This weeks update is a firework of outstanding soulful/afro house releases - don't miss out on it...
Daniele Baldi "Another life" (Soulful Evolution Records Promo)
Italian DJ/producer Daniele Baldi returns to Soulful Evolution Records with "Another life", to cut right to the chase this energetic yet soulful production using relentlessly thumpin' rhythms as foundation for warm melodious keys, inebriant galactical chords, classy horns and alluring female/male vocals is guaranteed to cause a stir on the dance floor. Daniele Baldi is truly on fire at the moment...
Sipho Ngubane featuring Holi "I miss you" (Soulful Sentiments Records Promo)
After an almost two year long hiatus, Soulful Sentiments Records return to Spirit of House in proper style with "I miss you" by label owner Sipho Ngubane, without doubt this splendiferous production oozing with the fantastic heartfelt vocals of Holi, sublime keys, enticing chords and gentle yet intriguing rhythms is not to be missed. In other word, "I miss you" is top-notch soulful house music.
Stones & Bones featuring Rona Ray "Love is a healer" (FOMP Promo)
South Africa's Stones & Bones (the duo of Casper Steenkamp aka Casper J Stone and Kgothatso Mohlaka aka KG Bones) are back on FOMP with "Love is a healer", a verily entrancing production featuring the inimitable emotive vocals of Rona Ray alongside dreamful synth melodies and smooth yet captivating rhythms. The 'Soulful Mix' is a great alternate take laced with a strengthened backing groove, and lastly there is the 'Afro Tech Mix' taking the track to darker utterly mesmerizing tech flavored afro house grounds.
Feelosophy "Where has love been (WHLB)" (The Remixes)(Soulstice Music Promo)
The latest offering from Soulstice Music are two dazzling four-to-the-floor re-imaginations of the glorious truly wonderful soul/r&b gem "Where has love been (WHLB)" by Feelosophy. Both Shane D and Federico d'Alessio add their beloved soulful touch, keeping the vibe enchanting and melodious yet transforming the song into uplifting 4/4 dance floor favorites. Highly recommended.
Blast from the Past: Roach Motel "Movin' on" / "The right time" (4 to the Floor Records Promo)
4 to the Floor Records take us back to 1993 when London based label Junior Boy's Own released the massive double A-sided 12" "Movin' on" / "The right time" by Roach Motel aka Fire Island aka Heller & Farley. Even today, twenty-five years after the original release, these two tracks built around downright inexorable rhythms, lush synths and cleverly used vocal samples are sure-fire dance floor weapons. A truly exhilarating trip down memory lane...
Traxx Pick: Danny Clark featuring Bennett Holland "Herbie's views" (Dallinghoo Recordings Promo)
Forthcoming to up and rising Dallinghoo Recordings is "Herbie's views", a masterly crafted tribute to legendary Herbie Hancock by label head Danny Clark and keyboard wizard Bennett Holland. To make it short, the jazz/funk influenced "Herbie's view" is sheer musical bliss, with an infectiously groovin' organic backdrop leading the way for Bennett Holland's luxurious jazzy keys and celestial chords which make this track something truly special. Essential.
LaTonya Peoples "In the water" (Face the Bass Records Promo)
We reviewed this soulful gem back in April of last year when it was included on Shino Blackk's magnificent "Seventeen EP" which was a limited release available for a short time only. Thankfully Face the Bass Records decided to give this soulful gem oozing with Shino Blackk's landmark soulful touch and LaTonya People's beautiful tempting vocals a second life; next to the glamorous main vocal version you get a previously unreleased uber cool dub workout.
Tipsta featuring Misoul "Listen to your heart" (Gruv Manics Digital Promo)
Next up on Gruv Manics Digital is "Listen to your heart" by South Africa's Tipsta (Thato Mogoiwa), a phantasmagorical soulful production fusing the incredible deep-rooted vocals of Misoul with charming melodies and gentle yet thrilling afrotastic rhythms. Not to forget to mention the stellar truly eclectic selection of soulful/afro house interpretations by Blizzard Beats, Daniele Baldi, Echo Deep and Shazmicsoul taking the song to the next level.
Miguel Migs featuring Lisa Shaw "This melody" (Salted Music Promo)
Beyond the shadow of a doubt, DJ/producer Miguel Migs and songstress Lisa Shaw have been pulling out all the stops to once again bless with a brilliant production which perfectly showcases Miguel Migs highly acclaimed truly unmistakable underground-esque sound and Lisa Shaw's unrivaled sultry vocal stylings. Best of all, "This melody" comes in four equally terrific yet varied interpretations (including dope dub versions), each one guaranteed to cast a spell on you.