Sometime in the early 2000's, the "Disco Demands" series - which has been highly successful ever since - was started by Al Kent whose idea was to put together a compilation of records he really liked. What differentiates this series from the regular Disco compilation (which you can find plenty in music stores for little money) is the fact the songs featured stray from the standards and give you the unique opportunity to experience Disco in its full glory. Over time, Al Kent started to include some of his own edits, making the series even more special. To celebrate the success of the series, BBE Records will release "The Best of Disco Demands - A Collection of Rare 1970s Dance Music compiled by Al Kent" in January 2012, coming your way as two vinyl double packs, 5xCD pack with poster and also as digital download.

We all know and admire Andy Compton (of The Rurals / Peng Records) for his countless deep house masterpieces and timeless classics, now he blesses us with something different - and what an outstanding musical treat this is!! On the soul/funk/funk project "Compton's Soul", he teams up with musicians like Charlie Hearnshaw, Jeff Bass, Pete Mo, Andy Barton, Alex Pamplin and renowned vocalists such as Jaidene Veda, Ladybird, Diviniti, Kafele to bless us with an album that takes inspiration from its urban Los Angeles namesake to let us enjoy a different side of the involved artists and experience influences from legends such as The Crusaders, Shuggie Otis, Isaac Hayes, Leroy Hutson, War, Marvin Gaye... In short, this is another masterpiece from Andy Compton.

History in the making here, as the legendary Carolyn Harding (if don't know her timeless classics "Memories" and "Movin' on" from the mid 80's you should check them out by all means) returns with the phenomenal "This is why I sing" penned together with Pirahnahead, one of today's hottest producers, and Diviniti, one of today's most respected house music divas. To make it short: "This is why I sing" is sheer musical bliss, with Pirahnahead taking Carolyn Harding's inimitable vocals to a whole new level on this seminal masterpiece not to be missed. This is not all, as you also get incredible remixes by Terry Hunter and DJ Garphie both adding their distinctive touch. Timeless and truly essential...

This wonderful sampler gives us just a small taste of what to expect from the upcoming long player by deep house vocal legend Ladybird (Soldiers of Twilight), produced by deep house maestro Andy Compton and backed by The Rurals. Four masterly crafted songs are included in this sampler, each of them showcasing Ladybird's incomparable soulful voice and Andy Compton's vintage deep house sound which he is famous for around the globe. The amazing vocals and lyrics, involvement of real musicians and influences from soul/jazz/funk/afro make this something truly special and will, without a doubt, take deep house to the next level and make you yearn for more. We can't wait for the day the full album becomes available...

In early October, George Mena (aka Mena Keys) launched his own label MK Records with the massive "Sparks EP", now the second release "Wanna be yours" is ready. Once again, George Mena teams up with renowned producer/DJ Marlon D and enlists the vocal talents of Emory Toler to deliver a phenomenal soulful house production featuring amazing vocals, delectable keys and jazzy saxophone over a smooth yet thrilling backdrop. Not to forget to mention the killer remix by Jose Burgos giving the track a classy old-school underground flavor sure to cause a stir on the floor. We can't wait to hear more from the highly talented George Mena and his MK Records......

The unstoppable team of Jonny Montana and Craig Stewart is back with the masterly "Love is the key" which features deeply felt vocals by Kafele Bandele and Eliki alongside marvelous keys, jazzy horns and lovely guitar licks over an organic funk soaked backing - in other words, this is sheer musical bliss. Richard Earnshaw turns up the heat on his stompin' workout laced with stirring keys and grand synth melodies perfect for peak time play, while Mark De Clive Lowe gives the track a deeper feel on his hypnotizing synth driven rework. Last but not least we have Clemens Rumpf contributing a beautifully crafted interpretation oozing with a sublime jazz/sou./funk flavored feel.

Tribe Records present a phenomenal release in the form of Tumelo's "Release your soul", the standout track from his "Arise and shine" album which was nominated for 'Beat Urban Dance Album' at this year's South African Music Award. The track has been a favorite with DJ's and soulful house music lovers alike for the last six months, now it gets a full single release complete with remixes by Timmy Regisford & Adam Rios who rework the track into a fierce yet smooth dance floor favorite oozing with their beloved Shelter sound, while Chicago's own Vick Lavender delivers one of his best (if not his best) remix to date, taking this wonderful song to heaven - its all about the masterly orchestration and the vintage sound he is renowned for. To put it into a few simple words, this is a masterpiece not to be missed.

"Boum" is the follow-up to Jonny Montana and Blick Bassy's previous smash "Wa" (released through DiverseCity Music) and is taken from the forthcoming long player "African Soul Movement". As its antecessor, "Boum" is a marvelous combination of Jonny Montana's beloved jazzy organic sound with the inimitable deeply felt vocals by Blick Bassy and infectious afro inspired rhythms. On top of Jonny Montana's mixes, there is a stellar selection of remixes from some of South Africa's finest such as 60 Hertz, Hood Natives, Nastee Nev, Lemon & Herb, Deemac, Sole Essential and Lilac Jeans - each of the included mixes is guaranteed to set the floor on fire and spread a feel good vibe. Essential, not to be missed.