An landmark record from Patrice Rushen – one of those albums that completely cemented her standing in the world of jazz, funk, and soul – and a wonderful summation of everything she'd done in the years before! The young Patrice was already a breakout keyboardist on the west coast scene of the mid 70s – turning out great work on her own, and adding her talents to plenty of others – but here, she emerges as a soaring soul star in her own right – a talent who's really worked her way up, with a quality level that's head and shoulders above most of her peers! Rushen produced the set with Charles Mims, and there's a righteous blend of jazz and soul that's at the level of Minnie Riperton, so that even the catchiest cuts come off with a sense of sophistication and warmth that's so different than so much other 80s soul and fusion. Titles include the classic "Forget Me Nots", plus "Number One", "I Was Tired Of Being Alone", "Where There Is Love", "Breakout", "If Only", and "Remind Me". 2LP version features a bonus EP – with 12" versions of "Forget Me Nots", "Breakout", "Number One", and "I Was Tired Of Being Alone". LP, Vinyl record album

Nothing posh about this one – as the album's an all-out, all-access affair – a great way for anyone to get into the grooves of the mighty Patrice Rushen! Patrice is at the height of her powers here – equally magic on keyboards and vocals, and coming up with groove after groove in a sublime blend of 70s jazz funk and Minnie Riperton-esque soul! The whole album's a winner – real magic that never gets old, and the kind of LP that makes you understand why you'll find Patrice's records in just about any soul collection from the time! Tracks include "I Need Your Love", "Time Will Tell", "The Dream", "Never Gonna Give You Up", and "Don't Blame Me". LP, Vinyl record album

A sweet batch of soulful fusion from alto saxophonist Sonny Criss – quite different than the small group acoustic sessions that made up most of his career – but a shining light in his later revival, and an album that really got him in touch with a wider range of listeners! The style here is full and soulful – arranged by Wade Marcus with a mix of larger jazz ensemble playing, and a bit of strings – similar to styles used a the time for Lou Donaldson, Willis Jackson, and other 60s reedmen. Criss is right out front on alto, and other players include Blue Mitchell on trumpet and Patrice Rushen on keyboards – working nicely here in a style that's almost Kudo or CTI. Titles include "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing", "Turn Me Loose", "Stolen Moments", and "Midnight Mellow". LP, Vinyl record album

A second great set of cave art from the DJM Trio – a very groovy instrumental combo who turn out jazz versions of classics from the world of soul, funk, and hip hop! This time around, the trio take on cuts by Slum Village, Patrice Rushen, J Dilla, Solange, MF Doom, and others – and even turn out a cool take on a tune from the Legend Of Zelda Wind Waker video game – all done with lots of beautiful keyboard work from Dominic J Marshall, next to the bass of Sam Vicary and drums of Sam Gardner. Titles include "Sage Fado", "Strange Heart", "Cranes In The Sky/All Falls Down", "Computer Love", "Forget Me Nots", "Fantastic 3", "Cheating", "Maybe Beautiful", and "Bistro". LP, Vinyl record album

A smoking set of funk and soul put together by Craig Charles – once an actor, now a long-running DJ on the BBC – where his ear for a tune has made him almost as important as John Peel and Gilles Peterson! Craig's got a wide-ranging appreciation for all things funky – which comes through here, in a blend of tracks that is both classic and contemporary – rare cuts from the past, and some overlooked gems from the present – but all with a continued love of the elements that make 60s and 70s soul so great! Tracks include "Boogie Down" by Roy Ayers, "Hold My Hand" by Laneous, "Soul A Go Go" by Soul Messin Allstars, "Superfly (Sam Redmore's Trunk Of Funk edit)" by Amp Fiddler, "Medicated Goo" by PP Arnold, "African Rhythms (Trunk Of Funk edit)" by Oneness Of Juju, "Forget Me Nots (7" single mix)" by Patrice Rushen, "Beggin" by Magnus Carlson, "People Get Ready" by James Taylor Quartet, "Give Me The Night" by Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel, "Take A Shot" by The Fantastics, "Clap Hands" by Honeyfeet, "Telling You Lies" by Alex Opal, "The Only Difference" by Beatchild & The Slakedliqs, "Hangin On" by Monophonics, and "Pata Pata" by Miriam Makeba. LP, Vinyl record album

Donald Byrd's last Blue Note album with fusion genius Larry Mizell – and a doozy! The record builds off the style of previous Byrd/Mizell outings – like Places & Spaces, Street Lady, and Black Byrd – mixing together a similar blend of heavy rhythms, keyboards, and sweet funky trumpet licks from Donald. The sound here's a bit tighter than on some of the previous records – showing Mizell as an emerging soul genius, soon to click big on some very important R&B outings of the late 70s. Donald's working with a great group – and gets help from the likes of Patrice Rushen, Gary Bartz, David T. Walker, and Alphonze Mouzon – all of whom fit in with the funky program to really kick out some nice grooves! Titles include "Return Of the King", "Dance Band", "Wild Life", "Science Funktion", and "Onward Til Morning". LP, Vinyl record album

An indie soul classic from Gary Taylor – his first full album, originally issued in 1987 for Virgin! The set's got a style that's very much in the 80s mellow soul groove – a fair bit of electronics in the backing, but a smooth, round style in the tunes that snakes out with a good late nite sort of approach. Gary's getting some help here from famous friends that include The Whispers, Patrice Rushen, Phyllis St James, and Gerald Albright – and tracks include "Compassion", "Easier Said Than Done", "Love You To The Limit", "Don't Ask My Neighbor", "Lonely Heart", and "Tease Me". LP, Vinyl record album

70s classics that have all been used in other tracks in recent years – as you might guess from the "sampled" in the title – a reference to the cuts' use by artists who include Gang Starr, Raekown, Freddie Gibbs, Jay Z, Mobb Deep, and others! The "groove" means that there's a mix of soul, funk, and jazz cuts here – a hefty helping of 22 titles that include "Forget Me Nots" by Patrice Rushen, "You're Getting A Little Too Smart" by Detroit Emeralds, "Nautilus" by Bob James, "Clean Up Woman" by Betty Wright, "Dance Of Maria" by Elias Rahbani, "Dr Love" by First Choice, "Love Sensation (7" mix)" by Loleatta Holloway, "Outro" by Blowfly, "Cramp Your Style" by All The People, "Who Is He & What Is He To You" by Creative Source, "Darkest Light" by Lafayette Afro Rock Band, "Do The Bus Stop" by Fatback Band, "I Like Funky Music" by Uncle Louie, "Mechanical Baby" by George & Gwen McCrae, and "I Keep Asking You Questions" by Black Ivory. LP, Vinyl record album