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- Written by: Mike Fossati
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Chicago's 5 Magazine are celebrating their five year anniversary, and they do this by giving us this wonderful project, with all the different flavors of Chicago House being represented here... As they say, "we wanted to do something special for the Five Year Anniversary of 5 Magazine - something for the community, and something which has never been done before." The multimedia project documenting the producers who are making Chicago move today was launched on August 16th, and best of all its available for free at 5chicago.com/theproject. |
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- Written by: Mike Fossati
Picks of the Week
Jalal Johnson and Drew Lockhart "What about Jersey?" (Trakwyze Records CD Promo)
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Trakwyze Records is the brand new label formed by Jalal Johnson, and the label kicks off super strong with "What about Jersey?", a collaboration with Drew Lockhart. The underground-esque "What about Jersey?" is a deeply groovin' poem to the classic NJ sound and legends (more precisely to the huge influences that New Jersey based DJ's and producers have had over the underground dance music genre known as 'house music' today) full of lovely guitars, melodious keys and spoken words. Much more to come including a full album and many more singles. |
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- Written by: Mike Fossati
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Back in 1995, KingStreet / NiteGroove launched their "Mix the Vibe" series which now, 15 years later, celebrates its 20th release with Mr. V presenting an incredibly deep, innovative and eclectic selection of tracks which are masterly sequenced and mixed together to take you on a blissful journey to deepest imaginary grounds of house music. Like its predecessors by the likes of Louie Vega, David Morales, Tony Humphries, Joe Claussell, Danny Krivit and Kerri Chandler to name just a few this an essential addition to the music collection of any house music aficionado. |
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- Written by: Mike Fossati
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** Exclusive Preview ** This is only release #5 for Solid Ground Records, but they are already on top of our favorite labels list... Looking at their previous releases this is not a surprise, but if you're not convinced just listen to their latest release by Ray Jones and you'll understand where we're coming from. "In the dark" is incredibly deep and features sultry vocals by Heidi Vogel together with lush keys and chords over an infectious percussive backdrop. But it goes even deeper - just check the hypnotic 'Deeper Dub Mix' which is fueled with cool piano hooks and dramatic synths. Danny Clark & Jay Benham turn the track into a timeless disco-funk soaked stomper, while Deep Inc rework the track into a laidback affair laced with jazzy piano and chords. Finally Nightrhymes contribute a classic interpretation with grand piano and luscious chords over a groovey backing. |
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- Written by: Mike Fossati
Picks of the Week
Fuminnori Kagajo featuring Adeola Ranson "Piece of heaven" (KingStreet Records CD Promo)
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Fuminori Kagajo teams up with songstress Adeola Ranson to present the wonderful "Piece of heaven", a truly soulful yet laidback production featuring outstanding vocals, lovely guitar, melodic keys and jazzy trumpet over a percussive groove. Alongside the main vocal, there are two gorgeous dubs included in the package as well as classic vocal and old skool flavored dub remixes by man of the moment Sean McCabe who once again impresses with his skillful soulful vibes. An essential timeless piece of music not to be missed by any lover of soulful house music. |
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- Written by: Mike Fossati
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KingStreet and its sister label NiteGrooves are both beloved for their illustrious compilation series which have been available on CD and as 12" samplers back in the day... now they are continued in digital format - better than ever. Drawn from the blueprint of its predecessors and the revered "Abstract Lounge" series of its time, "Abstract Latin Vibes Vol. 3" features 14 tracks from the labels back catalogue, including many classics and some unreleased material. Highlights include "Summer love" by Chieka Kinbara, Karizma's dub of "Xel-Ha" by Kiko Navarra, the dub of "Consecration" by Tiger Stripes featuring Hanna Hais and Mr. V's dub of "Stretch my arm" by Mayu to name just a few. |
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- Written by: Mike Fossati
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"In & out" is a super smooth yet mesmerizing production by Alton Miller which features dulcet vocals and exquisite keys over an infectious backing, with the instrumental being slightly tougher and featuring additional chords. The remixes are courtesy of Boddhi Satva (deep old school flavored) Stephen Rigmaiden (deep atmospheric journey) and Trinidadian Deep (deep afrocentric workout), all adding their distinctive touch. |
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- Written by: Mike Fossati
Picks of the Week
Inaya Day & Ralf GUM "Lose my worries" (GoGo Music Records CD Promo)
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The hot summertime may be offer, but dance floors will be set on fire and people sweating for sure as soon as this marvelous tune is played. Songstress Inaya Day and producer/DJ Ralf GUM team up for "Lose my worries", an uplifting production full of luscious melodies and deeply felt vocals perfectly arranged over a relentlessly groovin' backdrop. The 'Alternate Vocal' and 'Dub' take the track to deeper grounds, with the spacy synths creating a hypnotic feel. DJ Spen's The MuthaFunkaz add their distinctive inspirational funktified touch to the track, while Roberto De Carlo contributes an old skool flavored remixes with keys courtesy of Simon Grey. |
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- Written by: Mike Fossati
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With"The Problem Continues", Johnny Dangerous presents an "outstanding, truly versatile album featuring tons of timeless gems..." These are the exact words we used when providing feedback to the label shortly after they hit us up with the promo. The album is a follow up to his 2009 debut "Problem 13" and features twenty eclectic productions - we think its best described as a remix album that showcases the versatility and creativity of one of today's most talented producers, and with all the talent involved in the project, there should be something for everyone. Some of his classics are included as well as unreleased mixes and previously unreleased material. |
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- Written by: Mike Fossati
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This collection takes you on a journey into the deep and Disco vibes of The Rurals, with all the tracks hand picked from their extensive back catalogue. From the first to the last track, you will experience serious deepness, and you will be instantly fall in love with these track and The Rurals. Make no mistake, this is an essential addition to the CD wallet for any lover of deep house music. |
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- Written by: Mike Fossati
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"Positive vibe" is the result of a jam session in the gloomy morning of New Years Eve in 2009 - in simple words, this uplifting song is a breathtaking, timeless piece of music !! The song is dominated by Roy Ayer's lyrical genius and vibe wizardry and features warm keys, stellar brass, funky guitar licks and classy backing vocals. The remixes take the song to a whole new level - you get a cosmic Afro-Latin inspired workout by Ashley Beedle, a fiery house interpretation by Andy Ward, a classic soulful rework by Sean McCabe and an 80's inspired discolicious take from The Super-Phonics. |
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- Written by: Mike Fossati
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Si Finnegan and Marcus Harris return under their Tone Control moniker to present "Without your love", a deep hypnotic production which features delectable keys alongside heartfelt vocals by James B. Coleman over a bass heavy groove. DJ Spinna turns the track into an epic by adding his inimitable 'Galactic Soul' style to the track, while Tomson & Benedict enter deepest grounds on their atmospheric tech-soul take. Completing the package are Love Over Money who give the track a glorious boogie twist. |