One of the boldest albums ever from this legendary spiritual jazz ensemble – and a set that has them reaching even further heights in their music! There's a bit more focus here than before – tunes that are somewhat shorter, and really hone in on the best elements in the group's sound – the amazing reed lines of Idris Ackamoor, and the building percussion in the grooves – often touched with odd sounds and unusual elements that give the record a similar feel to some of the more percussive Sun Ra albums on Saturn. There's a bit of vocals at points, but really just used to augment the instrumentation – and the album's got the sharply righteous tones you might expect to hear in some of the hippest Strata East work of the period! Titles include "Aomawa", "Black Man & Woman Of The Nile", "Jamaican Carnival", "Birth Speed Merging", and "Reaffirmation". LP, Vinyl record album

Incredible music from The Pyramids – an obscure Midwestern combo who made some pretty amazing records in the early 70s! There's a heavy dose of spirituality in the mix here – a vibe that rivals some of the best albums of the time on Strata East, but with a freer sound overall – elements of the AACM Chicago scene, or some of the hipper grooves coming out of St Louis – particularly in the way the band builds up energy on the longer tracks. The reeds are especially nice – alto sax from Idris Ackamoor and flute from Margo Ackamoor – and all other group members play percussion, and vocalize too – singing along with some of the tunes in chanting, chorus formation, which adds an even further element of soul to the mix. Rhythms range from hard-driving to completely hypnotic – and titles include "Nsorama", "My Africa", "Mogho Naba", and "Queen Of The Spirits". LP, Vinyl record album

The first of three albums issued by The Pyramids – a wonderful bit of spiritual soul jazz with a really cosmic feel! The group are heavy on percussion and reeds – blending congas and assorted other percussion instruments with soprano sax, alto, and flute – all in a captivating sound that builds up nicely over the course of the album's two long tracks! The music is very organic – never too forced, nor never too far out – and there's a majestic quality to the whole thing, one that really lives up to the group's name and image on the cover. And although the ensemble hail from Ohio – hardly a spot you'd peg for spiritual jazz in the 70s – they're a key link between the early 70s avant movements in Chicago and St Louis, some of the hip grooves in Detroit's Tribe Records scene, and the growing loft jazz movement in New York. The title track – "Lalibela" – spans a side and a half of the record, and it's followed by the 16 minute tune "Indigo". LP, Vinyl record album

A really wonderfully-done collection of work from the legendary Sun Ra – put together by longtime musical partner Marshall Allen, and way way different than the typical mish-mash of tracks you'd find on some of the budget or public domain titles on the market! First off, the track selection is really thoughtful – music that definitely defines the Arkestra in the 60s and 70s, but which also highlights some of its overlooked corners too – pulled together from recordings that appeared on the Saturn, Impulse, and other labels – all curated and remastered by Art Yard, who've done their share of great Ra reissues over the years. Plus, the package features a few unreleased performances as well – and although it would serve as a great introduction to the music of Sun Ra, it's also really perfectly put together for longtime Ra fans as well – given the focus, track selection, and overall quality of the whole thing. The sounds are sublime – maybe one of the best summations of the righteous, cosmic genius of the Arkestra at its best – and titles include "Reflects Motion", "Island In The Sun (extended)", "Somewhere In Space", "The Lady With The Golden Stockings", "Somebody Else's World", "Ancient Aethiopia", "Astro Black", "Have You Heard The Latest News From Neptune", "We Travel The Spaceways", and "Plutonian Nights". LP, Vinyl record album

An amazing album from Sun Ra – a set that's got some of the same soulful focus as Space Is The Place, and a really surprising sense of groove on many moments! The record's actually a bit funky – if you can believe it – and was recorded with electric keyboards, bass, and guitar (played by the mysterious Disco Kid) – at the studios of Bob Blank, at a time when he was really able to capture the many strands of music that would come together in a performance, then find just the right way to put them over on record! The album was originally dismissed by many Sun Ra fans for being a funk sell-out album – but over the years, it's become a prized album for its cosmic sense of soul and great focus of the group's more far-reaching ideas – and at some level, it's probably the sound that most people imagine the Arkestra to have when they're first starting out, rather than the more avant material that dominates most of their catalog. The whole thing is wonderful – and titles include "That's How I Feel", "Where Pathways Meet", "Twin Stars of Thence", and "There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of)". Fantastic 2CD version – which includes both the commercial release, and the other mix of the record that Ra issued on Saturn – plus a great booklet of notes. CD

A really beautiful collection of rare tracks from Sun Ra – put together by the mighty Gilles Peterson, who we've trusted for years to give us some of the most soulful, cosmic music on this planet! Gilles has a wonderful ear for a certain strand of sounds from Ra and the Arkestra – their more spacey, more spiritual moments – which are strung together in this wicked double-length collection – which also includes a few tracks never issued before! The inside is as beautiful as the cover, and the whole thing's got copious notes on the music – including some track-by-track details that never showed up on some of the original records. 2CD set features 34 tracks in all – with titles that include "When There Is No Sun", "Spontaneous Simplicity", "Love In Outer Space (voc)", "On Jupiter, "We Travel the Spaceways", "Sleeping Beauty", "Mystery Mr Ra", "Blackman", "The All Of Everything", "The World Of Africa", "They Plan To Leave", "Children Of The Sun", "Dreaming", "Black Sky & Blue Moon", "Enlightenment", and "India". CD

Really fantastic work from the continuing version of Sun Ra's Arkestra led by Marshall Allen – and an album of rich sophistication that definitely shows the mature version of the group really finding their own sense of voice and spirit! There's a laidback take to the music that partly recalls some of the modes that the Arkestra had in their earlier days, when they were exploring some exotica currents mixed with more avant jazz inclinations – although the expression of the sound here is more focused and majestic, with slight string touches blending in with instrumentation of a more jazz-based mode – handled by Marshall Allen on alto and kora, Knoel Scott on tenor and baritone, Michael Ray and Cecil Brooks on trumpets, Dave Davis on trombone, Farid Barron on piano, Dave Hotep on guitar, and Tara Middleton on some mighty nice flute and violin. There's a richness to the sound that comes from all the other players involved in the proceedings – and titles include "Day Of The Living Sky", "Firefly", "Wish Upon A Star", "Chopin", "Marshall's Groove", and "Somebody Else's Idea". CD

Really fantastic work from the continuing version of Sun Ra's Arkestra led by Marshall Allen – and an album of rich sophistication that definitely shows the mature version of the group really finding their own sense of voice and spirit! There's a laidback take to the music that partly recalls some of the modes that the Arkestra had in their earlier days, when they were exploring some exotica currents mixed with more avant jazz inclinations – although the expression of the sound here is more focused and majestic, with slight string touches blending in with instrumentation of a more jazz-based mode – handled by Marshall Allen on alto and kora, Knoel Scott on tenor and baritone, Michael Ray and Cecil Brooks on trumpets, Dave Davis on trombone, Farid Barron on piano, Dave Hotep on guitar, and Tara Middleton on some mighty nice flute and violin. There's a richness to the sound that comes from all the other players involved in the proceedings – and titles include "Day Of The Living Sky", "Firefly", "Wish Upon A Star", "Chopin", "Marshall's Groove", and "Somebody Else's Idea". LP, Vinyl record album

Really unique recordings from the Sun Ra Arkestra – material recorded in Egypt in 1983 – juxtaposed with sessions from percussionist Salah Ragab and the Cairo Jazz Band! The work here has much more of a "jazz meets world" sound than some of Ra's other recordings – and most tracks are extremely melodic and rhythmic – in a way that mixes Eastern instrumentation and themes with some of the more familiar Arkestra modes – a sound that takes the Sun Ra groove one step further, and which sounds totally sublime! Highlights include the groover "Egypt Strut", the flute-heavy "Oriental Mood", and beautiful "Dawn". Really great stuff – and a key glimpse at this rare slice of Ra's career! LP, Vinyl record album

A great little set that brings together the short but fantastic legacy of Risco Connection – a late 70s project led by Studio One drummer Joe Isaacs, after moving from Kingston and setting up shop on the scene in Toronto! Joe calls on plenty of his older roots in early reggae, but also serves up cuts that have a strong nod towards contemporary club – slowing down the rhythms from the pace of disco, but also not really working in a reggae groove either – and instead coming up with a really unique hybrid of both – one that's peppered by vocals from a variety of different singers, often has nice keyboard touches in a moogy/spacey style, and which also features dubby reworkings of most of the tunes too! As usual, Strut do a great job of putting together the material with nicely detailed notes – and titles include two versions each of "It's My House", "Good Times", "Ain't No Stoppin Us Now", and "Sitting In The Park" – plus "I'm Caught Up", "Argument", "Stopping", "Bringing Out The Sunshine", "Risco Music", and "Reggae Music". CD

A great little set that brings together the short but fantastic legacy of Risco Connection – a late 70s project led by Studio One drummer Joe Isaacs, after moving from Kingston and setting up shop on the scene in Toronto! Joe calls on plenty of his older roots in early reggae, but also serves up cuts that have a strong nod towards contemporary club – slowing down the rhythms from the pace of disco, but also not really working in a reggae groove either – and instead coming up with a really unique hybrid of both – one that's peppered by vocals from a variety of different singers, often has nice keyboard touches in a moogy/spacey style, and which also features dubby reworkings of most of the tunes too! As usual, Strut do a great job of putting together the material with nicely detailed notes – and titles include two versions each of "It's My House", "Good Times", "Ain't No Stoppin Us Now", and "Sitting In The Park" – plus "I'm Caught Up", "Argument", "Stopping", "Bringing Out The Sunshine", "Risco Music", and "Reggae Music". LP, Vinyl record album

Sweet sounds from the lovely lady – one of Patrice Rushen's last truly great albums, and a masterpiece of 80s groove with lots of jazzy touches! The keyboard sound has evolved a bit here – compressed with more electronic percussion than on Patrice's earlier records, but still done with a degree of soul that sets it apart from work by most of her contemporaries – and the music has this warm flow that really sets Rushen apart from the rest – a sublime mix of soul, funk, and fusion that holds together perfectly throughout! Titles include "Gotta Find It", "Gone With The Night", "My Love's Not Going Anywhere", "High In Me", "To Each His Own", "Heartache Heartbreak", and "Feels So Real". 2LP version features bonus tracks – "Get Off (12" mix)", "Get Off (inst)", "Feels So Real (edit)", and "Feels So Real (dub)". LP, Vinyl record album

A sweeeeeet groover by Patrice Rushen – her first album for Elektra, and a stunning blend of funky jazz and soul! The record really has Patrice stepping out from her earlier years at Prestige – working in some surprisingly great vocals next to tight lines on Fender Rhodes, synth, and clavinet, handled with a smooth and soulful quality that's wonderful all the way through – a blend of soul and jazz that few other players could do this well – no matter how many others tried to copy her style over the years! Rhythms are as hard and heavy as on the Prestige years, and the keyboards have a great sort of focus too – just the right mix of jazz to offset the vocals – which themselves are a wonderful discovery. The whole album's a gem – and tracks include the great funky classic "Hang It Up", plus "Changes (In Your Life)", "When I Found You", "Play", "Didn't You Know?", and "Music Of The Earth". 2LP version features bonus tracks – "Music Of The Earth (Danny Krivit edit)", "Hang It Up (12" mix)", "Play (12" mix)", and "Didn't You Know (ext)". LP, Vinyl record album

Brilliant work from Patrice Rushen – one of the records that not only helped break her out of the jazz funk ghetto, and right into the mainstream – but a set that also had a pretty profound influence on the progression of soul in the early 80s! Rushen sings as well as plays keyboards – and really pushes the use of jazzy elements that would take R&B to the next level – almost inventing the 80s groove sound in the process! The whole thing's a totally sweet mix of funk and soul, tightened up to get everything in the door at the same time – and titles include "Givin It Up Is Givin Up", "Call On Me", "Haven't You Heard", and "Let The Music Take Me". 2LP version features bonus tracks – "Haven't You Heard (12" mix)", "Let The Music Take Me (12" mix)", and "Givin It Up Is Givin Up (inst)". 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". CD

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

John Sinclair's got his name on the cover, but the real genius on the record comes from the artists within – a mix of talents from the Detroit underground of the 60s and 70s, and some important visitors too – all stepping out here in a set of live recordings that are issued for the first time ever! The material is wonderful – some of it at the level of the Strata Records efforts of Detroit artists, others as a way of hearing some bigger names in a nicely personal, local setting – maybe a bit like the Left Bank recordings from the Baltimore scene in the late 60s. As usual, Strut have done a wonderful job with the whole package – and titles include "Blackjack" and "Cristo Redentor" by Donald Byrd, "Cheeba" and "Help Me Get Away" by Lyman Woodard, "Water Torture" by Bennie Maupin, "Three Flowers" by Charles Moore, "Bees" by Ron English with Lyman Woodard, "Passion Dance" by Teddy Harris, and "Effi" and "The Promise" by the Detroit Contemporary Four, a group that features a young Stanley Cowell on piano! LP, Vinyl record album

A fantastic look at the groundbreaking sounds of the Disques Debs label – one of the most important companies producing music in the French Caribbean – and an imprint whose impact was strongly felt on the other side of the Atlantic as well! The core of these grooves is that compelling biguine rhythm that flowed from Guadeloupe – almost a mix of Latin and jazz, but with a different sort of vibe of its own – which was then interwoven with elements from Cuban, European, and African styles amidst the initial decade or so of recordings on this set! Debs had strong ties with Paris, and a bit with the West African scene – and their recorded legacy almost follows old colonial paths, but in reverse – creating this wonderful criss-crossing of cultures amidst their grooves. The package is wonderful – loads of vintage photos and great notes in the best Strut Records way – and titles include "Douce Kombass" by Henri Debs Quintet, "Mr Morin" by Joseph Lacides, "Lan Mise" by Geno Exilie, "Feeling Happy" by Cyril Dias Et Son Orchestre, "Ces P'Tits Je T'Aime" by Daniel Forestal Et Sa Guitare, "Assez Fait Cancan" by Guy Conquette, "Stanislas" by Eric Virgal, "Meringue Mondey" by Remy Mondey, "Si I Bon Di I Bon" by Le Ry-Co Jazz, "Salvana" by Dolor Et Les Diables Du Rhythme, and "Van Van" by Henri Guedon Et Les Contesta. LP, Vinyl record album

A great look at one of our favorite record labels of all time – a company that was one of the first we ever worked together with, back when we started Dusty Groove – and whose music has been a huge inspiration to us for decades! Black Fire is a really special record label from the DC area – not just a jazz imprint, but more of an artistic collective – maybe similar to what Tribe Records was to the Detroit scene of the 70s, but also more open to more soulful sounds too – which is what really makes so many of these tracks so great – as they have a perfect balance between jazz, funk, and soul – kind of that through-line that the Chicago scene had as things moved from Sun Ra, to Phil Cohran, on to the Pharoahs and Earth Wind & Fire! That trajectory is key here – as many of the players were rooted in more avant jazz styles, but were also eager to communicate their message in ways that were more universal – which is why the music here has such lasting appeal over the years – as it's filled with messages of love and peace, life and pride – with an intensity that maybe makes these tracks every bit as important now as when they were first recorded. The best-known group on the set is Oneness Of Juju, but there's work from the whole spectrum of Black Fire artists – tracks that include "Look At The People" by Wayne Davis, "Doin The Carvin For Thabo" by Lon Moshe, "African Rhythms (live 1975)" by Oneness Of Juju, "Children Of Tomorrow's Dreams" by Theatre West, "People" by Experience Unlimited, "Follow Me" by Okyerema Asante, "Third House" by Southern Energy Ensemble, and "Drummers From Ibadan" by Byard Lancaster. CD

A great look at one of our favorite record labels of all time – a company that was one of the first we ever worked together with, back when we started Dusty Groove – and whose music has been a huge inspiration to us for decades! Black Fire is a really special record label from the DC area – not just a jazz imprint, but more of an artistic collective – maybe similar to what Tribe Records was to the Detroit scene of the 70s, but also more open to more soulful sounds too – which is what really makes so many of these tracks so great – as they have a perfect balance between jazz, funk, and soul – kind of that through-line that the Chicago scene had as things moved from Sun Ra, to Phil Cohran, on to the Pharoahs and Earth Wind & Fire! That trajectory is key here – as many of the players were rooted in more avant jazz styles, but were also eager to communicate their message in ways that were more universal – which is why the music here has such lasting appeal over the years – as it's filled with messages of love and peace, life and pride – with an intensity that maybe makes these tracks every bit as important now as when they were first recorded. The best-known group on the set is Oneness Of Juju, but there's work from the whole spectrum of Black Fire artists – tracks that include "Look At The People" by Wayne Davis, "Doin The Carvin For Thabo" by Lon Moshe, "African Rhythms (live 1975)" by Oneness Of Juju, "Children Of Tomorrow's Dreams" by Theatre West, "People" by Experience Unlimited, "Third House" by Southern Energy Ensemble, and "Drummers From Ibadan" by Byard Lancaster. LP, Vinyl record album

A much-needed slice of work from Juju – the group who later transformed into spiritual funk ensemble Oneness Of Juju! Juju only recorded two full albums in the early 70s, so this unissued live set is a key addition to their catalog – and the whole thing's got this bold quality that's much more jazz-based, and often more avant than the group's later work – more in line with work in the tradition of the AACM, or some of the earliest loft jazz talents. No surprise, the set was recorded at Ornette Coleman's space on the lower east side in the early 70s – with the mighty Plunky Nakbinde on saxes and flute, sounding a lot more searing than any of his records from the 80s onward – plus Babatunde on percussion, Lon Moshe on vibes and flute, and Al-Hammel Rasul on keyboards. There's a bit of vocalizations, and lots of percussion from group members too – and the sound is very spiritual, with touches of more percussive Afro-centric playing. Includes a great version of Eddie Palmieri's "Azucar Para Ti", plus "At Least We Have A Horizon Now", and "Live Mozambique". Includes unreleased tracks "Thembi" and "Rosalie/Juju's Door". LP, Vinyl record album

A really early experiment in mixing South African styles with jazz – a set that's maybe more strongly on some of Township modes of the years before than a few of the other key modern projects of the time! Instrumentation often has pennywhistle in the lead on solos, used in a way a funky flute might on an American jazz set – and the rhythms often have raw hand percussion, mixed with warmer riffing currents on electric guitar – creating this sense of balance that gives the whole record a hell of a lot of charm! The sound is nice and lean, in a really great way – and titles include "Abbey's Mood", "Lousy Fever", "A Tribute To Birds", "Blues After Lunch", "Grab This For Me", "Root Of Africa", "Vuma Mbari", and "Jikeleza". LP, Vinyl record album

The Yusef here is Yusef Lateef – and reedman Bennie Maupin teams with Adam Rudolph in a set of richly organic numbers that we're guessing Lateef would have really appreciated! There's less "symphonic" and more "tone poem" on the record than the title might imply – as the setting is very intimate, with just a variety of reeds from Maupin, used in sonic territory created by Rudolph – a mix of percussion, electronics, and plenty of effects – but all used gently, and without any sort of bombast – so that the music progresses with a careful unfolding that lets all the best elements find a way to resonate together! The album features one long track, divided into five movements – and Maupin is at his most experimental here, while Rudolph really seems to respectfully address the legendary legacy of his collaborator. LP, Vinyl record album

A whole new side of the talents of Sun Ra – especially if you only know the longer-style jams on some of his albums from the 60s and 70s! From the very start of his career, Ra was every bit as interested in issuing music on 45s as he was on albums – and in fact, at some of the more desperate times, the 7" single turned out to be a very affordable format to try out new ideas – including some great projects with other artists! The array of work presented here is stunning – as the set includes some very up-close and personal moments with Ra on record, plus some tight jazzy tracks from the Arkestra, surprising vocal group material designed to crack the R&B market, and some especially cool projects with other singers too. The package is put together with very detailed notes on all the singles – and while the bulk of this material comes from the key Arkestra years of the late 50s through the early 80s, there's also a few tracks from other dates too – including a handful of songs that were only issued as 45s in later years. Vinyl Part 1 is a 3LP set that focuses on the earliest years – with a total of 35 tracks in all – and titles include "Chicago USA" by The Nu Sounds, "I'm Coming Home" by Billie Hawkins, "Softalk" by Sun Ra, "Demon's Lullaby" by Le Sun Ra, "It's Christmas Time" by The Qualities, "M Uck M Uck (Matt Matt)" by Yochanan, "Bye Bye" by The Cosmic Rays, "October" by Sun Ra, "Adventur In Space" by Sun Ra, "Back In Your Own Backyard" by Hattie Randolph, "The Sun One" by Yochanan, "Dreaming" by The Cosmic Rays, "The Sun Man Speaks" by Yochanan, "Daddy's Gonna Tell You No Lie" by The Cosmic Rays, "Last Call For Love" by Billie Hawkins, and "Super Blonde" by Sun Ra. LP, Vinyl record album

A whole new side of the talents of Sun Ra – especially if you only know the longer-style jams on some of his albums from the 60s and 70s! From the very start of his career, Ra was every bit as interested in issuing music on 45s as he was on albums – and in fact, at some of the more desperate times, the 7" single turned out to be a very affordable format to try out new ideas – including some great projects with other artists! The array of work presented here is stunning – as the set includes some very up-close and personal moments with Ra on record, plus some tight jazzy tracks from the Arkestra, surprising vocal group material designed to crack the R&B market, and some especially cool projects with other singers too. The package is put together with very detailed notes on all the singles – and while the bulk of this material comes from the key Arkestra years of the late 50s through the early 80s, there's also a few tracks from other dates too – including a handful of songs that were only issued as 45s in later years. This limited part 2 of the vinyl set features wonderful tracks from later years – including "The Blue Set", "Space Loneliness", "State Street", "Love In Outer Space", "Mayan Temple", "Quest", "Rough House Blues", "Journey To Saturn", "Blues On Planet Mars", "The Bridge", "Rocket #9", "The Perfect Man", "Outer Space Plateau", "Extensions", "Orbitration In Blue", "A Blue One", "Big City Blue", "I'm Gonna Unmask The Batman", "Saturn Moon", "Disco 2021", "Sometimes I'm Happy", "I Am The Instrument", "Cosmic Drama", "Nuclear War", "Hell #1", and "Cosmo-Extensions" – plus the tracks "Tell Her To Come On Home" and "I'm Making Believe" by Little Mack. LP, Vinyl record album

A hip bit of sound library funk from the Italian Giraffa label – a batch of tunes that's almost a mix between horror soundtracks and jazz funk – served up with all the right keyboard and guitar touches of both! There's a slight electro vibe to the record at points – almost a mode that would be right at home in the Cosmic scene – but there's also a bit more warmth too, a sensitivity that makes the longer tunes really shimmer and sparkle nicely. And although a sound library set, the tracks have a much deeper sense of composition – not just simple rhythms, but tunes that change up nicely as they roll on. Titles include "The End", "Creation", "Soft Melody", "Leaving", "Take Flight", "Drops In The Wind", and "Transvesuvian". LP, Vinyl record album

Strut again pushes the envelope with this tasty collection of funky tunes! The breakbeat genre's been mined extensively over the past few years by other labels, but this one's got some killer grooves that really haven't shown up on other reissues – including many famous tunes that you'll spot instantly from the drums, guitar, or bass that have been lifted by hip hoppers. Titles include "Instant Whip" by The Tremeloes, "Catch A Groove" by Juice, "Sesso Matto" by Sesso Matto, "Come Dancing" by Jeff Beck, "Shootin The Grease" by Jesse Gresham, "Hot Pants" by The 20th Century, "Tell Me How Do You Feel" by Lee Michaels, "Scratchin" by Magic Disco Machine, "Amen Brother" by The Winstons, "Upstairs On Boston Road (part 1)" by Sammy Gordon & The Hip Huggers, and "Happy Soul (With A Hook)" by Dave Cortez & The Moon People. CD

A killer follow-up to the earlier Nigeria 70 compilation on Strut Records – a second set that digs even deeper than before, and one that shows a huge range of Nigerian grooves from the 70s! The styles here go way beyond familiar Afro Funk – and the rhythms here are often quite complicated – rootsy at times, modern at others – and served up in a blend of acoustic and electric instrumentation that dances together wonderfully! Most numbers have vocals, but those are often delivered as rhythmically as the instrumentation – and the package is filled with under-reissued gems that make the package an essential addition to any collection of global grooves. As with other sets on the newly-revived Strut label, there's full notes on the music and track-by-track details – all supporting a set list of 14 titles that includes "Everybody Likes Something Good" by Ify Jerry Krusade, "Yabis" by Sir Shina Peters & His International Stars, "Onyame" by Ashanti Afrika Jah, "Ezuku Buzo" by Bola Johnson & His Eazy Life Top Beats, "African Dialects" by Peter King, "You Are My Heart" by Rex Williams, "Hot Tears" by The Immortals, "Dododo (Ekassa No 1)" by Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Melody Maestros, "Happy Survival" by Ifeanyi Eddie Okwedy & His Maymores Dance Band, "Ire Africa" by Chief Checker, and "Eddie Quansa" by Peacocks Guitar Band. LP, Vinyl record album

A legendary album on the Black Fire label from the 70s – a set that features Ghanaian percussionist Oykerama Asante working in the same American mix of funk and spiritual jazz as his labelmates Oneness Of Juju! The set was recorded in the same stretch as the best work from that legendary group, but never came out on LP at the time – and only saw a CD release in the 90s – quite a shame, as the great Plunky Nakabinde plays reeds on the album, and also helps give the whole thing a vibe that's sharp, right on the money, and does a fantastic job of blending Asante's percussion with some wider musical ideas. Oykerama is previously known for his work in the group Hedzoleh Soundz – and there's a similar genre-crossing vibe going on here – as you'll discover on cuts that include "Sabi", "Follow Me", "Asanta Sana", "Never Fly Away From The Funk", "Play A Sweet Rhythm On Them Drums", "Mother Africa", "Kazi's Awakening", and "To The Ancestors". CD

A stunning early moment in the long career of reedman Idris Ackamoor – music that predates his famous 70s work with The Pyramids, but which came from the same Ohio scene – an early collective of spiritual jazz players who are captured here in an amazing live performance! Unlike work by The Pyramids, The Collective were never issued on record at the time – yet they've got a tremendously powerful blend of spiritual currents and avant ideas – always skating the line between inside and out, structure and freedom – with work from Ackamoor on alto, Margaux Simmons on flute, Steve Rumboat on French Horn, Lester Knibbs on piano, Greg LaMont Wright on soprano, and Steve Maniscoso on percussion. Titles include "Beginning Roots", "The Shepherd's Tune", "Idrissa's Dream", "Black Queen", and "Veil Of Solitude". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the most ambitious albums to date from the mighty Greg Foat – a set that's different than some of his more intimate affairs, in that it features key contributions from British jazz giants both young and old – all working with Greg's piano, Fender Rhodes, and vibes in a style that's deeply spiritual, and filled with power! The album's hardly the pacific affair you might guess from the title – nothing too placid, as the energy really builds between members of a lineup that includes Moses Boyd and Clark Tracey on drums, Heather Wrighton on harp, Art Themen on tenor and soprano, Eric Young on percussion, and Warren Hampshire on guitars – all at a level that makes the record the deepest jazz album that Foat has ever given us! Titles include "Pointe Venus", "Mother's Love", "After The Storm", "Island Life", "Man Vs Machine", "Nikinakinu", "Anticipation", and "Symphonie Pacifique". LP, Vinyl record album

The first new music we've heard in years from Afro Funk giant Orlando Julius – wonderfully paired here with the always-great Heliocentrics! Orlando's definitely in the lead here – singing, playing tenor, and contributing percussion to the overall groove of the group – which leans a bit more towards a 70s African vibe than some of their other releases, yet still retains all their wonderful style of psychedelic funk! Some of the rhythms have an Ethiopian sense of slinkiness, while others hit more of a full-on Nigerian groove – and the whole thing's never forced, never gimmicky, and instead just the right sort of setting for Julius to re-emerge as a true giant of his generation. Titles include "Buje Buje", "Love Thy Neighbor", "Aseni", "Sangodele", "Jaiyede Afro", "Omo Oba Blues", "In The Middle", and "Be Counted". LP, Vinyl record album

A stunner of a joint effort from Ethio jazz funk visionary Mulatu Astatke and psych funk genre-busting combo the Heliocentrics – a record we had the highest hopes for and still find wildly above and beyond our loftiest expectations! The collective touch on some classic Mulatu compositions, but the bulk of the material here is brand new, and purely collaborative – if you know the Helioecentrics or you know Mulatu, you can clearly hear what each bring to the table – and it works together brilliantly! There's often a gritty funk bottom end, the best drums and percussion, fat electric bass lines underneath Ethio jazz inspired sax, trumpet, trombone and flute – swirling psychedelic flourishes with theremin and other effects that never take away from the groove. Mulatu's on vibes, percussion, Wurlitzer, drums and keyboards – and his compositions and the Helios trade back and forth throughout the set. There's some additional Ethiopian instrumentation and atmospheric vocals in the mix on some tunes, and more of an astral, avant funk vibe on others, but there's always a brilliant confluence of styles. Bottom line, the album is everything we wanted it to be and more – this will undoubtedly be favorite for years to come! Titles include "Masenqo", "Cha Cha", "Addis Black Widow", "Mulatu", "Blue Nile", "Esketa Dance", "Chik Chikka", "Live From Tiger Lounge", "Chinese New Year", "Phantom Of The Panther", "Dewel"., "Fire In The Zoo", "An Epic Story" and "Anglo Ethio Suite". LP, Vinyl record album

A full three albums by the legendary Pyramids – all packaged together in one complete set, with an unreleased bonus album too! The Pyramids recorded three key records during the 70s – each of them an underground classic, all served up in a wonderful bit of spiritual soul jazz with a really cosmic feel! The group are heavy on percussion and reeds – blending congas and assorted other percussion instruments with soprano sax, alto, and flute – all in a captivating sound that builds up nicely over the course of the album's two long tracks! The music is very organic – never too forced, nor never too far out – and there's a majestic quality to the whole thing, one that really lives up to the group's name and image on the cover. And although the ensemble hail from Ohio – hardly a spot you'd peg for spiritual jazz in the 70s – they're a key link between the early 70s avant movements in Chicago and St Louis, some of the hip grooves in Detroit's Tribe Records scene, and the growing loft jazz movement in New York. The reeds are especially nice – alto sax from Idris Ackamoor and flute from Margo Ackamoor – and all other group members play percussion, and vocalize too – singing along with some of the tunes in chanting, chorus formation, which adds an even further element of soul to the mix. Includes the full albums Lalibela, King Of Kings, and Birth Speed Merging – plus the rare album Live At KQED, recorded by the group in 1975! Great package – features the full albums, plus a 32 page booklet of new notes and rare photos! CD

One of Sun Ra's greatest albums of the 70s – recording during the same sessions that yielded the famous Space Is The Place record for Blue Thumb, and done with a very similar feel – an expansive configuration of the Arkestra in peak form! The range of expression is really incredible – from the spiritual soul jazz of "Pan Afro", to the lightly grooving June Tyson vocals of "Neptune", to the extended suite "Discipline 27-II", a stretched-out spacey number with vocal "dramatizing" by Ra, Tyson, Ruth Wright, and Judith Holton. That track's a particularly great one, with the kind of spiritual resonance behind the spacey approach that rarely comes through as strongly on other albums – but the whole set is wonderful, and judging how reminscient of it some of the best, similarly-minded underground jazz is decades later – the whole thing is an amazing testament to how strong Ra's influence is today. LP, Vinyl record album

An amazing album from Sun Ra – a set that's got some of the same soulful focus as Space Is The Place, and a really surprising sense of groove on many moments! The record's actually a bit funky – if you can believe it – and was recorded with electric keyboards, bass, and guitar (played by the mysterious Disco Kid) – at the studios of Bob Blank, at a time when he was really able to capture the many strands of music that would come together in a performance, then find just the right way to put them over on record! The album was originally dismissed by many Sun Ra fans for being a funk sell-out album – but over the years, it's become a prized album for its cosmic sense of soul and great focus of the group's more far-reaching ideas – and at some level, it's probably the sound that most people imagine the Arkestra to have when they're first starting out, rather than the more avant material that dominates most of their catalog. The whole thing is wonderful – and titles include "That's How I Feel", "Where Pathways Meet", "Twin Stars of Thence", and "There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of)". LP, Vinyl record album

An amazing album from Sun Ra – a set that's got some of the same soulful focus as Space Is The Place, and a really surprising sense of groove on many moments! The record's actually a bit funky – if you can believe it – and was recorded with electric keyboards, bass, and guitar (played by the mysterious Disco Kid) – at the studios of Bob Blank, at a time when he was really able to capture the many strands of music that would come together in a performance, then find just the right way to put them over on record! The album was originally dismissed by many Sun Ra fans for being a funk sell-out album – but over the years, it's become a prized album for its cosmic sense of soul and great focus of the group's more far-reaching ideas – and at some level, it's probably the sound that most people imagine the Arkestra to have when they're first starting out, rather than the more avant material that dominates most of their catalog. The whole thing is wonderful – and titles include "That's How I Feel", "Where Pathways Meet", "Twin Stars of Thence", and "There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of)". Fantastic 2CD version – which includes both the commercial release, and the other mix of the record that Ra issued on Saturn – plus a great booklet of notes. CD

Really fantastic work from the continuing version of Sun Ra's Arkestra led by Marshall Allen – and an album of rich sophistication that definitely shows the mature version of the group really finding their own sense of voice and spirit! There's a laidback take to the music that partly recalls some of the modes that the Arkestra had in their earlier days, when they were exploring some exotica currents mixed with more avant jazz inclinations – although the expression of the sound here is more focused and majestic, with slight string touches blending in with instrumentation of a more jazz-based mode – handled by Marshall Allen on alto and kora, Knoel Scott on tenor and baritone, Michael Ray and Cecil Brooks on trumpets, Dave Davis on trombone, Farid Barron on piano, Dave Hotep on guitar, and Tara Middleton on some mighty nice flute and violin. There's a richness to the sound that comes from all the other players involved in the proceedings – and titles include "Day Of The Living Sky", "Firefly", "Wish Upon A Star", "Chopin", "Marshall's Groove", and "Somebody Else's Idea". CD

A really great collection – five full albums from keyboard giant Patrice Rushen, plus bonus tracks too! First up is Patrice – her first album for Elektra, and a stunning blend of funky jazz and soul! The record really has Patrice stepping out from her earlier years at Prestige – working in some surprisingly great vocals next to tight lines on Fender Rhodes, synth, and clavinet, handled with a smooth and soulful quality that's wonderful all the way through – a blend of soul and jazz that few other players could do this well – no matter how many others tried to copy her style over the years! Rhythms are as hard and heavy as on the Prestige years, and the keyboards have a great sort of focus too – just the right mix of jazz to offset the vocals – which themselves are a wonderful discovery. The whole album's a gem – and tracks include the great funky classic "Hang It Up", plus "Changes (In Your Life)", "When I Found You", "Play", "Didn't You Know?", and "Music Of The Earth". Pizzazz is one of the records that not only helped break her out of the jazz funk ghetto, and right into the mainstream – but a set that also had a pretty profound influence on the progression of soul in the early 80s! Rushen sings as well as plays keyboards – and really pushes the use of jazzy elements that would take R&B to the next level – almost inventing the 80s groove sound in the process! The whole thing's a totally sweet mix of funk and soul, tightened up to get everything in the door at the same time – and titles include "Givin It Up Is Givin Up", "Call On Me", "Haven't You Heard", and "Let The Music Take Me". Posh is 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". Straight From The Heart is 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". The album Now is a masterpiece of 80s groove with lots of jazzy touches! The keyboard sound has evolved a bit here – compressed with more electronic percussion than on Patrice's earlier records, but still done with a degree of soul that sets it apart from work by most of her contemporaries – and the music has this warm flow that really sets Rushen apart from the rest – a sublime mix of soul, funk, and fusion that holds together perfectly throughout! Titles include "Gotta Find It", "Gone With The Night", "My Love's Not Going Anywhere", "High In Me", "To Each His Own", "Heartache Heartbreak", and "Feels So Real". 5CD set features bonus tracks from original 12" singles – and other remixes too! CD

A really great collection – five full albums from keyboard giant Patrice Rushen, plus bonus tracks too! First up is Patrice – her first album for Elektra, and a stunning blend of funky jazz and soul! The record really has Patrice stepping out from her earlier years at Prestige – working in some surprisingly great vocals next to tight lines on Fender Rhodes, synth, and clavinet, handled with a smooth and soulful quality that's wonderful all the way through – a blend of soul and jazz that few other players could do this well – no matter how many others tried to copy her style over the years! Rhythms are as hard and heavy as on the Prestige years, and the keyboards have a great sort of focus too – just the right mix of jazz to offset the vocals – which themselves are a wonderful discovery. The whole album's a gem – and tracks include the great funky classic "Hang It Up", plus "Changes (In Your Life)", "When I Found You", "Play", "Didn't You Know?", and "Music Of The Earth". Pizzazz is one of the records that not only helped break her out of the jazz funk ghetto, and right into the mainstream – but a set that also had a pretty profound influence on the progression of soul in the early 80s! Rushen sings as well as plays keyboards – and really pushes the use of jazzy elements that would take R&B to the next level – almost inventing the 80s groove sound in the process! The whole thing's a totally sweet mix of funk and soul, tightened up to get everything in the door at the same time – and titles include "Givin It Up Is Givin Up", "Call On Me", "Haven't You Heard", and "Let The Music Take Me". Posh is 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". Straight From The Heart is 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". The album Now is a masterpiece of 80s groove with lots of jazzy touches! The keyboard sound has evolved a bit here – compressed with more electronic percussion than on Patrice's earlier records, but still done with a degree of soul that sets it apart from work by most of her contemporaries – and the music has this warm flow that really sets Rushen apart from the rest – a sublime mix of soul, funk, and fusion that holds together perfectly throughout! Titles include "Gotta Find It", "Gone With The Night", "My Love's Not Going Anywhere", "High In Me", "To Each His Own", "Heartache Heartbreak", and "Feels So Real". 5CD set features bonus tracks from original 12" singles – and other remixes too! CD

A sweet set of spiritual jazz funk – a gem of a set from an Ohio group of the 70s, but one that was initially only issued on CD by the Black Fire label many years later! The ensemble's led by singer/pianist Clarence Young – and has a very message-oriented approach – sort of a blend of Roy Ayers-styled jazzy soul with touches of Philly harmony groups, and a bit more of the soul jazz of the Strata East years. Clarence talks his way into few of the cuts – laying down a message, sometimes to some kids – and the way the music builds out of the spoken bits is very nice, and gives the record an intimate sense of purpose that offsets the style of the music beautifully. The group's also got a wonderful vibist – one who really makes some great Roy Ayers inflections on the best cuts – especially those with ensemble vocals. Tracks include "No More Junk", "Black Love", "Children Of Tomorrow's Dreams", and "Puppet". CD

A double-length look at the music of Pat Thomas – a key figure on the scene in Ghana during the 70s, heard here in a variety of settings and styles! The range of sounds promised in the title definitely rings true – as the music starts with early jazzy highlife, then moves through 70s Afro Funk – but Thomas was also always a forward-thinking artist, and some of the final sounds here almost preface changes to come for African artists on the global scene – modes that showcase Pat's work on the European scene after the late 70s coup in Ghana. The vocals are great – as deeply expressive as the rhythms are powerful – and the package features collaborations with Ebo Taylor, work with the famous group Maritata, solo projects, and tracks by the Sweet Beans, Broadway Dance Band, and Ogyatanaa Show Band. Titles include "Super Yaa Amponsah", "Merebre", "Eye Colo", "Yamona", "I Need More", "Who's Free", "Mpaebo", "Revolution", "We Are Coming Home", "Set Me Free", "No Money No Love", "Sack The Devils", "Ma Huno", and "Gyae Su". LP, Vinyl record album

A really riveting collection of music from a scene that we've hardly heard much from before – upbeat grooves from the island nation of Madagascar, all recorded at the end of the 70s and start of the 80s – but with a vibe that sounds much older overall! The one thing that really stands out in a number of these tracks is the strong use of organ and keyboards – often in this full, swirling sort of style – infusing the grooves next to the more familiar percussion and guitar lines you might hear in other African music from the generation – although even those elements are used in ways that are pretty darn unique! The tracks often have this raw intensity that comes from both the instrumentation and the way things are put together – and the whole package is a really refreshing change from other oft-tread musical territory on the continent. Titles include "Mama" by Roger Georges, "Andosy Mora" by Jean Kelly Et Bastn, "Ngoma Hoe" by Papa James, "Izahay Mpamita" by Mahaleo, "Faraina" by Feon'Ala, "Soaliza" by Terak Anosy Group, "Oa Niny E" by Nino Rafah, "Razana Tsy Ho Meloko" by Michael, "Jazz Sega" by Jeannot Rabeson Et Son Orchestre, "Tokatoka" by Kaiamba Orchestra, "Zaka Tiako Mamolaka Keriko" by Atrefy Andriana, and "Andeha Hanarato" by Los Matadores. LP, Vinyl record album

Funky breakbeat madness! This is the follow-up to DJ Pogo's set The Breaks, issued on Harmless a year before this one. The second set's even better – and it's got so many breaks and beats, it's better than swiping one of Kenny Dope's crates! (not something we'd recommend anyway!) There's a total of 14 tracks – including "Stone Thing" by Alvin Cash, "Get Into Something (LP version)" by The Isley Bros, "Funky Buttercup" by Chosen Few, "House Of Rising Funk" by Afrique, "Hot Wheels (The Chase)" by Badder Than Evil, "Jump Street" by Manzel, "Last Night Changed It All (7" version)" by Esther Williams, and lots lots more! Also includes the bonus "Maverick Breaks Mix" by DJ Pogo! A great set, and with some killer funky numbers! CD

Strut again pushes the envelope with this tasty collection of funky tunes! The breakbeat genre's been mined extensively over the past few years by other labels, but this one's got some killer grooves that really haven't shown up on other reissues – including many famous tunes that you'll spot instantly from the drums, guitar, or bass that have been lifted by hip hoppers. Titles include "Instant Whip" by The Tremeloes, "Catch A Groove" by Juice, "Sesso Matto" by Sesso Matto, "Come Dancing" by Jeff Beck, "Shootin The Grease" by Jesse Gresham, "Hot Pants" by The 20th Century, "Tell Me How Do You Feel" by Lee Michaels, "Scratchin" by Magic Disco Machine, "Amen Brother" by The Winstons, "Upstairs On Boston Road (part 1)" by Sammy Gordon & The Hip Huggers, and "Happy Soul (With A Hook)" by Dave Cortez & The Moon People. LP, Vinyl record album

John Sinclair's got his name on the cover, but the real genius on the record comes from the artists within – a mix of talents from the Detroit underground of the 60s and 70s, and some important visitors too – all stepping out here in a set of live recordings that are issued for the first time ever! The material is wonderful – some of it at the level of the Strata Records efforts of Detroit artists, others as a way of hearing some bigger names in a nicely personal, local setting – maybe a bit like the Left Bank recordings from the Baltimore scene in the late 60s. As usual, Strut have done a wonderful job with the whole package – and titles include "Blackjack" and "Cristo Redentor" by Donald Byrd, "Cheeba" and "Help Me Get Away" by Lyman Woodard, "Water Torture" by Bennie Maupin, "Three Flowers" by Charles Moore, "Bees" by Ron English with Lyman Woodard, "Passion Dance" by Teddy Harris, and "Effi" and "The Promise" by the Detroit Contemporary Four, a group that features a young Stanley Cowell on piano! CD

Fresh, wild, fly and bold! Like Ego Trip's Big Playback, this sweet CD reissue accompanies the release of a book, Freddy Fresh's Ultimate Guide To Hip Hop, and documents the sounds of the originators of hip hop – diggin' deep in the crates to come up with some party rockin', good time, old school tracks. Most every cut on here is impossible to get on the original 12" anymore, with very little duplication with other comps, and this set is nicely filled out with notes and photos of the labels of the original releases they were taken from. 26 tracks in all, mixed continuously front to back: Freddy B & The Mighty Mic Masters featuring Captain G Whiz "Coolin On The Ave", Trickeration "Bounce, Rock, Skateroll", Majestic Productions "Drop Method", Something Anything "Monster Rock", Jazzy Jay "Def Jam", Cool C "Juice Crew Dis", Master Jay & Michael Dee "TSOB", Super 3 "Standing On The Top", Knights Of The Turntables "Techno Scratch", Scott La Rock & The Celebrity Three "Advance" and the Disco Three "Human Beat Box". CD

The musical wealth of Nigeria seems to know no bounds – especially when it comes to the worlds of funk and soul-styled records – and you can take it from us that when we're digging for vintage African gems, more than most seem to come from Nigeria in the 70s and 80s! That's why, even into the 4th volume of this excellent series, the whole thing still explodes like a completely fresh discovery of music – filled with songs that we'd not discovered before, many of which have never been reissued either – all pulled together in a beautiful package that offers up enough thoughtful comments on the music to show that the guys at Strut always know where they're going when they reissue rare gems like this! Titles include "Sickness" by Prince Nico Mbarga & Rocafil Jazz, "Africa" by Sina Bakare, "Oni Suru" by Odeyemi, "Onuma Dimnobi" by International Brothers Band, "Kinuye" by Don Bruce & The Angels, "Let Them Say" by Rogana Ottah & His Black Heroes, "Psychedelic Shoes" by Etubom Rex Williams & His Nigerian Artistes, "Iziegbe" by Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Titbitis, "Mundiya Loju" by MA Jaiyesimi & His Crescent Bros Band, "Obonogbozu" by Osayomore Joseph & The Creative 7, "Black Precious Colour" by Felixson Ngasia & The Survivals, and "Special Secret Of Baby" by Saxon Lee & The Shadows International. CD

Legendary reedman Idris Ackamoor is strongly back in action – working here with a new version of his classic Pyramids group from the 70s – with a groove that's every bit as righteous as their classic albums from back in the day! In truth, Ackamoor has been going strongly over the previous few decades – working on the west coast underground in a mode that's every bit as spiritual and righteous as his more famous material – which means that this new set is hardly some rescue from obscurity, and more just a focus of the spotlight on all the great sounds that Idris has been giving us on his self-released CDs! Yet this new album is definitely something extra-special, too – as Strut have given Ackamoore a real chance to open up with a group that also features the great Babatunde Lea on percussion, as well as two female singers who really help deliver the message in the music. Iris himself plays alto and tenor – and titles include "Rhapsody In Berlin", "Whispering Tenderness", "Clarion Call", "Traponga", "We Be All Africans", "Epiphany", and "Silent Days". CD

The solo debut of Juanita Euka, a singer you might know for her fantastic contributions to the London Afrobeat Collective and other groups – yet clearly an artist waiting to shine in the spotlight on her own! Euka is Congolese, but raised in Argentina – and given her recent work on the London scene, she's clearly got a globe's worth of influence in her music – effortlessly mixing languages and styles on the cuts in the set – which often have a mix of contemporary funk and older roots, but with all these wonderful instrumental twists and turns along the way! Guitarist Greg Sanders had a big part in the sound of the record, but it's really the warmth of Juanita's vocals that send the whole thing home – on titles that include "Bano De Oro", "Motema", "Alma Seca", "Mboka Moko", "For All It's Worth", "Blood", "Irresolute", "War Is Over", and "Suenos De Libertad". LP, Vinyl record album

Some of the most righteous and furiously funky Afro Soul since Fela Kuti's prime – and it's beyond appropriate for such a committed, perfect personification of a classic sound via a modern player come from Fela's own son Seun! As strident as Seun's approach is, much like his father at his best, the call for revolution is as personal and soulful as it is political – this is a universal that's as riveting as you'd hope. Joined by veterans of the Egypt 80 band that Fela helped form back in the day, and featuring guests as legendary as Carlos Santana – who sounds SO good in a supporting roll on an Afro Soul tune – and modern soul jazz heavy Robert Glasper, this is among the finest new albums on the Strut label in years. Includes "Last Revolutionary", "Black Times" feat Carlos Santana, "Corporate Public Control Department (CPCD)", "Kuku Kee Me", "Bad Man Lighter (BML)", "African Dreams", "Struggle Sounds" and "Theory Of Goat And Yam". LP, Vinyl record album

A really obscure set from legendary reedman Byard Lancaster – a set that was issued late in the history of the spiritual jazz label Black Fire, but one that's every bit as essential as their music from the 70s! Lancaster works here often with just a bit of percussion in the background – handled by a few contemporaries on the Philly scene, plus the Drummers From Ibadan – usually with just spare rhythms that have Byard soloing strongly on flute or saxophones – sometimes in a mode that's very spiritual, other times with more of a 70s sort of loft jazz vibe! The whole thing is great – a key lost chapter in both the career of Byard Lancaster, and the Black Fire label – and a set that was missed by many at the time, as it was only issued on CD. Titles include "Afro Space", "Drummers From Ibadan", "My Pure Joy", "Sweet Evil", "Philadelphia Savage", "Lancaster Brand Notes", and "Newest African Cities". CD

A pair of rare albums from the legendary Mulatu Astatke – back to back on a single CD! First up is Afro Latin Soul Vol 1 – pure insanity from the mighty Mulatu – one of his few American albums from the 60s! The record's an incredible blend of New York Latin and some of the more Afro-styled grooves Mulatu explored more freely on his Ethiopian recordings – served up in a jazzy style that has plenty of vibes in the mix, and lots of percussion at the bottom! The record is a treasure throughout – other-worldly, yet still very hip and swinging – a mysterious bridge between Latin America and Africa, suspended on waves of wonderful sound! Titles include "Shagu", "Mascaram Setaba", "Almaz", "Mulatu's Hideaway", "Askum", "Playboy Cha Cha", and "One For Buzayhew". Afro Latin Soul is rare early work from Mulatu Astatke – material recorded in America, in the years before Mulatu returned to his Ethiopian homeland, and really set the scene on fire! The style here is a mix of Latin jazz with some more exotic elements – played by a combo that features Mulatu on vibes, alongside bass, congas, and timbales – plus a bit of trumpet and piano! The main groove, though, is heavy on vibes – handled with a very sharp tone, in a way that makes the music groove like some of the best 60s Latin Jazz albums by artists like Louie Ramirez or Pete Terrace. Titles include "The Panther", "Girl From Addis Ababa", "Raina", "Love Mood For Two", "Soul Power", "Konjit", and "Karayu". CD

Amazing work from the legendary Mulatu Astatke – one of Ethiopia's funkiest musicians of the 70s, making a rare appearance here on this lost American recording! The album has been a holy grail for years amongst beatheads – loved for its killer blend of weird rhythms, sweet funk, and super-dope vibes – and the grooves on the set are really unique – slow, snakey, and with a sinister, almost other-worldly feel. There's not nearly as much vibes on Mulatu's Ethiopian recordings – and their appearance here really gives the set a nice American sort of twist – almost Roy Ayers meets Sun Ra with a hot dose of African funk thrown in for good measure! Titles include "Chifara", "Munaye", "Kaselefkut-Hulu", "Mascaram Setaba", and "Mulatu". CD

The first album in many years from legendary Brazilian singer Flora Purim – and a set that's maybe one of the best of her career – done in this soaring, free-spirited style that really takes us back to the qualities that always set Flora apart from the rest! Daughter Diana Purim sings on the album's title track – but honestly, it's Flora's vocals that really make the record shine – every bit as soaring as ever, but also with this sense of maturity that makes her interpretation of the lyrics even more powerful than we might have expected – as she steps out in a jazzy setting that includes plenty of Fender Rhodes, bass, and guitar – and all the percussion you might expect from longtime partner Airto! There's a Cali meets Brazil vibe going on that's really wonderful – kind of at the apex of work that Flora was giving us back in the 70s – and titles include "If You Will", "A Flor Da Vida", "Newspaper Girl", "Dandara", "Zahuroo", "Lucidez", "This Is Me", and a nice remake of "500 Miles High". CD

The first album in many years from legendary Brazilian singer Flora Purim – and a set that's maybe one of the best of her career – done in this soaring, free-spirited style that really takes us back to the qualities that always set Flora apart from the rest! Daughter Diana Purim sings on the album's title track – but honestly, it's Flora's vocals that really make the record shine – every bit as soaring as ever, but also with this sense of maturity that makes her interpretation of the lyrics even more powerful than we might have expected – as she steps out in a jazzy setting that includes plenty of Fender Rhodes, bass, and guitar – and all the percussion you might expect from longtime partner Airto! There's a Cali meets Brazil vibe going on that's really wonderful – kind of at the apex of work that Flora was giving us back in the 70s – and titles include "If You Will", "A Flor Da Vida", "Newspaper Girl", "Dandara", "Zahuroo", "Lucidez", "This Is Me", and a nice remake of "500 Miles High". LP, Vinyl record album

A full three albums by the legendary Pyramids – all packaged together in one complete set, with an unreleased bonus album too! The Pyramids recorded three key records during the 70s – each of them an underground classic, all served up in a wonderful bit of spiritual soul jazz with a really cosmic feel! The group are heavy on percussion and reeds – blending congas and assorted other percussion instruments with soprano sax, alto, and flute – all in a captivating sound that builds up nicely over the course of the album's two long tracks! The music is very organic – never too forced, nor never too far out – and there's a majestic quality to the whole thing, one that really lives up to the group's name and image on the cover. And although the ensemble hail from Ohio – hardly a spot you'd peg for spiritual jazz in the 70s – they're a key link between the early 70s avant movements in Chicago and St Louis, some of the hip grooves in Detroit's Tribe Records scene, and the growing loft jazz movement in New York. The reeds are especially nice – alto sax from Idris Ackamoor and flute from Margo Ackamoor – and all other group members play percussion, and vocalize too – singing along with some of the tunes in chanting, chorus formation, which adds an even further element of soul to the mix. Includes the full albums Lalibela, King Of Kings, and Birth Speed Merging – plus the rare album Live At KQED, recorded by the group in 1975! LP, Vinyl record album

Sun Ra left the planet a few decades ago, but his Arkestra has been going strong – really carrying the torch that the great one kept burning – and stepping out here in their first studio album in 20 years! The record is really something special – that core Sun Ra spirit, but taken in righteous territory that shows just how much the group has evolved in his absence – still with alto saxophonist Marshall Allen as the leader, but a combination of classic Arkestra members and younger musicians who have really helped continue that legacy of mentorship and spiritual exploration that was always the greater mission of the ensemble. The production is great – never too commercial, and handled brilliantly to capture the spirit of the group at their most expressive – with a lineup that also features Knoel Scott on alto, James Stewart on tenor and flute, Michael Ray and Cecil Brooks on trumpets, Vincent Chancey on French horn, Farid Barron on piano, Dave Hotep on guitar, Akatunde and Elso Nascimento on percussion, and Tara Middleton on vocals and violin. Titles include "Sea Of Darkness/Darkness", "Swirling", "Seductive Fantasy", "Sunology", "Door Of The Cosmos/Shy", "Satellites Are Spinning/Lights On A Satellite", "Infinity/I'll Wait For You", and "Angels & Demons At Play". CD

Really unique recordings from the Sun Ra Arkestra – material recorded in Egypt in 1983 – juxtaposed with sessions from percussionist Salah Ragab and the Cairo Jazz Band! The work here has much more of a "jazz meets world" sound than some of Ra's other recordings – and most tracks are extremely melodic and rhythmic – in a way that mixes Eastern instrumentation and themes with some of the more familiar Arkestra modes – a sound that takes the Sun Ra groove one step further, and which sounds totally sublime! Highlights include the groover "Egypt Strut", the flute-heavy "Oriental Mood", and beautiful "Dawn". Really great stuff – and a key glimpse at this rare slice of Ra's career! CD

A sweet bit of spiritual jazz from the legendary Black Fire scene – the only record ever cut by this group, but a set that stands up strongly next to the label's famous work by Oneness Of Juju!! Southern Energy Ensemble were one of the super-hip combos on the righteous side of the DC scene of the 70s – and they effortlessly mix together jazz, funk, soul, and Afro-styled rhythms – in a style that was light years ahead of its time, and finally getting full exposure years later. If you need a reference point, think Earth Wind & Fire in their best spiritual early years – but also imagine a looser, freer approach to the music – the currents of Oneness Of Juju too. Titles include "See Funk", "Third House", "Open Your Mind", and "Looking Ahead". CD

Great Ghana grooves from Ebo Taylor – a tremendous collection of his funkiest 70s work – and a much-needed reintroduction of his talents to the world at large! Much of the music here has strong links with more familiar Afro Funk – but the overall approach is often a bit unique, too – lots more guitar in the rhythms at times, in ways that echo the lighter lyricism of highlife, yet all without losing the commitment to bottom sounds that made 70s changes in African music so great! The package does a great job of archaeology – bringing together not just cuts recorded under Taylor's own name, but also work with other groups too – all in a set that offers plenty in the way of notes and historical details, too. 2CD set features 16 titles that include "Heaven", "Aba Yaa", "Atwer Abroba", and "Peace On Earth" by Ebo Taylor, "Tamfo Nyi Akyir" by Apagya Showband, "Ohiani Sua Efir" by Asasse Ase, "Ene Nyame Nam A Mensuor" by Pat Thomas & Ebo Taylor, "Egya Edu" by Ebo Taylor & The Pelikans, and "Love & Death" by Ebo Taylor & Uhuru Yenzu. CD

A return to greatness for the legendary Tribe Records scene in Detroit – an underground movement that gave us some spiritual jazz classics in the 70s – then kept on making wonderful music at an even more underground level as the years went on! This set is a collection of work from three rare recordings issued during that time – all on CD only, and representing a maybe even more obscure side of this legacy than the Tribe albums of the 70s! First up is trombonist Phil Ranelin – heading up a group that includes Wendell Harrison on tenor and Marcus Belgrave on trumpet – two key Tribe partners from the early years – really stretching out on the titles "He The One We All Knew" and "Freddie's Groove", both recorded in 1990. Next is material from a 1995 performance led by pianist Harold McKinney – a set that's got an incredible depth of imagination and soul, almost as much as Harold McKinney's work of years back! The group is a wonderfully hip one – with former Tribe artists Wendell Harrison on tenor and clarinet and Marcus Belgrave on trumpet – plus additional players who include Kiane Zawadi on trombone, Reggie Workman on bass, Francisco Mora on percussion, and Jimmy Owens on trumpet. There's a bit of vocals, but never that much – and most tracks are long and open – freely exploratory, but never too far out or avant-styled – just soulful and spiritual, in the true Tribe Records tradition! Titles include "Wide & Blue", "The Slave Ship Enterprise", "Juba", "Libra Ahora", and "Conjure Man". Last is a set of tracks recorded in 2014 by keyboardist Pamela Wise – a record that really carries forward the Tribe Records spirit from the 70s! The overall approach is a bit more contemporary, but the set's still got all the best feel of a classic indie album from the underground – played and penned by Wise in close collaboration with reedman Wendell Harrison, a frequent partner of Pamela's on a variety of projects, and one of the driving forces of Tribe back in the day! Wise plays both acoustic and electric keyboards, and sometimes sings just slightly – although most of the album is instrumental – and in addition to Harrison's work on tenor and bass clarinet, the album features trumpet, guitar, and lots of percussion. Titles include "Ode To Black Mothers", "Hometown", and "Marcus Garvey". CD

Sweet soul from the Hawaii scene of the 70s – a surprisingly strong source of well-crafted, warmly-produced grooves – all with a special sort of sparkle that reminds us a lot of the best Bay Area or LA sounds of the time! There's a sunny vibe to the music that really belies its roots – a blend of jazz, soul, funk, and more – all handled with production that's few notches down from the slicker AOR material of the period, which still lets all the more soulful currents shine through nicely – and which keeps all this stuff from ever sounding too commercial. Given the cultural cross-currents taking place on the islands at the time, there's a surprising mix of backgrounds to some of these groups – which results in a unique sound that's nicely colorblind, and which stands as a bit of a contrast to some of the more defined scenes on the mainland. As always with Strut Records, the track selection and presentation is wonderful – with plenty of notes that illuminate the music – and titles include "Sparkle" by Greenwood, "Get That Happy Feeling" by Lemuria, "Countryside Beauty" by Tender Leaf, "Yesterday's Love" by Aura, "Kawaihae" by Brother Noland, "Feel Like Getting Down" by Nova, "Love One Another" by Mike Lundy, "Coast To Coast" by Rockwell Fukino, and "Call Me" by Hal Bradbury. CD