Ricky Inch presents CLAZZ

Music genres evolve— yes, they do— but their evolution does not spell out obsoleteness. Take jazz music for instance, it has been made audible to human ear since the early 1910s; however, we still hear the genre and its renditions at present age. Going much more specific, one of the very noticeable effects of jazz, with touches of funk and soul music, is its heavy influence on deep house music.

Estonia-based house producer Ricky Inch is one of the genre’s new leading emissaries. We first heard his name on my review on his remix on Dezza’s Good, which was released under Nellie Recordings weeks ago, but he’s on the hot spot once again.

As one of the key members of Ceremony/ Cabrio Records, Ricky Inch releases CLAZZ, an eight-track compilation of his jazzy picks, including his very own crafts on the label.

CLAZZ is a chalk full of unadulterated jazz elements, from the ever-soulful saxophone solos as heard from Rain Before by D’Flower to seemingly walking basslines from Ricky Inch’s Jazz Maniac and Äzzy Groovee, and Vinyl Dharma’s Infidelity (Ricky Inch & Golden Tony Jazzy Treatment), while Elastic Sound’s TechJazz (Ricky Inch Remix) having both!

We also get to hear fuzzy guitar leads and hushed piano keys from Long Way (Ksky Chilin Mix) by the MHB Crew. Adding a vocal edge to the release, Kyka’s Feelin Good does the job with its Matisyahu-like vocal hooks and beach-drenched feel. But if you’re looking for a much more ambient track akin to the ones from Café del Mar while still having a pinch of brass instrument samples, then Les Rues Du Jazz, a track from St. Maarten, is for you!

Jazz is class—that is all you need to know.

•••

Track list:

1 Ricky Inch - Jazz Maniac 08:12

2 MHB Crew - Long Way (Ksky Chillin remix) 06:46

3 Elastic Sound - TechJazz (Ricky Inch remix) 08:09

4 D'Flower - Rain Before 05:52

5 Vinyl Dharma - Infidelity (Ricky Inch & Golden Tony Jazzy Treatment) 08:41

6 Kyka - Feelin' Good 07:24

7 Ricky Inch - Azzy Groove 07:40

8 St Maarten - Les Rue Du Jazz 6:26

Ricky Inch • Ceremony/ Cabrio Records

READ MORE - Ricky Inch presents CLAZZ

Kaspar Kochker- Amazonia / Downtown Chicago / Absinthe EP

Latvia’s brightest star, Kaspar Kochker, strips off his inhibitions and takes a journey to the deeper side of sound, and brings back the highly-intoxicating and luscious Amazonia / Downtown Chicago / Absinthe EP for Nellie Recordings.

Amazonia, the first track, flawlessly brings together the suaveness of jazz music with the life of the forest that never sleeps. Next up, Kaspar Kochker takes us to the bustling nightlife of Chicago with his sleek and deep Downtown Chicago.

Sink yourself in Kochker’s very own dose of Absinthe, a stunning spectacle with hints of alluring yet hypnotizing melodies - definitely a fine work of a connoisseur. If the first two tracks haven’t given you that buzz, then the Absinthe will.

Share in the musical journey of Kaspar Kochker, and let the music stimulate your senses.

READ MORE - Kaspar Kochker- Amazonia / Downtown Chicago / Absinthe EP

Technical Lovers feat. Trox- Hard to Believe/ Lost In

It was 2007 when the two Russian producers, Eldar Stuff and Bernoulli teamed up to form Technical Lovers. Both producers spent years experimenting and turning knobs to create their own "TL sound". And good enough, Technical Lovers landed on Dezire Records with their release "Hard to Believe/ Lost In" featuring Trox on vocals.

Hard to Believe (Original Mix)

This one is a perfect example of tracks that have that kind of ascending structure; from starting with seemingly gloomy melodies to finishing with a soaring and uplifting climax. Vocals from Trox do complement the upbeat feel of the track, and are also very easy to sing along with.

Hard to Believe (Dezza Remix)

Derek Silvester, half of duo managing Dezire Records, gives a light and a melodious interpretation of Hard to Believe. With feel-good piano vibes and jovial stream of melodies, the Dezza remix is the perfect for listeners who love heartwarming and easy-going tunes.

Hard to Believe (Promonova Remix)

Cheering audiences, big-room chords, hard-kicking beats, haunting vocal hooks, the Russian-based producer, Promonova provides a proper club-friendly version of the track.

Lost In (Original Mix)

The fourth track brings the EP to a close with its emotionally-drenched technical sound. Lost In is subtle, but very meaningful.

Dezire Records celebrates its second release with Hard to Believe/ Lost In. With continued love and support from its fans, the label along with its artists will definitely keep growing.

READ MORE - Technical Lovers feat. Trox- Hard to Believe/ Lost In

TARMO feat. AC- I Sing For You EP

Tarmo Mäkipaja's remix on Something Good's "La Biankini", was just a teaser of something bigger! Definitely ready to take over the world with his highly-definitive sound, Helsinki-based producer, TARMO, unleashes his very first single with AC, "I Sing for You".


I Sing For You (Club Mix)
Cross over infectious and echoing piano melodies with fresh-sounding vocals from a songbird, you'll get a peak-time material like this. I Sing For You serves sun-glazed euphoria straight-up-- surely one of my top picks this year!

I Sing For You (Something Good Remix)
The two guys from Something Good are unstoppable! Otto Yliperttula and Karolus Viitala, the guys behind SG, are effortlessly redefining the sound of progressive house music with their delectable melodies! So it's TARMO with AC plus Something Good . . . what else would you ask for?!

It's a Finnish-fest right here! These guys, like what I have said, are rapidly redefining the sound of progressive house-- trust me on that.

READ MORE - TARMO feat. AC- I Sing For You EP

Justin de Guzman- Inevitable EP

With temperature readings reaching thirty-five to thirty-six degrees Celsius, Manila is definitely scorchin' right now. As you leave for your favorite Philippine summer hot-spots like Boracay or Palawan, don't forget to pack with you Justin de Guzman's latest single under DeeperManila Records, "Inevitable".

If you are one of the unfortunate ones who have never visited my country at this time of the year, do not worry, just close your eyes and listen-- let the two versions of Inevitable do the talking.

Call for a chill out session anytime by the sea with Justin's Inevitable (Original Mix), and everything will be fine. The original version caters sun-drenched melodies from the filtered chords to the jazzy basslines-- Inevitable definitely is my summer anthem for 2010!

If you want a much more organic version of the release, then bring Inevitable (Justin's Tropical Dub) with you! There are more percussions, as well as denser basslines and unfiltered piano chords on this one.

Two tracks tailor-made for beach-lounging, Inevitable EP is certainly the release of my Summer.

Justin de Guzman•DeeperManila Records

READ MORE - Justin de Guzman- Inevitable EP

Nellie Remixed EP 01

Nellie Recordings has always vowed to dedicate themselves to releasing only the finest and the most brilliant music that would stand the test of time. With the release of the much-anticipated Nellie Remixed: EP 01, the label continues to provide quality music by compiling new and mint remixes on previously-released masterpieces.

Opening the release is Matt Rowan’s liquefied yet electrifying version of Claes Rosen’s “Genuine”. Next, we’ve got JPL, also famously known as “A Boy Named Joni”, giving a dreamy and a trance-packed make-over to Alaa & Kristoffer Ljungberg’s “Plateau”.

The once growling single, “Tabaka”, from Mark Bale, is now a nocturnal anthem bursting with energy in the hands of Russia’s boy-wonder, Stan Chetverikov. Incognet also had his time to shine back in 2009 with his ear-pounding single, “Avesta”, but this time around, it is Dave Cortex’s time to be heard with his rock-solid remix.

Bringing the EP to a close, David Akermanis and Brad Menagh adds more Asian spice to Kaspar Kochker’s “Indonesia” with their arsenal of hallow, yet sharp-sounding melodies.

Go ahead, open the shiny new Nellie box and experience feel-good vibes with time-tested melodies!

Supported by Jaytech, Pedro Del Mar, Mike Shiver, Airwave, Gai Barone and Filth & Splendour to name a few.

READ MORE - Nellie Remixed EP 01

SPiNTECH- Electrogruvjunkie

Mick Barroga has been one of Manila's well-respected veterans in the electronic dance scene for the past two decades. From releasing highly-acclaimed albums, "Dreams Unfade" and "Chill House From the Underground", to dropping the most infectious and groovy tracks in local clubs, Mick has grown into a very indispensable underground icon with his SPiNTECH moniker.

SPiNTECH, alongside Silverfilter, has also played a huge part in the propagation and growth of ElectronicaManila, the massive collection of electronica aficionados on Philippine soil.

DeeperManila Records is grateful to have released SPiNTECH's "Electrogruvjunkie" , a highly-sophisticated, eight-track album that contains timeless luscious, groovy, and chill melodies all united through house music.

From the dreamy opener, Groove Titans and the jazzy She's My Sugar, to the summer chill out take-aways, Sailing the Breeze, Twisted Seduction, and Lift Who Up High, Electrogruvjunkie gives off alluring aura to its listeners. Aside from those, the album also caters club-tailored tracks like the electrifying Jewel Thieves, the rock-solid funker, Phonk Tweaker, and the deep and funky Soultastic Funkforce.

SPiNTECH's Electrogruvjunkie definitely adds spice to house music, and with bountiful experience and honed skill, Mick Barroga shows how original Filipino house music is made.

READ MORE - SPiNTECH- Electrogruvjunkie

Boom Jinx & Andrew Bayer- By All Means/ So It Goes

They teamed up for their highly-acclaimed release, To the Six, and they're hitting the charts once again as a team. Anjuna heavy-weights, Boom Jinx and Andrew Bayer are back in a flash with their three-piece EP, By All Means/ So It Goes released under Anjunadeep.

By All Means (Original Mix) caters familiar vibes and synth-work as heard from To the Six. With mild atmosphere wrapping the track in ooze, By All Means is one certified a tune of quality and euphony. Taking on a different route, By All Means (Club Mix) is the pumped-up counterpart of the original.

Third and last track on the EP will catch you off-guard. So It Goes is the melting-pot of Jinx's serene melodies and Bayer's grounding basslines. Exploding in freshness, bliss, and solace, So It Goes brings the EP to a heightening close.

Always having the ear for tranquil melodies and the taste for spherical sensations, the Jinx-Bayer tandem will always make effortless wonders.

BOOM JINX•ANDREW BAYER•ANJUNADEEP

READ MORE - Boom Jinx & Andrew Bayer- By All Means/ So It Goes

Kaspar Kochker- This is Riga EP

Kaspar Kochker, through his This is Riga EP [L8-Night Records], takes us to the streets of his beloved city, Riga, Latvia.

As a whole, this four-piece release is quite different compared to Kaspar's productions that I have reviewed previously. There are still hints of progressive house music in this release; however, tech, minimal vibes with hints of electro dominate This is Riga EP.

Modernize is a bustling piece with really saturated melodies that get complemented by the dense bassline-- definitely a carries elements something new to me. The second track-- Old Riga-- stomps its way to the EP with its electrifying melodies and edgy synths all brought together in a playful manner.

Maskachka hits hard with its monstrous basslines and lethal synths making it the most aggressive track on the EP. (You don't wanna get caught walking alone on Maskachka, by the way.) Contrasting the previous, Streets of Riga caters easy-going melodies pumped with energetic dirty basslines infused with some samples from tech and deep genres.

Modernize, Old Riga, Maskachka, and Streets of Riga are four tracks that depict Kaspar Kochker's hometown in Latvia. Just close your eyes and imagine what the artist is trying to portray.

READ MORE - Kaspar Kochker- This is Riga EP

Justin de Guzman- Lights on My Face

It is an honor to be able to write my first review on the original works of Justin de Guzman, the man behind of DeeperManila Records, who also happens to be a good buddy of ours.

One of the notable releases on DeeperManila Records is this warm and slick track, Lights on My Face. JDG starts off with crisp percussions and filtered synth-work-- definitely the way to start a deep track. After that, a timely slam of the luscious bassline follows and takes the lead. Lights on My Face is a certified-suave lounger that your ears would simple crave for.

Lights on My Face was released with two other tracks, both crafted by Justin de Guzman. Check out the full release on JunoDownload.

READ MORE - Justin de Guzman- Lights on My Face

Kaspar Kochker- Weekend at Moonlight/ Happiness EP

Kaspar Kochker, who happens to be only 21 years old has done quite a number of productions for the people. If you have been following my previous reviews, you would agree when I say Kaspar's Latvia's brightest star, and will be one of the key figures of the progressive and deep house music scenes in the near future.

Just recently, Kaspar released "Weekend at Moonlight/ Happiness" under Key Recordings. The EP spawned two originals by Kochker and one remix by Canadian David Akermanis. By the way, Key Recordings is a new record label established by producers Luke Shipstad and Nick Stoynoff.

Weekend at Moonlight (Original Mix)

We get to hear the progressive side of Kaspar's productions once again, but this time, there's a little jazzy spark to it-- made possible by the suave bass-work. Moreover, the starry melodies and the dense atmospheric feel gives more substance to the piece. Kaspar Kochker debuts on Key Recordings with his pacifying yet groovy track, Weekend at Moonlight.

Weekend at Moonlight (David Akermanis Remix)

A highly-definitive remix by Canadian prog house guru, David Akermanis. Slamming in stubby and sliding basslines with soaring saturated synths really gets the energy going in the earlier part of the remix. As the brass instruments join in, emotive piano piece echo as they give way to the climax. A sure-hit track for classy bars at night, the David Akermanis remix is simply genial.

Happiness (Original Mix)

Kaspar Kochker gives a proper close to his release with this flourished gem, Happiness. Very upbeat in composition, Happiness provides really juicy bass-work and highly-infectious progressive house melodies-- simply a track of pure bliss and optimism.

READ MORE - Kaspar Kochker- Weekend at Moonlight/ Happiness EP

Shipstad & Warren- Near Perfect EP

Luke Shipstad and Dylan Warren, collectively known as Shipstad & Warren, have finally docked on Nellie shores with their mind-levitating debut release, “Near Perfect”. Thanks to the stunning production from the duo, the original mix of Near Perfect caters lush progressive house sound with laidback atmosphere and easy-going melodies.

Aside from that, Argentina-based sound-smith, B.O.N.G., delivers a heart-warming remix with his denser-sounding basslines topped with emotive and echoing piano samples—definitely a track that would take you to places you have never been before.

The release does not end there. The version of melodic progressive house aficionado, Schodt, brings the EP to a proper close. Henrik Schodt’s sharp and saturated melodies, alongside with his soaring climax, really do the job well.

Near Perfect delivers three uniquely-sounding tracks all united with rich and melodious sound— indulge!

Support from Ruben de Ronde, Mike Shiver, Airwave and Gai Barone to name a few. Positive response from artists like Beltek, Marcus Schossow, Cor Fijneman, Peter Gelderblom, Mitch Alexander, Manuel Le Saux, Ernesto Vs Bastian, Matt Lange, Kris O'Neil, Andy Moor, Luke Porter, Dash Berlin, Shawn Mitiska, M6, Ashley Wallbridge, Airillusions, Dave Horne, Ad Brown, Johan Nilsson, Embliss, Simon Lee & Alvin, Amadeus, Ben Coda, Gabi Newman, Daniel Portman, Suzy Solar, Juska Wendland, Darin Epsilon and Flash Brothers.

Shipstad & Warren - Near Perfect (Original Mix) by nellierecordings

Shipstad & Warren - Near Perfect (B.O.N.G. Remix) by nellierecordings

Shipstad & Warren - Near Perfect (Schodt Remix) by nellierecordings

READ MORE - Shipstad & Warren- Near Perfect EP

Joonas Hahmo- Brainflush/ Now or Never

I thought we have lost another champion in the progressive house scene when Joonas Hahmo went on a hiatus after the release of his remix on "Captured" back in July 2009. Little did I know, he was busy setting up his very own record label, Hahmo Recordings-- the start of a decade-long Renaissance for this young Finnish producer.

Joonas Hahmo, like what I have said, is a producer based in Finland, and he has been making music for the people since 2004. He started off with a project named Alt + F4 with fellow countryman Matt Kotala. In this outfit, the duo were able to produce quite a decent number of trance-edged melodies on various labels like Anjunabeats and Sential Recordings.

Among the labels Hahmo had previously signed to as a solo artist, Anjunadeep is the label we can call his home for it was in this family where he was able to release top-notched gems like "Cocktail Bar", "Sound of Sunday", "Together", "Tampere by Night", and several more. (I really mean it when I say "top-notched".)

Just a couple of days ago, Joonas Hahmo finally releases "Brainflush" and "Now or Never", two tracks that signal the christening of his new shiny label.

Brainflush

This sizzling new track is a gift from the heavens! Having a trance-edge appeal gives its listeners an ecstatic feel, while the soaring "Hahmo-only" melodies paint the track gold. Together with the never-faltering basslines J.H. brings, he also snuck in familiar sounds in the breakdown. Brainflush definitely brings the finest out of Hahmo.

Now or Never

Lowering the energy levels a bit, Joonas brings the EP to a close with his chunky piece, Now or Never. Electrifying melodies play as the stomping kicks enter, after that the buzzing basslines join in the fun. Composition-wise, Now or Never is steady and rock-solid. I personally find this as a perfect set-starter for live gigs, it really brings the energy where it's supposed to be.

A new and exciting Hahmo era has begun! With his popping tracks on the pipe, and with the rise of his record label, there simply is no turning back for J.H. Clean the dust off your monitors, and prepare your eardrums for the return of Finland's finest.

http://www.hahmorecordings.com/

http://www.joonashahmo.com/

READ MORE - Joonas Hahmo- Brainflush/ Now or Never

Adam Epps- Evora/ Come Back EP

I really appreciate music that are simple in composition, yet, albeit their simplicity, these tunes hit the spot.

As he made his debut last February on Bombra Records, Chelyabinsk-grown producer, Adam Epps, takes the initiative to make Russian progressive more world-renown with his "Evora/ Come Back" EP.

Evora

With sharp and saturated melodies, Epps brings together a simple-sounding, yet upbeat track straight from Russian soil. Definitely one of the tunes I would play on one sunny day!

Come Back

As he retains the glowing energy of the track, Epps gives more emphasis on his razor-edged chords. By the way, people who like stable or steady tunes would indulge themselves in this track.

We have heard it before and it has been reaffirmed once again by Adam Epps: Bomba Records brings only the best and the most authentic from homegrown Russian progressive artists.

READ MORE - Adam Epps- Evora/ Come Back EP

Swedish House Mafia feat. Laidback Luke & Deborah Cox- Leave the World Behind (Justin's Deeper Mix)

In a country where electronic dance music is not a mainstream thing, there will inevitably be champions and artisans who would rise up and take the stand for the music.

In the bustling streets of Manila , there are true house music soldiers who have dedicated their lives to this lifestyle. Yes, they may be normal citizens by day, but when daylight dies, these citizens become stewards of the music.

DeeperManila Records, the one and only Philippine-grown house music label headed by Justin de Guzman. Together with the head honcho, electronica connoisseurs like Kass Ilagan, Silverfilter, and SPiNTECH work hand-in-hand to keep the funky, deep, and soulful shade of underground EDM alive.

As I begin the chain of write-ups about the works of my fellow countrymen, I would like to share this stunning rework of JDG on Swedish House Mafia's 2009 hit, Leave the World Behind.

You can really feel the essence of original Pinoy house music in this one. From the thick and groovy basslines, to the smooth-flowing, liquefied sound, and to the stomping percussions, Justin de Guzman sends a message to the world-- quality original Filipino electronic dance music is ready to take its righteous spot in the international EDM circuit.

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If you enjoyed this track, you can download this for free alongside the edgier remix of JDG from the links posted below:

DeeperManila Official Website

Justin de Guzman Remixes "Leave the World Behind"

READ MORE - Swedish House Mafia feat. Laidback Luke & Deborah Cox- Leave the World Behind (Justin's Deeper Mix)

Claes Rosen- Sparkles EP

Swedish producer Claes Rosen isn't planning on taking a break this year. I have been following his releases for a decent time now, and I am really impressed with the enthusiasm he shows in his production. As he bounces from record label to record label, he leaves an indelible mark of creativity and style.

Not so long ago, Rosen released "Sparkles" on Space Walker Recordings, a label dedicated to reliving the spirit of groove and disco music in the twenty-first century. Having said that, here's a review on an instant-classic by Claes with three renditions of the record.

Sparkles (Original Mix)

First time in my entire life that I was able to listen to a very merry melody like Sparkles. With the highly-infectious melodies from the strings, the head-nodding sound from the 80's bassline, and the overall upbeat composition of the track, Sparkles sets itself unique compared to the other tracks there.

Claes Rosen - Sparkles (Original Mix) 128kbps by SpaceWalker Recordings

Sparkles (Sare Havlicek 1984 Remix)

Slovenia-based producer Sare Havlicek gives Sparkles a vintage wash. With bouncy basslines and sharper-sounding chords, Sparkles effortlessly captures the old school disco sound while retaining its irresistible groove.

Claes Rosen - Sparkles (Sare Havlicek 1984 Remix) 128kbps by SpaceWalker Recordings

Sparkles (Martin Virgin & South eXpress Remix)

The third remix is a piece hand-made by Martin Virgin and the sparkling band, South eXpress-- all hailing from Lithuania. Slapped and popped jazzy basslines, classy strings, guitar solos, soulful chords, the Martin Virgin & South eXpress remix brings Sparkles to the unadulterated dimension of alluring jazz music.

Claes Rosen - Sparkles (Martin Virgin & South eXpress Remix) 128kbps by SpaceWalker Recordings

Sparkles (SPSM Re-Funk )

The last remix duty falls to the Russian duo Kirill T. and Ivan L. They show of their musical skills and exotic taste by transforming Sparkles into one funky house anthem. It may not sound like the original track, but it's still impressive.

Claes Rosen - Sparkles (SPSM Re-Funk) 128kbps by SpaceWalker Recordings

Space Walker Recordings is in the process of collecting all the finest groove, jazz, funk, disco, and house musicians out there, and with the quality of music they produce, I think we know what to expect in the near future.

READ MORE - Claes Rosen- Sparkles EP

Jameel- Silk Way (Original Mix)

Bomba Records distinguishes themselves as the record label dedicated to bringing out only the finest and the most authentic Russian progressive music from both new faces and veterans in the scene. Likewise, starting my series of reviews on the label, here's a smooth-sailing and tranquil piece from Artur Yakupov, who is starting to make a buzz with his guise, "Jameel".

As mentioned earlier, "Silk Way" caters unadulterated progressive house sound from the North. With its subtle power riff melodies, the track sends a sedative rush through the listener's system. Moreover, Artur adds a touch of thick-sounding basslines that can simply make you close your eyes and rejuvenate.

This release is quite interesting. You can really feel the authenticity of progressive house music in this track albeit it having a simple and clean-cut musical arrangement.

Jameel's "Silk Way" will be released April of 2010 under Bomba Records, so be sure to mark down your calendars!

Jameel - Silk Way (Original mix) by bombarecords

READ MORE - Jameel- Silk Way (Original Mix)