Funk Soul Classic

Bombstrikes' Funk N' Beats series makes a welcome return and as expected delivers another awesome collection of impeccably curated music. Bristol-based DJ and Beat Smith X-Ray Ted is handed the curation duties for this, the eighth volume in the series. As a Redbull 3Style finalist and counting the likes of Craig Charles amongst his growing legion of followers, he certainly has the pedigree as a party rocker and aficionado of all things Funk and Hip Hop. A sure-fire choice to dig deep in the crates and pull together his collection for this much-loved series.

Soul singer Betty Harris – mainly known for her Jubilee and Sansu recordings – was born in 1939 in Orlando, Florida. As a teenager she worked as a mate for Big Maybelle who encouraged her to start singing. First recording was released in 1962, her major hit was a cover of Solomon Burke’s “Cry To Me” in 1963. Taken at a slower pace, Harris’ rendition turned the song into a Billboard Hot 100 number 23 hit and soon became a deep soul classic. A total of three further singles including a reissue of “Cry to Me” were released on Jubilee with “His Kiss”, which was released on January 4, 1964, another deep soul ballad, reaching the lower part of the Billboard Pop and R&B charts. In 1964, Betty Harris switched record labels to Sansu, a New Orleans label, where she was produced by Allen Toussaint. Her recordings with Sansu produced ten singles and Toussaint raw yet sophisticated Southern soul arrangements behind Harris’ rich, distinctive vocal, are considered prime specimens of the classic soul era. Soul Perfection, originally licensed on UK label Action in 1969 , was in fact a collection of her previous works on Sansu, a rare groove affair rapidly in demand between a crowd of obsessive fans all over the world. Harris retired from performing in 1970 to raise a family and made an occasional return in 2007 with the album Intuition.

Introducing "#1s - Disco," the first installment in the highly-anticipated '#1s' series. Dive deep into the golden age of music with this compilation of chart-topping sensations from the 1970s. This disc collection captures the spirit, innovation, and charm of a transformative decade. Expect to be transported back in time with iconic tracks that still resonate today.

Soul singer Betty Harris – mainly known for her Jubilee and Sansu recordings – was born in 1939 in Orlando, Florida. As a teenager she worked as a mate for Big Maybelle who encouraged her to start singing. First recording was released in 1962, her major hit was a cover of Solomon Burke’s “Cry To Me” in 1963. Taken at a slower pace, Harris’ rendition turned the song into a Billboard Hot 100 number 23 hit and soon became a deep soul classic. A total of three further singles including a reissue of “Cry to Me” were released on Jubilee with “His Kiss”, which was released on January 4, 1964, another deep soul ballad, reaching the lower part of the Billboard Pop and R&B charts. In 1964, Betty Harris switched record labels to Sansu, a New Orleans label, where she was produced by Allen Toussaint. Her recordings with Sansu produced ten singles and Toussaint raw yet sophisticated Southern soul arrangements behind Harris’ rich, distinctive vocal, are considered prime specimens of the classic soul era. Soul Perfection, originally licensed on UK label Action in 1969 , was in fact a collection of her previous works on Sansu, a rare groove affair rapidly in demand between a crowd of obsessive fans all over the world. Harris retired from performing in 1970 to raise a family and made an occasional return in 2007 with the album Intuition.

'The Masters Series: Jazz Funk Vol. 1' is a collection that strays beyond the beaten path and takes you to the dancefloor of the future age that would come to inspire many of the acid jazz generation. It includes songs like Idris Muhammad's 'Could Heaven Be Like This', which served as a direct inspiration to Jamiroquai's hit 'Alright'. But it doesn't shy away from vintage boogie-disco, either, with tracks like 'Spring High', composed by Stevie Wonder and performed by Ramsey Lewis or 'Doctor Jackyll And Mister Funk' by Jackie Mclean. Willie Bobo's rendition of 'Always There' is a definite floor-filler, while Herbie Hancock's much sought after Latin-disco classic 'Saturday Night' makes this a compilation you can't miss!

IRMA records was founded in Bologna in 1988, it all started by an idea that Umbi Damiani had in partnership with Massimo Benini.During those years in Italy, the independent labels started their activities and the style then called Italo House was gaining attention in the Record industry. IRMA's early productions, immediately focused on this genre. Among them, Double Dee worldwide dance hit Found Love, which reached the top of dance sales charts around the world, including the Billboard Dance Chart in USA.

Introducing "#1s - Disco," the first installment in the highly-anticipated '#1s' series. Dive deep into the golden age of music with this compilation of chart-topping sensations from the 1970s. This disc collection captures the spirit, innovation, and charm of a transformative decade. Expect to be transported back in time with iconic tracks that still resonate today.

From the '50s to the '80s there was one sound that was undeniably romantic, undeniably danceable and undeniably American. SOUL! It's roots grow deep in the church, but it's fruit bares none of the guilt. Joyful, exuberant, sometimes slow and passionate this 5-CD gives you 101 tunes from great artists such as Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, the Drifters, Luther Vandross, Gladys Knight, Al Green, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and many, many more!