Picks of the Week

Donna Allen "He is the joy" (The Ultimate Collection)(SoulFuric Records CD Promo)

Donna Allen - He is the joy (The Ultimate Collection) Christmas comes early this year with this ultra massive 15 track mix package of one of SoulFuric's all time club hits: the Marc Pomeroy and Brian Tappert written and produced "He is the joy" by Donna Allen. Included are the timeless original mixes as well as the 2005 remixes, as well as slammin' new remixes. Rocco goes deep and mesmeric, adding his inimitable touch, while Guy Robin reworks the track into a dateless Disco-Funk affair. Bruno Banner serves a tougher main room version, while DJ Fudge uses a funked-up backing and dreamy keys on his take. Finally The Troublemen present a feel good remix featuring a classy piano and windy synths.

More Reviews

AphroDisiax featuring Tasita D'Mour "Gotta keep on movin'" (SoulHeaven Records CD Promo)

Hot on the heels of their current club smash "A little more love" by Sean McCabe, SoulHeaen drop the next bomb in form of AphroDisax' "Gotta keep on movin'", a slice of remorseless tech-soul built around a deep infectious groove, captivating chord melodies and outstanding vocals by Tasita D'Mour. The dub mixes deepen the feel and give it a moody edge, while DJ Garphie relaxes the vibe and uses delicious keys on his funk drenched remixes which ooze with an organic live feel.

Exclusive Preview: Gene King presents Nadine Navarre "In the morning" (Consortium Muzik Records CD Promo)

Gene King's "In the morning" features the unmistakable vocals of Nadine Navarre and lush keys over a laidback and groovy yet deep backing in the 'Shine Original Mix', with the '202 Mix firing things up with bright percussion and wicked synth melodies. Jonny Montana turns the track into a smooth affair on a groovy organic tip, while ChrisIDH's remix goes deep and mesmerizing with a slight moody edge, featuring a lovely jazzy piano and dreamy melodies. Next is Clown Dallas who adds a deep, atmospheric South African house feel to the track. Lastly, DJ Hypnosis goes deep and hypnotic thanks to a resistless organ hook and lush synths.

Exclusive Preview: Thelma Houston "I need somebody" (Beppe Gioia Mix)(CD-R)

A digital promo of this former Azuli/Z Records classic just got released, and thankfully the full acapella is available as well so Beppe Gioia could create his own interpretation featuring a gorgeous piano alongside sweet chords and the incomparable voice of Thelma Houston, all nicely arranged over a deep groovy backing. We are just asking ourselves if this one will get a proper release?

Exclusive Preview: DeepCitySoul "Groove school" (Part 1)(DeeCeeEss Records CD Promo)

DeepCitySoul continue their streak of success with "Groove school", following up their current smash "Earthly angel". Three mixes are included in this promo, with Grant Nelson's pumpin' mix featuring a contaminous piano alongside uplifting vocals over a remorselessly stompin' backdrop. Next is Jeremy Sylvester's take, coming on a cool old skool bumpin' vibe. Last but not least, the "Nuskool Mix' is an organic, jazz-funk drenched affair on a laidback tip.

Exclusive Preview: Georg Levin featuring Clara Hill "The better life" (CJ Giovanni Mix)(CD-R)

Here we've got an exclusive CJ Giovanni re-edit of Georg Levin's "The better life" which is based on the recently released Restless Soul mixes. This lovely re-edit introduces a few subtle changes, keeping the overall vibe smooth and laidback, while letting the funk oozing backdrop, soulful vocals and luscious keys and chords create a compelling feel.

EMKYU Featuring D.D.B "Gabrielle" (ATDA Records CD Promo)

ATDA Records is a brand new UK label kicking off strong with their debut release "Gabrielle" by EMKYU, a cover of the timeless Roy Davis Jr. and Peven Everett classic released back in 1996 on Large Records. Featuring heartfelt vocals by D.D.B., this is a respectful homage to the original keeping things soulful, deep and groovy on the 'Qualifide Remix', followed by DJ Leo & Guy Robin who contribute a slick, uplifting interpretation built around a thumpin' backdrop that lets the killer keys, classy horns and vocals shine.

BSC "Ubatuba" (Louie Vega & Agev Munsen Remixes)(Nulu Records CD Promo)

Back in March we've been first told about these remixes of Brazilian Soul Crew's "Ubatuba", now they finally dropped. Louie Vega delivers a masterly crafted, eclectic Elements of Life styled remix featuring sultry vocals by Anane, keys by Juanito Davila and bass by Gene Perez that is uplifting and smooth yet exciting. Agev Munsen flips things around for a deep tech soul rework nothing less than irresistible and hpynotic.

Vick Lavender feat R.J. Green "Do for love" (Sophisticado Records CD Promo)

Vick Lavender presents a marvelously orchestrated cover of the timeless Bobby Caldwell classic "Do for love" that is smooth and soulful yet infectious, with the added steel drums giving it sort of a calypso feel, featuring vocals by R.J. Green who sings his heart out, not to forget to mention the wonderful piano and classic horns. Bopstar's remix is a magnificent broken beat flavored rendition oozing with a true jazz vibe.

Dani "Head of my life" (DaSouL & Fabry Diglio Re-Touch)(D#Sharp Records CD Promo)

The Joe Flame produced "Head of my life" was originally released in August 2008 as part of the "Dani - Reload" EP, now this track got remixed by Italy's DaSoul & Fabry Diglio into a soulful yet relentless, deeply thumpin' peak time favorite that combines Dani's unique vocals with captivating keys and chords.

Rasmus Faber "Cidade oposta" (Part 2)(Farplane Records CD Prom)

In its original form, "Cidade oposta" is a wonderful Brazilian tinged production taken from Rasmus Faber's debut long player "Where we belong". His own remix was previously available on the remix album "Where we belong - RaFa's Epic Journey" in a special vocal/dub mixdown, now here you get the full vocal version. But for us its all about the gorgeous remix by Hideo Kobayashi guaranteed to take you on a laidback jazz flavored journey (both vocal and instrumental included).

Misteralf featuring Lisa Hunt "A love defined" (Purple Music Records CD Promo)

Misteralf presents the follow up to his previous smash hit "I'm over it" (remember those stunning Kemal remixes?) titled "A love defined". The original is groovy and catchy, featuring sweet synth hooks and passionate vocals over a stormin' groove. The 'Main Mix' and dubs are more hypnotic thanks to the dramatic synths used, with the musical backing being somewhat reminiscent of Lil' Louis' classic "French kiss".

B.A.D. Connection "Be thankful" (Purple Music Records CD Promo)

In 1990, "Found love" by Double Dee featuring Danny Losito took the dance floors by storm, now Italy's Danny Losito returns with "Be thankful", a collaboration with Kareem Shabazz and Andy Tee as B.A.D. Connection. The 'Classic Mix' is a classy old school tinged production with jazzy piano, melodic keys and heartfelt vocals over a stompin' funk soaked groove. Andy Tee delivers a deep reworks with an atmospheric twist, while Nightrhymes serve two main room takes.

Terry Lex "The saxman" (Push on Music Records CD Promo)

Push on Music is a Swiss record label, party label and booking agency, created earlier this year by DJ Ride and Terry Lex. The latter presents his latest production "The saxman", an instrumental dance floor stomper featuring marvelous sax play by Armando Lenoci over a powerful yet smooth funk soaked backing. The 'Deep Mix' relaxes the vibe for a more laidback, deeper feel.