Picks of the Week
Tony Vass "Fly me higher" (Duffnote Records CD Promo)
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"Fly me higher" by Tony Vass was one of the highlights of Duffnote's "2009 WMC Sampler", now this retro-esque 80's styled Disco-Funk groover featuring outstanding vocals by Roxane Lebrasse gets a full release. The remixes are courtesy of Danny Jones & Richard Earnshaw whose '80 Remode' is laced with old school synths and moog hooks over a stompin' backdrop, while Tony Vass' 'Boogie Mix' drops the tempo a bit and brings back memories of that unique 80's boogie sound. Last but not least, Richard Earnshaw delivers a classic interpretation which combines the vocals with a gorgeous jazzy piano and a smoothly thumpin' musical backing. |
More Reviews
Blaze "We are one" (Kiko Navarro Remixes)(KingStreet Records CD Promo)
"We are one", the magical 2003 classic by Blaze (which was later also released on the Underground Dance Artists United For Life "Keep Hope Alive" LIFEbeat Benefit compilation) returns with fantastic remixes by Kiko Navarro who turns the track into a timeless anthem built around a deeply pumpin' backdrop that is enriched with infectious keys and chords. The 'Viva UR Dub' puts the keys and chords center stage, while the hypnotic 'Look Inside Dub' throws Disco-Funk elements into the game.
Beaten Soul featuring Maiya "Superstar" (ReelGroove Records CD Promo)
Beaten Soul debut on ReelGroove with "Superstar", a collaboration with songstress Maiya who sings her heart out on this uplifting production which features melodious keys over a powerful yet soulful backing. Abicah Soul takes the track to deepest grounds on his sophisticated rework, while Nightrhymes turn out a peak time favorite loaded with captivating synths over a deeply bumpin' groove. Lastly, Rob Hayes contributes an old skool Disco flavored workout oozing with funky vibes.
Hideo Kobayashi featuring Christa "Beautiful moment" (Apt. International Records CD Promo)
Hideo Kobayashi's "Beautiful moment" (which is the lead track for his forthcoming 2nd album "A drama") is simply glorious, featuring sultry vocals by Christa alongside classy jazzy piano, captivating synth melodies and beautiful guitar over a contaminous yet smooth backing. The 'Market & 3rd Deeper Mix' is a fantastic alternative version on a deeper tip. Not to forget to mention the marvelous reprise in form of the 'Love from Nagano Mix'.
Exclusive Preview: RaShaan Houston "Build that bridge" (Wallshaker Music Records CD-R)
We haven't heard from RaShaan Houston for quite a while, but now he is back with "Build that bridge" soon to be released on Wallshaker Music. "Build that bridge" is written and masterly performed by RaShaan Houston, with Aaron Carl on production duty. The 'Original Mix' is deep and infectious, with a relentless groove leading the way for the heartfelt vocals and compelling keys and chords. The 'Main Mix' keeps the vibe deep while nicely varying the keys and boosting the organic elements.
Exclusive Preview: Andrew Richardson "Today again" (CD-R)
Every now and then, Andrew Richardson send us a lovely track directly out of the studio, and with "Today again" he comes up with a cool track oozing with a sweet old skool vibe that makes us yearning for more of that classic house sound we were admiring back in the day...
Exclusive Preview: Beppe Gioia "Milo" (Unreleased Mix)(CD-R)
Back in 2008, Beppe Gioia released the soulful deep house cut "Milo" through Unified Records in four tasty variations. Now, two years later, he sent us a wonderful unreleased version that gives the track a delicious twist. Hopefully one day it will get a proper release...
Exclusive Preview: Lord P "Jingo" (Original Drum Hes Records CD-R)
We can't exactly remember how many years back we've got the first Original Drum/Neter Supreme bootleg mixes and edits for review, but we know for sure that he is about to launch his own Original Drum Hes label in late spring, early summer of this year. One of the releases to look out for is this marvelous cover by Lord P of the timeless "Jingo" classic written by Michael Olatunji which took the world by storm back in 1979 when Candido released his interpretation through Salsoul. This new take by Lord P is full of positive energy and gives the track a modern outfit while always staying respectful to the original.
Exclusive Preview: Eric Roberson "Break it down" (R.O. Rub)(CD-R)
In its original form, "Break it down" is a beautiful soul/r&b production showcasing Eric Roberson unique voice and vocal talents, reworked by Dave Kennedy into a delightful four-to-the-floor thumper that stays close to the original. One guaranteed to please the soulful heads.
Exclusive Preview: Various "Neter Supreme Winter '10 Edits & Re-Splitz" (CD-R)
Beside working on the launch of his own label Original Dum Hes, Neter Supreme still finds time to work on various edits and re-splits. As with his previous collections, we are having a hard time picking a favorite out of the included tracks. Whether it is "Drum life" and "Second thought" by Brandy, "How can we stop" by Horace Brown featuring Faith Evans, "Sex therapy" by Robin Thicke and the previously reviewed "It kills me" by Melanie Fiona, "Pretty wings" by Maxwell and "Lover's lane" by Teena Marie & Howard Hewitt.
And if that is not enough, there are his takes on "This bed" by Alicia Keys, "Everytime you got" by Dalminjo featuring Alexandra Hamnede and "You're not my girl" by Ryan Leslie. Once again we have to repeat ourselves as the verdict is simple: each and every track here is wonderfully crafted, staying respectful to the original while taking them straight to the soulful dance floors.
Exclusive Preview: Jill Scott "Wanna be loved" (Luis Radio & Spelband Remix)(CD-R)
Exclusive Preview: Mary J Blige "I feel good" (Luis Radio & Spellband Remix)(CD-R)
Luis Radio and Spellband team up to deliver two grandiose remixes. First, they take on Jill Scott's "Wanna be loved" from her 2007 "The Real Thing: Words & Sounds Vol 3" long player and turn the song into an exquisite laidback 4/4 affair. Next is Mary J Blige's "I feel good" (from her current album "Stronger with each tear") which is given an fierce yet soulful interpretation.
Exclusive Preview: Bryan Ferry "I put a spell on you" (CJ Giovanni Organ Dub Mix)(CD-R)
CJ Giovanni takes on Bryan Ferry's "I put a spell on you" (lifted from the 1993 album "Taxi") and transforms the song into a vocal free, deep yet smoothly thumpin' affair featuring lush organ play that perfectly harmonizes with the original instrumentation.
Omar "The Remixes" (Peppermint Jam Records CD Promo)
Quite a surprise what Peppermint Jam serve here with this remix package of Omar, but its a welcome one!! This release features a selection of truly deep, contaminous remixes of wonderful songs, including the sought after Henrik Schwarz remix of "Feeling you", André Lodemann's take on "Lay it down", Show-B's magnificent 'Acid Mess Remix' of "Your mess" and finally Triad's dope remix of "Stylin'". Highly recommended.
Lisa Shaw "Can you see him" (Salted Music Records CD Promo)
"Can you see him" is the 4th single taken from Lisa Shaw's highly acclaimed "Free" album, coming in a selection of tasty remixes. Joshua Heath serves a bumpin' rework on moody techified tip, while Andrew Chibale gives the track a classic Disco feel complete with piano, horns and funky guitar. Finally, Sonny Fodera delivers a fierce funk soaked interpretation. The atmospheric original version completes the package.