ElecSoul — Spirits Rejoice
Some records have a way of setting the direction for an entire show. This week’s title, Spirits Rejoice, came directly from the opening track, “Emakhaya” by the South African jazz group Spirits Rejoice.
Tracklist and artist notes
1. Spirits Rejoice — Emakhaya (1978)
A remarkable piece of South African jazz from the group’s self-titled album. Spirits Rejoice emerged in the 1970s, bringing together musicians from the country’s vibrant jazz scene, including bassist Sipho Gumede and pianist Bheki Mseleku. Their sound draws on jazz, fusion and African musical traditions, with a powerful sense of collective expression.
2. Jean Carn & Doug Carn — Revelation (1973)
Doug Carn was a key figure in the spiritual jazz movement, known for his work on the Black Jazz label. His wife at the time, vocalist Jean Carn, brought an extraordinary range and expressive intensity to his compositions. Their collaborations combine jazz improvisation, spiritual themes and soulful vocals.
3. Eme Ballantyne — My Life
A contemporary artist credit in this week’s selection. I haven’t been able to verify a reliable biography for Eme Ballantyne, so I’d rather leave the background open than attach the wrong details to the artist.
4. Marvin Gaye — Distant Lover (1973)
One of the defining voices of soul, Marvin Gaye transformed intimate songwriting into something deeply personal and emotionally expansive. “Distant Lover” appeared on Let’s Get It On, his landmark 1973 album. The song’s yearning vocal and sensual arrangement have made it a lasting favourite.
5. Pharoahe Monch — The Light (1999)
Born Troy Donald Jamerson, Pharoahe Monch first came to prominence as one half of the influential New York hip-hop duo Organized Konfusion. His intricate lyricism, technical precision and distinctive delivery helped establish him as one of the most respected MCs of his generation. “The Light” is associated with his acclaimed debut solo album, Internal Affairs.
6. Spoonie Gee — Spoonin’ Rap (1979)
Gabriel Jackson, better known as Spoonie Gee, was an early pioneer of hip-hop, emerging from New York’s formative rap scene in the late 1970s. As a member of the Treacherous Three and a solo artist, he helped shape the development of recorded rap, with a relaxed delivery and storytelling style that predated many of the genre’s later conventions.
7. Sly5thAve feat. Jonathan Mones — No, No, No Pt. 2 (2023)
Sly5thAve is the project of American multi-instrumentalist, producer and arranger Sylvester Onyejiaka. His work draws together jazz, hip-hop, soul and orchestral arrangements. Here, he reimagines Destiny’s Child’s “No, No, No Pt. 2”, with Jonathan Mones contributing saxophone and flute to a richly arranged, jazz-informed interpretation.
8. YZ — Thinking of a Master Plan (1990)
YZ, the stage name of rapper Alvin Thomas, was part of the early-1990s East Coast hip-hop scene. His music combines direct, socially aware lyricism with the stripped-back production and sample-based sound of the era. “Thinking of a Master Plan” is a reminder of hip-hop’s rich catalogue beyond its biggest commercial names.
9. Kumail — Bring It Back
Kumail is the artist credited on this track. I couldn’t confidently establish a detailed biography from reliable sources, so I’ve kept the entry focused on the music rather than risk confusing the artist with someone of the same name.
10. Larry Houl, Magnolia & C-lyya — Funky Groove Samba
A collaborative track bringing together three artist credits. I haven’t found enough reliable biographical information to describe each contributor with confidence, but the title itself hints at the meeting of funk and samba that makes this a natural fit for a show moving across musical traditions.
11. Jihad Muhammad & Rona Ray — Think of Me (Coflo Remix Pt. 2) (2026)
New Jersey producer and DJ Jihad Muhammad is known for his deep, soulful approach to house music. Vocalist Rona Ray brings a warm, expressive presence to their collaboration, while San Francisco Bay Area producer Coflo adds his distinctive blend of soulful rhythms, musical keys and dancefloor energy. This second remix instalment arrived in October 2026.
12. Drum Dance — Cosmo Jam (Original Mix) (2026)
Drum Dance is a UK-based DJ and producer working across deep house, dub, cosmic sounds and exploratory electronic music. “Cosmo Jam” develops from loose, atmospheric textures into a groove that brings jazz-like keys, percussion and a weighty low end together. It’s a track that rewards letting the rhythm unfold.
13. Glenn Underground — Ninja (Original Mix)
Chicago house legend Glenn Underground is one of the defining figures in deep, jazz-influenced house. His music draws on disco, jazz fusion, soul and the early Chicago house tradition, balancing intricate musicality with a deep, rolling dancefloor feel. More on Glenn below.
14. Keope — Kumare (Acid Pauli & Viken Arman Remix) (2024)
Keope is an experimental electronic music collective whose work blends organic instrumentation, analogue synthesis and global influences. For this remix, German producer Acid Pauli and French-Armenian DJ and producer Viken Arman bring their own exploratory, atmospheric sensibilities to Keope’s music, creating a meeting point between electronic rhythm and more organic sounds.
15. Marla Kether — Blessing (Instrumental Mix) (2026)
London-based bassist, producer and DJ Marla Kether moves across broken beat, Afro-house, soul and electronic music. Her productions are rooted in musicianship and rhythm, drawing on a broad range of influences without losing their dancefloor focus. “Blessing” is part of her recent work for Strut Records.
Explore the release via Bandcamp
16. Gayance & Funkywhat — hellooooo???? (2026)
Montreal-born, Haitian-Canadian DJ, producer and multidisciplinary artist Gayance is known for a playful, boundary-crossing approach to club music, drawing on jazz, house, broken beat and soundsystem culture. Producer Funkywhat helps shape this lively collaboration, which combines club energy with an inventive, contemporary outlook.
One of my favourite producers: Glenn Underground
Glenn Underground has long been one of my favourite producers. A Chicago native and founding member of Strictly Jaz Unit, he grew up surrounded by jazz, soul, funk and disco, influences that run right through his deep-house catalogue. His records have a musicality that I’m always drawn to: rich harmonies, intricate arrangements and grooves that feel equally at home on a dancefloor or through a good pair of headphones.
His work for labels including Cajual, Prescription, Guidance and Peacefrog has helped establish him as one of the greats of jazz-inflected deep house. There’s a particular depth to his sound that connects the history of Chicago house to the wider traditions of Black dance music.
I’m heading to the Jazz Cafe to see Glenn perform a special extended Chicago history set, celebrating 40 years of Strictly Jaz Unit. The event promises a journey through rare and soulful dancefloor vinyl, tracing the music and influences that helped shape his sound. It should be a very special night.
I’ll report back next week.
Thanks for listening, and for continuing to follow the journey with ElecSoul.
Listen to ElecSoul: