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)

Flashback 2006

Bobby D'Ambrosio ft Lasala - Runaway Love [Soulfuric Recordings]

As I sit with my morning cuppa I find myself transported back to 2006 and a beautiful cover version. Bobby D'Ambrosio teams up with vocalist Lasala to reinterpret the Linda Clifford 1978 classic "Runaway Love". Nearly 30 years on from the original, these mixes are intended for a newer audience and the tempo is raised significantly to reflect this. I've picked out "Marquito's Classic Rework" which is underpinned by a blend of rhodes and piano alongside funky bass and gorgeous strings. Lasala's vocals sit perfectly within the arrangement and do the original composition full justice and then some. The complete package of remixes from the 2006 release can still be found and purchased on Traxsource (link beneath Youtube video).

Recommended Listening

Bobby D'Ambrosio ft Elsa Raven - What About This Love [Osio]

I'm often apprehensive when I first listen to a cover version, especially when the track involved is a masterpiece such as Larry Heard's 1989 release "What About This Love". There are however producers who have the pedigree, who respect the essence of the original production and are capable of bringing it to life for a new generation of listeners. Bobby has delivered before with covers of Sounds of Blackness' "Optimistic" or the uplifting Linda Clifford classic "Runaway Love" so my expectations were that this would certainly be worth a listen. The package features three mixes starting off with the "Osio Remix" which is underpinned by a warm bass groove and soothing keys and topped off with Elsa's vocals which really suit the song. The "Classic Club Mix" is almost a recreation of the original Mr Fingers version with a higher tempo and a firmer percussion arrangement from John "Juluis Knight" again with a lovely warm vibe throughout. Finally the "Bonus Mix" is s stripped back alternative without the drums and is ideal for those chilled out moments as the sunrise approaches. Overall it's a solid cover of an all time classic and well worth checking out. Available on promo now from Traxsource with an official release date of September 9th.

Reviewed by: Dean Serafini

Flashback

Heading back to 1997 and a point in time where House Music had well and truly crossed over into the commercial environment. This was one of the tracks that became a staple in my sets; in fact I'm pretty sure I must have played it during the majority of my gigs for a couple of years. Those keyboards, that voice - it was just one of those tunes that always worked.