Summer has definitely not said its last words – isn't that also supposed to be Indian Summertime in NYC by the way ? - as we keep on being provided with sunny vibes. First props would come to latin/jazz Italian maestro Nicola Conte who, not only scores the Single Of The Week here on IDMW.com, but is also heavily awaited at the Paris Factory Jazz Festival this Friday nite. Responsible of our Album Of The Month (the Southport Weekender #2 comp), Joe Claussell (Interview) has dropped us a line about his projects, incl. the aforementioned and (almost) all the other ones. And it's far from being everything, as later on developped by MFSB on the latest installment of his In Da Mix page.

IN DA MIX (HOUSE, GARAGE & OTHER ILLICIT GROOVES)

Well, well, well, if the last IDM issue was meant to be a sort of say post-summer break update, this follow up brings us straight into what is or should be heavily heard these days. Say kidz wot time izit ? It's time 4 house !

All those people we're supporting the works of on these pages look like firmly decided to take the very last Bucks out of our pockets nowadays. This meaning that our want lists are to grow in a drastic way, but also some pretty x-tra amount of work for the IDMW.com editorial team trying to get the very best out of it interviewwise speaking.

As earlier mentioned Nicola Conte opens this new issue with the brilliantissime 'Kind Of Sunshine' (our current Single Of The Week), a frantic latin jazz killer recapturing the essence of jazz clubs jams inherited from the 50's/60's (Schema Records) which also happens to be the first offshot from his new album signed on Blue Note ! We luuuuv this as we loved the original version of RSL's’The Mast' which, being now signed on Giant Step label, has received the remix treatment of King Britt and Dave Hernandez on a more traditional housey way and lost a bit of its beauty and originality in the mean time. If regular to this place, then you should know how we love Incognito. Well, the band which has recently released a new album aptly named Adventure In Black Sunshine, has a new cut ('The Principles Of Love') needing all your attention. In fact, it's actually the B-side of the housey "Listen To The Music" the B-side delivering some bossa/jazz/phonk organic feel with an awesome interpretation from singer Maysa Leak in full effect (Dôme).

When you, Stateside, have your Blaze and MAW, looks like we, In France, have their counterpart, not only in terms of quality but also of quantity. See who we're talkin' about ? Franck Roger and his usual crew (M'Selem & Chris Wonder) at their very best on "You Can Be The One" which is the first release of Franck's newly launched label Real Tone. Other new structures worth to check include Bstraxx who've managed to sign Rocco (remember he of the Rodamaal team)'s new 12. A cut called "My Dream" delivered in 4 # versions seing him once more alongside Portuguese vocalist Nicinha and although it's been conceived a while ago, our man said to me, it has some serious potential value and more particularily the mix # 04. Sorry, I ain't got any more info so far, as I received this via FTP on mp3, except the fact I understand it's going to be officially released by the end of this month…

The world happens to be very small at some time. Get ready to some historical thing coming from the Baltic Republic where our Latvian friend/partner Bogdan Taran (of dancebox.net) launches his own label under the Amber Muse code name. First reference due to hit the streets on 11/22 is Bandmaster's Flight aka DJ Rudd and Andis Ansons with some deep abstract slightly electronified atmospheric house work called 'Samuel Alone'. Dunno about the voice featuring on it, I mean if it has been mixed live or simply sampled, but the thing is that It's very close to the one of that Hungarian actor which Marcel had sampled on his memorable 'On The beach'. 4 mixes on display on the 12" version including one from Rodamaal's Alex S with a preference for RyRadio DJ's Remix not that far away from the Naked Music sound. A comment which also definitely applies to The Rurals' new EP, 'A Deeper Calling' featuring Tweek on smooth atmospheric grooves in addiction to the instrumental 'Charlie Plays' (have an idea about the reference ?) on some even mellower rhythm (Pêng). Meanwhile Rodamaal third member, Manoo drops a new 12 on DJ Deep's Deeply Rooted House label, the 3 pieces on the 4 on display seing L'Ambassade resident DJ exploring friendly deep abstract melodic vibes. It should now be a question of weeks B4 Soldiers Of Twilight release their debut-LP. In the mean time, they maintain the pressure with 'Beautiful' whose B-side 1st mix is also quite reminiscent of the Naked Sound, but the one coming from the West Coast (Serial). If in search for some cool vibes, then I'd also kindly suggest you to have a careful listen to the smooth "He Watches" by the likes of Sir Isaac (Big Moe).

Some other company we gotta talk about now is the one under the Stalwart Recordings name which has been launched by 3 people including former Distance A&R man Olivier Velay and DJ Rork. Here they come with their first release, seing former K.O.T. Jay 'Sinister' Sealee retouching Earth, Wind & Fire's’Never' (see our Preview section of the home page) with favours going to the well named Full Effect mix and its festive although soulful vibes around some calypsoïde beatz.

Could this be that there's a progressive transfer from one side to the other of the Atlantic ? We may have lost Strictly Rhythm and Nervous in the US, in the mean time Dutch suSU label looks like being a new alternative for many US hardworkerz. Commonly responsible of the Southport Weekender#2 comp (our Album Of The Month), Blaze and Joe Claussell have also taken care of licensing exclusive pieces of beauty on the Vinyl sampler of the like including a blattant Alexander Hope song called 'Big Mistake', meanwhile the former B&S resident gives us a sample of the long time awaited 'Journey To The Center' by Chris Brann that the man himself gave me as a CD almost 3 years ago and believe this, it's gorgeous.

Look out for some not to be missed new material by Steal Vybe making their debut for West End Records with the positive and soulful 'Strong' featuring Chris Dockins on vocals. Speaking of deliberately positive things, I would kindly suggest you to have a listen to Blaze's Keep Hope Alive project recently released on King Street with productions by the twosome for people such as Arnold Jarvis, Joi Cardwell, Kenny Bobien Barbara Tucker and many others. Watch this space as we've scheduled a big feature about this (not to mention our tribute on our home page). And if that wasn't enough, the NJ pair deliver some x-tra work of theirs on Jellybean Soul, collaborating with Sybil on the vibrantly "When I Fall In Love" remixed by Quentin Harris.

Contradictory rumours are circulating on the MAW's side about the release date of the long awaited EOL's Extensions album which, although being at some time announced for September then October, is said to be postponed til the beg. of 2K5. At least, Louie (Vega) has dropped another piece of the cake with the extended version of 'Journey's Prelude' featuring Ursula Rucker, by the likes of Frankie Feliciano aka Nulife this making another not to be missed piece of plastic (Vega Records).

Although jazz in the house is a combination that works perfectly as once more brilliantly demonstrated by The Soulplanet Jazz Ensemble with their newie called 'Gotta Be In Love' featuring vocalist Llayali (Soulplanet Recordings), the contrary doesn't necessarily always. The most jazzists of you may remember some limited 7" featuring a live jam from Directions called 'Deep Talking' a while ago. Well, the aforementioned has turned out to be delivered into a 12" format with additional mixes from Kenny Dope droppin' his usual beats but also killing a bit of the original shiny side in the mean time (Diaspora). On the other hand, his approach on his revamps of 'Without Words' by Natures Plan featuring Ed Motta is a pure slice of heaven for those into latin/bossa rhythms. Quite different though is his funkacizing commitment on the new remix package of Reel People featuring Angela Johnson's classic "Can't Stop" officially awaited on 11/22 although promo copies are already available at the usual upfront record shops (Papa Records), meanwhile, he goes for some litteraly in yer face treatment on Harry 'Choo Choo' Romero featuring Robert Owens classic 'I Go Back' which should rock the floors (white).

Back to Diaspora and to a man who happens to be part of the Keep Hope Alive project. In other words : Arnold Jarvis ! Can't remember hearing anything badly done or even M.O.R. from him since the very beginning. His latest called 'Beautiful Love' is another of those firmly recommanded house jams with extra sparkles provided by Sweet Abraham on the flipside. As for Ricanstruction's concern, Karizma goes ultra deep'N'abstract on his first works for Frankie Feliciano's label (best version being the 'S.I.L.U.' one). Meanwhile, Giant Step has a far more interesting newie provided by Baltimore band Fertile Ground, going vocal this time with the help of Navasha Daya on their sweet'n'jazzy 'Live In The Light'. A cut that gets another dimension while being groovily retouched by DJ Spinna with his usual blend, but also Basement Boys themselves going jazzy this time. Seen live last Sunday in London during what was their first ever performance of the genre in UK, Tortured Soul have a new piece of delight called "Enjoy it Now" on Japanese label Lifeline. Nothing but some sweet and delicate soulful swing along that being given the remix treatment of Christian Ulrich himself + Hiroyuki Sanada becomes a perfect and friendly cool stomper.

Well done African tinged groove will always receive our full support as it deeply applies to Sin Palabras 'Yemaya' as remixed by John Beltram and the infectious 4Di Bamba' by Born To Funk featuring Mgulu Shemebe on German label Knee Deep. Two pure gems I swear, folks !

White label purveyor Fall Out seems like going from strong to stronger, judging by the identity of those seing their material reworked by the Epod team and friend. We've had Inda Arie and Little Jay (Jamiroquai's head by the likes of Timmy Regisford), we now have some even more surprising guest – I mean Sting no less ! – with a booming revamp of "Send Your Love" whereas I gotta say that it's hard to recognize the singer himself at some time. Anyway, it's a blattant groove full of energy on a strange blend of rocky soul influences makin'it amongst our favourites at the moment. Meanwhile the same label provides us with 2 other releases worth to check : Syleena Johnson's 'I Believe In Love' + 'Diary' from R&B diva Alicia Keys who might pretty well end up 2K4 having the most illegaly remixed repertoire of the year, as said by Michael Fossati on his column.

Daughter of funk diva Gwen McCrae, Leah McCrae revamps in a sultry way the classic 'All This Love I'm Giving', ready to feed the apetite of those into classy vocal 4X4 with additional remixes provided by Richard Earnshaw and a dope Re-rub by Groovefinder (Groovefinder-US). This month also sees the return of former Sylvester back singer Martha Wash on a new label (Purple Rose) with a top notched gospel song called 'Lift Me Up' quickly looking to become a classic, judging by the enthusistic reactions from people such as Michael Fossati (spiritofhouse.12) and Dr Bob Jones. Classic but classy is Passionardor's phonky ’Everlasting Love' on Soulfuric Deep. A duet comprising UK producer/songwriter Mark Moore and vocalist Laura Vane sounding like those jazz/funk divas of the 80's getting the remix treatment of John Cutler on the A-side. Upcoming US producer Nikos confirms the sobriety of his touch on the classic 4X4 'Never Give Up' featuring a stunning vocal performance by Hymn (Under My Skin). On a slightly more dark electro/jazz/funk vibe is Bluem Recordings latest 'Take Your Time' from Scoper & T-Bone featuring Tim Cobain and gotta frankly say that it has its moments and most particularily the original mix with its breakdowns.

In love with old fashionned disco vibez ? Well Hott 22 seems like having what it takes on his post Philadelphia sound tinged 'Moon On The Spoon' recapturing somehow the essence of the 3 Degrees famous 'Dirty Ol' Man' (Gossip). No doubt, Shapeshifters 'Lola's Theme' will remain as one of the club tracks of this year. Well, following the same vein, is DJ Rhythm presents Soul Theory's’ Drama' fuelled with infectious discoïd filterz F-X (Defected), meanwhile sister label ITH drops Deep Sensation's ’Soul Heaven' originally remixed on Guidance a few years ago with remixes by Cleptomaniacs and Copyright which could well give a new life to this already classic of the genre.

Also for the disco headz is the reedit of The Originals 1976 released 'Down To Love Town' dubbed with former Temptations lead vocalist Eddie Kendricks '' for an investment really worth to be done (Duo Tone). Last but not least, we also have some new 12" reedit from Cloud One (remember the people who gave us 'Atmopshere Strut' at the end of the 70's ?) called 'Doin' It All Night Long' – the B-side of the classic 'Dust To Dust') on a cool vibe aptly to satisfy people like Danny Krivit, Keb Darge (although he plays only 7" !) and… Dimitri from Paris (Queen Constance). Meanwhile, also slowing down the tempo is Detroit's Pirahnahead newie called 'Dreams', blending street soulful vocal parts and a groove that looks like hailing from the Slave/Steve Arrington era (Mahogani).

Ending up this mega column (could well be my longest to dateso far) with some x-tra bits'n'bops by our Austrian favourite of the moment, Parov Stelar litteraly mixing the periods with the obviously detached old fashion jazzy breakbeat 'Wanna Get' delivered in 3 # versions + the wonderful and smooth 'For All We know'. Someone we'll definitely check in the very near future. Watch dis space…

Peace, MFSB

IN DA MIX TENNERZ

NICOLA CONTE Kind Of Sunshine (Schema)

CHRIS BRANN Journey To The Center – from Southport Weekender 2 vinyl sampler (suSU)

INCOGNITO The Principles Of Love (Dôme)

STING Send Your Love – Epod (Fall Out)

BORN TO FUNK featuring MGULU SHEMEBE Di Bamba (Knee Deep)

THE SOULPLANET JAZZ ENSEMBLE Gotta Be Love – Latin Jazz Vocal (Soulplanet Recordings)

SIN PALABRAS Yemaya - John Beltram Remix (Yoruba)

BLAZE featuring SYBIL When I Fall In Love – Quentin Harris W.30th St Vocal Mix (Jellybean Soul)

ROCCO featuring NICINHA My Dream (BStraxx)

STEAL VYBE featuring CHRIS DOCKINS Strong (West End)