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JAZZ - FUNK - SOUL - DISCO (May 2011)

Reviewed by Aleem Bhatti

6th Borough Project – Changin’, Delusions Of Grandeur, Released 5/6/2011.

Craig smith’s 6th Borough project finally gets the debut LP treatment. The plan is to release three singles, plus a limited edition triple coloured vinyl and a CD. This instalment is the first of three singles which moves between house, disco and down-tempo soul nodding heaven. “Find A Way” kicks things off with a lovely disco inspired chugger with a great driving rhythm guitar section that has a classic re-edit feel to it. Up next we have “Iznae” which reminds me of some of the amazing tracks that Craig played at this years' Southport Weekender in the Beat Bar (A truly outstanding selection of music Craig – hats off!) - Raw bass line production and big scratchy keyboard stabs. “If The Feelings Right” contains a sample of classic down-tempo soul monster “Rockin’ You Eternally” so I’m sure you all know where this heads... Finally this excellent first single finishes with a lovely Deep house burner called “Changin’” with a great vocal head that could have been recorded by Brass Construction. This page literally cannot wait for the full LP to drop!

First Choice – Original mixes – Long Extended Length 70’s Disco Versions, Philly Groove, Release date TBC.

This is a fantastic selection of First Choice Classics lovingly compiled by Philly Groove. No radio edits here, only full length extended versions. This compilation moves between 70’s Soul and Disco with tracks that have been on numerous compilations over the years. Classics such as “Armed And Dangerous” have never sounded so good it all its glory. Listening to tracks like “Smarty Pants” it’s not hard to see where the likes of MAW get their inspiration for their drum loops from, particularly in their releases for Nu Yorican Soul. Other classics like “The Player” are also found on this compilation strutting itself with that huge orchestrated Philly sound. This release also contains my favourite version of Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” - BAAAD is all I’m going to say about this track! This is a great purchase for all Disco and Soul enthusiast alike.

Various Artists – Perfect Little Slice Of Soul, Funk and Funky Jazz From The 21st century – Compiled by Mark Webster, BBE Records, Released 16/5/2011

This is a brilliant and extensive look back at Funk inspired gems from the last 10 years. Mark Webster hasn’t gone for obvious choices here but has instead elected to showcase lesser know artists and tracks in all their full glory. There’s plenty to keep most listeners happy here with entries from Finnish Tenor Sax Giant Timo Lassy with Jose James on vocal duties to Kova & Miles ‘ extra funky “Clap Clap (Hand Clappin’Song)”. With the track list running at 20, there’s only enough space to pick out some personal highlights. Soopasoul - “Its Just Begun part (part 1)” is a killer latin-funk  workout complete with hypnotic bass lines, cowbells and chunky sax solo and the Sunlightsquare Latin Combo’s version of “I believe in Miracles” is a summer classic. Once again BBE label delivers on quality and diversity, a true testimony to how a label should be run.

Various Artists – The Soul Of Disco Vol. 3 (Album Sampler), Zed Records.

Zed Records’ label boss, Joey Negro, has compiled yet another collection of soulful, funky and jazzy Disco and as with the current batch of Disco compilations, showcases tracks which most people may not have ever heard of. I’ve only managed to get a hold of the sampler but I’m sure the full release will be available by the time this review gets published. Joey has re-edited many of the tracks himself with Full Body’s “You Got Me Dancing” sounding like classic 80’s Roller-skate Boogie! “Disco Underground” by Sanctuary has a lovely wonky synth over the track, a brilliant jazz funk bass line throughout and could almost be something by Lonnie Liston Smith. Listening to these tracks makes you wonder where all of this great Disco has been? Much of it never left the states and tales of distribution and pressing problems always come up. Thanks to the internet and crate diggers like Joey we’re able to listen to some incredible Disco that I’m sure people thought was lost forever!

Mark de Clive-Lowe presents Leaving This Planet EP, Mashi Beats.

MdCL has toured relentlessly with his freesoul sessions and is now based in LA where he continues to WOW crowds with his take on live House and Soul music. If you haven’t seen him in action he really is a sight to behold. Armed with an Akai MPC-3000 and an array of keyboards Mark can bring the roof down on his own (anyone who witnessed him at this years’ Southport Weekender will testify to that!) On this EP however, he’s employed the help of some long time friends and collaborators like Bembe Segue and Richard Spaven. Four tracks of cosmic soul with a rich tapestry of electronic production. The first track is an updated cover of the Gene Harris classic “Koko + Lee Roe”, need I say anymore.  “Eight” is a short Broken beat boogie gem with uplifting piano and keys  and a great vamp while the title track features Sharlene Hector on vocals - a prophetic down-tempo soul track complete with fat Synth bass lines. Available from bandcamp.com. MdCL is a genius!