Schema records have been digging in the vaults to give us some unreleased tracks and remixes for this second in the series of Freedom Jazz Dance compilations. Here you have the wonderful Nicola Conte Remix of Gerardo Frisina’s ‘Giga’s Dance’, Paolo Fedreghini and Marco Bianchi’s unreleased ‘Stars’, S-Tone Inc’s "Some Kind Of Blues" and Quintetto Lo Greco "Yes and No". Let’s hope there’s more to be unleashed from the Schema archives.

Simon Harrison

Breakthrough are the brain child of three up and coming Japanese producers who have set their standards high, just look at the list of vocalists for their debut: Bahamadia, Amp Fiddler, Bembe Segue, Gagle, Jneiro Jarel, Count Bass D, Maspyke and that’s just for starters. These guys are not messing about and with a whopping 21 tracks, you’re in for a real treat. Breakthrough is predominately Hiphop and Soul based with a Broken Beat tune thrown in for good measure, featuring the amazing Bembe Segue. This may cost a small fortune in Europe but it’s worth every penny. Top marks to Jazzy Sport.

Simon Harrison

To my surprise Fukutomi has produced eight albums prior to this release, which proves I’ve got some serious catching up to do. ‘˜Equality’ is aimed straight at the dancefloor and includes a fine selection of grooves this will appeal to the house heads, well the ones with taste. If that isn’t enough the vocalists are tiptop quality, which include: Rich Medina, Lady Alma, Ernesto, Victor Davis and Isabelle Antena. Top marks to Gav Smith for bringing Fukutomi to the UK masses.

Simon Harrison

Here is the next instalment from Japan’s multi-talented Hiroshi Watanabe, also known as Kaito (Kompakt) and of course Tread. 7 tracks of the deepest house music that’s you’ll find on the planet. Lovely warm productions and lush keys that will appeal to fans of the Detroit house heads aka fans of Moodymann and Theo Parrish. Of course you knew this was going to be good because it’s released on Third Ear.

Simon Harrison

Tobias Meggle returns with his next instalment and he’s gone and released another classic. ‘Echoes’ includes a few new tracks, some remixes of tracks from 2004’s ‘Wanderlust’ album and some from the man himself. Things kick off with two corking new tracks, with Randolph Matthews featuring on ‘Call Out’ and ‘Common Cause’ with Clara Hill. I would have bought ‘Echoes’ on these tracks alone. Also included are wonderful remixes by Break Reform, Smiles Ahead and Gerd. For a bonus ball you have Sandboy’s remix of Gerd’s ‘So Real’ featuring Vanessa Freeman. Surely I don’t need to sell this to you any more.

Simon Harrison

In 2004 Kindred Spirits released “Amazona” by Catlett which was up there with the best of the year and hammered by every DJ worth mentioning. We are now in 2005 and “River Drum” has been in the shops since May. It seems most people-including myself completely missed this album. Believe me when you hear this, you’ll be kicking yourself. Produced, arranged and written by the man himself this is a pure 2005 masterpiece. Get hunting.

Simon Harrison

Former member of Rednose Districkt, shows how well this young talent can work on his own. He’s picked a fine selection of vocalists which include Jneiro Jarel, Cee-Major, U-Gene, Lady Alma and others. Not only that but you won’t stop shaking your hips to the deep grooves that Sublime has put together, which will rock any dancefloor or sound just as nice on your headphones. Kindred Spirits just continue their domination of things soulful.

Simon Harrison

I’ve been looking forward to hearing D’nell’s debut album for along time now, ever since Young Lee played the exclusive of “I Read About” on Basic Soul in March 2004. It’s been a long time but it’s been well worth the wait. D’Nell are long time partners producer, Dan Jones and beautiful vocalist Ellie Hajee. Featuring some wonderful grooves that continue to grow on you, even after listening to this for a week. Listen to “I Read About” and you’ll buy this on the album version alone.

Simon Harrison

How time flies when you having fun. I cannot believe that Russell is releasing her second album, when it seems like only a few months since “Under The Munka Moon” dropped. Russell has been recording guest vocals left, right and centre but I’m still not tired of one of the UK’s finest vocalists, in fact I want more. You don’t really need me to tell you this is an excellent album because we always knew it was going to be. So stop reading this, get out there and buy a copy.

Simon Harrison

I’ve lost count of Dominic Stanton’s aliases and releases but here is the latest instalment under Domu. I went to the release party of “Return Of The Rogue” back in May but thankfully this will be out soon. Believe me this is an absolute classic from the man who never seems to stop working. As we’ve come to expect from Domu over the years, you never quite know what’s coming next. Well I won’t spoil the plot for you because this is fantastic from start to end. This is sure to be one of the best albums in 2005.

Simon Harrison