Review: Ralf GUM feat. Monica Blaire – AWA (Atjazz Remixes) (Foliage)

Definitely only one label for Ral Gum's tropical garden-house track 'AWA' (with the wonderful vocals of Monica Blaire) and that's Foliage.

The original that came out at the begining of the the year was supported by all the DJs (including Bob Hill and Andy Garvey) and was earmarked as a big release.   No surprise there as Ralf had been a busy boy with another collaboration with the vocalist Clara Hill on 'Don't Talk'.

So when it comes to a remix, who is the best pair of hands/knobs to turn to?  Atjazz of course!

With the instrumental, you can really tell to depth he goes to whilst creating this jazz bruky space dub wondering; but you can't beat the remix with some great lyrics from U.S.[Detroit] based vocalist Monica (also featured on 'Don't Look Down', see review HERE and the fantastic version of 'It's Not Right, But It's OK', see review HERE)

Foliage are ending the year strong as this remix package follows the Sean McCabe & Jill Rock Jones release 'Only You (see review HERE) but they're not going to be able to beat this remix of 'AWA' - or are they?

PS. Have you noticed how the artwork background colour changes from white to black with original and remix; effective stuff.

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - November 2024

Artist: Ralf GUM feat. Monica Blaire

Title:  AWA (Atjazz Remixes)

Release date: 6th December, 2024

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN106

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Halo feat. Maiya – Glory (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Remixes) (Foliage)

As it's summer, I've found myself enticed into watching 'The Hundred' but thankfully the good guys at Foliage are still on the ball with their 99th release, 'Glory'!

With a deep dreamy house mix by the Aartist Atjazz, we're bouncing and looking up to the celestial galaxy.  The repeated dramatic piano chord and vocal give the feeling that there's danger in them dark skies and redemption all at the same time.

And as good as the original vocal is, you're going to love the instrumental version as that'll keep you on your toes too!

Great news for DJs as there's also a radio edit included - go for glory and play 'em all.

Artist: Halo feat. Maiya 

Title:  Glory (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Remixes)

Release date: 16th August, 2024

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN099

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: MrMilkDee & Jill Rock Jones – 2 Positions (Sean McCabe Remixes) (Foliage)

I predict that you'll be in '2 Positions' after delving into the Sean McCabe Remixes and it won't be now forgotten New Year resoluation downward facing dog or Visvamitra's pose!

Last year, one of Foliage's 'go-to' people was Sean McCabe (see the review review with Turbojazz HERE and with the 'Don't Look Down' monster HERE) whilst it's Atlanta native Jill Rock Jones third venture on Foliage after 'Tell The Story' (with Daz-I-Kue) and 'I Don't Like' with The Realm.

These remixes are more deep house west London than MrMilkDee's South African origins but it's five versions including a dubstrumental and an instrumental which rightly shows of the synths and tinkering piano.  In fact, the 'Cosmos Dub' is a cross between those BRUK/Township flavas and it'll be charing on a dancefloors very soon.

Well there's only one position to be in this camp and it's getting up to the top for MrMilkDee,Jill Rock Jones and Sean McCabe remix. 

Bound to be featured on this months' Colour & Pitch Sessions mix by Sumsuch, this remix package is a must have; and that's all versions!

Artist: MrMilkDee & Jill Rock Jones 

Title:  2 Positions (Sean McCabe Remixes)

Release date: 26th January, 2023 

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN097

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Funkky feat. Nuzu Deep - Sixth Sense (The Realm Remixes) (Foliage)

"Deep jazz-funky house on the remix with super synth that seems like a sixth sense. So good you need to play all 3 versions back to back".

So it's a bit of a surprise to find the remix version by he Realm is an update on Funkky's sixth single, 'Sixth Sense' [Ed. how do they work this stuff out?] that was originally released last year with the vocals provided by South African, Nuzu Deep (aka Future Mokoena).

And then we know Funkky from the Eric Kupper Remix of 'Ngiyeke' (on the compilation, Soulful Deep & Dope 2023 ('Ibiza' review HERE) and as good as that is, this 'Sixth Sense' is even better as it taps into his and Nuzu's heritage and also harks back to jazz-funky/Incognito/Azymuth vibes; yes, it's that good.

Also featured on this months' Colour & Pitch Sessions mix by Sumsuch (see below), this remix version is a must have; especially if you can get it today on Bandcamp Friday; and don't forget, you need all 3 versions!

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - August 2023

Artist: Funkky feat. Nuzu Deep

Title:  Sixth Sense

Release date: 1st September, 2023 

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN094

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Turbojazz & Sean McCabe feat. Monica Blaire – Don’t Look Down (Foliage)

It's fair to say that we're always impressed with tracks released on Foliage, but 'Don't Look Down' on this new release as it's going to be as big as a rollercoaster.

Monica Blaire has recently appeared on Foliage with Risk Assessment's 'It’s Not Right But It’s Okay' (see review HERE) and you don't have to have too much foresight to guess that the singer from Detroit will be asked by some cool kids to be on their next release; lets say, Turbojazz (aka Tommy Garofalo) and Sean McCabe who are definitely cool as they did the Technoir 'Techtube' Remixes (see review HERE).

'Don't Look Down' is very soul-jazz house with some deep keys and Monica on jazz skat duty.  It's one to keep you moving as a vocal, instrumental (love the bass on this one) and radio edit.

At this rate, the end of year charts at YATM will have a very high Foliage presence as inn additon to the previously mentioned tracks already, they've not long released Muzari & GugupashIngwe's 'Ingwe' (see review HERE) and the  brilliant Thakzin & Ray T track 'Don’t Let Me See' (see review HERE). I'm guessing this run of form is bound to continue.

Artist: Turbojazz & Sean McCabe 

Title:  Don't Look Down feat. Monica Blaire 

Release date: 18th August, 2023 

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN096

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Muzari & Gugupash – Ingwe (Foliage Records)

As we're all aware, there's no cover-up at Foliage and their latest release is a perfect raw and deep Afro-House track by South African pair, Muzari & Gugupash.

'Ingwe' comes as an vocal version, instrumental and a vocal mix edit.  

In truth, apart from a quiet section in the instrumental, it's a seems that it's quite different from the vocal version as Gugupash's performance has a gospel quality that's mesmerizing (and love that double-up echo).

Muzari (aka Doctor Tibane) is responsible for the instrumental and when it hits with its shuffle wobble, you know this is a big release.

If you're not up to date with the label, check out Technoir's 'Techtube' as remixed by Turbojazz & Sean McCabe (see review HERE) that came out last month, not as earthy as 'Ingwe' but it's getting more props as the summer takes off and would you dare to play these tracks back2back?

Artist: Muzari & Gugupash 

Title:  Ingwe

Release date: 7th July, 2023 

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN095

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Technoir – Techtube (Turbojazz & Sean McCabe Remixes) (Foliage)

This is summer fun all over and 'Techtube' goes more 80s soul-funk-house with the benefit of a remix by Tommy ‘Turbojazz’ Garofalo and Sean McCabe.

The duo started working together in 2000 and are regularly spotted on tracklistings along with other recent releases like Thakzin & Ray T's 'Don’t Let Me See' (see review HERE) and Risk Assessment's 'It’s Not Right But It’s Okay' featuring Monica Blaire (see review HERE).

The 'Techtube' remixes comes in five versions, the original, a radio edit, instrumental, a reprise and bonus beats.
I'd normally go for the instrumental (which seems to have added disco-funk in it) but the lead vocals by 50% of Technoir, Jennifer Villa (the other 50% is Alexandros Finizio) feels particularly addictive.

Second release this month after the 'Don't Let Me See' Jimpster Remixes (see review HERE) so definitely ones to follow this year. 

Artist: Technoir

Title:  Techtube (Turbojazz & Sean McCabe Remixes)

Release date: 16th June, 2023 

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN093

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Thakzin & Ray T – Don’t Let Me See (Jimpster Remixes) (Foliage)

It was only a matter of time before we got the Jimpster remix EP of Thakzin & Ray T – Don’t Let Me See (see review the original verions HERE).

I wasn't surprised when I saw that top UK producer Jimpster was first to the gig as it could have been any of Thakzin's big fan base like from old and new a like; &ME, Rampa, Adam Port, Dixon, Atjazz, Osunlade, Louie Vega, Pablo Fierro, Eric Kupper, David Morales, Laurent Garnier. 

But Jimpster is more than capable as he's kept the beautiful vocals and upped the bass throb so that the "totally mesmersing" is synthed up to the max with "love" (repeat).

The South African thumb piano shines on the instrumental version.

I don't know if I can let myself consider that this is better than the original version - I think the answer is get all versions; but don't let me see it.

Artist: Thakzin & Ray T 

Title: Don’t Let Me See (Jimpster Remixes) Vocal/Instrumental/Radio Edit

Release date: 2nd June, 2023 

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN091

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Risk Assessment feat. Monica Blaire - It’s Not Right But It’s Okay (Foliage)

Many of you YATM fans will instantly recognise the title as being Whitney Houston's classic from 1999 that's been hit on by the UKG community ever since for it's 2-step swing vibe.

Well, you've got to be pretty brave to give it a cover version but Glyne Brathwaite aka Risk Assessment (from the UK) has produced a might fine version with the help of Monica Blaire (singer, songwriter and MC). 

And there's good reason Ms. Blaire was chosen for this track as she's worked with some of Detroit's best from Dwele, Vanessa Williams, Denaun Porter (D12), Waajeed (Platinum Pied Pipers) and Moodymann who produced her solo album, 'How To Dress Well In The Dark' that came out this month with contributions from Mike Patto and Toni Economides (as in Reel People's recent 'Love2' - see review HERE).

Foliage have a strong feeling for these things, remembering Thakzin & Ray T's 'Don’t Let Me See' (see review HERE) and you can expect this version of 'It’s Not Right But It’s Okay' in my set list for the next big gig on the south coast; flute gang be prepared as this is more than just, "Okay" with that fantastic marimba/African thumb piano sound that's a bit vibesy too along with these gospel vocals!

Artist: Risk Assessment feat. Monica Blaire 

Title: It’s Not Right But It’s Okay (Original/Radio/Instrumental)

Release date: 28h April, 2023 

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN087

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Thakzin & Ray T – Don’t Let Me See (Foliage)

For fans of the Foliage label, they'll recognize the cover to this one instantly which means it's a must have.

This label has seen all the big names like Atjazz, Jimpster, Rich Medina, DJ Spinna,  Glass Slipper (their new single on Colour & Pitch, review HERE) and many more.

'Don't Let Me See' is Thakzin's debut on the label with the sultry vocals of Ray T (also South African) over the deep synth bump groover so that the instrumental is just as good as the vocal version: totally mesmerising as it comes out of the darkness.

This release follows his hit last year with Themba, 'Sound Of Freedom' as 'names' of a new sound for modern Africa.

One of many DJ's that has supported the new wave of South African house over many years as its evolved is Delectabeat's Andy Garvey (see Afro*Disiac Live 12/02/23 with special guest, Gerry Hectic HERE) and he played 'Don't Let Me See' and 'Reciprocity' by Moon Rocket featuring Paula that's got a similar feel to it (from the forthcoming Foliage Sampler Vol. 1).

Expect another big year for this label as they don't seem to stop finding great new acts.

PS. For a more of a jazz take of South African music, don't miss Nostalgia 77's new album (Review HERE)

Artist: Thakzin & Ray T

Title: Don’t Let Me See (Original/Radio/Instrumental)

Release date: 17th February, 2023 

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN088

Format: Bandcamp / Digital