Basic Soul

Dj/Producer Jamie Odell aka Jimpster has been on the short list of premier DJs for the past twenty five years.  He has released numerous timeless house tracks on his label Freerange records as well as other labels. With the release of the Anthology Vol 1 & 2 lp, we take a moment or several hours to celebrate some of his acclaimed recordings. As one might expect, this two disc set is loaded with bangers. “Sleeper” is heart pounding house with equal parts warmth, groove and heavy beats. “One” is infectious house with vocal assistance from Casamena. Jimpster’s production is on point as the momentum builds throughout the track until it reaches a fever pitch. The digital version of this lp features a couple of down-tempo tunes perfect to shift your mood and give your feet a rest. “The Sun Comes Up” is one of those tunes to help you unwind after a night of clubbing. Or it’s simply just a high quality chillout track. This disc is a great place to add some classics from a DJ still on top of his game.

The Amsterdam based duo known as Makez’s full length debut “City Of All” is the follow up to their impressive 2019 debut EP “Different Planets”. Like their EP, this release is filled with big bold infectious house and down-tempo grooves. “Not So Different” is loaded with masculine energy, pulsating beats and guest vocals courtesy of Lyma. “Feel The Same” is another banger with a big majestic sound, heightened by bombastic cymbals and soaring vocals that punctuate the groove. The duo demonstrate their range as producers isn’t beholden to house. “Looking Up” is a slow burning down-tempo tune augmented by the seductive vocals of Allysha Joy. “Orbit” is an orgasmic blend of jazz, latin and funk that has a meditative quality to it. There’s a deep well of warmth to these compositions. The house tracks aren’t just for dance floor consumption, they’re perfectly suited for any setting. The other tunes are equally impressive. These guys are showcasing a lot of talent here. They’ve crafted a superb album that should make them a household names before long.

Parisian Producer/beat maker As Valet, former member of the group Electric Conversation delivers a deep dish of soulful electronic grooves with “Virgo Stellar”. Valet’s abstract compositions underline his skill at cultivating an ecosystem of sublime electronica. Whether it’s downtempo or infectious deep house, the result is a deep dish of musical goodness. “Come True” is a warm and mellow house gem that glides underneath the blissful vocals of former Electric Conversation member LaNote, who is featured throughout the disc. “Verite’ Sur L’amour” has a deep and percolating beat that is augmented by the vocals of J.Mcfysian and LaNote. “Lab E Aint” is the lone instrumental and is a slice of heaven due in part to the sublime blending of electronica, wordless harmonies and atmospheric grooves. This is a terrific release from a producer who shamefully remains under the radar. This release should provide the shine he rightfully deserves.

New Zealand collective Flamingo Pier’s self titled full length debut is filled with punchy Disco, funky boogie and infectious house tunes. This album builds on the highly regarded EPs released in 2019 and 2020. The nine track release packs quite a punch right out of the gate. “Eternal” has elements of classic Disco with soaring strings, sweet horns and infectious drums courtesy of label mate Julien Dyne. Another label mate, saxophonist Nathan Haines shares production duties on the tasty house banger “Last Call”. The eight minute banger will be an instant floor filler for many DJs. “Make You Wonder” has a percolating guitar infused boogie groove. The entire disc has an uplifting vibe that stems from a year of being in lockdown. The band was finally able to gather together in the studio and the energy manifested into a joyful recording that’s certain to make you dance, toe tap or however you choose to move.

Pianist Rolf Zielke’s engaging release “Beaches In Your Soul” is a tasty stew of contemporary Jazz with a tinge of Brazilian and Middle Eastern influences as well. Zielke and his band come out the gate swinging on the elegant “Awakening”. Saxophonist Stephan Abel’s warm yet robust melodies are the perfect compliment to Zielke’s shimmering flourishes. Cellist Stephen Braun adds another layer of melodic brilliance on strings. Braun shines even brighter on “Night Sea Journey”, a blissful atmospheric composition. Mohannad Nasser’s strumming on the oud adds a touch of a Middle Eastern vibe woven together perfectly. Zielke’s elegant playing and arrangements will evoke images of Bill Evans but he’s clearly carving out an identity for himself here. “Okavango Serenade” is a lovely ballad enhanced by Trumpeter Beeny Brown’s sublime melodies. Zielke’s playing and songwriting are top notch. The musicians on board here rise to the occasion. He has demonstrated a great deal of creativity by weaving a multitude of cultures into a deeply satisfying set. No doubt more attention will be coming his way.

“The Negative Positive”, the latest from DJ/Producer Dego is filled with instrumental grooves and tasty vocal treats. Dego seamlessly blurs the lines between soul, boogie and broken beat and has built an impressive catalog since his partnership with Marc Mac as 4Hero. Under his 2000 black label, he has released countless grooves and bangers for himself as well as collaborations with mainstays like Kaidi Tathum, Lord & Ranks among others. With this release Dego has pulled back the tempo but the tracks still pack quite a punch. “This Is A Message To You” is one of the strongest tunes here. A catchy mid-tempo tune enhanced by Nadine Charles lovely vocals. The title is filled with effusive beats and funky synths. Vocalist Samii warms up the laid back boogie tune “Recovered Memories”. For moments when you need to chill this record will serve as the perfect antidote.