Pop & Rock News

2018 REPRESS! Steve Monite's album, Only You, is a prime slab of Nigerian boogie. It's sinewy, compact and sexy, a little bit of disco mixed with a big dose of funk. Loose and groovy, it's a sonic seduction from another dimension. With legendary producer Tony Okoroji at the desk, and influential musician and sound engineer, Nkono Teles, creating magic on the synth, the title track is raw and melodic, dark and sweet at the same time. Steve sings about putting out a fire, but the music, and Stella Monye's sultry backing vocals, stoke it with aural gasoline. You've never heard a song less likely to lower the temperature and let cooler heads prevail. While never quite reaching the heights of 'Only You', 'Welcome My Love' and 'Things Fall Apart' keep the groove going, the later with a distinctly Latin swing. A couple of extended 'Disco Jams' and an obligatory, romantic ballad ('I Had A Dream') round out the record. In all honesty, however, it is 'Only You' that you'll keep going back to. It's a killer track, an Afro Boogie classic that would hold its own on any dance floor in the world, whether in the 80s or today.

- Peter Moore

The 12' DANCE series is dedicated to showcasing the finest rare original 12' remixes and extended versions of crowd-pleasing, floor-filling classics. From the Disco, Soul, Rare Groove and Funk mixes of the 70's, to the Groove, Hip Hop/Electro & Techno/House of the 80's and the Acid Jazz, Indie, R&B, Rap & Club/House of the 90's, 12' DANCE will deliver a lovingly curated selection of both the commercial big hitters and the underground cult club classics!

This 2LP set showcases an essential selection of the finest 12' extended versions and mixes from the era. Visiting iconic New Romantics, Synth/Electro pop acts and New Wave legends, artists featured include Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Bronski Beat, New Order, Echo And The Bunnymen and many more.

Steve Monite's album, Only You, is a prime slab of Nigerian boogie. It's sinewy, compact and sexy, a little bit of disco mixed with a big dose of funk. Loose and groovy, it's a sonic seduction from another dimension. With legendary producer Tony Okoroji at the desk, and influential musician and sound engineer, Nkono Teles, creating magic on the synth, the title track is raw and melodic, dark and sweet at the same time. Steve sings about putting out a fire, but the music, and Stella Monye's sultry backing vocals, stoke it with aural gasoline. You've never heard a song less likely to lower the temperature and let cooler heads prevail. While never quite reaching the heights of 'Only You', 'Welcome My Love' and 'Things Fall Apart' keep the groove going, the later with a distinctly Latin swing. A couple of extended 'Disco Jams' and an obligatory, romantic ballad ('I Had A Dream') round out the record. In all honesty, however, it is 'Only You' that you'll keep going back to. It's a killer track, an Afro Boogie classic that would hold its own on any dance floor in the world, whether in the 80s or today. - Peter Moore

Leaning against a wall, his shirt unbuttoned to his navel and cradling a tumbler of something strong and sophisticated, Tony Igiettemo looks every bit the smooth talking 80s gent. When you put Hot Like Fire on the turntable and drop the needle, however, it is immediately clear that Smooth Tony is also a little bit freaky. Sirens, slap bass, squelchy synths and a titchy high hat that just won't give up, Hot Like Fire is a cosmic call from a dance floor on the far side of the universe. Produced by John Malife - the go-to man in Nigeria when you wanted your funk freaky - it's driven by a heavy low end that compels you to move. 'Baby You Can Do It' is Boney M's 'Daddy Cool' via a sweaty Nigerian dance floor. 'I Feel So Good' has a Kool & The Gang vibe, albeit with a freaky, warbling synth. And 'Hot Like Fire' is a strange reggae/funk fusion, fuelled by the righteous herb. 'We Are One' and 'Africa Must Unite', meanwhile, are post-disco, reggae-tinged calls for African Unity. 'Rock Your Baby' is the album's most relentless dance floor banger and sums up its ethos best. Clap your hands everybody and get down on it. Tony Igiettomo is here to make your body move. - Peter Moore

Following in the footsteps of the hugely successful Twelve Inch Eighties range, comes the Twelve Inch Seventies range.
Compiling extended alternate mixes of some of the biggest hit singles of the 70s. Each release is housed in a sleek 3CD digipak
with abstract imagery representative of early dance label releases. These carefully selected titles bring together some of the
finest seventies anthems, in all their full 12' single glory.
Boogie Wonderland is a collection of classic disco songs extended, remixed and reimagined.
- Features over 30 classics by the likes of The Jacksons, Boney M, The Three Degrees, Earth Wind & Fire, and many more......
- Packed with many UK Top 40 Hits and rare versions available for the first time on CD.
- Many hit records exclusively licensed from Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited.

Following in the footsteps of the hugely successful Twelve Inch Eighties range, comes the Twelve Inch Seventies range.
Compiling extended alternate mixes of some of the biggest hit singles of the 70s. Each release is housed in a sleek 3CD digipak
with abstract imagery representative of early dance label releases. These carefully selected titles bring together some of the
finest seventies anthems, in all their full 12' single glory.
More, More, More is a collection of classic disco songs extended, remixed and reimagined.
- Features over 30 classics by the likes of The Jacksons, Frantique, Three Degrees, Earth Wind & Fire, and many more......
- Packed with many UK Top 40 Hits and rare versions available for the first time on CD.
- Many hit records exclusively licensed from Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited.

As part of our 10 years anniversary this year after starting the label back in 2006 Mukatsuku is proud to release the remastered holy grail instrumental long version co produced by Tommy Stewart of 'Brotherson' from Atlanta USA resident Ojeda Penn with the other version on the flip on a 180 gram 12 inch single There were two versions of the album Happiness on the IFE independent label. They looked almost identical but the first version contained the now rarer elongated jazz fused instrumental version of 'Brotherson' and then a few months later they recut the album with a much shorter version adding strings and vocals.
The former version is now being sold up to £500 so this 12 is a welcome release to the reissue market. According to Mr Penn this is the first time either version has been reissued officially and Mukatsuku after many years of discussion is glad to finally be in a position to finally put out both versions on one phat 12''

Label boss, George Kelly and Milan based Rollover DJs get together for a very special 2017 Record Store Day limited-vinyl-only release, marking the long awaited return of the famous Chopshop label to the vinyl market. Tiptoeing the fine line between original scalpel-work and heavy sampling both tracks revisit pop classics and transform them into modern dance-floor-bombs on this lush 300-limited-hand- numbered-blue-vinyl.

Brand new label Odion livingstone, based out of Lagos, Nigeria, presents its debut release, a reissue of the sought after Nigerian disco LP rarity 'Friday Night' by Livy Ekemezie. I was just out of senior secondary school and I wanted to make an album,' recalls Ekemezie. I was into disco and funk at the time and I was looking for a bass-driven funky sound. The entire idea was to make an album that sounded like something made in London or the U.S. I tried to sound American' but we ended up with something else: a mix of American and Nigerian.' 'Friday Night' was recorded at Goddy Oku's Godiac 24-track recording studio in Enugu, one of the best studios available in Nigeria at the time. It took about 9 months to a year to make the album,' continues Ekemezie. I financed it by myself so I had to resort to friends helping out with loans for session men and studio time. The original LP was released on blue vinyl and that idea came from William Onyeabor. We used his pressing plant and he sold the idea to me. It was different so I said 'why not''

A real rarity! 1977's "Stepping Out" by obscure Oliver Sain produced Funk/Soul outfit The 13th Floor has always been a tough LP to catch, the only release by this lesser known St.Louis outfit showcased a unique blend of jazz, funk and soul that has intrigued hardcore collectors of rare grooves and black music since it's release. Released on the highly collectable Blue Candle sub label of Miami's TK Disco empire, "Stepping Out" features lots of different musical flavours - from the languid, Ohio Players-esque "Hang loose" and the incessant mid-tempo burner "Leanin" to the dance-floor groove of "Sweet thang", the LP showcases across it's 9 tracks show a band at the top of it's game, completely in tune with each other and firmly in the pocket. This should be no surprise when you consider the opening track of the album is co-written by a young Chaka Khan and members of the band went on to form parts of her band Rufus and played alongside artists such as Patti Austin, Maxayn Lewis, Ronnie McNeir and High Voltage. The overall feel of the album is one of amazing musicians keeping it gritty, soulful and most of all, funky! This album has always demanded high prices on the second hand / used vinyl market and is a truly lesser spotted gem, which is surprising considering the eye catching sleeve artwork!
This is the first time that The 13th Floor's "Stepping Out" has been reissued on vinyl, fully remastered from TK's original tapes, represented the way the the LP was issued in 1977 with all original cover and label artworks intact. Now, almost 40 years after it's original release the album has now been made available again for 2016, fully licensed in conjunction and with the full permission of Henry Stone music / TK Disco, Miami, FL.

New limited edition series from Sofrito: Sofrito Super Singles, which will bring to light the finest reissues of rare and forgotten tropical dancefloor sounds. The debut release celebrates the Afro-disco and boogie scene of South Africa, - where Salsoul meets Soweto. Comes housed in a new look Sofrito house sleeve.

The three track EP features Teaspoon & The Waves - led by veteran alto player Teaspoon Ndelu. They released one album in 1980, covering a mix of disco and funk sounds for the SA dancefloors. Oh yeh Soweto is a cheeky version of Lamont Dozier's Going Back To My Roots - changing the lyrics and toughening up the beats, but with the same killer riffs. Saturday Night Special is from the same LP, a spaced out Afro Disco groove with excellent percussion and psychedelic synths, re-edited by the Sofrito team.

The B side features a track by the Nzimande Allstars - another mysterious group of session musicians. The drawn out groove of Highway Sporo Disco fuses a heavy disco backing with jive guitar and stellar horns and organ for a unique taste of the underground sound of the Cape.

Coming up soon on Sofrito Super Singles will be a slice of Trinidad Soca Disco and some raw Haitian sounds.

Soul Jazz Records' are releasing their long-out-of-print album 'Hustle! Reggae Disco' in a new expanded 2017 edition which now features five extra tracks.
This ground-breaking album features non-stop killer reggae versions of original funk and soul classics in a disco style. Reggae disco updates of seminal classics by Anita Ward ('Ring
My Bell'), Chaka Khan ('I'm Every Woman'), Michael Jackson 'Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough,' Sugarhill Gang ('Rappers Delight' here performed by Derrick Laro and Trinity for producer Joe Gibbs) and more, all showing the hidden but inseparable link between the dance floors of New York, Kingston and London.
New bonus tracks to this collection include Derrick Harriott's funky take on Eddie Drennon's 'Do It Nice and Easy', the classic disco reggae of Risco Connection's take on McFadden and
Whitehead's 'Ain't No Stopping Us Now' and the London rare groove lovers rock take on Barbara Acklin's soul classic 'Am I The Same Girl'.
'Hustle! Reggae Disco' has been one of Soul Jazz Records' best-selling releases since its first release 15 years ago (and subsequently featured heavily in the early Grand Theft Auto
games!). This new edition comes complete fully re-mastered and with all original titles plus new tracks. This new expanded edition now comes a triple album (+ download code), CD and digital album.
'The effect of American R&B and soul music on Jamaican reggae is well documented, but the story doesn't stop there, for disco (and more so now for rap and hip-hop) have also been
subsumed into the reggae mix, and while one might suspect that the resulting hybrid would die of its own implausibility, the feral mix of disco with reggae rhythms is so darn infectious that it hardly matters. Once you take your brain out of the frame and just let your feet go, this collection is a dancer's delight all done up in full-blown disco style, but with huge dub-style rhythm tracks ... if you're looking for an impossibly infectious dance collection, this is
it.' All Music

Philippe Baden Powell (son of Brazilian musical legend, Baden Powell de Aquino) is reinventing Brazilian jazz in the lineage of his father's generation. Balancing the classical with the spiritual, the cinematic with the introspective, and sensitivity with a distintly Brazilian groove, Notes Over Poetry, a new album for Far Out Recordings, calls upon the inspiration of the many musical and artistic greats Philippe has been surrounded by throughout his life.

The great Brazilian poet and old family friend, Vinicius de Moraes used to say that 'life is the art of encounter', and that is what this album is about.' A nomadic upbringing - moving between Rio, Paris and the coincidently named German city of Baden-Baden, as well as touring internationally alongside his father and brother, provided boundless encounters with inspirational figures, too many to name. Touring also gave Philippe his first taste of life in the spotlight: recorded when he was just thirteen, a sold out show alongside his father and brother at Sala Cecília Meireles in Rio De Janeiro, would become the 1996 album Baden Powell & Filhos.

Classically Brazilian in its roots, but global in its outlook, Notes Over Poetry sits as comfortably next to Tom Jobim's 'Wave' as it does to Robert Glasper's 'Black Radio'. Vamos Donatear - a track dedicated to the great Joao Donato - is hot, fluid samba-jazz in the vein of the Brazilian legend himself, while the equally groovy Chica hosts punchy horn arrangements reminiscent of masterpieces by Arthur Verocai and Eumir Deodato. With lyrics in English, title track and the satin-soft 'State Of Music' lean toward the cooler climate of North American Hip/Hop and RnB, while 'For You To Know' is a spellbinding syrup of deep-jazz, flaunting Philippe's innate talent for writing powerfully emotive melody and harmony.

To his father, Philippe attributes key characteristics which have enriched and guided him in his professional life: He transmitted to me the passion and commitment indispensable to any artist.' With his father he also shares an innate pull towards collaboration as key to the creative process. I can't remember a time making music just by myself, I've always felt like a kid with toys waiting for friends to come and play.' Credit is indeed due to the musicians on the album, many of whom are legendary artists in their own right: French jazz drummer André Ceccarelli, who has worked with everyone from Aretha Franklin to Michel Legrande, prolific Belgian jazz vocalist David Linx, and Afro-Brazilian percussion master Ruca Rebordão.

Today we are in the midst of a global revival of jazz as an art-form capable of traversing its once tired image as music for an older generation, with the emergence of artists like Kamasi Washington, Shabaka Hutchings and Takuya Kuroda. Parallel to this, from MPB (Musica Popular Brasiera) to Samba, Bossa-Nova and Tropicalia, new generations of music lovers are rediscovering Brazilian music from the 60's onwards. Philippe Baden Powell's music perfectly reflects Brazil's huge and unique contribution to the global jazz landscape, and with Notes Over Poetry, set for release in Spring 2017, he presents a milestone release in his career as a torchbearer for a new wave of Brazilian artists.

Philippe Baden Powell (son of Brazilian musical legend, Baden Powell de Aquino) is reinventing Brazilian jazz in the lineage of his father's generation. Balancing the classical with the spiritual, the cinematic with the introspective, and sensitivity with a distintly Brazilian groove, Notes Over Poetry, a new album for Far Out Recordings, calls upon the inspiration of the many musical and artistic greats Philippe has been surrounded by throughout his life.

The great Brazilian poet and old family friend, Vinicius de Moraes used to say that 'life is the art of encounter', and that is what this album is about.' A nomadic upbringing - moving between Rio, Paris and the coincidently named German city of Baden-Baden, as well as touring internationally alongside his father and brother, provided boundless encounters with inspirational figures, too many to name. Touring also gave Philippe his first taste of life in the spotlight: recorded when he was just thirteen, a sold out show alongside his father and brother at Sala Cecília Meireles in Rio De Janeiro, would become the 1996 album Baden Powell & Filhos.

Classically Brazilian in its roots, but global in its outlook, Notes Over Poetry sits as comfortably next to Tom Jobim's 'Wave' as it does to Robert Glasper's 'Black Radio'. Vamos Donatear - a track dedicated to the great Joao Donato - is hot, fluid samba-jazz in the vein of the Brazilian legend himself, while the equally groovy Chica hosts punchy horn arrangements reminiscent of masterpieces by Arthur Verocai and Eumir Deodato. With lyrics in English, title track and the satin-soft 'State Of Music' lean toward the cooler climate of North American Hip/Hop and RnB, while 'For You To Know' is a spellbinding syrup of deep-jazz, flaunting Philippe's innate talent for writing powerfully emotive melody and harmony.

To his father, Philippe attributes key characteristics which have enriched and guided him in his professional life: He transmitted to me the passion and commitment indispensable to any artist.' With his father he also shares an innate pull towards collaboration as key to the creative process. I can't remember a time making music just by myself, I've always felt like a kid with toys waiting for friends to come and play.' Credit is indeed due to the musicians on the album, many of whom are legendary artists in their own right: French jazz drummer André Ceccarelli, who has worked with everyone from Aretha Franklin to Michel Legrande, prolific Belgian jazz vocalist David Linx, and Afro-Brazilian percussion master Ruca Rebordão.

Today we are in the midst of a global revival of jazz as an art-form capable of traversing its once tired image as music for an older generation, with the emergence of artists like Kamasi Washington, Shabaka Hutchings and Takuya Kuroda. Parallel to this, from MPB (Musica Popular Brasiera) to Samba, Bossa-Nova and Tropicalia, new generations of music lovers are rediscovering Brazilian music from the 60's onwards. Philippe Baden Powell's music perfectly reflects Brazil's huge and unique contribution to the global jazz landscape, and with Notes Over Poetry, set for release in Spring 2017, he presents a milestone release in his career as a torchbearer for a new wave of Brazilian artists.

Favorite Recordings proudly presents this new official single reissue of I Believe! by Calvin B. Rhone: A very rare Gospel/Disco masterpiece, originally released at only 1000 private-press copies, and surprisingly unknown and underrated until today.

Calvin Bernard Rhone, a native of Los Angeles, has been ministering in word and song for more than 40 years throughout the US and abroad. He acknowledges that he is passionate about music, yet purposed for ministry. Beginning his professional singing career at age eight, he has shared the stage with possibly every major Gospel artist from the 60's to present.

In 1983, he released the album Intimate Friends on his own label, C.B.R. Records. Recently discovered by DJ and collector Charles Maurice, the LP has never received the attention and fame it deserves. It was anyway obvious for the DJ and Favorite Recordings, that some of the tracks it includes would for sure become real classics for all Disco and Funk music lovers and deejays.

Officially licensed to Calvin B. Rhone himself, it's today reissued for the first time, as a 3 tracks vinyl single.

First ever reissue of the only solo album from Indian percussionist Ramasandiran Somusundaram, a former member of BAMBIBANDA E MELODIE (post-GARYBALDY band of Bambi Fossati), MAYA and NEW TROLLS ATOMIC SYSTEM, pressed in a limited edition of 500 copies with digital download. Produced and played along with a large portion of New Trolls (the De Scalzi brothers, Gianni Belleno, and Giorgio Usai) SKINNY WOMAN is an absolute anomaly of an album, one that mixes hard-funk and rock with the incisive and extraordinarily rhythmic side of Indian music, all wrapped in an exploito feel. The A side is a funky party starting with the disco-funk-rock title track; but by the second track, "I Am Afraid of Loosing You", all takes a more experimental turn, with Clavinet, Hammond organ, lo-fi brass and a bizarre use of voices incredibly similar to Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention; the Zappa references continue in the next song, "Everybody", which starts with a distorted bass riff in a GEORGE CLINTON style. Then you get to "Electronic Heart", a rhythmic bomb with a long insane flute solo (by the unmistakable Vittorio De Scalzi) in ROLAND KIRK / IAN ANDERSON style. The B side is more psychedelic and meditative, mixing Oriental tinges and American west coast in a very peaceful hindu atmosphere (in the extraordinary "Shanghai'). At the end is the bonus track 'Contrabbando di fagioli' (Smuggling of beans) previously released only in a very rare single in 1973; a percussive orgy with flute.

Alex Malheiros' earth-shaking slap bass in the first few seconds of 'Dear Limmertz' makes up an iconic moment in jazz-funk history. Next to their groundbreaking disco hit 'Jazz Carnival', it's one of the heftiest of Azymuth's dense and still growing catalogue of floor fillers, along with being one of the trio's most recognized tunes. The flip is home to the equally club ready 'Maracana', another super-heavy jazz-funk belter encompassing Ivan 'Mamao' Conti's signature swing, backing Jose Roberto Bertrami's effortlessly slick keyboard harmonies. Both tracks were classics on the London Rare-Groove scene in the 80's and remain as relevant today as ever.

Now re-mastered from the original tapes and pressed onto heavyweight 12' vinyl, the sole purpose of this release is to make these career defining tracks sound bigger and bolder than ever before, and we honestly can't believe how PHAT these new remasters sound.

A bona-fide Nigerian prince and probably the only musician to have ever played with Fela Kuti, Miles Davis and Bob Marley, Eji Oyewole combined African Highlife with western jazz to create a hybrid so that was as smooth as it was funky. His first album, Charity Begins At Home was an angry tirade against corruption in Nigeria. Me & You is his 'relationship' album, a brighter and happier set of songs that sees Eji all loved up, presumably with the mysterious 'Cameleon' featured on the cover. Eji's flute is no longer a strident voice raised in anger. Instead, on 'Me & You' and 'I'm a Dancer' it is a playful line of seduction. On the wonky and woozy 'Eniafelamo' his sax is a post-coital salutation. Even the one political track, 'Long Live Nigeria', is a loved up call for peace, progress and trust. Chilled, assured and dexterious, Me & You is a sophisticated showcase of Eji Oyewole's chops. 'This is the beginning of an atomic musical evolution,' he declares on the cover. 'Brothers and sisters, stay cool.' - Peter Moore.

A bona-fide Nigerian prince and probably the only musician to have ever played with Fela Kuti, Miles Davis and Bob Marley, Eji Oyewole combined African Highlife with western jazz to create a hybrid so that was as smooth as it was funky. His first album, Charity Begins At Home was an angry tirade against corruption in Nigeria. Me & You is his 'relationship' album, a brighter and happier set of songs that sees Eji all loved up, presumably with the mysterious 'Cameleon' featured on the cover. Eji's flute is no longer a strident voice raised in anger. Instead, on 'Me & You' and 'I'm a Dancer' it is a playful line of seduction. On the wonky and woozy 'Eniafelamo' his sax is a post-coital salutation. Even the one political track, 'Long Live Nigeria', is a loved up call for peace, progress and trust. Chilled, assured and dexterious, Me & You is a sophisticated showcase of Eji Oyewole's chops. 'This is the beginning of an atomic musical evolution,' he declares on the cover. 'Brothers and sisters, stay cool.' - Peter Moore.

In 1979, Emma Dorgu decided it was time to act. He'd torn up the Lagos live scene with The Thermometers and conquered the airwaves with the single, 'World People'. But there were injustices afoot, not just in Nigeria, but in South Africa and Zimbabwe and across the continent as well, and he felt that something needed to be done. Roverman was his politicized call to action. Blackman Akeeb Kareem lent him the instruments and let him rehearse in his sitting room. Dorgu sets his stall out early in the reggae-tinged 'Free My People' calling for freedom for South Africa, freedom for Zimbabwe, indeed, freedom for all. Thankfully political injustice hadn't rid Emma completely of his urge to get on down. The New York ghetto funk of 'Roverman' and 'Loving' and the straighthead boogie of 'Afro Fever' leaven the message with a funky beat and an irresistible pull towards the dancefloor. On Roverman Emma Dorgu has achieved that that rarest of beats, an album that challenges your mind while it speaks to your feet. Protest music has never sounded so funky. - Peter Moore.

In 1979, Emma Dorgu decided it was time to act. He'd torn up the Lagos live scene with The Thermometers and conquered the airwaves with the single, 'World People'. But there were injustices afoot, not just in Nigeria, but in South Africa and Zimbabwe and across the continent as well, and he felt that something needed to be done. Roverman was his politicized call to action. Blackman Akeeb Kareem lent him the instruments and let him rehearse in his sitting room. Dorgu sets his stall out early in the reggae-tinged 'Free My People' calling for freedom for South Africa, freedom for Zimbabwe, indeed, freedom for all. Thankfully political injustice hadn't rid Emma completely of his urge to get on down. The New York ghetto funk of 'Roverman' and 'Loving' and the straighthead boogie of 'Afro Fever' leaven the message with a funky beat and an irresistible pull towards the dancefloor. On Roverman Emma Dorgu has achieved that that rarest of beats, an album that challenges your mind while it speaks to your feet. Protest music has never sounded so funky. - Peter Moore.

Kiki Gyan's star didn't burn long, but it burned bright. Drafted into the Afro funk super group, Osibisa, at 15, he was millionaire by 18 and regarded as one of the best keyboardists in the world by 21. 'Life was good, man,' he told journalist Kweku Sakyi-Addo. 'Too good!'. In 1983 he dived head first into the New York party scene. He took a lot of drugs, spent a lot of time in clubs and got together a team of crack local musicians to record Feelin' Alright, his third and final solo album. All the Kiki Gyan trademark elements are present and correct. The album is unique a blend of highlife music with electronic funk and disco. 'Rosemary' follows the formula most closely and was a hit across Nigeria and Ghana. But on 'Give It To Me', 'Love To Love You' and the title track, you'll hear a slicker, boogie-influenced sound that has made Feelin' Alright one of his most sought-after albums. Kiki Gyan would never hit such heights again. His addictions eventually took hold and he died aged 47, destitute and alone. Feelin' Alright remains one of the brightest stars in his extraordinary constellation. - Peter Moore.

Kiki Gyan's star didn't burn long, but it burned bright. Drafted into the Afro funk super group, Osibisa, at 15, he was millionaire by 18 and regarded as one of the best keyboardists in the world by 21. 'Life was good, man,' he told journalist Kweku Sakyi-Addo. 'Too good!'. In 1983 he dived head first into the New York party scene. He took a lot of drugs, spent a lot of time in clubs and got together a team of crack local musicians to record Feelin' Alright, his third and final solo album. All the Kiki Gyan trademark elements are present and correct. The album is unique a blend of highlife music with electronic funk and disco. 'Rosemary' follows the formula most closely and was a hit across Nigeria and Ghana. But on 'Give It To Me', 'Love To Love You' and the title track, you'll hear a slicker, boogie-influenced sound that has made Feelin' Alright one of his most sought-after albums. Kiki Gyan would never hit such heights again. His addictions eventually took hold and he died aged 47, destitute and alone. Feelin' Alright remains one of the brightest stars in his extraordinary constellation. - Peter Moore.

With the Super Wings in mutiny and a trail for the manslaughter of his former bandmate, Spuds Nathan, still hanging over his head, Manford Best came out swinging with Come Go With Me. It's a chirpy, calypso-influenced insight into the state of his mind and his first solo album. Recorded at Godiac Studios with the guys from Rock Town Express and a few of the Super Wings, Come Go With Me was the first album recorded on a new Tascam system that Goddy Oku had just bought back from London. The sound is crisp, clean and bright, perfectly suited to tracks like 'Come Go With Me' and 'Good Morning' and a welcome respite to the darker lyrics on 'Nobody Cares' and 'Far Far Far Away.' One of the stranger cuts is 'There's a Woman On My Mind (Mother)'. Manford regarded his mother as something of prophetess and would act instantly and without hesitation on the revelations in her 'dreams'. Come Go With Me was self-financed and released on Manford Best's own MacSeries Records label. Only 1,000 copies were pressed and he distributed them from the back of a Toyota van himself. A rare Afro gem, deserving of its place in the sun again. - Peter Moore.

With the Super Wings in mutiny and a trail for the manslaughter of his former bandmate, Spuds Nathan, still hanging over his head, Manford Best came out swinging with Come Go With Me. It's a chirpy, calypso-influenced insight into the state of his mind and his first solo album. Recorded at Godiac Studios with the guys from Rock Town Express and a few of the Super Wings, Come Go With Me was the first album recorded on a new Tascam system that Goddy Oku had just bought back from London. The sound is crisp, clean and bright, perfectly suited to tracks like 'Come Go With Me' and 'Good Morning' and a welcome respite to the darker lyrics on 'Nobody Cares' and 'Far Far Far Away.' One of the stranger cuts is 'There's a Woman On My Mind (Mother)'. Manford regarded his mother as something of prophetess and would act instantly and without hesitation on the revelations in her 'dreams'. Come Go With Me was self-financed and released on Manford Best's own MacSeries Records label. Only 1,000 copies were pressed and he distributed them from the back of a Toyota van himself. A rare Afro gem, deserving of its place in the sun again. - Peter Moore.

Top quality reissue of the original 3C Records release of the hugely in-demand 'Respect' 12' from electric violin virtuoso and academic Dr John Blair. Originally released back in 1983, this floor filling boogie rap bomb features production from the legendary Roy Ayers who expertly brings to life Blair's incredible musicianship. The Doctor drops a cool positive vibe rap on Side A but it's the instrumental on the flip that's the real fire losing the rap in favour of some insane violin soloing. A big favourite of DJs like Rahaan, Sadar Bahar & DJ Harvey, being one of the standouts of his 2009 Beats In Space appearance.

Japan's Sauce81 follows up on his modern boogie/funk gem 'Natural Thing', with the equally infectious 'Dance Tonight'. It may sound like it's been hiding in a dusty crate of unheard records all these years, but it was actually recorded last year in Tokyo, all vocals, instruments and production handled by the man himself. Forthcoming on 7inch in Feb 2017. Includes Dub version on the B-Side. Put some weight on it!

The name Johnny Stark may ring a bell for those who have followed us during the last years. He was the singer on Duffy Jackson's monster version of the James Brown classic "I Feel Good" which we re-issued on 45 as well as on the deep-funk comp "Feeling Nice Vol.2". Obviously we were pretty much surprised when we learned that Johnny Stark released this modern soul 2-sider some years later. Totally different in sound but with the same quality as the aforementioned release. Original copies are not that easy to find so we are confident to make particlar soul lovers happy with this legitimate re-issue.

Key-selling points:

- hard to find on original 45

- original label artwork

- fantastic sound quality

First time official reissue of this high in demand record. Originally released in 1990, typical South African disco/kwaito sound.. Ouch Price, but BIG Tip!

**REACTIONS and FEEDBACK**
Dave Harvey aka El Harvo - Absolutely loving these edits - my favourite from the label so far - personal fave's 'Cannae Believe & For Your Love' - absolute belters, tops off, let's go xx
Ashley Beedle - Wonderful stuff from the Kat crew. I have a dark relationship with these guys. I hope they can forgive me.....ha ha. Work it girlfriend! Absolutely menacing and sleazy to boot (leg). Love this. Big support.Huw Morgan, Electriks/Electric Elephant - One of Manchester's finest DJ's, this bad boy knows how to rock the party, and that's exactly what these tunes will do! Big ups Mr Diablo.Tristan da Cunha - Wicked release ... all 4 edits will defo get some spins from me. Feeling the 3 slower baggy joints the most even though i like 'Cannae Believe' as well. Suppose i'm feeling slow and baggy right now which is why I connected with them more. Good work Neil... Keep it up KAT krew .
Andy Wilson , SonicaFM, Ibiza - Thanks for the Neil Diablo link, really enjoying the EP, especially 'Disco Special' and 'For Your Love', will go down well with the Balearic heads for sure.
Jim Baron aka Ron Basejam / Crazy P / White Elephant - Neil treats his edits like he's making love to a beautiful woman; he starts slow, teasing with the utmost care and respect before he ram's it in for the big finish. quality x
Bart Sibiel, Onda Sonora / Our Party, Belgium - Lovely release. Like the Behind Bars one the most but all 4 are solid. Good work.
Bobby Beige, Garden Bar / Garden Festival Resident / Melting Point, Amsterdam, various worldwide. - Enjoying this! 'Disco Special' and 'For Your Love' doing it for me here, although something for me in all four tracks!

Alice Moxie, Deviation - Feeling the tunes!

Beane The Noodler, Soul Buggin' - Ace stuff! "Disco Special" is gonna get a lot of love here at Soul Buggin' and let's not forget "For Your Love" - after party madness incoming for sure on that one...

Guy Williams, Black Rabbit, London - I will be supporting. Nice edits.

Dj Ease, Nightmares on Wax - I'm really feeling "For your Love" as the stand out track for me on this release, sweet Summer sound got me yearning for Da Summer!!!!

Bonar Bradberry, PBR Streetgang - These are all ACE !!! Not a dud edit amongst 'em ... All will be played... loud Loud LOUDER !!! Diablo's hellish fires burning bright !!!

Red Rack 'Em - Digging the A side of this.

DJ Nutritious, NYC - Serious business on these edits!!! Slinky nips, dangerous tucks, and generous dancefloor appeal... Nice!

Andy Ash - I love the A Side

Simon Harrison, Basic Soul show - Ace selection of edits but the killer for me is "Fat Gaines Band feat. Zorina - For Your Love" a proper end of the night anthem. I'll be hammering until the cows come home :o)

Valanche, Urban Landscapes - The edits, per usual, are quality. Nice job by Neil Diablo on these gems; full support and will play on my show!

Sean Brosnan, Future Disco - Diggin' 'Cannae Believe', one of my fav disco tracks of all time.

Kev Beadle, Mind Fluid Radio - B-Side for me when I am out and about.

Die streng limitierte Studioalben-Box beinhaltet alle acht Studioalben von Rihanna als Doppel-LP bzw."Talk That Talk" als Einfach-Vinyl. Insgesamt sind es 15 LPs. Die Box wird zudem eine Slipmat enthalten und ein 180 seitiges Coffeetable Book. Alle Vinyle sind auf 180g gepresst und haben jeweils einen Download-Voucher für den MP3-Download dabei.

A1 S&M
A2 What's My Name
A3 Cheers (Drink To That)
B1 Fading
B2 Only Girl (In The World)
B3 California King Bed
C1 Man Down
C2 Raining Men
C3 Complicated
D1 Skin
D2 Love The Way You Lie (Part II)
A1 You Da One
A2 Where Have You Been
A3 We Found Love
A4 Talk That Talk
A5 Cockiness (Love It)
A6 Birthday Cake
B1 We All Want Love
B2 Drunk On Love
B3 Roc Me Out
B4 Watch N' Learn
B5 Farewell
A1 Phresh Out The Runway
A2 Diamonds

SoulMusic Records is proud to present a specially-compiled CD of remixes of five of the major hits by international hitmakers Tavares by top European remix producer Ben Liebrand, four of which achieved major British chart impact when issued in 1985 and 1986 as well as a US disco version of 'It Only Takes A Minute', making its CD debut along with the Liebrand-penned instrumental 'One Minute'.
From 1973 to 1981, the brothers Tavares - Ralph, Feliciano ( Butch') Arthur ( Pooch') Antone (Chubby) and Perry (Tiny) - recorded a treasure trove of great albums and singles for Capitol Records. In 1975, the group enjoyed its first breakthrough hit with 'It Only Takes A Minute', in 1976, the timeless classic 'Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel' became the team's first global smash followed by 'Don't Take Away The Music' also became an international dance music/pop and R&B chartmaker. In 1977, the Bee Gees-penned 'More Than A Woman' (from the Saturday Night Fever' soundtrack) catapulted Tavares back into the worldwide charts as did 'Whodunit'.