Millie Jackson
Caught Up

A new star rises in the twilight of funky-soul-jazz as Ernie Hawks releases his debut album Scorpio Man on Timmion Records. The impressive trombonist/flutist is known to hold no punches when performing live in the ranks of The Soul Investigators. Here he delivers a fierce selection of S.O.U.L. and Cymande flavored instrumentals that also bring to mind some of the finest sample-fodder library music. Take a chance with the Scorpio Man, his sting will give you a high much better than what they sell in the streets.

Acid Jazz Records continue their exclusive licensing agreement with Albarika Store, the legendary record label that defined the sound of Benin and influenced the entire region of West Africa and beyond.'Kpede Do Gbe Houenou’ is a burning piece of Afro-funk from Benin’s finest, the all-conquering Orchestre Poly-Rythmo. With a killer horns line, imploring vocals and a driving groove, this has it all and is just waiting to ignite reopened dancefloors. 'Ma Wa Mon Nou Mi O’ is equally strong, if a little less intense, and features wonderful guitar work to the fore. Without question, this is essential Beninese music. Both tracks were transferred, restored and mastered from the original 1/4 inch tape.

** REPRESS ALERT ** 2019 marks 50 years since this timeless classic's original release. The Peddlers' "On A Clear Day You Can See Forever' is a sumptuous smooth jazz journey full of organ solos and deep vocal tones. The British soul/jazz trio is known for creating a unique melange of beat, jazz, cabaret, rock and soul that must be heard to be believed. Flip side "Comin' Home Baby" is like passing through a cloud composed of equal parts Tom Jones, Jimmy Smith, Georgie Fame, Mel Torme, Alan Hawkshaw and dozens of lesser jazz/lounge vibe-creators. Get this copy for a spine-tingling rush of harmony from the late sixties.The PEDDLERSOn A Clear Day You Can See Forever (Record Store Day 2019)Epic

Reissued on 12" wax after its long germination as a mega-rare promo white label, Rick Clarke's very first and massively sought-after single 'Potion', from 1981, gets light shed on it once more. Revered by boogie collectors in particular, this one is best known for its instrumental, which appears in all its glitzy glory on the B side. On the song, as you'll recall, Clarke urges us to "get, get down" and drink from his disco elixir; we gladly oblige.