all reviews by Dean Serafini unless stated otherwise

Jesse Saunders - Body Muzik [Broken Records]

With no fewer than twelve mixes on this release, I’d be astounded if there’s not at least one that most DJs could use. For me it’s a straight choice between Angel Alanis’ rhodes driven “AA Remix” and “Didier Vanelli’s Funky Instrumental” complete with bounding keys and funky guitars. At the other end of the scale there’s a “Trance Mix” and although it’s not to my taste it clearly demonstrates the label’s commitment to taking this to as wide an audience as possible. Certainly worth checking out.
　

Audio Noir - Atmospherics [Next Dimension]

The six mixes could hardly be more varied and in all honesty might as well be six different compositions. Every one though has something to offer: whether you’re looking for something deep, groovy, ambient or harder hitting there’s a version included that should do it for you.
　

Yohan Esprada - Gleam of Spirit 2 [Next Dimension]

More deep eclectic vibes from Next Dimension to tantalise your ears and defy definition. Is this deep house, deep tech or is it something completely different? I’m not sure I have the answer but it’s captivating whatever you want to call it. With two mixes of each track you can choose from “Gleam of Spirit” or “Rhodes Melody”.Onur Ozman and Andrew Chibale provide the remixes and the results do not disappoint
　

World of Colour ft Pepper Mashay - Burning [Metrogroove]

Pepper Mashay aka Jean McClain has been popping up on great house releases for longer than I care to remember with appearances on Swing City, Azuli, Nervous and Tommy Boy to name just a few. The vocals are unsurprisingly, top notch and with a choice of eight mixes it should be possible to satisfy most audiences with this one. My personal pick of the mixes is the 2 step variation from Ian ID * Daco but it’s probably best to make up your own mind. This is set to be big!
　

ER - Purple Diamonds EP [Sweetleaf Recordings]

The EP contains two tracks kicking things off with the title track. “Purple Diamonds”is a fierce techy affair that builds from a deep start with an array of synths doing most of the damage. Personally I’ve been more drawn to “Quartz” which is a deeper, more atmospheric production containing modern deep tech style synths and old school Detroit chords. 　


Michelle Williams - Lucky Girl (Matthias Heilbronn Remixes)[CDR]

Matthias Heilbronn delivers a couple of edgy remixes to take Ms Williams music to a more underground audience that might normally appreciate it. The combination of the sweet sounding vocals dubbed over Matty’s punchy production won’t please everyone but it’s an effective combination none the less. 　


Park Street ft Kaysee - Don’t Wanna Let You Go [Look At You]

This time it’s the UK’s Park Street delivering the high quality vibes with an excellent vocal shift from Kaysee. There are four mixes to choose from; DJ Dealer providing his “Chi Town Remix” and “Deeper Dub” to augment the “Original” and “Edmund Dub”. All four work very nicely indeed with Dealer’s mixes of particular interest as his move to Chicago seems to have brought some new influences to the table. Tasty!　


Mo Rese ft Petula Caesar - Make It Move / In The Dark [Cyberjamz]

You’ll find two entirely different but equally appealing tracks on this latest release from Sammy Rock’s Cyberjamz label. “Make It Move” is the more up tempo number with striking synths and a style that combines old school house and European flavours with a smattering of Petula’s spoken vocals. “In the Dark” is a deeper, groovier affair with more extensive vocals delivered in poetic fashion. I’ll be having some of this!!!　


One Master Mixer - Rhythmic Friendzee [Cyberjamz]

Rarely has a track been more aptly named as the rhythms take complete control on this release. As well as the funky rhythms you can expect a clever blend of sax and flutes along with a variety of keys and synths that create an eclectic and compelling groove. In addition to the “One Master Mixer Mix” there’s the “JMJ Edit” which beefs up the beats to good effect.
　

Rulers of The Deep & Pierre Ravan - Look Inside [Peppermint Jam]

I’ve never been able to put my finger on it as their music has always been a little off centre from my usual taste but yet again ROTD have produced a track that never fails to get me going. Featuring an atmospheric spoken vocal that lines up aside penetrating rhythms and a fierce synth arrangement, there’s nowhere to hide when this one’s playing. It’s main room madness for sure. There’s a huge package of mixes including interpretations from Da Funk, Warren Clarke and DJ Pippi alongside the “original” and “Dub” from ROTD themselves. In addition to the “Original” I’ve been especially impressed by “DJ Pippi’s Belearic La Troppe Piano Mix” which softens the groove and injects a touch of atmosphere and class with at superb arrangement of synths and keys. Outstanding!　


Galaxy Group ft Carla Prather - Out of Control [Loveslap]

It’s tracks like this that prove that there is indeed a strong connection between hip hop and house as the combination of Capitol A’s spoken musings and Carla Prather’s sultry tones work superbly with the production to deliver a truly irresistible force. Both the “Original” and “Asad Rizvi Remix” work nicely although they are poles apart. I’m struggling to find the right words to describe the music as it contains elements of so many styles but I do know that I like it. Well worth checking out! 　


Harold Brandon - Who Loves You EP [Consortium Muzik]

Harold Brandon delivers three lovely deep soulful tracks that all hit the spot rather nicely. First up is DJ Quad’s “Fatback Mix” of “Happiness” which is simply delightful with it’s warm soothing vibes and vocals that are easy on the ear. “Anjo De Mim, I’m Not Alone! Is next up complete with accoustic guitars and sumptuous keys to compliment Harold’s vocals. The third and final track is the deep but breezy “Depth Charge” with another soulful yet compelling groove fuelled by frisky beats, lush synths and gorgeous flutes.

Various Artists - Miami Sampler 2009 [Gotta Keep Faith]

I’d still be typing tomorrow if I was to go through each of the tracks in turn so I’ll try to get straight to the point for a change. The EP draws attention to eight tracks that our friends from Italy have lined up for us this year. With some of the usual suspects in action including Spiritual Blessings and Alex Garcia there’s plenty to keep the GKF faithful satisfied. But with music from the legendary Keith Thompson included and several other newcomers to the label it looks like being another exciting year from a label that’s in the habit of producing a gems out of nowhere with alarming regularity. At first listen my favourites are “I’ll Show You” by Bloompocket and “Keep It Together” by Alex Garcia & Diana Waite but I can see myself playing all the tracks included for some time to come.　


Nosak - Unexplored Fields [Next Dimension Music]

I find this to be unusual and captivating, with distinct changes of mood during the track it’s difficult to label the track. Is it ambient, chill out, deep tech or deep house? I can’t make my mind up as to be truthful there are elements of each within most of the mixes. I’m probably favouring the “Original” which combines techy synths with lush keys and an atmospheric arrangement that’s strangely alluring. 　


Spencer Gray - Dreaming In Colour (Remixes) [Loveslap]

This a collection of four tracks showcasing the album and highlighting the versatility of Charles Spencer and Marc-Allen Gray. The album is set to bring nine tracks to the table including those remixed within this EP. Stylistically the content covers a wide spectrum of sounds combining live musicianship with technology. With the album only days away I still haven’t settled on a clear favourite from a choice of “Dream In Colour”, “How Do You”, “Over Tonight” and “Pillow Talk” and the main reason is that the diversity leads to mood and setting becoming the over-riding factors when listening to each of the tracks. What I can tell you is that all tracks are on point and the album looks like being an essential purchase.　


Pablo Fierro - Deep Skyline EP [Nu Deep Music]

Nu Deep’s latest showcases the talents of Madrid’s Pablo Fierro containing two tracks that are great examples of deep house the way it ought to be. Although the vibes are not a million miles apart, the similarity is mainly down to the chord construction rather than a combination of all the elements. “A Coffee With Obama” is a dubby sounding affair with crowd chatter and carefuly selected oratory from the man himself. “Will Be Wonderful” is built around skippy beats and more deep vibes with a male vocal snippet used sparingly but effectively. 　


Logical Groove ft Diana Waite - Pieces [Gotta Keep Faith]

Listening to this one, I was immediately struck by the rhythms then hooked by the excellent piano work and that’s long before the point when Ms Waite’s sultry vocals kick in. As always with GKF releases there are lots of mixes to get stuck into; this time there are six. You can expect catchy and uplifting production that’s designed to get the floor moving although it’s by no means one dimensional as the “Andy Roberts Sax Dub” proves combining darker rhythms with some outstanding sax. Also of note for those who prefer their tunes without the vocals is “Pablo’s Piano Trip Mix” which does exactly what you would expect and rather effectively to say the least.
　

Andy Compton ft Kafele - Above The Sky [GoGo Music]

The label that can do no wrong comes up trumps again with more quality music for people who like their dance music with more than just a series of beats and a pounding bassline. This time around it’s Andy Compton at the helm with Kafele putting in an excellent shift on vocals. “Above The Sky” is an intelligently crafted tune with clever lyrics and a mellow rhodes fuelled vibe augmented by sweet brass. The remixes come from Ralf GUM and Bazil who both inject a little extra energy to take the production out of the lounge and into the club. I haven’t been able to settle on a clear favourite version although “Bazil’s Remix” is awfully appealing.　


Spiritchaser ft Robina - Rain Down [Guess Records]

Already featured on the Guess WMC Sampler, this is the first track to see a full release to date and is supported by no less than eight mixes. It’s a moody number that combines grit and subtlety with Robina’s distinctive smooth vocals most effectively. Included in the package are stunning atmospheric down tempo mixes from Orekid that are perfect for more chilled moments. Tasty!　


Maji & Seraj - Matador [Next Dimension]

This is a stunning piece of mood music punctuated by beautiful keys and trumpets that bring a Hispanic flavour to the table. At one point it brought back memories of the old black and white series of “Zorro” when I was listening to the trumpet during the “Logic Fusion Orkestra Mix”. Amongst a package that has plenty to offer, “Yohan Esprada’s Mix” just about as deep and moody as it gets .Further mixes from Skyler and Onur Ozman along with the “Original” ensure there won’t be too many disappointed listeners.　


DeepCitySoul - WMC 09 Sampler [DeeCeeEss]

This four tracker has plenty to commend it and I’ve been enjoying it now for a couple of weeks. First up is “House Is Home” complete with spoken and traditional vocals and an arrangement that takes me back to some of the deeper mid 90s productions I used to enjoy. “Trenchtown” has a seriously deep and funky bassline , crisp beats and pleasing vocals. The “Buddism Remix” of “We Fall Down” takes a darker techier path before the punchy vibes and emotional vocals of “Shine” finish things off nicely. The quality is high throughout and with a variety of styles in evidence this should have a pretty wide appeal.　


Dave Storm - Dance Trap [Cabrio]

This is an enjoyable deep tech number infused with a Caribbean twist. You can expect all the usual ingredients along with an effect that sounds a bit like a steel drum. There are four mixes in all with the “Original” and “Album Mix” supported by further versions from Vic & Budai and Elastic Sound. My pick of the mixes is the deep and smooth “Elastic Sound Mix”.

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