Not only do we have the latest in vocal soulful/afro house for you, this weeks truly eclectic update also features some bonus reviews... enjoy !!
Nativezz "The need" (Gruv Manics Digital Promo)
From Nativezz (the versatile duo of Siyabonga Vilakazi and Ngcebo Ludidi) comes the fancy verily eclectic "The need" EP. The five included tracks take you on an exhilarating journey through the various flavors afro house music has to offer, featuring the vocal talents of Madala Matthew on "Ingoma" (our favorite track of this EP) and Skero11 on "Pele", as well as up and coming pianist Zolani Zox.
DJ Punch "Baby Powder goes Klassic Vol. 2 (ode to Richard Long)" (Deeper Side of CyberJamz Records Promo)
Last week we reviewed the phat "Black Power EP Vol. 3" by DJ Punch, this week he is back with the equally mind-blowing "Baby Powder goes Klassic Vol. 2 (ode to Richard Long)" EP to be released later this month (Richard Long is a legendary soundsystem designer). This EP is loaded with anthemic four-to-the-floor re-imaginations of "When you wake up tomorrow" by Candi Staton, "Slave to the rhythm" by Grace Jones and "Free man" by South Shore Commission, without question this EP oozing with the trademark DJ Punch sound will send the dancers into a frenzy.
Lelanga & Jalipeno "Shona wena (I love you)" (Cool Staff Records Promo)
Hot on the heels of their marvelous inaugural release "Khumbula" by Andrea Curato & Valerie Sibanda comes the next outstanding release on Cool Staff Records. "Shona wena (I love you)" by South Africa's Lelanga is uber melodious and soulful yet intriguing and features the beautiful emotive vocals of Jalipeno alongside grand jazzy piano, freaky chords, sweet guitar and a groovey organic backdrop.
Chelsea Como, Jacko, Dazzle Drums "Missing you" (TR Records Promo)
TR Records first offering for the new year is "Missing you" a dope collaboration by songstress Chelsea Como with DJ Jacko and Dazzle Drums. The original electronic r&b version is truly ingenious and entrancing, yet the real delight are the up-tempo afro-tech interpretations which combine Chelsea Como's amazing haunting vocals with inebriant synth melodies and inexorable rhythms. Don't sleep on this one...
Angelo Draetta featuring Sandra Bullet "Melody in the sky" (Leda Music Promo)
Forthcoming to Leda Music is this truly gorgeous production by Angelo Draetta entitled "Melody in the sky" featuring Sandra Bullet on vocals. To cut right to the chase, "Melody in the sky" is verily soulful with a smooth yet captivating organic musical backing leading the way for delectable keys, classy saxophone and the fantastic tempting vocals of Sandra Bullet. Nuff said...
Morttimer Snerd III "You hold the key" (Sweet Honey Dew ReBump)(Miggedy Entertainment Promo)
We welcome Miggedy Entertainment to Spirit o House with the wicked "You hold the key" by Mortimer Snerd III. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, this mind-boggling truly respectful and inspiring four-to-the-floor re-imagination of The Emotions all-time soul classic "Flowers" enriched with spell binding rhythms and enchanting synths is guaranteed to cause a stir on the dance floor.
Todd Edwards "You're sorry" (Defected Records Promo)
Grammy award winner Todd Edwards makes his debut on Defected Records with "You're sorry" featuring alluring vocals by Roxanne Clifford, a track that captures the spirit of the celebrated 90's garage sound whilst sound fresh and contemporary. Unquestionably, "You're sorry" is Todd Edwards at his best, oozing with his landmark sound that make this a sure-fire dance floor weapon.
The best of the rest...
We are getting so many promos sent each and every week that many of them never get reviewed here on Spirit of House (for various reasons nota bene). However, as we want to make sure you are well informed what is happening, we have introduced this section where, every now and then, we will highlight other noteworthy releases...
Renowned Black Vinyl Records introduce us to the debut release from South African DJ/producer Spereble, the magnificent "Sabele Africa EP" loaded with three equally brilliant unadulterated underground-esque tracks (one of which comes in two fierce versions) sure to set the dance floor ablaze (Black Vinyl Records Promo). Italy's DaSoul graces us with "Knowing yourself" a verily dope and groovy jazz/funk influenced track sure to get your feet movin' which is scheduled for a late March release (Dallinghoo Recordings Promo).
From Soul Society (aka New York based producer and sound designer Jazzmattik) come the "Murder of crows" EP, without a doubt the six deep and funky tracks featured on this stellar EP are guaranteed to jam-pack the dance floor (Seed Recordings Promo). DJ Thes-Man & Tobetsa Lamola are back with "Dry your tears" a mellifluous truly melodious afro-deep production oozing with a beautiful laidback feel (Ohyea Muziq Promo).
Scottish producer Austin Ato collaborates with Jamaican reggae artist Brushy One String for "Oh mama" a scointillating track that is all about the unique vocals of Brushy One String, celestial synths and intriguing rhythms, with the dub introducing a grandiose saxophone (Defected Records Promo). With the utterly infectious uber funky "Toot toot beep beep", Baltimo're's own DJ Pope pays tribute to legendary Jesse Sounders seminal "On and on" house music classic (FunkHut Records Promo).