CD and Tape Reviews
     Reviews by Andrea

DjTymebomb  - Sessions 1     (independent)   cd mix

Oooh, a delicious mix from DJTymebomb (TheHouseofGroove.com), one which will make you lean your head back and play with your hair.    Starting off with  the “Chant” by Dino & Terry makes for an interesting intro that smootly presses into “Stop Playin with my Mind” by Barbara Tucker.    I especially love the mixing sequence done from “That’s why I’m Here’ on Yoshitoshi to “True House” by C&M (amador mix)… very flavorful.  With “Must be the Music” by Taka Boom singing the joys of the music you are led into “Believe” by Inland Knights and then you must hear this one, it’s a remix of  Sting’s “Stranger in New York” (Sting vs. Brand New Heavies) that is amazing   Tymebomb gives excellent programming to this mix and results in a tight mix.   There is so much good music on this mix, lots of Panhandle music to where you get a great funky SF house vibe.    So good….
 

JetSet Discoteque - Jesse Walker – New City Movement – Salt Lake City, Utah  USA

A great fusion of sound that is JetSet Discoteque by Dj Jesse Walker.   Starting off with Messages by Vikter Duplaix on Maw records you feel those tribally movements that quickly surround your mind and body.    Those same beats go to Sands of Time where you are enveloped in flutal magic.  Jesse has also flavored this mix with Julius Papp, Spen & Karizma’s mix of “Believe” feat Jocelyn Brown and Dino & Terry’s remix of “Highly Superstituous.”     I am just floored by this one track on here “Shake it for Me” by Hydraulic Dogs, is so good that it makes you cringe.   With more amazing music with the likes of  Lenny Fontana, Miguel Migs, Joey Negro and Jask, this mix cd is eloquent in its message.  Jesse’s splendidly organic mixing is reassuring and deliberate to the point.    A memorable listening experience, one that I listen to weekly.

Contact Jesse at:  www.newcitymovement.com
 

3:00 am Eternal       David C   - Los Angeles, CA

David’s mix has prompted my exuberance level to a new high.   I really can say that I was shocked.    A fierce blending of upbeat house that goes progressive and back and forth to other variables of house music is what makes this mix exciting.   David starts off with a classic from ’93 “In the Jungle” by Don Juan Benito and moves it into “9 minutes to dew it” by DJDuke (what a great record).  Running the gamut from Armand’s Flame to the Beginning on NiteGrooves, David brings us to DJMisjah’s  techno laced treats.   “Can you hear me” is seductive and pounces into Phunky Drive.   The steady flow of beats is making my tongue hang out…slurp.    This is a lavish whirlpool of some great music that works your limbs in dimensions equal to the all over the place music selection, some old, some new but it works so well.   Somehow David has brought in all these flavas into this energetic mix which shows that you can have it all.
 

Jask - Vinylicious Vol. 2 (Vinylicious Recordings)
I guess I wasn't expecting to be so totally moved witi this cd.    I love Jask's style and skills, but this one from the beginning is, how should I say it....Lustful?     There is a flava thoughout this cd that takes you on a special sensual journey.     Jask, you surprised me.    I spent a whole morning at work being in ecstacy when I played it on my computer.  I could not move.    Starts off with the True House acapella, so good as it intetwines with Kimani Wilson's Kozmik Listening 101, the sax in this track is flowing with touches.   Ummm...Spanish Dance by Frankie Valentine is perfect as it passes the beats onto Je Ka Jo by Joe Claussel,  closing my eyes to take in the pleasure of these sounds.   Don't look at me!!      Getting back to this cd, with 95 North (my boyz), Cooley's Hot Box, Sfer's Dennis F and the rest and ending with Rayxon's Love is the only Way....oh my goodness,  what a masterful compilation.   It will make you understand why house music can delve deep into your soul and body and keep your spirit alive.   Beautiful....
 

DJ Santamaria - Washington DC
This wonderful tape is from one of my favorite mixers.   His latest ride is intensely chill producing.    I love how it makes me feel.   On side A we hear Soul Vision's version of LowDown and then in comes Fresh Start by Terra Deva.    I'm feeling all tingly as it blends into Rise by Eddie Amador, a  great followup to House Music.  Now it moves into Hear Dis Sound by H-Foundation and I am enamored.  H Foundation is amazing.   Let me catch my breath here>>>  Ok...side B is equally stimulating.   Your in my System by The System is so powerfully driven that you reach with candor in the hopes that your thoughts are being received.  Ooh, when it touches Rhodes through Space you feel as if you are going to fall into another dimension and maybe I did because I am yearning for more.   The Love Capsule Deluxe mixes by F&L are superb and take you through the sky to the Garden of Love, Joey Negro's mix of the Sunburst Band's  wonderful song.    Santamaria moves me,  his style is raw and finger licking good, he knows how I like it.
 

COMP.one -  Rick Garcia/Mazi  - UC Afterhours (Chicago)
This took a little while for me to get into.   I think I've been on the mellow tip for a while, but I do like it harder sometimes, so when I stopped and really listened to Mazi and Rick's great turntable excursions,  I was hooked.   It's as if there is such a vibrant feel to this cd...it's so alive and will surely become a must-have.   Rick's side starts off with Genisis by the Apostles and whips into Fly Away by Rick Garcia.   Jumping to North & Damon (Get Up) by Mazi, Rick points us to a  good point to relish in strong beats which then moves into Angel Alanis'  Tension Factor...and yes it feels so good.   Love the rest on Rick's side.   Mazi's intro is so great and fits perfectly with  The Muzik by my man,  Richard "humpty" Vission.   Must hear Listen by E.B.E and note all it's little beats that comprise this great track.  Oh, take my breath away as it slips into Timbalin by Ralphi Rosario...besos Ralphi for such a great jazzy track...simply superb.   The rest of Mazi's side is equally as splendid.    I am a strong supporter of UC Afterhours and Mazi and Rick Garcia.   This cd will do some good things to you.
 

Afterhours Across America - DJOrlando (Los Angeles, CA)

DJOrlando is one of my favorite dj's of all time.   This is a beautiful CD that takes you through a musical journey of unknown vastness.    Orlando starts off with  Harry Choo Choo's "Mongobonix" with its horn pulsations that nudge into "Don't Want You" by Georgie Porgie.   This version really lays it down to a plea of urgency, so much more than the commerical one.   You are still on his side as it takes you into Rosie Gaines "Surrender".   I love this track, and Orlando's perfect beat mixing comes through as an astonishment.    Next up is Eddie Amador's "Glad I Know", a  powerful spiritual beauty  that reminds you why we rejoice to know we are not alone.  Throw your hands up!!    Spirit filled we are lead to Jaxx Transit's "Stepping Out".....winding and swirling jazzy house...hmmmm....so good.   With some of Eddie Amador's unreleased tracks thoughout this cd, you know you are relishing in a esprit de corps of love.     "Forever" is absolutely wicked....I wanted to be the singer on this, such range, such feeling, but I needed to go on so I could feel "If I Fall" by NYC Music.   What a gift this record is....touches you with a sensuality of  unknown proportions.    To think that DjOrlando does not own a set of turntables, he  mixes from his heart and soul   I'm weak....so emotionally drained.   Someone help me.
 
 

Vinylicious. Vol. 1 - 95 North (Washington D.C.)

I know I'm blessed but lately so much good music has been coming my way.     95 North verifies why I love their work so much.  This mix by 95 North gives the essence of being on another level with yourself and the world.    I tend to get a little crazy with extended beats and this is why I am all over this CD.    Starts out pretty funky but when it gets to Byron Stingly's "Flying High" it makes me want to touch the sky.   Those beats that lead into "Learn to Luv" prepare you for the intensity of what you are listening to.   Right here are beats  that bring you to KOT's "I want you".   This is one of my favorite songs but after it's been given the 95 North treament, it has intensified the effect it has on me.   North keeps sprinking Eddie Amador's "House Music" throughout this mix and establishes the base of its being.    Funny Valentine is just perfect on here, I loved it before, but now I will never hear it the same way again......so deep, so good.   Those beats along with the House music wording roll into  Choo Choo's "Mongobonix" and ride you into "Forever Undeground" ,  95 North's own....hmmm....so tantilizing.   As I close my mouth to say thank you for this pleasure trip, I am still feeling it.  Love you long time!
 
 
 
 

 DJSantaMaria - (Washington.D.C.)

I am loving this tape so much because it glorifies beats the way I like.  It's feisty and keeps a strong hold on you.    Side A has a great intro and brings in Tee's remix of Something Going On, but when it goes into Big Love...ooh it's just so good.   "I need your Love", a Hot & Spicy promo is so vibrant and gets into"Just a Dab" a Mateo & Matos' Dub for Glasgow Underground.    So much good music on this tape.   Side B is my favorite...with MSquad's "Were on the Move" and "Sing It Back" by Moloko.   The Eddie Amador mix of "Should Have been You" starts off this intense sequence, whereby "Wake Up" by J.B. Rose, the King Brits scuba mix (those breathless sounds will drive you wild) dives in ever so seductively  into "Love on Love", the Dave Morales Dub....Oh my God, I love this so much.   I am loving those latin tribal beats and I hear some Santana sounding magic.    The smooth flow into "Faith" by Gary Henry is perfect.   Next is "True House" by C&M productions with my friend Marcel....I just can't get enough of this track....it's an anthem. There is some good beat mixing on this mix and I am now a great  fan of DjSantamaria and hope to hear more and more of those beats Ricardo.

booking info:
housealien@aol.com
 
 

 Back II Basics - Peter Bosco - http://listen.to/garagehousemusic (Toronto)

Peter continues to make me shiver with his fantastic mix of deep house/garage tunes.    His soulfulness protrudes as he starts off with the Bob Sinclair remix of Music Sounds Better...oooh, those man moans ride smoothly into Regalos de Amor by Dubtribe.   Did I mention that I almost pass out every time I hear Regalos?    The sultry beats transend into Sade's Removable Tattoo and as it glides ever so sweetly into Sweeter Love by Blue 6, I am on the verge of tears.   There is something about Sweeter Love that just touches me so deeply that I start to become hypnotized...it's strange I know....but I can't be denied - I must have it as part of me.   Side B is equally as effective....the journey continues.  Peter Bosco's mixing is secretly perfect and continues to amaze me.   I wait patiently until his next mix...only to devour it again.  Peter is the SHITT!!

booking info:
peterbosco@yahoo.com
http/listen.to/garagehousemusic
 
 
 
 

DJBroadway - The Drama (NY)

 I must say that I am loving this CD very much...the music content is so delicious.    Broadway starts out with Kenny Latimore's "if I lose my woman" amd just so goes into "Tracks from the Other Side" which is a groovy sashay of house beats  with breathless swayings.   Then I am swept away by Donna Montgomery as she soulfully sings "Go Head, Go On....and smoothly goes into True House where you hear the words being joyously pronounced  -  Music of Love, it's the Music from Up Above...House Music....oh my god, I just love this.  Makes me feel the way I do about House music.   Keep saying it baby!!    Somehow I can't stop thinking Nuyorican Soul flava from this cd.   Also love the Urban Babies "You worry too Much" with it's passionate vocal stylings and jazzy direction, which then slips ever so sweetly into the instrumental mix of "True House" then to Cerrone's "Give me Love".   Love, love the Helen vs. Donna with that familiar bassline and finishes up with Spen's mix of Kenny Bobien's "Show me Love"   Mr. Broadway...I felt the love with this cd....hope to hear more of your musical voyages.

contact info:
DJBWAY@aol.com

DJKayBee - Austria (www.kay-bee.net)

OH YEAH!   Kaybee rips it with his mix of House music.    The mixing is excellent. I can feel Kaybee's thoughts as he he starts off with DJ Hell's "Copa" then goes into Bob Sinclair's "My only Love" and bob's remix of "Come Back".   Engrossed with "Give up the Funk" by Molto Sugo, very trendy.   Kaybee can do no wrong with Armand's "You don't know me".   I am enjoying this cd because it swings you into some disco  with the Units 4 Hours "Keep on Groovin"   Just love this track .... I'm closing my eyes as I let it infiltrate me.   Beautiful transition to "My Desire" and takes it on fully with it's bouncy beat.     Ends delightfully with Club 69 vs. Soft Cell's "Tainted Love".    With Kaybee's mixing talent and flair of music style, I see him developing into a strong force in Europe and the US.

booking info:
Europe:  Mara Booking Agency - mara@netway.at
No./So America: StarMonkey Productions -  andreabeamish@yahoo.com
 

Untitled - DJSkooch - www.skooch.com (NY)

DJ Skooch is on track again with his newest mix.   I tell you...Skooch has a  fantastic ability to select amazingly creative music.   His mix starts off with Danny Tenaglia's dub of the Pet Shop Boys (very dramatic) and whizzes into Ron Trent's Epic Desire, which I love.    Then you have Dajae's Fakes and Phonies mixed by Johnny Fiasco -  Fiasco can do no wrong in my book.    I must say that everytime I listen to a mix by Skooch, I am finding new things and then I become fixed on the tape and can't give it up for days.     Side B has the beautiful track of I Feel Love by Glenn Underground and Eddie's Dance by Nick Holder and a deep down garage white label with van helden and sneak's Psychic Bounty Killaz that in unison are so good.    Skooch puts it all together with love and creativity.     Skooch's music selection is like a beautiful gift.

booking info:
914-526-6504
www.skooch.com
 
 

  My House - Djane (Virginia)

Very impressive tape from Bob Vigh, aka Djane.   When I saw the tracklisting I knew I would like it.   Bob starts off with "Baby You" by Ruffneck and smoothly captures "In My Life" by Jose Nunez, a favorite of mostly everyone.   Knock me out again with Deep Sensation's Somehow, Somewhere, I yearn and burn for this song.    The mixing is great as we move into this tape.  Kerri Chandler's "Mind Funk" joyfully reaches "Circus" by Johnny Fiasco and then takes it to the whimsical side with 95 North's "Request", the tales of being a Dj and your adoring, sometimes not so informed public.    I was not disappointed in Djane's effort.   Hope to hear only fantastic news about Djane.

Booking info:
djane1@hotmail.com
(703) 631-0887
 

The Sounds and Grooves of Garage House Music - Peter Bosco - Toronto

This special tape that Peter mixed for me has given me such a beautiful taste of his beloved Garage music, the same music that inspires me.    With intricate sculpting, Peter gives a sleek and masterful mix of Garage/Deep House music.   Side A starts ever so deeply with "Deeper" by Donald O, but third along the way is "Sweeter Love" by Blue6, which made me sigh as I longed for more.     "Love" moves fragrantly into Kenny Latimore’s "Day’s like This".   I’m  loving it so when Peter takes you to "The Reason" by Sylk 130, and then he makes it secretly pulsate into ‘You don’t Know Me" by Armand van Helden.   Side B is equally as sensual, especially with "Eyes of Love"  by Brothers of Soul,  looking deeply at you when it joins "Flowerz"  for another superb blending.    With "I want your Love" and " I want You" on this side, I am in total bliss with Peter’s mixing and choice of music.   Bosco is smooth as silk.  I moan for more..........

Check him out on http://listen.to/garagehousemuisc
 

 The Guidance Tape   -  DJ Skooch

DJ Skooch does it again with this tape.    He put all the Guidance records he owns and when I say it is exquisite, it surely is an understatement.    Skooch gently fondles the creative flow and makes you never want to stop the onslaught of delight.    Side A starts with the Guidance Intro by Larry Heard and royally moves into Ambient break by Larry Heard….so inspiring.   When Skooch mixes in "Get Up" by Deep Sensation , you will be moved to intentional sighs.  The mixing sequence of Regalo de Amor by Dubtribe blissfully going into Stepping upon Mars by the Aquanuts and secretly coming into Pancake Jaz by Glenn Underground is such an emotional passage for me.   Side B begins with a throbbing bang with Freak Out by Charly Brown, what an absolute gem this track is.   I like the way DJ Skooch has given so much thought to his music selection, it really shows.   Straight No Chaser by Johnny Fiasco and Teach me to Fly by Free Energy make it so good.    Thank you so much Skooch for the experience.

Check out more of DJ Skooch at www.skooch.com
 
 

DJ Tony Fernandez (Deep South Music)   Mix Tape Part 2

    This is a continuation of Tony's tape that I had reviewed earlier.   Can you imagine the state of ecstacy I have been in since listening to the first and now the second installment of Tony's mixing wizardry?   Side 3 comes in with "Jazz Affair" by the Pound Boys ((I love this track) and then has fun with "Fun" by Da Mob, but when it goes into "the Day" by Bobby D, it gets so deeply soulful that you are hooked.  Then Tony does this flawless mix into George Benson's 'Song for my Brother" that gets me vibing the way I love to feel.   On side 4, those added beats are just killing me as "Hold your Head" goes into "Voices of Life" as smooth as velvet.   I used to not like "Found a Cure" by Ultra Nate until I heard Tony's version of it.   Tony then mixes it into "All my Time" by Paid and True on Peppermint Jam and tweaks it just right to create a "mouth open" effect on me.   The man knows his stuff and when someone brings me to these heights I am so happily exhausted.   Got a light???
 booking info:
andreabeamish@yahoo.com
http://come.to/StarMonkey
 

Skooch Over - DJ Skooch (NY)

    I must say that I was so surprised at this tape because it is a fantastic mix of thought and skill.   It starts off on Side A with "When I fall in Love" by Abacus.   This is a song that Nat King Cole made popular and this is a beautiful rendition of it because of the added beats.   Skooch mixes it in ever so gracefully into a cut from Analog Tracks that fits the momentum fully.   Side A is a gorgeous mix of deep and deeper house that becomes your magic carpet.   Side B is more robust and dance-y.     It continues to move you with such great tracks like Sneaks a Freak, Ecuador and Fly Life Extra.    Skooch does this eloquent mix from Percussion Electronique which is a manipulated horn track that seductively enters Fly Right Extra by Basement Jaxx - it’s truly mindboggling.     DJ Skooch definitlely knows how to spread the love...it's deep and soulful and offers a longing desire for more.
Booking info:  914-526-6504
 

Bang the Box - DJ KayBee (Austria)

   Kay Bee (Klaus to me) has produced his own Euro-House track and I find it to be very contagious and spirited.   It's got some great high hats and beats that in combination make it work very well.   A male voice keeps saying "Bang the Box" and I think it has the potential of becoming a standard.  I especially love the 80ies Hypnosis mix which is a little slower and harder and has a great bassline and the mystery of it makes me feel as if I am looking for something.   The  Re-Mix on this is jumpy and soon to be great rave anthem.    Your on your way Klaus.

booking info:
andreabeamish@yahoo.com
http://come.to/StarMonkey
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Puzzling on the Costa - DJRolandinho y Andy V "The Costa Bros." (Holland)

    Any tape that starts with "Closer than Close" by Rosie Gaines will keep my attention.   Side A is by DjRolandinho and Side B is by Andy V.  This is a great way to showcase two DJ's at once.   Roland did a great job on Sueno Latino and  "Baila" by Sound of Puerto Rico.  The "Gotta have Hope" by Blackout mix was superb.   I still haven't heard a better mix of Hope.  It is so wickedly good!!   Andy V starts his side with Goosebumps which is slow and thought driven and mystical,  but after "Fever called Love"  the tempo builds and shows you another dimension.  Great job on Bambo , actually the last 3 track sequence is amazing, which ends with Beachball by Nalin & Kane.   It's a pleasurable journey, one that I like to take often.  This tape shows two distinct styles of two delicious DJ's.
Booking info:  www.dancegrooves.com
 

GrooveSearching - Andy V.  of DanceGrooves (Den Haag, Holland)

   This is a solo mix by Andy V.   I keep this tape in my car because I often get into this mood where I need it bad and GrooveSearching is what quenches me.  It's a deep house mix that has complimented my state of mind.  Starting with "Keep on Searching" by Cracker Factory, I know I am in for a ride.   OK, this is totally amazing and I suspect no one ever thought it would work, but Andy V mixes Todd Terry's "It's over Love"  into "Digital"  by Goldie  &  KRS-one and it's fantastic.  On Side B, "The Pressure" by Sounds of Blackness just rips me up and the extreme pleasure I get when I hear "Ride the Rhythm" by Little Louie Vega with Marc Anthony as it delicately  moves into a Mary J. Blidge song that we still don't know the name of, is such an experience that I never want it to stop.  At this point, I am so emotionalized  that I'm thankful that I've had the opportunity to listen to it for so long.   It remains in my car and will always be one of my staples

booking info:   www.dancegrooves.com
 
 

DjTony Fernandez (Deep South Music, VA)

    Tony, Tony, Tony...what a turn-on this tape has proven to be.   There are certain beats that do something to me and I'll just say that I want to smoke a cigarette after I listen to this tape.   Side A starts off with Dimitri's "Sacre Francais" which is such a wonderment as it glides into "Jazz Ascension" by 95North.   Tony's own track of "Want Luv" is direct and focused while cavorting with House Music by Eddie Amador, which is in and out throughout side A.   Side B is where I go nuts, especially the drum beats after The Horn Song....they are hard and deeply primal.   With my eyes closed I can feel the pulsations of each beat as it changes my heartbeat as it enters "Head Hunters" by Body Catcher,  then moves to the pounding "I Need You" by 95North and finishes off with "Jazz Affair" by Pound Boys.    A pleasure not denied.
booking info:
andreabeamish@yahoo.com
http://come.to/StarMonkey
 

Cisco Frisco (Paris, France)

    Cisco sent me this CD before he left on vacation to Portugal and even though it's not for promotion (he recorded this just to have something to listen to in the car) I wanted to say a few words about it.   I was so impressed by this CD that I've been listening to it daily at work.   It's very creative with it's scratch intro and breaks.   Side A starts out with a faded "Music sounds better with you" by Stardust but then the beats come to life and it's fully on.    It blends into K.O.T's "Ancestors", which is such a beautiful track.   I just adore ""Troubadour" by Le Knight Klub & Crydamoure, " I need Money" by Busta Funk, "What's the Deal" by Savannah and "Surrender" by Rainbow Connection,  and with Bob Sinclair tracks all thoughout this CD, it's a lively and soulful selection.    My hat's off to you Cisco.
 

Joseph Mazzotta (303 Collective, Colorado)

      I am still wondering how someone who has only mixed for 11 months can be so good.    I can feel Joey's determination in his mixing and it feels good.   Side A starts out with the Prize by Olav Basoski and gleefully moves into Three Drives on Vinyl (I love this record)  which is also by Olav and this merging makes me a little reminiscent of the late Tony de Vit.   The last three tracks on  Side A is a perfect menage-a-trois  with "To the Bone"(Filter Man), "Music sounds better" and "Stardust vs. Madonna."   Side B gets busy with "U mudderfucker you" and perfectly comes into Tronco's "Fright Train."   The speed garage is great with tracks like "Can you feel it, "Sil" remix by Olav and "Meet her at the love parade."   This is a beautiful beginning and I am so inspired by Joey's natural talent.
 
 

Seasons One - DJMark Farina (Domestic/Moonshine)

    DJ Mark Farina is back!   After ripping it on the United Dj's of America compilation, the deep house maestro takes you on a journey for your mind, your body and most importantly, your soul.  Subtly, his set starts with DC/Virginia house guru's 95 North's classic "My Life".   Listen to her moan!  Then later on we are blessed with another quality track from the man of depth, Kerri Chandler and his classic "Two."   Is it deep enough for you?  Glory!  Glory!
In sum, DjMark Farina captures some of the best house dubs and instrumentals and makes it accessible in this compilation.       Reviewed by Muema Lombe
 
 

Ride the Underground - Grant Nelson & Norris "the boss" Windross (Warner)

   So you say you like Speedgarage?   Bounce to CD1, track 6 "Closer" (Mood II Swing dub).  Remember D. Bora, well her classic is here too, "Going Round".  Bounce around with colors Blind's "Nothing Better".  The Germans are coming! Mousse T tears things up with "Everybody".  Choppy, bouncy, soulful speedgarage at it's finest.  But you wanna go deep?  Kerri Chandler's "Halliluya".  The track that will really have you going is "Ain't what you do" (club mix) by Pursernel and has so much bass you can vomit.  CD2, track 3: Ramsey & Fen's mix of Belo Horizonti, damn!!  Bob your head, silky smooth speed garage.  Check out "Too Late" (underground dub) Fierce!!  and thenwe rock along with Bizzi's Party.                                                          Reviewed by Muema Lombe
 
 

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