TONY LIONNI レコード& CD

Review: Formed of music Freerange physically lost forever in the Sony Music warehouse that burned to the ground during last year's riots, the Out Of The Ashes 5LP boxset did a remarkable job of representing the 150 release strong back catalogue and it made for little surprise that it swiftly sold out. Those Freerange fans not counted amongst the 250 lucky owners of that boxset can find solace in the label's decision to release those five plates individually, commencing with this triple hitter from Blackjoy, Tony Lionni and Ethyl & Flori. A 12" that perfectly encapsulates the diverse house sounds to found on Freerange, Blackjoy's infectiously bumping disco houser "Untitled" lines up on the A Side, while the flip has the previously digital only Deetron take on Lionni classic "Precious" battling for your affections with Ethyl & Flori at their swinging best with "Tanqueray".

Review: Tony Lionni continues to be at the top of his game. The former Berlin resident rocks up on Marseille label wewillalwaysbealovesong with the "Harlem Hustle EP", opening with the superb title track: a brilliant chunk of enveloping-but-energetic deep house workout in which chiming melodies and dreamy chords jostle for sound space with thickset synth bass, sampled bass guitar notes and bustling, peak-time drums. Mimid Jazeebo delivers a superb jazz-house remix, before Lionni returns with "Native Soul", a more sumptious, late night-friendly affair that will heat you through to the core. That gets the remix treatment, too, with Francois Dubois taking the track in a dreamier and more tactile direction.

Review: Brother's Vibe hit a certifiable high point with "El Baile", a house jam that has stood the test of time with its sunny disposition and Latin spirit. Now SOM Records have invited Tony Lionni to revisit the jam with vocalist Juan Pachanga in tow, crafting a fresh confection of deep house perfection timed just right for the days getting longer. The instrumental on the A side is the kind of jam that could roll on endlessly and never grate, so laid back are the pattering percussion and shimmering piano chords. For a little more presence, Juan Pachanga's turn on the vocal version is just the right kind of added treat.

Review: It seems fitting that Tony Lionni's first album for Kerri Chandler's Madhouse label - and his second in total - is also his most obviously soulful excursion yet. Blending his usual Detroit, Chicago and Berlin influences with the depth, positivity, melodies and soulful pulse of vintage New York house and New Jersey garage, Just a Little More sparkles from start to finish. Bathed in warm chords, luscious vocals (from, amongst others, Robert Owens, Rachel Fraser and Maria Marcial) and bubbling electronics, it's light enough to impress home listeners, and heavy enough for club rotations (particularly the bumpin' beats and "Deep Burnt"-ish strings of "Black Orchid"). In other words, it's a proper album.

Review: Ever a regular on the Freerange imprint, Tony Lionni steps up with another selection of deep house dynamite for the bigger rooms of the world. "Midnight Manoeuvres" brings broad brushstrokes of synths to bear over a bright and pumping drum set, tapping into the same trancey vein that can be found amongst the Border Community crew. "Two Dark Figures" is on more of a Detroit house tip, looping a moody Rhodes chord with a low slung beat, subby bass and some vocal snatches. Rounding off a diverse set, "When Time Began" heads off in a celebratory fountain of arpeggio goodness while the beat sits firmly in the background.

Review: Erstwhile deep house peddler on Freerange looks East for this inspired trio of tracks that each reek of retro old school charm. "Loving You" is the biggie. Shooting and stabbing with an almost Green Velvet / Bizarre Inc vibe, the synths on this alone are to die for. "Afterhours" isn't quite so heavy hitting, offering a more prog-like vibe to proceedings it comes complete with a massive build up that will tease all discerning floors. "Anubis" is deeper again; twinkling and sparkling with Spiritcatcher / Silicone Soul style flavour, it actually takes it name from the ancient Greek term for mummification. Nice!

Review: Manc-in-Berlin Tony Lionni rounds off another strong year with a second 12" for Kerri Chandler's revitalised Madhouse imprint. Bijou is arguably Lionni's most obviously US-sounding release yet, with lead cut "Steps Ahead" sounding like an authentic Chandler production - all positive riffs, New York deep house shuffle and just the right amount of build. But Lionni doesn't stop there: "Bijou" itself is like a Larry Heard take on "Your Love", while "Hypnotize" is faithfully deep and just dubby enough to impress. Best of all, though, is "Rumours", a darting combination of shimmering synths, Nu Groove bass and drifting vocal samples. Highly recommended.