reviews: 70

Craig Charles
The Craig Charles Funk And Soul Club
Freestyle Records

We all know Craig Charles by now and if you’ve had the pleasure of catching his long standing show on BBC 6 Music then this exhilarating selection of Funk, Soul and even Ska will have you jumping in the aisles. What’s important here, aside the music of course, is that not only does this hit upon classics from the past but also swings right up to date with current artists like T Bird & The Breaks and Smoove & Turrell. A couple of good covers included here too, not least of all Prince Fatty Ft Horseman’s version of Cypress Hill ‘Insane In The Membrane’ and of the few available cooler moments ‘A Time For’ by Lack Of Afro Ft Wayne Gidden is a particualr standout - special mention must also go to the Incredible Bongo Band’s bizarre rendition of the Stones ‘Satisfaction’. All in all from the blistering opening of ‘Amen Brother’ by The Bamboos this is simply about good music whether that’s for mind, body and soul, or all three at once.

release: November 26

http://www.freestylerecords.co.uk

https://en.twitter.com/CCfunkandsoul

‘Amen Brother’

Nohijo
Do It All Night
Oh So Coy Recordings

Swiss label Oh So Coy poses the question of just how often you can hear that classic refrain ‘House Music All Night Long’ without losing interest. The Original version plays the sample over frisky tech textures with a perky organ riff sounding undoubtedly irresistible. However, when you listen to the excellent Late Night Mix, which slows it all right down to an intriguing, funky pace it’s only really then that the track truly shines. The vocal feels just right while the stabs are heavy and hard-hitting – first rate actually. Moodymanc then picks it up again injecting much funkier drums and chords to reinvigorate the groove, while added string-like pads give it extra depth on another typically quality re-interpretation. Definitely also check his impressive Breakhouse Mix that strips back the drums to a shuffling intensity, which along with hypnotic keys and rousing cowbells give it all an impatient sense of urgency. To finish the labels impressive 50th release the also excellent YUNOME version twists the chords around taught techno bass and undulating stress levels that are best played loud.

http://soundcloud.com/nohijo/nohijo-doitallnight

http://ohsocoy.believeband.com

http://soundcloud.com/ohsocoy
 

Johnny Fiasco
I Want It EP
Nordic Trax

With a long involvement and list of productions since the early 90’s Johnny Fiasco keeps up the momentum for this release on Vancouver’s Nordic Trax. Fuelled by very insistent hi-hats and a fevered acid attitude this production is as much about emotion as it is about bounce. Coupled with tastefully moody pads this excels simply because it isn’t afraid to play with texture in the process, operating on more than one level. Having said that, the Dub becomes even more single minded in a most unsettling way with nasty synths creating a grating edge for repeated impact.  Leaving, On & On to engage with further bleeps and evolving layers of sound with the semi-melodic motif sounding typically Chicago.

release: Oct 30 via Beatport: http://btprt.dj/Ss2DrI Full release Nov 27

http://soundcloud.com/nordic-trax/sets/nt072-johnny-fiasco-i-want-it

http://johnnyfiasco.com/

http://nordictrax.com/

Paolo Marturano
I’ll Be Waiting For You
Muchiq Records

Displaying all the necessary hallmarks Paolo Marturano’s second release for North West (UK) imprint Muchiq is both deliciously moody and seductively sleazy. Propelled by deep bass and quick-fire 909 snares, alongside a rich assortment of dark noises and captivating deadpan vocals, this ignites the touch paper between Tech and House while remaining funky and energized. Joint Label head Dan Muchiq provides the first remix with brisk drums and atmospheric chords adding fuelling the fire as the addition of extra nagging synth only increases the tension. The final Dansco version replays the originals’ elements, concentrating on the great percussion, to give a more introspective angle on what is a sterling from release from the label.

Release: December 29

http://soundcloud.com/muchiqrecords/paolo-marturano-ill-be-2

http://www.muchiq.co.uk/