I was first introduced to George Mena (aka Mena Keys) back in 1995, when he had produced a thumping remix to Rosie Gaine's "I Want U" (with Eddie Maduro). Unfortunately, we did not hear much from him afterwards. That is, until the last couple of years!!! His "Journey" collaboration with Frankie Estevez on West End Records (2004) was absolutely stellar, as well as his production for Arnold Jarvis' "Beautiful Love" (Diaspora). "Bone Delicious" on Jellybean Soul (2004) was probably the illest percussion-laden journey I have heard in recent times.

On this new 12", courtesy of NYC's powerhouse Jellybean Soul imprint, Mena joins forces with partner Frankie Estevez once again to bring to us the lush "Forever And A Day", which showcases Tabia Na Moto on vocal duties. The vinyl is catered to DJ's who like to work 2 records at-a-time: main mix, acapella, beats, and flute-dub mix. Of course, these four dj-friendly cuts are also useful for re-edit-style producers.

The main mix itself is an 8-minute musical treat; a vocal song which, although is not a monster jam, will no doubt warm-up any intellectual dancefloor, and get the pundits to work up a sweat.

With this release, Jellybean Soul proves once again their testament to proper house music.



Artist: PATCHWORKS f/ MR.DAY
Title: "Deep Ocean (Ron Trent rmx)"
Label: Still Music
Format: CDR (stillm003))

Chicago's Still Music continues to mark their turf in the world of deep house. Their previous release featured the fantastic collaboration of Rick Wilhite and Delano Smith who came together on the "Soul Edge EP, pt.2". On this, their 3rd release, they return to Bruno Hovart (aka Patchworks), who is an up-and-coming French nu-jazz, soul & deep-house producer. Still Music's first release ("Sugar EP") had featured Patchworks luscious production skills, which had also yielded a rmx by Amp Fiddler.

Here, Patchworks continues to showcase his signature house sound, who some (including myself) will no doubt compare to that of his fellow countryman, Ludovic Navarre, aka Saint-Germain. I will even go further and say that anyone who also enjoys the music of Aqua Bassino, Olivier Portal (aka Playin 4 The City), and Pascal Rioux (Rotax Records), will embrace the legitimate sound of Bruno Hovart.

"Deep Ocean" is a mean, yet sexy, journey into the realms of deepness. Featuring the vocals of Mr. Day, it is a four-cut release, which offers 3 versions of "Deep Ocean" and a bonus track entitled "Happiness For All". The two exceptional offerings are that of Patchworks' original mix, which stands side-by-side with Ron Trent's staple remoulding, which features a monster bassline (Ron Trent's Africa Hi-Fi remix).



Artist: DELANO SMITH f/ DIAMONDANCER
Title: "A Message For The Dj"
Label: Still Music
Format: CDR (stillm004)

This 4th release from Still Music ventures onto the late-night dancefloors. It features the moody production of one Delano Smith, featuring the spoken-word "message" by a lady simply known as Diamondancer. Her message is simple: DJ please play a deep house groove to get me movin! This record can definitely be used to send a message loud and clear to your dancefloor.

Aside from the main mix, you will also find a spacey "Inception dub" (produced by Delano), as well as a remix by Jimpster (Red Light mix). The latter is my favourite track, mostly because it emenates a superior driving force, which will shake any kind of dancefloor.



Artist: THE GK EXPERIENCE (aka GENE KING)
Title: "Space Dust EP"
Label: Mixed Signals Music
Format: vinyl (MSM-002)

Oh yes! Toronto's Gene King is back! Fresh off of his recent release on Eargasmic Recordings, he comes full force with yet another musical journey, in the form of the Space Dust EP, released on Mixed Signals Music.

On side A, we find "Movin On", featuring the dark vocals of Chris Hercules. The stand-out piece is the "Genetix Mix" of Movin On, which exudes a sultry moodiness, along with a bad-ass bassline. It is the epitome of a timeless, deep-house track. We also find a useful "instrumental mix" on this side.

Side B showcases an instrumental piece entitled, "Spacedust", which is yet another introspective deep house venture. On the same side, Toronto's Ray Prasad lends her remixing skills on "Ray's Reprise".

Bridging an old-school sound with a new school touch, Gene King (aka GENETIX) continues to progress in his field of expertise, and will hopefully be releasing more productions in the very near future.



Artist: ABICAH SOUL f/ CEI BEI
Title: "Love Is Just A Call Away"
Label: Jellybean Soul
Format: vinyl (JEL-2675)

House music vocalist and veteran, Curtis Harman (aka Cei Bei) has released records since the mid 90's, having mostly worked with the likes of GU, Naked Soul, Anthony Nicholson and Ron Trent. His most recent hit (and now classic) was a collaboration with Glenn Underground on "Look Inside" (Shelter Records, 2003).

This project with Abicah Soul is yet another stalwart effort put in by Cei-Bei; a lush, vocal gem that'll drive the dancefloor faithful to a spiritual high. Featuring an underlying beat pattern reminiscent of "Brand New Day" by Blaze & Vega, the "main mix" is certainly the one to be rocking, but that acapella on side A has also proven to be very useful for me as well!!!!

Side B lays out an interesting "synth mix", as well as a "beats" version, for the tool-minded DJ!!!!!!!!!!! A must have for any soulful house jock.



Artist: MOTIVACAO f/ AMALIA
Title: "Nao Esqueca-se (Don't Forget)"
Label: Mixed Signals Music
Format: vinyl (MSM-001)

This debut release on Toronto's Mixed Signals Music is a wonderful record to own for anyone who calls him or herself a soulful, deep-house jock. The veteran behind the label, Andy Roberts, demonstrates his seasoned production skills on this spacey, latin-tinged deep-house stomper, which should definitely be favoured by the likes of Francois Kevorkian, DJ Gregory and Ron Trent.

Side A showcases the lengthy "main mix" (parts 1 & 2), an atmospheric journey, laden with percussive elements, deep chords and sexy vocals by Amalia. This is one of those musical experiences that you just want to play to the end! Don'tget me wrong though, it is a great record for jocks that like to ride as well. It purveys the same energy I felt when I had first heard "Over The Moon" by Basic Soul (aka Phil Asher) on Basement 282 back in 1996. Before I flip to side B, I already love this record!!!!!!

Side B starts with the deep and spacey "Safari dub". Certain elements of this dub remind me of that classic track by Pepe Bradock, entitled "Deep Burnt" (KIF); but imagine it being remixed with a percussive touch added to it. And toss in the sultry vocals of Amalia, and you got yourselves a serious gem of a piece. Absolutely stunning and lush! The "Late Night Reprise" is in the same vein as the main mix on side A, but shorter with practically no vocal element.

A record like this can jump start any label. Luckily for Mr. Roberts', it's his own!!!!!!!!!!!!



Review by Michael Terzian sinister@deepvibes.org