The genius duo of George Mena & Franke Estevez is back with what I would classify as a very necessary tune. Fresh off her monster jam "I Appreciate" (Jellybean Soul, 2003) which was produced by Marlon D & George Mena, Maxine Inniss is back on vocal duties delivering the goods.

The subject matter is one that most can relate to: moving on after a broken heart...Maxine soars throughout as the Mena/Estevez express provides the gorgeous, head-bobbing blueprint which will no doubt please the hardcore, emotional dancer in you. Sharon Jones handles the background vocals, as Dave Watson shines on the sax.

This first release for Mena & Estevez' new record label will definitely put Fuzion on the soulful house map. Be on the lookout for more hot releases by Mena & Estevez including Fuzion f/ Chris Herbert "I'm So Glad" (Phuturesole Recordings), Darryl D'Bonneau's "A Better Way" (Jellybean Soul), and the remix to "Cater 2 U" by Destiny's Child (Sony)



Artist: RUFFNECK f/ YAVAHN
Title: "Get It Right"
Label: Soul Groove Records
Format: PROMO (SGR-007)

This is yet another posthumous Soul Groove Records release of the late great Joanne Thomas' work under the moniker ("Ruffneck f/ Yavahn") that made her a Billboard chart-topper back in the mid 90's with the monster "Everybody be Somebody" (MAW, 1996). After losing her 3-year battle to colon cancer, head honcho Shaheer Williams paid tribute to his dear friend by jumpstarting his Soul Groove imprint with Yavahn's beautiful "E Street Beat"(SGR-001), a remake of the 1985 classic by Chocolette.

On this 7th SGR release, which features a main mix as well as an instrumental mix, Ruffneck (aka Backroom Productions) once again provides the sultry, signature backdrop as Yavahn's top-notch vocals remind us of what an important figure we lost in our house music community. Rest in peace Joanne.



Artist: CHRIS THOMAS KING
Title: "Revelations"
Label: Afro Art
Format: PROMO (AFR-028)

Starring in the movie "Ray", Grammy award winning blues musician and actor (!!) Chris Thomas King throws down "Revelatons" for the UK based Afro Art Records. Already a favourite of the likes of Kid Loco and Groove Armada's Tom Findlay, "Revelations" is a dirty, grimy late-night stomper that will be well recieved on dancefloors worldwide. Three versions are featured which are all remixed by Afro Art's bigwig, Paul Murphy; including my personal fave, "Revelations in Dub". Also showcased are the Afrolatinblues version, as well as the special radio mix that will only be available as a digital download directly from the label's website, www.afroartrecords.com.



Review by Michael Terzian sinister@deepvibes.org