Review: We can't praise the Sterns Edits series enough. While the concept is simple - London producer Ben Gomori tweaks cuts from the vast vaults of world music label and distributor Sterns Music - the resultant re-edits are rarely anything less than inspired. On this seventh installment, Gomori initially turns his attention to "Denya" from Djessou Mory Kante's 2014 album "River Strings - Maninka Guitar". Gomori's version is breezy but club-focused, layering Kante's evocative lead guitar and smooth fretless bass atop a gently bouncy Afro-house groove. Arguably even better is his jaunty, life-affirming revision of Senegalese Afro-Cuban band Orchestra Baobab's brilliant but hard to find gem "Sibou Odia", which sees him make merry with punchy horns, glistening guitars and infectious rhythms.
Review: In 2017, Ben Gomori teamed up with Sterns Music, a legendary London retailer and distributor specialising in African and Brazilian music, to launch the 'Sterns Edits' EP series, in which Gomori beefs up forgotten nuggets from the Sterns back catalogue for contemporary dancefloors. Now, three years down the line, the best of the series so far gets repackaged in album form, resulting in a collection that will suit Afro-house floors down to the ground. Check it even if you're NOT normally a great lover of African grooves, though - there's a slinky, infectious energy to cuts like 'Sigi Sele' that's hard to resist.
