Without hesitation, let's get right to the new releases that are shaking dance floors.
Aphrodisio Records out of Minneapolis has been releasing tunes for some time and has built their roster with some amazing talent. E-Tones released his second tune, "Golden Doktor," with remixes by JT Donaldson and Jack Trash. Jevne has been working overtime in the studio. He has released "Night Swallowing Day," with a dark, narcotic vibe and a remix on the flip by Tony Thomas and "Fluctuate," with remixes by Dizzy and Jack Trash. If that's not enough, he is currently in the studio laying down tracks for his full-length album. Upcoming releases coming soon by Jack Trash "Soul Sensation," Jevne "You Savages" and E-Tones with "More and More."
Star 69 Records released Beat Hustlerz' "Just About Had Enough," featuring the campy vocals of Thea Austin. Lula, who is known for her dark imagery, returns with "My Empire," featuring remixes by Peter Rauhofer and Airmale.
Defected Records keeps giving you what you want and more. Kenny Dope, one half of Masters At Work fame, has added his own mix to the "In The House" series. This 2-CD set features tracks by Mood II Swing ("Can't Get Away"), Osulande & Erro ("Change For Me") and Peven Everett ("I Used To Love Her"). For a limited time, there is also a bonus CD mix of classic MAW remix productions from the likes of Ultra Nate, Incognito, Tito Puente and Jamiroquai. Other releases forthcoming will include "Never Again" by one of house music's true divas, Kathy Brown, "Welcome To Chicago ep" by Chi-town's own Gene Farris and Junior Jack follows up his endless summer smash "E-Samba" with "Da Hype," featuring a vocal sampling of The Cure's own Robert Smith. With the demand of DJ's using CD decks in their sets, Defected will be releasing a maxi-CD of their releases. Not to be confused with the standard format, each CD will contain up to 74 minutes of music at the cost of a single!
The Godfather of House, Frankie Knuckles will be releasing a new single soon entitled "Back In The Day," with vocals by Jamie Principle. This is their first collaboration in more than 20 years and just one of many tracks to appear on his new album on Definity Records next year. Produced by Frankie himself, it will also feature vocalists Ce Ce Rogers and Nikki Richards.
CD's of Interest
Soul Heaven: London/Ibiza = Mixed By Little Louie Vega (SuSu)
A true Master at work, Little Louie Vega compiles a 2-CD set of current and classic soulful house tunes. Tracks include "Dance" by Earth People, "I Go Back" by Harry Romero & Robert Owens, "Don't You Go Away" by Liquid People & Heidi Vogel "Don't You Go Away" and "Street Player" by Chicago.
Nueva Musica - The Latin Project (Electric Monkey)
This is the debut album by Matt Cooper and Jez Colin, who mesh South American and Eastern sounds with Latin and jazz rhythms. With influences from Jazzanova and Incognito to classic works of Sergio Mendez and George Duke, their underground, cutting-edge dance sound and guests vocalists showcase a new genre of creativity.
CafÈ Samba: A Brazilian lounge experience (Various Artists) (Sunswept)
For lovers of jazz, you will enjoy this collection of lounge tunes. Included here are "Seducao" by Barriere, "Sunset On Impanema Beach" by Latin Vibe and "Sambossa" by Jazzelicious. Upcoming releases from the same label include Monsieur Dodo and Soulfuric Records Presents: Deep Sensations.
Aphrodisio Mix V.01: Johnny Fiasco (Aphrodisio)
Chicago's very own Johnny Fiasco hits the nail on the head for this labelís first mix CD release. Full of deep, funky grooves, disco house and dubby vocals are sure to keep your toes tapping and head nodding. Tracks include "Party People" by Thomas Crown, "Deep Architecture" by Dano, Chus & Ceballos and "Bop Shots Jazz" by JT Donaldson.
New Latino House 3: Summer Sessions (Various Artists) (Lollipop Music)
As it states with the title, "new salsa house for a new century," proves to be just that. Funky house rhythms, lush vocals, jazzy vibes and dub beats all with a Latin flair to keep those hips in full swing. Tracks include "Consienta" by Identity & Isabella, "Dreams" by Afro Medusa, "Batu Casu" by Bangs a Bongo and "Pandajero" by Cantoma.
hOMe For The Holidays/OM Lounge 8 (Various Artists) - OM Records
If you have become bored with the traditional carols of the holiday season, why not give them a twist! OM Records does just that by releasing their first holiday album, "hOMe For The Holidays," adding funky, jazzy tempos and melodic grooves to a few traditional numbers and creating a few of their own. Classic tunes get the OM makeover from Kaskade ("Still Still Still"), King Kooba ("O Christmas Tree"), J Boogie ("Under The Christmas Tree") and more. This album is guaranteed to be an addition for many years to come. So gather your loved ones, family and friends and some eggnog and get cozy by the fire this winter. Continuing in the same tradition, OM's longest running series returns with smoothed out bass, hip-hop beats, broken beat jazz and downtempo rhythms. Standouts include "Womanside" by Swamburger, "You Can't Have Your Cake" by 2 Block Radius and "Monetary Visions" by Afro-Mystik.
Bored on a Saturday night and looking to listen to some great house music? Well tune your radio to WLUW 88.7 FM and listen to The Groove Temple, hosted by DJ Shani from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Underground, deep house, featuring guest DJs Heather, Oscar McMillan and Darrell Woodson. If you are unable to pick up the station on your radio, connect via web by clicking on www.wluw.org and be sure to tell your friends. Visit also: www.groovetemple.com
When you need to get ovah the hump, come seek Refuge@Trace, 3714 N Clark St. Presented by Five Star Boogie Productions and hosted by the lovely Czarina. Deep and soulful house, disco and breaks, music lovers, b-boys and b-girls. Yours truly, DJ Harry T makes guest appearances each month and the best part of the night is there is no cover!
DJ Harry T Playlist
Getting Late = Floetry
AfroFunFunk = Mendo & Chab
Lei Lo Lai = The Latin Project (MAW rmx)
Love Will Find A Way = Joey Musaphia
Milkshake = Kelis (X-Press2 rmx)
Follow This Beat = Paul Johnson
En La Piscina = Mankz
Fantasy = Jay-J
We Play House = Soulground & C Buika
Show Me The Way = Akabu
Sentossa = Papacha
Chemical Whore = Fingerfest Inc
Rocking Music = Martin Sloveig
