Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

Maurice Lecoeur could be considered as France’s best kept secret composer. Although hardly known outside of « digging-nerds » circles, he produced an incredible number of themes for movies, TV programs and commercials. Inspired by his friend and mentor François de Roubaix, he managed to create his own print, juggling freely with genres, harmonies, tonalities and string arrangements.

This fine compilation gathers together the cream of his 70s-to-mid-80s work ; a journey overflowing with pop fantasies, crazy drum-breaks and beautiful orchestral themes.

Most of these magnetic tapes are totally unrealeased and could have burned in the terrible fire that devastated Lecoeur’s home studio in the early 90’s. For fans of Jean Claude Vannier, Michel Colombier, François De Roubaix and Janco Nilovic…

t's been 5 years since Psychic Mirrors released their critically acclamied album Nature Of Evil, now the cult funk family from Miami return for the album of the decade. Recorded at Platinum Blonde Sound Studios, by Mickey De Grand IV.

A washed-up Hollywood composer gets his last chance at stardom when he is employed at a once-hot but now failing television network.

19 new chart topping hits from the romantic comedy of the year!

The Miami Star Reporter calls it "Hilarious, daring, provocative, unquestionably a new step forward in album marketing campaigns."

150g vinyl double LP, in deluxe gatefold jacket. Distributed by PPU Records

It’s been 26 years since Do You Want More?!!!??!, the groundbreaking second studio album and major label-debut by The Roots. Originally released on January 17, 1995 via DGC Records, Do You Want More?!!!??!, brought The Roots’ neo-soul bohemian zest to life and established them as leading figures of hip-hop-jazz. The album which peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart, features their singles “Distortion To Static,” “Proceed” (considered one of their most signature recordings), and the rap ballad “Silent Treatment.” Led by MC Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the Philadelphia rap crew are going back to where it began with a 3LP deluxe collection of Do You Want More?!!!??! to be released on June 18, 2021 via Geffen/UMC. Going back to the vault, this deluxe edition is drawn from the original recordings and features eighteen bonus tracks curated by Questlove; some of which have never been released and others that have never previously been available digitally. The 3LP deluxe vinyl edition features five bonus tracks — “Proceed II Feat. Roy Ayers”, “Proceed III”, “Proceed IV (AJ Shine Mix)”, “Proceed V (Beatminerz Mix),” along with five remixes of “Silent Treatment” — plus a 24-page booklet featuring images taken by Mpozi Tolbert, essays by Questlove and Black Thought as well as track-by-track commentary.

Brief Encounter were a group from North Carolina, active for a decade from the early 70s. In 1976 and 1977 respectively they released the A and B sides to this release separately on Capitol Records. Both have become exceptionally rare and sought after.

They are feel good, upbeat funky soul jams. The group are also remembered for the 1977 ‘Sound Plus’ label release “Human” and their debut album that year “Introducing The Brief Encounter” which also included “Got A Good Feeling”. Save hundreds of Pounds on the two original 7”s and find both these dances back to back on this Expansion 7”

Niagara was more a project than an actual band formed by German jazz drum legend Klaus Weiss. He formerly worked with another jazz legend from his mother country, Klaus Doldinger and gained fame in the German jazz circuit of the 60s and 70s. His 1971 works with NIAGARA was the offspring of the vision to create an orchestra made entirely of drummers and percussionists. Despite the fact that there is definitely no regular melody instrument to be heard on this album, the two lengthy compositions are arranged in such an enthralling way, that they have a rather catchy and memorable feel. Among the cult drummers featured on this album are Udo Lindenberg (yes, this icon of German rock and pop started as a drummer!) and session hero Keith Forsey. So what both compositions offer is an ever pulsating rhythm inferno, a maelstrom of different grooves and sounds. If you go for this album to find some pop tunes, you better change your mind. If you wish to be enchanted and hypnotized by a massive wall of percussion sounds and be dragged deeper and deeper into a state of trance, which is utterly addictive, you are welcome. This album goes deeper as most psychedelic rock with dreamy melodies and heavy organ work. You cannot compare it to anything else, so open your mind for the ultimate rhythm experience and join in if you dare. Only if you dare.

"Niagara's third LP Afire is the rarest one from kraut drummer, formerly of Sunbirds, Klaus Weiss' band. An astonishing album which returns to the minimal sounds based on percussion and rhythm of their first album, yet retaining a feel of harmony all through it - this time not provided by the brass instruments that had been added in S.U.B., but though to the high emphasis put on combining a variety of drums each tuned to their perfect pitch, and the contribution of Embryo's bass player Dave King. Also present on the sessions were percussionists George Brown, Sabu Rex and Norman Tolbert. The phenomenal rhythms contained on this LP have made it a very sought after piece among those looking for cool samplers to mix.

Klaus Weiss is considered one of the best drummers of the German jazz scene, he was always very active and played with a lot of USA jazzmen travelling Germany like Hampton Hawes, Herbie Mann, Mal Waldron or Johnny Griffin, as well as with German greats as Klaus Doldinger, George Gruntz, Friedrich Gulda, etc. "

Originally released by Bethlehem Records in 1959, NINA SIMONE AND HER FRIENDS was a compilation album comprised of the few remaining, unreleased tracks from the Little Girl Blue recording session plus songs recorded by two other former Bethlehem artists, the powerhouse jazz vocalist Carmen McRae and the elegant song stylist Chris Connor.

As Daphne Brooks explains in the release’s brand new essay, “Bethlehem clustered their work—tracks that had previously appeared on the label’s Girlfriends compilation—together with the younger, upstart Simone’s and essentially offered up a collection of songs that span a range of genres—folk, jazz, pop song staples, and torch song laments, plus a couple of provocative original compositions by McRae and Simone. Each track is a reminder

of the clear-eyed independence, verve, and confidence of three artists whose music, taken together, brims with the majesty and the assured talents of the late 1950s women artists who led with conviction and invention as musicians and song interpreters.”
Featuring a brand new stereo mix by four-time Grammy winner Michael Graves. Includes new essay by author of Liner Notes For The Revolution, Daphne A. Brooks.

Drummer/producer Teppo "Teddy Rok" Mäkynen shares two unreleased cuts by his alias The Stance Brothers on We Jazz Records. The 7" color vinyl single goes by the title "Commercial Music", as both tracks are originally commissioned for promotional purposess. The tough-as-nails A-sider "Hard Deal" is an old-school Stance groover made for the Finnish clothing brand Samuji's men's Spring/Summer collection 2015. Stance fans will recognice the signature Teddy Rok groove which cooks and rocks, and displays nice depth as well. The drum break is pure fire like only Teppo can deliver. "Dwayne's Shuffle", known to local Finnish jazz aficionadoes as the opening theme of the popular Yle Radio 1 "Jazzklubi" show is slightly more mellow offering, yet the full swing and intensity is right there in the pocket. The crunchy guitar and minimalist vibraphone melodies carry the tune way beyond your average radio show jingle into a full existence of its own.

"Commercial Music" by The Stance Brothers is released by We Jazz Records on color 7" vinyl single, delivered with heat-pressed old school labels and a stylish plain brown sleeve.

A follow-up of sorts to Messengers Incorporated's Soulful Proclamation, LA Will Make You Pay by Burton Inc. featured core members Charles and Barbara Burton of both groups, and is a shining example of the modern soul and disco that pulsed through the Oklahoma underground. Moving away from the psych-infused heavy funk jams of Soulful Proclamation, these eight tracks gave Barbara Burton's vocals the spotlight with heart-tugging soul ballads, sun-soaked horns and bass grooves. Originally released independently in 1976, P-VINE is delighted to reissue the album on limited-edition vinyl with an iconic Japanese obi strip included.

Falk & Klou thrives in the glorious nostalgia of the golden age of grooving jazz, jazzy libraries and pfunky stuff, reimagined in the year of the Corona. The Swedish duo consisting of multi instrumentalists Carl Johan Fogelklou and Fredrik Segerfalk who haphazardly met over a pile of vintage synthesizers that required immediate attention, only to realize that they had a common goal in this life - to pretend that they were recording producers and artist in the seventies. The urge led to actual sessions, first only the two, later to be followed by horn players, drummers and other desperate pandemic struck musicians. In the end ten prominent tracks emerged, with the common denominator being the love of great music. The library of Falk & Klou.

Repress!

Official half-speed mastered re-issue of British trumpeter and bandleader Ian Carr's iconic jazz-fusion-rock hybrid ‘Belladonna’ from 1972.

Originally released on the Vertigo label, complete with collectable ‘swirl' record centre design, this sought-after jazz-rock-fusion rarity features some of the cream of the UK jazz musicians of the 70’s. Comprised from groups such as Nucleus, Brian Auger's band, Soft Machine, Stan Tracy group, the players included Brian Smith (tenor and soprano saxophones, alto and bamboo flutes), legendary guitarist Allan Holdsworth, Dave MacRae (Fender electric piano), and bassist Roy Babbington, to name but a few.

Seen as a benchmark point in Ian Carr's career, 'Belladonna’ is awash with atmospheric excursions and ethereal qualities, as well as a darker fusion aesthetic and prog-rock sensibility from Holdsworth's exceptional guitar playing. The moody, yet funky, vibe of the album has echoes of Miles Davis' electronic era à la 'In A Silent Way'.

The album is best enjoyed played in its entirety. There are ebbs and flows with certain tracks shining along the way. Standouts include the beautiful down-tempo track 'Summer Rain’, which has a soundtrack / library style brilliance and emotional electric piano soloing. Though recorded in the 70’s, the track has a timeless sound, a melancholic funk so often used in hip-hop and beat tape productions to this day. ‘Mayday's Shaft-like long extended intro builds the drama until the percussive release when the drums drop at over three minutes in.

To give a record of such quality the treatment it deserves, we have once again been lucky to enlist the service of mastering and lacquer cutting engineering don Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios, to cut a brand-new half-speed master and let the music speak for itself.

Limited edition of 300 copies. Packaged in a picture sleeve

J.D’s TIME MACHINE presents SPEAK LOVE b/w YOUNG HEARTS.
Songwriter supremo James Day has consistently delivered top notch material throughout his career, amassing an amazing set of collaborations.
The All Star Mix of SPEAK LOVE from five years ago features the mouthwatering cast of Glenn Jones, Tony Terry, Tim Owens, U-Nam, Ian Martin, Lin Rountree & Kevin Flint Jackson. This is one of James Day’s most respected compositions and we are thrilled to give this a vinyl release! YOUNG HEARTS originally from 2013 features the majestic vocals of both Kevin Flint Jackson and Tim ‘Tio’ Owens. Presented here as a '2022 Vinyl Exclusive Mix' with changes in the arrangement, Tim Owen’s EW&F sensibilities really shape this track and the note he hits in the meat of the song is worth the price of the admission fee alone!

Lance Ferguson is back for a killer follow-up 7" to his second volume of classic re-works and re-imaginings, Rare Groove Spectrum Vol. 2 - released on Freestyle in late January on LP, CD and digital formats.

We just couldn't resist putting this take on Pucho & His Latin Soul Brothers cover of Gladys Knight's Got Myself a Good Man on a 45. Keeping true to the source, yet somehow simultaneously sounding like no-one else, this version is 100% guaranteed to put a spring in the step of any crowd as the sun starts gradually to come out from hiding. Aside from the faithfully executed and expertly recorded drum-track, which sits pretty higher up in the mix than it's precursor, the star of this particular show comes midway through when Lance's lilting and sun-kissed guitar solo comes gliding in. If you can't move to this, even just a little bit, then you might actually be lacking a pulse. Backing things up is the undeniable latin-funk strut of Mandrill's Mango Meat. Given an instrumental work-out here with Remco Keijer's Flute and Daniel Mougerman's keys putting in work over a heavy-as-lead rhythm section, those delectable salsa-inflicted horns upping the spice levels.

Lance's work across the Rare Groove Spectrum series can often be looked on as something akin to a "live re-edit" on the originals, at times switching up sections or extending the groove. These two choice cuts however are a masterclass in subtly teasing out some of the original elements on the tracks that really make them work on a dance-floor, and bringing those to the fore while retaining 100% respect for the OG arrangements.

The independent label Six Nine Records Ltd. UK, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, proudly presents the French boogie-funk master Magoo and his first release on the label!

Two already amazing tunes have been remixed to new heights by the sureshot hit maker Yuki “T-Groove” Takahashi and are bound to set
dancefloors on fire!

Definitely not to be missed as it is a limited UK press with full colour
printed picture cover!

Côco Do Macaco is the second Maxi Single of the Golden Records series from upcoming album by Sócrates E As Garotas, 40 years after the monkey party album. La Matta Records tries to bring you back into the world of Brazilian jazz/funk rhythm, adding an increiblde extended mix and a disco flue version for the club. This track is packed with high spirit, contagious happiness and contains and excellent production, also thanks to the participation of Orlandivo and Lincold Olivetti. An all-time classis on dancefloors!

Today New York based singer, songwriter and producer Amber Mark announces details of her long-awaited debut album ‘Three Dimensions Deep’, out January 28th via EMI/PMR Records. The announcement of the album is accompanied by a sultry R&B instant-grat track ‘What It Is’ as well as a huge UK, EU and US spring tour announcement including London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in March

Amber’s debut album arrives almost 4 years after the release of her second EP ‘Conexão’, an extended process that has proved central to its thematic development. The 17 track album can be divided into three main acts that follow the arc of Amber’s personal and musical development; WITHOUT, WITHHELD and WITHIN. Beginning by acknowledging her insecurities and anxieties before reflecting on her time in denial and spent processing them in all the wrong ways, Amber eventually widens her focus by seeking answers to the world’s negativity and trauma on a cosmic scale. Finding peace and a form of inherent spirituality in the world of astrophysics while writing the album led to a fresh perspective on life and a renewed sense of self. Amber’s debut album is simultaneously a profound concept album and a love letter to herself, richly intertwining messages of self-worth and reflections on the universe beneath a veneer of shimmering pop. In true Amber Mark style, ‘Three Dimensions Deep’ is a kaleidoscopic melting pot of influences and genres, drawing from funk and R&B, soul and hip-hop with international accents influenced by a nomadic childhood spent travelling the world with her late mother.

“Three Dimensions Deep is a musical journey of what questions you begin to ask yourself when you start looking to the universe for answers.” says Amber; “I can only go as deep as the third dimension as that’s how we see the world, but what about when you start looking to the universe within for answers.”

“‘What It Is’ low key is the title track of the album without it actually being the title track” explains Amber; “It comes from going through negative experiences which end up being the gateway to a question I think I’ll be asking for the rest of my life. What is the meaning of life,the universe and everything?”

The three official singles already released from the album ‘Worth It’, ‘Competition’ and ‘Foreign Things’ marked Amber’s first official singles since 2020’s ‘Generous’, though 2020 was still a hugely productive year for Amber. With her hometown of NYC hit hard in the first wave of the pandemic and placed under strict lockdown, Amber turned to her simple home studio to create an acclaimed series of home-produced covers and originals titled ‘Covered-19’, each accompanied by a homemade video and artworks. The series was followed by a collaboration with longtime friend Empress Of on the protest song ‘You’ve Got To Feel’, earning Annie Mac’s Hottest Record, ‘Tune Of The Week’ and a spot on the Radio 1 playlist. Earlier this year Amber was featured on legendary DJ Paul Woolford’s new piano-house track ‘HEAT’, again snagging Annie Mac’s Hottest Record and a long run across the Radio 1 and 2 playlists. Having already amassed over 300 million streams since the release of her breakout debut EP 3:33AM in 2017, Amber has built a global fanbase eager to hear her debut full length -

The third release on Cordial Recordings is Arthur Goodjoin & The Singing Tornados with 'Traveling Through The Land' & 'Stop This Fussing & Fighting.' Both songs were originally released on Expression Records and fully licensed through the group. In our opinion 'Traveling Through The Land' is one of the best examples of gospel and disco crossover. Don't miss out on this gem!

This is available for pre-order and is a Love Vinyl DRS Ltd distribution title.

Having performed on funk & soul stages at over 50 UK festivals over the last 5 years, Daytoner can't wait to return to promote their forthcoming album and new single, their first release since 2019, written and recorded during isolation in their homes across Cornwall. The first single, released on 28th January 2022 features 2 new tracks 'Time' & 'Keep It Moving' with Lucy's lyrics focussing on the importance of time spent with family and friends when life feels so fragile, backed by the funk-fuelled brass and breaks of her bandmates.

Exclusive first radio play of 'Time' on New Year's Day on The Craig Charles Funk & Soul show on BBC6 Music, followed by a play in his afternoon show on January 5th. Interview with Moss and play of both sides of the single on the David White Show & the Boogie Wonderland show on BBC Radio Cornwall on January 6th & 7th and 'Time' is 'Single of the Week' on his drivetime afternoon show on the station with repeat plays in the week 10-14th Jan.

Family Of Swede hail from Oakland, California and were originally formed at whilst in High School in the mid 1960s. They were originally known as The Epics and released one single 'We Are Made As One' on Bridge Town Records. It was during the 1970s that the band decided to change their name to Family Of Swede because the leader of the group was Swede McDaniel. Under the name of Family Of Swede the released one single on Butter Fields with the uptempo 'Everybody Must Pay' and the ballad 'I Got To Move On'. They band had recorded an album called 'Family Album' during this period but it was never released at the time, until now that is. We've also included on the label some later recordings from the early 80s with different takes of 'Sad Lonely Feeling', 'Living From Day To Day' and 'Set You Free.' The CD version comes with the monumental full length 11 minute 50 seconds version of 'Set You Free,' which has been supported by Gilles Peterson on his BBC radio show. 'Family Album' is a collection of beautiful and timeless songs which should now deserve the acclaim that they deserve.

'Life' by the Family of Swede from Oakland was featured on their 2020 'Family Album' long player and was the most popular song on the album with it's prophetic lyrical content of human existence. We believe that the song deserves a wider and audience hence the release on 7" vinyl. The flip features an edit of the song 'Mellow' which was not featured on the album and exclusive to this release.

Kerbside Collection are an all instrumental dusty jazz funk and gritty rare grooves ensemble from the inner suburbs of Australia's third largest city on the mid North Coast – Sunny Brisbane QLD. The band plays good time jazz, funk and traditional rare groove.

With a gritty rhythm section of old school drums and fender or upright bass, alongside funky Hammond and Rhodes, with some sweet George Benson-ish jazz guitar licks on top, the sound of Kerbside Collection harks back to the 60s and 70s Californian West Coast jazz funk music of artists such as Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Chico Hamilton, Joe Sample and The Crusaders, whilst tipping it's hat to today's contemporaries keeping the 'feel' alive.

In May 2011, directly after devastating floods freakishly ripped through their hometown of Brisbane, the ensemble went to record their debut album "Mind The Curb" in Melbourne with Jake Mason (Cookin' On 3 Burners). Eight songs were recorded/mixed/pre-mastered in four days, on vintage, analogue gear and onto warm tape. Their follow up record "Trash Or Treasure" (2015) contains hints of library jazz music with lush tones from added instrumentation like vibraphone, sitar and brass that blends into their dusty 60's inspired West Coast jazz funk and gritty grooves sounds. Engineered with Hopestreet Recording's Bob Knob and featuring guests from The Cactus Channel, The Bombay Royale and The Putbacks. Third album "Smoke Signals" (2018), was again received warmly worldwide, including plays on BBC radio, and containing even more extra instrumentation, including baritone sax and flute, subtle flourishes of early 70s analogue / electric jazz grooves.

Their fourth studio album "Round The Corner", written and recorded during the last fifteen months of the recent 2020/2021 cv-19 pandemic, is their most ambitious offering yet, with the first single "Glaze", conjuring up some classic 4hero, early Jamiroquai, and Mizell Brothers cinematic funk moments, whilst offering a taste of what to expect from the full length.

For BRZ45087 we present a split release comprised of two tried-and-tested favourites from the Mr Bongo record bag.

Rio-born pianist and organist Lafayette’s career started in the mid-60s and saw him become a prominent member of the Brazilian musical movement entitled 'Jovem Guarda’. For his inclusion on this selection in the Brazil45 series we move things along a few years to 1982 and the Brazilian boogie gem 'Sol De Verão'. Taken from his album 'Edição Especial’ and originally released on Copacabana Records, 'Sol De Verão' was written by Jorginho Gomes from one of Brazil's greatest bands Os Novos Baianos. It's a superb slice of 80s boogie/funk brilliance with a super catchy ear-worm of a vocal - definitely one for the dancers!

For the flip, we include an absolute monster from the fantastic Marisa Rossi, who we featured previously on number 38 in the Brazil45 series. 'Quem Vem Lá’ is a heavy driving Samba Rock / MPB groove track with female and male call and response vocals. Originally released on a very rare and exclusive 7" also on Copacabana Records, but this time in 1971. Marisa would go on to work with the legendary Arthur Verocai in the 1980s.

Two very different slices and styles of Brazilian music, but both absolute gems.

Many of you will be aware of the band Homegrown Syndrome (we released the single a few years ago). They were also known locally as Homegrown Funk & the band Memphis that put out one extremely rare two sider. A party Side 'Shake and Rock' flipped with a top of the rung ballad 'Inside My Love', it has everything collectors want, Rarity & Quality so sells for 500+ all day long, below Robert Garcia gives us the history....

"Memphis" were members of the Memphis based group "Home Grown Funk." Home Grown Funk was also known as "Homegrown Syndrome," a controversial name bestowed to them. Before heading to LA they gigged all over Memphis. Some of the members were from an earlier 70s group called "Brothers Unlimited" and had earlier ties during the 60s with the "Memphis Invaders" (a peaceful civil rights activist group).

With aspirations of pushing Homegrown further, a few members including Jerry Jones made the move out west. It was LA 1977 when they were introduced to Ike Tuner through a mutual friend "Ricky G". It was a casual meetup. Then one night Ike had his son Ike Jr. go check them out while performing at the Soul Train hangout spot "Maverick Flats". Ike Jr. praised their performance to Ike and he had them come out to his Inglewood studio. The group walked into the studio with a funky track already playing and that's when Jerry Jones improvised this opportunity and started singing. Ike then turned and said… "Who is that singing?" Jerry said, "Thats me." Then Ike replied " YOU BIG MUTHAF***A! You could be my new Tina." From that point the group cut bunch of tracks with Ike over the years up until they're feature on his 1980 album "The Edge."

In 1981 Perry Kibble (Keyboardist for Taste Of Honey) was at "Concerts In The Park" and heard Home Grown Funk performing. He linked up with the group and got them a deal with Arista. During this time they recorded their hit track " Confrontation." Perry suggested that the group change their name because he didn't want another group with the work "Funk" in it and hence "Homegrown Syndrome." They also use the Arista studio to cut an unreleased acetate with tracks "Got the love" and "Party Vibes" soon to be reissued on ATON.

Around the same time they were introduced to a fella named Roger Green. Green asked the group to come over to his home studio to cut the track "Inside My Love." Upon naming the record Roger Green suggested to go by "Memphis" since they were all from there. This record was eventually pressed in 1982 as small run becoming extremely hard to find.

Words by: Robert Garcia

In 2009, Jalapeno Records was approached with some incredible music by the super talented Mixmonster and Schoolmaster, founding members of the jazz funk band 'The Apples'.

Produced under their 'Radio Trip' moniker, the album was a glorious cut & paste journey into sound, with overtones of musique concrete, brought to life by their fascination with vinyl culture, turntablism and sampling.

The first EP taken from the album featured the up-tempo 'Computers Singing' with its crunchy drums, organic horn stabs, bleep FXs, synth bass tones and a myriad of sampled vocals, all deftly arranged into a constantly evolving b boy battle weapon.

Now released for the first time on a limited 45, this little gem also features the sought-after psych-funk remix by fellow DJ, digger and music archivist Markey Funk, who is another a staple of the Israeli groove scene.

Rikki Aaron are a duo that hail from Bristol, Connecticut and are best known for their in-demand rare soul single 'Say What's On Your Mind,' which saw release in 1980 on R.A.C. Records. The song was originally played by revered rare soul DJs covered up as Larry Hobson and then much later on as D.Watson. Rikki released a total of three singles on R.A.C. Records during the 1980s before drifting away from the music industry until now and the release of this limited album.

Cordial Recordings are proud to release this album that features a collection of the singles, previously unreleased songs from the early 80s and newer recordings. The CD version includes three bonus songs including the original versions of 'Say What's On Your Mind' and 'For The Love Of Music.' We believe that this album cements the Rikki Aaron legacy as an outstanding songwriter and performer of classic soulful songs.

Sleevenotes

"Rikki Aaron hail from Bristol, Connecticut and is the artist working name for the multi-talented Dave Watson with his long-time friend Stan O’Donnell. Their friendship started in 1974 over Dave’s enthusiasm for playing the drums and a desire to hook up with Stan because he was the coolest drummer in town. Shortly after they became friends Stan asked Dave to join his local covers band RBB & Company, who at the time were building a following playing the town’s taverns. Dave was aged 14 at this time and by law shouldn’t have been allowed in the buildings because of his age, but that didn’t stop Dave from playing. It was during this time that Dave developed as a singer, whilst initially starting out on backing singing duties before soon gravitating to lead vocals.

Dave back then also had a desire to learn another instrument and he chose to learn to play the piano. His school had a piano in its auditorium that Dave would self-teach himself and this is where he wrote his first song ‘For The Love Of Money.’ One of school’s music teachers heard Dave practising this song one day and was impressed with the quality of the song to make Dave an offer to buy the rights to the song in its entirety. The offer was declined by Dave and much later down the line in 1981 the song was released as the first Rikki Aaron 7” single coupled with ‘Say What’s On Your Mind’ on RAC Records.

Before this single was released and after RBB & Company had broken up Stan had formed a covers band called the Motown Revue with another friend called John Cyr. The band were gaining notoriety locally and the pair soon asked Dave to join up with them on singing duties. Many of the members of the Motown Revue would end up playing on the Rikki Aaron recordings.

There were three singles in total released on RAC Records by Rikki Aaron in the early 1980s. These include ‘For The Love Of Music/Say What’s On Your Mind’ in 1981, ‘Save The World (Part One/Two)’ in 1983 and the final single of ‘Hey Girl/The Dream’ in 1985. The singles were released locally at the time and receive no distribution outside of Connecticut. There were 500 copies pressed of each release and all three records came with a printed outer sleeve.

Dave and Stan believed that Rikki Aaron was long forgotten until one day a record dealer called Jason Permulatter of Carolina Soul contacted Dave to see whether he had any copies of their first single for sale. Luckily Dave had kept a small quantity and was able to sell some copies to Jason, who in turn sold them on. Unbeknown to Dave at the time was that the song ‘Say What’s On Your Mind’ was being played on the rare soul scene as D. Watson rather than Rikki Aaron. It’s believed that the initial copies discovered came without the original picture sleeves and there is no mention of Rikki Aaron hence it being played as D. Watson because that’s the credit on the label.

Cordial Recordings first contacted Stan through a sale that he was doing through a family member on Ebay of ‘For The Love Of Music/Say What’s On Your Mind.’ Our bid wasn’t successful but we were able to begin discussions with regards working together on the recordings that feature on this album. This album includes a collection of unreleased songs, alternative versions of some of the singles and some newer recordings. We hope that you enjoy listening to the album and we’ve helped keep the legacy of Rikki Aaron moving forward."

Feel-good funk and hip-hop duo, The Allergies, offer up one last ray of audio sunshine from their smash hit album, Promised Land.

Featuring the unmistakable voice of Bay Area luminary, Lyrics Born, 'Going to The Party' is the ultimate celebration of good times, good friends, and good music. Throwback raps weave wickedly with infectious grooves and a sing-a-long chorus, making this the perfect soundtrack for all your get-togethers and funky affairs. And now, the limited edition vinyl release offers up an extended version, with extra house-party warming verses from L.B!

And, that's not all. As, taking B-Side Banger status on the 45 is 'Utility Man', featuring the dynamite mic prowess of L.A rap hero, Andy Cooper. Riding a super slick double bass groove and neck snapping drums, the L.A. hip-hop legend flips fearsome rap styles, pitching his case as the ultimate go-to gun-for-hire M.C.

And who are we to argue? It's two serious sides of funky rap goodness. Or, as Andy puts it, "The beats bang and the music's timeless". Indeed.

a a1: Going to the Party (Extended Mix) feat. Lyrics Born

This previously unissued 45 came from the esteemed estate of Don Davis, Detroit label owner and legend. Engineered by Ed Wolfdrum who recently passed away.

Not too much is known of The Michigans. Probably a one time demo on a view to getting a record deal.

"Look At My Back Wheels" is a raw edged funk track with incredible breaks and baselines. The vocal content is a little risque so use your imagination i guess.

"Its All Coming Back To Me Now" sounds like it could have been Ocean Colour Scene or a Paul Weller outtake. Very early 1970's Blues influenced Soul Music

Welcome to the jazz funk world of the late great Mr Weldon Johnathan Irvine. This great man managed to write music that both inspired and in awed 50 years ago, as it still does today. He takes you to another world, with his gentle yet almost crazy energy. He was way ahead of his time producing these monumental, instrumental masterpieces. Mr Irvine was such a calm and kind gentleman, who just oozed music. He sadly passed away in 2002. It is a great honour to be able to release some of his music from his Nodlow music label on to 7” for the first time.

In 1974 Weldon released his “In Harmony” LP. The two tracks we chose are, “Fat Mouth” which, as expected, features the signature Weldon rift. This Clavinet-heavy groove is backed up with the mighty Joe Jones on Hammond organ; and is all held steady with the pumping drums from Napoleon Revels
“Turkish Bath” is a laid-back jazz groove, with Weldon laying down a superb lead Rhodes story and melody. Backed up with Joe Jones on the piano. Weldon’s keyboard echoes throughout his music with such simplicity.

Cloud’s sought after Brit-Funk classic ‘All Night Long’ remixed by Ge-Ology from the original studio tapes for a two-track 12” featuring main and extended dub versions. Originally released in 1980 as a white label single, Cloud’s debut has since become a sought-after UK classic that has been re-visited to create another dance floor gem.

Research Records indicate their inclination for cosmic instrumentation and kraut pervaded polyrhythms once again with an introduction to newcomer Glass Beams. Recorded at the beginning of 2020, Mirage is the first release from the artist, issuing four compositions that lend from a profusion of sounds and influences.

The album's opener and title Mirage arrives with a coiling vocal mantra that conspires with a sliding bassline and transcendent synthwork, reminiscent of early 70's prog jams yet inverted and futuristic. Taurus is a brisk arrangement, steeped with spaghetti-western elements and space-jazz to pave the way for the agile Kong. Rife with psych-fusion guitar phrases and instrumentation, Kong unfolds like a forecast lysergic voyage. The finale Rattlesnake nudges the serpent with intergalactic scales and spellbinding riffs. We may not know much about the enigmatic Glass Beams but Mirage is one epic inauguration, leaving the listener with more questions than answers.

Transparent yellow vinyl edition is limited to 500 copies worldwide.

Record Kicks presents "Gurami" the first single from the forthcoming "Origin of Forms" album, the vibrant debut album by Moscow funk band The Diasonics with a mix of cinematic funk, instrumental hip-hop and soviet psychedelia.

Record Kicks is proud to present the mesmerizing psychedelic universe of The Diasonics. "Gurami" is the first single taken from "Origin of Forms" the startling debut full-length by the Muscovite band, coming out on January 28 2022 on ltd edition LP, CD and Digital. "Gurami" is an instrumental funk cut with heavy abstract hip hop influences and it will be available on limited edition 45 vinyl and digital.On the flipside the instrumental soul bonus track "Gradients". The 45 is limited to 500 copies wordwide.

Welcome to "hussar funk", that's how The Diasonics call their music: a style that blends infectious deep funk instrumentals, East European flavours, hip-hop rhythms and psychedelia. Firmly rooted in the late 60s and early 70s, their debut album "Origin of Forms" was recorded on an 8-channel Japanese tape recorder Otari MX-5050 MK III at The Diasonics HQ's Magnetone Studio in Moscow and was mixed by Henry Jenkins (The Cactus Channel / Karate Boogaloo) in Melbourne.

The Diasonics are one of the latest additions to the Russian instrumental funk scene. The band was only formed in 2019 and it's made of five young and seriously talented Muscovite musicians: Anton Moskvin (drums), Maxim Brusov (bass guitar), Anton Katyrin (percussions), Daniil Lutsenko (electric guitar) and Kamil Gzizov (keyboards). In just a couple of years the band has amassed a cult following, releasing a shower of ten celebrated singles and various in-demand 45 vinyl records on funk labels such as Funk Night Records and Mocambo Records.

Fans of Khruangbin, Dj Shadow and of instrumental soul, take note!

Limited edition to 500 copies 45 vinyl.

Record Kicks presents "Another Shot Fired" the new single from the Tibbs on limited edition 45 vinyl. "Another Shot Fired" is the title track of the second studio album from the Dutch soul combo produced by Paul Willemsen (Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions) and is a Jamaican Soul scorcher. By popular demand it has been pressed on a limited edition 45 vinyl with on the flip side the uptempo soul belter "The Main Course".

Based in Amsterdam, The Tibbs took off in 2012. Working right from the start with producer Paul Willemsen, the first EP "Cleaned Out" debuted in 2014. Later that year, the German funk label Tramp Records released their debut single – "Footprints In The Sand/Cleaned Out". Two years later, The Tibbs' first LP, "Takin' Over" marked their debut with Milan based imprint Record Kicks. The singles "Next Time" and "The Story Goes" received critical acclaim on radio stations throughout Europe and North America and the 45s flew out the door in record time. The second studio album "Another Shot Fired" came out on Record Kicks November 20th2020.

Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band Follow Up their 2021 “Expansions” album with another solid 7” offering. The A side, “Represent,” is one of the stand out tracks from Expansions. BRSB cover the DJ Premier produced Nas classic taking the original and expanding the arrangement with guitar and brass riffs. Tuba chugs along the drum break while the steel pans hammer out the infamously infectious melody of the original sample making this an easy winner in Hip Hop circles and beyond. The B side is a non-album cut available on this 45 for the ­rst time ever. Bacao covers the Mtume classic “Juicy Fruit” made popular again when The Notorious B.I.G. sampled it for his smash hit “Juicy.” This is a sure head turner when people realize they are dancing along to a new version of the classic melody

Situation & Andre Espeut join musical forces again to bring you the next Situationism release 'What is Going on' (SITU022). This project has been a long time in the making and boasts a complete fusion of funk, soul and house vibes with a gospel twist!

Situation bring us the original and a dub version to this release. 'What is Going on' of course comes with an array of quality remixes starting off with the Andromeda Orchestra aka Robin Lee of Faze Action, taking a full funk groove angle, complete with brass, fat bass guitar and a bongo break!

BRS then take it to a smooth house groove level with their interpretation. Rob Evans from the BRS collective puts an underground house twist on things. Bitter Suite continue with a quality heavy space funked fiesta of a version.

First to be released will be the limited vinyl 12' featuring the remixes by Andromeda Orchestra, BRS, Bittersuite and also the original mix.

There may not be a more suitable name than Hard Hitter to grace an album cover ever again. The drums hit, and they hit hard. From cinematic funk (“Speed Trap”, “Hard Hitter”, “Decisive Action", and “Big Dipper”), to strutting grooves (“Fun Seeker”), along with jazzy ("Three’s A Crowd") and erratic (“Super Drive”) recordings, this record sounds like a 1970’s action movie. Released in 1975, Hard Hitter features compositions by Keith Papworth, who, in addition to writing hundreds of tracks for de Wolfe Music's production library over the course of three decades, is best known for having his recordings featured in Monty Python skits and movies. Hard Hitter is beloved by crate diggers of all genres for its minimalist orchestration over heavy grooves.

Piano, synthesizer enthusiast, composer, and arranger, Eric Borders aka Captain Supernova, makes first release under new moniker, E. Lundquist. Pushing the boundaries of funk fusion, it’s as much 70s library music, as it is Pink Floyd and The Flaming Lips at times. It often feels as if the planet is going to unfold.

Borders, born and raised on the westside of Los Angeles, is known for his cinematic and cosmic compositions that push jazz into a different time and space. ‘Multiple Images’, the debut release as E. Lundquist, is the composer's first attempt at making a Library Style record. A genre that lends itself well to the Sci-Fi and Jazz Fusion vibes that Borders has been known for in the past. The music often plays as if it is the soundtrack to something happening both simultaneously in and out of this universe.

“As we finished the record it sort of evolved from a library piece into a full fledged album with a mix of different inspirations from blaxploitation, 70s funk, soundtrack, themes, cinematic, and contemporary jazz-funk. It only felt right to break away from the fictional character and give this music a composer name as if you read it on the back of a KPM record. Then E. Lundquist was born.”

The new name pays homage to old family bloodlines, and is the last name of his biological grandfather. While Eric Borders was his given name, Borders has no actual blood relation to his family, it was the name his father had adopted from his Step-grandfather. The name of the album “Multiple Images” is an ode to one of Lundquist’s favorite Library tracks by Brian Bennett “Images”.

This is some truly irresistible hip swaying instrumental Hammond organ funk heaven from The Sugarman 3, who have been rocking dancefloors since 1998 . With "Dirty Water" we get a 1960's R&B/Mod arrangement with soaring tenor saxophone, while on the flipside there's a low down instrumental funk-inspired blues number, heavy with emotion and screeching at every possible twist and turn.