This week In the Spotlight, we have some hot album relases:
- Roy Ayers "Virgin Ubiquity Remixed" (BBE Records 2xCD)
- DJ Oji "Spiritual Journey" (POJI Records CD)
- Dimitri from Paris "In the House of Love" (Defected Records 3xCD)
- Soulheaven presents "Masters at Work" (Soul Heaven Records 3xCD)
Roy Ayers "Virgin Ubiquity Remixed" (BBE Records 2xCD)
 | Roy Ayers, who is regarded as the father of jazz-funk nowadays after four decades of music making, is one of the most respected but also most sampled artists in music history. In 2004, BBE Records released volume one of "Virgin Ubiquity" that features unreleased material from the period of 1976 to 1981. That was followed in 2005 by volume two. Last year, BBE Records started the ambitious "Virgin Ubiquity Remixed" project that unites reworkings of these unreleased gems from the new school, ranging from hip hop, drum'n'bass, nu-jazz and the house spectrum. The mixes are courtesy of DJ Spinna, Kenny Dope, Osunlade, King Britt, Mr. V, Joey Negro, Sir Piers, Phil Asher and Basement Jaxx to name just a few of the people involved in the project. After releasing four double 12", it was time for the double CD album which unites many of these remixes, with some fresh ones included as well. "Virgin Ubiquity Remixed" is a great reflection of Roy Ayers' prolific musicianship and influences, reinvented through the ears of todays hottest producers. Watch out for the fifth double 12" that has just been released and features Franck Roger mixes of "Come to me" that are not part of this album release. Get your digital copy of "Virgin Ubiquity Remixed (Part 1)" at Dancetracks Digital |
DJ Oji "Spiritual Journey" (POJI Records CD)
 | With "Spiritual journey", DJ Oji presens a selection for both listening and dancling pleasure, featuring a variety of featured artists. Included are previously released productions such as "Esteban", "Everything you want" featuring Carolyn Victorian and "Soul underground" by DJ Oji & Una vs Dr. Bob Jones and the Interns as well as brand new material For the new material, Oji has schooen to work with the likes of Sheila Ford, Baltimore Soultree featuring Pedro, Una, Lynette Dockins-Smith and David Gilliam aka Phire. Also included are two remixes by Oji that are exclusive to this album: "See you in my dreams" by Deborah Bond and "It's all Jesus" by Byron Stingily. Not much words are needed to describe this album as the music speaks for itself, and the album title already expresses what to look out for: a journey into dance music that is full of spirituality. |
Dimitri from Paris "In the House of Love" (Defected Records 3xCD)
 | Dimitri from Paris, the famous Frenchman who is known for his infinite knowledge of classic and contemporary records, has put together a selecton of sublime disco, rare groove and retro funk that expresses his passion for music, being inspired by mans greatest emotion - love. Lots of treasures can be found in this intimate collection, taking you on a journey through seductive soul, disco and classic house. Dimitri is also known for his love of doing mixes and edits, of which plenty are included in this collection - The Originals "Down to love town", Sylvester "I need you", Elaine & Ellen "The look of love" to name a few. Not to forget his re-recording of "The way you love me" by Ron Hall featuring Mark Evens that comes in a disco soul style with live strings and vibes from his hero Vince Montana Jr. This is a wonderful romantic compilation consisting of two mixed CDs and a bonus unmixed CD of featured tracks (which are in fact all exclusive Dimitri edits). |
Soulheaven presents "Masters at Work" (Soul Heaven Records 3xCD)
 | For over a decade, 'Little' Louie Vega and Kenny 'Dope' Gonzales have been on the forefront of dance music and influenced its evolution with their inventive production style and imaginative feel for different music styles including house, hip hop, funk, disco, latin, african and jazz, all melted into the "MAW sound". Soul Heaven is an event dedicated to all form of soul music that attracs over 3'000 people per event - the most successful regular event in London to represent this genre of music. The popularity of this event inspired Louie & Kenny to put together this compilation that captures the essence and athmosphere of Soul Heaven. The result is a triple pack CD featuring almost fifty tracks by various artists, combining both new and retro tracks alongside reworked classics from artists like Roy Ayers, Frankie Feliciano, Kerri Chandler and Terry Hunter. Two CDs are mixed - one by 'Little' Louie Vega, one by Kenny 'Dope' Gonzales, while the third CD is a selection of tracks that have inspired and influced Louie & Kenny. This is a truly versatile compilation presenting various styles of dance music, presented by two of the worlds biggest DJs, recreating a piece of the Soul Heaven atmosphere. |