Great new arrivals – both vintage and modern!
Main Ingredient
Rolling Down A Mountainside/RCA/Expansion (UK), 1975/1976. New Copy
Double greatness from The Main Ingredient – two full albums on a single CD! Rolling Down A Mountainside is mid 70s magic from The Main Ingredient – a set that has the trio working with even more sophistication than on previous records, yet still holding onto all the harmonies that ... CD (Soul)
Bayete (Todd Cochran)
Worlds Around The Sun (with bonus tracks)Prestige/Omnivore, 1972. New Copy
CD...$15.99
16.98
One of the most spiritual sessions recorded by Prestige Records in the 70s – an ultra-hip record from keyboardist Bayete Todd Cochran – with a vibe that's somewhere between music on the Black Jazz and Strata East label! Bayete plays Fender Rhodes and clavinet on the set – and ... CD (Jazz)
Soul Jazz (UK), Late 60s/Early 70s. New Copy CD & Book
A killer collection of sound library funk from the UK – a scene that served up some of the rarest grooves of the 70s! The music is every bit as funky as American work from the early 70s – like records from CTI, or blacksploitation soundtracks – but most of it was never issued on ... CD (Sound Library)
Salsoul Orchestra
Street Sense (with bonus tracks)Salsoul/Big Break (UK), 1979. New Copy
Brillant work from the Salsoul Orchestra – some of their most sophisticated work ever, and right in line with a soulful orchestral style that runs back through the work of Barry White into the early experiments of the Soulful Strings! The album marks a shift for the group – now led by ... CD (Soul)
Resolution 88
Resolution 88Synthethesia (UK), 2014. New Copy
A really sweet set from the UK – recorded by a contemporary combo, but with a feel that's right up there with our favorite funky fusion from the 70s! The keyboards really dominate here, but they're nicely balanced against some excellent work on tenor sax – which rounds out the sound ... CD (Jazz)
Verve, 2014. New Copy
Wonderful work from Ledisi – a singer we've dug for many many years – and who always lives up to our faith in her music! We first dug Ledisi as an underground talent back in the 90s – but with this Verve album she's poised to take on all the best that mainstream soul has to offer ... CD (Neo Soul)
Ambrose Akinmusire
Imagined Savior Is Far Easier To PaintBlue Note, 2014. New Copy
CD...$10.99
11.98
The music here is as evocative as the title – almost a mix of contemporary Blue Note modes with older ECM styles – all served up as a perfect showcase for the ever-growing talents of trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire! We've really dug the last two records from Ambrose, and this one seems to ... CD (Jazz)
Krzysztof Komeda
Dance Of The Vampires (aka Fearless Vampire Killers) (with bonus CD)Series Aphonos, 1967. New Copy
LP...$16.99
17.99
Vampire hunting never sounded so groovy – thanks to a sublime soundtrack by the legendary Krzysztof Komeda! The feel here is a bit like Komeda's better-known score for Rosemary's Baby – a blend of darker themes and lighter 60s styles – handled in a way that brings together ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks)
Aloe Blacc
Lift Your SpiritInterscope, 2014. New Copy
Real spirit-lifting sounds from Aloe Blacc – a set that starts with a sense of righteousness right on the very first track – almost a gospel sense of spirit, mixed with Aloe's wonderfully secular groove! The beats are lean, the vocals are clean, and the record's got a tight snap all ... CD (Neo Soul)
Sam Rivers
ContrastsECM (Germany), 1979. New Copy
A beautifully avant session from ECM – and a great late 70s showcase for the reed talents of the great Sam Rivers! The album's got a mixture of focus and freedom that makes it one of Sam's best from this period – a group outing that features Rivers on tenor, soprano, and flute – ... CD (Jazz)
Slakah The Beat Child
Soul Movement Vol 2BBE (UK), 2014. New Copy
CD...$13.99
14.99
Jagged grooves and straight-on beats – served up in a cosmic mix that's even better than the first Soul Movement set from Slakah The Beat Child! The music has the kind of bristle we've heard in a rare few over the years – maybe the best of the best from the Detroit, London, or Tokyo ... CD (New Grooves)
James Brown
Ain't It Funky (LP sleeve edition)King/Culture Factory (France), 1970. New Copy
CD...$16.99
19.99
A killer from James Brown – and one of his best instrumental albums of the King years! The record has James working with the pre-JBs James Brown Band – a tight assemblage of players who really know how to craft an off-kilter groove. The guitar's popping on the beat here as much as the ... CD (Soul)
Kenny Dope & Others
Kenny Dope Classic Breakbeats (6 x 7" single set)BB/Kay Dee, 2014. New Copy 6 x 45s
A stunning collection of rare cuts from the great Kenny Dope – lots of which are from his early years of beatmaking, when he had a definite influence from hip hop and club mixed into his groove! The package presents rare mixes pressed as 7" singles – many here for the first time ... 7-inch, Vinyl record (Funky 45's)
RC & The Gritz
Pay Your TabRexamillon, 2013. New Copy
A cool Texas combo who are perhaps best known for their work as the backing band for Erykah Badu – but who sound pretty darn great hear on their own! The album's a unique hybrid of deep funk and contemporary soul modes – fused with core energy that feels like a live group working ... CD (Neo Soul)
Orlando Julius
Disco Hi Life (180 gram pressing)Hot Casa (France), 1976. New Copy
One of the clubbiest African records of the 70s – and a set that would be equally at home on a New York dancefloor as it would back in Lagos! Orlando Julius was always a funky cat – an artist with one ear keenly tuned to the American funk and soul underground, and ready to fuse those ... LP, Vinyl record album (Global Grooves)
Peter Walker
Second Poem To Karmela – Or Gypsies Are ImportantVanguard/Light In The Attic, 1968. New Copy Gatefold (reissue)
A totally hip instrumental album from Peter Walker – a Vanguard Records treasure that we'd rank right up there with the label's classics from Sandy Bull! Like Bull, Walker has a way of taking older folk instrumentation into richly psychedelic territory – working here on both the Indian ... LP, Vinyl record album (Folk/Country)
Frank Lacy
Live At SmallsSmalls Live, 2014. New Copy
CD...$11.99
15.99
One of the greatest albums we've ever heard from trombonist Frank Lacy – an artist who hardly ever takes the spotlight as a leader, but who really shines at the helm of this amazing set! The group has a depth of feeling that takes us back to some of Lacy's more spiritual projects of previous ... CD (Jazz)
Jason Roebke
High Red CenterDelmark, 2014. New Copy
CD...$11.99
15.99
Maybe the greatest work we've heard so far from Chicago bassist Jason Roebke – a key player on so many sessions for other jazzmen in recent years, but a hell of a visionary leader on his own! Roebke composed all new material for the record – and the set's performed by an octet that's ... CD (Jazz)
Parlophone, 1974. New Copy
7-inch...$13.99
14.98
One of David Bowie's most anthemic tunes of the 70s – served up here in two different original mixes! The limited picture disc offers up "Rebel Rebel" in all its glory from two different sides of the Atlantic – the original UK single mix, and the slightly different mix that ... 7-inch, Vinyl record (Rock)
David Ruffin
David Ruffin/Motown/Real Gone, 1973/1974. New Copy
Early 70s Motown from David Ruffin – a pair of albums on a single CD! First up is a self-titled set from Motown giant Ruffin – and a record that pairs him with producer Bobby Miller, who'd worked some real late 60s magic with The Dells! As with that group, Miller has a wonderful way ... CD (Soul)
Jared Gold
JG 3+3Posi tone, 2014. New Copy
CD...$11.99
16.99
Jared Gold's Hammond trio is nicely augmented here by three other horn players – as you might guess from the album's title! Gold's Hammond is one of the best things going for the Posi-Tone label these days – and a perfect fit for their old school style of recording – a mode that's ... CD (Jazz)
Barbara Mason
Love's The ThingBuddah/Soul Brother (UK), 1975. New Copy
A really great step forward for Barbara Mason – a record that's got her working in a more mature mode than before, and a deeper soul style as well! One of the bigger developments of Barbara Mason's career was her participation in the "answer song" cycle that circulated around ... CD (Soul)
Gil Scott-Heron
Pieces Of A Man (with bonus tracks)Flying Dutchman/BGP (UK), 1971. New Copy
Our favorite-ever album from Gil Scott-Heron – and a set that we'd easily rank as one of our favorite soul records of the 70s! The mix of modes is mindblowing right from the start – as Gil's poetry comes into play with his growing talents as a singer, and his warm sensibility for jazz ... CD (Soul)
O'Bryan
Be My LoverCapitol/PTG (Netherlands), 1984. New Copy
O'Bryan's virtually a one man show here – handling vocals, keyboards, arrangements, and other instrumental bits too – but he also gets some great help on the album's lean arrangements, with just the right sort of funky touches on guitar, bass, and drums! The set starts out with a ... CD (Soul)
Numero, 1970s. New Copy
A really tremendous batch of dark-themed tunes from the American underground of the 70s – a treasure trove of under-discovered acts who were all inspired by the deeper brooding of the Led Zep and Black Sabbath generation! Unlike later manifestations from the indie scene, the work here isn't ... CD (Rock)
GNP/Big Beat (UK), 1968. New Copy 2 CDs
One of the great fake live albums of the 60s – a set that promises to be a concert performance from the title and cover, but which actually just features The Seeds playing live together in the studio! Yet that little trick is hardly a problem – because the album's the last-ever from ... CD (Rock)
Jimmy McGriff
Black PearlBlue Note (Japan), 1971. New Copy
One of the most hard-hitting Jimmy McGriff albums of the 70s – a raw live date recorded in Newark – and a set that's a perfect bridge between the sharp soul of his Sue Records sessions and his later funk to come! The whole thing's got a gritty vibe the really recalls the sound of a ... CD (Jazz)
Joe Delia
Ms 45 (180 gram vinyl with poster)Death Waltz (UK), 1981. New Copy Gatefold (reissue)
The first-ever record release of this incredible soundtrack – Joe Delia's moody score for the Abel Ferrara film Ms 45 – served up here in a stunning package from Death Waltz! Delia's music has a bit more class and subtlety than some other early 80s scores of this type – more ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks)
David Berkman
Live At SmallsSmalls Live, 2014. New Copy
CD...$11.99
15.99
A great live date in the excellent Smalls series – and a wonderful group outing not just for pianist David Berkman, but for trumpeter Tom Harrell as well! Tom gets a lot of room to really open up and solo beautifully on the record – in ways that are quite different than his own studio ... CD (Jazz)
Larry Young
ContrastsBlue Note (Japan), 1967. New Copy
One of the best Larry Young albums for Blue Note – and a record that really gets at his unique conception and style in the 60s! The session's a key bridge between Larry's soul jazz roots and his more far-reaching experimental work – filled with deep, heavy grooves – yet mixed ... CD (Jazz)
Stanley Turrentine
Always Something ThereBlue Note (Japan), 1968. New Copy
Groovy Stanley Turrentine – blowing soulfully over larger arrangements by Thad Jones – swinging and lively, with a mod 60s pop feel that makes the album quite different than most of Turrentine's other work for Blue Note! The approach is one that we should hate, given how much we love ... CD (Jazz)
Ace (UK), Late 50s. New Copy
A key force in the development of New Orleans soul – the homegrown Ric & Ron Records label – home to some of the best early productions from the Crescent City! The roster of talent here is really amazing – a host of artists who'd go onto develop the New Orleans style even ... CD (Soul)
Billy Hart/
One Is The Other
ECM (Germany), 2014. New Copy
CD...$16.99
18.99
Great work from this Billy Hart Quartet – a great recent outlet for the creative talents of this legendary drummer – and one that's filled with plenty of fresh sounds and new ideas! Hart's always had a creative approach to rhythm – and the group allows some of his bolder, ... CD (Jazz)
Survival
Simmer DownStrawberry Rain, Mid 70s. New Copy
It's impossible to simmer down with a groove this great – a wicked blend of African funk and fuzzier psych touches – all served up by Nigeria's legendary Survival! The set was recorded at Ginger Baker's Arc Studios, and has his own blend of rootsy elements, complicated rhythms, and ... CD (Global Grooves)
Art Farmer
Time & The PlaceColumbia (Japan), 1967. New Copy
A tremendous document of a really wonderful group – a 60s ensemble that pairs the lyrical trumpet of Art Farmer with the sharp tenor of Jimmy Heath! The pair are completely sublime together – balancing out sound and soul with this amazing quality that's quite different both from Farmer' ... CD (Jazz)
Sid Selvidge
Cold Of The Morning (with bonus tracks)Peabody/Omnivore, 1976. New Copy
An under-discovered gem from the Memphis scene of the 70s – one of the few records ever by Sid Selvidge, a singer with an amazing pedigree! Sid had a varied career that included time as a soul DJ in the south, a Greenwich Village folkie, and a key part of the Ardent Studio scene in Memphis ... CD (Rock)
Locksmith
Unlock The FunkArista/Expansion (UK), 1980. New Copy
The only album ever from Locksmith – a group you might also know for their classic backing work on a few Grover Washington albums of the 70s! This set's got the lineup grooving strongly on their own – in an upbeat blend of jazz, funk, and soul that often has the group's deft ... CD (Soul)
Peter Bernstein
Live At Smalls – Solo GuitarSmalls Live, 2014. New Copy
CD...$11.99
15.99
Sublime solo guitar from Peter Bernstein – an artist who's already had a group outing in the Smalls Live series, but who sounds completely different here on his own! Bernstein's always got these chromatic qualities that make his work with other players so wonderful – and that aspect of ... CD (Jazz)
Kent (UK), Late 60s/1970s. New Copy
An amazing journey in soul music – told not just in the music, but in the detailed notes of the set as well! Mary Love is a singer who never broke big, but who cut some wonderful records on the LA scene of the 60s and 70s – a range of work that rivals some of the better-known female ... CD (Soul)
Patti Labelle
Released (with bonus track)Epic/Big Break (UK), 1980. New Copy
A real standout in the early solo years of Patti Labelle – and a great set that reunites the singer with New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint – who'd previously worked some magic with Patti and the Labelle trio! Toussaint really grounds Patti's vocals wonderfully – giving them a ... CD (Soul)
Barbara Mason
TransitionBuddah/Soul Brother (UK), 1974. New Copy
Transition is right – as the cover has Barbara floating above a Curtis Mayfield-ish scene of drugs, war, gambling, and Satan – a really righteous image that beautifully sums up the vibe of the record! The set was recorded at Sigma Sound in Philly – with excellent arrangements ... CD (Soul)
Ralph Towner/
Five Years Later
ECM (Germany), 1981. New Copy
Two players with a very spacious sense of sound – coming together here in an all-guitar album that mixes both electric and acoustic tones! The pairing is perfectly captured by the ECM production style – an approach that lets each note ring out with a great sense of presence, and blend ... CD (Jazz)
Vijay Iyer
MutationsECM (Germany), 2014. New Copy
CD...$16.99
18.99
Vijay Iyer on ECM – a great new setting for one of the most-discussed pianists in recent years – and a chance for him to offer up some even more creative sides of his talents! The record still features Vijay playing piano with some of those blocky tones and rhythmic pulses that we love ... CD (Jazz)
Brian Charrette
Square OnePosi tone, 2014. New Copy
CD...$11.99
16.99
Damn tight Hammond work from Brian Charette – a player with a really deft touch on the keys, and able to really showcase his own voice on the instrument, but also dip back into some older soulful modes as well! Most of the tracks here are originals by Charette – although there's also a ... CD (Jazz)
Miami
MiamiTK (Japan), 1978. New Copy
Cool compressed sounds from Miami – a group who are still plenty funky on this rare third album, but one who've also found a great way to serve up their groove as well! The combo's even sharper on the rhythms than ever before – and have a style that's a bit like that key evolution ... CD (Soul)
Sleepy John Estes with Hammie Nixon
Live In Japan 1974Delmark, 1974. New Copy
CD...$11.99
15.99
Spare live material from the legendary Sleepy John Estes – a set that was recorded in Tokyo in the mid 70s, but wasn't issued in the US for many decades! Estes plays guitar and sings in a duo with harp player Hammie Nixon – who also sings a fair bit too, and creates this excellent ... CD (Blues)
Diana Ross
Ross (Motown) (LP sleeve edition)Motown/Culture Factory (France), Mid 70s. New Copy
CD...$16.99
18.99
Diana Ross in the sweet clubby 70s – working here in a set of upbeat groovers that really show off her talents as a disco diva! The tunes are mostly upbeat, and surprisingly fresh – not nearly as disco cliched as you might expect, and handled in just the right way to take advantage of ... CD (Soul)
Zara McFarlane
If You Knew HerBrownswood (UK), 2013. New Copy
An even better album than Zara McFarlane's debut – and a record that lets us dig even deeper into the wonderful world of her vocals! The instrumentation here is mostly stripped down – usually just a bit of percussion, bass, or piano – used as sparingly here as on some of Jose ... CD (Neo Soul)
Three Sounds
Coldwater FlatBlue Note (Japan), 1968. New Copy
A brilliant pairing of the Three Sounds trio with the larger arrangements of reedman Oliver Nelson – easily one of the most soulful bandleaders of the 60s, and a talent who really helps open up the trio's groove! The piano of Gene Harris is nice and sharp – played with a soulful sock ... CD (Jazz)
Mighty Fire
No Time For Masquerading/Elektra/Expansion (UK), 1981/1982. New Copy
A pair of overlooked gems from Mighty Fire – back to back on a single CD! No Time For Masquerading is a wonderful debut full length from Mighty Fire – a group whose roots lead back to lots of previous work for Motown, and as The Flakes – stepping out here as a tight quintet with ... CD (Soul)
David Ruffin
My Whole World Ended/Motown/Real Gone, 1969. New Copy
The first two solo albums by David Ruffin – back to back on a single CD! My Whole World Ended is a great start as a solo act for the legendary David Ruffin – stepping out here from The Temptations with a wonderfully heartbreaking style! The title of the record really sums up the feel ... CD (Soul)
Bob Frank
Bob Frank (LP sleeve edition)Vanguard/Light In The Attic, 1972. New Copy Gatefold
A wonderful lost gem from the legendary Vanguard Records – a set issued in the 70s, but with the best independent spirit of the label from the decade before! Bob Frank is a very unique songwriter – and has this amazing ability to paint these personal little pictures in song – ... CD (Rock)
Blue Mitchell
Heads Up! (with bonus tracks)Blue Note (Japan), 1967. New Copy
One of the first albums to feature the trumpet of Blue Mitchell in a larger group – a really great move that let his soulful horn really come to the lead! Blue sounds wonderful here – soaring out in front of larger charts from Duke Pearson, Jimmy Heath, Don Pickett, and Melba Liston ... CD (Jazz)
Temptations
All Directions (LP sleeve edition)Gordy/Culture Factory (France), 1972. New Copy
The Temptations going in all directions – and all of them pretty darn groovy too! The set's still heavy on the solid, righteous sound of Norman Whitfield – who gives some of the best cuts that psychedelic soul imprint he really perfected with the group – a quality that has a lot ... CD (Soul)
El (UK), Late 50s/Early 60s. New Copy
A set that really lives up to its title – especially considering that the music here is virtually the blueprint for the emergence of the modern in Brazilian music during the bossa generation! The collection features a range of different tunes from poet Vinicius De Moraes – an important ... CD (Brazil)
Dave Brubeck
Angel EyesColumbia (Japan), 1962. New Copy
Beautiful later work by the Dave Brubeck Quartet – an overlooked gem from their 60s Columbia sessions, and an album that features interpretations of tunes written by the great Matt Dennis! Dennis had a way with a tune that often put dark corners in the back of lovely melodies – and ... CD (Jazz)
Kent (UK), 1970s/Early 80s. New Copy
Sam Dees is a hell of a singer, and he's a hell of a songwriter too – one who's worked not just with the southern soul stars of his roots, but also a much wider range of soul talents too! This wonderful collection really gets at the strength of Dees' amazing ability to pen a special soul ... CD (Soul)
Various
Lou Adler – A Musical HistoryAce (UK), Late 50s/1960s/Early 70s. New Copy
A rich tapestry of work from one of the greatest talents in the LA music business of the 60s – the mighty Lou Adler, a man who really learned how to make records from the ground up! Adler wrote, produced, and presented a tremendous amount of important work for some key years in both rock and ... CD (Soul)
Incredible Bongo Band
Return Of The Incredible Bongo Band (180 gram deluxe 40th anniversary edition)Pride/Mr Bongo (UK), 1974. New Copy (reissue)
The Incredible Bongo Band returns – with a second super-tasty batch of funky instrumentals! As before, the group seek to rework older echoes of music with some tight 70s funk percussion – played by a lineup that includes lots of drums from Jim Gordon, and loads of sweet percussion from ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soul)
Various
Soul On The Real Side #1Outta Sight (UK), 1970s/2014. New Copy
Contemporary cuts mixed with rare soul nuggets – all in a blend that goes way beyond the usual soul compilation! The Real Side team have issued a number of underground tracks on their own during the past decade – but they've also got ears that are really tuned towards a unique slice of ... CD (Funky Compilations)
Anton Garcia Abril
Fin De Semana Al DesnudoQuartet (Spain), 1974. New Copy
A sprightly little soundtrack – penned by Anton Garcia Abril for an equally sprightly 60s comedy – complete with all the great tones and groovy moments you might expect! There's a nice dose of jazz in the mix – similar to early 60s Italian soundtracks – but the overall ... CD (Soundtracks)
Lesley Gore
Girl Talk (with bonus tracks)Mercury/Ace (UK), 1964/1965. New Copy
Really tremendous work from Lesley Gore – and just the sort of record to show that she's way more than just another girl singer from the 60s! The sound here is incredibly groovy right from the start – a mix not just of the romping arrangements of Claus Ogerman (in his best Soul ... CD (Rock)
Jack Wilson
Song For My DaughterBlue Note (Japan), 1969. New Copy
An overlooked gem from pianist Jack Wilson – a set that really showcases his magnificent sense of sound and space – while mixing in some larger ideas as well! The record features full arrangements from Billy Byers – who creates this seductive blend of jazz and strings that still ... CD (Jazz)
Alexander Robotnick
Ce N'Est Q'Un Debut (160 gram pressing)Materiali Sonori/Medical, 1984. New Copy (reissue)
Classic work from the legendary Alexander Robotnick – an artist who not only scored big on European dancefloors in the early 80s – but one whose electronic grooves also went onto really shape the sound of house music here in the US! Although a few of Robotnick's tunes were issued over ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soul)
Bonniwell Music Machine
Bonniwell Music Machine (with bonus tracks)Warner/Big Beat (UK), Late 60s. New Copy 2CD
An amazing second chapter for The Music Machine – working here with the last name of leader Sean Bonniwell in their name – in a groove that's even weirder and wilder than before! The group take on an odd new sound here – still the heady brew of fuzz and Hammond on their original ... CD (Rock)
Moochin About, Late 50s/Early 60s. New Copy 6 CDs
CD...$37.99
39.99
A wonderful collection of work from the French scene of the late 50s – a special package that brings together a whole host of jazz-based soundtracks, all written for some of the best films of the nouvelle vague generation! The box features 6CDs, and a special 72 page book with notes on the ... CD (Soundtracks)
Susan Justin
Forbidden World (180 gram vinyl with poster)Death Waltz (UK), 1982. New Copy
A sweet electric score to an odd early 80s Roger Corman production – served up with lots of Jupiter 8 keyboards and clavinet! The sound is relatively spare overall – fitting for the movie's alien themes – and the electronics pulsate at a level that feels very organic – ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks)
TCB (Switzerland), 1960. New Copy
CD...$14.99
15.99
Previously-unissued work by one of our favorite groups ever from drummer Max Roach – a mighty lineup that included Turrentine brothers Stanley on tenor and Tommy on trumpet, plus the great Julius Priester on trombone! The horns are amazing – balanced between the modern impulses of ... CD (Jazz)
Norma Winstone
Dance Without AnswerECM (Germany), 2014. New Copy
CD...$16.99
18.99
Norma Winstone's always been a singer we've dug for years – especially her groundbreaking way of using her voice more as an instrument than a conveyer of words – something that Winstone inspired in whole generations of singers to come! Yet here, Norma also balances things nicely by ... CD (Vocalists)
Miroslav Vitous Group
Miroslav Vitous GroupECM (Germany), 1981. New Copy
CD...$16.99
18.99
A real classic from bassist Miroslav Vitous – and a record that sets up his sound with a great combination of warm tones and sharp edges! Vitous plays a deep-voiced acoustic bass all the way through – and gets some excellent accompaniment from pianist Kenny Kirkland, who adds in some ... CD (Jazz)
Linda Perhacs
Soul Of All Natural ThingsAsthmatic Kitty, 2014. New Copy
LP...$14.99
18.98
The return of a legend – and the first album from Linda Perhacs in many many years! Perhacs is very well-remembered for her groundbreaking Parallelograms record from the start of the 70s – a sublime blend of older folk aesthetics with some much deeper, darker elements – a quality ... LP, Vinyl record album (Rock)
Medical, Early 80s. New Copy
A killer collection of early 80s electronic numbers – most of them in a post-punk sort of style, but often with a bit of a dancefloor groove as well! Most of these cuts were issued only on rare 7" singles – and are brought together here by the wonderful talents of Medical Records ... LP, Vinyl record album (Funky Compilations)
Tonu Naissoo
Tonu Naissoo Trio (with bonus tracks)Jazzaggression (Finland), 1968. New Copy
Some of the earliest work from legendary Estonian pianist Tonu Naissoo – an artist who's only gotten his due on the global scene in the past decade or two, but who was a hell of a visionary right from the start! Tonu's got this way of balancing lyrical elements and darker corners – ... CD (Jazz)
Keith Jarrett with Charlie Haden & Jan Garbarek
Arbour ZenaECM (Germany), 1976. New Copy
A beautiful large-concept album from Keith Jarrett – one that features his piano, the bass of Charlie Haden, and the tenor and soprano sax of Jan Garbarek as the main solo instruments over larger string orchestrations! There's a sense of excitement to the record right from the start – ... CD (Jazz)
Herbie Hancock
Mr HandsSony (Japan), 1980. New Copy
Herbie Hancock really earns his name in the title on this set – as he stretches out on a host of cool keyboards – all with a spacious, open style that's mighty nice! There's a gentle groove to the record, but still some of the more open qualities of Herbie's wilder electric records of ... CD (Jazz)
Rajdulari
Journey Of A WomanRajdulari Music, 2014. New Copy
A really great debut from Rajdulari – a singer with a hell of a strong voice, and a great ability to mix her lyrics with funky instrumental elements – maybe the best artist to do so since the debut of Jill Scott! The record's got a really special sort of punch – a quality that's ... CD (Neo Soul)
Stan Getz
MasterColumbia (Japan), 1975. New Copy
A gem of a session from Stan Getz – recorded in 1975, but unissued until the mid 80s! The set was probably lost amidst the flurry of more dramatic jazz recorded by CBS at the time – as it's a relatively understated session that has Stan blowing with acoustic accompaniment from Albert ... CD (Jazz)
Glen Branca
Lesson No 1 (2 x 12" pressing)99 Records/Superior Viaduct, Early 80s. New Copy 2 x 12" (reissue)
Seminal sounds from the New York scene at the start of the 80s – and one of the first important records to feature the music of Glenn Branca! This EP was an important part of the 99 Records catalog – and like that label's work by artists like ESG or Liquid Liquid, it's got a style that' ... LP, Vinyl record album (Out Sound)
Chris Greene Quartet
Music AppreciationSingle Malt, 2014. New Copy 2 CDs
A double-length set from Chicago tenorist Chris Greene – but a package that may well not be enough to hold all the new ideas in his music! We've really watched Chris grow strongly over the past few years – and with this wonderfully well-crafted, rich-voiced album, he steps forward to a ... CD (Jazz)
Werner Mueller
Mystic Portrait Of The Moody Blues/Vocalion (UK), 1971/1974. New Copy
A pair of 70s albums from Werner Muller – both quite unique! Mystic Portrait Of The Moody Blues has maestro Muller turning his arranging talents to the hits of the famous rock band – pushing things even past the Moody's early blend of classical and rock elements, with lots of swirling ... CD (Now Sound)
John Patton
UnderstandingBlue Note (Japan), 1969. New Copy
One of the coolest, hippest albums on Blue Note from organist John Patton – a set that really shows the Hammond giant taking on a new sense of direction – especially in his rhythms! The album's one of a few of John's to feature great drums from the massively overlooked Hugh Walker ... CD (Jazz)
Irene Schweizer & Pierre Favre
Live In ZurichIntakt (Germany), 2013. New Copy
CD...$16.99
19.99
Wonderful work from two very like-minded players – pianist Irene Schweizer and percussionist Pierre Favre – both musicians who've got years of improvisation under their belt, and a very well-matched, non-liner style! Schweizer's piano has always had this way of cascading forward in ... CD (Jazz)
Michael Henderson
Solid (with bonus track)Buddah/FTG, 1976. New Copy
The very first album from Michael Henderson – but a set that already finds him very much at the top of his game – thanks to previous work with Miles Davis and Norman Connors! Both artists gave Henderson a chance to do different things with his music, and by the time of this record, ... CD (Soul)
Ed Piskor
Hip Hop Family Tree – 1970s to 1981Fantagraphics, 2013. New Copy
Book...$19.99
24.99
A really wonderful little book – one that tells the tale of the early days of hip hop – but presents the story in the style of a Marvel Comics tabloid from the 70s! Ed Piskor's approach to the material is really unique – and he extrapolates historical details into an extended ... Book (Books)
Herbie Hancock
SunlightColumbia (Japan), 1978. New Copy
An overlooked little gem in Herbie Hancock's 70s catalog – and a sweet set of funky tunes that adds an R&B edge to the Headhunters sound! Herbie's playing a heck of a lot of keys on the set – from Arp to moog to Rhodes, and everything in between – but the album never gets too ... CD (Jazz)
Jimmy Raney
APrestige (Japan), 1954. New Copy
A simple title, but a great little record – one that offers up Jimmy Raney's guitar in all its best early tone – a sound on the instrument that few other players could match at the time! Raney's guitar was always a bit earthier than some of his 50s contemporaries like Johnny Smith and ... CD (Jazz)
Nick Waterhouse
HollyInnovative Leisure, 2014. New Copy
Damn deep grooves from Nick Waterhouse – a singer we've always liked a lot, and one who really seems to sharpen his edge here with some great elements from older R&B! Nick's already proved himself to be one heck of a soulful vocalist – and this time around he picks up more grit ... CD (Deep Funk)
Neneh Cherry
Blank ProjectSmalltown Supersound (Sweden), 2014. New Copy
Some of the most striking work we've heard from Neneh Cherry in years – and a great follow-up to her previous project with The Thing! This set has Neneh working with producer Kieran Hebden – who returns Cherry to the offbeat, arty sound of her early years on the British scene – ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soul)
Gary Bias
East 101Nimbus, 1981. New Copy
A dream of a record from the LA spiritual underground of the 70s – and one of the only records we've ever seen from reedman Gary Bias! The date's got a soulful depth that makes it one of the most compelling albums on the legendary Nimbus label – a rhythmic pulse that's often modal, and ... CD (Jazz)
Gary Burton
Seven Songs For Quartet & Chamber OrchestraECM (Germany), 1974. New Copy
A really wonderful setting for the vibes of Gary Burton – a special ECM session that pairs his quartet with larger orchestral backdrops – all conducted by Michael Gibbs, who also wrote the music for the date! Gibbs had already risen to fame by the time of this record – thanks to ... CD (Jazz)
Teddy Wilson
Mr Wilson – The Fabulous Teddy Wilson At The PianoColumbia (Japan), 1950. New Copy
Teddy Wilson's definitely fabulous here – playing with a sense of poise and timing that really links together a number of different piano jazz traditions – no surprise, given how many different scenes Teddy influenced! The setting is simple – just a trio format, with either Al ... CD (Jazz)
Philadelphia International/Sony, 1972/1973/1974/1975/1977. New Copy 5 CDs
Tremendous group soul from the O'Jays – and nearly every one of their best recordings for Philadelphia International Records, served up in one mighty hip set! The package features five full albums, each in a tiny LP sleeve – all of which really have the trio stepping forward strongly ... CD (Soul)
Toomorrow
ToomorrowRCA/Real Gone, 1970. New Copy
That's "Toomorrow", not "tomorrow" – a pretty wild sci-fi musical from the start of the 70s – and one that features this very groovy group! The quartet features some vocals by a young Olivia Newton John – but it's the instrumentation here that really sends us ... CD (Soundtracks)
Dr John
Gris GrisAtco/Real Gone, 1968. New Copy
The great Dr John at his freaky deaky best – working here in a mindblowing mix of New Orleans roots and late 60s psych – all served up in some heady studio space and instrumental touches! The sound's unlike anything that ever went before – and is way better here than on some of ... CD (Soul)
Record Kicks (Italy), 1960s/1970s. New Copy
One of the coolest, grooviest, most hard-hitting volumes of this excellent series – and maybe the one that's got the most classic Latin vibe overall! The tracks here are mostly Latin Soul and boogaloo numbers from the late 60s – and a good number of them are from the never-ending ... CD (Funky Compilations)
Karin Krog
Joy (with bonus tracks)Meantime (Norway), 1968. New Copy
A groundbreaking session of European jazz – one of the first true moments of genius from singer Karin Krog! Tracks are long and experimental without getting too far out – and Karin's icy voice flows out magically over compelling tunes that still remain some of the most striking jazz ... CD (Vocalists)
Lootpack
Lootdigga EPStones Throw, 1990s/2000s. New Copy
12-inch...$8.99
9.98
Stones Throw takes a necessary dig into the Lootpack archive – and comes out with great little EP featuring a trio of rare, out of print cuts from the legendary crew! Features benchark material from the group's early 12"s, which were instrumental in laying the groundwork for producer ... 12-inch, Vinyl record (Hip Hop)
Incredible Bongo Band
Bongo Rock (180 gram deluxe 40th anniversary edition)Pride/Mr Bongo (UK), 1973. New Copy (reissue)
A landmark album that is perhaps the single most influential beat source in hip hop! The record was the brainchild of bongo player Michael Viner – who also happened to be running the Pride subsidiary of MGM at the time. Viner's got a meeeeeean touch on the bongo, hitting it hard and funky ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soul)
Dollar Brand (Abdullah Ibrahim)
African PianoJapo/ECM (Germany), 1969. New Copy
CD...$16.99
18.99
Haunting solo work from Dollar Brand – recorded live in Copenhagen, with a sound that's full of tone, texture, and subtle beauty! Dollar Brand is one of the few players that can hold us rapt with a session like this – and as with his trio and larger group work, the tunes have an ... CD (Jazz)
Souljazz Orchestra
Inner FireStrut (UK), 2014. New Copy
Easily the best work we've ever heard from the Souljazz Orchestra – a set that pushes their sound way past their Afro Funk-styled roots – into a realm of spiritual sounds that really live up to their name! The jazz component is even stronger than before – really wonderful ... CD (Global Grooves)
Talib Kweli
GravitasJavotti Media, 2014. New Copy
CD...$12.99
13.98
Modern mic legend Talib Kweli delivers once again – with busy, brilliant rhymes and diverse production backdrop – and appearances by guitarist Gary Clark Jr, Big KRIT, Raekwon, Abby Dobson, The Underachievers and more. Kweli has been killing mics since the 90s, and much to our ... CD (Hip Hop)
Lenny Williams
Choosing You (with bonus tracks)ABC/Soulmusic.com (UK), 1977. New Copy
A killer set from Lenny Williams – done in a smoothly jazzy mode that echoes with a real Fantasy Records groove! Lenny's clearly drawing some great inspiration here from the East Bay scene – working with older Motown producer Frank Wilson on a set of warmly modern numbers that really ... CD (Soul)
American, 2002. New Copy 2LP (reissue)
LP...$28.99
39.98
Cash's fourth volume of stark, sparely-arranged studio recordings for producer/set list provider Rick Rubin. As Johnny gets on in the years his always haunting voice, like Bob Dylan's, is weighted by age, but the heavily-breathed delivery only adds to the ghostly quality of the increasingly dark ... LP, Vinyl record album (Folk/Country)
Black Sheep
Wolf In Sheep's Clothing (2LP pressing)Mercury/Get On Down, 1991. New Copy 2LP (reissue)
A Native Tongues classic from 1991 – one that sounded great way back when, and has held up beautifully over the years – and rightly considered amongst the greatest hip hop albums ever! Wolf In Sheep's Clothing is playful rap at it's best, with funky and and funny cuts galore – ... LP, Vinyl record album (Hip Hop)
Sonet/Meantime (Norway), 1966. New Copy
Incredible early work from vocalist Karin Krog – a mid 60s session, but one that already shows that she was thinking farther than most other singers of the time! The timings on the tunes are quite unusual – a bit like those used by Sheila Jordan in the 60s, but often even more ... CD (Vocalists)
Gene Ludwig & Pat Martino
Young GunsHigh Note, 1968/1969. New Copy
CD...$14.99
16.98
Previously-unreleased material from the 60s – some searing live sets that feature a trio with Pat Martino on guitar and Gene Ludwig on Hammond! Martino was already a well-known player at the time of these dates – with key work from the east coast club scene in organ combos, and a great ... CD (Jazz)
Planet D Nonet with Michael Ray
Rays Of The SunEastlawn, 2014. New Copy
We first learned to dig the Planet D Nonet from their Sun Ra tribute album of a few years back – and this time around they've got Arkestra legend Michael Ray on trumpet with the group, on a whole lineup of famous tunes from the Sun Ra songbook! The approach here echoes the older modes of Ra's ... CD (Jazz)
Reuben Wilson
Blue ModeBlue Note (Japan), 1969. New Copy
Heavy funk from the mighty Reuben Wilson – one of his first few albums for Blue Note, and a solid soulful groover that's right up there with Lou Donaldson's work for the label at the time! Tracks are nice and long, and pretty open – often with that kicking drum sound at the bottom that ... CD (Jazz)
ADC Band
Roll With The PunchesCotillion (Japan), 1982. New Copy
Massive funk from the ADC Band – some lesser-known cats from the early 80s scene on Atlantic Records – but a group with a sense of soul and power that knocks over most of their contemporaries! For those who've ever doubted the influence of P-Funk on the rest of soul music, you only ... CD (Soul)
Karin Krog with John Surman
FreestyleOdin (Norway), 1986. New Copy
Vocals, reeds, and some compelling percussion and electronics too – all served up by the groundbreaking team of Karin Krog and John Surman! Both artists alone are well-known for their creative power – Krog for vocal jazz material that has really pushed the boundaries, and Surman for a ... CD (Vocalists)
Soul Jazz (UK), Late 70s/Early 80s. New Copy
An amazing second foray into the world of punk rock 45s – and the British chapter to the previous American volume from Soul Jazz! Like the first set, the track selection here is superb – no overdone punk "oldies" or overplayed classics – and instead a great range of ... CD (Rock)
CAM/Digitmovies (Italy), 1971. New Copy
One of the all-time great soundtracks from Stelvio Cipriani – and one of his few film scores of the 70s to circulate at an international level too! Yet the fame of the record is very well-deserved, because the music is completely sublime – a mixture of light orchestrations and tinkling ... CD (Soundtracks)
Ralfi Pagan
RalfiFania, Early 70s. New Copy (reissue)
Sublime falsetto soul from the great Ralfi Pagan – one of the most unique artists on the New York Latin scene at the start of the 70s! Ralfi shares some of the sweet soul modes of Joe Bataan – when Joe's in the right mood – but he also goes further, too – and really pushes ... LP, Vinyl record album (Latin)
Leroy Hutson
ParadiseElektra (Japan), 1982. New Copy
Amazing work from Chicago soul legend Leroy Hutson – a rare session for Elektra, issued after his classic 70s sides on Curtom! The album's one of a few modern soul gems issued by Elektra at a time when they were one of the leading lights in soul – and like the Leon Ware albums from the ... CD (Soul)
Twennynine With Lenny White
Best Of FriendsElektra (Japan), 1979. New Copy
Jazzy soul all the way through – and a great little album from Lenny White and the Twennynine combo – a group that features some especially great keyboards from the great Don Blackman! The style here's a bit like some of Blackman's own work – rooted in fusion, but focused towards ... CD (Soul)
Mavis Staples
Oh What A FeelingWarner (Japan), 1979. New Copy
Overlooked solo work from Mavis Staples – a set recorded around the time the Staple Singers were making their move into more clubby and modern soul modes – both of which Mavis handles here! The album was recorded at Muscle Shoals, and still has a deep soul core – but it also ... CD (Soul)
Johnny Cash
American III – Solitary Man (180 gram vinyl)American, 2000. New Copy (reissue)
LP...$22.99
24.98
Johnny's third record for American Recordings – and one of the best of his late career – again backed by members Tom Petty and members of his Heartbreakers and other smart players, with a mix of hard scrabble country and folk cuts, and Cash's authoritative, soulful covers of great songs ... LP, Vinyl record album (Folk/Country)
Paul Kelly
DirtWarner (Japan), 1972. New Copy
A real breakout album for singer Paul Kelly – his first record in a legendary early 70s run for Warner Brothers, and a set that took southern soul to a new level of righteousness! The sessions for the album were recorded in Memphis, Muscle Shoals, and Nashville – all produced by Buddy ... CD (Soul)
Reuben Wilson
Groovy SituationBlue Note (Japan), 1971. New Copy
Reuben Wilson changes up the groove from his previous Blue Note sets – and the result is one of his greatest albums to date! This smoking little set has an edge that you really wouldn't expect – rhythms that move past the simple Blue Funk mode – into a more complicated style of ... CD (Jazz)
Dave McKenna
Piano Scene Of Dave McKenna (with bonus tracks)Epic (Japan), 1958. New Copy
A great pianist with a really bold sound – strong, fresh, and clean – but without any hoke at all! Dave McKenna's certainly not one of the biggest names in 50s piano jazz, but these sides rival the best in the trio format at the time – a set of familiar tunes and a few lesser-know ... CD (Jazz)
Michael Henderson
Goin' Places (with bonus tracks)Buddah/FTG, 1977. New Copy
Massive work from Michael Henderson – exactly the kind of record we point to when people ask us what all the fuss is about! Michael perfectly blends funky jazz, mellow fusion, and his own warm style of vocals here – in a sophisticated mix that puts him right at the top of the 70s ... CD (Soul)
Erroll Garner
Paris ImpressionsColumbia (Japan), 1958. New Copy 2 CDs
A totally unique, totally mindblowing album from Erroll Garner – and the set that made us finally fall in love with his music forever! Sure, Garner can be great on other albums – but here, he's really hitting this amazing vibe – stretching out in this rhythmic way that pushes his ... CD (Jazz)
Gregory Porter
Water (180 gram pressing – with bonus track)Motema, 2010. New Copy 2LP Gatefold
LP...$26.99
29.99
Gregory Porter's a hip little singer – just the sort we love to discover in jazz, and the type that only comes around once in a blue moon! Like Jon Hendricks, Mark Murphy, or Kurt Elling – all perfect references for Porter's style – Greg has a wonderful way of coming up with his ... LP, Vinyl record album (Vocalists)
Tinariwen
EmmaarAnti, 2014. New Copy
CD...$14.99
15.98
Maybe the greatest record so far from Tinariwen – and a set that definitely has them really honing their amazing guitar-based skills, yet all without sounding commercial or crossover at all! The album's got a fullness that we've never heard before from the group – kind of a righteous ... CD (Global Grooves)
Sublime Frequencies, 1998. New Copy
The cover is a great illustration of the feel of this set – a mound of clay and earth, with a speaker set at the top – an image that really gets at the organic feel of the music inside! The set's one of the earlier recordings in the Sublime Frequencies lineage, and if offers up a great ... LP, Vinyl record album (Global Grooves)
Michael Henderson
Fickle (with bonus tracks)Buddah/FTG, 1983. New Copy
A mix of 80s groove and mellower material from Michael Henderson – a sweet extension of the jazzy soul he first laid out in the 70s! The style here is a bit more electric and contemporary than before – less of the deeper, warmer tones – and a bit more synth drums and keyboards. ... CD (Soul)
Seamus Blake & Chris Cheek
Reeds RambleCriss Cross (Netherlands), 2014. New Copy
CD...$14.99
18.98
No rambling here – as the reed players are very focused – both Chris Cheek on tenor and soprano sax, and Seamus Blake on his consistently well-blown tenor! The pair come together in ways that are very fresh for a twin-sax session of this nature – more woven together in spirit, ... CD (Jazz)
Andrew Hill
Lift Every Voice (with bonus tracks)Blue Note (Japan), 1970. New Copy
A rare and beautiful Andrew Hill session, and one of the classic Blue Note entries into the "jazz and voices" sound that the label pioneered with Donald Byrd and Eddie Gale. Hill leads a core jazz group that includes Woody Shaw on trumpet, Carlos Garnett on tenor, Richard Davis on bass, ... CD (Jazz)
DJ Cam Quartet
Rebirth Of The Cool (Japanese pressing – with bonus tracks)Inflamable (Japan), 2008. New Copy
A well-titled set from DJ Cam – as the record really takes us back to the brilliance of his earlier work in the previous decade! The sound here is subtle and stripped-down – a blend of hip hop beats and jazzy instrumentation – served up in spare ways that make Cam's music almost ... CD (New Grooves)
Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd St Rhythm Band
Express YourselfWarner (Japan), 1970. New Copy
A masterpiece of messed-up LA funk – and one of the crowning moments in the career of Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band! Charles and crew do an excellent job with all the tracks – most of which are more open ended than some of their earlier ones, and run on for ... CD (Soul)
Bossacucanova
Our Kind Of BossaSix Degrees, 2014. New Copy
CD...$13.99
14.98
Bossacucanova serve up the kind of bossa they do best – a sweet mix of classic instrumentation and contemporary touches – but they also work here with some great help from a rich array of guest artists, all of whom really help the trio to deepen their sound! The vocalists are ... CD (Brazil)
Gil Scott-Heron
Mind Of Gil Scott-HeronArista, 1978. New Copy (reissue)
A great little live album – one that's quite different than Gil Scott-Heron's double-length set for Arista – and a set that serves as a key bridge between his early protest work and his emerging vocal sensibility! The set features a fair bit of longer spoken passages – but unlike ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soul)
Rusty Bryant
For The Good TimesPrestige, 1973. New Copy (reissue)
One of Rusty Bryant's last albums for Prestige – recorded in that more-electric mode that graced the label's albums of the year 1973 – but in a style that's still pretty darn nice! The group's still a small combo – with Rusy on tenor and alto, plus with Hank Jones on electric ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz)
Elvin Jones
Elvin Jones CoalitionBlue Note (Japan), 1970. New Copy
A stunning early set as a leader from Elvin Jones – both a tremendous demonstration of the free energy he let loose after the passing of John Coltrane, and a set that's also still got some key Coltrane-esque elements! As with other Jones albums to follow, Elvin's got some key reedmen on hand ... CD (Jazz)
Frank Wess
Magic 201IPO Recordings, 2013. New Copy
CD...$14.99
15.99
Definite magic from the mighty Frank Wess – an even-better follow-up to his previous album of a similar title – and really proof that in these later years, Frank is something very special indeed! We've always loved Wess' work on tenor and flute – a legacy that stretches back to ... CD (Jazz)
DeRobert & The Half-Truths
I'm Tryin'GED Soul, 2013. New Copy
The greatest work we've heard so far from DeRobert Adams and the Half-Truths – a record that really pushes the singer into classic soul territory! DeRobert has always had a vintage approach to his music – but this full set plumbs a depth we never would have expected at the start – ... CD (Deep Funk)
Essential, 1970s/Early 80s. New Copy
A very hip collection of older tracks that have gone on to form the basis of a range of contemporary tracks – not just the rare soul and funk that usually fills sample collections like this, but also a fair bit of old school hip hop that went onto be used by later artists too! The set list ... CD (Funky Compilations)
Stag O Lee (Germany), Late 50s/Early 60s. New Copy
A wonderful bridge between jazz, blues, and soul – served up here in the hippest volume of the Jim Jam Gems series so far! The tracks here are slightly older vintage than the previous collections, and focus more on the way that late swing merged into R&B during the 50s – especially ... LP, Vinyl record album (Rock)
JJ Johnson
Blue TromboneColumbia/Sony (Japan), 1957. New Copy
A great small group session from trombonist JJ Johnson – a record that sets him up with a crack rhythm section, then really lets him open up on his solos! The approach is a great change from some of the more tightly arranged Johnson albums for Columbia – and is a great reminder of the ... CD (Jazz)
Bruno Nicolai
Marquis De Sade's (aka Eugenie De Sade 70)Gemelli/Finders Keepers (UK), 1969. New Copy
Slinky, sexy, and wonderful – a sublime soundtrack by Bruno Nicolai, penned for a legendary Jess Franco erotic thriller! Despite the darkness of the film, there's a light and playful feel to the music – with many cuts that drift along on wings of melody – recalling some of our ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks)
Essential, Late 60s/1970s. New Copy
A huge amount of work produced and presented by the legendary Swamp Dogg – a hell of a great deep soul singer in his own right – but a talent who also helped so many other artists in the 60s and 70s! The range of talents here is really surprising – not just the tight roster of ... CD (Soul)
Nostalgia 77
Journey Too Far (LP & 7" single)Tru Thoughts (UK), 2014. New Copy
LP...$15.99
17.99
Always-wonderful sounds from Nostalgia 77 – a group who keep on evolving and developing their sublime style over the years! This time around, they're a bit more song-based than before – instrumentation that still has some of the warmer, spiritual jazz touches of previous releases ... LP, Vinyl record album (New Grooves)
Ascot/Warner (Japan), 1964. New Copy
The full genius of Manfred Mann in all its early glory – a wonderful mix of different roots, mod instrumentation, and groovy expression – all perfectly balanced between the tighter sound of the charts and some of the bigger 60s experimentation to come! We love the different flavors of ... CD (Rock)
Roy Porter Sound Machine '94
GenerationVistone/Tramp (Germany), 1994. New Copy
The last album ever recorded by funky drummer Roy Porter – and a really unique set that seeks to combine his older grooves from the 70s with contemporary elements from the 90s hip hp scene! The approach is a lot better than you might expect, and has lots of the best true school elements ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz)
Michael Henderson
Wide Receiver (with bonus tracks)Buddah/FTG, 1980. New Copy
A soaring standout from Michael Henderson – proof that his move from jazz bassist to lead soul star was a great one! The album's got a tight groove that's right on the money – a style that's rooted in funky jazz, yet delivered with some straight soulful lyrics too – balancing ... CD (Soul)
Capitol (Japan), 1967. New Copy
Peter & Gordon get a lot groovier for this sweet 60s set for Capitol – not just in the style of the music, which shows more influences from psych production – but also in the lyrics as well – many of which are penned by one or the other of the pair! The new material is great ... CD (Rock)
Progressive, 1981. New Copy
CD...$12.99
15.98
An all-flute album from Frank Wess – a great small combo date that really gets at the lyrical modes in Frank's style! Wess had been playing flute on record for over 20 years by the time of this early 80s date – but there's a really special feeling to the album that brings out some of ... CD (Jazz)
Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, Barney Bigard
Duke's MenEpic (Japan), Late 30s/1955. New Copy
An excellent album that features late 30s recordings by some of Duke Ellington's most famous sidemen! The groups on most of these are fairly similar – mostly small group sessions from the larger Ellington outfit – pulled out in ways that give a strong focus on the solo talents of the ... CD (Jazz)
Essential, Late 60s/1970s. New Copy
A huge amount of work produced and presented by the legendary Swamp Dogg – a hell of a great deep soul singer in his own right – but a talent who also helped so many other artists in the 60s and 70s! The range of talents here is really surprising – not just the tight roster of ... CD (Soul)
Michael Henderson
Do It All (with bonus tracks)Buddah/FTG, 1979. New Copy
Michael Henderson definitely does it all here – mixing jazz and soul and funk with his own strong sense of personality – all at a level that's head and shoulders above most of his contemporaries! Henderson's that rare breed in soul music – part of an elite 70s lineup who were ... CD (Soul)
Ti Paris
Ti Paris Et Sa GuitareMississippi/Little Axe, Early 60s. New Copy
Beautiful work from Ti Paris – a Haitian guitarist who works here in a relatively stripped-down setting – usually just his voice and acoustic guitar, light percussion, and occasional chorus vocals! The approach is quite different than later Haitian music we know – and has this ... LP, Vinyl record album (Global Grooves)
Ornette Coleman
Love Call (with bonus tracks)Blue Note (Japan), 1968. New Copy
Bold, righteous work from Ornette Coleman – an album that really shows the more open energy he'd taken on at the end of the 60s – a sense of new fire and unbridled energy that makes the album a non-stop powerhouse all the way through! In addition to Ornette's own smoking work on alto, ... CD (Jazz)
Prestige/4 Men With Beards, 1956. New Copy (reissue)
LP...$14.99
18.98
One of the best early albums from the legendary Moondog – a set that got wider circulation than his first few releases, and really helped expand his reach beyond New York City! Moondog's still at his simple best here – working in a blend of rhythmic percussion, stringed instruments, ... LP, Vinyl record album (Out Sound)
Ray Bryant
Ray Bryant Trio (Epic)Epic (Japan), 1956. New Copy
The first full album from the great Ray Bryant – recorded shortly after his famous Epic Records session with Betty Carter! The album's got Ray grooving in a hard early soul jazz mode – working in a trio with either Kenny Clarke or Osie Johnson on drums, and Wyatt Reuther on bass – ... CD (Jazz)
Capitol (Japan), 1967. New Copy
Groovy 60s Brit pop from the team of Peter Asher and Gordon Waller – two cats who have a way of drawing on the harmonies of the Merseybeat generation, then sending the tunes home with a bit more individual charm! Most tracks here are hits from other artists – both British and American ... CD (Rock)
Anacostia
Anacostia (1978) (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978. New Copy
Anacostia make the move to Tabu Records for this sweet second set – and they seem to have picked up more of a groove along the way! The same elements as before are firmly in place here – production by Charles Kipps, with supervision from Van McCoy – but the groove is a bit more ... CD (Soul)
Donald Byrd & Gigi Gryce
Jazz Lab (Columbia)Columbia (Japan), Late 50s. New Copy
Wonderful work from the team of Donald Byrd and Gigi Gryce! Byrd is at his youthful best here – blowing with a soulful imagination that's surprising, given his young age, and honed to a modern edge by the arrangements of Gryce. Conversely, Gryce's tone on the alto is fantastic – less ... CD (Jazz)
Curtis Fuller
Magnificent Trombone Of Curtis FullerEpic (Japan), 1961. New Copy
Curtis Fuller cooks it up nicely on this rare date for Epic from the 60s – a chance to hear the trombonist open up and move in a style that's a bit different than his work for Blue Note! The set's got a great undercurrent of soul – one that comes not just from Fuller's smoking solos, ... CD (Jazz)
Lionel Hampton
Off Into A Black ThingBrunswick/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976. New Copy
One of the hippest albums ever cut by Lionel Hampton – a badass batch of 70s funk tunes, recorded with arrangements from the Chicago powerhouse team at Brunswick Records! Lionel's vibes are mixed with tight drums, sweet bass, and some very soulful arrangements that make even the mellower ... CD (Jazz)
Isaac Hayes
For The Sake Of Love (with bonus tracks)Polydor/Big Break (UK), 1978. New Copy
One of our favorite Isaac Hayes albums from the post-Stax years – a wonderful late 70s set that has the man returning strongly to the mellow roots of his early solo years! Ike sounded great on his disco tracks at the time – but we really love his mature, laidback way of laying down a ... CD (Soul)
Various
Rajasthan Street MusicSublime Frequencies, 2014. New Copy 2LP Gatefold
Contemporary sounds from the Indian state of Rajasthan – but music that has a really timeless feel overall, and a carefully unobtrusive style of recording! The tracks were all recorded on a recent journey to the northwestern corner of India, in search of unusual strands of indigenous folk ... LP, Vinyl record album (Global Grooves)
Tony Palkovic
True To Yourself EPPeoples Potential, 1985. New Copy (pic cover, reissue)
Sweet keyboards from Tony Palkovic – exactly the kind of rare 80s groover that first made us fall in love with reissues from the Peoples Potential label! The main cut – "True To Yourself" – is a long jam that runs for over ten minutes in length, with some mighty sweet ... 12-inch, Vinyl record (Soul)
Soul Fire/Truth & Soul, Late 90s/Early 2000s. New Copy 8 x 7" (reissue)
A great little box of classic and rare cuts from the Soul Fire catalog – in a beautiful 8 X 7" box set – featuring standout funky tracks by Lee Fields, Bronx River Parkway, Soul Diggers, Third Eye, Zafari, JD & The Evil's Dynamite Band, Fabulous Three, Bama & The Family, ... 7-inch, Vinyl record (Funky 45's)
Brunswick/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1975. New Copy
Wonderfully tight grooves from Touch – a group who step out here with their debut album, but who had been playing for years on a variety of other studio work! The core combo is wonderful – lots of choppy guitar over the tight bass and drums – and vocals that often have more than ... CD (Soul)
John Zorn
AlchemistTzadik, 2014. New Copy
CD...$16.99
18.98
A pair of pretty compelling compositions from John Zorn – each with a different flavor, but sharing a similar spirit to his recent larger-concept projects! "The Alchemist" is a string quartet based on hermetic Angelic actions – spun out over a long space in a single movement, ... CD (Jazz)
Rufus Reid
Quiet Pride – The Elizabeth Catlett ProjectMotema, 2013. New Copy
CD...$11.99
14.98
A vivid large ensemble work from bassist Rufus Reid – penned in dedication to artist/activist Elizabeth Catlett, and featuring a bolder range of sounds than you're likely to hear from some of Reid's more intimate recordings! The core quartet features Rufus on bass, Steve Allee on piano, Vic ... CD (Jazz)
Cinevox (Italy), 1979. New Copy Gatefold (reissue)
An usual step for Goblin, but a great one too – a record that has the group turning their soundtrack style towards more romantic modes – yet still with a wonderful mix of keyboards and guitar! The sound is all studio – guitars jamming with a clean sound, keyboards bouncing over ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks)
El (UK), Early 60s. New Copy 2 CDs
A mad mix of soundtrack styles – pulled together in support of a mighty cool package that showcases the best of the British art films of the early 60s! By this point, UK cinema was really coming into its own – and finding a fresh voice that was neither influenced by American ... CD (Soundtracks)
Tony Allen with Afrobeat 2000
NEPA – Never Expect Power AlwaysCelluloid/Kindred Spirits (Netherlands), 1984. New Copy (reissue)
Landmark material from the legendary Nigerian percussionist! NEPA is a great little album from Tony Allen – recorded in the mid 80s, but with a chunky groove that's very much in the style of his 70s Afro Funk work! The title track is one of Allen's best cuts ever – a really anthemic ... LP, Vinyl record album (Global Grooves)
Rodney Green Quartet
Live At SmallsSmalls Live, 2014. New Copy
CD...$11.99
15.99
Drummer Rodney Green leads a super-sharp combo here – a crack quartet with bold tenor from Seamus Blake, sensitive piano from Luis Perdomo, and warm work on bass from Joe Sanders. Blake really gets plenty of room to roam around on the album's long tracks – which are a perfect showcase ... CD (Jazz)
Bayo Damazio
Listen To The Music/Voodoo Funk (UK), 1981. New Copy (pic cover, reissue)
A wicked bit of Nigerian funk from the start of the 80s – served up in a very hip blend of Afro Disco and leaner street soul modes! The groove's got some sweet keyboards alongside the catchy sing-song lyric – very uncomplicated, which really lets the focus stay on the rhythms – ... 12-inch, Vinyl record (Global Grooves)
Joe McPhee
TrinityCJR/Bo Weavil (UK), 1971. New Copy (reissue)
One of Joe McPhee's strongest early albums – and a real breakthrough from his sound on Nation Time! The group here is a trio – with Mike Kull on electric and acoustic piano, and Harold E Smith on percussion – and the lack of a bass player gives the group an incredible sense of ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz)
Tangerine Dream
Thief – Original Motion Picture SoundtrackElektra/Perseverance, 1981. New Copy
Tangerine Dream's incredible, synthy soundtrack to Thief – which is one of the coolest crime flicks ever made in the City Of Chicago – and as great as the film's director Michael Mann and star James Caan are, the soundtrack has a lot to do with that! The keyboard textured mood set the ... CD (Soundtracks)
Strut (UK), Late 80s/1990s. New Copy 2 CDs
A massive overview of one of the longest-running house labels from Chicago – the crucial Dance Mania imprint, second only to Trax and DJ International for its huge run of talent! Dance Mania came into being a few years into the first wave of Chicago house, but also kept its dedication to the ... CD (Funky Compilations)
Manfred Schoof
Munich Recordings 1966Sireena (Germany), 1966. New Copy
CD...$15.99
17.99
A lost slice of German modern jazz from the 60s – material recorded for the Hans Wewerke sound library – done by a very hip group! The lineup features the groundbreaking Manfred Schoof Quintet – a group that featured Schoof on trumpet, Gerd Dudek on tenor, Alexander Von ... CD (Jazz)
Honest Jons (UK), 1900s/1910s/1920s/1930s. New Copy 2 CD Gatefold
An amazing portrait of Iran in the years before WWII – pulled from rare 78rpm recordings which are remastered here beautifully, to present some stunning sounds we'd never have heard otherwise! There's a really unique flavor to most of this music – sounds that lie at the crossroads of ... CD (Global Grooves)
Joe McPhee
Underground RailroadCJR/Bo Weavil (UK), 1969. New Copy (reissue)
Joe McPhee's first record – the start of an amazing legacy in jazz, even if the original pressing was only issued in a small number of copies! Even at this early stage, Joe's showing a strong musical vision – working in a style that moves off the New York avant scene of the 60s, but ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz)
Harmless (UK), 1978/1979. New Copy 2 CDs
A pair of lost club classics from James Wells – back to back, with a lot of bonus tracks too! My Claim To Fame is the first album from Chicago soul singer James Wells – an artist with vocals that often run much deeper than some of his disco contemporaries at the time, and which really ... CD (Soul)
Bobby Charles
Bobby Charles (180 gram pressing)Bearsville/Light In The Attic, 1972. New Copy Gatefold (reissue)
LP...$18.99
22.99
A near-perfect classic from the greatly under-appreciated Bobby Charles – a cat with who worked for Chess Records as far back as the 50s, but also managed to deliver this soul-drenched swamp rock gem in 1972! Bobby's got this great sense of delivery – a bit laidback and almost laconic, ... LP, Vinyl record album (Rock)
Lula Reed
Blue & Moody (180 gram pressing)King/Sundazed, 1958. New Copy (reissue)
An incredible late 50s set for King by singer Lula Reed – and a pretty unique blend of R&B and bluer and moodier material – but a lot more upbeat than you'd expect from the title! Lula's voice is a genuine vessel for the bluesy material, but it's also light and lovely, and works ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soul)
William Bell
Coming Back For MoreMercury/Solaris, 1977. New Copy
CD...$11.99
15.99
A really wonderful post-Stax album from the great William Bell – a set that has the singer still stepping out with all those great deep soul modes from the 60s, but also finding a hipper, more laidback approach as well! There's a beautiful mellow vibe to the record – one that recalls ... CD (Soul)
Swamp Dogg
Cuffed, Collared & Tagged (with download)Cream/Fat Possum, 1972. New Copy (reissue)
LP...$11.99
15.99
An unusual session recorded by Swamp Dogg for Hi Records at the start of the 70s – a bit more polished and less full-on nasty than some of the usual Dogg grooves from the 70s, but still with plenty of that heavy Jerry Williams groove at the bottom! The album's got a nice tightness that we ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soul)
Masquerade/
Pinocchio/Harmless (UK), 1979/1983. New Copy 2 CDs
A pair of Boris Midney disco classics – back to back in a single set! First up is the Pinocchio album from Masquerade – a pretty wild batch of disco tunes – a suite of tracks loosely based around the Pinocchio theme, with vocals by the group Masquerade and arrangements by Boris ... CD (Soul)
7 Days Of Funk (Snoop Dogg & Dam Funk)
7 Days Of FunkStones Throw, 2013. New Copy
Dam-Funk and Snoopzilla, aka Snoop Dogg, teaming up as 7 Days Of Funk – and it's not merely a new day for the timeless G-Funk sound – they're packing a whole week of it! Producer Dam-Funk and MC/singer Snoop couldn't be a better match – Snoop delivering laidback rhymes and easy ... CD (Hip Hop)
Hans Koller
Minor Meetings 1958Sonorama (Germany), 1958. New Copy
Hardly a set of minor meetings at all – given that tenorist Hans Koller works here in the company of a host of great musicians from the late 50s German scene, in a set of tracks that ranks with the best of his long career as a leader! By the time of these sides, Koller was already one of the ... CD (Jazz)
Drag City, 1979/1992. New Copy (pic cover)
An incredible pair of tracks from Motor City soul punk pioneers Death – with "North Street", recorded in 1979 – and "We're Gonna Make It", recorded in '92! "North Street" is a raw, urgent rumbler that's primal and punky, though rooted in Detroit R&B ... 7-inch, Vinyl record (Rock)
DJ Cam
Westside 2004 to 2007Inflamable (France), Mid 2000s. New Copy
Sweet G-Funk from DJ Cam – a great set of instrumentals that are first inspired by electro funk from the start of the 80s, then the later use of samples and beats from those tunes in west coast hip hop! The instrumental presentation keeps the cuts from ever sounding kitchy or copycat – ... LP, Vinyl record album (New Grooves)
Eddie Palmieri
Eddie Palmieri Is Doin' It In The ParkGlobal Rhythm Group, 2013. New Copy
CD...$9.99
12.99
Some of the best work we've heard in years from the legendary Eddie Palmieri – sounds recorded especially for a film on pick-up basketball in New York City, and done with a style that really takes us back to Eddie's best records from years back! The music is very jazzy – with long ... CD (Latin)
Stahls Trio (Mattias Stahl)
Jag Skulle Bara Ga Ut (2 x 10" LP)Moserobie (Sweden), 2013. New Copy 2 x 10"
Amazing vibes from Mattias Stahl and his trio – easily one of the most inventive players on his instrument in recent years – ringing out here with a sense of tone and timing that's simply superb! There's a modern edge to all these tracks that takes us back to Teddy Charles' vibes ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz)
Frank McComb
Live At The Bitter End – Remembering Donny HathawayBoobeescoot, 2013. New Copy
There's nobody better we can think of to pay tribute to Donny Hathaway than Frank McComb – given that both Frank's wonderful vocals and keyboard work draw a lot from Donny's originals of the 70s, but have always taken his inspiration in really rich new directions on McComb's recent albums! ... CD (Neo Soul)
Eric Roberson
B-Sides, Features, & HeartachesBlue Erro Soul, 2014. New Copy
CD...$9.99
13.99
A range of special projects, guest appearances, and b-sides from Eric Roberson – and music that's mostly still better than the top-shelf recordings from most other artists! Eric's a singer we've loved for years, no matter what the setting – and he's got a richly collaborative spirit ... CD (Neo Soul)
Soul Jazz (UK), Late 60s. New Copy
CD...$19.99
20.99
Great early work from the legendary Studio One – and some important sounds that really show the link between Jamaican reggae and American soul! The grooves at this point draw heavily from the US soul and R&B that had been hitting Jamaican shores via radio broadcasts from up north – ... CD (Reggae)
Maria Bethania
Carta De Amor (DVD)Biscoito Fino (Brazil), 2013. New Copy
Right from the start, Maria Bethania showed herself as an artist who could almost shine better in a live setting than a studio one – from her early records, to famous albums that helped define the sound of MPB, to recent gems like this one – which has the singer still very much at the ... DVD (DVDs & Videos)
Black Saint (Italy), 1980s/Early 90s. New Copy 7 CDs
Amazing small group work from saxophonist David Murray – and a body of material that really shows the reedman coming into his own! The Black Saint/Soul Note label was one of the first to really show faith in Murray – and allow him to step from the underground into the limelight of ... CD (Jazz)
If you're ever in Chicago, be sure to visit our Chicago record store!
1120 N Ashland Ave Chicago, IL 60622
Open 7 days a week from 10am to 8pm.
All the great stuff appears here at our online record store first — but if you shop locally, you'll also get a chance to handle the goods before you buy!
1120 N Ashland Ave Chicago, IL 60622
Open 7 days a week from 10am to 8pm.
All the great stuff appears here at our online record store first — but if you shop locally, you'll also get a chance to handle the goods before you buy!
