ultrafunk » Records

Herbie Hancock – “Dis Is Da Drum” (1994)

rune — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:00:48 +0000

This is one of Herbie Hancock‘s most underrated albums, and one of my personal favorites among many of this musical genius total output during his almost 50 year long career as a genre defining artist. It combines many of the different musical styles prevalent at the time with some of his previous endeavors, and somehow he manages to mix it into a coherent whole that is greater than the sum of it’s parts. Bits of jazz, hip-hop, afrobeat & funk are blended together using mostly programmed but very organic sounding beats, masterfully accompanied by a whole host of superstar session players, including many of his former Headhunters band members.

Flow Dynamics – “Flow Dynamics” (2007)

rune — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:10:14 +0000

Call it sample-funk, organic breaks, vinyl mashups or whatever you like; Flow Dynamics, the Australian multi-instrumentalist and producer Dave McKinney’s self titled debut album contains just the right amount of real instruments and vocals needed to maintain the soul of all his diverse musical sources. This is hard-hitting, floor stomping funk music for the dance crowd with a few laid back grooves in between, reminiscent of the more well known DJ Greyboy and DJ Spinna.

Lettuce – “Rage!” (2008)

rune — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:58:31 +0000

Don’t let the band name fool you, this is straight up old-school funk played by a new generation of young musicians with plenty of tight chops and respect for the masters of the groove; James Brown, Tower Of Power, The Meters, Curtis Mayfield (which is featured on the album in the form of a very nice cover version of “Move On Up”) and many more. While all the members of the group are very competent players, their drummer Adam Deitch deserves special mention, he perfectly nails the funk down on every track.

Alphonse Mouzon – “By All Means” (1981)

rune — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:00:05 +0000

With an all-star team of performers including Herbie Hancock (keys), Freddie Hubbard (horns), Lee Ritenour (guitars), Alphonse Mouzon (drums/perc) to name a few, it’s no wonder this album contains some quality jazz/funk tracks, with the 14 minute title song leading the way. Most people have heard it on any number of compilation albums, but with the exception of one out-of-place track called “Space Invadors”, the rest of this record is just as good as “By All Means” and it’s well worth seeking out.

The Brand New Heavies – “Heavy Rhyme Experience: Vol. 1″ (1992)

rune — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:37:14 +0000

What happens if you combine a highly skilled live band with some of the best rappers in the business like Gang Starr, The Pharcyde, Masta Ace, Main Source and many more? You end up with an instant classic in the form of an album that has a very unique raw energy and drive that is often missing in much of today’s overproduced and highly polished commercial hip-hop. This one-off studio session pays homage to the roots of hip-hop by taking it back to where it all started; The Funk.

Swingin Cheese – “Croon Tunes and Kitscherama” (1997)

rune — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:01:45 +0000

If you ever need a collection of high quality easy listening tunes, and yes, they do exist, this album from Irma Records is fine choice indeed. It covers the period from 1966 – 1972 and the track selections are really good, avoiding the drab elevator music arrangements in favour of solid performances and danceable grooves, making it perfect lounge fare for your ears and feet. Unfortunately it seems to be out of print, so you’ll have to track it down on your own which is probably not that hard.

Cookin Soul & Nahright – “1:00 A.M AND RISING” (2009)

rune — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:25:34 +0000

The boys from Valencia, Spain is at it again with yet another high-quality hip-hop remix tape, and as usual it’s filled to the brim with old and new-school inspired smooth grooves and plenty of quality rapping, and best of all, it’s FREE!

You can read more about this release on their homepage, or even better, you can download it directly here (90MB zip).