Season 2 - from Jazz Funk through to Modern Funk

Season 2

Interviews

Released from the vault! Mr Big Happy shares the time he connected and linked up with some of the members of 'Sparkle City Band' to work on a collaborative project to reissue their ultra rare 45 'Day By Day'. Alongside that we discuss the origins of his DJ crew - 'Parish Council' and how they form together like Voltron!

Mr Big Happy - Bonus Episode (previously unreleased)

Another piece of footage released from the vault! Some more insight into the wonderful career of Isy Martin. The Budweiser Showdown competition, additional songs he wrote, reflecting on life and sharing wisdom - all to share!

Isy Martin - Bonus Episode (previously unreleased)

Carl Moore, is what we call a true definition of a working musician. A person who’s continuing to have an expansive career spanning over 4 decades. From the late 70s being part of funk group ‘Split Decision Band’ through to the early 80s and working in Japan. Aswad and Carl discuss the makings of his elusive limited EP ‘Chance’ released in 1984, and celebrating the music 40 years later as see the reissue of ‘Carter Lake’ and It ‘Must Be The Beat’ via Sam Don's new record label adventure — Sweet Free Association.

Carl Moore

A special collaboration between Studio Funk and Prime Time Records & Tapes, an episode featuring multi talented musician, songwriter and performer from Rochester New York, who is also one of the founding members of the Jazz Funk collective, Cabo Frio — Curtis Kendrick! 

Curtis and Aswad discuss the beginnings of Cabo Frio during the late 70s and the groups progression throughout the 80s. The numerous albums, collaborations and opportunities along the way. Together they also discuss about the elusive 1982 side project album — 3rd Degree. An album which is referred to as a holy grail amongst many collectors. The rare album which was only released on cassette is now currently being worked on for a full remaster from the original session tapes by Prime Time Records — who also recently released the single ‘Heartbeat’ from the forthcoming album.

Curtis L. Kendrick

A man who probably needs no introduction as he’s been consistently delivering great music for the past 10 years plus. Musician, producer, songwriter are a few labels attached to his calibre and status. He is also one of the leading voices and sounds within the Modern Funk scene whilst also at the helm of the beloved Mofunk records , Pasadena’s finest — XL Middleton

Together we discuss the early days of his G-Funk era through to modern day of his highly anticipated sequel album, Tap Water II. We also get into the detail about his collaborations with Zackey Force Funk and their most recent album, Blue Blade Piranha. Plus we go behind the scenes on some of the great remixes he’s done over the years, including the latest with Japanese City Pop artist, Hannah Warm …plus a whole lot more!

XL Middleton

Az is joined with special guest Albin, co-founder of Avant Garde Records and Boogie80. Az and Albin talk about the past music releases on the label and working with legendary artists such as Bobby Nunn and Heather Haywood. They also discuss about record digging and Albin even shares a few records from his collection. The show is filled with great music from many musical talents including Nickee B, Joanna Rose, Heather Haywood, The Cool Notes, Creme De Coco, Savanna and many more.

S2 EP8 - Avant Garde Records (Albin)

Featuring Toronto’s very best — Gil Masuda from Love Touch Records, joins the Studio Funk guest round table and provides a killer guest mix. Playing a selection of classics and new favourites, it’s a set guaranteed to get you ‘partying on the corner’. Gil Masuda's record label, Love Touch records are responsible for some of this years great modern funk releases including, Maya Killtron - Found You (produced by Gil Masuda) 🔥

S2 EP16 - Gil Masuda

In this episode Az plays a selection of old favourites, new releases and recently acquired records whilst maintaining a ‘freestyle’ set. Covering a wide range of music from dance floor fillers through to soulful chillers (is that even a word?!). He even had the opportunity to devote some attention to some G-Funk from an album which is reaching a big milestone as it approaches a 25th anniversary this week on October 31st. Plenty of treats to sink your teeth into (accidental Halloween pun).

S2 EP17 - "Listen Pal"

In this special episode Az sits down with the multi talented Sally Green. They talk to great lengths about Sally's background within music and the artists that were an influence throughout her life. They also discuss the recent and future collaborations with modern funk producers including Buscrates, Kazzey and Mofak. The show also features an exclusive look of her brand new single ‘Deja Vu’ produced by B. Bravo (an absolute monster of a track!). The show is filled with a ton of great music featuring a talented roster of artists including Sally Green, Stevie Wonder, The Brand New Heavies, Buscrates, Mofak, Rojai, Kool Customer and the list goes on!

S2 EP18 - Sally Green

As the end of the year draws closer, Az plays a mixture of new and old favourites. New releases from Max Zuckerman, Toby Glider alongside the new reissue of Special Touch - Garden of Life from Heels & Souls Records, alongside other great tracks from the golden British era. Az also plays some electro/jazz funk and includes a few surprises here and there 😉 With a vast mixture of music - 24 tracks! - it’s a show which cannot be missed.

S2 EP19 - Rough and Ready

For the last show of the year it would only be right to celebrate all of the great music released within the last 12 months. With a wide selection of Modern Funk, Soul, Jazz Funk though to reissues of forgotten classics/new treasures - it's a good wrap up to a tough year. Featuring a roster of talented artists and musicians including Andre Solomko, Buscrates, The Funky Drive Band, Soul Supreme, Aldorande, Maya Killtron and XL Middleton to name a few!

TRACKLIST:
Andre Solomko - Recalling You (extended disco version)
Buscrates - How Ya Gonna Do It
The Funky Drive Band - Lost Generation
E. Live - Rollin Steady
Ourra & The Gravity Drive - Underneath The Neon Moon
Max Zuckerman - Airplane Girl
Love Touch Family ft Saucy Lady - I Got Your Back (U-Key Re-Touch) 
Temu - Ready or Not
Joanna Rose - Love Affair
Diamond Ortiz - I’m The One You Need
Leonard Charles & Zackery Force Funk - My 45 (7 inches of love)
High Frequency - Summertime
Premonition - Don’t Act Like a Fool
E.S. Funk - Shake your body (at the disco)
Akira Freeze - Tell me baby
Pepin ft Sauce81 - Galaxy Drive
Soul Supreme - Lyrics to Go
Kamaal Williams ft Lauren Faith - Hold On
Yussef Dayes - For My Ladies
Space Ghost - Girl U Hypnotize Me
Special Touch - That Special Touch (625Mix)
Misses Misty - Mellow Mellow Ride On 
Social Lovers - Love Come Down
Tsuruoka Ryu - Omae
Brainstory - Runaway
Henrietta Thomas - I Want You (Right Now)
Aldorande - Summer Body
Dj Frane - Straight to the Head
Maya Killtron - The Middle (Diamond Ortiz Remix)
XL Middleton ft Zackery Force Funk - Shotgun Lover (12” Mix)

S2 EP20 - Last but not least

Studio Funk - podcast show created and hosted by Aswad. Showcasing his discoveries, music collection, and interviews the leading names in modern funk and soul.