Author Archives: Andy Allen

Following his version of Derrick May’s ‘Strings Of Life’, released a couple of months back on 12", Christian Prommer continues the theme throughout his debut solo album, taking his favourite house tracks and reinterpreting them in a jazz dance style. The aforementioned ‘Strings Of Life’ is included along with great versions of Mr. Fingers’ ‘Can You Feel It’, Master At Work’s ‘Nervous Track’ Isoul8’s ‘Beau Mot Plage’, Ame’s ‘Rej’ and Kraftwerk’s ‘Trans Europa Express.

Andy Allen

Chris Brann’s Ananda Project follow up their ‘Fire Flower’ EP from a few months back with a full length album packed full of deep house flavours. Included from the EP are the blissful ‘Into The Sunrise’ which is underpinned by subtle Latin rhythms and features Terrance Downs on vocals and the outstanding ‘Remember When [The Wind Destroyed Our Village]’, an intense atmospheric instrumental with a popping bass line, dirty keys and haunting wind effects. ‘Time And Space’ again fronted by Terrance Downs is a fine example of uplifting soulfulness but also check the Latin jazz dancer ‘Free Me’ and ‘Where The Music Takes You’, a superb slice of synth laden disco-boogie. Classic house music!

Andy Allen

‘Outro Lugar’ is the debut long player from Brazilian vocalist Tomaz Di Cunto AKA Toco. Recorded in Rio and produced by S-Tone this is a stunning collection, based in the classic bossa nova tradition of the 60s. His interpretation of Edu Lobo’s ‘Zum Zum’ is immaculate as are ‘Assuntos Banais’, ‘Guarapiranga’, the title track and ‘Bom Motivo’ featuring the sun kissed vocals of Rosalia De Souza. With the onset of winter this album is sure to keep those winter blues at bay.

Andy Allen

This is London based trio The BDI’s debut album and a refreshing album it is too. With live instrumentation throughout including acoustic guitar, congas and horns, it’s firmly rooted in the sound of 70s Soul and Rhythm & Blues and in places reminds me of Traffic. Tracks such as ‘Crying Wolf’, ‘Still Get The Same Old Kick’ and ‘Marathon’ really hit the spot but this album is a pleasure to listen to from start to finish.

Andy Allen

In my recent review of the Elektrons album, on which Pete Simpson is featured, I commented that he is a talented but under recorded vocalist. Well to my welcome relief here is a full length set from the man with the added bonus of Domu on production duties. It comprises of ten beautifully crafted, largely mid-tempo soul/boogie cuts which are all nothing short of brilliant, so there absolutely no point in me trying to select highlights. Just do yourself a favour and buy what will be a heavy weight contender for album of the year!

Andy Allen

Expansion’s latest offering draws together a host of in-demand modern soul tracks. Compiled by Geoff Bingham it features tracks which only appeared as bonus cuts on the Japanese editions of artists’ albums, promo only remixes plus previously unreleased material. Although much of what’s on offer here is a little smooth for my current tastes there are some fine moments, particularly on the more organic tracks such as the beautifully orchestrated ‘For Goodness Sake’ from K. Fox, Jack Herrera’s dreamy ‘For You’, the DJ Spinna remix of Donnie’s Cloud 9 and what’s described as a rare remix of ‘Sweet Misery’ by the angel voiced Amel Larrieux. Also present is the superb feel good dancer ‘No Matter What I’ll Do’ from Donald McCollum.

Andy Allen

Compiled by Philadelphia’s DJ Junior ‘Excursions’ shines the spot light on some of the hottest broken-soul tracks of recent times. It opens with DJ Day’s gorgeous ‘A Place To Go’ before touching down on gems such as ‘Talking Me Down’ (Domu Remix) by The Rebirth, Electric Conversation’s ‘Dancing’, ‘You Don’t Know’ by Part Time Heroes & Monday Michiru, Black Pocket’s (Steve Spacek) ‘Thank You And Credits’, ‘Rise’ from Kamara featuring Deborah Jordan and ending with Malena Perez’ ‘What Do I Do’. Also included are some tasty moments which were previously un-issued or only available as down loads. Of which I’m pleased to see the stunning cuts ‘Blue Skies from OK_MA featuring Nanar Vorperian and Donn’s ‘All The Beauty’ plus Jonny Miller’s killer broken-beat excursion ‘Starz’ included.

Andy Allen

Under the guise of Black Jazz Consortium Fred Peterkin comes with an outstanding debut set. Although there are subtle jazz influences ‘RE:Actions Of Light’ is a journey into deep house. Heavy beats are built upon with layers of percussion, swirling synths, and occasional vocal snippets to create a heady and atmospheric listening experience. ‘Blessings’ and ‘More Love Please pt.1’ really hit the spot but pay particular attention to the broken rhythms of ‘Seeing The Way Through’ which should reach anthem status at the likes of Liquid Fusion and Co Op.

Andy Allen

Cro-Magnon’s ‘Great Triangle’ continues the cosmic disco vibe established on their self titled debut album but touches on other elements along the way to create a far stronger set throughout. The fusion/boogie gems such as ‘La Fusion’ and ‘New Horizon’, the down-tempo ‘Eclipse’ with its rock steady bass line, the Acid House influenced ‘Take Me Higher’ and the Balearic ‘Keep Me Satisfied’ all sound good to these ears. Even better though is the monster jazz-funk workout ‘Chase After The Storm’ which features Soil & Pimp Sessions’ Tabu Zombie and Motoharu on trumpet and sax respectively. Think Lonnie Liston Smith’s ‘Expansions’ and you won’t be far off the mark!

Andy Allen

Catalyst were a Philadelphia based quartet who recorded a total of four albums together before going their separate ways. This reissue of their 2nd set was originally released in 1972 and is firmly rooted in jazz-fusion. It kicks off with the funk driven ‘Ain’t It The Truth’ before embarking on an ethereal journey with the majestic ‘East’. Other highlights include the deep swing of ‘Catalyst Is Coming’ and the beautiful melody of ‘New-Found Truths’. If you’re into The Visitors (Earl & Carl Grubbs) then this is for you.

Andy Allen

After releasing the singles, ‘Reflection/Bird Mess’ and ‘The Itch/13:6:35’ on their own Hippoflex label, Belleruche have now found a perfect home for their debut album with Tru Thoughts. Their style combines hip hop beats and funk and jazz breaks with the smoky blues vocals of Kathrin deBoer. Think of a UK version of Erykah Badu and you won’t be too far off the mark. This is a consistent set throughout but for me it lacks a particular standout moment. Well worth investigating though.

Andy Allen

Elektrons are Justin Crawford and Luke Cowdrey, AKA The Unabombers of Manchester’s famed Electric Chair club night and acclaimed Electric Souls re-edit series. As with Electric Chair, ‘Red Light Don’t Stop’ incorporates a variety of dance-floor styles taking influence from the rich heritage of UK underground club culture but giving it a unique modern twist. The talented but under recorded vocalist Pete Simpson graces five tracks including the hip hop/funk of ‘Get Up’ which also features Soup of Jurassic 5, ‘The Source’, an infectious nu disco cut and the brilliant house track ‘Joy’ with its old school piano chords. Other guests include Eska who fronts ‘Dirty Basement’ and the superb electro soul of ‘Be With You’, Mpho Skeef on the catchy R&B flavoured ‘Classic Cliche’ and Holy Backler who has worked with Secret Stealth. With the right airplay this album could well see some commercial success.

Andy Allen

Released on Victor Records in Japan earlier this year, Soil & Pimp Sessions’ ‘Pimpoint’ now gets a UK issue via Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label. There are no real surprises here just the kind of quality furious horn driven jazz we’ve come to expect from this sextet. Their version of Freddie Hubbard’s ‘Red Clay’ is certainly one of the highlights but check ‘Makuroke’ with its twisted cosmic keys making it sound like a 70s cop show theme and the feel-good funk of ‘Funky Goldman’. Also included as a bonus track is the brilliant ‘Sahara’ from their ‘Pimp Of The Year’ set. Look out for the track on 12” with a remix from Zed Bias.

Andy Allen

Rong Music have built a solid reputation for releasing quality deep house in its various guises. Be it slow motion disco, electro, ambient or Balearic it’s always interesting. This two disc compilation showcases a selection of their output so far. Disc one is mixed by DJ Spun and kicks off with the mid-tempo jazzy groove ‘Slow And Low’ by Bits Breaks And Beats moving perfectly into ‘Set It Up’ from Projections before ending on the gorgeous ‘Damn Flu’ by Mudd. The second disc is unmixed and features delights such as DJ Harry’s funky ‘Aquarium Man’, the boogie bomb ‘Outhere’ (Instrumental) by Projections and the almost modal ‘Kerry’s Caravan’ again by Mudd featuring the legendary jazz drummer Chico Hamilton. Rong Music it may be but it feels so right!

Andy Allen

Compiled by Rainer Truby, Theo Thoennessen and Roland Appel, the hosts of Munich’s long standing club night Maiden Voyage, this set focuses on some of the classic soul and boogie cuts which have been favourites at the night. It kicks off with ‘Lihue’ a tropical 2 stepper from Hawaiian songstress Nohelani Cypriano, before moving through gems such as Raw Soul Express’ ‘The Way We Live’, Diana Ross’ ‘Tenderness, Cameo’s ‘Love You Anyway’, ‘She’s Gone’ from Norman Connors, ‘Very Special’ by Debra Laws and her brother, Hubert Laws’ ‘Land Of Passion’. As if that wasn’t enough there’s also James Mason’s ‘I Want Your Love’, Alicia Myers’ ‘I Want To Thank You’, the original and best version of ‘Georgy Porgy’ from Toto, and the irresistible ‘Love Is On The One’ by Xavier’. Many of these tracks are what got me into the scene initially and it’s an absolute pleasure to hear them put together on this excellent compilation.

Andy Allen