Originally released in 1981, Mr. Circle’s Thi Nam should really have been recognised decades ago as a jazz dance classic. A beautiful example of European jazz fusion at its most sophisticated and optimistic, the album is immersed in the sonics and rhythms of pan-Latin fusion and Brazilian samba, but with one foot in the upful jazz fusion exemplified by Roy Ayers or the Mighty Ryeders.
Taking inspiration from Ursula Dudziak, Flora Purim, and Norma Winstone, singer Monika Linges uses the crystalline tone of her voice as an instrument within the ensemble. The LP is built around the interaction of her vocalising with bandleader Mikesch van Grümmer’s keyboard versatility, all underpinned by the surging Brazilian rhythms laid down by drummer Gerd Breuer and percussionist Ponda O’Bryan.
The result is a unique set of sunlit, Brazilian-inspired jazz fusion. Aimed squarely at the feet throughout, the album kicks off with a double whammy: the funky title track, followed by. the percussion-rich Juntos. The long form Suka begins with a shimmering intro before taking flight halfway through into an urgent jazz samba with Linges’ vocals to the fore. Featuring the vocals of Bill Ramsay, Tides is another driving jazz-dancer with a Brazilian twist, while the summery, propulsive Schoch-Schach features virtuosic interplay between Linges and alto saxophone.

With Virgil Jones, Clarence Thomas, Melvin Sparks, Jimmy Lewis, Buddy Caldwell and Harold Mabern. Roars out of the traps with a low-slung Express Yourself; then Joe Dukes’ Soulful Drums; then a cooking Super Bad.

An all-time Italo Disco club classic — beloved by Carl Craig and numerous house and techno deejays — made in 1983 by three post-punks looking for a new direction, aided by the producer Mauro Malavasi (famous at that time for hits with Macho, Peter Jacques Band, Change, Luther Vandross, Ritchie Family…).
Four versions, including Frankie Knuckles’ 1987 Powerhouse Mix.

Knockout, anthemic rare groove, from the 1979 album Life, Love And Harmony. Ultra-jazzy, classy, and exultant, this is Nancy Wilson at her very best. She even throws in a quickfire Louis Armstrong impression. That’s John Klemmer playing saxophone.
Backed with The End of Our Love, a northern soul floor-filler from 1968, hard to come by.
Ace.

‘You said he was your cousin, oh but I found out that he was wasin’... Two cousins don’t kiss, especially not like this…’

Surprisingly the first time on 12” for this brassy, string-laden, modern/Northern crossover classic, more Philly than NYC. Beautifully written by Thom Bell, expertly remixed by Tom Moulton.

Tracks from a career of more than forty years, several rare or unissued. The pianist/composer/arranger/producer in collaborations with Captain Beefheart, The Monkees, Frankie Laine and The Tubes, amongst others.

Plenty of killers, old friends like The Soul Children and William Bell alongside nuff new discoveries. Check the samples (if you think you’re hard enough).