This is a big week for fans of funk, soul and good music. We are super excited about Lee Fields & The Expressions playing their first ever Melbourne Show at the Corner Hotel on Wednesday Jan. 8, and we’re equally stoked about the return of Japanese funk machine Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro the following night, Thursday Jan. 9, once again at the Corner. Both of these bands are driving forces in the global funk & soul scene – and creators of some of the finest vinyl records to hit our shores in recent times (Truth & Soul, Daptone, Black Fire Records).

Adding to the excitement is the debut performance of Melbourne’s own Zillanova who recently released the critically acclaimed ‘Suicide/The Time it Takes‘ debut single. Featuring vocals from Cisco Tavares and Jess Harlen, Zillanova promises to bring a new dimension to Melbourne soul! Zillanova are supporting Lee Fields – on stage at 8.30pm.

The following night HopeStreet Recording label mates, The Cactus Channel are supporting MMK – showcasing their unique cinematic soul sound that has caused a soul-commontion across the planet. Their second album ‘Wooden Boy’ has been voted the No. 2 on the top 50 album releases of 2013 by ParisDJs. We should also mention that Zillanova’s one and only release made it into London’s 22tracks.com – the best 22 of 2013. Congratulations to the team at HopeStreet Recordings.

Lee Fields & The Expressions: There aren’t too many artists making soul music today who had a release in 1969, back when R&B was first beginning to give the drummer some. Lee Fields, however, is one such artist-or maybe he’s better labeled a phenomenon. Since the late sixties, the North Carolina native has amassed a prolific catalog of albums and has toured and played with such legends as Kool and the Gang, Sammy Gordon and the Hip-Huggers, O.V Wright, Darrell Banks, and Little Royal. With a career spanning 43 years, releases on twelve different record labels, and having toured the world over with his raucous-yet-tender voice, it’s mind-blowing that the music he’s making today with Brooklyn’s own Truth & Soul Records is the best of his career. Read more

Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro: From the outskirts of Tokyo. The six-piece phenomenon, the nasty groove-making cats, the deep-dapping and history changing dogs call themselves the Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro. Well dressed, slick but playing some of the rawest and deepest funk that would shake anyone’s booty, and add that with furious energy of a rock and roll band , and you have these amazing gentlemen. Playing around relentlessly across clubs of all sizes in Japan, as well as rocking a packed house at Fuji Rock Festival 2008 and countless festivals around the country, they have built a reputation as one of the finest funk units kicking it today. Read more

Zillanova | The Cactus Channel | HopeStreet Recordings

If you’re looking for music by any of these artists – check our store guide for a list of vinyl/music retailers in your ‘hood.