Deep House Recommendations November 2009

Review: Bless the Firecracker gods for their ongoing series of essential represses! The latest is their tremendous Firecracker 4 EP, originally released in 2009 and perhaps one of the Edinburgh label's definitive records - just look at all those DJs that have charted it above! Present is the absolutely epic, Dennis Parker-sampling "Barely Eagle" by Linkwood & House Of Traps on the A side plus Linkwood appearing again on the B side with his crafty edit of Tabou Combo Superstars 1979 classic "Ooh La La". Not forgetting Fudge Fingas "Situation Diminished" either; a nice, deep and smoky excursion through soulful blues territory. Not to be missed the second time around!

Review: Madrid based producer Above Smoke returns to his own Deep Explorer label with his "Time" EP. Ten releases after 2007's "The Gathering" EP, the producer makes a welcome return with four original tracks of deep house with a slow, smooth and emotive feel.

Opening with "Forever in My Mind" Above Smoke drafts in the help of Alton Miller whose soulful vocal hook compliments the jazz inspired, dubby production of the track perfectly. Following simple piano key melodies and building chords the track drops into funky bass rolls with nice breaks and hand claps. There is another collaborator on the following track, "Elevation." This time, Stereociti of Mojuba records joins Above Smoke on this deep and calm track. A nod to the more relaxed sound of Detroit, "Elevation" merges a steady, understated beat with light percussion and hushed piano chords. The occasional soulful vocal adds to the sophistication of the track, turning it into a piece of deep house music in its purest form. "Burning" goes even deeper, this time utilising echoed vocals and stretched synthesizers to create a warm and easy feeling throughout. There is some light bongo action in there and a nice groove weaves and bends itself around straightforward beats. Finishing the package is "Right On" which steps things up a gear with some 4 / 4 beat and waving bass. The 'I Gotta Have It' vocal cries back to the original days of house as Above Smoke keeps everything very controlled in another of his deep house efforts.

As one of the main artists responsible for the sound of Deep Explorer, it is great to see Above Smoke back where he belongs. And even better that the Spaniard has been able to pick up exactly where he left off from to deliver some more pristine, deep house cuts.