SOLU Music is a new record label out of NYC that is on its way to becoming a new force in the deep house universe. At least that's what I think after listening countless times to their first release which is absolutely beautiful. And considering the four 10 second sample teasers on their web site they won't stop there. Obviously, one of their main directives seems to be to become providers of quality downtempo, jungle and acid jazz as well. Big plans for a new label, but Dano Nathanson and Howie Caspe, the people behind SOLU, proof on their very first release that they have the talent and sincerity to succeed on this task!

Their first 12" features two tracks plus an additional remix, all of which have the power to both drag you on the dancefloor and make your cocktails even sweeter. The opener "Fade" features the hauntingly soulful vocals of Kimblee who are melted around a deep house groove that can easily withstand comparisons to releases from labels such as Naked Music and Large. This track has really everything my soul-starved mind craves for, and on top of it a break in the middle that gave me coldest chills down my spine. In fact, it sounded so much like a 4Hero break that I had to reassure myself that this was still the same record I was listening to. Needless to say that it still was the same track.

But let's not forget about "So High" which is hidden on the B-side. In best Groove Collective tradition, this song rides an already dope groove into the deep funk 'n soul heaven, with all ingredients that are needed to do so. A vibraphone, a funky guitar, Blackbyrds-like vocals, simply everything on this track is done right to remind you that good funk and soul music is not dead. Nowadays, you just have to look into house crates to find them!

SOLU's first release will be out on September 18th, 2001. All songs mentioned in this review can be heard in their full-length beauty on SOLU's web site. Give it a try, and you'll realize that music speaks louder than words...

MG
September 2001