BONGOLOVERZ FEAT. AN-TONIC
“POWER OF MUSIC”
Soulfuric Trax
From the boys back east comes another punpin’ Latin bumper. Peak timing all the way, this Soulfuric Trax (think “Bulo”) release will move your body and floor. Produced by Groovemaster K., Daniel Garcia and Alexander Klaus (as the Bongoloverz), this record features the spoken word of Detroit native Anton “An-Tonic” Eldridge. Speaking about the Power Of Music, such as “musical thing” and “spiritual thing,” over a heavy percussive Soulfuric-style beat, this record is receiving praise from the big boys. With its jazzy chords and smooth bass lines, you don’t want to miss this one. It includes many mixes: original, acc., dub, drum, main-pella and dub mental—it’s a pleasure for the whole house community. Thanks to traxsource.com for this one.
This review originally appeared in Headphones, November 2004, Issue 191.
Joey Negro
In The House
Defected Records
What does Joey Negro, Akabu, Raven Maize, Sessomato, and the well-known Jakatta (Remixer of “American Dream” from movie American Beauty) have in common? These diverse dance-floor anthem originators share the same mind—Dave Lee. Releasing more hits than any other UK producer and remixer, Dave Lee (JN) is proud to claim soulful house as his passion. Having a reputation for his ingenuity, this latest mixed session by JN is another fine example of man with a purpose, a man not depraved of virtue. In a 3-CD set of funky, soulful, disco house, this master behind the decks presents fresh ideas with classic styles. Including tracks from Rasmus Faber, Martin Solveig, Blaze, Dimitri from Paris, and Kings of Tomorrow, to name a few—if you’re lookin’ for some right-down yummy flavors, skip a trip to the ice-cream parlor and check this latest “in the house” release. Defected records.
This review originally appeared in Headphones, March 2005, Issue 195.
KENSHRYO
“REMEMBER THE SUMMER”
Map Dance Records
From Mr. Mike and Daniel Walther’s Swiss-based label Map Dance comes a soulful jazzy groove. Produced by newcomer Kenshryo, this track adds another colorful touch to the wonderful catalogue of the one-year-old label. It ncludes two remixes by UK-based production team Audiowhores (Adam Unsworth and Graham Lord), who always bring forth some of the best tracks around, including “Orillas del mar” and “Nekoosa,” both Soulfuric releases. Soulful and Spanish, funky horns and soulful keys—”Remember the Summer” truly means what it says. Bravo to MAP Dance for making another heavenly release. Includes Audiowhores vocal and dub and Valerio Gallis’ “private funk mix.”
This review originally appeared in Headphones, November 2004, Issue 191.
Milk n’ 2 Sugars Presents
Ten Years of Our House
(Jon Cutler & Hardsoul)
MN2S Records
Celebrating Ten Years Of Our House music and club nights, record label MN2S teams up with New York legend Jon Cutler and Dutch duo Hardsoul to present a unique 2-CD mixed sessions. Over a 10-year time-period, MN2S have created a management company, a DJ booking agency, two record labels (the other being 1Trax) and host some of the most memorable house events in London. Disc one: The mind behind the club classic “It’s Yours,” Jon Cutler features a more sophisticated and soulful side of US-based house, It features artists such as Kenny Bobien, Kerri Chandler, Passionardor, DJ Oji and Una. Disc two: brothers DJ Roog and Greg (creators of the classic hit “Back Together”) show their muscles in a funky and tougher edge of MN2S. Expect to hear tracks from Carousel, Scape, D&M Project, D’stephanie and two by the brothers themselves. Cheers to a match made in heaven. (Thanks, Laura Kissel @ MN2S for your support.) MN2s
This review originally appeared in Headphones, March 2005, Issue 195.
BOBBY & STEVE FEAT. BRYAN CHAMBER/BARBARA TUCKER
“DEEPER IN LOVE”
Zoo Groove Stereo
Featuring the outstanding vocals of diva Barbara Tucker (who has worked with DJs like Vega, Morillo and Tenaglia), one of the industry’s most celebrated singers and Bryan Chambers (heard with Pet Shop Boys, Lionel Richie, and Cleptomaniacs), who has a numerous amounts of No. 1 hits like “Raise you Hands” and “Never Let Go,” the highly anticipated fourth release from Bobby & Steve is here! Innovation and production by James Ratcliff and the legendary brothers themselves, “Deeper in Love” will be in DJs’ bags for years to come. It includes two mixes: A side, a full-vocal GJ-styled groove with electric bass, mellow Rhodes and funky horn hits; B side, a “deeper dub;” this full house of track is the best vocal peak-timer I have heard! Thank you boys for this awesome track! www.zoogroovestereo.com
This review originally appeared in Headphones, December 2004, Issue 192.
Groove Junkies ft. Indeya
Music’s Gotcha Jumpin’
MoreHouse Records
The Los Angeles super-duo Groove Junkies, are back and more powerful then ever. This time, they rediscover the classic MoreHouse sound of soul and jazz rhythms by hitting the top with soul-funk and disco flavors, all encompassing the stirred vocals of diva Indeya (from “Oh Lord” and “Gonna Get By”). Overflowing the mixing board with Rhodes, strings, saxophone and of course, the classic workings of GJ beats—it’s sure to be one of the hottest this year. Including the “Soul Excursion Mix,” a laid-back groover (but still strong), and “Main Room Funky Madness,” a thought-out dance floor winner full of excitement and passion.
www.morehouserecords.com
This review originally appeared in Headphones, April 2005, Issue 196.
JON CUTLER FEAT. PETE SIMPSON
“RUNNIN’”
MN2S Records
Cut from the stone of New York’s concrete jungle, this gem of a track, in its soulful and deep glitter, is more than a promise. Produced by Jon Cutler and featuring the smooth vocals of Pete Simpson, this lover of groove includes keyboards from Mike Patto (Reel People) and percussion from Shovel (“Bulo”). Runnin’ is a milkshake of American talent and European artistry. On remix duty is the highly regarded production duo Copyright, who lend their Soulfuric/Defected floor-filling sound to this fresh-off-the-press 12″. Receiving props from Louie Vega, Blaze, DJ Gregory and Bob Sinclair; without a doubt, this is not to be missed.www.mn2s.com
This review originally appeared in Headphones, December 2004, Issue 192.
Grant Nelson
Life
Swing City
If you had a chance to check out GN live, last month @ The W Lounge (downtown SLC), then you know what he delivers as a DJ. Now you have a chance to comprehend his magic in the studio. This latest release from the man of many sides illustrates the first-class skill required to own such a genius. Appearing again with another dance-floor winner, “Life” represents Swing City’s funky/disco attitude. Expressed in two mixes: “Original,” a bumper-of-a-groove, and “Discovery Mix,” an enjoyable disco trek, finished with spoken word.
www.swingcity.co.uk ,
www.wyze.com (Thanks Hannah!)
This review originally appeared in Headphones, April 2005, Issue 196.
SEEK
“EVERAFTER” (REMIXES)
GoGo Music
Seek originally released this album in late 2000 on Giant Step Records, this latest interpretation is right on target with the soul-disco era of house music. As GoGo Records continue to release more quality house, this adds a timeless vibe to the label’s catalogue. The “Ralf Gum & Crisp” mixes hold true to their signature styles (think Soul Purpose Records), with sweet guitars and melodies in the vocal and dubs mixes. On the flip side is Roberto De Carlo working it with vocal and dub mixes. My recommendation: the peak-time funky dub of de Carlo.
This review originally appeared in Headphones, August 2004, Issue 188.
JUKE JOINT
“BABY DON’T CRY”
Look At You Records
From Denver’s Look at You Records, we have the latest release from this superb label. Featuring the vocal talent of Earl Bennett, this modern-day percussive ride takes you on an “old school” feel. Comparable to early recordings by Murk and Kings of Tomorrow (KOT), this soulful yet extremely bumpin’ groove is the first installment of many projects to come by this newly formed duo. Produced by DJ Dealer & DJ Sense, Baby Don’t Cry is receiving high marks by the DJ community and being charted all around the globe. It includes two mixes: main mix, subtle keys, deep bass line and full of vocal delivery; dub mix, continues on in a constant board line and a more simple approach on the vocals. Check out Juke Joint’s latest mixed set in our CD reviews. www.lookatyourecords.com
This review originally appeared in Headphones, December 2004, Issue 192.
