Виниловые новинки и релизы Hip-Hop - Новости

Nabu Network is a colourful journey into the musical mind of Sorcerer (Daniel Saxon Judd). Soulful Balearic tempos and tropical tones swim with sparkling guitars and uplifting melodies on this awesome pan-global journey from the disco to the rainforest.
This exciting release is the first 12" on Universal Cave Records and features some of the California artist's strongest works to date.The EP is made up of three original Sorcerer jams and a Universal Cave remix. Sorcerer's legacy continues to float on with Nabu Network.

*RELEASED ON RECORD STORE DAY 2016* Limited pressing LP issue of previously unreleased recordings. 7 tracks have been remastered from James Mason's personal master tapes (which had to be repaired due to deterioration during storage) and have attempted to preserve as closely as possible the sound of the original recording. Liner notes are written by James Mason himself. TIP!
James Mason only made one album, that won acclaim years after it's release. Rhythm Of Life' became a soul-jazz cult classic, recorded in around 1978/79 with musicians such as Narada Michael Walden and Gene Torres, and featuring Clarice Taylor's beautiful, characteristic vocals. The multi-instrumentalist recorded far more tracks around the release of Rhythm Of Life', but his music became out of fashion because musical trends shifted. Another album never arrived, and the recordings ended up in a box. Today the release of James Mason's second album is finally set, and will be an collection of these forgotten tracks.

Quality loud-pressed reissue of 'It's On' by Wizard, an irresistible slab of ultra-rare bad-ass boogie from 1982. Hailing from Gastonia in North Carolina, the acclaimed and highly-collectible Chocolate Cholly's label produced a slew of top-class funk and boogie 12's and LPs in the early 80s and this is no exception. A rocking synth-laden dancefloor bomb boasting a truly sleazy squelching bass, slamming drums and a great vocal, the rarity of this hugely desirable track has pushed prices for the original sky-high. Grab a copy while you can - essential!

Feat Takumi Kaneko from cro-magnon on Key!!
Here introduce 1st vinyl release label /record shop Novel Attraction Records> that based on bay area city Fujisawa Japan.
Novel Attraction Records is the one of respectable record shop that good at rare soul and jazz and reggae/dub disco..and Hip Hop House...all kind of black music.
Soul Float is the 4 piece instrumental band that based on Hip Hop and all kind of roots music like jazz,soul,funk.They love hip hop culture and they play music with love of hip hop .

This EP features Takumi Kaneko from cro-magnon on Key. And Also features Q-ILL(MC)SHINRI(Percussion)....
MCD is the rework of Japanese hip hop classic by Q-Ill.And now they remake by live instrumental sound and Q-Ill's re-recordings lyrics.They make fantastic jazz funk hip hop sound with bitter groove and vibe.
Smoke is the worm and moody jazz funk track.and Nu Cropdelivers mellow and erotic jazz funk with dubby arrangement.
Here's full with love of hip hop and jazz and hip hop.
Don't miss this.

Did somebody say AOTN 12". For our first large format singe we bring you the unreleased full length version of the original Symbol 8 classic "I thought you wanted to dance". The track was featured on American Band Stand in the late 70's but failed to make it for the usual reasons (luck, management and distribution) but that is no marker of quality, these tracks are disco and modern soul royalty . Charlie Adams versatile vocal flipping into falsetto with ease while the band holds the solid groove is a special thing. On the flip-side is later and very different version of "I thought you wanted to dance plus a personal favourite and long time spin of my own "call me". Essential as always.

A couple spacey jams, including the tribe-vibed garage number "Sub Tempus". Tally up your star-credits & prepare the crystals for "That Slow Mo", this 100 bpm future funk jam will even get the slo-mo's up dad dancing.

"Waves From The Nucleus" is a mixture of Spiritual Jazz, Brazilian Fusion, Soul, Disco and Boogie, composed, played and recorded by Skymark with his electric piano and old synths. This album is highly influenced by the golden years 70s-80s and the summer breeze from the marvelous city. Limited edition.

MELBOURNE'S FINEST WITH A SPECIALLY SELECTED VARIOUS ARTISTS RELEASE: FEATURING FANTASTIC MAN / BOX AUS HOLZ MAIN MAN MAX GRAEF & ANDY HART PRESSED ON 10 INCH VINYL.

Two tracks officially licensed and remastered and never before issued on a 45 before. Taken from the self titled Hungarian album from 1981 Dimenzio ' Bamba' is jazz dancefloor monster in the true sense of the word and is a Gilles Peterson club classic. On the flip the lesser known 'Daimont' from French artist Marius Cultier and taken from the 1975 album Ouelele Souskai .

Groove Line Records are very proud to announce the release of their first original album CD re-issue as the seminal 1979 Salsoul Records album Disco Madness, a record featuring six innovative remixes of classic Salsoul tracks from pioneering turntablist and re-mixer Walter Gibbons, whose influence on dance music culture has reached further and deeper than most. Featuring Gibbons' mixes for Loleatta Holloway (Catch Me On The Rebound), First Choice (Let No Man Put Asunder), The Salsoul Orchestra (Magic Bird Of Fire, It's Good For The Soul) and Double Exposure (Ten Percent, My Love Is Free) Disco Madness has its place in history as the first album release to specifically recognize and champion the DJ and remixer as a creative and influential force in dance music.

Five incredible bonus remixes have been added to the original track list for this CD release including Anthony White (Block Party), True Example (As Long As You Love Me), Love Committee (Just As Long As I Got You) and Loleatta Holloway (Hit & Run) with Gibbons' original 12' mix of Ten Percent by Double Exposure completing the set. The success of Ten Percent, famous in disco and dance music circles as being featured on the first ever commercially released 12' single, was the catalyst for many other labels to commission remixes and comprehensively change listeners' and dancers' attitudes as to how music should be represented in a club environment to this day, and underlined the exceptional talents of Gibbons.

Groove Line Records cut no corners when making sure that each and every one of our releases has the highest quality performance possible. Newly remastered, featuring the original artwork, iconic photos and comprehensive liner notes by Christian John Wikane, Disco Madness is an essential addition to any serious scholar of the history of Disco and Dance music and the hugely influential role Walter Gibbons played.

Talking about 'International Waters', Jack Trotman of ZoZo had this to say: 'International Waters' is technically one of our oldest songs. It's gone through many formations since the band started in my bedroom with Fred and Tom. Back then (2014) 'The ZoZo Band' was me on electric drums, Fred on bass and Tom on guitar. The original version of the song was called 'Learn Origami' and was written by accident when trying to write a guitar part for another song. We were wearing our influences on our sleeves very clearly...well more like on our backs like a footie shirt. That shirt would read 'How many Talking Heads songs have we ever ripped off - 99'

Says Sarah Statham of Esper Scout about the band's inclusion in the series: 'We've known about Come Play With Me since the announcement of the label's first release last year. There's such a sense of community in Leeds and an endearing, connecting underdog spirit, to which in ways we can really relate. CPWM seems to understand this and want to help how they can. That's something we really respect and have been keen to work with. There's a refreshing sense of honesty. You know so through what they say and do that their excitement and investment in furthering emerging music is simmering at its core. The concept of seeing potential in a band or person and using experience and enthusiasm to help lever them into what they do next is highly admirable. Positive collaboration and amassing good intentions are symptoms of Leeds about which the city should be proud. Keeping substance and soul at the centre of people motivations for why they play, promote and support music.'

Groove the Funk is a essential and influencal early Afro-Funk LPs from 1975. The album was released in Nigeria and the whole LP is really something excitingly special, carrying a unique style of fuzz guitar and keyboard with ecstasy rhythms that can be experienced only from the heart of Africa. Nigeria had a rich musical history with a variety of bands that were playing their unique Afro-Funk with incredible rhythms. In Aktion's case thanks to one of the best drummers of that time, Ben Alaka. Sadly most of the scene vanished like in Zambia and their Zam Rock scene, but thanks to collectors worldwide a part of Nigerian music heritage remained with us to be enjoyed. One of the most explosive bands were Aktion (also known as The Action 13 or The Actions). They were from Warri, which is a city in south Nigeria and their debut album was released by Clover Recording Organization from city of Aba. Clover Records founder Ben Okonkwo was a very influential man for the Nigerian music scene. His label released a lot of music including (Super)Wings, Akwassa, The Visitors, Mary Afi Usuah, Folk 77, The Doves, The Apostles, Mansion as well as some fine compilations of Clover artists. Aktion were among the most exciting bands coming from the scene. Renny Pearl Nwosa was the group's leader together with Lemmy Faith Nwani, who was a well respected drummer playing even for the best known Nigerian Funk band The Funkees (soon out on PMG). Renny and Lemmy together also formed the band The Stormmers, who recorded 2 incredible albums (also out soon on PMG). Aktion were playing all across their part of the country. Nigeria had a very well known club called Lido Night Club and Restaurant and AKTION were staying there for awhile. They played many college campuses all around Nigeria and also many villages to entertain Eastside students. Aktion later on recorded and successfully released another album Celebration in 1977 (out soon on PMG as well) and then some members moved on to join The Stormmers and One World. Groove the Funk is a very exciting intervention in one of the most exploding scenes coming from Africa. It's afrobeat in its best form mixed with amazing funky-psych grooves. Lot's of fuzz guitar and bad-ass keyboard playing. Certainly a great look into Nigerian scene.'

Akwassa were among the best Afro-Beat bands coming from Nigeria. They released La'ila in 1975 and were one of the early Nigerian Funk bands to get an album out. They were related to the Heads Funk Band and most members were part of both bands. They managed to release two albums as Akwassa. Their debut La'ila came out on a well known Afro-Beat label Afrodisia Records. Akwassa were originally a duo made of Felix Day (guitar and vocals) and Kevin Coburn (organ, synthesizer and vocals). Felix Day is actually Feladey, the guitarist in Aktion (another top notch Nigerian band reissued by PMG). On La'ila the band used a lot of synthesizers and the overall sound is very pleasing. Overall the album has a raw and unpolished sound, but that's what brings that certain spark for being among the very best in the Afro-Beat genre.

New label Akuba Records bringing you the very best in Deep, Cosmic, Soulful & Funky African Disco Music.
Their debut release includes 2 edits, the A side is going to tear up the dance floor for sure, it's an afro disco bomb, heavy drums, tight guitar licks with added keyboard stabs, some wicked brass and cool vocals, add some dubbed out effects and we have the perfect afro party tune.
The B side is a more laid-back affair, cosmic dubbed out afro disco with a very tropical feeling going on, plenty of acoustic and electric guitars, copious amounts of effects and ending with some jazzy piano, a true desert island disc and perfect hula dancing material.

Description : Nick Bike returns with the fourth in the Chosen Spokes series and this 45 is jam packed full of dope goodness. 4 dinky little breaks plus Nick's trademark skipless scratch loop for the scratch heads -doubles are a minimum requirement!

For fans of: Bill Withers, Sly and The Family Stone

We are both proud and excited to present this highly sought after early 80's gem, originally created as a showcase project for young artists and composers by a community music organisation in Texas.
Originally referred to as the 'Pop Music Lab', The Peoples' Workshop was formed in 1976 at Texas Southern University as a space for students to compose and perform, free from the constrains of Western classical music education.
Swiftly gathering momentum, in 1980 the organisation was granted non-profit status and in 1983, moved off the TSU campus. The Workshop has since grown in size and scope, becoming the first Black-founded organisation to present shows in major performance venues around the Greater Houston area.
Houston Talent Expo '82 features original compositions by members of The Peoples' Workshop, performed exclusively by musicians from Houston. The songs vary in style, but remain centered around gospel, funk and soul, music and lyrics with a powerful positive message. Many of the artists featured remain active today around the world, working with such acts as Alice Coltrane and The Charles Mingus Band among others.
Houston Talent Expo '82 comprises a truly special collection of songs born from the struggle, true to the spirit of togetherness that underpins The Peoples' Workshop, written and performed by astonishing young talents.

KEY SELLING POINTS
- -Highly sought after collector's item reissued for the first time
- 180 gram heavyweight vinyl pressing

FORMAT LIMITED EDITION HAND NUMBERED * 500 ONLY *7 INCH VINYL * NO REPRESS *

Easing you into full on summer vibes Mukatsuku unleash the official tropical monster of 'Use Your Body' from Mavis John with a dancefloor friendly re arrangement edit from label boss Nik Weston . On the flipside the track 'Riviera Jam' makes a fitting b side and has been taken from the long deleted 'Archway Riviera Tropical Jam EP' 12 inch that first surfaced on the label in Spring 2013 . Steel Pan loveliness and a perfect set starter for your beach set !

Recorded at the age of 14, in 1956, under the direction of her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, these gospel recordings of a teenaged Aretha Franklin are not just a sign of the brilliance to come, they are a force unto themselves. At this time Aretha was performing in her father's church, New Bethel, in Detroit, and traveling with her father's "gospel caravan" tours, performing with the likes of Sam Cooke & The Soul Stirrers. Like so many of the soul and R&B stars of the 50s and 60s, Aretha started out in the church and it was there that she made some of her most powerful and transcendental music.

1959's Try Me is the second studio album from James Brown and his Famous Flames, the hardest working man, and band, in show business. Featuring the all time classic #1 R&B hit single title, which was also Brown's first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, this album is the epitome of late 50s R&B and an essential addition to any collection.

A killer outstanding East German jazz funk album of the early 70s, that is maybe the best in its genre. This recording has slept for over 40 years on the shelf and shows the quality and high understanding and standard of jazz in East Germany, especially the East Berlin jazz scene. Gruppe SOK is a secret of itself. Lots of formerly East Germans remember about this band because of plenty of concerts and the famous youth radio-station DT64, but are really sad, that there was never a release in these days. But the Ministry of Culture determined, that there was no cultural demand for such kind of music.. WHAT A MISTAKE!!! Limited to 500 copies.

A most "spektarcular" discovery of Croatian jazz funk recordings from the private archive of bass-player and producer Davor Rocco. Spektar was an amazing collaboration of high-class beat and funk musicians from Zagreb's progressive music scene from the early 1970s. Spektar unfortunately released just one, mostly vocalised album on the Croatian label Suzy Records in 1974. This instrumental album includes 6 tracks from the fabulous Spektar project (pre-debut album), two beat jazz grinders of Rocco's short-lived pre-Spektar outfit Grupa Hej and one more track from Rocco-Supermarket. Limited to 500 copies.

Truly nuts and really kind of essential... the Starship Commander had his whole approach to the Synthesiser Voice technique. B-Boys/Girls delight. Check the instrumental cut, Mastership - a head nod synth voyage of the highest order. Limited copies. TIP!
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'How are you doing, Earthling' That's how Omer Coleman, Jr. addressed his public in the 80s, driving around Kansas City, Missouri in the electric space-car built especially for his alter ego Starship Commander Wooooo Wooooo.

Left Ear Records went back to Coleman's original master tapes for their vinyl reissue of the Commander's 1981 private press album Mastership, a lost electronic funk classic. Coleman performs in an alien voice that comes not from electronic filtering but from his own natural vocal distortions. This visitor from Mars wants people to be happy and, like his song goes, 'Laugh and Dance.' It's an endearing and very personal space-age funk that blends George Clinton and Kraftwerk in a vision of a better and happier world.

Born and raised in Kansas City, Coleman was musically inclined from an early age. His parents couldn't afford to buy him a real drum for orchestra, so he took up electrical wiring and wood shop instead, which fed his muse in a different direction. Omer built enormous speaker cabinets. In the late '70s he was a DJ, and ran a Mobile Disco business that took him across the country, hosting parties. After a trip to California, he came back to Kansas City inspired to dress up as Commander Wooooo Wooooo.

The future commander began working at the Armco Steel Mill in Kansas City when he was 18. He was inspired by older machinists who demanded perfection in their work and in their character. It was while he was working at the steel mill that Coleman came up with Starship Commander Wooooo Wooooo. One day coworker John Manley came up to Coleman with a vision of an electric car, and built it. His coworkers built all of his equipment, from lighting and fog machines to big steel eyeglasses. Coleman's sister, a seamstress, created his outfits.

Coleman started his own label in 1985 but took some time off from music to raise his children, and when they came of age his son recorded with Coleman as a gospel vocalist. When his son was killed in an auto accident in 2004, it took something out of him, and he stopped making music. But he's starting to get the feeling again.

Now 62, he's currently enjoying his retirement from a long stint with the IRS. The former Commander is in the middle of a house project where he's using metal ceiling tiles to line his walls. It's starting to look like a spaceship. Coleman promises, 'There is a real good possibility that we have not seen the last of Starship Commander Wooooo Wooooo!
Pat Padua'

An outstanding island funk compilation of some of the best funky and soulful tunes from '70s Trinidad & Tobago. On this compilation the sunny calypso vibe meets styles like funk, psychedelic rock, modern soul, Afro grooves, disco and boogie with its percussive, charming & warm sound. Limited to 500 copies.

Limited edition restock of this fantastic 12" featuring two remixes from LA producer PETER BLACK. Comes in a full color picture sleeve with a photo of a semi-naked PRINCE.

'Explosive, buoyant, electronic R&B, comes across like an oddball Stevie Wonder filtered through a 23rd century landscape' Clash

'Sitting somewhere between a less animated Thundercat and a more off-the-wall Stevie Wonder, Abacus' serious soul-n-funk really adds up..." i-D

'Hooked up with psychedelic synths woven together like a Tame Impala/Neon Indian cross-stitch, Abacus vows to not melt away like the drippy sonics his Soul Train-via-Flaming Lips soundscapes evoke.' SPIN

Hailing from the 'wonderful world of people from different cultures' that is South London, Jodie Abacus sprang onto the scene this year with a sound that is as classic as it is futuristic.
In early 2015, Jodie uploaded 'I'll Be That Friend' to Soundcloud - a track that picked up over 100,000 listens in its first week; it catapulted through the blogosphere and immediately hit the #1 spot on HypeMachine. His organic blend of feel good creations was deemed a breath of fresh air and championed by the likes of Clash, DIY and more recently, Tidal and i-D. Now, his appropriately titled first single, 'Good Feeling' danced from strength to strength after being backed by Radio 1Xtra stalwarts MistaJam, and Trevor Nelson and his recent single, 'Hot Kitchen' was championed by Annie Mac and Lauren Laverne across the BBC Radio Networks.
It's Jodie's infectious and humorous attitude that is truly the driving force behind his music. His inspiring lyrics, quirky nature, and vibrant visuals create a surreal and original world, all stitched together with a humble yet animated approach.
Enamoured with the LA school of funk (think Thundercat and Dam Funk) but taking inspiration from artists like Stevie Wonder and The Beach Boys, Abacus is creating uplifting soul music, filtered through contemporary, electronic beats. Whilst being described by many in the same breath as Pharrell Williams, Jodie knows he has a long way to go and can't wait to share more of his neo-funk pop tunes with us.
One thing is for sure, Jodie Abacus is a natural magnet for the good times and if you don't believe us, follow him on Snapchat- @jodieabacus

Hailing from France, Alexis Evans and band recorded a superbly passionate collection of tunes under the influence of vintage US soul!

Pre-order now, in stock approx. two weeks

All songs originally released as singles on the 'Federal' label between 1955 and 1957

Sought after boogie tune from Japan now reissued in limited 7inch format. Only 800 copies of these will be pressed.

The Fruit Band's fleeting existence was only recently revealed by the discovery of a few unsold copies of their sole 1978 single,Say It, which quickly became a cult showpiece for savvy DJs and collectors. Athens of the North has since reached out to Cypress Studios of Jacksonville, Florida and discovered a complete album of the group's stylish, dancefloor-smashing funk and deep disco on tape, unreleased for over 30 years. Vinyl is presented in a Handmade cardboard Tip-On Sleeve as would have been used at the time as only the best will do.

The very Definition of Deepfunk this record was a huge spin for Keb Darge in the Early 2000s. Not only brilliant, but very very rare ($2000+), respected by collectors and a dancefloor smasher. Recorded for Philadelphia's Virtue Records (Named after it's owner Frank Virtue) and kindly licensed to us from his daughters after a long search for the cleanest copy we could find to master from (minty). Check out the other Virtue Rarity we have this month also from Little George both 2 siders and both essential

"I got a little more work for you to do." That's what the late Reverend Gean West sings—or rather testifies—on the opening track of Goodbye World, the new and deeply emotional album from the triumphantly unlikely gospel funk band The Relatives.
The group started working on the record in the summer of 2014, but Gean was able to lay down his signature gravelly vocals on only two songs before he became ill and fell into a coma. He remained unconscious for twelve days, and it was during that time he heard God's voice telling him to get back to work. "Don't let me down, son," the voice commanded. Gean took that admonition to heart. He and the band returned to the studio in January 2015, where he incorporated a riveting spoken-word account of his near-death epiphany into the band's reworking of Tim Maia's Rational Culture.' After laying down vocals and hearing a rough mix of the song from fellow original Relatives member Earnest Tarkington, Gean—or God, or both—must have thought his work was finally done, because he died the next day.Goodbye World is their second full-length effort after releasing the Electric Word in 2013. Named for a song that Gean first cut over fifty years ago with the Southernaires and performed live with the Relatives in the 70s and at their first reunion show. As if guided by the hand of destiny, the album not only has Gean being called back to life' and work from his comatose state, but also marks the return of Charles Ray Gypsy' Mitchell, the group's original guitarist. Gypsy had left the group in '72 or '73, and didn't rejoin them until a hometown street fair gig in late 2013. His Eddie Hazel-meets-Ernie Isley guitar heroics and bass-to-falsetto vocal range are a key contributor to the album's sound (that's Gypsy singing both lead and back-up on No Man Is An Island'), and he arranged the vocals and rhythm section on half of the record's tracks. (excerpt from liner notes) Be on the lookout for an upcoming tour in support of the album including a showcase feature at SXSW 2016.

* 180 gram audiophile vinyl

'You talkin' to ME', undeniably one of the most famous quotes from movie history from one of its most memorable characters. Travis Bickle, the frustrated Vietnam veteran in Taxi Driver, the lonely nut obsessed with sex and violence who takes a job as a cabbie to battle his insomnia. Robert De Niro's legendary performance ensured that this Scorcese classic ended up on many a 'best movie of all time' lists.

It was also Bernard Hermann's last ever soundtrack. Hitchcock's favourite composer died just a few hours after completing the score. Like no other he composed a dark and threatening atmosphere that drags you into Bickle's twisted mind.

'Safari' is an essential latin soul/boogaloo cut from the master Tito. Heavy on horns and percussion as you would expect. Taken from the 'The King Tito Puente' LP released on Tico in 1969.'Be's The Other Way' is another lovely latin soul/boogaloo jam - mid tempo and jazzier - from percussion master Willie Bobo. Originally released on Tico 45 in 1964.

Soul funk powerhouse Nick Pride & The Pimptones return with their second album on Legère Recordings. "Go Deep" mixes their trademark jazzy sophistication with a gritty retro sound. Following on from the instrumental heavy "Midnight Feast of Jazz" (Record Kicks, 2011) and the diverse "Rejuiced Phat Shake" (Legère Recordings, 2014), "Go Deep" is a more focussed and consistent affair. As always with The Pimptones there's a heavy dose of funk, but this album's personality comes from ten strongly written slices of deep soul music, beautifully delivered by singer Beth Macari.

"I wanted to get back to basics", says writer and arranger Nick Pride. "My aim was to be as direct as possible from the original inspiration of each song right through to the recording process. I wanted to keep that energy and that magic. We've had some great collaborations in the past but this time I kept everything in-house to capture the excitement of the band playing together. You really get that vibe when you hear these recordings." The result is an album of depth and substance from a band continuing to evolve.

The Pimptones' sound has always been a profound combination of funky grooves, beefy breaks and blue eyed soul. Slick arrangements and harmonic sophistication delivered with a heavyweight punch crosses over from jazz to keep the dance floor moving. A Pimptones live show kicks off with tight, punchy instrumentals, making way to sweetly crafted soul songs as they are joined on stage by one of many fantastic guest vocalists. However in 2016 the band has flipped the script by taking on sultry soul siren Beth Macari as their full time vocalist. Having first made a guest appearance with the group on "Rejuiced Phat Shake", Beth's supercharged R&B vocal style is the perfect match for the Pimptones' deep funk sound.

Formed back in 2007, the group first caught the eye of funk fans around the world with their single "Deeper Pimp" on Wack Records. The track was the first of the group's "Live-Band Bootlegs", an acapella fused with original live backing, a unique approach to the mash-up genre, and a show stopping live feature. In 2010 The Pimptones broke through with the single "Waitin' So Long", a song which was used extensively on Italian mainstream rom-com "Lezioni di Cioccolato 2", and accompanying album "Midnight Feast of Jazz". This global success was quickly followed up by the digital release of "Remixed Feast of Jazz", including collaborations with TM Juke, Diesler, Smoove and Renegades of Jazz. The focus of The Pimptones' sound shifted from instrumental jazz to the soul sound of 2014's "Rejuiced Phat Shake" album which featured many guest vocalists and musicians, finely crafted melodies, dance-floor beats and killer hooks.

Soul funk powerhouse Nick Pride & The Pimptones return with their second album on Legère Recordings. "Go Deep" mixes their trademark jazzy sophistication with a gritty retro sound. Following on from the instrumental heavy "Midnight Feast of Jazz" (Record Kicks, 2011) and the diverse "Rejuiced Phat Shake" (Legère Recordings, 2014), "Go Deep" is a more focussed and consistent affair. As always with The Pimptones there's a heavy dose of funk, but this album's personality comes from ten strongly written slices of deep soul music, beautifully delivered by singer Beth Macari.

"I wanted to get back to basics", says writer and arranger Nick Pride. "My aim was to be as direct as possible from the original inspiration of each song right through to the recording process. I wanted to keep that energy and that magic. We've had some great collaborations in the past but this time I kept everything in-house to capture the excitement of the band playing together. You really get that vibe when you hear these recordings." The result is an album of depth and substance from a band continuing to evolve.

The Pimptones' sound has always been a profound combination of funky grooves, beefy breaks and blue eyed soul. Slick arrangements and harmonic sophistication delivered with a heavyweight punch crosses over from jazz to keep the dance floor moving. A Pimptones live show kicks off with tight, punchy instrumentals, making way to sweetly crafted soul songs as they are joined on stage by one of many fantastic guest vocalists. However in 2016 the band has flipped the script by taking on sultry soul siren Beth Macari as their full time vocalist. Having first made a guest appearance with the group on "Rejuiced Phat Shake", Beth's supercharged R&B vocal style is the perfect match for the Pimptones' deep funk sound.

Formed back in 2007, the group first caught the eye of funk fans around the world with their single "Deeper Pimp" on Wack Records. The track was the first of the group's "Live-Band Bootlegs", an acapella fused with original live backing, a unique approach to the mash-up genre, and a show stopping live feature. In 2010 The Pimptones broke through with the single "Waitin' So Long", a song which was used extensively on Italian mainstream rom-com "Lezioni di Cioccolato 2", and accompanying album "Midnight Feast of Jazz". This global success was quickly followed up by the digital release of "Remixed Feast of Jazz", including collaborations with TM Juke, Diesler, Smoove and Renegades of Jazz. The focus of The Pimptones' sound shifted from instrumental jazz to the soul sound of 2014's "Rejuiced Phat Shake" album which featured many guest vocalists and musicians, finely crafted melodies, dance-floor beats and killer hooks.

It is more than astounding why this tune hasn't been resurrected for an ad for one of the many chain of fast food outlets. Although the original 45 is neither superrare nor expensive, "Finger Licken Chicken" is certainly one of the finest examples of Philly funk. It was originally released on Leoso but was re-released on the Yew label. Both sides were written by Sonny Fulton who teamed up with Sandra for a killer r&b-ish funk cut on the flip titled "Back Breaking Love".

Trombonist Joseph Bowie came out of St. Louis' Black Artists Group (a.k.a. BAG), co-founded by older brother Lester Bowie. In his teens, Joe played with bluesmen Albert King and Little Milton, in his twenties, he got his avant-jazz bona fides in order as well: member of the Human Arts Ensemble with Charles "Bobo" Shaw, duos with Oliver Lake, sideman with Frank Lowe. He moved to New York City, joined the horn section of No Wave legend James Chance's band The Contortions, and then in 1978 spun off his own group, Defunkt, simultaneously funkier and jazzier. A series of stellar Defunkt albums on the Hannibal label made them stars on NYC's underground scene. After many lineup changes, the classic '80s lineup got back together for a 21st century comeback and is still going strong. Every member applies jazz chops, rock energy, avant-garde risk-taking, and punk disregard for rules to the task of pushing killer tracks into new territory. The band has had more than a few lineups, but a few years back it coalesced around a reunion of its most classic '80s configuration and hit the road. This new album captures a fierce 2015 club date in Slovenia and throws in a particularly hot passage salvaged from a 2007 German gig as a bonus.

If you think this doesn't fit on the ESP-Disk' roster, presumably you've overlooked the funky party music of Don Moore (ESP2016) and the Woodstock Work Band (ESP2010) and/or you've never seen Defunkt rip it up in concert.

Personnel: Joseph Bowie, lead vocals, trombone, percussion, John Mulkerin, trumpet, Bill Bickford, Ronny Drayton, guitars, Kim Clarke, bass, Kenny Martin, drums.