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JAZZ - FUNK - SOUL - DISCO (April 2011)

Reviewed by Aleem Bhatti

Txarly Brown Presents: Banda Achilifunk – Gitano Real, Lovemonk

Two camps of musicians are brought together on this project to re-construct soul, funk and disco classics rumba style! The “Achilis” or gypsies: Papawa, La Torba Kung Fu, Sabor de Garcia and Rumbamzingha are joined by Vincent Martins Original Jazz Orchestra to make a record bursting at the seams with sunshine including original compositions, Rumba Classics and Disco covers. It’s the Disco covers that gets this page really excited. Their cover of “I Believe In Miracles” is excellent. The whole track is drenched in a warm golden hue with a nostalgic Harlem funk sound that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Jose Feliciano record. This will be on heavy rotation this summer!

Quincy Jointz presents Lime Sorbet, Eighth Dimension Records

An excellent compilation that covers a lot of ground including breakbeat, soul, hip-hop and broken beats. This 16 track mix is thrown around the kaleidoscope of sound with finesse and intelligence by the brilliant German DJ Quincy Jointz who has a radio show that inspired this release. There are lots of bass heavy delights and caramel vocals to keep your head nodding throughout with tracks from Ancient Astronaughts, Thunderball, Rubberfunk and lots of exclusive remixes by the Jointz master himself. Lime Sorbet will refresh your beat heavy soul palette on those long hot summer days to come. Best served ice-cold!

Eric Rico and Marc Mac – Direct Soul EP

This isn’t a recent release but this wonderful EP has just caught my attention and I felt compelled to share it with you all. “Soul music knows no boundaries”. I’m almost certain that this was the idea behind this project between the UK’s finest techno/soul/boogie extraordinaire Marc Mac and LA’s soul brother Eric Rico. There are 4 tracks here covering a lot of bases. The down temp latin-jazz infused styling’s of “Just Love” is swept along  with lush string arrangements while “I Need Your Love” has to be one of the most uplifting soul records I’ve heard in a very long time. A beautiful organ chord progression sits over an infectious percussive house groove with Eric’s vocals soaring over the top. It’s one of those tracks that will be playing over and over in your head days after listening. The EP finishes with my favorite track on the EP, “Something I know”. This is probably the most reminiscent of Marc Macs’ work with 4 Hero, and for me is the stand out track. A modern soul, broken beat affair with a bossa nova twist and sublime chord progressions that could have been used in a late 90’s drum and bass record (“Universal Love” by 4Hero springs to mind…). The rest of the arrangement is killer too, a rhythm guitar section that gives the track a lightness and almost breezy quality which is all rounded off with Eric’s heartfelt vocals. You’ll be dipping into this record time and time again. Did I mention that every instrument you hear is either played by Eric or Marc? Let’s all hope for a Long Player in the future…

VA – More Rare Disco & Soul Uncovered Compiled by Al Kent, BBE.

What a great year it has been for Disco compilations. Al Kent has served up yet another helping of “Rare Disco and Soul”. Choosing to stay away from the obvious, Mr Kent has compiled a collection of fine and rare disco offerings. Proper gritty band arrangements from the likes of Lenny Baily Strings and Rhythm Inc, Aged In Harmony and Bill Avery and Love Co. I hadn’t heard of any of them which made this release all the more exciting to listen to. This is a really good compilation for the discerning Disco Soul enthusiast, typical of BBE. When will BBE get the credit they deserve? This is a brilliantly executed and packaged release. Disco Heads heed!

Reel People Presents Golden Lady, Reel People Music.

Another release from the prolific Reel People outfit. This time they turn their attention to the Stevie Wonder Classic, “Golden Lady”. I’m sure you all remember Jose Feliciano’s classic cover but this version has a similar sound to the original except with a latin-tinged arrangement  featuring Reel People's choice vocalist Tony Momrelle. This release also includes some previously released material including the excellent “The Tea” by Choklate and the Reel People classic “Star”. There’s also a track by the Restless Soul Fun Band. I don’t know much about this band but it definitely sounds like a great direction for Mr Phil Asher to pursue.  The track “It’s Hard” has a great funk Brass section, a stripped down percussion arrangement and has Phil Asher on drums (!) giving the track an irresistible groove. More please Phil!