Wewantsounds Records maintains its impressive track record of high-quality reissues with its latest release. This time, they feature the music of Hitomi “Penny” Tohyama, a Japanese pop and funk singer whose style beautifully blends City Pop, funk, and catchy pop grooves, resulting in a fun listening experience. As always, the Continue Reading
Funk
Various Artists – Vampisoul: Rangarang
From the Bandcamp site of the consistently solid record label Vampisoul: “”Rangarang” is a compilation of forgotten jewels from pre-revolutionary Iran. These songs tell the stories of an artisan community that flourished during the 1960s and 1970s before vanishing into oblivion. The pop stars who stayed in Iran were summonsed Continue Reading
Al Massrieen – Modern Music
One of Egypt’s greatest bands, Al Massrieen, gets the reissue treatment from the phenomenal Habibi Funk Records! From the label’s Bandcamp site: “We’re happy to present a reissue of “Modern Music”, the last album by the iconic Egyptian band Al Massrieen, originally released in 1984. This was the final installment Continue Reading
Vaudou Game – Otodi
Vadou Game are from the African Republic of Togo, where they seem to have an absolutely wild funk scene. Singer Peter Solo has a voice that is as soulful as it is rich, and the guitars have a nice psychedelic twinge to them. A winning combo! We had the pleasure Continue Reading
Romano – Güle Güle
Batov Records continues to produce funky disco goodness from Israel. From their Bandcamp site: “Romano, synthesizer wizard unveils his debut solo album, ‘Güle Güle’, for Batov Records. A cinematic journey through groove, nostalgia, and diverse cultural soundscapes, the album showcases Romano’s rich musical heritage and cutting-edge creativity, building a unique Continue Reading
Various Artists – Los Angeles Rising
Though California has an utterly repellent governor whose incompetence seems boundless, the citizens, rich or poor, are resilient. In honor of the California spirit which has been bruised thanks to the horrible wildfires that destroyed parts of my former home, some fine artists have contributed tracks for this compilation of Continue Reading
Various Artists – Cult Cargo: Belize City Boil Up
Cult Cargo describe this incredible compilation of jazz, funk, salsa and other music far better than I could hope to: “The national dish of Belize is a diverse mixture of ingredients: pig’s tail, potatoes, plantains, bananas, boiled eggs, yams, and whole fish, thrown in a pot and stewed to perfection. Continue Reading
Various Artists – Ostinato Records: Synthesizing the Silk Roads: Uzbek Disco, Tajik Folktronica, Uyghur Rock & Tatar Jazz from 1980s Soviet Central Asia
I know it must be troublesome to actually click on the link when you can read most of the review from the comfy confines of social media, but this time I implore you to actually click on the link and read the story of how this album came to be. Continue Reading
Attilio Zanchi – Mingus Portrait
In July, we featured a remix release by Attilio Zanchi which the stunningly good Right Tempo Records released, but now, we have the absolute pleasure to point you to the original from the man himself. From the release’s Bandcamp page: “”If I have to make one last record, now that Continue Reading
Mario Rusca (quintet, nonet) – 4th Dimension
Ever since Right Tempo Records has relaunched, their catalog choices have proven to be outstanding. Can you imagine an 86-year-old musician who has a résumé working with artists like Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan and Stan Getz, among others, release a soul-stirring, funky album of such high quality in 2024? Absolutely! Continue Reading