Space Cadets

The new wave-flavored funk of this forgotten band is most notable for the participation of P-Funk keyboardist Bernie Worrell. The obvious debt to George Clinton is a bit too strong to ignore, though, and rather than evoking the abandon of Funkadelic, this disc is a bit too disco for funk comfort. That is not to say there aren't some good moments, such as this guitar frenzy on "Love Slave (Nose Job)" and the cozmik debris of "Your Mother" (with lyrics like "Your momma comes from Tokyo/She loves to rollerskate, you know"). A fun diversion.

Two CD collection. Atlantic City's Harvey Mason needs no introduction to fans of '70s jazz-fusion having provided his exceptional drumming talents as a sideman for a plethora of the genres greatest artists and albums. Captivated by music and song from an early age Mason graduated from New England Conservatory with a rich and varied musical palette and as a multi-instrumentalist. The opportunity to play percussion alongside and under some of the greats of the jazz era on prime-time network TV inevitably led to Mason being in high demand given the breadth of his experience. The list of high caliber jazz, soul and pop artists that benefited from his skills is staggering. Stepping forward as a band leader in his own right in 1975, Mason went on to record his first five (self-produced) solo albums for Arista Records over a six-year period, recruiting the cream of the jazz-fusion scene to sing and play alongside him.

Korb is the new project from Alec Wood and Jonathan Parkes (previously know as Mutante). The eponymous titled album is the duo's second release on their homegrown record label Dreamlord Recordings. Korb is a fantastic album filled with retro synths, drums, guitars and keyboards. Parkes and Wood certainly know their stuff and take the listener on a trip full of atmospheric synth-lead prog/space-rock grooves. The influences take various nods towards the Krautrock scene, especially the likes of Can, Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk and Neu!, as well as homegrown space cadets Hawkwind. This album is no retro-style homage to these bands though as Korb meld their inspirations into a fresh sounding manifestation of cool sonic-fuelled instrumentals, taking you on an otherworldly journey that feeds the mind as well as your ears.

Esoteric Recordings is pleased to announce the release of Open Your Heart – The Island Recordings 1972 – 1976, a new re-mastered four-disc clamshell boxed set (comprising 3 CDs and a DVD) by the legendary JIM CAPALDI.

In April Chrysalis Records will issue The Rock Box 1973-1979: The Complete Recordings, a 7CD+DVD collection of Suzi Quatro’s ‘70s output. Featuring six studio albums, a live album and a DVD with promos and rare footage.