review logoWe are only a few weeks into the new year but are on fire already with lots of soulful/afro gems to discover... enjoy !!

Thommy Davis & Tracy Hamlin "Isn't it a shame" (Quantize Recordings Promo)

This dazzling 4/4 remake of the classic ballad "Isn't is a shame" (originally performed by Labelle back in the mid 1970's) by Thommy Davis (taken from this forthcoming album) has been a long time in the making, without doubt it has been worth the wait. To make it short, Tracy Hamlin's formidable truly faithful rendition of the lyrics combined with impressive background vocals and masterful truly soulful yet captivating orchestration are guaranteed to make you yearn for more...

Cornell CC Carter "That feelin'" (Frankie Feliciano Remix)(Makin' Moves Promo)

The original version of "That feelin'", a wonderful old school r&b/soul influenced gem, can be found on Cornell CC Carter's second artist album "One love" released last summer, now Makin' Moves drop a brilliant truly glittering four-to-the-floor interpretation by legendary Frankie Feliciano which uses a gentle yet thrilling organic backdrop as foundation for luxurious keys and Cornell CC Carter's unmistakable emotive vocals. Essential.

Federico d'Alessio featuring Aly-Us "It's beautiful" (Gotta Keep Faith Records Promo)

Italian DJ/producer Federico d'Alessio joins forces with Eddie Lewis from Aly-Us for "It's beautiful", a truly glorious slice of soulful bliss featuring the incomparable vocals of Eddie Lewis alongside grandiose saxophone, sublime jazzy keys, magnificent guitar and an infectious organic backdrop. Not to forget to mention the superb truly eclectic selection of remixes by D3 (Davor Devcic Daga), Sol Brown, Allovers and David Marques taking the song to the next level.

George Lesley featuring Andiswa "Izulu" (Cee ElAssaad Voodoo Remix)(Merecumbe Recordings Promo)

The fantastic "Izulu" by South Africa's George Lesley originally released in spring of last year returns in stellar remixes by Moroccan afro house maestro Cee ElAssaad who combines the one-of-a-kind deep-rooted vocals of Andiswa with phat synths, wicked guitar riffs and downright resistless afrocentric rhythms to create a sure-fire dance floor weapon that is not to be missed. Nuff said...

Jersey Soul & Sky Blue "Happily ever after" (Remixes)(Certified Organik Records Promo)

In 2010, Aqua Sol Recordings released the phantasmagorical "Happy ever after" by Jersey Soul (Big Logan & DJ Suede) laced with the inimitable deeply vocals by Sheba 'Sky Blue' Jordan, now this gem returns in fresh interpretations. First up we have Todd 'Djed' Gardner who delivers a deeply groovin' verily melodious and soulful yet spell binding rendition, next are Jorge Araujo & Eric Faria with their vibrant and funky rework perfect for prime time play. Also included in the package is Todd 'Djed' Gardner's remix from the original 2010 release.

Jeangu Macrooy "Aisa" (FNX Omar Remix)(MoBlack Records Promo)

Beyond the shadow of a doubt, MoBlack Records grace us with a mind-boggling afro house re-imagination of Jeangu Macrooy's incredible "Aisa" by Morocco's FNX Omar who has once again been pulling out all the stops and delivers a respectful yet absolutely hypnotizing tech flavored afro-deep workout guaranteed to send the dancers into a frenzy... Don't miss out on this afro house bomb...

Deft Bonz & 1Luv "Living my life EP" (Soul Deluxe Recordings Promo)

Deft Bonz (aka Murat Boeyuek Pilavci) makes his debut on Soul Deluxe Recordings with the stunning "Living my life EP" loaded with four equally exciting soulful productions, each one oozing with the towering vocals of 1Luv (aka Heather Gayle), luscious keys and a verily compelling musical backing. Unquestionably, Deft Bonz "Living my life EP" comes highly recommended.

Rasmir Mantree "House it's a helluva drug" (Mantree Records Promo)

Closing this weeks update is Rasmir Mantree with his indisputable unadulterated underground house music anthem "House it's a helluva drug", to cut a a long story short this is an utterly hypnotizing production guaranteed to cause a stir on the dance floor through the inexorable percussive rhythms, lush melodies, Rasmir Mantree's enticing lead vocals and the verily cool background vocals by Tia & Liz.