Recommended Listening

Louie Vega - Another Day In My Life / Deep Burnt [Nervous Records]

Louie Vega returns (not that he's been away), with an EP that offers a twin-pronged preview of his upcoming Expansions In the NYC project. Stylistcally, both tracks are immediately identifiable as Louie's productions and both will cause mayhem on the right dance floor. "Another Day In My Life" is underpinned by chugging rhythms, a Philly-Disco-esque flavour and a healthy dose of soul from the vocals. Deep Burnt is a cover of a Pepe Bradock track from 1999 which itself draws inspiration from Freddie Hubbard's "Little Sunflower". There's something in there for everyone with elements of soul, jazz, funk and deeper vibes blended together. Axel Tosca (on keys), turns in a sublime performance and with Mike Dunn delivering vocal ad-libs, the result is simply mesmerising. If ever two tracks defied the labelling that the scene has become guilty of, it's these. Both tracks cross musical boundaries, defying inflexible definitions. Great music, pure and simple!

Flashback

Kim English - Treat Me Right [Nervous Records]

I find it difficult to believe this track has been around for quite as long as sixteen years but each passing year and every additional grey hair time seems to pass even more swiftly. The first time I heard this was on a rare visit to Ministry of Sound for the launch of Soulfuric Sessions when it was played by Simon Dunmore. I've been hooked ever since on the Jon Cutler Remix; the blend of the vocals, keys and rhythms works for me every time. Given that the Original Mix was the work of Maurice Joshua it speaks volumes for the quality of Cutler's interpretation.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

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Scott Wozniak ft Dirty Turk - My Light [Deep Haven Music]

There have been many great examples of house music tracks that employed spoken word vocals over the years but this is as good as it gets for me. From memory I first stumbled across it on a Frankie Knuckles compilation released by Nervous Records called "Motivation Too". If it was good enough for the Godfather of House, you can be pretty certain it's pretty special. From the moment the chords kick in I'm hooked, the inviting warmth and atmospheric vibe of the keyboard arrangement, the compelling nature of the rhythms and those vocals that implore you to listen. Eleven years on I've yet to hear anything to beat it. In addition to the original mix there was a pair of Groove Assassin remixes from Nick Moss which also hit the spot rather nicely. Sadly this doesn't appear to be available to purchase any more which only makes me appreciate it even more.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini