Confection – Fantasisin/I Choose You (Soulchoonz) UK 12”

Fledgling UK label Soulchoonz has already made a positive impact on the modern soul scene with a handful of quality releases but it’s this 12” by Australian band Confection which has impressed me the most. Although both tracks are new recordings you’d swear they were long lost gems from around 1984. ‘I Choose You’ is a nice mid-tempo boogie piece but it’s ‘Fantasisin’, a slow groover very much in the vein of Juicy’s classic ‘Sugar Free’ which really hits the spot, presented here with both the album and glorious extended mix.       
www.myspace.com/confectionsweetfunk
www.myspace.com/soulchoonzrecords     
www.soulchoonz.com

DJ Marin – DJ Marin EP (Treble O) UK 12”

The second release for Domu’s Treble O label comes from his partner in Bakura DJ Marin who drops a solid debut solo effort featuring the delightful vocals of Nicola Kramer. The original mix of ‘Love Fantasy’ is a superb mid-tempo jazzy soul cut but also check the Rondenion Mix which gives it a deep house twist. ‘Neversoul’ continues the deep house vibe but the real killer here is ‘Slip Back’, an intoxicating broken-soul excursion with plenty of jazz-funk references and an irresistible vocal hook. Do not miss this one!    
www.myspace.com/trebleo
www.trebleo.com

Patchworks feat. Darius Rashaud – Celebration (Still Music)
German 12”

The ever consistent Patchworks (Bruno Hovart) teams up with the silky smooth vocalist Darrius Rashaud for ‘Celebration’, an uplifting boogie/soul track of the highest order. The original mix is guaranteed to get those booties bumping on the dance floor but if you like things a little darker try Amp Fiddler’s tech-house remix.     
www.myspace.com/dariusrashaud
www.myspace.com/patchworksproductions
www.patchworksproductions.com  
www.myspace.com/thestillmusicrecordingcompany
www.itstillmusic.com

The Black Seeds – The Black Seeds EP (Best Seven/Sonar Kollektiv) German 12”

Sonar Kollektiv continue their forays into the world reggae with this four track EP by New Zealand band The Black Seeds. Their third album ‘Into The Dojo’ is already with us but this 12” features my favourite track from that set ‘Cool Me Down’. This is a real catchy soul drenched disco-reggae cut which has already proved popular at our weekly Abstract Soul sessions. If you liked the recent releases from The Dynamics then this is for you.   
www.myspace.com/theblackseeds
www.theblackseeds.com
www.myspace.com/sonarkollektiv
www.sonarkollektiv.com

Black Jazz Consortium – RE:Actions Of Light (Soul People Music) US CD

Under the guise of Black Jazz Consortium Fred Peterkin comes with an outstanding debut set. Although there are subtle jazz influences ‘RE:Actions Of Light’ is a journey into deep house. Heavy beats are built upon with layers of percussion, swirling synths, and occasional vocal snippets to create a heady and atmospheric listening experience. ‘Blessings’ and ‘More Love Please pt.1’ really hit the spot but pay particular attention to the broken rhythms of ‘Seeing The Way Through’ which should reach anthem status at the likes of Liquid Fusion and Co Op.   
www.myspace.com/blackjazzconsortium
www.myspace.com/soulpeoplemusiccom
www.soulpeoplemusic.com

Various/DJ Junior – Excursions (Record Breakin) US CD

Compiled by Philadelphia’s DJ Junior, ‘Excursions’ shines the spot light on some of the hottest broken-soul tracks of recent times. It opens with DJ Day’s gorgeous ‘A Place To Go’ before touching down on gems such as ‘Talking Me Down’ (Domu Remix) by The Rebirth, Electric Conversation’s ‘Dancing’, ‘You Don’t Know’ by Part Time Heroes & Monday Michiru, Black Pocket’s (Steve Spacek) ‘Thank You And Credits’, ‘Rise’ from Kamara featuring Deborah Jordan and ending with Malena Perez’ ‘What Do I Do’. Also included are some tasty moments which were previously un-issued or only available as downloads. Of which I’m pleased to see the stunning cuts ‘Blue Skies from OK_MA featuring Nanar Vorperian and Donn’s ‘All The Beauty’ plus Jonny Miller’s killer broken-beat excursion ‘Starz’ included.        
www.myspace.com/recordbreakin
www.recordbreakin.com

Various – Soul Desirables (Expansion) UK CD

Expansion’s latest offering draws together a host of in-demand modern soul tracks. Compiled by Geoff Bingham it features tracks which only appeared as bonus cuts on the Japanese editions of artists’ albums, promo only remixes plus previously unreleased material. Although much of what’s on offer here is a little smooth for my current tastes there are some fine moments, particularly on the more organic tracks such as the beautifully orchestrated ‘For Goodness Sake’ from K. Fox, Jack Herrera’s dreamy ‘For You’, the DJ Spinna remix of Donnie’s Cloud 9 and what’s described as a rare remix of ‘Sweet Misery’ by the angel voiced Amel Larrieux. Also present is the superb feel good dancer ‘No Matter What I’ll Do’ from Donald McCollum.        
www.myspace.com/expansionrecords