Various Artists - Quincy Jointz presents Lime Sorbet 2 (Eighth Dimension Records)

Last year, German DJ and funky music producer Quincy Jointz concocted the first Lime Sorbet compilation as an extension of his renowned radio program of the same name. Lime Sorbet featured a diverse selection of beat-heavy tracks, encompassing elements of dub, breakbeat, jazz, Latin music, and down-and-dirty electronic funk. Now the radio show has been retired in place of Quincy’s fast-growing DJ and production commitments, but the spirit of Lime Sorbet perseveres. Thus Quincy Jointz has compiled a second edition of Lime Sorbet for Eighth Dimension, once again spotlighting some of the coolest acts in the funky nu-boogie scene. Quincy Jointz presents Lime Sorbet 2!

Quincy Jointz has certainly been busy since the last Lime Sorbet issue. Based in Freiburg, Germany, and known to friends and family as Dirk Schafer, Quincy’s reputation in the funk-breaks scene has been rising rapidly. Quincy Jointz has produced numerous releases and remixes for the likes of Eighteenth Street Lounge (ESL), Funk Weapons, Fort Knox Records, and Timewarp Music who will be releasing his second artist album in August 2012. Quincy’s also gotten more active as a DJ, playing floor-filling sets displaying his eclectic ‘beat-osophy’ throughout Europe. This new Lime Sorbet compilation represents the sound of Quincy Jointz’ radio program and his current DJ sets through exciting and DJ-centric tracks by some of his brightest contemporaries in the funk-breaks field. Some are familiar names from the previous Lime Sorbet collection, and some are new to the series. All tracks are previously unreleased, and all are funky as hell.

You’ll find Stereo 77's acid-latin jazz beat odyssey “Alegria" and Danish producer BadboE and his trip hop-laced “Couci Nari.” There’s also Empresarios' dubby world music stomper “Ella Se Menea,” and Dresden-based producer jazz.k.lipa, with vocalist Mish Mish, providing “Lime Sorbet,” the compilation’s presumed theme song. There are also a couple of contributions from Quincy Jointz himself: his remix of Ursula 1000's “Tension" is a barn burner, and Quincy’s own track "The Place,” remixed by Flashbaxx, adds a squelchy nu-disco flair to the collection. It doesn’t stop there … sixteen tracks total make up Lime Sorbet 2, and Quincy Jointz has also created an exquisitely blended DJ mixed version for seamless listening.

All in all, it’s a brilliant manifesto on the state of funk and electronic beatology in the 21st century. Quincy Jointz presents Lime Sorbet 2 … whether you’re leaning back, head nodding, or jazz dancing at a smokey after-hours joint this collection fits the bill.

Kid Loco - “Great compilation. These tracks are groovy and classy.”
Recloose - “Nice party fare … keep it funky!”
Jayl Funk - “I love this many, many times.”
Stereo 77 - “This is a perfect summer release … and I’m honored to be a part of it! Each track works equally as well on the dance-floors as they would rocking them via headphones.”
Danny Ward (Moodymanc / Dubble D) - “Top party buzniss!”
Basement Freaks - “Great, funky stuff!”
Angelos (Timewarp Music) - “Some nice grooves and latin vibes on this release.”
Flashbaxx - “Great for sofa and dance floor alike. Hard to choose a favourite.”
Dr. Best (Radio Z, Germany) - “The long awaited Part 2 of the Lime Sorbet Compilation delivers a diversified top selection, 10 out of 10 points!”
Tom Burclay (Compost Records) - “Very nice funk food!”
Lofty (Ambersound FM, UK) - “As with the first volume, this is an intelligent selection of fine tracks. I rate it highly.”
Shantisan - “Great release with some heavy club bangers on it!”
Velanche (Urban Landscapes Radio Show) - “The lines between funk, soul, world and bass are represented nicely here. Glad to know that the essence of Lime Sorbet is still alive and well!”
Caio Zini (Electro Boogie Encounter blog) - “Great compilation! It brings the summer to Brazilian winter, hot and sexy.”
Mark Reynolds (Just Chillin Radio Show) - “Wow … just wow!”

Available now from Juno Download, Beatport, and iTunes.

Ryan Sullivan - Blue Label Series #4 (Eighth Dimension Records) →

For the fourth installment of the Blue Label Series, Eighth Dimension sets its sights on the burgeoning house music scene of South Africa and an accomplished Cape Town-based DJ/producer by the name of Ryan Sullivan. With singles on various labels (including his own Gut Feel imprint) dating back to 2005, and the recent release of his debut artist album No One Will Ever Know (on Triplefire Music), Ryan Sullivan is certainly no stranger to the recording studio or DJ’s playlists. He approached Eighth Dimension with a pair of tough, polished house music tracks that exhibited a unique mix of rhythmic ingenuity and melodic know-how, immediately grabbing the label’s interest. The two tracks, leading off this latest Blue Label Series release, are “MDH" and "The Chase.”

”MDH“‘s opening four-on-the-floor kick drum may seem to signal standard house fare, but the cut quickly opens to a more intriguing tone. Warm, scintillating key pads driven by a reservedly funky bass guitar create a floor-pleasing and hypnotic deep house groove. An echoed, percussive synth line lays out an infectious melody countered by a subtle, but enticing guitar riff. It’s quite masterful how Ryan Sullivan pieced this one together, and his clear, reverb-tinged production assures a huge, wide sound over club systems.

This first track is craftily complimented by “The Chase" which is a building drum work-out featuring intricate percussion over a booming kick. Fuzzy staccato pads increase in volume as the track plays and an eerie bell-like melody chimes overhead. At times things get quite explosive and the synths filter upwards in intensity while still maintaining rhythmic bounce. This one really captured Blue Label Series curator Q-Burns Abstract Message’s attention and has been a major highlight of his recent sets.

"The Chase" has been remixed by renowned Brooklyn-based producer Jaymz Nylon (Nylon Trax) who lent his signature afro-tech fingerprint to the sound. In an ambitious turn, Jaymz also supplied a new spoken vocal part (accented by his rhythmic chant of “chase … chase …”) turning the song into a broken beat-ish reflection on chasing “the illusion of a brighter light.” Swirling keyboard pads and sustained bass notes give extra ‘oomph’ to the cut, kept intact in Jaymz’s accompanying, pared-down Dub version. Up-and-coming Orlando producer Stereo 77 (Research Deluxe / Plimsoll Records) is also on hand for his own version of “The Chase,” focusing on the percussion of the track while bringing the tempo slightly down to that of a tropical tribal dance. Synth sounds and ghostly echoes fly through the sonic field, imagining a careful trespass through the rainforest by torch-light.

"MDH" is also revisited with Toronto’s Iron Horse supplying a sweeping, otherworldly remix. Iron Horse is Marc de Breyne, releasing tracks for his own Pawn Shop Records imprint as well as remixes for a host of others. His version of “MDH” is nearly ten minutes of cosmic bliss, bubbling with spacey synths, ramshackle percussion, ascending layers of bass, and faraway hints of melody and vocal. Iron Horse also treats us to a Drum Mix, which, as you might guess, is a variation that focuses on the thick blanket of percussion that permeates his remix. It’s a wild mixing tool for adventurous DJs, closing out Ryan Sullivan’s varied and energetic contribution to Eighth Dimension’s Blue Label Series.

Pezzner - “The original version of ‘The Chase’ and Iron Horse’s Drums Mix of ‘MDH’ are definitely going to get club plays from me. Haven’t heard stuff this good in a while.”
Tony Humphries - “Different shades of solid deep house music! Full support.”
Glenn Underground - “Very dope and I can move a crowd with the beats alone. Pure hotness.”
Brothers’ Vibe - “Love this release!! Outstanding mixes, great package!”
DJ Rocca (Ajello) - “Iron Horse’s Drum Mix of ‘MDH’ is fantastic.”
Daz-I-Kue (Bugz In the Attic) - “I really like the percussive deepness of ‘The Chase (Stereo 77 Ricanstruction Mix)’.”
Makossa & Megablast - “Excellent. Killer original version of ‘The Chase’ as well as the Jaymz Nylon mixes. Will definitely play.”
Hippie Torrales - “Truly interesting grooves and catchy melodies.”
Jota Wagner (Lunatic Jazz) - “Top stuff. Great remixes but original ‘MDH’ is the best of the pack. Super!”
Will SumSuch - “Fantastic, atmospheric, moody originals, showing some proper production chops. Remixes are all great, too.”

Available now from Beatport.

Cover Art By awareinjustice.com

Converge+ - Prana / Aqua (Eighth Dimension Records) →

Eighth Dimension’s Blue Label Series, curated by Q-Burns Abstract Message, deftly presents its third issue, this time featuring Japanese house/techno duo Converge+. Their tracks fell into the label’s lap via unsolicited demo (often the most nefarious kind) and the Eighth Dimension team were immediately enraptured by Converge+’s sleek and futuristic house music sound. Converge+ are comprised of two seasoned DJs, Takashi Sasaki and DJ ENDO, who create spacious and warm house music tracks with subtle flavors of delicious, deep techno. Their previous releases have found homes with the likes of King Street Sounds, Barouque Records, and Nite Grooves. Now Eighth Dimension is pleased to offer a pair of new tracks from Converge+ complete with top notch remixes from our friends Joshua Iz and Funk Shuei. 

First off there’s “Prana,” a flowing deep house track filled with synthesized swells and digital sighs, all laid on top of a funkily synchronized rhythm. It’s like some fuzzy dream realized for the dance-floor. Vital life, indeed. Joshua Iz immediately came to mind as “Prana“‘s remix applicator, and he took a quick break from busy dealings with his own Vizual Records imprint to deliver the stylish version heard here. It’s a classic Joshua Iz production complete with his trademark combination of hypno-beats, layered key stabs, and bass line bounce. Ten satisfying minutes of digital disco fury. 

Converge+’s second cut, “Aqua,” is a melody-treated electronic groover recalling the early days of deep house such as found on the renowned Balance label. Bell-like patterns resonate on top as lush, filtered pads and a rolling low end round out the sonic sphere. It’s a glorious piece of watery house music. On the remix tip Eighth Dimension looked south of the border and to its Mexican friends in Funk Shuei, proprietors of the quickly rising Dialtone label. Their rework takes a sharp left turn from the original “Aqua,” using inspiration from the rhythm to elicit a punchy after-hours house treatment that’s slightly stripped back and driven by a Chicago shuffle. A subtle female voice enters the zone and the repetitious bell sounds take on a more ominous overtone. 

This quartet of tracks is undeniably free of filler, making the contribution of Japan’s Converge+ to Eighth Dimension’s Blue Label Series one to stay locked in the virtual DJ crate.

Justin Harris (Freaks) - “Sick! Joshua Iz Mix is especially super.”
DJ Three (Hallucination Limited) - “Both original tracks are in rotation!”
Diesel (X-Press 2) - “Will support at both club and radio at Ministry of Sound!”
Miles Maeda - “This makes a cosmic connection of Carl Sagan proportions.”
Nikola Baytala - “Joshua Iz on a hot one … watch out, techno dancers!”
Tommy Largo (Lost My Dog) - “Cool tunes. Digging the Funk Shuei Remix the most.”
Chris Fortier (Fade) - “The Joshua Iz mix is ace!”
Orde Meikle (Slam / Soma) - “Nice EP. Will be trying this out.”
Inland Knights - “Funk Shuei Remix is my pick here … cool.”
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) - “I love the crazy techno energy of Josh’s mix best, though all four tracks are cool.”
Joshua Heath (Golden State) - “Definitely some unique sounds here. The Funk Shuei Mix for me.”
Mark Farina - “Iz Dope!”

Available now from Beatport 

Q-Burns Abstract Message - Balearic Chainsaw (Eighth Dimension Records) →

True story: Q-Burns Abstract Message once DJ’ed underneath a weighty chainsaw covered in disco ball mirror squares, rotating roundly with silver beams flying off its blade. Imagine such a devious device honed for dance-floor devastation, its rumble tuned to bass-bin frequencies as its saw cuts through beats and melody. But we’re talking about a chainsaw wielded by beardy types, waving its mirror ball excess over sunrise-stroked beach sand. We blissfully believe this could be the sound of the “Balearic Chainsaw.”

The original “Balearic Chainsaw” is an extended, beefier version of what was previously found on the “Chainsaw” single, released spring 2011 on EIGHT-TRACKS. The piano-fueled, flamenco guitar-kissed version was hidden as the last song in the single. To our surprise, friends and foes alike asked for a longer version to send resonating over the waterfront. The requests have been answered, and this new version features an added groove coda that should send your neighbors dancing into the moon beams. 

Who else could be more perfect for such flights of fancy than our long-time chum Scott Hardkiss? Coming off the brilliant Technicolor Dreamer album on his own God Within label, Scott tackled “Balearic Chainsaw” with a combination of gusto and happenstance. His mix is a rising force, solid rhythms and huggable bass lines anchoring a building swarm of piano, guitar, and cosmic, acid atmosphere. Not content with such mere musical coolness, Scott enlisted the gorgeous vocal contribution ofStevvi Alexander to further the “Balearic Chainsaw” message. Uplifting ain’t the half of it

Then there’s Scott’s remarkable Dub variation. Wild swirls of sound take control of this special version, aided by the unexpected contribution of DJ Afro from Los Amigos Invisibles, supplying his own dueling flamenco guitar strums and riffs. Euphoric motion for the most summery of dance-floors … it’s a classic Hardkiss maneuver. 

A party like this needs a proper come-down, and for our back-to-mine moment we’ve enlisted the reputable chops of Gazeebo, mainstay of Denver’s Community Recordings. Working out an Italo/nu-disco throb, Gazeebo’s slinky rendition hits all the tingle buttons, giving us a slow motion refuge that still packs a low-end punch. It’s fitting and superb power-down for this “Balearic Chainsaw.”

Kaskade - "This is really nice, beautiful vocal and perfect summer vibe.  Dig it." 
Nick Warren - "Great mixes by Scott and the Gazeebo reprise is ace." 
Anthony Pappa - "My favourite is "Gazeebo’s Reprise" and l will play this out." 
diskJokke - "Lovely tracks, full support." 
Ric McClelland (Scope) - "A very nice package.. I’m digging the original, Hardkiss dub, and the Gazeboo Reprise." 
Gavin Hardkiss (Hawke) - "F**king stellar … these mixes will be played all summer." 
Justin Harris (Freaks) - "I love Scott’s dub, and the original works, too, in the right place." 
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) - "The Gazeebo Reprise is my favorite, but the extended original is nice, too. Spacey!" 
Greg Fenton (DMC Update) - "Great set of mixes, hard to choose a favorite." 
Ray Mang - "Gazeebo’s got some depth! Quite like the Hardkiss Dub, too." 
Will SumSuch (UrbanTorque) - "Nice package with a real sense of fun. I like it a lot. The Hardkiss dub is the one for me." 
Marco Fullone (Radio Monte Carlo) - "A Balearic sound masterpiece!" 
Kosmas Epsilon (Proton Radio) - "Original and Gazeebo mixes are pure bliss! Amazing songs." 
Dj Nova (Rodon FM Greece) - "This is the absolute Balearic release of 2011! Es Vedra found its soundtrack this year." 
Harry Avers (NOICE!) - "F**king amazing Dub by Scott…. love the guitars." 
DJ Naz (Buddha Bar) - "Ah, balearic classic! Absolutely superb. I see this working super well at the beach parties this year in Ibiza."

Additional support from John Digweed, Chris Fortier, Atnarko, Benji Candelario, Kraak & Smaak DJs, Johnwaynes, Graeme Park, and Moodymanc.

Available now from Beatport / Juno Download / Stompy / Traxsource / iTunes