Review: Sean Green - The Green Room (Soul Quest Records)

Soul Quest Records released some big tunes last year and they're started this year with another bursting out of 'The Green Room' with the label's 20th release, it's Sean Green!

"Who?" did you ask - well, me neither and the label ain't telling us!  You might think it's because so big names want's to sneak out an EP 'under the radar' or, I hope, it's because the want the word to spread organically that this is a big deal!

Leading out with 'Really Love' featuring Will Heard it hits you as a classic sound of Peven Everett vs. Viktor Duplaix meets lovetempo vs. Thundercat with some deep organ to funk with the bassline and backing vocals - yes, it's that good!

Following Berkey Hunt's 'A Ghostly Tryst' (see review HERE) and the label head Max Sinal's collaboration with KingCrowney on 'Intentions' (see review HERE with vocalist Liv East), this label knows a leftfield synth-jazz Bruk dancefloor hit - and more!  

And just to prove it, 'Green Alot' gets synth up cosmic funky,  'I'd Rather Be With You' gets soulfully female vocals on the desk a la King Tubby and hold on, what's 'Hold On'?  It's a move into "darker broken beat territory… tense, driving, and hypnotic, rounding off the release with purpose and depth."

By the time I get the call up for We Out Here Festival this year, this EP will have torn up the dancefloor all over so you don't want to be green with envy, order your copy now so you don't miss out - especially if we know who Sean Green is by then!

BUY LINK: https://www.juno.co.uk/products/sean-green-the-green-room-vinyl/1138799-01/ Exclusive with traxscource until 13th March 2026

Artist: Sean Green

Title: The Green Room

Release date: 27th March, 2026

Label : Soul Quest Records
Catalog Number : SQR020
Format:  12" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Zachary Berns - canvas/rendezvous (zalenci)

New York based composer/producer/drummer Zachary Berns declares the new 2-track EP is "jazz house from the NYC cats, pushing it foward" and who are we to disagree?  'canvas' and 'rendezvous' is where jazz n' house meet!

These tracks lean heavily on the late night trumpet a la Roy Hargrove to Herb Alpert in a swingin' hipster East Side Story way - finger poppin' jazz daddy-o; as you'll recall in our review of Mr. Berns last release, on Apparel Music, 'Oh Yes' (see review HERE) there were hints of  the setting for the famous black-and-white photograph of 57 jazz musicians, 'A Great Day In Harlem' (Art Kane for Esquire magazine in 1958).

Well, they all know there jazz heritage here and Jesse Klirsfeld (trumpet) and Luke McCrosson (bass) are an essential part of the mix as even the the jazzier 'rendezvous' has a heavy bass beat like a train that'll work in a jazzdance/club environment (Ed. if you check his insta, he does line a train scene background to his videos).

This is a big week for big tunes but this is not one to be missed.

BUY LINK: canvas / rendezvous | zachary berns

Artist: Zachary Berns (Zbeeez)

Title: canvas/rendezvous EP

Release date: 26th March, 2026

Label : zalenci

Catalog Number :TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Vince Watson - Eminesence [2026 ReWork] / Reach For The Sun [Floor Mix] (Everysoul Audio)

Vince Watson has too many aliases to list as  DJ/Producer but one of his biggest tracks, 'Eminesence' is also one of his "rarest vinyl records" so good news that it's finally coming out on as a vinyl re-issue along with another killer track, 'Reach For The Sun'!

2026 has been packed with new varients of classic tracks already, most notable Razor-N-Tape's re-invention of Alistair Colling vs. Tortured Soul ft. Sabina ,'When You Find Your Love... Hold On' (see review HERE - with new DJ Spinna and Musclecars Remixes) and Fish Go Deep's 'Love's Cloth' (see review HERE), so news that a big tune that was picked up for complilation releases on Defected, is due out on vinyl for the again, remastered and mixed, is something to get excited about.

Originally released on Osunlade's label in 2015, it has that Yoruba Soul groove sound along with some Italo-balearic piano house to wave along to as the sun sets/rises/dances on the beach and elsewhere for a fraction short of 8 minutes.

Total synthy goodness that goes so well with 'Reach For The Sun' (Ed. is there a theme going on here?) as its jazzy piano vibe goes for a sun salutation on the self-scanner a la Jimpster and his take on jazz-funk.  

We're told, "Vince Watson brings delicious piano squencies, light chords and majestic vibes that effortlessly scale towering heights" and you can't argue with that.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER:  VINCE WATSON/Eminesence/EVERYSOUL AUDIO - Vinyl Records Specialists, London Soho Vinyl Music Records - Phonica Records - Latest Releases, Pre-Orders and Merchandise

Artist: Vince Watson
Title:  Eminesence [2026 ReWork] / Reach For The Sun [Floor Mix]
Release date: 26th March, 2026
Label : Everysoul Audio
Cat. No. FW015

Format: Vinyl / Digital 

Review: Fouk - Sundays EP (Boogie Angst)

Fouk are anything but lonely on their new EP, 'Sundays' as Daniel Leseman and Hans Peeman are joined by The Phenomenal Handclap Band, 79.5 and Archil & Leon for a a proper service of a 4-tracker!

Fouk found 'Love At First Sight' with Debórah Bond (see review HERE) and now it's more like an orgy as mates The Phenomenal Handclap Band (of We Are Worlds Away - see review HERE) and fellow New York City / Razor 'N' Tape disco fans, 79.5.

But before that starts, the title track is fronted by Parisian duo Archil & Leon, is perfect carib/reggae soft disco that'll find it's way into many an ear-worm of a Sunday set.  Apparently recorded in studios "brimming with self-built instruments and mechanical curiosities, they manipulate springs, water acoustics, and motor-driven devices, and these tactile gestures infuse the track with an organic unpredictability"!   Well, that might be so, but if you're looking for a chilled Sébastien Tellier 'La Ritournelle' with Pete, Bjorn & John 'Young Folks' (Ed. and who isn't?), this is pretty close to it.

This is not typical of the EP as 'Reverie', the one created with 79.5 is very much in the 79.5. album mode with great vocals and a bouncy disco synths that's equally happy in a house crossover a la Razor 'N' Tape.

And not content with that, 'Tune It Out' is fully 70s NYC disco influenced with the experts that are The Phenomenal Handclap Band on board (you'll recall their contribution to Linda Mirada's album 'Qué largo es el verano' (see review HERE) that builds so that the vocals get all space/chant with sythns and heavy bass that'll get any diso ball spinning.

So varied is this EP, you'd get the idea that it's a compilation set but each track is brilliant and recommended to get your orders in ASAP before it gets picked up by one of the big boys.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER:.Sundays EP

Artist: Fouk feat. Archil & Leon, The Phenomenal Handclap Band & 79.5

Title: Sundays EP 

Release date: 27th March, 2026

Label : Boogie Angst

Catalog Number : TBC

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Various Artists - XPRESS Singles Vol. 1 (The Disco Express)

After the excitment of The Disco Express - TDE100 - we're still on a Special Service as the XPRESS Single Vol. 1 service is "packed with fresh originals and hand-picked gems, the compilation blends funk, soul, nu-disco, house, and electronica".

If you missed The Disco Express 100 (see HERE), the exhibition (see HERE) and our interview with Bustin' Loose Tom of last year (see HERE), you'll want to catch up with the timetable for post-100 TDE starting with this Singles Vol. 1 release.

Bustin' Loose kicks off from the South London terminal with 'Soulbound' which also gets a Dam Swindle remix - stunning stuff that's not going to stop at the end of the line.  These guys have totally refurbished the engine of 70s disco into an modern rapid transit.

Backed by the equally impressive 'Abracadabra' by Magnolia & Sam Karlson featuring Relaye as an original version plus a 'stripped back' Phil Weeks Ghetto Mix and a housey La Felix remix.

All seal TDE as a must have fun party release; need I say more?

BUY LINK / Vinyl Pre-Order: Soulbound: https://go.protonrad.io/rlF3tLpn4furY

                                                Abracadabra  https://go.protonrad.io/rlkj2h-kyjdFU

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Artist: Various Artists (Bustin’ Loose, Magnolia, Sam Karlson, Dam Swindle, Phil Weeks, Relaye, La Felix)

Title: XPRESS Singles Vol. 1

Release date: 27th March, 2026
Label : The Disco Express
Catalog Number : XPRESS107
Format:  Vinyl / Digital / Streaming / Bandcamp

Review: JKriv & Jason Linder - Real Ones (Razor-N-Tape Records)

If you are based in Brooklyn, chances are that you'll be more than aware of the Razor 'n' Tape world of label and store along with the name of co-founder and 'leader', JKriv (aka Jason Kriveloff) but do you know the Brooklyn based, American jazz pianist, keyboardist, composer, producer Jason Linder?  Well, here's you first opportunity to get to know them as a duo and 'Real Ones'.

JKriv is no stranger to teaming up with like minded folks like the Rocksteady Disco crew (see 'Adaption' EP review HERE) or his most recent pairing with Peter Matson (see 'Facile' EP on Favorite Recordings - see review HERE), not to mention countless remixes in the last 20 plus years: but keyboardist Jason Lindner, who is 'arguable' best known as he chosen to been on David Bowie's last album 'BlackStar' (★) of ten years ago.

'BlackStar' was said to be "more explicity jazz-orientated than its predecessors" and I suspect Linder might have thoughts on that with his 30 year plus career in jazz, especially the most haunting title track on the album.  

In contrast, 'Real Ones' as a "clubby and synth driven" poject is fun and dancefloor focused.  The title track has echos of 80s jazz-funk stylings with a synthy '1000 Finger Man' thrust and echoes of 'Mission Impossible' in a Miami beach style, or perhaps Italian.  Sounds mad, but I don't think Tony Visconti could pull it off, or Luchino Visconti for that matter.

'Catch Feelings' is similar in feel but equally could have been spawned in the studios of Ken Patten in Sheffield or even Sun Palace's 'Raw Movements'.  So you get the idea how good this is and the third part of this trilogy, 'Regionale' which ties all these elements together and puts them on a Bullet train in Japan to touch base with the electronic pioneers of the Far East.

The EP is completed with a Retromigration Remix of 'Regionale' which give take in more house and given it a loopy vocal.

This is so different to the JKriv & Megatronic's EP 'The Truth In Gospel' (see review HERE) but this new collaboration is no 'one off' or new as Jkriv & Jason have been working together at Razor-N-Tape events for a number of year as A Joyful Noise.  This is great news as it's proof this is dancefloor tested and more in the locker to come out.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: JKriv, Jason Lindner - Real Ones

Artist: Jkriv & Jason Linder

Title: Real Ones EP

Release date: 27th March, 2026

Label : Razor-N-Tape Records

Catalog Number : RNTD132

Format : Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Salt Queen - Are U OK (inc. Freak Nasty Remix) (Samples From Mars)

This is a warning for amazing trippy acid as an example of a Sample From Mars as Salt Queen asks empathetic questions from the dance floor - with harsh reality statements; I'm sweating already! 

The is a kinda anti-drug message as visual artist and musician Salt Queen (Magali van Caloen) teams up with Samples From Mars founder, Teddy Stuart and acts out her Acid nurse of the dancefloor spoken word deadpan vocal which doesn't quite make humorous or humorousless but we've all seen such dancefloor behaviour.

The bonus is that the Acid is a hard as anything you've ever had and the even better news tis the the Freak Nasty remix turns it up to 11 and edits the vocals: a full instrumental would be fun too!

.

Whatever you do, however you're feeling, drink lots of water and don't put your back out is the best advice.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Salt Queen

Artist:  Salt Queen

Title: Are U OK (inc. Freak Nasty Remix)

Release date: 27th March, 2026

Label: Samples From Mars

Catalog Number: TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Tim Lucent, Kristos, Mona Matsuoka (+Matt FX on Remix) - Hakyō no Kiki (Non-Friction Records)

J-Acid house twist with some 'Hakyō no Kiki' biz; no idea either but this is fun and who doesn't like fun?

Mona's vocal dilivery is very deadpan so it touchs a little 'O Superman' but it's busy blippy house that's like J-pop doing Coldcut.

And just to make it even better, Mtt FX remixes in what he call 'Slip 'n' Stagg' which warps it more towards Jack-garage!

EP on its way in May so stay tuned.

BUY LINK /PRE-ORDER: https://xelon.ffm.to/hnk / https://xelon.ffm.to/hnksns

Artist:  Tim Lucent, Kristos, Mona Matsuoka (+Matt FX on Remix) 

Title: Hakyō no Kiki 6

Release date: 20th / 27th March, 2026

Label : Non-Friction Records

Catalog Number : NON-008, NON-009

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Flo Naegeli - Lush Life EP (Sonar Kollektiv)

Not John Coltrane, Billy Stayhorn or Lou Donaldson but Flo Naegeli has some 'Lush Life' all of his own as he crossed the boundaries of soul-pop-soft rock and more!

Originally hailing from the Bavarian forests of southeastern Germany, singer, song-writer and multi-instrumentalist Flo Naegeli began his musical journey as a folk accordionist at the tender age of just seven years old. Growing up in a household that instilled a joyful and open-minded relationship with music, Flo was initially influenced by traditional sounds, before transitioning to the more contemporary tones of the electric guitar - a change informed by a bicycle accident where Flo broke both of his forearms!

He began to learn guitar around the age of 14, inspired by music icons like Prince and Jimi Hendrix. When he wasn’t playing in bands, a strict self- imposed conscientious routine of study and practice saw this wunderkind blossom, and despite resistance from his parents, he continued his musical education at college, earning a degree in the subject and the opportunity to pursue a career as a professional musician.

Leaving the family home and moving to the eastern part of Germany gave Flo a different perspective on his country, and perhaps a stronger connection with its recent history in particular. He began to move away from playing in groups, focussing on solo work and embracing new technologies like Logic to enable him to work alone. One of the major hurdles for any artist who finds themselves in an isolated environment is self-doubt - something that Flo is proud to have worked to overcome, discovering instead empowerment through his art. Having a family of his own, and in particular becoming a father, has also reinforced his strength of purpose.

Now signed to Sonar Kollektiv, Flo’s debut EP for the label, entitled Lush Life, is a collection of songs that are replete with reflections on fatherhood, family struggles and friendship. He considers his relationships with both his mother and father, on Freedom and Love By The Hour respectively (both featuring guest drummer Stephan Salewski) and on Closer examines how his own roles as both a husband and father have helped overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Elsewhere, Shake laments separation from a close friendship whereas both Colourblind and Quiet Power deliver confident affirmations regarding the benefits of life experience and growth. Indeed, the EP is one awash with optimism and positivity, embracing the challenges that life throws at us, whilst accepting the difficulties in conquering them. Such sensitive subject matter is conveyed both tenderly and sincerely through Flo’s soulful vocals, optimistic energy and the uplifting feel of his music. Drums, bass,synthesisers, piano, percussion and electric guitar, all played by Flo - with the addition of Jannicke Hagen on trumpet and a string quartet of Maria Graefe & Sean Morrison on violin, Clarissa Kanske on viola and Alma Stolte on cello - wrap warmly around the assured and inspiriting vocal lines to create something simultaneously conscious and reassured.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://sonarkollektiv.lnk.to/LushLifeEP

Artist: Flo Naegeli

Title: Lush Life EP

Release date: 20th March, 2026

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK550EP

Format: 12" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Turbojazz - Memorabilia (Last Forever Records)

When it comes to 'Memorabilia', it's fair to say that Turbojazz has a great big box of impressive tracks over the years to rummage through for his new album.

DJ/Producer Turbojazz (aka Tommy Garofalo) and founder of Last Forever Records has expanded his 'Turbojazz & Friends' productions with this monster of ten track album that features one of Atjazz' favourite vocalist Rona Ray, the voice(s) that is/are Robert Owens, Javonnette, along with Doni Nichole, Veezo (remember 'Vezzions' - see review HERE), Broken One, cor.ese and Bad Colours.

Now you'd think that with all this variety of added talent, 'Memorabilia' would be a lot more random than it is as even Turbojazz with after burners on is still all about the dancefloor and the instrumental 'Summer Madnezz' only stands out as it's a really energetic groover with hi-frequency strings that's equal to 'The Joy' plus the Veezo collab, the jazzy piano led, 'It's Not Alright' (that's more than alright) and the unbroken, 'Lush Disco' with Broken One. 

We've mostly seen Turbojazz in his work will Foliage (with Sean McCabe et al) but 2026 'Memorabilia' has been set with this release - there's so much to this than 'The Joy': it's "more than an album — it's a message to the dance music world that culture lives on through those who carry it forward."

BTW: 'The Joy' has more than a passing resemblence to Jon Culter house classic, 'It's Yours' which is a massive recommendation in itself!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Memorabilia (album) | Turbojazz | Last Forever Records

Artist: Turbojazz  

Title:  Memorabilia

Release date: 20th March, 2026

Label: Last Forever Records

Cat. No: TBC

Format: Bandcamp / Digital