- Details
- Written by: Mike Fossati
 |
Aphreme's "Come a lil closer", one of our favorite vocal productions of 2010 which features heartfelt vocals by Donald Sheffey, gets the remix treatment by South Africa's Setso 'Said-So' Maakwe, with a little help from Bonolo 'B=Note' Mogotsi on some of the mixes. The contaminous 'Main Mix' goes as deep as its gets, combining the vocals with luscious synth chords, while the 'Dance Music Feel' mixes take you on a deep celestial tech-soul journey. The 'Soul Dub' uses freaky organ and lush synths to further intensifies to vibe and turn the track into a hypnotic late night gem. |
- Details
- Written by: Mike Fossati
 |
Every time a new promo from Soul Heaven Records lands in our mailbox, we can't wait to crank up the speakers and enjoy the music. No exception here as long time Soul Heaven resident Neil Pierce presents a masterpiece with his debut solo release "Relish your soul", teaming up with Kadija Kamara whose impressive sensual vocals are accompanied by phat jazzy chords, with relentlessly deep electronic rhythms being the perfect musical backing. The result is cutting edge soulful house music that is not to be missed. |
- Details
- Written by: Mike Fossati
Picks of the Week
Jonny Montana featuring Stephanie Cooke "Our love" (Soulfulbeats Records CD Promo)
 |
One of the highlights from this years WMC in Miami is now available in its full glory, including additional mixes, making this an essential purchase. Jonny Montana and Stephanie Cooke collaborated in the past on masterpieces such as "One 4 me", "Love again" and "I owe U", and now for the debut release for UK based Soulfulbeats Records they team up again to present "Our love" - and what can we say, when these two come together, the result is always magic! Matt Hughes combines the deeply felt vocals by Stephanie Cooke with delectable keys and jazzy sax, all perfectly arranged over a deeply groovin' backdrop (vocal, instrumental and beatless 'Ambient Mix' available). Neil MacLean uses an infectious 80's flavored groove (think of "Specialize in love") as basis for the vocals and mesmeric keys, while Powdersoul deepens the vibe on his remix laced with cool keys and chords. Jonny Montana contributes groovy, jazz drenched vocal and dub mixes, and Soul Renegades (Craig Smith & Ricky Reid) complete the package with their deep melodious take. |
- Details
- Written by: Mike Fossati
 |
The uplifting "Addicted" is a mind-blowing ode to house music featuring outstanding vocals by Natasha Watts, celestial keys and a killer sax, all perfectly arranged over a relentlessly stormin' groove. DeepCitySoul give the track a smoothly bouncin' feel on their remix that oozes with jazzy keys, while Braderz delivers a masterpiece with his truly soulful interpretation. Finally, there is Benzo's delicious version which gives the track a laidback feel. The more we listen to each of the mixes, the more we fall in love with them.... highly recommended. |
- Details
- Written by: Mike Fossati
 |
With the "Life and times", the chameleonic Adam Cruz presents a refreshing album that is available now. The album features guest appearances from Flora Cruz, Gerideau, Eddie Nicholas and Queen AaMinah, and the diversity of the ten tracks is simply amazing! Each track is distinct and lets you discover different influences - you are taken on a musical journey you wish would never end... Words can't do justice to this album, you must hear it for yourself to understand why we love it so much... |
- Details
- Written by: Mike Fossati
Picks of the Week
Exclusive Preview: J.S.O.U.L. "Love frequency" (Consortium Muzik Records CD Promo)
 |
You might remember J.S.O.U.L.'s "Love frequency" from our review of the "New Horizons EP" (Camio Records) back in October 2009. Now this marvelous song gets a full release which includes a selection of amazing remixes. From Johnny Montana's excellent broken beat mid-tempo and up-tempo housed versions, over B=Note's melodious take, Setso 'Said-So' Maakwe's deep remorselessly thumpin' workout to DJ Hypnosis' laidback interpretation and Chris IDH's underground-esque remix, this is sheer musical bliss. One not to be missed. |
- Details
- Written by: Mike Fossati
 |
Jonny Montana and Stephanie Cooke collaborated in the past on masterpieces such as "One 4 me", "Love again" and "I owe U", and now for the debut release for UK based Soulfulbeats Records they team up again to present "Our love" - and what can we say, when these two come together, the result is always magic! Matt Hughes combines the deeply felt vocals by Stephanie Cooke with delectable keys and jazzy sax, all perfectly arranged over a deeply groovin' backdrop. Neil MacLean uses an infectious 80's flavored groove (think of "Specialize in love") as basis for the vocals and mesmeric keys, while Powdersoul deepens the vibe on his remix laced with cool keys and chords. Jonny Montana's groovy, jazz drenched dub completes the release. Collectors should look out for the limited vinyl release (we secured our copy already). More mixes to follow soon. |
- Details
- Written by: Mike Fossati
 |
Since their first release "Circles" by Nathan Adams & Zepherin Saint a year ago, Tribe Records has been going from strength to strength, and they have become a favorite label with many DJ's and house music fanatics alike. This sampler features two of their upcoming releases, one of them being the laidback yet groovy "Little bird" by Matt Bandy & Aphrodisiax featuring songstress Adeola Ranson whose heartfelt vocals harmonize perfectly with the lush keys and jazzy flute. DJ Spinna contributes the remixes, adding his magic galactic touch to take the song to the next level. Next up is Duce Martinez with the timeless house gem "Don't be afraid" featuring the unmistakable voice of house music legend Kenny Bobien alongside exquisite keys over a fierce yet smooth groove. The remix is courtesy of Master Kev & Tony Loreto who deliver an infectious remix that uses contaminous keys and an impulsive backing to create a hypnotic feel. |
- Details
- Written by: Mike Fossati
Miami 2010 Picks
Exclusive Preview: R. Kelly "Be my #2" (Terry Hunter Mixes)(Jive Records CD Promo)
 |
What a surprise to see a top quality soulful house remix commissioned (and hopefully to be released) by one of the major labels... Terry Hunter's take on "Be my #2" by R. Kelly is simply gorgeous, using a sweet percussion enriched backing as playground for R. Kelly's unmistakable vocals which are combined with luscious chords and jazzy keys. |
Pirahnahead featuring Diviniti "Believe in me" (Women on Wax Records CD Promo)
 |
Pirahnahead and Diviniti join forces to bless us with the marvelous "Believe in me", a soul oozing production featuring outstanding vocals and a glorious instrumentation including jazzy keys, lush chords and acoustic guitars in its original form. The remixes are courtesy of Ian Friday who adds his distinctive touch to the song, letting you choose between two exciting alterations. Highly recommended. |
- Details
- Written by: Mike Fossati
 |
Bah Samba are following up their 2009 smash "Live in the summer" with the Disco-Funk soaked "Don't let them get you down", a fresh and tasty interpretation by the Super-Phonics of a track originally released on the 2005 "Bah Samba 4" album. Phil Asher contributes a marvelous 'Inspiration Information Edit' as well as the deep bass heavy housed-up 'Restless Soul Dub', of which a vocal version can also be found in form of the resistless 'Bah Samba vs Favouritizm (Push!) Mix' version. |
- Details
- Written by: Mike Fossati
Picks of the Week
Ezel featuring Tamara Wellons "In my lifetime" (Ocha Records CD Promo)
 |
"In my lifetime" is the second single from Ezel's upcoming album "Secreto" and in one word this collaboration with the highly talented Tamara Wellons is amazing!! This is an outstanding piece of music featuring a masterful orchestration, arrangement and breath taking vocals that will bring tears to your eyes. Also included is the equally great "Pieces of me" featuring Flexie Muiso showcasing the versatility and love for soulful vibes of Ezel. |
Rocco & Robert C. Walker "Hard time for lovers" (GoGo Music Records CD Promo)
 |
This label can't do no wrong as they release another must have package with "Hard time for lovers" by the team of Rocco and Robert C. Walker. Every mix on this deep and sexy package is fantastic, making it impossible to pick a favorite. The main mixes are vintage deep and soulful Rocco featuring the outstanding unmistakable vocals of Robert C. Walker - now add groovy soulful mixes by Ralf GUM, Black Coffee with his unrivaled deep silky smooth touch and Kiko Navarro's hypnotic rework and you have an essential release. |
- Details
- Written by: Mike Fossati
 |
** Exclusive Preview ** You might remember our words from last week where we said "only a very few of these [Miami/WMC] samplers were actually worth the money (to say the least)". We are sure that after listening to each track of the package Grooveland Music have put together, you will agree this is one of the best samplers in recent years. From the two wonderful cuts "Rest your mind" by Soulbasics featuring Kyla Sexton (a Spirit of House exclusive back in January) and "You and me" by BSC featuring Jessi Colasante, over the vocal gems "Wishy washy guy" by Nick Doe featuring Shereen and "Sweet ebony" by Deep'n'Soul Br featuring Robert Carvalho to the deeper joints "The way I like it" by JohnnyJM featuring Amera Light & Julius The Mad Thinker, "Por-do-sol em cabo frio" by Douglas Marques and "Have to talk" by Jon Silva, not to forget to mention the unreleased mash-up of the label's last single "People dancin'" by Licksamba & Tommy Largo featuring J.A.M.O.N. - this is pure musical bliss. |