Review: DFRA & Nick Weaver - Beautiful Place LP (Silver Walker Recordings)

Credit(s) where credit(s) due, to get into this 'Beautiful Place' of eight tracks, you have to fly into jazz-hip-hop heritage from Seattle, Buenos Aires and Colombia!

I've said it before, 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 one finger on the buttons; especially as he's joined here with Nick Weaver.  

Making the move from 'A Quiet Storm' (see review HERE) he's landed in a beautiful place with Nick Weaver that's moves you like Gil Scot-Heron with Roy Hargrove on a Bill Evans mets ATCQ hill top surveying all that they an see.

Seattle-born hip hop artist Nick Weaver and Colombian jazz and house producer DFRA are set to release their debut collaborative album, 'Beautiful Place', digitally on October 2, followed by a limited run vinyl release. The eight-track project is fully live-instrumented by DFRA's band, and produced and mixed by DFRA, out now under Silver Walker Recordings.

The album traces one person's search for peace inside a city that rarely offers it, with vocals from Weaver that are full of observations on finding your place amid the chaos of Buenos Aires. Weaver and DFRA first crossed paths in the city, striking up a friendship that led to early collaborations on DFRA's house projects before turning to create their first joint album, Beautiful Place.

Lead single 'Beautiful Place' and second single 'Credits' are out now, with the full album following October 2 on all streaming services.

PS. don't mention Seahawks.

BUY LINK: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dfranickweaver/beautiful-place-2

Artist: DFRA & Nick Weaver

Title: Beautiful Place LP
Release date: 2nd October, 2026
Label : Silver Walker Recordings
Catalog Number:  TBC
Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Dicky Continental ft. Ioan Omar - Big Red Button (Ramrock Red Records)

Get ready to press that 'Big Red Button' as Dicky Continental and Ioan Omar get ready to explode on this new single with a killer dub!

You'll recall Dicky Continental (aka Rich Thair) turned up on Ramrock Records on the remix of The Secret Garden's 'Weekend Away' (see review HERE) that got elevated by the vocals of Ioan Omar.

Well, they're back together on this single/EP (with Vocal, Dub and Instrumental versions) and will be on the forthcoming Dicky Continental album ‘Queer The Pitch' recorded at Bunty’s Studio, Swansea.

Ramrock Red Records head-honcho, Jo Wallace, has made the executive decision to put the dub first – and I for one am not surprised - slo-mo, beats, rockers dubstep: brilliant!

The track is a soulful head nodder, built around Rich’s live drums and warm melodic textures, featuring the skilful flow of Ioan Omar, a young Swansea based, Welsh/Jamaican MC. There are also some cheeky vocal inclusions from a 1980s pirate radio show found on a dusty C.90. 
 
We're told, by Dicky and Ioan, that ‘Big Red Button’ was written pretty much in the studio on the day of recording, "Ioan was initially struggling with writer’s block so when we started recording, he really settled into the moment and that’s where the inspiration came from. ‘Big Red Button’ is about the moment of recording in the studio, when you press the big red record button and speak your mind.  I was recording the drums with Wal, Swansea based producer and bass player, and he loved the track. So, he jumped in on bass and laid down the bass line in one live take. As I was putting the instrumental track together, I was thinking about some of the great footage of Marvin Gaye jamming with his band and Wal evoked the spirit of those jams which I loved. Wal sadly passed away in 2025 - he was a brilliant session musician, working with numerous artists over the past 40 years, including being Gary Numan’s bass player for years." 

‘Big Red Button’ is dedicated to Andrew ‘Wal’ Coughlan [RIP].

Come and join the listening party for 'Queer The Pitch' Bandcamp vinyl launch HERE October 1, 2026 at 7:00 PM GMT+1 [NB. the 'white' cover for 'Queer The Pitch' is digital and the painting is the vinyl cover]

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER:  RRR104 - Dicky Continental 'Big Red Button' EP ft. Ioan Omar | Dicky Continental, Ioan Omar | Ramrock

Artist: Dicky Continental ft. Ioan Omar

Title: Big Red Button (Dub, Vocal, Instrumental)

Release date: 12th October, 2026
Label: Ramrock Red Records
Cat. No: RRR104
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Dennis Liber - Astro Danza EP (Razor-N-Tape)

Just recovered from your summer holidays/break?  Refreshed?  Perfect, jump back in with some 'Astro Danza' moves out of Brooklyn's Razor-N-Tape via Dennis Liber.

Those with good memories will recall that Dennis teamed up with his mate Lex (Athens) on one of our favourite label's Rocksteady Disco (see HERE) who happen to be big mates of Razor-N-Tape head-honcho JKriv (see HERE) and now he's got his own solo Carrib-tropical-disco-house EP with a list of International friends.

The four (+ an extended title track version) are describes as "different shades of  paradise. From the hypnotic nighttime energy of the title track, to the tropical joy of ‘Être Heureux’ (featuring Chäm with typically twangy guitar and a standout remix from French producer Anoraak), and the dreamy celebration of feminine freedom in ‘Femme Papillon’ (featuring Chäm and Shoao), the ‘Astro Danza EP’ is the cosmic and sensual sound of endless summer!"

Also, check out the label's compilation 'Family Affair Vol. 4' (see HERE) where Dennis teamed up with Yasmin Kademian and that's the winning bond on the title track; especially the extended 7 minute version (Ed. you know we like a long one on YATM).

Perfect for fans of DJ GUTS/David Walters/Heavenly Sweetness/Pura Vida and more including Dennis Liber: get ya Astro Danza space dancing shoes on!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Dennis Liber - Astro Danza EP | Razor-N-Tape

Artist: Dennis Liber 

Title: Astro Danza EP 
Release date: 2nd October, 2026
Label: Razor-N-Tape
Cat. No: RNT138

Format: 12" vinyl / Bandcamp / Digital 

Review: VA - Root Down 30: Compiled By Rainer Trüby (Daybreakers)

Rainer Trüby is a big name in house, soul and jazz as founder of the famous Root Down club and compiler of countless compilations - but can't miss out on a 30th anniversary with this monster!

Rainer Trüby, he of Compost Records' Glücklich VI (see review HERE) and many a compilation more, a huge record collection (particularly MPS label; stay tuned for news of a new album on that label by - Ed Motta!), founder of the Root Down club and member of both A Forest Mighty Black and the Trüby Trio, it's fair to say, Mr Trüby knows his 'Root Down' stuff!

Now, depending on your point of view, there may be an element for mates rates for the inclusion of Da Lata's cover version of the absolute classic 'Jungle Kitten' (and if you've read this far, you deserve to get yourself an earful of the Manfredo Fest original which may still be available as the Bluebird 12" of 1979) but that apart/included, what a great 10 tracks we have to celebrate 30 years of Root Down.

Folks and tracks we know, Jazzanova with 'No Use' (the Crackazat remix and featuring Clara Hill - see 'Inbetween - Remixes' review HERE) and Felipe Gordon (see HERE) with 'Let's Get, Get Together' and Trüby own project with Carrado Bucci, Trüccy (did you see what they did there! - 'Closer' was the Hectic track of choice at the time:) with Laroye's Afro Balearic mix of 'Kenyatta'.

And it's not only Laroye who knows a remix, there's a DeejayKul meets Soultechnic Rework, 

and one of the many highlights on the album, The Soul Session's cover of 'A Horse With No Name' as remixed by Trüby and Marlow plus an Osunlade remix of a Colfo collab (as Rawb Boss) and Jimpster (he of Freerange Records - see their 30 year birthday series HERE).

I think that's enough name drops for you to get the idea that this is quality and more than worth a 'Root Down' over the past 30 years.

P.S. Think I'll have to dig out the 12" white label of 'Root Down' by Peter Kruder (2000)

P.P.S. Wonder if DJs Miche and Chris Wheatley picked up anything from their recent visit to Rainer's massive 22k strong collection? 

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER. Rainer TRUBY/VARIOUS - Root Down 30 Vinyl at Juno Records.

Artist : Various Artists

Title : Root Down 30: Compiled By Rainer Trüby

Release Date : 2nd October, 2026

Catalog Number : TBC

Label : Daybreakers

Format : 2xLP / CD / Digital

Review: Omar - Brighter The Days (Deluxe Edition) (BBE Music / IMPRESS!VE Collective)

Omar is always brilliant.. and here's a double CD to proove it and celebrate his birthday at the end of summer as 'Brighter The Days' lights up our lives!

This Deluxe Edition of 'Brighter The Days' with singles, instrumentals, dubs and remixes, has been a while in the offering as Omar is now in his 41st year as a recording artist!

Following on from singles 'Can We Go Out' single (see review HERE), 'Lovey Dovey' (see review HERE), 'Research' and the title track itself (see review HERE) with the original album having sold out, this expanded double CD pairs the album with a whole second disc of 'bonus tracks' that have never been available on CD before.

Here's the exclusive bits that you'll get on CD 2:

 
• 'Lovey Dovey' ft Eric Roberson & Raheem DeVaughn) (Kenny Dope Remix & Kenny Dope Remix Instrumental)

• The three Joe Claussell versions (hot from remix work with Emanuele Cisi - see review HERE - and BBE favourite, Audrey Powne - see review HERE) of 'There's Much Love In The World'; remix, radio edit and World Afriqua Dub 
• 'Brighter The Days' (DJ Spinna remix + instrumental)

• 'Love Is Like' ft India.Arie (Illa J remxi + instrumental)

• 'I've Been Waiting' Maestro & Supa D Remix
• 'Can We Go Out?' (Zed Bias Remix)
• 'Omar isn't just for Christmas but 'That Time Again' (featuring  Charlene Hamilton) is his first ever Christmas single, very much in the Stevie/Donny lineage (not Windwood or Osmond).

Not only is Omar 'The Man' he's been recognised as such as Omar Christopher Lye-Fook, MBE (2012) and has been a mainstay of UK soul/neo-soul and was such leader of Gilles Peterson's Talkin' Loud golden period; little wonder the all want to work with him.  On CD1 itself there's Uk Modfather Paul Weller, Giggs, India.Arie, Ledisi, Eric Roberson, Raheem DeVaughn, Jeru The Damaja, Ronnie Foster, Don-e, Scratch Professer, Tony Remy and Honey Larochelle along for the ride. 

Since the original ablum release, Omar has toured the UK, sold out two US tours and played everywhere from NPR's Tiny Desk to Later… With Jools Holland and New York's Summer Stage.

Always essential, always Omar.

PS. Great cover photo.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://orcd.co/omardeluxecd

Artist: Omar

Title: Brighter The Days (Deluxe Edition)

Release date: 2nd Ocotober, 2026

Label :  BBE Music / IMPRESS!VE Collective

Catalog Number  BBE801 

Format: CD (x2) / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: VA - Thirty Years Of Freerange Vol.4 (Freerange Records)

30 years is a long-time and in Freerange Records timezone they're celebrating with 30 tracks from 30 artists on 5 EPs - and VOLUME FOUR is now here!

Quatro already and this is one for the drive home as we head to the conclusion of thirty years of Freerange and their celebration with the artists and musical values that have defined the label's journey. 

To recap, 30 Years Of Freerange brings together 30 exclusive tracks from 30 artists, released across five EPs before culminating in a beautifully curated box set; also check out Vol. 3 HERE, Vol. 2 HERE and Vol. 1 HERE. 

Volume 4 balances established label favourites with fresh collaborations and future classics, once again exploring the rich spectrum of house music that has become synonymous with the Freerange sound: timeless grooves, musical depth and soul in abundance.

Longtime friends of the label Dam Swindle (last seen on their 'House Of House' compilation, see review HERE) open the collection with ‘I Met Her Last Summer’, a beautifully understated slice of sun-drenched house that radiates warmth and effortless musicality. Euphoric chords, classic disco groove and tension-building arrangement combine to create one of those deceptively simple records that feels instantly familiar whilst revealing new details with every listen. 

Next up French house stalwart Rocco Rodamaal who teams up with the unmistakable voice of Oliver Night (not to be confused with Oliver Knight) for ‘Body & Soul’. Rooted in deep and soulful house traditions, the track blends Rocco’s trademark musicality with an irresistible vocal performance that celebrates the healing power of dance music. Timeless, heartfelt and impossible not to move to. Andy Ash steps up next with ‘Bailey’ delivering a masterclass in rolling, deep house. Built around a looping filtered vocal hook, souring synths and crunchy drums, it's the kind of track that quietly works its magic on the dancefloor, balancing emotional depth with subtle groove.

Flipping over, Black Loops brings the raw, stripped-back funk he's become renowned for on ‘Body Frequencies’. Swinging drums, creative sampling and rolling low-end pressure make this an irresistible club workout, perfectly capturing his distinctive blend of classic house influences and modern production finesse. 

Next comes a meeting of minds as Italian producer L.D.F. joins forces with Ron Trent protege Trinidadian Deep for ‘African Dream’. Combining percussion-heavy rhythms, rich synth textures and deep spiritual energy, the pair craft a mesmerizing journey that draws equally from Afro-house traditions and classic deep house sensibilities, unfolding patiently with a sense of purpose and emotion.

Closing the EP is something special. Trumpeter, producer and Jimpster collaborator Greg Paulus teams up with Parisian DJ and producer Krol on ‘Waitin’.  Impossible to pigeonhole and all the better for it, ‘Waitin’ transcends genres by melding raw house beats, live trumpet, Greg’s own vocals and a hooky piano part to form something totally fresh and unique.  A freaky, late-night meditation where live instrumentation, subtle electronics and rolling groove exist in perfect harmony, bringing Vol. 4 to a suitably maverick and satisfying close.

This series has to be the best of the year and in 5 volumes, Freerange has captured not only what is great about Freerange Records but what's good about music!  One Vol. to go so stay tuned.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Music | Freerange Records

Artist: Various Artists

Release: Thirty Years Of Freerange Vol.4
Release Date: 25th September, 2026
Label: Freerange Records
Catalog Number: FR319
Format:   Vinyl / Digital / BANDCAMP

Review: Gabriele Poso - Maraviglia Remixes (AG Records)

Gabriele Poso brings us a unique remixed view of the 'Mara Viglia' as the 3 wise monkies as "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" as a dancefloor promotion of moral integrity and avoidance of negativity.

You'll recall percussion masster Poso brought us the album 'Maraviglia' earlier this year (see review HERE) and after performing live at London's legendary Ronnie Scott's (September 3rd), here are the remixes you didn't know you needed by 3 wise monkeys that swing in different forests!

Even so, by extreme contrast to Dean St, the total outta space ship of 'AM' by Dodi Palese takes the track into a nuclear power late-night dancefloor "stretching its rhythms and cosmic textures into a driving c'lub cut - peak-time dancefloor moment".

Does the out do legend of the Yoruba Soul Mix?  Osunlade delivers a deep, soulful rework of 'Maraviglia' opening up the original groove with a sophisticated funk touch and a warm, cosmic feel reminiscent of the Leroy Burgess school of New York boogie. His version keeps the spirituat and percussive DNA of the original while giving it a timeless, late-night dancefloor pulse. 

To finish, it must be the sound of the drum with 'Drum Flow' as envisioned by Matt & Quincy as a Extended Vision as a hypnotic, funk-driven journey, built around an obsessive mantra-like synth that slowly builds tension before sending the groove soaring into a euphoric into a hypnotic, funk-driven journey, built around an obsessive mantra-like synth that slowly builds tension before detonating into a euphoric, percussion-heavy dancefloor bomb.

Together, the three remixes expand the 'Maraviglia' universe from deep, spiritual grooves to late-night club energy connecting Gabriele’s Mediterranean and Equatorial rhythmic language with the worlds of house, cosmic disco, New York boogie and global dance music.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://gabrieleposo.ffm.to/maraviglia-remixes

Artist: Gabriele Poso

Title:   Maraviglia 

Release date: 25th September, 2026

Label : AC Records

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: LP / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Audrey Powne - Bodies Of Water (BBE Music)

Those that know Audrey Powne will recognise that the Melbourne trumpeter, vocalist, keyboardist, composer and producer is special and her sophomore album out on BBE, 'Bodies Of Water' is further proof that she is a heavyweight in soul-jazz-funk ring with 'Bodies Of Water'.

Added to the We Out Here Festival (20-23 August) along with Thundercat, Peven Everett, James Alexander Bright (and loads more) like the very best of past trumpeters before her like Miles Davis and Roy Hargrove, she's got the abiltiy to fuse jazz, bop, hip-hop, soul, funk, bruk, pop and dance into a glorious whole of 8 tracks in a fluid 'Bodies Of Water'. 

Don't forget, back in 2024 there were remixes of Ms. Powne's 'From The Fire' (see review HERE).along with the Atjazz and Musclecars remix 12" (see review HERE) and.'Souled Out' remixed by Joe Claussell (see review HERE).

The title track itself is part gospel, part spirtual, part baptism of soul - it's beautiful and then there's a vocal and instrumental version of 'Swollen' that both show off her vocal talents and her trumpet 'Hargrove' expertise as the river bursts its musical banks with a Dilla-esque march into flood planes. 

Whilst you 'Stay Awake' reminds us of the power of Fela Kuti and Afrobeat horns to get us to move our feet as Powne leads the line.  And it's not just Powne that shines on the recording that took 2 days at Brooklyn's Electric Garden Studios as acclaimed New York-based rhythm section bassist David “DJ” Ginyard and drummer Jonathan Barber are a powerhouse; or could that be a Pownehouse (Ed. save that one for the remixes).

'Stay Awake' is the rally call for us all this summer as is 'Two Sides.  And at the risk of sounding like a broken record, 'Broken Record' is another track that absorbs all the elements, including some clever lyrics, that makes this album such a pleasure to listen to; especially when it slips into a bit of a Lonnie Liston Smith meets Chuck Mangione dub at the end (Ed. let's have more of this).

And what is it with ladies from Naarm/Melbourne (thinking Ella Thompson and Allysha Joy in particular) to get 'soul' like on 'Creeds' here and the spiritual 'Karma' and 'RYV'.

You'll recall Bruce Lee's famous quote, "Be like water" and it's often said that the human body is 90% water - here's the missing 10% to feel whole after the debut, 'From The Fire'; seen by many as 'Jazz Album Of The Year' in 2024, 'Bodies Of Water' will wash all competition away this year - don't miss out!

P.S. There's a BBE listening party in London with musclecars & Toribio tells your friends.

BBE Album Listening Party Listening Party September 22, 2026 at 9:00 PM GMT+1

BUY LINKk / PRE-ORDER: https://orcd.co/apbodiesofwater

Artist: Audrey Powne

Title:  Bodies Of Water

Release date: 25th September, 2026

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: Gatefold Vinyl LP / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: VA - Many Shades Of House (Selected By Lea Lisa) Vol.2 (Favorite Recordings)

After a long hot summer (of house), Lea Lisa has found the perfect antidote with 'Many Shades Of House' !

This is a long way from Favorite Recordings' Brooklyn Funk Essentials' album 'Black Butterfly' (see review HERE), Butter Funk Family (see HERE) or Jéroboam's self-titled ablum (see HERE); or is it?

Well it's not if you're into dance as this is exactly what it says on the tin, "Many Shades Of House".  Of course, we've all probably got a favourite Ian Pooley track or remix (say Fritz Wentink - see HERE or Session Victim - see HERE) but the way Lea Lisa has put these tracks together as mostley original mixes (6-8 minutes long) where the label has gone for a double 12" to showcase them is testament to the respect for the music that Lea have compiled/loved/tested/played for many years.

 

Kicking of with 'Sun Of A Gun' (by Korsakow) that hints are the blues of Chris Thomas King's 'Revelations' (Afro Art) and the dub of St. Germain's 'Rose Rouge' and it just gets more diverse with her choice of "uplifting, groove-led movements to deeper, more obscure and cerebral territories".

So who is Lea Lisa?  She's a DJ, producer (Wolf Music, Phonica Records, Smallville Records) and vinyl addict since 1995 (and probably earler than that).   Volume 1 came out a couple of years ago and no surprise that there's been the demand for a follow-up.

The new edition is so good, you can even party like it's '1974' (by Leonel Castillo), get high on  karma of 'For The Music' (Mandrax Dub) (by Colourful Karma featuring Terra Deva) and t'he out there "pocket calculator" of 'Only On The Condition You Call Me Esteban' by Fred Quest.

There's something for everyone but that's coherent throughtout - it's the best shade on the pallet for mixing and blending house.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://favoriterecordings.bandcamp.com/album/many-shades-of-house-selected-by-lea-lisa-vol-2

Artwork by Nahomi - Elisa D'inca

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Many Shades Of House (Selected By Lea Lisa) Vol.2

Release date: 25th September, 2026

Label : Favorite Recordings

Catalog Number : FVR206

Format: 2x LP Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: .multibeat - OOO (Sonar Kollektiv)

Dutch trio .multibeat have got their optics back on the hip-hop-beats-soul-nu-jazz prize with this 14 track album, 'OOO' - Sonar Kollectiv is a natural home for these guys as they focus on thier Robert Glasper/J. Dilla R&B roots!

Out of Utrecht, Boudewijn Pleij (keys), Thijs van Zutphen (bass) and Aron Smit (drums) draw on a rich musical heritage and diverse influences to create their unique amalgamation of hip hop and jazz, keeping the beat firmly at the centre of everything they do.

As we know from the double A single, 'Flyyy' (featuring Casiio) and 'Please Hold' (featuring Säm Wilder) - see review HERE - they do like a collaboration, particular on 'Monochrome' featuring vAn and the deep soul of TOS ('Hold Me Down') and Ethiopian-born Dutch R&B vocalist Neema Nekesa and producer Noflik ('Bloom').

The album reflects the trio’s strong independent spirit while staying true to their live sound.  The album sound quite UK-jazz boom, Berlin, Dutch, West Coast and all points east of "Golden Era hip hop, jazz and beat culture" - check out the longer tracks like 'Send It' and 'Nine/Three'.

The title rack and 'Nine/Three' both feature longtime collaborator Paul van de Calseijde, whose saxophone and synth work add further depth and atmosphere to the album’s sonic palette.

The album ends on 'Use Your Noggin' that reveals the group’s playful side. Inspired by late-night sessions and deep YouTube rabbit holes, the track combines frantic drums, warm basslines and glowing synth textures into one of the album’s most rhythmically direct moments.

They've been very balance by mixing up the vocal and instrumental tracks in a proportion so 'OOO' listens as an album which is what you'd expect from a group who call themselves .multibeat?

As ever, it's a shame some of the tracks are not longer but perhaps that'll be sorted next time - but don't miss 'em this time - OOO!.

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

Artist: .multibeat

Title: OOO

Release date: 25th September, 2026

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number: SK565LP

Format:  Vinyl LP / Streaming / Digital / Bandcamp