The Pick of the Week reviews for 1999.
December 26 1999
Amel Larrieux "Get up" (Jephte Mixes)(550 Music/Sony Records 12" Dubplate)
You might know Amel Larrieux from "Tell me" by Groove Theory, a big r&b hit in 1995 that she wrote. "Get up" is the first single from her solo album "Infinite Possibilities" and is one of my favourite r&b singles this year.
Now there are slamming house mixes that are available on dubplate at this time only (if you can find one). Not much info but the mixes are by Jephte Guillaume. Check the wicked guitar that comes to full effect on the dub version.
December 19, 1999
Paula Ralph "Ain't no runnin' away" (Frankie Feliciano Remix)(Estereo Records 12")
Kenny Bobien "Blessed" (Frankie Feliciano Remix)(SoundMen on Wax Records 12")
Maestro Frankie Feliciano is getting props from everywhere for his latest remixes. "Ain't no runnin' away" is produced by Willi Washington whos bumping original mix is also included but its Frankie's "Ricanstruction Vocal Mix" that is taking you onto a deep and soulful journey with a killer guitar riding along, and both an instrumental and groove-a-pella are also included. "Blessed" is already a favourite of mine in its original version, but these remixes by Frankie are blowing me away. He is working Kenny's vocals to the max over an irresistible groove with a nice jazzy piano.
Let the spirit be with you !!
December 5, 1999
Soulswitch featuring Me'Lisa Morgan "Believe in Yourself" (YellOrange Demo Tape)
It might be cold outside, but this will heat you up! A bouncing groove on the old-school tip topped with Me'Lisa's warm vocals will make you sweat. The dub is on a darker rhythmic swing with a killer groove. Geoffrey C. takes it into a deeper vein on his vocal remix with a stomping beat. His dub adds some extra ad-libbed vocals and is driven by a slamming beat. Boy, hopefully I will get it on vinyl soon - I can't get that rhythm out of my head...
Thanks to Tony Jones (one half of Soulswitch) for sending me the tape.
Bobby D'Ambrosio "Here I am" (ClubTools Records 12" Test Pressing)
His first two 12" - "Moments of my Life" and "The Day" - have found its perfect follow up in this perfectly produced song featuring Kelli Sae on vocals. You can hear the influence the 'DEF Mix Team' had on Bobby - classic production coupled with the piano driven arrangement. Two different vocal mixes (one on a more commercial tip, the other on a laidback tip) and a deep dub by Bobby himself get coupled together with two David Morales mixes on a catchy vibe.
November 28, 1999
Anastacia "I'm outta Love" (Giant Step Records 2x12" Promo)
Another great record from Giant Step Records with mixes by Matthias Heilbronn and Ron Trent. Ron's mix is on a dark but sultry vein with Groove Collective's rhythm section supplying bass, drums and keys, while Ron himself plays the percussion. Matthias mixes are a journey into jazzy house with Anastacia's soaring vocals leading the way.
November 21, 1999
Kalawang "Jingo" (GiantStep Records 12")
Candido's classic is back with a brand new and different interpretation. Ron Trent produced this gem, with keyboard support by Big Muff's Itaal Shur and Groove Collective's rhythm section. Ron creates a blissfully deep journey - a truly outstanding peace of music.
November 14, 1999
Faze Action "Moving Cities" (Chander/Sydenham Remixes)(F-111 Records 12")
Kerri Chandler and Jerome Sydenham turning out an unbelievable hot remix of a damn cool record that was first around on NuPhonic Records. Their 'Sphere Guitar Dub' has a driving beat with an irresistible guitar on top while the 'Madhouse Dub' is on a melodic laidback tip and the 'Ibadan Mainline Mix' stays closer to the original than the dubs and has a fierce groove. And for those who missed the original 12" on NuPhonic, the original version is included too.
November 7, 1999
Mijan "Alright" (95 North Remix)(Slip'N'Slide Records Test Pressing)
Released originally in 1995 in a beautiful soulful mix working the gospel vocals to maximum effect, here is the 12 minute long 95 North remix which samples "My love is free" by Double Exposure to give it a classic philly feeling. This mix was played by Tony Humphries on his mix show a year ago and everyone is waiting for its release. Only time will tell if it will get a full release since the sample still needs to be cleared. The flip has remixes by Solid Groove which only use the refrain of the vocals over a bumping funky groove.
October 31, 1999
Carl Hancock Rux "Intro (R)Evolution" (Roy Davis Jr. Mix)(Giant Step Records 12" Promo)
Carl Hancock Rux is a poet who lays his vocals over music with much soul and rhythm. "Intro (R)Evolution" got remixed by Roy Davis Jr. and his Undaground Soldiers, and they deliever a 12 minute long deep mix of pure bliss. It has the same vibrant feeling that Roy's mix of "Love theme from Spartacus" by Terry Callier has (one of my fave cuts from 1998).
Joe Claussell presents "Language" (Iabadan Records Double-Album Test Pressing)
Gbedu/Resurection "Gbedu 1"(Ibadan Records 12" Promo)
The long awaited album/compilation by Joe Claussell is finally available on vinyl (although only on test pressing at this time), and it is produced by Jerome Sydenham and Joe himself. Included are a vocal version of "Je Ka Jo" featuring Vera Mara, the new 12" "Gbedu 1" which is another one of those beautiful percussive takes featuring fender rhodes, trap durms, guitar and bass. You also find a dub of "Suspicious" by Ten City, and brand new tracks full of that spiritual and percussive grooves Ibadan Records are known for.
October 24, 1999
Lenny Fontana & DJ Shorty feat. Loleatta Holloway "Choloate Sensation" (FFRR Records 12" Promo)
A few lucky DJs got this on dubplate, and they already generated a lot of interest for it. Only one mix so far on this one-sided promotional copy (your shop should have it - see my Editors Notes), but this proves the potential of this track.
The track builds nicely before some filtering comes in and the volume drops. The beat comes back, added with the vocals by Loleatta Holloway which will make explode the dancefloor.
October 17, 1999
Suba "Você Gosta" (SSR Records 12")
A really hot import from Belgium this comes with slamming mixes by Phil Asher under the Restless Soul moniker on groovy house tip with funky guitar and a real jazz flava with a kicking saxophone. There is a moodier version by Freezy Jam & Trevor Mood as well as the original version on a samba tip.
October 10, 1999
Tiefschwarz "Music" (Benztown/Edel Records 2x12" Promo)
This is the third time this beautiful peace of music gets reviewed, but here we have the complete product with all mixes, and the release date is just around the corner. Among the original version which was presented at this years Winter Music Conference, there is a smooth laidback verison, a piano led jazzed up version and a filtered affair on the disco tip. Mixes by Matthias Heilbronn (both vocal and dub) complete the package.
Deep Bros. "Deep Verano EP" (ReWax Records 12" Test Pressing)
The EP opens with "The Masterplan" which features ad-libs from Michael Watford over a funky groove with smooth keys. "She might be right" is a laidback groove with a jazzy piano and some spheric keys. "Brown and proud" is a groovy track with some funky flava.The final track "Deep Funk" is a bumpy and funky groove added with female vocals that could have the same success that "Soul talkin'" is getting at the moment.
October 3, 1999
Black Masses "Heavenly Stars" (Azuli Records 12" Promo)
The follow up to the massive "Wonderful Person" (thanks to the beautiful remixes by the Masters at Work) got snapped up by Azuli Records from TomTomClub Records and remixes by Joey Negro were commissioned. The 'Original Gospel Vocal Mix' is exactly what the name says: a house production full of gospel-ish vocal. Joey Negro adds a funky and disco style groove while keeping the gospel feeling of the vocal.
September 26, 1999
Blaze "Wishing you were here" (Slip'N'Slide Records 2x12" Test Pressing)
Beside the lovely original album version, there are remixes by Joey Negro who accompanies the gospel vocal with his funky-disco style grooves keeping the original jazzy flava and 20:20 Vision who turn it into a rougher electronic club stomper, and they created also a nice beatapella. And as a bonus, you also get "Cult of Soul", also lifted from the same album "Basic Blaze".
Pitch Black EP (Next Moov Traxx Records 12")
Jovonn is back with this hot four tracker. "Back in the Dark", my favorite track here, is coproduced by DJ Deep, and it is a typcial deep and moody Jovonn track where he talks about the 'underground'. The other three tracks are on the deep underground tip that only Jovonn can do.
September 19, 1999
Classic/Pick of the Week: David Mancuso presents "The Loft" (NuPhonic Records Quadruple Album-Set)
The Loft, a legendary club in New York that inspired many other clubs like The Gallery, The Paradise Garage and The Warehouse and many more, goes hand in hand with the legendary DJ David Mancuso. Here you get a box set compiled by David Mancuso where he tries to bring over the feeling of this legendary club by selecting some of the biggest tunes of the club.
A total of 18 gems are spread over 8 sides of vinyl. You find "Ain't no stopping us now" by Risco Connection, "Life on Mars" by Dexter Wansell, "City, Country, City" by War, "Is it all over my Face" by Loose Joints (in a rare, unreleased original full lenght version), "Soul Makossa" by Manu Dibango, "The Spirits in me" by Pattie Labelle, "Stay free" by Ashford & Simpson, "Love Honey, Love Heartache" by Man Friday", "Devotion" by Ten City, "Mysterious of Love" by Fingers Inc., "Yellow Train" by Resonance, "Rude Movements" by Sun Palace, "Seriuos, sirius space Party" by Ednah Holt, "Say a Prayer for two" by Crown Heights Affair, "Get ready for the Future" by The Winners, "High Priestess" by Karma, "Love Money" by T.W. Funkmasters and "Aeo (Parts 1 & 2)" by Brian Briggs.
Truly a great collection for people like me not having all those great records from the past. And even if you have the original records from back then, it is a worthy purchase with a great quality of the pressing.
"The Loft just opened my Brain" David Morales
September 12, 1999
Stephanie Mills "Latin Lover" (MAW Records 12")
It is great to see one of the dance musics early divas back on track with this monster production coming from 'Little' Louie Vega and Kenny 'Dope' Gonzales. A totally blissed out, jazzed up gem taking off where "Black Gold of the Sun" left. And when you go through the list of involved people, you see that only the best where choosen to be part of this project.
And whit a complete selection of mixes (vocal, two dubs, beats and acapella) you need two copies to create your own vibe.
September 5, 1999
Those Guys "Sierra Leone / Do the Boogaloo" (Basement Boys Records 12")
"Sierra Leone" is a tribal-esque and percussive house cut driven by a kicking horn, added with some african chants. But my favorite is "Do the Boogaloo", an old-school groover with a housy groove and both killer horns and a killer piano hook.
August 29, 1999
Santessa "Just when I needed you" (Joe Claussell Mixes)(DiscoVolante Records 12" Promo)
Joe Claussell again proving that the Body & Soul movement is very versatile and brings up different syles of music. Like on his remix of "Heaven" by Glenn Scott, he builds up an athmosphere around the song using some nice percussion, orchestral strings and keyboards. The dub version is a real delight where Joe goes for the full percussive play with a killer sax.
August 22, 1999
Summer '99 Sampler (Wave Records 12")
A four track sampler to please various tastes. "Sweet Spirit" by Eternal Sun feat. Ras Anthony is a percusive and spiritual cut standing in the tradition of the Body & Soul sound. "Capricorn" by Francois K. is a nice midtempo groover. "Juba Beats" by Juba (aka Joe Claussell) is - well you can imagine - a percussive track. Finally, there is "Matty's Funk" by Matthias Heilbronn is driven by jazzy keys and has a funky bassline.
August 8, 1999
Roger S. feat. Cooly's Hot Box "I never knew" (INCredible Records 12" Test Pressing)
Yet another one of the DJ's favorite tracks from this years Winter Music Conference gets its release. Mr. Sanchez is on top form on this house scorcher, listen to his club mix for yourself!! The flip has a Boris Dlugosch & Michael Lange 'Dub Attack' which adds some extra bass-funk flava to it.
August 1, 1999
Scott Grooves feat. Chris Codish "Organ Nights - Part 1" (Spiritual Life Music 12" Promo)
Mateo & Matos "Idris Rises" (Spiritual Life Music 12" Promo)
Spiritual Life Music continue to release quality music. "Organ Nights" has a killer hammond organ by Chris Codish over a deep groove. "Idris Rises" is another proove that Mateo & Matos put out versatile music, here they go for a percussive track that builds and builds. Watch out for their upcoming "Love of Life Project".
July 25, 1999
Seal "Latest Craze" (Bootlegg 12")
Remixed by Kerri Chandler & Jerome Sydenham, unfortunately rejected by Seal although Warner Brothers wanted to release it.Only one version available here, and without knowing it is a Seal records, you could think this is something out on Ibadan Records. I don't wanna lose more words on it, simply listen to the Real Audio file!!
July 18, 1999
Steve 'Silk' Hurley & Kelly G. "Silk Entertainment Sampler" (Silk Entertainment Records Limited 12")
Subtitled 'Unreleased Limited Edition Demos & Remixes', this is a real collectors item and hard to find. The standout song here is "Higher" by Vernessa Mitchell, a true gospel house vocal topping a rocking groove with a killer piano created by Steve 'Silk' Hurley. Also included is a nice new song titled "He loves me 2" by CeCe Peniston, proving again that Steve knows how to produce a solid house song working both on radio and in the clubs.
The 12" get completed with two unreleased mixes of Kelly G. feat. Sharon Pass "Go down Moses". The first is 'Silk Anthem Pt. 1', the full vocal version by Steve 'Silk' Hurley. The second is the 'Kelly G. Disco Mix' adding a new flavour to it with its bumping groove.
July 11, 1999
Trüby Trio "Prima Vera" (Compost Records 12" Limited Edition Promo)
Unfortunately, this 12" is only available as a very limited edition promo since it is a taster for the "Glüklich III" album which includes brazilian flavours from the past and the present, compiled by Rainer Trüby. "Prima Vera" is a combination of brazilian sounds and a soulful and smooth house groove. On the other side, you'll find "Ye mele" by Brazil Selection.
July 4, 1999
Frankie Knuckles presents Satoshie Tomiie "Tears" (FFRR Records 12" Promo, Original 12" from 1989)
One of the greatest moments in house music history is back for 1999. Originally out in 1989, this masterpiece features Robert Owens on vocals and was all about the soulful and piano-ish DEF-Mix sound when it was first released, complete with remixes by David Morales. Gladly, the original version by Frankie Knuckles is included on this promo along with an accapella and two outstanding remixes by Full Intention. They keep the original feeling and give it the '99 sound inlcuding the hip filter effects which work a treat here.
June 27, 1999
Gus Gus "Very important People" (4AD Records 12" Promo #1)
Four mixes here on this 12" promo. The Masters at Work deliever a vocal mix with a nice bassline and cool beats, all topped with a laidback guitar. Francois Kevorkian goes for a club version with a nice jazzy piano, jazzy keys and the laidback guitar as well. Dune gor for a jazzyy drum'n'bass mix while Q-Burn goes for an abstract house mix.
Promo #2 will be out soon with dub mixes by the Masters at Work and Francois Kevorkian as well as mixes by Fire Island.
June 20, 1999
DJ Spen presents Jasper Street Co. "God helps those (who help themselves)" (Basement Boys Records 12")
Taken from the forthcoming album "New Birth", this is inspirational and soulful music with the spirit of gospel making you feel you're in a church. Stomping house beats topped with the chants by Fruity, Martin Wilson, Vonetta Jenkins and the N.Y. Mass Choir, this takes our music to another level.
MAW present India "To be in Love" (Defected Records 2x12" Promo)
The '97 club monster track is back for more damage on the dancefloors. Lots of remixes to be available, this double-pack included the original Albert Cabrera dub, an acapella, Full Intention remixes that add a pumping groove to it as well as a mixes by the Masters at Work. Their 'MAW 99 Mix' keeps all the goods from the original but sounds fresh as it would be a brand new song. Also inlcuded is a beautilf piano mix with only the piano and India.
More mixes will come from MJ Cole and Frankie Feliciano.
June 13, 1999
Frankie Feliciano presents Boogalu "A Place in the Sun / One Note Samba" (MAW Records 12")
These two tracks by Frankie Feliciano have been done some time ago and should have been featured on an "All Stars Album" that was never put together so they are now released as a 12". 'A Place in the Sun' is groovy track lead by a trumpet and some wicked keys that give it a jazzy feeling. 'One Note Samba' is a simple and deep but effective groovy track.
June 6, 1999
Hardrive 2000 feat. Lynae "Never forget (when you touch me)" (Strictly Rhythm Records 12")
Finally, the new Hardrive 12" is out, after a wait for nearly three month since it was presented at the Winter Music Conference in Miami. We see 'Little' Louie Vega back on top form with a quality piece of music. Top production work, killer drums (programmed by Kenny 'Dope' Gonzales), smooth vocals performed by Lynae, congas by Luisito Quintero and a killer electric guitar by Michael Ciro. Not to forget the live bass by Gene Perez.
Can we ask for more? Yes, for a complete set of mixes to play around, and you got exactly that here. Vocal, dub, bonus beats, keyapella and acappella - just get two copies and enjoy it.
May 30, 1999
Mondo Grosso "Vibe PM" (NiteGroove Records 12" Promo)
Until now, this one was only available for a few lucky ones on For Life Records from Japan, but soon you can hold it in your hands thanks to NiteGroove Records who licensed it.. Remix credits go to the Masters at Work who chose India as lead vocalist, Gene Perez on live bass and Starvin T. on live bongos and shaker. Once again, Louie and Kenny are on top form on this one - check it out for yourself!
May 23, 1999
Blak Beat Niks "Celebration" (Large Records 12" Test Pressing)
The original mixes by the Blak Beat Niks are full of jazz. The first is on the house tip while the second is a cool jazzy jam session. 95 North were choosen to do the remixes, and they deliever a perfect work. Their 'Ruff House Dub' is the one for the dancefloor with a driving beat by keeping the jazzy feeling. The 'Basement Culture Remix' is the vocal version, and 95 North proove that they are a versatile production team capable of putting out different styles of music. They have choosen no to do the usual house thing - they go for serious kicking beats that work beautifully with the vocals.
May 16, 1999
Sunkids feat. Chance "Rescue me" (YellOrange Records 12")
Sunkids feat. Chance "Rescue me" (Masters at Work Remixes)(YellOrange Records 12" Test Pressing)
The biggest record of this years Winter Music Conference got finally released. Produced by Deepswing, this is garage music as it should be: uplifting, full of soul with a top vocalist in a good variety of mixes. And it is already licensed by AM:PM Records for the UK and Dreambeat Records for Italy so new mixes will follow soon.
Already finished are the Masters at Work remixes which are only available on test pressing at this time. They just added their trademark style beats and kept the original feeling which gives you a wonderful remix.
The Deep T & G. Project Demo (CD-R Promo)
This EP features three productions by German DJs Deep T and DJ G.O.D under the name Mind Base Productions. 'Introduce me' is a simple but effective garage number with male vocals (an instrumental version is included too) on top with a driving beat that will rock your dancefloor. 'Clapomat' is a track with a funky bassline, driving beats and a killer piano line that gets topped with some funny vocals. "Southerntune" is another simple but funky grooving track which has a piano on top. All in all, these EP is a showcase of those two talented DJs and should not be missed when it gets released.
May 9, 1999
Blue Six "Music and Wine" (Naked Music Records 12")
Jay Denes continues to please us with his deep and jazzy grooves. A nice selection of mixes by Jay himself, Attaboy and Miguel Migs can be found on this laidback groover.
Underground Network "Love is the answer" (Prelude Records 2x12")
Produced by Don Welch and Barbara Tucker, the originators of the Underground Network, with the help of many friends: Boyd Jarvis, Louie Vega, Larry Rouson, Kenny Bobian, Eddie Stockley, Eearl Benett Robinson, Freddie Turner and more. The main vocals are provided by Pierre Salandy.
Boyd Jarvis delievers the main club mixes, deep bubbling groovers. Check his 'Barbara Tucker Reminisce 2' where Ms. Tucker gives the props to those who deserve. Also, there is the beautiful 'Live Band Mix' included.
May 2, 1999
Jazzmina "Rescue me" (White Label)
In my box for a few weeks now, but I still haven't found out who the vocalist is (could it be Jazzmina as some sources tell me?). Only one mix on this one-sided white label, but this shows the potential of this production. Warm and soulful garage at its best.
Update 4th May: the vocalist is Jazzmina, and it is produced by Willie Washington.
April 25, 1999
Mary J. Blige "Beautiful" (DJ Spen Remixes)(Bootlegg 12")
Too much underground so Mary's record label decided not to release it, but if you're lucky enough, you can find this bootlegg which sounds excellent. Four mixes are present here (vocal, beats and two dubs). The bumpin beats match perfectly the vocals, and the soul of the original is kept alive.
Roy Davis Jr. "Love, Wisdom & Understanding" (Undaground Therapy Records 12")
Four vocal songs with a retro vibe can be found on this 12". A beautiful combination of that classics disco strings, some funky bass, the drum programming and house beats.
April 18, 1999
Voices from the Vatican feat. Una "In my arms "(YellOrange Records One-Sided 12" Test Pressing)
It took me some hard work getting my hands on this very limited test pressing that was exclusively given away at the Winter Music Conference in Miami. DJ Pope's production is a warm and deep garage affair build around the beautiful vocals by Una. Only the original version featured here with hopefully a full release coming our way soon.
April 11, 1999
Mutabaruka "Dis Poem '99" (Joe Claussell Mixes)(Guidance Records 12" Promo)
Already getting lots of attention everywhere, with a release coming close now. Joe Claussell teams up with Boyd Jarvis for this one, adding some fierce beats (that might remind you of Urban Soul's 'Alright'). Percussive as usual with a nice flute on top. This will catch you immediately...
April 4, 1999
A:xus feat. Naomi "Baghdad Café" (Guidance Records 12")
All props go out to the Guidance folks for putting out this brilliant vocal production. The groove will remind you of "Talking with myself " by Electribe 101, the vocals by Naomi are so subtle it is a pleasure to listen to it. Don't miss to check the percussive bonus beats version.
March 28, 1999
Powerhouse feat. Duane Harden "What you need" (Defected Records 2x12" Test Pressing)
One of this years WMC massive tracks, licensed by Defected Records from Strictly Rhythm Records for a UK release. A kick-ass track based on a pumping funky beat with a disco-sampling in the original Lenny Fontana version. Full Intention pump things even more up on their couple of mixes while Richard F is behind the filtered funky versions.
March 21, 1999
Marti St. Michaels "The Luv Track" (POJI Records CD-R Promo)
After a four year absence, POJI Records are back. Behind the label are DJ Oji and DJ Pope (aka 'The Brothers in Struggle') who have been very busy in the past on individual projects. The 'Tribute to the Masters Mix' is a very percussive workout inspired by (of course) the Masters at Work. The 'Black Lagoon Mix' is a ride into deep underground, also percussive but more moody with some jazzy flavor.
Tiefschwarz "Music" (Clubtools Records 12" Promo)
This promo features the exclusive 11 minute long original version which (as of yet) won't be included on the commercial release which will be out later this year. After being present with lots of remixes, Tiefschwarz decided to release a record on their own. Featuring a female singer on vocals, this is a quality piece of house music with all elements needed to make it a winner, including some nice breaks and a midtempo groove in classic 80's style a the end (please, give me a full midtempo version!!).
March 14, 1999
The Many Colours of Blaze (Slip'N'Slide Records Triple-Album)
Thirteen tracks that showcase the talents of Kevin Hedge and Josh Milan who started as Blaze in 1984 with their debut single "Yearnin'" which was released on Ace Beat Records. This album is a compilation of Blaze's recent history. One of the highligts is the unreleased original version of "Directions" (only ous a very limited edition promo on Spiritual Life Music), a deep and atmospheric house cut.
The album also features "My Beat" and "Seasons of Love" by Blaze, "Funky Peopl", "Lift him up" and "Accaliberation" by Funky People, "Innerside" by Shazz feat. Ken Norris in the outstanding 'Artform Vocal Remix', and more.
March 7, 1999
Kevin Yost "If she only knew" (Distance Music Records 12" Promo)
Taken from his forthcoming album 'One starry Night', Kevin once again gives us an outstanding jazz-house number. Shazz does a real cool remix also on the jazz tip while Todd Edwards gives it a groovy disco feel.
February 28, 1999
Atmosfear "Altered Slates" (Sushi Records Double-Album)
After a series of 12", the full album of remixes is out. All the previously released 12" are included here: the Idjut Boys remix of "Deep Bass Nine", the Masters at Work remix of "Dancing in outer Space", the Dimitri from Paris remix of "Motivation", the Francois K. remix of "Dancing in outer Space" - but wait, this is a so far unreleased 'Ambient Mix' which is really nice.
Also included are a Spook remix of "Feel up", a Ben Mitchell remix of "Extract" and Si Begg remix of "Alternative II". Don't forget to check out the cover of this splendid album.
February 21, 1999
95 North featuring Josef "Sun Goddess" (Large Records 12")
The original by Ramsey Lewis and Earth, Wind & Fire is a huge Loft classic. Here, we see Doug Smith and Richard Payton (aka 95 North) creating a spiritual remake of it.
February 14, 1999
Gwen Guthrie died on February 3 after she lost the fight against cancer. She contributed on many club classics in the eighties with her beautiful voice.
Among the songs remembered, there will be her appearance on the Padlock album which featured the collobaration of Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespare, Wally Badarou and Darryl Thompson. It was mixed by the legendary Paradise Garage DJ Larry Levan. The album features the classics 'Hopscotch', 'Seventh Heaven', 'Getting Hot', 'Peanut Butter' and 'Padlock' and was released in 1983.
Larry Levan also mixed many of the 12" she put out during her career. 'It should have been you' was released in 1982 and is one of the all time greatest club classics.
Other remarkable 12" inlcude 'Aint nothing going on but the rent', 'Outside in the Rain', 'Close to you' and 'Ticket to Ride' (just to name a few).
The Body & Soul DJs paid tribute to Gwen Guthrie when playing 'Seventh Heaven'.
February 7, 1999
Incognito "Nights over Egypt" (Talkin' Loud Records 2x12" Promo)
Beautifully adapted for the 90s, this double-pack is full of fantastic mixes by the Masters at Work: the soulful and jazzy grooves of Incognito simply adapted for the clubs with outstanding grooves.
January 31, 1999
Kerri Chandler EP (Black Vinyl Records 12" White Label)
No track info provided. Side a has a pumping and driving track with those Kerri style keys played with a jazzy edge while side b has a more laidback track in two different versions.
January 24, 1999
MAW presents a Tribute to Fela Kuti "MAW Expensive / Zoe" (MAW Records 12")
I still can't believe I finally have this piece of vinyl in my own hands. When I first heard it last october (when Louie Vega was spinning here in Zuerich), I immediately called MAW Productions to get a copy of it but it took until now it has been released (due to licensing reasons for the sample used).
The main track "MAW Expensive" is pure african music with those slamming beats added by the Masters and an irresistible flute. In the middle of this 12 minute long monster, the vocals kick in. The flip has "Zoe", a funked up african style affair and an "Accapella".
At least two copies needed!!
January 17, 1999
Armand Van Helden featuring Roland Clark "Flowers" (Armed Records 12" One-Sided Promo)
Finally out on vinyl after being played by numerous DJ's from acetate or tape, this one-sided promo only has the original version but this has so much quality no remixes are needed to turn this into a club monster...