quête:b soul

Andrea Passenger is an Italian producer, DJ, consultant, creative director and founder of events like Aquario and Better Days and is next up to get things cooking on the Funkyjaws label. 'Disco Love' is a chest-pumping, sliding disco groove with funky licks and florid melodies. 'Get In Touch' then opens its heart with a soaring soul vocal and lavish strings that bring a real sense of elegance. 'Mar De Salvador' then taps into more worldly sounds with funky rhythms and high-speed desert blues style melodies laden with percussion. Last but not least is the more stripped-back and hurried disco funk of 'Tour De Force', which then explodes into life with strings.

Loftsoul Re-Works returns with its eighth installment, delivering a vibrant 4-track EP that blends house, disco, and funky grooves with unmistakable style. warm, soulful energy, infectious rhythms, and refined production that stays true to the timeless sound.

Back when the first white labels started floating through the hands of German, British, American and Canadian DJs in late ’84, nobody was ready for what was coming. The official drop hit in early ’85 and the scene was never the same again. This was the moment Mike Mareen broke through the static. Yeah, he’d been working with Chris Evans-Ironside since the ’70s but nothing hinted that together they’d channel something this futuristic. “Dancing In The Dark” sounded like it had slipped through a wormhole: melancholic, hypnotic vocals wrapped in vocoder haze, riding an arrangement so razor-sharp it made most releases of the era feel prehistoric. It didn’t need the pop charts… It owned the clubs. And the clubs listened.

London. Berlin. Madrid. Rome. Paris. Lisbon. Amsterdam. Athens. Toronto. NYC. Tokyo. Mexico City.

One drop of that electro bassline and DJs were hooked. Crowds were hooked. The whole underground was hooked. Soon Europe’s radio charts caved under its pressure, and the track crossed borders on mixtapes, becoming a cult anthem behind the Iron Curtain. It was everywhere, even where it technically wasn’t allowed to be.

Fast-forward four decades and the spell hasn’t faded. “Dancing In The Dark” still shows up in indie dance, italo wave, house and deep house sets. Producers keep re-editing it like it’s sacred material. It’s one of those tracks that DJs treasure, a timeless weapon, one of the top three defining singles of Mareen’s entire career.

And now for the 40th anniversary of its official release, Vintage Pleasure Boutique and Night’n Day Records drop the vinyl every collector and selector has been waiting for: a special reissue loaded with four brand-new remixes spanning the full spectrum of today’s underground indie/disco/italo/house energy.

Tallac – the American Berlin dweller – dives deep into the hypnotic soul of the original, pulling out its buried deep-house DNA and carving out a spacious, emotional roller.

Luksek, Italian producer & DJ, goes raw and dirty: loop-driven, gritty, underground, hypnotic, the kind of edit that eats dancefloors alive.

Flemming Dalum, the Danish Italo grandmaster, finally gets to remix the track he’d always dreamed of touching and of course it’s pure Flemingish electro-italo magic.

And the Polish sparkle: A.P. Mono delivers a shimmering mix of italo disco, glitterbox groove, disco glamour and synthwave glow, all while keeping the spirit of Mareen’s original heartbeat intact.

The wax also features two historical heavy-hitters: the 1985 Jens Lissat’s team remix and Luis Rodriguez’s original arrangement, essential cuts in the Mareen universe.

This release isn’t nostalgia. It’s a resurrection. A celebration. A reminder. “Dancing In The Dark” didn’t survive 40 years by accident, it survived because it still moves bodies, breaks hearts and lights up floors in ways modern tracks can only wish for.

If you’re an indie, italo, wave, house or disco DJ… This record isn’t just worth owning… It’s mandatory.

Rooted in electronic music yet fueled with organic sounds of nature and acoustic instruments, Late Present explores sonic landscapes beyond Mirlaqi’s signature dance moves. Journeying between jazzy hip-hop, psychedelic downtempo and colorful ambient, the twelve-piece work aims at a thorough and sincere representation of the Swiss artist’s musical soul. With simple themes such as love and loss as well as a poetic approach to the inexorable coming of our end, the double LP is a reflection on the unicity of consciousness.

As always with Mirlaqi, talented and caring friends bring their energy and craft to the project. Antoine “Favi” Favennec’s sense of melody adds another level of emotion to Passager de la Terre, Velvet Love and Riddimer. Thomas “Nips” Abbet’s soft as silk trumpet sound delves deeper in the jazzy horizon of Caucasian Tree and Inter Lux. Augustin “Gus” Von Arx’s various percussion turns the heat up on Prendre le Soleil. Finally, Tim Spoerli’s uncompromised trumpet experience overwhelms Prendre le Soleil in glitters.

On the vocal level, Mirlaqi explores various dimensions of expression through spoken words and processed singing, as well as French and English vocals. In Passager de la Terre, Velvet Love and Prendre le Soleil, he receives passionate support from Alice Moeschinger and her touching yet strong crystalline voice.

Once again, fainek’s graphic and conceptual talent turns sound into vision with style. A true masterclass of artistic depth combined with visual clarity.

A multi-layered project to be savoured over and over again.

'COFLO' gets a remix assist from OSUNLADE on the powerful “STRESS RELIEF”... a percussive bass heavy dancers delight.
OSUNLADE’S YORUBA SOUL MIX features strong underground house vibes.

DJ support from KARIZMA, ATJAZZ, DJ SPINNA, KAI ALCE & many more! - OCHA RECORDS.

Following the release of their album, Soulwax return with ‘All Systems Are Lying / Run Free (Nite Versions)’. A reimagined evolution of their sound. Driven by deep basslines, hypnotic synths, and the duo’s signature sound, these Nite Versions transform the originals into electrifying, immersive soundscapes built for the nightclub.

A heavyweight library record delivered straight from the Gods; truly, we are all blessed: Dubmaster Dennis Bovell presents cLOUD mUsIc. A miraculous set of loose limbed, slinky funk-forward dub on the A-Side with totally blunted, spaced out trippiness on the grooving versions gracing the flipside.

A pioneer of dub and progenitor of lovers rock, genius producer-arranger Dennis 'Blackbeard' Bovell's prolific and eclectic career encompasses a huge range of music: from dub poetry to lovers rock, afro-beat to post-punk, disco to pop and beyond.

His production work encompasses such diverse figures as Ryuichi Sakamoto, The Slits, Fela Kuti, Linton Kwesi Johnson, The Pop Group, Janet Kay, Saada Bonaire, Orange Juice, Golden Teacher, I Roy, Maximum Joy, Steel Pulse and more.

cLOUD mUsIc features 8 new, deep, never-heard heaters, initially created for upstart UK library label FOLD. Dennis had written some music under the influence of Cloud-watching and presented it to FOLD with a view to them presenting it as Library Music to be utilised by anyone interested in having music for incidentals, films, TV and advertising etc.

cLOUD mUsIc represents Dennis expressing himself freely and inviting others to join and express themselves. As Dennis explains: "Library music is what makes the difference between creating for specific reasons and creating for your own individual enjoyment. cLOUD mUsIc was created whenever I felt the urge to create music that I wanted to, with no pressure. It was recorded at various times and in various studios around the world with various musicians’ assistance. Much sonic indulgence with many different recording devices."

Who doesn't like the sound of that?

Planet Beyond – Selected Cuts Volume 1 marks the first release on Ruiger Records, presenting the distinctive world of ES — a Dutch producer, multi-instrumentalist, and visual artist whose work flows effortlessly between live performance and studio creation.

Selected from an ever-growing archive built over the years, the music emerges from a deep vault of unreleased recordings spanning a wide range of moods and ideas. This collection offers a deeper look into a vivid creative universe of sound and feeling — a story that unfolds through rhythm, tone, and emotion. Each track adds a new shade to the journey, like a jigsaw falling into place, revealing new dimensions with every turn.

The music moves through eras and atmospheres — carrying echoes of ’90s electronic music and shaped by the spirit of ’70s jazz & funk. It’s expressive, natural, and percussive, full of motion and detail, where live playing, studio craft, and imagination merge into one seamless flow. The sound drifts from deep, funky electronic grooves to spacious, cinematic, and cosmic landscapes — music that invites you deeper with every listen. It sounds both new and familiar — as if rediscovering something ageless, still unfolding.

When Brazilian producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Diogo Strausz arrived in France, he already carried an impressive legacy. Known for his collaborations with the New York label Razor-N-Tape and for producing Brazilian legends such as Gal Costa and Marília Mendonça—whose tracks have gathered millions of streams worldwide—Strausz quickly made a name for himself among an international audience. His productions have also been remixed by acclaimed artists like Yuksek and Ron Trent, further cementing his global reach.

After two critically acclaimed releases on the French label Goutte d’Or Records (Flight of Sagittarius, 2022, and Samba From Outer Space, 2024), Diogo Strausz now naturally joins Favorite Recordings for a new chapter in his musical journey.

On this new album, Strausz pays tribute to the golden era of Brazilian Disco-Funk from the late 1970s and early 1980s, drawing inspiration from visionary producers Robson Jorge and Lincoln Olivetti. The result is an organic, ambitious, and deeply groovy record that celebrates both the vibrant dance culture and the rich musical heritage of Brazil.

Faithful to Favorite Recordings’ analog spirit, the album was crafted using vintage studio gear, capturing the warmth and depth of classic recordings reminiscent of the legendary Estúdios da Sigla sessions in Rio de Janeiro.

The explosive track “Ele é Artista”, featuring Bruno “Patchworks” Hovart (Voilaaa, Mr. President, João Selva, Uptown Funk Empire), is a standout moment—a dancefloor-ready bomb that channels the joyful energy and irresistible funk of modern tropical productions.

With its sun-drenched grooves, jazz-funk sophistication, and boogie flair, this album confirms Diogo Strausz as a master at blending timeless Brazilian soul with contemporary elegance.

Drummer-composer Tom Skinner announces Kaleidoscopic Visions, his second solo album, out 26th September 2025 via Brownswood Recordings and International Anthem

Kaleidoscopic Visions unfolds across two distinct sonic landscapes. Side A presents entirely instrumental compositions performed by Skinner's live Bishara band—bassist Tom Herbert, cellist Kareem Dayes, and Robert Stillman and Chelsea Carmichael on various woodwinds and reeds—with electric guitar on two tracks courtesy of Portishead's Adrian Utley. A drummer-composer bringing his wealth of experience to bear on the role of bandleader, Skinner composed primarily on guitar, embracing the freedom that came with writing on his secondary instrument.
These compositions include "Auster," dedicated to late novelist Paul Auster, and "Margaret Anne," which honours Skinner's mother Anne Shasby, a former classical concert pianist prodigy who abandoned her own promising career in the face of systemic misogyny, only to impart on her son what Skinner calls "the gift of music."

Skinner’s musical world opens further on Side B, where a collection of poised vocal collaborations stretch out from jazz and improvisation towards a more dream-like, soulful sound. The centerpiece is "The Maxim," a ten-minute collaboration with Grammy Award-winning Meshell Ndegeocello, a dubby, spacious meditation on life and death, delivered with a free-spirited grace. For Skinner, working with Ndegeocello—whom he first saw at Glastonbury as a teenager in 1994—represents a full-circle moment, indicative of the indirect paths and inspirational detours that have shaped his life.
The album goes on to feature South Carolina-based singer Contour (Khari Lucas) who appears on the low-lit soul ballad ‘Logue’, and closes with ‘See How They Run’, featuring London keyboardist-vocalist Yaffra (Jonathan Geyevu). It is the album’s most overtly lyrical track, an articulate exposition of jazz-inflected spoken word that speaks not only to the genre-fluid nature of the music but the breadth of Skinner’s palette.
This should come as no surprise. On Kaleidoscopic Visions, one of London’s most vital musical figures gives us a sparkling glimpse of the multi-coloured lens through which his unique sound is now refracting.

DJ Support: Sasha, Marco Faraone, Robin M, Just Her, FKA Mash, Paul Van Dyk, Adriatique and CamelPhat

Bedouin joins forces with vocalist Marieme for their latest release ‘Reason’, available now on the duo’s Human By Default label. The track marks part of the imprint’s fifth anniversary celebrations.

‘Reason’ blends Bedouin’s hypnotic grooves and emotive melodies with Marieme’s soulful, evocative voice. Her lyrics explore themes of identity, freedom, and self-perception, resulting in a collaboration that balances movement with emotional depth.

Comprised of Tamer Malki and Rami Abousabe, Bedouin has spent over a decade developing a genre-blending sound rooted in their Middle Eastern heritage and Western upbringing. Their music has appeared on Crosstown Rebels, Big Beat, and more, while their Ibiza residency SAGA—now at Chinios Ibiza—has become a staple of the island since 2017. The duo has also performed at Coachella, Tomorrowland, Kappa Futur, Burning Man, Ushuaïa, and Hï Ibiza.

Marieme, born in Mauritania and raised between Senegal and the US, brings a distinctive storytelling approach through her recent singles ‘Harmony’, ‘Tell Me’, and ‘Havana Nights’. Her work promotes self-love and liberation, expressed with a powerful vocal presence.

Toni Braxton, veröffentlicht 1993, stellte der Welt Braxtons warme, samtige Stimme vor und etablierte sie als prägende Figur des R&B-Genres. Mit ikonischen Tracks wie dem Smash-Hit "Another Sad Love Song" und dem kraftvollen "Breathe Again" verbindet das selbstbetitelte Album mühelos sanften Soul, gefühlvolle Balladen und zeitgenössische R&B-Einflüsse. Die opulenten Produktionen, geprägt von komplexen Melodien und raffinierten Arrangements, zeigen das Talent namhafter Produzenten wie Babyface und Antonio Reid.

Farfalla Records presents “Kaleidoscope”, its new compilation dedicated to the composer Jack Arel. His name belongs to a constellation of composers whose writing has hot stamped sixties and seventies pop music. Variety, television, cinema, ballet and theatre have all been touched by Jack Arel’s signature.

Take a trip through a psychedelic pop musical journey featuring 12 tracks recorded during his long and productive collaboration with the Chappell label and with his friends Pierre Dutour and Jean-Claude Petit by his side throughout.

This compilation features tracks such as ‘Psychedelic Portrait’, famously used as a music cue in the avant-garde cult British TV series The Prisoner.
The track ‘Strange Galaxy’ was utilised as the opening and closing theme for the Australian science fiction TV series Phoenix Five.
‘Purpose’, ‘May Be’ and ‘Something Happen’ are taken from the ultra-rare French soundtrack of the musical Je fus cet enfant là.
While the more adventurous may recognise the tracks ‘Picture of Spring’ and ‘Picture of Summer’ from the Danish underground horror film The Sinful Dwarf.

Secrets ist das zweite Studioalbum der US-amerikanischen Sängerin Toni Braxton und wurde ursprünglich 1996 veröffentlicht. Das Album markierte einen entscheidenden Moment in Braxtons Karriere, indem es R&B-, Soul- und Pop-Einflüsse miteinander verband und einen Sound schuf, der sowohl zeitlos als auch modern ist. Mit kraftvollen Tracks wie dem Grammy-prämierten "Un-Break My Heart" und dem sinnlichen "You're Makin' Me High" präsentiert Secrets Braxtons unvergleichliche stimmliche Stärke und ihre charakteristische emotionale Erzählkunst.

Toni Braxton, veröffentlicht 1993, stellte der Welt Braxtons warme, samtige Stimme vor und etablierte sie als prägende Figur des R&B-Genres. Mit ikonischen Tracks wie dem Smash-Hit "Another Sad Love Song" und dem kraftvollen "Breathe Again" verbindet das selbstbetitelte Album mühelos sanften Soul, gefühlvolle Balladen und zeitgenössische R&B-Einflüsse. Die opulenten Produktionen, geprägt von komplexen Melodien und raffinierten Arrangements, zeigen das Talent namhafter Produzenten wie Babyface und Antonio Reid.

Beautiful soulful album by George Smallwood - including original material from home sessions prior to George's 1980 self- released LP. The rest, a sampling from the Smallwood mind's library of classic song writers. Huge tip!
"Recorded Live in Hyattsville, MD 1975-2015. George really had no interest in releasing this record. 'Seeing Is believing, they don't need records, trust me I did that, today they getting it live.' So this record is that, live tapes from the house, recorded on a government issued cassette recorder from National Library Service for the Blind. George calls these his practice tapes for songwriting, and performance warm-up, and never beyond his ears were they intended to travel. 'You just got to see me live if you want to really see me.. so when we get there just plug me in, and point me at that crowd' Last time I saw George they had him wired to the club system. He unplugs his Yamaha keyboard, licks the tip of the power cord and taps a beat on it, finally plugging in, synth lights up, tones all at zero, beats at zero. Then he builds from there, counting blind through a preset one hunderd factory tones and rhythm patterns. 'I gotta start off at zero, and go from there.' After the Marshmellow Band disperesed, he got this Yamaha keyboard, same one he's been playing since 1990, endless scrolling over the same presets, trying to make them fit, tempo down, tapping while telling the story and asking if that feels right to you. 'This always gonna be different live.'
Andrew Morgan (Peoples Potential Unlimited)

NDATL Records continues with the return of Detroit legend Reggie Dokes with his new 12", The Alkebulan EP—a deep, spiritual, and sonically adventurous record that finds Dokes fully in his element while pushing into new emotional territory.

Side A opens with “Unknown Valley,” where shimmering chords and a haunting vocoded voice glide across a hypnotic groove, setting the tone for an EP rich in warmth and mystery. Dokes follows with “Still Exist,” an excursion into his darker instincts—moody, driving, and steeped in the grit that has defined his most revered work.

Flipping the record reveals Dokes in a more expansive, jazz-inflected mindset. “Soul Searchin” stretches into expressive harmonic territory, showcasing his ear for introspective, cinematic sonics. The journey culminates with title track “Alkebulan,” both featuring longtime collaborator Skip Pruitt, whose saxophone floats and weaves through Dokes’ musical landscapes, forming a Psychostasia blend of jazz, deep house, and spiritual energy the dancer simply cannot resist.

The Alkebulan EP is both a celebration of lineage and a forward-moving statement—classic NDATL quality with Reggie Dokes’ unmistakable fingerprint.

Summer of 2025, the UK techno community was shocked to hear of the sudden and untimely passing of one of its leading lights, James Baker, better known as ReKaB. As his light had been glowing ever brighter in recent years, with forays across the deep end of the techno spectrum, his passing was even more tragic. He had certainly found his voice, a particularly emotive, soul-tinged strain of techno building on the foundations of the 90s bastions of the form. Though bittersweet, Distant Worlds is immensely proud to present this release showcasing his personal evolution and mastery of the sound both he and the label love so much.

‘Art 4 Me’ opens with a transcendent chord progression, gradually incorporating brain piercing synth-work and chunky percussion before opening out into a perfect intersection of melancholy and euphoria. ‘Trapped In Boxes’ opts for a more introspective take on the classic techno template incorporating a Detroit palette of sound atop punchy bassline and beats.

Flip over for UK techno royalty Nuron’s take on ‘Art 4 Me’, a characteristically apposite reimagining. Teasing layers of inverted synth and percussive elements until a beautiful breakdown finally delivers that majestic chord progression. ‘Our World’ closes out this fantastic release with pure elegance; beats skitter, Detroit strings soar and cosmic pads align in timeless fashion. These are 4 tracks of deep, electro-soul music helping cement the legacy of one of the truest practitioners of the form over the last decade.

Footnotes is proud to announce the release of Twenty, a set of 4 EPs that showcase the fresh talents of Channell, Noppo & Bazil, Zar and Viiah — each contributing a distinct flavour to the project's flow.

The 12" sampler contains one track from each EP on a project that bridges the soulful side of Drum & Bass.

Aftersome refers to that suspended moment of wonder, when you realize you’ve been led here by a chain of unexpected events and small decisions — so improbable they almost feel preordained. Between chance and destiny, it is a fragile state where emotion and reflection intertwine.
This album by You Man embodies precisely that idea: each track is a step along this path, a resonance born of accidents and coincidences, ultimately shaping a coherent trajectory despite its improbability.
The work moves between techno, house and post-wave, infused with science-fiction and fantastical influences, constantly blurring the line between reality and imagination.
The experience is enriched by remarkable collaborations: Marc Almond (Soft Cell), Local Suicide, Jérôme Voisin, each bringing their own brilliance to this odyssey.

RAWAX welcomes Moreno Ácido to the artist family!
Big first release from the portuguese producer.
Presenting the full range from powerfull, groovy, deep to soulful House.
Don't miss this great record!

Crowns by The Rebel feat. Corey James Gray is out now on 7’’ via Little Beat More!
The Rebel, aka Tommaso Taroni, producer from Rome and Founder of DJ’s Choice label, delivers a raw, soulful track that opens the door to his debut album. Crowns features the sharp lyrics and smooth, magnetic delivery by Corey James Gray (FKA Ill Spookin), riding over a sturdy groove with crisp drums and deep guitar loops.
On Side B a further explosion comes: Clap! Clap! signs a Power Trio remix of the track that flips everything on its head. With thunderous syncopated riddim and wild brass stabs, this version hits like a futuristic brass band from New Orleans: unrelenting, joyful, and rhythmically overpowering. A bold reimagining by one of Italy’s most visionary electronic producers.
Packaged in a stunning disco bag illustrated by El Moro, this 7” is both a record to play and a piece to keep. A snapshot of a fresh project in the pipeline, ready to go!

For the first time on Little Beat More, Sweden’s Cumbiasound deliver a vibrant 7” that expands their ever-evolving exploration of tropical soundscapes. Led by Daniel Fridell, the band has long been pushing the boundaries of cumbia while keeping its analogue heart beating strong, blending classic Colombian and Peruvian sounds with Afrobeat, reggae, jazz, funk, and beyond.

The A-side Mas Paz (Rework) breathes new life into one of Cumbiasound’s most beloved tracks, originally featured on their album Cosas del Universo. Vocalist Lis Flores Varela brings her unmistakable smoothness, while Chilean rapper Boogie Castillo lays down thoughtful verses with his signature flow in a track that captures the essence of the band: rooted, soulful, and globally connected. And to top it off, this new version has a fresh new vocal feature by Congolese singer José Pereelanga.

On the flip side, Jinsei, is a collaboration with Japanese cumbia band Mumbia y Sus Candelosos, led by composer and percussionist Mutsumi Kobayashi. With its breezy guitars, soft tropical groove, and the warm vocals of José Pereelanga, the track drifts like a slow river, effortlessly bridging continents and traditions.

With this 7”, Cumbiasound once again affirms its place among the most interesting projects in today’s nu-cumbia landscape with a vision that crosses borders with ease.

Made with Love by Little Beat More 2025 “We Dance We Think”

RAWAX proudly presents the 4th episode of Gerald Mitchell's own series!
Another outstanding masterpiece made in Motor City. Detroit sound at it's best - from one of the best!

PROMISE is the latest album from Brooklyn-based producer Ibe Soliman, aka Bad Colours. Known for his blend of house, proto-techno, rap, and soul, Bad Colours delivers a dynamic, emotionally resonant record. Driven by hypnotic rhythms and personal storytelling, PROMISE explores themes of vulnerability, desire, and transformation. It's a versatile album designed for both dancefloors and introspective listening.

PROMISE is the fourth LP from Bad Colours on Bastard Jazz, following 2024's collaborative album with Cor.ece, Been Here Before. Soliman's career spans over a decade—DJing alongside artists like James Murphy, Mark Ronson, and Q-Tip, and producing for Kendrick Lamar, Faith Evans, Keyshia Cole, and Rick Ross. His work has received support from KCRW, KEXP (including multiple Midnight in a Perfect World mixes), and CBC Radio 3, and has charted on both the NACC Top Electronic and Top 200 charts. Bad Colours has been featured in press outlets like NYLON, Nonderland, Resident Advisor, Electronic Groove, and Fusicology. His music has appeared in Netflix's Escape from Spiderhead, Hulu's Woke, Disney's Chang Can Dunk, Showtime's American Gigolo, Valorant's Rising Stars, and more.

"Next up in Mr Bongo's Groove Merchant Records reissue series, we present the only solo album saxophonist Ramon Morris recorded as a bandleader. Having cut his teeth playing with the iconic band Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers and working with other jazz greats, including Reuben Wilson, Shirley Scott, Rashied Ali Quintet, and Woody Shaw, 1973 saw Ramon take the step into solo territory. The resulting album Sweet Sister Funk became a certified classic and a landmark showcase of the cherished ‘70s jazz-funk sound, later sampled by the likes of DJ Premier, The Alchemist and DJ Shadow.

Originally released on Sonny Lester's iconic Groove Merchant record label and produced by Lester himself, Sweet Sister Funk is a jazz-funk masterclass. It features a slick line-up including Cecil Bridgewater on trumpet, Mickey Roker on drums, and Albert Dailey on electric piano. Rich and beautiful, the seven songs ebb and flow in energy, fusing jazz funk and soul jazz with style and swagger. There are bags of groove with Ramon and Cecil trading off on sax and trumpet in an effortless conversation throughout the LP, supplemented by brilliant solos from the rest of the players.

A gold mine of sampling material, the album includes a sublime cover version of The Stylistics' much-loved 'People Make The World Go Round', which was sampled by DJ Shadow on Blackalicious's 'Swan Lake' in 1994. Elsewhere, the percussion and bass intro of the opening track 'First Come, First Serve' is a sampler's delight - a deep, heavy groove with a fine saxophone workout by Ramon. Head to 'Don't Ask Me' and you’ll find the swinging horn intro that formed the basis of 'You Came Up' by Big Pun featuring Noreaga from 1998, whilst 'Wijinia' has echoes of ‘70s indie jazz by labels such as Strata East & Black Jazz.

Here at Mr Bongo, we are proud to be delving into the vaults of Groove Merchant Records once again, reissuing this iconic LP from Ramon Morris."

REPRESS

Back in 2019 we released Arctor's EP "Soulless" on 12" vinyl. It was an instant underground hit and sold out in a flash. Three wild years later and we've had it repressed. Good news for anyone balking at the enormous Discogs prices for a preowned copy. This modern electro classic should fit nicely into any dance music head's collection.

Itay Dailes & Eran Ben-Zeev A collaborative EP between veteran producer Itay Dailes and label owner Eran Ben-Zeev.
Two sides, two visions — one spirit. A nod to ’90s traditions, each track offers its own distinct flavor, ranging from deep, dub-infused minimalism to warm analog grooves. A versatile release for selectors who value subtle contrasts and timeless dancefloor tools. Higher State Minimal deep house with a hypnotic pull. Built on warm, dubby pads and a rolling, understated groove, *Higher State* draws the listener into a meditative zone — subtle, emotional, and deeply immersive. Dub Rounds A deep, edgy minimal cut powered by a rolling bassline. Vocal fragments weave in and out, while jazzy chords add a dreamy, soulful lift to the groove. Unicorns Can’t Fly A lush, emotive journey of floating grooves, warm pads, and delicate textures. Designed for late-night introspection while keeping the pulse alive on the dancefloor — equal parts body and soul. Jupiter 1 Diving deeper into raw analog territory, Jupiter 1 pairs a rolling bassline with smooth acid contours. Stripped-back percussion channels early ’90s energy, perfect for long sets and locked-in moments.

Mister Bear Records follows up Vick Lavender & Justin Dillard's acclaimed BEYOND LP with a heavyweight double-vinyl remix package. Legends and innovators reimagine the originals for the floor: Jimpster brings deep rolling warmth on Time and Time Again, Sean McCabe adds soulful polish to Experimental, and Kai Alcé injects Detroit-rooted swing into The Midnight Hour. Lavender himself drops a boogie-infused mix of Sunset BLVD, while Coflo, Shaka, and Eric D. Clark delivers unique, floor-ready takes on Grace and Get Here. From deep to soulful, boogie to jazz-inflected grooves, BEYOND - The Remixes extends the album's life with a diverse and powerful set of reworks.

Mexican DJ and producer Hotmood is a Blur label regular who has already dropped his red-hot 'Disco Power' EP here. 'ReWax' is a new selection of his remixes of big, party-ready disco jams. Scruscru's 'Just House' is first up and comes on song with big rolling bass and dusty samples, 'Burnin'' by Jack District has a filtered funk edge and jazzy synth work and Manuel Kane's 'Disco Visions' then brings silky and syrupy chords for a sundown boogie. The flip features three more smart tweaks, from the sliding drums of 'Blue Nights' to the classic house and soul swagger of 'Selva'. A great mix of vintage charm and new school cool.

UK house veteran Andy Riley, best known as half of Inland Knights, is back with new solo beats on the Frosted Recordings label. Lead single 'Minute By Minute' is a slow, groovy, sensual sound with 90s downbeat vibes and interesting synth textures. Pacific Northwest native Trevor Vichas steps up with his Dark Deep mix which brings a meandering bassline and more uptempo house drums then Canadian export Jason Hodges steps up with two versions. The first is all silky grooves and filtered vocals that bring some warming soul and the second is a stripped-back instrumental. Timeless house from front to back.

Gyros Heroes is the latest release from Adlibitum Tum Tunes, showcasing the unmistakable synergy between label curator Kirill Matveev and trusted maestro Nicolas Barnes, a resident artist renowned for his consistently refined and emotive sound.

The EP unfolds as a sophisticated blend of deep- and tech-house aesthetics, designed to uplift, move, and connect. It balances percussive bounce with emotional subtlety, offering a graceful flow that is both club-ready and sonically rich.

A1. Kirill Matveev – Am I Happy With That and A2. Kirill Matveev – Once At Dawn deliver the opening momentum, channeling sleek grooves and playful introspection with polished restraint. These tracks glide effortlessly between warmth and drive—embracing the listener without overwhelming.

On the flip side, B1. Nicolas Barnes & Kirill Matveev – Naar Shada blends the duo’s sonic sensibilities into a mood-driven piece with elegant progression and percussive intricacy. Closing with B2. Nicolas Barnes – Qeezy, the record reaches its emotional high point: a dancefloor-oriented yet soul-touched cut that radiates both sensuality and controlled energy.

Gyros Heroes is a finely tuned experience—bright yet deep, emotive yet precise—crafted for selectors who value atmosphere as much as movement. This is an EP that invites you into its positive orbit, reminding us how expressive and graceful club music can be when shaped by masters of tone and detail.

Adlibitum Tum Tunes is a division of MixCult Records

French duo and Get Physical, Rekids and Definitive Recordings regulars Boogie Vice & N-You-Up cook up some silky deep house magic here with the one and only voice of Chicago house past, present and future, Robert Owens. 'Blessing' highlights their creative synergy while Owens' timeless and ever soulful voice delivers a message of gratitude. Nenor's remix adds a sweaty basement house vibe with organic textures but also hazy intensity. These are two tasteful tunes for the real heads who like it super deep.

Motor city royalty Floorplan, aka Detroit techno pioneer and creator of minimal techno Robert Hood and his DJ/producer daughter Lyric Hood, announce their forthcoming inclusion in the deeply respected ‘fabric presents’ mix series with the release of their new single ‘You’re A Shining Star’, out now. The full mix drops on digital/vinyl/CD via fabric records on 28th November.

Robert has been a long-standing fabric favourite since the institution's earliest years, clocking up over 20 sets in Room 2, including a live session on New Year's Eve, 2012. In 2008, he'd turn in Fabric 39 which is among the most revered contributions to the fabric mix canon. Now, with the forthcoming ‘fabric presents Floorplan’ mix, the story comes full circle - marking both the duo’s debut on the iconic mix series and a monumental moment for the family project.

About Floorplan: Emerging from a musically rich Detroit upbringing steeped in Motown and vinyl culture, Robert Hood became an early member of the seminal ’90s collective Underground Resistance, helping to spearhead the rise of techno. Going solo, Hood created minimal techno with his Minimal Nation LP. Groundbreaking productions, acclaimed performances, and his own M-plant label followed, until in ’96 he formed Floorplan - an alter ego to expand beyond minimal techno into gospel, soul and house-infused techno. Immersed in music from an early age, Lyric eventually caught the same electronic spark that’s driven her father for decades. In 2014, after the release of Hood’s debut Floorplan album Paradise, the project evolved as the then-16-year-old Lyric joined him to perform as Floorplan, including a supreme closing set at Dekmantel’s Boiler Room stage. Two years later, Lyric officially became a full member of Floorplan, cementing their father–daughter collaboration, and they’d release their co-produced album Victorious on M-Plant that same year.

The third release on Midnight Fashion Chill gracefully continues the label’s elegant, soul-soothing direction, this time through the warm voice of Jaidene Veda. The original Across The World stands as a true gem: a silky, gently flowing composition where soft, understated drums and delicate piano lines create an intimate, contemplative atmosphere. The From P60 rework tightens things up a little, adding a touch more groove while preserving the track’s airiness and emotional subtlety.

The next on is Kai Alcé’s remix. The Atlanta based producer injects the track with his signature classic-house energy: deeper basslines, dancefloor-ready rhythms, and an overall sophistication that makes the remix both driving and refined. This is the version guaranteed to move the crowd — vibrant, stylish, and tailormade for late-night club moments. The three faces of Across The World show just how far a well-crafted vocal track can be stretched. Midnight Fashion Chill’s latest release manages to be both relaxing and dance-inducing — exactly the kind of balance that makes this series worth following.

Dallas, Texas resident Ben Hixon is a consistent performer with a tasteful take on deep house that most often comes on this label. His final missive of the year opens up with 'Meant To Be', a nice bumpy cut with bass reverberations and glitchy percussive textures. Hi-hats tick in the background to keep time as smudged vocals burn with soul and lolloping rhythms take centre stage. 'Love Crazy' is another stripped-back sound that is dusty and gritty with bass that folds in on itself and more sprinkled analogue percussion to add extra bite.

Originally released in 1972, Toni Tornado's self-titled debut is a landmark in Brazilian soul and funk - a gritty, groovy record that helped define the sound of the Black Rio movement. Blending deep soul, psychedelic funk, and bold orchestration, this album channels the revolutionary energy of James Brown with the tropical swagger of Rio's streets. From the urgent rhythms of 'Torniente' to the undeniable strut of 'Mané Beleza' and 'Tornado,' Toni's music pulses with a fierce sense of pride and liberation. It's the sound of a new cultural identity taking shape - where African-American soul met Afro-Brazilian reality. Often compared to the legendary Tim Maia, Tornado brought his own explosive edge to Brazil's growing soul scene. By the 1970s, other Brazilian musicians, such as Banda Black Rio, Cassiano, Gerson King Combo, Jorge Ben and Gilberto Gil, began making soul records. DJs started throwing soul-only parties. Toni Tornado's voice carries grit and passion, his grooves hit hard, and his message is crystal clear - Black is beautiful, and the funk is real. Back on vinyl for a new generation, this reissue is more than a collector's gem - it's a time capsule from an era when music moved bodies and minds. Essential listening for fans of vintage soul, global funk, and revolutionary sounds. Reissue on 180g vinyl.

GAMM is proud to welcome New Zealand born, but these days based in Berlin, Philippa to our camp.
Over the last years, Philippa has been releasing amazing, warm, soulful, and highly distinctive dance music on labels like Slothboogie and Freerange as well as building her DJ roster. For her premier GAMM release,'Cloud Walking EP', Philippa has three amazing tracks that all mix up samples, live musicality, and vocals. If you put Moodymann and Henrik Schwarz in a blender somewhere in the Balearic Islands, you're kinda close. Either way, it's deep, organic, and almost kinda orchestral at some points. If you ask us, we would simply call it dance MUSIC.

Opening the EP is the title track 'Cloud Walking' which is a deep Fender Rhodes affair with vocals inspired by Aretha's Day Dreaming classic. Moving on, on 'Hear Me' Philippa shows off her musical piano skills with a lush and atmospheric deep house jam. On 'Return To The Red Kite' we follow a similar theme but with big warm orchestral strings, spoken words, and live guitars. Again, very Balearic yet very soulful and incredibly pleasant to your ears :)