Funk // Beats // Soul Lack Of Afro aka Adam Gibbons has released his third album already, and for lovers of funk, beats and soulful production he should not be a stranger. Often compared to the sound of an early DJ Shadow and besides producing his own LP’s also a producer of acts like The Diplomats of Solid Sound and Frootful, this funky dude is also a frequently asked remixer. Like Mark Ronson, but sans the cheeky funk covers, Lack Of Afro rolls with original samples mixed with original instruments. He manages to make any song he touches sound vibrant with organic soul & deep bass, whether producing a retro soul groover like “A Time For” or the throw back funk sampling “Roderigo”. To celebrate his love of music, you can listen to this special mix on Mixcloud. For more musical tasters also check out the LOA soundcloud page. Lovingly produced soulful grooves. A Time For (feat. Wayne Giddens) (from This Time) Roderigo (from Press On) [full quality MP3 of 'A time For' via the FSR mailing list] + Purchase/Visit

dance-funk // latin funk Los Amigos Invisibles, possibly Venezuela’s greatest musical export, has been active for more than a decade. The band’s latest release, Not So Commercial (2011) offers remastered b-sides and alternate versions from previous recording sessions, following the successful, critically acclaimed and Grammy winning record Commercial (2009). This quick 25 minutes EP, however, offers some tasty “leftovers” for your next party. From funky-disco to reggae stylings and smooth acid groove, this EP will please your ears and move your feet. Explosive, danceable grooves in the tropical heat. Los Amigos Invisibles – G-String + Purchase/Visit

Funk // Soul // Jazz The Haggis Horns operate as a quite successfull horn section, garnering praise from a wide range of recording artists, like Mark Ronson (“The best f***ing horn section in the World!”), Amy Winehouse & The New Mastersounds. Besides recording and touring with said artists (and many more), they also function as a full band. A little while ago their second LP ‘Keep on Movin‘ saw the light of day on First Word Records. The vocals on this album are by Nia Saw aka Lucinda Slim, who also sings on ‘The Cockroach Grind‘. The next track The Haggis Horns agreed to share with you is ‘The Bump‘, from their first LP titled ‘Hot Damn!‘. This track shows the band can hold its own in vocal and instrumental jams alike. In addition to the two tracks shared in this post, the complete output by the Haggis Horns can be streamed on their Bandcamp page. Both Keep on Movin’ & Hot Damn! are also available for purchase in various formats there. Funkier than a musquito’s tweeter and then some The Haggis Horns - Cockroach Grind (feat. Nia Saw) The Haggis Horns - The Bump + Purchase/Visit

soul // french // motown The sounds of Ben l’Oncle Soul are spreading through europe, with a major hit this summer in the form of an uptempo soul cover of Seven Nation Army. Signed to Motown, Ben has all elements covered. Some say his style is not original enough, but when the styles are blended and performed this well, and the songs are this catchy, who really cares. This is good music. Period. So if you like soul & funk and appreciate a singer that knows how to manipulate his sound to range from John Legend to Jamie Lidell and back to all the soul greats form the ol’ days, this should be in your audio system. French retro soul with a modern edge. Ben l’oncle Soul - Seven Nation Army Ben l’oncle Soul - Soulman [Editor's Note: Please join me in welcoming Sjoerd Kranendonk to Aurgasm. Also known as zephirnl on soundcloud and @mffonline on twitter, he has a mean habit of unearthing the good 'n raw funky stuff. We're thrilled to have him share his best finds here.] + Purchase/Visit

afrobeat // tropical funk Summer is the time for everything to slow down. While many of you are enjoying the warmth and summer festivals, cold beverages and roof parties, Saravah Soul will provide you with that kind of perfect Afro-meets-Brazilian vibe for the ultimate summer soundtrack. In their recently released album Cultura Impura (2010), Saravah Soul blends together West African melodies, 60’s funk and Brazilian rhythms. Their richly intense compositions are build around horn arrangements, vibrant bass, Pifano (bamboo flutes) and Berimbau, interweaving with hypnotic choruses. From Afrobeat to carnival in Rio. Saravah Soul - Alforria

funk // soul The Bamboos are probably the finest funk band of the era. Sometimes infused with serious female vocal talent like Alice Russell, but often rocking a solid instrumental groove that needs no adornment, they got you covered; whether you’re a dancer or a head-nodder. Australian-based but signed to the UK’s Tru-Thoughts: their new single is firey hot. True story: this track has had my mom dancing daily since she heard it! Feel this. A hook you cannot refuse. The Bamboos - On The Sly (stream only)

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video art // electro funk More and more, I’ve noticed I’m absorbing great music via video; the Carl Sagan ‘A Glorious Dawn’ video is an addictive example. VJ’s are demanded for parties, Processing and OpenFrameworks are making it easier to create, and now video appears to be the preferred medium for delivering audio online. Above, Ethan deftly blends oscilloscope visuals with light paint and timelapse, while underneath burbles some glitchy and fuzzy funk. Thanks to my friends at Echonest for the tip. A funk and Rhodes lover’s wet dream. + Visit

afrofunk // jazz The opening to “Too Many Prisoners (Elewon Po)” sounds like it could be taken right off an Isaac Hayes record (one extremely well-known one in particular…), which is funny because Hayes is one of the few people not commonly listed as an Allen influence (viz. Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, James Brown, Fela Kuti, etc.). After that, though, the Shaft theme is quickly dropped for something more like Pucho Brown: a breezy, carefree collection of bass, vocals, and the drumming for which Allen is most renowned. The single was released May 11 and is available on iTunes; the album (Secret Agent) comes out June 8. Bright and flavorful Tony Allen – Too Many Prisoners (Elewon Po) + Purchase/Visit

funk // jam band
Among Tel Aviv’s alternative music lovers, the Ramirez Brothers trio has made a good name for their outstanding lively performances long before their debut album release. 100% analog, The Ramirez Brothers’ recently released album captures that special sound quality, preserving the atmosphere of the live show. “Sizzlin’ ” featuring Karolina on vocals, delivers stylish rhythmic grooves along with a funky, sunny feeling. From groovy freestyle to tight uptempo funk. The Ramirez Brothers - Sizzlin’ + Purchase/Visit