With "Aquarian moon", Osunlade might surprise his house music orientated fellows as he returns to his soundtrack scoring origins with this album that tells of his love affair with the Greek Island of Santomi. Furthermore, it pays homage to the rich unspoilt culture that can be discovered there. It is a musical journey describing his experiences that is full of feelings, recorded live over a 12 day period. Osunlade offers a deep and ambiently solemn selection of songs that create a laidback vibe with their lush orchestration of strings, divine horn solos, sweet guitars and smooth percussion. Lots of influences can be found, ranging from traditional african sounds to fat breaks and jazzy broken beats. With this album, Osunlade explores musical grounds he only touched on before, emphasising his position as a hugely respected producer, musican, label owner and DJ.

For sound samples and exclusive digital downloads check out Dancetracks Digital (the CD includes a hidden 13 th track "In right" that is continued after the 12th track).

Picks of the Week

Roberto de Carlo featuring Joshua "Magic star" (GoGo Music Records CD Promo)

A favorite with many DJs since the release of the original version on the GoGo Music's "Spring Collection 06" sampler, "Magic star" by uprising producer Roberto de Carlo gets a full 12" release including the soulful original version that features classic strings and has a funky touch it. Simon Grey adds two remixes, with the vocal version being a wonderful broken beat interpretation that highlights the marvellous vocals by Johsua and the jazz-funk instrumentation. His dub is a jazz-funk fueled four-to-the-floor masterpiece with an incredible breakdown in the middle. Completing the package is Dom Navarra (one half of Sueno Soul) with a smoothed down version that is on a laidback and spiritual latin vibe. All in all, this is a fantastic package not to be missed.
 

Ron Hall and The Muthafunkaz featuring Mark Evans "The way you love me" (Defected Records 2x12" / Ditigal Download)

Since the release of the original by Hustle Music about a year ago, this has been one of the most played vocal tunes. Then in march of this year, the Dimitri from Paris remix was unleashed to the world and took dancefloor in storm, coming completely re-done in a disco-soul style with strings and vibes from the legendary Vince Montana Jr., giving it a classic philly feeling. Now Defected have released an incredible remix package that includes even more great interpretations that stand up with its predecessors. Another legend has been called in to lay his hands on this future classic and he blesses us with a wonderful reworking: Tom Moulton takes the Dimitri from Paris remix and takes it to another level by changing a few bits here and there, while keeping the overall vibe alive. And with an instrumental also included, you can enjoy the musical bliss to the max. Sergio Flores gives it a tougher edge, providing to pumpy dub mixes for the bigger rooms, while David Penn gives it a groovy re-rerub. Digital downloads are available at Dancetracks Digital.

Picks of the Week

SoulBasics "The Phusion EP" (SoulTonic Mono Records CD Promo)

In january of this year, we brought you an exclusive review of the bands "City lite" (that has been released by SoulFunk Digital in the meantime). Now more of the bands marvellous productions are to be released by SoulTonic Mono Records. "The Phusion EP" brings you four tracks, all showcasing the bands love for jazz and soulful orientated sounds, presented in various flavors. Kicking off is the mellow "Jazzelle" that features sweet female chants over a warm laidback backing groove. Next is "Bonilla", a piece of exquisite jazz-funk grooves not to be missed. This is followed by "Drop Chicago", a lovely afterhours track with wicked keys. Closing down the EP is "Nite tine", a deep and fierce track featuring wonderful laminar keys and a great jazzy piano line. This EP is a perfect choice for those chilled and laidback moments.