The Jumpleads - Born to live with a heartache b/w Rock me again (HHP02)

LABEL SCAN. So who wants to save themselves 300 GBP ? silly question right ! well 'The Jumpleads' have just done you a favour, their version of 'Mary Love's - Born to live with Heartache' which has long been a big favourite of mine is superb. Featuring Stephanie Davis on vocals who sounds excellent, she and the band havn't let the original version down in any way. So who are the Jumpleads then ? well that would be telling so lets just say that these tunes were recorded sometime before the turn of the millennium, and now thanks to the fellas at 'Heavy Handed' they finally get to see the light of day. On the flip 'Lyn Collin's - Rock me again' gets the 'Jumpleads' going over. Now the original has never done it for me and niether does this take on it to be honest. Still, this is worth picking up just for the great a-side. I wonder if this band done more ?

AVAILABLE: Early 2008, More info at: HeavyHanded Productions

Big Daddy Moochin - Stump Grinding b/w Log Jammin (HHP001)

LABEL SCAN. If the truth be told there's not alot of new funk releases that make me sit up and listen these days. It's all become a little boring. But having said that i'm pleased to announce that B.D.M have just put together two sides that have me sitting up straight again. Released on their very own label "Heavy Handed" this brighton based outfit have crashing drums, rolling basslines, plucking guitar and hammond goodness for all to enjoy. The production is great without going over the top and both sides are geared for the dancefloor in a metersesque way. This release might have just restored some faith i have in new funk again ! I'm really trying not to call it retro sounding as i know you have to look back abit to go forward when making funk like this, carrying on from where the butterfunk era left off is no easy thing. A few bands have managed it with some releases, and Big Daddy Moochin have achieved it with this. New funk the way i like to hear it, gutsy. Go get one one and enjoy some great new funk from 2007 ! RECOMMENDED.

AVAILABLE AT: Kudo Records

Marva Whitney with Osaska Monaurail - I Am What I Am (shout201)

COVER SCAN. Well what a treat we have here. The great Marva Whitney soul sister No1 backed by the superb Osaka Monaurail fron Japan ! This album is Marva's first studio LP since 1969 and her first album since the 1970's 'live at the apollo'. Marva and Osaka have been touring Japan and between the tight schedules managed to get into the studio to record this LP. Earlier this year 'I am what i am' was released on 45 (originaly recorded to be given away at gigs) and gave us a taster of things to come. What you get here is 48 minutes of pure Marva Whitney sounding just like she did some 37 years ago, the energy sounds rekindled in Marva's voice and the band sound so tight, you could almost be mistaken in thinking it's the JB's (and thats a big compliment to make). Simply said if you found this LP in a beat-up sleeve at some flea market you'd think you had found some long lost gem recorded in 1969, it's that authentic. This is exactly what everyone involved wanted to achieve, kind of carry on where Marva left off so to speak. The band gel perfectly with Marva, from original compositions to their take of the classic 'Give it up or turn it loose'. Neither singer nor band put a foot wrong, whether it be the dancefloor bound 'Soulsisters Unite' or Marva's pure gospel vocal on 'Peace in the valley', where she delivers raw uncut soul the way she does week in week out in her local church in Kansas city. I must also mention the two instrumental tunes from Osaka Monaurail, which are just superb. For those of you who missed their earlier releases, Osaka Monaurail are almost a tribute band to the JB's which I think is why Marva found herself again with this band. Combined they have put something very special together. I believe a European tour is being planned for next year for the official LP release. Two treats to look forward to !

AVAILABLE AT: OFFICIAL RELEASE 15th March 2007 Europe, USA & Australia. Japanese edition available now at Soulpower

Poets Of rhythm - Pratice what you preach b/w Phat Fred - Stay on the groove (RK006)

LABEL SCAN. Yet another essential release from Italys Recordkicks label. The Poets Of Rhythm are regarded by many of being responsable for the new funk craze after releasing there LP 'pratice what you preach' in the 90's. They have released many 45's under many different names, all of which are highly collectable. But the great thing about this 45 is that 'practice what you preach' has never been released on 45 so its not a reissue its a new 45, and if your not familiar with the LP your gonna love this dancefloor burner. The b-side by Phat Fred is another party tune taken from there forth coming LP 'Don't spoil the soup' and is a uptempo hammond led bass rolling belter. A 45 to put at the front of your dj box then.

AVAILABLE AT: RECORDKICKS.COM

Robert Moore - Everthings gonna be alright b/w I can't help myself (RK005)

LABEL SCAN. If you can look beyond the horrible label design you will find what is in many collectors and dj's eyes the best funk 45 out there. Originally released on the highly collectable Saadia label this Miami funk bomb has a star studded line up feat Robert Moore on vocals backed by Frank Williams and the Rocketeers and Little Beaver on guitar. So what of the tunes, well both are dancefloor winners all the way. If you don't like buying reissues you can always try and track down the original and spend $$$ while doing it or pop over to the Recordskicks website and spend 6 euros. Decisions decisions. Either way its an amazing 45 that shows the true essence of what the funk scene has to offer, essential purchase.

AVAILABLE AT: RECORDKICKS.COM

Spanky Wilson & The Quantic Soul Orch - I'm Thankful (trulp109)

COVER SCAN. Theres no denying Quantics (Will Holland) talent and Spanky Wilson's jazz recordings are legendary as well soul/funk tracks like 'you' . So when i first heard about this lp i could'nt wait to hear it. Now i have to be honest i feel a little short changed. Thats not to say it's not good but just did'nt live up to the expectations i had. Quantic say's in the liner notes that he wanted to make an lp that is both suited for home listening and the club dancefloor, i was hopeing for a bit more dancefloor approach after the great 'Don't joke with a hungry man'. So i was more then pleased to find pt.2 of this tune on the lp, i guess along with 'Message to tomorrow' which will rip dancefloors up these are my favourite 2 from the lp. So if home listening is what you want, go get it.

AVAILABLE AT: JUNO RECORDS

Various Artists - Movements 2 compiled by Tobias Kirmayer

COVER SCAN. You should all be familiar with Movements 1, and if not why not ? It was one of the best compilations to come out featuring rare funk latin & boogaloo tunes. Tramp records set the bar high with the first comp and have just raised it another notch with Movements 2, a stunning selection of tunes by the man with very good taste Tobias Kirmayer. 15 tracks to bring back some heat in your house now the weathers cooled of. Available on cd or double gatefold LP so theres no excuss for not buying it if you prefer the silver disc or don't have a record player. Don't forget to read the interview with Tramp records man Tobias in the features section.

AVAILABLE AT: TRAMP RECORDS

Lee Fields and Sugarman 3 & Co. -Stand Up (DAP-1025)

LABEL SCAN. You really cannot give enough praise to Daptone Records. Time and time again they have put out top-notch 45's without putting a foot wrong. This is quite a staggering achievement for a record label in any style of music. The latest release features the one and only Mr Lee fields for his fourth 45 for the label teaming up with the Sugarman 3 & Co. Stand up is a slow burning funk number compared to some of the 100 mph dance floor stompers on the label but the rawness of Lee's voice gives it enough attitude to become yet another future classic. Side one is a vocal with side two featuring a more instrumental take with Sugarman & Co taking the reins and thumping out a dirty groove with trumpeter Dave Guy displaying some fine solo work. We really shouldn't have to review Daptone's records as you know before you hear them that they are going to be the dog's bollocks and should be bought on sight. Funk as it should be

AVAILABLE AT: DAPTONE RECORDS

CARLTON BASCO - DON'T CHAIN MY SOUL b/w IT'S JUST AN ILLUSION (TR110)

ORIGINAL LABEL SCAN. Here is a real treat, Carlton Basco's Stunning 'Don't chain my soul'. A superb funk outing originaly released on 'Freedom records' in 1971. Carlton plays the B3 and his brother Charles Basco plays guitar, the rest of the band and studio musicians being made up of Kirby Clark, Jerry Rachel, Leonard Parker, Charlie maybou and Rodny Desato. Those of you who are not familiar with this tune are in for a real treat, and will definatly be needing a copy. The b-side see's the group the 'Illusions' with 'Just an Illusion' an incredible soul cut featuring Carlton on the B3. These were another local louisiana group who recorded for 'Freedom records'. The release date for this 10th ! reissue 45 from 'Tramp records' is June 19th. We are certainly looking forward to it.

Read the Carlton Basco interview at Soulgeneration.

AVAILABLE AT: TRAMP RECORDS release date 19th June 06

HI-FLY - HI-FIDELITY b/w SAMBOOGALOO (TR-1005)

LABEL SCAN COMING SOON. At the time of writing i have very little info about this outfit, other then it's a new band doing latin-jazz boogaloo, and doing it well. Think Pucho meets Sergio Mendes and you'll be somewhere near to how this new band sounds. Hi-Fidelity is a uptempo jazz dance tune driven by congo's, a nice horn section and with the breakdowns coming in at just the right time. The b-side sounds like it's just been plucked from a Sergio Mendes LP, congo's, piano and a horn section that sounds altogether smoother then the a-side, not to say it is'nt good because it is. It's a new direction for 'Tramprecords' taking a step to the side from all the other great funk releases that have come out on this label. I like it.

AVAILABLE AT: TRAMP RECORDS release date 24th April 06

RHYTHM MACHINE/SPIDER HARRISON - THE KICK Pt1&2 b/w BEAUTIFUL DAY (Tramp 109)

LABEL SCAN. The serious collectors out there will be aware of these 2 sides both originally released on the "Lulu" label in the early 70's. Both of these sides were also on the "Funky 16 corners" compilation released by stones throw in 2001. Right then, "The rhythm machine" were formed by James Boone and James Brantley of the "Highlighters band" famed for the classic "The funky 16 corners". The kick was only one of three 45's the band ever recorded due to the fact that they were to busy touring. It's right on anti drug vocals are layed down on a classic funk track with a great horn section. Spider Harrisons "Beautiful day" is as far as i'm aware his only recording, he recruted the help of the highlighters rhythm section to record this down tempo head nodder. Like most rare funk it remained relitively unknown, but 35 years later finds it's way to the general masses by way of "Tramp Records".

AVAILABLE AT: TRAMP RECORDS release date 6th march 06

FUNKY & GROOVY MUSIC RECORDS LEXICON - Black & White Edition 2005

COVER SCAN. Peter Wermelinger's "Funky & Groovy Music Records Lexicon" is an essential reference guide for everybody interested in funk in all its various forms. 20 years in the making, this book gives us an in depth guide to all things funk. Whether you collect LP's, 45's or both, you will no doubt find this book an indispensable guide, with information in abundance. Peter explains the various styles of funk. The background from funks roots and influences right up to today's contemporary acts. He gives tips on how to start collecting this remarkable style of music, and how to define what your funk sound is. The book features 5880 45's, displayed with an easy reference guide and 1600 label pictures for you to look at. If LP's are your thing, then you will find 7800 LP's/CD's & 12"s, all documented with 1280 of the most sought after picture Cover's so you know what to look for. Whether you have been collecting for many years or are looking to start out, you will no doubt find this book a sea of information. I have read it a couple of times now and still refer to it regularly when searching out 45's that I am looking for. With the "Dead Wax" marking guide, it most definitely helps you to make the right decisions on some of the more obscure 45's. If you look at the people who have helped Peter out with scans and information over the years, you know it's going to be good. What more can I say about this remarkable in depth book about this superb sub genre we like to call funk. Apart from that, you won't regret your investment. Essential.

AVAILABLE AT: www.funk.ch/funk-lexikon.htm

OCEANLINERS : FUNKY PANTS B/W CUTTING ROOM (HOT PANTS) (tramp tr-108)

LABEL SCAN. The "Oceanliners" released the original of this rare instrumental funk 45 in 1972 on the Blue Candle label. More than 30 years later, the disc has been re-released to do its damage on the dance floor once more. Tramp records have craftily copied the original artwork and created the tongue in cheek "Blue Tramp" label. The "Oceanliners" were "Betty Wrights" first show band, but, between the blue thumb and blue tramp 45's, they were also incarnated as "the sunshine band". (as in KC and the sunshine band). The group's personnel included Jerome Smith on guitar, Robert Johnson AKA Shotgun on drums, and Anthony Turner on bass. The horn section was lead by Jerome Smith's brother, Ronald Smith, who played trumpet. Funky pants is a the more up-tempo track of the 2 sides. It starts off with some funky chicken style guitar and has some great horn stabs and bass action. Cutting room on the flip begins like the start to some 70's blaxploitation soundtrack and then takes off into a head nodding horn based funk groove. Another quality release on Tramp records.

AVAILABLE AT: TRAMP RECORDS

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