review logoWe hope that this weeks update loaded with the latest in vocal soulful/afro house music makes life in lockdown a little bit sweeter...

Kyle Kim & Sheree Hicks "Never alone" (Kenny Carpenter Deep Mixes)(Soulstice Music TRAX Promo)

In spring of 2018, we were celebrating "Never alone" an uplifting gospel house track produced by DJ/producer Kyle Kim and performed in grand style by songstress Sheree Hicks, now this gem is back in fresh truly dope interpretations by Kenny Carpenter who combines Sheree Hicks amazing passionate vocals with tantalizing pads, lovely flute, classy strings and a compelling deepened organic backdrop.

Ralf GUM meets Joseph Junior "The calling" (GoGo Music Promo)

Over the past few years, Ralf GUM has focused on releasing full length albums (all of which are critically acclaimed), he decided to make 2020 the year of collaborations. First in the series is the "The calling" where he joins forces with vocalist extraordinaire Joesph Junior, indisputably this masterly crafted production with smooth yet intriguing rhythms leading the way for Joseph Junior's unrivaled haunting vocals, celestial strings and sumptuous keys is guaranteed to cast a spell on you...

Soulista featuring Stephanie Cooke "Come back" (Makin' Moves Promo)

The latest offering on renowned record label Makin' Moves is "Come back" by Sebastiano Di Fillippo aka Soulista and legendary house music vocalist Stephanie Cooke. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, "Come back" using a rich funktified musical backing as foundation for splendorous keys, sweet guitars, grand saxophone and the unmatched deep-rooted vocals  of Stephanie Cooke is top-notch soulful house music. There are four different mixes tailored to different moods to choose from in this essential package.

Andrea Curato & Coco Street "If I stay" (Cool Staff Records Promo)

Cool Staff Records truly grace us this week with two outstanding releases. First up is "If I stay" by Italian DJ/producer Andrea Curato and American songstress Coco Street (the follow up to their hit single "Don't stop believing in love"). In short, "If I stay" is a timeless slice of pristine soulful goodness oozing with the amazing emotive vocals of Coco Street, luxurious keys and gentle rhythms.

Brentano featuring Irene Ermolli "A woman" (Cool Staff Records Promo)

The second new release from Cool Staff Records for this week is "A woman" by South Africa's Brentano and Italian jazz singer/songwriter Irene Ermolli. Without doubt, "A woman" featuring the inimitable deeply felt vocals of Irene Ermolli and sublime jazzy keys over a captivating organic backdrop is sheer musical bliss... The cherry on top is the jaw-dropping uber soulful yet entrancing interpretation by Andrea Curato.

Juan Soul & Soumi Des Askia "Moribayassa" (Doug Gomez Remix)(Merecumbe Recordings Promo)

Back in December of last year, Merecumbe Recordings dropped the splendid "Moribayassa" by Juan Soul which features the unique vocal stylings oft Soumi Des Askia (the follow up to their club smash "Donkola"), now the track returns in a hands-down wicked remix by label head Doug Gomez who transforms the track into a downright enthralling afro house dance floor weapon.

DJ Umbi featuring Ms Sylvia "Sweet love" (HSR Records Promo)

Soon to be released through HSR Records is "Sweet love" by DJ/producer DJ Umbi and singer Ms Sylvia, a sun drenched feel-good production laced with the beautiful emotive vocals of Ms Sylvia, luscious keys, celestial chords and a relentlessly stompin' organic backdrop. The remix by Soulbridge (Gigi Frassanito) gives the track a somewhat deeper feel yet keeps the vibe soulful and enchanting.

Fela Kuti, Oscar P, Egypt 80 "O.D.O.O.  (overtake don overtake overtake)" (AMFlow Records Promo)

Out now on promo on AMFlow Records is this phantasmagorical re-imagination of the Fela Kuti & Egypt 80 afrobeat classic "O.D.O.O. (overtake don overtake overtake)" by Oscar P (originally released in 1989). The 'Roots Mix' stays true and respectful to the original yet adds some extra spice to get your feet moving, while the 'Afro Rebel Mix' gives the song a vibrant contemporary afro house feel. On remix duty are AMFlow (Adam Rios & Mark Lewis) who inject their signature touch to deliver a slice of pure dance floor dynamite...

Andy Compton & Shamrock "This kinda love" (Peng Music Promo)

"This kinda love", one of the standout tracks from Andy Compton's paramount full length album "Plantlife", gets a proper single release complete with a stunning remix. This expertly crafted production fueled with blazing guitars and George Benson style riffs/vocals by the one and only Shamrock is verily soulful and inspiring, with DJ Bazil taking the song to the next level on his deepened irresistibly groovin' interpretation sure to send the dancers into a frenzy...

Bonus Review: DJ Vivona featuring Monique Bingham "Over him, under him" (Sunclock Records Promo)

Hitting online music stores in a couple of week is "Over him, under  him" a sure-fire dance floor weapon by Italy's DJ Vivona featuring the second to none vocals of house music queen Monique Bingham. The package is aimed firmly at the dance floor, with the mixes ranging from hypnotic afro-deep house over jazzy classic house and inebriant tech flavored deep house to big room.