Enjoy this weeks eclectic selection of the latest in soulful house music...
Jet featuring Zg.Dr "Rooted" (One51 Records CD Promo)
One51 Records bless us with the wonderful "Rooted" by Jet (Gift Mabasa) and singer Zg.Dr (Siyabonga Khubeka), a sublime production oozing with th deep'n'soulful South African house sound we all love so much - Zg.Dr's deeply rooted vocals, heavenly keys and smooth afro-deep rhythms are guaranteed to make you yearn for more. Richard Earnshaw contributes a subtle organic rework which stays true to the original and comes complete with additional instrumentation (his 'Deeply Rooted Dub' is sheer musical bliss), and Daniel Jones (Est8) who delivers an euphoric remix perfect for the main room.
Namy featuring Josh Milan "From now an" (All Mixes)(KingStreet Records CD Promo)
It has taken a while until we hold the full package of "From now on" by Japanese producer Namy (Yutaka Takanami) in our hands, but thankfully the wait is over. Featuring touching vocals by Josh Milan (one half of legendary production duo Blaze), "From now on" is a smooth as silk jazz inspired production oozing with soul from the very first to the last second. Josh Milan intensifies the vibe on his fascinating fiercely thumpin' remix laced with celestial melodies, and DJ Spen & N'Dinga Gaba take us on a mind blowing deep yet soulful excursion you wish would never end - their ethereal remixes are guaranteed to set the floor on fire. Also included are the previously reviewed remixes by Aki Bergen & Daniel Jaze.
Lilac Jeans featuring Snash "Zithande" (Jonny Montana Remix)(Sci-Fi Productions CD Promo)
Back in September of last year, we were celebrating "Zithande" by Lilac Jeans, the trio of Ayaya Socikwa aka DJ Aya, Linda Sikhosana aka Menu and Floyd Nkonyane aka Floyd. "Zithande" features the vocal talents of Snash who impresses with her sensitive rendition of the lyrics which are accompanied by delectable melodies, all perfectly arranged over a spellbinding backing. This musical gem returns in an amazing remix by Jonny Montana who takes the song to the next level, adding his signature organic jazz drenched touch to the song, giving it a deep soulful yet captivating feel. The release will also include the underrated original from last year. Highly recommended.
Various "MuSol ADE Motown House Sampler" (CD-R)
Right in time for ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event), MuSol is back with the latest offering in his "Motown House" series, bringing us two fresh four-to-the-floor mash-up's of unforgotten Motown classics. First up is a fusion of Marvin Gaye's "How sweet it is" with the instrumental version of Terry Hunter's remix of "100% of stalkin' U" by Byron Stingily, next there is "Sail on" from The Commodores (with Lionel Richie on vocals) combined with ReelSoul's instrumental remix of "Make me beautiful" by Sofia Rubina - sheer musical bliss...
Pirahnahead "West Growl Blvd" (Whasdat Music CD Promo)
Mastermind Pirahnahead goes back to his musical soul roots with "West Growl Blvd", an ingenious slice of house music coming straight from heaven - deep, funky, mesmerizing and truly uplifting best describe this jewel. The 'SoulFood Mix' is influenced by the 60's soul of Stax Records, with a deep hypnotizing groove leading the way for killer organ ride, while the 'Motown Mix' pays homage to Pirahnahead's Detroit musical roots, turning up the heat to the max with infectious funked-up rhythms.
Franky Fresh featuring Billie Brown "Say nothing" (The Brothers CD Promo)
Franky Fresh teams up with Billie Brown (those familiar with the roots of house music will certainly remember her groundbreaking vocal performance on the Boyd Jarvis & Timmy Regisford produced "Nobody's business" from 1986) for "Say nothing", a feel good production on a classic tip which combines Billie Brown's unmistakable vocals with a catchy piano and spell binding backdrop. Matt Early relaxes the vibe on his precious soul/funk inspired rework laced with lovely guitars, delectable keys and classy horns, while Niva takes the track to the main room on his energetic workout.
NightFusion featuring Lady V "Life on Mars" (Bump Trax CD Promo)
Bump Trax are back with the truly wicked and absolutely resistless "Life on Mars" courtesy of NightFusion (Owen Taylor & Martin Wright) and Lady V, a breathtaking production guaranteed to jam pack floors with its old school flavored ruthlessly bumpin' rhythms, grand jazzy saxophone and luscious keys. Drop it at your next party and watch the dance floor explode... Nuff said.
Room Control "ADE Sampler" (Room Control Records CD Promo)
Emergent Room Control Records are going from strength to strength in recent months, and with the ten track "ADE Sampler" they offer an eclectic selection of productions by the likes of Alex Millett, DJ Funky T, Groove Assassin & Sean McCabe, Mena Keys & Marlon D, Phil Asher, Rokaz, Seascape and Urban Sound Lab featuring Naki Akrobettoe, not to forget to mention the stupendous remix by Sean McCabe of their previous smash release "Give it all I got" by Seascape featuring Dawn Tallman. A real delight for DJ's...
Steve 'Silk' Hurley "Jack your body" (Mauritzio Jack'in Mental Jungle)(S&S Records CD Promo)
Without any doubt, "Jack your body" by Steve 'Silk' Hurley (originally released in 1986 on Underground, a sub-label of DJ International) is one of the records that founded the original house sound of Chicago. The 'jack jack jack your body' vocal sample together with an utterly infectious four-to-the-floor rhythm unheard-of before took over dance floors and charts by storm within weeks of being released. Recently S&S Records have dropped a remix package of this all-time classic, we would like to draw your attention to the ingenious tribal-esque soul-tech rework by Maurizio Baiocchi which takes the track to whole new heights and is guaranteed to send the floor into a frenzy - in our humble opinion this is by far the best remix in the package. Don't miss it...
thatmanmonkz "The Man EP" (Tone Control Music CD Promo)
Tone Control Music grace us with the phenomenal debut release by thatmanmonkz aka Scott Moncrieff titled "The Man EP". Four tracks are featured on this truly diversified EP, some of them featuring the highly admired vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Pete Simpson who adds his magical touch to this release. Each of the tracks takes you on an exhilarating journey to soulful underground dance music, letting you explore Detroit inspired deep house with jazz, disco and soul influences apparent throughout. By no means to be missed...
Angel-A "La la" (Deep Character & Mad Boss Remix)(Liberate Records CD Promo)
Here we have an incredible remix of Angel-A's enticing "La la" by Deep Character (DaSouL, Fabry Diglio & AlexAndre) and Mad Boss (Antonio D'Amato, Dario Paltanin & Maurizio Brusadelli) taking you on a journey to deepest territory, with a deeper than deep truly mesmerizing old school inspired groove serving as playground for Angel-A's lascivious vocal chants and luscious melodies. In other words, a thrilling deep house production perfect for late night / early morning play...