We're circling the planet – to bring you the grooviest sounds on the globe!
Ace (UK), Late 60s/Early 70s.
A totally fresh take on French sounds of the late 60s – served up here with a sound that's as revolutionary as the image on the cover! This isn't the dreamy strings of familiar Paris in the Spring – but instead, the sound of change that happened in and around 1968 – as a whole ... CD (Funky Compilations CD)
Celia
CeliaContinental/Mr Bongo (UK), 1972.
CD...$10.99
11.98
A beautifully groovy album from Celia Reis – maybe the hippest set ever from this Brazilian singer who was equally at home in samba and bossa modes! Production and arrangements are by Arthur Verocai – which will give you an idea of the creativity that went into the record – as ... CD (Brazil CD)
Various
Westbound DiscoWestbound (UK), Late 70s.
Fantastic funky club from one of the hippest soul labels of the 70s – Detroit powerhouse Westbound Records – home to Funkadelic, The Counts, and some other very hip artists! Westbound disco isn't the same as the grooves you'd hear from Philly and New York – because the label ... CD (Funky Compilations CD)
Grant Green
Funk In France – From Paris To Antibes 1969/Resonance, Late 60s. 2CD
Beautiful rare work from the late 60s years of Grant Green – a time when the guitarist was giving us some of his funk classics on Blue Note, and when he really seemed to be opening up his groove! That's definitely the case here – as the tracks aren't just funky, but also spin out at ... CD (Jazz CD)
Numero, Late 50s/Early 60s. 3CD
An insane new chapter in the mighty legacy of the Numero Group – not the rare soul, obscure psych, or underground folk the label has covered with other releases – but instead a huge batch of under-discovered gems from the exotica scene of the postwar years – essentially the ... CD (Funky Compilations CD)
Kent (UK), Late 60s/Early 70s.
CD...$12.99
18.99
A classic compilation gets upgraded in a mighty nice way – as a huge tribute to the many years of soul and funk we've gotten from the Ace/Kent label in London! Back at the start of the 80s, the company was one of the first to properly repress rare American soul, and do it the right way ... CD (Soul CD)
Brownout
Fear Of A Brown PlanetFat Beats, 2018.
CD...$8.99
9.98
The Brownout magic turns towards the world of Public Enemy this time around – in a sweet little record that serves up Latin funk instrumentals of PE classics! The music is hardly hip hop – apart from a few turntable scratches and vocal samples – and instead, the groove is deep ... CD (Deep Funk CD)
Grant Green
Slick – Live At Oil Can Harry'sResonance, 1975.
CD...$16.99
18.99
Late live work from the mighty Grant Green – cut at a time when the guitarist wasn't giving us nearly enough records as in his early years, and was also tending to record in a more polished setting! That's definitely not the case here – as the tracks are long, and the music is live ... CD (Jazz CD)
Ezra Collective
Juan Pablo – The PhilosopherEnter The Jungle (UK), 2018.
LP...$16.99
17.99
A fantastic set from one of the hippest groups on the contemporary London scene – a combo who are burning together sounds from a whole range of influences to forge a bold path forward in jazz! Ezra Collective have this effortless blend of electric and acoustic elements – wonderful ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Harvest/Pink Flag, 1977. 3CD
CD...$34.99
35.99
A pretty astonishing creative leap for Wire – a record that still holds all the short, sharp, energy of their Pink Flag debut – but which also opens up the group to all these weird elements they'd explore in later years and solo work too! The record is almost the group's equivalent of ... CD (Rock CD)
Chaka Khan
CKWarner/Music On Vinyl (UK), 1988.
CD...$16.99
18.98
A sweet 80s groover fro Chaka Khan – one that features a fair bit of beats and bassline – thanks to tight production from Prince, Chris Jasper, and Russ Titelman! Russ is actually the man behind most of the set – and he really shows off his great talent for a hook-heavy soul tune ... CD (Soul CD)
Issste/Mr Bongo (UK), 1981.
CD...$10.99
11.98
A wonderfully hard-to-categorize album from the start of the 80s – a Mexican record that mixes folkloric roots with electronic instrumentation – but all in a way that sounds much more ancient than you'd expect for the time! The fusion of modes here is wonderful – almost at a ... CD (Latin CD)
Trad Vibe (France), 1975.
A legendary bit of funky fusion from the French scene of the 70s – the standout set from Cortex, a combo who's very heavy on the keyboards! The tunes have a feel that's quite different than American electric work of the time – funky, but also a bit breezy too – with a strong ... CD (Jazz CD)
Sony (Japan), 1970s/Early 80s. 2CD
Philly soul at its finest – served up here in a collection that brings together classics from the Philadelphia International label, plus some nicely overlooked cuts! Most of the music here comes from the world of Gamble & Huff – that legendary production duo who helped take soul ... CD (Funky Compilations CD)
Abu Obaida Hassan
Abu Obaida Hassan & His Tambour – The Shaigiya Sound of SudanOstinato (UK), 1970s. Gatefold
LP...$19.99
21.98
Really beautiful sounds from Abu Obaida Hassan – material that was mostly recorded in the 70s, but often has a much more ancient vibe – thanks to the striking sounds that Hassan produces on the tambour, which is an instrument that features a drum-like bass, and almost an explosive array ... LP, Vinyl record album (Global Grooves LP)
Teensville, Mid 60s.
CD...$13.99
14.98
Guys go pop, and end up sounding pretty darn groovy in the process – especially since most of the tracks on this collection have a nice sort of groove! All numbers have full, rich 60s production – those bigger studio modes learned in the early years of rock music, but turned towards ... CD (Rock CD)
Basil Kirchin
I Start Counting (plus Third World)Trunk (UK), 1970.
One of the dreamier soundtracks we've ever heard from Basil Kirchin – a beautiful set of tunes that has an organic, almost pastoral vibe at times – as Kirchin mixes together bits of strings, guitar, piano, and percussion with other more subtle sonic elements – sometimes with ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks LP)
Cecil McBee
MutimaStrata East/Everland (Austria), 1974. (reissue)
A great bit of spiritual soul jazz – and one of the few albums as a leader recorded by the legendary bassist Cecil McBee! Cecil's joined here by a large group of players that includes Billy Hart on drums, George Adams on tenor, Onaje Allen Gumbs on piano, Jimmy Hopps on percussion, Art Webb ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Ruby Andrews
Black RubyZodiac/Everland (Austria), 1972.
A hell of a great record from Ruby Andrews – a Chicago soul singer who started out sweet, but comes on hard and heavy on this righteous classic from the start of the 70s! The record's got a badass vibe you never would have expected from Andrews a few years before – with tremendous ... CD (Soul CD)
Alex Brown
In Search Of LoveSundi, 1970. (reissue)
A beautiful bit of female soul from the 70s – the only album we've ever seen from west coast singer Alex Brown – and a sublime little set all the way through! Monk Higgins is at the helm arranging and producing, and a good number of the tracks here were co-written by Monk and Alex ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soul LP)
Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Bardot Sings (aka Brigitte 1963) (Japanese paper sleeve edition – with bonus tracks)Philips/Universal (Japan), 1963.
Classic 60s work from Brigitte Bardot – the roots of French female pop, with a set of tracks that mix together bits of rock, pop, and lively jazz-based arrangements – all in a unique blend that's totally great, and every bit as wonderful as you might expect! We might go so far as to ... CD (French CD)
Chuck Jackson
Best Of The Wand YearsWand/Kent (UK), Mid 60s.
A fantastic collection of work from one of the coolest, classiest soul singers of the 60s – one that we'd rank right up there with Jerry Butler or Walter Jackson for the way that he pushed the genre forward strongly with his music! Chuck Jackson had a few hits back in the day, but underneath ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soul LP)
Andre Solomko
Le DeltaplaneFavorite (France), 2018.
Great sounds from Andre Solomko – an artist who's been giving us some great 70s-styled music in recent years, and may well have topped himself with this fantastic set! Andre plays alto and soprano sax, in a setting that's got the warm glow of a sweet 70s fusion record – but this time ... CD (Deep Funk CD)
How Do You Are (Germany), Late 70s/1980s.
This very hip series just got a whole lot hipper – thanks to the selection talents of Brazilian soul legend Ed Motta – who serves up a huge host of rare tracks from Brazil! Ed's always had a deep love of the AOR sound of the 70s – and he's not only a great soul singer on his own ... CD (Funky Compilations CD)
Joshua Redman
Still DreamingNonesuch, 2018.
There's nothing too dreamy here – as Joshua Redman takes on the energy of the Old & New Dreams that featured his father, Dewey Redman – an excellent late 70s ensemble filled with members of Ornette Coleman groups, working in a very Ornette-like mode! The style is similar here ... CD (Jazz CD)
Shirley Davis & The Silverbacks
Wishes & WantsTucxone (Spain), 2016.
Great work from Shirley Davis – working here with a Spanish funk combo who've got a deep vibe we really didn't expect! The group's got this tightness that really works well with Davis' vocals – using organ lines and downturning blue currents in this great style that gets away from some ... CD (Deep Funk CD)
Billy Parker's Fourth World
Freedom Of Speech (180 gram pressing)Strata East/Pure Pleasure (UK), 1975. Gatefold (reissue)
LP...$36.99
44.99
One of the greatest albums ever on the legendary Strata East label – and that's saying a hell of a lot! Drummer Billy Parker is a player that we don't know much, but he'll always be well-remembered for this album's sublime blend of spiritual jazz styles! The lineup is wonderful – a ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Guess/Everland (Austria), 1978.
One of the great overlooked funk bands of the late 70s Virginia scene – a tight little combo with a warm style that's just right for the dancefloor! The VA groove of the time was a different take on the styles being used up north in Philly and New York – as the groups were often more ... CD (Soul CD)
Tia Fuller
Diamond CutMack Avenue, 2018.
CD...$16.99
17.99
Tia Fuller might look a bit slick on the cover, but the lady's an incredibly sharp saxophonist – one that's always got us ready to open our ears and listen! This album's no exception to that rule – as it bursts out of the gate with a bold sense of energy you might know expect from the ... CD (Jazz CD)
Brigitte Bardot
BB 64 (Japanese paper sleeve edition – with bonus tracks)Philips/Universal (Japan), 1963.
One of the grooviest Brigitte Bardot albums ever recorded – a stellar set of tracks with some ultra-chic arrangements from the great Alain Gouraguer! The album swings like the best of Paris pop in the 60s – tight and outta site, with loads of jaunty pop tunes that bring out the best in ... CD (French CD)
Taste Of Honey
Taste Of HoneyCapitol/Universal (Japan), 1978.
Probably the most successful album the Mizell Brothers ever produced, and a fine set of uptempo groovers from this female soul duet! There's some nice jazzy moments underneath the catchy lyrics, and in a way, the album's style is sort of a blueprint for the sound that would emerge over the next ... CD (Soul CD)
McClenty Hunter Jr
Groove HunterStrikezone, 2018.
Maybe the first album we've ever seen from drummer McClenty Hunter – but a set that's already got some heavyweight talent on board to help! Hunter's got a sound that's as sharp as his image on the cover – a classic approach to hardbop, underscored by some of the songs chosen for the ... CD (Jazz CD)
Stanley Cowell
MusaStrata East/Everland (Austria), 1974. Gatefold (reissue)
A solo piano set from Strata East mainman Stanley Cowell – but a record that's got enough soul and spirituality to rival a full group recording! Although working alone here, Cowell's touch on the keys is astounding – often flowing and highly rhythmic, with a pulsating sense of energy ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Jake Mason Trio
Stranger In The MirrorSoul Messin', 2018.
Sweet Hammond work from Jake Mason – a keyboardist who definitely loves the sound of 60s soul jazz, but also has a great ear for the soulful instrumental too! The organ lines on the set move nicely between territory of Jack McDuff and Jimmy McGriff, but also have some of the warmer glow of ... CD (Jazz CD)
AZ/Universal (Japan), 1968.
One of the greatest Brigitte Bardot albums you could ever buy – some of the grooviest, sexiest work the famous French actress ever cut! The album's overflowing with excellent original material written by Bardot by Serge Gainsbourg and Francis Lai – two of our favorite French composers ... CD (French CD)
Cameo
CameosisMercury (Japan), 1980.
Full-on frenetic funk from Cameo – one of the group's tightest albums, yet still without any of the too-slick sounds of later years! The sound here is amazing – and we always find ourselves wondering how a group of guys can hit such perfect grooves with just a bunch of basses, guitars, ... CD (Soul CD)
LTD
Love MagicA&M (Japan), 1981.
LTD without Jeffrey Osborne, and sounding pretty darn great – moving here in a boogie-centrist groove that's heavy with bass on the bottom! In a way, the group's almost freer to work here as a funky ensemble without their former spotlight star – and the record's got a really wicked ... CD (Soul CD)
Peter Brotzmann & Fred Lonberg-Holm
OuroborosAstral Spirits, 2018.
An album of beautiful tones and textures – and a set that has these two different improvisers really finding some great space together! The theme here isn't compromise, but exploration – as Brotzmann reminds us what again what a multi-faceted saxophonist he can be – finding ways ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Otis Redding
Dock Of The Bay – SessionsAtlantic/Volt, 1967.
CD...$13.99
14.98
A great re-imagining of the final moments of the too-short career of the mighty Otis Redding – a set that puts together an album based around his huge posthumous hit "Dock Of The Bay" – and releases the album as if Otis hadn't died at the end of 1967! As is now legend, ... CD (Soul CD)
Con Funk Shun
Spirit Of LoveMercury/Universal (Japan), 1980.
A stellar bit of boogie from Con Funk Shun – produced to perfection by Skip Scarborough, and done in a style that has lots of jazzy elements! The album was recorded well into the group's time on the Mercury label, but it's a real standout from the rest – thanks to an extremely well-writ ... CD (Soul CD)
Daniel Carter/
Seraphic Light
Aum Fidelity, 2018.
CD...$13.99
14.98
Reedman Daniel Carter's in some great company here – a trio that features the bass of William Parker and piano of Matthew Shipp – both bold musical partners that really give the album a lot of depth! Shipp is especially great, and at times really seems to dominate the proceedings with ... CD (Jazz CD)
Daryl Dragon & Others
Sea For YourselfRural/Modern Harmonic, Early 70s. 2CD
CD...$23.99
24.99
A fantastic little surf soundtrack record – and one that's very different than both the guitar instrumental and jazz-based albums that showed up earlier in the genre! This one is much more like some of the Australian rock scores that started to show up at the end of the 60s – very ... CD (Soundtracks CD)
BBE (UK), 2018.
CD...$16.99
19.99
Alex Attias has always given us some really creative sounds in his own music – so we've got some mighty high expectations when he brings together a selection of tracks by other artists for BBE! Fortunately, the record not only lives up to those expectations, but does them one better – ... CD (New Grooves CD)
Heavenly Sweetness (France), Late 60s/Early 70s. 6 x 7 inch box set
The Ethiopiques series just got cooler than ever – given a very hip twist here in a limited box of 7" singles – which bring the music forth at a level that feels even more vintage than before! If you're not hip, the long-running Ethiopiques collection has uncovered some of the ... 7-inch, Vinyl record (Funky 45's 7-inch)
Perry & Sanlin
For Those Who LoveCapitol/Universal (Japan), 1980.
A fantastic moment from the Capitol Rare generation! The album is the first Capitol effort from Phil Perry & Kevin Sanlin – two excellent harmony soul singers who were part of the legendary Montclairs who recorded for Paula earlier in the 70s – and it's a slick batch of modern soul ... CD (Soul CD)
Barney Wilen with the Mal Waldron Trio
French Story (aka Movie Themes From France)Pony Canyon (Japan), 1989.
One of the best later albums by French tenor genius Barney Wilen – a true gem that's far better than the title might indicate! The tunes, as you might guess, are all themes from French films – stretching back to the late 50s jazz/new wave days, when Wilen recorded on a few brilliant ... CD (Jazz CD)
Steve Lacy/
Distant Voices (180 gram pressing)
Columbia/Aguirre (Italy), 1975. (reissue)
One of the rarest Steve Lacy albums of the 70s, and one of the most compelling too – as it features Steve in territory that's quite different than some of his group and solo performances of the period! The group is a trio – with Yuji Takahashi on piano and celeste, and Takehisa Kosugi ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Johnny Mandel
HarperMainstream/Intrada, 1966.
A hell of a soundtrack from the great Johnny Mandel – maybe his jazziest work of the 60s, and perfectly scored for this groovy cop film that stars Paul Newman as the 45-wielding title character! The vibe here is almost more 60s Quincy Jones than anything else – with sublime ... CD (Soundtracks CD)
Thomas Bartlett & Nico Muhly
Peter Pears – Balinese Ceremonial MusicNonesuch, 2018.
CD...$13.99
14.99
An interesting little album – a set that's part indie, and part a surprisingly great tribute to the music of the Indonesian gamelan – extrapolated through the compositions of Colin McPhee, who was one of the first to transcribe the sound of the percussive ensemble for the piano! The ... CD (Rock CD)
Angelika Niescier with Tyshawn Sorey & Christopher
Berlin ConcertIntakt (Switzerland), 2018.
CD...$18.99
19.99
A nicely intense trio performance – featuring Angelika Niescier on tenor, working alongside the tight drums of Tyshawn Sorey and the nicely-shaped bass work of Christopher Tordini! The trio explore familiar territory here, but with lots of fresh flavors of their own – and the boldness ... CD (Jazz CD)
Shirley Ellis
Three Six Nine – The Best Of Shirley EllisCongress/Ace (UK), Mid 60s.
CD...$14.99
19.99
Hard-romping soul from the great Shirley Ellis – a singer most folks know for a single crossover hit – but an artist who's got a hell of a lot more to offer than just that novelty number! This excellent package is a long-overdue look at one of the queens of raw soul in the 60s – ... CD (Soul CD)
Louis Moholo Moholo
Uplift The PeopleOgun (UK), 2018.
The spiritual sound of drummer Louis Moholo-Moholo is alive and well – the one light still burning from the legendary Blue Notes jazz ensemble from South Africa – and one who's taken the righteous power of that group well into the 21st Century! The music here is as uplifting as the ... CD (Jazz CD)
Keef Hartley Band
Time Is Near (Japanese paper sleeve edition)Deram/Universal (Japan), 1970.
Easily one of the greatest records ever from the Keef Hartley Band – and certainly the group's jazziest! The album's awash in great horn parts that dance along beautifully with the rootsier vocals of the set – sung by guitarist Miller Anderson, in a rough-edged style that has some ... CD (Rock CD)
Andrzej Trzaskowski with Ted Curson
SeantPolskie Nagrania (Poland), 1965/1966. (reissue)
Incredible modern jazz from the Polish scene of the 60s – a rare album by pianist Andrzej Trzaskowski, featuring work by American trumpeter Ted Curson! Like the work of Komeda from the time, the album is a bold, fresh, modern statement that's clearly steeped in work by other 60s American ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Ryan Porter
OptimistWorld Galaxy/Alpha Pup, 2018. 2CD
CD...$14.99
15.98
Stunning work from trombone player Ryan Porter and a young, already amazing group of LA jazz funk players from the West Coast Get Down collective he co-founded – including Kamasi Washington, Cameron Graves, Miles Mosely & others – recorded at Kamasi's Inglewood, CA home studio! ... CD (Jazz CD)
Lyn Collins
Think (About It)People/Universal (Japan), 1972.
The funkiest album ever recorded by Lyn Collins – a stone solid set that really lives up to the legacy of her funky 45s! Like those gems, this one has Collins working with James Brown on production and the JBs in the background – creating a razor-sharp groove that's probably the ... CD (Soul CD)
Rhythm Heritage
Disco Derby (with bonus tracks)ABC/Universal (Japan), 1979.
Maybe one of the most unified albums ever from Rhythm Heritage – a set with a really tight groove, and some of the most soulful vocals the group ever recorded! All the great instrumentation of before is still very firmly in place – a wicked mix of funky jazz and disco rhythms, courtesy ... CD (Soul CD)
Leon Ware
Leon Ware (1972)United Artists/Universal (Japan), 1972.
Sublime work from Leon Ware – the mellow soul master who's one of our favorite talents of the 70s! This album is Leon's first – recorded years before he did his records for Motown and Elektra – and it's done with a less polished sound that's a striking contrast to some of his ... CD (Soul CD)
Favorite (France), Late 70s/Early 80s.
A decade's worth of slinky sounds from the French scene – a good number of which were recorded after the big disco boom years in the US – at a time when the European clubs kept things going with some fresh flavors of their own! The style here isn't as overtly disco as you might think ... CD (Funky Compilations CD)
Leroy Hutson
Closer To The SourceCurtom/Acid Jazz (UK), 1978. (reissue)
One of the greatest albums ever by Chicago soul maestro Leroy Hutson – a masterpiece of soul, sophistication, and downright good vibes – all put together at a level that makes it one of our favorite albums of the 70s! The set was recorded hot on the heels of the massive Hutson and ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soul LP)
Johnny Mbizo Dyani
African Bass – Solo Concert Wilisau Jazz Festival 1978Sing A Song Fighter (UK), 1978. 2LP Gatefold
Legendary South African bassist Johnny Mbizo Dyani, in a setting that's completely different than some of his other recordings – a sublime solo performance from the late 70s, and one that features Dyani sounding even more spiritual than ever! Johnny's music is always fantastic – and ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Arp Frique
Welcome To The Colorful World Of Arp FriqueColourful World (Netherlands), 2018. Gatefold
Arp Frique certainly does live in a colorful world – not just in the image on the cover, but in the grooves of the record as well – which bring together lots of funky 80s keyboards with a wider global sense of groove! There's often some acoustic percussion alongside the electric keys ... LP, Vinyl record album (New Grooves LP)
Ashford & Simpson
High RiseCapitol (Japan), 1983.
Always-great work from the team of Ashford & Simpson – the kind of a record that has them at the top of their game, even though they'd changed their overall sound over the years! The vibe here is more in an 80s groove mode than some of the duo's Warner albums, but they've still got an ... CD (Soul CD)
Thelma Houston
Any Way You Like ItTamla/Universal (Japan), 1976.
Smoking Motown work from Thelma Houston – a great 70s set that catches the singer at the top of her groove! The album's polished, but never in a too-commercial way – and the grooves acknowledge the growing role of the dancefloor in mainstream soul, yet also mostly stay away from some ... CD (Soul CD)
Olaf Kubler & Jan Hammer Trio
Turtles – Live At The Domicile (with bonus track)Enja/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1968.
A very hip little session from a young Jan Hammer – recording here with a great lesser-known German saxophonist! The session's a live date from the late 60s – recorded at the legendary Domicile nightclub in Germany, in a rolling wave of soul jazz and hardbop modes – plus a few ... CD (Jazz CD)
Contemporary Jazz Quintet
Location (180 gram pressing)Strata/180 Proof, Early 70s. Gatefold (reissue)
LP...$18.99
19.98
A spiritual jazz classic from Detroit – and one of the few records from this important Motor City group! The Contemporary Jazz Quintet were a groundbreaking ensemble that mixed together hardbop and modernist playing – sometimes with a keen ear for Miles Davis' experiments of the late ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Joe Armon-Jones
Starting TodayBrownswood (UK), 2018.
CD...$10.99
11.98
Joe Armon Jones sings and plays lots of cool Wurlitzer electric piano on this gem of an album – but the whole thing is maybe even more of a tribute to the warmly collaborative spirit of the contemporary London scene, as it is to the talents of the man himself! There's a nicely fluid sense of ... CD (Jazz CD)
Dawn/Esoteric (UK), 1970.
A legendary group who never fully got their due – and maybe one of the creepier acts on the British scene at the start of the 70s! The cover art probably gives things away – but the sound of the record is even more haunting – with some acoustic elements that echo the acid folk ... CD (Rock CD)
Bear Family (Germany), Early 50s. 4CD
CD...$112.99
129.99
A totally wonderful package – and one that will have you throwing away all the Vietnam Rock compilations you have in your collection! This set unearths a massive amount of music that was created during the Korean war – filled with themes of sadness and loss that most folks wouldn't ... CD (Folk/Country CD)
Daptone, 2018.
The Dap-Kings instrumentals to the mighty debut of Saun & Starr – the female soul duo who have been best known for their backing work behind Sharon Jones! Although funky, it also has more of a deep soul approach a quality that's very old school, and which burns with the fire of some lost ... LP, Vinyl record album (Deep Funk LP)
Rufus & Chaka Khan
Street PlayerMCA/Universal (Japan), 1978.
Stunning work from Rufus & Chaka Khan – still very much at the height of their powers on this late 70s release – and still doing things at a level that nobody else can touch! The blend of jazz and soul is completely sublime – given a bit of extra help on arrangements by Clare ... CD (Soul CD)
Kassin
RelaxLuaka Bop, 2018.
We admire the hell out of Kassin, but it's hard to imagine that we'd relax when faced with a new record of his – as we always pay fervent attention to everything he ever does! And this time around, that attention is rewarded even more than usual – as the musician and studio genius ... CD (Brazil CD)
Paul Bley
Bremen 66Hi Hat, 1966.
Fantastic early work from pianist Paul Bley – and exactly the kind of album that shows why he was so different than so many of his contemporaries! Not only is Bley's sense of phrasing and timing completely fresh, but the music is as well – as the songs mostly are originals by Paul or ... CD (Jazz CD)
Ashford & Simpson
Street OperaCapitol (Japan), 1982.
Dang, these guys could never miss! Even in later years, Ashford and Simpson were still going strong – working here in a wonderfully mellow style that's as soulful for the moment as their mid 70s groovers were for that time. The album's got a sweet modern style that's pretty much in the ... CD (Soul CD)
Restroy
Restroy1980, 2018.
That's restroy, not destroy – a Chicago group who've got a really great way of building up their sound – using a mix of electronic elements with strong trumpet from James Davis, round bass from Christopher Dammann, and driving drums from Avreeyal Ra – all in a blend that's really ... Cassette (Cassette)
Gilbert Holmstrom
Konfrontation – Unreleased 1968 (180 gram gold vinyl)Moserobie (Sweden), 1968.
Never-issued work by 60s Swedish modern jazz legend Gilbert Holmstrom – one of the most freely improvising musicians on his scene at the time! The set brings together two long selections recorded in 1968 – even more far-reaching material than Gilbert's famous Quintet album a few years ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Domenico (Domenico Lancellotti)
Good Is A Big GodLuaka Bop, 2018.
You've heard Domenico before as part of the groundbreaking +2 trio with Kassin and Moreno Veloso – but this is only the second time the singer has worked on his own, and the first that he's given us his full name on the cover! That difference might mark a new sort of confidence in Domenico ... CD (Brazil CD)
Think (Japan), 1960s.
Blues 45s – but material that's also pretty close to the funky 45 spirit of the 60s too – given that most of these cuts have a pretty raw groove! The blues element usually comes from a guitar or harmonica element, or a way of vocal phrasing – but much of the background ... CD (Blues CD)
Sidewalk Chalk
Shoulder Season (CD & DVD)Ropeadope, 2018. CD & DVD
CD...$10.99
16.99
Really great work from this up-and-coming combo – a group who seems like they can spin together neo soul and hip hop better than most of the rest – and who also make great use of some live jazzy instrumentation as well! The set compiles live performances done around the midwest in ... CD (Neo Soul CD)
Jackpot, 1982.
An unreleased live set from the legendary Wipers – recorded on New Year's Eve in the very familiar territory of Portland – where the group's in wonderful form! The set features some nicely stark takes on the kinds of searing material that made the group such a standout at the time ... LP, Vinyl record album (Rock LP)
13th Floor
Steppin OutBlue Candle/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976.
The one and only album we've ever seen from The 13th Floor – a hip little combo from St Louis, produced here by Oliver Sain in a great blend of jazz, soul, and funk! There's a depth here that goes way beyond the average outing of this type – as the group clearly have some sort of an ... CD (Soul CD)
Melvin Sparks
Texas Twister (2018 Record Store Day Release)Eastbound/Tidal Waves, 1973. (reissue)
One of the funkiest albums ever from early 70s guitar wizard Melvin Sparks – his first for the short-lived Eastbound offshoot of Westbound, and done in a style that's even harder and rawer than his work for Prestige! The sound is lean and often a bit rough around the edges – with ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Chance Hayden
Get Somethin'Ropeadope/Atlanta, 2018.
CD...$8.99
14.99
Tight guitar from Chance Hayden – a player who definitely knows how to get a lot of color and tone out of his instrument, even while picking out a sharp note solo! There's a dexterity in Hayden's style that's clearly inspired by the more proficient blues guitarists in recent generations ... CD (Jazz CD)
Daunik Lazro/
Pride Of Lions – Bridge Sessions 08
Bridge Sessions (France), 2018.
Fantastic work from a trans-Atlantic group – one that features really beautiful work on saxes from Daunik Lazro, in one of his best settings in many years! All the other musicians here are fantastic – as in addition to Daunik on tenor and baritone, the rest of the group features Joe ... CD (Jazz CD)
Roman Filiu
QuarteriaSunnyside, 2018.
CD...$15.99
16.99
An album of nervous rhythms and angular edges – and a set that seems to make the most of the tonal interplay between the alto of Roman Filiu, the tenor of Dayna Stephens, and trumpet of Ralph Alessi – all painted in these nicely dark colors by the piano of David Virelles! The album ... CD (Jazz CD)
Piero Piccioni
Al Cinema Con Piero Piccioni Vol 1 (180 gram vinyl)RCA/Sonor (Italy), 1968. (reissue)
A sublime late 60s document of the earlier Italian film themes of Piero Piccioni – all served up here as jazzy instrumentals that take us back to the freshness he brought to Italian soundtracks at the start of the decade! Many of these numbers have a brash Rome jazz sort of vibe – that ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks LP)
Hugh Masekela & Others
Hugh Masekela Presents The Chisa Years 1965 to 1976 – Rare & UnreleasedChisa/BBE (UK), Late 60s/Early 70s. 2LP
LP...$24.99
27.98
A decade's worth of groundbreaking funk and African rhythms – all of it recorded by Hugh Masekela for his legendary Chisa label! Back in the 60s, Hugh cracked the American charts with a playful version of South African jazz – but he was also an even hipper cat than you'd guess from his ... LP, Vinyl record album (Global Grooves LP)
Piero Umiliani
Al Cinema Con Piero Umiliani (180 gram vinyl)RCA/Sonor (Italy), 1969. (reissue)
Think what you may about Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota – to our ears, Piero Umiliani brought as much to Italian film scoring in the 60s as those two giants – even if his music was never given the international fame it deserved! This great late 60s collection brings together some of the ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks LP)
Tirk (UK), 1970s/1980s/2018.
The Credit To The Edit is also a credit to Greg Wilson, too – as the series has become a bit legendary over the years, thanks to the editing skills of the man himself! It's been a number of years since Greg's last volume, but if anything, appreciation for club edits has only grown during ... CD (Funky Compilations CD)
Henryk Debich
String BeatPolskie Nagrania (Poland), 1975. (reissue)
A funky gem from 70s Poland – heavy grooves from maestro Henryk Debich, served up in a range of soulful styles! The tunes here are all instrumental – and range from Barry White-styled tracks, to big band funk, to other more complicated numbers with a soundtrack vibe – all laid ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Mike Clark & Delbert Bump
Retro ReportRopeadope, 2018.
CD...$9.99
14.98
Funky drummer Mike Clark works here with organist Delbert Bump – co-leading a session with a nice blend of classic Hammond modes and a trace of 70s funk! The core group's a quartet – with Vince Denham on tenor and soprano sax, and Elias Lucero on guitar – although the main energy ... CD (Jazz CD)
Aqueduct Ensemble
Improvisations On An ApricotLast Resort (UK), 2018.
Aqueduct Ensemble is more of a duo than the large group you'd expect from their name – but they manage to serve up some very spacious sounds over the course of these improvised tracks! The core of the group features Stu on piano and Kit on woodwinds and electronics – acoustic elements ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Zbigniew Namyslowski The Q
OpenPolskie Nagrania (Poland), 1987.
One of the greatest jazz players to come out of the Polish scene of the 60s and 70s – and a saxophonist who's still burning brightly on this session from 1987! Zbigniew Namyslowski's working here on both alto and soprano sax – often blown with a sharp edge that's modern, but never too ... CD (Jazz CD)
Guido & Maurizio De Angelis
Keoma/Chris' Soundtrack Corner (Germany), Late 70s.
Two very cool soundtracks from the legendary team of Guido & Maurizio DeAngelis – back to back on in a single set! The soundtrack to Keoma is a weird mixture of instrumental tunes that feature piano, guitar, and harmonica, sort of in a spaghetti western mode, but with more of a groovy ... CD (Soundtracks CD)
Wojciech Kaminski
Open Piano – Polish Jazz Vol 66Polskie Nagrania (Poland), 1981. (reissue)
A beautifully understated session from Polish pianist Wojciech Kaminski – one that's certainly focused strongly on his work on the keys, but which also features key contributions from other players as well! The style here is a mix of modes from various jazz generations – sometimes the ... CD (Jazz CD)
Stelvio Cipriani
Solamente NeroChris' Soundtrack Corner (Germany), 1978.
One of the darkest soundtracks we've ever heard from Stelvio Cipriani – a set that has some of the sweeter, more erotic touches of his other 70s work – but which also features a colder, electronic undercurrent as well – a very creepy style that's very much in the Halloween genre ... CD (Soundtracks CD)
Philadelphia International/Robinsongs (UK), Mid 70s. 2CD
Massive work from this legendary group – a studio ensemble who started out backing some of the best soul singers on the Philly scene of the 70s – but who soon got the chance to shine in the spotlight on their own! The musicians are all the cream of the crop of the city's scene – ... CD (Soul CD)
Pointer Sisters
Pointer Sisters/Blue Thumb/Soulmusic.com (UK), 1973/1981. 2CD
Two early classics from the Pointer Sisters – with bonus tracks too! First up is the fantastic debut of The Pointer Sisters – an album that's a lot deeper than most of their crossover pop from years to come! At the time of the album's release, the trio were a badass group of female ... CD (Soul CD)
Karin Krog
JoyMeantime (Norway), 1968. (reissue)
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 ... LP, Vinyl record album (Vocalists LP)
Soil & Pimp Sessions
DapperVictor (Japan), 2018.
This great Japanese combo are maybe even more dapper than usual here – still strongly tied up in their tradition of hard-hitting jazz, but also opening the door for work from some guest soul singers and MCs! Leader Shacho is usually the "agitator" in the group – calling out ... CD (New Grooves CD)
Tito Rodriguez And His Orchestra
Three Loves Have I – Cha Cha Cha/RCA/Pure Pleasure (UK), 1958. (reissue)
LP...$36.99
44.99
Tito Rodriguez has three musical loves – and he does a pretty great job of dividing his attention equally between them – serving up some especially nice mambo and guaguanco tracks alongside more familiar cha cha modes for RCA! But over and above the rhythms, the album itself is one of ... LP, Vinyl record album (Latin LP)
Norman Connors
Love From The Sun (180 gram pressing)Buddah/Pure Pleasure (UK), 1973. Gatefold (reissue)
LP...$36.99
44.99
A spiritual jazz masterpiece from drummer Norman Connors – one of those unique albums he cut before moving into soul music – done at a level that rivals the early 70s genius on labels like Strata East or Impulse Records! Connors worked with many contemporaries on those labels, and gets ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Various
Hong Kong DiscoWan Chai (Hong Kong), Late 70s. (reissue)
A mighty sweet little set – not just Hong Kong disco, but also a fair bit of soul and AOR tracks too – all of which we've never heard before! Much of the music here shows a strong American influence – right down to the English language lyrics that top almost all the tracks – ... CD (Funky Compilations CD)
K Avett
LionessK Avett, 2018.
A great soul singer, and one with a very positive vibe – a sound that maybe grabs us the same way we felt when we first heard Jill Scott – and that's saying a heck of a lot! As you might guess from the title, K Avett's a singer who's not to be taken lightly – yet while her ... CD (Neo Soul CD)
Piero Umiliani
Requiem Per Un Agente SegretoGDM/Dagored (Italy), 1967. (reissue)
A groovy little soundtrack by the great Piero Umiliani! The score is for a b-grade spy film from the late 60s – starring Stewart Granger as (according to the notes) "a seasoned secret agent, but always ready to kiss and to bang!" A lot to live up to, we know – but Umiliani ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks LP)
Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, & Others
Live Under The Sky 1986/Hi Hat, 1986/1987. 2CD
A collection of performances from the famous Japanese jazz festival Live Under The Sky – a series that was started in the 70s, but really hit its stride in the following decade – as it played host to top-shelf talents from around the globe! The recordings here were originally broadcast ... CD (Jazz CD)
Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra
Black SunFar Out (UK), 2018.
Fantastic sounds from the Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra – a group with family ties to Azymuth and Incognito, and who work here in the best blend of Brazilian and soulful elements that might imply! The ensemble is a crowning achievement for the Far Out label – a summation of all the ... CD (New Grooves CD)
Del The Funky Homosapien & Amp Live
Gate 13IOT, 2018. 2LP
LP...$18.99
20.99
Mic legend Del The Funky Homosapien doing his inimitable thing with far-reaching production Amp Live – taking Del's voice to realms we've never heard him in! Kicking with with a Cali G Funk steeped intro that's something of a comfort zone for Del, it goes from there to lean synth funk, to ... LP, Vinyl record album (Hip Hop LP)
Curtom/Rhino/Run Out Groove, Early 70s. 2LP Gatefold (reissue)
Fantastic! The lost link in the Chicago soul scene of the 60s was Baby Huey – and he was a pretty darn big link too, if you've ever seen him in pictures! Weighing in at about 300 pounds, Baby Huey was sort of a rockin' soul star who played clubs on both sides of the city, to audiences of ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soul LP)
Charles Owens Quartet
Live At SmallsSmalls Live, 2018.
CD...$8.99
14.99
A wonderfully collaborative session from saxophonist Charles Owens – who leaves equal space here in the spotlight for tenorist Joel Frahm – as both of them work together with just piano and bass, on these long tracks that really has us opening up to their talents even more than before! ... CD (Jazz CD)
Ace (UK), 1960s.
CD...$14.99
19.98
A stunning selection of female soul from Motown – all of it rare, and much of it previously unreleased! The set is a great reminder not only of how much we still have to learn about the biggest soul label in the motor city – but also of the exceptional quality that Motown brought to ... CD (Soul CD)
Buck Owens
Complete Capitol Singles 1967 to 1970Capitol/Omnivore, Late 60s. 2CD
CD...$24.99
26.98
Buck Owens at the height of his powers – stepping out here on a huge amount of singles cut for Capitol Records in a stretch when the country legend could do no wrong! Buck had already been burning strongly for the label in the years before these sides, but during the last few years of the ... CD (Folk/Country CD)
Atlantic (Japan), 1966/1967. 2CD
Think you know the sound of Atlantic Records in the 60s? Think again – because this stunning series opens the vault to a huge amount of rare treasures from the legendary label! The package is amazing – and offers up rare tracks that were mostly only issued by Atlantic on singles ... CD (Soul CD)
Hugh Masekela
Maseleka 1966 to 1976 (3CD set)Universal/Wrasse, Late 60s/1970s. 3CD
CD...$27.99
29.99
A fantastic collection – way more than just a greatest hits set of work by South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela – and instead a special package put together by Hugh himself, shortly before his death – featuring an album-by-album selection of the best cuts from his Chisa Records ... CD (Global Grooves CD)
Konkere Beats
Yoruba – Songs & Rhythms For The Yoruba Gods In NigeriaSoul Jazz (UK), 2018.
A beautiful set of contemporary yoruba recordings – performed by the Konkere Beats group in Nigeria, and with a different vibe than some of the more familiar yoruba material from the Caribbean! The sacred sounds are full of percussion and vocal chants – and have a vibe that's maybe ... CD (Global Grooves CD)
Miles Davis & John Coltrane
Final Tour – Bootleg Series 6 (4CD set)Columbia, 1960. 4CD
CD...$43.99
49.98
A fantastic presentation of legendary live material from the team of Miles Davis and John Coltrane – taken from the last concert tour the pair ever did together, and presented here with beautifully stunning sound! The European dates in 1960 were all part of a larger Jazz At The Philharmonic ... CD (Jazz CD)
Beaver Harris/
Well Kept Secret
Shemp/Corbett vs. Dempsey, 1984. Gatefold
One of the most striking Don Pullen albums of the 80s – a beautifully open session that has the pianist co-leading a version of the 360 Experience group of drummer Beaver Harris – with an excellent lineup that also features Ricky Ford on tenor sax, Hamiet Bluiett on baritone, and Buster ... CD (Jazz CD)
Leroy Hutson
Man! (with bonus track)Curtom/Acid Jazz (UK), 1974.
A killer early album by the great Leroy Hutson – the first set that has him stepping out as a true soul genius for the 70s! Hutson had originally been a later member of The Impressions – replacing Curtis Mayfield briefly after he'd gone solo – but he also had spent a fair bit of ... CD (Soul CD)
George Jones
George Jones & The Jones Boys – Live In Texas 1965Ace (UK), 1965.
CD...$12.99
18.98
Fantastic work from the young George Jones – working here at the height of his powers, and in a raw live setting that's a nice change from some of the polish of his studio recordings of the 60s! George's voice is great – already hitting that wider range that marked his Musicor material ... CD (Folk/Country CD)
Ace/Big Beat (UK), Mid 60s.
Planet Mod is a pretty groovy place – a spot in the solar system where rock, blues, and soul effortlessly blend together – thanks to the mighty talents of the legendary producer Shel Talmy! The set here is a great dip into the farther reaches of Talmy's records of the 60s – way ... CD (Rock CD)
Hot Casa (France), 1981. (pic cover)
Two rare grooves from Mac Gregor – a female singer from Martinique who recorded these tracks in the Ivory Coast – in the crossroads city of Abidjan, which definitely had an influence in the music! "Nan Ye Li Kan" has a contemporary club vibe in the rhythms, but lots of rootsy ... 12-inch, Vinyl record (Global Grooves 12-inch)
Reel People with Navasha Daya
I'm In Love (12" voc, inst)/Papa (UK), 2018. (pic cover)
Navasha Daya is light years away from her roots with Fertile Ground – singing here on two massive cuts from Reel People – both of which elevate her to legendary soul diva status! Daya is incredible on the version of the Kashif tune "I'm In Love" – hitting a level that ... 12-inch, Vinyl record (New Grooves 12-inch)
Marlena Shaw
Go Away Little Boy – The Columbia AnthologyColumbia/Soulmusic.com (UK), Late 70s/Early 80s. 2CD
A huge set of work from the mighty Marlena Shaw – one that really documents the new level of genius she hit during her late 70s run at Columbia Records! After cutting some jazzier sides at Cadet in the late 60s, and some super mellow fusion ones at Blue Note in the early 70s, Marlena moved ... CD (Soul CD)
Linval Thompson
Dub Landing Volume 2 (2CD version – with bonus tracks)Greensleeves, 1982. 2CD
CD...$18.99
21.98
A dub landing of massive proportions – served up here on some classic early 80s work by Scientist, who's really making magic in the studio with the sounds of the Roots Radics Band! The tunes are stark, sharp, and very focused – and at some level, the mixologist is maybe keeping himself ... CD (Reggae CD)
Turtle (UK), Late 60s/1970s/Early 80s. 3CD
A treasure trove of unreleased material from one of the coolest pianists on the UK jazz scene in the 60s and 70s – an artist who not only helped the world of British jazz attain the level of sophistication of the US scene, but also opened the door to a lot of modern elements as his music ... CD (Jazz CD)
Warner/Run Out Groove, 1967. 2LP Gatefold (reissue)
A crucial album in the sound of late 60s Warner – recorded by west coasters The Beau Brummels in the heart of Tennessee, at the legendary studios of country producer Owen Bradley! This meeting of west and country is fantastic – a really incredible extension of earlier folksy rock ... LP, Vinyl record album (Rock LP)
Lakecia Benjamin
Rise UpRopeadope, 2018.
CD...$9.99
14.98
Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin is even more smoking here than on her previous album for Motema – much more from the streets, as you might guess from the album! Benjamin handles all the sax solos, and composed the music as well – but the set's a very collaborative effort, and is filled ... CD (Jazz CD)
Leon Bridges
Good ThingColumbia, 2018.
A soaring set from Leon Bridges – a full length second album that's every bit as classic as his debut, but in a completely different way! Where Coming Home was maybe Leon's answer to the generation of Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke, Good Thing is more of a nod to the era of Maxwell and D'Angelo ... CD (Neo Soul CD)
Bernard Baschet/
4 Espaces Sonores
Transversales Disques (France), 1979. 2LP Gatefold
A very cool entry in the underground legacy of 70s sound sculpture recordings – that is, recordings that were made based around the sounds created by specific objects designed to make noise! In Chicago, we had Harry Bertoia, whose creations were often designed to interact with organic forces ... LP, Vinyl record album (Out Sound LP)
J@K@L (Keefe Jackson/
After A Few Days
Julian Kirshner, 2018.
Chicago drummer Julian Kirshner comes on here in the company of two free jazz heavyweights – saxophonist Keefe Jackson and cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm – both of whom play additional instruments in the space of Kirshner's drums! Kirshner has boundless energy on the kit on both of the ... CD (Jazz CD)
Pay Jay, Early 2000s. 2CD (reissue)
J Dilla at his grittiest, most rugged & raw – in both the production and rhyme realms – with all beats and rhymes by the Dilla himself! This set originally opened our ears to a different side of Dilla, a harder hitting aesthetic, with beats and grooves from out of leftfield that ... CD (Hip Hop CD)
Paul Piot & Michel Roy
Il Etait Une Fois Le Diable (Devil Story)Omega Productions (France), 1985.
Paul Piot is a name we know from the French sound library scene of the 70s, but here he works with partner Michael Roy to make some music that's as creepy as the cover! Yet the sounds here aren't the usual keyboards and electronics from the video horror generation – as Piot definitely brings ... CD (Soundtracks CD)
Kuba Wiecek
Another RaindropPolskie Nagrania (Poland), 2018.
A fantastic debut album from saxophonist Kuba Wiecek – a musician who may well be ready to carry forward the strong legacy of Polish modern jazz from the 60s and 70s! Wiecek works here in a trio setting, with bass and drums – in the mode begun by Sonny Rollins in the late 50s, but ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Jazz Rock Experience
Let Yourself Go (with bonus tracks)Sonorama (Germany), 1969/1970.
Fantastic work from a group who are way more than just the sum of their name! The combo is definitely jazz, only a bit rock, and really provide a funky experience on most of their numbers – in the same sort of wicked blend of acoustic and electric jazz elements that you'd find on MPS Records ... CD (Jazz CD)
Motown/Universal (Italy), Late 60s/1970s. 2LP Gatefold
Funky cuts from the Motown catalog – a set that mixes key classics with a number of overlooked album cuts – all to remind us that the Motor City label could get plenty heavy in the groove! There's a few cuts here you'll know from hip hop samples, a few you'll remember for their own ... LP, Vinyl record album (Funky Compilations LP)
Anteloper (Jaimie Branch & Jason Nazary)
KuduInternational Anthem, 2018.
You might know Jaimie Branch as a trumpeter, but as part of the Anteloper duo she also handles a fair bit of electronics – working alongside drummer Jason Nazary, who's also pretty handy with the synth as well! The album was recorded live, and features a great pairing of electronic and ... Cassette (Cassette)
Janelle Monae
Dirty ComputerBad Boy, 2018.
CD...$16.99
18.98
Janelle Monae knocks it out of the park here – sounding every bit as great as before, but also hitting this righteous mode that really takes the singer to incredible new territory! If you loved Janelle's previous records, don't worry – she's still as catchy and playful as ever – ... CD (Neo Soul CD)
Palm Unit
Hommage A Jef GilsonSuper Sonic Jazz (Netherlands), 2018.
A beautiful tribute to pianist Jef Gilson – one of the hippest French jazz talents of the 60s and 70s – put together by a combo who take their name from his legendary Palm Records label! The group here are a quartet, and they work with wonderfully moody use of Hohner electric piano by ... CD (Jazz CD)
Quannum/Real People, 2003.
Lyrics Born of Latyrx fame drops a burning full length solo joint – and if we didn't recognize it as in instant classic on the early 00s it's earned that designation over time! This is pretty much entirely produced, arranged, programmed and written by LB, so if you know the style, you know ... CD (Hip Hop CD)
Moses Taiwa Molelekwa
Genes & SpiritsMELT 2000/Matsuli (UK), Late 90s. 2LP Gatefold
An overlooked bit of spiritual jazz from the 90s – issued at a time when the South African scene was really hitting a new level of creative energy, even though much of it wasn't always recognized by audiences over here in the US! The set's got this powerful fusion of ideas – older ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Kendrick Lamar & Others
Black PantherInterscope, 2018.
CD...$14.99
15.98
A modern classic hip hop soundtrack to Black Panther that should make T'Challa proud! It was pretty clear early on that Black Panther might be one of the greatest modern super hero movies – and an important one for the political and cultural climate of the late teens – so the pressure ... CD (Hip Hop CD)
20th Century/Universal, 1970s.
Barry White was one of the undisputed geniuses of 70s soul – a completely new force that helped the music find even more soul and sophistication than ever before – all while still sounding plenty funky too! And while Barry's albums of the decade were mega-hits – as were his ... CD (Soul CD)
Bruno Nicolai
Indio Black (Adios Sabata) (colored vinyl pressing)Dagored (Italy), 1970. (reissue)
Bruno Nicolai's soundtrack for the second and last film in the Sabata trilogy from the early 70s – noteworthy for the fact that Yul Brynner took over the starring role, and that Nicolai handled the scoring of the film! Nicolai's style here borrows a lot from frequent partner Ennio Morricone ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks LP)
Bosq
Love & ResistanceUbiquity, 2018.
CD...$12.99
16.98
Maybe the strongest album so far from Bosq – and certainly one of the most wide-ranging too – given that the group have a strong global bent to their groove, and they've also made space for a host of guest stars who include Nicole Willis, Bruno Morais, Monolog, and Kaleta! The music is ... CD (New Grooves CD)
Jean Richard/
Mad Mutilator/Omega Productions (France), 1983/1992.
That's a creepy little cover there – but the music inside has a lot more emotional depth than you might expect! The set begins with three tracks by Jean Richard from the film Mad Mutilator – music that has a much prettier electronic approach than we were expecting, especially on one ... CD (Soundtracks CD)
Dam-Funk
European Nights EPGlydezone, 2009/2018. (pic cover)
A prime rarity from the Dam-Funk archives – showing his mastery of easygoing boogie funk era-inspired instrumentals was in near peak form even on what was originally issued as a tour-only CD-R! Recorded around the time of his seminal synth soul opus Toeachizown for Stones Throw, these 4 jams ... LP, Vinyl record album (Neo Soul LP)
Steve Lacy
Stamps (with bonus track)Hat Hut/Corbett vs. Dempsey, 1979. 2CDs
A massive double-length set from saxophonist Steve Lacy – and maybe one of the strongest 70s statements from his legendary European quintet! The album features two different live performances – each of which open up in the brilliant freedoms allowed by the European scene since the end ... CD (Jazz CD)
Bulk, 2018. 2LP Gatefold
The instrumental companion to the triumphant return of Dr Octagon – finally a worthy follow-up to the Dr Octagon/Dr Octagonecologyst album, one of the most influential hip hop LPs ever – we can't imagine Madvillian and so many other other willfully out there rap classics would've ... LP, Vinyl record album (Hip Hop LP)
Various
Spiritual Jazz 8 – Japan Parts 1 & 2 – Esoteric, Mocal & Progressive Jazz From Japan 1961 to 1983Jazzman (UK), 1960s/1970s/Early 80s. 2CD
The biggest volume so far in the Spiritual Jazz series from Jazzman Records – and maybe the best as well! This fantastic collection looks at the huge legacy of spiritual jazz that flowed from the Japanese scene in the postwar years – sounds that had their initial expression around the ... CD (Funky Compilations CD)
Nonce
1990Family Groove, 1990/2018. 2LP
LP...$23.99
25.98
A completely unreleased relic from the dawn of the 90s LA hip hop underground by The Nonce – predating the classic mid decade World Ultimate LP and early singles by a few years! There's a rawer energy to some of the tracks that almost indicates their youth – still just teenagers here ... LP, Vinyl record album (Hip Hop LP)
Cherry Red (UK), Mid 60s. 6CDs
A deep deep look at a side of the British 60s scene that didn't always make big waves here in the US – but one that had a huge influence on UK sounds for years to come! The mighty book-like package documents the rich stream of sounds that exploded during the beat group years – a moment ... CD (Rock CD)
Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics
Stage Of All ThingsSoulphonics, 2018.
Ruby Velle's got one of those voices that will no doubt make her huge – soaring and powerful, right from the very first notes – with a capable confidence that could probably take on just about any style of music, but which is especially great here in the company of the Soulphonics combo! ... CD (Deep Funk CD)
BBE (UK), Late 60s/1970s/Early 80s.
CD...$13.99
14.99
Mindblowing jazz from Japan – a tremendous introduction to the 70s scene in Tokyo if you've never heard this music at all – and a package that also includes a fair bit of rare tracks, even if you're not a newcomer! The Japanese love of American jazz is no secret – and the music ... CD (Funky Compilations CD)
Tompkins Square, Mid 70s.
A brilliant slice of early work from guitarist Duck Baker – an artist who's blossomed strongly in the jazz world in recent decades, but who here is maybe closer to the roots of earlier music – and works with this fantastic interweaving of blues, folk, swing, and early jazz modes! The ... CD (Jazz CD)
Ken Vandermark & Michael Snow
DuolCorbett vs. Dempsey, 2015. Gatefold
The album's titled after the 1960 Michael Snow painting that graces the cover – but it features recently-recorded music that remind us that Snow's still a hell of an improviser too! Snow's is maybe best known to most for his important experimental film work of the 60s and 70s – but as ... CD (Jazz CD)
Goblin/
Squadra Anti-Gangsters (colored vinyl) (2018 Record Store Day Release)
Cinevox/AMS (Italy), 1979. (reissue)
One of the heaviest soundtracks scored by Goblin during the 70s – with lots of funky club influences, and a funky disco sound on a number of tracks that feature vocals by the great European club diva Asha Pulthi. Pulthi sings on the tracks "The Whip" and "The Sound Of ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks LP)
Globe Unity Orchestra
Globe Unity – 50 yearsIntakt (Switzerland), 2018.
CD...$18.99
19.99
A 50th anniversary tribute to one of the most important groups on the European avant scene in the 70s – one of the first large improvising ensembles, led by pianist Alexander Von Schlippenbach – who's still very firmly at the helm in this recent recording! In fact, the orchestra is ... CD (Jazz CD)
Soul Jazz (UK), Late 70s/Early 80s. 5 x 7 inch
Soul Jazz take their Punk 45 series to the limit – by actually delivering the goods in a very cool package that lives up to the format! This limited box set features five rare punk 45s – each done as replicas of the original, right down to the original cover art – and it's ... 7-inch, Vinyl record (Rock 7-inch)
Harold Land
DamisiMainstream/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972.
Harold Land at his most spiritual – recording solo after a set of great albums with Bobby Hutcherson as a partner – but still very much in the same sort of unbridled energy! The tracks are soaring and open – and have Land's tenor really sounding nice and raw – amidst a ... CD (Jazz CD)
Hudson (DeJohnette/
Hudson
Motema, 2017.
CD...$8.99
14.99
A group who take their name from the Hudson River Valley – beautifully pictured here on the front cover – and a quartet who work in an equally expansive array of sounds – all sharp elements of tone and timing from a lineup that features Jack DeJohnette on drums, John Scofield on ... CD (Jazz CD)
Renee Rosnes
Beloved Of The SkySmoke Sessions, 2018. 2LP Gatefold
LP...$37.99
39.98
Pianist Renee Rosnes blows us away once again – returning to work with in a very similar mode as the one she used on her last album for the Smoke Sessions label – which was a real revelation, and a set that had us falling in love with Renee's music all over again! If anything, the ... LP, Vinyl record album (Jazz LP)
Fresh/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1989.
Crazy noise, and a crazy great album from Stezo – really the one and only set that the man ever gave us – but a gem that really represents that great shift in hip hop lyricism in the generation of Rakim, EPMD, and Audio two! The production is wonderful – full of raw samples, but ... CD (Hip Hop CD)
Bill Dixon
Odyssey – Solo Works (6CD set)Archive Editions, 2001.
CD...$84.99
119.99
A really mindblowing collection of work from trumpeter Bill Dixon – and a package that does full justice to the other sides of his creative activity too! Odyssey is a limited, numbered box set – filled with 6CDs that include music from Dixon, and two books that also display his artwork ... CD (Jazz CD)
Drift (UK), 2018.
A great tribute to Fela Kuti from saxophonist Bukky Leo – a player with Nigerian roots, but who's been working on the London scene for decades – with music that goes back to some key early records for the Acid Jazz label, and some great releases in more recent years! Here, Leo takes on ... LP, Vinyl record album (Global Grooves LP)
Parlophone/Liberty/United Artists, Early 70s. 2LP Gatefold (reissue)
A soaring batch of rare tracks from the early years of Hawkwind – unissued titles and unusual versions – all of which stand strongly next to the work on their classic albums from the time! Titles include "Be Yourself (alt mix)", "Hog Farm", "Seven By Seven (alt ... LP, Vinyl record album (Rock LP)
Kev Brown
I Do What I DoUp Above/Vinyl Digital, 2005. 2LP (reissue)
LP...$26.99
28.98
Producer & MC Kev Brown's proper full length debut – as fresh today as ever! When this first came out, it felt like something of a torch carrier for the jazzy and soul-based beats and overall mood of legendary producers like DJ Premier – in league with contemporaries like 9th Wonder ... LP, Vinyl record album (Hip Hop LP)
Vicky Edimo
Thank U Mama (with bonus download)Afrodisia (Nigeria), Early 80s. (reissue)
An Afro Funk set with a very special vibe – a bit different than some of the other work of the time, and a standout performance from singer/instrumentalist Vicky Edimo! Vicky's a he, in case you didn't know (we didn't) – and his touch on percussion and keyboards is nicely moody in all ... LP, Vinyl record album (Global Grooves LP)
Charly Kingson
Born In Africa (with bonus download)Africa Seven (UK), 1977. (reissue)
A great little groover by an artist who may have been born in Africa, but who works here on the Munich scene of the 70s – with help from a surprisingly strong jazz lineup that includes Benny Bailey on trumpets, Sal Nistico on tenor, and the mighty Klaus Weiss on drums, keyboards, and ... LP, Vinyl record album (Global Grooves LP)
Fred Lonberg-Holm & The Amphibians Of The Everglad
Bow Hard At The FrogCorbett vs. Dempsey, 2016. Gatefold
One of the most unusual albums we've heard from cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm – and one that's a lot closer to the title than you might think! The album was actually recorded alongside frogs – specifically in the Everglades, where Fred collaborated with sound artist Gustavo Matamoros ... CD (Jazz CD)
Pete Knutsen
Operation Cobra/Moving Music (Norway), 1978. (reissue)
A killer 70s soundtrack from the Norwegian scene – one that's filled with spare funk groovers and plenty of keyboards – in a way that reminds us a lot of Dave Grusin's music for Three Days Of The Condor – or maybe Henry Mancini on The Thief Who Came To Dinner! Pete Knutsen ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks LP)
Arthur Blythe
Da Da/Columbia/Beat Goes On (UK), 1986/1988. 2 CDs
A pair of 80s albums from saxophonist Arthur Blythe – back to back in a single set! Da Da is a set that mixes some of the sharper edges of Blythe's earlier records with a few more contemporary touches – but always at a level that still has the reedman standing far from the mainstream! ... CD (Jazz CD)
Rhythm Rhyme Revolution
Rhythm Rhyme Revolution 1Sharpeye (UK), 2018.
A contemporary set, but one that reaches back to the earlier years of the London funk scene – given that it not only features work from Gareth Tasker and Barrie Sharpe, but also includes contributions from members of Beggar & Co and 23 Skidoo! The sound's almost got a classic acid jazz ... CD (Deep Funk CD)
Ennio Morricone
Forza G (G-Force)Cinevox (Italy), 1971.
A fantastic album from Italian soundtrack genius Ennio Morricone – done for a film titled G-Force, and which deals with jet pilots – but one that moves at a much slinkier pace overall! The tunes here bubble and brew in that early 70s Morricone warmth that we love so much – not ... CD (Soundtracks CD)
Krzysztof Komeda
People Meet & Sweet Music Fills The Heart (with bonus tracks)GAD (Poland), 1967.
A fantastic lost slice of work from the legendary Krzysztof Komeda – and a set that's quite different than some of his avant jazz classics of the 60s! This album's still got a lot of jazz in the mix, but there's also a lot of the "sweet" mentioned in the title – mostly in ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks LP)
107-34-8933 (aka Nik Pascal)
Numbers – Electronic Music From Art In SpaceNarco/Wah Wah (Spain), 1970. (reissue)
Beautifully trippy electronics from Nik Raicevic/Nik Pascal – as you might expect from a record whose songs include "Cannabis Sativa", "Methedrine", and "Lysergic Acid Diethylamide"! Those three songs are all that the album contains, but they're all nice and ... LP, Vinyl record album (Rock LP)
Alain Meunier
Voyage Aux Fonds De La MerLe Kiosque D'Orphee/Wah Wah (Spain), 1971. (reissue)
Really amazing sounds from Alain Meunier – one of the few artists we know who can blend acoustic guitar and electronics with effortless ease – and create his own music with a very unusual vibe! The electronics dominate the record, as Meunier plays a variety of keyboards throughout ... LP, Vinyl record album (Rock LP)
Meshell Ndegeocello
VentriloquismNaive (France), 2018.
CD...$14.99
16.99
A fantastic project from the legendary Meshell Ndegeocello – one that has her taking on the tunes of others, hence the title of the album – but completely transforming them with her own unique approach to bass and vocals! Most of the numbers won't be recognized at the start, as the ... CD (Neo Soul CD)
Pete Knutsen
Carl Gustav, The Gang, & The Parking Bandits/Moving Music (Norway), 1982. (reissue)
We're not sure what "parking bandits" might be – but Pete Knutsen gave them a very groovy sound on this obscure soundtrack from the early 80s! The album's definitely got a vibe that fits the era – keyboards, fuzzy guitar, and upbeat tunes that aren't that different from early ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks LP)
Mombasa Roots
Mombasa Roots EPAfro 7 (Finland), Early 80s. (reissue)
A Kenyan group from the early 80s – one who work in a great mix of clubby modes and Swahili soul styles! There's keyboards on most numbers, but this isn't the synth pop of the South African scene, as the tunes here generally have deeper grooves overall, and the percussion is usually live ... LP, Vinyl record album (Global Grooves LP)
Pino Donaggio
A Venezia Un Dicembre Rosso Shocking (aka Don't Look Now) (colored vinyl) (2018 Record Store Day Release)Carosello/AMS (Italy), 1973. Gatefold (reissue)
A really spooky soundtrack from Pino Donaggio – even if the instrumentation is somewhat standard! The music is for the great Nicolas Roeg film Don't Look Now – set in a slowly rotting Venice, and filled with moody mystery and hints of horror – but all elements that never fully ... LP, Vinyl record album (Soundtracks LP)
Universal, 1968. 2CDs
Let's just begin by saying that this album features a 33 minute version of "My Generation"! We probably don't even need to say more, but we will exclaim that this is a searing little live set from The Who – one that comes on with the same sort of power as their legendary Live At ... CD (Rock CD)
Ebo Taylor
Yen AraMr Bongo (UK), 2018.
LP...$18.99
19.98
Ebo Taylor takes off wonderfully here – clearly inspired by the new attention he's gotten in recent years, which includes a whole set of fresh recordings like this – which strongly continue the vibe of his classics from the 70s! The groove is tight and wonderfully focused – not ... LP, Vinyl record album (Global Grooves LP)
Moonfires (Alex Puddu)
Gotta Keep It RollinAl Dente (France), 2018.
The Moonfires better keep it rolling, given that they're being chased by a giant ape on the cover – but with the mighty Alex Puddu on guitar, they can't help but take off and soar! The album's got that great commitment to classic cinematic funk styles that we've always loved in Puddu's music ... LP, Vinyl record album (Deep Funk LP)
Sadao Watanabe
Music Break (Japanese paper sleeve edition)Takt/Sony (Japan), 1967.
Beautiful bossa from the Japanese scene of the 60s – a live set from saxophonist Sadao Watanabe, cut during a run of excellent Brazilian inspired sessions at the time! The group on the set is a sextet with Masabumi Kikuchi on piano – and although a few tracks appear to have additional ... CD (Jazz CD)
Jazz Line (Germany), 1978.
Fiercely funky Freddie Hubbard – a late 70s live date, but one that has the same bold power as his early 70s albums for CTI! Like those classics, the tracks here are all quite long – and served up in this beautifully flowing mix of acoustic and electric elements – Freddie on ... CD (Jazz CD)
Don Ellis
Autumn/BGO (UK), 1968. 2 CDs
Two late 60s classics from trumpet legend Don Ellis – back to back in a single set! Autumn is an album of explosive power and imagination from Don Ellis – a set that shows him very firmly shaking off the more academic mode of earlier years, and heading into hipper, more youth-oriented ... CD (Jazz CD)
Tava Tava Rare (Italy), Late 60s/Early 70s.
Heavy funk from Japanese cinema – fantastic instrumental tracks that are all pulled from "pinky violence" sexploitation films at the start of the 70s! This isn't softcore porn material, as the music is often much harder-hitting overall – more like what you'd hear in crime ... LP, Vinyl record album (Funky Compilations LP)
Leroy Hutson
Hutson (with bonus tracks)Curtom/Acid Jazz (UK), 1975.
An amazing record – quite possibly the best ever by Chicago soul legend Leroy Hutson! The whole thing's a smooth soul masterpiece beyond compare – a stunning blend of great songwriting, sexy vocals, and buttery production that rank it up there with the best work of 70s giants like ... CD (Soul CD)
20th Century/Universal, 1970s. 3CD
CD...$39.99
49.99
Barry White was one of the undisputed geniuses of 70s soul – a completely new force that helped the music find even more soul and sophistication than ever before – all while still sounding plenty funky too! And while Barry's albums of the decade were mega-hits – as were his ... CD (Soul CD)
Nik Pascal
Magnetic WebNarco/Wah Wah (Spain), 1973. (reissue)
We've never been so scared of magnets before – but then again, that's no surprise – given that the music of Nik Pascal is always pretty darn terrifying! Nik's in the same electronic territory as before – adding in an Arp to his usual creations on moog, and mixing both of them ... LP, Vinyl record album (Rock LP)
Hideo Shiraki
Man Who Causes A StormSuper Fuji Discs (Japan), 1957. (pic cover)
A rare soundtrack session from Japanese jazz legend Hideo Shiraki – and maybe one of the earliest recordings we've ever seen from the drummer too! The cover's somewhat unassuming, but the music inside is quite vivid and rich – jazz tracks used as a film score, often with a quality that' ... CD (Jazz CD)
Gabriele Poso
AwakeningBBE (UK), 2018.
Clubby grooves and rootsy percussion – served up here by Gabriele Poso in a really wonderful combination! The music here is as rich and organic as the cover – almost in the 21st Century blend of contemporary and classic that we've loved in records from artists like Joe Clausell or ... CD (New Grooves CD)
Joe Magnarelli
Magic TrickSteeplechase (Denmark), 2018.
CD...$15.99
19.99
Joe Magnarelli can be one of the most explosively colorful trumpeters we know – and that's definitely the case here, as he works some beautiful magic alongside the alto of Andy Fusco and guitar of John Hart! Both players are equally imbued with hues, and weave this fantastic array of tones ... CD (Jazz CD)
Takt/Columbia (Japan), 1968. Gatefold
A really great setting for the reed talents of the young Sadao Watanabe – as the music of Burt Bacharach and The Beatles give him a fresh showcase for his sound! The Bacharach material is handled a bit like Watanabe's take on bossa tunes – with fuller backings, but a strong focus on ... CD (Jazz CD)
Binsy (Miriam Bordoni)
BinsyPhonotype/Cabiria (Italy), 1975. (reissue)
A really moody little sound library record – heavy on analogue electronics, but used in ways that are nicely changed up from track to track – and quite different than the usual library album of this style! Some tracks are light and tuneful, but others are quite dark and experimental ... LP, Vinyl record album (Sound Library LP)
Alkaholiks
21 & OverRCA/Get On Down, 1993. (reissue)
LP...$19.99
22.98
Ain't no party like a Alkoholik party! The Liks first LP, and a breath of fresh air at the from the early 90s west coast scene – and all these later, a bellwether for classic hip hop, period. Straight up, stripped down beats from E Swift and King Tee – plus a couple of very early ... LP, Vinyl record album (Hip Hop LP)
Yasutaka Tsutsui
Inner Space Of Yasutaka Tsutui (Japanese paper sleeve edition)Super Fuji Discs (Japan), 1985.
A sweet swing revival set from 80s Japan – served up here by clarinetist Yasutaka Tsutsui – a player we don't really know at all, but who gets a nicely classic vibe on the set! Instrumentation is relatively laidback – usually a smallish combo mode, with piano and guitar providing ... CD (Jazz CD)
Elektra, 1967. 4CD, DVD & LP set (reissue)
CD...$92.99
99.99
What can we say? This is one of the greatest albums of all time! The record's got a sound that's completely unique – as crack LA garage punk rock meets Hollywood baroque production, and the result is an amazing bit of loud guitar noise backed by strings and horns, all graced by the godlike ... CD (Rock CD)
If you're ever in Chicago, be sure to visit our Chicago record store!
1120 N Ashland Ave Chicago, IL 60622
Open 10am–8pm daily.
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 10am–8pm daily.
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!
We buy new and used LPs, 45s, vinyl records, and CDs
in the store from 11am–6pm daily. Feel free to stop by with used vinyl and sell or trade with us.We pay top prices for older jazz, soul, funk, hip hop, and other genres in good shape!
See why Dusty Groove is consistently rated one of Chicago's Best Record Stores!
We happily accept debit and credit cards!