So many fabulous vocal soulful/afro releases this week, so making a selection for "Pick of the Week" and "In the Spotlight" was a bit of a challenge...
Groove Junkies & ReelSoul featuring Mijan "Love & happiness" (MoreHouse Records Promo)
Forthcoming to MoreHouse Records is this indisputably phenomenal, truly respectful soul/funk/disco infused four-to-the-floor remake of Al Green's 1972 all-time classic "Love & happiness" by Groove Junkies (Evan Landes) and Will 'ReelSoul' Rodriquez, with the lyrics performed in grand style by the one and only Mijan. Certainly the gentle yet spell binding organic musical backing together with the luxurious keys, sublime guitars and Mijan's awe-inspiring vocals will send shivers down your spine...
Mark Francis featuring Thandi Draai "Nobody but you" (Vibe Boutique Records Promo)
Renowned New Jersey based producer/DJ Mark Francis joins forces with South African songstress Thandi Draai for "Nobody but you", beyond the shadow of a doubt they grace us with a truly glamorous slice of soulful bliss which uses a smooth yet spell organic binding musical backing as foundation for enchanting melodies and Thandi Draai's unmistakable emotive vocal stylings.
Galactic Soul Synergy "All over the world" (CyberJamz Records/Galactic Soul Synergy Records Promo)
What a stroke of genius by CyberJamz Records to license the downright paramount "All over the world" by Galactic Soul Singers. Beyond question, this masterly orchestrated timeless soulful jewel featuring the incredible vocals of Q alongside grandiose trumpet and saxophone, sumptuous keys and glamorous vibes over a smooth yet intriguing organic backdrop is guaranteed to make you yearn for more...
Brutha Basil & Kelvin Sylvester featuring Dee Lavender "Special" (Brukel Music Promo)
There ain't no stoppin' for Brutha Basil and Kelvin Sylvester as they present yet another soulful gem that is not to be missed... "Special" is soulful yet intriguing, with enthralling rhythms leading the way for Brutha Basil's eminent spoken word poetry, Dee Lavender's beautiful mellifluous vocals, sublime jazzy keys and entrancing chords. There is a great variety of mixes included in the package which gives you plenty of options to work the floor.
Ezel featuring Tamara Wellons "It's alright" (Bayacou Records Promo)
The latest offering from Bayacou Records is the expertly crafted "It's alright", a mind-blowing collaboration by label head Ezel and songstress Tamara Wellons. "It's alright" is sheer musical bliss, with Tamara Wellon's unmatched haunting vocals accompanied by lush keys, heavenly chords and captivating percussive rhythms. The bonus track "Back from the dark" is a tantalizing afro-deep instrumental perfect for late night, early morning play.
Luyo, Pietro Nicosia, Coflo "Steezy" (Double Cheese Records Promo)
Double Cheese Records are back in full effect with the uber cool "Steezy" by Luyo, Pietro Nicosia and Coflo a verily dope track built around resistless deeply groovin' rhythms, splendorous keys and the inimitable spoken words of Coflo. The 'Luyo Dub' goes deeper and introduces intoxicating melodies to give the track a hypnotizing late night feel sure to cause a stir on the dance floor.
Mp House Musiq featuring Mr A & Giga Msezane "Rise again" (Pasqua Records Promo)
Once again, Pasqua Records deliver the goods with "Rise again" to be released soon. This glorious collaboration by Mp House Musiq, Mr A and Giga Msezane is soulful and melodious yet mesmerizing, with deeply pulsating rhythms serving as playground for the inspiring vocals of Mr A, delectable keys and seductive chord progressions. "Rise again" comes highly recommended.
Silvia Zaragoza & Francois A. featuring Morris Revy "Idinma" (KingStreet Records Promo)
Spanish DJ/producer Silvia Zaragoza and Francois A. are back together to present "Idinma", the follow up to their club anthem "Body language". "Idinma" is as soulful as it gets and features the eminent sultry vocals of Morris Revy alongside illustrious jazzed-up keys and gentle percussive rhythms. The remixes are courtesy of Luyo who delivers a lively afro house rework of the original, Piaab who serves a groovey remix perfect for prime time play, and finally Ortella drops hard hitting dub destined for the bigger rooms.
Molsh featuring Sego Lody "Love is not enough" (Ocha Mzansi Promo)
Out soon on Ocha Mzansi is "Love is not enough" a downright hypnotizing slice of afro-deep goodness by Molsh and Sego Lody. To cut right to the chase, "Love is not enough" is guaranteed to send the dancers into a frenzy thanks to the utterly deep, inexorably thumpin' rhythms, Sego Lody's amazing vocal stylings and the inebriant galactical synth melodies. Nuff said...