They say 3 is the magic number so here we are with Part 3 of the 'Back To The Old School' 12" series. Four cuts of the finest Disco-Rap remixes by Dave 'Love' Lee, we start things right off with some uptempo disco in the shape of Eddie Cheeba's " Lookin' Good" with it's clav stabbing & synth jabbing funk, ready to rock any dance floor with it's brilliant part-rapped, part-sung vocal play. Two versions are included of the B-Boys early 80's breakers anthem 'Rock The House'. First up is the breakbeat underpinned 'Magic Funk' mix that utilises one of the funkiest basslines of all time. On the flip the 'Roller Rink' mix is a mid tempo floor filler reprising a much loved 90s r&b jam to great effect. Finishing affairs is the 'Maximus Boogie Mix' of Maximus Three, leaning heavily into the classic disco-rap sound of fat Good Times bass, squelching synths under the bragging raps of TJ Swann and Pee Wee Mel.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Old-school hip-hop backline and vocals amped up with soaring digital synth leads and snappy drum machines, lending a natural drive to the pieces and moving them toward the club as well as the streets.

TRACK LISTING

Eddie Cheeba - Lookin' Good (Smelling Great Mix)
B-Boys - Rock The House (Magic Funk Mix)
B-Boys - Rock The House (Roller Rink Mix)
Maximus Three - Maximus Party (Maximus Boogie Mix)

Two of the most prolific remixers in the world of Disco,Dave 'Love' Lee and John Moraleshave teamed up for one of their biggest projects to date - 'Mixed To The Maxxx'. After gaining access from the legendary original artists, the pair take the multi-track tapes of many classic Disco, Funk & Soul tracks and re-work them...to the Maxxx!

Where Remixed With Love stands as Dave Lee's own gold-standard body of work, Mixed To The Maxxx sets that legacy alongside Morales' own decades-deep M+M body of work: Lee brings his musically dense, groove-first touch to the likes of Harold Melvin, Syreeta, Lenny Williams and The Brand New Heavies, while Morales applies his extended, dancefloor-built M+M treatment and crushes the likes of Barry White, The Temptations and Loleatta Holloway, plus Dennis Coffey's breakbeat classic "Scorpio" for the DJs and collectors alike. Both work from original tapes, surfacing parts barely audible or entirely unheard in the source mixes, and both know when to let a classic breathe rather than bury it under modern production. It's a pairing a long time in the making. Lee and Morales first talked about working together around a decade ago, and getting Mixed To The Maxxx off the ground took five years of patient work: tracking down usable stems, securing approvals, and navigating a licensing landscape where much of the best material is now tied up with major labels increasingly cautious about clearing remixes. What's landed here is the product of that graft as much as the pair's shared ear for a great record, the sound of two people who know exactly what they're looking for and are willing to put in the time to find it.

A double 12" sampler in summer 2025 previewed the record's range. A bass-driven overhaul ofThe Brothers Johnson's "The Real Thing" and an extended mix of Philly legends Bell & James' "Livin' It Up (Friday Night)" showcased Lee's side, while an anthemic take on Inner Life's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and a tempo-lifted Light Of The World"London Town" flew the flag for Morales. Both drew strong early support ahead of the full LP.

Mixed To The Maxxx arrives across two double LPs and a double CD. Vinyl buyers get an exclusive extra: a Dave Lee rework of First Choice's "Double Cross," not available on the CD edition.

TRACK LISTING

CD TRACKLISTING:
01: The Brothers Johnson - The Real Thing (Dave Lee's Thunderthumbs Mix)
02: Mystic Merlin - Just Can't Give You Up (Dave Lee's Full Moon Mix)
03: Harold Melvin - Prayin' (Dave Lee’s Testified Mix)
04: Lenny Williams - You Got Me Running (Dave Lee's Soulful Reprise)
05: Bell & James - Livin It Up (Friday Night) [Dave Lee's Friday Night Fever Mix]
06: The Brand New Heavies - Dream Come True (Dave Lee’s Future Reality Mix)
07: Crown Heights Affair - Far Out (Dave Lee’s Further Out Mix)
08: The Esquires - 2001 (Dave Lee’s Psychedelic Funk Mix)
09: Metropolis - Every Time I See Him (Dave Lee’s Salsoul Sleaze Mix)
10: Syreeta - I Don’t Know (Dave Lee’s Tribute to Leon Ware)
11: Alicia Myers - I Want To Thank You (John Morales M+M Mix)
12: Stephanie Mills - What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin' (John Morales M+M Mix)
13: Barry White - Your Sweetness Is My Weakness (John Morales M+M Club Mix)
14: Jerry Knight - Overnight Sensation (John Morales M+M Mix)
15: Inner Life - Aint No Mountain High Enough (John Morales M+M Mix)
16: Dennis Coffey - Scorpio (John Morales M+M Mix)
17: Loleatta Holloway - Catch Me On The Rebound (John Morales M+M Mix)
18: Light Of The World - London Town (John Morales M+M Hyde Park Stroll Mix)
19: The Temptations - Treat Her Like A Lady (John Morales M+M Mix)
20: Robert Palmer - I Want You - Mercy Mercy Me (John Morales M+M Mix)

PART ONE VINYL:
01: Harold Melvin - Prayin' (Dave Lee’s Testified Mix)
02: Lenny Williams - You Got Me Running (Dave Lee's Soulful Reprise)
03: Loleatta Holloway - Catch Me On The Rebound (John Morales M+M Mix)
04: Dennis Coffey - Scorpio (John Morales M+M Mix)
05: The Brand New Heavies - Dream Come True (Dave Lee’s Future Reality Mix)
06: Metropolis - Every Time I See Him (Dave Lee’s Salsoul Sleaze Mix)
07: The Temptations - Treat Her Like A Lady (John Morales M+M Mix)
08: Robert Palmer - I Want You - Mercy Mercy Me (John Morales M+M Mix)

PART TWO VINYL:
01: Alicia Myers - I Want To Thank You (John Morales M+M Mix)
02: Stephanie Mills - What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin' (John Morales M+M Mix)
03: Mystic Merlin - Just Can't Give You Up (Dave Lee's Full Moon Mix)
04: Syreeta - I Don’t Know (Dave Lee’s Tribute to Leon Ware)
05: Barry White - Your Sweetness Is My Weakness (John Morales M+M Club Mix)
06: Jerry Knight - Overnight Sensation (John Morales M+M Mix)
07: Crown Heights Affair - Far Out (Dave Lee’s Further Out Mix)
08: First Choice - Double Cross (Dave Lee’s Salsoul Strut)

40 years after Dave curated the 'Garage Sound of Deepest New York' series featuring the cream of the crop of American US Garage (the series ran for 4 instalments), he re-ignites the torch to bear once more and champion the sound more locally, the leafy area of Crouch End, London, to be precise. This four tracker is a testament to the knowledge and expertise Dave Lee has with this particular soulful sound & genre. First up is 'Everybody Needs Somebody' with its powerhouse gospel vocal performance from Rance backed up with swathing chords, piano & organ work by Matt Cooper and Dave's swinging heavy drums. 'Every Second Every Minute Every Hour' is next from Dave Under, his new Hillman Avenger alias, who takes things in a more jazz funk direction, with masterful piano & brass work and scorching synth solo as the cherry on top. 'Our Love' is an updated rework of a vintage Republic Records track featuring the dynamic vocals of AJ Lewis. Bouncy house drums backbone the syncopated chord stabs before a gear change around the halfway mark signals a big heads down, hands up moment. Before the famous clock tower of Crouch End strikes 12, we have time for one more cut by the name of 'No Excuses' featuring the legend that is Lifford, who does what he does best, soulful yet mighty vocals. This is a peak time, feel-good slab of the Garage house that would have maybe made it onto one of Dave's original comps back in the day.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A bracing suite of funk-filled machine-heavy deep house, with roaring soulful vocals draped over the top, slowly moving into jazz-funk and even gospel. A roaring collection of some of London's finest talents in the arena.

TRACK LISTING

Testamized - Everybody Needs Somebody
Hillman Avenger - Every Second Every Minute Every Hour
Prospect Park feat. AJ Lewis - Our Love
Hillman Avenger feat. Lifford - No Excuses

Part Two of the 'Back To The Old School' series has arrived in full effect. Once again, Mr "Love" Lee updates classic disco-rap cuts for today's dancefloors while preserving their original flavour and integrity. Kicking things off is Xanadu & Sweet Lady's Jamaican version of 'Rappers Delight', where Dave refreshes the instantly recognisable percussion track into a captivating jazz-funk workout, perfectly complementing Sweet Lady's luscious rapping and somehow making it even more danceable than ever. Up next, Solo Sound 'We Are The Crew (Called Solo Sound)' delivers a swampy, lo-down slice of cosmic funk primed to rock any block party. On the flip is an alternate Philly flavoured take on TJ Swann's 1981 jam 'Get Fly'. This time Dave Lee re-tracks the MFSB backbone, putting his remixing prowess fully on display and landing squarely in the dancefloor sweet spot. As a bonus, any wannabe disco rappers can hone their skills over the B2 Shepherds Delight (No Rapstrumental Mix).

STAFF COMMENTS

Paul says: Classic disco-rap tracks given the Dave Lee treatment. Delicious! And already boxed for the weekend's activities...

TRACK LISTING

Xanadu & Sweet Lady - Rappers Delight (Sureshot Mix)
Solo Sound - We Are The Crew (Whole Damn Remix)
TJ Swann - Get Fly (Rock The Message Mix)
Clocktower Of Power - Shepherds Delight (No Rapstrumental Mix)

First out of the blocks is Prospect Park as they return with their boogietastic remake of Cheryl Lynn fave, updating the song and turning it into a peaktime Disoctatstic work out featuring live musicianship, string arrangements and soaring vocals.

Next up is the lush ‘On Time’ by London broken beat crew Wipe the Needle and featuring the super slick soulful vocals of Sacha Williamson. Packed with dreamy strings and glistening Fender Rhodes over a MAW style Jazz Funk house rhythm this will keep the dance floor moving to the early hours.

On the flip its back for some more peak time action courtesy of the Sunburst Band’s classic ‘Garden Of Love’ remixed by Dam Swindle. The dutch duo take a more soulful route adding live bass and Rhodes to the production.

Closing the procedures is some peak time, string heavy disco house from Mr Doug Willis in the shape of ‘Forever Dougless’.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Prospect Park - Shake It Up Tonight (Dave Lee's Disco Re-Shake)
A2. Wipe The Needle Feat. Sacha Williamson - On Time (WTN 4x4 Mix)
B1. The Sunburst Band - Garden Of Love (Dam Swindle Remix)
B2. Dave Lee & Horse Meat Disco Feat. Angela Johnson - Dancing Into

Z Records continues its commitment to unearthing the obscure and long forgotten tracks from the last 40 years through the ever-popular Under The Influence series. Following on from Red Greg, Paul Phillips, James Glass, Nick The Record, Sean P, Faze Action and Winston. It’s now the turn of one of the Italy’s most impressive collectors; Woody Bianchi.

The story behind U.T.I is this, being a seasoned record collector Z label boss Dave Lee (Joey Negro) has made the acquaintance of many of the worlds other vinyl junkies. People that may be unknown to the general public but are hardcore enthusiasts who have built some of the best collections of soul, funk and disco on the planet. The idea of UTI isn't about big name djs but is to give a musical platform to those who have the knowledge to put together a track listing of killer tunes.

Woody Bianchi is a prolific DJ, producer, remixer and record collector. His International collaborations with Bob Sinclar,Todd Terry, Arthur Baker, Full Intention, Eric Kupper, Jocelyn Brown, Marshall Jefferson and many others have created an remarkable profile for him. He has released over 300 productions worldwide and has toured side by side with many of the scenes greatest names. Here we get the pleasure of delving into his vast collection and plucking some of the rarest records out there, with many of the tracks costing hundreds if you were able to find the originals.

As always with ZR compilations a lot of time and effort has been spent on creating these masters from the original vinyl, cleaning them up, removing all the clicks and pops resulting in the cleanest sounding copy possible.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: For the eighth instalment of their Under The Influence series, Z Records hand the controls to Italian record obsessive Woody Bianchi, who showcases an impressive set of disco rarities from his personal collection.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1. Original Just Us - "You're My Latest Inspiration" (6:20)
2. Coco York & Serge Ermoll Ensemble - "Come On Everybody" (8:32)
3. Ciecle - "Disco Break" (Woody Bianchi Edit) (5:19)

Side 2
1. GC Cameron - "If I Love You" (3:24)
2. Rev Jerry Burns & The Youth Ensemble - "Rapture" (6:43)
3. Sunny Gayle - "I Wanna Know" (6:01)
4. The Magic City Band - "Hot Flashes" (3:37)

Side 3
1. Arlana - "Springtime" (6:00)
2. Jay Player - "Love Is The Answer" (5:47)
3. Razz Ma Tazz - "Sugar Sugar Sugar" (7:26)

Side 4
1. Rideout - "Someone Special" (4:24)
2. Formula One - "Can You Feel It" (6:11)
3. Ipanema Brothers - "Rio De Janeiro" (Woody Bianchi Edit) (6:06)
4. The Variations - "I Know Why You're Here" (3:26)

Z Records tap Nick The Record for their fourth volume of the 'Under The Influence' series. Packed to the brim with disco, boogie, electro-funk and tropical gems, it's another essential offering from Z.

"My whole life has revolved around records. I was buying hip hop and house in the 80s as it was released and I got heavily into tracing the steps back through breaks and sample sources that were used in hip hop records. I also joined the dots between disco and modern club and house music and spread my music explorations from rare groove to rare disco. There were very few people interested in this vein of music history at the time and even fewer as obsessed as me so when the reemergence of disco exploded I was well ahead of the curve, not only in collecting but historical knowledge. The best thing about record collecting is it never ends and after 35 years of buying, after 25 years of selling and playing records there is still old stuff to discover and new releases to endeavour to keep up with. So as something of an expert in all things disco I get quite a few offers to release compilations but as a record obsessive my natural hoarding mentality makes me cautious to give up the goods. I feel this 'Under The Influence' series offers the chance to put together a more personal comp, which reflects the many different flavours of my taste and my collection and gives you a feel of my DJ style at the same time." - Nick The Record

TRACK LISTING

CD1
01. Boogsie - Can't You See Me
02. The Family Tree - 150th Psalm
03. Proton Plus - Pay Up (Remixed Rhythm Track)
04. Jean Adebambo - Say That You Love Me (DJ Nick The Record Re-edit)
05. Bill Campbell - Boogie All Night
06. Katunga - Palo Bonito (DJ Nick The Record Re-edit)
07. Wild Fire - Try Making Love
08. MC And His Great Googa-Moogas - Keep Your Shoes On! (Stuck In The Groove) (DJ Nick The Record Concise Edit)
09. MC Roscoe - Feel The Beat (Instrumental) (DJ Nick The Record Minor Tweek Edit)
10. Leston Paul - What A Surprise

CD 2
01. Sugar & Spice - The Beast (Instrumental)
02. Santth - Do You Want Me Baby, Like I Want You Re-united Re-Edit)
03. KL Hamilton - I'm Trying
04. Skye - Ain't No Need (DJ Nick The Record Part 1 & 2)
05. Betty & Beverly Prudhomme - Tut Tut Twins (DJ Nick The Record Re-edit)
06. Shelbra Deane - You Move Me
07. Ronnie Jones - Video Games
08. Charlie Mike Sierra - On The Moon
09. Victor Vick – Rescue
10. State Of Grace - Touching The Times (Instrumental)
11. Blackway & Helene - Music For Us (Instrumental)