Retro Rhythms Vol 6

The latest in the Retro Rhythms series features a series of oldies which have either been covered, remixed or re-edited tastefully. Several of these are prone to get me singing along gleefully whenever I hear them; (probably best for all involved that no one else hears my own vocals instead of the artists').



INXS - Need You Tonight (Conan Liquid Reel to Reel Re-Edit)
Chanelle - One Man (Michael Gray Extended Remix)
Champagne - My Love Is Right (Mike and Tess Edit 4 Mix)
Kathy Brown - Boogie Oogie Oogie (Booker T Vocal Mix)
Ann Nesby - Can I Get A Witness (Mousse T´s Garage Mix)
Lenny Fontana presents Andricka Hall - I'll Give You Love (Jazz-N-Groove Club Mix)
Jinny - Keep Warm (Sgt Slick ReCut)
Kym Sims - Too Blind To See It (Ridney & Richard Earnshaw Extended Rework)
Drizabone - Real Love (Dr Packer Remix)
Mantronix feat. Wondress - Take Your Time (Dr Packer Remix)
B.B. & Q. Band - On The Beat (Michael Gray Dub Mix)
D-Train - Keep On (Michael Gray Dub Mix)
Ashford & Simpson - Found A Cure (Sgt Slick's Discotizer ReCut)
Bobby D'Ambrosio ft Michelle Weeks - Moment of My Life (JN Dubwise Re-Organ-ization)

Recommended Listening

Soulmagic & Ebony Soul ft Ann Nesby - Get Your Thing Together (House 4 Life Remixes) [House 4 Life]

Stacy Kidd puts his House 4 Life spin on a track which dates back to 1991 when it first appeared on Next Plateau. Written by Lenny Dee & Victor Simonelli and with a list of credits that's a virtual who's who of the house music scene, the 1991 original featured Roberta Gilliam on vocals. Fast forward nearly two decades to 2010 and Morten Trust & Mikkel Wendelboe (aka Soulmagic), covered the track with an especially soulful interpretation and Ann Nesby on vocals (although the demo actually had Martha Wash belting it out). Now, fully 30 years on from the Urban Rhythm release, Stacy Kidd has reworked it again with a thunderous bassline, gentle guitars and a sublime musical arrangement. Available to pre order now via Traxsource with a release date of 16th July. Essential!

Flashback 1994

Sounds of Blackness - The Harder They Are The Bigger They Fall (E-Smoove Mixes) [A&M PM]

As we reach another weekend, I find myself casting my mind back to the mid 90s again. Today's pick finds Eric (E-Smoove) Miller at the helm, housing up a classic slab of R'n'B from Sounds of Blackness. Starting off with a tough tribal style dubby intro, the mix morphs into the gospel house monster tune with wonderful keys and sublime vocals. This was a staple in my sets at BTW for several years after its release in 1994 and still sounds amazing to this day.

Recommended Listening

DJ Spen presents Ann Nesby & DJ Sidney Perry - Turn It Up [Quantize Recordings]

One of the true superstars of the scene, you can be fairly certain that any track featuring Ann Nesby's voice is likely to be impressive. "Turn It Up" delivers on every level; an uplifting, uptempo slice of gospel infused soulful house with impeccable production and the highest quality vocals. There are six mixes included with both Dub and instrumental options although I'm finding it challenging to move beyond the DJ Spen & Gary Hudgins Remix which kicks off the package. Just brilliant!

Flashback

Sounds of Blackness - The Pressure [Perspective Records]

Heading back to 1992 and a track that's one of the finest examples of spiritually charged house music ever recorded. The original track was decent but the remixes from Frankie Knuckles and CJ Mackintosh elevated the track to new levels of awesomeness. Featuring the unmistakable vocals of Ann Nesby who has subsequently worked with the good and the great within the scene, this is a proper old school hands in the air slice of soulful house. The conventional wisdom is that Frankie's mix is the weapon of choice although I've always had a preference for CJ's interpretations which I found a little livelier. Whichever way you turn though, you'll find endearing keyboard arrangements and the most uplifting of vocals.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Flashback

There haven't been many tracks released that have featured a remix by Frankie Knuckles where his version hasn't been my weapon of choice. This is one of the very few exceptions; CJ Mackintosh absolutely nailed it, delivering a supremely soulful vibe that over the years has never failed to deliver. There's also the small matter of Ann Nesby on vocals!