Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

Second Of Two Unbelievably Rare 1982 West Coast
Electro Rap 12' Singles. Originally Released On
Raina Records Out Of Phoenix, Arizona.
Vocal And Killer Dubbed Out Instrumental Arranged
And Conducted By The Legendary Rich Cason.
Impossibly Hard To Find Rare Rap.

The Missing ink between her Barry and Columbia singles, 'I Can't Stant It' b/w 'Only Yesterday' is Thelma Jones with her back against ther wall of an empty and indifferent Holidsay Inn lounge and nothing to lose.Washed out of thde recording business by the age of 30., Jones and her then-husband/manager James Hazley relocated to Tampa to work the hotel circuit and figure out what- if anything- was next. Following a cvhance encounter with Blair Mooney, Jones was invited to workshop a few stray originals at his studio 70 compound in 1972. 'He seemed to believe in me more than I did at the time, 'Jones remembered of the Tampa Studiop impresario. Jones signed with Columbia a few years later and hightailed it out to The Big Guava, leaving two sides of country-politican soul on the shelp to be forgotten about. This Eccentric Soul 45 is a first time issue, carrying the banner of Mooney's Gimp label and mastered directly from the original analog tapes.

Typische Weihnachtslieder wie "Stille Nacht" haben die Meisten wahrscheinlich schon so oft gehört, dass sie
zu beiden Ohren raushängen. Deswegen muss man in der Adventszeit trotzdem nicht auf die bewährten
Weihnachtsklassiker verzichten. Denn mit "Noël Gospel" bringt das französische Label Wagram eine
Kompilation heraus, die 15 ergreifende Gospelversionen bekannter, und auch einiger weniger bekannter
Weihnachtstitel versammelt, zum Beispiel "Oh Happy Day", "Silent Night" oder "White Christmas". So ist für
besinnliche Stimmung und ein aufregend neues Hörerlebnis gesorgt. Mit auf der LP vertreten sind die
Superstars des Gospels wie Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, The Edwin Hawkins Singers, Elvis Presley,
The Staple Singers, Johnny Cash und The Golden Gate Quartet. Hinzu kommen mit Louis Armstrong, Nat
"King" Cole und Little Richard stimmgewaltige Sänger, die man auch unterm Tannenbaum immer wieder
gerne hören mag.

Running The Voodoo Down - Psychrockfunksouljazz 1965-77 is set to be released on TAD this November 9th. Carefully assembled by Dean Rudland and Tony Harlow the set looks at a decade when African-American music was exploring myriad new directions against a backdrop of incredible and explosive social change and features the likes of JOHN COLTRANE, MC5, SHUGGIE OTIS, SONNIE SHARROCK, DR. JOHN, ISAAC HAYES, JOE ZAWINUL and MELVIN VAN PEEBLES. Whilst not all of this music was commercially successful at the time, its importance and its influence on subsequent generations of artists - both black and white - has continued to grow over the years.
A compilation for the heads, not a playlist.

As the blissed out 60s turned dark and political, music led the way and it became important to have a message to deliver whatever the medium.

Coltrane's fierce energy revitalised jazz which was languishing in the doldrums of hard bop and organ trios, and inspired a new generation of politically active and motivated creators, but it also inspired a new generation of rock musicians who used his modal experiments as a launching pad for a spacier more underground music. The Byrds stuck within the 'pop single' format but meldedthe energy of Coltrane's 'perfect' modal exploration My Favourite Things with their attempts to capture the mood of the Ravi Shankar pieces that had influenced Coltrane.' Eight Miles High combined the contemporary excitement of space travel with clear hidden references to the growing drug culture and captured lift off perfectly.

DC's Dreamcast continues to effortlessly flow across 7" wax, following his stellar releases on PPU. He goes in again for Future Times, with Max D on production. "Outer Space" is a wistful electro cruiser and "Up 2 U" gives off visions of walking home really early in the morning, confused and happy.

Quest, transit, chaos, mutation, transfiguration, ascension and illumination. These are some of the steps followed in the journey of life that are embodied on each track of the album Adonai. The solo debut of the multi-instrumentalist composer Marco Paul condenses a career of more than ten years, in which, the search for the truth of oneself and authentic sound has traveled and nurtured from different genres and cultures. Adonai is an odyssey that combines sounds and images of the earthly and oneiric worlds: an audiovisual work that opens several windows to the different perceptions of the facts that make up the life of the human being.

After 9 years of constant international touring, 6 albums and more than 400 live performances with the bands Sour Soul, Ratbot and Funk My Jesus, as well as the conception and musicalization of the award-winning short films "Undermine" and "24K All You Need Is Gold", Marco Paul decided to retire to an island in the Caribbean, where he found and refined his sound. Thus, between 2014 and 2016 he created the music for Adonai, a work produced by Aitor Etxebarria under the label of Forbidden Colours.

The recording includes guest musicians from different countries such as Aitor Etxebarria (synthesizer, electronic magic) and Hibai Etxebarria (double bass) from the Basque Country; Michael Alan Hams (drums and percussion) and Joe D'Etienne (trumpet) from the United States; and Fatima Gozlan from Hungary (Ney and Derbake).

The consummation of the work is a mid length film created in 2018. It consists of 5 chapters directed by 5 different directors.

The audiovisual journey begins with the conception of the philosophical "Filius", an alchemical symbol that represents the inner child, which transforms the experiences of life into the soul's gold. Later, in "Sylvian" (title that refers to the brain fissure that contains the auditory cortex), by listening to the subtle message that surrounds us, our consciousness and perception expand. Then, in "Tiamat", the pristine chaos that gave birth to the gods, embodies chaos, the confusion generated by the multiple voices: on one hand the moral and imposed precepts, on the other hand, the inner voice that seeks the liberation of the infinite possibilities. In "Hawa", through the recognition of the power of solitude and introspection self-reflective awareness is reached. Finally "Adonai" is the ascension to enlightenment: the further connection with the absolute. As an encore (only available in vinyl) "Teurári" is a gift: a tiny flower where all the points of the universe merge.

"mounaiki - By The Bright Of Nigt" Heißt Das Vierte Album Des Niederländisch-neuseeländischen Trios My Baby. Die Band Ist Bekannt Für Einen Roots-getriebenen Hypnotic-dance-style, Bestehend Aus Elementen Von Psy-trance, 70s Funk, Desert-blues (nordafrika), Gwana (marokko), Raga (indien) Und Einem Touch An Edm, Über Dem Schamanenhafte Vocals Zwischen Gospel, Blues Und Antikem Folk Schweben. Mit Diesem Psychedelischen Stilmix Gehen Sie Quer Durch Europa Auf Tour, Nachdem Sie Bereits Bekannte Festivals Wie Glastonbury (uk), Fusion (de), Sziget (hu), Lowlands (nl) Oder Pinkpop (nl) Gespielt Haben.

1965 funky Instro-Soul album from Chicago that originally came out on Mercury. It deals with new interpretations of James Bond themes and own Bond inspired compositions. Feat. Studiomusic Clarence Perry (tenor), Richard McCrea (organ) and Ed Townsend (Piano).

Five-piece alt-jazz pioneers Butcher Brown have
found time to cut a direct-to-disc album at Gearbox Studios; this on top of members like keys player/producer DJ Harrison releasing an album on Stones Throw and drummer Corey Fonville touring with Christian Scott. Recorded at Mark Ronson's Zelig Studios and cut live to disc using Gearbox's legendary all-analogue signal chain. Modern, hip-hop inflected funk with rich echoes of Weather Report, Earth Wind and Fire and a bit of
Zappa. Supporting Kamasi Washington's 'Heaven and
Earth' US Tour this autumn. 'Fusing funky backdrops against interweaving textures and daring harmonic dissonance, the
Virginia group fuse the dancefloor with the art
gallery' - Clash. 'The band settles into nuanced grooves with an
innate respect for the past, a reverence for the Headhunters, Stevie Wonder, the Meters and the voodoo of the tape machine' - Huffington Post. 'Masters of full-on, soul-kissed, garage punk-funk and jazz grooves... progressive rappers should be
queuing out the door for their blessing' - Mojo.

After the famous Andre Tanker's 'Back Home', Jamwax is very proud to reissue River Come Down in its 12'' version.
Originally released on the Contraband label in 1979 and recorded at famous Semp studio in Trinidad, 'River Come Down' is a blend of islands funk, soul, disco, soca with also a touch of gospel: 'River, the river come down, the river come down, the river down...wind blow like a hurricane...the river come down, washing the right, washing the wrong, washing the weak, washing the strong, the river come down...'
On the other side you will find an obscure synth instrumental released on an impossible to find 7'' in 1986. 'Movin Round' was produced by Andre Tanker for Horace Wilson's Turn of
The Tide. This song was absolutely under the radar and remains a strong banger for any dances.

Officially reissued at last! Considered by many to be a genuine 'holy grail' of soul & funk. Featuring 'Miracles' as sampled by Public Enemy, Basement Jaxx, Arrested Development and many more.

Originally from Compton, Los Angeles, the Jackson Sisters were one-hit wonders who briefly shone and made some noise in the early 1970s before quickly fading into obscurity. Their only US chart entry was 'I Believe In Miracles,' a funky slice of bubblegum soul with a catchy, sing-along chorus released on the Prophesy label that briefly saw them make the lower reaches of the R&B charts in September 1973.

With This New Release, Parisian Soul Unveils A Classic From Montana Production Reworked With A New Keyboard Bass Line Of Their Own, Four Movements And An Original Deep House Ending Of Their Own Creation To Softly End A Mix. Face B Revives A Scarce Track From Hip-hop Disco With A Massive And Prodigious Beat To Set Clubbers On Fire.

Denote Records Is A Label Founded In 2001 By David Hachour And Florent Sabaton, Following The Success Of Their Disco/house Band Oscar. From 1998 To 2005, Their Productions Filled Many International Dancefloors And David H Travelled All Over The World To Play Alongside Famous Djs Such As Rainer Truby, Paul Johnson, Little Louie Vega, Shazz, Eva Gardner, Dj Cam, Carl Craig, Arnaud Rebotini (blackstrobe), Or Grand Master Flash To Name Just A Few...

Since 2005, David Focused On His Work As Sound Engineer And Started Working At The Famous topmaster' Recording Studio. And In 2008 He Launched The colorsoundstudio' With Florent. But After A Few Years, The Duo Decided To Reactivate The Denote Imprint In 2012, With Various Projects Including Artists Such As Villanova, Andre Salmon, Chez Carmen, Or Sleaz.

In 2016, David Formed Parisian Soul Alongside Jérôme Lecailletel And Laurent Cohen, All Connected By Their Love For Disco And Funk Productions. Jerôme, Who's Also Part Of The Oscar Adventure, Is A Multi-instrumentist And Composer, Who Have A Long Career As A Studio Musicians For Many Majors' Acts. As Laurent Cohen Has Been Deejaying Since 1985 For Various Radio And Clubs, Also Working For Famous Parisian Records Shop, Sound Records And Urban Music.

The Next Installment In Cold Diamond & Mink's Soul Investigations Introduces A Three Part Harmony Group From California. "my My My Baby" Is A Smoking Hot Group Harmony Groover That Should Drop A Few Jaws At Your Next Dj Set.

Thee Baby Cuffs Was Born Out Of Love For Soul Music And Chicano Culture. Their First 45 "where Did Our Pride Go", Came Out In 2017 On The Raza Del Soul Label, Covering An Unsung Early 70's Larry Saunders Production. "my My My Baby" Continues On The Same Lane Of Midtempo Soul Over Funky Drums And Soulful Horn Lines. The Lyric Is Your Middle Of The Road Love Song Material, But The Group Harmony Lifts It Right Off The Ground Like It's Meant To Happen In This Kind Of Music.

Get A Few Copies And Rock The Instrumental On The B-side Before Dropping The Vocal, If You Feel Like It. Soul Music That's This Potent Is Better Enjoyed In Excess.

Produced By Cold Diamond & Mink

Doubles sided dirty, grinding sax instro's back to back.

Before Jimi Hendrix became an international phenomenon, he struggled to earn a living as an itinerant sideman for many rhythm & blues acts. Hendrix can be heard on recordings by Little Richard, the Isley Brothers, Don Covay and many others. This single presents one of his most unusual sessions as an unheralded sideman while the other was only recently discovered and never before released.

Hendrix recorded both tracks in 1966 during separate sessions as a session musician for Ed Chalpin & PPX Enterprises, Inc. 'Suey' was originally the flip side of 'As The Clouds Drift By,' a single by the voluptuous B-movie actress Jayne Mansfield. Licensed to several European labels just weeks after Mansfield died in an automobile accident on June 29, 1967, Mansfield US recording rights were held by a different label so this recording has never before been issued in the US. Ricky Mason was a young vocalist championed by Chalpin, and 'I Need You Every Day' is a pleasant surprise. This previously unreleased, uptempo shouter also features Hendrix on guitar.

Limited double gatefold LP version (16 tracks) of the exciting new release from hip hop legends A Tribe Called Quest.

A Tribe Called Quest - Q-Tip, Phife Dawg (who passed away on March 22nd, 2016), Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Jarobi White - the groundbreaking 90's group that forever transformed the urban music landscape reunited on their first and last studio album together in eighteen years. Guests on ''We got it from Here...Thank You 4 Your Service''

Brilliant self-released, private-press jazz/soul LP from 1975, recorded at Sunset Sound studios in LA.

This is the super-rare debut album from SpaceArk, a band of brothers on an interstellar voyage to discover 'electrifying new sounds'.

It's another one of those private press treasures - a dynamic group of talents seizing the moment and making magic in an astounding 12-hour turnaround at the legendary Sunset Sound studios.

Official reissue with liner notes by Amar Patel.

Confunktion Records own Mr. Confuse returns with his fifth studio album 'Only A Man'.

This album is about the depths of Mr. Confuse and therefore a very personal album in a way. From well-known soul topics of love and hate to social issues of modern life - this album is all about an odyssey through time, rhythm and music.

Times of big studio personals are long gone so a big part of creating this album was the imagination what kind of instruments, musicians and sound design is wanted. With up to 16 international musicians, Mr. Confuse created incredible sounding big arrangements.

The way Mr. Confuse produces his music is inspired by growing up with the 90s hip hop producer technique of creating something new by referring unheard funk and soul. This from of appreciating 60s and 70s music in order to bring it on a new level of musical expression is a clear trademark of Mr. Confuse.

The process of sampling and resampling recorded musicians creates an organic, powerful, authentic and danceable funk sound, which can be heard in each and every second on this record.

Twisting electro funk from the 80s into heavy 60s and 70s funk that could have been the blue print for the original version became a true Mr. Confuse feature already years ago. This time he re-funked the well-known freestyle electro classic 'Let The Music Play' by Shannon.

Also one of the reasons it's entitled 'Only A Man' is because it means composing, producing, arranging, mixing, recording, organising, promoting and going abroad preforming by just one 'man'.

Originally released in 1965 and recorded live in December 1964 at Klook's Kleek, this clear vinyl version includes 3 rare bonus tracks. Classic UK blues rock from the man that helped create the sound. Essential.

This seminal British blues album gave Clapton the chance to finally show his chops, not surprisingly, launching Clapton into stardom. Recorded in 1966 during Clapton's short stint with the Bluesbreakers, just after leaving the Yardbirds (the birth place of other legendary guitar players like Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck) and before he joined Cream. Includes 4 bonus tracks. Light blue vinyl LP.

It's not often we mention Jimi Hendrix and Trap music in the same sentence. Or Brixton and George Benson. In this case Mansur Brown embodies all of these. An integral part of the groundbreaking Yussef Kamaal album, he now releases his debut album on Black Focus Records.

As Thundercat claims the Bass Guitar, Robert Glasper the keys, the 21 year old prodigy from south east London claims the Guitar. Welcome to Shiroi.

It's a common misconception that the late legend of soul, Aretha Franklin, didn't cut a good record until she got out from under her Columbia Records contract and began recording with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (aka The Swampers) for Atlantic Records. While those Atlantic sides are some of the greatest deep Southern soul ever recorded, there's a lot to love about her earlier recordings. Yes, there is much more of a pop R&B vibe to them with swinging arrangements and large horn and string sections but that unique and perfect voice is still there, here piano playing is gorgeous, and there are some serious Northern Soul burners in the bunch. The Tender, The Moving, The Swinging Aretha Franklin, from 1962, features some beautiful ballads and killer floor fillers and will please any fan of early '60s soul and R&B.

It's a common misconception that the late legend of soul, Aretha Franklin, didn't cut a good record until she got out from under her Columbia Records contract and began recording with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (aka The Swampers) for Atlantic Records. While those Atlantic sides are some of the greatest deep Southern soul ever recorded, there's a lot to love about her earlier recordings. Yes, there is much more of a pop R&B vibe to them with swinging arrangements and large horn and string sections but that unique and perfect voice is still there, here piano playing is gorgeous, and there are some serious Northern Soul burners in the bunch. The Electrifying Aretha Franklin originally released in 1962 features some of her greatest early tracks, including the Northern Soul classic "Rough Lover". A great piece of early '60s R&B from the undisputed Queen.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe is often referred to as "the godmother of rock and roll" for her pioneering guitar technique, use of distortion/reverb, and a 1963 UK tour with Muddy Waters that has been cited as a huge influence by Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Jeff Beck. Released in 1956, Gospel Train, is one of her finest albums and great introduction into her rocking gospel guitar style and powerful voice. Featuring the floor-filling album opener "Jericho" and book-ended by the stomping closer "99 1/2 Won't Do" this is a gospel album sure to get your body moving in a nearly sacrilegious way.

Until it's title was revealed at online auction last year, this elusive 45 treasure had remained an enigma. Amongst DJs and collectors, the most coveted 'island funk' secret in years was heard previously only as a cover-up played by the Ultimate Choice collective.

The 5th Degree Band emerged out of Montell Heights, Nassau (Bahamas) forming in the early '70s. Five musician friends with jazz leanings who practiced together religiously in a wooden shack built for band rehearsals in the drummer's backyard. Perfecting their craft to the sounds of Hendrix, Miles Davis and The Eagles, they immortalised their sound in 1975 recording 'You Got Me Hypnotized' at King Eric's Elite Studios. Self-released in small numbers, the single was available at Nassau's popular nightspots where they played residencies.

Forty-years later and the 5th Degree sound is a soul-funk essential, remastered and reissued via Backatcha Records.

It is well known that talent never guarantees any success in the music industry. This sentence summarizes the story of The 9th Creation, one of the best soul, funk, disco and boogie band to make it out of Stockton, CA.

Founded by J.D. and A.D Burrise in 1970, the 9th Creation went on for almost two decades and released 3 albums and half a dozen singles that regularly flirted with the US Charts, getting them featured on Soul Train in 1975 and allowing them to tour North America and Japan a few times over. 9th Creation regularly shared the bill with Irma Thomas, James Brown, The Whispers, The Sylvers, The Main Ingredient, Con Funk Shun and many others.

The music that J.D, A.D Burrise and their 10-12 band members created was a perfect combination of West Coast raw soul, disco and funk that resulted in a religious fan following across the globe.
To this day, The 9th Creation has been sampled by Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Artifacts, Quasimoto, 3rd Bass, Basement Jaxx and many others.

9th Creation was undoubtedly one of the greatest funk band of the Seventies.

Past Due Records is proud to officially reissue the 9th Creation's essential full lengths and singles, carefully remastered and all in their original artworks. After 9th Creation's departure from Prelude (due to a lack of promotional support). J.D. Burrise brought the band back in the studio for a self produced and released album under his own outlet Burrise Way Productions. 'Superheroes' shows the band reaching maturity in their heavy soul, funk and disco sounds. A monster album reissued for the first time!

Recorded in a one-take session in 1978 in their hometown Chattanooga, Tennessee, 'Changes' and 'Bilalian Woman' are the only two songs the No I.D. band ever recorded. A self-funded limited run of copies were pressed and released on their own imprint, Bilal Sabir Publishing. With no promotional budget, the record received little support and went under the radar with remaining copies going to friends and family.

For years the single remained virtually unknown until discerning collectors spoke of it's existence and word spread.

Reissued for the first time, No I.D's message can be heard again, remastered and officially licensed through Backatcha Records.

Kalita Records announce the first ever and definitive discography of Carrie Cleveland Here, we offer an expanded version of her 1978 album 'Looking Up', including both the issue and promotional versions of her single 'Make Love To Me', and the previously unknown sweet soul single 'I've Got A Feeling'

Privately Arranged, Recorded And Produced By Carrie And Her Husband Bill As A Labour Of Love In Their Backyard Studio In 1978, 'looking Up' Is One Of The Most In-demand Soul/disco Lps In Existence, Sought-after In Particular For Their Track 'love Will Set You Free'. In Addition, The Promotional Version Of Carrie's Single 'make Love To Me' Is One Of The Best And Rarest Sweet Soul Records To Have Emerged Out Of The West Coast Soul Scene, And Her Single 'i've Got A Feeling' Is Until Today Virtually Unknown Even To The Most Seasoned Of Collectors, With Even Carrie Herself Unsure If It Was Ever Released. With The Album Originally Pressed In A Limited Run Of Just 1000 With 500 Copies Of Each Single, Original Copies Of Carrie's Records Deservingly Command Eye-watering Figures On The Second-hand Market. Kalita Now Satisfy The Thirst With The First Ever Official Reissue Of Her Entire Discography.

The Kalita Vinyl Reissue Consists Of Both The Expanded Album And A Bonus 7' Single, And Is Housed In A Gatefold Sleeve. The Cd Is Accompanied By A Mini-poster. Both The Vinyl And Cd Releases Include Extensive Interview-based Liner Notes And Never Before Seen Photos, Detailing Carrie And Bills' Life And Musical Career.

Here we have 'Silk Cutlery', the debut EP from Jive Talk on white label only imprint, Not For You Records. It's upfront, chunky and totally tight disco to make you, well, jive!

First up is 'Love Jones'; a bouncy bassline and delicious pitched up vocal illustrate the producers shrewd ear for uncomplicated grooves and is clearly primed for the dancefloor. 'Percussie Sanway' builds gloriously into an out and out stream roller of a track with its glitzy tinges and irresistible bass drive. Wrapping up the record we have some low slung crunk, guided by a vocal tease from Wycleff throughout. On repeat!

This tantalising inception from the London boys is surely a pledge to everything that is right about the genre. Grab it while it's hot!

It is well known that talent never guarantees any success in the music industry. This sentence summarizes the story of The 9th Creation, one of the best soul, funk, disco and boogie band to make it out of Stockton, CA.

Founded by J.D. and A.D Burrise in 1970, the 9th Creation went on for almost two decades and released 3 albums and half a dozen singles that regularly flirted with the US Charts, getting them featured on Soul Train in 1975 and allowing them to tour North America and Japan a few times over. 9th Creation regularly shared the bill with Irma Thomas, James Brown, The Whispers, The Sylvers, The Main Ingredient, Con Funk Shun and many others.

The music that J.D, A.D Burrise and their 10-12 band members created was a perfect combination of West Coast raw soul, disco and funk that resulted in a religious fan following across the globe.
To this day, The 9th Creation has been sampled by Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Artifacts, Quasimoto, 3rd Bass, Basement Jaxx and many others.

9th Creation was undoubtedly one of the greatest funk band of the Seventies.

Past Due Records is proud to officially reissue the 9th Creation's essential full lengths and singles, carefully remastered and all in their original artworks. Bubble Gum is 9th Creation's first album. Originally scheduled to be released on Bill Wither's Sussex label it was released on PYE in Europe and self released on Ritetrack in the US after Sussex went under. Bubble Gum is a classic funk and soul album known to many as a treasure trove for beats and breaks. We just love it as it is...

Stone Foundation release the second 12" from their Top 30 album Everybody, Anyone. Both soulful tracks feature contributions from regular collaborator Paul Weller. Next Time Around (Side A) was co-written by Weller and the band. Carry The News (Side B) includes guest appearances from Weller (backing vocals) and his former Style Council bandmates Mick Talbot (piano) and Steve White (drums) - the first time all three have featured on a track together in well over two decades. Strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide.

Amazing ISLAND DISCO-FUNK by Trinidad Soul Diva NADIE LA FOND. Produced by RICHARD 'NAPPY' MAYERS.

Four talented chefs join forces and presents the first volume of Amouse-Bouche.

Take notice, this is not a one-man show, together all four erase the distinction between sweet and savoury.

Recorded in early 1971, Curtis/Live! finds Curtis Mayfield in top form at the intimate Greenwich Village club The Bitter End. With veterans from Chicago's soul and jazz scene, Mayfield runs through a superb setlist of Impressions classics ('Gypsy Woman,' 'People Get Ready'), gems from his first solo LP ('We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue,' 'The Makings of You') and fierce originals that would make their recording debut here ('I Plan To Stay A Believer,' 'Stare And Stare,' and 'Stone Junkie').

As author Lloyd Sachs writes in the liner notes for this vinyl reissue, 'All of the songs are lovingly reworked - in some cases stretched out and in others, brightened with humor. The band redefines groove via the West African polyrhythms of conga and bongo great Henry Gibson and the intertwined guitars of Mayfield - whose dulcet, vocallike tone was a revolution in and of itself - and Craig McMullen. The group creates excitement through tension and release, through building up and letting go.'

Curtis/Live! was originally issued on Mayfield's own Curtom label just before his second studio album, 1971's Roots, and his influential Super Fly soundtrack. While the singer would continue to establish himself as one of the key voices of his generation, the powerful anthems and in-the-pocket perfection on this double-LP live set demonstrate how brilliant Curtis truly was - a master class in restraint and fearless expression.

The KPM label is one of the best known 'Music Libraries', now Tummy Touch has re-mastered and re-issued
some of the classic KPM albums, following the heavy 'Afro-Rock' LP comes this album of swirling hammonds,
heavy breaks and funky jazz. You may even recognise a TV theme tune or two amongst the chintz and hip

Reissue of some of the greatest vocal house tunes ever. Very big in early '90s.