Smoove – First Class

Smoove is the archetypal B Boy made good. Despite his huge international success with Smoove & Turrell and his ability to craft jazz, soul, latin, hip hop and funk into world beating dancefloor killers, Smoove can still be found every weekend playing live behind the decks in Germany, Russia, Italy, UK or wherever his diary tells him he has to go.

The endless flights, trains and hotel rooms are dead time to some DJ’s but Smoove is always creating new tunes for his set on the fly and working his different influences into the remixes and productions he is currently on. There were at least 40 remixes that could have been included on this album but in the end he chose the ones that worked best together and made the album flow like one of his legendary DJ sets.

Frist Class is out Jalapeno Records, UK’s longest running independent dance labels combining all types of genres which are all linked by one simple fact -> It’s got to have the funk!Therefore it’s no wonder that also remixes of Smoove’s label collegues can be found on this album like the the one for Kraak & Smaak “Call Up To Heaven”, which is available for free download:

Besides that, the album contains a number of exclusives including the remix of the new Third Degree track and a killer remix of Afrka Bambataa, Charlie Funk and King Kamonzi.

With “First Class” Smoove once again proved the he is one of the best producers out there when it comes to funky music. The production skills are very versatile as he jumps from disco to funk, jazz to soul, hip hop to house and back again. For me the album “First Class” is definitely one of my Top 3 releases in 2012.

Here’s a little  preview of the album:

LINKS:

Buy Smoove “First Class” at Juno

Jalapeno Records

Yo Brothers & Sisters, it’s done!!!

My new mix, called “Keep The Faith” is out on the streets and as we are in the digital era -> out on the web!!!

This time I wanted to create a mix that is focused on contemporary soul & funk. That’s why most of the featured tracks were released in 2012 or just a little earlier. So basically, this mix is my personal “Best Of 2012″.

The mixtape starts with socially critical songs from Michael Franti and Charles Bradley, before it goes on with some smooth love songs by The Monophonics, The Soul Sessions or Dojo Cuts. Followed by some more electronically produced songs like the incredible remix of Bing Ji Ling‘s “Hold Tight”or “Rise” from the Space Invadas, the mixtape continues the dj-exceed-way… uplifting funk tunes from my all time favourites Lack of Afro, The Baker Brothers or super-producer Patchworks combined with reggae influenced songs from Tahuna Breaks or The Black Seeds. The mixtape ends, following the title “Keep The Faith”, with feel-good songs by Smoove & Turrell, Mr. Presindent and Hawa.

But enough talking, just listen and keep the faith in these hard times!!!

Links:

DJ Exceed On Soundcloud

Sunday Night Fevers is a brand new unmixed CD compilation of must play disco versions by Pete Herbert & Dicky Trisco. Together they provide disco DJs some killer re-edits, reworks and remixes the have released over the year. Their style is groove-heavy and dubwise, teasing listeners with just a whisper of vocal or singalong chorus here and there. The 10 revisions on this collaborative edit collection certainly fit into that category, offering a mix of heavyweight electrofunk, horn-heavy disco plus some boogie dub. For those seeking floor-friendly disco interpretations, it should be an essential purchase.

Support has already come in from Laurent Garnier, Ashley Beedle, Dimitri From Paris, Eric Duncan, Optimo, Horse Meat Disco, 6th Borough Project, Onur Engin, Rayko and many more so make sure you disco enthusiasts grab this on Juno:

Links:

Pete Herbert on Facebook

Dicky Trisco on Facebook

Tahuna Breaks have always encompassed a rich diversity of musical genres and styles.

It combines aspects of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and is influenced by artists as varied as James Brown to Daft Punk. The band is well known for being unafraid to mix genres and with seven members, the group’s live act is energetic, raw and large.

In 2007 they released their debut album Reflections which was followed closely by their highly anticipated second album Black Brown & White in 2009. Both records charted strongly, won awards and have firmly cemented Tahuna Breaks’ place on the New Zealand and Australasian music scenes.

Tahuna Breaks have entered the new decade with a fresh focus and a new challenge. 2011 sees the Auckland-based group working on their forthcoming third major release under the guidance of UK producers ‘Crazy P’. Featuring new and reincarnated tracks, the next release will reflect the band’s progression and focus toward the more dance-orientated funk sound that the band have been so well renown for. The first single ‘Moves‘ was released January 2012, with the full release to follow early 2013…

Links:

Tahuna Breaks

Find more great videos on my Youtube Channel

When Pitch & Scratch came up with their “Hamburg Hustle” in 2009 it was a revelation. These guys studied the Seventies school of funk and soul, were digging deep in disco roots and knew what a good hiphop beat was all about. Well, having the same  musical background, I had to dig this album and I it was no wonder that I really enjoyed it.

On the album featured was “Everybody Move” with its irresistible party vibe and an ultra-charming video clip:

Now in 2012 and Pitch & Scratch released  their second album called “Together”. The method of “Together” is simple but effective: After the release of “Hamburg Hustle” Pitch & Scratch were out and about getting props for their instrumental arrangements. But why not take the next step and introduce vocalists and lyricists who share a similar, funky and peaceful vision to the family?

As a result Pitch & Scratch teamed up with artists like , the New Orleans born blues singer Wayne Martin, Brazilian singer Leila Pantel or  the London based rapper Seanie T. They also worked together with Alex Prince to top this funky line-up of vocalists on the track  “Funk Is Ruling in My Head”, which  has the message in the title and is taking Alex Prince back to the roots of funk.

But what would the funk be without the horns and the percussion. “Together” is a big shout-out to the power of brass by working together with  the Boxhorns of Jan Delay & Disko No.1. Put this in line with the super tight percussion of Lack of Afro in “Popa Never Was A Genius” and we have something really special going on.

Here we have it all “Together”: Deep, serious clubby vibes, from the people for the people, no posing just the groove next to the adrenalin of a sweating Northern Soul dancefloor packed with a crowd which is completely in it for the music. That’s what I call “Together”!

Keep the funk alive and fuy this album @ Juno!!!

Pitch & Scratch

Legere Recordings

Timewarp Music is an independent Greek record label whose musical style moves through Nu-Funk, Dub, Breaks and Freestyle paths.

Its the creation of Angelos ‘Timewarp’ Stoumpos since 2004, Timewarp Music, was inspired by the fresh Nu-Funk and Dub Electronica music stream that at the time was blooming in the neighborhouds of Vienna, Berlin and Washington, the purpose was to present this sound in Greece and has managed up to know to become the home of 35 and more musicians, dj’s and bands.

Since 2007 Timewarp is one of the first electronica funk, dub, breaks, downtempo and house labels that believed in the digital era of music business. A big stir was created in the market and till now Timewarp Music is one of the most respected labels all over the globe, by bringing constantly fresh food to the music industry.

With their recent compilation “Freestyle 4 Funk 2” Timewarp Music presents the anniversary 100th Digital Release. After all these years Timewarp Music decides to say a big thank you! with a massive release. This  twenty eight (28!) track compilation features Timewarp’s  best sellers and top tunes they have released in the past four years together with some new unreleased tracks.

If you like Breaks and Grooves with a funky flavor  you definitely have to check out this album. It’s BIG!!!

Here’s one of my favourite tunes from the album:

Also check out my “Behind the Groove” mix, where many Timewarp artists are featured.

Links:

Timewarp Music

Australia seems to be the heart of the Nu-Funk movement. Besides bands such as Cookin’ on 3 Burners, The Bamboos, Deep Street Soul and Kyle Auldist Dojo Cuts seem to be stirring up a storm in the Southern hemisphere and beyond, making them the most likely candidates to become the brightest stars of this fast growing scene.

The six piece band Dojo Cuts, formed in 2008, combines crisp, tight, funky instrumentals with some killer vocals by the delectable Roxie Ray. Every band has their secret weapon and Dojo Cuts are blessed with two – the insistent and driving rhythm guitar of Nathan Aust and the startling vocal of singer Roxie Ray.This combination creates a timeless, classic feel-good music.

Legendary NYC producer Gabriel Roth and Neal Sugarman (Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings / Amy Winehouse / Daptone Records) have already declared themselves fans of the band, and Roth even wrote the liner notes of their debut album – so you know this is a group worth keeping an eye on!

Now they have released their second album called “Take From Me” on the funky independent label Recordkicks , based in Milano, which is also know for bringing out artists like Nick Pride & The Pimptones, The Baker Brothers or Kokolo.

After the jumping horn funk intro of ‘El Entro’ the band gets down to dirty business with the sweet soul strut of ‘I Can Give’ and the party is on. ‘Mamacita’ is one of many standouts – a thrill ride with tasty latin jazz-flute filigrees decorating the funky greasy pork chops. ‘Sonny’s Strut’ lets the band flex their groove muscles; ‘Sometimes It Hurts’ is late night city lights and sorrow over cocktails; title track ‘Take From Me’ is smooth like butter – Take a listen, have a dance, take the Take From Me ride.

Links:

Dojo Cuts

RecordKicks

Numerous contemporary bands play soul music, recordings inspired by the classic singles of the Motown, Stax, Atlantic, and thousands of other regional U.S. record labels that forged the timeless R&B sounds of the 60s and 70s.

But Brandy Butler & The Fonxionaires do something more. They take those sounds and ingeniously craft them into insistent, ingratiating music that light up the listener’s spirits. The Switzerland based band is playing originally composed sweet and rough old school 60s soul and then adding the powerful vocals of Miss Brandy Butler.

Check out their Debut Album “Don’t Want Nothin’” and you won’t be able to help yourself from hip shakin, booty swinging and soul struttin!
Don’t Want Nothin’ by Brandy Butler

LINKS:

Brandy Butler & The Fonxionaires

Jazzanova takes it to the next stage: The Funkhaus Studio Sessions.

Jazzanova producers, Stefan Leisering & Axel Reinemer, went into the studio with their 7 piece live band with Paul Randolph on vocals to record a 14 track set.

The “Funkhaus Studio Sessions” marks Jazzanova’s first live album release, including the songs the band learned to love the most on tour over the last three years as well as the audience’s favourites.  It’s very rare to see a studio album so alive, fleshly, organic and solid at the same time. It captures the feel of a live recording but without any flaws due to poor recording equipment or sound aesthetics.

The sessions at the legendary GDR Rundfunk Orchestra studios in East Berlin have also been filmed. Check out the video to “I Human” for some of its footage. With “Funkhaus Studio Sessions” Jazzanova will take you and their music to the next stage.

LINKS:

Jazzanova

Monophonics were formed in 2005 in San Francisco, originally a instrumental ensemble comprised of guitarist Ian McDonald, bassist Myles O’Mahony, saxophonist Alex Baky, trumpeter Ryan Scott, and drummer Austin Bohlman, the band has recently added the dynamic soul vocals of keyboardist Kelly Finnigan. The result is a psychedelic soul & heavy funk sound, which harks back to the stylings of the late 60’s and early 70’s, all while keeping its feet planted in the present.

Over the past seven years, Monophonics have staked their claim as one of California’s premier bands. The bands new record “In Your Brain” released by legendary label Ubiquity Records. It was recorded & produced by Ian McDonald and Kelly Finnigan in San Francisco and was mixed by Sergio Rios from ORGONE.

Taking a cue from their San Francisco roots and greats like Norman Whitfield, George Clinton’s Funkadelic, David Axelrod and Sly Stone the group has found their path which has taken on a direction that focuses on great tones using analog equipment, a simpler and more spontaneous songwriting approach and trying to always catch a vibe that brings back thoughts of the 1969 psychedelic movement!

Check out my favourite track from the album called “There’s A Riot Going On”:

Monophonics – “There’s A Riot Going On” by Ubiquity Records

LINKS:

Monophonics

Ubiquity Records