Picks of the Week

Andy Holder featuring Carl Stanley & Lone Catalysts "Uncivilised people" (Nuwavonic Records CD Promo)

After various releases and remixes for such prominent labels as Soulfuric, deVICE and Soulfunk Digital, Andy Holder launches his own label Nuwavonic Records which will be digital only for the moment (promos will be available through Traxsource). For the first release "Uncivilised people", Andy Holder teams up with hip-hop vocalist J. Sands (of the Lone Catalysts) performing the spoken word vocals and jazz musician Carl Stanley contributing saxophone and rhodes solos. The original version is spreading a feel-good vibe, bringing the vocals and jazzy instrumentation to full effect, with the 'Prime Time Dub' taking the track to the next level by firing things up. The 'Inner City Vocal Mix' takes the track to deeper grounds using a deeply stormin' groove and melodic keys, while the 'Inner City Dub Mix' offers an intensified, even deeper variation. Lastly there is Carl Stanley's 'Spirit Mix', a soulful reworking that lets the beautiful instrumentation create an uplifting vibe.

Picks of the Week

Bobby D "Optimistic" (SoulFuric Records CD Promo)

There are songs that will always be in our heads, no matter how old they are. "Optimistic" by Sounds of Blackness is one of these songs, dating back to 1991 when Gary Hines, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis unleashed this bomb. Three years ago, Bobby D'Ambrosio released a cover version of it on Definity Records, and now he unleashes an updated version of this timeless song once more featuring wonderfully performed vocals. His original version is a mellow and laidback affair with jazzy vibes, while Frankie C goes for an equally smooth funk-tinged interpretation that is somewhat reminiscent of the Sounds of Blackness original. Together with Brian Tappert, Bobby D'Ambrosio delivers a fierce reworking that keeps the soulful flavors while spicing it up for the dancefloors. Shik Stylko replaces the jazzy piano line with electrofied keys that get to full effect on his dub mix while on the club mix they emphasise the vocals. Lastly there is the stompin' 'Deliguori Dub Mix' that is driven by a wicked piano line.

Picks of the Week

Exclusive Preview: Panevino featuring Xavior "Don't waste my time" (CD-R)
Exclusive Preview: Panevino "The way I am" (CD-R)

Swiss duo Sandro Endrighetti and Renato Abate aka Panevino present two new productions that are so fresh they have yet to be signed. "Don't waste my time" is an uplifting track featuring an inspirational vocal by Xavior over a thumpin' groove that is enriched with a funky bassline and old-school keys (there is a slight reminiscence to the David Jospeh classic "You can't hide" in some parts) alongside a wicked organ. The dub varies the keys to turn it into a peaktime favorite. "The way I am" features an incredible hot spoken word over a fiercely stompin' groove, with the wicked keys augmenting the irresistible vibe created by the vocals.

Picks of the Week

Exclusive Preview: VMC "To the rock" (DJ Spen Mixes)(Hustle Music Records CD Promo)

The next release on Hustle Music will be an incredible gospel house production featuring the Visial Music Choir (aka VMC) from Hackney in London. Their inspirational gospel song "To the rock" has been reworked by DJ Spen who turns the song into an uplifting, soulfully stomping four-to-the-floor anthem that features a funked-up groove and wonderful jazzy keys. His dub strippes most the vocals, letting a wonderful jazzy piano taking centre stage, while the funky bassline is leading the way. A future gospel house anthem.
 

Omar "It's so..." (Bob Sinclar Remix)(Peppermint Jam Records CD Promo)

UK soul legend Omar will return with a new longplayer by the end of this month. The first single from the album "It's so..." has been given the remix treatment by none other than Bob Sinclar who's droppjng one bomb after another in recent months. With these mixes, he raises the bar again as the afro-influenced tribal rhythm is absolutely unbeatable, with the added vocal chants and synth lines augmenting the irresistible feeling. With vocal, dub and acapella mixes included, this is guaranteed to take the dancefloors by storm.