Tycho : Awake

For nearly a decade, Tycho has been known as the musical alias of Scott Hansen, but with the release of Awake – his second LP for Ghostly International – the solo project has evolved into a three-piece band. Relating closer to post-rock than ambient soundscapes, the record is situated in the present, sounding more like Hansen than drawing from his influences. “This is, in many ways, the first true Tycho record.”
 

Bonobo : Return To Air

Simon Green, aka Bonobo, is an artist very much at the peak of his powers. His 2013 album ‘The North Borders’ was the high watermark of his career to date: a masterful record, marrying Green's inimitable melodic genius to cutting edge electronics, bass and drums. An artist that constantly pushes himself outside of his musical comfort zone, Bonobo’s ranging personal tastes and regularly expanding range of synthesizers and instruments continue to take his productions to new levels. This outlook has earned him a reputation as one of the most pioneering figures in electronic music, in both his solo DJ sets and 12-piece live band shows.
 

The Budos Band : Up From The South

The Budos Band is an instrumental band recording on the Daptone Records label. The band has nine members (with occasional guests) who play instrumental music that is self-described as "Afro-Soul," a term and sound which - in a 2007 interview - baritone saxophone player Jared Tankel elucidates as, being drawn from Ethiopian music the band had been listening to that had a soul undercurrent to it, which the band then "sprinkled a little bit of sweet 60's stuff on top" of. Jazz, deep funk, Afro-beat, and soul influences can be heard in the Budos Band recordings, all of which were released on Daptone Records and recorded at the label's own studio, Daptone's House of Soul, in Brooklyn, New York. Though they reside in Brooklyn The Budos Band have toured most of North America, Several countries in Eastern Europe and parts of Australia.
 

D'Angelo : Sugah Daddy

When it comes to long-awaited, it doesn’t get much more long-awaited than new music from Michael D'Angelo Archer, better known as D’Angelo. Think Chinese Democracy level long-awaited. Detox level long-awaited, even. So, without further ado: here’s the full, official studio version of ‘Sugah Daddy’, a song that soul music’s ever-elusive prodigal son and his new band, The Vanguard, first played live on their celebrated 2012 tour. Welcome back, D.
 

Floating Points : Nuits Sonores

Sam Shepherd aka Floating Points is one of the driving forces behind Eglo Records. As a Co-Founder and the first artist to release on the label, its fair to say that the young Mr Shepherd contributes a large piece to the Eglo puzzle. A neuroscientist by day, Dj/Producer/Composer by night, Floating Points knows no boundaries when it comes to creativity and expression. Classically trained from a young age and with a strong passion for Jazz, Floating Points has progressed into one of the worlds most exciting producers, as well as one of the club scenes leading Dj's.
 

Ed Thomas : Hurt

Groovy and melancholic at the same time, this track appears on the "Outlaws Ep" from new electronic singer songwriter Ed Thomas. Worth checking !
 

Slowly Rolling Camera : Into the Shadow

Slowly Rolling Camera formed in Cardiff in 2013 and brought together four wildly talented musicians from diverse backgrounds. The result was a captivating hybrid of these influences: trip hop, jazz, soul, electronic music fused into a new and unique soundscape. The product was their eponymous album, released on Edition Records in February 2014 and received ecstatically by press (including UK’s Guardian and Germany’s Stern Magazine) and audiences alike.
 

GoGo Penguin : Break (Bonus Track)

"Jazz, techno, hip-hop and dubstep are glimpsed here, but for all the looping motifs and dance floor vibes, this is the work of three sure-footed improvisers with deep jazz roots" The Guardian
"v2.0 showcases a group marking out their own musical world" The Times
"One of the most formidable three piece groups in the world right now" Gilles Peterson
"A really brilliantly modern piano trio that takes in the whole history of music. I think they're really special" Jamie Cullum
“A stirring re-evaluation of what a piano trio should sound like in the 21st century”
 Barclaycard Mercury Prize
 

Millie Jackson : I Cry

First track, written by Gary Byrd and Raeford Gerald, appearing on the album It Hurts So Good released in 1973. Three of Millie Jacksons albums have been certified gold by the RIAA for over 500,000 copies. Her vocal performances are often distinguished by long, humorous, and explicit spoken sections in her music, which she started doing on stage to get the attention of the audience. She has also recorded songs in a disco or dance music style and even some country styled songs.
 

George McCrae & Gwen McCrae : Winners Together Or Losers Apart

George McCrae formed his own singing group, the Jivin' Jets, before joining the United States Navy in 1963. Four years later, he reformed the group, with his wife Gwen joining the line-up, but soon afterwards they decided to work as a duo, recording for Henry Stone's Alston record label. Gwen then won a solo contract, with George acting as her manager as well as doing some singing on sessions and in clubs in Palm Beach. This one is released in 1976 on Cat Records written by Clarence Reid.
 

Idris Muhammad : Crab Apple

Idris Muhammad was an American jazz drummer who has recorded extensively with many musicians, in the beginning as a member of Lou Donalson band and Ahmad Jamal. Later he was the house drummer at Prestige Records (1970-1972), appearing on many albums as a sideman. Of his later jazz associations, Muhammad played with Johnny Griffin (1978-1979), Pharoah Sanders in the 1980s, George Coleman, and the Paris Reunion Band (1986-1988). He recorded everything from post-bop to dance music as a leader for such labels as Prestige, Kudu, Fantasy, Theresa, and Lipstick. Muhammad, who retired to New Orleans from New York City in 2011, died in July 2014 at the age of 74.
 

Sven Libaek & His Orchestra : Misty Canyon

Deep, moody, soulfull, jazzy, dark & spacey track by Norwegian/Australian film & Television composer, Sven Libaek.
 

Cassiano : Onda

"Onda" had it's release in 1977 on Polydor. Onda,” the nominal A-side here, affirms Cassiano as a sweet-soul guy with a hypnotic Barry-White-meets-the-Moments groove and feathery falsetto vocals. At close to eight minutes, complete with seagulls and crashing waves on the intro/outro, “Onda” is a bona fide mellow masterpiece that holds its own with “Playing Your Game” or “Sexy Mama.”
 

Willie Hutch : Tell Me Why Has Our Love Turned Cold

Willie Hutch’s "Tell Me Why Has Our Love Turned Cold" was on his 1973 LP "Fully Exposed" on Motown. Motown CEO Berry Gordy signed Hutch to be a staff writer, arranger, producer, and musician shortly after he wrote "I'll Be There", a song he penned for The Jackson 5.
 

Marvin Gaye : Heavy Love Affair

"Heavy Love Affair" is released as the second and last single off Gaye's last Motown album, In Our Lifetime, in 1981, the song was based on Gaye's real-life emotional crisis after being separated from his wife at the time. In some parts of the song, Gaye knows that he's a major female attraction but still feels the warmth of his lost love saying "lots of ladies love me/but it's still a lonesome town" bringing that point clearer in the next verse saying "you got me looking for love (again)". The song became one of his lowest-charted Billboard hits on the R&B side reaching just 61 there becoming the final release of Gaye's on the Tamla (Motown) label before he left the label for Columbia the next year.
 

Donna McGhee : Make It Last Forever

Opening song on Donna's debut album written by Greg Carmichael and released in 1978. Donna sang with "The Fatback Band" for over three years, touring with “Chaka khan”, “Frankie Beverly and Maze”. “Crown Heights Affair”, and “Tedddy Pendergrass” before she released this debut.
 

Mr Scruff : Feel Free (Scruff's 12" Re-Tweak)

Scruff turns his attention to 'Feel Free' from his album 'Friendly Bacteria', re-tweaking the Afro-tinged jazz excursion for the dancefloor. With Matthew Halsall on trumpet, Denis Jones on guitar and The Cinematic Orchestra's Phil France double bass take centre stage at the outset before the track morphs into a svelte, sweetly-swung machine-like dance jam.
 

Ephemerals : Easy Ain't Nothin

Ephemerals are a London based soul family featuring an allstar cast of musicians. Founded by Hillman Mondegreen, writer-producer and founder member for Hannah Williams and The Tastemakers, he felt instantly that Franglo-American singer Wolfgang Valbrun was the perfect voice to deliver a debut album that is fresh and soulful and will command some serious attention. Wolf, originally from New York but who has been living in Paris since the age of 14, only began singing in public three years ago, but has quickly established himself as a continental star with his band Marvellous. Next is Damian, who also plays trumpet for Kalakuta Millionaires and is in Hillman’s afrobeat supergroup Keke Mokoro. Then Char, who plays baritone sax for Dakhla, a band with a unique afrobeat/gypsy styling. Also James, who plays organ for Hannah Williams, and Jimi Needles, who has been Hillman’s drummer of choice since they met at university in 2008. Rob Jones was the final piece of the puzzle, recommended to Hillman by WahWah45’s boss Dom Servini. He played every instrument on the epic Gene Dudley Group album and was brought in to play bass with his trademark tone and casual style.
 

Charles Bradley & LaRose Jackson : Luv Jones/Change, Change, Change

It was the annual Charles Bradley memorial day BBQ throw down, when Charles finally introduced LaRose Jackson to Tommy. "Tommeyy! This is the lady I was telling you about. You gotta hear her sang!" To which LaRose said, "This is the guy you were talking about? He don't look like no funky producer to me. He look like one of them rock &amp rollers." Well, our friend TNT invited LaRose and CB back to the old Dunham Sound Studio and set out to prove just how funky he could be. "What if I told you that curly haired dude over there was the baddest drummer you ever heard?" asked TNT to Rose. "Him? You guys are weird." The duets that unfolded that night are on this seven-inch piece of wax: Two instant funky pizza party classics. Dig it
 

Timo Lassy : Teddy The Sweeper

A relaxed effort in the vein of the classic ”cooking session” tradition of modern jazz. That is, the band came in, took hold of the new tunes penned by Lassy and his trusty drummer/producer Teppo ”Teddy Rok” Mäkynen, and fired on all cylinders. The result? Some of the most swinging no-nonsense in your face and under your feet jazz, no gimmicks needed here, this jazz is cooking.
 

The Brothers : Under The Skin

Another great re-issue on Groove Line Records. The Brothers’ promo 12” for the 1976 album Don't Stop Now. This features one of the most sought after instrumental tracks of the 1970's, Under The Skin. A luscious disco orchestration with full horn and string sections playing alongside an infectious conga groove played and arranged by Warren Schatz and his band, The Brothers.
 

Bileo : You Can Win

Written by Elijah Williams Jr. and R.K. Wynn, this is an extremely rare and dj pleasing record from 1979. Now re issued by Athens Of The North !
 

Fabulous Four : If I Knew

Rare funk and soul gem written by Charles Warren and Homer Wells.

 

Marlena Shaw : Woman Of The Ghetto

Marlena Shaw has endured decades of singing in the shadows, and she has only now finally found her niche, thanks to Ashford & Simpson, who've written the two songs that became popular on the U.K. rare groove scene.
"California Soul" is probably the most enduring and well-known of her many songs, but just a few seconds listening will tell you that it is much more than that. Both already a classic amongst those who have already seen the light and have danced and swayed to their timeless swing.

 

Tony Allen : Go Back (feat. Damon Albarn)

Tony Allen is a Nigerian drummer, composer and songwriter who currently lives and works in Paris. As drummer and musical director of Fela Kuti's band Africa 70 from 1968 to 1979, Allen was one of the primary co-founders of the genre of Afrobeat music. Fela once stated that, "without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat." He has also been described by Brian Eno as "perhaps the greatest drummer who has ever lived."
Offering an exciting sneak preview of "Film of Life", the new album from Tony Allen due for release October 20th on Jazz Village, the poignant ballad “Go Back” was written with Damon Albarn, who features on vocals and keyboards. Set to a sensual and hypnotic beat, the two musicians have created a homage to the African refugees who ended up on the Italian island of Lampedusa.

Gwen Mcrae : Keep The Fire Burning

This is Gwen Mcrae on top of her game surrounded by the best producers and songwriters. 1982 saw the release of the album 'On My Way', containing the excellent, Willie Hutch penned, Webster Lewis produced 'Keep The Fire's Burning'.
      

Saint Motel : My Type Ep

Saint Motel is a relatively new American four piece band from Los Angeles, whose music has been described as everything from "dream pop" to "indie prog". The band consists of A/J Jackson (lead vocals/guitar), Aaron Sharp (lead guitar), Dak (bass), and Greg Erwin (drums).
With sprinkling fresh melodies and exotic rhythms and a certain jazziness throughout, they manage to wrap the cold cold man in a happy song.
"Cold Cold Man" is the third song on the forthcoming "My Type" Ep. "My Type" takes off with funky and disco styled horns, a wall of sound where the bassline emerges silk smooth and takes us on a poppy ride where I'm happy to be on. Top songs !
 

Quantic : You Will Return (feat. Alice Russell)

“You Will Return” is a bittersweet dose of soulful psychedelic folk that sees Tru Thoughts label-mate and long-time collaborator Alice Russell giving a beautifully wistful and potent vocal turn among Holland’s glistening layers of banjo, accordion and guitar, and a subtly driving beat. With an exquisite lacework of harmonies, and string arrangements (courtesy of world-renowned Miguel Atwood-Ferguson) this sliver of timeless perfection with a twist calls to mind the last time Quantic and Alice Russell joined forces, on 2012’s full collaborative album and BBC 6Music Playlisted title track “Look Around The Corner”. Testament to this song’s popularity, an alternative upfront version of “You Will Return”, released on an exclusive Record Store Day 7”, sold out in rapid fashion.
 

Crown Heights Affair : Use Your Body & Soul (Scratchandsniff re-rub)

Originally known as Ben Iverson and the Nue Dey Express on Britne Records, founded by then-bassist Donnie Linton, the group was renamed for a neighborhood in Brooklyn. The line-up consisted of Phillip Thomas, William Anderson, Howard Young, Bert Reid, James Baynard, Raymond Reid, Arnold 'Muki' Wilson, Julius Dilligard Jr., and Raymond Rock. Under contract to RCA they recorded their self-titled first album in 1974, featuring their first single "(You Can't Bend My) Super Rod". 

Personnel changes followed, along with a shift in 1975 to De-Lite Records. The record label's subsequent liaison with Polygram Records saw the group gain worldwide audiences for singles such as "Dreaming A Dream", "Every Beat of My Heart", "Foxy Lady" and "Dancin'". "Dreaming A Dream" reached Number one on the Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1975, and they topped out at #2 on the Dance chart later that year with "Every Beat Of My Heart".

In the UK they made the Top 40 in 1978 with "Galaxy Of Love", and #10 in 1980 with "You Gave Me Love". On 22 June 2013 they reunited to play at the Coronet in London as part of the Streetsounds Summer Ball.
 

Change : The Glow of Love (Leroc Sportif Edit)

The Glow of Love is the debut studio album by the Italian/U.S. ensemble Change. It was released in 1980 and reached number twenty-nine on the US Billboard Album Chart and ten on the US Billboard Black Albums chart. The Glow of Love includes the singles "A Lover's Holiday", "Searching" and "The Glow of Love". The band recorded the songs for album at Fontoprint Studios, Bolognia, Italy.

The songs were then taken to Power Station Studios, New York City for the recording of the vocals. "Searching" and the title track were recorded and mixed at Media Sound Studios, New York. The sessions were then mastered at Sterling Sound Studios. Receiving positive reviews the album was originally released as an LP in April 1980. The artwork was designed and illustrated by Greg Porto.
 

The Clash : Casbah Breakdown (Soul Motion Dj Edit)

Simple Cut 'n Paste edit with the original and the fabulous Joey Negro Edit.

Souleance : Segredos Do Samba

Soulist and Fulgeance have reached into the extensive Brasilian collection of Alice Dufay, the lady behind the fresh and distinctive artwork of all Souleance releases, to bring us the 'Jogar EP'. With the World Cup, the sounds of South America are a natural choice for summer 2014 and Souleance's offering is as funky as you'd expect.
 

Los Issifu & His Moslems : Kana Soro

Voodoo Funk managed to track down Los Issifu himself in Kumasi, Ghana, and are releasing this killer 45 licensed directly from the artist himself. The clip has not been restored, the 45 sounds much better, according to the Voodoo people.

http://www.benenwerk.be/

Nina Simone : Be My Husband (Soul Motion Dj Remix)

Wganda Kenya : Tipit Hayed (Nik Weston Edit)

Good things always come from Mukatsuku Records. Dance floor dynamite from the Disco Fuentes catalogue get unleashed on the strictly vinyl only, singles on Mukatsuku Record label for summer 2013. This is an unreleased version of the popular Wganda Kenya club favourite 'Tipit Hayed' which Blundetto had done a few years ago for his own DJ sets but never surfaced commercially. On the flipside a bona fide salsa funk monster which a piano intro to die for from Fruko Y Sus Tesos.

Dj Format : Stealin' James Pt.1

Nice Dj Tool from Dj Format. As quoted : "I was really inspired by cut 'n' paste mixes by people like Coldcut and Double D & Steinski in the '80s and wanted to do an updated mix of James Brown's music as sampling technology has advanced so much since 'The Payback Mix' and 'Lesson 2' etc. I also wanted to 'give a nod' to the way certain producers had cut up & scratched James Brown samples in some of my favourite Hip Hop records in the late '80s & early '90s."

Todd Terje : It's Album Time

Oslo disco-dance champ, DJ and producer Todd Terje finally releases his debut long-player 'It's Album Time' via his own Olsen Records. Ever since Todd dropped 'Eurodans' back in 2005 he's had many a beady disco eye trained in his direction. His grooves are effortless and his melodies infectious! Here he puts all his experience and nordic sense of fun into twelve tracks of straight up home listening pleasure. It comes packing the huge 'Strandbar' and 'Inspector Norse' tracks, it's got a guest spot from Bryan Ferry on a version of Robert Palmer's 'Johnny and Mary' and in between all that it jumps for joy around his own lit-up balearic world. With killer artwork from illustrator Bendik Kaltenborn this is one solid debut and one that's sure to feature throughout 2014.

Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers : Do Whatever Makes You Feel Hot

Sharon Jones says she's "blessed", Record Kicks latest soul discovery Hannah Williams aka Deep soul's funkiest new diva and The Tastemakers, release their first full length LP "A Hill Of Feathers" with the artistic supervision of golden boy Diesler (Thru Thoughts, Freestyle Records...) responsible for mixing the album.

They have been winning over British audiences gaining continuous support from soul heavyweights such as Charles Bradley, The Dap-kings and Craig Charles, with whom they've shared the stage during the last 12 months. Hannah's stunning vocal performances elevate her to the level of London's greats Adele & Amy Winehouse. The disciplined band, led by Hillman Mondegreen, fall in hard with her as she goes deep into her soul, recorded live with the vocals to capture the true emotion and augmented by epic strings, backing singers and the Tastemaker horn section. So young, so good, so deep ... if you're fans of deep soul, watch out for Hannah Williams & the Tastemakers.

Nicola Conte : Free Souls

Two new gems that anticipate the release of the fifth studio album by Nicola Conte “Free Souls” - pure soul jazz music when Marvin Parks’ voice softly embraces Shades of Joy melody and the lyrics written by Gregory Porter and Bridgette Amofah performing a superb Rhythm and Blues tune writing by Nicola.
Nothing to share with futile trends, these tracks are the result of an urgent need to research in the depth of the soul and musical influences.

Alice Russell : Breakdown feat. Darondo

Alice Russell’s “Breakdown” feat. Darondo has been revealed as the soundtrack to the much-anticipated Mad Men Season 7 US Trailers, currently notching up massive play counts online in the run-up to the final season premiere.

“Breakdown” feat. Darondo is an alternate version to the album track “Let Go (Breakdown)”, the latter having appeared on Russell’s acclaimed 2013 ‘To Dust’ LP. (This single package also includes the album cut as a B side.) In addition to the incredible, heartfelt tones of UK soul sensation Alice Russell, the alternate version of “Breakdown” was given an additional depth and lustre by the collaborative input of late, great soul vocalist Darondo, who sadly passed away in 2013 shortly after its original release. Despite being a relatively exclusive, underground track - having originally appeared as a digital bonus cut, and on a Record Store Day vinyl release - its viscerally soulful energy, unshakable hooks and spirited harmonies have seen this song bubbling up into the spotlight; previous high profile syncs have also included hit US drama The Blacklist.

Fela Kuti : Roforofo Fight (Soul Motion Dj Edit)

It's true that Fela's early-'70s records tend to blur together with their similar groupings of four lengthy Afro-funk-jazz cuts. In their defense, it must be said that while few artists can pull off similar approaches time after time and continue to make it sound fresh, Fela is one of them. Each of the four songs on the 1972 album Roforofo Fight clocks in at 12 to 17 minutes, and there's a slight slide toward more 1970s-sounding rhythms in the happy-feet beats of the title track and the varied yet rock-solid drums in "Go Slow." There's just a hint of reggae in "Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am," in the pace, vocal delivery, ethereal keyboards, and lilting yet dramatic minor melodic lines. The James Brown influence is strongly heard in the lean, nervous guitar strums of "Question Jam Answer," and the horns cook in a way that they might have had Brown been more inclined to let his bands go into improvisational jams. The 2001 MCA CD reissue of the album, retitled Roforofo Fight/The Fela Singles, adds two previously unreleased bonus tracks from the same era, "Shenshema" and "Ariya."