The crushing news of Kenny Gino’s sudden passing in July of this year hit very hard. Having only just come out of hiatus to release new Solid Gold Playaz material for us here on Freerange, the US underground house heroes are set to introduce their uncompromising deep, jacking sound to a whole new audience. And with Kenny’s partner Mike T’s blessing for the previously scheduled follow up EP to go ahead, we are proud to present you with the Solid Gold Playaz Next To You EP. For the hardcore fans out there, this music will blow you away, and feels to me at least, like the ultimate SGP release, even without the added weight and poignancy the tracks now carry. Opening up we have Next To Me which is as deep as it gets with beautiful floating synths drifting on top of an unrelenting rolling groove whilst Kenny’s vocal adds a powerful and emotive edge. My Soul Is Quiet follows with another incredible piece of music, drawing you in with its hypnotic mood and simple yet ridiculously compelling bass and synth hook. Again, the drums are unapologetically minimal - not a fill or breakdown in sight - but that is what locks you in and creates something entrancing which makes you feel like it could go on for eternity! Flip over for Who’s Playin’ For Ya, a more old school Chicago-inspired slice of raw, underground house which cuts up Rhodes, strings and snippets of vocal samples around a glitchy FM synth sequence. The funk is real on this one. Closing out this very special record we have Do You Think, going deeper still with expansive pads, soprano sax sample and chiming percussion all underpinned by a massive, dub bassline. Rest in peace Kenny Gino. You left a powerful legacy of amazing music! - Jamie More

Still Music Chicago is thrilled to announce the reissue of Jiraffe's "Out'A The Box," a legendary dance record from New York City. Originally released in 1988 on Goldqwest Records, this track emerged from the collaboration between Richie Weeks and Al Smith. This limited 12" release includes a full sleeve with a never-before-seen picture of Richie Weeks with Vaughan Mason at Vaughan home studio and a story of "Out'A The Box". Richie Weeks, known for his work with The Jammers and Weeks & Co, founded Goldqwest Records after Salsoul Records closed. Inspired by his friend Vaughan Mason, Richie ventured into house music production, recording demos that caught the attention of Reynald "Crazy Frenchman" Deschamps of M.T.I Exports. A generous supporter funded Goldqwest's third release, leading to Richie and Al Smith creating "Out'A The Box" at Al's home studio in Philadelphia. The track blended post-disco, dance, latin, and proto-house elements, achieving cult status among DJs worldwide. More

In the midst of House music's burgeoning scene in 1986 Chicago, a young local DJ named Jonathan Gilbert, known as Scrappy, seized a golden opportunity to showcase his skills at the renowned Medusa's Club's video room. It was in 1987, one fateful night, when the main DJ failed to show up, that Gilbert stepped in, securing a residency at one of the city's hottest spots. As the year progressed, Gilbert ventured into music production, teaming up with The Boxx Boys--Jim Marcus and Van Christie, notable for their later formation of the iconic group Die Warzau. Their collaboration birthed the legendary acid house anthem from Chicago, "Freeze," which Gilbert released under his Zap Records label in 1988, solidifying his place in Chicago's music history. The track became a timeless favorite, and is often featured in Jerome Derradji's sets. With Scrappy's gracious consent, we have the privilege of reissuing this seminal track, along with delving into his archives to uncover previously unreleased gems and alternate versions from his Atlantic Records era around 1990. For a brief period, Scrappy rode the waves of Chicago's house scene with his distinctive flair before bidding farewell to pursue new horizons in California. Presented for the first time on Still Music, "Acid House + Medusa's - Chicago, 1987-1992" invites listeners on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of late-eighties Chicago House. DJing, indulgence, romance, and the pulsating beats of acid house defined Scrappy's era, and fortunately, he left behind a legacy of unforgettable house tunes, emblematic of the city's unparalleled musical spirit. This limited edition DLP release, accompanied by an insert detailing the captivating tale of one of Chicago's unsung talents, ensures that Scrappy's story and his contribution to the era remain etched in musical history.

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After some big collaborative tunes with In Flagranti that made big waves a while back, vocalist Natalie Smash is back and in fine form. This new acid-tinged EP for Chicago's Still Music is killer, with San Francisco's very own Loose Control Band (aka DJ Spun and Jonah Sharp in tow. 'New Start' comes in three different but equally vital versions with edgy acid and old school house vibes to spare. The one and only Mystic Bill steps up to remix and as always does so with aplomb and plenty of energy. More

Stillmusic's debut the "sugar ep" by Patchwork was already flying from our shelves and it's not gonna be any different with this future collectible Rick Wilhite’s SOUL EDGE EP 2. Back in 1996, the part 1 was released on Kenny Dixon Jr’s KDJ imprint. Rick is a legendary Detroit producer that is famous for his belonging in The 3 Chairs collective. (Kenny Dixon Jr, Theo Parrish, Marcellus Pitman & himself). This EP starts with CITY BAR REOPEN "LIVE" DANCING featuring Detroit vocalist Billy Beemer who praises the gods of dance with his freeflowing jazz vocal stylings. MAGIC WATER "SAINT JEAN REMIX" is a remix by Detroit’s most upcoming producer DELANO SMITH (Mixmode Recordings). At the opposite of the original, this mix brings on a fantastic percussion based house stormer that reminds us of Fela’s West African productions. MAGIC WATER is a retro-futuristic approach to the sounds that made Detroit so famous and in which Rick Wilhite has been a major player since the early nineties. Roland kicks and synths, distortion and analog layers, this is the real sound of the Detroit house. Already in the crates of: The 3 Chairs, Alton Miller, Mike Clark, Norm Talley, Delano Smith, Eddie “Flashin” Fowlkes and many others as a celebrated track for the Detroit Movement 2004 festival."Thanks a lot for the 12", it is really dope….congratulations for the release and I will playlist it on my radio show next week…" LAURENT GARNIER "Thanks so much for the Rick Willhite CDR. Great stuff! I am really feeling all the jams on the 12", but I especially dig the "City bar reopen" track.Keep up the good work," RAINER TRUBY More

AGT Records are back for number 008 and the smoke machine is on full blast.

Christian Llopis put out a handful of releases in the early 2000’s, each capturing the progressive machine-groove of the time, but with his own signature twist and turn that made his sound stand apart from his contemporaries. The Lobster Tan EP, first released in 2005 on Play. Out. Right. Now. Recordings, shows off his unique style perfectly.

Each track has its own distinct personality while maintaining a relentless momentum that throws each kick drum into the next. The title track ‘Lobster Tan’ has an almost elastic groove in the low end, balanced deftly with swirling samples and melody lines. ‘Simulation’ is a more heady offering, perfect for those late night/early morning moments where the heads are down and the lights are low. The mood is sinister, and its growling bassline and vocal samples barrel the tune forwards. Pick of the bunch is ‘Back in the Day’, a tribal roller that combines organic melody lines and pads with an ever-evolving bassline that will refresh any discerning dance floor back into life.

Llopis is an expert at keeping things subtle while moving the gears, and this release is a prime example of prog done right. We are happy to have this one back on the shelves, all in good time. More

This rare Brit Funk 12” was originally released in 1984 and is now officially reissued for the first time. Licensed from producer Lindel Lewis, the 12” was heavily influenced by US Boogie and Disco and there’s a Dub influence at play as Lindel was also producing a lot of reggae around this time, most famously ‘Night Over Egypt’ by Mystic Harmony.

The 12” includes a previously unreleased Dub Version of ‘I Need You’ and was produced on two Analogue classics, Lindel says “I used a Linn Drum for the drums and played all synth parts using a Roland 106. I’m a classically trained musician and also a sound engineer, I worked at Mark Angelo Recording Studios for 18 years and have produced a great many artists. Steve Jones real name is Steve Myers, but I didn’t like the surname so changed it to Jones which felt more soulful. The name The Fat Boys came about because of the big bellies of myself the flute player Mike Appoh, my trainee engineer at the time. Ray Carlass played the sax solo, they have both now sadly passed”.

This long overdue reissue revives a standout moment in Brit Funk history, making it an essential addition for fans of classic Boogie and Disco. A 140 gram pressing in 3mm spine disco sleeve with labels and sticker designed by Bradley Pinkerton. More

Repress!

loop based dj equipment produced by SnP 500 and PLO man back and forth between montreal and berlin. More

Ethio-jazz pioneer Mulatu Astatke joins the Hoodna Orchestra, Tel Aviv’s number one Afro funk collective, melding his enchanting vibraphone playing with their brass heavy force across seven original compositions that play tribute to the classic Mulatu sound while forging fresh paths. Produced by and featuring Dap-King Neal Sugarman, the results are gritty, yet majestic, soulful and uplifting. More

DJ’s Project was a collaboration between Italian vocalist Silvano Pulignano and German DJs/composers André Schmechta, Bernd Schöler, and Claus-Christian Pesch. In the 1980s, the group released three singles that garnered quite a success, with production by the legendary Mike Mareen and distribution through his Night’n Day Records label.

The standout track from their catalog remains the highly sought-after single “Vision Of Love.” This breezy, well-crafted euro disco gem captures everything that defined the genre in its heyday, with its light melody and polished production.

During the recent digitization of Night’n Day Records’ original master tapes, unreleased material was unearthed, including the previously unheard instrumental version of “Vision Of Love.” This fresh reissue not only includes that rare version but also features a special DJ Edit, making it an essential addition for collectors and DJs alike. More

OFFICIAL 2024 REMASTERED REISSUE More

After already working on yeyeh005 together, it was more than overdue to do a solo EP together. Our lives crossed over ten years ago, and the past six years saw us grow into a deep friendship. All four tracks were made around the time of preparation for a Breakfast Club ADE 2021 with De Lichting live. Three years later, we are releasing these solo club cuts. More

More relentess hard hitters from the Exaltics for the RRR imprint. Alden Tyrell & Serge sign up for a remix, ORX pops up from 2 meters below sealevel. More

Next up on Happiness Therapy is an energetic and raw club-oriented EP from the dynamic duo Big Miz and Bessa. Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, these long-time friends have extended their camaraderie into the studio to produce a project that has already made some damages on worldwide dancefloors.

Adding to the allure of this release are two stellar remixes. The rising producer and Semi Delicious label owner Demi Riquísimo injects his unique flavor into the main title « Coolin », as Driss Bennis aka OCB, the mastermind behind Casa Voyager, offers his distinct touch, delivering a remix that complements the EP's energetic and raw vibe, with his distinctive ghetto tech & electro-funk touch. More

space•lab presents the Negen EP from Human Space Machine, a journey into Mike Jungerius’ unique take on the deeper shades of techno. Featuring four meticulously crafted tracks, this release showcases his signature sound—as rolling basslines and hypnotic acid lines weave seamlessly through intricate percussion, beautifully balanced with the perfect dose of melody and harmonics.

Each track offers a unique glimpse into Human Space Machine’s refined approach to techno: atmospheric yet grounded, minimal but rich in texture. With tracks ranging from 100BPM to 144BPM, this is the record you can reach for at any time of the night. More