‘This fifth LP in the series opens with a banger: Street Dance by Bonnie Jean, in the style of Shirley Ellis’ The Nitty Gritty, with Darlene Love & The Blossoms clearly audible on background vocals. The Hollywood-based Doré imprint is also the source of You Really Never Know Till It’s Over by The Vel-Vetts, One Way Street by The Swans, a soulful update of The Teddy Bears’ To Know Him Is To Love Him by the Darlings, and He’s Groovy — featuring lead vocals by Sheilah Page, formerly of groups such as the Bermudas, Becky & The Lollipops, The Majorettes, Joanne & the Triangles and Beverly & the Motor Scooters — by The Front Page & Her.
‘Other highlights include The Sweethearts’ Supremes-influenced No More Tears, the sophisticated slowie Lonely Girl by The Lovettes (that’s them on the front sleeve), My Heart Tells Me So by The Del-Phis (an early incarnation of Martha & The Vandellas), Brenda Holloway’s lovely pre-Motown Constant Love, and the Fran-Cettes’ terrific interpretation of Heart For Sale.’

This is a jubilant, uplifting romp.
Recorded in 1970 at his large loft space in downtown New York, with Ornette playing trumpet and violin as well as saxophone, alongside Dewey Redman, Ed Blackwell, and Charlie Haden (and friends and neighbours sometimes singing along).
Five lovely tunes — pure OC blues — featuring terrific alto-playing, and Blackwell in a funkily rambunctious party mood.

Mono, 50th Anniversary edition.

‘Classic Vinyl’ series.

‘Eventually crowned Queen of the Norfolk Sound, Barbara Stant was just a teenager when she auditioned for Shiptown impresario Noah Biggs in 1970. A dozen sides were tracked throughout the decade, producing a body of work that stretched from deep soul to northern soul to sister funk. By 1978 disco was in overdrive, Noah Biggs was in the ground, and Stant’s career on hold. My Mind Holds Onto Yesterday is what remains.’

A fourth LP of spiritual jazz by this feted nine-piece from Australia.
‘A stunning work, full of integrity and class… Essential’ (Echoes).
‘Wonderful record, full of some great Kamasi/Donald Byrd/even Art Blakey moments.’ (The Guardian).

A brawny, no-piano, three-horn quintet — Dave Liebman, Joe Farrell, Frank Foster — including bassist Gene Perla. Questing, widescreen post-bop from 1971.

Aka the Clem Bushay All Stars, including Candy McKenzie, Dennis Bovell, Janet Kay, Jimmy Mack, Junior English, Moon Rocks and Zabandis…
From 1977.