This long-awaited inaugural release from DJ Fred Spider's Voom Voom Records visits an iteration of the legendary South African jazz funk ensemble of the 20th century. Spirits Rejoice recorded two incredible jazz fusion albums in the late 70’s with amble lashings of funk and soul. As the currents of popular music shifted in the 1980s, the group got behind a modern dance side project led by guitarist Paul Petersen and produced by the genius Patric Van Blerk.

The result was Doctor Rhythm and an album entitled "I Feel It Rising" from 1981. Based out of Cape Town's premier vintage vinyl emporium, Voom Voom presents the album's sultry slow-burner "I'm So Strong Now" (paired with a modern remix) and well as two versions of the disco-boogie swinger "Hook It Up" written by the pianist Mervyn Africa (the original track alongside a Fred Spider & Simbad edit and a crisp rework by DJ Turmix from NY to boot). The result is an essential dancefloor release documenting what is surely South Africa's best take on band-driven New York boogie from the disco years. - Calum MacNaughton (Sharp-Flat Records/As-Shams-The Sun)

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Two South African boogie originals nicely touched up with some modern production tricks for two equally tasty remixes. Nice idea well executed.

TRACK LISTING

A1.Doctor Rhythm Feat. Spirits Rejoice - I'm So Strong Now (Original)
A2.Doctor Rhythm Feat. Spirits Rejoice - I'm So Strong Now (Fred Spider & Made In Africa Remix)
B1.Doctor Rhythm Feat. Spirits Rejoice - Hook It Up (Fred Spider & Simbad Edit)
B2.Doctor Rhythm Feat. Spirits Rejoice - Hook It Up (Dj Turmix New York Boogie Rework)