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London based distributor, PR/DJ agency and record label EPM will release an album of classic and hard to find Chicago house tracks, with Marshall Jefferson, Ron Trent, Boo Williams and Mr Fingers all featuring.
Jamal Moss freely admits he has never been in the now or the know. The Chicago based producer has been making singular house and techno under a range of aliases – most notably as Hieroglyphic Being, IAMTHATIAM, and the Sun God – for well over a decade. The nature of his work, often complex and experimental, may have prevented mainstream recognition but has earned him a cult status in the underground. And his beloved Mathematics label, first launched in 1996 but only truly prolific in the past five years, has provided the perfect platform for Moss to launch his sound on inquisitive ears. And it’s that sound, borne of a tough, lonely upbringing, instilled with the DIY ethos, and gritty yet strangely beautiful, that sums up the man himself. His approach to music – and life – is at once complex and simple, full of wonderful contradictions. A man neither in the now or the know, indeed, but Jamal Moss wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Artist: Virgo
Title: Virgo
Label: Rush Hour/Trax
Genre: House
Format: 12″, CD, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records (CD, 2x LP), Juno Download
Rush Hour are taking over the world one reissue at a time. The latest retrospective release from the Amsterdam imprint is Virgo’s self-titled debut, considered by many connoisseurs to be one of the finest house albums ever made. Eric Lewis and Merwyn Sanders’ seminal work has been completely re-mastered for the first time and comes with new artwork.
Virgo was their first and only full length release but has had a lasting effect on those that heard it. Originally, it was released as two separate EPs on Trax in 1989, one as Virgo and the other as M.E, another name that the Chicago duo recorded under. The futuristic, deep, soulful house was soon picked up by London based imprint, Radical Records who merged both 12 inches into a one album release.
Dutch label Rush Hour should be praised for their efforts as they release the first ever reissue of the entire album. The seminal work has also been completely re-mastered for the first time too and will come with new artwork to finish off the new package. As well as the obvious hits, “Do You Know Who You Are” and “In A Vision” the album also serves up re-mastered versions of tracks that didn’t get the recognition they deserved; tracks such as “Never Want To Lose You” and “School Hall”.
The album truly stands alone in its sound. Deep and futuristic post acid house, its delicious synths and elegant grooves will now be available for a new generation to discover, cherish and love.
Review: Tom Jones
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Artist: Tevo Howard
Title: Crystal Republic
Label: Hour House Is Your Rush Holland
Genre: Deep House
Format: 12″, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download
Tevo Howard stands alone in his ability to make true Chicago house music that keeps the feel of the original sounds of the city but adds a fresh and contemporary edge. After the success of his HHYR debut, “Move,” he returns to the label with “Crystal Republic,” a six track exploration through warm, deep and emotive Chi-town house music.
The title track is hypnotic and dipped in melancholy yet still drenched in beautiful melodies. “Laboratory” and “The Glass Ceiling” are more energetic, the latter of which utilising an uptempo jacking beat but still retaining the emotion that is ever present on the release.
“Material” has crisp, acid basslines that linger above brooding undertones as the track embarks along a detailed journey through clever arrangement. More raw and rugged however, is “Data.” First there is a relentless jacking version before finishing with an extended version, as hypnotic as it is all enticing.
Although this release is clearly heavily inspired by the original sounds of Chicago house music, Howard’s crisp productions give them a fresh vibe that is very much of today. Full of emotion and depth, each track is like a journey through the past but ending up in the present.
Review: Tom Jones
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Legendary house label Trax has announced it will be releasing the new single from highly touted Canadians Azari & III.
Following on from the exciting news that Chicago House imprint Trax is set to make a comeback, we couldn’t help digging through some classic house memories.
Legendary Chicago House label Trax is on the verge of returning to the music fold, and they have Canadian duo Azari & III on their radar.
