Recommended Listening

Richard Earnshaw & Mr. V - This House Is Yours [Big Love]

2024 gets underway as Richard Earnshaw and NYC's very own Victor Font (aka Mr. V) deliver an inspired groove. Earnshaw's seriously funky arrangement provides the perfect backdrop for Mr.V's lyrical musings. I defy anyone to stand still when this is playing, as it will in numerous venues over the coming months. The most startling things about this particular collaboration is that it's taken such a long time for these guys to get together. To quote a line from Oliver Twist, "Please sir, I want some more"

"This House Is Yours is available to pre-order now on Big Love via Traxsource with an official release date of 26th January

Recommended Listening

Richard Earnshaw & Mike City - Still Possible [Duffnote]

Duffnote head honcho, Richard Earnshaw, delivers another slab of soulful house goodness that's guaranteed to get those toes tapping at the very least. This time around the vocals are supplied by Mike City whose silky tones dovetail perfectly with Richard's arrangement. The groove itself is relatively stripped back and uncluttered, leaving the vocals to take centre stage while the keys are injected sparingly to add additional atmosphere. With additional backing vocals from Natasha Watts, this is another essential purchase. Available now!

Recommended Listening

Richard Earnshaw & Steve Taylor ft Rose Windross - Natural High [Duffnote]

Duffnote head honcho Richard Earnshaw returns in collaboration with Steve Taylor delivering the tantalising "Natural High". The bassline underpins a raw funky groove which is augmented by some catchy sax from James Vargas. On this occasion the vocals are provided by Rose Windross whose extensive career has seen her work with, among others, Soul II Soul as well as featuring on releases from Acid Jazz and Grant Nelson's legendary Swing City Records. The production is tight, the vocals are enticing and the groove will definitely get your feet moving. Well worth a listen!

Available now on Traxsource Promo with an official release date of May 13th

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Recommended Listening

Ridney ft Sander Nijbroek - Say What You Mean To Say [Duffnote]

Duffnote has always been one of my go-to labels; it's been a benchmark for high quality melodic vibes for a good few years now. Despite a strong groove, it's the vocals that steal the show, they're soulful, emotionally charged and totally engaging. The package includes a total of five versions including radio mixes and dubs. Ridney's own mixes go for the jugular with a deep underground kind of vibe, driving rhythms and a bassline that will challenge many sub-woofers. Richard Earnshaw's interpretations deliver a distinct alternative; the arrangement is more soulful with rolling bass tones and swirling synths. All in all it's the sort of track I often find myself playing over and over again. Those vocals though - I can't praise them highly enough! Available to pre-order now on Traxsource with a release date of 19th October.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini