Hey boyz (and girlz), how R U doin' up there ? The least we can say is that we're quite spoilt in terms of good tunes these days. Although Autumn is definitely around the bent calendarly speaking, sunny vibes are not over. We've managed to have a conv. this week with France's famous DJ Gregory who almost simultaneously sees the releases of his In The House comp for Defected and the remixes that he's done on Claude Monnet presents Monica Nogueira new 12 (our Single Of The Week). Meanwhile, brothers in the house Michael Procter (House Calls) and Irie (Nu Groove) deliver their first post-summer break editorials. Welcome back men…

NU GROOVES (SOUL, JAZZ, BREAKS, BROKEN BEATS+ MORE…)

Be aware of where you're coming from to have a better idea of where you're gonna go. The three members of NYC hip hop pioneering band united under the De La Soul banner are the true illustration of this motto. Embodying that US old school sound since almost 2 decades, their works keep on enlighting us – can't wait for the imminent come backs of Mos Def & Q-Tip in that same vein – as demonstrated on their 8th LP (The Grind Mate) and more particularily "Come On Down" produced by Madlib. That cut being an absolute party break corker built around a sample of that good ol' "Last Night Changed It All" by Esther Williams, featuring the legendary Flavor Flav (remember Public Enemy ?) in full F-ect ! From the old school to the new school rules… (always) true school rules !

Our props also go to a Paraisian revelation this year who happens to be a disciple of that colour/soulful sound of Native Tongues. A guy called De La, unique member of the Soul Village outfit. You've got to know that, despite this non hidden reference on his pseudonym, the music of this young man brilliantly speaks for itself. One exemple being given with his very first 45 released on German label Jazz Makossa (big up Olski) featuring two hyper refreshing cover versions of Roy Ayers' "Everybody Loves The Sunshine" and Weldon Irvine's "We Gettin' Down", between hip hop and jazz/funk. Works somehow reminding Madlib's original savoir faire because of their nonchalence and spontaneity. Another exemple being displayed via the remix of "Music Mate" that he's done alongside those of Sa-Ra and Wajeed aka Platinum Pied Pipers for Japanese maestro DJ Mitsu.

The latest looks like the absolute reference in terms of Japanese deep hop. You may catch him remixwise on "Help Me" which happens to be the first cut to be taken from Mustang's (in other words Alex Attias) on Compost, featuring the suave contribution of singer Colonel Red. Himself of the Goya clique whose first solo LP should see the light this Autumn on People label.

This brings us back to what has to be taken as the center of the world : well, you've guessed it, West London ! Those who've attended the phenomenal Notting Hill fes last month would know what I'm talkin' about : Labbroke Grove was hot by the likes of Co Op sound-system.

Bugz In The Attic should at last be given a chance to reach a wider audience after their signature with V2 label. In the pipeline is the vol.2 of their Phuturistic Dancin' series with its cohort of unmissable remixes, incl. their already classic "Waiting" – Afronaught Mix but also new cuts like their rework of "Say How I Feel" for Rhian Benson featuring Dwele and their P-funk alla Bootsy Collins monsta entitled "Booty La La". Not to mention their numerous individual releases on more or less hard to find labels like "Carnival" by Afronaught or Daz-I-Kue's "Blood & Fire".

Back to Paris, let's go back to the hyperactive Franck Roger who, aside from launching a new shop (Lost'N'Found) in Paris has created his own label (Real Tone) alongside his sound engineer (Lionel Marciano) and got a new single – "You Can Be The One" - with srs M'Selem and (Chris) Wonder which, no doubt, should see his reputation reachin' a new step. As for a conclusion, I would suggest you to have a careful listen to the reedition on Q-Tape label of an album by soul/jazz combo Smoke, originally issue in the 70's on MPS. Nuff said, til next month. IRIE

NU GROOVE TENNERZ
SHARON BROWN I Specialize In Love - Tee Scott Dub (Profile)
DE LA SOUL ? (BMG)
BUGZ IN THE ATTIC Booty La La (V2)
DOMU The Boss (Neroli)
FRANCK ROGER w/ M’SELEM featuring CHRIS WONDER You Can Be The One (Real Tone)
SA RA So Special (CD-R)
MUSTANG featuring BEMBE SEGUE “10,000 Leagues Deeper” (Compost)
RHIAN BENSON featuring DWELE Say How I Feel - B.I.T.A Remix (CD-R)
JAZZ LIBERATORZ album sampler (Kif)
DE LA aka SOUL VILLAGE “?” (CD-R)