Review: DFRA - A Quiet Storm EP (Inc. Jon Dixon Remix) (Ascension on Wax)

You won't be surprised to find a Jon Dixon remix makes this 12" more essential than it already was - it's like visiting Detroit!

Whether it be DFRA on Trusted Rhythm Records with 'Give Me' (see review HERE) or on MATE as a DFRA Experience (see review HERE) you know that  when it comes to blending soul, jazz and classic house, you know that Diego Ruiz (aka DFRA) has got more than a finger on the buttons. 

Added to that, Berlin-based label Ascension on Wax can call on Detroit’s Jon Dixon (who we've just hear on Seven Davis Jr's new album - see review HERE) for a remix, this is a big bonus.  Taking the best track on the 12", 'Charlene', onto the "distinctly Detroit" metro as he strips the track back and rebuilds it with deeper textures and signature keys; "Dixon channels the spirit of Underground Resistance while pushing into more meditative territory, bridging jazz improvisation with machine-driven rhythm".  It's spell-binding stuff.

The Colombian Ruiz is currently based in Buenos Aires where it must be like 'A Quiet Storm' anticipating the World Cup but here, the track itself as a slice of sultry sax to the evening stroll at the Plaza de Mayo.

'Strings' completes this 4-track EP and is the feels like the Lonnie Liston Smith jazz-funk on a fast track and I don't care who 'Charlene' is - its house jazz at its best. .

BUY LINK: https://aow-music.bandcamp.com/artists

Artist: DFRA 

Title: A Quiet Storm EP (Inc. Jon Dixon Remix) 
Release date: 19th June, 2026
Label : Ascension on Wax
Catalog Number:  AOW005
Format: 12" vinyl Pre-Order / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: DFRA - Give Me (inc. Masaki Morii Remix) (Trusted Rhythm Records)

More amazing 'Jazz-funk-Afro house, Not Jazz-funk-Afro house' as Trusted Rhythm Records add three more great tracks to the 'must play' list!

Somewhat like their lastest releases, Jean-Jez's 'Deep Trent' (see review HERE), Msizee Laroja's 'Musu'Kuyenza' featuriing Biikie (with Laroye Remixes) but what with Yuu's Beats Sculpture (with Coflo Remix) (see review HERE), Trusted Rhythm are like to explore different dancefloor co-efficents like here we have George Bension guitar jazzy guitar licks, jazz-funk keys and deep house soul.

But wait for the galloping horse (Ed. isn't it the year of the horse?) as on the remix, Tokyo-based Masaki Morii with "trademark Afro-percussive touch" so 'Give Me' gets harder.

And just for good measure, the bonus track 'Better' is like a cosmic keys version with some funkin' bass going on.

This takes DFRA to next level (after 'The Human Discard' EP - see review HERE) 

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER (27th Feb 2026): DFRA - Give Me on Traxsource

Artist: DFRA, Masaki Morii 

Title: Give Me

Release date: 13th March, 2026

Label: Trusted Rhythm Records

Cat. No: TRR031

Format:  Digital