Soul-Funk

Continuing the BBE 20th anniversary celebrations, one of their most sought-after back-catalogue gems gets a long awaited repress. Even in this digital age, the beating heart of modern R&B and hip-hop is still vintage soul, funk and jazz. Modern producers, searching for music of integrity, continue to scour dusty racks of records for inspiration. What Kon and Amir have done is make their lives easier. The first collection in the five part “Off Track” series, contains 28 superb songs that you’ve probably never heard of. From a disco tribute to Muhammad Ali to a slice of soulful South African jazz, this is music for the connoisseur.Musical treasure-hunters by trade, Kon and Amir have spent the past twenty-five years excavating record bins finding gems to pierce ears with. Fortunately, everyone gets to share in the riches of their labor with the reissue of their first offering from the popular The “Off Track” Series.The Off Track series built on the successes of their highly respected “On Track” series. Unlike the “On track” series, which featured short snippets of samples and breaks, the Off Track double series features full versions of some the best and rarest audible gems in their entirety.

A blues funk masterpiece, Charles 'Bubba' Suggs released 3 (i think) 45's, this being his crowning achievement. First rediscovered and spun by legendary Essex collector Ian Wright after buying it blind (guessing it might be good as it looked rare and was unknown in the days before sound clips) on ebay. The record has remained extremely elusive due to it being a privately pressedClarksville, Tennessee45 and never nationally distributed. It has always been coveted across collectors and DJ and Collector circles and by myself, we are very proud to be bringing you a legit and rather tastly sounding reissue of this belter.

Very Very rare slow burning funk45 recorded in 1973 Youngstown, Ohio. The band were local heros but never made it out of their locality, many still playing today. This one 45 (as far as i know) is a document to their skills. A killer funk 45 and a Grade A Sweet soul side. Line up is Mike Ohara on Guitar, Timbo on Bass, Reggie Manley on Sax, Chris Mcfarren on Trumpet, Norman Weatherly on Organ and Ben Powers Jr onDrums. This 45 is strictly limited to 500 copies.

We are both proud and excited to present this highly sought after early 80's gem, originally created as a showcase project for young artists and composers by a community music organisation in Texas.Originally referred to as the 'Pop Music Lab', The Peoples' Workshop was formed in 1976 at Texas Southern University as a space for students to compose and perform, free from the constrains of Western classical music education.Swiftly gathering momentum, in 1980 the organisation was granted non-profit status and in 1983, moved off the TSU campus. The Workshop has since grown in size and scope, becoming the first Black-founded organisation to present shows in major performance venues around the Greater Houston area.Houston Talent Expo '82 features original compositions by members of The Peoples' Workshop, performed exclusively by musicians from Houston. The songs vary in style, but remain centered around gospel, funk and soul, music and lyrics with a powerful positive message. Many of the artists featured remain active today around the world, working with such acts as Alice Coltrane and The Charles Mingus Band among others.Houston Talent Expo '82 comprises a truly special collection of songs born from the struggle, true to the spirit of togetherness that underpins The Peoples' Workshop, written and performed by astonishing young talents.

I would hope that Jon Lucien is a household name to you, if not welcome, come in sit down and relax. To generify (is that a word) his music is impossible. Spitual folk funk with splashes of Brazilian, Caribbean, soul and Jazz. This 45 was simple, I took the two records I have consistently played for the last 20 years on LP and put them on a 45, both for the first time and both from brand new masters which sound spanking. If you don't have Jon's albums seek them out now, some of the most classic Jazz funk ever...,.