VA – Movements 6 [TRLP9031]

The ‘Movements’ saga started to discover, study, and properly represent great black American music that is at risk of being lost or forgotten. Today, his illustrious label: Tramp Records, proudly releases the 6th volume of this essential series. Though the track listing still contains amazing music you may never hear elsewhere, the series has matured since its first volume. The track selection has become more open minded, compiling ballads and soul-jazz tunes, even proto-disco in addition to the rare funk Tramp fans expect. Tracks are selected in chronological order so that the listener may get an impression of the development of of the art form from jazz to rhythm and blues to rock & roll to soul and of course – funk. As the website states: ”we ain’t going for bootlegs,” so, whenever possible, Tramp sought out and was granted permission to release each track from the original musicians who are very often in their late seventies now. He took that opportunity to interview them about their careers, their groups, and the recording sessions from which these gems arose. The artists’ stories are meticulously published in extensive liner notes which are printed in the included full-color booklet. Their own words illuminate the colorful backstory behind each track.

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VA – Movements 6 [TRLP9031]

Theo Parrish & Tony Allen – Day Like This / Feel Loved [WHR001]

Wildheart Recordings is Theo Parrish’s new London-based label. “Sound Signature releases for the body, Wildheart is for everything else” is Theo’s pithy summary of his two labels’ aims and compatibility. Day Like This and Feel Loved are the first fruits of Parrish’s work with the legendary Lagosian, Tony Allen. Day Like This is masterful modern soul music. At the point where Parrish’s synth stabs into Tony’s groove beneath a swirl of falsetto vocals. Feel Loved goes deeper and for some will hit harder. An epic sweep of synth this time, around which Tony plays with growing freedom and excitement – showing again that he is the best drummer on the planet – before a majestic coda brings things to a close.

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Theo Parrish & Tony Allen – Day Like This / Feel Loved [WHR001]

Cuba Gooding – The 1st Cuba Gooding Album: Love Dancer [EXP2CD22]

Former Main ingredient leader Cuba Gooding recorded two albums for Motown in the late 70’s produced by Lambert and Potter. The 1st album is the strongest and includes the dancers ‘Mind Pleasers’ and ‘Hold On To What You Got’, the mid tempo floater ‘Fool of The year’ and a good cover of Patti Austin’s ‘We’re In Love’. The highlight though is the 2 stepper ‘All I Can Give You is Love’. Expansion Records includes the two classic albums on one CD. The first Coba Gooding album Love Dancer.

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Cuba Gooding – The 1st Cuba Gooding Album: Love Dancer [EXP2CD22]

Paul Hill / Nikki O – Need Me Some U / Music [MM033]

Split 12” on Mahogani Music featuring two of Detroit’s hidden gems: Paul Hill and Nikki O aka Sky Covington, a talented vocalist who has shared the stage with many of Detroit’s known jazz musicians and has sang vocals on past KDJ works.

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Paul Hill / Nikki O – Need Me Some U / Music [MM033]