London based DJ, edit master and avid record collector Darren Griffiths aka Red Greg started his DJing career in the early ’80s and has since become one of the most highly respected selectors in the land. Widely known for his vast collection of obscure soul, boogie, funk, rare-groove, house and disco records, we asked Griffiths to tell us a little bit about some of the gems he has recently discovered. Check them out below!
Magyk Band – World Violence
I recently picked up a sealed copy of this diverse three track EP out of L.A. A self-released 12” that covers musical influences from Reggae, Afro and Boogie. ‘Searching’ is a decent west coast 80s funk track. While for me Amonaié is the winner, a super catchy Afro sounding track, written by Carla St Juste who also played on the classic Fay Hill album, also out of L.A.
Shiro Sagisu with Somethin’ Special – Message of Love
Taken from the very hard to find album ‘Eyes’ from 1979 on Bourbon Records. ‘Message of Love’ is a strong Japanese 7” disco cut that really excels halfway through, which can clearly be seen on the dancefloor.
Terri Wells – Who’s That Stranger
This has always been my favourite track from her album. I first got introduced to this in the 80s but only recently realised it was also released on a nice loud 45. Super easy to find and for $2, you really can’t go wrong.
Ebony Steel Band – Can’t You See Me
A nice version of the Roy Ayers classic, that wasn’t recorded in Trinidad or Tabago but straight out of Willesden, North West London. I never actually liked it until I heard it on a proper sound system. I picked this up about six months ago but found another copy last week in a charity shop, so thought I’d include it.
Evangelist Barbara Ward Farmer and Wagner Alumni Choir – Jesus Is A Waymaker
I only started buying gospel records about ten years ago, but it’s a genre that you really need to dig deep, you can listen to a hundred records and be lucky to find one decent track.
