Thanks to Gilles Peterson and Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick’s highly acclaimed STR4TA project, the late 70s-early 80s UK-based DIY new wave jazz-funk sound, known as Brit-funk is beginning to see a nice resurgence. A number of other artists and projects also seem to be resurfacing as of late, including French multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer Koji Ono, who recently released a brilliant new twelve-inch single on the Paris-based label Chuwanaga. Receiving some assistance from two key players of the pioneering band Atmosfear, this new single features legendary bassist and founding member Lester Batchelor (aka “LB”), and the group’s current drummer Roy Mistry.

Featuring a heavy dose of spacey synths, and sparkling guitars backed by funky bass and drum rhythms, both tracks truly capture the spirit of the Brit-funk sound while still sounding fresh and forward-thinking.

Throughout the session, Koji plays a number of instruments including keys, guitars, and additional percussion. On top of having Batchelor and Mistry holding it down perfectly on bass and drums, Jean-Michel Bernard provides a nice Fender Rhodes solo on the b-side track “Maloja Pass”, while Seiji Ono and Saint-James provide some superb production to the recording.

Overall, this is an incredible twelve-inch release from Koji Ono and company that has strong Brit-funk roots while still pushing the sound forward. Highly recommended!

Koji Ono — ‘Ricochet / Maloja Pass’ 12″
(Chuwanaga)

A SIDE: Ricochet
B SIDE: Maloja Pass

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• Brit-funk
• Jazz Dance
• Jazz Funk