review logoOnly the very best and latest in soulful/afro house music made it into this weeks update - enjoy !!

Tony Roberts "Kept on comin'" (POJI Records Promo)

New Jersey based DJ/producer Tony Roberts makes his debut on POJI Records with "Kept on comin'", an exhilarating dance floor weapon built around relentlessly pulsating rhythms, enchanting snyth melodies and verily cool female spoken vocals. The 'Deep Vibe Mix' gives the track a mesmerizing melodious feel perfect for late night play, while DJ Oji takes us to church on his mind-boggling rework.

Brian Power featuring Michelle John "To feel your grace" (SoulHouse Music Promo)

Next up on SoulHouse Music is "To feel your grace", a collaboration by Brian Power with UK vocalist Michelle John. "To feel your grace" is splendorous slice of inspiring soul oozing with Michelle John's unique heartfelt vocals, gospel tinged backing vocals, grand brass and a laidback groove. On remix duty are KlevaKeys who contributes a lively 4/4 interpretation fueled with uplifting piano hooks, celestial chords and thrilling rhythms, and Mike Delgado whose brilliant classic soulful up-tempo interpretation combines the vocals with glorious jazzy keys, lush chords and a smoothly thumpin' backing.

FAM Disco featuring Ronnie Jones "Bang" (HSR Records Promo)

For their return to HSR Records, Italian trio FAM Disco (aka Paolo Fedreghini, Massimo Anelli and Max Montorio) team up with with singer Ronnie Jones. Together they bring us "Bang", a fervid soul/funk infused feel-good affair guaranteed to cast a spell on you through the contaminous organic backdrop, luscious keys, classy horns and Ronnie Jones incomparable deep-rooted vocals. The alternate 'Classic House Mix' somewhat relaxes the vibe and gives the track a sophisticated boogie-esque feel.

Dele Sosimi "Turbulent times" (Armonica Remix)(MoBlack Records Promo)

MoBlack Records have a real beauty in their hands with this outstanding remix of Dele Sosimi's classic song "Turbulent times" by Italian duo Armonica. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, Armonica deliver a jaw-dropping re-imagination of "Turbulent times" that stays true and respectful to the original yet transforms the song into an utterly tantalizing afrotastic summer anthem.

Sterling Void featuring Cleveland P. Jones "Better days" (Part 1 + 2)(Gotta Keep Faith Records Promo)

A few weeks ago, Legendary Chicago house music producer Sterling Void and vocalist Cleveland P. Jones blessed us with the wonderful "The last time", now they are back with the paramount "Better days" to released over two parts on Gotta Keep Faith Records. The original version of "Better days" is an on old school house influenced feel-good anthem featuring the inimitable haunting vocals of Cleveland P Jones, illustrious jazzy keys and classic strings over an infectious backdrop. The eclectic selection of remixes by the likes of Kenny Carpenter, Joe Smooth, House Temptations, Xander James, ICEE1 and MoreCause are taking the song to the next level, making it next to impossible to pick a favorite version.

Blast from the Past: Sandy Rivera featuring LT Brown "Come into my room" (4 to the Floor Records Promo)

4 to the Floor Records bring back Sandy Rivera's club favorite "Come into my room" from the late 90's which features the impeccable vocals of the one and only LT Brown. This re-release includes the fantastic original mixes and the D-Menace remixes from the 1998 release on Distant Music, Soul Vision's stunning 'Take It Back' remixes from the 2008 release on Deep Vision Records, and finally the 2009 remixes by Sandy Rivera and Mark Knight.

Bliss featuring JuJu "Begin" (Fuminori Kagajo Remixes)(NiteGrooves Records Promo)

Back in 2007, Japanese DJ/producer Bliss dropped the faster paced "Begin" which features the angelic vocals of Juju together with exquisite keys and chords over a vibrant organic backdrop, then in 2009 remixes by Tomo Inoue followed. Right in time for this years summer come truly dazzling re-imaginations by Fuminori Kagajo which transform the song into a gorgeous sun drenched uber soulful gem laced with sublime jazzy keys and smooth yet intriguing rhythms. Also included are the 'Original Mix' and 'Bliss Dub' from the 2007 release, and the 'Tomo Inoue Dub' from the 2009 release.

Vanessa L. Smith "The chase" (CyberJamz Records Promo)

Coming soon to CyberJamz Records is the Shino Blackk produced "The chase" which is performed in grand style by Vanessa L. Smith. "The chase" is sheer musical bliss, with Vanessa L. Smith unrivaled passionate vocals being accompanied by grandiose jazzed-up keys, magnificent violins and a gentle organic backing. Next to the original version, the release features two equally great remixes by The Black Knight: the first one is silky-smooth, while the second one transforms the song into a sure-fire dance floor bomb.

XtetiQsoul featuring Ay J "Better places" (Afrocentric Records Promo)

South Africa's XtetiQsoul returns to up and rising Afrocentric Records with "Better places", an utterly hypnotizing afro-deep production featuring the beautiful vocals of Ay J alongside enchanting synths, spacious strings and spell binding rhythms. The remixes are courtesy of Martin Landsky who serves an inexorable darker tech flavored workout, and Luis Radio who delivers a splendid old school inspired soulful rendition enriched with grand jazzy piano and sweet guitar licks.

Adamant & Richelle Hicks "Wish upon a star" (Better World Recordings Promo)

Parisian born Adamant and vocalist Richelle Hicks are back on Spirit of House with "Wish up on a star", and what a musical treat this is.... Not much needs to be said or written about this excellent uplifting production other than Richelle Hicks terrific powerhouse vocals together with the glittering pianos, ethereal chords and the enthralling groovey rhythms are guaranteed to cause a stir on the dance floor... Essential.