Without the shadow of a doubt, Peng Africa bless us with something truly special as South Africa's Soul Varti and Tantra Zawadi join forces to present a tribute to African-American poet, activist, small press publisher and spoken-word performance artist Jayne Cortez who sadly passed away end of last year. The breathtaking"Jazzy nights (for Jayne Cortez)" is masterly crafted and combines the unrivaled spoken word poetry of Tantra Zawadi with heavenly keys and deep'n'smooth yet thrilling rhythms. The remixes are courtesy of Bhabha Betasweet, LazyLes, TekniQ and Ta-ice all adding their distinctive deep/soulful/broken touch, making it next to impossible to pick a favorite version. By no means to be missed.

Atal Music continue to grace us with nothing but the best in South African house music, with their latest offering being the phenomenal "Good night" by musicians/producers/DJ's Deep Suite (Gary Pilz) and Michael Ashe who join forces with American singer Darian Crouse. "Good night" is deep and utterly soulful, with gentle yet spell binding rhythms leading the way for Darian Crouse's unmistakable heartfelt vocals, sweet guitar, grand jazzy keys and ethereal synth melodies. Michael Ashe gives the song a beautiful laidback organic feel on his remix, 2 Addikted contribute a marvelous broken beat flavored interpretation, and finally Patrick Khuzwayo drops a mind-blowing old skool inspired deep house rework.

From 1994 to 2001 when Boris Dlugosch was with the Peppermint Jam family, he became a household name in the dance music scene thanks to his exceptional DJ sets and unforgettable productions such as "Keep on pushin'", "Hold your head up high" and "Never enough" which nowadays are all considered timeless house music classics (listening to these tunes lets us reminisce about the past - how about you?). This album celebrates Boris Dlugosch time with the label, taking you back in time onto a musical journey that lets you relish all of his club hits as well as previously unreleased tracks and remixes such as "Live your life your way" (which was released on a rare promo only back in 1998).

For many years, NiteGrooves have blessed us with the eclectic "Abstract Afro Vibes" and "Abstract Afro Lounge" series (the inaugural release in the "Abstract Afro Lounge" series dates as far back as 1998) where the label pays homage to the influences that sounds from the motherland have had on dance music. As the King Street family continues to get ready to celebrate its double decade-long love of house music in 2014, NiteGrooves are about to release a special 20-year essential volume of the "Abstract Afro Vibes" series. Not less than twenty genre defining cuts have been culled from deep in the vault for this truly eclectic and one-of-a-kind compilation, including such gems as "Kouzen" by Tet Kale Orkestra, "Village dance" by New African Orchestra, "Dem people go" by Dennis Ferrer or "Deep in Africa" by Romatt presents Afro Centric Vibe to name just a few.

The latest offering from the Sophisticado family lets you feel the tropical breeze of the Atlantic ocean as Vick Lavender presents a jaw-dropping remake of the memorable Teena Marie classic "Portuguese love" (taken from her 1981 album "It must be magic"). Two equally incredible versions to choose from, both masterly orchestrated, featuring the keyboard wizardry of Mike Logan Sr, bass by Lamar Jones and drum programming by Vick Lavender. In other words, a timeless masterpiece oozing with Vick Lavender's beloved vintage soul/jazz/funk infused sound that is by no means to be missed.

The next release on Smooth Agent Africa comes from the minds of South African producers Lele X and Posh who join forces with vocalists Dana Byrd and Tantra Zawadi. "Lies" is a truly enticing and spiritual afro-deep gem guaranteed to send shivers down your spine thanks to gentle yet thrilling utterly deep rhythms, luscious melodies and not to forget to mention the breath-taking vocals by Dana Byrd and Tantra Zawadi who give us both female and male perspectives on "Lies". The remixes are courtesy of D-Malice, Roque and Bongani Bongzin Mbatha all adding their distinctive afro/deep touch to the song, making it next to impossible to pick a favorite version.

It has taken a while, but finally Juan Hoerni's much anticipated first full length album sees the light of the day courtesy of Cha Cha Project Recordings. Two years in the making, the result is "Move mountains" which features an illustrious list of guest artists such as trumpet player David Soto, keyboard player Scott Wozniak, and vocalists Maurice Smith and Danica Rozzelle. To cut a long story short, "Move mountains" is a truly eclectic album featuring both vocal and instrumental productions, taking you on an exhilarating journey through deep, sexy, moody and tech afro-latin infused sounds. From beginning to the end, this album is sheer musical bliss, make sure you check it out...

Soulful Session's (Simon 'Schoolboy' Phillips) is back with the second single lifted from his phenomenal "The Future Divas EP" reviewed here on Spirit of House back in May. "Mr. weather man" features the unmistakable emotive vocals of songstress Leanne and got the remix treatment by M&S (Ricky Morrison & Fran Sidoli) who rework this wonderful song into a fierce yet soulful dance floor thumper laced with entrancing melodies, Two 4 Soul (DJ Jacko & Peppe Citarella) who deliver a marvelous utterly soulful rendition, and last but not least Simon Schooly himself who contributes a gorgeous soul/jazz/funk infused re-imagination of the original. Also included is the brand new previously unreleased "My baby", an amazing smooth'n'soulful r&b flavored four-to-the-floor production showcasing the impressive vocal talents of Leanne.

Almost exactly two years ago, we introduced you to the fabulous "I choose me" by Jonny Montana and Dawn Williams, now the two team up again for "Amazing", a musical treat guaranteed to send shivers down your spine thanks to the inimitable heartfelt gospel inspired vocals of Dawn Williams, the keyboard wizardry of Bennett Holland and a smooth yet spell binding organic funk drenched backdrop. The 'Deep Floor Mix' keeps the vibe soulful and organic yet takes the song to deeper enchanting grounds, New Jersey legend Big Moses serves a delicious remix oozing with his magical truly rich and melodious classic sound, and lastly Japanese DJ/producer Masaki Morii contributes an enthralling workout built around thumpin' rhythms and heavenly keys and chords.