The Reviews for 2001.
Decenber 23, 2001
LV "Can I take U" (Bootlegg 12")
This is supposed to be the Paul Simpson remix of the fantastic r&b song that is featured on its original version on the flip side. Since the remix is about four minutes short I made my own edit based on the vocal and instrumental versions.
Janet Jackson "When we oooh" (Jamsteady Remix)(Bootlegg 12")
Jamsteady are two music freaks from Canada who are behind this remix that stays true to the original with its bumpy groove.
Aaliyah "More than a woman" (Masters at Work Remixes)(Blackground/Virgin Records 2x12" Promo)
Aaliyah "More than a woman" (Masters at Work Dubs)(Blackground/Virgin Records 12" Promo)
The Masters at Work planned to rerecord the vocals for their remix, but sadly, Aaliyah died in an airplane crash before she maid it to the studio. Nevertheless, her label decided to release these mixes that come over three promo vinyls. Once more, MAW deliever a wonderful warm and mellow groove with a beautiful guitar. The double-pack includes two different vocals versions, an instrumental, beats and the 'Guitar Version'. The single 12" includes three dub mixes and another beats version.
"You are more than a woman, more than a legend, more than a dream...that will live forever."
Jon Cutler "It's yours" (Frankie Feliciano Remix)(Parts 1+2)(Chez Records 2x12" One-Sided Promo)
Even more remixes, and maybe the best ones so far. Coming on two one-sided promos, Frankie Feliciano gives it a different twist on his mixes. Part 1 features beats and a version with spacey keys while part 2 features a mellow version with a laidback guitar.
Louie 'Balo' Guzman "Afro cuban jivaros / Back to tribal" (NightGrooves Records 12")
"Afro cuban jivaros" is a wicked tribal-ish track with african chants. "Back to tribal" is all what the name suggests.
Mafikizolo "Loot" (MAW Records 12")
The african vocal chants will remind you of "Cantos a ochun et oya" by Osunlade, but the track itself is on a different tip with its laidback vibe.
AK "Say that you love me" (King Street Records 12")
Francois K and Eric Kupper team up on the remix of this track that is licensed from Japan. The main version features the japanese vocals over a bumpy house groove with a jazzy trumpet. The dub mix is a percussive beats version.
Decenber 16, 2001
Runner up: The Rurals "Lush" (95 North Remix)(Peng Records 12")
Hmm... somehow this record that is out for a few weeks now never made it into my pile at my record stores. But this record is to good to be missed!! Richard Payton and Doug Smith aka 95 North with a hot remix of one of my favorite tunes of this year. They keep the original laidback and mellow feeling alive and add a fierce groove that takes it to another level. The dub includes some extra keys and a lovely bassline.
Erro "Don't change for me" (Joey Negro Remix)(Z-Records 12" Test Pressing)
Joey Negro remix one of these years most underrated records that got released on Yoruba Records back in February. He adds an extra dose of power with a stomping groove, but manages to keep the original vibe alive.
Alicia Keys "Big trouble" (Bootlegg 12")
The saga of the 'San Francisco House Remixes' that only get released on bootlegg 12" continues with this superb rework of "Troubles" with a stomping beat and the original jazzy keys.
Kerri Chandler featuring E-Man "Brooklyn (where I live)" (Sfere Records 12")
Kerri is bringing us another one of his famous deep grooves, with E-Man paying respect to lots of scene people that visited Brooklyn (New York) in the past years.
Dana Byrd "Your love" (Wave Records 12")
Pal Joey with a laidback groover featuring Dana Byrd on vocals and the wonderful jazzy sax by Tom Smith - perfect for a late night session. Danny Krivit delivers the club friendly edit that makes both the vocal and sax shine.
Jacob Desvarieux "An di adie" (Alton Miller remixes)(World Series Part 1)(Distance Records 12")
Mory Kante "Dimini" (Matthias 'Matty' Heilbronn Remixes)(World Series Part 2)(Distance Records 12")
Out for some time already, but still worth getting a listen: "An di adie" gets remixed by Alton Miller in an afrocentric way with a laidback Body & Soul feeling to it. Matthias 'Matty' Heilbronn takes on "Dimini" and delivers a set of stunning remixes featuring his AllStars on instrumentation.
Seek "The story of us" (GiantStep Records 12")
This is the long awaited follow up to "Surrender". The original with is groovy instrumentals and sexy vocals get remixed by Cottonbelly who deliever a percussion-driven, soulful version while KemeticJust's version is a luscious blend of deep and dark vibes.
Decenber 9, 2001
Runner up: Blaze Productions presents James Toney Jr. Project "Lovely ones" (Remix)(LifeLine Records 12")
Timmy Regisford with a remix that already gets hammered by those having on CD for some time now. He takes the original a step further with a bumpy groove and the jazzy keys that give this track a wonderful smooth feeling. Blaze deliever a dub with a broken beat that works the organ to the max.
Larry Heard "Another night" (Trackmode Records 12")
Taken from his last album "Love's arrival", this is a lovely re-edit of a song on a mellow and smooth tip, remembering me of the classic "Love sereneade" from The It from 1990.
India "I can't get no sleep" (Jay-J Remix)(Bootlegg 12")
Kelis "Flashback" (Miguel Migs Remix)(Bootlegg 12")
Hopefully the information I got about these bootleggs is correct... otherwise please let me know. "I can't get no sleep" gets reworked by Jay-J who goes for a deep rumbling groove with laidback keys. "Flashback" from Kelis gets the makeover from Miguel Migs who goes for a moody groove with wicked keys.
Macy Gray "Sexual revolution" (Epic Records 12")
The European release only includes the vocal version by Blaze and Miguel Migs, so you should grab the US release which includes also the dub mixes.
Derrick White "Soul 2 let go" (Styles Kickin' Records 12")
Sir Piers & Ed Funk bringing us another fine remix. A deep bubbling bassline coupled with warm keys, a lovely guitar and the female vocals - the result is a wonderful smooth house track.
'The Minister of Sound' Ron Carroll presents Shawn Christopher "Can't give up" (YellOrange Records 12")
Olivier Desmet 'Bulletproof Disco Mix' is on a disco-edge with a straight-forwad, pumping house groove. Rick Garcia delievers the ' Deep Tribal Dub', a tribal extravaganza.
Bob Sinclar "Save our souls" Defected Records 2x12" Test Pressing)
Out as the b-side to "Darlin'" before, now getting its own full release. This double holds the original version and the previously released Brian Tappert Re-Edit as well as a dark and twisted remix from Kidstuff. And then there is the DJ Spen remix with a cut-up groove and the full preacher vocal that is the main attraction here.
ATFC featuring Lisa Millett "Sleep talk" (Defected Records 2x12" Promo)
I alreaday reviewed the original on bootlegg some weeks ago. This double-promo now holds a wide selection of mixes to choose from, including the original. ATFC on their own deliever a couple of mixes on both funky and disco tip. DJ Meri is smoothing it down on his mixes which have a warm feeling. Tom De Neef's dub remix is on a tribal-ish tip.
Maureen Parker "For your love" (Look-At-You Records 12")
This is a Brent Laurence production whos mixes are based on a bumpy house groove. The Pound Boys deliever the remixes. On their vocal take they add soulful keys while on the dub they go for a disco-ish rub.
Decenber 2, 2001
Runner up: Solu "Afrika / Sunsets" (Solu Music Records CD-Promo)
The vocals are supplied by the Magharibi Crew while Bernhard Ultrich plays the wild sax on this outstanding, soulful afro-house track It has an explosive groove full of energy on the main version. The 'Utuku Mix' has got a much sexier vibe. There is also "Sunsets" wich features Kimblee with her gorgeous vocals over a midtempo groove that is on a soulful lounge tip.
Ospina featuring Andricka Hall "Me without you" (Definity Records 12" Test Pressing)
Davidson Ospina with his latest production coming soon on Definity. The MAS Collective remixes are on a dark and progressive tip, so the only enjoyable mix for the soulful heads is the original vocal mix by Davidson himself with a bumpy house groove and warm and spheric keys.
Antonio Ocasio "Renewal" (Tribal Winds Records 12" Promo)
Antonio with his latest offering, a percussive jazz track with a mellow house groove on the main version while the second version included is on a serious jazz tip.
Anastacia "Paid my dues" (Blaze Mixes)(Sony Records 12" White-Label/Promo)
Blaze are bringing us another remix of a pop artist. Here they us a bumpy groove which bring Anastacia's voice to full effect Some wicked keys are included as well. The vocoded vocals might be not your thing, but this seems to be the gadged of the moment to be used by many remixer.
Soha "Gabbeh / Balance" (Basic Records 12")
Julien Jabre & DJ Gregory aka Soha are back with a slamming track in form of "Gabbeh" which uses a stomping beat with some adlibs and spheric keys, the result being a driving track with a techy feeling. "Balance" on the flip is a spaced out new-age track with a house beat.
The Rurals "Remixed" (Peng Records 12")
Harley & Muscle remix "Make amends" into a laidback stomper with a wicked organ. The Cue Kids take on the same song and give it a soulful and laidback feeling. "Greenday" is also on a laidback vibe with a nice orchestral touch.
Maléna "Para ti (for you)" (Limited Edition Remixes)(NeatMusic Records 12")
C&M Productions are the remixers here. They turn it into a mellow and laidback house groover, right for the after hours.
Sven Löve & Catalan FC featuring Paula Ralph "Just keep holding on" (SoleMusic Records 12")
The main vocal mix is a smooth garage production on a laidback tip. The dub on the flip is on the gospel house tip with warm keys.
Panyard "The Panyard EP" (Subliminal Soul Records 2x12")
Panyard is the project of Lee Latmir, Jzules Maharaj and David Vine. Three thracks included here. "Oh-J" comes in both vocal and instrumental versions and is a grooy house track with a soulful vibe. "Father of the universe" has a spiritual touch and is on a mellow and smooth vibe. "Song on my mind" is a simple track with a bumpy house groove.
Unknown "Back to the Funk EP" (723 Music Records 12")
No info available about this white label on E-Smoove's label. It is a catchy house track with a nice funky guitar riff and bumpy groove.
November 25, 2001
Reel People featuring Nathan Haines "Spiritual" (Opaque Remix)(Papa Records 12")
The 'Opaque Remix' is done by Seji (for Bugz in the Attic) and it is a beautiful laidback remix with a broken beat.
SoulCamp "Organic roots" (T.O.I. Records 12" Test Pressing)
If you're into deep and delicious house grooves, then this one is for you. With a deep and dark percussive groove and a moody feeling this one is gonna be a grower with the sublime keys. Great work from the Berlin based SoulCamp guys.
Night People "Love will keep us together" (T.O.I. Records 12" Test Pressing)
Sebastian Krieg with this first release for T.O.I. This is a groovy house tune with a nice hook and fine vocal line. If you're like me and adore deep grooves, check the 'Morninggrooves Mix' which takes it a step deeper with a moody feeling. Cool.
Henri Fontaine & Mahtieu Lespine "Unknown" (CD Promo)
A so far untitled demo track from the french duo Henri Fontaine & Mathieu Lespine. They bring us a warm and soulful groove with a deep bass and jazzy keys. A lovely tune with a smooth touch. Contact:
DJ Spinna "Feep rooted" (NightGrooves Records 12")
After his sensational remix of "Days like this" by Shaun Escofferey, DJ Spinna is back with a wicked track based on a percussive afro-style groove that is filled with lots of percussion and some stunning keyboard work.
Myra "Come to me" (KingStreet Records 12")
This was my pick from the "Abstract Latin Lounge" compilation, and finally it got the well deserved full 12" release. Frankie Feliciano has been in the studio reworking it into an outstanding piece of music with a deep bubbling laidback groove that brings the vocal to full effect. And there is also a magic trumped solo...
Louis Benedetti presents "Live @ the Soulful Session EP" (Soulful Sessios Records 12")
"2001 live" was recorded live at the "SoulShine Soulful Session Miami", a party that took place at this years Winter Music Conference. Louis Benedetti then took this recording back to his studio and the result is a truly soulful track with wicked wurlitzer keys, a deep bassline, electric guitar and trumpet. The other side of the 12" has the 'Soulful Session Vox" remix of Curtis Masters "The love I want".
Fish Go Deep featuring Rebecca Meagher "Let's go back" (Chez Records 12")
Chez Records bringing us a deep track with mellow keys and the lovely vocals of Rebecca Meagher over a bumpy house groove.
Pearl "Higher" (Jetset Records 12" Promo)
Pearl is the collaboration between Allessandra and fomer Cristal Clear member Fred Esuba. It is coming on the new Swiss label Jetset Records. It is an explosive track with a wicked, deep groove.
The Lost Tribes of Ibadan (Sfere Records 12")
There is is no information on the record about the included tracks. The a-side track features a wicked guitar and african vocals over a bumpin' house groove. The b-side track features a wonderful flute over a laidback groove.
Arnold Jarvis "What goes around" (Transport Records 12")
What a combination: take vocalist Arnold Jarvis with his unmistakable voice and then take Miguel Migs who creates one of his irresistible grooves, and you got a winner on your hand. On the flip, Vincent Kwok goes for a classic approach not unsimilar to some older Morales/Knuckles stuff.
Nicci featuring Omega "Count on me" (EasyStreet Records 12")
Quality mixes can be found on this 12" by Dennis Ferrer who uses a jazzy trumpet and a driving, bumpy groove and David Camacho who teams up with Intense for an easy floating, laidback mix with a lovely guitar.
November 18, 2001
Runner up: Africanism "Macumba walélé" (Yello Records 12" Promo)
Tribal french producer Bibi from Paris is behind the next Africanism offering "Macumba walélé". A percussive beat on a tribal-ish tip with a brilliant jazzy horn will keep your feet moving.
Macy Gray "Sexual revolution" (Blaze & Miguel Migs Mixes)(Sony Records 12" Promo)
Blaze seem to be everbody's darling at the moment. They're bringing us so many remixes and productions at the moment it might get too much. This is an interesting mixture of the usual laidback Blaze vibes with the extraordinary vocals of Macy Gray. On the flip, Miguel Migs delivers his Petalpusher mixes.
Louis Benedetti featuring David Ruffin Jr. "Show you my love" (SoulShine Records 12")
Soulful vibes coming from the sunny Florida. The song and especially David Ruffin Jr.'s vocals remembering me of Maxwell with the funky guitar and laidback groove.
Blaze presents "How deep is your love" (Remixes)(Shelter Records 12" Promo)
My favorite cut from the "Natural Blaze" album getting the remix treatment by Timmy Regisford who doesn't change to much on the track and keeps the feeling of the original alive. A nice selection of mixes included on this 12" including instrumental and acapella versions.
Modaji "Into something / One and the same" (Laws of Motion Records 12")
"Into something" is remixed by Jon Cutler who gives it a laidback vibe with a wicked guitar and spheric keys over a bumpy groove. "One and the same" gets remixed by Jazztronik and is on an even more laidback, percussive groove full of violins, cello and contra bass which are arranged in an orchestral way.
7th District In. featuring Beverley T. "Destiny" (Remixes)(Ministry of Music Records 12" Promo)
Hardsoul give it a driving feel with a stomping groove and cool keys. Chus & Penn go for a latin vibe on their remix.
Pound Boys featuring SeVaughn "Love, peace, harmony" (83 West Records 12")
"Peace, love, harmony" is a bumpy house track with warm keys, a jazzy sax and female vocals by SeVaughn.
Anteanna "Going out" (Guidance Records 12")
One of the most versatile labels didn't offer much house and garage related music in the past couple of month, but here we get a nice package. "Going out" is a jazz-funk track with a deep bubbling bassline on a laidback vibe. On the flip is "Motherload", a more uptempo jazz-funk track.
Chorduroy Music "Stealth Jazz EP" (Viva Records 12")
"Fine cognac" features a wonderful saxophone by Richard Underhill over a bumpy house groove with warm and spheric keys. "So many times" is on a funky tip with jazzy keys with the dub using extra percussion.
Kaskade featuring Rob Wannamaker "Gonna make it" (OM Records 12")
Andy Caldwell featuring Omega "I can't wait" (OM Records 12")
A double-header from OM Records coming to our ears this week. "Gonna make it" features a cool trumpet and male vocals over a catchy house groove. "I can't wait" features female vocalist Omega and a saxophone over a moody groove.
November 11, 2001
Runner up: MAW featuring Patti Austin "Like a butterfly (you send me)" (MAW Records 12")
Louie Vega & Kenny Dope continue to work together with the cream of the vocalists around. This time, they've choosen Patti Austin to sing over the warm groove that uses a deep bass and lovely guitar. Good and positive vibes at its best.
Mr Joshua presents Espiritu "In praise of the sun" (Cream Records 12" Test Pressing)
This test pressing is different from the acetate I reviewed a couple of weeks ago: the 'Quintero Beats' got replaced by the 'MAW Sun Dub' on the b-side. The a-side still holds the fantastic 'MAW Mix', now titled 'MAW Remix'.
Black Masses "My heavenly stars" (Blaze Remixes)(EasyStreet Records 12")
Ok, just mentioning Blaze isn't correct because they did the remixes together with Timmy Regisford and Jihad Muhammad. Their mixes take this uplifting vocal production to another level with a funky guitar, bass and the Blaze-style beats.
New Love Symphony "My love don't come easy" (Remix)(TomTomClub Records 12")
The 'Inner Soul' mixes of this cover version were already reviewed on this page on September 2. Here are now some fresh and brand new versions to choose from. The 'Classic Club Mix' is a nice variation of the 'Inner Soul Vocal' with the beats being a bit more aggressive. The 'Symphony Club Mix' goes for a different vibe replacing the house groove with a classy 70's old-school groove.
Papo Sanchez "Aguas puras" (Vinyl Soul Records 12")
Terry Hunter with a latin house production with nice instrumentation. Georgie Porgie is delivering a dub version while on the flip there are remixes by Sir Piers & Ed Funk who give it a more laidback feeling.
Mundo Azul "Sereia" (MuschiTunes Records 12")
After being only available as a limited one-sided 12" for quite some time, the full release is out now inlcuding fresh remixes. Hardsoul use a driving beat with a fierce piano over it to create an even more intense latin feel. It is more of a dub since they use not much of the vocals. Tiefschwarz deliever both a vocal and instrumental version with a polished groove, lovely guitar and nice keys.
Julius Papp featuring Dave Warrin presents "Love is the message" (i! Records 12")
It is impossible to stand up to the timeless original by MFSB (for instance, just remember the superb edit by Danny Krivit), but Julius Papp doesn't fail with his cover version. The sax played by Noel Catura is a new interpretation of the original and makes this cover version fresh and different but keeps the original vibe alive.
Jon Cutler featuring E-Man "It's yours" (Remixes)(Brickhouse Records 2x12")
One of this years biggest cuts is around for the second time on 2x12" includings lots of hot remixes. Boris Dlugosch & Michi Lange aka BMR pump it up with a twisted loop, Tiefschwarz deliver a marvellous broken beats version, Ian Pooley comes up with sweet mixes and lastly there is the Dara Band remix that uses a warm and laidback groove that brings the sunny days back.
Dara Band with Michael Procter "The way love goes" (GoGo Music Records 12")
Dara Band areDaniel Klein and Ralf Gum who present this hot production that features Michael Procter on vocals over a bumpy house groove with lovely keys, a cool guitar and rhodes.
Solar House "Power of Sound EP" (Large Records 12")
Fresh and Low back with an EP which includes wicked track. "Power of sound" is a smooth track with a laidback groove with lots of percussion. "Higher power" is a fierce track with a wicked guitar. "Freedom" is a deep track with a moody feel to it.
November 4, 2001
Runner up: Marlon D. & Frankie Ojeda featuring Ocean present "Miss our love" (Underground Collective Records 12")
This record has such a nice intro on its 'Original Vocal Mix' with just the beats, the sounds of rainfall in the background and Ocean talking over it. Then, the jazzy keys comes in and Ocean starts to sing over the warm and laidback groove. Remixes by Romatt and Dennis Ferrer complete the package.
Azymuth "Before I forget" (Kenny Dope Remix)(FarOut Records 12")
Kenny 'Dope' giving this jazz track a NuYorican Soul rub with slamming beats under the jazzy vibes.
Rose "Power of one" (Parts 1 + 2)(United Records 2x12" Test-Pressing)
Not much info available about these two 12" beside that Kerri Chandler has done the mixes. Part one includes the 'Brazilian' mixes (one a full version, the other one a guitar acapella) while on part two there are the deeper club and dub versions.
Soul Providers featuring Michelle Shellers "Hold on" (Look-At-You Records 12")
This is a cover of the Sade song "Nothing can come between us" and is certainly much better than many of those obscure bootleggs wth various remixes around. Blaze have been choosen as remixers and they deliever a set of fierce mixes with a driving beat that bring the vocals to full effect and will keep your feet moving.
Miguel Migs & Jay-J featuring Jo Jo Hailey "Friend of the blues" (Black Vinyl Records 12")
The team of Miguel Migs & Jay-J from the west coast of the USA brings us this classy 12" with a bubbling groove, deep bass and lovely guitar. Not to forget the soulful vocals by Jo Jo Hailey.
"True Spirit 2 Album Sampler" (Chilli Funk Records 12")
This 12" is a taster for the forthcoming "True Spirit 2" album on Chilli Funk Records. It includes "Earth is the place" by Nathan Haines featuring Verna Francis, "Spiritual" by Reel People featuring Nathan Haines (an exclusive Jon Cutler remix) and finally "Deeper" by Speedbump.
Matthias 'Matty' Heilbronn presents The II Deep Allstars "Keep on movin'" (NiteGrooves Records 12")
Matthias Heilbronn teamed up with lots of talented musicians on this project to create a laidback groove full of percussion, guitar and saxophone with an afro-latin touch.
Legacy "Lost love" (Clairaudience Records 12")
Temp 2 "I wish you were here" (Clairaudience Records 12")
Anthony Nicholson is back with two quality releases. Both are on his very own vibe. "Lost love" makes use of jazzy keys, male vocals and bongos while "I wish you were here" uses female vocals over a more percussive groove.
Sun Tzu featuring Octahvia "Keep coming together" (Ündo Records 12")
Ündo is new division of Gossip Records. This - their first release - is done by Live Elements and features Octahvia on vocals. It is a very easy, laidback track full of warm keys and harmonies.
Johnny 'D' & Nicky P. present The Brooklyn Zoo II "Bone up!" (4th Floor Records 12")
JohNick got Josh Roseman from the Groove Collective as guest musician on the bone here. A simple but terrific track.
Brothers in the Struggle featuring Josef "Holdin' on" (Silk Entertainment Records 12" Promo)
The Brothers in the Struggle are back with outstanding vocalist Josef providing his magic voice over a deeply bubbling groove with wicked keys. Various mixes to choose from with Ron Carroll on remix duty.
Pound Boys featuring Byron Stingily "Can we try again" (Look-At-You Records 12")
A bumpy house groove with a deep bass and Byron Stingily's unmistakeable vocals over it, added with a rock-ish guitar.
Jennifer Lopez "I'm real" (Warren Clarke Mixes)(Epic Records 12" Promo)
Warren Clarke on remix duty for J-Lo's latest single. It's the dub that is the interesting mixes of the dub with a wicked guitar and cool keys over a funky and pumping groove.
Souxsoul featuring Sybille "I'm warning you" (Purple Music Records 12" Test Pressing)
The Gayle Adams classic gets revamped for 2K01 by Soulxsoul with featured vocalist Sybille. The result is a fresh sounding cover version with a deep bass and lovely guitar. Nicely done indeed.
Jamiroquai "You give me somthing" (Full Intention Mixes)(Sony Records 12" Promo)
Full Intention with a set of rocking mixes of a track that is already great in its original form on the album. They added a driving house beat and some extra keys. More mixes around on other promos, but these are the best I heard so far.
ATFC "Sleep talk" (White Label 12")
This on is on white label for some time now. I don't know wether it is the original white label or already a remixed version that is rumoured to exist. Originally done by Alyson Williams in 1989 on Def Jam Records, this cover uses a funky groove and disco-ish keys over a pumping beat. It should get a full release sometime in the future on Defected Records.
DJ N-Joy Project "Love fever / Lades night feeling" (DC Records 12" Promo)
Different Ways "Nobody knows EP Vol. 1" (DC Records 12" Promo)
Here we have the latest stuff from DJ N-Joy. "Love fever" and "Ladies night feeling" are two funky tracks with the second one sampling the Kool and the Gang classic "Ladies night". The "Nobody knows EP Vol. 1" offers various funky tracks and a samba house groover.
Mondo Grosso "Star suite" (Blaze Remixes)(KingStreet Records 12")
Finally, the gigantic nearly 17 minute long Blaze remix is released outsid of Japan. This 12" also included a nearly 15 minute long dub version.
October 28, 2001
Special Review: Jamiroquai "Little L" (Spirit of House Shelter Edit)(CD-R)
This is my own edit based on the Shelter mixes by Blaze that have been put out by Epic US on a limited promo 12" a short while ago (good luck finding the promo - all copies seem to be gone withing just a couple of days). Let
Runner up: Masters at Work featuring Puppah Nas-T & Denise "Work" (Remixes)(MAW Records 12")
Hot remixes by both Kenny 'Dope' Gonzales who goes for a tribal workout witha beautiful 'Flute Mix' and SOHA aka Julien Jabre & DJ Gregory from France adding some fierce afro elements to create a wicked groove.
Runner up: Dennis Ferrer "Soul Collectives Vol. 2" (Large Records 12")
"...going back to my rootz" is written on the sticker, and when you listen to the three tracks, you understand what Dennis Ferrer wants to say with this message. There is "I don't know why..." with an unnamed vocalist (I guess it is Loleatta Holloway by the way she is screaming) over a deep bumping old-school groove with wicked keyboards. "Call" is a gospel house production with a stomping groove. "4 the children" sees Dennis singing himself over a soulful groove with percussion and a jazzy sax, the whole track carrying a classic philly vibe in it.
Runner up: Viola "Little girl" (Nervous Records 12")
This is one of those songs that didn't get much attention in Miani simply because only a few lucky ones got it there, but those immediately reported this to be huge. Kyle Smith as producer and Violy Sykes as vocalist team up on this beautifully produced and arranged track that features warm keys over a deep bubbling groove. It will simply catchy once you hear it.
Jasper St. Company "A feelin'" / Kenny Bobien "You gave me love" (Basement Boys Records 12" Test Pressing)
This 12" inlcudes both a re-issue of the classic "A feelin'" by Jasper St. Company in the 'Paradox Vocal Mix' as well as an unreleased mix of Kenny Bobien's "You gave me love".
Jasper St. Company "Lift every voice" (Mousse T Remixes)(Basement Boys Records 12" Tes Pressing)
The long awaited Mousse T remix finally out on vinyl. He goes for an uplifting production with a thumping bass and a cool guitar.
Joey Musaphia presents Pecent 13 "Real Deal" (Remixes)(White Label 12")
These remixes are far better than the original ones in my opinion using a pumping groove coupled with lovely keys that bring the vocals to full effect. There is a nice 'Reprise' coming in form of a pianopella version.
Facing Changes "Ladies man" (Bootlegg 12")
A bootlegg 12" with a soulful Mike Dunn house mix on the flip side of the Chaning Faces song "Ladies man". He adds a taseful and respectful house rhythm to the original r&b production.
Naked Music NYC "Reconstructed Soul - 3 of 3" (OM Records 12")
Part 3 of the remixes of the classic Naked Music releases "If I fall" and "It's love". The standout cut here is the Joshua remix of "It's love" with a vibrant groove and smooth keys bringing the vocals to full effect. Kaskade uses a driving groove for his "If I fall" remix coupled with a jazzy trumped and deep bubbling bass.
Antonio Ocasio "Sun splash" (Tribal Winds Records 12")
Antonio Ocasio keeps the vibes floating on his latest production full of percussion, congas, guitar, bass and keys. House music with inspiration.
Batidos "Tengo sed (the Batidos Song)" (Six Degrees Records 12")
Jay Rodriguez & Ron Trent are Batidos so you know you can expect a great production. Ron Trent delievers the goods on the mixes with those lovely spheric keys we know from his previous releases over a percussive groove. There is also a version that stripps it down to the drums.
Eminence featuring Kathy Brown "Give it up" (Defected Records 2x12" Test Pressing)
After being around on one-sided test-pressings a couple of month ago just including the main Cleptomaniacs mix, here is now the full package including the full scale of mixes from the Cleptomaniacs including dubs and acapellas. Jon Cutler delievers a set of hot mixes that include a wicked guitar over a fierce groove. The package gets completed with tribal-ish mixex by Sebastien Leger. It would surprise me if there wouldn't be more mixes coming soon...
Money Chocolate featuring Sarah Webb "Keep the love" (Subliminal Soul Records 12")
With all that filtered and pumping stuff that Subliminal is releasing these days, it is refreshing to see that they keep it real on their Subliminal Soul imprint. A funky rhythm with soulful vocals on top and some sweet keyboards can be found here.
October 21, 2001
ADNY presents "Clear vision" (Wave Records 12")
This EP contains four quality sassy deep house grooves. There is "Omato grosso", a sexy laid laid-back deep house track featuring guitar and the vocals of Tomas Castro. "Beautiful boy" has Nicole Vergel de Dios on vocals in a deep song. The flip has "You're a lover" with Rebecca Shoichet on vocals on a more uptempto funky track a great vibe. Finally, there is "You are my light" that features Nicole Vergel de Dios on vocals with a melodious track that features a live trumpet.
Jill Scott "Slowly surely" (Bootlegg 12")
Once more a bootlegg coming to my desks that stands out off the many around these days. I got no idea who is behind it, but it is a nice house workout of Jill Scott's "Slowly surely" with a heavily bumpin' beat that works perfectly with the soulful vocals and laidback trumpet.
The Rhythm Slaves "Timeslip EP" (Peng Records 12")
The latest offering from Peng is an EP full of jazzy house vibes coming in different variations.
T. Kolai featuring Mustafa "One another" (Vinylicious Records 12")
You'll always find quality music on Vinylicious releases. "One another" is a really deep and grooy track with lots of percussion and congas as well as strings and piano, whispers and the lead vocals by Mustafa Akbar.
Copyright "Unknown" (White Label 12")
The third white label release from Copyright and another disco-ish production with a funked-up house rhythm.
Roger Sanchez featuring Armand Van Helden and N'Dea Davenport "You can't change me" (Jazz'N'Groove Mixes)(Defected Records 12" Test Pressing)
As usual, Defected are putting out a couple of different promos, but it's this one here with the Jazz'N'Groove mixes that got my attention with their stomping groove and wicked keys.
D.H.S. "House of god" (Remixes Part 2)(ClubTools Records 12")
Funily I got part two in the mail without having received part one... "House of god" was a huge techno classic in 1990 that is set to enter the house dancefloors now with various remixes to choose from. This 12" features fierce mixes by Cajuan with a pumping, filtered groove keeping it on a minimalistic but fierce vibe.
Stacy Kidd featuirng Matthew Yates "I wanted you" (YellOrange Records 12")
YellOrange with a suprising release. The main vocal mix and the dub are on a jazz-funky fusion tip. Something different, and definitely worth being checked out. The package is completed by a 'Clu Radio Mix' which uses a bumpy house groove.
October 14, 2001
Runner up: Bobby and Steve present Johnnie Fiori "You will survive" (Soul Heaven Records 12" White-Label)
Bobby & Steve with a one-sided taster for the first release on their recently founded label. Take a superb vocalist like Johnnie Fiori, then for the backing music get a philly classic out of the crate and finally add a fierce groove with some additional effects. The results truly stands for itself.
Urban Dance Institution "Moving & grooving" (White Label 12")
Got this white label in the mail this week with not much information about it It is a fierce track with a pumping beat and a wicked guitar opening up before more instrumentation comes in. There is an surpresing but interesting break in it taking it to a different level. If you're interested, send an email
BeBe Winans featuring Stevie Wonder and Marvin Winans "Jesus, children of america" (Bootlegg 12")
One of the most uplifting productions in recent months finally out on vinyl (I already featured it twice in my mixes, playing it from CD). Since the label decided not to bring it out so far, here is now a bootlegg coming your way. You'll find the main vocal and the instrumental version on it, but there are more versions available. Not to be missed at any cost, and it shouldn't be too hard to find (the sticker on the label says "Tell the story").
Runner up: Tramaine "By his strength" (Gospo Centric Records 12" Promo)
One of the strongest remixes the Basment Boys ever did, the result being an absolut outstanding production with the gospel vocals shining through every second over a soulful groove with a lovely piano and brilliant organ.
Reel People featuring Nathan Haines "Spiritual" (Jon Cutler Remix)(Papa Records 12")
Jon Cutler with a stunning remix featuring a marvellous flute and laidback guitar accompanied by a deep bubbling bassline along groovy beat.
Bobby D'Ambrosio with C.J. "Reach out" (Definity Records 12")
While we are still waiting for his album "Here I am", there is another 12" release lifted from that album. A fierce and pumping groove topped with a catchy piano make the way for C.J.'s vocals. On the flip side, Eric Kupper takes it a level deeper on his mixes.
Jezebels Addiction featuring Michelle Weeks "Believe in love" (Bassclef Records 12")
Bassclef with a gem in their hand in form of this monster track which features Michelle Weeks on vocals over a rough and very underground-ish groove which is rocking from the beginning to the end...
Telephono Allstars featuring Latanza Waters "Do it to the music" (723 Music Records 12")
Already out in Europ on a 2x12", this is the US release with a superb Re-Edit by E-Smoove of his interpretation, a funky house jam with a bumpy house groove that remembers me of Lisa Stansfield.
Boyd Jarvis featuring Level 3 "Central line" (Central Park Records 12")
Remember the original from the past days? Well, here you get a terrific update which is a simple but electrifying track that should catch you by the first listen.
Michi Lange "Michi EP Vol. II" (Peppermint Jam Records 12" Test Pressing)
Michi Lange finally found some time to put out his second EP after being involved in various remix projects together with partner Boris Dlugosch in the past couple of month. Two hot cuts ready to do damage on the dancefloor can be fond on this 12" with "Louder than word" featuring Norma Jean Wright on vocals.
Mateo & Matos "Does it feel good" (United Underground House Sounds Records 12")
From time to time, Mateo & Matos come up with a track that stands out of the mass of tracks around each and every week. A deep and moody groove with a laidback guitar are the elements used here. Simple but electrifying.
Orienta-Rhythm featuring Lonnie Gordon "Falling in and out of love" (KingStreet Records 12")
Todd Gardner on remix duty here on this production originating from the land of the rising sun. Strong mixes with a bumpy groove and catchy keys riding along.
Champion Soul featuring Mariana Vera "Song of love" (Lifeline Records 12")
Driven by an acoustic guitar, the vocals are swimming in echo and float over a deep flute-infested rhythm that has some spanish influences.
One World featuring Miri Ben-Ari "Peace in the middle east" (Sfere Records 12")
The release date couldn't be choosen better, because peace is truly needed in the middle east right now. Aside from politics, when coming back to the music, this is a melodic and infectious track with Miri Ben-Ari playing violin and strings in perfect way over a deep groove.
Tom & Joyce "Un regard un sourir" (Yellow Records 12")
French vocals over a wicked groove with cool guitars.
Roy Davis Jr. featuring Peven Everett "Watch them come" (Remixes)(Bombay Records 2x12")
Don't know where to start... The classic original is included here along a hot selection of remixes from Derrick Carter, Romatt, Fred Eerything, Miguel 'Smokin' Graca and Sean Dimitri & DJ Ali. Definitely worth checking out.
Mettle Music "Bluesong" (Afterhours Records 12")
Mettle Music are known for the releases on UK's Toko Records. Like their previous offerings, this one goes deep and moody.
Glenn Underground "Hum along and dance" (Basement Boys Records 12")
Laidback grooves - that's the way Glenn Underground likes to do it. No eception here, Glenn gives us another one of his jazzy influenced grooves that makes use of a lovely guitar and the soulful vocals of Michael Benson.
Nicole Graham "Love slave" (SoulGroove Records 12")
Soulful and laidback jazzy house grooves on the Racoon mixes to be found on this 12".
Andy Caldwell "All I need" (Naked Music Records 12")
The saga continues... More classy vibes courtesy of Naked Music Records with a hot selection of mixes to choose from.
Naked Music NYC "Reconstructed Soul - 2 of 3" (OM Records 12")
OM Records licensed some of the hottest releases from Naked Music and is putting them out in remixed form. The first 12" wasn't that great, but the second 12" we have here features a hot remix of "If I fall" by Gabriel Rene (of Soulstice) as well as a hot remix of "It's love" by Hernan Santiago.
October 7, 2001
Les Go "Dan gna" (Spiritual Life Records 12" Promo)
After reviewing the bootlegg version in late august, here is now the official promo 12" which holds new mixes, all by Joe Claussell. He goes for a percussive, afro influenced groove with a beautiful flute accompaning the african chants and vocals.
Tiefschwarz featuring Oezlem "Never" (Four Music Records 12" Promo)
Taken from their actual longplayer "RAL 9005", it features a typical Tiefschwarz beat with spacey keys and the female vocals of Oezlem.
Kun Je' "Seeds of life" (Dennis Ferrer Mixes)(Distant Music Records 12" Test Pressing)
Dennis Ferrer on remix duty here delievering an irresistible, bumpin' groove topped with a jazzy trumpet that work perfectly with the male vocals.
Willy Washington presents Sha Sha "Losing control" (Estereo Records 12")
Subtle sounds from one of UK's most soulful house labels. Willy Washington presents vocalist Sha Sha who is singing over a bumpy groove that is added with a mellow guitar, clavinet and strings. There is a nice acoustic version on the flip side of this 12".
Groove Box "The more you want" (Cooker Records 12")
Out a couple of years ago on King Street Records, now back for more damage on the dancefloor. You'll find two of the already classic Masters at Work mixes and two brand new mixes by Quickshand who deliever a nice lovely '3 AM Dub' with a catchy groove and laidback guitar.
E-Smoove "Sing sing sing" (Reverb Records 12" Promo)
New mixes of this E-Smoove production that was out on his own Focus Records in 1999. Latanza Waters sings over a brand new remix with a bumpy beat with a catchy melody that features extra jazzy keys towards the end.
Tedd Patterson "Magnifique" (Hysteria Underground Records 12")
This is one of those tracks that really got me movin at this years Magic Sessions party at the Winter Music Conference: a wicked track with a hypnotic, tribal-ish groove.
Seaflowers "Easy livin'" (The Mixes)(Zeitgeit/Polydor Records 12")
I don't know the original mixes of it, but on this 12" there are a couple of nice versions. Ray Roc goes for a summer vibe with a latin touch while MAS Collective go for a progressive style chill-out groove. Wackside deliever a fierce remix with a driving groove and cool keys.
Rick Wade presents "The Perfect Pimp EP" (Harmonie Park Records 12")
Four tracks all on the jazzy tip with different kind of beats.
September 30, 2001
Fantastic Plastic Machine "Whistle song" (Junior Records 12" Test Pressing)
A brilliant cover version of the Frankie Knuckles classic licensed by Junior from Japan. The very percussive track has got a samba feel to it and uses a nice scat for the whistle. The flip holds a remix by Grant Nelson who adds a fierce house groove.
The Soul Movement featuring Onesongbyrd "Dreaming" (Shelter Records 12")
Already reviewed on July 1 on limited promo, now generally available on Shelter Records with the complete set of mixes. A smooth garage production with a laidback groove and soulful vocals and wonderful flute.
Teddy Douglas presents Francesco 'The Violin' "The caribou" (Basement Boys Records 12")
Take a simple backing house track with a deep bass, cool guitar, some percussion and then add the magic violin played by Francesco Carmignani and you've got an exceptional piece of music.
Afro Centric Vibe "Deep in Africa" (NightGrooves Records 12")
DJ Romain & Matt (Keyz) bringing us a heavy afro groove to play around with. It is on a tribal-ish and electrofying tip, being a bit obscur in some parts, but you should give it a try.
Eddie Matos "Soul Clinic EP" (83 West Records 12")
Four tracks on this EP, all on a soulful and jazzy tip with some extra funky ingredients on the flip side.
Jerome Sydenham presents Jãnia "Deconstruced house (Phase 2)" (Ibadan Records 12")
Once more, Ibadan bring us a wicked but different production presentig Jãnia who is singing as well as playing the guitar and bass.
Maxwell "Lifetime" (Columbia Records 12")
Ben Watt doing more and more remixes for major artists, and the nice thing is that he keeps his mixes real to the original song.
Soulstice "Fall into you (Part 2)" (OM Records 12")
Frederic Blais delievering a nice remix keeping the structure of the original alive but giving it a new kick with a driving groove that uses a deep and bubbling bassline. On the flip, Tim Land is on remix duty with a jazzy two-step groove.
September 23, 2001
Deep-T "Our Music EP" (Mindbase Records CD Promo)
Deep T is a DJ and producer from Germany who also works for record store Underground Solution in Hamburg. This three track EP will be out in October. "Our music" features a male spoken message over a fierce groove and is on an underground vibe. "Come to my world" has got a funky, old-school disco-ish edge to it and is based around a driving groove featurin male vocals. "Mig's" ihas an energetic vibe to it, remembering me of some US west coast house that is on a similar tip.
7th District Inc. featuring Beverly "Destiny" (Ministry of Music Records 12" Promo)
7th District are back with a strong garage production with a deep bubbling bassline, this time featuring voclaist Beverly and a trumpet giving that little extra.
Kings of Tomorrow "Finally" (Defected Records 12", 2x12")
I only got one of the many promos that Defected were spreading among the DJs. The single 12" holds two Danny Tenaglia remixes while on the double-pack you find the DJ Meri vocal remix, the original version, the Danny Krivit/Steve Travolta reedit, an acapella, harder Tom De Neef mixes and the "Rulers of the Deep Mix" with a groovy beat and deep and moody keys.
East West connecton featuring Mayia James presents "The North South EP" (Chilli Funk Recors 12")
"North south" is a laidback track with a jazzy edge and a cool sax. "Give it to me" and "Make me yours" on the flip both feature vocalist Maiya James. Both are soulful r&b grooves.
September 16, 2001
Runner up: Mundo Azul "Sereia" (MuschiTunes Records 12" Test Pressing)
MuschiTunes, the latest sister label from R.O.I. Records from Germany presents a latin flavoured house cut full of energy that will make you dance all night. The finished product will include mixes by Hardsoul and Tiefschwarz.
Barbara Tucker "Love's on time"(Junior Vasquez Music Records 12")
Yes, it is indeed a Junior Vasquez production, but the main version has nothing to do with the Twilo sound. Instead it is a slamming house track full of energy and Barbara Tucker's stunning voice over a beautifully arranged production.
Boyd Jarvis "Sunny days" (Wave Records 12")
A percussive cut with an extra guitar and wicked keys. Definitely something to play around with.
Shazz featuring Alec C. "Fallin' in love" (Epic Records 12")
Shazz is back with a procution that features Alec C. on vocals. It features a smoothly bumping groove with lovely keys. DJ Gregory supplies a different vibe on his mix on the flip side.
Claude Monet "New Jazz Soul" (SSOH Records 12")
An EP on the jazz tip. "New Jazz Soul" has a percussive house beat while "Shrine blues" and "King sunny mood" are both on an offbeat tip.
Mijangos presents Cafe de Sol "Bahia" (Subliminal Records 2x12")
I heard this track for the first time at this years Winter Music Conference when Mijangos himself played it at the pool. Featured vocalist Gaby Estrella sings over a bumpy hosue groove with live percussion, flute and trombone played in a jazzy way. Jose Nunez does the remix where he adds the typcial Subliminal elements.
Sunaga t Experience "Chitose airport" (Flower Records 12")
The original version is a splendid jazzy track with a truly percussive groove. Swag turn it into a deep and laidback house groove keeping the jazzy feeling of the track alive.
September 9, 2001
Akabu featuring Linda Clifford "Ride the storm" (NRK Records 2x12")
Coming on two separate 12", the first one holds the original Joey Negro mix where he samples Pepe Bradock's "Deep burnt". In addition to the vocal mix you already know from the limited one-sided test pressing there is now a dub and acapella version. The second 12" holds a brand new remix by Joey Negro that he calls 'Solar Jazz Mix'. What you get is a deep and moody groove with spacey keys. Also included is a remix by Mazi.
DJ Oji featuring Stay-J "Jus rock me" (POJI Records 12" Test Pressing)
Already reviewed shortly after I came back from the Winter Music Conference in April, it is set to get released any week now. The mixes got reworked just a bit to make them even more powerful. The flip features the bonus track "It's gonna happen", a track with an underground feel and wicked sax.
The Rurals "West Side EP" (Large Records 12")
More subtle grooves from The Rurals. A great three track EP with the main track "West Side" featuring a full vocal. The flip holds two tracks with "Step on" using a nice jazzy sax.
Serene Motif "Obliquity" (Clairaudience Records 12")
A laidback jazzy track full of percussions and conga with beautifully played keys and sax leading the way through.
Jombo Life Part II "Aquarius" (Clairaudience Records 12")
Anthony Nicholson is back with another one of his laidback and soulful grooves with beautiful instrumentation and arrangement of the live instrumentation bringing the jazzy vibe to full effect.
Soul Movement "Fin del verano / The playa" (NiteGrooves Records 12")
"Fin del verano" uses a lovely guitar over a latin style track. "The playa" is a jazzy house track.
David Anthony "No way" (SoundDesign Records 12" Promo)
The mix of choice comes from Sir Piers & Ed Funk. They use a bumpy house groove and jazzy elements in the second part of the mix.
September 2, 2001
Runner up: The Soul Immigrants "Brazilian groove" (DNH Records CD Promo)
The Soul Immigrants aka D'Pac and Yogi are bringing us a laidback house groove on a brazilian vibe with lovely jazzy keys and a beautifully arranged percussion section.
New Love Symphony Orchestra "My love don't come easy" (TomTomClub Records 12" Test Pressing)
A classy cover version produced by Pete Hines & Cleveland Anderson on a soulful tip with an old-school touch to it and classy keys, a lovely guitar and superb vocal arrangement.
Luther Vandross "Take you out" (J Records 2x12" Promo)
The mixes on this double promo are by Karmadelic and (I guess) Maurice Joshua. The mixes are aimed to the crossover market and got a commercial touch. The best of them is the 'Karmadelic Funk It Up Mix'.
Karen Braxton "Can you love me" (New Generation Records 12")
This label is going from strength to strength with their latest releases, thanks to Mike LaBirt and Larry Rauson Jr. are always involved in the musical production of the releases. Here they present a fierce garage production with a bumpy house beat. Check the great instrumentation on it in the second part. The flip of the 12" holds dub versions of previously released material.
"Flamingo Discos Summer Edition" (Flamingo Discos Records 2x12" Promo)
This is a label that you should closely follow in the upcoming time. This sampler holds four strong tracks . There is "Let the wind blow" by Fertile Ground which uses a stomping groove and female vocals together with a jazzy sax to create a fierce track. Can 7 deliever a great remix of "Ponle tumbae" by Ralf Gum. Michi Lange delievers a fierce remix of "Up to the sky" by Kiko Navarro. "Disco Harmony" by DJ Shark & FOTR is great track for the summer (sadly, summer is already gone and its cooling down here in Switzerland) with a stunning guitar over the fierce groove. A great package worth hunting down.
Frankie Knuckles featuring Nicki Richards "Keep on movin'" (Definity Records 12")
A bad track that is. A deep, dark and even funky groove with vocal chants and Nicki Richards screaming it out. Definitely one that will rock the dancefloor. Danny Krivit uses an acoustic guitar on a Body & Soul polished style groove that is a nice contrast to the original version.
Awa Band "Tudo lindo" (Defected Records 12" / Oxyd Records 2x12")
Awa Band with a strong follow up to their previous worldwide smash hit "Timba", again produced and mixed by Full Intention.
Batuque featuring Kika "Afoxe" (Oxyd Records 12")
Disconauts on Orbit "Supernova" (Oxyd Records 12")
Even if the summer is over, there are still a couple of great latin influended house records out there that will make you forget that it is getting colder out there. Oxyd Records have two of them in their pocket in form of these two releases.
August 26, 2001
Runner up: Jovonn "Dance 2 Vibe EP" (DanceTracks Records 12")
A stunning three track EP from Jovonn who gets deep. Three mellow and deep tracks with "Moov Theame" being my favorite.
Basement Jaxx "Just 1 kiss" (XL Records 12")
Like Daft Punk, the music from Basement Jaxx sometimes is very special, but this release is a nice house track with a cool remix from Boris Dlugosch & Michi Lange who give it a classy edit treatment.
DJ Oji & Sande "Twistin' & turnin'" (Yellorange Records 12")
Lifted from the "YO-Sampler", this fierce and minimalistic, deep bubbling track comes here in its full glory over eight minutes with Sande providing the vocals.
Terence FM "Stay around" (Cajual Records 12")
It has been quit about this Chicago based label for some time now, but they are back with a fine record bringing back memories of the past days. Just listen to the way the keys are played, and how the vocals are arranged.
Kenny Dope vs. D.M. "Could you be the one (thank god it's friday)" (Eternal Records 2x12" Promo)
D.M. stands for Da Muttz (I was thinking of David Morales first). Once more, Kenny 'Dope' Gonzales delievers a set of mixes that are based around a slamming, percussive beat. The mixes are on a mellow and laidback vibe.
Si*Sé "Cuando" (LuakaBop/GiantStep Records 12")
King Britt with a fresh remix right for the summer with its uplifiting vibe that features a lovely guitar and percussion.
Aqua Bassino "Beat's n bobs" (F-Communications Records 12" White Label)
F-Communications are celebrating their 7th birthday with a couple of white label 12" releases. This 12" features three tracks from the Aqua Bassino album.
Llorca "Newcomer mixes" (F-Communications Records 2x12" White Label)
As mentioned above, this is a special anniversary 12" release that might be limited. this double pack includes remixes of the recently released Llorca long player "Newcomer".
August 19, 2001
Runner up: Antonio Ocasio featuring Annette Taylor "The dream lives on!" (Tribal Winds Records 12")
The spirit of soulful and timeless music lives on in form of this latest release for Tribal Winds Records. It is the first full vocal production for the label with vocalist Annette Taylor. A fierce groove with an instrumentation including sax, flute, piano, congas, percussion on a laidback and jazzy tip.
Runner up: Giacomo Di Benedetto "Always" (La Crêpe Plastique Records 12")
The house scene in Germany has been growing over the last couple of years, and this 12" proves they can stand up against the etablished US and UK scenes. This is a deep house cut of the finest, with a deep and groove beat and dreamy keys.
Runner up: Julien Jabre "Voodance / Yalopa" (Basic Records 12")
This one is out for a couple of weeks, and it is so good I wonder how I could miss on it. Two wicked tracks with a jazzy edge and fantastic keyboard work.
Dubtribe Sound System "Do it now" (R.O.I. Records 2x12")
In addition to the two double-promos on Defected Records, these two 12" hold the 'Knee Deep Reprise', 'Knee Deep Dub Mix' and the 'Hamburg to London Mix' by BOC vs. Sweet Abraham.
Negrocan "Aquela esquina" (Remixes)(Swing City Records 12")
The remix 12" features mixes by John 'Julius' Knight, Tom Gianelli and Messy Boys, all varying the original in different ways.
Soul'Amour "Alegria" (Phearce Musica Records 2x12")
Already reviewed last year on single-sided white label, this is the full release which includes vocal versions in english and spanish.
Gloss "This is all I need" (Joey Negro Mixes)(Nude Records 12" Promo)
Joey Negro with a remix that uses lovely keys over a pumping groove.
Solar House "Got 2 B U" (Remixes)(Large Records 12")
Fresh and Low deliever a laidback 'City Blues Remix' while Dennis Ferrer gives adds an extra jazzy saxophone on his remix which uses a deep bubbling groove.
BreakPoint featuring Jon Banfield "Whenever you want me" (Jon Cutler 2001 Remixes)(83 West Records 12")
These are the remixes part 2 of this classic, done by Jon Cutler. He adds new keyboard harmonies and an extra guitar over a bumpy groove.
Big Moses featuring Michelle Ayers "Joy" (KingStreet Records 12")
A catchy garage track produced by Moise 'Big Moses' Laporte with a nice 'Old School Mix' with a retro-style groove. Also included is a remix by Sound of Soul.
Kings of Tomorrow featuring Julie McKnight "Finally" (Remixes)(Defected Records 2x12" P romo)
Not everything is new on this double-promo. We already know the 'Little' Louie Vega and Dann Krivit remixes and the original version. Beside an acapella, there is the Danny Tenaglia remix and the highlight of the package: the DJ Meri mix who gives it a soulful twist. I expect another double-promo with more new mixes.
CeCe Peniston "My boo" (Remixes)(Silk Entertainment Records 12")
Steve 'Silk' Hurely takes his own version on a deeper level while Ron Carroll goes for a heavily bumpin' groove with nice keys.
Ron Carroll presents The Church is One Foundation featuring Amadeus and Testament "Get with him" (Dialogue Records 12")
A fierce and driving groove with storming, gospel-ish vocals, produced by Ron Carroll.
Matthias 'Matty' Heilbronn presents "Bass Ale Jazz Ep II" (4th Floor Records 12")
Three jazzy tracks by Matty with some surprises - did you ever think he would sample Giorgio Moroder?
August 12, 2001
Runner up: Dubtribe Sound System "Do it now" (Part 2)(Defected Records 2x12" Promo)
This is part 2 which now makes four sided of mixes, with more to come on R.O.I. Records and maybe also Imperial Dub Records. Knee Deep and Tom Middleton on remix duty here. They both give the original a new feeling while keeping enough of the original so it still shines through.
Sade "Nothing can come between us" (Bootlegg 12")
I stopped counting how many Sade bootleggs I got this year. This is an one-sided affair with a nice housed-up version of "Nothing can come between us" with decent percussion and deep groove.
Kenny Lattimore "Weekend" (Arista Records 12")
This could be described as 'R&B House'. This r&b tune gets a respectful and soulful remix treatment.
Boyz II Men "Step on up" (Bootlegg 12")
It took some time until someone took a song from Boyz II Men and made a house remix. But here you get it, in form of an 'R&B House' remix bringing the soulfrul vocals to full effect over a stomping house groove.
Shakatak "Night birds 2001" (Knee Deep Remix)(Zeitgeist Records 12" Promo)
It took me some time to find a copy of this limited promo-only release that was given away at the Winter Music Conference in Miami this year. Knee Deep deliever a truly respectful remix on the main version with keeping the original vibe alive while on the second mix they twist it around into a funky stomper.
Osunlade "The deep" (SoulJazz Records 12")
A one-sided 12" with the fierce "The deep", a percussive track with a tribal-ish feel and a harmonica riding along the way.
Joe goes to Africa "Les go dan gna" (White Label 12")
African chants over a percussive, deep and stomping house groove with a rocking guitar.
Jennifer Lopez "Secretly" / Tony Touch "He's the greatest DJ" (Bootlegg 12")
"He is the greatest dancer" is a nice edited version with lots of soul in it done by (if I'm informed right) Knee Deep. "Secretly" gets a makeover by the Pound Boys. The result is a house remix with a catchy piano.
Pound Boys featuring Shawn Benson "Affection" (Look-At-You Records 12" Test Pressing)
The Pound Boys with a raw production on an underground tip. A simple but irresistible track with Shawn Benson's vocals taking you on a ride.
Essential Soul featuring Rob Jones "Come on" (Wave Records 12")
Glenn Underground with a smooth and laidback prodution. Rob Curcio leaves the house territory and delievers a fine jazzy workout. Frankie Feliciano is using both jazzy keys and a cool guitar on his soulful remix which uses a deep bubbling groove.
Soulstice "Fall into you (Part 1)" (OM Records 12")
OM Records once more with a classy release in form of this new tune from Soulstice. Their own remix of the album version is a pure delightment with the lovely vocals by Gina Rene over a laidback percussive groove. Also included is a remix by Miguel Migs.
August 5, 2001
Runner up: Dubtribe Sound System "Do it now" (Part 1)(Defected Records 2x12" Promo)
This slamming midtempo disco-tinged houser with a touch of latin influence has been picked up by Defected from Imperial Dub Records for the UK and R.O.I. Records for Germany, and it will also be rereleased on Imperial Dub. A phletora of mixes can be expected. This double-pack makes the beginning inlcuding an extended version, bonus beats, acapella and vocal dub alongside a more mellow Ibizarre remix and a mix with a deep techy edge.
Ricardo Dias "Promise" (Deep4Life Records 12")
Deep4Life once more keep it on the deep side their latest release by Ricardo Dias. Deep grooves for the afterhours.
Ananda Project featuring Terrance Downs "Falling for you (Part II)" (Nite Grooves Records 12")
My favorite remixers of the moment - Blaze - deliever anohter excellent remix. They can't fail at the moment - everything they touch is simply magnificent.
Terry Maxx "Walking in the name" (Edel Records 12" Test Pressing)
Remember those "Punks Revenge" bootlegs that were around some time ago? It took some time to clear it, but now the wait is over and it will be out soon with new mixes by Junior Jack included. Set to do damage on the dancefloor.
July 29, 2001
Runner up: Carlos Rodiguez "Summer in Brazil" (12" Promo)
Let's call this production 'A brazilian love affair' for with its warm groove and arrangement. The rights for a hot summer night.
Helena Brown "Cancão dourada" (Peppermint Jam Records 12" Test Pressing)
A fresh sounding track mixed by Ralf Gum who brings the sweet vocals to great effect over the latin groove.
Levitation "More than ever people" (Peppermint Jam Records 2x12" Test Pressing)
You might have heard this on the "Café Del Mar" compilation series, and now here it is on its first ever vinyl appearance. Can 7, Sounds of Life and Rookie deliever a double-pack of hot remixes including sweet latin house grooves and laidback downtempo versions.
Joe Claussell presents "Je Ka Jo" (Crazy Vocal)(Ibadan Records 12")
Two new versions inlcuded here: a different vocal versions and a drum-beat versions. The package gets completed by the original vocal version.
Fluide featuring Baccara "Vocé (é o meu amor)" (KingStreet Records 12")
If you can't get enough latin grooves, pick up this sweet scorcher with strong Ralphi Rosario mixes giving it a laidback feeling.
Tyke "One man" (EasyStreet Records 12")
Sweet vibes coming to you courtesy of Blaze who are responsible for the mixes on this 12". A deep bubbling groove, Tyke's sweet vocals and ultra cool keys will make you shake your body.
Kenny Bobien "Superficial people" (Shelter Remixes)(SoundMen on Wax Records 12" Promo)
Timmy Regisford with a slamming remix of t his gospel house track that features a groovy beat with jazzy keys.
Andre Harris "To my love" (Estereo Records 12")
"To my love" features a wicked guitar and jazzy trumpet over a bumpy groove with a female spoken message. On the flip is "Spanish fly", a jazzy house track.
Freshmove featuring Darryl Pandy "You can do it" (Cleptomaniacs Mixes)(Hedonism Records 12")
The Cleptomaniacs with a emix that features a latin piano, jazzy trumped and Darryl's unmistakable vocals over a catchy groove.
Copyright "Hold me tighter" (White Label 12")
Repressed for your pleasure (and mine to because I finally could find a copy). A stomping house beat with a touch of 80's classic club grooves to make your body sweat.
2 DJs at Work "Promises" (DreamBeat Records 12")
A sure-shot winner for both 2 DJs at Work and DreamBeat Records. This is a groovy production with a Chic-ish guitar over a bumpy beat added with vocals by Kay S. Check their internet site 2 DJs at Work.
Jamiroquai "Little L" (Sony Records 2x12" Promo)
Jamiroquai is back with a disco-fied track on the album version. Bob Sinlar adds a funky touch and driving beat to it. Boris Dlugosch & Michi Lange deliever slamming remixes that use the main elements of the original to keep the disco-ish feeling alive and add a stomping house groove.
Cerrone "Give me" (Sound of Barclay Records 12")
Both Spiller and Bibi & Fafa Monteco have been choosen to do more mixes after the ones by Bob Sinclar are already rocking the dancefloors. They keep the feeling of the original alive but still manage to give it an up-to-date touch.
Lucrezia "Live to tell" (David Morales Mixes)(Logic Records 2x12")
You're right, this is a cover of the Madonna song. And Lucrezia's vocals even sound very much like Madonna. David Morales is delievering the remixes. His main club mix is based around a deep bubbling groove. The classic mix adds an extra piano while the piano is more of a cheesy affair. Bonus Beats are inlcuded too as well as the original version.
Hardsoul "La pasion de gozar / Latino directions" (SoulFuric Trax Records 2x12")
Two strong latin tracks can be found on this double 12". "Latino directions" had already been featured here as part of the "SoulFuric Spring Sampler" (reviewed on May 6) and gets coupled here with "La pasion de gozar".
Modjo "What I mean" (Universal Records 12" Promo)
Ian Pooley is delievering a latin influended house mix while Mood II Swing go for a deep and moody groove.
DJ Pippi presents Pasión Flamenca "Fatal fatal!" (Soleá Records 2x12")
The standout mixes here are the ones by DJ Gregory. He uses a beat not to far away from the one on "Babarabatiri" which make his mixes a slamming affair for the dancefloor.
July 22, 2001
Runner up: The Rurals "Sweeter sound EP" (Peng Records 12")
Their new album is on the way, and this is the first 12" release from it, a superb vocal production with a deep bubbling groove on a laidback and mellow tip.
Moloko "Knee deepen" (Echo Records 12" White Label)
A great taster for their double-CD "All back to the mine - a collection of remixes 1995-2000" that is on a mitdempo old-school tip.
Son Dexter "Son Dexter EP" (Alleviated Records 12")
Three midtempo productions on a mellow and laidback tip.
STP featuring Kevin Yost "Lingo" (i! Records 12")
STP and Kevin Yost team up with vocalist Danny Walls for an irresistible track.
Akabu featuring Linda Clifford "Ride the storm" (NRK Records 12" Test Pressing)
This one-sided test-pressing is already getting lots of attention. Joey Negro with a sure-shot winner on his hands with this production even though he is using many parts of Pépé Bradock's "Deep burnt".
Mariah "Loverboy" (MJ Cole & David Morales Mixes)(Virgin Records 2x12" Promo)
Mariah is back after moving to Virgin Records with a hot record (not to forget to mention that you got to check out the video). MJ Cole delievers a hot remix on a two step tip that is mainstream orientated and it harmonies well with Mariah's vocals. Give it a try, I like it. The house mixes are courtesy of David Morales who delivers - as usual when working for Mariah - a slamming remix package with a true Red Zone style dub version.
Martin Solveig "Mr. President" (Mixture Records 12")
A groovy afro track that features a fierce lead organ and jazzy saxophone and a spoken message.
Junior "Mama used to say" (White Label 12")
My sources told me that Joey Musaphia is involved in this mysterious white label. The Junior classic "Mama used to say" gets updated for the new millenium with a new funked up groove and some filtering effects.
Daft Punk "Digital love" (BMR Edit)(Virgin Records 12" Promo)
Boris Dlugosch & Michi Lange aka BMR with an edit that is set to blast this one into outer-space. Typcial Daft Punk stuff for those who like.
Jose Cardona "Carioca" (White Label 12")
More latin grooves for this summer with some India samples put into it.
Urban Magic "Dreams" (Spectrum Records 12" Promo)
A disco-ish house tracks that stands out of the many of this genre around with a jazzy guitar and lovely strings.
Roger Sanchez "Another chance" (Defected Records 2x12")
The mixes of interest on this double 12" are by Miguel Migs who delievers a laidback and moody remix coming in both vocal and dub versions.
July 15, 2001
Runner up: Dennis Ferrer "Funu" (Basic Records 12")
The hottest afro house groove around at the moment produced by Dennis Ferrer with vocals and african chants performed by Martino Atangana and a lovely guitar by Dominic Kanza. Not to forget to mention the jazzy keys that will drive you crazy.
Runner up: Naked Soul featuring Swaylo "Run away and hide" (L'Amour Records 12")
After the last release where they teamed up with Glenn Underground, Naked Soul have choosen Swaylo from Chicago this time as featured artist, and the result is a simply outstanding vocal stomper on a soulful and jazzy vibe.
Runner up: Cassady featuring Staci "Isabella sunshine" (Esho Records 12")
This New York based label does it again and delievers another deep and soulful production. Dave Warrin adds the Naked vibe on his remix while Chacona & Gold strip it down.
Wes Park & Richard Brooks "Excited Souls EP" (Chorduroy Records 12")
A new label with a first release on a laidback tip with a jazzy trumpet and smooth vocals on the main cut "Excited Souls".
Itaal Shur presents Milk & Honey "Touch" (Part 2)(Wave Records 12")
As promised, part 2 is here including the dub version by Bojd Jarvis and a midtempo remix by Matthias Heilbronn that carasses your senses. Attaboy makes subtle use of the vocals over a warm and smooth groove.
Kavita "All" (Bougie Soliterre Mixes)(FlipSide Records 12")
I simply love this record because of its use of violin, viola and cello over the bumpy and laidback groove that create alltogether a relaxed feeling.
Miguel Migs featuring Leedia "Mi destino" (Remixed)(Black Vinyl Records 12")
The Blak Beat Niks create a laidback and jazzed-up groover on their take while Eddy & Dus go for a totally different vibe
Kings of Tomorrow featuring Julie McKnight "Finally" (White Label 12")
Probably a bootlegg with its release on Defected Records still ahaed (new mixes by Danny Tenaglia and probably Fusion Groove Orchestra will be added to the existing ones), there is a really nice remix by Sir Piers & Ed Funk that takes the NuYorican Soul mix and twists it around and adds some extra sounds. Really worth checking out even if you think the original can't be beaten.
BBT "God's child EP" (White Label 12")
Rumoured to be by Seamus Haji and signed to Defected Records, this 12" holds two track both sampling old disco tracks over pumping grooves.
Holland Tunnel Project featuring Lugo "Never let you go / Keep your head up" (Remixes)(Irma Unlimited Records 12")
"Never let you go" gets remixed by Don Carlos in a tribal-ish way while "Keep your head up" gets a deep bubbling groove on the remix by Harley & Muscle who create a laidback feeling.
Dom Um Romão "Sambão" (Irma Unlimited Records 12")
Jerome Sydenham creates a deep grooving version with a nice jazzy piano on top. There is also a nice broken down jazzy version by DJ Uovo & LTJ Experience as well as some beats versions.
Brian Harden "The world I peace" (NiteLife Collective Records 12")
A four track EP with the jazzy and laidback "Nature speaks" on the flip side.
D.D.T presents "Gotta feel it" (The Remixes)(Paradax Records 12" Promo)
The original track - a deep production - gets the remix treatment from various people that take it even deeper on their takes than the original.
Benji Candelario featuring Arnold Jarvis "Learn to give" (Remixes)(R.O.I. Records 12" Test Pressing)
Lenny Fontana with a pumping eak-hour mix full of piano, strings and vybes which is set to rock the dancefloors. Kid Alex delivers a raw and stripped down version, and the original Eric Kupper mix completes the package. A welcome rerelease for this great tune.
B.M.R. with Level 42 "Starchild" (The Remixes)(Peppermint Jam Records 12")
More mixes of this very successful club tune on this 12": both a new vocal and reprise by Boris Dlugosch & Michi Lange togehter with a remix by Bob Sinclar with a great synth and just the main vocal line over an irresistible groove.
Janet Jackson "Someone to call my lover" (House Mixes)(Virgin Records 12" Promo)
Hex Hextor & Dan Quayle with a surprisinly decent house remix compared to their other remix work although the mixes are a bit comemrcial but they are nice to listen to.
Africanism "Bisou sucré" (Yellow Records 12")
The success of the Africanism series continues with this latest Bob Sinclar production. Afro house grooves for those who like.
Una Mas "All I need" (Union Square Records 12" Promo)
Deep Swing with another hot remix package containing both pumping, filtered mixes and a jazzy take.
July 8, 2001
Runner up: D-Connection featuring Pierre Salandy "Swing on" (DC Records CD Promo)
A very limited promo CD presenting the forthcoming release for DC Records, a swiss house music label. Only the 'Original Mix' is available at the moment. This smooth production features Pierre Salandy's vocals over a bumpy house groove with a deep bass and cool guitars. No release date fixed yet.
St. Germain "So flute / Rose rouge" (BlueNote Records 12")
"So flute" is presented in its album version while "Rose rouge" comes in a brand new remix by Spiller who replaes the original jazzy feeling with irrestistible keys and a stomping groove.
Salomé De Bahia "Tromento de Amor" (Yellow Records 12")
After a long wait, we finally get the follow up to "Outro lugar". DJ Gregory again on production duty, and he brings Salomé's voice to full effect over the infectious groove that gets coupled with sax. trombone, trumpet and guitar.
Ambrosia "Believe in me" (City Vinyl Records 12")
Moise 'Big Moses' Laporte is behind the first release from this new label coming out of New York, a solid garage production with a bumpy groove and lovely keys, topped by Ambrosia's soulful vocals.
Kenny Bobien "You gave me love" (Remixes)(Hysteria Records 12")
Originally out on Basement Boys Records, it is now around for a second time with remixes by the team of Richie Jones & Eric Kupper. Both of them are known for the great keyboard virtuosity, and this is exactly what they add to the song, together with fierce groove.
Saison featuring CeCe Peniston "Reminiscin" (RealDeal Records 12")
Saison (pronounced Si'-Sun) is from Manila and this is her debut American release where she duets with CeCe Peniston. Matthias Heilbronn delievers a warm and lush 'Soulflower Mix' and a furious latin tinged 'II Deep Dub'.
DJ Spen & Karizma's Original Black Man's Band "Casbaah" (Basement Boys Records 12")
Over the last couple of releases, DJ Spen & Karizma had some suprises for us, and they continue to bring fresh new sounds. Here they make us of a slamming horn section topped with Allen E. Thomas vocals.
Furious Styles "Soul Bumpin' EP" (Bumpin' City Records 12")
Four tracks available here, all based around old disco classics.
Sunkids featuring Chance "Rise up" (Remixes)(Decode Records 12")
Lenny Fontana has to be one of the most in-demand remixers at the moment. His mix uses a funky bass and a bubbling groove with nice keys. The Messy Boys go for a pumping latin remix and Illicit take a more progressive approach.
The Ones "Flawless" (A Touch of Class Records 12")
A fierce track with nicely vocoded vocals and an irresistible groove, coming in different styles.
Mustafa "Submit 2 U" (Subliminal Soul Records 12")
The ever growing Subliminal empire present their newest label Subliminal Soul in grand style. Mustafa presents a bangin' track with Natalia Kissoon providing the vocals over a catchy backing track.
July 1, 2001
Runner up: Audiowhores "Lost Connection EP" (White Label 12")
Following their success of "Destiny", a monster disco track (which is featured here as well, just in case you missed it), the Audiowhores bring us three brand new tracks. "Grenade" is a latin house number with an infectious piano riff and subtle spanish vocals. This is the right kind of music for hot summer nights."Last time" is a true dancefloor stomper with catchy vocals that guarantees you a packed dancefloor. "Video" is a wicked sample track with soulful vocal hooks and a floating sax solo. Watch out for this when it gets released at the end of July.
Donnie McClurkin "Give It Up" / Koffee Brown "After Party" (Bootlegg 12")
What a bootlegg this is. Two stunning house remixes that were not released by the labels (were they ever comissioned?). Look out for it, the black label just has written "Where da party at?" on one and "Get back up" on the other side.
Osunlade "Rader du / Blackman" (Soul Jazz Records 12")
Wicked grooves by Osunlade on the two featured tracks. "Rader du" features Wunmi on vocals and a cool harmonica by Jimmy Clissett. "Blackman" features spoken words by Socrates and a guitar.
Loleatta Holloway "Dreamin'" (US Release)(Salsoul Records 12" Promo)
One more chance to grab those slamming Satoshi Tomie mixes that were out on Defected Records a couple of month ago.
First Choice "Guilty" (Dtension Records 12")
Both Full Intention and the Harlem Hustlers breath new life into this classic from the 70's by adding a slamming groove and some nice filtering effect.
Bob Marley "Soul shakedown" (Silk Entertainment Records 12")
Steve 'Silk' Hurley remixing this 1967 classic from Bob Marley comes with two very hot dub versions perfect for your mixing pleasure.
MAW featuring Puppah Nas-T & Denise "Work" (MAW Records 12" Promo)
This ragga-house track was presented at this years Winter Music Conference in Miani as part of the "MAW Sampler 2001". This 12" features a workable beats version and two acapellas in addition to the main vocal version.
Jimmy Smith "Dot com blues" (Sao Benitez Mixes)(Universal Jazz/Blue Thumb Records 12")
What a remix of jazz organist Jimmy Smith by Sao Benitez. He keeps the vibe of the original and adds a slamming percussive groove underneath the organ.
Marcus Hunter & Stray Casa "It's hot" (Version 2)(Estereo Records 12")
A catchy track with a stomping groove, disco-ish strings and jazzy keys.
DJ Rasoul "Down 4 it EP" (Transport Records 12")
I can't get enough of the West Coast house grooves. DJ Rasoul heard me and delievers this four track EP with laidback grooves.
Gaelle "Rain" (Naked Music Records 12")
Eric Stamile and Gaelle Adisson are the newest members of the growing Naked Music family, and they are the producer of this wonderful tune with a laidback vibe and the trademark sound of Naked Music. Remixes are courtesy of Bugz in the Attic and Blue Six.
M2W "Shame" (Large Records 12")
Mateo & Matos are back with a slamming soulful vocal production featuring Scott Wozniak swho is upplying the keyboards. There is a deeper 'Underground Dub' as well as remixes by Jon Cutler.
Richard Les Crees "Dengon" (i! Records 2x12")
A soulful record produced by Richard Les Crees featuring japanese vocals by Mai. Check the laidback and smooth mixes by Larry Heard.
Jon Cutler presents E-Man "It's yours" (Chez Records 12")
Jon Cutler with a full soulful production here featuring E-Man on vocals and Larry Rauson on saxophone.
Don Carlos featuring Taka Boom / Kevin Bryant "Music of your mind / I can love nobody" (Irma Unlimited Records 12")
Don Carlos teams up with Taka Boom and Kevin Bryant. "Music of your mind" is a pumped up house track while "I can love nobody" is on a laidback tip.
Curtis Harman "Call me" (Dialogue Records 12")
The original version uses a bumpy house groove with catchy keys and the soulful vocals of Curtis Harman. Also included are a discofied dub and a 'Dream House' dub version.
The Soul Movement featuring Onesongbyrd and Bayinah "Dreaming / Tonight / Route 22" (Imani Records 12")
It is nice to have Nick Jones and Kalim Shabazz back. "Dreaming" is a soulful and smooth garage production featuring Onesongbyrd on vocals. "Tonight" is a bit more underground and features Bayinah on vocals. "Route 22" is is an instrumental track featuring a beautiful flute played by Brett.
Carlos 'GoGo' Gomez "Brazilica / Ligaya" (Wave Records 12")
Two percussion tracks to play around with in your set.
June 24, 2001
Runner up: Kathy Brown "Give it up" (Defected Records 12" White Label)
A collaboration beetween the SoulFuric people and Kathy Brown that could have been this years anthem at the Winter Music Conference if it would have been available to a wider audience thant just the big names. A fierce groove with classy keys and Kathy unbelievable voice on top. Gonna be huge once it gets released.
Runner up: Quincy Jones "Secret Garden" (Sty's LIFEBoston Mix #2)(CD-R)
Already featured last November, now back with a new version that has a fierce groove that brings the vocals to full effect. The mix is named afer the club Life in Boston where it already gained classic status. Listen yourself and find out why.
First Choice "Acappellas" (D:Vision Records 12")
If you're a DJ that loves to play around with acappellas or you wanna do your own remix of a First Choise classic, go and grab this. Ten acappellas too choose from, including "Amred and extremely dangerous", "The player", "Ain't he bad".
Cleptomaniacs vs. Lenny Williams "Givin it all" (12" White Label)
One of my favorite classics (I'm still trying to find the original 12") gets updated for 2K01 by the Cleptomaniacs. Gladly thy keep the original vibe alive and just add a pumping groove that lets the class of the original shine through.
G Club presents Banda Sonora "Guitarra G" (Defected Records 2x12" Promo)
One of the tracks from the "Defected Miami Sampler" that got lots of attention, now complete on double-promo. You guess it by the title: a guitar is the main attraction here, layed over a pumpy groove. My favorite is the more laidbacked 'Original Chill Out Mix' which has a smoother edge.
Unknown "Salsoul heaven" (Bootlegg 12")
I like this better than the version by M&S presents The Girl Next Door because it is not that commercial and has a more underground feel to it.
Dennis Ferrer presents Jennifer Renee Morrison "Sunshine" (Madhouse Records 12")
Smooth and soulful vibes with a deep bubbling groove and lovely female vocals - that's the way I like it.
Jon Cutler presents The Tripmeisters "African Jive" (Distant Music Records 12")
Jon Cutler coming your way with a track that is built around percussion, rhythm & lead guitar, bass and lovely keys.
From the Studio of Scott Grooves "Hott / Sax and organ speak" (12" Test Pressing)
"Hott" freatures Alton Miller and has a bumpy hosue groove. "Sax and organ speak" is exatly what the name says: both a sax and a cool organ ride layed over a house groove.
Filur "Shame" (Disco:wax Records 2x12" Promo)
Spread over two separate 12", you get a hot selection of mixes from Lenny Fontana. The 'Afro Mixes' are on the percussive side of things while the other mixes feature a pumped up groove.
Sunshine Anderson "Heard it all before" (House Mixes)(Atlantic Records 12" Promo)
Ben Watt delievering another one of his outstanding 'Lazy Dog' remixes with a beautiful instrumentaton and extra congas. E-Smoove goes for a funky-filtered affair.
Kaskade "What i say" (OM Records 12")
This label surprises me every week now: they always find new producers who create classy dance music. Here you get a stylished track with a groovy vibe and cool dub with an extra sax ride.
June 17, 2001
Runner up: Gypsymen "Babarabatiri" (MAW Mixes)(SoundDesign Records 2x12" Promo)
This UK double-promo includes the original Todd Terry mixes (reviewed on US 12" a couple of weeks ago) coupled with brand new mixes by the Masters at Work. They keep the original structure alive and change just some little bits and add some extra keys and vocals. This one is set to blow the dancefloors for the month to come.
Spotlight: Hi-Fi Mike "Stereo flava's EP" (Trycycle Records 12")
Soulful grooves coming from Australia, produced by Mike Wells and featuring Betty Emmanuelle on vocals. There is a nice selection of mixes to choose from ranging from a jazzed-up house version over an Acid Jazz version to a jazz-funky house fusion and finally an old-school version.
Kristine W "Feel what you want" (Champion Records 12" One-Sided Test Pressing)
In January, I reviewed the pumped up remixes by Deep Swing on test pressing. On this one-sided test pressing they bring us a jazzed up vocal version.
Jamico featuring Jackie Cohen "Sometimes" (KingStreet Records 12")
Eric Kupper on remix duty. A bumpy groove topped with his trademark warm keys is what you get.
Soul People "Our time is coming" (Black Masses Orchestra Remix)(Tom Tom Club Records 12" Test Pressing)
Fierce remixes by Black Masses Orchestra of this gospel house song that was originaly put out in autumn 1999. A stomping house groove with an ultra jazzy xylophone, topped with the gospel vocals make this a slamming feel-good production.
3 Generation Walking "Slavery days" (Spiritual Life Records 12")
The female vocals will make you remember of Björk. They are layed over a bubbling groove with a wicked violin and deep bass. The dub features some extra, powerful percussion.
DJ Nemo & The Crew "Jazz at Joe's" (SoulGroove Records 12")
This is a jazzy house track with a bumpy groove. One mix features a guitar while the other one features a cool organ ride.
Club Session "Dance to heaven" (Chez Records 12")
Chez Records continue to bring us warm and soulful grooves. Club Session follow up the success of their previous release with this superb production featuring female vocals and a nice bass guitar.
Itaal Shur presents Milk & Honey "Touch" (Part 1)(Wave Records 12")
The original version is a laidback downtempo groover with jazzy piano and vocoded vocals that gets cleverly reworked by Boyd Jarvis and Francois K. for the house community using a slamming groove.More mixes to come on a second 12".
Sub Man "Emotions" (T.O.I. Records 12" Test Pressing)
Strong premier release from André Tietze on this growing german label. "Love emotion" is a pumpin' deep house track with warm and soulful keys. The flip features the discofied track "Night life scene".
Kid Alex presents Tonic People "Aber / Let's get it on" (T.O.I. Record 12" Test Pressing)
Second strike from Kid Alex. He brings you two tracks full of wicked beats with funky harmonies and a touch of disco flava. Two phunktastic floor pounders.
June 10, 2001
Runner up this week: Jersey Maestros present Kim Beacham "Looking up" (SoulShine Records 2x12" Test Pressing)
Another sure winner for Louis Benedetti and his label SoulShine Records. The original version is a digs deep into the New Jersey garage grounds. Louis Benedetti is on remix duty here delievering a set of hot remixes.
Kevin Yost "7th Heaven" (i! Records 12")
This is another one of those irresistible jazzy house tracks from Kevin Yost with classy remixes by Pepper Digs and STP and a downtempo mix by Kevin Yost himself.
Those Guys featuring Ras Baraka "An American Poem" (Basement Boys Records 12")
Something different from their usual style to be found on this 12". Teddy Douglas & Jay Steinhour. A broken down beat with Ras Baraka supplying the spoken word, accompanied by sax, percussion, bass, guitar and drums.
Osunlade "Cantos a Ochun et Oya" (Frankie Feliciano Remix)(Yoruba Records 12" Limited Edition)
This limited, one-sided 12" features a Frankie Feliciano remix that is different from the one featured on the double-album "El Primer Ano": it has a more percussive beat, but it still features that fantastic harmonica.
Stevie Wonder "Do I do" (Bootlegg 12")
After "All I do", this is another bootlegg featuring an updated version of a Stevie Wonder classic. The original shines through very bright over the pumpin' groove that got added.
DJ N-Joy "Personal touch" (DC Records 12" Test Pressing)
DJ N-Joy, one half of 2 DJs at Work, with his latest production, a cover of the Evelyn King classic "Personal touch". The vocals on the main mix are totally vocoded so its a question wether you like that or not. An edit, dub and instrumental are also included. More mixes are promised to follow.
Byron Stingily featuring Leee John "U turn me" (Azuli Records 12")
The Bini & Martini mixes are on a deep and dark tip. Also included is the Urban Groove remix that was part of the "Azuli 2001 Winter Sampler".
Harry 'Choo Choo' Romero "Night @ the Black" (Bambossa Records 12")
This is an absolutely massive track that is slamming from the beginning to the end. Very simple, it uses that famous hook of "Ain't he bad" by First Choice (one of my all time favorite songs). And then there is that rocking guitar coming in...
Automatic "Baby put my mind at ease" (Captivating Records 12")
Here you get a slice of retro-disco on a house tip with Tedd Patterson supplying his medicine on the dub mix.
June 3, 2001
Runner up this week: East West Connection "Once I've been there" (Remixes)(BrickHouse Records 12")
Picked up from ChilliFunk Records, this one gets a well deserved second release with a selection of fine remixes. Ian Pooley delievers a smooth remix using a mellow groove that creates a warm feeling. Don't miss to check out Matthias Vogt's remix with broken down beats. The package also includes the original 'East West Club Mix'.
James Ingram "Lean on me" (MAW Records 7")
For all you collectors out there, this is a must have. It includes the acapella and bonus beats and comes on green vinyl.
Todd Terry presents "Unrealesed Project EP 2" (InHouse Records 12")
It has been some time since Todd Terry relased an EP with some of his unreleased work. But now the wait is finally over, and if you like Todd's stuff, go and hunt this one down.
Chante Moore "Straight up" (Wackside Remixes)(MCA Records 12")
Wackside turn this r&b into a house stomper by sampling the philly classic "Let's clean up the ghetto" by Philadeliphia International All-Stars.
Inner City "Good love" (Joey Negro Mixes)(Pias Records 12")
Joey Negro with a stomping remix of this Kevin Saunderson production.
Lionel Richie "Angel" (Miguel Migs Remix)(Island Records 12")
An interesting combination that Island have created here: Miguel Migs remixing Lionel Richie. The vocal might not be everybodys choice, but the dub is quality work by Mr. Migs.
The Soul Providers "Montebello groove" (Vinylicious Records 12")
A beautiful and mellow groove on a laidback tip with a jazzy piano as the main ingredient, produced by Ian '45' Carey and Jason Papillon.
Molù in his African World "Musica" (Equal Records 12")
Presented by Deep Swing and Luis Rado, Molù's spoken message is laid over a bumpy house groove with lovely keys.
Maléna "Para ti (for you)" (NeatMusic Records 12")
What a follow up to their first release. Top quality brazilian house vibes with a flute and Susanne Montero's lovely vocals on top.
Ian Pooley featuring Esthero "Balmes (a better life)" (V2 Records 2x12" Promo)
The original instrumental album version gets revamped for the summer with vocalist Esthero and a selection of remixers. First off is Ian Pooley himself refreshing the original on his vocal remix. Faze Action add their trademark jazzy house touch while John Ciafone (one half of Mood II Swing) provides a tougher mix.
Romanthony presents Lifestyles "Truth" (Remixes)(DownTown 161 Records 2x12")
This Romanthony classic gets revamped for the new millenium by various remixers. Jay-J, Kerri Chandler, Pete Moss, DNR, Sandy Rivera and Romanthony himself all add their magic touch to it and deliver a set of slamming mixes.
Waiwan featuring Loretta Heywood "Feelin' me feelin' you" (Earthproject Records 12")
The original mixes are based on a new-school jazzy groove while AtJazz add a house groove to it.
New Sector Movement "The sun" (Kenny Dope Remixes)(Virgin Reecords 2x12" Promo)
Kenny Dope delievers a soulful remix with skippy beats and warm keys, perfect for a warm summer night.
West Magnetic "Lock it up" (OM Records 12")
OM Records are releasing material on a weekly basis at the moment, but they keep the quality up. "Can't stop" is a nice'n'bumpy house track while "Lock it up" is a jazz-funk groover.
Jersey Street "Brand new day" (Glasgow Underground Records 12")
Jersey Street "Brand new day" (Dub Mixes)(Glasgow Underground Records 12" Limited Edition)
Larry Heard comes up with a selection of nice remixes spread over two 12", all on a mitdempo tip on a mellow and laidback vibe. The first 12" has the vocal mixes while the second and limited (?) 12" features the dub remixes.
May 27, 2001
Runner up this week: Jon B "Don't talk" (Blaze Remixes)(Epic Records 2x12" Promo)
Blaze with a slamming remix of an r&b song that uses melodic keys and a mad trumpet that will you make go crazy, laid over a bumpy house groove. Too bad that only one of the four mixes mad it to the retail 12".
Pound Boys "T's theme" (Bumpin' City Records 12")
If you like it deep and moody, than try this one: the Pound Boys deliever a simple but driving track with a killer sax on top.
Gypsymen "Babarabatiri" (InHouse Records 12")
This is one of those magic grooves that won't go out of your head for a long time, created by Todd Terry. This proves once more that simple but fierce tracks are the ones that set the dancefloors on fire.
BranVan 3000 featuring Curtis Mayfield "Astounded" (Eric Kupper Mix)(Virgin Records 2x12" Promo)
The mix of interest on this double 12" is by Eric Kupper. He delievers a rocking house groove on an old-school jazz-funk tip, topped with the sampled Curtis Mayfield classic "Move on up".
BreakPoint featuring Jon Banfield "Whenever you want me" (Todd Gardner 2001 Remixes)(83 West Records 12")
Todd Gardner remixes the '96 classic that is produced by Bobby & Steve using a funky guitar and deep bassline to create a nice stomping groove.
Drum and Love Foundation featuring Jephté Guillaume "Csmic Carnival" (Oxygen MusicWorks Records 12")
Jephté Guillaume teams up with japanese musicians to create a record you would expect on Spiritual Life Records, full of percussion and live instruments. A record simply bringing you the spiritual feeling of music.
Tuba featuring Alexis P. Suter "Plain folks" (HipBone Records 12")
The original 'Mindmender' version is a laidback and jazzy groove with a beautiful trumpet. Housed-up version are courtesy of Roy Davis and Filthy Rich. A record for the music lover.
Curtis Masters "The love I want" (SoulShine Records 12")
The original version by Big Moses is a nice garage production while Louis Benedetti samples a Salsoul classic (I just don't remember the name of it at the moment) on his remixes. There is also a dreamy 'Soulshine Deeper Dub' on a laidback tip.
King Britt pesents Sylk 130 featuring Kathy Sledge "Rising" (Ovum Records 12")
Richard Payton & Doug Smith aka 95 North deliever a fresh remix with a bumpy groove while Joshua's dub is an ambient house ride with spacey keys.
Rithma "Human inertia" (OM Records 12")
OM Records continue to break the boundaries of house music with this release which combines several styles.
May 20, 2001
Runner up this week: DJ Cee Rule "Deep structures EP" (Bumpin' City Records 12" Test Pressing)
This EP by DJ Cee Rule is the 2K01 defition of deep house full of mellow and laidback grooves combined with warm melodies.
Runner up this week: UFP featuring Roy Ayers "Zeularaé" (Sfere Records 12")
Kerri Chandler and Dennis F. have written this slamming track with Roy Ayers playing the vibes in a way that you'll be instantly blown away!
Blaze featuring Chris Herbert "Home is where the heart is" (Shelter Records 12")
Chris Herbert, Kevin Hedge and Josh Milan are back united and they bring us an uplifting garage anthem with a killer harmonica.
GTS featuring Loleatta Holloway "What goes around comes around " (Matty Heilbronn Remix)(KingStreet Records 2x12")
Matthias Heilbronn once again does a marvellous remix job, incorporating a mellow and soulful groove, percussion, a deep bubbling base, a lovely guitar and the wonderful vocals of Loleatta Holloway. Also included are mixes by Jason Jinx.
Dazzle "Dance with me" (Clairaudience Records 12")
Out for a couple of weeks now, this record finally found the way to my turntable. Once more we see Anthony Nicholson on a musical journey full of soul with live instrumentation and Charlotte Hunt on vocals. Simply beautiful...
Snowy McEwan "Someone 2 love" (Sfere Records 12")
One of my favorite labels drops a driving cut featuring male vocals and a lovely guitar over a bumpy house beat.
River Ocean "Love and happiness" (Sao Benitez Remix)(Mr. Bongo Records 12")
I'm sure you all remember this classic from 1994 that got here remixed by Ben Mitchell in a brazilian beat way-
Nickodemus & Osiris featuring Mino Cinelu "Free Souls" (Giant Step Records 12")
Giant Step continue to release quiality music. This production here features african vocals, jazzy sax and flute and a cool guitar over a percussive house groove.
May 13, 2001
Runner up this week: ChiChi Peralta "Un dia mas" (Matthias Heilbronn Remixes)(Wave Records 12")
Sweet vibes for your turntable. Matthias Heilbronn delivering of of his best remixes to date. Based on a mellow and soulful groove, he uses lots of percussion, a lovely guitar and jazzy key to bring the vocals to full effect. The perfect music for summer...
Ultra Naté "Stranger than fiction - Album Sampler" (AM:PM Records 12" Promo)
Gladly they put the strongest cut from the forthcoming album onto this sampler: " I don't understand it" is produced by Mood II Swing and it features the magnificent keyboards by MIIS over a bumpy house groove. Also worth checking out is the 4 Hero & D-Influence produced downtempo "Twisted".
Boris Dlugosch featuring Rosin Murphy "Never enough" (Remixes)(Peppermint Jam Records 12")
If you can't get enough of this club stormer, get this 12" which includes two new versions: the 'Bini & Martini Reprise' and the 'Fusion Groove Orchestra Jazz-A-Pella'. Also included is the 'Fusion Groove Orchestra Vocal Mix'.
Taana Gardner "Heartbeat" (2001 Remixes)(WestEnd Records CD Promo)
Many will say this remix shouldn't have been done, but you need to give it a listen before you judge. A Touch of Class were choosen to retouch and reclassify it for the new millenium. They keep the legendary beat of the classic and couple it with a bumpy house groove.
Mimosa featuring Tiki Jones "Let your feelings show" (SoulGroove Records 12")
SoulGroove Records keep on rocking with their latest offering: a catchy production with a bumpy groove featuring Tike Jones as lead vocalist.
Donna Washington "We're going up" (Generate Music Records 12" Promo)
Deep Swing are on the move again. Those who got it in Miami are killing it since then, I had to wait a few weeks to get my hands on it. A somping groove coupled with the gospel-ish vocals by Donna Washington make this a winner all over with a nice selection of mixes to choose from.
Brent Laurence featuring Clay Acox & Marueen Parker "Spirit" (Black Vinyl Records 12")
Gospel-ish vocals over a fierce and driving house groove that is set to do damage on the dancefloor. Check the 'Spiritual Horns Mix' with extra trumpet, sax and trombone.
Jon Cutler featuring Kemdi presents "You groove me" (Distant Music Records 12")
A smooth groove with a laidback guitar, deep bass and the lovely vocals of Kemdi is what you get on this 12".
Jask "Thai Vibes EP" (Large Records 12")
Jask bringing us a slamming three track EP where he brings us more of the smooth, deep and melodic grooves that feature sax, flute and guitar.
Pound Boys vs. Martello Bros. "Jack it up" (Part 2)(Look-At-You Records 12")
Here is part two that inclues the 95 North dub, a mix by Dance Freak that brings the old days back thanks to the 80's style piano, and mixes by Tedd Patterson that are based around a minimal, tribal-ish groove.
Knee Deep "I'll be there for you" (Defected Records 12" Test Pressing)
In contrast to the first test pressing I reviewed a couple of weeks ago, thie one also features a b-side with new mixes that feature a stomping groove topped by catchy keys.
7th District Inc. featuring Janine Cross "All the things U are" (Ministry of Music Records 12" Promo)
Beside all the remix works 7th District have been involved in the last couple of month, they have this new production featuring Janine Cross on vocals. It is a classy garage production with a bumping house groove, classic strings and a lovely guitar.
May 6, 2001
Runner up this week: Boris Dlugosch featuring Rosin Murphy "Never enough" (Remixes)(Positiva Records 2x12" Promo)
Already a big hit in its original version, this will score even bigger with the new remixes on this double 12" (and more mixes to come, too). Fusion Groove Orchestra give the track a laidback flava with jazzy keys and a beautiful xylophone solo, not to forge the disco-ish strings. Bini & Martini once more deliever fierce mixes on a funky tip.
Unknown "Everybody dance tonight" (Piece of Cake Records 12" Test Pressing)
Piece of Cake is a brand new swiss label kicking off strong with "Everybody dance tongiht". A bumpy house groove with a cool guitar, jazzy keys and lovely vocals are the trademarks of this beautiful piece of music.
Devin DeVeaux presents "The love game" (Elan Records 12")
Remember "Love game" by Pure Energy featuring Lisa Stevens, released in 1983 on Prism Records? This is a cover version keeping the original vibe alive by adding a stomping house groove.
Jose Burgos & Deuce Martinez present "Black pearl" (Bassclef Records 12")
This is a fierce track with wicked horn and organ solos on an underground tip.
A Hundred Birds "Batonga" (Wave Records 12")
The classic Angelique Kidjo track gets a makeover coming in to flavas: the first is on a midtempo tip with classic trings, violins, viola, cello and rhodes. The second one is on a groovy house tip.
Jori Hulkkonen "Let me luv U" (F-Communications Records 12")
Taken from his successful album release "When no one is watching us, we are invisible", this bubbling deep house track comes complete with remixes by Muzique Tropique, Demon and Nigel Hayes.
Precint 13 "The real deal" (12" Test Pressing)
Joey Musaphia teams up with Tee Smith and ex-Incognito vocalist Joy Malcolm to create a fierce and stompng track with a disco-ish arrangement.
Central Living "Everyday" (NakedMusic Records 12")
Produced by Dave Warrin and featuring Lisa Shaw on vocals, this lets the saga of gorgeous grooves coming from NakedMusic continue. But what makes this record really intersting are the remixes from Bougie Soliterre, Crazy Penis and Sven Van Hees who all create a totally different vibe.
Joe T Vannelli Project featuring Helen Bruner & Terry Jones "Stand up" (DreamBeat Records 12")
Mr. Vannelli is back with track that features the lovely voices of Helen Bruner and Terry Jones over a stomping house groove. Music Lovers deliever a laidback and groovy remix with an extra percussive dub version.
Africanism present Lego "Trompeta allegre" (Yellow Records 12" Test Pressing)
Lego from Chigaco is the latest producer choosen for the Africanism series on Yellow Records. His production is driven by a ferice trumpet that keeps the laidback groove rockin' from the beginning to the end.
P.B. & Company featuring Yvonne Brown "I'm in love" (SubUrban Records 2x12" Promo)
The Pound Boys are back with a cover of an old Dexter Wansel written classic (but unfortunately I don't remember the artist from back then). Their mixes are on a classic vibe with a jazzy piano leading the way. Tommy Musto supplies the remixes where he gives the track a bumpy house groove with jazzy keys on top of it.
Macari & Jay-J featuring Shawn Benson "Fools for love" (Large Records 12")
What do you expect from Large? Nothing but quality music, and they do once more deliver exactly that. "Hold on to you" is a mellow and laidback groover. "Oh baby" is sort of an afterhours track on a laidback vibe.
Franky Boissy and Bionic SF present "Golden Gate Soul" (OM Records 12")
Yet more West Coast house grooves coming your way in form of this lovely house track with a moody feel.
April 29, 2001
Runner up this week: Space 7 vs. Hipnotic (Clairaudience Records 12")
"Maximus (Free Soul Movement)" by Space 7 is produced by Anthony Nicholson and Sampsonic and features a wicked guitar over a percussive groove with a deep bass and jazzy keys. The flip has two tracks by Hiptnotic: both "Fifth dimension" and "Suspicious" are jazzy jam-sessions with the first one featuring vocals by Charlotte Hunt.
Alton Miller "Ease your mind" (Muse Records 12")
Alton Miller is back with a mellow and deep bubbling groover on the soulful tip.
Sharon Phillips "Touch me" (Tiefschwarz Mixes)(Wave Records 12")
The US release of this very successfull german production (originally out on BrickHouse Records) comes with brand new mixes by Tiefschwarz. They touch it with their magical hands and add some fine keyboards and a jazzy piano at the end.
Tiefschwarz "No more trouble" (Four Music Records 12")
This is their first release after splitting up with Edel/ClubTools. The sampled vocals of Billy Allen might be a bit strange, but there is a rocking groove coupled with the cool keys by Tiefschwarz that make this worth being checked out.
Stacy Kidd featuring Tracy Hamlin "He's the one" (Basement Boys Records 12")
I'm a lucky person since I got a copy with the correct b-side (with the exception of my copy all the others my local record store got have a progressive track pressed on the b-side instead of the dub and edit versions). But lets talk about the music: a fierce and driving groove with that extra funky Basement Boys flava.
Africanism presents Soha "Les enfants du bled" (Yellow Records 12")
DJ Gregory & Julien Jabre are the latest producers to release a track under the Africanism moniker. What you get is a wicked and hypnotic groove with some obscure keys, but after listening to it a second time you're going to feel the power of this record...
Sunseeker featuring Crystal Waters "Nights in Egypt" (WEA Records 12" Test Pressing)
It has definitely been too long since we heard last from Crystal Waters. Here she is back on this nice production coming with slamming mixes by Nerios DubWork and Lenny Fontana both delievering strong mixes that will rock the dancefloor and bring Crystal's vocals to full effect.
Under Pressure "Slip away" (T.O.I. Records 12" Test Pressing)
A real discostomper, coming straight out of Germany. A deep bubbling and discofied groove with stunning mixes by John 'Julius' Kinght of Soulfuric and Sebastian & Marcel Krieg aka TK Bros.
DJ Collective featuring Virigina Lillye "Luv 2 luv U" (12" Promo)
Another strong record coming out of Germany, but I don't know which label it is on. Check out the Glaubitz & Rock mix with a jazzy piano and the Timetrap remix with a cool guitar, both using a bumpy groove on their mixes.
KemeticJust "See the light" (Bombay Records 12")
DJ Kemet & DJ Justin produced this lovely track that features vocals and a laidback guitar by Justin Chapman. Remixes provided are courtesy of Fred Everything and Miguel Graca who adds some extra percussion by Tony Almonte.
Sabrina Johnston "Lift you up" (Equal Records 2x12")
The main mixes by Luis Radio & Spellband with a bumpy groove and jazzy guitar work perfectly with the gospel vocals by Sabrina Johnston. Other mixes on this double 12" are courtesy of Deep Soldier, Guiulio Bonaccio and Sequal.
April 22, 2001
Blaze & Palmer Brown "Jump 4 luv" (NiteGrooves Records 12")
A serious afro house groove that will make you think of Fela Kuti. Something for those that really love the afro sound.
Figarro "Runaround / Love in jungle weather" (Clairaudience Records 12")
Peven Everett is back with two stunning tracks full of jazzy vibes with "Runaround" having a groovy house beat while "Love in jungle weather" sounds like a live jam session.
Chari Chari "Across the universe" (File Records 12")
A japanese 12" including two Frankie Valentine remixes, one featuring a guitar, the other one a piano over the bumpy, laidback groove.
Nica "Nica's dream" (Foreplay Records 10" Promo)
A percussive track full of jazz flava coming out of Japan. Good luck finding it.
Arnold Jarvis "Special kind of love" (Part II)(KingStreet Records 12")
New mixes by Benji Candelario of this club scorcher that already slammed the dancefloor last year with the Jazz'N'Groove mixes. Benji goes for a deep bubbling and stomping groove with jazzy keys that bring Arnold Jarvis' vocals to full effect.
Moments of Soul "The Love EP" (Wave Records 12")
The opening track "Live my life" is driven by an energetic electric guitar and the female vocals and is a lovely deep excursion. The flip has the chilled instrumental "Love is" and the downtempo track "Do you love me".
DJ Luka & Italo Perez "Melody of Samba" (YellOrange Records 12" Test Pressing)
When you hear this one on a loud system, you know that this melodic samba-ish house track is set to do damage on the dancefloor.
Pound Boys vs. Martello Bros. "Jack it up" (Part 1)(Look-At-You Records 12")
This is an interesting project combining the efforts of the Pound Boys and Martello Bros. The mixes here are just a taster for a total of yet 15 (!!) mixes that will get released on different labels. 95 North deliever my favourite mix on this 12" with a bumpy groove that works very well Dajae's vocals. Rhythmcentric go for a more minimalistic groove with a hypnotic feel. David Harness uses a catchy guitar over a deep bubbling groove while the Martello Bros. remix is their own "Remember" that was released on T.O.I. Records just a couple of weeks ago.
Miguel Migs "The Soul Selecta EP" (NRK Records 12")
It is great to see that the West Coast sound coming out of San Francisco gets worldwide attention. This EP includes three tracks by Miguel Migs with his trademark deep vibes..
April 15, 2001
Runner up this week: Knee Deep "I'll be there for you" (Defected Records 12" Test Pressing)
Currently only one-sided with two vocal versions, this has catchy vocals over a bumpy and funky house groove that for sure will be a hit with all the remixes to follow shortly.
Michelle Shaprow "If I lost you" (King Britt Mixes)(WB Records 12" Promo)
King Britt with a nice remix on a laidback tip perfect for your listening pleasure.
Bah Samba "So tired of waiting" (Nick Matar Mixes)(Estereo Records 12")
While we're waiting for "Around the world" to get released (maybe only in Japan), we get new mixes of "So tired of waiting". Nick Matar is going for a really deep bubbling groove with nice spacey keys and a groovy bassline.
Gap Band "You dropped a bomb on me" (The Remixes)(Universal/9th Floor Recordz 12" Promo)
Various remixes, with John DeMairo & Nicholas Palermo, Jr. delievering my favourite mix which is just a simple but catchy track that doesn't use the vocals at all.
Antonio Ocasio "Rizmo Puro (Pure Rhythm)" (Tribal Winds Records 12")
Tribal Winds presents "Volume 3" (Fenix Vocal)(Tribal Winds Records 12")
The latest two releases on Tribal Winds continue the saga of quality music. Jazzy, full of percussion, played live - what can you ask more for?
Yoruba presents Sambas "Que vive el canto" (Yoruba Records 12")
Yoruba is - like Tribal Winds - addicted to release quality music. A percussive track with a true jazz flava coming diverent variations to please your taste.
Johnny Rampin presents India "The lover who rocks you" (2001 Mixes)(Bootlegg 12")
New mixes - maybe by Johnny Rampin? - of this song that came out in 1990 on Reprise Records. India's outstanding voice simply make this one a winner with the help of the catchy keys (don't they sound like "Strings of life"?) and jazzy piano over the bumpy groove.
"Nude Directions EP" (Naked Music Records 12")
"Waiting" by Project 4 continues the Naked Music saga of warm melodies combined with cool keys and female vocals. "Sweetest kind" by Undercover Agency featuring Trust has male vocals and also fits into the Naked Music trademark sound with the warm melodies, this time over a pumpier groove.
Gret Gauthier & Tony L featuring Michelle Weeks "By your side" (KIF Records 12")
From France we get this beautiful vocal production with Michelle Weeks giving us another proof why she can be found on many productions these days. The laidback and bumpy groove with the soulful vocals give it a warm feeling.
Furry Phreaks featuring Terra Deva "Want me (like water)" (Remixes Part II)(Peacefrog Records 2x12")
More remixes to please your needs with Abacus giving us a nice deep bubbling groove on their remix. Herbert, Etienne de Crecy and Presence supply the other mixes on this 2x12" package.
Sade "Kiss of life / Give it up" (Bootlegg 12")
Simply titled "Kiss" on one and "Secretsoul" on the other side, you should hopefully be able to find this nice bootlegg. The mixes have been done by the same people that brought us "No one couldn't love you more" last year. Very percussive with keeping the soulful feeling of the original alive.
Finley Quaye "Spiritualized" (Matthias Heilbronn Remix)(Epic Records 12" Promo)
After last years mixes by Francois K., it is now Matthias Heilbronn who gives it a more peakhour direction with new added trumpet, trombone and sax solo, played by the Groove Collective horn section.
Deep Sensation "Somehow, somewhere (there's a Soul Heaven)" (Fluential Records 12" Test Pressing)
Back for more with the Cleptomaniacs delivering slamming mixes with classy disco-ish strings and a stomping groove that should rock the dancefloors.
Boris Dlugosch with Roisin Murphy "Never enough" (Peppermint Jam Records 12" Test Pressing)
We had to wait a long time for the new production from Boris Dlugosch who has been concentrating on doing remixes in the past couple of month. The vocals are supplied by Roisin Murphy of Moloko fame. A strong production with nice keys and a funky bass. I don't know what mixes are on my test pressing, but beside the original mixes there are also mixes by the Fusion Groove Orchestra.
Mya "Free" (Milk & Suger Remixes)(WEA Records 12")
US r&b star Mya gets the house remix treatment by Germany's Milk & Sugar. A selection of four mixes can be found on the 12" with a latin touch thanks to the piano.
Soul Providers featuring Carolyn Victorian "Set me free" (Elan Records 12")
Larry Rauson is supplying the keys and sax on this stomping house production with some nice filtering and a harder dub on the flip side.
Bob Sinclar featuring James 'D-Train' Williams "Darlin'" (Subliminal Remixes)(Subliminal Records 12")
If the UK release on Defected Records didn't have enough mixes for you, get this one with the Dronez and Who Da Funk remixes. As a bonus, there is a new edit "Ich rocke" by Melvin Moore included.
The RC Connection featuring Jackie Haywood "Wait" (Dialogue Records 12")
Take a stomping groove, add gospel vocals and warm keys, coupled with a jazzy sax and the result is the slamming record we got here.
Linda Clifford "Changin'" (Pound Boys Remix)(WestEnd Records 12" Test Pressing)
The Pound Boys mixes use a stomping beat that gets added with a funky bass and guitar before Linda Clifford's vocals come in and give it that extra touch of soul.
Jose Burgos, J. Sinister Sealee & Deuce present Jazebel's Addiction "Paradise X" (Bassclef Records 12")
A fierce and driving track with a hypnotic feeling to it which I pitched up by six percent to make it fit into the mix.
Soulstice "Lovely" (Remixes)(OM Records 12")
New mixes by Johnny Fiasco, Onionz & Master D and Julius Papp taking it into the deeper and jazzy grounds.
Marshall Jefferson & Serge Imhof "69%" (Master Records 12" Test Pressing)
It is always good to hear fresh music thanks to creative people out there. It starts just with Marshall Jefferson's vocals over a simple beat with the full groove and keys coming in later to create a fierce and driving track.
Colour Girl featuring PSG "Mas que nada" (Edel/4 Liberty Records 12")
The melody should be known since it has already been used in an advertisement. The orginal is a nice laidback groover while Alliance DC add some extry Latin flava on their version. The flip side has mixes for the 2 steppers.
Martin Solveig featuring Mr B. "Destiny" (Mixture Records 12")
A garage production with a jazzy piano, percussion, a deep and funky bass and the stunning vocals of Mr B. The flip has the bonus track "On my mind" featuring Gail Powers on vocals. It is a downtempo, old-school funky track.
East West Connection featuring Terry Callier presents "Tomorrow in your eyes" (ChilliFunk Records 12")
The original version and the Soulcamp remix (both can be found on the flip side) are on the downtempo tip. Dubtribe Sound System turn it into a midtempo groover with a touch of funky disco sounds.
Patrick Green featuring Nicole Henry "My love for you" (SoulGroove Records 12")
The original is a soulful and deep bubbling production on a mellow tip with a jazzy flava. Live Elements pump it up on their mixes and add some funky flava to it.
Tumble & Combo presents "S.U.M.O. EP 1" (TrackMode Records 12")
Three tracks can be found here, all on a jazzy tip with laidback grooves.
Butter Finger "Wanna go somewhere and chill?" (Hysteria Records 12")
Licensed from Foreplay Records out of Japan, this is just a tip of the iceberg that shows what Japan has to offers these days: soulful music with live instrumentation that is full of percussion and soul.
Papillon "The Strong Blend EP" (Wave Records 12")
If you're into the deep and moody sounds that has a touch of ambient, than this EP might be for you...
2nd Shift featuring Anthony Pearson "It's been a long time" (Seasons Records 12")
A record for your afterhours session with its laidback feeling.
April 8, 2001
Runner up this week: Josef "Move on" (CD-Promo)
You might (should!) remember Josef from 95 North "Sun goddess" (it came out on Large Records) where has was the featuered vocalist. On this solo project (that should be signed to a label any day now) he is bringing us a soulful garage stomper where he proves that he is one of todays most versatile vocalists.
Runner up this week: Stephanie Cook "Here with my best friend" (KingStreet Records 12" Promo)
'Little' Louie Vega with a smooth and laidback remix full of percussion, electric guitar, electric bass and rhodes.
Varioius "MAW Sampler 2001" (MAW Records 2x12" Promo)
Four tracks taken from the forthcoming album "Our time is coming". My favorite is "Life is but a dream" by Lynae with a driving groove topped with a cool guitar. "Our time is coming" is a fierce track with Roy Ayers rocking it on the xylophone. "Work" features ragga-ish vocals by Nasty & Denise over a rocking groove. There is also an unreleased version of James Ingram "Lean on me". Can't wait for the full album to drop.
Kenny Bobien "Dance for life" (SoundMen on Wax Records 12" Promo)
Both Little Big Bee and Kenny Carpenter deliver slamming house remixes that bring Kenny's vocals to full effect.
Tortured Soul featuring Christian Urich "I might do something wrong (Part 1)" (Central Park Records 12" Promo)
This, the first part of the release, includes the Yoruba remixes which are based a laidback and soulful groove.
Salif Keita "Tolon Willie" / Cassandra Wilson featuring Angelique Kidjo "Voodoo Reprise" (BlueNote Records 12" Promo)
Both tracks are remixed by Joe Claussell. "Voodo Reprise" uses only percussion with the vocals over it while on "Tolon Willie" you can find a killer sax over the percussive beat track and african vocals.
Jamie Lewis featuring Chance "Streetlife" (Purple Music Records 12" Test Pressing)
It is a hard take to cover this classic, but Jamie Lewis proves that it is possible. A rocking groove that keeps the soulful vibe of the original alive topped with Chance's beautiful vocals and a jazzy sax and a classy variety of mixes to choose from.
HipBone Sessions Series Vol. 1 "The What" (HipBone-Improv Records 12" Promo)
A deep and eclectic jazzy track with a stomping groove that comes in a variety of mixes including a 'Live & Loud' version that could come straight out of a jazz club in New Orleans.
BOP featuring SuSu Bobien "All through me" (SoundMen on Wax Records 12" Promo)
BOP once again go for a vocal driven stormer with a rather commercial and sometime even cheesy production, but SuSu Bobien rocks this joint with her unbelievable voice that makes this one a winner.
DJ Oji featuring Stay-J "Jus rock me" (POJI Records 12" Test Pressing)
Here POJI Records bring us a production that is for the true garage heads with its underground feeling and deep groove.
Kiko Navarro featuring Concha Buika "Up to the sky" (Flamingo Records 12" Test Pressing)
Flamingo Disco Records is a young label that starts to get lots off attention with the latest releases, and this one will bring them even more attention. A lovely production on a latin house tip with a deep bass, funky guitar and the diva Concha Buika delievering the vocals.
Jamie Lewis & Louis Benedetti "Independent Moods" (Purple Music Tracks Records 12" Test Pressing)
A simple track that gives the Montana Orchestra classic "Heavy vibes" a return to the clubs with the main hook of it placed over a stomping beat and added with lovely keys.
The Wikkamen Project featuring Jenny B. "Down on it" (The Unreleased SOW Mix)(SoundMen on Wax Records 12" Promo)
Just one version can be found on this 12" which has an added house beat to the original instrumentation.
E-Smoove vs. Ron Carroll "Take me up / 5 AM (The Afterhours Anthem)" (Body Music Records 12" Test Pressing)
What a record to start off a new label!! "Take me up" is a piano-driven gospel house track with a stomping groove. "5AM (The Afterhours Anthem)" is a fierce track which is driven by an off-the-hook jazzy saxophone.
Unknown "That Benson Thing!" (12" White Label)
One for the crowd here with a simple and stomping groove that kicks off when that funky Benson samples comes in.
Frank'O Moiraghi & Mr. Mike "Harlem Shuffle" (Reshape Records 12" Test Pressing)
This is the way I like it: a track with an infectious groove with cool keys and an even cooler guitar, and then there is Mr. Mike speaking about life as it only can happen in Harlem/New York.
H & H "Stop your love" (Flower Records CD-Promo)
Flower Records bringing us a true soulful house production featuring female vocals, becoming one of my favorites thanks to the jazzy keys, and it comes complete with a King Britt 'Scuba Mix'. Hopefully to be on vinyl soon.
Shuffle Inc. "Remember... New York? / Remember... Chicago?" (12" White Label)
Jay-J and Julius Papp bringing us a track in two flavours: one is based around classic New York grooves, the other one around classic Chicago grooves, both using the same spoken message.
Resonance featuring The Burrells "DJ" (Strictly Rhythm Records 12" Test Pressing)
A Michael Moog production that should do very well thanks to both the rememberable melody and the Full Intention remixes.
Paul Johnson "Give me all your love" (Nocturnal Interlude Records 12" Test Pressing)
A full vocal featured production with jazzy xylophones over a bouncy groove and a touch of disco.
Tim Hatfield "My desire" (DustTraxx Records 12" Test Pressing)
Even more on a disco-ish tip than Paul Johnson, this production here uses a stomping house groove and is on a jazzy tip.
When Worlds Collide "Living Waters / Disco Latino" (Pacific Coast Records 12" Test Pressing)
When Worlds Collide "5 day flight / Here and now" (Pacific Records 12" Test Pressing)
Miguel Placencia is bringing us two 12", both showcasing two slamming tracks on a latin house tip. Miss them at your own risk - I warned you!!
Aural "Make it real" (SoundMen on Wax Records 12" Promo)
A midtempo groover (I pitched it up on my mix) on a jazzy tip with a lovely guitar on laidback tip. SoundMen on Wax always got something to surprise me...
Vible featuring Michael Greene "I want your love" (G.I.T. Records 12")
Jesse Outlaw and Busy Fingers produced this lovely groover whit laidback keys.
Shalé featuring Theryl "Love of my life" (Extreme Records 12")
Another new label kicking off strong with a storming vocal production with soulful vocals and nice instrumentation.
F.M. Project "You can't stop the music" (Reshape Records 12" Test Pressing)
A tech house groove with Mr. Mike supplying the vocals that is simple but very effective and should keep the crowd moving.
D.D.T. presents "Gotta feel it" (Paradax Deep Records 12" Test Pressing)
A deep track with a production and arrangement that remembers me of the past days. The flip has the bonus track "La Musica".
B.O.C Productions featuring Princess Tam Tam "Excursins" (T.O.I. Records 12" Test Pressing)
Taken from the forthcoming album by Lars 'LB' Behrenroth, it features spoken words by poetress Princess Tam Tam. The original version has a broken beat and gets coupled with remixes by both The Rurals and Glissandro Bros.
8th Street Alliance featuring Liz Evans "Dancn'" (Odeon Records 12" Test Pressing)
A label out of Washington, DC that is bringing us an intersteing 12" covering a wide area of dance music. For the garage heads, the 'Odeon Mix' is the one to go for with the minimal, deep bubbling groove and gospel-ish vocals on top. It will catch you as soon as you hear it.
Club Odeon featuring Tia Ade "Unity" (Odeon Records 12" Promo)
The first release on this label with a definitive underground feeling to it. Take an infectious groove, add some slamming vocals over it and you got what you get here: a slamming house production.
Jesse Outlaw "Screamin' / Samba pa ti" (Vuja'De Records 12" Test Pressing)
The track to go for is "Samba pa ti", a jazzed up house track with piano and xylophones.
Various "WMC 2001 Double-Pack" (Oxyd Records 2x12")
This double 12" hast the long awaited 'DeepSwing Gospel Vocal Mix' of "Angel" by Michael Procter that has more soul in it than the versions previously released on 12". "The third pleasure" by The Meridian Project has nice strings over a bumpy beat while "Stringfellows" by French Fries has a classic disco arrangement to it. "Love crosses the lines" by Streetlife featurig Janet Gray has a driving groove with a funky edge and disco-ish strings.
Soul Mecca "Don't ever git up on it" (Centaur Music Records 12")
The original is a downtempo house production, but there is also a soulful remix on the house tip by DJ Oji.
Gabriel Horizon & Ryan Andreaz present "The Sound Collage Project" (Bounce Muzik Records 12")
Four tracks to be found on this 12". "Move" is a house track with female vocals and a cool guitar. "Never let go" is a funky house track. "Latin expressions" is what the name suggests and has a jazzy trumpet. "Conga room" is a simple beat track with congas.
Ralf Hamm "Glamourchick" (12" White Label)
Coming from Germany, this 12" has a couple of nice laidback grooves with a jazzy edge, perfect for afterhours play.
March 22, 2001
T-Kolai presents "Exodus" (Ibadan Records 12")
This label never dissapoints and keeps their high standard with each release. This release is nothing else than proof of my words: a soulful production with african chants, a laidback guitar and full of percussion. Check the instrumental with the guitarpella in the beginning.
Mutiny "Secrets" (Remixes)(Virgin Records 2x12" Promo)
Taken from the forthcoming album "In the now", this double-promo inlcudes new stomping remixes of their club smash "Secrets" by the Ryhthm Masters that should open it to a wider community.
Lenny Fontana featuring Angee Blake "Reach for the sky" (Records of Interest Records 2x12" Test Pressing)
Lots of mixes to choose from on this double 12". Soulcamp go for a layed down silky somber mix while Kiko Navarro turns it into an uplifting house stomper. Gene Douglas goes for an 7am anthem with a simple and catchy piano hook. Lenny Fontana's original is a classy vocal house production. Not to forget the pumpin' dub mixes.
The Rurals "Take you time EP" (Peng Records 12")
"Take your time" is another one of those lovely Rurals productions that features the sweet voice of Marie Tweek. "Mission 1" is a laidback groover with a jazzy saxophone leading the way.
Gene Hunt "Brazilian Nemesis" (NiteLife Collective Records 12")
This is an infectious track with a stomping beat. Glenn Underground adds an extra jazzy flute and creates a nice laidback groover. The bonus track "Congo" is a simple percussive track to play around with.
Chaka Khan "Any love" (Bootlegg 12")
It says 'DJ Marble & Luca' on the label so I guess these two are behind this bootlegg with a remix on the funky tip with some effective filtering.
Kathy Brown "Sooky sooky" (Oxygen Records 12" Test Pressing)
Kathy Brown is back with an uplifting production with a bumpy groove and retro keys.
DKMY featuring Jeff Ramsey "Everyday" (Large Records 12")
Dana Kelley aka DKMA presents this deep bubbling vocal house tracks that comes complete with Mateo & Matos remixes that use an ever deeper groove with laidback keys on top.
Andy Caldwell "Carnaval" (OM Records 12")
Another strong release from OM Records on a jazzy house tip with some weird effects and a nice selection of mixes.
Kimiesha Holmes "I need you tonight" (EightballShop Records 12")
It is good to see that Eightball still releases soulful vocal house music. A nice selection of mixes to choose from ranging from 90's style to todays grooves.
Mateo & Matos featuring Barbara Burgos present "I want music / Dance dance dance" (United Underground House Sounds Records 12")
"I want music" is a piece of music with a laidback groove, a jazzy piano that leads the way and spanish vocals. "Dance dance dance" is a nice, discofied house track.
March 18, 2001
Gloria Estefan "Y-Tu-Conga" (Epic Records 12" White Label)
Coming from Germany, this white label includes four mixes by Little 'Louie' Vega & Nayib Estefan: the two mixes from the US promo, bonus beats and a piano-led dub.
Anthony Nicholson featuring Charlotte Hunt "Sunshine" (NiteGrooves Records 12")
Lifted from the "Abstract Jazz Lounge III" album, this is another great production vocal production by Anthony Nicholson with an interesting 'Bossa Break Dub' on a totaly different vibe.
The Rurals "Magic EP" (Large Records 12")
The Rurals continue walking down the 'Soul Street' with this beautiful laidback groover with on a mellow tip.
Jay-J & Chris Lum as Soulfranciscins present "Give it up (for love)" (Chez Records 12")
Congratulations to Neil Aline for picking up this beautifaul track for his label which has a fierce groove with a jazzy flute sitting on top.
Fingercuffs "Fever for life" (Remixes Part II)(83 West Records 12")
Matthias 'Matty' Heilbronn with a superb remix where he cominbes a rocking house groove with a jazzy instrumentation that features guitar, trumpet and piano. And finally there are the stunning vocals that should not be forgotten to mention.
Rhythmcentric "New School Fusion (Part 2)" (Look-At_You Records 12")
This, the second part, features mixes by Tedd Patterson, the Pound Boys and the Basement Boys. Like the mixes on the first part, they turn the original afro-house production into stomping club tracks that should rock on the dancefloor.
aFRO-mYSTiK "Infinte Rhythm" (Remixes)(OM Records 12")
Swag and Rithma remixes of this successfull OM Records release that should help it to become even more successfull.
GU presents "My trix" (TrackMode Records 12")
Glenn Crocker aka Glenn Underground shows us another side of his diversity with this mellow groover with a laidback feeling. that features brazilian spoken words.
Alexkid featuring Nicole Graham "On my mind" (Ovum Records 12")
Ovum Records once more have a strong release in their hand with this nicely grooving and jazzy production. Llorca is taking into the deeper grounds on his remix.
Kevin Yost "Hypnotic Progressions" (Parts 1-6)(Plate Records 2x12")
Kevin Yost moving away from the jazzy tip on this release where he goes for various hypnotic grooves on a progressive tip. "Part 4" features some jazzy elements, but I had to pitch it down quite a bit to make it fit into my mix.
Nicci "When you're free" (Easy Street Records 12")
A remix by Blaze that might be a bit to cheesy and poppy, but you got to decide for yourself.
March 11, 2001
Petalpusher "Rely on me" (Naked Music Records 12")
It is always a day full of joy when a new Naked Music release arrives at my record store. Miguel Migs produced this beauty that also includes mixes by Jay Denes and Aquanote. The names involved stand for quality and they do not dissapoint.
DJ Blackstone and amit Shoham "Running" (Tarantic Records 12" Test-Pressing)
A bubbling groove with a catchy and melodic piano on top on an uplifting tip. The version on the flip has an ever deeper groove with a lively percussion loop and the bonus track "Casa deAmor" on a latin jazz tip.
Tuomas Salmela "The piece" (Guidance Records 12")
The original is a midtempo funky groover that is also present in an extended and reworked version. The house version uses some quirky effects and some cool organ rides to create a nicely floating groove.
A:xus "When I fall Remix Project" (Guidance Records 12")
Some hot new millenium remixes for this big tune. Greg 'Stryke' Chin gives it an electro house feel on his vocal mix while on the dub he has choosen to go for an acid house groove. Weekender do a beautiful makeover with a deep bubbling groove to die for.
Savannah featuring Chezeré "The right time" (KIF Records 2x12")
A truly lovely tune with Chezeré on vocals over a laidback groove with a cool guitar. There is Rurals remix that takes it into the deepest imaginable grounds. The other remixes and tracks are all perfect for a laidback afterhours set.
St Germain "It's a sure thing (Revisited)" (Blue Note Records 12")
This 12" brings you the original album version and a remix by Todd Edwards.
DJ Lumiére featuring Big J. "Good bye Illusions" (Beeswax Records 12")
Beeswax is a Czech label that is representing many Czech DJs and producers. "Good bye illusions" is a splendid deep house production with a deep bubbling groove and nice selection of mixes.
Kacie Nemesis "Music plays" (HipBone Records 12")
You know the deal: quality music from the - in my opinion - underrated HipBone Records. Soulful as usual, with a nice selection of mixes to choose from.
J Majik featuring Kathy Brown "Love is not a game" (Defected Records 12" Test Pressing)
The people at Defected once more got a track in their hands that will rock the dancefloors with its stomping groove and nice keyboards. Not to forget that Kathy Brown is supplying the vocals.
The Shadow Kings "Catch the sun / Anything" (Chez Records 12" Test Pressing)
Nothing groundbreaking here, just two solid tracks.
March 4, 2001
CeCe Peniston "My boo (the things you do)" (Silk Entertainment Records 12")
Viola "He is lord "(Silk Entertainment Records 12")
Steve 'Silk' Hurley "Dubs from the Dungeon Vol. 1" (Silk Trax Records 12")
Every now and then, Steve 'Silk' Hurley releases a couple of records. "My boo" by CeCe Peniston is based around a sample of the Gil Scott-Heron classic "The bottle" and has a nice bumpy house groove. "He is lord" by Viola is a gospelish production with a bumpy beat. "Dubs from the Dungeon Vol. 1" has some new dubs of "The word is love".
Lionel Richie "Don't stop the music" (Joey Negro Remixes)(Nitelite/Universal Records 12")
One of the worlds most famous ballad singers gets the club treatment by Joey Negro who does what he can best: turning a song into a discofied stomper for the dancefloor.
Nathan Haines featuring Verna Francis "Earth is the place" (Chilli Funk Records 12")
Produced by Phil Asher for Restless Soul Productions, this is a soulful and laidback groover with DJ Gregory & Julien Jabre remixes on the flip that add a solid house groove.
Jasper Street Company "Lift every voice (tame me away)" (Basement Boys Records 12")
The Mass Order classic from 1992 gets a welcome new release and is set to do damage on the dancefloor as the original did back in the days. The new interpretation has lots of intensity and features the stunning vocals of the Jasper Street Company.
Music 101 "Angel" (Tweakin' Records 12")
Laidback vibes coming from San Francisco. If you like the Naked Music stuff, you will like this one since it is on a similar vibe, complete with Miguel Migs mixes.
Julius Papp "Libido" (Estereo Records 12")
Something different here: a mooth and laidback groove with a guitar on top on a jazzy tip.
Gloria Estefan "Y-tu-conga" (Epic Records 12" Promo)
'Little' Louie Vega teams up with Nayib Estefan for a remix of the classic "Conga". It brings back the memories of River Ocean's "Love and happiness" and mixes perfectly with it thanks to the similar vibe the two have.
Soul Deluxe "Free at last" (Champion Records 2x12" Promo)
Produced originally in Italy, this one cleverly samples the Jimmy Bo Horne classic "Spank" on the Intralazzi and J Kano mixes. Kerri Chandler gives it a different vibe and replaces the sample with a bubbling, laidback groove and a jazzy saxophone.
February 25, 2001
Kings of Tomorrow featuring Julie McKnight "Finally" (Kevin Yost Remix)(Distance Records 12" Test Pressing)
After the 'Little' Louie Vega mixes, we have Kevin Yost giving it a different touch on a laidback, jazzy vibe.
Jill Scott "He loves me" (Bootlegg 12")
Those that were able to get their hands on this strictly limited pressing, can't stop playing it. The guys behind it did a marvellous job by creating a soulful vibe and keeping the original vibe of the vocal alive.
Erkyah Badu "Bag lady" (Bootlegg 12")
No, it is not the Spen & Karizma remix that everybody is talking about. It is a different remix that - like the Jill Scott remix - keeps the vibe of the vocal alive and uses a soulful groove.
M&S presents The Girl Next Door "Salsoul nugget (if U Wanna)" (FFRR Records 2x12" Promo)
Finally, FFRR Records will release this club monster (remember the bootlegg that was around in October 2000?) that is causing rocking dancefloors for month now.
The Mood Men "Hi-Frequency EP" (i! Records 12")
i! Records keep the quality standard of their releases high with this four track EP on a jazzy tip by DJ Toni V and Wayne Gardiner.
Shuffle Inc. "Come together" (Infinite Jazz/Moulton Studio Records CD-R)
Jay-J & Andrew Macari featuring Shawn Benson "Power" (Moulton Studio CD-R)
Jay-J & Julius Papp "Morning star" (Dripping Wet/Moulton Studio CD-R)
This three productions are just a few of the many that have been done recently at Moulton Studio Recordings. "Come together" by Shuffle Inc. features female vocals over a bumpy house groove with a jazzy edge. "Morning star" by Jay-J & Julius Papp is a perfect afterhours track with a bubbling and jazzy groove. "Power" by Jay-J & Andrew Macari featuring Shawn Benson is an uplifting production with a stomping and irresistible beat featuring much underrated Shawn Benson on vocals.
Musiq "Just friends (sunny)" (Masters at Work Remix)(DefSoul Records 12" Promo)
Musiq "Just friends (sunny)" (E-Smoove Remix)(DefSoul Records 12" Promo)
Like they did with Stephen Simmonds, Masters at Work give this r&b hit a soulful house treatment coming in four versions on the first disc. The second disc features the original r&b version along with mixes by E-Smoove that are on soulful tip too, with a bumpy house groove.
Filur meets Miss Nellie Ettison "It's alright" (Mega/Edel Records 12")
House music coming from Denmark. The main club version is based around a bumpy house groove with cool guitar on top while the dub is a filtered affair. The 'Allstar Remix' is on a different tip with added jazzy flava over a groovy beat.
Annette Taylor "Faith" (Fluential Records 2x12" Test Pressing)
An unreleased gem feel from a couple of years back and now picked up by Fluential who also commissioned new mixes of this gospel-ish tune. Gladly, the fierce original by Mateo & Matos is included and kicks off the package. The Sunkids deliever both a pumped up, filtered version and a jazzed-up version. The Pharmacy mixes use filtering effects over a bumpy groove.
Deepah Ones "EP" (Basement Boys Records 12")
Three tracks on this EP. "Don't blame it" is a rework of the Jackson classic. "Makin' Love" has a funky and bouncy beat. "Redd Hott Mamma" uses a deep and funky bassline and is full of breaks and builds.
Rhythmcentric "New Shool Fusion (Part 1)" (Look-At-You Records 12")
A nice afro-house track on a percussive tip with a spoken message. The flip has Basement Boys remixes which kick off with a tribal beat before the jazzy piano comes in.
February 18, 2001
Stella Brown "Never knew love" (White Label 12")
Coming in a couple of weeks on Perfecto Records, this catchy number should do very well thanks to Chic-ish guitar (is it sampled or not?) over a bumpy house groove with decent filtering.
Yolanda Adams "Open my heart" (Pound Boys Mixes)(Elektra Records CD Promo)
Only available on CD promo, it sees the Pound Boys delievering piano driven mixes.
B.M.R. with Level 42 "Starchild" (Peppermint Jam Records 12")
Boris Dlugosch & Michi Lange revamped this classic for the new millenium which has already caused lots of attention on test pressing. A perfect combination of the classic with an up-to-date groove.
Bob Sinclar featuring James 'D-Train' Williams "Dalrin'" (Defected Records 2x12" Promo)
The most talked about song from the album "Champs Elysée" gets a 12" release complete with mixes by Brian Tappert who goes for a stomping grovoe and Mr. G who gives it a tech-house flava.
Furry Phreaks featuring Terra Deva "Want me (like water)" (Remixes)(Peacefrog Records 12")
Charles Webster bringing us more deep and sultry mixes of this classic.
Africanism "Love is the answer / The dragon" (Yellow Records 12")
This time, Liquid People are behind the tracks on this 12". "Love is the answer" is a Cerrone classic that gets sampled here over a stomping groove. "The dragon" is a fierce, percussive groove.
Da Lata "Pra manha" (Blaze Mixes)(Palm Pictures Records 2x12" Promo)
The mixes of interest for the garage and house heads are by Blaze where they create another one of their classic vibes.
February 11, 2001
Runner up this week: A Tribe Called Quest "Bonita Applebum" (Fusion Groove Orchestra Remix)(CD-R)
I only have it on CD-R thanks to a good friend of mine (no idea if it is released or not). In any case you should try to get your hands on it since the Fusion Groove Orchestra did a marvellous job on t his hip hop classic by adding a soulful groove with both a hot flute and guitar.
Runner up this week: Carl Hancock Rux "Lamentations (you, son)" (Giant Step Records 12")
Here we have Ron Trent on a journey into the poetry of spiritual and percussive dance grooves. For those of you remembering "Intro to (R)Evolution" from last year, you know what kind of vibe to expect...
Natalie Cole "Livin' for love" (Bob Sinclar Mixes)(Elektra Records 12")
Bob Sinclar giving it the definitiv club rub with his catchy mixes.
Copyright presents One Track Mind "Where would you be?" (SoulFuric Trax Records 12")
Take a D-Train sample, put a stomping groove under it and you got a hit. Word!
Artful Dodger featuring Michelle Escoffery "Think about me" (Joey Negro Mixes)(FFRR Records 12" Promo)
When you see Joey Negro's name on a remix, you might be thinking of getting a discofied remix. Here, he decided to go for something different: a stomping groove which is topped with catchy keys.
Donnie "Holiday" (Giant Step Records 12")
Another Ron Trent production for your 'must buy' list. A very stylish house production with a real jazz flava. DJ Deep was choosen for the remix where he goes for a laidback, bubbling groove on a jazzy tip with a guitar leading the way.
Whirlpool Productions "Lifechange" (WEA Records 12")
The vocoded vocals are a bit strange - you'll either love them or hate them. But you should still check it out for the Tiefschwarz instrumental mix with its lovely keyboards and chants layed over them.
Shakatak "Down on the streets 2001" (Polydor/Zeitgeit Records 2x12" Promo)
Wackside and Tiefschwarz, Germany's most prolific remixers have been choosen to do the remixes of this 1984 (which is also included here). Tiefschwarz deliver a hot new interpretation with a very cool guitar. From Wackside, we get a beautifully updated version and some rocking club and dub versions.
Mr. Oxx & Michael Procter "Angel" (Deep Swing Mixes)(Oxyd Records 12" Test Pressing)
Uplifting house music coming from Italy with Deep Swing delievering the mixes with a deep bubbling and irresistible groove.
Afropeans "No. 1" (Edel/PeppermintJam Records 12" Limited Edition)
An exclusive 12" for the lucky ones that got it in their mail inlcuding four tracks from two different Afropeans releases. All four tracks are hot in their own right and a packed floor is guaranteed if you play them.
Romatt presents Afro Centric Vibe "Let's be free" (KingStreet Records 12")
DJ Romain & Mattt (Keyz) bring us this afro-house stomper with a nice selection of mixes that can be used as a background track.
Dave Warrin "Shine on" (Esho Records 12")
A laidback and soulful groover for your afterhours session.
Peal Orchestra "No win situation" (SoulGroove Records 12")
More soulful grooves with a nice flute and touch of orechstral arrangement.
Kemeticjust "The Essence / Atlanta Nichts" (NiteGrooves Records 12")
Taken from the double-album "Abstract Jazz Lounge III", this are two nice jazzy tracks that deserved this 12" release.
Jersey Street "Disappear" (Glasgow Underground Records 12")
Uschi Classen is giving us a deep bubbling remix on a laidback tip.
Yoruba presents Erro "Don't change" (Yoruba Records 12")
Yoruba continue to put out quality releases on a soulful and laidback tip.
February 4, 2001
Runner up this week: Billie "Come along" (Purple Music Records 12" Test Pressing)
The follow up of "Take it easy", her previous smash hit, is produced by DJ Jamie Lewis and comes with mixes by Louis Benedetti on this first 12" of a two record set. The keys played the jazzy way are supplied by Albert 'Sterlin' Menendez who already worked for the Masters at Work, Frankie Feliciano and many others. A slammin' record with Billie's stunning vocals leading the way.
Runner up this week: Kerri Chandler "Digitalsoul Session Three" (Large Records 2x12")
A versatile six track EP by Kerri Chandler. There is "Time is destiny" which will remember you of the early days, "Midnight city blues" which has a touch of philly and features male vocals and "Who is it you love?" that is a carnival house groove. But you shouldn't miss the other three tracks that are on a deep and soulful vibe.
Tamia "Stranger in my house" (Elektra Records 2x12" Promo)
The only mixes of interest on this double promo are by Maurice Joshua. Unfortunately, two of his three mixes are on a cheesy commercial tip so it comes down to his 'Maurice Soul Mix' that uses a uses a nice funky bassline.
Ultra Naté "Get it up (the feeling)" (AM:PM Records 2x12" Promo)
The 'Extended Mix' has been edited by Albert Cabrera and is a midtempo groover on an old-school tip. Full Intention do their thing once more and deliver a pumping groove with a touch of disco-ish flava . The rest of the mixes included are for the 2-step heads.
Gwen McCrae "Keep the fire burning" (White Label 12")
This is a one-sided white label with no info who is behind the remix of this classic. It uses a bubbling groove that works well with Gwens vocals.
aFRO-mYSTiK "Infinte Rhythm" (OM Records 12")
Once again, Gina Rene supplies vocals on a house production coming from the west coast of the USA. DJ Fluid produced this afro-house groover.
The Lucky Ones "Ever after love" (HipBone Records 1"")
Take a bumpy house groove, add some jazz flava in form of a sax and a trumpet, and to finish put some fine soulful vocals on top, and you got a wonderful piece of music.
Bini + Martini "Burning up" (Azuli Records 2x12" Test Pressing)
Once more, Bini & Martini have choosen Lisa Millett as the featured vocalist on this two record release. The first 12" has the vocal mix which is based on a fierce groove with some smooth filtering and a nice hornapella. On the flip is the 'Eclipse Dub' which starts with a long intro which uses just some percussion and the horns. The second 12" has the Sandy Rivera remix (already reviewed from the "Azuli 2001 Winter Sampler") and a dub by Bini + Martini on a tech-hosue tip.
Deep Swing "In the music" (Generate Records 12")
This one has a similar concept to Eddie Amador's "House music": a spoken message over a fierce and catchy groove.
Jamie Lewis featuring Michael Watford "For you" (The Remixes)(Deep Vision Records 2x12")
Lots of new mixes here: a pumped up dub by John 'DNR' Alvarez, a K.O.T. remix and a Mood Bangers remix with some filtering. There are also two acapellas and the original included.
Deep Swing featuring Xavior "Takin' me higher" (The Remixes)(Raw Nerve Records 12")
The flip side has the original version and the Bini & Martini remix that was previously released on R.O.I. Records. New mixes are by Knee Deep and B.O.C. who both deliver soulful on their own.
Soul Providers featuring Carolyn Victorian "Try my love" (Elan Records 12")
This is one of those records that should rock the dancefloor with its fierce, filtered groove.
King Britt presents Sylk 130 featuring Alma Horton "Happiness" (Ovum Records 12")
This was on promo since last may, but now it is finally available on retail 12". The mix we've been waiting for is the one by Soul Dhamma with its soulful groove. There are also mixes by King Britt and Vikter Duplaix.
January 28, 2001
Runner up this week: Kenny Blake featuring Wanda G. "Feel so real" (Brickhouse Records 12" Test Pressing)
The Steve Arrington classic gets covered in a classy way by Kenny Blake who has choosen Wanda G. as the vocalist. Peak-hour dance music with an uplifting groove with Wackside on remix duty delievering a real club stomper.
Yolanda Wyns "I know you, I live you" (SubUrban Records 12")
A cover of the Chaka Khan classic with 'Mr. Disco-Revival' Joey Negro supplying the mixes. The arrangement sounds like it comes straight from the late 70's/early 80's, with an up-to-date groove. Don't miss the 'Jazzfunkstrumental' on the flip side.
Naked Souls present Todd Harris "As long as we're together" (Aquarius Records 12")
The label that is dedicated to bring the magic moments of Disco back to your turntables, combined with up-to-date grooves, has another hit in their hands with this beauty that has strong mixes by Matt 'M1' Di Maria that should rock your dancefloor with bubbling groove.
Sebastian Krieg & Tyree Cooper "Say your prayers" (Brickhouse Records CD-R Promo)
A feel-good house record with a catchy piano hook that should make your crowd shake their booty when you play it. Wackside add their magic touch to it, creating a stunning remix.
Todd Edwards "Fly away" (i! Records 12")
This is the 200th release for i! Records - congratulations. It features Fresh & Low remixes of an old Todd Edwards production from 1996 (which is also included here). And you should also take a look at the beautiful artwork of the sleeve.
Lenny Kravitz "Black velveteen" (Basement Boys Remix)(Virgin Records 12" Promo)
The Basement Boys on remix duty for a major artist with a really rocking result - check the rock guitar on their main mixes. My favorite is their 'Lenny XXX Rated Dub' on the flip with a really pumping groove and f***ing hot sample. Also included is the Roger Sanchez acapella.
East West Connection "East West" (Remixes)(SoulCamp Records 12")
One of the most successful releases from ChilliFunk Records gets a welcome rerelease with new mixes (the original mix is also included) that are very percussive, the dub being mainly a percussive beats version.
January 21, 2001
Milk & Sugar "Higher & Higher" (Unreleased Morales Mixes)(Milk & Sugar Records 12" Picture Disc)
Two more mixes by David Morales inlcuded on this picture disc (which shows some naked breasts so it might only be sold under the counter) on a classic DEF tip.
Deidra Jones "Alive" (Part 2 - Dub Mixes)(Benztown Records 12")
An essential purchase including the dub mixes (the vocal versions can be found on part one).
Next Evidence "The body theme" (Ibadan Records 12")
Those magnificent french people we know from their releases on Basic Records are behind this beautiful piece of music full of percussion and live instrumentation.
Solar House "Paradise EP" (Large Records 12")
Fresh and Low Productions never dissapoint, and this three tracker stays in that tradition. Deep, soulful grooves with jazzy vibes on a laidback tip.
"Manureva" (Shazz Mixes)(Sony Records 12")
I guess the original from 1979 is a chanson that got remixed by Shazz in a soulful way with a jazzy xylophone on top.
Titus "Don't worry about me" (Guidance Records 12")
I heard the Dino & Terry remix first half a year ago on a DJ Deep mix, and since then I love it for the percussive and soulful groove with a rhodes to die for. Also included are mixes by Miguel Migs who creates another one of his deep and moody grooves.
Kristine W "Feel what you want" (Deep Swing Remix)(Champion Records 12" Test Pressing)
A welcome re-release for this classic with Deep Swing on remix duty delievering a remix with a pumping beat and nice keys.
Manguera featuring Octahvia "Don't worry" (Subliminal Records 12")
Jose Nunez is back with a vocal stomper featuring Octahvia on vocals and a jazzy sax on top of the bubbling bassline.
UBQ featuring Felecia Washington "When I fell in love 2001" (Vinyl Soul Records 12")
Ten years after its first release, this classic is back with new mixes and a new vocalist. Terry Hunter brings us a nice updated version with a bubbling bass and cool trumpet and a funkier dub. Georgie Porgie adds some filtering while Mandrax & Seb K give it a complete reconstruction with a funky guitar riff.
DJ Disciple featuring Angie Johnson "You" (Catch 22 Records 2x12" Test Pressing)
My favourite mix is done by Bobbi & Steve in a classy four to the floor garage style with a nice trumpet solo and wah-wah guitar. Other mixes included are by Roger Sanchez with a deep funked up mix, the Banji Boys with a 'Disco Dub' full of filtering and a catchy guitar loop and DJ Lafleche with deeper and techier mixes.
Pound Boys featuring Earl Bennett "Be strong" (Dialogue Records 12")
Jamie Lewis gets deep here with a deeply bubbling groove and irresistible keys on top. Also included are mixes by Ministers of Sound and the Pound Boys.
Andy Caldwell featuring Gina René "Quiet nights" (OM Records 12")
Laidback and soulful grooves coming outta sunny California with Gina Reneé supplying the vocals.
Guest Review by Thomas Fath: Cleptomaniacs feat. Bryan Chambers "All I do" (Clubtools/Edel/Defected Records 12")
Two single 12" with a lot of great mixes, my favorites coming from Italy's top remixers Bini & Martini. DJ Tonka did a remix exclusively for this German release, which is more on the commercial side. Cleptomaniacs deliver fine mixes in their typical and highly effective East Coast style. All in all a great package and a sure-must-buy this week!
Guest Review by Thomas Fath: Knee Deep feat. Kenny Bobien "If you love me" (R.O.I. Records 12" Test Pressing)
Winner of this year's German Dance Award as best remixers in German Music Bizz, Knee Deep, teamed up with one of America's best voices, Kenny Bobien. The result speaks for itself. My favorite is the way cool dub, made to rock the dancefloors worldwide. Big congratulations to the boys from Hamburg!
Guest Review by Thomas Fath: Kenny Blake feat. Wanda G. "Feel so real" (Brickhouse Records 12" Test Pressing)
Kenny ("Tom's Dinner") Blake covers the Steve Arrington classic in a fine way. Two nice mixes help the DJ to work the crowd. The guys from Wackside add their magic touch and give us a Tweaker club mix and a undergroundish Tweaker dub mix, which is my favorite. Another high quality release coming on this fine German underground record-label. A real good buy!
Guest Review by Thomas Fath: Niki Haris "Total love" (Caus'N'Effect Records 12")
Coming on Munich based Caus'N'Effect Records, is this first solo-project of Madonna's ex-background singer, Niki Haris. She took the same road like Donna DeLory ("Think it over"), another of Madonna's background singer before her. With a voice like this it's just necessary to not stay in the background. Helpful on her solo-project are surely remixers like Daniel Klein, DJ Shahrokh and my favorite Austrian guys, 7th District. Great work!
January 14, 2001
Jody Watley featuring Roy Ayers "I love to love" (Remixes)(MAW Records 12")
The Pasta Boys give it a disco-ish touch while Albert Cabrera uses just parts of the vocals over a stripped down groove.
Cleptomaniacs featuring Bryan Chambers "All I do" (DJ Tonka Remix)(Edel Records 12")
The DJ Tonka remix uses a catchy piano that rides along the bumpy house groove. Also on this 12" are the Cleptomaniacs and Bini & Martini dubs as well as the Jason Jinx acapella.
Melanie B. "Feels so good" (Maurice Joshua Mixes)(Virgin Records 2x12" Promo)
Maurice Joshua on remix duty fo the Spice Girl. The result is a soulful house groove with a laidback guitar.
Ian Pooley "900 degrees" (Remixes)(V2 Records 2x12" Promo)
Around for the second time, with brand new remixes. The orignal vibe is kept alive in 'Pooley's New Mix' while Pete Heller turns it into a bubbling groover. Tom Middleton delievers a spaced out groove on the 'Cosmos Party Mix' and gets deeper on the 'Cosmos Deep Dub'.
Shena "I'll be waiting" (White Label 12")
The rumour is that this is a Full Intention production. The vocals are somehow reminiscent of Sade, and they are on top of a deep and moody groove.
MAW featuring Liliana Chachian "Brazilian Beat" (Remixes)(Mr. Bongo Records 12")
DJ Romain & Matt Keyz create a stomping groove with slamming drums and percussions.
Mane Le Funk "I still want" (White Label 12")
Mixes by Deep Liquid Soul that use nice keys over a stomping groove.
"Azuli 2001 Winter Sampler" (Azuli Records 4x12" Promo)
This quadruple pack includes some unreleased and upcoming material from Azuli Records. There is the K.O.T. remix of "Burning up" by Bini & Martini as well as other progressive mixes of previous releases. Class A present "Streetlife" (sampling the Crusaders classic) and "Same as it ever was" (sampling "Once in a lifetime" by Talking Heads). There is "Don't stop the music" by an unknown artist (sampling the Yarbough & People classic). Also included is the '21st Century Mix' of "U turn me on" by Byron Stingily.
January 7, 2001
Pound Boys featuring RaShaan Houston "Shine" (R.O.I. Records 12" Test Pressing)
A wonderful and exclusive Pound Boys featuring the soulful voice of RaShaan Houston on a laidback tip. Lenny Fontana delivers a fierce club rub with a catchy piano.
Jerome Sydenham & Dennis F. "Kò Kò" (Ibadan Records 12" Test Pressing)
A wicked afro groove with a really hot guitar lifted from the forthcoming Jerome Sydenham & Kerri Chandler album "Saturday".
2 DJs AT WORK "All night is party time" (DreamBeat Records 12")
This is a re-release of "All night is party time - the Unreleased Project" for all of you that missed it last january.
Various "Sunset EP" (Oxyd Records 12")
The standout track here is "Mas vedra" by Mr. Oxx & DJ Shield which uses a seductive saxophone over carnival percussions. "Overnight in Rio" is on a moodier tip and nearly as good, but not that instant since it is more complex in its instrumentation. Finally, there are some nice DJ tools included here.
Whitney Houston vs. DJ Shield "I've got it" (Bootlegg 12")
DJ Shield took Whitney's classic "I'm every woman" and turns it into an essential track with a new hook and chorus by using the original acapella over a mediterranean disco-ish groove. This one has been around for some time now (and even Tony Humphries featured it on his 'Internet Mix Show' IMS-2006 wich you can hear at the YellOrange website). Still worth hunting down a copy!!
Modjo "Chillin'" (Barclay Records 12" One-Sided Promo)
Modjo busted the charts worldwide with their previous release "Lady", and this one is set to do the same. A catchy guitar hook over a funky groove on the commercial tip, but cleverly done.
Various "Versions EP" (DanceTracks Records 12")
This EP includes unreleased mixes of "Do you know Hosue?" by Todd Gardener, "Ain't no runnin' away" by Willy Wahsington featuring Pauly D. Ralph and "Her song" by MKL vs. Soy Sos. Not to forget the brand new '2000 Luxury Mix' of "Keep on believing" by Jennifer Mickey, a classic production by Larry Rauson Jr.
Mr. Oxx "This is california" (Oxyd Records 12" Promo)
This is simply one of those tracks that will make your crowd go crazy with the driving and irresistible groove and the funky disco samples put on top of it. The flip has "Everybody in da house" coming in two versions: the first is a minimal one while the second is full of percussive beats.