Every time Vick Lavender sends us the latest release on Sophisticado over, we are excited as he and his Sophisticado family never disapoint and bring us only the best in soulful dance music. The masterly orchestrated "The calling (what's your fantasy)" is no exception as the phenomenal vocals by Breeze and the vintage soul/jazz/funk infused sound of this Vick Lavender production are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine and make you yearn for more. On top of Vick Lavender's amazing versions, you get incredible remixes South Africa's Deep Xcape, Portugal's Carlos Vargas and Chicago's very own DeJay Cease which take the song to a whole new level. An essential, timeless release... Hopefully the saga of musical gems from the unrivaled Sophisticado label will go on and on...

We could keep it short and leave you with the words "A timeless soulful masterpiece by no means to be missed..." Anyhow, as usual we prefer do it the proper way..  Stephen Rigmaiden blesses us with the deep yet super soulful "Take chances" featuring grand keys and his very own silky smooth vocals over thrilling rhythms, with the 'Soul Mix' going deeper and giving the track a slightly more laidback feel. On remix duty we have Cody 'Coflo' Smith who serves a synth-heavy neo deep house workout, and Maiki who contributes a gorgeous groovey interpretation oozing with heavenly melodies.

In 1994, Kerri Chandler and Arnold Jarvis - two of house music's biggest legends - joined forces to present "Inspiration" which nowadays is considered an all time classic, released through Freetown Inc. (a now defunct deep house and garage label from London, UK responsible for many other classics as well). The title says it all, and with Kerri 'Chandler's trademark phat basslines, Arnold Jarvis inimitable impassioned vocals and the phenomenal piano, this undoubtedly is a cornerstone in house music history. Not to forget to mention the massive remixes by Roger Sanchez, Nick Jones and Kerri Chandler himself (the picture on the left is from the limited 3x12" DJ promo).

The South African Sci-Fi Productions label is on a roll at the moment as shortly after the killer release "Far away" by DJ Hypnosis they are back with the next bomb sure to rock floors around the globe. The beautiful "Rise and fall" is courtesy of Mate (Sibusiso Ntuli) and features deeply felt vocals by Kimet Nuh alongside celestial keys over smooth and deep yet contaminous rhythms. DJ Sibz takes the track to deeper grounds on his spell binding underground-esque workout laced with enticing melodies, while Chymamusique contributes a superb laidback interpretation featuring grand keys over thrilling percussive rhythms. Truly essential - nuff said.

Brownswood Records, a London-based indie label by Gilles Peterson (globe trotting purveyor of all sounds soulful and inspired) present something truly special with the remixes of Havana Cultura's "Orisa". First and foremost we would like to draw your attention to the remixes by Martin 'AtJazz' Iveson who contributes two masterly four-to-the-floor interpretations inspired by his beloved AtJazz sound. The 'Love Soul Remix' oozes with true musicianship, always staying respectful to the phenomenal original, making full us of Dreiser and Sexto Sentido's spell binding vocals. The stripped back 'Astro Dub' goes deeper, putting the emphasis on the infectious afro-cuban rhythms. Also included are the original version and remixes by Chancha Via Circuito and Alex Patchwork.

About a month ago, Peng Africa released "Silulu Volume 2 - Deeper Sounds from the Motherland", an amazing compilation featuring nothing but the best in African house music. "Thandimali" by Lemon & Herb is the first single taken from the album featuring the unmistakable vocals of Baba Maqhinga, coming complete with a truly impressive variety of remixes by the likes of Atmospheric Deep, Denz Devarez, Punk, Jihad Muhammad, Rancido, Jaso, Problem Child, G'Sparks & Spilulu and MM Project, all adding their distinctive touch to the track. From deep to tribal to soulful, it is all included in this outstanding package, giving you plenty of choices to work the floor. A musical treat by no means to be missed.

Ever since being launched in late 2009, Solid Ground Records have been going from strength to strength, blessing us with nothing but the best in soulful house music... Their latest offering, the "2012 Spring Sampler", features only the best artists house music has to offer, oozes with soulful flavas from beginning to the end, and gives us a preview on things to come over the next couple of months. Deep Inc team up with Stee Downes for "Nothing lasts forever", DeepCitySoul & Darryl D'Bonneau give us "Peace", Distant People and songstress Carla Prater join forces on "Have no fear", Eman & Doc Link debut on the label with "Solid ground", Kings of Groove collaborate with Andrea Love on "Body & soul" and finally the seminal classic "Little W. 12 St." by Ralf GUM and Monique Bingham returns in a fresh remix by Jonny Montana. A release guaranteed to make you yearn for more...