Recommended Listening

Ralf GUM meets Ed Ramsey - Electric Relaxation [GoGo Music]

Just in time to celebrate the change in seasons Ralf GUM delivers his latest collaboration. This time around it's vocalist Ed Ramsey whose dreamy, soulful tones dovetail with Ralf's undoubted production prowess to create a mellow yet compelling composition. "Electric Relaxation" is punctuated by Ralf's signature percussion and a blend of keys which are guaranteed to bring calm to even the most frenetic of days. Whether it's in a bar, on the dancefloor, in the car or at home, this one hits the right spots anytime, anywhere.

Track Review

Ralf GUM & Thuso Was Sibini - "Dream's Alive" [GoGo Music]

Ralf GUM and Thuso Wa Sibini deliver a dreamy vibe with exquisite vocals, crisp rhythms and a soulful yet punchy arrangement. Both the Main Mix and Vocal Dub are likely to find them in strong contention for inclusion in many a DJ set over the coming weeks and are certain to feature in my own upcoming Frisky Rhythms shows. "Dream's Alive" is available to pre-order right now on Traxsource.

Track Review

Ralf GUM meets Mahabhuke - Baleea [GoGo Music]

Since relocating to South Africa several years ago, Ralf's music has evolved to reflect the influences of his new home. Through his collaborations, he has introduced us to countless artists that we would most likely not have become familiar with. "Baleea" is another such example as he teams up with vocalist Mahabhuke to deliver another of those compelling vibes that implore you to move your feet while simultaneously soothing the soul. You can expect Ralf's distinctive african style rhythms blended with mellow rhodes, warm bass and soothing vocals. The results are extremely pleasing on the ear.

Recommended Listening

Ralf GUM meets Clara Hill - Don't Talk [GoGo Music]

It's been 4 months since the most recent release on GoGo Music but this latest single has been well worth the wait. There's something almost unique about the vibe Ralf manages to capture with his productions; an ability to soothe minds and move dancefoors simultaneously. You can expect crisp rhythms, warm bass tones and the sweetest of vocal deliveries; the result is a track I fully expect to be enjoying all the way through 2024 and beyond. "Don't Talk" is available now on promo via Traxsource with an official release date of 26th January.

Recommended Listening

Ralf GUM meets Trigmatic - Alikoto [GoGo Music]

The prolific Ralf GUM is back with another new release on his GoGo Music imprint. This time he teams up with Ghana's Trigmatic to create a deep, dubby, trippy vibe. You can expect to hear those African influences that have been so evident in Ralf's productions since he relocated to South Africa; the rhythms in particular have a deep tribal feel to them. Trigmatic's distinctive vocals are packed with raw emotion that alongside Ralf's atmospheric arrangement, gives "Alikoto" a haunting vibe that leaves an instant impression. Another winner from a label that always delivers the goods. Available on promo via Traxsource now with an official release date of 18th June.

Recommended Listening

Today's selection is the latest from Ralf GUM who seems to knock out soulful gems for fun these days. "Still I Rise" features the soothing vocals of Earl W Green and rhythms that are almost instantly recognisable as having Ralf's hand on the tiller. Sweet, soulful, melodic, enticing; these are just a few of the words that jump out. Music to ease your mind.

Recommended Listening

Ralf GUM ft Bongi Mvuyana - Used To Be [GoGo Music]

When I reviewed this on Ralf's album "Progressions" a few months ago I described "Used To Be" as soothing and compelling. Six months later I stand by that assessment of a track that is underpinned by a gnawing afro rhythm the sweetest of vocals and enticing brass. Ralf delivers his own laid back "Main Mix" and a shorter "Radio Edit" before we arrive at the equally impressive remixes. First to step up is Sweden's Opolopo whose remix is transformative to say the least. The striking electronic vibe is punctuated by a completely reworked backing track with deep synths and heavier throbbing bass which nevertheless allow breathing space for the vocals. Next we arrive at the Sir LSG Remix which is notable for a sumptuous keys and percussive African rhythms that goad you in the direction of the floor. The final version is delivered by Italy's Davide Fiorese and it's absolutely magical. There's a deep funky groove courtesy of a killer bassline and chugging rhythms which are then augmented by swirling synths, dreamy keys and those wonderful vocals. This is my pick of the mixes, although I should stress that everyone of them will see plenty of attention from me over the coming weeks. "Used To Be" is a stunning piece of music delivered with an array of exceptional mixes.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Recommended Listening

Ralf GUM ft Monique Bingham - Claudette (Terry Hunter Mixes) [GoGo Music]

"Claudette" is one of the outstanding cuts from Ralf's album "Progressions", paying tribute to Claudette Colvin whose act of civil disobedience was the forerunner to more celebrated examples that were to follow. This is a wonderful track with melodic vibes, intelligent, thought provoking lyrics and emotionally charged vocals delivered with Monique's distinctive, passionate voice. Terry's interpretations are quite a departure from the original album mix; the tempo feels more compelling for the floor and the new keyboard arrangement is simply stunning. There are seven versions in all with clean options for radio play, an instrumental and an exceptional piano dominated dub with a throbbing sub bass that takes the roof off. It doesn't get much better than this!

Available now on Traxsource promo with an official release date of May 3rd

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Long Player Review

Ralf GUM - Progressions [GoGo Music]

There's little doubt that Ralf GUM has become and continues to be one of the go to guys for soulful house music. His distinctive vibe has evolved over time, especially in the years since his relocation to South Africa where his career has continued to blossom. The sounds and influences of his adopted homeland are never far from evidence in this, his fourth studio album. "Progressions" includes ten new compositions and finds Ralf collaborating with some of the scene's most revered performers alongside talent that is perhaps a little less known but no less engaging.

Four of the tracks have already seen releases as singles, those being "We Repeat" with the silky vocals of Paul Randolph, the haunting "A Time And A Place" featuring Lady Alma, the current single "Uyakhala" featuring Mafikizolo who while not so well known outside of South Africa are already well established stars in their own country. The last of the singles included is the stunning "Back To Love" which was my track of 2018 featuring the wonderful vocals of Ayanda Jiya and Joseph Junior.

The six previously unreleased tracks find Ralf teaming up with Bongi Mvuyana to create the soothing yet compelling "Used To Be" before unleashing "Claudette" which features the unmistakable voice of Monique Bingham with whom Ralf has a longstanding and highly productive musical relationship. "Ready For Love" features the distinctive, emotionally charged vocals of Tony Momrelle who has worked extensively with Reel People and Louie Vega among others. Ayanda Jiya makes another appearance on "Dancing" before Portia Monique brings her considerable talent to bear on "After Midnight". The album is rounded off by "Dreamstate" which features another of Ralf's long term collaborators Kafele Bandele.

Every single track has been lovingly crafted to create a memorable experience for the listener. The vocals are delivered with passion and emotion; you almost feel like the singer is performing just for you. The manner in which all the components blend together creates the kind of atmospheric vibe that really draws you into the music, you can't help but feel immersed in the sound.

As an album "Progressions" deserves to be listened to in its entirety from start to finish. If you can find an hour or so to escape from the rest of the world around about you, this is an album that will take you on a virtual journey awakening your senses and soothing your soul. "Progressions" isn't just a collection of wonderful music, it's a masterpiece! Available to pre-order now on Traxsource with an official release date of 1st March on all major platforms.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Recommended Listening

Ralf GUM ft Mafikizolo - Uyakhala [GoGo Music]

Hot on the heels of the announcement of his upcoming new long player, Ralf GUM returns with another slice of soulful house music. You can expect harmonious, melodic vibes that are underpinned by a gnawing tribal groove which makes it virtually impossible to stand still while the track is playing. Between the soothing, emotionally drenched vocals and exquisite keys I find myself drawn to listen over and over again. The release includes five mixes all from Ralf himself including full length version, radio edit, two dubs and an instrumental. Out now on Traxsource!

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Track Review

Ralf GUM ft Joseph Junior & Ayanda Jiya - Back To Love [GoGo Music]

It's been a very long time since any track made such an instant impact on me; in fact it must have been about ten years ago. From the moment the promo dropped into my inbox yesterday all I've wanted to do is to tell the whole world about it. So what can you expect then? It's quite simply the most uplifting slice of soulful house music I've heard all year with amazing vocal performances from Joseph Junior & Ayanda Jiya who I think are performing together for the first time. The keyboards are a blend of rhodes and piano, the old school type, but crucially delivered in a tasteful understated manner that means they don't overpower the other elements. The rhythms have a slight Afro tinge to them and together with the funky bass they implore you to dance. I'm trying to find the right words to describe exactly how good this is and a few spring to mind; "exceptional", "amazing" or "brilliant" might do it, but if I had just one word it would be "perfect". Oh and by the way, the last time I felt this good about a promo was when "Kissing Strangers" first landed back in 2008. Available to pre-order now on Traxsource with a release date of 31st August.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Recommended Listening

Joseph Junior & MAQman - Everything Changes [GoGo Music]

If you like your house music on the soulful side then this is something you seriously need to check out. The package includes a total of six mixes, four from MAQman and a further two from DJ Spinna. MAQman's Main Mix is underpinned by melodic guitars and a rolling bassline alongside a soothing blend of keys and vocals that are as smooth as velvet. Spinna's Remix treads a deeper, more atmospheric path with swirling synths and crisp beats that deliver a more emotionally charged vibe. With two Instrumentals, a shorter Radio Mix and Reprise there's something in the package to suit most situations although it's the two full length vocal mixes that I'll be playing most often. Available now on Traxsource

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Sir LSG Long Player Review

Sir LSG - Moving Circles [GoGo Music]

The latest release from Ralf GUM's GoGo Music is the eagerly anticipated long player from South Africa's Sir LSG. There's an emphasis on musicianship and artistry that doesn't rely on any gimmicks or clichéd sounds. High on the originality stakes, the music makes no attempt to sound like anything you've heard from anyone else nor does it make reference to specific influences. You can expect a soulful journey tinged with jazzy vibes and underpinned with gentle but gnawing African rhythms. Every single one of the vocalists deliver performances that sit beautifully into the productions, oozing with soul and emotion while the rhythms persuade you to move your hips and tap your toes (at the very least). As a project, the album has taken four years to reach fruition an trust me it's worth great value for every single minute that's been spent lovingly crafting each of the tracks.

Moving Circles is out now and available to buy now through Traxsource and selected other digital music stores. Check out samples of each of the tracks in the embedded player below.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Promo Heat

This is the pick of the promos to arrive in my inbox this week. Brand new from Ralf GUM's GoGo Music imprint it's a beautifully constructed soulful gem with the sweetest of vocals. The mixes come from Sir LSG and Josh Milan so you know without evening listening that this is one to check out sooner rather than later. I'll add a few more words later this weekend, until then you can listen for yourself in the embedded player below.