Cymande is a British funk band that first emerged in the early 1970s. They stood out for their diverse musical style, blending funk, soul, reggae, rock, African music, calypso, and jazz, and gained renewed recognition after their music was sampled by prominent rap artists, leading to their reunion.

Maxayn, the band, brilliantly showcased the vocal talent and songwriting of its lead singer, Maxayn Lewis. Maxayn didn't achieve significant commercial success, but their music remains highly respected among rare groove enthusiasts and is fondly remembered by those with discerning musical tastes from the early 70s. Their sound blended elements of funk, gospel, and introspective ballads reminiscent of Roberta Flack. Maxayn's voice adapted seamlessly to this diverse range, delivering both powerful, gritty soulful performances and more subdued, relaxed renditions of slower songs.

George Porter, Jr. is a bassist and co-founder of the legendary funk band, The Meters. The Meters are one of the most influential funk groups of all tine, who created adistinctive sound characterized by the fusion of precise melodic grooves and syncopated rhythms reminiscent of New Orleans "second line."

Don Randi is a versatile musician renowned for his skills as akeyboard player, bandleader, and songwriter. A pivotal figure inthe vibrant music scene of the 1960s and 1970s, Randi was avital member of the Wrecking Crew, a renowned collective of Los Angeles-based session musicians highly sought after fortheir contributions to thousands of studio recordings, including numerous Top 40 hits. With a versatile portfolio, Randi has lenthis talents to over three hundred hit records, collaborating with esteemed artists such as Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderley, Herb Alpert, Sarah Vaughan, and David Axelrod.

Eddie Henderson is a trumpeter and flugelhorn player who gained recognition in the early 1970s as part of Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi band, and later went on to lead his own electric and fusion groups throughout the decade.

Irma Thomas is an acclaimed American singer known as the "Soul Queen of New Orleans," celebrated for her powerful voice and deep emotional delivery. Her enduring hits, including classics like "Ruler of My Heart" and "Time Is on My Side," have solidified her status as a pivotal figure in rhythm and blues.

Sérgio Mendes is pivotal to jazz for his innovative fusion of Brazilian rhythms with traditional jazz elements, which has broadened the genre's appeal and introduced new, vibrant sounds to global audiences.

Ron Carter is the most recorded jazz bassist in history, who has left an indelible mark on the genre through his innovative playing, extensive discography, and pivotal role in shaping the modern sound of jazz.
Find the full interview with Ron Carter and the entire catalog of Sounds Visual Radio podcasts at soundsvisualradio.com.

Eddy Senay, a guitarist renowned for his musical prowess,unveiled two exceptional and coveted rare groove albums underSussex Records during the early 1970s: "Hot Thang" and "StepBy Step." These records feature a rich collection of soulful,imaginative, and melodically infused jazz-funk instrumentals.Despite not achieving widespread recognition, Eddy's narrativeand musical creations are truly captivating and deserving ofexploration.

Don Randi is a versatile musician renowned for his skills as akeyboard player, bandleader, and songwriter. A pivotal figure inthe vibrant music scene of the 1960s and 1970s, Randi was avital member of the Wrecking Crew, a renowned collective ofLos Angeles-based session musicians highly sought after fortheir contributions to thousands of studio recordings, includingnumerous Top 40 hits. With a versatile portfolio, Randi has lenthis talents to over three hundred hit records, collaborating withesteemed artists such as Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderley,Herb Alpert, Sarah Vaughan, and David Axelrod