Mighty Clouds Of Joy 'Mighty Cloud Of Joy' (greg wilson & ché wilson rework)

124 bpm

DJ only vinyl 2024.

The Mighty Clouds Of Joy were an LA-based gospel group who’d been releasing records since the early-‘60s, initially as The Mighty, Mighty Clouds Of Joy’. In 1974 they made a departure from their more traditional style when the group went into Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, the epicentre when it came to the soulful dance music that would soon explode as disco, recording their album, ‘It’s Time’, with producer/songwriter, Dave Crawford. Members of the Philadelphia International group, MFSB, already renowned for backing artists like Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, The O’Jays and The Three Degrees, were brought aboard for the sessions, including the legendary Baker-Harris-Young rhythm section, who, apart from MFSB, fuelled The Trammps, with Earl Young celebrated for innovating the disco style of rock drumming.

I came across the group via their second single from ‘It’s Time’, ‘Mighty Cloud Of Joy’, released in late-‘74. I figure I must have picked my UK 7” out of a bargain bin when I was 14, maybe 15. There’s nowhere I would have previously heard this – it was before I started DJing, and it’s not something likely to be played on radio. I reckon I bought it on spec – I knew the label, ABC, via singles by Eddie Holman, Four Tops and Rufus, so it was a trusted source, and I would have been fascinated that the artist and title were (almost) the same.

It picked up specialist plays from some soul and funk DJs here, including Colin Curtis at the Blackpool Mecca and Les Spaine at The Timepiece in Liverpool, but largely went under the radar. It remained a personal favourite from the period, which I’d have thought would have done well in the States, but it appears to have been largely slept on there too, the track receiving DJ support, but not igniting as you’d imagine it would have. The following year, again recorded at Sigma Sound, the next Mighty Clouds album, ‘Kickin’’, included ‘Mighty High’, which would blow up big time with US DJs and top the disco chart (it wasn’t a track I can ever recall hearing in a UK club). It surprised me to learn that ‘Mighty High’ had been so big, while ‘Mighty Cloud Of Joy’ is conspicuous by its absence from both the US R&B and Disco charts – the latter sounding far more like a disco classic to my ears.

Having remixed Gabriels ‘Love And Hate In A Different Time’ with Ché, inspired by the mid-‘70s Earl Young disco groove, it brought to mind the gospel-infused ‘Mighty Cloud Of Joy’, and this rework resulted. Having played it out while we fine-tuned, despite its relative obscurity, people responded to it like they’ve known it all their lives, it’s ‘movin’ on up’ refrain infectious, which makes it all the more surprising that it wasn’t huge on release.

Pressed on limited vinyl as part of the GW Edits series, and featuring ‘The Turnaround’, an update of Vicki Sue Robinson’s ’76 disco anthem, ‘Turn The Beat Around’.

Mighty Clouds Of Joy 'Mighty Cloud Of Joy' (greg wilson & ché wilson rework)

Artist: A.A.V.V.
Title: ITALO (Re)Funk+Head Kutz
Cat.#: SMS035
Format: 12''

Samosa Records cranks up the summer groove with another sizzling release in the outstanding (Re) Funk+Head series – a collection of juicy tracks from the Samosa back-catalogue selected and re-edited by the man himself, De Gama.

This sumptuous vinyl cut of ITALO Funk and Boogie kicks off with Mexico’s finest, The Funk District and the enigmatic ‘La Rapina’. This is pure, unfiltered Funk District chemistry from the first bar. Snake hips guitar, rolling bass and that super-solid 4-4-4 beat pound into your consciousness whilst the hypnotic chant and Latino-infused vocal tempt you into sin.

Next up on the A-side is Samosa head honcho DeGama and his deliciously refreshing ‘Piňa Colada’ - a new edit of the original 2011 version never previously released on Samosa. And what a mystery box it is. Tight beats, punchy bass, looped synth and house-tinged high-hat lead us to a haunting, melodic vocal breakdown. There’s a subtle Afro flavour to this one, definitely for sipping cocktails in a hammock or Caribbean beach bar.

On Side B Italian Maestro Paul Older takes the beats down several notches with the explosive ‘Daboom’ – the DeGama Re-Groove of Paul’s first vinyl release way back in 2019. This is a straight up, mid-tempo peacock strut down Funksville Boulevard. Possibly wearing a Zoot Suit. Imagine having breakfast with Herbie Hancock and you might get an idea of just how funky this tune is. He’s passing you the eggs and you’re buttering the toast.

The last track sees DeGama delve into his dark magic box for the mind-melting, film noir themed ‘Higher’. The tempo is scaled right back to 92bpm for this portrait of pain, joy, lust and hallucinogenic dreams. ‘Higher’ reveals a side of DeGama that we know lurks in there, but only sometimes makes it to the surface. Smokey, sassy and sultry, this is definitely one for the dimly-lit after party.

The latest episode in the (Re) Funk+Head has set the Samosa bar even higher. This simply has to be in your summer record box and don’t you dare leave home without it.

Ste Hendry [Black Light Disco]

(Re)FUNK+HEAD ITALO KUTZ _ 01. The Funk District - La Rapina [De Gama (Re)Funk - Head] [SMS035]

This week's Guest Mix comes from Old As Funk.

With over 20 years of experience on the decks, Ron, known as Old as Funk, is a master of House, Disco, and Soulful. He has brought his unique groove to some of the most renowned nightclubs, festivals, and pubs across the UK, Brazil, the U.S., Spain, Malta, and Andorra. Always pursuing exceptional quality, Old as Funk is dedicated to creating a sophisticated and unforgettable experience whenever he hits play, spins vinyl, or produces a track. Let’s get funky!

Old as Funk delivered an electrifying set for the debut of The Disco Express’s first event in Brazil. This performance was broadcast live on E-Groove, a show hosted by DJ Fat on Rádio Educadora FM (91.7). Get ready for a perfect blend of House and Disco sounds. Enjoy the groove!

DISC0078 - Old As Funk

Turn the wheel (Black riot Records)

My new jazzy and deep work!
Check out all music on Vintage Music Records
https://www.traxsource.com/label/31538/vintage-music-records
https://www.beatport.com/label/vintage-music-records/60056
https://www.junodownload.com/labels/Vintage+Music/
and SPOTIFY/APPLE MUSIC AND MORE.....

Sunner Soul pres Jazzy Style EP [VMR116]

This reworks are only available via subscription to my Patreon page here:

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The subscription includes:

Early access to Advanced Promos of every Rare Wiri Records official release (expect 3-4 each month)

3 never before released mastered WAV edits each month!

(Expect edits of Disco / Balearic / Cosmic / Rock / Italo classic tunes)

This will be the only place to get these edits made for DJ's & dance-floors, tried and tested!

+Rayko official remixes promos

+Instant access to 60 back catalog edits

+Mixtapes downloads

*****You can preview some of the exclusive tunes via this playlist on my youtube channel here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9a2_AvwFCKUxBsFdWQPe5u1JRaBEMz-2&si=QRB1ztx_JHs1NEWb

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Cheers from Madrid

01. Sister Sledge - Lost In Music (Rayko re-edit)

Vintage Recordings boss Sunner Soul brings his distinctive house/disco vibes to Hot Digits with this awesome 3 track EP Feel The Disko! Check it out!

HOTDIGIT125 Sunner Soul - Feel The Disko (Preview)

Daisuke Miyamoto - Never Stop (Original Mix)

Tonbe links :
Bandcamp : https://tonbe.bandcamp.com/
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/02eo2dtMKsqNfonTOhQ7fH?si=-k6nhJgERfG9rugv3MbFew
SoundCloud : https://soundcloud.com/tonbe
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/tonbemusic/
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/user/DJTonbe
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/djtonbe/
Beatport : https://www.beatport.com/artist/tonbe/111065
Traxsource : http://www.traxsource.com/artist/25403/tonbe

Bandcamp

Tonbe - Set It Off (Version 1)

Summery house vibes. Early eve, Beach vibes.

SOMEDAY

Breathe

💿 East London Label & Event Series
💃 Founded by @bustinloosedjs
🎉 Nu-Disco & Soulful Dance
👇 Check out our upcoming events 🚂💨
https://ra.co/promoters/89871
_____________________________

Regarded as one of London’s “leading disco labels”, The Disco Express first began as a monthly loft party in March 2017; hosting the globe’s biggest house & disco DJs at the former 1940's Shoreditch railway station.

Evolving into a full-fledged record label and event series in 2020, The Disco Express is now a revered platform for nu-disco and soulful dance music. Working with the scene’s most talented up-and-coming artists, DJs and remixers, the label has established a global fanbase, distributing vinyl, merch, and music to over 50 countries worldwide. 

Consistent high quality releases and edits have garnered support from the likes of Nightmares On Wax, Purple Disco Machine, The Blessed Madonna, Crazy P, TSHA, Folamour, Dan Shake, Groove Armada, Sarah Story (Radio 1) and Basement Jaxx. 

Holding down residencies in London, Berlin, Paris, Mexico City and NYC, The Disco Express also plays host to events further afield in Bristol, Milan, Rome, Copenhagen and more.. 

Celebrating their 50th release as a label in May 2023, The Disco Express endeavour to support new underground artists from across the globe as well as working with legends of the dance music scene Barbara Tucker, John Morales, Michael Gray, Michelle Weeks, Art of Tones and most recently Dave Lee. 

The Disco Express is building a strong catalogue of original disco for 21st century dance floors and this train ain't slowing down anytime soon...