DAVE  SPOON  "TOOLROOM  KNIGHTS"  INTERVIEW

Following the successful "I Get Deep" DJ Le Roi and Roland Clark collaborate once more to deliver "Soul Mediation". The "Original mix" is a real soulful gem with a classic garage edge, a fresh summer groove filled with warm percussions and the fantastic spoken vocals of Roland Clark. The "Sunday morning mix" is a deeper rework with addicition of underground elements and darker pads. Finally German top soulful produce/remixer Ralf GUM delivers a groovy and infectious remix.  (Franco Martinelli)

First consideration, "C'est la vie" is not an house-music album, yes it includes dance tracks but it is not only a dance album, it is a mixture of funky, r&b, 80's electronic music, house, rock and old school pop. There's a bit of everything in this album, "C'est la vie" seems a track taken from the best Prince's moments, "I want you" and "Superficial" are killer funky tracks, "Beauty false" and "Some other time" are infectious pop ballads, while the other tracks are a rich mixture of funky grooves and vintage electronic instruments, enriched with some modern blips, wiked synth parts and 80's pop inspired vocals. Martin Solveig is a great and versatile artist !  (Franco Martinelli)

After 3 years since his last single release Darren Emerson is back with the brand new "Crash jack" on Global Underground. "Crash jack" is a powerful techno influnced track with solid driven beats, an icessant synth riff, percussive overtones and massive breakdowns. On remix duty we have Majik Johnson who turns out an irresistible reworking, adding powerful funky elements, wicked synths and a new pumpin' bassline.  (Franco Martinelli)

This "Jaffa Music EP" is a very interesting package, a fine selection of past and upcoming releases, including the beautiful "Gotcha" by Rachel Claudio, the lovely "Miscommunicate" remixed by Dolls Combers and deep house hero Yass, a solid funky track titled "These times" by Soul Harmonics & Rachel Claudio, Nicholas Vautier's "Sala" remixed by Ralf Gum and Dom Navarra and finally the Raw Artistic Soul remix of "Freeedom" by Rachel Claudio.  (Franco Martinelli)

Behind the Kinsmen project are the very hot producer Gainluca Pighi and legendary italian funky-house-DJ Francis Galante. The two teamed-up with top singer Wendy Lewis and the result is this powerful deep track with an infectious funky flavour, out now on "Pride Records". The "Original mix" has solid beats, pumpin' bassline, catchy vocals and uplifting 70's strings. On the B side, the "Morose Space mix" is a deeper affair, with different bassline, spacey pads and a nice synth solo.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Another episode of the "Toolroom Knight" series is going to be released very soon. This time selected and mixed by top Australian DJ /Producer Dirty South. Disc 1 presents an intense selection of electronic influenced house tracks, including Rodamaal's "Insomnia", Studio Apartment feat. Ron Carroll's "I'm in love", Guy Boratto's "Anunciacion", and more club bangers like Mark Knight's "From the speakers", Dirty South's "Minority", X-Press 2's "Muzik xpress" remixed by Skylark and many others. Disc 2 is more of straight-up peak time affair, including Axwell and Dirty South's "Open your heart", Booka Shade's "Charlotte" remixed by Dubfire, Dave Spoon's "88" as well as tracks from electro-house masters like Sebastian Ingrosso, Laydback Luke, Steve Angello, Paul Harris, Steve Mac, John Dahlback and many others.  (Franco Martinelli)

Ok, this is not a brand new release, but a very hot one. Originally released on Defected and now available on d.vison too, this is a beautiful album of one of the most fresh and solid teams in house music today, the Copyright. "Voices & visions" is a 3 cds package of high quality, CD 1 offers all the biggest Coipyright's Defected hits, including the recent "Wizeman" and a lot of classics like "I pray" , "He is", "We can rise", "In da club" and some new tracks. CD 2 presents a super selection, including some of the biggest early Copyright tracks like "Bulo" and "Late at night" as well as some great Copyright remixes of classic house tracks like "I can't get no sleep" by MAW feat. India, Kathy Brown's "Never again", Mister V's "Put your drink down" and more cuts from Lisa Millett, Jay-J, Annette Taylor and others. CD 3 is simply a great mixed set with some of the hottest Copyright tracks as well as some of their favourite ones and includes cuts from King Of Tomorrow, DJ Gregory, Karizma, Marlon D and many others.  (Franco Martinelli)

King Street Sounds celebrates its 15th anniversary with this stellar double CD compilation titled "15 years of Paradise" . This very special collection features 15 of the world's leading DJ/producers picking 15 of their all time favourites from the King Street / Nite Grooves catalogue. The long list of contributors includes David Morales, Satoshi Tomiie, Joey Negro, Joe T Vannelli, Josh Wink, Joe Claussell, Danny Krivit, DJ Gregory, Simon Dunmore, Quentin Harris, Kerri Chandler, ÂME, Louie Vega, Tony Humphries, and Rasmus Faber, presenting an outstanding selection of classic house nuggets, with tracks from artists like Ultra Nate, Blaze, Barbara Tucker, Kerri Chandler, Ananda Project, Urban Soul, Joe Cassuell and more. This is an absolutely essential compilation for all the house music lovers.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Solid funky beats, sweet organ chords, wicked keys and inspired gospel-house vocals, this is the new Torre release. "Higher" is a powerful track enriched with some brilliant remixes, the "Uptown mix" is a super-funky rework for the dancefloor, the "Those Usual Suspects mix" is a deeper affair, while Muthafunkaz provides two deep reworks infected with darker, underground sounds and electronic elements. This d:vision Records single-CD package, also includes the powerful David Duriez track "Wilderness", an irresitible peak-time stormer provided in 3 beautiful mixes.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Vincent Kwok teams up with Morrison and provides another great soulful influenced track on Eight 15. "After my love" is offered in several mixes and remixes, the "Vincent Kwok mix" is an uplifting, soulful affair with soild funky beats, Julius Papp goes deeper in his superb remix, while New Mondo adds some funky elements in their rework. The package also includes the soulful "Haldo remix", as well an the "Morrison's deep soul mix" and Julius Papp's various dub and tool mixes.  (Franco Martinelli) 

DJ Face teams up with Jennifer Perryman for his new release on 3345 Music. "Free" is a beautiful soulful track with solid funky beats and an infectious jazzy vibe, enriched with hot remixes from Glenn Underground, Rick Preston and Fantasybox. The "Glenn Underground remix" is an intense, deep version with great keys and infectious strings, while Rick Preston provides a more pumpin' funky rework and Fantasybox delivers an intense, jazzy infected, broken beats version.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Shobha is an upcoming singer/songwriter from Toronto, Canada and "Letter to a friend" is is her new release on UK label Soul-Fi. The package includes a selection of very hot remixes, from the classy soulful house rework of Richard Earnshaw, to the funky influenced "Funk Ball remix", the sweet and infectious "Soul-Fi remix" and the electro tinged floor stormer "Newtrix remix"  (Franco Martinelli) .

This is a beautiful remixes package, Osborne's "Ruling" came out on US label Spectral Sounds earlier this year and now UK label NRK releases the remixes of this great deep track. Shur-I-Kan keeps the original soulful vibe but adds infectious grooves and percussions as well as great keys that takes the tune to another level, while King Britt takes the track in the underground, adding darker elements and modern jazz riffs. The "Original mix" is also included, as well as the King Britt's ambient remix.  (Franco Martinelli) 

This new package from Todd Terry Allstars is another hot d:vision license from Strictly Rhythm. The 9 tracks Single-CD presents the 2008 Alternative mixes of the classic "Get Down" and includes essentialy Dub and Instrumental mixes for the dancefloor provided by the likes of Shapeshifters, Mousse T, Warren Clarke, kenny Dope, Wookie, Gambafreaks and more. My personal favour goes to the powerful and funky "Warren Clarke Dub" and the pumpin' and deeper "Shapeshifters Nocturnal Dub", but all the mixes are very hot and useful.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Onionz teams up with American rapper Snow and the result is this powerful track titled "Nothing but love" out now on Toolroom Records. The "Original mix" is an hot track with solid beats, pumpin' bass and Snow's rolling vocals over the top. The Funkeman remixes are solid, bouncin' beats reworks, while Tiger Stripes provides a massive, driven, underground remix for the dancefloor and Magik Johnson delivers an irresistible, rolling, peak-time rework.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Italian recording label d:vision keeps providing top house tracks, this new release is a very strong license from Code Red. Knee Deep & DJ Spen's "Gotta have house" is a simple and effective classic house track with solid beats and infectious vocals. The 7 tracks CD includes beside the "DJ Spen Anthem re-edit" with its irresistible piano chords and old-school vibe, the driven "Spen & Thommy remix" as well as the "Thommy & Spen Klassic house mix" plus a rich number of useful tools like "Beat acappella", "Rhythm track", "Acappella" and "Biblical acappella".  (Franco Martinelli) 

MN2S provides another strong release for the summer, "Drop that body" is an uplifting and energetic track with an hot funky flavor, enriched with a sublime vocal performace by the great Darryl D’Bonneau. The package includes, beside the Original mix, a more soulful influenced remix by Will Reelsoul himself, as well as a few Dub and Instrumental versions.  (Franco Martinelli) 

I can’t find a weak link within this package: all four mixes are on point and the track itself delivers in terms of enjoyment and suitability for the dance floor. In addition to the percussive rhythms of the “Original” with its scintillating guitars there’s synth strings and infectious female vocals. Franco Martinelli’s “Blue Deep Mix” is a straight up house version with crisp beats and powerful chord combinations. “Javier Varez Madrid Beach Mix” is well and truly centred around the guitars while the “Peat 79 Remix” has squelchy guitars and classic style keyboard chords.  (review by Dean Serafini from Jjazzproject.com)

"The seaside" is the new Sasha Alazy release on Diamondhouse, it is a fresh, flowing, deep summer track enriched with some very strong remixes. The "Original mix" has a warm percussive groove, driven bassline and infectious, sunny keys, while the "Dub mix" is a deeper affair. The "Christian Hornbostel remix" is a pumpin' and uplifting rework for the dancefloor, while DJ Circle provides a deeper and more underground version. Really love the soulful and jazzy vibe of both the "Treasure room" and "Living room" remixes, while Christian Scott delivers a powerful funky rework and the "Jazzyjok's Lazy Lounge remix" is a pure relaxing Lounge affair  (Franco Martinelli) .

Toronto's duo FPS presents their new EP on Toolroom Records. This is a very strong electronic release, including 2 powerful and pumpin' tracks for the dancefloor. "Mist" is a minimal and hypnotic affair, with powerful beats, head-nodding bassline, repetitive blips and penetrating keys. "Fall out" is a pumpin' techy track with driven bassline, wicked blips, infectious noises and effects.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Phuture Sole Recordings is back with the new Abicah Soul & Tony Loreto's remixes of "I Never Knew" by 280 WEST feat. Diamond Temple. The new remix is an intense deep affair, with great string, classy piano keys and an infectious percussive groove to support the beautiful vocals. The package also includes the "Instrumental remix" as well as a useful "Bonus beats".  (Franco Martinelli) 

David Guetta returns with another massive 2xCD compilation of the series "F*** me I'm famous". This album represents the music that David plays in his legendary "F*** me I'm famous" parties and offers 2 different sides of the artist on the two discs. CD 1 is packed with peak-time tracks and big-room future hits like Robbie Rivera's "Move on", Sharam feat. Daniel Bedingfield's "The one", Funkagenda's "What thew f*** ", Benny Benassy's "Rock'n'rave" as well as Guetta's own tracks "Tomorrow can wait", "Delirious" and "Jack is back" plus other music from Fredde Le Grand, Dim Chris, Salome De Bahia, Felix The Housecat and others. CD 2 shows the underground side of David Guetta, who provides a strong mixed-set including tracks from Eric Prydz, Underworld, Mark Knight & Funkagenda, Steve Mac & Paul Harris, Tom DeNeef & Laidback Luke and Meck, just to name a few.  (Franco Martinelli) 

This record is absolutely outstanding, "Could This Be Love" is a fresh soulful track with intense vocals from Stephanie Cooke, enriched with fantastic remixes from Jon Cutler, Groove Assassin and Sir Piers. The "Original mix" is a beautiful soulful-house track, with great keys and an infectious latin-jazz vibe, Jon Cutler provides a solid deeper remix, while Groove Assasin delivers an uplifting soulful rework, adding more pumpin' beats and catchy precussive grooves. Finally Sir Piers presnts a powerful remix for the dancefloor, enriched with wiked keys and an electronic influenced flavour. The package also includes various Instrumental and Dub mixes.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Summer's here and Bargrooves returns with another essential compilation for the sunny season. "Bargrooves Summer Sesions" is a fantastic 3xCD for all the deep and soulful lovers. Disc 1 "Beachside" is a stellar selection of pure soulful tracks, featuring timeless classics alongside brand new favourites, including Marc Evans' "Given me joy", Dubtribe Sound System's "This is the time", Karizma's "Ride", the Frankie Knuckles remix of "Blind" by Hercules and Love Affair, Isolèe's "Beau mont plage" just to name a few. Disc 2 "Pre Bar" is an uplifting selection of funky, latin and afro influenced tracks, including Junior Jacks' "See you dancing", Soul Vision's "Come into my room", Quentin harris' "Joy", Black Science Orchestra's "New Jersey Deep" as well as tracks from Yves LaRock, Danny Marquez, Copyright, DJ Gregory, Teddy Douglas and others. Disc 3 "Afterhours" goes deeper and clubby with a strong selection of more pumpin' tracks, including some of the summer's hits like Kings Of Tomorrow's "Can't stop", Lil MoYin Yang's "Reach", as well as cuts by Conan Liquid, Copyright, Studio Apartment, Shapeshifters, Mark Knight & Funkagenda and many others. Summer's soundtrack.  (Franco Martinelli) 

This is a great release ! "Love tonight" by Chick2000 is a real winner, provided in various versions for all the dancefloor's situations. The "Knee Deep mix" is an irresitible funky track with infectious disco elements, while Jamie Lewis provides two (Vocal and Dub) main-room powerful cuts, adding pumpin' beats and wicked electronic elements. Finally Lorenz Rhode delivers an hot, French-house stile, filtered remix.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Mass Destrucion is Kenny Dope & Terry Hunter and for this new release on Kenny's label Ill Friction they joint forces with legendary disco producer Patrick Adams on keyboards and soulful diva Terisa Griffin. "Stressed out" is a beautiful track with innovative house beats, delicious soulful flavas and infectious strings. The package also includes the beat-less "Reprise" and the "Beats" tool.  (Franco Martinelli) 

BBC Radio One and Toolroom's man of the moment Dave Spoon, returns with another electronic dancefloor bomb EP titled "88 EP". The title track is a powerful track with irresistible drivin' groove and old-skool rave break. "Liability" is a simple and pumpin' electro track that causes panic on the dancefloor, while the Mark Knight & Funkagenda remix of "88" is a slamming peak-time cut.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Danny Tenaglia is back with his first compilation after 6 years, including his brand new single too. "Futurism" is an intense double CD with tracks from some of the hottest contempoary electronic house producers, all reworked by Tenaglia himself. As Danny confirms "All the tracks on the compilation have been, in one way or another, changed from their original form by adding or subtracting elements in classic Danny Tenaglia style". The tracklist includes tracks by Yellow, Shinoe, Luca Bachetti, Davide Squillace, Magik Johnson, Fred Giannelli, Wighnomy Brothers, Phase and many others, including, of course, the new Tenaglia single "The deep dance".  (Franco Martinelli)  

Skunk Sinatra's debut album "Barcoded" mixes electronic elements, ambient and chill-out atmopspheres with trip-hop and house rhythms. The result is an unique LP enriched by a few of very hot remixes for the dancefloor. The 7 original tracks are mostly downtempo cuts, while the remixes includes a powerful Tom Middleton re-work of "How deep" that brings the track to the dancefloor, adding pumpin' beats and an irresistible funky bassline. a deeper remix of "Auto" re-touched by Shur-I-Kan, and a pure funky rework of "Slik" provided by Kay Nakayama, as well as a couople of breakbeat remixes of "Hot" and "How deep".  (Franco Martinelli) 

What a great remixes package is this ! DJ Meme and Jovonn puts their hands on this 1994 soulful nuggett from Darryl D'Bonneau and the result is a fantastic package. DJ Meme's remix is a fresh and uplifting soulful affair with an infectious funky flavour, it has solid beats, great keys, sweeping strings and hot funky guitar. Jovonn goes deeper and hypnotic in his rework, adding some dark pads and an intense underground vibe. Dubs of both versions are available in the package, as well as the "Original" old school mix.  (Franco Martinelli) 

The new Bargrooves release is another "bomb", the Classic "It's yours" by Jon Cutler & E-Man is provided in a very hot package, including the new remixes as well as the Original version and the Original remixes by Joey Negro, Tiefschwarz and Ian Pooley. Speaking of the new mixes, Bart B More provides a powerful rework for the dancefloor, as well as a couple of solid Dubs, including the deeper and electro influenced "Deep down dub". David Penn delivers a fresh, groovy and tribal rework, while DJ Fudge offers a very deep and underground remix, driven by a powerful funky bassline. The package also includes the beautiful "Original mix", as well as the superb and soulful "Joey Negro remix", the classic Tiefschwarz and Ian Pooley versions and the "Accapella".  (Franco Martinelli) 

Malligator releases the hot Cerrone vs. Louie Vega track "Love rotual", including brand new remixes from Switzerland top DJ/Producer Jamie Lewis as well as new versions from Daddy's Groove and Martin Nocera & Montenari. The package is absolutely outstanding, "Love ritual" Original mix is a beautiful soulful track with great keys, warm percussions, sexy vocals and an infectious jazzy vibe, while the "Love and dance ritual" remixes are more dancefloor affairs. Jamie Lewis offers an irresistible funky re-work that perfectly fits with the intense vocals and the afro chant, Daddy's Groove delivers an electronic influenced and more minimal remix, while Martin Nocera & Montenari provides a powerful rework with pumpin' percussive groove and wicked electronic elements.  (Franco Martinelli)  

"Confused mind" is the second release by Monsieur Cedric on Gotta Keep Faith and it is another hot deep track provided in several versions. The Original mixes are solid house tracks with pumpin' beats, funky bassline and the half English and half Japanese lyrics performed by Mii. DJ Ciappy provides a deeper remix, while Dolls Combers delivers 3 versions ( Cocktail, Instrumental and Reproise) adding their trademark soulful vibe. The package also includes a solid funky mix by Steve Paradise and another two deeper re-works by Steve Frisco and Duoswing.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Here's another powerful compilation for the clubbers, selected and mixed by top UK DJ and Producer Dave Spoon, this new release of the "Toolroom Knights" series on Toolroom Records is one of the best works. The double CD is a full dive into Clubland from the Main Room (CD 1) to the Basement (CD 2). Disc 1 is absolutely powerful, presenting a strong selections of peak-time, electro tracks from the likes of Sebastian Ingrosso & Laidback Luke, John Dahlback, Jerry Ropero, Zoo Brazil, Spoon Harris & Obernik and Antonie Clamaran, just to name a few. Disc 2 is a more alternative, sperimental and underground affair, with traks from Basement Jaxx, Midfield General, Tong & Spoon, Dizzee Rascal and many others.  (Franco Martinelli) 

The very active Barcoda Recordings returns with a very hot release from Andy Holder and Erik Dillard. "Jump for joy" is an intense soulful track with solid beats, great keys and infectious vocals performed by Erik Dillard. The package is also enriched with some hot remixes, Central Avenue provides a powerful and funky influenced remix, The Dhama Project delivers a deeper and electronic influenced rework, while Andy Holder himself, offers a stong broken beats remix. Dub mixes of all the versions are also included in the package.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Another excellent value package from Gotta Keep Faith with two songs and five mixes of each. “Love Me” is a catchy song with a pleasant vocal. All the mixes are on point and whether it’s the guitars of the “Original”, the chords of “Rhody’s Mix” or the lovely keys of “Steve D’Angelo’s Mix”, there’s something for everyone. The “Original Swing Edit” is a classy jazz styled affair with dusty beats and terrific keys at a slower tempo that should work beautifully in a lounge environment. Moving on to “Star In The Blue”, another tuneful track and another five mixes to chose from. My pick of the mixes comes from Alex Garcia who stays close to the “Original” stylistically but using rhythms that seem to roll along effortlessly. If you like it deep then head straight for Franco Martinelli’s “Blue Deep Remix” and for the floor the strongest offering is probably the “Spiritual Blessings Dub”.  (review by Dean Serafini from Jjazzproject.com)

Barbara Tucker teams up with Ibizan DJ/Producer Pepe Tuccillo and provides this new powerful track titled "One desire" on King Street Sounds. The Alix Alvarez mix is a deep, dark, pumpin' and irresistible affair for the dancefloor, the "Figueretta's Dub" goes deeper ans psychadelic, while Japanese producer Hideo Kobayashi delivers a funkier dancefloor stomper remix and a tougher and techy dub.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Duffnote returns with a fresh and catchy track from Soulmakers, titled "Falling". The "Original mix" is an uplifting track with driving piano riffs, hot strings and the great vocal performance by Chloe Fiducia. Cookie Monsterz provides a powerful rework, while Stereo Mutants delivers a groovy remix in their trademark style. The package also includes an hot Richard Earnshaw remix as well as the solid and deeper "DK Jones dub".  (Franco Martinelli) 

Clubstar celebrates their 10th anniversary with a stellar 3xCD compilation selected and mixed by label's A&R and DJ Henri Kohn. The idea is simple and effective, the 3 tematic CDs covers the whole range of music that Clubstar and the other labels of the group (Conya, Soulstar and Little Angel) are involved. CD1 "The Smooth Beachness" is the perfect for pre-party selections or lounge/pool/beach situations, the tracklist includes some serious soulful, latin, jazzy and deep track from artists like Osunlade, Brazilian Soul Crew, Rachel Claudio, MFR fr. D'Layna, Harley & Muscle, Knee Deep and Chuck Love, just to name a few. CD2 "The Big Roomness" is a journey through house music and is addressing to the big rooms and the peaktime of a clubnight, the selection is awesome and includes new and classic trtacks from Blaze, Urban Soul, Groove Armada, Martin Solveig, Sven Vath, Eddie Amador and many others. CD3 "The Eternal Deepness" represents the more electronic and deeper kind of house sound and includes tracks and remixes from some of today's top artist and producers like Mark Knight & Funkagenda, Sure-I-Kan, Matthew Bandy, Ralf Gum, Jerome Sydenham, Jay Tipwire and others. "Clubstar Session 10th Anniversary" is an essential compilation for all the house music lovers.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Taken from the WMC Miami Sampler, "Make a choice" by Souldynamic and Roland Clark is a pumpin' funky-house track with solid beats, infectious bassline and Roland's powerful spoken word vocals. Beside the "Original mix" there's also the awesome "Bad choice mix" an irresitible and pumpin' pure dancefloor winner, as well as a more beat driven and electronic influenced Audiowhores remix.  (Franco Martinelli)  

Danism teams up with vocalist Haze for this new release on MN2S, "Strike" is an electronic influenced track with a minmal-tech edge, clean, crisp beats, wicked synths and the sultry vocals of Haze. The "Bridge remix" is an irresitible, hypnotic, groovy and total electronic, deepr affair, while Michael Gray delivers a more driven and pumpin' rework.  (Franco Martinelli) 

"Joyride" is the title track taken from DJ Dealer's solo album, features Charles Dockins on vocals and is provided in 11 versions, including the powerful and groovy "Original mix". Remixes comes from Andre Harris who provides an irresistible funk driven rework with a super hot bassline, while Matthew Bandy delivers a smooth and silk remix. The package also includes the "Organ mix" as well as various Dub mixes, Instrumentals and Accapella tools.  (Franco Martinelli) 

With the Balearic tinged "Toccami di sera", DJ Hoffmana presents a magnificent, summery production on a laidback tip full of lovely melodies created by sweet guitar riffs, melodic keys and sexy vocals courtesy of SeeU. Blue Deep rework the track into a thumpin' yet soulful deep house affair, while Peat79's interpretation is a funkily groovin' affair. Lastly we have Javier Varez who serves a deep'n'fierce yet smooth rework that is full of classy synth melodies and guitars.  (review by Michael Fossati from spiritofhouse.com)

It is not easy to re-work a timeless classic like "I love America" (originally released by Patric Jouvet in the 70's) but DJ Meme confirms to be one of the best producer of out times and provides a real masterpece. The Brazilian talent reworks the track adding some solid house beats, warm percussive grooves, modern funky bassline, sweet synths, hot guitars, but leaves the 70's Disco vibe alive, thanks to an old-school orchestration and the intense Hanna Hais vocal performance. This is an essential summer track, provided in Radio, Club and Instruemntal mixes.  (Franco Martinelli) 

The new Papa Records release is "I'll wait" from Norvegian new talent Dalminjo, who teams up with vocalist Lenny Hamilton and provides this hot deep release, enriched with some solid remixes from New York's man of the moment Ian Friday. The "Original mix" is a solid track with an intense deep vibe, great keys and infectious vocals. The "Dalminjo remode mix" is a different and fresher affair, while Ian Friday takes the track in a totally different direction, adding his trademark organic beats and great Moog sounds. Instruemtal mixes of all the versions are included in the package.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Japanese production team Orienta Rhythm teams up with legendary singer Joy Cardwell for their new release. "Happy" is a fesh and uplifting track for the summer, built on solid beats and funky bassline, enriched by the feels-good vocals from Joy Cardwell, great piano and hot synth chords. The "O-R's timeless dub" goes a bit deeper and underground, with extra vocals and different bassline.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Seameless returns with this hot summert track from Swedish act Physics. "Hold on" is a warm, soulful affair with intense vocals, infectious keys, and some cool jazzy elements. Words Of Mouth reworks the track and provides a solid and pumpin' deep remix for the dancefloor, while the "Scopes Luxurious dub" is a beautiful soulful rework, with funky grooves, infectious bassline, delicate Rhodes keys and sexy spoken words. Finally the "Glide & Swerve remix" is a solid downbeat rework.  (Franco Martinelli) 

The next instalment of the Toolroom Knights mix series sees label's head honcho and Ministry Of Sound resident Mark Knight set up a strong selection of today's club favourites and future classics. The double-disc compilation covers all the aspect of today's club/house music. Disc 1 starts with Mark's own edit of Cloud Kickers "Bring on the night" and Charles Webster remix of Dennis Ferrer's "How do I let go" and evolves with more tech-oriented tracks like Quarion's "Takin' no shorts", Radioslave's remix of "Elevation" by Jerome Syndenham & Tiger Sripes, Nic Fanciulli's "Scratch & sniff" and Mark's remix of Underworld's "Beautiful burnout", just to name a few. Disc 2 is a more minimal, techy, deep and underground affair, and reflects the sound of his own label Toolroom Records, including tracks from artists like Funkagenda, Steve Mac & Paul Harris, ATFC, Axwell Ingrosso Angello & Laidback Luke, Workiz, D Ramirez and many others.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Steve Lawler's Viva Series returns with an excursion to Toronto. In this double-disc mixed CD, Steve provides some of the sounds and the vibes of his annual event at the Guvurnment Club. CD 1 "Inside" represents the Club sounds and fuses modern teachno tracks from the likes of TG, Patrick Zigon, Christian Smith & John Selway, Alex Tepper and Joel Mull. CD 2 "Outside" represents the Terrace sets, where, after a 4 or 5 hours inside the event continues on the roof floor through the morning to midday. This is an eclectic set, filled with down-tempo, Balearic influenced and laidback electro tracks.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Serving up the 4th instalment of the Percepitions Of Pacha series is French house dj/producer Richard Grey who delivers a knockout selection of peak-time, electro-infused house tracks. The concept of "Percepitions Of Pacha" series is simple. CD 1 is a collective snapshot of artist's original productions, collaborations and remixes, while the CD 2 reflects off the club vibe, with full-lenght club versions and remixes. CD 1 kicks off with Richard's electro-killer remix of Michael Jackson anthem "Thriller", and also includes Richard Grey's reworks of Bob Marley's "No deputy", Shakira's "Las de la intuiction" as well as some of his tracks too, like the last year's Miami smash "Warped bass" with its familiar Soft Cell sample, the trippy "9am acid trip" and others. CD 2 offers the same tracks, but remixed for the dancefloor.  (Franco Martinelli) .

Soulful vibes from the Balearic Islands courtesy of Moba Sounds here. Remix assists come from Franco Martinelli in his Blue Deep guise, Javi Lopez and Sirkhan. If you like it soulful then head for either the “Original Mix” or “Franco Martinelli’s Blue Deep Mix”. Javi Lopez takes a deeper techier route with a dark dubby interpretation before Sirkhan brings up the rear with an version that delivers a little more punch for the floor courtesy of the synths.  (review by Dean Serafini from Jjazzproject.com)

Taken from the awesome "Bar anthems" compilation, this beautiful track by Shawn Christopher titled "Don't lose the magic" is provided with a rich set of remixes. The "Baggi Begovic & Soul Conspiracy remix" is a solid soulful influenced deep track with great keys that perfectly fits with Shawn Christopher's inspired vocal performance. The Cube Boys provides a powerful electro infected remix, while Bobby Blanco delivers an irresistible rework, adding fresh percussions and some hot funky elements. Finally Dave Morales offers a classic house remix.  (Franco Martinelli) 

The Ibiza/Balearic compiltions are a classic of the summer months and this year Azuli presents the beautiful "Balearic Beach Sessions" selected and mixed by Jon Sa Trinxa. This is the first release in a new series and what an awesome compilation it is. A set of 16 great tracks for the relaxing beach moments, lounge situations and early evening, warm-up selections. "Balearic Beach Sessions" is a quality blend of downtempo, hip-hop, brazilian, jazzy influenced tracks, electronica and of course Baleraic beats. The tracklist includes lots of fresh gems like City Reverb's "Everything will be alright", Osunlade's "My reflections" as well as a couple of very special covers like Williams "Love on a real train" and the fresh Dynamics version of the superclassic "Seven nation army", plus tracks from Rubbenfunk, Leisure All Stars, Ronny & Renzo, Pier Bucci and many others.  (Franco Martinelli) 

These two compilations are slices of house-music history, both produced and compiled by Curtis Urbina, presents a fantastic selection of tracks taken from the Quark Records catalouge. Founded in 1986, Quark Records shortly become one of the most respected and appreciated New York indipendent labels. The early days of house-music saw Quark Records very active on the New York scene, releasing some timeless House and Soulful-house classics. "The best of New York underground scene" includes all the early Quark Records gems, this CD is focused on the 1986/1989 period and presents beside the first release of this legendary label "Whatcha gonna do" by Blaze, timeless classics like Blaze's "You should need a friend" and "Can't win for losing", Raven Maize's "Together forever", Phase II's "Mistery", Jomanda's "Driftin" and others early house tracks from Finchley Road, Bou-Khan etc. "The best of Quark Vol.2" is more focused on the slammin' House-Club productions, so we can listen again to some late 80's house-music floorfillers like Bluejeans Regime's "In my house", Sheila's "Acid kiss", Larry Tee's "Love machine" and many others. These are essntial compilations if you wanna take a trip back to the roots of house music. Originally released in 1999 and 2000, now are both available in digital download.  (Franco Martinelli) 

The second "Diamondhouse Lounge" compilation is just released, and what a beautiful one is this too, 10 tracks of the finest Chill. Bossa and Deep music, including an unreleasd track of Murasca Duke & Axel B, titled "Space trip", an ambient version of Bob Sinclar's anthem "I feel for you" as well as fresh songs from B Floor "Vida nova", Converge "Come on over", Pearldiver's "Urbanism", Living Room's "New Fragrance" and Soulfood's "Tropical sunrise" just to name a few. The package also includes as bonus track a continuos dj mix by Living Room. The perfect compilation for the relaxing beach moments, as the cover-art suggest.  (Franco Martinelli)

The new Gossip release is a powerful tribal-house track from French producer Philippe Vesic, who provides an infectious and solid percussive track enriched with ethno vocals and intense breakdowns. DJ Waldy delivers another solid tribal reworks, adding a driven bassline, rhythmic vocal samples and extra synths. Finally, the "Live Elements remix" is a less tribal and more electronic version.  (Franco Martinelli)

South Africa's trio Kentphonic presents their new release on Stalwat, "Hiya kaya" is a brilliant deep house track featuring on vocals another South African talent, Khensy, while the second track of the EP, "Sunday showers" is a laydback, jazzy influenced deep cut. The package also includes some hot remixes of both the tracks. Rocco Rodamaal provides a powerful, deeper and underground remix of "Hiya kaya", while Dj Rork delivers a more pumpin' rework of the same track, but goes deeper and softer in his remix of "Sunday showers".  (Franco Martinelli)

"Bar anthem" is a fantastic 3 disc compilation, essential for soulful/deep house lovers. Disc 1 "Soul Anthem" presents an awesome collection of classic soulful and funky gems like Fish Go Deep's "The cure and the cause", Kings Of Tomorrow's "Finally", Erro's "Change for me", Sandy Rivera's "Changes", as well as other great tracks from Jon Cutler, Ann Nesby, Mr. V, and others. Disc 2 "Disco Anthems" is an irresistible funky-disco-house colection including timeless, classic dancefloor anthems like Bob Sinclar's "Feel for you", Blaze's "Most precious love", Shawn Christopher's "Don't lose the magic", "Diamond life" by Louie Vega & Jay Sinister Sealle, "The way you love me" by Ron Hall & The Muthafunkaz, Deep Sensation's "Somehow somewhere (There's a soul in heaven)", just to name a few. Disc 3 "Future Anthems" is about the music of today, a selection of deeper and sometimes electronic influenced tracks, includings some of the hottest cuts of this summer, there's Copyright's "Wizeman" and "He is (remix)", King Of Tomorrow's "Can't stop", Danny Clark & Jay Benham's "Wondrous" plus the brand new releases of Yass, Quentin Harris ft. Margaret Grace, Todd Terry, Groove Armada, Funkerman, Dirty South and others. This is a Top compilation without any doubt. Summer essential.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Japan's top soulful-house artists and production team Studio Apartment returns with an awesome album on King Street Sounds. "The rising sun" is packaed with wonderful tracks featuring a selection of heavyweight singers, including Ron Carroll, Monique Bingham, Joy Cardwell, Blaze, Stephanie Cooke and Kenny Bobien, just to name a few. This beautiful deep and soulful collection includes some of the hottest tracks from Studio Apartment, remixed by some of the world's top remixers like Rasmus Faber, Kerri Chandler, Quentin Harris, Sole Channel, Eric Kupper, Reel People and more. The album also includes 2 previously unreleased tracks, the fresh and delicate "Evoltion" feat. Akiko and the gospel style influenced "Justifiable" feat. Kenny Bobien.  (Franco Martinelli) 

This is an outstanding release ! Top quality funky soulful house enriched with the legendary Pete Simpson's awesome and inspired vocal performance. Jon Mateo provides 2 powerful mixes, the Vocal mix has solid beats, great piano keys and an infectious Organ, while the Dub Mix goes deeper. Greg Dorban delivers the beautiful "Classic mix", a real soulful gem, with funky bassline, hot guitar, warm Rhodes keys and an infectious uplifting vibe. Central Avenue presents a soulful-deep rework, adding an irresistible percussive groove, solid bassline and some warm synth keys. Finally Daryl James offers his funky remix in borh Vocal and Instrumental version.  (Franco Martinelli)

The new album of Quentin Harris tiled "No politics" reflects today's New York underground house scene, providing an hot set of deep and sometimes dark tracks that perfectly combines the new electronic influences with the classic house sounds. The result is a quality underground-house album with an infectious night vibe, 13 tracks including the club hits "My joy" feat. Margaret Grace, "You don't know", "Joy" and "Poor people" as well as many other great deep tracks featuring some brilliant house vocalists like Monique Bingham, Byron Stingily, Lavonz, Cordell McClary and others.  (Franco Martinelli) 

"You're all I need" is the first single from the DJ Dealer album "Joyride". The complete package is a 10 tracks release including some hot remixes, as well as the beautiful "Main mix", an awesome deep track with hypnotic bassline and the inspired Lisa Millet vocal performance. Steffan Thorsell & MoD provides a more uplifting rework, without losing the original deep vibe, while Joe DiPadova presents a powerful electro influenced remix. The package also includes Dub mixes of all the mentioned versions, as well as some good remixes from Charles Dockins, Tony Loreto and Madueno.  (Franco Martinelli)

Nic Fanciulli & Zoo Brazil join forces for their new single on Renaissance titled "Ide". The "Original mix" is an irresistible, deep and hypnotic track for the late night paly, enriched with solid bassline and infectious psychedelic stabs. Tiger Stripes provides the remixes, adding their trademark touch, as well as driving, percussive grooves that gives the track a peaktime flavour.  (Franco Martinelli)

Gotta Keep Faith pleases us again with another beautiful soulful gem, Benoit B's "Love is so good" is provided in several mixes, including the very hot "Main mix", a simple and effective track with an infectious percussive groove, wicked filtered keys and uplifting vocals. Richard Earnshaw adds his superb classy touch and offers a solid soulful mix, while, DJ Floyd delivers an intense deep version and Alex Dimitri adds some warm percussions for a deeper and underground mix. Finally, the "Benoit B & Dj Lewiss soulvibe remix" is a more pumpin' and groovy cut.  (Franco Martinelli)

This classic Strictly Rhythm track receives a massive 2008 remixes treatment and the result is this 10 tracks release that is destinated to rock the dancefloors for a long time. All the remixes are solid pieces of today's pumpin' house music, influenced with wicked electronic elements, funky basslines and irresistible grooves. There is something for every dancefloor in the package and you can choose from remixes by Mark Knight, Kenny Dope, TV Rock, Louie Vega, ATFC, Bassment Jaxx, Lee-Cabrera, Vanjee and Lil' Mo' Yin Yang themself.  (Franco Martinelli)

The new release of Daddy Funk 45 on White Lotus Club, titled "Stand up", is an awesome funky track featuring Lovella on vocals. The package starts with the beautiful "Danny Clark & Jay Berham mix" a solid funky-house version with great piano keys, infectious Organ and a powerful funky bassline. Stereo Mutants provides a more groovy remix, adding warm but irresistible percussions, spacey filtered pads and hot synth bass. Divided Soul delivers an electronic influenced remix, while Christian Hornbostel goes deepr and darker in his rework.  (Franco Martinelli)

Not so strong as the beautiful Vincent Kwok's release we reviewed a few weeks ago, from my point of view, but this one is another hot record from California's Eighr 15 Recordings. Ben Jam's "Evidence" is a solid deep and pumpin' track with a few electronic influences in both Original and Jeremy Sylvester remix. The package also includes two remixes by Vincent Kwok, the "Innocent mix" is absolutely stunning, a beautiful soulful gem with an intense funky flavour, geat keys, sexy vocals and an infectious piano line, while the "Guilty mix" is a deeper and underground affair.  (Franco Martinelli)

Italy's well known production duo Arduini & Pagany are back with a wonderful soulful influenced funky gem titled "Show me how good". The "Philly's mix" is pure funky-soul delight, they re-creates a classic Philly-sound vibe with beautiful strings, irresistible funky bassline and the inspired vocals of Vale Ducros. The "House Bros anthem mix" is a funkier and pumpin' version for the dancefloor, while Fabio Tosti provides a deeper and groovy rework and Echo Motel delivers another excellent funky remix  (Franco Martinelli). 

"Take me" is the new release by Davidson Ospina, it is a solid funky track with an infectious deep flavour. The "Main mix" goes deep and underground, with solid beats, hot bassline, great pads and wicked keys that perfectly fits with the intense vocal performance by Danil. Born To Funk delivers a more funky and uplifting rework, adding warm organ keys and a fresh synth line. The package closes with the tougher Sasha Alazy remix.  (Franco Martinelli) 

Marlon D is back with another powerful, deep and underground EP, "Underground Collective EP Vol2" is the natural follow up of the Vol.1, that we all have loved some months ago. This new EP offers another 4 strong deep tracks in both Main and Alternative/Dub mixes. "Revelation" is a solid groover with powerful beats and irresistible percussive grooves, "Funky angel" is a deeper and more minimal affair, with deep bassline and vocal samples. "Fear the Lord" is a groovy track featring infectious synth sounds and atmospheric pads, while "Japanese prayer" is a deep, dark and underground cut, built on a simple and hypnotic groove enriched with dark synths keys and Japanese vocals.  (Franco Martinelli)

"Deeper" is the new release from George Mena and Franke Estevez, it is a powerful track featuring Angel Rose on vocals. The "Main vocal remix" is built on pumpin' beats, infectious bassline, wicked synth keys and it's enriched with hot Organ solo and uplifting vocals. The "Album mix" is a solid funky cut with an infectious soulful flavour, great strings, intense percussive groove and warm piano keys. The package also includes the "Instrumental mix" as well as the beautiful extra track "Sax in the city" an awesome jazzy house cut with a long sax solo.  (Franco Martinelli)

Deepswing teams up with Will Wheaton for this new release on Generate, "Come on everybody" is a powerful funky-house track provided in their trademark style and served in 3 equally strong mixes. The "Original Demo mix" is a classic Deepswing track, with solid pumpin' groove and hot, funky elements, the "Sunday thunder mix" is an irresistible groovy affair, with funky beats, hot organ keys and sax parts to warm up the mood, and finally the "Vip mix" is a beautiful, smoother, soulful influenced version.   (Franco Martinelli)

For their new release, Layabouts join forces with J-Key & Shola Philips and provides a powerful electro influenced funky track enriched with some hot gospel-house elements. The "Original mix" combines these elements to perfection and the result is a simple but irresistible track with great vocals, solid funky groove and wicked keys. The remixes comes courtesy of Kenny Dope who delivers a deeper and undergrond version, while Mike Dee provides a beautiful funky tinged rework. The CD single package also includes Dub and Instrumental mixes.  (Franco Martinelli)

Top Lithuanian house music recording label RyRalio returns with a new release by Santi Touch. "Candle" is a solid groovy track provided in 3 hot versions. The "Original mix" is a powerful track for the dancefloor, it has an irresistible groove that fits perfectly with the wicked electronic elements enriched with some warm Rhodes and Saxophone parts. The "Spin Science remix" is a deeper and spacey affair, while the "Whare Wurlitzer dub" is a more hypnotic deep rework  (Franco Martinelli).

The 7th chapter of the "Southport Weekender" compilation series is going to see the light soon on suSU Records and it is another superb double CD with music selected and mixed by Germany's NuJazz pioneers Jazznova and UK's talent Mr Scruff. Jazznova's set is a fantastic music journey from the beginning to the end, they provides a very hot cuttin' edge jazzy set with great classy tracks from the likes of Badly Drawn Boy, Henrik Schwarz & Amampondo, Recloose, South Bronx Community Youth Project, Jazznova themself and many more. Mr Scruff's mixed set is another wonderful one, expecially for the listeners, he mixes together some long lost soul gems with new and favourite nuggets, providing a timeless set of beautiful and quality music. The 21 tracks selection includes songs of artists like Jimmy Jones, Theo Parrish, Gloria Scott, Bobby Reed, The Soul Controllers and Bill Spoon, just to name a few.  (Franco Martinelli)

"If no harm" is another deep-house gem taken from Ralf GUM's new album "Uniting music", the vocals are provided by Rachel Claudio and the package is enriched with a few powerful remixes courtesy of Jinks. The "Original mix" is a solid deep track with percussive groove, warm synth stabs and great vocals. The "Dub mix" is a less vocals, deeper affair with extra keys and an infectious Organ solo. The Jinks delivers 3 powerful funky influenced remixes, Vocal, Dub and Instrumental.  (Franco Martinelli)

Italy's d:vision Records releases another top Stricltly Rhythm license, "Wondrous" by Danny Clark & Jay Benham ft. SuSu Bobien is a powerful piece of modern funky house, provided in several mixes, including ATFC and Muthafunkaz versions. The "Original mix" is an irresistible funky track with infectious gospel inspired vocals from SuSu Bobien, ATFC delivers a pumpin' and more dubby remix for the dancefloor, adding some wicked electronic sounds. DJ Spen's Muthafunkaz mixes are deeper, driven, filtered house reworks, while the "Hudge piano mix" is a very hot, old school inspired affair.  (Franco Martinelli)

The 7th chapter of the "Release Yourself" compilation series on Stealth Records is ready to rock the summer. Selected and mixed by top house DJ Roger Sanchez, this double album provides two gerat sets of quality house music. The Pre-Party CD is a very special one this year, offering an intense and irresitible selection of deep, soulful, techy and minimal deep cuts, for the early evening, lounge and warm-up sets. This disc includes tracks from artists like Jarrier Modrow, Spiritual Blessings, Lost Shade, Kalim Shabazz, Samatha James, Buset and many others. The Party CD is for the dancefloor and offers a powerful selection of pure club, electro and tribal house tracks from the likes of Laidback Luke & Tom Stephan, Mark Knight & Funkagenda, Steve Angello, TV Rock, Axwell & Ingrosso and MLA, just to name a few.  (Franco Martinelli)

Orlando Vaugham returns with an hot remixes package of his Duffnote release titled "Better than never". Miguel Migs provides a solid and pumpin' rework of the track, while Richard Earnshaw delivers a smooth and soulful mix with a fresh and intense latin flavour. Jon Silva offers a powerful, electronic influenced and deeper remix, as well as an unique and infectious "Weird radio mix"and finally Tony Vass provides a strong Main Floor version.  (Franco Martinelli)

"I won't last" by Arnaud D is the new release on MoD Recordings, it is a solid techy influenced house track featuring the inspired and soulful vocal performance of Emory. Richard Earnshaw provides a deeper and more classirc remix, while MoD delivers a groovy rework with an electronic edge, and Tom Conrad offers a laidback and soulful infected remix.  (Franco Martinelli)

Marlon D & George Mena reworks this beautiful Jellybean Records 90's house classic "The lover that you are" by Pulse and provides an amazing set of remixes for the 2008. The duo delivers 6 brand new mixes, reworking the track in a very deep and sexy way. They took the brilliant original vocals from Antoniette Robertson and built an awesome deep house winner. George's keys are outstanding, enriched with laced strings, Marlon's deep basslines and solid grooves. This is going to be another top house track after more than a decade. (Franco Martinelli)

Roland Clark is back on King Street with "Life time" an hot house track with intense falsetto vocals, solid funky beats and infectious Hammond keys. Japan's DJ/Producer Daishi Dance provides a powerful remix for the dancefloor, while Italy's Doll Combers delivers a more soulful rework, enriched with classic 70's disco elements. The cool "Daishi Dance Instrumental mix" is also included, with its impressive Hammond keys. (Franco Martinelli) 

After his recent "Skyscrapers" EP, Italian top funky man Fabio Bacchini returns with another solid funky EP for Discogalaxy. "Purple diamond" has all the classic elements of the pure Bacchini Funk Style, 4 solid tracks with an infectious 70's funky vibe, powerful basslines, great strings, hot funky elements and lot of energy. Hard to choose a favourite track, this is a superb EP. (Franco Martinelli)

Phil Asher presents this new double-sided 2nd single from the Phlash & Friend forthcoming LP. The two tracks of this EP are different, but equally hot, "Look at what we've done" is an awesome, delicate and soulful track with great pads, warm synth keys, hot guitar and intense female vocals, enriched with some beautiful electric violin parts from Stella Page. "Minotour" on the flip side is a more percussive and trippin' affair, built on simple drum patters and infectious keys. (Franco Martinelli)

Kenny Thomas returns on Soul-Fi with his new single "Sunshine girl", an hot soulful track enriched by the superb vocal performance of this top British singer. The "Fuzion vocal mix" is an intense version retouched by George Mena and Franke Estevez, it has an infectious summer/latin percussive groove, warm synth keys and beautiful pads. Tom Hooton provides a more classic and uplifting mix, with funky beats, hot paino keys and fresh Flute and Saxophone parts. Instrumental versions of both the mixes are included in the package. (Franco