Z Records returns with a Hustle-tastic 12" to light up both your life and DJ sets. It's the boss himself Dave Lee who kicks off with his extended rework of a bonafide Brit Funk classic in the shape of Hi Tension's 'British Hustle'. Featuring David Josephs's signature vocals over the chugging Caribbean rhythm track, it's a song that's never received an extended club mix from the tapes since its first release in 1978. His second cut is a Re-Wriggle of a Funky Worm volume pumping classic that becomes a fat-bottomed house jam with stomping brass, ear-worm vocal hooks and Latin inspired keys. "On the flip' (as they say) is Foreal People's 'Tango Hustle' - a driving clav heavy, jazz funk workout complete with chanting dance instructions over various solos. Add in an Acapella and some 'Hustle Beats' and you have a very muscular package.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1. Hi Tension - "British Hustle" (Dave Lee Brit Funk Revenge Mix)
2. Funky Worm - "Hustle To The Music" (Dave Lee Re-Wriggle)

Side 2
1. Foreal People - "Tango Hustle" (Dave Lee Latican Hustle)
2. Foreal People - "Tango Hustle" (Acappella)
3. "Hustle Beats"

During the 35 years of making music, Dave Lee has constantly been searching for new singers and writers to work with. A search that’s ended up with many fantastic collaborations and releases with the likes of Thelma Houston, Taka Boom, Dianne Charlemagne and Seal. More recently this quest led him to Maurissa Rose and the creation of their album ‘London / Detroit’. After hearing Maurissa's voice on a Theo Parrish record Dave reached out to her and after a few long phone conversations and mp3 swaps they both agreed a visit to London would be much more fun than trying to work together remotely. Maurissa made the journey from her home in Detroit to write and record an album with Dave at his studio in March 2022 - as they both feel that creating music together in the same room is always better. The fruits of their labour yielded 11 brand new songs (and 1 cover) tapping into their collective love of Soul, Disco and R&B, with a sprinkle of Soulful House. This album is a special one for Dave Lee as it’s the first time in his career he’s recorded an entire album with same singer on every track.

In the album’s liner notes Dave talks of how Maurissa is a naturally creative person, full of ideas, warm & unpretentious which is reflected in her vocal performances throughout ‘London / Detroit’. Dave’s expertly crafted music is backed up with a deeply passionate yet effortless delivery from the Detroiter, a marker of someone who has honed and perfected their art. When it comes to the music side of this LP, Dave Lee is once again proving he’s still at the top of his game and shows no sign of relenting. Drawing from his encyclopaedic knowledge of all things Soul/Funk/Disco, we are treated to a range of styles, BPMs and influences from 95bpm street soul to more uptempo disco and boogie flavours. Be it the rippling synth voyage opener of ‘You Decide’, taking the Johnnie Taylor classic ‘What About My Love’ into a modern Boogie realm, upping the tempo on the soulful houser ‘I Feel the Sun” or bringing the tempo back down to the bassy acidic chug of ‘You’re Giving Me Life’. Mr Lee is truly adept at creating a modern disco soul sound without the usage of samples.

London and Detroit might be two very different cities on opposite sides of the Atlantic but this album is proof that creative synergy knows no distance.

TRACK LISTING

Vinyl Tracklist:

A1. You Decide
A2. What About My Love
B1. I Feel The Sun
B2. All Around The World (Redemption Dub)
B3. You're Giving Me Life
C1. By Loves Design
C2. No Question About It
C3. Just A Matter Of Time
D1. I've Been Here Before
D3. Do You Believe 

CD Tracklist:

1. You Decide 
2. No Question About It 
3. Open Me Up 
4. What About My Love 
5. I Feel The Sun 
6. I've Been Here Before 
7. You're Giving Me Life 
8. Just A Matter Of Time 
9. Look At The Stars 
10. By Loves Design 
11. All Around The World 
12. Do You Believe 

Vintage house and disco don Dave Lee knows a thing or two about serving up irresistible and timeless cuts and that's what he does here with the 24th instalment of the long-running Attack The Dancefloor series on his own Z Records. The man himself kicks off with Maurissa Rose on the loosely chugging, deep and soulful 'Open Me Up' (a first taste of the upcoming album together). He then slips into US garage style with his popular remix of The Trammps' 'I've Gotta Stand Up' that harks back to the glory days of 90s Soulful House. Felix Buxton's Celestial Being & Citizens Of The World Choir's 'Raise The Vibration' gets a gloriously sunny and positive Crackazat club mix before Lee closes the release with squelching synth in the form of his Boogified mix of Soul Dhamma's classic 'Flower.'

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: What's left to say? Dave Lee marches on with volume 24 of his esteemed disco edits series. Another smorgasbord of glitterball flecked goodness, freshly spliced and ready for the 'floor.

TRACK LISTING

Dave & Maurissa - Open Me Up
The Trammps - I've Gotta Stand Up (Dave Lee Garage City Mix)
Celestial Being & Citizens Of The World Choir - Raise The Vibration (Crackazat Club Mix)
Soul Dhamma - Flower (Dave's Boogified Mix)

Z Records proudly presents Vol.3 in its 90’s House & Garage compilation series, this time presented by Jeremy Underground, a man who should need no introduction when it comes to all things House & Garage. Jeremy is a passionate record collector, DJ, music lover whose collection and knowledge surpasses his years of collecting and he’s made it his personal mission to bring the warm vibes of this sound back and showcase the spirit of this golden era in House.

His third ever House music compilation and much like the previous two in this series, the compiler digs deep into his collection to select tracks that haven’t been re-released digitally and, in one case, never released at all! Meaning a lot of the tracks included here are being digitised for the very first time. Sourcing material from the original DAT tapes of the artists or in some cases painstakingly transferred from Vinyl, cleaned and treated to the highest professional standards of today.

Split over two parts on Gatefold Double 12” Vinyl, Double CD or Digital/Streaming for the first time, this is a very carefully curated album, showcasing a deep love & understanding for the sound represented here, from what is a definitive decade for House & Garage. Featuring tracks and remixes from the likes of Kerri Chandler, Murk & 95 North…

TRACK LISTING

1-1. Techniqúe - Frankie's Theme
1-2. Jerzzey Boy - Is It Good To You?
1-3. Jason AJ Summers - In Life
1-4. Annette Taylor - No One Knows (Eddie's Hot Dub)
1-5. Unity Vibe Ft. Tyquasia - I Got Your Luv (Club Mix)
1-6. Deep Inside - Today (K Chandler Mix)
1-7. Loleatta Holloway - Heart Stealer (The Freddy Bastone Mix)
1-8. Groove City - Soaking Wet (Remix)
1-9. Pequena Habana - Slammin (Cappella Grossa Mix)
1-10. Jahx - That Swing (New Heights Swing Mix)
1-11. Caroline - Sneakin In & Out (Kevin O's Unreleased Mixes) (Back To Zanzibar)
2-1. A-Factor Ft. Lisa Arias - Make Me Feel (Aaron's Jazzy Dub)
2-2. Tribal Trix - Feel The Vibe (Another Version)
2-3. Ricardo - If We Had Love (State Of 'D' Groove Mix)
2-4. Mae-i Ft. Silena Murrell - Sweet Melody (Anthem Dub)
2-5. Black Ice Productions Presents Union Camp - Fresh Melody
2-6. Big Moses Ft. Ja'Nel - For You (Sfere Of Life Mix)
2-7. Trance Form Ft. Geno - I Will Be Strong (N.Y.C. Vibe)
2-8. 95 North - Unbelievable (Moncef's Unbelievably Raw Mix)
2-9. Back To The Rythym Ft. Alva McGill - What Can You Do For Me (Vocal Mix)
2-10. Donna De Lory - Think It Over (Donna Got Murked Mix)
2-11. Roc & Kato - Alright (RK & The Hatman's Vocal Mix) 

Z Records proudly presents Vol.3 in its 90’s House & Garage compilation series, this time presented by Jeremy Underground, a man who should need no introduction when it comes to all things House & Garage. Jeremy is a passionate record collector, DJ, music lover whose collection and knowledge surpasses his years of collecting and he’s made it his personal mission to bring the warm vibes of this sound back and showcase the spirit of this golden era in House.

His third ever House music compilation and much like the previous two in this series, the compiler digs deep into his collection to select tracks that haven’t been re-released digitally and, in one case, never released at all! Meaning a lot of the tracks included here are being digitised for the very first time. Sourcing material from the original DAT tapes of the artists or in some cases painstakingly transferred from Vinyl, cleaned and treated to the highest professional standards of today.

Split over two parts on Gatefold Double 12” Vinyl, Double CD or Digital/Streaming for the first time, this is a very carefully curated album, showcasing a deep love & understanding for the sound represented here, from what is a definitive decade for House & Garage. Featuring tracks and remixes from the likes of Kerri Chandler, Murk & 95 North…

TRACK LISTING

A1. Techniqúe - Frankie's Theme 
A2. Jerzzey Boy - Is It Good To You? 
B1. Jason AJ Summers - In Life 
B2. Annette Taylor - No One Knows (Eddie's Hot Dub) 
C1. Unity Vibe Ft. Tyquasia - I Got Your Luv (Club Mix) 
C2. Deep Inside - Today (K Chandler Mix) 
D1. Groove City - Soaking Wet (Remix) 
D2. Pequena Habana - Slammin (Cappella Grossa Mix) 

Dave Lee's "AC Soul Symphony" alias has been releasing delectable and sultry disco since 2005 but reached his magnus opus in 2023 with the release of the "Metamorphosis" LP. Here we find two tracks handpicked from the album and delivered, for the first time, in a 7" format. The single starts much as the album does with the track "Windy City Theme", beautifully scored, recorded, and produced legato strings envelope the track, punctuated with horns and vocals reminiscent of a Love Unlimited Orchestra production. This version of the track has been rearranged, speeding up the pacing of the track and reaching the juicy parts in a really satisfying way. On the flip side we have the title track from the album "Metamorphosis", which is the first time the vocal version has been made available on Vinyl. A bass laden intro gives ways to glistening pianos and those signature strings (have we mentioned how good the strings are?). A more laid back and seductive track than the A side, but no less appealing. Again, due to the limitations of the 7" format, "Metamorphosis" has been expertly rearranged with loving care and attention.

STAFF COMMENTS

Mine says: As disco as disco gets (and therefore not for everyone) - but with a b-side like this who can possibly resist? Metamorphosis with its catchy motif and sultry vocals has me well and truly hooked.

TRACK LISTING

Windy City Theme
Metamorphosis

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, Nick The Record, Sean P, Faze Action, and last years Alena Arpels. It’s now the turn of one of the scene’s most impressive collectors & DJs; Rahaan

Hailing from Chicago his love affair with music started in the late 70’s early 80’s, listening to music on the radio combined with his mum and dad playing their records every weekend. In the early 80’s on the South side of Chicago, he started hearing something a bit different, what they called ‘house music’. 

Here Rahaan digs deep into his impressive record collection that he has collected, built up and crafted over his many years of travelling, networking and DJin to showcase 22 of his finest and rarest cuts. Many of the tracks on the album would cost hundreds and that’s if you were even 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

Matt says: 22 tracks from the Chicago stalwart’s personal collection spanning disco, boogie, funk & gospel. Under The Influence save us time and (lots of money) by not only sourcing these lesser known gems and highly coveted offerings, but cleaning up the masters and presenting them to us in their best possible fidelity.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1. Santrax - Come & Get It (5:18)
2. Marini - Let’s Get It On (6:43)
3. Time Unlimited - Back Fire (8:34)
Side 2
1. Venus Dodson - Shoot Me (With Your Love) (6:16)
2. Wings Of Light - He Loves You (5:00)
3. Ship Of The Desert - Count Of Monte Thisgo (6:00)
4. Frank Hatchett Dance Explosion - Super Hero (1:51)
Side 3
1. Cherish - For You (3:26)
2. Jaze - Wanna Get Down With You (7:21)
3. The 21st Century - One Of These Days (5:23)
4. Porno Disco - Go Down Moses (4:19)
Side 4
1. Cousin Ice - Catch Your Glow (feat Zack Sanders) (6:18)
2. Boobie Knight - Juicy Fruit My Love (6:27)
3. John Lamkin - Ticket (6:21)

The follow up to his 2017 album, Produced With Love II is a collection of brand new songs from one of the UK’s most longstanding, respected and fiercely independent artists. In a flash-in-the-pan industry like music, Dave Lee’s career is notable for both its longevity and consistency. As a record producer and remixer, DJ and curator, he’s now clocked up well over 30 years and, if such things existed, would be nailed on for a carriage clock for long service to add to the numerous hits and landmarks he’s enjoyed over a storied career.

His latest album, Produced With Love II, continues the work he started with 2017’s superb collection. Incorporating aspects of house, soul and disco and crafted with the attention to detail you’d expect from someone of Lee’s heritage and calibre, Produced With Love II comprises 12 brand new songs and will arrive in June 2022.

The writing process has always remained the same and Dave has always preferred to work face-to-face with artists whenever possible – albeit with a few enforced remote sessions due to the pandemic. Released as the lead single from the album in April, Starlight sees Lee team up with Omar: a former principal percussionist of the Kent Youth Orchestra and later a graduate of the Guildhall School Of Music who was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to music. Starlight is a gorgeous, mid-tempo dance record, with Omar’s silky vocals backed up with rich production: soaring live strings, groove-laden clav and synth over a chugging bassline creating a heady, inviting atmosphere.

It’s an almost viscerally life-affirming record: a theme that continues throughout the entire album. Take a track like ‘If You Ever Need Somebody feat. Tiffany T’zelle', or ‘Taste My Love' with vocals from the aforementioned Billy Valentine. These songs would stand toe-to-toe with any soul standard from the 70s or 80s: to have production this rich and bold in 2022 isn’t far short of miraculous. And that’s what you get throughout Produced With Love II – an attention to detail and level of creative collaboration rarely seen. It’s why a Dave Lee album is a rare thing. These things take time, but when they do come along, it’s something worth treasuring

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Modern supremo Dave Lee refuses to retire from his console; rolling out another jam packed and unmissable selection of disco, boogie, soul and house - all new productions and featuring a wealth of talent old and new. Don't need to tell you how collectable this series is do I?!

TRACK LISTING

CD 

Disc 1:
1. Raw Essence Feat Lifford “Do It Again”
2 .Mistura Feat Tiffany T’zelle “If You Ever Need Somebody”
3. Dave & Omar “Starlight”
4. Dave & Maurissa “Look At The Stars”
5. Dave Lee Feat Billy Valentine “Taste My Love”
6. Mistura Feat Jemini “Want Me Back”
7. The Sunburst Band “Magnificent Mango”
8. Foreal People Feat Xan Blacq “Raise A Blaze”
9. The Sunburst Band Feat Angela Johnson “Face The Love”
10. Dave Lee Feat Billy Valentine “Power Of The Mind” (Power Trip Mix)
11. Jayenne Feat. Gina Carey – “Love Walked In The Room”
12. The Sunburst Band “Let’s Do It In Style”

Disc 2:
1. Leroy Burgess – “One Plus One” (Dave Lee Extended Mix)
2. Kokomo – “Use Your Imagination” (Dave Lee Re Imagined Mix)
3. Harold Melvin And The Bluenotes “Don’t Leave Me This Way” (Dave Lee Philly World Mix)
4. Str4ta “After The Rain” (Dave Lee Alternative II Mix)
5. Destiny II “Play 2 Win” (Dave Lee Destination Boogie Mix)
6. Sunburst Band Feat Wayne Hernandez “Listen Love” (Dave Lee Jazz Funk Renaissance Mix)
7. Prospect Park “Shake It Up Tonight” (Dave Lee Disco Re Shake)
8. The Vison Feat Andreya Triana “Mountains” (Dave Lee Live And Direct Extended Mix)
9. Roland Wrightangle Feat Darcus “In Your Blood” (Dave Lee Funk In Your Blood Mix)
10. Ja’Shay “Shout Hallelujah” (Dave Lee Redemption Mix)

LP

Disc 1:
A1. Dave & Omar – Starlight
A2. Jayenne Feat. Gina Carey - Love Walked In The Room
B1. Foreal People Feat. Xan Blacq - Raise A Blaze.
B2. Mistura Feat. Jemini - Want Me Back

Disc 2:
C1 Dave Lee Feat. Billy Valentine - Taste My Love
C2 Mistura Feat. Tiffany T'Zelle - If You Ever Need Somebody
C3 The Sunburst Band Feat. Angela Johnson - Face The Love.
D1 Raw Essence Feat. Lifford - Do It Again
D2 Dave Lee Feat. Billy Valentine - Power Of The Mind (Power Trip Mix)
D3 The Sunburst Band - Let's Do It In Style

Bonus 12”:
E1 Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes - Don't Leave Me This Way (Dave Lee Philly World Mix)
F1 Kokomo - Use Your Imagination (Dave Lee Re-Imagined 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)