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Juke Joint ft Yvonne Brown - "Gotta Get Up" (Tony Records)
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
The very fact that this has been released by Tony Humphries’ label should tell you all you need to know about its pedigree, but for those of you who need convincing, here goes… Covering a Jill Scott composition, DJs Dealer and Sense have enlisted a little help from Yvonne Brown who delivers a sultry vocal performance. As if this wasn’t enough, up pops DJ Spen on remix duties, injecting his distinct flavour. The result has an almost unstoppable momentum with funk-drenched bass, stylish organs and amazing keyboard work from a certain C-Dock. Seriously, I can’t praise this highly enough
Copyright ft Imaani - "I Pray" (Defected)
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
It would be fair to say that my enthusiasm for Copyright’s recent work has been less wholehearted than for their earlier more soulful releases. “I Pray” is, in my opinion, their strongest release since “Essence Of Life”. It straddles a narrow divide between what is perceived as underground house and a more commercial sound. This it does though without ever sounding contrived. Imaani’s beautiful vocals are the standout element within a production that is understated. The synth vibe has a distinct mid 90s European flavour to it. As with all their work, Gavin & Sam underpin the track with highly effective percussion and bass, which pretty much ensures this will have the desired effect on the dancefloor. Highly alluring!!
Soulseekers - "Unconditionally" (Reelgroove)
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
Following hot on the heels of their second release, Reelgroove drop an absolute bomb from New Jersey’s Soulseekers. There are three versions included, “Original”, “Instrumental” & “Davidson Ospina Remix”. This is a soulful and atmospheric track with a vocal that really hits the spot. If you like that live bass sound then head straight for the “Original”. As an alternative, Davidson Ospina toughens up the percussion, delivering a deep synth groove that fully captures the emotion of the vocals. The instrumental, as you’d expect, does exactly what it says on the tin. Look out for the promo through December and a full release in the New Year.
Alex Dimitri - "The Italian Style EP" (Look At You)
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
I’ve had difficulty writing about this EP, not really sure exactly what to say. There are two tracks and five mixes in all. “Fly Away” is described by the label as being reminiscent of Larry Heard’s classic material. It’s hard to argue with that assessment, particularly when you listen to the keyboard stylings. The most obvious element of comparison though is certainly the use of a synth bassline that could easily belong in the late eighties. “Whaz Up” has chunkier percussion and pleasing male and female vocals that dovetail nicely. Again the keyboards are a key element of the production, although for the most part they sit a bit further back in the mix.
Juke Joint ft Thea Austin - "Deelight" (Swank)
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
Juke Joint deliver a synth infused groove complete with bassline and percussion guaranteed to get you moving. Remixes come from Ananda Project, whose three broken beat flavoured versions are on a jazzier tip than the original. “Macam’s Delicious Dub” rounds things off strongly, revolving around a storming synth bassline. All this of course and Thea’s stunning vocals, delivered with subtlety yet complete with all her usual passion.
Santi Touch - "Eve (Never Knew)" (Reelgroove)
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
Reelgroove’s second release is delivered in five mixes, each with their own unique flavour. DJ Meme gets things underway with his “Vocal Club Mix” complete with powerful chords, a hefty bassline and a full vocal. “Ridney’s Mono Lounge Reprise” takes the original keyboard hook, dampens it a touch and drops in some jazz styled percussion and a double-bass bassline. Nikk Sharpe & Ridney get together for their gritty “Velvet Disco Remix” which starts off minimal and hits you hard with guitars and sax as it turns into a full on peak time experience. Rob Hayes drops the penultimate mix injecting guitars into proceedings while scoring heavily with additional brass and keys. Finally rounding things off is the “Original” with those plonked piano chords, classy use of brass and deep bass. This ticks all the right boxes and the keyboards are awesome throughout.
Leela James - "Good Time (Groove Junkies Moho Mixes)" (Warner Bros)
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
Groove Junkies get to grips with Warner Bros artist Leela James to good effect here. There are vocal and dub versions to choose from with all the ingredients that make Evan & Parrish’s work so enjoyable and effective. Look out for punchy keys, excellent brass, (especially on the dub), funky guitars and live bass. My personal pick, perhaps predictably is the dub. There are two reasons for this, firstly it packs a little extra something for the dancefloor and secondly it picks out the strongest segments of the vocals.
Ralf GUM - "Easy" (GoGo)
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
GoGo’s latest is another quality production from Ralf GUM. Notable assists come from Inaya Day on vocals and Raw Artistic Soul twiddling the knobs on the remixes. There are four strong versions to chose from: two vocal mixes and two dubs. For me, the standout is Ralf GUM and CrisP’s “Disco Attack Dub” complete with driving bass, funky guitars, a catchy brass section, punchy drums, memorable keyboards and of course the vocals. Raw Artistic Soul provide a subtle, deeper ride with more gentle tribal rhythms. It’s a combination of production and songwriting talent that was never likely to disappoint and the results will bear fruit on most dance-floors.
John “Julius” Knight - "Infrared / The Groove" (Reversoulmusic)
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
It’s always a difficult line to tread creating a track with a contemporary feel but a retro flavour. All too often what you end up with is a disposable hands in the air moment, a track with instant appeal but no longevity. This on the other hand is an industry benchmark. Both tracks showcase all that is great in house music: my pick is “The Groove” which oozes class, atmosphere and depth in abundance. The drums are firm but not overpowering, the synth strings are striking but not too fierce and the bass commands you to move your feet. Out of this world!!!!
Woody Bianchi & Andrea Carissimi ft. Brent St. Cla - "Waiting For Your Love" (Look At You)
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
This is one of Look At You’s catchiest releases for some time, highly melodic with pleasant vocals from Brent St Clair. The Italian production team provide both a vocal and dub version with Harlem Hustlers also getting in on the act. If you like a good sing a long then head straight for the vocal – you won’t be able to stop yourself joining in. Alternatively, the “Jazzy Dub” utilises some tremendous guitars with the vocal dropped in more sparingly. Harlem Hustler’s interpretation is a little edgier, beefing up the percussion and bass while taking a more synthesised approach.
