Millie Jackson
Still Caught Up

UK psych-soul outfit Common Saints are unrelenting in their quest for musico-spiritual energy, this month debuting their second EP 'Starchild' on limited 12" vinyl. Unique and unabashed in their dunking of New Yorky supa-fly soul in vast vats of psychic space reverb, this EP sonically recalls a strange marrying of Kikugaku Moyo and Tame Impala, from the sultry colours of 'Starchild' to the '70s moon-howl that is 'Dreams'. Helmed by London multi-instrumentalist Charlie J. Perry, this artist's far-reaching musicianship has incited gushing praise and comparisons to late greats like Prince, despite incongruous prior work with mainstream acts like BTS and Maverick Sabre. Grab it while you can; big things are in store for this chromatic multi-talent.

The closing album in this MPS box set continues George Duke’s tendency to couple his fusion world with accessible R&B songs. Once again he shows a discernable vocal development. In Tryin’ And Cryin the Californian together with rock singer Napoleon Brock overlay multiple vocal tracks. On Seeing You Duke lays on a glaze of soulful tenderness, whereas What The… is 30 seconds of frivolous funning around. Back to Where We Never Left is a witty gem in which Duke bundles his pool of synthesizers into a united groove, whereas I C’n Hear That shows off synth and marimba tonal colors in dialogue, with the bass riffing on the bottom. The album flows into the final bend carrying along the sonorous richness of Brazil. After the Love plays with the languorous erotic colors of the tropics, whereas all the band members are allowed to shine on the epic circa ten minute title track with its hot samba flair: the rhythm section with "Ndugu", Al Johnson, and Airto Moreira’s percussion arsenal, Daryl Stuermer with his rock interludes on guitar, and Duke himself with inspired virtuosity on all sorts of synths and keyboards.

Multi-instrumentalist, producer, DJ, and 22a label founder Tenderlonious returns with a batch of new and old studio productions for 22a. Futuristic funk and beat music that extracts maximum flavour from just a few ingredients. This album marks a return to the studio for Tenderlonious and a sign of things to come from 22a.

"In 1973, EMI Records Nigeria released the 45 rpm disc 'Fuel for Love' b/w 'Soundway,' credited to a mysterious band called Wrinkar Experience. The record was a finely-crafted gem of pop-rock and funky soul as had never before been heard coming out of the country's nascent rock scene, and it ended up being the biggest selling Nigerian single up until that point. The success of Wrinkar Experience effectively demonstrated that was a market for homegrown pop and rock, and sent record labels scrambling to sign similar bands, kicking off the Nigerian rock revolution that is still being celebrated and discovered by new generations today. But while Wrinkar Experience launched the movement, the group itself would be short-lived: after another hit single in 1973, the band's frontman Danie Ian split for a solo career. The remaining principal players in the group -- Cameroonian musicians Ginger Forcha and Edjo'o Jacques Racine -- tried to keep the Wrinkar name going before giving it up and rebranding themselves as Rock Town Express. Rock Town Express's debut LP Funky Makossa was recorded in 1974 for ARC Records, the cutting-edge studio and label established in Lagos by English drum legend Ginger Baker. The album showcased in long format the qualities that had only been hinted at on the Wrinkar Experience singles: bright, confident pop melodies, articulate lyrics, and darkly potent funk-rock. Comb & Razor Sound is proud to present a new, fully-authorized reissue of Funky Makossa, featuring the seven tracks from the original release, plus 'I Am A Natural Man' and 'I Don't Want To Know,' from Wrinkar Experience's seldom-heard third and final single."