With Russell on piano and organ, Lew Soloff on trumpet, Robert Moore on tenor and soprano sax, Victor Comer on guitar, JF Jenny Clark on bass, and Keith Copeland on percussion. LP, Vinyl record album

A tremendous look at one of the coolest jazz labels of all time – and one that has an especially strong focus on the more spiritual side of its music! The paired Black Saint and Soul Note labels came along from the Italian scene right at a time when so many other American companies were shutting their doors – former spiritual jazz powerhouses like Strata East, Impulse, and Black Jazz were moving beyond the music, or disappearing entirely – which made the role of Black Saint/Soul Note such a crucial one! The company came into the game at a time of boundless creativity in American jazz – and really captured a post-Coltrane generation that was brimming over with fire and new ideas, but just needed a place to find expression – which it did at the label, who recorded dozens of albums in the space of less than a decade, nearly all of which have gone onto become classics over the years. And while there's a side of the label that's much more free jazz and avant garde, the cuts here reflect a Black Saint/Soul Note that's just slightly inside – tunes that are still freewheeling, but also have a rhythmic core – and the kinds of open, soaring solos that were first inspired in the 60s generation of Coltrane and Shepp. The choice of cuts is great – similar to the others in the If Music series – and titles include "Mr Seven" by M'Booom, "Joycie Girl" by Don Pullen with Sam Rivers, "Il Giro Del Giorno In 80 Mondi" by Enrico Rava, "Oasis" by Hamiet Bluiett, "Confessin" by John Stubblefield, "Joobubie" by George Adams & Dannie Richmond, "Verde Que Eu Te Quero Ver" by Rava String Band, "Down Home In New York" by Archie Shepp, "BK" by Air, and "The Nagual Julian" by Billy Bang Sextet. LP, Vinyl record album

Tracks include "Santos Suarez", "Joyful Noise", "Drume Negrita", "3 Voices One Spirit", "Hebioso", "Journey Back", and "Francisco's Dream". CD

One of the greatest albums ever recorded by hardbop trombone legend Bennie Green – an all-star sextet session that cooks like a mofo! The group features the twin tenors of Billy Root and Gene Ammons (billed just as "Jug" on the session, because of contractual reasons) – and it crackles with electricity from a rhythm section that features Ike Isaacs on bass, Sonny Clark on piano, and Elvin Jones on drums. There's some fantastic tracks on here, including Babs Gonzales' "Lullaby of the Doomed", and a monster jam called "We Wanna Cook", which was once described to us as "all you ever need to have a house party" – to which we wholeheartedly agree! Other tracks include "Black Pearl", "BG Mambo", and "Soul Stirrin" – and the album's one of the heaviest duty Blue Notes from the time! Features a bonus mono take of "Soul Stirrin". CD

Heavy soul from Ike Quebec – one of Blue Note's greatest players of the 78 era in the 40s, stepping out here on one of his brilliant comeback sets from the early 60s! The set features Ike blowing in an all soul jazz mode – working with a quartet that includes some great work from organist Freddie Roach – swinging here in a great straight ahead mode, and really pushing Ike to lay out some of the best solos of his later Blue Note years. There's a few tracks on the set that step out in a tight modal jazz groove – organ vamping as Ike blows away – and titles include "Heavy Soul", "Que's Dilemma", "Acquitted", and a very spooky version of "Nature Boy". CD

One of the few Blue Note albums with a bossa groove – and a great one too! The record features soulful tenor star Ike Quebec blowing in front of Brazilian-styled rhythms laid out by a combo that includes Kenny Burrell on guitar, and a duo of Latin percussionists! Willie Bobo plays drums on the session, and the cuts have a short groovy feel, with a sax-heavy lead, in a similar style to Stan Getz's bossa work on Verve – but much more soulful overall, and with a nicely rougher feel on the rhythms. Really great stuff, and with titles that include "Loie", "Goin Home", "Favela", "Blue Samba", and "Shu Shu". CD also features 3 bonus alternate takes – of "Loie", "Shu Shu", and "Favela". CD

A pivotal record from Lou Donaldson – one that has him forging out some of his first funky soul jazz sounds, moving from his bop roots, and working with a hip young group that includes Grant Green and John Patton, both of whom he discovered and brought to Blue Note (thanks Lou!) The tracks have a tight jaunty feel – very much like those on Patton's mid 60s sides for Blue Note, with lots of room for each player to solo intently – but still a strong focus on the overall groove of the ensemble. Cover's very nice – and tracks include "Funky Mama", "Spaceman Twist", and "Nice n Greasy". CD features one bonus track too – "People Will Say We're In Love". CD

Heavy soul from Ike Quebec – one of Blue Note's greatest players of the 78 era in the 40s, stepping out here on one of his brilliant comeback sets from the early 60s! The set features Ike blowing in an all soul jazz mode – working with a quartet that includes some great work from organist Freddie Roach – swinging here in a great straight ahead mode, and really pushing Ike to lay out some of the best solos of his later Blue Note years. There's a few tracks on the set that step out in a tight modal jazz groove – organ vamping as Ike blows away – and titles include "Heavy Soul", "Que's Dilemma", "Acquitted", and a very spooky version of "Nature Boy". CD features the bonus track "Blues For Ike". CD

The debut of a great singer on Blue Note – and one who plays her own piano and Fender Rhodes as well! Kandace Springs has a gentle style that's part soul, and part jazz – as expressive as the former at most moments, but with a lot of jazz-based phrasing in the instrumentation, which underscores the message in her music in a really wonderful way! Light keyboard currents step nicely through more acoustic instrumentation – all with a laidback flow that's the perfect pace for the singer at her best. Terence Blanchard plays guest trumpet on two tracks – and titles include "Soul Eyes", "I Thought It Would Be Easier", "Place To Hide", "Novocaine Heart", "Rain Falling", "Too Good To Last", "Fall Guy", "Neither Old Nor Young", and "The World Is A Ghetto". CD

DJ Muro's got plenty cooking in his sweet Soul Kitchen – a killer batch of rare grooves from the vaults of Blue Note and Capitol Records – all mixed together in one massive, all-official collection! The set's a perfect example of why we trust Muro with grooves more than just about anyone else – because even in familiar territory, he finds a way of unlocking more in the tracks than we might have expected – and given the scope of this set, he's also stepping out into plenty of unfamiliar territory too! The mix is very soul-based – and there's loads of warm, jazzy, modern soul numbers that beautifully revive a Capitol Rare spirit – mixed carefully by Muro in ways that don't break down the tunes that much, but really manage to get to their essence quickly. Titles include "Inside Your Love" by Leon Ware, "Sunshine" by Nancy Wilson, "Koko & Lee Roe" by Gene Harris, "Can't Hide Love" by Carmen McRae, "I've Got You On My Mind" by Jorge Dalto, "Feel Like Makin Love" by Shirley Bassey, "Stop Running Away From Love" by Bobby Lyle, "Loving You Gets Better With Time" by Lea Roberts, "Let Me Love You Where It Hurts" by Future Flight, "Reaching For The Sky" by Peabo Bryson, "With You" by Perry & Sanlin, and "Lover To Lover" by Maxi. CD

A trashy cover, but a great little record – one that's filled with wonderfully sensitive sounds from the team of George Adams and Don Pullen – working here in some really relaxed, soulful territory! The album's got a laidback feel that's a nice change from some of the more cerebral modes of both players – almost a bit more spontaneous than some of their other recordings together, with a different sort of spirit on each track, and a style that slides easily between different modes of jazz. Adams plays tenor and flute, and sings on one track – Pullen's on acoustic piano, and other players include Cameron Brown on bass and Dannie Richmond on drums. Titles include "Double Arc Jake", "Autumn Song", "Don't Lose Control", "Remember", and "Places & Faces". LP, Vinyl record album

A piano-bass-drums set – but with vocals from Grady Tate. CD

An album dedicated to the late drummer Stu Martin – and a set that features some very dynamic drum work from longtime friend Barry Altschul! The album has Altschul really hitting some new notes in his music – stepping off with a bit more dynamic energy than some of his other 70s recordings, working with a group that has a nicely elastic feel – able to change sounds and shapes at the drop of a hat! Other quartet members include Anthony Davis on piano, Ray Anderson on trombone, and Rick Rozie on bass – and the trombone of Anderson is especially great here, adding in a sense of warmth, and almost playfulness at points. Titles include "Drum Role", "Sleepwalker", "For Stu", and a version of the Mingus classic "Orange Was The Color Of Her Dress Then Silk Blues". LP, Vinyl record album

Great work from Billy Bang's early 80s years on Soul Note Records – a time when he really seemed to find a new focus in his music – totally taking off in great new directions that are always a joy to discover! There's a positive feel to this record that's undeniable – a pushed-forward quality that has Bang leading a host of avant players through some mostly straighter territory – often vamping nicely with a rhythmic pulse, then letting themselves free at points to reach the outer limits of their sound. Players include Charles Tyler on alto and baritone sax, Curtis Clark on piano, Wilber Morris on bass, and Dennis Charles on drums – and the set features a sublime reading of "Invitation", plus "An Addition To Tradition", "A Pebble Is A Small Rock", "In A Minute", and "Secret Society". LP, Vinyl record album

Genius work from violinist Billy Bang – easily one of his best LPs, and the kind of set that will blow away any expectations you had about jazz violin! There's a sense of soul and spirit here that's really amazing – proof that Bang is easily one of the most inventive talents on his instrument, and a great leader as well. The set was recorded live at Carlos 1 in NYC in 1986 – and features Billy's sextet with Roy Campbell on trumpet, Oscar Sanders on guitar, Thurman Barker on marimba and percussion, and William Parker on bass. Parker's fat, round tone really gives the album a soulful depth that takes it to the next level – and his sly work on the best tracks make the album groove more than you'd expect. Titles include "Abuella", "Sad Song", "Sinawe Mandelas", and "Thank You Ma'am". CD

The music of Duke Ellington – but handled in an amazing way – thanks to the sublime solo piano talents of Ran Blake! LP, Vinyl record album

Duo recording by the two pianists, with titles including "On Green Dolphin Street", "Tea For Two" and the original compostions "Prelude", "Chromatics", "Wende", and "sonata For Two Pianos". LP, Vinyl record album

Late 80s recording with Philip Harper on trumpet, Robin Eubanks on trombone, Javon Jackson on tenor, Benny Green on piano, and Leon Dorsey on bass. LP, Vinyl record album

A deeply soulful album from reedman Hamiet Bluiett – and a record that's got a bit of a different twist, thanks to vocals from Irene Datcher! The album's got a really warm, organic feel – loads of great percussion from Chief Bey, drums from Billy Hart, and bass from Buster Williams – a rhythm group that really grounds the album in solid territory, with a sense of focus that's almost in the territory of spiritual jazz – energized a bit more than some of Bluiett's other recordings of this period. Datcher only sings on a few tracks, but her presence is really wonderful too – a fresh voice alongside Hamiet's alto and baritone sax – in a group that's completed by pianist Bob Neloms. The tracks have that tender expressive style that we always love in Bluiett's best work – and titles include "Ballad Of Eddie Jefferson", "Between The Raindrops", "Full Deep & Mellow", "Prayer", and "Doll Baby". LP, Vinyl record album

Deeply soulful work from Hamiet Bluiett – a set that's a bit more inside than some of his other work, but still with a great sort of edge overall! There's a hip swing to most numbers here – thanks to a mostly-inside rhythm trio that features John Hicks on piano, Fred Hopkins on bass, and Marvin Smitty Smith on drums – all players who really sound superb together. Hicks inherent lyricism really does a lot for the record – and provides a warm backdrop for the sharper work of Bluiett on alto clarinet and baritone sax – the latter of which is especially nice. The record's almost got the feel of some of David Murray's best inside sessions of the time – a great stamp of approval for us – and titles include "Gumbo", "Ebu", "New Bones", "NU Tune", and "Night In Tunisia". LP, Vinyl record album

Nothing lost about this set, as Bobby Bradford's work is tight and focused throughout – and stands as a hip west coast contrast to early 80s avant jazz material from points east! There's a feel here that's a lot like some of the Nimbus Records albums of the time – material that's definitely towards the left side of the jazz spectrum, but which is usually never too far out – often tied together with a sense of spirit, or a bit of swing – and at the best moments, a nice little groove that really grabs our attention. Even back in the 60s, Bobby always brought a great sense of rhythm to his farther-out work – and that tradition definitely continues here, thanks to help from the Mark Dresser and Roberto Miguel Miranda on bass, and Sherman Ferguson on drums. Bradford plays cornet, James Kousakis plays alto sax, and titles include "You Known", "Dirty Rag", "Ashes", "Ornate", and "Sho Nuff Blues". CD

With Wally Kane, Michael Moore, Ted Moore, Gene Bertoncini, John Sauer, and Marvin Stamm. LP, Vinyl record album

Very hip work from Booker T & The MGs – an album that has them standing out under a pier by the ocean on the cover – clearly a long way from their Memphis roots! The sound here still has a good dose of those roots, though – but it also shows them picking up some hipper rhythmic touches too – heard most famously on the title tune, "Soul Limbo" – which is a great number to signal the more open styles in the group's approach. Other hip originals on the set include "Heads Or Tails" and "Over Easy" – and the record also sports some great covers that include "La La Means I Love You", "Eleanor Rigby", and "Hang Em High", which they do in a nice western vein! LP, Vinyl record album

Clifford Brown only recorded a handful of sides for Blue Note – but all of the best ones are included in this excellent album – a full length set that culls together Brown's material from the 10" years, issued as a memorial to his early death in 1956! Side one features Brown with the modernist Gigi Gryce on flute and alto sax – plus Charlie Rouse on tenor, John Lewis on piano, Percy Heath on bass, and Art Blakey on drums – a lineup that has a strong sense of soul, balanced with a dose of modernism – on titles that include the classic "Hymn to the Orient" – worth the price of the album alone – plus "Easy Living", "Cherokee", "Wail Bait", and "Minor Mood". Side two features an equally sharp group – with Lou Donaldson on some excellent alto, and the great Elmo Hope on piano – on titles that include "Brownie Speaks", "De Dah", "Cookin", "You Go To My Head", and "Carving The Rock". LP, Vinyl record album

You know, over the years, you get exposed to so many cliches about Ray Charles that it's easy to forget how great he is – but you won't after hearing this set! This totally essential box pushes way past any other collection to pull together the raw early R&B sides by Ray – much harder stuff than any of his later country soul work, and way more rockin than even his instrumental sides that show up more as "jazz" efforts. No, this stuff kicks ass – and is right up there with the best 50s R&B work by artists like Tiny Bradshaw, Wynonie Harris, or Ray Brown. Plus, a huge amount of the cuts on here never really appeared on full LPs, so it's not like you'll be able to track them down that easily on other reissues. There's a wealth of excellent material here that will open up a whole new side of Ray for you – and which will fill in loads of holes if you've already got some of his work. There's a total of 53 tracks in all, plus a great set of notes and a very handsome box – and titles include "What Kind Of Man Are You", "Get On The Right Track", "Leave My Woman Alone", "Roll With My Baby", "Jumpin In The Morning", "It Should Have Been Me", "Feelin Sad", "Mess Around", "I Wonder Who", "Blackjack", "Greenbacks", "A Fool For You", "Hard Times", "A Bit Of Soul", "I Want To Know", "It's Alright", "Ain't That Love", and "That's Enough". All cuts are vocal – and this is some of the most satisfying Ray Charles you could ever buy! CD

A groundbreaking album of vocal group soul – right from the first note! The record kicks off with the sublime "Ready Or Not, Here I Come" – which starts with fierce stepping strings that are actually funky, then soars into some of the best harmonies the group ever put to record, superbly arranged by the great Thom Bell, who also wrote the track. As the album progresses, the sound expands further to encompass many elements that would become the blueprint for vocal groups over the next few years – like twangy electric sitar, cascading orchestrations, and pinched lead vocals that take a lot more chances than most group singers had been taking for years! There's still a bit of a 60s soul sound to some of the cuts, but the album's a watershed – not only for Thom Bell and the group, but for harmony soul as well! Titles include "Ready Or Not Here I Come", "My New Love", "Loving Him", "With These Hands", "Somebody Loves You", and "Everytime I See My Baby". CD

A gospel record, but one that lets you know that there's something different going on from the very first note – which seems to be the kind of sound you'd expect more from a blacksploitation soundtrack than any kind of album cooked up in a church! That difference hangs on throughout the entire set – which might well rank up there with some of the most soulful gospel albums of all time – a distinction that's even more amazing when you flip over the cover, and realize that some of the members of the group were kids! Yet the album has a much deeper sound than any children's chorus records of the time – and maybe could be seen as a gospel equivalent to the famous Latin album by the Harlem Youth Percussion Ensemble – a set that's equally rare in the original, and equally deep in terms of quality. Titles include "Anyway", "Will You Be Ready", "My Soul Says Yes", "Love Is The Answer", "I'm Prayin", "Don't Let Your Heart Be Troubled", and "Standing Looking Over Jordan". CD

A gospel record, but one that lets you know that there's something different going on from the very first note – which seems to be the kind of sound you'd expect more from a blacksploitation soundtrack than any kind of album cooked up in a church! That difference hangs on throughout the entire set – which might well rank up there with some of the most soulful gospel albums of all time – a distinction that's even more amazing when you flip over the cover, and realize that some of the members of the group were kids! Yet the album has a much deeper sound than any children's chorus records of the time – and maybe could be seen as a gospel equivalent to the famous Latin album by the Harlem Youth Percussion Ensemble – a set that's equally rare in the original, and equally deep in terms of quality. Titles include "Anyway", "Will You Be Ready", "My Soul Says Yes", "Love Is The Answer", "I'm Prayin", "Don't Let Your Heart Be Troubled", and "Standing Looking Over Jordan". LP, Vinyl record album

Wicked early work from Milt Jackson – a record that's got a lot more of an edge than some of his later work with the Modern Jazz Quartet – a near-perfect modernist bop sound that's every bit the best side of Blue Note in the early 50s! The package brings together material from a few different sessions – some originally on 10" LPs – and the core of the material features Jackson in the company of pianist Thelonious Monk, on some tracks that also feature Sahib Shihab on alto sax! John Lewis plays piano on another batch of tracks that are essentially the early MJQ lineup, but with Lou Donaldson on alto too – so they swing with a bit more soul than you might expect. Titles include "Bag's Groove", "On The Scene", "Willow Weep For Me", "Criss Cross", "Evidence", "Tahiti", "Misterioso", "Four In One", and more. LP, Vinyl record album

A 70s double LP issue of a variety of sides Milt cut as a leader for Prestige and Riverside. The first batch of numbers were originally released as a couple of 10"s, then repackaged under various guises in LP format, and feature a slightly different take on the Modern Jazz Quartet sound of the early years – as the album features Milt Jackson's vibes in the company of MJQ bandmates Percy Heath and Connie Kay, but also includes Horace Silver on piano – in the spot normally reserved for John Lewis! The presence of Silver on piano gives a bit of a harder edge to the set, one that almost recalls some of Jackson's work on Blue Note in the early 50s, yet which is rounded out here by a few lighter and more lyrical touches on rhythm. The set includes a great reading of "Moonray", the Jackson original "Stonewall", and the tracks "Wonder Why", "I Should Care", and "My Funny Valentine". There's also 4 numbers with the same group adding Henry Boozier on trumpet, performing "Soma", "Buhaina", "Opus De Funk" and "I've Lost Your Love". The second LP is from almost a decade on, a very nice little Milt Jackson album – cut in the mode of some of his excellent soul jazz group sides from the mid 60s. This set pushes Milt past the format of much of his other work – especially that of the MJQ – as it features him in a very soulful sextet, working with Tommy Flanagan on piano, Kenny Dorham on trumpet, Jimmy Heath on tenor, Ron Carter on bass, and Connie Kay on drums. The presence of Dorham and Heath give the album a light lyrical swing that really opens things up – and there's a fair bit of modally-oriented tunes on the set that hint at the more soulful playing of most of the players in the 70s. Tracks include a great version of "Invitation", plus "The Sealer", "Poom A Loom", "Ruby", and "None Shall Wander". LP, Vinyl record album

The fantastic final album from Sharon Jones – a wonderfully deep talent who was taken from us all too soon! The set's maybe the ultimate setting for Sharon's incredible voice – as it features both her longtime core combo, the Dap-Kings – as well as additional backings from the Bushwick Philharmonic – a small ensemble of strings who really help elevate the music to classic status! If you're worried that the strings might soften the sound, the very first note of the record will put your mind at rest – as will the heavy drums that mark just about every track, and keep things hard and funky throughout. If anyone ever doubted that the Daptone label was our modern equivalent of Stax Records or Atlantic, this will certainly be the set to change their mind – and will also stand forever as a bittersweet reminder of all the greatness that Sharon Jones gave us over the years. Titles include "Searching For A New Day", "Rumors", "Matter Of Time", "Sail On", "Just Give Me Your Time", "Come & Be A Winner", "Call On God", and "These Tears". LP, Vinyl record album

Brilliant soul from the Detroit underground of the late 60s – a full set of work by vocalist Little Ann, issued here for the first time ever! You might recognize Ann's name from her appearance on a few of the Ace/Kent Records issues of material by Detroit producer Dave Hamilton over the years – and the work here all comes from those classic collaborations with Hamilton – trapped on tape for many years, always contemplated as a possible Little Ann album – but only issued in full all these many years later! The groove here is as offbeat as some of Dave's other great work – not nearly as tight, or uptight, as Motown music – and instead, done with a sly undercurrent of darkness on most numbers, even the mellower ones – almost that earliest mix of Detroit styles that you get on pre-fame singles from Westbound Records artists. Ann's vocals are nice and lean, and slide right into the mix with ease – heartfelt enough to grab us right away, yet without any obvious cliches as well. Titles include "What Should I Do", "Deep Shadows", "Possession", "Who Are You Trying To Fool", "Sweep It Out In The Shed", "The Smile On Your Face", and "I Got To Have You". Note that the record was mostly issued in a different form by Timmion Records – as the record Deep Shadows – save for the mixes of "What Should I Do" and "I Got To Have You" – both of which are unissued mixes that appear here for the first time. CD

Brilliant soul from the Detroit underground of the late 60s – a full set of work by vocalist Little Ann, issued here for the first time ever! You might recognize Ann's name from her appearance on a few of the Ace/Kent Records issues of material by Detroit producer Dave Hamilton over the years – and the work here all comes from those classic collaborations with Hamilton – trapped on tape for many years, always contemplated as a possible Little Ann album – but only issued in full all these many years later! The groove here is as offbeat as some of Dave's other great work – not nearly as tight, or uptight, as Motown music – and instead, done with a sly undercurrent of darkness on most numbers, even the mellower ones – almost that earliest mix of Detroit styles that you get on pre-fame singles from Westbound Records artists. Ann's vocals are nice and lean, and slide right into the mix with ease – heartfelt enough to grab us right away, yet without any obvious cliches as well. Titles include "What Should I Do", "Deep Shadows", "Possession", "Who Are You Trying To Fool", "Sweep It Out In The Shed", "The Smile On Your Face", and "I Got To Have You". Note that the record was mostly issued in a different form by Timmion Records – as the record Deep Shadows – save for the mixes of "What Should I Do" and "I Got To Have You" – both of which are unissued mixes that appear here for the first time. LP, Vinyl record album

An incredible record from funky drummer Idris Muhammad! Idris is probably known for his funky break work on Blue Note and Prestige records sessions of the late 60s and early 70s – but by the time of this 1974 album, he was really expanding his style, hitting a laidback groove that went way beyond the simple drum break, into a world of complicated fills and riffs that forever changed the face of funk. The best example of this is the album's standout groove – the massive cut "Loran's Dance", which has a mellow jazzy vibe that you'll recognize from its popular use as a sample cut over the years (by the Beastie Boys, DJ Shadow, and others.) All cuts are long and mellow, and other titles include "Power Of Soul", "Saddest Thing" and "Piece of Mind". CD

An incredible record from funky drummer Idris Muhammad! Idris is probably known for his funky break work on Blue Note and Prestige records sessions of the late 60s and early 70s – but by the time of this 1974 album, he was really expanding his style, hitting a laidback groove that went way beyond the simple drum break, into a world of complicated fills and riffs that forever changed the face of funk. The best example of this is the album's standout groove – the massive cut "Loran's Dance", which has a mellow jazzy vibe that you'll recognize from its popular use as a sample cut over the years (by the Beastie Boys, DJ Shadow, and others.) All cuts are long and mellow, and other titles include "Power Of Soul", "Saddest Thing" and "Piece of Mind". LP, Vinyl record album

If drums were enough to make us love a record, we'd love this one to death – but it's also got a heck of a lot more to offer! Quantic Soul Orchestra return with a smashing second set – one that's even tighter and funkier than the first one – with a sound that really bridges both sides of the Quantic camp! The first go-round, the classic style of Quantic Soul were kind of an experiment – one that got back to older forms of funk from the more electronic studio style of the Quantic releases. But by the time of this set, the Soul Orchestra format is very firmly in place – and instrumentally, the group are at the top of their game – coming across with a blisteringly live blast of guitars, horns, and drums that crackle with energy from the very first note! The strength of the set cannot be understated – as the group have really got their whole game totally down pat for this set – a tight, kinetic, highly frenetic approach to older deep funk modes – and one that's not just rehashing a 70s groove, but finding more than enough space for funk in the 21st Century! Alice Russell sings some great vocals on 5 of the album's 11 tracks, and the rest are all hard-smoking instrumentals. Titles include "Pushin On", "Introducing The Quantic Soul Orchestra", "The Conspirator", "Get A Move On", "End Of The Road", "That Goose On My Grave", "Feeling Good", "Hold On Tight", and "Paintings & Journeys". CD

The "flipside" of Ike Quebec's legendary run of albums for Blue Note – a huge set of material recorded only as 45 singles during his same stretch at the label! Although Quebec's work as a soulful tenorist has been well documented and reissued over the years on albums like Blue & Sentimental and Heavy Soul, Ike also cut a fair number of singles aimed at the jukebox and radio crowds of the time – tunes that were more in the gutsy tenor and organ mode recorded by labels like Prestige or Chess, and which never made it onto any of the full-length sets for Blue Note! This great little package brings together all of Ike's 26 tracks recorded for 45s in the late 50s and early 60s – material that features organ on most numbers, played by either Ike Quebec, Sir Charles Thompson, or the enigmatic Edwin Swanston. Quebec's tone and phrasing is similar to his Blue Note LP work of the period, but there's also a more relaxed, and more punctuated feel to these recordings – one that's not as rough or raw as other jukebox tenor stars of the time, but which still steps out past the usual Blue Note poise, especially on the original numbers. Some tracks were briefly issued on the 80s collection With A Song In My Heart, and in a Mosaic box – but this is the first proper Blue Note album of the material. Titles include "Buzzard Lope", "Zonky", "Blue Monday", "Later For The Rock", "Dear John", "Blue Friday", "Ill Wind", "Mardis Gras", "Everything Happens To Me", "Me N Mabe", "All The Way", "Intermezzo", "All Of Me", and "Imagination". CD

(Note: This item is not for sale online until noon on Saturday, October 24. It is in limited supply – and by nature of the Record Store Day Drops rules it will be offered for sale first to customers who visit the Dusty Groove retail outlet in Chicago the morning of Saturday, October 24. It will not be pre-sold or reserved in any way. However, after noon on October 24 we will offer up whatever we have left for sale online.) LP, Vinyl record album

A sweet 29 track compilation of the Vibrations rare sides for the Okeh label, recorded in Chicago in the mid 60's, and a great batch of rockin' group soul all the way through! Tracks include "Keep On Keeping On", "Talkin' Bout Love", "Watusi Time", "End Up Crying", "Secret Love", "Finding Out The Hard Way", "Soul A Go Go", "Love In Them There Hills", "Gonna Get Along Without You", "Forgive And Forget", and lots lots more! Put together by the same people who did the Billy Butler compilation of Okeh material, and a much-needed set of the group's incredible work from the time. CD