all reviews by Dean Serafini unless otherwise stated

Brazilian Soul Crew - Tema do Brazil [Iwanai]

Sometimes less is more and in this case the fewer words I use the better. It’s a truly beautiful piece of music, wonderfully constructed. The vibe is deep and soulful, fuelled by breathtaking keys and strings. The “Original” and “Dub” are augmented by slightly edgier versions from Anto Vitale but whichever mix does it for you, there’s no getting away from the beauty of the production.  


DJ Meme Orchestra ft Rachel Claudio - Any Love (Part 2) [Soulfuric]

The story continues as Soulfuric unleash another package of mixes of this Chaka Khan classic revisted so successfully by DJ Meme and Rachel Claudio. This time around the mixes are provided by Jamie Lewis, Dimitri From Paris and the legendary Tom Moulton. Jamie Lewis adds a little extra funk to proceedings while Tom Moulton delivers a tasteful retouch that will sit nicely with anyone who likes the “DJ Meme Club Mix” from part one. Dimitri does what Dimitri does and no one should be surprised by the fact that he manages to produce an authentic seventies vibe since it’s a feat he’s achieved so many times before. Nevertheless I was taken aback and it is mighty impressive.  


Soul Oasis pres Weysa Dya - Connected Minds (Remixes) [Cyberjamz]

Just in time for Miami, Cyberjamz have new mixes of “Connected Minds” and an unreleased version of “Deep House Meditation”. Both tracks feature the wonderful spoken vocals of Weysa Dya and are about as deep as it gets. The original releases were both well received and this new package is also well worth getting your hands on. The new “Jakdat” versions of both tracks are harder hitting than the originals with powerful rhythms and strong synths very much in evidence. This time around there’s an extra burst of energy that makes it possible for new audiences to connect with both tracks


Raph Dumas - Multi Electronics [Lace Recordings]

Raph Dumas’s latest offering is an interesting and diverse four track EP that doesn’t really fit into any one genre. The music is obviously electronic and very much aimed at people who enjoy dancing to their music but the grooves are all different and the appeal should be fairly wide. On the whole it’s a fairly mellow experience with clever subtleties punctuating each of the productions. My favourite has to be “The End” with its jazz scat vocals and sumptuous pianos . “All Magic” is a warm, soothing rhodes infused groover with soulful vox in the background. “Multi Electronics” is punchier with a more progressive synth driven vibe while the package is completed by the haunting “Crossed Road”.  


Uncle Milty - Unity [Look At You]

Following recent remixes for the label, Chicago’s Uncle Milty makes his first appearance on Look At You as an artist. There are six mixes included in the package from Uncle Milty himself, DJ Dealer, Silk & Vandermeer and Andre Harris. I was pretty much drawn straight away to the jazzy vibes of “Uncle Milty’s Remix” complete with rhodes and flutes that should get you moving around to the rhythms . The pleasing vocals come from Typhanie Monique and are a combination of melodies and spoken words. The other mixes offer a range of styles from the percussive but sparse “DJ Dealer Red Line Remix” to the edgy techy sounds of the “Silk & Vandermeer Remix” Andre Harris’ versions are deep affairs with tribal rhythms and moody synths. It’s fair to say there’s something to cater for most tastes.


Vertigo presents Peyton - All That Matters [CDR]

Jay C and James Reynolds team up as Vertigo to deliver a more than respectable vocal number that’s sure to do well over the coming months. The synth driven vibe is supported by strong melodies to create an infectious result. It certainly helps that the vocals are of a high quality but the track is anything other than one dimensional. Worth watching out for if you like house music that’s radio friendly as well as floor friendly. 


Disco Explosion ft Shelly - Gonna Love You [989 Records]

I really like the played live feel that comes through listening to this one. It certainly sounds as though the bass and drums are live although it’s easy to be deceived these days. The track itself is distinguished by the funky guitars and the warmth of the keys. The vocals are nice enough but both of the dubs that are included work better from a personal perspective. Watch out for the sax in the “Ciko DJ ReDub Mix”.


Paulo Barbato ft Vincent Valler - Nadabi [Peppermint Jam]

Not the sound that I typically go for but the first two mixes in the package have grown on me week by week to the point where I’ve had them on in the car quite a few times. Those mixes come from Vincent Valler and Alfred Azzetto both of whom have been building sold reputations over the last year or so so I guess it should come as no great surprise. The other mixes, with the exception of the “Castaman Incisive Mix” with its old school Detroit style synth arrangement are a little on the fierce side for my personal taste but then this was probably never aimed at a soulful head such as myself to begin with.  


Lucy & Rone - Great Heron [Prog City Deep Trax]

Whether you prefer the title track “Great Heron” or “Kamilla Dee” it’s the synths that do the damage in both tracks. You can expect deep techy numbers with plenty of atmosphere with some of the synths tuned to sound almost like a church organ in “Great Heron” while the rumbling bass and crisp beats do their best to get those feet moving. The percussion is stepped up a notch on “Kamilla Dee” with the striking synths designed to make you sit up and take notice. It’s a real underground vibe that avoids getting too fierce so that you don’t have to be out of your mind to appreciate it.

Various Artists - WMC 2009 Sampler [One 51]

It’s good to see this label make a re-appearance after an extended slumber. The wait though has been well worthwhile if the contents of this sampler are anything to go by. The first track featured is “Havana” complete with latin rhythms and amazing brass with a stunning vocal from Paul Lee. Next up Earnshaw & Jones renew their One 51 production venture with “Together As One” the version included is the “Flute Dub” and features Mart Winning who did the damage on “Si Weka” back in 2004. The result is a straight up house dub of the highest order with that flute hitting the spot rather nicely. The final two tracks come from Lefthander whose work has previously featured on Guess and Ceremony. “Breaking New Ground” reminds me of early Grant Nelson house tracks with it’s speedy rhythms and powerful chords. “Drifting Away” drops the tempo for a more chilled out broken beat experience that’s made easy on the ear by soothing vocals and mellow electric guitars.


Various Artists - WMC 2009 Sampler [Duffnote]

Duffnote serve notice of what’s to come throughout 2009 with their Miami sampler. Included are five enjoyable and varied vocal house productions kicking off with B-Ayce ft Stephanie which has a lovely female vocal and a soulful style that‘s really infectious. Next up is Tony Vass with “Fly Me Higher” complete with more female vocals and an early eighties disco vibe I can certainly relate to. Mr Moon & Angel D deliver “Soulmate” with vocals from Michael Flaming and a soulful r‘n‘b vibe fuelled by subtle guitars and invigorated by a deep bassline., Stereo Mutants are responsible for the deepest track within the package which has a wonderful atmospheric vibe created in part by the lush synth strings then finished off with Neve’s haunting vocals. Finally, White Soul Project round things off with another catchy track that has a bit of a seventies feel to it. There are no obvious weak links and by the time these all see a full release there will no doubt be several versions of each to choose from. Meantime it’s nice to have another five high quality tunes to work with.  


Distant People ft Chappell - Simple Things [Sofitone]

This is a good old fashioned soulful house number with a passionate male vocal that really delivers. There are three mixes and an instrumental to choose from with my pick being “Kuningas Remix” with its gorgeous keys and organs. Also included are the “Original” along with a deeper version from label boss Patrick Green that has a smooth retro vibe that I can’t quite put my finger on; perhaps a little like Kerri Chandler’s smoother productions back in the 90s. Well worth checking out. 


Musiq Soulchild ft Mary J Blige - If You Leave (Matthias Heilbronn Remix) [Atlantic]

Featuring two exceptional vocalists that need little introduction, this is a lovely soulful ballad in its original form. Matty’s remix though spices things up by increasing the tempo and layering the production with old school house keyboards. I’ve always been a sucker for quality remixes of r’n’b and this one not only works well but had me hunting for the original version on line. Nicely done!

BC Groovin’ Society ft Octavia - When Will He See [Transitori]

High quality production and top notch vocals are very much in evidence on this release from Benji Candelario and company. Oddly though, as much as I like this, I’ve been having difficulty finding the right words to describe the music. It’s not exactly an instant hands in the air kind of vibe, rather a slow burner that sounds better every time you hear it. Of the three mixes included, I’ve been going for the “Andrea Groovin’ Club Mix” but they’re all pretty much on the nail. 


Ralf GUM ft Daniel Thomas - Higher High [GoGo Music]

Gogo Music unleash another bomb from the mind of Ralf GUM. This time around it’s a more up tempo release that pays homage to the days of disco. The vocals from Daniel Thomas are excellent and with harmonies that are reminiscent of Earth Wind & Fire there are sure to be lots of happy faces whenever this one’s playing. The mixes come from Ralf himself with his “Original Disco Attack Mix” and “Deeper Deep Vocal” and from The Realm whose mix hits all the right notes. Awesome! 


Deep ’N Soul Brasil - Deep ’N Soul Brasil EP [Next Dimension]

Next Dimension present another EP full of deep house goodness. This time there are three tracks to choose from kicking off with the aptly named “Space Journey”: it’s a spacey, eclectic kin of vibe with a nagging groove, tribal rhythms and liberally used spoken vocals. Next up is “Red Faces” which offers up some striking synths although my favourite is “Slow Morning” with its throbbing bass and lush keys.  


Cannyrock ft Alessia Kay - Cube-Ah Reloaded [Broken Records]

Based on and sampling the Gibson Brothers “Cuba” from 1978, this version speeds things up and adds some energetic rhythms to make things floor friendly. The track has a very European flavour to it and the familiar samples make it catchy enough. Clearly with a project like this, it’s not going to be to everyone’s taste as it’s a very commercial sound but it will generate plenty of attention. 


Angel Blanco - Downtown Stranger [Boogs Music]

Although the vocal is certainly pleasing enough , I’ve only really been able to get into the “Lucius Lowe’s City of Sinners Mix”. It combines disco strings with guitars and old school house keyboard arrangement. I also detect a kind of eighties feel within the vocals. The other mixes veer towards trance and electro and while they’ll certainly prove effective in the right hands, don’t work for me.


Movido - Movido Dubs EP [Loveslap]

The EP contains three groovy dubs all of which lend themselves well to the dance floor. It’s a varied package ranging from the tough, almost techy “Lagrimas E Polito” to the much jazzier “Sway and Rock” built on a chassis of jazzy rhodes. In between “Sugar Bone” is a deep house ride with a mellow vibe and driving rhythms. Even after a week I’m still unclear on a favourite track but whichever one I end up favouring, I’ll be playing them all for some time to come.


Spencer Gray - Precious [Loveslap]

Whichever version you favour, this is an excellent track that includes a distinctive and captivating vocal. Both versions deliver a deep experience with the vocals taking centre stage. The “Original” is powered by chugging beats and a gnawing synth bassline that’s complimented by a soothing keyboard arrangement. The “1200 Warriors Bump Mix” is a little more eclectic with chiming synths, guitars and a slightly funkier groove. The package is completed with the “1200 Warriors Instrumental” but it’s the vocal mixes I’ll be paying most attention to. 


Under Achiever ft Germaine - Hate To Say [Daddy Funk Records]

This is a catchy track with an array of mixes to cover all the bases. Personally my standout versions come from Conan Liquid, Nate Brice & TJ Inc but there’s something in the package for everyone. The vocal performance is excellent throughout and this one should do very well.
 

Petula Caeser - Sex Shoes [Cyberjamz]

Driving synth chords and explicit spoken lyrics form the basis for an unforgettable track. It’s all about the vocal and as the music makes you dance it’s pretty much a given that you’ll be listening to Petula’s commanding voice as she takes you on a journey from the dance floor to the bedroom.  


Audiowhores ft Radhika - All You Need [Tempogroove]

Audiowhores deliver a driving deep house track with Radhika on vocals following her successful collaboration with The Jinks last year. “All You Need” is a little edgier than the Audiowhores of old but their sound has been moving in that direction for some time now. The result is a powerful synth infused groove that will work well on the dance floor with pleasing melodic vocals. This will appeal to people who normally pick up Tempogroove releases and wouldn’t be out of place if it had been released by Defected.

Galaxy Group ft Lady Alma - Don’t Play [Loveslap]

I always make a point of checking out any track that includes Alma’s vocals so it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that I’d like this. What surprised me, is that much as I enjoy the vocal versions, it’s actually the “DJ Spinna Instrumental” that I’ve been playing most. Also well worth checking out is the dubby r’n’b flavours of the “Ruffy Tuffy Version” which caught my attention right from the first few bars. Quality stuff!  


Chris Montana - Speed Of Life [Strictly Rhythm]

To be honest, it's not one I've been able to get into - a bit on the techy side compared to the music I enjoy the most. I can't pick any fault with the production and the track is certainly well put together with nice enough vocals. If I was to pick out a favourite mix it would be the "Etienne Osboune Mix".

Steven Stone ft Andrea Love - Good Love [Duffnote]

Good old fashioned vocal house with crisp rhythms, melodic chords powerful female vocals has always been hard to beat in my book. “Good Love” delivers on all fronts. I haven’t been able to choose a favourite mix so far but the “Original” is the smoothest while the “Elektro Organic Remix” is a touch funkier. Richard Earnshaw’s Remix has a classic 90s feel to it and of course there’s always the instrumentals if you’re not a fan of vocals. Andrea’s vocals are excellent and the soulful production style makes this just as effective for casual listening as it is for club use.


Dirty Culture - Sunglasses Factory EP [Sweetleaf Recordings]

This intriguingly titled EP contains two tracks that are on the deep side. “Juice” is the techier of the two while “Biscuiti” is more percussive with more of a genuine deep house vibe. Both tracks are well produced but it’s Biscuiti that I prefer with its chunkier beats and more melodic construction. 


DJ Meme Orchestra ft Rachel Claudio - Any Love [Soulfuric]

Covering a Chaka Khan classic is exceedingly brave but I reckon that they’ve just about pulled this one off. Meme’s classy production complete with sumptuous strings, brass flutes, keys coupled with Rachel’s distinctive voice delivers a wonderful result. Of course it helps that the song was a belter to begin with but that’s where the bravery comes in as it would have been all to easy to mess it up. Now I’ve fallen for the “DJ Meme Club Mix” completely but for those of you who crave something a little edgier then the remixes by Muthafunkaz and Alfred Azzetto are likely to deliver. If you can hear someone singing along at the top of their voice - it’s probably just me getting carried away!!!!

The Heller & Farley Project - Ultra Flava 09 [Junior Boys Own]

For all that I love the original of this track and the remixes on the A&M PM release that followed, I have difficulty fully appreciating these new mixes. I know time moves on but I have such fond memories of the track from back in the day that I can still picture the reaction when I used to drop it. The new versions all take a much tougher route than the nineties versions which will no doubt appeal to a whole new audience but while I’ve been just about persuaded by the “Pierre J Remix” I’m still not convinced by any of the others.  


Jay - J ft Latrice Barnett - The One [Bar Grooves]

I first heard this a couple of years back and it’s never been far off my radar since. This time around there are new mixes from Jay - J himself and Stacy Burket but none manage to better the “Original”. What the remixes do achieve however is to offer up something a bit tougher so that the package has an appeal that goes just beyond those who like their house on the soulful side. What isn’t in dispute no matter which version floats your boat, is the sheer quality of Latrice’s vocals: you could be forgiven for believing she was singing just for you.  


Asha Edmund - Carry Me Over [Gotta Keep Faith]

Gotta Keep Faith unleash another excellent production. “Carry Me Over” comes in three beautiful soulful mixes and a deep dub. The remixes come from Nassau and House Device with Georg Neufeld providing the dub. All four versions are on point and with Asha’s sublime vocals the results will sit well with the soulful heads. Lovely !


Soul Vigilantes ft Xan Blac - Travelling Together [Lovemonk]

If you like your music soulful and smooth then this should be right up your street. The original mix is a down tempo live funk/soul experience with slap bass and velvety vocals. “Ralf GUM’s GoGo Music Mix” increases the tempo but leaves the soul intact using a blend of rhodes and subtle guitars to do the damage. Ralf’s “GoGo Music Dub” has the best of both worlds with a slick seventies funk feel that deserves all the attention it will undoubtedly get. Great track!

Speakerbox ft Freedom Williams - Mind Bounce [Sea 2 Sun]

Of the numerous mixes included, I’ve only been able to get into the “Davidson Ospina Chronicles Mix”. The beats skip along inviting you to move your feet while the jazzy arrangement of keyboards and sax with Freedom’s spoken vocals are really easy on the ear. The rest of the mixes are a bit too tough for my liking although they’ll work nicely where the audience enjoy a harder vibe.  

 

Hybrid Heights - Old Skool [Sea 2 Sun]

One for the floor, this is a throwback to the late eighties. The synths take you back to Inner City’s “Good Life” stylistically while the sparingly used spoken vocals are just what the track needs to augment the rhythms. There are four mixes included but it’s been the “Original” that I’ve been favouring.  


Dihann Moore - Let’s Keep Our Love Alive [Kolonki Recordings]

This is an excellent deep soul offering that comes in four impressive mixes. The liveliest of the mixes comes from Davidson Ospina while the “Phil R Deep Mix” and the “Messenger Mix” take a smoother more laid back approach that I find all too appealing. Finally, the “Cortes & Paulo S Dub” retains the soulful essence of the track partially dubbing out the vocal but leaving enough of Dihann’s voice to demonstrate just how sweet it is. Very nice indeed! 


Georgie Porgie - Can You Feel That Sound [Music Plant]

This is exactly what you would expect from this well established label. The track is mid to up-tempo with an infectious vibe and pleasing vocals. There are three mixes included and I’ve been most impressed by “Uncle Milty’s Sound Kiss Mix” which is the most soulful. Also included are “Georgie’s Club Mix” which is probably the most potent for the floor and the Philly styled” Josh Harris Club Mix”.

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