Ron Trent At Juno Download

Review: This delightful collaboration between Ron Trent, Robert Owens, Simbad and Jeremy Newall was rather overlooked on its initial release in 2008, despite being one of the best Trent tracks of recent times. It sees Owens in particular in top form, laying down a spine tingling vocal over a typically deep groove that builds in intensity - thanks largely to some fine extra percussion and snaking sax lines - over its near 10-minute duration. This timely digital reissue includes two previously unavailable remixes from Larry Heard in his Mr Fingers guise. These are typically musical, adding intricate piano flourishes and a warm, organic bassline to propel the action forwards. They offer a near-perfect accompaniment to Trent's superb original and Dub.

Review: Ron Trent finished 2009 rather quietly after a prolific start to the year which saw him release a multitude of records including "Obama Tribute," "Tribute to the Lessons of Life" and "Wooden Floors & Analogue Mirrors" on US label, Future Vision Records. After a few months off, the Chicago legend returns in early 2010 with a collaboration with Erik Rico on "Sensation."

Soul vocalist Erik Rico, who is one half of International duo, Lifenotes provides the vocal duties to accompany Trent's production. Having previously worked with DJ Spinna and Mark Mac, he knows how to lay a soulful vocal onto a house track. We see these talents come to full fruition on the vocal version of "Sensation" on the A side. A strong and soulful vocal performance from Rico oozes into the deep and groovy tones of the track. As usual from Trent, there is lots of percussion and live instrumentation to go with the big, organic and expansive sound of "Sensation." It is a catchy classic piece of spacey house that has clear Chicago influences and deep, groovy basslines.

On the flip, the dub version has even more percussion, even more instruments and even more energy. With the vocal set back somewhat, the tougher groove and heavier percussion does all the leg work, with Erik Rico's vocal occasionally wafting over the top to give it a soulful sheen.

This is archetypal Ron Trent. doing his thing as only he can. With two tracks eacih having their own UNP - that being Erik Rico's vocals on the A and the percussion of the B, it is too hard to pck between the two. Seemingly, neither could Future Vision for whom the pair make a great release for.