After the success of "Expansions" (1975) Lonnie Liston Smith and the Cosmic Echoes were riding high, with Lonnie at the height of his creative powers. Two more albums followed on Flying Dutchman before changes at RCA meant that it was decided that the next album would be released on the parent label. As such, the final Cosmic Echoes album on RCA was neglected and has remained out of print on vinyl since its original release back in 1976. Produced by Bob Thiele and Lonnie, this album we now restore this to its position in the Flying Dutchman catalogue on this vinyl reissue.
A masterpiece of cosmic jazz funk "Renaissance" includes the reflective 'Between Here And There', the jazz dance classic 'Mardi Gras (Carnival)' and the sensational 'Space Lady'.
180g black vinyl in replica gatefold sleeve. More

This 12-inch vinyl, officially licensed by Sony, features a superb remix by Mike Maurro, who masterfully reworks the stems. On the B side, you'll find the original version. Since its release in 1982, "Looking Up To You" has cemented its status as a modern soul anthem, co-written by Leon Ware and Zane Grey (of Grey & Hanks) and produced by Webster Lewis, all titans in the genre. Heavily sampled since it’s original release, notably by artists like Zhane ("Hey Mr. DJ") and Ortega Cartel ("Miami Vice"). More

Three 1982 disco classics from boogie trio Plush formed under the guidance of Angela Winbush, René Moore and Bobby Watson, get the official, remastered reissue treatment from the original tapes.
Opening up the EP, an Angela & Rene original ‘Free & Easy’ is taken on by the Plush troupe, with the legendary Tee Scott providing a trademark extended mix. It kicks off with cosmic synths that dissipate into heavy funk, electric bass riffs, whilst scorching top lines and choice guitar licks trade off over the top. Scott’s magic is clear to see in the composition of this extended mix. A man who clearly knew how to work a dancefloor, his use of breakdowns especially, extending the anticipation and power the track commands on its dancers. From the bass breaks that weave in modulated synths, to those that utilise the glorious sustained piano chords, cutting to just vocals and percussion before everything is added back in for ultimate dancefloor elation.
First up on the B side, ‘We Got The Love’, a more soulful, slowed down tip where staccato guitar plucks and chunky slap bass marries with warm Rhodes chords, and lush vocal harmonies blend with the power of Siedah Garrett commanding the lead vocals. A passion ingrained in their voices that cannot be taught, hanging in the air, as they hang onto their phrases.
Lastly, ‘Livin For Your Love’ a boogie-based serenade written by Herman Chainey and Tony L. Phillips, intertwines Phillips’ deep dulcet tones with Plush’s backing. Add in a dose of pure ‘80s bass synth, twanging funk flashes and juicy bass guitar ripples and you’ve got a recipe sure to woo any wandering hearts out there. More

Official, remastered reissue of this disco tinged, afro funk treasure and the first time the ‘Karam Bani’ single has been cut to 12” – maximising every ounce of highlife soul from Sidiku Buari’s productions.

That undeniable US funk flavour coupled with Buari’s Ghanaian rhythms bring a zest to these grooves even the tangiest of forbidden fruits couldn’t draw out. Those fuzzed keys and dusty highlife guitar licks sprinkle the West African flavour, whilst drumming demi-god Bernard Purdie provides the wizardry behind the infectious, yet precision like beats that make the track so unique. Purdie’s killer breaks combined with Buari’s jubilant vocals give a spirituality to this cut that’ll liven up any dancefloor - alongside being a gold mine for samples.

Flip it over and you’re hit with the joy filled jam, ‘Ye Koaba’. Tribal drums lead the way for a chorus of jubilant chants supplemented by glistening synth sounds and funk fuelled guitar riffs. It’s a feel-good slice of Ghanaian sunshine, capturing that community spirit and good-hearted nature Ghana’s famous for.

Two afro funk sensations sure to put a smile on your face, even when the skies are grey and you’re 5000 miles away from the glorious West African coastline.
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The infamously velvet tones of Jon Lucien get a much welcomed official remastered, reissue - with the original ‘Rashida’ 7” e.p., that contained four of Lucien’s tracks, now split into two 7”s for a louder, more refined pressing of each song.
First up, ‘Lady Love’, with it’s bossa nova inspired style, drawing every last drop of emotion from Lucien’s infamously voluptuous voice. Once dubbed by Herbie Hancock as “the man with the golden throat”, it’s easy to see why - Lucien’s rich baritone evoking dreams of summer sunsets, glistening blue seas whilst wrapping you up in a blanket of warmth and tenderness that few can rival.
On the B side – ‘Love Everlasting’, another of Jon Lucien’s bossa nova leaning tracks, swells with jazz flutes, plucked acoustic guitars and a soul drenched string section to compliment Lucien’s beautifully calming tones.
With the original Rashida 7” exchanging hands for over £150 on Discogs, here’s a chance to get Jon Lucien’s golden-throated voice in the collection without raiding the savings.
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Part two of the official remastered, reissue of Jon Lucien’s ‘Rashida’ e.p. see’s ‘Would You Believe In Me’ and ‘Kuenda’ lovingly housed together on either side of a dinked 7 inch record.
‘Would You Believe In Me’ is a top down, soulful cruiser, bringing a slice of jazzed up funk gold to the fore. As smooth as silk, Lucien’s dulcet tones leave you in awe - a voice destined to bring joy to souls the world over, it oozes charm, passion and elegance from beginning to end.
On the B side, ‘Kuenda’ washes away any worries that the day-to-day mind might have conjured up, with the soft sounds of the sea leading into a beautiful layered vocal performance by Lucien, perfectly accompanied by a solo plucked Spanish guitar.
It’s an alluring example of the Brazilian aesthetic Lucien would carry through his Rashida album and provides an apt ender for this two-part reissue.
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Repress!
Keni Burke’s signature hit ‘Risin’ To The Top’ gets an official remastered, reissue alongside the 12 inch mix of his ’81 killer jam ‘You’re The Best’.

‘Risin’ To The Top’ quickly became a clear favourite of the soul crowd back in the ‘80s, with Keni’s sensuous vocals, a timeless bassline of epic proportions and those dreamy, sunshine chords proving a winning combination. Since then countless producers, from the likes of Doug E Fresh and Slum Village, to LL Cool J and Mary J Blige, have utilised ‘Risin’ To The Top’ as a choice sample for their own productions. A quick glance at this seemingly endless list, just goes to show how much of an impact this record ended up having.

On the flip, ‘You’re The Best’, takes a more boogie paved path, filled with an undeniably groove laden bass synth, cosmic keys and Keni’s infectiously soulful vocals. It’s early eighties synth boogie at it’s best, placing the electronic elements at the forefront whilst holding onto that unquestionable funk at its core.

Two Keni Burke classics for soul heads, sample spotters and anyone with a keen ear for a gem. More

Main Ingredient's fantastic take on the Average White Band's original funky classic - for the first time ever on 7" too. Backed with a Main Ingredient track that's shot-up in popularity over the last few years - welcome to the long 7" version of "Instant Love" previously only available on the U.S. promo 7" which will set you back circa £80 large. 7 inch vinyl with a large dinked centre hole. More

Some records are timeless and never age - "Happiness Is Just Around The Bend" by The Main Ingredient is one of those records. Originally released in 1974, "Happiness" was a record before it's time - had it been released a year later it would undoubtedly have been one of the first 12" discs - so as a result, most discerning DJs at the time chose to play the album cut. The song is actually a cover of UK Prog-Jazz band Brian Auger's Oblivion Express's version from the year before but Main Ingredient took the song to a whole new level and, 44 years later, it has become one of the most revered dance tunes of all-time. Main Ingredient were unlucky with 12" releases, which is why we're delighted to give "Evening Of Love" it's first-ever 12" release! Once again this was a 1981 album track which years later it would become a Modern Soul anthem and rightfully be regarded as one of their best records.

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Tenderness - A short-lived Disco project helmed by James Purdie and Skip Mahoney only released one 45 and one 12" single during their brief existence. Known for their work with Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers & Frank Hooker & Positive People and many more, this duo were undoubtedly a highly talented producer, songwriter and keyboardist combination. Originally released on RCA in 1978 'Keep On Trying' was an underground club hit. The record still packs an immense punch today, it's a mixture of tough streetwise drums and percussion and swooping dramatic strings and brass will surely hit the spot for Disco aficionados. The kind of record you can imagine causing all out pandemonium at the Garage while the scents of amyl and sweat fill your nostrils. The kind of record that would make everyone on the raised stages and podiums at the Powerhouse whoop and holler in collective joy as Frankie stylishly segues it into a punishing percussion break-down. Yep. It's THAT kind of Disco record, so rare and so coveted that even the infamous DJ Harvey put it over his knee and gave it a good editing way back when. There's been a shedload of poor imitations knocking around, dodgy Euro bootlegs etc, but this 2017 repress is from the MASTER TAPES (Yes, we can prove it) and is fully, 100% LEGIT in every way. 'Keep On Trying' - now available again, released in conjunction with RCA. Back on the streets. Same as it ever was! Essential Disco heat here, buy on sight! More

Back To Life transports you to a new stunning acid-tinged deep house journey
Officially licensed from F-Communications / Pias.
A truly gem from 1995 that also includes a remix by Shazz. More

Two incredible 70’s soul cuts from The O’Jays get the reissue treatment for 2018. The A side contains the mighty ‘For The Love Of Money’ a near 7 minute cautionary tale to the dangers of greed and exploitation. "For the love of money. People will lie, Lord, they will cheat. For the love of money. People don't care who they hurt or beat." As pertinent now as it was in the 70’s if not more so considering current affairs. A much sampled record, loved by many! On the flip, ‘Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love)’, the second hit single off the O’Jay’s album ‘Message In The Music’, is a romantic soul serenade with that killer Gamble and Huff production – Philly’s finest!
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Written by one of the seminal figures of the Philly Sound - Norman Harris, The Player is arguably one of the groups greatest records.
On the flip, NYC DJ & producer Mike Maurro respectfully remixes the original.
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Prelude Records is easily one of THE most influential Disco labels of all time. The label released classic upon classic and launched the careers of many now influential artists and producers and engineers. Names like Francois K, Shep Pettibone, Tony Humphries and more were all intrinsic to the Prelude story. The music this label released throughout it's life has shaped modern day club culture and continues to do so.... 1977 saw the release of one of Prelude's most sought after, desired and rare offerings. A 12" promo that features 2 insanely deep cuts from the labels impressive repertoire. Bill Brandon & Lorraine Johnson's split DJ promo '?We Fell In Love While Dancing / The More I Get, The More I Want' - 2 megaton Disco bombs that will have your dancefloor in a frenzy. This essential release has changed hands for hundreds of pounds on the used market and has never been legally reissued before, there are sub-standard boots around and they sound awful. This official reissue has the full unedited versions of the tracks and has been repressed from the master sources and with the full involvement of the licensors to provide 2019's clubs with a true Disco rarity, as it was way back in '77! More

Repress!

A certified Patrick Adam’s classic from the Heavenly Star Records back catalogue, Cloud One - Flying High, gets a much-needed remastered reissue. A welcome sight to many, considering originals sell for over £100.

One of countless studio projects that Adams put his name to, ‘Flying High’ saw the multi-platinum, award winning producer and songwriter join forces with P&P head honcho Peter Brown to produce this blindingly brilliant cosmic disco number. Stratospheric synths, beefy drums and heavyweight basslines coupled with celestial vocoder refrains, will have your head flying through the clouds at the drop of a needle. More

So you wanna be a star' - 24 carat Disco gold from 1980 right here. Mtume, led by legendary Jazz percussionist and all-round musical visionary James Mtume had a number of massive hits and can count quite a few 'classics' within their repertoire ('Juicy Fruit' anyone?). This flawlessly arranged, funk drenched jam speaks on the dangers of living life too fast and relying on those who can't be trusted. Remember, this was the beginning of the 1980's, the Disco era had began to fade amidst the drug hazed excesses of the previous decade, while the music continued forging it's path skyward with tremendous records like this one. 'So you wanna...' really has a message and that's not surprising considering it has one of the most underrated production teams behind it in the shape of Mtume / Lucas. A true gem of the post-Disco era. Essential and rare. This repress of the original Epic promo from 1980 is backed with a brand new re-edit from one of NYC's Disco kings - Mr.K aka Danny Krivit. With almost half a century spent behind the turntables in NYC and beyond he surely understands records like 'So you wanna be a star' intrinsically, he was, after all, there when it all happened! This classic has been legally reissued by Above Board distribution in conjunction with the legal rights holders - Sony Music Entertainment. This high quality repress features original Epic label Disco 12" artwork and has been remastered from Sony's original sources by Optimum Mastering, Bristol UK. More

Two sublime deep house cuts from the sorely missed Mike Huckaby - one of the true greats of electronic music. More