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- Written by: Mike Fossati
Picks of the Week
Jonny Montana featuring Pete Simpson "Maybe we could be free" (Stalwart Records CD Promo)
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There ain't no stoppin' for up and rising Jonny Montana as the masterly "Maybe we could be free" proves. The song features the one and only Pete Simpson on vocals who impresses with a deeply felt performance on this utterly soulful production featuring exquisite jazzy keys and saxophone over a laidback loungey backing in the original version. The 'House Mix' is a smooth yet thrilling 4/4 interpretation of the song, taken to the next level by Vick Lavender who contributes a deeper wonderfully orchestrated version. But it doesn't end here as the Dolls Combers turn out a real jewel with their delightful remix that turns the heat up while never letting down the soul and emotion of the original. |
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In November 2009, we were celebrating the release of "The M&M Mixes" and as part of the introduction of the review we wrote "this album lets you experience what dance music was all about in the 80's, it brings back memories from what probably was the heyday for dance music". Now the history lesson continues with part two, another double-CD set featuring some of John Morales' finest works. The first CD is full of boogie classics, while the second CD features previously unreleased mixes of gems from the legendary Salsoul catalogue. This truly is the legacy of the M&M mixes. And if you ever wondered where BBE Records got their name from - they took from his epic remix of "Barely breaking even" by the Universal Robot Band. Sure to be one of this years highlights. |
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Cyberjamz return to Spirit of House with the incredible "I gave U my heart" by songstress Heather Walker guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. There are two equally fantastic mixes to choose from, with the 'Sound Science Remix' taking you on a mesmerizing deeper than deep journey full of luscious melodies, while the 'DJ Buzzard Alternate Mix' takes you back in time with its old school New Jersey deep gospel house vibe. It doesn't get any better than this... |
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- Written by: Mike Fossati
Picks of the Week
Mmelashon "Children of the ghetto" (Maurice Joshua Digital CD Promo)
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To this date, Philip Bailey's timeless "Children of the ghetto" (released in 1984 on his "Chinese wall" long player) is one of my all time favorite r&b/soul productions, and now this wonderful song returns in a marvelous four-to-the-floor cover version produced by Azza K. Fingers and performed by Mmelashon who impresses with a sultry vocal interpretation, with the masterly jazz-funk flavored orchestration making this something truly special. An essential slice of soulful house music not to be missed. |
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You might not have heard of Charlie Hearnshaw before, but for sure you will be familiar with many of the classic Rurals and Andy Compton tracks where he contributed his incomparable saxophone play (one recent example is "It's hot in Africa" released in November last year). On this collection featuring no less than seventeen tracks,saxophone virtuoso Charlie Hearnshaw takes you on a musical journey deep inside your soul, letting you explore his many talents. |
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WMC is definitely around the corner, as Solid Ground - one of the leading labels for soulful house music - have an incredible package ready, letting us preview their upcoming releases. From beginning to the end, this is soulful house of highest quality, making you yearning for more. There is "About love" by Groove Assassin, featuring the legendary Kenny Bobien (the next single for the label, coming complete with Louis Benedetti and Sean McCabe mixes), "Better days" by Danny Clark & Jay Benham featuring vocals by Annette Taylor, "Missing you" by Carlos Vargas featuring Nicole Mitchell and "Feel my beat" by Danny Clark & Jay Benham featuring Natasha Watts. But this is not all as the label has licensed Balage "How did we get to here", Lady Alma "Running for nothing" and Lisa Millett "Closer" which they will release with new mixes. |
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Picks of the Week
Sybil "Troubled waters" (Deep Sugar Records CD Promo)
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Renowned diva Sybil (remembered for the late 80's classics "Falling in love", "Let yourself go" and "Walk on by" amongst others) returns to Ultra Nate's Deep Sugar label with "Troubled waters", produced by Matthias 'Matty' Heilbronn. The original mixes are soulful house with a dance floor twist at its best, driven by relentless rhythms and laced with gorgeous melodies and Sybil's unmistakable vocals. Frankie Knuckles & Eric Kupper deliver a classic re-rub, while DJ Spen injects his signature style to turn out a gospel anthem. Last but not least, there is Codebreaker's synth heavy rework oozing with a tasty 80's touch. |
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Consortium Muzik kick the new year off strong with the "Sounds of Botswana EP", a collection of fantastic remixes by Setso 'Said-So' Maakwe of the previously released "Me" by Jannae Jordan, "Feel the sunshine" by Andy Tamashi featuring Wendy Lewis and the brand new "Wherever you are" by B=Note featuring Tai Conley. Each of the seven included mixes is a soulful extravaganza oozing with wonderful vocals, lush melodies and deep hypnotic afro rhythms - without question, Said-So is a rising star in the house music community and sure to bless us with many more releases in the future. |
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Picks of the Week
DaSouL & Fabry Diglio featuring Joe Flame "Broken love" (Soundmen on Wax Records CD Promo)
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DaSouL and Fabry Diglio team up with singer Joe Flame to follow up their phenomenal "Neapolis Jazz EP" with another sure fire winner titled "Broken love" which features outstanding vocals alongside a killer sax and glorious keys over an irresistibly thumpin' backdrop. The dub version and both mixes by Mad Boss are eclectic journeys into deep house territory, while Dom Navarra surprises us with an seminal soul-tech interpretation with an acoustic edge. The Dolls Combers drop an uplifting piano and organ driven version, while Demarkus Lewis contributes a classy mid 90's styled take. |
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The Rurals team up with songstress Jaidene Veda to present "Into life", a deeper than deep yet truly soulful masterpiece oozing with Andy Compton's signature lush melodies and rhythms, Jaidene Veda's unmistakable vocals and the keyboard artistry of Pete Mo. Glenn Underground takes the song to the next level with his vintage Chicago interpretation, followed by Jason B who contributes two thrilling yet soulful versions. South Africa's PM Project relax the vibe on their smooth melodious workout, with Andy Compton rounding off the package nicely with his deep'n'moody dub. |
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Picks of the Week
Nick Jones Experience "Metamorphasis EP" (NiteGrooves Records CD Promo)
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It has been quite a while since we've heard from the Nick Jones Experience, now he is finally back, presenting the delectable "Metamorphosis EP" which features a selection of wonderfully orchestrated soul-jazz flavored tracks which bring back memories of the times when music was recorded in the studio with live musicians (and not just created on the computer or laptop at home in the bedroom)... For those not yet familiar with with Nick Jones' earlier material, some of his classics tracks are included in this release. |
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- Written by: Mike Fossati
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This special compilation is dedicated to the one day of the year reserved for the heart, featuring a celestial selection of house, lounge, vocal and deep house songs from the infinite KingStreet / NiteGrooves catalog. It's all about genuine emotion expressed through lush melodies, angelic vocals and sexy basslines, and with timeless jewels included such as Louie Vega's reprise of Stephanie Cooke's "Here with my best friend", Jephte Guillaume's 'Kileliye Mix' of Monday Michiru's "The right time" and Frankie Feliciano's 'Ricanstruction Vocal Mix' of Myra's "Come to me", there is not doubt love will be in the house and your heart... |