Essential

Various Artists - Mixed To The Maxxx by Dave "Love" Lee & John Morales [Z Records]

Announced recently was the forthcoming compilation which sees Z Records head honcho Dave Lee team up with another legend in the shape of John Morales. Together they very tastefully revisit a series of carefully curated classics as part of a project that's been several years in the making.

The tracklist includes tunes from, (amongst others), Brand New Heavies, Borothers Johnson, Crown Heights Affair, Barry White, Stephanie Mills, Loleatta Holloway & The Temptations. Given the undisputed pedigree of both Dave & John, very few will need any convincing that this is one of the most essential remix projects of 2026. I've already got my own copy on order with 2 x 12" Vinyl Double packs and Double CD editions available to order now ahead of a late September shipping date. A digital edition is apparently due to follow.

Both the vinyl and CD editions can be ordered directy from Z Records right now (link below) with full track lists and audio snippets available just in case any further convincing is required.The official release date is September 25th.

You Can Order Mixed To The Maxxx Right Here

Recommended Listening

Today's track of choice is the latest from 70s outfit Pockets and finds Dave Lee on remix duties. The collaboration arose after Dave's remix,(for his Remixed With Love series),of their 1978 release "Come Go With Me" came to the band's attention. It's a delicious slice of soul with a funky groove that should energise many a floor.

Recommended Long Player

Various Artists - Remixed With Love by Joey Negro Vol 3 [Z Records]

So the third installment of Dave Lee's Remixed With Love series arrived at my door last week, fittingly just in time for the weekend. The days since have found me listening at home, in the car and at work where my superior taste in music has been inflicted in equal measure upon my colleagues and clients. Like each of the two predecessors it's an essential purchase for anyone who knows and loves the disco sounds of the late 70s and early 80s. In terms of formats you have the choice of a 21 track double CD or three vinyl double packs which also include a couple of tracks which Dave hasn't included on the CD; the perfect incentive to treat yourself to both formats I hear a few of you say, if indeed any were needed. The line up of artists includes some of the most revered acts to have graced the scene including Gladys Knight & The Pips, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gwen McCrae, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Patrice Rushen and Odyssey to name just a few. The remixes truly are endeavours of great love, care and attention to detail that pay the ultimate respect to the original productions. In every instance, the essence of the original groove is retained. Almost as interesting as the music itself are the sleeve notes in which Dave takes time to explain the complexities behind bringing a project like this to market. He also elaborates on the creative process behind each of the remixes. I'm now the proud owner of all three releases in the series and already find myself contemplating which gems Dave will pull together for Volume 4, if indeed a further installment sees the light of day. In the meantime, this looks set to be a major part of my sound-track for some time to come. Check out the Youtube tasters below and and if I didn't make it clear already, it's an exceptional collection of music!

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Remixed With Love Vol Three is available now on Z Records

Track Review

The APX - Sweet Surrender / Lose Yourself To The Groove (Joey Negro Edits) [Z Records]

I must confess that until a link appeared in my timeline I knew nothing of the APX but thanks to the wonders of modern technology I can now tell you that they are Atlanta based husband and wife duo Dee & Erika Rhodes. The fact that this release appears on Dave Lee's Z Records and he's edited the tracks himself under his Joey Negro moniker was more than enough to prick my initial interest. "Sweet Surrender" is a funky little number with excellent vocals and a proper 80s groove feel to it. Think Shalamar, The Gap Band, SOS Band etc and you'll maybe get the idea. The influences of disco, soul and funk hide in plain sight for all to see and if you're up for a good old fashioned boogie this should get you on the floor. "Lose Yourself To The Groove" is slower and more sensual with a stonking synth bass arrangement that wouldn't have been out of place on 70s and 80s Quincy Jones productions. Again there are infectious melodies that create the catchy sort of track that it's easy to listen to over and over again. This absolutely gets my vote. Available to pre-order now on Traxsource with a release date of September 7th.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini