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A cover record – but a great one! Unlike some of the Pickwick knock-off albums from the time, this blacksploitation effort by Cecil Holmes is top-shelf all the way – as Cecil's one of the best funky bandleaders of the early 70s. The large group on the album features funky keyboards by Pat Rebillot, plus plenty of wah wah guitar, and enough strings to make the album rank up there with the soundtrack feel of the day. Includes versions of "Superfly", "Slaughter", "Freddie's Dead", "Across 110th Street", "2001", and "Trouble Man". Some nice grooves, and a few nice samples, too!

Another great issue from Roctober – one that includes interviews with Neon Leon (great lost New York punk figure), Fred Anderson and Hamid Drake, James Brown, and numerous obscure but amazing Brazilian musicians. Melvin Van Peebles critical discography. Jake Austen and Chris Ware on vaudeville/minstrel legend Bert Williams. The history of Black All Girl Jazz orchestras in the 1930s and 1940s. Archival Pedro "Funkadelic" Bell articles and comics from his early 1970s college newspaper. Comics and articles about Aliyaah, Jimi Hendrix, Jackie Mittoo, Sun Ra, Funkadelic, and Black skinhead Reggae. And, believe it or not, more!

A great lost chapter in the Cannonball/David Axelrod story! The record features Cannon's classic quintet performing some longer, more serious works with orchestral backing – and the sound is vaguely similar to some of Axelrod's "high concept" work for Capitol. The record features a recording of Axelrod's "Tensity" and William Fischer's "Experience In E", both conducted by Fischer, a hip modern soul-oriented arranger, with a sound that's not dissimilar to Axelrod. The last piece on the album is a nice long one by Lalo Schifrin, "Dialogues For Jazz Quintet & Orchestra", which is also conducted by him as well.

Sweet soul jazz from the 70s Detroit scene – and a record with a ties to the same scene as Tribe Records! The sound here is straightforward and soulful – a bit of electricity at the bottom and some fluidly gliding horn work on the top – plus some key vocals from a group that includes Kim Weston in the lead, supported by other female singers – in a righteous mode that really makes the best tunes sparkle! Other players include Phil Ranelin on trombone, Nasi Hafiz on vibes, Miller Brisker on tenor and piano, and Sylvia Truner on harp – all working together in a largeish group with the best spiritual energy of groups on Strata East! The whole thing's great – a beautiful lost treasure, and the kind of record that's rarely carried off so perfectly – and titles include "Song For M", "A Little Love For You", "Mark I", "Ja-Mil", "Nobody Had To Tell Me", "Arjuna", and "Now You're Gone".

Damn great work from Raheem DeVaughn – the full promise of his soulful sojourn in the underground mixtape scene! Raheem first got his start laying down vocals over beats and other folks' tracks on self-crafted CDs that changed hands covertly in the east coast scene – and that experience gave him plenty of time to grow and mature, quietly developing his sound to a point where he can really burst forth with power on a record like this! There's still a bit of the old mixtape feel going on here – a range of older musical influences that inform Raheem's tunes – and a personal, almost casual approach that has DeVaughn speaking intros to some tracks, almost as if he's spinning them out with a personal, conversational style. Yet the production is also much better than before too – quite warm, with some great beats and keys in the mix – proof that stepping out of the underground can often be a good thing for a soul artist. Titles include "Customer", "Hello Love", "Woman", "Love Drug", "Friday", "Can We Try Again", "Empty", "Four Letter Word", and "Woman I Desire". Includes guest appearances from Floetry, Big Boi, and Malik Yusef.

The legendary lost album by Stax/Volt female soul combo the Emotions – officially issued for the first time ever, with a wealth of bonus material! The Songs Of Innocence & Experience album was slated for release in 1972, and for whatever reason, the album didn't come out – leaving a number of the tracks to filter out as singles, and onto other LPs throughout the 70s – and still others to languish in the vaults until now! These cuts have more of a rootsy edge than their later disco era work, with all of those solid trio harmonies and catchy vocal hooks, and arrangements centered on drums, piano, bass and horns – but still with a very clean, lovely sound thanks to the indelible vocals! 23 tracks in all, including "Shouting Out Love", "Gee Whiz", "I Wanna Come Back", "Swearing Out A Warrant", "Baby I'm Through", "Put A Little Love Away", "Innocent", "Somebody Will If You Won't", "Ain't No Sunshine", "I Really Miss You" and lots more!

The one and only album by Exit 9 – an obscure funk combo who recorded this rare set for Brunswick in 1975! The group is extremely tight instrumentally – working at a very fast funky clip that's kind of similar to work by Bohannon or Sound Experience – both of whom shared Exit 9's pre-disco approach to dancefloor grooves – more fast-funk than the tighter club sound of later years, and proof that a funky combo could hit the dancefloor if it had the right groove! Most numbers have vocals, and instrumentation includes lots of nice guitar work that keeps a rawer edge on the tracks – choppy and gritty in a really great way. Tracks include "MFB", "Miss Funky Fox", "Fly", "Julie I Love You", "Jive Man", and "Rhapsody in Funk".

A bold step forward for Fanga – and a set that's easily the group's greatest record ever! This time around, Fanga are teamed with guembri player Maalem Abdalla Guinea – a musician who seems to have unlocked some rich new energy in the group – and a sound that takes them past their already-great groove! Familiar Afro Funk modes are still in place, but the tracks are longer and a lot more open too – leaving great room for Guinea's rootsy instrumentation – and creating this spontaneous feeling to the record that really hints at the genius of Fanga in a live setting. The whole thing's proof that the right Afro Funk groups are really finding new ways of expression these days – and the set features the tracks "Noble Tree", "Gnawi", "Kelen", and "Kononi".

Here's a group who definitely live up to their name – a damn funky 70s act from Nigeria, with a tight, righteous groove that's completely outta sight! The Funkees have an approach that's a lot more compact than Fela, and a lot more soulful than some of their more tripped-out contemporaries – and they also had some recording experience in London, which possibly gave them an even hipper focus – like some of the great post-colonial combos that were brewing up sounds on the British scene of the 70s! This wonderful package brings together the best of the group's work – their rare early Nigerian 45s, and key cuts from the UK albums – all with the incredible Soundway ear for a groove – meaning that The Funkees sound pretty darn funky all the way through. Titles include "Mimbo", "Dancing Time", "Break Through", "303", "Life", "Ole", "Akpankoro", "Abraka", "Acid Rock", "Slipping Into Darkness", "Point Of No Return", and "Dancing In The Nude".

Here's a group who definitely live up to their name – a damn funky 70s act from Nigeria, with a tight, righteous groove that's completely outta sight! The Funkees have an approach that's a lot more compact than Fela, and a lot more soulful than some of their more tripped-out contemporaries – and they also had some recording experience in London, which possibly gave them an even hipper focus – like some of the great post-colonial combos that were brewing up sounds on the British scene of the 70s! This wonderful package brings together the best of the group's work – their rare early Nigerian 45s, and key cuts from the UK albums – all with the incredible Soundway ear for a groove – meaning that The Funkees sound pretty darn funky all the way through. Titles include "Mimbo", "Dancing Time", "Break Through", "303", "Life", "Ole", "Akpankoro", "Abraka", "Acid Rock", "Slipping Into Darkness", "Point Of No Return", and "Dancing In The Nude".

Mighty keyboards from Francesco Gazzara – easily one of our favorite Irma Records artists from years back – still sounding pretty darn great here in a nicely mature setting! The album's got a bit of the bossa promised in the title, but also has a wider-ranging groove too – echoes of older keyboard modes, mixed with bits of jazz funk at times – all handled by Gazzara on a range of Fender Rhodes, Hammond, Korg, and other keys – with core bass and drums, and additional help from Lily Latuheru on vocals and Dario Cecchini on flute and saxes! Most tracks are instrumentals, but Lily's soulful tones definitely make the vocal tracks sound great too – and titles include "New Frontier", "Blow Your Mind", "Ivory Skyscrapers", "Bahia Moon", "Berimbau", "Black Jack", and "Song For My Father".

A true classic by Jimi with the original Experience lineup – the third of three straight up masterpiece LPs to comeout in just over a year's time by the group! You could call the leftfield astral effects in the mix experimental if you had to – innovations in the studio with echo, that hallucinatory backwards sound effect and other stranger bits – but the passionate, naturally expressive playing and singing by Jimi makes it all fell just right, and the Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell still don't get enough credit for being at the heart of such greatness. A massive 2LP effort that include s"Voodoo Chile", "Crosstown Traffic", "Electric Ladyland", "Little Miss Strange", "Moon Turn The Tides", "Still Raining Still Dreaming" and "All Along The Watchtower".

A true classic by Jimi with the original Experience lineup – the third of three straight up masterpiece LPs to comeout in just over a year's time by the group! You could call the leftfield astral effects in the mix experimental if you wanted to – innovations in the studio with echo, that hallucinatory backwards sound effect and other stranger bits – but the passionate, naturally expressive playing and singing by Jimi makes it all feel just right. Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell still don't get enough credit for being at the heart of such greatness. A massive 2LP effort that include s"Voodoo Chile", "Crosstown Traffic", "Electric Ladyland", "Little Miss Strange", "Moon Turn The Tides", "Still Raining Still Dreaming" and "All Along The Watchtower".

A wicked 80s groove from the mighty Ingram Family! Ingram were one of those groups that actually got better as they got slicker – and by the time of this 1983 release, Butch, James, and William Ingram had had more than enough experience working together and with other artists to really forge a strong sophisticated soul sound. The record's a lot better than many of its group-soul contemporaries' – and it's more of an extension of a 70s harmony group style than it is a throwaway 80s group funk album. The songwriting's a notch above what you'd expect – and the overall soul component is very high. Titles include "Share A Dream", "No One", "Smoothin Groovin", "Spoken Words", and "Groovin On A Groove".

An amazing record! This one's probably our favorite Isley Brothers album of all time – and it's a perfect blend of all the styles they were into at the time – heavy funk, sweet soul, folksy rock, and rolling uptempo grooves! The Brothers handle all styles equally well, and the album's a real delight as it skips effortlessly from track to track – always bringing a fresh sound to the experience of listening, and continuing to delight us year after year with the Isley's greatness! Includes the classic extended cut "Love Put Me On the Corner", a baroque soul symphony in itself; an amazing remake of "It's Too Late" that's way different than the original; the middle-class anthem "Work To Do"; and the funky cuts "Pop That Thang" and "Layaway".

A rare Afro funk gem from Itadi – filled with righteous sounds and knowledge, and served up in a dubby groove that's pretty unique! Itadi hails from Togo, but already had experience in the US by the time of this recording – and the sound carries some cross-Atlantic styles that really make the whole thing stand out – almost echoes of Jamaican modes at time, fused with a delivery that's decidedly African – all coming out in a post-colonial style that's a bit like the best work from Cymande! Tracks spin out these rolling basslines that are tied together with riffing guitar and sweet organ lines – and although the lyrics are important, and often political, the infectious rhythmic approach of the record is what really sends things home – all at a pace that's quite different than both Nigerian or Ethiopian sounds of the time. Titles include "Dodzi", "Hustle", "Live In Other World", "Ayala", "Mama", "Peace & Freedom", and "Watch Your Life".

A rare Afro funk gem from Itadi – filled with righteous sounds and knowledge, and served up in a dubby groove that's pretty unique! Itadi hails from Togo, but already had experience in the US by the time of this recording – and the sound carries some cross-Atlantic styles that really make the whole thing stand out – almost echoes of Jamaican modes at time, fused with a delivery that's decidedly African – all coming out in a post-colonial style that's a bit like the best work from Cymande! Tracks spin out these rolling basslines that are tied together with riffing guitar and sweet organ lines – and although the lyrics are important, and often political, the infectious rhythmic approach of the record is what really sends things home – all at a pace that's quite different than both Nigerian or Ethiopian sounds of the time. Titles include "Dodzi", "Hustle", "Live In Other World", "Ayala", "Mama", "Peace & Freedom", and "Watch Your Life".

Rare work from the west coast mainstream pop underground of the 60s – that magical musical place where cats who had bigger gigs were able to make some special sounds in between the chart singles – groovy little records that often got lost amidst the shifting sands of time! Two of the biggest talents on that scene of the time were Beach Boy Bruce Johnston and producer Terry Melcher – both of whom worked on much bigger projects, especially in later years, but also cut some cool stuff here together as a duo. The music here is heavy on the harmonies you'd expect from a duo with their experience – but most vocals are duo mode, not quartet or quintet – set amidst some totally sweet hot rod and surf-styled music – produced mostly by Melcher with this cool squished-up studio sound! The set features rare singles, a few unissued numbers, mono cuts, and even some work by the related Rogues – 20 whopping titles that include "Come On Let's Go", "Hawaii", "Summer Means Fun", "Raining In My Heart", "Roger's Reef", "Yeah", "Thank You Baby", "Halfway", "Four Strong Winds", "Look Who's Laughing Now", "Come Love", and "Custom Machine".

The rare second album from Juju – the avant jazz collective who'd later morph into funk band Oneness Of Juju, but who still sound pretty revolutionary here! There's a bit more focus than before – still energy that's a lot like the best righteous jazz groups coming out of Chicago or St Louis at the same time, but maybe a bit more direct, too – and really showing some of the stronger spiritual tones that would only blossom more strongly in later years! Reedman Plunky Nakabinde is firmly at the helm of the group – on tenor, flute, and soprano sax – but the set also features great work from Lon Moshe on vibes and percussion, Babatunde on congas and drums, Phil Branch on bass, and Al-Hammond Raul on piano and percussion. The sounds are a bit less Afro-styled than on the Oneness records, but still have all the great spiritual currents – and titles include an excellent version of Pharoah Sanders' "Black Unity", plus the original tunes "Contradiction","Nia", "Black Experience", and "The End Of The Butterfly King".

The rare second album from Juju – the avant jazz collective who'd later morph into funk band Oneness Of Juju, but who still sound pretty revolutionary here! There's a bit more focus than before – still energy that's a lot like the best righteous jazz groups coming out of Chicago or St Louis at the same time, but maybe a bit more direct, too – and really showing some of the stronger spiritual tones that would only blossom more strongly in later years! Reedman Plunky Nakabinde is firmly at the helm of the group – on tenor, flute, and soprano sax – but the set also features great work from Lon Moshe on vibes and percussion, Babatunde on congas and drums, Phil Branch on bass, and Al-Hammond Raul on piano and percussion. The sounds are a bit less Afro-styled than on the Oneness records, but still have all the great spiritual currents – and titles include an excellent version of Pharoah Sanders' "Black Unity", plus the original tunes "Contradiction","Nia", "Black Experience", and "The End Of The Butterfly King". Features two bonus tracks – "Live Revolution" and "Live Revolution Continues".

Bettye Lavette's best record yet for Anti- – a modern classic from a bonafide legendary southern soul singer – and she sounds as wonderful as she has in years! If her voice has picked up some grit over the years, it's no less beautiful – and the experience only enhances the material. The song choices are terrific – kicking off with the somewhat overlooked Dylan treasure "Everything Is Broken" – and several others eclectic, classic-level songs that span a number of genres – adapted masterfully into a timeless sound that's distinctly southern, but it eschews he retro revival style, for a unique vibe of it's own. Producer Craig Street and the tight group of musicians assembled for the record deserve a lot of credit, but none more than the inspiring Bettye Lavette! Includes "I'm Not The One", "Dirty Old Town" (plus a great closing slow version), "Yesterday Is Here", "Thankful N' Thoughtful", "Time Will Do The Talking", "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere" and more.

Bettye Lavette's best record yet for Anti- – a modern classic from a bonafide legendary southern soul singer – and she sounds as wonderful as she has in years! If her voice has picked up some grit over the years, it's no less beautiful – and the experience only enhances the material. The song choices are terrific – kicking off with the somewhat overlooked Dylan treasure "Everything Is Broken" – and several others eclectic, classic-level songs that span a number of genres – adapted masterfully into a timeless sound that's distinctly southern, but it eschews he retro revival style, for a unique vibe of it's own. Producer Craig Street and the tight group of musicians assembled for the record deserve a lot of credit, but none more than the inspiring Bettye Lavette! Includes "I'm Not The One", "Dirty Old Town" (plus a great closing slow version), "Yesterday Is Here", "Thankful N' Thoughtful", "Time Will Do The Talking", "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere" and more.

A stellar set of surviving 70s Black Ark productions by Lee Perry – with rare and unreleased cuts plus pivotal, if long-buried sides by Junior Byles, U Roy, Delroy Butler, Tinga Stewart, The Upsetters, The Flames, The Ethiopians, Jah T and more – Perry-produced gems for Kingston's cultural rebels and sufferers! The Sound Doctor compilation is really an essential, perfectly-collected batch on Pressure Sounds – the UK label that once again proves to be among the finest and most respectful of Sound Doctor devotees. Among the exceptional rarities are the unreleased "Army Of Love" by Junior Byles, an exclusive dub plate mix of the Upsetters "Horny Train", the raw original mix of U Roy's "006" and many more – stirringly soulful Black Ark singles and dub versions including "Sound Doctor" by Bobby Floyd, "Do Good" by Al Maytone", "Different Experience" by Brother Ray", "Smiling Faces" by Tinga Stewart, "It’s Impossible" by The Ethiopians, "Grandfather Land" by Jah T, "King Of Kings" by Pat Francis, "Be Prepared" by Keith Poppin, "Key Card" by Lee & Jimmy, "Start Over" by The Gatherers and more.

An excellent lost session from the Black Ark! Tracked by Perry with Upsetters in 1975, these stripped down dubs feature some of the dopest, funky rhythms Scratch ever cut, while others have a super spare, loping Jamaican groove. The sound is crisp and tight, without the giant thunderclaps and echo drops you'd here in a Tubby mix, but chirping guitars and sublimely funky bass ducking in and out of the mix. From the same sessions that gave us the Kung Fu Meets The Dragon set, you know it's right with titles like "Last Blood", "Deathly Hands", "Dragon Slayer", "One Armed Boxer", "Fists Of Vengeance", "Samurai Swordsman" and "Final Weapon", plus the CD includes 2 bonus tracks, "Experience" with Delroy Butler and the extended mix of "Living My Life".

Billy Preston right in the middle of a classic 70s run – hitting a trademark blend of soul, jazz, and other groovy influences – all with a sound that's very much his own, and which puts him in the same company as Sly Stone or Stevie Wonder! Preston's market was a bit more mainstream than those two, but at this point in his career he's very much on top of his game – really pulling together all the experience of woodshedding in the 60s, and bursting forth with a sense of pop power and pride that's totally great! Billy plays a fair bit of different keyboards on the set – and rhythms run from the respected Preston romping modes, to others that are a bit more laidback and soulful. Titles include the hit "Nothing From Nothing", plus "St Elmo", "Sometimes I Love You", "You Are So Beautiful", "Creature Feature", "Tell Me You Need My Loving", "Sad Sad Song", and "Sister Sugar".

Japanese erotica pop from singer and actress Ike Reiko – recorded around the time of her most popular pink films/sexploitation acting gigs – and a record that really lays the erotica theme on thickly! The sound is late 60s/early 70s seedy soundtrack style – with sultry rhythms, sax, chimes other thematic arrangements – nothing subtle about it, but plenty groovy! Ike's vocals are as explicit as they could get away with – moans, coos and occasional singing! Titles include "I Am A Woman", "Wandering Guitar", "After The Rain Stops", "Not An Angel", "Bond Of Love", "Love Slave", "Experience" and more.

An amazing discovery in music – rare work from an artist who's already pretty darn rare to American ears – even though he recorded some of these spacey gems in Virginia during the mid 70s! Sensation's Fix is the brainchild of musician/electronician Franco Falsini – an Italian artist with strong influence from, and experience with, the early German prog scene – but one who also stretches out here in ways that are a lot more personal and poetic! The music is heavy on keyboards and electronics – often in a minimally-produced way, save for studio effects that really help flesh out the sound without commercializing it – and Franco has a thoughtful approach that's never too jamming, even though mostly instrumental – almost that space as prog was turning towards soundtrack ends – especially in German and France. Yet the feel is also quite different than that, too – as you'll hear on this double-length set of rare mixes, alternate takes and unreased tracks from the records that yielded the short output of Sensation's Fix in the mid 70s. Titles include "Barnhause Effect", "Overflowing Ashtrays", "Cold Nose Part 3 Movement 3", "Left Side Of Green", "Chelsea Hotel Room 625", "Crossing Berlin", "Darkside 2", "Fragments Of Light", "Warped Notions Of A Practical Joke", and "Leave My Chemistry".

A compelling collaboration from a very unlikely duo – "minister of audiology" Lary 7, working here with Jimi Tenor and Mia Theodoratus! The sound is definitely informed by Lary's long experience with acoustic instruments – and builds beautifully out of a range of harps, flutes, percussion, bells, marimba, and lots of other amazing exotic elements that shift and change as the record moves on – almost like some old school Moondog record, but with a feel that's more laidback and evocative – and quite meditative all the way through! Tenor's production work really helps give the sound some shape, and still has all the spiritual undercurrents of some of Jimi's own recent records – and titles include "EEG", "Polysomnographic", "Brief Arousal", "Hypersomia", "Synitillating", "Quietus", "Reveil", and "Panique Onirique".

A surprisingly sweet solo effort from Beach Boy Dennis Wilson – a record of surprising depth and darkness, and arguably stronger than most of the albums at the time from the larger group! Dennis produced the album himself, with some executive help from James William Guerico – whose guidance here seems key, given the overall quality of the set. There's some echoes of Beach Boys' styles in the music, but the sound is much more personal as well – Wilson's ragged vocals in the lead on all numbers, sometimes upfront and fragile, sometimes given a bit more umph through the use of processing – at that level that the whole group would often experience in the studio during the 70s. The album's as much of a showcase for Dennis' writing skills as it is for his vocals – and songs are co-written with co-producer Gregg Jakobson, as well as Carl Wilson, Mike Love, and Karen Lamm-Wilson. Titles include "River Song", "Friday Night", "Thoughts Of You", "Dreamer", "Time", "You And I", and "What's Wrong". This Japanese edition of the vital 2CD version of the album is totally great - with a booklet with notes and photos – notes in Japanese, but the track info and personnel details are included in English – and all those great bonus tracks that include "Mexico", "Holy Man", "Only With You", and "Tug Of Love". Disc Two includes with the sessions for the unreleased Bambu album – with tracks that include "School Girl", "It's Not Too Late", "Under The Moonlight", "Are You Real", "He's A Bum", "Cocktails", "I Love You", "Constant Companion", and "Time For Bed", "Holy Man Taylor Hawkins Version)" and more.

The first-ever volume of the now-legendary Easy Tempo series – a collection of soundtrack grooves that hipped us back to the wonders of the Italian scene of the 60s and 70s – and did so at a time when few folks had ever thought to reissue this music! Right from the start, this series set a whole new level for soundtrack appreciation – and the collection features an incredible range of tunes that run from jazzy, to groovy, to funky, with lots of mod spaces in between – all served up with great sound, and even more of a sense of focus than the original soundtracks! Titles include "La Gabbia" by Gianni Ferrio, "Blue Rhythm Festival" by Piero Piccioni, "Notte Al Grand Hotel" by Riz Ortolani, "One Fine Morning" by Augusto Martelli, "Mark Il Poliziotto" by Stelvio Ciprani, "Grigioperla" by Gianfranco Plenizio, "Serena E Lamuno" by Riz Ortolani, and "Ira Rhythm & Blues" by Gianni Ferrio.

The sound of jazz in the 21st Century – a bold new wave of acosutic expression and soulful improvisation – served up here in an amazing assortment that features a few previously unreleased tunes! As with other volumes in this Schema series, the focus here is on the strong return to acoustic jazz on the dancefloor – served up mostly by European combos who are steeped in the traditions of 50s hardbop and 60s soul jazz. A few titles here are of older vintage, but most numbers are recent ones – either pulled from pricey import singles, or from previously unreleased tapes by the artists. Unreleased titles include "Jitterbug" by Gerardo Frisina, "Anisia" by Luis Ferri, "Revealed" by Soulstance, and "Shades Of Blue" by Quintetto Lo Greco – and other tracks include "African Rumble" by Timo Lassey, "Versilian Samba (Five Corners Quintet version)" by Sunaga T Experience, "Conversation (Nicola Conte new jazz club mix)" by High Five Quintet, "Invitation" by Kenny Clarke Francy Boland Sextet, "Bohemia After Dark" by Sahib Shihab, and "Freedom Jaz Dance" by Fez Combo.

A lost batch of soulful jazz from a massively overlooked source – the mighty Theresa Records, home to some really great recordings at the end of the 70s! Theresa was a tiny company formed in Oakland, CA at the end of the 70s – a spiritual heir to the sound of Impulse, Flying Dutchman, and other 70s powerhouse soul jazz labels – with a sound that was directly encapsulated in the label's own recordings of Pharoah Sanders at the time! After a few years of inactivity on the recording scene after his seminal sides for Impulse, Pharoah made a strong re-emergence on Theresa – working in a sweet style of soul jazz that was also picked up by some of the label's other strong artists. This excellent set was compiled in collaboration with Gilles Peterson – and features some of the hippest, most soulful tracks to come out on Theresa – work that takes off from the sound of Pharoah's earlier albums, into a whole new realm of expression! Titles include "Heart Is A Melody", "Rejoice", and "You've Got To Have Freedom" by Pharoah Sanders; "Samba" and "Pippin" by Ed Kelly; "Use Your Hands" and "Levels Of Consciousness" by Babatunde & Phenomena; and "Hip Funk" by Bishop Norman Williams & The One Mind Experience. 11 tracks in all!

A 7 track EP of contemporary Arab hip hop from the Middle East – with timeless, funk-steeped beats, evocative regional samples and atmosphere – and clearly passionate rhymes, whether you speak the language or not! A remarkable testament to the global reach of strong, conciousness raising hip hop – but also a straight up solid head-nodding listening experience! Includes "Ya Deeb (Oh Wolf)" by Al Sayyed Darwish & El Rass, "Boov" by LaTlateh, "That El Soor (Under The Rampart)" by Armada Bizerte, "Janna Janna (Heaven Heaven) by El Far3i & El Rass, "Soura (Picture)" by Rami GB, "Rad Al Sha'b (The People's Response)" by Al Haqq and "foosh (Float)" by El Rass. Side B includes instrumentals for each track.

Rare funk from the Oaktown scene of the early 70s – most of it previously unreleased! The package is tremendous right from the start – cut from the same Music City cloth as work by Darondo, with an equally rough-edged, messed-up sort of feel – one that goes way past familiar funky sounds of the time! Bass is often quite heavy in the mix, giving most of these tunes a really strong, fat bottom sound – and some of the instrumentation has this wicked jamming fuzzy feel that almost recalls the best of the Westbound sound in Detroit. Titles include "Richmond Experience" by Kevin Burton & Peace, "Wouldn't It Be A Shame" by The Soul Messengers, "Check Me Out (alt)" by Little Denice, "Gumbo" by Victor Green, "Freedom Train" by Kevin Burton & Peace, "Just A Man" by Chucky Thurmon & Pharris Wheel, "Giant Hamburger (part 2)" by Victor Green, and the cuts "Get Down" and "Havin Fun" – both by unknown artists!

Way more than just "hits" – given that this hip box set features tracks from every single 12" released by the legendary P&P family of labels – a massive amount of underground dancefloor work from the late 70s and early 80s, and a set that gives new meaning to the word discography! If you know even just a bit of the P&P sound, you'll know you've got a revolutionary listening experience in store – music that goes way beyond conventional club and disco, with lots of weird little twists and turns – in both the instrumentation and production, which often use these cool little homemade spacey touches! Vocals are often right in synch with the offbeat grooves – and just about every cut on here is massively funky, too. Package features work by Cloud One, Milton Floyd, Sons Of Darkness, Jesse Gee, Scoopy, Rudy Stuart, Little Scotty, Henry Brooks, Fly Guy, Ahzz, Super Jay, Otis Turner, Sherod, The Destiny Orchestra, Bobby Mann, and many others – from singles that originally appeared on labels like Queen Constance, La Shawn, Land Of Hits, Golden Flamingo, Heavenly Star, Clarence, Destiny, Mr Brown, P&P, Sound Of New York, and others. 185 songs, on 15 CDs, packaged in cool slim sleeves in a tight box set – over 18 hours of music, and all of it great!

Full length CD that features a huge range of different talents all remixing the classic Italian soundtrack cut "Sessomatto" by Armando Trovajoli (which was included on Easy Tempo Vol 1). The set's got the full original version, plus cool remixes by Raphael Sebbag of U.F.O., DJ Smash, The Karminsky Brothers, Claudio Coccoluto, and other modern mixologists dedicated to transforming this classic jazzy bossa groove. Despite the repetition, the sound varies from track to track, and the release works well enough as a full-length LP with a sound that's in keeping with the rest of the Easy Tempo catalog.

Sweet soul jazz from the 70s Detroit scene – and a record with a ties to the same scene as Tribe Records! The sound here is straightforward and soulful – a bit of electricity at the bottom and some fluidly gliding horn work on the top – plus some key vocals from a group that includes Kim Weston in the lead, supported by other female singers – in a righteous mode that really makes the best tunes sparkle! Other players include Phil Ranelin on trombone, Nasi Hafiz on vibes, Miller Brisker on tenor and piano, and Sylvia Truner on harp – all working together in a largeish group with the best spiritual energy of groups on Strata East! The whole thing's great – a beautiful lost treasure, and the kind of record that's rarely carried off so perfectly – and titles include "Song For M", "A Little Love For You", "Mark I", "Ja-Mil", "Nobody Had To Tell Me", "Arjuna", and "Now You're Gone".

Sweet soul jazz from the 70s Detroit scene – and a record with a ties to the same scene as Tribe Records! The sound here is straightforward and soulful – a bit of electricity at the bottom and some fluidly gliding horn work on the top – plus some key vocals from a group that includes Kim Weston in the lead, supported by other female singers – in a righteous mode that really makes the best tunes sparkle! Other players include Phil Ranelin on trombone, Nasi Hafiz on vibes, Miller Brisker on tenor and piano, and Sylvia Truner on harp – all working together in a largeish group with the best spiritual energy of groups on Strata East! The whole thing's great – a beautiful lost treasure, and the kind of record that's rarely carried off so perfectly – and titles include "Song For M", "A Little Love For You", "Mark I", "Ja-Mil", "Nobody Had To Tell Me", "Arjuna", and "Now You're Gone".

The second album from Kleeer – and a record that really has the group solidifying their sound – compressing keyboards, guitar, and grooves together in a sublimely boogie-heavy mode! Kleeer were really at the forefront of the coming 80s groove scene – and Woody Cunningham and the group draw heavily here from their previous experience with Patrick Adams, yet move into a smoother, tighter finish that set a new standard for the coming generation. Instrumentation is funky, but not exactly funk – and the tunes are mostly groovers throughout, but also move nicely away from disco norms of the late 70s. Isabelle Coles sings lead vocals on the track "I Still Love You" – and other titles include "Winners", "Your Way", "Close To You", "Rollin On", "Nothin Said", and "Hunger For Your Love".

A classic from the electro maestro – arguably the greatest American album from Giorgio Moroder! The set's got a great mix of disco and electronics that was years ahead of its time – and is surprisingly fresh and edgey, despite Moroder's fame over the years. Electronics are really at the core of all the tunes – bubbling, dipping, crackling around the groove – with only slight additional disco touches – and an overall sound that leans much more closely towards Kraftwerk than it does other work on the Casablanca label at the time. And we're really not fooling about this one – because it's got a raw electro vibe that still holds up beautifully, and which is more and more of a delight the farther we get from the 70s. Titles include "From Here To Eternity", "Lost Angeles", "Faster Than The Speed Of Love", "First Hand Experience In Second Hand Love", "I'm Left You're Right She's Gone", and "Too Hot To Handle".

A compelling collaboration from a very unlikely duo – "minister of audiology" Lary 7, working here with Jimi Tenor and Mia Theodoratus! The sound is definitely informed by Lary's long experience with acoustic instruments – and builds beautifully out of a range of harps, flutes, percussion, bells, marimba, and lots of other amazing exotic elements that shift and change as the record moves on – almost like some old school Moondog record, but with a feel that's more laidback and evocative – and quite meditative all the way through! Tenor's production work really helps give the sound some shape, and still has all the spiritual undercurrents of some of Jimi's own recent records – and titles include "EEG", "Polysomnographic", "Brief Arousal", "Hypersomia", "Synitillating", "Quietus", "Reveil", and "Panique Onirique".

A classic album of classy vocals – one that helped set a whole new tone in 80s soul music! Anita had already gained a bit of experience on the soul scene before this set, but with this record she emerged as a full-formed diva who could effortlessly blend jazz and soul into a magnificent new sound. The production has a few touches that date the record a bit, but there's a timelessness to the set that was apparent to listeners the moment it was released. Titles include "Mystery", "No One In The World", "Sweet Love", "You Bring Me Joy", and "Caught Up In The Rapture".

One of the greatest albums ever by studio genius David Axelrod! The album's one of Axelrod's first on his own – cut for Capitol Records at a time when he was working with some of the label's biggest selling soul acts – like Cannonball Adderley and Lou Rawls – turning their already-successful sounds into super-hit material by adding some nice funky touches, and excellent baroque production. This album lets Axelrod fully explore his talents for larger studio arrangements, and complex yet soulful instrumentation. The record is subtitled "an anthology of awareness after birth, based on the 18th century poems of William Blake" – and it features incredible arrangements conducted by Don Randi, played by a host of excellent LA jazz and studio players. The overall sound is spacey and dark, with nice touches of funk, and plenty of cool instrumental passages that have been sampled over the years by hip hoppers and other producers. Titles include "London", "The Fly", "The Human Abstract", "A Divine Image", and "The Sick Rose". Reissued with the original gatefold cover, and everything!

Wow, we never thought we'd see this one reissued! Andy Bey was originally a member of the jazz group Andy & The Bey Sisters – but by this time, he'd gone solo, and had done vocals on righteous political albums by Gary Bartz and Horace Silver. The groove here is nice and jazzy, with some funky stuff thrown in, and Andy's voice has a weird off-kilter sound that's very hard to describe, but which is extremely haunting! The album includes a remake of "Celestial Blues", which he did with Gary Bartz, plus the tracks "Being Uptight", "Tune Up", "Hibiscus", "Experience", and "The Power Of My Mind".

A long-overdue collection of all the mixes, side-projects, and rare "Nicola Conte version" tracks that have cropped up in the past decade or so – work that's every bit as great as the material Conte includes on his own albums and singles! Nicola Conte's not a remixer – he's a re-imaginer – and when he sets out to serve up his own version of a track, he often starts from scratch – using his own band, his own arrangements, and his own key elements – all of which turn any projects for other artists into grooves that are very Conte-directed – the kind of classic jazz-infused gems that Nicola's been laying down on his own Schema Records label for over a decade! This double-disc set is filled with amazing work that Conte's done for other folks – and it also include a few rare and unreleased tracks under his own name as well – a massive helping of music that's really mindblowing throughout – sure to please any fan of Nicola, as well as anyone who digs the artists included in the package. Nicola Conte tracks include "Castles In The Rain", "Charade", "New Blues", "When I Wish Upon A Star", "Solo", "Black Is The Graceful Veil (acoustic version)", "Groovy Samba", and "All Or Nothing At All", which features vocals by Jose James! Other cuts include Conte mixes and reworks of "Stolen Moments (Midnight Mood rework)" by Mark Murphy, "Yellow Daisies" by Fertile Ground, "So Danco Samba (Nicola Conte rework)" by Til Bronner, "Terra De Ninguem" by Sabrina Malheiros, "Take Off (Campi's Idea version)" by Marco Di Marco, "3 Corners (For Friends & Relatives version)" by Five Corners Quintet, "You Are" by Povo, "Our Love" by Luisito Quintero, "Healing Blue (shape of jazz to come version)" by Sunaga T Experience, "Lotus Sun" by Maki Mannami, "Heaven (west coast vibes rmx)" by Bitter:Sweet, "Quiet Nights (out of the cool version)" by Re:Jazz, "Elevated States" by Thunderball, "Mood Indigo" by Akiko, "Take Five (Nicola Conte rmx)" by Roberto Roena, and "Kerma Elastica (Nicola Conte rmx)" by Bobby Hughes Combination.

We never tire of the saxophone work of Sonny Criss – and this mid 70s gem is a perfect example of his brilliance! Sonny's sound on alto here is completely his own – raspily, soulful style that's really unique – and which draws strongly from Criss' rich life experience, including his years away from music (he'd been retired for most of the 70s before the time of this album.) The group's laidback and open – with Dolo Coker on piano, Ray Crawford on guitar, Larry Gales on bass, and Jimmy Smith on drums – a group that's all well with Criss on his journey – but also lets him sparkle brightly in the lead. Titles include the extended track "Isle Of Celia", plus "This Is For Benny", "Blues In My Heart", and "Crisscraft".

Man, we've been waiting a heck of a long time for this record – but it's really been worth the wait! Julie Dexter's always been one of our favorite singers on the Neo Soul scene – a vocalist with a strong sound that's steeped in years of experience in both the London and Atlanta scenes. She's got a way of putting over a lyric with lots of jazzy twists and turns – fusing her soul with a slightly cosmic approach that makes her sound head and shoulders above most of her contemporaries on the indie soul scene. Plus, Julie's lyrics are always far beyond cliché – sophisticated, yet simple and personal – with a "dexterity" that's as charming as it is soulful! Titles include "I See Colors", "The Race", "A Place For Us", "Like Ours", "Look Who's Got Ya Back", "Conscious", and "Small World".

Fantastic early work from The Dramatics – an amazing blend of sweet soul harmony vocals, Memphis soul production, and some other-worldly songwriting that far surpasses later work of the group. This album's one of the band's most righteous, with a mixture of Curtom-type message cuts and sweeter love songs – and it includes the cuts "The Devil is Dope", "Beware of the Man (With The Candy In His Hand)", "Jim, What's Wrong With Him?", and "Hey You! Get Off My Mountain". Stellar soul sound, with a vibe that's unlike a lot of other stuff on the Stax/Volt label!

Perhaps the ultimate album for The Gap Band – and sure, it was a hit, but the record still sounds great today, and the constant sampling of some of the record has kept it fresh in the crates for years at years. The band have lost the heavier funk sound of earlier years, and working in a slick 80s groove mode that they both helped to define and put on the charts with the tracks "Oustanding" and "Early In The Morning", both two killer grooves with a complicated instrumental feel, and some wicked harmony vocals over the top. Lonnie Simmons is still producing the band – and other tracks include "Lonely Like Me", "Stay With Me", "Talkin Back", and "You Dropped A Bomb On Me".

This is Asphodel's wonderful reissue of "word jazz" maestro Ken Nordine's classic mid 60s ode to the sultry side of the common, the uncommon, and some seemingly made up colors. ("Muddy" anyone?) Billed as "A Sensuous Listening Experience" – and truly living up to it somehow – it's a crazy suite of smoky, jazzbo spoken word monologues, each describing a different color, with groovy, loungey jazz backing. If you're unfamiliar with the weird, wordy world of Ken Nordine, this is the perfect place to start. 34 colors get the nod, including "Azure", "Russet", "Flesh", "Nutria", "Mauve", "Cerise", "Sepia" and others on the obscure spectrum, plus "Olive", "Lavender", "White", "Orange", "Purple" and lots of others on the common tip. If Monty Burn's got high on ether and cut a jazz album, this is probably what it would sound like.

Although these days, Parliament's best remembered for their classic studio albums, back in the 70s, the real P-Funk experience was the incredible live shows served up by George Clinton and the group! George, Bootsy, and the rest were undeniably at the top of their game at the time – rolling into cities and taking them by storm with their space-themed sets, wild costumes, and intense ability to jam live with a force that even blew away their records! This double live set is a great document of the P-Funk sound of the time – and features some great tunes from mid 70s Parliament, served up in modes that range from straight to very long and drawn out. Titles include "Give Up The Funk", "Get Off Your Ass & Jam", "Night Of The Thumpasorous Peoples", "Let's Take It To The Stage", and "Gamin' On Ya!" – all done with the sort of live jamming feel that made their shows go on forever and groove all night long.

A solid smoker from the SOS Band – maybe one of the group's best-remembered albums, and for good reason too! The set's got a groove that's beautiful right from the start – 80s funk that's really a cut above, and touched with just the right mix of jazzy elements and warmer moments too – giving the whole record a much more balanced feel than similar efforts of the time! Production is from Ricky Sylvers and Gene Dozier – the latter of whom we especially love, and who no doubt helps bring his years of soulful experience into the great sound of the set. Titles include "You Shake Me Up", "Have It Your Way", "Your Love", "High Hopes", "Good & Plenty", and "Groovin". Great reissue – with book-styled cover, lots of notes, and bonus tracks that include "High Hopes (edit)", "Good & Plenty (7" version)", "Good & Plenty (12" version)", "Groovin (special version)", and "Your Love (US 12" version)".

A great solo set from pianist Spike Wilner – the driving force behind the whole Smalls Live series as a producer, but a hell of a musician as well! Wilner's got a great style that draws strongly from jazz piano tradition, but really makes things his own – using strands of 20th century technique on the keys, yet inflecting them with a wonderfully personal voice – a sound that's far more introspective than you might guess at the outset, and which really has us rapt in ways that are different than the experience we get from other contemporary piano solo albums. Titles include "All Too Soon", "Elite Syncopations", "Echoes Of Spring", "Gone With The Wind", "Lullaby Of The Leaves", "Tea For Two", and "Bodhisattva Blues".

A bold step forward for Fanga – and a set that's easily the group's greatest record ever! This time around, Fanga are teamed with guembri player Maalem Abdalla Guinea – a musician who seems to have unlocked some rich new energy in the group – and a sound that takes them past their already-great groove! Familiar Afro Funk modes are still in place, but the tracks are longer and a lot more open too – leaving great room for Guinea's rootsy instrumentation – and creating this spontaneous feeling to the record that really hints at the genius of Fanga in a live setting. The whole thing's proof that the right Afro Funk groups are really finding new ways of expression these days – and the set features the tracks "Noble Tree", "Gnawi", "Kelen", and "Kononi". CD features additional tracks "Wouarri" and "Dounya".

A true classic by Jimi with the original Experience lineup – the third of three straight up masterpiece LPs to comeout in just over a year's time by the group! You could call the leftfield astral effects in the mix experimental if you had to – innovations in the studio with echo, that hallucinatory backwards sound effect and other stranger bits – but the passionate, naturally expressive playing and singing by Jimi makes it all fell just right, and the Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell still don't get enough credit for being at the heart of such greatness. A massive 2LP effort that include s"Voodoo Chile", "Crosstown Traffic", "Electric Ladyland", "Little Miss Strange", "Moon Turn The Tides", "Still Raining Still Dreaming" and "All Along The Watchtower".

Wonderful work from Gregory Porter – easily one of the best new jazz singers to emerge in the past decade or so, and one whose approach is soulful enough to rival the greats of the 70s! There's echoes here of Bill Withers, Gil Scott-Heron, and Al Jarreau – and like all those artists, Gregory's a singer who really moves past simple styles and generic conventions – into a mode that's vivid and rich right from the start, and defiitely his own territory – a world of sound that's a delight to experience! Most backings are straight jazzy, but inflected with some soul modes – and the album's even better and more incredible than Porter's debut for Motema. Titles include "On My Way To Harlem", "When Did You Learn", "Mother's Song", "Imitation Of Life", "Our Love", "Be Good", and "Painted On Canvas".

An amazing discovery in music – rare work from an artist who's already pretty darn rare to American ears – even though he recorded some of these spacey gems in Virginia during the mid 70s! Sensation's Fix is the brainchild of musician/electronician Franco Falsini – an Italian artist with strong influence from, and experience with, the early German prog scene – but one who also stretches out here in ways that are a lot more personal and poetic! The music is heavy on keyboards and electronics – often in a minimally-produced way, save for studio effects that really help flesh out the sound without commercializing it – and Franco has a thoughtful approach that's never too jamming, even though mostly instrumental – almost that space as prog was turning towards soundtrack ends – especially in German and France. Yet the feel is also quite different than that, too – as you'll hear on this double-length set of rare mixes, alternate takes and unreased tracks from the records that yielded the short output of Sensation's Fix in the mid 70s. Titles include "Barnhause Effect", "Overflowing Ashtrays", "Cold Nose Part 3 Movement 3", "Left Side Of Green", "Chelsea Hotel Room 625", "Crossing Berlin", "Darkside 2", "Fragments Of Light", "Warped Notions Of A Practical Joke", and "Leave My Chemistry".

A solid smoker from the SOS Band – maybe one of the group's best-remembered albums, and for good reason too! The set's got a groove that's beautiful right from the start – 80s funk that's really a cut above, and touched with just the right mix of jazzy elements and warmer moments too – giving the whole record a much more balanced feel than similar efforts of the time! Production is from Ricky Sylvers and Gene Dozier – the latter of whom we especially love, and who no doubt helps bring his years of soulful experience into the great sound of the set. Titles include "You Shake Me Up", "Have It Your Way", "Your Love", "High Hopes", "Good & Plenty", and "Groovin".

A great take on the music of Thelonious Monk – recorded with special sensitivity by reedman James Spaulding, who ensures that the sound goes way past the usual Monk-styled outing! Things start out in relatively familiar territory, but as the record progresses it really opens up – as Spaulding moves between alto sax and flute, and works beautifully with Wallace Roney on trumpet, Mulgrew Miller on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and the great Kenny Washington on drums. Given the experience of the players, the album's got a richness that shows the years past since Monk passed – a growing reach of his music, but a transformation as well – one that moves past easy angular cliches, and shows a complicated understanding of compositions like "Brilliant Corners", "Reflections", "I Mean You", "Let's Cool One", "Little Rootie Tootie", and "Ask Me Now".

A bit of soul, a bit of jazz, and some nice funky touches at the bottom – a killer little set from the great Spanky Wilson! Wilson's got a really unique place in music – at one level a soul singer with enough sophistication to rival the sound of Marlena Shaw or Nancy Wilson – but at another level, an artist capable of really letting loose – hitting heavier, funkier modes that neither of those singers could ever touch! This set may well be Wilson's masterpiece – put together with excellent production and arrangements from the great HB Barnum – here coming off a great run of work for other artists in the 60s, and focusing all that experience on making Spanky sound great. Titles include "If I Could", "You", "Don't Mess With Bill", "Light My Fire", "Sunshine Of Your Love", "Hurtin", and "The Love That A Woman Should Give To A Man".

On the heels of their Sessomato Experience LP, Easy Tempo release this compilation of older Italian soundtrack grooves – by Luis Bacalov, Armando Trovajoli, Piero Umiliani, and Piero Piccioni – remixed by modern European mixologists – like Kid Loco, Jazz Brothers, Rainer Truby Trio, Maffia Sound System, and Gak Sato. As with the other projects, the effort is an attempt update some of these funky grooves, and turn them towards the modern dancefloor. The album's packaged on 3 long 12" singles, which makes it extra DJ friendly, and it's a nice batch of tracks to mix in with a lively now sound set.

We never tire of the saxophone work of Sonny Criss – and this mid 70s gem is a perfect example of his brilliance! Sonny's sound on alto here is completely his own – raspily, soulful style that's really unique – and which draws strongly from Criss' rich life experience, including his years away from music (he'd been retired for most of the 70s before the time of this album.) The group's laidback and open – with Dolo Coker on piano, Ray Crawford on guitar, Larry Gales on bass, and Jimmy Smith on drums – a group that's all well with Criss on his journey – but also lets him sparkle brightly in the lead. Titles include the extended track "Isle Of Celia", plus "This Is For Benny", "Blues In My Heart", and "Crisscraft". CD features 2 bonus tracks – an alternate of "Blues In My Heart", and "All The Things You Are".

A fantastic album by The Dramatics – with a harder funkier sound than you'll find on most of their other records of the time – a gritty gem from the group's early years, and a record that really deserves its placement on the Stax label! The record has the group moving into a post-Temptations style of righteous soul – grooving hard with a really heavy bottom on funky numbers like "Get Up and Get Down" and "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get", and even dropping a bit of a drug reference on the cut "Marry Don't Cha Wanna" – one of those messed-up lyric numbers we'd expect from a Latin Soul group! But the album's also got a sweet side too – as it features the amazing ballad cut "In The Rain", which has some of the most amazing production you'll ever find on the Stax label – harmony work that rivals the greatness of the east coast scene of the time. Other tracks include "Gimme Some", "Thank You For Your Love", and "Hot Pants In The Summertime". Even more amazing – CD features a huge amount of bonus tracks – the entire Dramatic Experience album – an amazing blend of sweet soul harmony vocals, Memphis soul production, and some other-worldly songwriting that far surpasses later work of the group. This album's one of the band's most righteous, with a mixture of Curtom-type message cuts and sweeter love songs – and it includes the cuts "The Devil is Dope", "Beware of the Man (With The Candy In His Hand)", "Jim, What's Wrong With Him?", and "Hey You! Get Off My Mountain". CD also features 2 more bonus tracks – "Stand Up Clap Your Hands" and "Hum A Song".

A stellar set of surviving 70s Black Ark productions by Lee Perry – with rare and unreleased cuts plus pivotal, if long-buried sides by Junior Byles, U Roy, Delroy Butler, Tinga Stewart, The Upsetters, The Flames, The Ethiopians, Jah T and more – Perry-produced gems for Kingston's cultural rebels and sufferers! The Sound Doctor compilation is really an essential, perfectly-collected batch on Pressure Sounds – the UK label that once again proves to be among the finest and most respectful of Sound Doctor devotees. Among the exceptional rarities are the unreleased "Army Of Love" by Junior Byles, an exclusive dub plate mix of the Upsetters "Horny Train", the raw original mix of U Roy's "006" and many more – stirringly soulful Black Ark singles and dub versions including "Sound Doctor" by Bobby Floyd, "Do Good" by Al Maytone", "Different Experience" by Brother Ray", "Smiling Faces" by Tinga Stewart, "It’s Impossible" by The Ethiopians, "Grandfather Land" by Jah T, "King Of Kings" by Pat Francis, "Be Prepared" by Keith Poppin, "Key Card" by Lee & Jimmy, "Start Over" by The Gatherers and more.

A fantastically funky full length set from Gizelle Smith – a hell of a great singer who's really been winning our ears with her funky 45s – now stepping out with an even more badass sound in the space of this album! Gizelle's groove is right up there with the hippest female singers in the deep funk underground – and the backings by The Mighty Mocambos are forged in years of funky 45 experience – razor sharp, with an especially great edge on the drums – which seem to drive all the other instruments in the combo! There's no hoke at all in the production, either – no fake-retro styles, just a clean, clear, classic approach to funky soul that makes the set an instantly timeless gem – one of those records you could have picked up 30 years back, and will definitely be playing again 30 years from now. Titles include "Snake Charmer", "Coffee High", "Everything Holds Blame", "Gonna Get You", "Out Of Fashion", "Love Alarm", "Hold Fast", "The Time Is Right For Love", "Magic Time Machine", and "Nothing For Nothing" – plus an instrumental of "Free Vibes".

A great take on the music of Thelonious Monk – recorded with special sensitivity by reedman James Spaulding, who ensures that the sound goes way past the usual Monk-styled outing! Things start out in relatively familiar territory, but as the record progresses it really opens up – as Spaulding moves between alto sax and flute, and works beautifully with Wallace Roney on trumpet, Mulgrew Miller on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and the great Kenny Washington on drums. Given the experience of the players, the album's got a richness that shows the years past since Monk passed – a growing reach of his music, but a transformation as well – one that moves past easy angular cliches, and shows a complicated understanding of compositions like "Brilliant Corners", "Reflections", "I Mean You", "Let's Cool One", "Little Rootie Tootie", and "Ask Me Now".

Maybe the deepest set so far in the excellent Funk Experience collection – and one that's got a surprising amount of great grooves we've never heard before! We've dug the 60s and 70s Scandia scene for years – as there's some massive gems from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark that often get overlooked by US crate diggers – rare jazz, funk, and soul numbers that are often some of the most unusual European grooves of the time! But we've honestly never heard most of the cuts here – a great surprise to our ears, and a rich treasure trove of musical gems that really stand out – even in a world of other great compilations. All tracks are from the vaults of EMI Records – and are brought together here with a great ear for the way they sound next to each other – a massive lineup that includes "Taboo" by Max Leth, "Memphis Underground" by Modern Sound Quintet, "Mr Minor" by Staffan Abeleen Quintet, "Mas Que Nada" by Bob Azzam, "Big Band Felicidade" by Bernt Rosengren, "La Folia" by Solar Plexus, "Stone Free" by Claes Goran Fagerstedt, "Horrorscope" by Ralph Lundsten, "Bubble Sex" by Tommy Seebach, "Standing In The Way" by Charles Williams, "Ari's Tune" by Ted Curson, "Naat Vain Silmin" by Carita Holmstrom, and "Nica's Dream" by Bo Warmell – plus the classic "You Never Come Closer" by Doris, maybe the one track here you will already know.

Droning soundscapes with dreamy atmosphere and ominous twists and turns from Ensemble Pearl! The ensemble is an international one – featuring Sunn O)))'s Stephen O'Malley, plus Atsuo from Boris, Boris-affiliate Michio Kurihara, William Herzog and guests – and their eponymous record for Drag City is one of cooler avant instrumental projects on DC in recent memory. It apparently came together from material recorded for a theater project a couple years earlier – and it has a bit of tripped out, spooky soundtrack-y feel to show for it – but it stands really strongly as a headphones experience all its own! Includes "Ghost Parade", "Painting On A Corpse", "Wray", "Island Epiphany", "Giant" and "Sexy Angle".

Droning soundscapes with dreamy atmosphere and ominous twists and turns from Ensemble Pearl! The ensemble is an international one – featuring Sunn O)))'s Stephen O'Malley, plus Atsuo from Boris, Boris-affiliate Michio Kurihara, William Herzog and guests – and their eponymous record for Drag City is one of cooler avant instrumental projects on DC in recent memory. It apparently came together from material recorded for a theater project a couple years earlier – and it has a bit of tripped out, spooky soundtrack-y feel to show for it – but it stands really strongly as a headphones experience all its own! Includes "Ghost Parade", "Painting On A Corpse", "Wray", "Island Epiphany", "Giant" and "Sexy Angle".

A great return to form for the LTJ Experience – exactly the kind of tight grooves and soulful sounds that made Luca Trevisi such a standout in earlier years of the Italian club scene! The style here is really back to basics – somewhere between the spareness of the post-disco years and the fuller soulful styles when house started coming into play – always pretty funky in the rhythms, but with a forward-moving focus that's quite different than straight instrumental funk too. Titles include "Funk Is On", "Disco-Ver Me", "What I Feel", "Linear Funk", "Vuoto Beat", and "Get Down".

Pat Martino in one of his greatest settings – live, in front of the kind of an audience where he could really open up! The set's a great marker of the growth that Pat experienced as the 70s approached – taking all the lessons he'd learned from his years gigging it up in the soul jazz underground, and using them to forge a more expansive, more cosmic approach to jazz. The tracks on the set are all quite long – with backing by a trio that features electric piano from Ron Thomas, and an overall sound that's exploratory, but never too out or trippy. Titles include "Special Door", "The Great Stream", and an excellent reading of "Sunny".

One of the crowning achievements of Alexander O'Neal – a set that uses cool little intro tracks to help structure the standout songs on the set – giving the whole thing a much more well-conceived approach than other mainstream soul albums of the time! Some of the cuts draw from O'Neal's own life and experience, and that feel is definitely augmented by the spontaneous, conversational feel of the intros and links – a really nice contrast to the wonderfully tight R&B production from the superteam of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis! Of course, lots of these tracks also struck big as singles for Alexander – proof that the cuts are more than strong enough to stand on their own – yet taken over the course of the whole album, with all the extra bits, the whole thing really sounds great. Titles include "Hearsay", "The Lovers", "Fake", "Criticize", "Crying Overtime", and "Sunshine".

One of the crowning achievements of Alexander O'Neal – a set that uses cool little intro tracks to help structure the standout songs on the set – giving the whole thing a much more well-conceived approach than other mainstream soul albums of the time! Some of the cuts draw from O'Neal's own life and experience, and that feel is definitely augmented by the spontaneous, conversational feel of the intros and links – a really nice contrast to the wonderfully tight R&B production from the superteam of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis! Of course, lots of these tracks also struck big as singles for Alexander – proof that the cuts are more than strong enough to stand on their own – yet taken over the course of the whole album, with all the extra bits, the whole thing really sounds great. Titles include "Hearsay", "The Lovers", "Fake", "Criticize", "Crying Overtime", and "Sunshine". 2CD version is overflowing with bonus tracks – including "Fake (patty mix)", "Fake (inst)", "Fake (edit)", "Sunshine (edit)", "Never Knew Love Like This (edit)", "Hearsay '89", "The Lovers (bonus beats)", "Criticize (critical mix)", and "Criticize (nag mix)". Great package too – book-style cover, with new notes!

An excellent 80s set from one of the greatest voices in 70s soul – the sublime Billy Paul, sounding great here with a bit of electro groove in the rhythms! The album's approach is a bit different than Billy on Philly International – but the strength of Paul's presence is still very much in place – reshaped a bit like some of Marvin Gaye's later modes on Columbia Records – referenced possibly in the album's sweet slinky "Sexual Therapy" number. Titles include a wonderful remake of The Flamingos classic "I Only Have Eyes For You" – plus "On A Clear Day", "Let Me In", "Fire In Her Love", "Sexual Therapy", "Me & You", and "Hot Date". CD features a bonus single version of "Sexual Therapy".

70s action film-styled funk from the Italian scene from Signor Wolf – one that certainly lives up the experience promised by the title! The Signor Wolf approach is much more styled after the pulpy funk era soundtracks of the 70s than many of the JBs-born funk revival projects out there today – with tight, freaky guitars, persistently rollicking beats and spunky bass, organ, vibes and some subtle programmed elements. A promising set – and unique in relation to its peers! 11 tracks in all: "Mr. Wolf", "Il Cerchio Si Chiude", the flute funk homage "Funky Trouble", "Open Race", "Escape", "Il Corpo", "Affari Di Famiglia", "Guilty's Trip", "Ultima Bossa" and "7 Years After".

A sweet sweet groover from Switch – post-Motown, but still sounding great – and if anything, maybe finding a whole new groove in the process! The quintet have all the warm modes of their best previous tunes – a touch of funk at times, but a vibe that's even stronger on tunes that have an open, mellow flow – that smooth-stepping groove that seems to really work perfectly with their vocals, and which gives this album a motherlode of old school jams! Forget the dated cover image, because this one's pretty classic all the way – with cuts that include "Switch It Baby", "It's All Up To You", "I'm So Satisfied", "Treason", "Keeping Secrets", and "Forever My Love". CD features bonus tracks – "Switch It Baby (12" version)", "Switch It Baby (inst)", "I'm So Satisfied (12" version)", and "I'm So Satisfied (inst)".

A stunner from the Scott Walker – and possibly the most archly-dramatic, unique and alluring work he'd done up to this point! Since Scott Walker albums have become once per decade events, a lot more is at stake with each one, and it's nothing short of amazing that he manages to get more and more exciting with each effort. The Drift finds Scott tackling obscure historical drama, his pop-operatic vibrato as chilling as ever – backed up by his long-relied upon backdrop of string arrangements, guitars, drums and keys – along with (way) off-kilter percussion. But the sounds made with those tried-and-true materials are often unprecedented, either from Scott or anyone else on the planet. The voice wails with authority, the backing is often quiet and subtle until the ever-approaching gail swoops in and carries you away. We could probably write a book about this album (and someone undoubtably will) – so we'll leave you to pick it up and experience it for yourself! Tracks include "Cossacks Are", "Clara", "Jesse", "Jolson And Jones", "Cue","Buzzers", "Psoriatic", "The Escape" and "A Lover Loves".

A standout set from the duo of Calvin Yarbrough and Alisa Peoples – sounding great on this set of mid 80s grooves! The production of the set has all the hallmarks of Lonnie Simmons' Total Experience style – bouncy rhythms and sweet keyboards, wrapped up in that mix of catchy and funky modes the label was spearheading at the time – and managed to do in ways that were never as flat as some of the more commercial soul on the charts, yet which still had all the same sort of hook-heavy charm! Titles include "I Wouldn't Lie", "Guilty", "Let The Music Play On", "Wrapped Around Your Finger", "Everything", "A Closer Love Affair", and "Who Is She". CD features loads of bonus tracks – including "Don't Stop The Feeling", "Special", "Guilty (single)", "I Wouldn't Lie (12" version)", "Wrapped Around Your Finger (12" version)", and "Don't Stop The Feeling (12" club)".

Similar to the first volume, this one's got some groovy Italian soundtrack themes remixed by some of Europe's best handlers of the genre. The set features work by Piero Umiliani, Armando Trovajoli, Berto Pisano, Mario Migalardi, and Lesiman – all remixed and remodeled by the likes of Gak Sato, Kid Loco, Raw Deal, BNX, and The Karminsky Experience! Very groovy stuff, and another chapter in the Italian effort to fold time back on itself!

Slammin's a definite good choice for the title of this one – as this 5th entry in the Easy Tempo series seems even funkier than the other volumes – a set that's got plenty of full-on grooves, hand-picked from the genius Italian soundtrack years of the 60s and 70s! If you're looking for a place to start digging the full range of talents of the maestros of this time, you'd be hard pressed to find a better collection – as the Easy Tempo name always means the best bits from this scene, served up in a package that packs a lot more punch than any single individual soundtrack! Titles include "Loco Love Motor" and "The Frog" by Augusto Martelli, "Montreal Non Stop" and "Anice Nuraghi" by Luiz Bacalov, "L'Arcangelo" by Piero Umiliani, "Running Fast" by Stefano Torossi, "Blazing Magnum" by Armando Trovajoli, "Trop's" by Alberto Baldan Bembo, "Vuca" by Tony Mimms, and "The Chicken" by Dick Oliver.

Slammin's a definite good choice for the title of this one – as this 5th entry in the Easy Tempo series seems even funkier than the other volumes – a set that's got plenty of full-on grooves, hand-picked from the genius Italian soundtrack years of the 60s and 70s! If you're looking for a place to start digging the full range of talents of the maestros of this time, you'd be hard pressed to find a better collection – as the Easy Tempo name always means the best bits from this scene, served up in a package that packs a lot more punch than any single individual soundtrack! Titles include "Loco Love Motor" and "The Frog" by Augusto Martelli, "Montreal Non Stop" and "Anice Nuraghi" by Luiz Bacalov, "L'Arcangelo" by Piero Umiliani, "Running Fast" by Stefano Torossi, "Blazing Magnum" by Armando Trovajoli, "Trop's" by Alberto Baldan Bembo, "Vuca" by Tony Mimms, and "The Chicken" by Dick Oliver.

The Easy Tempo groove is wider than ever here – still plenty funky, but also jazzy and groovy too – with some mod 60s influences filtering into the mix, and even a bit of vocals too! As always, the style is heavy on Italian soundtrack modes – that great blend of bossa, jazz, and other elements that graced so many cinematic excursions of the period – and which have been beautifully re-presented by Easy Tempo over the course of their excellent series. Set features titles that include "Sweden" by Tito Fontana, "Caccia Al Ladro" by Armando Trovajoli, "Tap 5" by Ettore Ballotta, "Notte In Allegria" by Piero Umiliani, "Golden Gate Bridge" by Riz Ortolani, "Gangster Song" by Piero Umiliani, "Ebony Ride" by Piero Piccioni, "Gordon Blues" by Francesco De Masi, "Concerto Blues" by Gianni Ferrio, and "Glad" by Lou Stein Trio.

An incredible companion to the book Enjoy The Experience – and like that volume, a set that's filled with gems from the obscure sides of the American recording industry – vanity and privately pressed records that are plenty darn groovy, and pretty darn funky in all the right spots! The book is a painstakingly researched collection – and this soundtrack is just as carefully put together – with a great range of styles – heavily steeped in freaky funk, upbeat boogie, acid folk, offbeat psych, and trippy jazz! The range of sounds is really wonderful – with a feel that's somewhere between a Trunk Records or Finders Keepers compilation – and titles include "Intro (Excerpt)" by The Muzzy Band, "Spacing Out" by The Invaders, Diska Limba Man" by Medico Doktor Vibes, "Music Slave" by Jade, "White Panther" by Arcesia, "Never Come Back" by Boa, "ESP Switch" by Michael Farneti, "6.4 = Makeout" by Gary Wilson, "Just To Say Goodbye" by Russ Saul, "Cadillac Woman" by Stephen David Heitkotter, "Piledriver" by Dennis The Fox, "Old Time Feeling" by Circuit Rider, and "666" by Ray Torske.

An incredible companion to the book Enjoy The Experience – and like that volume, a set that's filled with gems from the obscure sides of the American recording industry – vanity and privately pressed records that are plenty darn groovy, and pretty darn funky in all the right spots! The book is a painstakingly researched collection – and this soundtrack is just as carefully put together – with a great range of styles – heavily steeped in freaky funk, upbeat boogie, acid folk, offbeat psych, and trippy jazz! The range of sounds is really wonderful – with a feel that's somewhere between a Trunk Records or Finders Keepers compilation – and titles include "Intro (Excerpt)" by The Muzzy Band, "Spacing Out" by The Invaders, Diska Limba Man" by Medico Doktor Vibes, "Music Slave" by Jade, "White Panther" by Arcesia, "Never Come Back" by Boa, "ESP Switch" by Michael Farneti, "6.4 = Makeout" by Gary Wilson, "Just To Say Goodbye" by Russ Saul, "Cadillac Woman" by Stephen David Heitkotter, "Piledriver" by Dennis The Fox, "Old Time Feeling" by Circuit Rider, and "666" by Ray Torske.

Massive music from the Record Kicks label – 21 tracks that have never been issued on CD before, including some rare singles, b-sides, and even a few cuts exclusive to the collection! If you know the Record Kicks name, you know that the label's a key outlet for contemporary deep funk and mod soul grooves – sounds that are steeped in the best influences of the 60s and 70s, but played by the cream of the crop of the global underground – including great funky groups on both sides of the Atlantic! With all the cuts on the collection, the set's one hell of a bargain – especially when you figure that it's got these cuts you won't find anywhere else: "Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover" by The Hawk, "Waiting For Reforms" by Gizelle Smith, "Zebra 3" by The Link Quartet, "Scaramunga (Lack of Afro 7" edit)" by Ray Harris & The Fusion Experience, "With Time" by Katzuma, "Changes (funk edit)" by Milano Jazz Dance Combo, and "Irrompibles Hi Fi" by Crabs Corporation. Other cuts include "Get On Up" by Ray Lugo Les Express, "Soul Train" by Soul Fanatics, "Italian Spiderman Theme" by Enzo Bontempi, "Battle Of Yoker" by Privates Hammond Orchestra, "Nervous (Kenny Dope bonus beat rmx)" by New Mastersounds, "See & Don't See" by Dojo Cuts, "Red Flames" by The Underbelly, and "Air I Breathe" by Floyd Lawson & The Hearts Of Stone.

The cream of modern jazz in Germany during the postwar years – the kind of amazing music that never made it over to our side of the Atlantic, but which was really marking some great jazz development on the European scene of the time! As Germany picked itself up from the ashes of the war, it also experienced an amazing cultural rebirth – in film, literature, and especially music – music like this, which bursts forth with a freshness and urgency that still sounds as creatively compelling here in the 21st Century as it did back at the end of the 50s! The vibe is very much a precursor to better-known sounds from the Saba/MPS scene, and many of these artists later recorded for that label too – but here, the work is nicely early, and pretty darn great – a selection of titles that includes "Domicile" by Joki Freund & Albert Mangelsdorff, "Minority" by Michael Naura, "Lover Man" by Inge Brandenberg, "Night Bounce" by Attila Zoller, "Ease It" by Albert Mangelsdorff, "Madam B" by Die Deutschen All Stars, "Mike's Blues" by Michael Naura, and "Meeting At The Barberina" by Horst Jankowski & Rolf Kuhn.

A beautiful collection of heavy grooves from Panama and Colombia – all put together by an artist we definitely trust when it comes to all things funky! Quantic's been spending plenty of time down near the equator in recent years – turning his initial funky ear to more Latin-styled rhythms – but always with the same hard and heavy feel of his best American-styled grooves! There's a massive blend of northern funk and equatorial rhythms here – really unique little tunes that are bound to please the ear of anyone who digs a collection of funky 45s – yet with styles that are more than complicated enough to also set fire to a lover of global grooves too! The package may well be the best so far in Nascente's Experience collection – and titles include "Getting It Together" by Mauricio Smith, "El Lobo" by Wganda Kenya, "Soul Cucaracha" by The Soul Fantastics, "Full Salsa (excerpt)" by Fruko, "Bayesa" by Wganda Kenya, "Hiko Iko" by Little Grancisco Greaves, "Puyalo Ahi" by Pedro Beltran, "Caracuche Che Che" by Los Autenticos De Garmo, and "Palo Bonito" by Pedro Beltran.

One of the coolest collections of rare psychedelia we've heard in a while from anywhere in the world – this one focusing on Afro Rock & psych from 70s Nigeria – among the greatest releases to date on the Soundway label, which only does great work! The music has the touchstone elements of raw garage funk & rock sounds from around the globe at the time – fuzzed out guitars and organs, searing solos, hard grooving rhythms and passionate vocals. But the guitars and rhythms are uniquely African, too, with highlife and Afrobeat gestures along with the global psychedelic soul sounds! Titles on this first volume of the vinyl include "Oli Nkwu" by Cicada, "All Night Long" by Bongos Ikwue, "Soundway" by Wrinkar Experience, "Eti Ufok" by Ceejebs, "Yem Efe" by Tony Grey Super 7, "Rough Rider" by The Hygrades, and "Mr Bull Dog (45 version)" by The Mebusas – plus vinyl-only cuts "Soul Generation" by Big John Oaikhena, and "Afam Efuna" by The Wings.

James Hunter at the Daptone Studios – working here with Bosco Mann production, and a sound that's much rawer than before! James has always had one hell of a voice, but this time around he also gets a bit more bite in his music too – a funky undercurrent that's more late 60s soul than some of the earlier sounds of the decade on previous albums – almost representing the same righteous evolution in Hunter's music that so many artists themselves experienced back in the day! The new punch is wonderfully placed – and may well finally get Hunter the kind of exposure he needs – appreciation from the soul underground for his wonderful vocals, and a groove that's got plenty of deep funk and New Orleans soul elements. Titles include "Gold Mine", "Drop On Me", "Minute By Minute", "Chicken Switch", "So They Say", "If I Only Knew", "Look Out", and "Let The Monkey Ride".

The heavy early 70s Swedish psych of Life! There were 2 versions of the record issued by EMI/Harvest back in the day, and this is the rare version with English lyrics – and it's really great stuff. It starts out sort of delicately – almost quietly – with a lighter touch to the vocals, acoustic melodies and keys. From there, though, it gets heavier and more lumbering – but in a groovy way. It's astonishing how much some the better 70s schooled rock to this day sounds like a direct spawn of this record, even if most latter day stoner rockers probably never heard it! It's never too late to catch up, though! Includes "Nobody Was There To Love Me", "Experience Of Love", "Living Is Loving", "Every Man", "Yes I Am", "Quo Vadis" (I-III) and more.

A crowning moment of achievement for trumpeter Ahmed Abdullah – a record that draws on his rich experience working with Sun Ra, but focuses the energy into a warmer, more spiritual jazz setting overall! The album's a lost treasure from the US scene of the late 70s – a perfect melding of jazz modes of the time, and one of those dates that somehow has all the players sounding even better than usual – really hitting a unique space together – one that's rhythmic, yet searching – free, yet structured – and always open to new ideas throughout! In addition to trumpet from Abdullah, the group also features vibes from Jay Hoggard, French horn from Vincent Chaney, cello from Muneer Abdul Fatah, bass from Jerome Hunter, and drums from Rashied Sinan. Hunter's bass is an especially moving force in the session – giving the album a warm, soulful current that really holds things together – and titles include "Song of Tenderness", "Eternal Spiraling Spirit", "Long Time Black", and "Life's Force".

A rare soundtrack from the mighty Cerrone – recorded right at the height of his electro disco fame, and with a very similar groove! The film was also titled Vice Squad in the US market – and the music here definitely echoes the sleaze of its subject matter – with loads of sweet clubby lines that are heavy in the keyboard styles you'll know from "Supernature" – but maybe even leaner and meaner here – with a stripped-down punch that makes for plenty of funky disco moments! The tracks are mostly groovers, but even the few mellow moments are great – and titles include "Phonic", "Give Me Love", "Make UP", "The Loft", "Strip Tease", "Experience", and "Deauville".

Rare early 70s psychedelia from Felt – led by an Alabama teenager named Myke Jackson (not to be confused with the late 70s-80s post punk Felt) – as far as we know, it's the only Felt record and it's really good one! The group has something of a grounded basis, steeped in psych influences – particularly flavored by swirling keyboards – but there's a song-based, solidly emotional southern inflection to the material. Jackson sounds like an experienced cat, too – not a boy of 17! Titles include "Look At The Sun", "Now She's Gone", "Weepin' Mama Blues", "World", "The Change", and "Destination".

Amazing sounds from Roscoe Holcomb – a set recorded in the mid 70s, but one with a timeless quality that belies Holcomb's deep roots in eastern Kentucky! All tunes feature just a bit of guitar or banjo, and Holcomb's incredible vocals – inflected with a life's worth of rich experience into a mode that's almost more blues than folk at points – a key illustration of the way the genres can blur across cultural lines, if you know where to look. Titles include "Motherless Children", "Train That Carried My Girl From Town", "Frankie & Johnny", "In London City", "Walk Around My Bedside", and "The Village Churchyard".

James Hunter at the Daptone Studios – working here with Bosco Mann production, and a sound that's much rawer than before! James has always had one hell of a voice, but this time around he also gets a bit more bite in his music too – a funky undercurrent that's more late 60s soul than some of the earlier sounds of the decade on previous albums – almost representing the same righteous evolution in Hunter's music that so many artists themselves experienced back in the day! The new punch is wonderfully placed – and may well finally get Hunter the kind of exposure he needs – appreciation from the soul underground for his wonderful vocals, and a groove that's got plenty of deep funk and New Orleans soul elements. Titles include "Gold Mine", "Drop On Me", "Minute By Minute", "Chicken Switch", "So They Say", "If I Only Knew", "Look Out", and "Let The Monkey Ride".

The title's an apt one, because after frustrations experienced working for Columbia and other labels, Mingus is finally allowed the freedom here to present his own ideas in all their unfettered glory – working with a bracingly tight quartet that features Eric Dolphy on alto and bass clarinet and Ted Curson on trumpet! A number of the tracks here are familiar in their titles from other records, but the versions here stretch out far longer – moving past 10 minutes on 2 of the album's 4 tracks, and approaching that limit on others. But even more noticeable is the spareness of the sound – as the smaller group versions allow for a tremendous amount of solo space, really letting the focus fall on the two horn players, with the bass of Mingus and drums of Dannie Richmond shading in the space behind and beyond. Titles include "Folk Forms No. 1", "All the Things You Could Be By Now If Sigmund Freud's Wife Was Your Mother", and the original uncensored version of "Faubus Fables".

The last Tribe Called Quest LP – one of those "end of an era" type experiences for sure – and record that was fairly slept on it the time given the dizzying heights of their earlier record – and holds up today as an essential! The tracks are all produced by The Ummah featuring J Dilla, and just a solid bed of production that's a reminder of how this excellent style of hip hop production excels so sweetly at both looking forward and making 70s soul jazz beats sound forever fresh – with tracks including "Pen & Pad", "Find A Way", "Like It Like That", "Steppin' It Up" (featuring Busta Rhymes & Redman), "Rock Rock Y'all" (featuring Mos Def, Jane Doe, Punchline & Wordsworth.) As an added bonus, the CD includes six rare classic Tribe Called Quest alternate tracks and remixes that this point only ever appeared on 12-inches – including the classic "Scenario" remix, "Oh My God" remix, "Hot Sex", "One, Two Sh*t", and "Jazz (We Got)" re-recorded version.

The incredible mid 60s album from blues singer and harp blower Junior Wells and his Chicago Blues Band with Buddy Guy! This is a most pivotal set in which Junior & his players don't sound as if they're trying to imbue blues tradition with urban grit and electricity – it simply seems to happen naturally, and you can really imagine when you hear this how it blue the minds of so many Brit and American rock & blues fellows who would come the recast the style with their own life and experiences, and pretty much take over popular music with it. Titles include "Snatch It Back & Hold It", "In The Wee Wee Hours", "Hey Lawdy Mama", "Hoodoo Man Blues", "Yonder Wall", and "Chitlin Con Carne".

Very high concept work from Stevie Wonder! The record is, in fact, about the "secret life of plants" – partially used as a soundtrack for a film of the same name, but also acting as kind of a storybook in itself! Stevie's exploring a wide range of plant life and plant themes on the set – often in a way that has his keyboards taking center stage in little symphonies of soul that unfold like the petals of a flower in the morning sun – and which stand out as quite different from some of his vocal work, marking him as a talented electronic musician in his own right. Many tracks do have lyrics, too – often with themes of growing, seeding, and other garden metaphors that are easily translated to the human experience. Titles include "Secret Life Of Plants", "Outside My Window", "A Seed's A Star", "Race Babbling", "Black Orchid", "Send One Your Love", "Tree", "Come Back As A Flower", and "Ai No Sono".