Gil Scott-Heron along with his long time musical partner Brian Jackson have committed to vinyl some of the most important politically and socially conscious music ever recorded. This compilation focuses on the period between 1973 and 1980 and includes tracks from 7 albums. The timeless classic, “The Bottle”; kicks off proceedings before moving into the uplifting “It’s Your World”, “Johannesburg” and the haunting “Winter In America”, a track I have never tired of since first hearing it 16 years ago when I was just starting out on this crazy collecting journey. “Angel Dust”, “Shut Um Down”, “Alien (Hold On To Your Dreams)” along with “The Liberation (Red, Black & Green)” and a storming live version of “Home Is Where The Hatred Is” are all here. However, I’m currently hammering the tracks taken from the 1977 album “Bridges”, mainly because I’ve never heard them before. “Delta Man (Where I’m Coming From)” and “We Almost Lost Detroit” are amazing low slung gritty grooves but even better is “Racetrack In France” which starts with a happy clappy rhythm and blues intro before slipping into a driving synth bass lead electro groove. Pure perfection!

Soul DJ Andy Davies kick starts his new Streetsoul label in fine style with this Chicago rarity which he discovered on acetate whilst working at John Anderson’s Soul Bowl record shop during the mid 90s. After airing ‘Joy Trip (Part 1)’ on his radio show the track caused a huge buzz amongst the soul fraternity and has eventually resulted in this release. ‘Joy Trip (Part 1)’ is a majestic string fueled two stepper of the highest order but the album packed full of quality tunes covering northern, crossover and funk styles plus a great version of The Lovelites’ ‘Get It Off My Conscience’.

The second edition of Soul Brother’s ‘The Wants List’ delivers another 18 in demand rare groove / 2 step soul tracks to end the frustrating search for many a collector. As you would expect, everything here is quality from the album’s opener Kellee Patterson’s version of ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little Bit More’, through to the finishing cut ‘When We’re Making Love’ by Denise LaSalle. In between we’re treated to classics such as ‘World In A Crisis’ from Barbara Mason, Edna Wright’s ‘Oops! Here I Go Again’, ‘Shake It Up’ by The Vibrations, Michelle Wiley’s ‘I Feel So At Home Here’ and ‘Unwanted Company’ from Jeannie Reynolds. It’s also good to see Samuel Jonathan Johnson’s ‘My Music’ included. This has long been a favourite of mine, a great quirky soul stepper with an almost mystical feel, taken from the 1978 Columbia album of the same name. One that was actually on my ‘wants list’ was ‘Sho’ Nuff’ by the sweet male harmony group, Sly, Slick & Wicked. This is a fantastic tune originally released on People Records in 1973 and sounds like The Lost Generation.

To my surprise Fukutomi has produced eight albums prior to this release, which proves I’ve got some serious catching up to do. ‘˜Equality’ is aimed straight at the dancefloor and includes a fine selection of grooves this will appeal to the house heads, well the ones with taste. If that isn’t enough the vocalists are tiptop quality, which include: Rich Medina, Lady Alma, Ernesto, Victor Davis and Isabelle Antena. Top marks to Gav Smith for bringing Fukutomi to the UK masses.

Here is the next instalment from Japan’s multi-talented Hiroshi Watanabe, also known as Kaito (Kompakt) and of course Tread. 7 tracks of the deepest house music that’s you’ll find on the planet. Lovely warm productions and lush keys that will appeal to fans of the Detroit house heads aka fans of Moodymann and Theo Parrish. Of course you knew this was going to be good because it’s released on Third Ear.

Tobias Meggle returns with his next instalment and he’s gone and released another classic. ‘Echoes’ includes a few new tracks, some remixes of tracks from 2004’s ‘Wanderlust’ album and some from the man himself. Things kick off with two corking new tracks, with Randolph Matthews featuring on ‘Call Out’ and ‘Common Cause’ with Clara Hill. I would have bought ‘Echoes’ on these tracks alone. Also included are wonderful remixes by Break Reform, Smiles Ahead and Gerd. For a bonus ball you have Sandboy’s remix of Gerd’s ‘So Real’ featuring Vanessa Freeman. Surely I don’t need to sell this to you any more.

In 2004 Kindred Spirits released “Amazona” by Catlett which was up there with the best of the year and hammered by every DJ worth mentioning. We are now in 2005 and “River Drum” has been in the shops since May. It seems most people-including myself completely missed this album. Believe me when you hear this, you’ll be kicking yourself. Produced, arranged and written by the man himself this is a pure 2005 masterpiece. Get hunting.

Atmosfear’s rare debut album ‘En Trance’, originally released in 1981 on Elite Records, gets a welcome reissue via Sanctuary. This is British jazz funk at its best and features delights such as ‘Free Tonight’, Interplay’ and ‘Invasion’ along with the Latin flavored ‘Duende’ and ‘Return Of LB’. This package also includes 4 bonus tracks, ‘Extract’, ‘Motivation’, ‘Outer Space’ and the classic ‘Dancing In Outer Space’ which were previously only released on 12”. Essential!

I recall talking to Ed Motta about his musical influences following his appearance at the Jazz Cafe a couple of years back. He cited a diverse spectrum of styles from Black Jazz / Strata East to Barry Manilow. Fortunately ‘Aystelum’ leans towards the former, particularly on tracks such as the opener ‘Awunism’, ‘E Muita Gig Vei!!!’, ‘Balendoah’ and the title track. His Brazilian soul roots are also present and correct on the fabulous ‘Patidid’ and ‘Gueagui’. Of course he delves into the Parisian music hall style as he did on ‘Dwitza’, but on the whole this is an excellent set from an outstanding talent.

Soil & Pimp Sessions waste no time in following up their recent ‘Pimp Master’ set with this 6 track EP. No surprises here just more of their distinctive brand of frantic ‘death jazz’. ‘Fragment’ is the instant highlight but drop ‘Ms B.C.’, ‘Sweat’ or the title track and you won’t be disappointed.

Rodney Smith aka Roots Manuva releases his third album for Ninja Tune’s baby brother – Big Dada. Mr Manuva manages to surpass himself once more with that distinctive voice and experimental riddums. Two singles: ‘Colossal Insight’ and ‘Too cold’ have already graced the shelves in rekkid stores across the planet featuring some superb remixes alongside the originals. Now Roots is a real marmite situation, you either like his style of vocal or you hate it. This dude has written some brilliant songs in the past and there are plenty more to be devoured from this album.
I think Roots Manuva has matured even more with this release. Some of the beats are very original and he proves that he’s still not scared about rhyming about the real deal in this messed up land we call home. If you still haven’t bought this gem then at least give it a listen – Roots Manuva fans will love it.