It's hard to believe that jazz songstress and Montreal-native Tiffany Pontes is only 19 years old. One listen to this moody 3-track EP, and it becomes quite evident that Ms. Pontes is definitely mature and especially talented at what she does best: singing! Add to this the fact that she's backed up by her seasoned band, known as The SoulSektion, and the final product is one of sheer, avant-garde musicality.

The CD opens up with the life-affirming "Everything To Me", a funk-laden, uptempo affair filled with jazzy piano riffs and a feelgood bassline, while an inspired Tiffany belts out her emotions and pure joy. A wonderful prelude for what's to come..

Next up, the esoteric, down-tempo "Like A Lady", features Pontes schooling us on how she simply wants to be treated by a man: like a lady!! In this particular piece (especially during the break), The SoulSektion drops science, very reminiscent of the atmospheric soul jazz that Lonnie Liston Smith produced in the 70's for the classic NYC label, Flying Dutchman Productions. A superb jam indeed, showcasing not only the band's cultivated taste and skill, but as well as Tiffany's sultry voice and sexy attitude.

The ironic "More Like You" is a slightly more uptempo offering than the latter. Once again, Pontes shines strong, as she lifts her voice up high, then swings it ever-so lusciously low, demonstrating her versatility, while The SoulSektion follows suite complementing her every vocal move, and brilliantly diving into deep, introspective territory. A solid piece for sure.

This project falls under jazz-influenced R&B and Neo-Soul, catered to a mature audience that can handle acts such as India Arie, D'Angelo, Amel Larrieux, Alicia Keys, Floetry & John Legend. Record companies take heed and smell the coffee!



Artist: FM GROOVE featuring STEVE WALLACE
Title: Living in Rhythm EP
Label: Fuzion Records (FUZ-004ur)
Format: MP3 PROMO

Fuzion Records' fourth release (available for MP3 download ONLY at www.traxsource.com) features vocalist Steve Wallace and the production trio of Franke Estevez, Anthony Zalez and George Mena, collectively known as FM Groove.

Since its inception back in 2004, Fuzion Records has consistently delivered the goods in the form of soulful house journeys, and this 3-track release does not fall short from their philosophy of high standard quality music.

The first song is the smoothed-out "Uncertainties", featuring the silky voice of Steve Wallace, who belts out about strife & struggle in everyday life. The underlying musical production is that of sheer class and cutting-edge grooves that'll help ease the rough times. This piece is followed by its instrumental version.

The final track on this EP is a gritty affair in the form of "The Chase"; a raw yet dramatic instrumental that'll heat up any dancefloor with its infectious percussive elements, slamming keys, in addition to its vicious bassline. Yet another job properly done by Fuzion. MP3 only.



Artist: LIGHT 4 LINES presents YNEZ
Title: Azul (Restless Soul rmx)
Label: Shack Music Deep Recordings (SMD-003)
Format: CDR PROMO

Based out of London, Soy Mustafa's Shack Music Deep (a divison of Shack Music) delivers the merchandise on this, his 3rd release. The Japanese foursome of Light 4 Lines (Hidehiko Soma, Yoko Matsuyama, Atsushi Oikawa and Satoru Kobayashi) definitely hit the mark dead-on with this stunning, luscious affair that showcases the gorgeous vocal textures of Colombian jazz soulstress Marta Gomez, aka Ynez.

The main Del Alma mix is an absolute monster in the most gentle way and will be in my top 10 songs of the year. It affords a similar vibe to Bah Samba's original version of "Calma" that came out earlier in the year on BKO. I find though that this particular song is a tadbit deeper and definitely more atmospheric. Its dreamy ambiance allows the listener/dancer to escape into another world. A track that will keep the intelligent dancer right in the middle of the dancefloor, yearning for more lush grooves. In the same vein, the classy Restless Soul remix by Phil Asher delivers the same atmosphere, with the exception that it provides more of a dancefloor touch in vintage 4/4 fashion, reminiscent of Phil's fine work on Estereo Recordings.

This release also features a more uptempo, percussion-filled dub version, entitled the Azufro dub, which will also rock any night club that it graces. Solid release by far!



Artist: JIHAD MUHAMMAD featuring MALIK ZARRA
Title: The Other Side
Label: Shack Music Deep Recordings (SMD-002)
Format: CDR PROMO

Highly in demand, New Jersey-native, Jihad Muhammad delivers a shining gem in the form of "The Other Side" for London's Shack Music Deep. Already known for his ability to pump out sleek, soulful productions, Jihad proves again why he is the Prince of the Garden State.

On this project, he teams up with vocalist Malik Zarra, who ad-libs wonderfully in French, and also attempts it in English as well. Unfortunately, her french accent is a somewhat evident when she drops it in English, which doesn't ring that well to a trained ear. But this is house music, so rawness is always welcomed. Perhaps a perfect imperfection some might say! Nevertheless, her voice is smooth and sexy, and Jihad's production is imperial as usual.

"Shack's Other Side mix" is an uptempo house version, whereas the "Bossa Nueva Vocal", which will no doubt get play by the likes of Kevin Hedge, is slightly more downtempo in a vintage Bossa Nova style, but can still be played in a typical house set if one increases the pitch somewhat. I find that both of these mixes are great, each of which afford a slightly different reflection of the same perspective. The Bossa Nueva Instrumental version is also featured to close out this wonderful package by Jihad Muhammad & Shack Music Deep.



Artist: MARLON D featuring STEPHANIE RENEE
Title: Love Is Key (remixes)
Label: Jellybean Soul (JEL-2679)
Format: Vinyl PROMO 12"

The original Marlon D version gets a facelift by the boys of Season & City Deep, who in recent times, successfully jump-started their own City Deep imprint. I'm talking about Halo & Jamie Thinnes, who provide a vocal remix and beats version on the B side. The Chicago-esque remix is a smoothed out, yet bumping interpretation of Marlon's gritty original, with added keys by Ken Rangkuty. The overall effect is a slick, superior deephouse vocal treat, meant to shake any soulful dancefloor.

Side A provides the original Marlon D club mix (with Scott Wozniak on keyboards) and the bad ass, haunting dub version; in addition to an Intro, that can also be used to mix into other songs. Did I mention how vocalist Stephanie Renee reigns supreme yet again!?!?!? Another stellar house music release by the mighty Jellybean Soul.



Artist: THE LOST TRIBES OF IBADAN
Title: Orixas - Revisited
Label: Gotsoul Records (GS-005)
Format: Vinyl PROMO 12"

Montreal's Gotsoul imprint comes correct once again with a remix of "Orixas" presented by Jojoflores & Mike Fresco. The original of which was released on New Jersey's Sfere Recordings (Kerri Chandler & Dennis Ferrer), and championed by top deejays worldwide.

The original 12" mix gets reworked by Fred Everything ("Movin Mix"), who provides a bubbly deephouse stomper, worlds apart from the original (which is the duty of a remix). The final product will keep the dancefloor packed indeed, with Fred's signature deepness laced all over it.

The B side provides Dennis Ferrer's original Sfere Mix which is superb if you haven't heard it yet. To close out side B, we find the "Kaje Therapy Rub", which is a beautiful dub/off shoot of Dennis' version. A hot package indeed!



Artist: ASHEN & WALKER featuring SHAUN ESCOFFERY
Title: Music In My Life, pt.1
Label: Gotsoul Records (GS-006)
Format: Vinyl PROMO 12"

On this 6th release for Gotsoul Records, Rise Ashen & Trevor Walker's original collaboration featuring stalwart vocalist Shaun Escoffery gets re-worked by Montreal's finest: Miguel Graca and Fred Everything.

Fred's "Found My Way" mix is a deep, main room stomper, that'll no doubt send the dancefloor into a frenzy. Escoffery's vocals get their proper showcase throughout the mix, as Fred's relentless fury is evident, but with much more punch added to his usual punch!!!! Got it?!?!

On the flipside, Miguel Graca's Pronto Soul Mix is a mean affair that bridges jazzy, esoteric elements with Graca's vintage dirty house beats, resulting in a raw masterpiece that affords enough leeway for Shaun's vocals to reign supreme, as they should. This is a sign of seasoned taste, understanding and respect for Shaun's wonderful vocal on behalf of Graca. Job well done as expected.

Side B closes out with Ashen & Walker's Original Groove version, which can stand tall as a one-sided 12" anyday! This ultra-lush production is by far the best Escoffery product since the DJ Spinna collaboration for "Days Like This" (Oyster Music). Perhaps even topping it, as this particular experience dives deeper into introspective terrain, an area untouched by the aforementioned monster jam. Yes, i just said that!! A very solid product by Jojoflores & Mike Fresco.



Artist: DAVID BROWN
Title: Sea of Love
Label: Smooth Agent Records (SAR-10010)
Format: Vinyl PROMO 12"

Chicago vocalist David Brown yearns out "Sea of Love" in collaboration with the production of one DJ Quad, on this tenth release for Sean Smith's Smooth Agent Records, based out of the Windy City.

This four-cut 12" offers remixes by Sean Smith, and Kenny Carvajal, in addition to the original take by Quad, who is also known as Darren Brandon, aka Alan Smithee, having produced the monster jam "Blue Blackness" (Sounds Like Ultra, 2003) featuring a superb house mix of Natalie Cole's "Tell Me All About It".

Having released records on labels such as Loveslap! and Classic, Sean Smith's super-tight remix is a peak hour stomper, bridging elements of straight up old-school house, along with disco over a 4/4 beat, that'll get any party rocking relentlessly. The DJ Quad original can best be classified as a moody house piece a la Larry Heard and will be championed by those who favour serious, yet groovy basslines.

On Side B, Kenny Carvajal provides his vintage Glide Remix, in addition to a Glide Instrumental to close out the package. As usual, Kenny presents top notch, cutting-edge house grooves, demonstrating that he's become a seasoned house vet with a signature luscious sound, that i'm surely not tired of hearing. A wonderful package indeed. Be on the lookout for more goodies from Smooth Agent!!!!



Artist: DJ RAIN
Title: vol.1/ Urban Excursions (unmixed compilation)
Label: Magnify Music (MMcomp-001 CD)
Format: CD PROMO

This first CD release for Los Angeles-based Magnify Music, entitled Urban Excursions Vol.1, is similar to a breath of fresh air. New Jersey's DJ Rain is the man behind Magnify, and although he now resides in LA, he is definitely on the ball, oozing that NY/NJ flavour in all of his seasoned & moody productions. His dj sets (which can be accessed at www.magnifymusic.com) which also display his fond appreciation for gospel, vocal house, are just as eclectic. No wonder he landed a guest spot at the renowned Deep party in LA, alongside Marques Wyatt!!!

This unmixed compilation features eight gorgeous house journeys, as well as two downtempo treats, all of which are instrumentals. DJ Rain features four of his well-crafted esoteric house productions, while Moses Truzman (aka Audiomoe) produces another four . Hot newcomer Jesse Outlaw (Eargasmic, Gotsoul) also pitches in with two of his solid house music productions. The final product is a serious lesson in rhythmic, life-affirming, introspective, cutting edge quality music that fuses elements of jazz, afrolatin rhythms, and deep house.

My personal faves are "The Duel", "Rain in Nice", as well as "See How It Sounds", all three of which are produced by Rain himself. In addition, both of Jesse Outlaw's contributions are on the mark ("Inner Spiritual" and "Mi Vida Samba"), as well as "Follow Me" by Audiomoe. Although some songs stand out more than others, this CD will surely remain in your player for a long time to come.

You can also purchase Magnify Music's two stunning 12" releases which are now available: "Urban Excursions, vol.1, part 1" and "...part 2". All 3 songs on vol.1/part 1 are featured on the cd compilation, while 3/4 of the songs from vol.1/part 2 are on the CD.



Artist: SHAHEER WILLIAMS featuring STEPHANIE COOKE
Title: Show Me (Fanatix remix)
Label: Soul Groove (SGR-014)
Format: CDR PROMO

Already a staple in the house music industry, New Jersey's titanic Soul Groove Records gives one of their sure-to-be classics the remix treatment by none other than England's hottest duo of the moment: Fanatix ,aka DJ Neil Pierce & Aaron Ross, the latter whom also produces under the Restless Soul moniker with Phil Asher. In recent times, Fanatix has sky-rocketed to the top of the soulful house music industry, with releases for giant house labels such as West End Records, Ricanstruction, Z Records, Defected, SuSu, Home, as well as their own Osiris.

Please be advised that label honcho Shaheer Williams set the bar very high with this song, as his original version (SGR-005) is absolutely stunning, and in my humble opinion did not merit a remix.

With that said, the Fanatix remix is quite alright. It offers a more chirpier and happier rendition as compared to the mucho sultry and sexy original. I find, however, that it doesn't evoke or create the lush emotion that Stephanie's hungry lyrics/subject matter demand. In simple terms, although the actual production by Fanatix is rather solid (as usual), I find that its overall feel missed the mark such that it didn't complement Stephanie's desperate & dramatic warning ("..this is your last chance to shooooow me"). All in all, this remix still gets a passing grade though.

In addition to the Fanatix remix & dub, there is also a Key-apella of Shaheer's original which is ultra sweet, and will be useful to jocks who like to blend in and out between acapella & main mix!!!!!!!!!!!



Artist: VARIOUS ARTISTS
Title: Summer Sizzler, vol.1
Label: Smooth Agent Records (SAR-1009)
Format: Vinyl PROMO 12"

Summer Sizzler is a very precise description of what this four-track EP is all about: straight HEAT!! All 4 productions are top quality instrumental house pieces, that can be used by DJ's at different points during the night. I truly like all four of them, which doesn't happen to me often when it comes to EP's or LP's nowadays.

Side A features two cuts, including the thumping "Sali" by the duo of Sean Smith and Cesar Ramirez, collectively known as Pico De Gallo. Side A closes out with the Stacy Kidd and Scott Payne collaboration for "Cloud 9", which includes a clever and infectious sample of Blaze's remix to Incognito's "Fearless" (Talkin Loud, 2000).

On side B, things get underway with a brilliant jazz-tinged moody jam by Byrd Outback, aka Darren Brandon, aka DJ Quad, aka Alan Smithee, simply entitled "Summertime". This is a perfect outdoor jam either at dusk, dawn or in between. The EP closes out with a bad ass stomper in the form of "I Will Never Forget You" by Quentin Allen. Once again, a superb release by Smooth Agent Records!!!!!!!!!!!!



Artist: MOSES McCLEAN featuring ROB BURNS
Title: Be There For You (Franck Roger remix)
Label: Shack Music (SM-002)
Format: CDR PROMO

The duo of Mitch Moses and Vince McClean, collectively known as Moses McClean, get re-modelled by Paris' man of the moment, Franck Roger. This is Shack Music's 2nd release, featuring Roger's "Reworked Vocal", " Reworked Dub", as well as the original version.

The brilliant original version, which weighs heavy on its own, features the sweet vocals of Rob Burns, who was also the featured vocalist on two previous successful West End releases for Soul Station ("You" and "I Believe").

Franck's remix is reminiscent of the typical Jersey house sound, with the added slickness of the French sound, coupled with a dirty bassline. Fans of Olivier Portal (Playin 4 The City) take heed. A must have.



Review by Michael Terzian sinister@deepvibes.org