Larger-than-life producer Larry P Rauson, a founding member and one of the original artists and producers on the legendary New Jersey based New Generation label (who could forget "Keep on believing" performed by Jenifer Mickey which was released back in 1991 on the "DJ's On Vinyl Vol. 2" EP), has been pulling out all the stops for his album "I'm still standing" where he joins forces with illustrious artists such as Vicky Ryan, Evan Adamafio and Vanessa McMillan. Not many words are needed to describe this gem - quite simply this is Larry P Rauson at his best, delivering nothing but the best in quality soulful underground house/garage music, bringing back memories of the beloved New Jersey sound from the past. Indeed a first-class musical treat, a timeless piece of music from one of the true heroes of the underground house/garage sound...

As the King Street family continues their festivities and get ready to celebrate twenty years in 2014, they grace us with something special courtesy of sister label Nite Grooves in form of this incredible compilation selected and mixed by none other than DJ Spinna who takes us on an awe-inspiring truly eclectic excursion to deepest imaginable grounds. His choice of unforgettable classic tracks from the labels back catalogue lets you explore the full spectrum deep house music has to offer and undoubtedly proves Nite Grooves has been on the forefront of deep house for the last two decades. In short, "Deep into Nite Grooves" is an amazing journey to the deep one wishes would never end...

Courtesy of Italy's The Funklovers (Fabrizio Munao, Luca Lala & Luciano Tarantino), songstress Meisha Moore and saxophone player Tiziano Di Sansa comes a real delight entitled "Scene of crime", a glamorous production oozing with lush spoken word poetry, grand saxophone, sublime jazzy keys and infectious funk soaked rhythms. From the original version over the 'Meisha Jazz Mix' featuring extra ad-libs by Meisha Moore to the superb remixes by the likes of Andrea Calabrese, BigS, Hgm & Soul'n'Vibes, Oskar Gb and Ricky Pellegrino all adding their distinctive deep/soulful touch, "Scene of crime" is sheer musical bliss. An essential slice of soulful house music by no means to be missed.

Back in January of this year, we were celebrating "Sick" by Rame and Francesco Bonora, a deepalicious production featuring enchanting vocals by Zoe Xenia alongside mesmerizing synth melodies over deep contaminous rhythms which came complete with stellar remixes by MURK (Ralf Falcon & Oscar G) and Tony Loreto & Toro. Now Tony Records bring the track back to the dance floor in an amazing remix by Quentin Harris whose utterly mesmerizing workout combines the unmistakable vocals with inebriant keys and a relentlessly thumpin' backdrop which pays homage to Jimmy Bo Horne's all-time classic "Is it in" yet oozes with his signature style. Without a doubt a sure-fire summer anthem...

French DJ/producer Phil Weeks presents "Crate Diggin'", a momentous project to be released over three unmixed volumes on on Robsoul Recordings. "Crate Diggin'" features a truly eclectic retrospective selection of 29 tracks from an illustrious list of artists that have been most influential to him over the past 15 to 20 years - DJ Rasoul, DJ Sneak, Brett Johnson, Inland Knights, Rick Wade, Mood II Swing, DJ Rork, JT Donaldson and Miguel Migs to name just a few. Similar to his critically acclaimed DJ sets, the included tracks represent Phil Weeks unique fusion of traditional US house with french influences, making this something truly special. The first part is out now on Robsoul Recordings with the others to follow in the coming weeks (vinyl collectors should not miss out on the vinyl samplers).

Click on read more for the track listing

Firstly known as Dave-Dee, D.D. King has been deejaying and making clubbers dance since 1992. Last year in May, he released his debut EP "Metissage", now his debut album is ready and will be available through Map Dance Records the coming weeks. "Therapy" is a fantastic album featuring a truly eclectic selection of ten masterly crafted songs featuring guest artists Dorien Smith, Kalynda and Ismael K. The songs are inspired by ancestral afro-beat/afro-tribal rhythms, offering different vibes swinging the pendulum from  joy and happiness to sadness, reflecting the many different state of minds. Quite simply an essential album for the discerning DJ.

Back in 1993, "Slave to the vibe" by Aftershock in the sought-after D&D (David Anthony & Darryl James) remix was one of the biggest club anthems of the year. Now 20 years later we can enjoy a phantasmagorial re-imagination by Ricky Morrison and Fran Sidoli aka M&S Productions who join forces with Brian Lucas who impresses with his emotive rendition of the lyrics. The main vocal version is smooth and melodious yet spreading an inspiring feel thanks to spell binding rhythms and sublime keys, while the dub versions take the song to the next level, letting you reminisce and re-experience the unmistakable sounds and rhythms of the unforgettable D&D mix from 1993.

"Harvest for the world" by The Isley Brothers was originally released in 1976, and "Spread love" by Al Hudson & The Soul Partners was originally released in 1978. The United Voices of Whasdat Music - Abby B., Yaminah, Diviniti, Eric King, The Soulchestra and Pirahnahead - came together to reiterate the message of these truly memorable songs - as they say, 'for there to be a harvest of love, one must spread it to the world'. They take the original elements and combine them into one miraculous soulful house music gem - to cut a long story, this is an expertly orchestrated soulful masterpiece having timeless written all over that is by no means to be missed. Also included is a marvelous acoustic 'Protest Version' - guitar, voices and flower power (if you're not familiar with the 'flower power ideology' check it out here)...

When not working on our weekly updates, we here are Spirit of House listen to lots of black music - we have to admit we are huge lovers of soul and r&b. Every now and then we come across a release that puts a spell on us with the very first listen, such as the phenomenal "Morning light" by Personal Life, a London based jazzy soul collective formed by Robert Strauss, featuring the amazing voice of Stuart Lisbie plus core members of Amy Winehouse's (rip) touring band. Not much needs to be said about this vintage soul masterpiece - what you get is an eclectic selection of ten masterly orchestrated songs taking you on a blissful journey through jazz, funk and rare groove infused soul music, oozing with a paramount vocal performance by Stuart Lisbie. By no means to be missed.