The Big 5-Oh

So another birthday rolls around, this time it's a landmark as I find myself with a "5" at the start of my age. Oddly I don't feel a day over 49. The show was actually recorded three weeks ago, on my birthday, and before COVID19 really took hold in Europe. At the point of writing, the UK is 5 days into what looks like being several weeks of "social distancing". Most businesses are closed, or operating remotely and music has become more important now than ever.



The fourth episode of 2020 features a collection of tracks that I neglected to include in any of the sessions during 2019. It's a particularly soulful collection of tunes, not deliberate, it's just where the mood took me on this occasion. First up is "Be Yourself" bu Guri Guri Boys & Josh Milan which dates back to 2018. The remix is delivered by keyboard maestro Michele Chiavarini whose uplifting latin themed excursion hits the spot rather handily. Next up is one of Michele's own productions with the excellent vocals of Andre Espeut; "Caught Up" is a beautiful slice of soulful house, included in it's original mix which dates back to January of last year. We head back to the summer of last year to achieve a "Natural High" as Richard Earnshaw & Steve Taylor collaborate with former Soul II Soul vocalist Rose Windross. The result is a funky, captivating and slightly eclectic groove with high quality vocals and infectious sax. This leads us nicely to another uplifting track from Horse Meat Disco & Kathy Sledge as Dave Lee aka Joey Negro works his magic on the remix. "Falling Deep In Love Again" is a beautifully crafted, authentic slice of disco that's guaranteed to raise a smile or three.

Moving on we come to another disco infused groove as Yam Who? provides the remix for Raquel Rodriguez' "Night's Over"; the link between the tracks being that Raquel herself made an appearance on Dave Lee's Z Records last Spring. As we reach the half-way point we find Londoner Dave Anthony delivering a sweet slice of soulful goodness. "One Time Around" features the gorgeous vocals of Tasha LaRae. Next up we find Doruk Ozlen producing a haunting remix of Danny Clark & Jay Benham's "Call It Done" with the unmistakable voice of Andrea Love on a track that dates back ten years. This leads perfectly to the spoken-word and piano led "Rejoice" by Fever Brothers from the tail end of 2019.

Reaching the last few tracks and "When U Take Me", a funky groove from Demarkus Lewis. Booming bass and bounding keys are the order of the day as Fizziks do some damage with their remix. The penultimate track, "Something Inside", finds Jersey Maestros and Sarah Dash getting the remix treatment from DJ Spen & Reelsoul. The result is another soulful and uplifting experience underpinned by the funkiest of basslines, one you're likely to recognise. Finally the journey ends in style as Louie Vega's "Cosmic Witch" rounds things off with a retro, disco fueled excursion.

For those who take the time to read and listen, I hope you enjoy the tunes!

Frisky Rhythms Episode 20-04 was compiled and mixed by Dean Serafini for JJazproJect Sessions.