Hip-Hop News

In about 2003 I did some work for Deepfunk and Northern Soul Legend Keb Darge and as was the way back then I received payment in vinyl. Included in the pile was this little Detroit number which I instantly fell in love with.

In 1980 David Mcmurray and Adell Shavers and David McMurray, who went on to be a member of 80's hit band 'Was Not Was', wrote and produced this Amazing Detroit Modern/Boogie 45 which for some reason suffered the same fate of many of "AOTN" releases and disappeared from history. But thanks to the generation of collectors before me this gem sat safely in Northern collection such as Keb's for years waiting for its day in the sun. It only got limited play but recently the record has had a resurgence in popularity and value which it deserves.

After a tip off about Jason Stirland, from Soulstax Records, I found David McMurray and it was wonderful to find he was keen to help me bring this wonderful 45 back into the limelight. So here we are...

Spring has finally landed and we have the perfect soundtrack for those long sunny afternoon in the park. We are glad to present Explorer of the Humankind for his first release with us. Starting with Stars in her eyes, a gentle track where the Lyon newcomer use his voice as well as real drums for a smooth listening-experience. Following in the same vein but a touch more upbeat is Just a Tool, a more playful funk-inspired piece. Closing the a-side, Share the Love takes the tempo a bit higher and and shifts toward more club-friendly territories, houses goodness.

Turn that disc and get awake for I Know, a disco-edit piece with trace of french heritage and filter action. Lastly, Deep Inside takes us into a gentle profound dreamy state, moving more on the inside than with the feet.

The 360 Band name may not be familiar to everyone just yet, but anyone who loves good music has probably listened to Molly Duncan, Steve Ferrone and Hamish Stuart at some point - knowingly or otherwise. Molly, Steve and Hamish have individually and collectively played on recordings that have
achieved combined sales approaching 30 million units and were all long-standing members of the original Average White Band - the infuential UK band who conquered the world during the seventies and early eighties.
After the demise of The Average White Band in 1982, Molly, Steve and Hamish went on to work with a stellar list of globally renowned artists including: Atlantic Starr, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, George Benson, Diana Ross, Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Eric Clapton, The Bee Gees, Whitney Houston and Tom Petty. The dynamic trio reunite after a long break to deliver a superb album. Aided and abetted by some of the UK's most talented and respected musicians including: Steve Pearce, Adam Phillips, Ross Stanley, Andy Caine, Jim Watson, Danny Cummings, Tom Walsh, Neil Sidwell and Hamish's daughter: Emma (backing vocals) - Molly, Steve and Hamish have produced a record of outstanding quality. The stunning new
album entitled: '360' represents a real return to the groove-laden soulful sounds that so many people have come to know and love.

This LP is here to make party!
All actually styles are presents.
Must Have! and Dance!

Screaming ‘lo-fi’ Soul / R’n’B crossover and super rare on original press.

Here are the two rarest Cobra releases finally reproduced on 45’s – short run, get ‘em while you can!

Arnheim presents rhode heavy fourth release on his own imprint, featuring London based musicians Phil Rose & Johannes Sahmland-Bowling.

In 2009, a group of seasoned funk and soul session musicians joined forces to record a rousing rhythm & blues-meets-funk cover version of Duffy's 2007 single "Mercy" making it a timeless version & feel good classic. Subsequently released on both Tri Sound and Acid Jazz, the track has become a must-have for soul DJs ever since. Sounding as though it might have been recorded in the late 60's it has a powerful funk driving backbeat ,thumping bass, soaring male soul vocal and screaming swirling Hammond organ.

This is the double LP format of the recently released #1 album from J Hus (CD was released February 7th). A 14 track album featuring collaberations with Burna Boy, Icee TMG, Koffee and Ela Mai. Ongoing promo/marketing activity.

Dr Rubberfunk might not be medically trained, but he does know a thing or two about treating your ears, as he returns with his fourth album 'My Life at 45'. The eagle eyed will have spotted the connection to the good Doctor's second album – 'My Life at 33' - and fans can do their own maths as to when they should expect the final RPM-punning release in the trilogy.

Having established himself in funk, soul, blues and jazz circles with a ton of high calibre releases, the good doctor holds a reputation for quality productions, with a hands-on approach, both in front of, and behind the mixing desk, as an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and producer.

The new album brings together stunning vocals from John Turrell, Izo FitzRoy and Stephanie Whitelock, whilst the instrumental tracks, showcasing the talents of long-time collaborators Jim Oliver, Jonathon James and Ben Castle, make it clear just what a crack production outfit the Doctor has put together. Got a lovely quote from Fatboy Slim: "Very soulful. Doesn't sound too retro. Just fabulous...."

UK Radio support has come in from BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music from Craig Charles (Spot play Trunk of Funk feature), Huey Morgan, Rylan and Paddy O'Connell. US Radio on KCRW from Jose Galvan, Karene Daniel and Garth Trinidad.

WW Specialist plays have come in on WWFM, JazzFM, Radio Krimi, Solar Radio, Radio 1 Prague, WMPG, Milk n Chocolate, Rai 1 Italy, KaneFM, Cannibal Radio, Radio Z Nurenburg and Radio Nova Portugal

Press: Bandcamp: New & Notable, 45Live, Sphere Of Hip Hop, Word Is Bond, The Dutch Guy, Last Day Deaf, Monkeyboxing, Flea Market Funk, Staccatofy, The Find Mag.

DJ support from Fatboy Slim, Laurent Garnier, Dj Yoda, Renegades of Jazz, DJ Andy Smith, Auntie Flo, Doc Scott, Smoove, Chicken Brothers, Crazy P, Satin Jackets, Marc Hype, Mr Benn, Mat The Alien, Basement Freaks, Renegades Of Jazz, The Allergies, Hint,

Tape / Cassette
Tape Manchester & UK club institution Swing Ting cap a decade of productions and parties with super sweet debut album ‘100 Dances’ - titled after their admirable tally of raves around the city since 2009.
Fronted by hyper-connector Balraj Samrai and accomplice Ruben Platt, the Swing Ting family spans vocalists, producers, toasters and DJs, many of whom appear in some form on ‘100 Dances’.
Taking in early doors warm-up vibes, thru to peaktime steppers, all in the bright and neveraggy style they’ve made their own, the album speaks directly to the good times vibe that Swing Ting cultivated in every aspect of their output, always prizing positivity over nastiness (although their dances weren’t shy of rowdiness, now and then). It’s a dead sweet send off to one period in their rule, distilling the vibe to preserve it for future consumption.
Save for the blissed titular opener, it’s an entirely vocal-led affair, much like their dances.
Trusty host Fox graces the ‘90s R&B hustle of ‘Coming Through’ alongside Evabee and K S R , and Equiknoxx’s Shanique Marie lights up the head high bashment closer, ‘Give Thanks’, while Manchester legend Trigga voices the ruder bubble of ‘Swagger’, and Midlands don RTKal shares the mic with Poppy Roberts’ Lovescene on the romantic flex of ‘Feel It’. But perhaps our favourites are the low key burn of ‘Drama’ featuring near-ASMR levels of soulful chills from Thai-Chi Rose’s, or the exceedingly deft touch of ‘Like You Know’ with Dublin’s Gemma Dunleavy.
Since they started up in a sweaty basement in 2008, and nearly ended this writer’s days with a toppling speaker cab in a Chinese karaoke bar in 2009, Swing Ting have long held an admirable line between Manchester’s UK urban heritage and and up-to-the-second waves from Africa, the Caribbean, and the US in a way that’s entirely, humbly inclusive, not exclusive: a lesson that can be learned by too many new promoters who take, take, take and rarely give back as much as these guys.

"In The Pocket" - A library record containing 16 drum breaks, compositions w/ stems & misc percussion. Recorded to a Raindirk Audio Symphony LN2 console on to 1/2" tape, then mixed and mastered.

The digital version contains bonus breaks and stems.

"As a sampling artist, I'm always looking for breaks or for that matter any kind of drum hit to use. There's something about those textures and natural harmonics you get from sampling vinyl that you just can't beat, so when Dan asked if I'd be interested in putting a library record together for KingUnderground, it was a no brainer!"

"I was lucky enough to grow up on a beautiful farm in Suffolk and when I was a teenager my dad bought a second-hand snooker table that we set up in the same room as the drum kit. So the theme for this was easy, Snooker/Breaks. Since my childhood, these two things have been synonymous." – Jonny Drop

Originally released in 2008 as a limited edition CD. ‘Sniper Beats’ is now finally available on vinyl from KingUnderground. ‘Sniper Beats - Underscores for Drama & Action’ Contains 13 instrumental tracks from Mr Parker’s vast production collection. Each track was originally selected by Lewis and recorded raw, straight out of the SP-1200 (with no external samplers involved). Those same tracks have now been remastered for this much anticipated vinyl release.

GRAMMY award-winning musician and producer "Anna Wise" has announced her forthcoming debut album, As If It Were Forever, out October 18 via Alpha Pup Records, along with a new alt-R&B single "Nerve," which was written in a single evening. Anna Wise shares, "I created 'Nerve' with Jon Bap and Nick Hakim in a single evening in Brooklyn, NY.

Sometimes words and melodies flow out so fast, it's best to have all your tools ready to catch the ideas before they leave you and tap on the next person's shoulder. I had all my tools ready that night, and I'm grateful. Lyrically, it's about spring cleaning your relationships and not being afraid of letting go. Typical, I know, but it's a lesson I am still learning."

As If It Were Forever finds Anna Wise joined by collaborators including: Little Simz, Jon Bap, Nick Hakim, Denzel Curry, Gwen Bunn, Mndsgn, Carter Lang, Jake Sherman, Pink Siifu, Sid Sriram, Jonathan Ellington, Simon Mavin, Paul Bender, Zeke Mishanec, and Dane Orr. Leading up to this album, Anna Wise released five projects as part of experimental R&B bedroom pop outfit Sonnymoon before independently releasing her debut solo EP, The Feminine: Act 1, in 2016.

The EP was met with praise from Pitchfork, The Fader, and more for the confrontational, viral anthem "BitchSlut," while "Precious Possession" scored an unforgettable moment on Netflix's Dear White People. Wise's second EP, The Feminine: Act 2 followed in 2017 to features from NPR and Beats 1, with single "Some Mistakes" hand-picked by Sir Elton John. Shows on Netflix, HBO and OWN have since utilized her contemporary sound. Wise is also a collaborator of Kendrick Lamar, having appeared on each of his projects since Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, and received a GRAMMY for Best Rap/Sung Performance for her collaboration with Lamar on "These Walls."

In support of As If It Were Forever, Wise will be bringing her captivating live performance to New York City and Atlanta this fall.

First Word Records continues its series of special collaborative releases for it's 15th anniversary with an absolutely firing double-header from 14KT and Tall Black Guy.
On this limited 7" vinyl, the two renowned US beat-makers revisit two of their previous First Word singles, turning out flips of each other's tracks, also featuring a multitude of talent, in the form of Moonchild, Muhsinah, Stro Elliot and James Poyser of The Roots.

Following on from the first volume in 14KT's jazz project 'IAMABEENIE', here he flips TBG and Moonchild's collab, 'I Will Never Know', originally from Tall Black Guy's 2017 sophomore album 'Let's Take A Trip'. The original neo-soul bump is transformed into a deliciously epic latin affair, drenched with deep Brazilian vibes throughout - this is one to draw for at those steamy get-downs; a slinky slab of dancefloor fire.

Tall Black Guy returns to First Word for the first time in a minute, and takes on the Muhsinah-lead joint 'The Power Of Same', the lead single from 14KT's 2019 acclaimed album, 'For My Sanity'.

As to be expected, TBG delivers his unmistakable blend of dope dubbed-out spacey soul and boom bap kicks & snares, complete with guitar licks from Stro Elliot, and keys from James Poyser. Two of the dopest producers in the game, this one is completely 1000% essential.

Musical maverick and interstellar comedian George Clinton changed the shape of modern
funk with his Parliament and P Funk projects, the first yielding a harder-edged somewhat
more traditional form of funk, the latter a goofy, loose and sloppily playful Afrofuturist take
on funk innovation. The live shows always stretched the boundaries of plausibility, as well as
musical contours, with our hero beaming himself on stage from a massive “mothership” to
deliver an excessive funk tour-de-force. Make My Funk The P-Funk takes its name from the
group’s ubiquitous catchphrase and the tracks are drawn from various live performances
stretching from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, and there are some studio recordings as
well, such as the instrumental “Good Love.”

Floating Points reissues rare '70s soul album, Tomorrow's People's Open Soul. The collector's favourite will be available for the first time in 40 years via Melodies International.
Melodies International proudly expand their catalogue of rare soul gems with another carefully crafted reissue, complete with full 16 page Melozine. This time it's the spellbinding Tomorrow's People album: Open Soul which was originally released in 1976. Deep in South Chicago, a band of four brothers raised on doo-wop and flea-market instruments made a record during the mid 70s that did not only mark a seminal point in their youthful careers, but would go on to become a true collector's favourite. Open Soul is quite simply one of the best examples of raw, stripped down soul in its purest form, and for this reason has become a highly sought after rarity. The album has been carefully reproduced and will be officially available for the first time in 40 Years, this time accompanied by an interview with one of the original brothers, various Tomorrow's People memorabilia and a number of other contributions from Melodies' friends around the world."

2019's breakout album 'Part Time Millionaire' saw multi-instrumentalist Flevans develop his writing to incorporate a more song-based approach than his previous beat smith leanings - this certainly proved to be a positive step, earning him some new, high-profile fans including Zoe Ball, Don Letts and Craig Charles.

He's now taken that same approach even further with his latest studio album 'Accumulate' out at the beginning of May 2020.

The title came around from the repeated mantra of 'speculate to accumulate' (which loosely translates as roll the dice, have a gamble) that kept cropping up during an in-depth recording process that saw Flevans drop everything to completely commit all his focus to the project and to push his sound in new directions.

And it proved an appropriate one, as when the fruits of his labour became fully formed it was clear there was a much more varied sonic palette than any previous work. Gathering up all his favourite styles - funk, soul, disco, house, quirky pop and cinematic sounds, Flevans has created an album that draws from all but is still undeniably his own.

Working with a crack team of collaborators he's served up another absolute gem of a record that is more lyrical than any of his work before. One of the stars of the last album - Laura Vane (MJ Cole, Cee Lo Green) returns to the fold to front four tracks with her versatile and powerful vocal.

Label mate, Smoove & Turrell front man, and all–round Geordie extraordinaire John Turrell also gets to flex his tones on the wonderfully upbeat northern soul gem 'Silly Games'. Plus there are two unique cuts with the mysterious Scooby Jones, a man who has worked and toured with acts as diverse as Ed Sheeran, The Black Eyed Peas, Craig David and more.

And, for the fans that go way back, there's a couple of classic dancefloor-ready Flevans instrumentals in there for good measure. Really, there's no gamble here, just another killer LP - Flevans has speculated, so you can accumulate!

Roachford, whose most famous song Cuddly Toy has been a mainstay of radio airplay for over three decades now, is back and about to release what is assuredly the best album of his career in Twice in a Lifetime.

Twice in a Lifetime is the album he’s been gearing up to make for decades. It’s the sound of someone at the top of their game, of one who knows his craft inside out. Produced by Grammy award winning Jimmy Hogarth, who has previously worked with Paolo Nutini, Duffy and Amy Winehouse, and featuring several members of Winehouse’s band, it’s full of grit and the most
Overview:

Roachford, whose most famous song Cuddly Toy has been a mainstay of radio airplay for over three decades now, is back and about to release what is assuredly the best album of his career in Twice in a Lifetime.

Twice in a Lifetime is the album he’s been gearing up to make for decades. It’s the sound of someone at the top of their game, of one who knows his craft inside out. Produced by Grammy award winning Jimmy Hogarth, who has previously worked with Paolo Nutini, Duffy and Amy Winehouse, and featuring several members of Winehouse’s band, it’s full of grit and the most tremendous sonic energy, tracks like Are You Satisfied? throbbing with Stax-era musicality and soul. Lyrically, meanwhile, the album reveals an artist who has unambiguously Lived A Life.


Since Cuddly Toy reached number four in the charts back in 1988 - when, at it's peak, it was selling 33,000 copies a day - Andrew Roachford has carved out a career for himself as one of the most compelling, and consistent, rock and soul artists the UK has produced. He has released 10 studio albums, several greatest hits collections, has been approached to write for various other artists including Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson and Joss Stone, and toured with contemporaries including Terence Trent D’Arby and The Christians. For the past nine years, he has been part of Mike + the Mechanics, recording with Mike Rutherford’s post-Genesis band, playing live with them across the world.

He is someone who channels the energy of James Brown before going on stage each night, and who, on record, summons up the spirit of everyone from Al Green to Joe Cocker. When he sings, you listen.

2x12″ in Printed 5mm Spined Sleeve. Features unreleased tracks/remixes from Louie Vega, Jovonn, Sean McCabe, 95 North & Black Sonics

Stop everything you're about to do and take a hit of Diazpora's new Album "Ping Pong Powerplay" now. Vast amounts of dopamine will be released as the needle hits the groove. Problems will disappear, heartache will crumble and legs going to move.

With its ten modern songs built upon solid funk tradition, this album helps you get on the good foot! All songs were recorded in Diazpora's "Monopalast" rehearsal studio in Hamburg, straight after the writing process, keeping it fresh, edgy and simple. The songs range from dancefloor tracks Diazpora is so known for, to heartfelt ballads, using Ping Pong as an olympic metaphor for life. Still in the game after countless years, Diazpora once more show nothing but love to their audience and THE FUNK with this latest release.Ping Pong Powerplay!

‘Friday Forever’ is the second album from multi-artist project
Everything Is Recorded, helmed by producer artist Richard Russell.
This follows the critically acclaimed and Mercury Music Prize
nominated debut of 2018, ‘Everything Is Recorded’ by Richard
Russell.
 ‘Friday Forever’ takes on a multi-lensed perspective of a classic night
out, followed closely by the sobering reflections of the next morning.
 The album features an array of new collaborators - in British rappers
Aitch, FLOHIO and Berwyn, Irish singer songwriters Maria Somerville
and Kean Kavanagh, the inimitable voices of A.K. Paul, James
Massiah and returning vocalist Infinite Coles - as well as established
names like Ghostface Killah and Penny Rimbaud.
 Also released in April 2020, via White Rabbit, Richard Russell’s
‘Liberation Through Hearing’ - available in hardback, ebook, audio - is
a spiritual journey through music by the Mercury Prize nominated
musician and the man behind some of the world’s biggest recording
artists including Adele, Dizzee Rascal and The Prodigy. ‘Liberation
Through Hearing’ sees Richard Russell telling the remarkable story of
XL Recordings and their three decades on the frontline of innovation
in music; the eclectic chorus of artists who came to define the label’s
unique aesthetic and Russell’s own story; his highs and lows steering
the fortunes of an independent label in a rapidly changing industry,
his celebrated production work with Bobby Womack and Gil ScottHeron on their late-career masterpieces and his own development as
an artist as Everything Is Recorded.
 Always searching for news sounds and new truths, ‘Liberation
Through Hearing’ is a portrait of a man who believes in the spiritual
power of music to change reality. It is also the story of a record label
that refused to be categorised by genre and in the process cut an
idiosyncratic groove which was often underground in feel but
mainstream in impact.
 “Writing this book was an opportunity for me to reflect on the last
few decades. I hope people will get something from it. I’ve tried not
to compromise in anything I’ve done, and that includes writing
‘Liberation Through Hearing’” - Richard Russell

As a little treat for Valentines Day, a double AA-side single from Manchester hip hop soul heavyweights, Children of Zeus. Two non-album loosies get an official release on First Word on this, their 5th
7" vinyl single release.

First up, there's some classic vintage soul vibes on the slinkily smooth sounds of 'Royal', which first appeared as a free download on Valentines Day last year. The inimitable vocals of Tyler Daley saunter atop a truly regal break on this essential slow jam - perfect quiet storm business.

On the flip, a more contemporary jam sitting somewhere in the cracks between neo-soul, new jack swing and hip hop, as CoZ do so well, on the uplifting new year, new mantra of 'Get What's Yours', which previously appeared on First Word Records' free annual compilation 'Two Syllables'. A future anthem, for sure.

2020 is set to be another busy year for Konny Kon & Tyler Daley. As they continue to rock shows across the globe, they are busily working on their second official album, set to land before the year is out.

Please note, neither of these tracks will appear on any album in the future, and will ONLY be available on this very limited edition dinked 7" single.

Both joints are already being bumped far & wide by the usual selectors.

Don't get royally left behind, make sure you get what's yours…

The longtime portuguese dj-producer Dedy Dread lands on DJ's CHOICE label for his first full-on original production. "Don't Wanna Wake Up" kicks off the collaboration with the soulful Hawaiian-born singer Olivia Ruff, a velvety warm r'n'b banger which will certainly tear through the airwaves. On the flip side, a "bikini-dub" version by The Rebel – helped by the sax of Danilo Desideri (Funkallisto) – which will make you wish summer comes sooner rather than later.

Imagine standing on an empty room. Nothing seems to be moving. There is not a single noise there. Just a wooden door. You it and you find a space full of color, movement. You can see a few bodies swaying. You can hear clearly a melody. A beautiful vocal. Several palm trees arise. You find yourself in the middle of one of the most beautiful paradises on earth, Martinique Island.

What you are hearing is Raphäel Toiné’s “Ce Ta Ou / Sud Africa Révolution”, one of the most gorgeous Zouk albums ever made. Funk arrangements, fat bass & crazy synths all melt together in a record that transports the dancer to a remote piece of land in the middle of the Caribbean.

This rare afro-boogie and Zouk synth funky LP was recorded in Switzerland in 1986 by this incredible artist that knew how to condense the vibe and lifestyle of a region in a piece of black gold.

"Dread vibrations” or “Sortilège”, two of the seven cuts that compose this work are both ready to delight a listener on the prettiest sun rise as well as make dancers drool at the end of a three-day festival. "Femmes pays douces" is an impressive exercise where vocals decorate a melodic instrumentation that could be listened in loop forever. "Bizness a Bangkok" is a synth and jazzy masterpiece that captures the 80s pure essence and brings peace to the body and mind.

Glossy Mistakes unleashes its second release reissuing this highly demanded piece of music that really deserves to reach an audience that can appreciate this ode to the Caribbean islands. Let yourself loose and embrace the essence of the 80s Raphäel Toiné sounds with a fresh coconut in your hands.

Multi-instrumentalist and composer Alex Puddu is coming back with his brand new album "Discotheque". Recorded between Copenhagen (at Panalama and Sexy Lady Studios) and New York (Soundwork Recording Studios), it consists of a strong set of soulful and melodic tracks with a tight production that brings you back to the late 70's and early 80's jazz-funk and boogie music scene.

The album opens up with three singles in a row: "You Are My Fire", "Be My Lover" and the UK radio station airplay hit "Don't Hold Back", all of them co-written with and featuring Gene Robinson Jr., lead vocalist of the legendary Philadelphia R&B/funk band Breakwater.

Other remarkable special guests on vocals are Duane Hobson, on the jazz-funk finest "Back Against The Wall" and the disco-groove "Saturday Night", and the young Danish vocalist Sawa on the sweet soul-reggae ballad "Release The Catch". The Album contains also some great instrumental tracks, like the title-track that sees Alex Puddu behind the drumkit once again, the sexy-exploitation "Love Affair", "Fight Together", "Nightflight" and "Blue Lines".

Two of today's coolest bassists also played on "Discotheque": Paul Westwood, who worked with David Bowie, Nick Kershaw, Elton John and Italian iconic artist Lucio Battisti on the 1978 pop soul masterpiece "Una Donna Per Amico", and Bob Callero, most known for his activity with Italian 70's prog bands - Franco Battiato's Osage Tribe, Duello Madre, Il volo - and pop artists - Lucio Battisti, Loredana Berté.

You really thought the modern soul/funk/R&B scene had nothing else to say? "Discotheque" is here to prove you wrong!

Sam Cooke’s landmark full-length. Remastered by Joe Yannece. Lacquer cutting by Carl Rowatti, Trutone Mastering. Heavyweight vinyl edition manufactured at Quality Record Pressings, USA. Long out of print on vinyl

ABKCO Records will release for the first time on vinyl, Keep Movin’ On, a 23-song collection that encompasses some of Cooke’s best loved and most incisive songs and represents the artist both at the very pinnacle and, tragically, at the very end of his ground-breaking career. Originally compiled in 2001 on CD, this unique collection is available for the first time on vinyl.

... BubbleTease Communications and Running Back team up once again for Mim Suleiman’s fifth studio album on vinyl and compact disc. During the course of Si Bure you will find Mim at her very best.
It’s easy to imagine the Zanzibar-born-UK-based vocalist and percussionist dancing and prancing to the 14 songs featured here.

The tropes of house and disco are mixed here with wonderful rhythmic adventures, infectious futuristic pop and ultramodern African music, while the mesmerizing and addictive lyrics are sung in Swahili and deal with love and affection, freedom, oppression, unity and everyday life.
Enchanting, entrancing and entertaining all the way.
- Produced by Maurice Fulton.

Funky Bijou (Dj Marrrtin & Deheb ) are back with a new 45 with some Oldschool Flavour on side A, back in the 80's era with this Boogie Hip-Hop tune. On Side B, a remix of Baker Brothers "Snap Back" than has been originally made for a remix conttest that Funky Bijou won. Thanks to Record Kicks who gave us the permission to release it on vinyl.

"Manhattan/Living The Brooklyn Nights EP" is probably the most ambitious project (in terms of production accuracy) from producers Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel till today.

The track "Manhattan" pushes the boundaries of fusion between the old and new school of production to a super optimized level, breaking the all kind of sonic and mental barries.

Jazz Funk Guru and good friend: Xantone Blacq takes it to the keys in an almost cinematic style, while Neo Soul singer Andre Espeut delivers one of his best performances to date (at least with LCO) in a flawless-deep-atmospheric feel that leaves us wondering in thoughts on the track: "Living The Brooklyn Nights".

Textures, dynamics, an immaculate definition of a 70's freq spectrum & the most outstanding musicianship... all blended in such a precise detail for the cut of one of the most precious LCO gems to date.

24 Carat NU-Jazz-Funk-Disco fusion it's best.


Credits:

Vox - Andre Espeut (AA)

Bass - Matheus Nova (Both tracks)

Drums & percussion: Juan Laya (Both tracks)

Brass - James Stuart (Both tracks)

Keys - Xantone Blacq (A)

Keys - Milt Mavrakakis (AA)

Guitar - Raphael Delphino (Both Tracks)

Production:

Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel

In 2015 US soul, boogie and disco legend Jay W. McGee teamed up with Hamburg producer, multi-talented musician and DJ Julian "Mzuzu" Romeike to record McGee's comeback album "Good Feeling". Even though both artists are from two totally different generations, they got on so well with each other after the official re-release of Jay W. McGee's classic 12inch "Turn Me On" on Légère Recordings two years before that they started to write and record together. After all, it was Julian "Mzuzu" Romeike himself who made Jay W. McGee return to the music business after nearly 15 years of silence.

The creative process did not stop with "Good Feeling": "We now have a brilliant combination of fresh songs. Many different accurate beats and of course Jay's incredible writing and singing skills," says Romeike. "I feel that it's a great combination of dedication, skills and talent which made this album possible. I work on some grooves and hooks for Jay, he picks the ones he likes and returns a proper song with vocals and arrangement. My production team, The Unbelievable Two, then work on the final mix."

"Smooth Crusing" hints towards McGee's classic late seventies sought after sounds like "When We Party" with the first "Uptwon, Downtown". The album also includes some reggae touches and smooth soul excursions. "It is such a big pleasure to work with these guys as everything works perfectly together," comments a happy Jay W. McGee. "It has all the ingredients for a classic album. It's funky and soulful, recorded in a unique modern style. We have a tribute to the good old funky music with 'Old School Love'. A lover's rock orientated tune with 'Chance I Have To Take' and some kind of up to date Afro-Disco-Soul with 'Bounce Back To Me'. And of course, 'Smooth Cruising' is full of funk!"

Delights label kicks off 2020 with a brand new release from Project Gemini. West London's Paul Osborne is joined again by Shuzin behind the drum-kit and Markey Funk on additional keys and production to craft two sides of psych-driven cinematic funk.

Inspired by European folk horror, baroque pop and classic Gainsbourg/Vannier works, the new 7inch offers an early peek into Project Gemini's future debut LP "The Children of Scorpio".

+ Bonus 7" 400 ltd!

Christina Aguilera, Donny Hathaway, and Gregory Porter. If you are curious to learn how these three names are connected with Movements Vol.10 then all you got to do is to keep on reading.

Those of you who have been enjoying Tramp Records' Movements series from the very beginning know that this series is not just about funk. It actually covers a wide spectrum of genres: early Rhythm & Blues, Soul-Jazz, Latin-Soul, heavy James Brown-style Funk, and mid-70's pre-Disco. The track listing is, as on all previous volumes, selected in chronological order.

For this, our 10th jubilee album, we go back in time more than 60 years. The Frankie Greer Quartet opens the set with their beautiful composition "Spooky". Just as sweet is "Early in the Morning" by the Bill Beau Trio which was recorded in 1958. What Eunice Haze, Phylis Hendricks and the Eddie Buster Band have in common is the fact that each of them has recorded only one 45rpm single in their musical career.

Johnny Spinosa's "Come On" is a fierce Rhythm 'n Blues monster of the highest order. The same goes for The New Philadelphians. No one would question if "The Mustang" was announced as an unreleased Blue Note recording by Lou Donaldson from 1968. Cleveland Eaton, who became one of the most versatile and best jazz bassists in 1970s, started out with his band The Kats in the late 1960s. "Under the Covers" was arranged by none other than Donny Hathaway (of "The Ghetto" fame) with who he has worked closely together in his early days.

Probably one of the finest and most sought after versions of "Coming Home Baby" out there has been recorded by a german dude and bis band, Ronny Pellers Satin Sound. Another excellent cover version is delivered by The Lido which should leave any latin-jazz fan speechless. "El Mexicano" is an inconspicuous little groover while the next two tunes by Herb Crawford's Jazz Ensemble and The Runningboards are more in the soul-jazz vein. Listen to the dummer on "Louisville Assembly Plant" who goes nuts!

Regular Release on 16 Dec, 2008.

Regular Release on 22 Aug, 2014.

For no particular reason, there hasn't been that many sister funk 7"
re-issues out on Tramp so far. Therefore we are especially proud to present this amazing double-sider. This is soul music at it's best.