Courtesy of Jon Freer from mosoul.co.uk here are eight reviews of available and soon to be released albums (sorry no cover shots or tracklistings this time):
Southport Weekender Vol 4. (suSU)
cLuB suSU “Get Lifted” (suSU)
baR suSU Ibiza/Manhattan (suSU)
Champions of a soul touched form of House music, suSU end two thousand and five in style, unleashing three compilations of soulful goodies. The finest is the fourth Southport Weekender compilation, which sees vocal House thoroughbreds Tony Humphries and DJ Spen at the controls. Humphries supplies a set of polished divarish vocal outings and strong instrumentals. Hot cuts on this disc include the eerie synthed ‘We Deliver’ rerub of “Closer Than Close” from Rosie Gaines, and perhaps somewhat surprisingly, Henrik Schwarz’s sombre chorded “Leave My Head Alone Brain”. Spen has submitted a CD of jazzed out groovy House moments, jackingly keyed soulfulizers and slamming vocal numbers. Highlights from Spen appear in the shape of his own heartwarming “My Devotion”, where Vonita White supplies the vocals, and Dennis Ferrer’s unapproachable key licked “Son Of Raw”…”Get Lifted”, a bountiful display of invigorating vocal House ware, has been put together by suSU bosses Neil Rushton and Everton Webb. They’ve brought in Bristol’s Deli G to blend the smiley and stirring House cuts together, in a rather appealing fashion. Quentin Harris’ clear-thinking keyed overhaul of Bah Samba’s “Calma”, Ron Hall & The Muthafunkaz’s joyous “The Way You Love Me” and MAW’s confrontational “Backfired”, as touched up by Joey Negro, work wonders on this disc…It is Kevin Hedge of Blaze, who has compiled the deeply focused “Ibiza/Manhattan” compilation. Bringing together a number of subtle Housers from the mighty West End Records alongside other touching recordings, this album complements the full on vocal stormation of the “Get Lifted” set nicely. Fine tracks here include Ian Friday’s catchy “Carib’s Leap”, Jihad Muhammed’s key blessed “Loungin’” and the melting beauty of Divinti’s “Find A Way”…All three of these compilations contain a disc of unmixed hotties for the budding CD jock and the Southport set even boasts a double vinyl sampler!
Roy Ayers – Virgin Ubiquity Remixed (BBE/Rapster)
One of the smoothest groovers of them all, the influential Roy Ayers gets his sunshine soul and sweet funkiness twisted by a group of hot producers. Due to the source material, each track moves along effortlessly, with each remixer adding their own stamp. Kenny Dope gets to grips with “Holiday”, as a shapely bass pulls the moves under ethereal strings and magical vibraphone tinkering. DJ Marky & XRS add breakneck paced beats and bass power to “Mystical Voyage”, but it’s the euphoric vocals and loving keys that really make the track special. Mr V supplies a squelchy bassed touch up of “I Am Your Mind Part 2″, whilst Basement Jaxx opt for a more loving overhaul, where caring keys and gorgeous strings dominate. Lovely.
V/A – The Original Jazz-Funk Selection (The Original Selection)
The Original Selection wheels keep on turning, and this time it’s the turn of jazzed-up Soul, Disco and Funk lovelies. As usual, a broad range of material has been selected for this double CD set, with quickstepping numbers appearing alongside acid-jazz slouchers. Gil Scott Heron’s cautionary “The Bottle” and MFSB’s spinning bassed “Mysteries Of The World” light up the first disc. Two prime moments on number two come in the shape of an elated Jocelyn Brown instilling joy on Incognito’s “Always There”, and Azymuth taking us to a key powered “Jazz Carnival”. Another delectable selection…
Public Enemy – New Whirl Odor (Slam Jamz/Proper)
Combining neat sample work with intriguing instrumented phrases, PE deliver a strong musical backing for Chuck D’s issue confronting rhymes. Chuck’s delivery seems a little more relaxed than it used to be, but he’s still talking sense and asking questions that many people would prefer to brush under the carpet. “Makes You Blind” watches truth telling vocals move over stood up keys and brass power. A plea is made on “Preachin’ To The Quiet”, backed by scuffed keys, scratchadelics and strong beats. Insistent vocals rise over roughened guitars, lively drums and reliable brass on “Superman’s Black In The Building”. A lot has changed since PE burst onto the scene with their revolutionary take on Hip Hop, but this album shows that they’ve still got something to say in 2005.
V/A – Jazz Toys (Perfect Toy)
Organic jazzual, soulfried and funked out tasty pieces are on show here. There are a few absolutely gorgeous cuts on this comp, but certain tracks are a little too inoffensive, and thus drift over the ears rather too easily. “Sara” by The Voices sees admiring vocals sit upon ever so happy keys, guitar niceness and rustling percussion. A resonating bass and smilin’ brass show their worth on the Kaatee Fritz Quartet’s “Cameleon”. “Photographs (Edit)” from Swegas marries joyful brass and strong guitar work under expanding vocals. Did I mention that all these tracks are painfully rare?
V/A – Overdrive: Mixed by Aphrodite (Feed)
Partying D&B still rules in Aphrodite’s house, if these dancefloor earthquakers are anything to go by. Featuring over twenty jump up gems, this mix CD is for those who like it energetic. Aphrodite brings in Beverly Knight for “Sometimes”, where her she despairs over a snarling bass and trustworthy beats. Sketch & Code hook up with Kim Nile on “Evolution”, as she looks to the future, backed by smile-inducing keys and brass happiness. Shocked synths, persistent beats and a highly energetic bassline meet on Aphrodite & Mickey Finn’s “Bad Ass!”, as remixed by Finn and Special K. Jumpin’ fun for all the family.