Picks of the Week
Kerri Chandler "Large 100" (Large Records 12")
Chicago's leading house label Large Recrods are celebrating their 100th release with two outstanding tracks by legendary producer Kerri Chandler who - without any doubt - delivers something special. "Return 2 acid" is a hypnotic track with phat beats and keys, where the 808 acid line is creating an irresistible feeling, bringing back memories of the acid era of house. The flip features "Planet sonic", an electro cut influenced by Afrika Bambaataa lengendary "Planet rock". A release that couldn't be more appropriate to celebrate 12 years in the business and 100 classic releases.
More Reviews
The Kings of Late Night featuring Billy Love "Fly away EP" (WestEnd Records 12")
WestEnd Records launch their new Blue sublabel which will focus on music different to the disco and straight forward house their are known for. "It's the life" is a deep and warm late nite groover with a funky flava, featuring both spoken words and sung vocals. "Illumination", a moody and mellow midtempo track featuring soulful vocals, has been licesended from Sound Signature Records and is included in the Theo Parrish remix. The flip features two versions of "Fly away", a sublime deep house outing on a jazzy tip, featuring an inspirational vocal performance.
Jamie Thinnes featuring Sidestreet Players "My dreams" / "Ocean view" (Seasons Limited Records 12")
Label head Jamie Thinnes makes his debut with this two tracker, teaming up with the Sidestreet Players for some gorgeous deep house rides. "My dreams" is a late night gem featuring a wondferful saxophone together with wonderful chords and keys over a smoothly thumpin' groove, while "Ocean view" features chants by Maiya Sykes over a stompin', west cost styled groove that features both laminar and jazzy keys.
Bobby Konders "The Lost Nu Groove Track" (NuGroove Records 12")
The legendary NuGroove label returns with an unreleased treasure courtesy of Bobby Konders. "The Lost Nu Groove Track" is a bass heavy, hypnotic affair with moody synth creating a true old-school underground feeling, with the flipside mix being the choice for its flavor of classic NuGroove sounds. One not to be missed.
Various "Soul of Disco Sampler" (Z Records 12" Promo)
This is a promo sampler of the CD only "The Soul of Disco" compilation, featuring three classics all edited by Joey Negro. First up is the electronic boogie track "Feel like dancin'" by Jeannie Tracey, followed by the funky "Party down" by Velvet Hammer and "Lookin' good" by Eddie Cheeba, an early 80's disco-rap track.
Exclusiv Preview: Destiny's Child "Cater 2 U" (George Mena & Franke Estevez Dance Remix)(Columbia Records CD Promo)
After various very succesful productions, Geroge Mena & Franke Estevez enter the stage again with a great remix of "Cater 2 U" by Destiny's Child (who earlier this week announced that they will split up). George & Franke turn the r&b original into a fierce four-to-the-floor stomper with wonderful harmonic keys over deeply stormin' beats, letting the vocals create an uplifting feeling.
Stephanie Cooke "Everything" (Orientha Rhythm Remix)(KingStreet Records 12")
Originally released back in 2001, "Everything" gets remixed by Japan's own Orienta Rhythm who keep the soulful sensibility intact while adding a powerful backing music that is paving the way for Stephanie Cooke's sweet vocals and the lovely funky guitar. The classic '95 North Deep Jersey Mix' is included for all those who missed the original release.
DJ Oji "Esteban" (Ibadan Records 12")
"Esteban" has been one my favorite tracks since I heard it back in march at this years Winter Music Conference. Now finally the track sees the light of the day on Jerome Sydenham's Ibadan imprint, and it will also be included on the forthcoming DJ Oji album "Spiritual journey". "Esteban" is a very percussive, afro-centric flavored track featuring congas and bongos together with a deeply rumblin' bassline and an oustanding organ line that is creating an irresistible vibe on the dancefloor.
Matt Caseli "Regina's sax experience" (SoulFuric Deep Records CD Promo)
After the success of "Regina's porn track" in 2003, Matt Caseli returns with the follow up "Regina's sax experience", a driving track perfect for peak hour play. The 'Caseli Porn Mix' is basedon a stompin' groove, added with a funky bassline, female vocals and a wicked jazzy saxophone leading the way. The 'Funky Room Mix' is slightly smoother and features additional keys. Also included are bonus beats and acapella versions.
Classic Reviews
The Urban Blues Project presents 3 Deee featuring Michael Procter "Deliver me" (Bassline Records 2x12", 1995)
Marc Pomeroy and Brian Tappert hit big with this one - one for their best productions ever.