One of the funkiest cuts ever from reedman Harold Alexander – served up here in the 45rpm single version, which is short, tight, and really concentrates on the funky drums at the core – although still also topped with plenty of fierce funky flute from the man himself! Speaking of funky drums, Pretty Purdie is on the flipside with "Heavy Soul Slinger" – a cut that definitely earns its name, as the funky drums mix with great conga, massive bass, and this warm organ line that really sends the whole thing home! 7-inch, Vinyl record

Chicago's Tomorrow's People take on their classic anthem "Open Soul" – a 70s funky number with a great lyrical query into the nature of soul – served up here with a T-Groove edit that makes the tune funkier than ever! "It Ain't Fair" is fantastic, but in a very different way – slower righteous funky soul – stepping along nicely with a bassline that sets a groovy pace, and topped with heartbreaking lyrics that give way to an offbeat alto solo in the middle! 7-inch, Vinyl record

A really romping single from the lesser-known Connie Austin – a cut that's as funky as is soulful, with a set of backings that comes down right on the money, while a little conga line kicks things right back over the top! The approach allows Connie's vocals to really soar – giving the whole thing an unexpectedly righteous vibe! Charles Spurling steps out on the flipside – a storming Northern Soul number recorded in the 60s, but which appears here on a 45 for the first time ever! 7-inch, Vinyl record

Some of the earliest work ever issued by the great Georgie Fame – a 4-track EP that features all instrumental tracks with Georgie on the Hammond – serving up a unique groove that really spoke to the changing London scene of the time! The rhythms here are part of the package, and definitely echo some of the new immigrants and their styles arriving in West London – while Fame's solos on organ also show plenty of influence from American players too, both in the jazz and soul instrumental modes! Titles include "Rik's Tune", "JA Blues", "Orange Street", and "Stop Right Here". 7-inch, Vinyl record

Some of the greatest tracks ever recorded by Marlena Shaw – served up in one groovy package! The set begins with her romping 7" version of "California Soul" – totally righteous, with a mix of funky clapping rhythms and soaring strings in the best Cadet/Concept mode! "Liberation Conversation" is in the LP version – all sorts of funky guitar, and this very cool "gang gang" scatting vocal in the middle! The set also includes the storming "Wade In The Water" – an earlier soul jazz number that plays well with the Northern Soul crowd – and the whole thing ends with the 45rpm version of "Woman Of The Ghetto" – one of Marlena's most righteous tunes ever! 7-inch, Vinyl record