AMY DOUGLAS レコード& CD

Review: With a catalogue that contains a mixture of mind-altering chuggers, deep house, disco and Balearic beats, second-guessing what Craig Bratley will release next has always been a tricky proposition. Even so, joining forces with Brooklyn maverick - and honey-voiced singer - Amy Douglas for a spot of bleeping revivalist synth soul was one of them. Douglas is at her emotive best on the B-side original mix, singing sweetly about complicated relationships over a thrillingly lo-fi low-tempo groove rich in squelchy bass and 8-bit lead lines. The A-side 'Ashigaru Dub' is arguably even better, brilliantly re-framing the track as a heady, intoxicating and sub-heavy dub workout of the sort that Mad Professor probably knocks out in his sleep. In a word: inspired!

Review: Amy Douglas is the latest addition to the Razor-N-Tape talent ranks and serves up a mighty fine rough 'n' tumble New York disco double A-side 7" to open her account. The opener is 'Freak At Night' with stiff synth stabs and strident drums that get the party pumping while the belting vocal brings the soulful hook. Absolute dynamite. Things are a little more loose on the flip with 'Bit-O-Honey' having more jangling drums and guitar riffs underpinned by a funky bass riff. The vocal is more florid and expressive making this a different but equally impactful sound.

Review: You can always rely on the Soul Clap boys to come through with pure party gold. This red hot package features the glorious disco sermon 'Willing' from Amy Douglas and Michael The Lion, with a remix from Ron Basejam that draws it out into a more low slung and steamy version. 'James Is The Message' (Jamie 3:26 & Danou P remix) is sweaty, chunky, full fat disco house for stomping crowds, and 'Find A Way' (feat Steven Klavier - The Patchouli Brothers remix) gets hands in there air, swaying bodies and smiling faces all coming together in joyous celebration.

Review: Tireless diggers Soul Clap serve up more creamy grooves in the form of this sizzler from Michael The Lion and Amy Douglas. It comes soon after their big hitting "Get It On" and is another timeless fusion of US funk and soul, with big strings, authentic diva vocals and plenty of disco dazzle. Two different mixes form the legendary John Morales ensure "Find A Way" is utterly essential, while "Drink You Up" is a cheeky disco cut about sexual freedom. Closer "James Is The Message" is one that cuts loose in proper old school style with pumping drums, colourful synth explosions and vocals that you cannot help but sing along to.

Review: Throughout his long and distinguished career, Luke Solomon has not made a record quite as disco-fired as "Light You Up". In its' original form, the track wraps spoken word verses from beat poet Queen Rose and chorus vocals from bourbon-loving Brooklyn singer Amy Douglas around a killer Blaxploitation-era disco-funk groove. It's hooky, heavy and suitably celebratory, with lyrics (heard even clearer on the included Acappella version) that fit the simmering sexuality at the heart of the best disco records. If that's not enough to excite you (though it really should be), check out Louie Vega's remix. Here, the Masters at Work producer drops an extended disco revision that's breezier, groovier and full of superb musicianship.