Funky grooves, psychedelic sitar, and mod Hammond organ – a magnificent blend that's every bit as dynamic as the image on the cover – served up as the long-awaited debut album from this cool European combo! The album's got a feel that's somewhere between 60s spy soundtracks and Brit library work – but also carries a tighter, funkier groove overall – a contemporary ear for the best funky elements of the old days, served up with production styles that continue a very classic groove! The whole thing's a real unexpected delight – a set that grabs us with the same sort of energy as the older Blow Up scene during its best years – with no kitsch, no nonsense, and a brilliant sense of sound throughout. Titles include "Bengali Corporation", "Bumblebee", "Sitarmania", "Fuzz Party", "Per La Riviera Tolonesa", "La Panthere Pop", "Jerk A La Vague", and "Moog Traffic". (Deep Funk, New Grooves) CD

(House Music, New Grooves) CD

A host of unusual club jazz tracks – a number of which are from groups we haven't heard before! The set's more in a jazzy club mode, than the straight acoustic vibe we usually associate with the club jazz approach – but there's still plenty of great instrumental moments, and a sound that's warmly soulful throughout, even when the beats get a bit heavy, or the instrumentation a bit electric. The package follows very nicely in the vein of the other releases in the series, but digs a bit deeper too – and titles include "Club De Cigale" by Tape Five, "Charleston Butterfly" by Parov Stelar, "Message From Herbie" by Beatfanatic, "Higher" by Jojo Effect, "Il Sorpasso" by Bebo Beat & The Super Lounge Orchestra, "Understanding The Rich" by Alice Sings The Petterson Songbook, "Wonderful" by Brenda Boykin, "Always Love (Sunaga T rmx)" by Fabio Nobile, and "Smooth Operator (DJ Niche & DJ Shinsuke rmx)" by Karen Aoki with Native. CD

Hunter's getting a lot more sophisticated in his style, and is moving past the heavy funky sound of early days – to a mix of soulful styles that opens him up a lot more. This sextet session features drummer Leon Parker, who always works well with Hunter – plus tenorist Peter Apfelbaum, and percussionists Stephen Chopek and Robert Perkins. Titles include "Two For Bleu", "Al Green", "Rendezvous Avec La Verite", "Flau Flau", and "Cloud Splitter". Also features a nice solo version of Donny Hathaway's "Someday We'll All Be Free". (Jazz, New Grooves) CD