NEW RELEASES: RE:FUNK – THE HARDER WE TRY; LEA LOVE - DOCTOR; FABIO TULLIO – COCKTAIL SAX

RE:FUNK – THE HARDER WE TRY

They've set fire to some of the most prestigious stages Switzerland has to offer, such as Montreux Jazz Festival, Jazz Ascona Festival & Locarno Film Festival, they've been chosen by legendary saxophonist, composer, arranger and long-time James Brown collaborator Pee Wee Ellis to accompany him on tour in Europe, and now Lugano's heaviest funk outfit Re:Funk are ready to unveil their first official single. "The Harder We Try" is a scorching tribute to 70s blaxploitation movie soundtracks, with jangly guitar, infectious horns and a heavy backbeat.  Think cinematic funk (picture a breathtaking chase down the hills of the Frisco Bay if you like) with a disco-like hook that highlights a tormented and passionate love story, and you get the gist of Swiss-based funk ensemble Re:Funk's first single. This is only the first step for the eight-piece powerhouse, (who for the occasion of this single appear with an expanded formation of twelve), stay tuned for more!

LEA LOVE - DOCTOR

Sultry and smooth R&B/reggae singer Lea Love asks listeners to take a hit of some love on her mellow and vibey new song "Doctor." Combining full bass lines, healing lyrics, and warm harmonies in "Doctor," Lea creates an environment of hypnotic and sweet sonic bliss for listeners to enjoy. The Oceanside based songstress will release her new single “Doctor” on February 9th, the title track from her upcoming debut EP slated for a March release. Her music and multi-layered artistry draws from her rich Hawaiian, Japanese, and Samoan heritage. “Doctor” is a perfect Valentine’s Day anthem that will surely resonateinto the upcoming warmer months and BBQ weather as well. Love explains, “Doctor is a metaphor for love. Much like a doctor cures a physical defect, love soothes the soul.” The catchy riddim is produced by Edimah Production, while the vocal production came from Lui Kriamau from the GRAMMY-nominated Common Kings. With the high anticipation for her EP, Love adds, “Doctor really sets the tone for the rest of the EP. The music has an upbeat and sexy vibe, yet there is a strong message behind the lyrics.”

FABIO TULLIO – COCKTAIL SAX

Slinky sax with a touch of funk – served up here by Fabio Tullio at a level that's way nicer than you'd expect from the title! At some level, the record's clearly trying to evoke earlier eras of Italian instrumentalists on the sax – such as the long run of 60s and 70s albums by Fausto Papetti – but Fabio's sound is a lot more soulful here, and often mixes his lead with the kind of easygoing backgrounds that are more 70s sophisticated, as when Stanley Turrentine or Hank Crawford might play with bigger backdrops – than they are any sort of sound from the cocktail generation! Tullio plays tenor, alto, baritone, soprano, and flute – depending on the track – and the album features a total of 19 numbers that nicely slide into the kind of grooves we've always loved from Irma Records, with very nice Fender Rhodes on a number of tunes. Titles include "Che Sara", "Anonimo Veneziano", "Ladybug Bossa", "Staying For Good", "Estate", "My Love", "Parole Parole", "September Morn", and a nice remake of the Morricone classic "Metti Una Sera A Cena".  ~ Dusty Groove