Today’s gem comes from the multi-talented Nik Weston and his Lost Soul & Funk Gems Volume 2. Continuing on with the tradition of putting out quality music on the 45 RPM format, Weston chose two killer tracks from Loleatta Holloway and Ron Henderson And Choice of Colour. Holloway, known best for disco classics like “Love Sensation” and “Hit and Run” cut a record in 1971 on the Galaxy label (Roger Collins, etc.). This side was not disco, but a heavy dose of sister funk. The record had all of the ingredients of a 1971 funk record: heavy drums, horns, and Mr. Big Stuff like guitars that don’t disappoint. Pre-disco and made IMHO at the best time in music, this is a banger that needs to be in your box. The best part is that we’ve got two killer tunes for the price of one on this release.

The flip is a never released on 45 track “I’ll Be Around” by Ron Henderson And Choice of Colour. A huge slab of super soul taken from his 1976 record Soul Junction, this track is a personal favorite of Weston’s and in his top 10 of all time for over 20 years. This labor of love scorcher has finally been licensed for Mukatsuku Records for a new generation of funk and soul lovers to appreciate. Top Billin’! This record sits along side a multitude of releases from Weston and the Mukatsuku label that run the gamut from Jackie Wilson to James Brown to Marcia Hines and more. There have also been some great afro-beat and african influence records put out as well as the funk and soul. These outputs make your feet move people. Weston has had a long, respected career with DJing and releasing great music, so there’s no reason why this doubled sided heater shouldn’t interest you if (even if you’re not familiar). With support from notables like Gilles Peterson, Snowboy, Marc Mac (4 Hero), and more, we are looking forward to seeing more from the man and the label in the future. These records are a history lesson, and this music has to be preserved. Well done Mr. Weston. Keep your eyes and ears out for more of these releases, I know we will.

Get the record from Juno while it lasts.

Keep Diggin’!