I have chosen two soulful gentlemen for you today.
Jamie Lidell's somewhat surprising come-back single is a synth-laden 80's flavoured slow jam spilling away from from speakers in a dreamy way. A truly sophisticated, sensual ode to some of the greatest R&B ballads or downtempo pop songs from circa 3 decades away. "Pink Light" is already sounding like one of Lidell's most accomplished singles to date, understated yet instantly captivating.
Beginning with a similar hook to the legandary "All Night Long" by the Mary Jane Girls, Dornik's latest single also travels back to the sweetest decade of boogie, R&B and all those irresistible rare grooves. Jessie Ware's former drummer is about to drop his debut album this Friday and "Stand In Your Line" serves as a perfect appetiser before this promising feast of neo soul and modern funk. After months of tempting us with a stream of highly impressive singles, the likes of "Something About You", "Rebound" or "On My Mind", Dornik seems to be finally completely ready to take over the urban waves. You can stream the album ahead of its official release HERE!
Are you ready for some more of those sweet 80's Boogie and Modern Funk grooves? Sugarz is a collaborative project launched by Sydney-based multi-instrumentalist and soul and jazz singer/songwriter Kimberly Aviso who pairs up with Benny Badge aka FREEKWENCY for her debut "Natural High" EP. Think analog, think vintage synthesisers, mid-80's Soul Train shows, post-disco, electronic R&B, freestyle. Think D'Train, Joyce Sims, Loose Ends, Mtume, early Janet Jackson... With the latest releases by Jamie Lidell, Dornik, GL and The Galleria feat. Jessy Lanza, another ravishing revival of the 1980's sounds is definitely on the horizon. Sugarz' debut EP is hedonistic escapism to the sweetest sounds of the pre-house and electro era. Filled with dazzling oldskool melodies and productional tricks, the 4-tracker is an immediate favourite.
Here's what we read in an official press release about each one of the songs:
"Sugarz first single 'City Of Light' transports listeners to another world, delivering a vivid narrative where the past and the present merge as Sugarz discovers the rich city of Paris. Benny Badge's production mimics the adventure with rolling basslines and hard hitting drum patterns.
'Hold On' is a candid song about her mother. What would - in its original acoustic form - probably be a slow deeply moving song is upbeat and soulful in production that reflects a distinct early 90's R&B sound.
'Natural High' is another candid song that talks about the search for life's positive light. Benny's production takes on the form of another 90's R&B song akin to Anita Baker.
'Do You?' centres on relationship dynamics - 'Do you believe in me?', closing the 4 track EP with an energetic number, hard bass drums and lots of melodic instrumentation."
"Natural High" EP is available now on Bandcamp, for physical copies head to Sugarz' official site.
P.S. On top of all of the retro aspects of this compelling release, is it just me or does Kimberly resemble Ce Ce Peniston from her heydays a little bit in the video?
It's exhilarating to see Nomi Ruiz, the queen of Nu Disco, making a much desired come-back with her Jessica 6 ensemble after 4 long years since their flamboyant debut album "See The Light". "The Capricorn EP" is packed with sensual dancefloor fillers, some exciting joint efforts with Ruiz's previous collaborators (Rampa and Eli Escobar) and their signature seductive melodies. The first song chosen to promote this EP is the irresistible "Down Low" featuring Thodoris Triantafillou & CJ Jeff but it's the elegant "Shadow Dancer", immaculately produced by Eli Escobar, that builds up to a magnificent club anthem about to happen, balancing effortlessly between the darker shapes of disco and deep house. "The Capricorn EP" is out now via Park Side Records.
Here's a reminder of Nomi Ruiz' previous collaborations with Eli Escobar: "Desire" and "Somebody To Love Me":
