Jazz /
Reggae Is Here Once Again
Ultra-positive consciousness from Afro-Caribbean London, circa 1979. Members of the legendary 20th Century Steel Band (one of Grand Master Flash's favourites) sailing Trinidad-wise over gratifyingly intricate African ritual rhythms. Strong vocals compliment reggae, funk, disco and soul influences to form a relentless groove machine.
Steel an' Skin, a unit composed of young nightclub musicians born in Ghana, Nigeria, St. Kitts, Trinidad and the U.K., who once performed with Ginger Johnson's Afrik…
The Fantastic Jazz Harp Of Dorothy Ashby
This is the sixth album by Dorothy Ashby, a Detroit born jazz harpist who passed away in her early 50s in 1986 way before her time. She left us a rich legacy of music with this 1965 release being one of her milestones. The music is pure bright and swinging with a joyful mood. Dorothy Ashby performs her lines big time with her harp and captures your soul with the melodies she picks from its strings. She is always there upfront while the brass section mostly fills the background with colour if the…
The Meters
Debut 1969 album by New Orleans’ The Meters. Led by organist Art Neville, the quartet was rounded out by jazz-influenced guitarist Leo Nocentelli, along with the bubbling rhythm section of bassist George Porter, Jr. and drummer Joseph "Zigaboo” Modeliste.
Their regional influences were a smashing together of rock n’ roll, syncopated ‘second line’ rhythms from Mardi Gras parades, and jazz improvisations that only could have come from the New Orleans music scene.
The Meters helped move R&B music t…
Look-Ka Py Py
1970 seminal second album by New Orleans’ The Meters is one of their most beloved releases. Produced by one of New Orleans’s preeminent musicians, Allen Toussaint. Between backing such names as Lee Dorsey and Betty Harris, The Meters cranked out a follow-up that was even funkier than its debut.
Ball of Eyes
Placebo's debut LP "Ball of Eyes" is a remarkably focused Soul Jazz record, without the experimentation or Free Jazz moments which were still in vogue during the first half of the '70s. Excellent covers of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" and Sam & Dave's "You Got Me Hummin'" as well as his own compositions make "Ball of Eyes" a perfect example of the genius of Marc Moulin and his incredible band.
Breakthrough
On Breakthrough, Muriel Grossmann envelops her quartet in a vibrant exploration of spiritual jazz, interlacing tradition with fresh, forward momentum. The record distills Grossmann’s lyrical saxophone voice and trademark rhythmic interplay into a rich, organic sound, balancing meditative introspection and eruptive, soulful drive. Each composition furthers her pursuit of transcendence, unfolding as both a deeply personal statement and a communal celebration.
Perception
Perception is the 1973 second album by Catalyst, the Philadelphia jazz-funk quartet whose blend of soul jazz, fusion, and avant-garde set them apart as a cult phenomenon. Featuring Zuri Tyrone Brown (bass), Onaje Sherman Ferguson (drums, percussion), Nwalinu Odean Pope (tenor saxophone, flute), and Sanifu Eddie Green (electric piano), the album stretches from spacious, electric fusion to driving, groove-forward funk and episodes of free improvisation. Recently reissued to renewed acclaim, Percep…
Mother Nature's Son
Ramsey Lewis' album Mother Nature's Son, consists exclusively of instrumental versions of songs by The Beatles, featuring ten of the songs from the band's White Album. Recorded in December of 1968, shortly after the November 22, 1968 release of The Beatles' album, it showcases Lewis on piano and keyboards playing with members from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. According to producer and arranger Charles Stepney, Lewis had expressed his admiration for the sounds achieved by The Beatles' producer…
The Dealer
Verve By Request continues its essential reissue series with Chico Hamilton's "The Dealer", a previously overlooked 1966 gem that captures one of jazz's most innovative drummers at a pivotal creative moment – and marks the recording debut of future fusion pioneer Larry Coryell. While Hamilton built his reputation discovering and nurturing young talent throughout his decades as a bandleader, "The Dealer" represents one of his most prescient finds. Coryell's solid and mellow performance lends a di…
Mangekyou
P-Vine is delighted to announce the release of one of Japan's most coveted albums of the 70s, "Mangekyou" by singer-songwriter Yoshiko Sai. Produced in 1975 by Master musician Yuji Ohno, the album features Yoshiko Sai's superbly crafted songs and crystal clear voice over Ohno's lush, funky sound and breezy arrangements. A strong buzz has been growing around the album over the years and original copies now change hands for large sums of money. This is the first time "Mangekyou" is available outsi…
The People's People Present the Spirit of David
Huge Tip! Frederiksberg Records proudly presents the reissue of The People's People Present The Spirit of David, a remarkable testament to artistic ambition and collective discipline that emerges from the depths of private-press obscurity. This singular album, originally recorded in 1974 and released in 1976, represents one of the most extraordinary achievements in spiritual jazz history - a work so meticulously prepared and passionately executed that it transcends its humble origins to become …
Lost Communication
"Lost Communication" by Mike Bandoni, released on Funk Night Records (FNR), is a concept album that launches listeners on a discovery mission through alien territory, inspired by journeys into interstellar space toward a supermassive black hole. The LP is marked by heavy and funky organic drums, deep cosmic textures, and a fusion of sounds drawing inspiration from the 1970s to present day. Known for his powerful drumming—Bandoni is the founder of Funkshone—the record combines groove-laden beats …
3rd Drop
"3rd Drop" is a full-length album by Great Revivers, an instrumental funk band from St. Petersburg, Russia. Released in 2023 on the US-based Funk Night Records (catalog no. FNR-176), this LP showcases the group's signature groove-driven sound and tight musicianship. The record includes 12 tracks that journey through deep funk atmospheres, cosmic tinges, and energetic rhythms, opening with "Adventures Begin" and closing with the melodic "Estrellas." Great Revivers highlight their Russian roots wh…
World Galaxy
*2025 repress* World Galaxy is the sixth solo album by Alice Coltrane recorded in November 1971 in New York City, and released in 1972 by Impulse! Records. On the album, Coltrane appears on piano, organ, harp, tamboura, and percussion, and is joined by saxophonist Frank Lowe, bassist Reggie Workman, drummer Ben Riley, timpanist Elayne Jones, and a string ensemble led by David Sackson. Violinist Leroy Jenkins also appears on soloist on one track, and Swami Satchidananda provides narration. World …
Funky Best
Repressed for the first time in Limited edition. Licensed by Nippon Columbia. Issued with an obi strip.
Via Brasil
One of the most outstanding Bossa Jazz productions from West Germany at the beginning of the 80s! These masterpieces captivate with their stylistic perfection and journey from Bossa Nova to Jazz to slight Disco´n Boogie influence. Its still on of the most DJ spinned Bossa tunes from W.-Germany in the last 30 years!
The two highly talented, creative and sensitive artists Judy (Jude Enxuto) and Ximo (Ximo Gregorio) had lived in Germany since 1980 and performing in several clubs, small art stages a…
Ich Will Die Zeit Nicht Bereuen / Sonderbar
Sound Essence is more than proud to presents a very special production from East Germany of the early 70s! One of the TOP Soul-Jazz & Beat combos in the country led by bassist and singer Horst Kruger, recorded two previously unreleased, outrageously good titles here in the newly formed septet format. "Ich will die Zeit nicht bereuen" ("I don't want to regret the time") is probably by far one of the most crispy produced German-language soul beats numbers that existed in the GDR at that time! From…
Dedos
Here comes a true South American Latin JazzFunk treasure from Argentina!!! Sound Essence is more than proud to present these lost recordings from 1974 to music lovers again in all their glory. Carlos Franzetti, who has once again been in the spotlight in recent years thanks to the re-release of his strong late 70s JazzFusion record "Graffiti", was also in charge of this record called Dedos. The story behind: In 1974, after Carlos Franzetti was living in Mexico and worked as the musical director…
That Look Of You / The New York Business
Here comes one of the most exclusive and sought-after recordings of a hotel band from the Caribbean Antilles. The resident and highly talented soul singer Lloyd Baptiste played there during the 70s with his group "The Joys" in the popular hotel called Divi Divi on the then Dutch island of Aruba.
The finest soul, funk and disco filled the repertoire of this outstanding formation. This led to the hotel management sending them to the Pyramid Sound Studio, New York in 1976 for advertising purposes a…
Sabor De Amor
1981 Brazilian Soul Funk Gem from soulman Hyldon, produced by the legendary jazz-funk band Azymuth with participation of Tim Maia. This is the fourth album from Brazilian soulman Hyldon—singer and instrumentalist—who formed, alongside "Tim Maia" and "Cassiano", the legendary triad of Brazilian soul music in the 1970s.Sabor de Amor (Continental, 1981) is perhaps his most consistent work. On it, he's backed once again by his trusted buddies "Azymuth" with a stellar lineup of musicians, including A…