Following his version of Derrick May’s ‘Strings Of Life’, released a couple of months back on 12", Christian Prommer continues the theme throughout his debut solo album, taking his favourite house tracks and reinterpreting them in a jazz dance style. The aforementioned ‘Strings Of Life’ is included along with great versions of Mr. Fingers’ ‘Can You Feel It’, Master At Work’s ‘Nervous Track’ Isoul8’s ‘Beau Mot Plage’, Ame’s ‘Rej’ and Kraftwerk’s ‘Trans Europa Express.

Andy Allen

Chris Brann’s Ananda Project follow up their ‘Fire Flower’ EP from a few months back with a full length album packed full of deep house flavours. Included from the EP are the blissful ‘Into The Sunrise’ which is underpinned by subtle Latin rhythms and features Terrance Downs on vocals and the outstanding ‘Remember When [The Wind Destroyed Our Village]’, an intense atmospheric instrumental with a popping bass line, dirty keys and haunting wind effects. ‘Time And Space’ again fronted by Terrance Downs is a fine example of uplifting soulfulness but also check the Latin jazz dancer ‘Free Me’ and ‘Where The Music Takes You’, a superb slice of synth laden disco-boogie. Classic house music!

Andy Allen

‘Outro Lugar’ is the debut long player from Brazilian vocalist Tomaz Di Cunto AKA Toco. Recorded in Rio and produced by S-Tone this is a stunning collection, based in the classic bossa nova tradition of the 60s. His interpretation of Edu Lobo’s ‘Zum Zum’ is immaculate as are ‘Assuntos Banais’, ‘Guarapiranga’, the title track and ‘Bom Motivo’ featuring the sun kissed vocals of Rosalia De Souza. With the onset of winter this album is sure to keep those winter blues at bay.

Andy Allen

This is London based trio The BDI’s debut album and a refreshing album it is too. With live instrumentation throughout including acoustic guitar, congas and horns, it’s firmly rooted in the sound of 70s Soul and Rhythm & Blues and in places reminds me of Traffic. Tracks such as ‘Crying Wolf’, ‘Still Get The Same Old Kick’ and ‘Marathon’ really hit the spot but this album is a pleasure to listen to from start to finish.

Andy Allen

In my recent review of the Elektrons album, on which Pete Simpson is featured, I commented that he is a talented but under recorded vocalist. Well to my welcome relief here is a full length set from the man with the added bonus of Domu on production duties. It comprises of ten beautifully crafted, largely mid-tempo soul/boogie cuts which are all nothing short of brilliant, so there absolutely no point in me trying to select highlights. Just do yourself a favour and buy what will be a heavy weight contender for album of the year!

Andy Allen

Expansion’s latest offering draws together a host of in-demand modern soul tracks. Compiled by Geoff Bingham it features tracks which only appeared as bonus cuts on the Japanese editions of artists’ albums, promo only remixes plus previously unreleased material. Although much of what’s on offer here is a little smooth for my current tastes there are some fine moments, particularly on the more organic tracks such as the beautifully orchestrated ‘For Goodness Sake’ from K. Fox, Jack Herrera’s dreamy ‘For You’, the DJ Spinna remix of Donnie’s Cloud 9 and what’s described as a rare remix of ‘Sweet Misery’ by the angel voiced Amel Larrieux. Also present is the superb feel good dancer ‘No Matter What I’ll Do’ from Donald McCollum.

Andy Allen

Compiled by Philadelphia’s DJ Junior ‘Excursions’ shines the spot light on some of the hottest broken-soul tracks of recent times. It opens with DJ Day’s gorgeous ‘A Place To Go’ before touching down on gems such as ‘Talking Me Down’ (Domu Remix) by The Rebirth, Electric Conversation’s ‘Dancing’, ‘You Don’t Know’ by Part Time Heroes & Monday Michiru, Black Pocket’s (Steve Spacek) ‘Thank You And Credits’, ‘Rise’ from Kamara featuring Deborah Jordan and ending with Malena Perez’ ‘What Do I Do’. Also included are some tasty moments which were previously un-issued or only available as down loads. Of which I’m pleased to see the stunning cuts ‘Blue Skies from OK_MA featuring Nanar Vorperian and Donn’s ‘All The Beauty’ plus Jonny Miller’s killer broken-beat excursion ‘Starz’ included.

Andy Allen

Under the guise of Black Jazz Consortium Fred Peterkin comes with an outstanding debut set. Although there are subtle jazz influences ‘RE:Actions Of Light’ is a journey into deep house. Heavy beats are built upon with layers of percussion, swirling synths, and occasional vocal snippets to create a heady and atmospheric listening experience. ‘Blessings’ and ‘More Love Please pt.1’ really hit the spot but pay particular attention to the broken rhythms of ‘Seeing The Way Through’ which should reach anthem status at the likes of Liquid Fusion and Co Op.

Andy Allen

Cro-Magnon’s ‘Great Triangle’ continues the cosmic disco vibe established on their self titled debut album but touches on other elements along the way to create a far stronger set throughout. The fusion/boogie gems such as ‘La Fusion’ and ‘New Horizon’, the down-tempo ‘Eclipse’ with its rock steady bass line, the Acid House influenced ‘Take Me Higher’ and the Balearic ‘Keep Me Satisfied’ all sound good to these ears. Even better though is the monster jazz-funk workout ‘Chase After The Storm’ which features Soil & Pimp Sessions’ Tabu Zombie and Motoharu on trumpet and sax respectively. Think Lonnie Liston Smith’s ‘Expansions’ and you won’t be far off the mark!

Andy Allen

Catalyst were a Philadelphia based quartet who recorded a total of four albums together before going their separate ways. This reissue of their 2nd set was originally released in 1972 and is firmly rooted in jazz-fusion. It kicks off with the funk driven ‘Ain’t It The Truth’ before embarking on an ethereal journey with the majestic ‘East’. Other highlights include the deep swing of ‘Catalyst Is Coming’ and the beautiful melody of ‘New-Found Truths’. If you’re into The Visitors (Earl & Carl Grubbs) then this is for you.

Andy Allen