Young Holt Unlimited - Rubber Lips / Bumpin' On Young Street

Young-Holt Unlimited were one of the finest examples of Chicago's ability to blend jazz sophistication with soul, funk and irresistible grooves. Best known internationally for the million-selling instrumental classic Soulful Strut, the group created a catalogue full of beautifully arranged, rhythmically inventive recordings that have continued to inspire musicians, DJs and collectors. This 7-inch pairing of Rubber Lips and Bumpin' On Young Street showcases the effortless musicianship and stylish groove that made Young-Holt Unlimited such a respected name.

The A-side, Rubber Lips, is a superb example of the group's jazz-soul approach. Built around a smooth, rolling rhythm section, the track combines melodic keyboards, tight percussion, expressive horns and the unmistakable interplay between bassist Eldee Young and drummer Redd Holt. Their chemistry was the foundation of the group's sound, with Young's deep, melodic bass lines and Holt's precise, swinging drumming creating a groove that feels both relaxed and incredibly sophisticated.

The arrangement balances accessibility with musical depth. While the track has the warmth and immediacy of a soul record, the musicianship reveals the jazz background of the performers. Every instrumental phrase feels carefully considered, from the subtle changes in dynamics to the way the rhythm section locks together. It is the kind of recording that rewards repeated listening, with new details appearing each time.

The B-side, Bumpin' On Young Street, brings a slightly more energetic funk flavour. Driven by a stronger rhythmic push and a more pronounced groove, it highlights the group's ability to move from smooth soul-jazz into a harder-edged instrumental style. The track's infectious rhythm and tight arrangements make it particularly appealing to collectors of funk, rare groove and dancefloor jazz.

Both recordings reflect the Chicago soul tradition of the late 1960s, when musicians were finding new ways to combine jazz improvisation with the emotional directness of R&B. Young-Holt Unlimited were perfectly positioned for this transition, having emerged from the legendary jazz scene while embracing the evolving sounds of popular music.

Their work has remained highly influential among DJs and sample hunters, with the group's recordings frequently rediscovered through rare groove compilations, jazz-funk collections and hip-hop sampling culture. While Soulful Strut remains their most recognised achievement, deeper cuts such as Rubber Lips and Bumpin' On Young Street demonstrate that the group had a much broader musical vocabulary.

For vinyl collectors, this 7-inch is an excellent example of why digging beyond the obvious hits is so rewarding. It captures Young-Holt Unlimited at their best: sophisticated enough for jazz listeners, soulful enough for R&B fans and funky enough for any dancefloor. The combination of exceptional musicianship, memorable grooves and timeless arrangements makes this a highly desirable addition to any soul, jazz-funk or rare groove collection.

More than simply a companion piece to Soulful Strut, this single highlights the creativity of a group that helped define the sound of Chicago instrumental soul. Rubber Lips / Bumpin' On Young Street is a beautifully crafted slice of late-'60s groove music—smooth, funky and still full of life decades after its original release.