Patrice Rushen
Now

Insane boogie fire from Rio circa 82; both Robson Jorge and Lincoln Olivetti were already decorated before they joined forces, but this one took both of their reputations and amplified them beyond expectation. Their one and only album, it's loaded with soul and funk from every corner of Brazil's sexy city and brought together with beautiful attention to detail; the gradual vocal breakdowns, rude synths and lavish instrumental sections, key cuts such as the Wonder-level "Aleluia", the jazz slides and glides of "Pret-A-Porter" and the sexy 80s electro boogie "Squash" will still completely flip any party 35 years later. Stunning.

New Zealand's Mara TK is a modern soul sensation. An alumnus of Red Music Academy in Toronto, TK is also the frontman for Electric Wire Hustle and has collaborated with many incredible musicians in his home country (Lord Echo, Julien Dyne) and globally (Om'Mas Keith, Waajeed, Steve Spacek). His debut album (self-produced!) is deeply emotive, with his buttery and pained vocals front and centre. The lyrics are deeply personal and touch on heritage, love, loss and healing. Must own for modern soul fans!