jafrosax album – one that drops the price on their expensive Japanese debut, and brings in a few bonus remix tracks as well! The set has Jafrosax mixing keyboards, beats, and a bit of sax with some great guest vocals from Vikter Duplaix, Yukimi Nagano, Gagle,... read more
Bob James —
Touchdown ... CD
Tappan Zee/Warner,
1978. Used ....
$5.99
Sweet electric keys from the great Bob James – a record that's a bit smoother than some of his first few classics for CTI, but still plenty darn nice! The set's got Bob working with a range of key fusion and studio players who include Steve Gadd, Earl Klugh, Eric Gale, Hubert Laws, Mongo... read more
Etta James —
At Last ... CD
Chess/MCA,
1960. Used ....
$3.99
Wonderfully sophisticated soul from Etta James – a real departure from the raw shouting R&B of earlier years, and perfectly set to sparkling arrangements by the great Riley Hampton (who'd had similar success with Walter Jackson, Lorez Alexandria, and other Chicago soul stars.) Hampton's... read more
The great Jesse James – still going strong! We've loved Jesse for decades – from his great 60s album on 20th Century, through his important 70s underground singles, and even into his later bluesy years – a great place for James' talents in the later generation! This album's... read more
A post-Art Blakey version of the Jazz Messengers – but one with a killer lineup that really opens up the older Messengers groove! Lewis Nash is on drums here – playing with some slightly more subtle touches than Blakey – and other group members include the great Benny Golson on... read more
Jeru's first LP, a double vinyl set of great tracks that more than lived up to the "Come Clean" single. Now classic, with great production by DJ Premier, and loads of good stuff like "Come Clean", "You Can't Stop The Prophet", "D. Original", and more.... read more
A bit more mature than Joelma's debut album – mostly still catchy pop tunes, but sung with a deeper sense of spirit overall. Some of the tracks are Brazilian originals, and others tunes given Portuguese lyrics for the set – and as before, arrangements are by Willy Join, a man with a... read more
Second volume of the two LP set that compiled JJ's bop trombone sides for Blue Note. Great stuff, and arguably among some of his best work. The arrangements are tight, and JJ's in the company of great rhythm players like Kenny Clarke, Horace Silver, and Paul Chambers, who make the sessions really... read more
The sound of global soul in the 21st Century – and an amazing set from the soon-to-be legendary Seu Jorge! Jorge's possibly best known for his appearances in films over the past few years – like The Life Aquatic or City Of God – but take it from us, he's one of the greatest... read more
Includes the tracks "Mudskipper" (original mix, Portishead So So mix, and Henry & Louis Steppers mix) and "Substrata" (Eat Static mix and original mix).... read more
The album that catapulted Jurassic 5 from the underground! Quality Control is one of the great hip hop albums, a record that's filled with great tracks, yet flows along as the ultimate headphones experience. The rhymes by Zaakir, Chali 2na, Akil, and Marc 7even are top notch in group dynamics and... read more
29 tracks in all, with quite a few guest appearances by rappers such as Keith Murray, Jay Z, Nas and others. Includes "Home Alone", "Did You Ever Think", "Ghetto Queen", "We Ride", "OnlyThe Loot Can Make Me Happy", "If I'm Wit You", "... read more
19 tracks in all, including "TP-2", "R&B Thug", "The Greatest Sex", "Like A Real Freak", "Fiesta", "I Wish", "I Wish (rmx – To The Homies That We Lost)" and"Feelin' On Yo Booty".... read more
Jazzy Bay Area hip hop from producer/MC double threat Kero One – an unabashedly rearward leaning hip hop head from the left coast – with skills on par with the Soul Providers, Lightheaded and others on the scene! It's no secret that we have eager ears for hip hop that's schooled in the... read more