VICK LAVENDER Vinyl & CDs

Review: Sophisticado label head Vick Lavender is back with more of his effortlessly cool and timeless deep house vibrations. He kicks off this latest tasteful missive with the title track 'Afro Go' which has a call & response style, Afro-jazz influenced groover that is perfect for both head and heel. 'Ambrosia' flips the script with a bass lead groove that is a perfect foundation for the smooth undulating synths then on the flip is a previously release collaboration with Chicago vocal legend Robert Owens himself. The lush 'Tonight' his smoky tones and keys from the late D. Millz then 'Acid Outpost' shuts down with a blend of late night jazz chords and potent house depths.

Review: The always-sophisticated Vick Lavender is a deep house innovator with a soulful and spiritual sound that is never short of genuine musicality. He proves that once more here with a fresh 12" for Mister Bear that opens with the jazzy piano keys of 'Move' soon taking you into a playful world of cosmic synths. 'Change' is another one drenched in astral synth lines over dancing drum patterns and 'Daylight' then melts the heart with its brilliantly soulful vocals and skipping drum beats. This classy EP shuts down with a Latin-flavoured sound on 'Somebodies Samba'.

Review: Vick Lavender makes a stunning return to Cataleya Music with Chicago Blue Line, a electric track led by intricate keys and a deeply engaging melody. The first half rides the wave with an acidic bassline, transitioning into the second half, which features a flowing flute and a robust bass guitar. The track is elevated by remixes from two legendary producers. Antonio Ocasio, the Spiritual House pioneer and Tribal Winds boss, delivers a stellar rendition with "lofty" key work and a flexible saxophone that conjures a star-gazing atmosphere. Equally esteemed, Kai Alce transforms the track into an energetic dancefloor anthem with relentless percussion and a gripping bassline. After three minutes, the remix morphs into a freeform jazz experience with live percussion, improvisational piano, and sharp trumpeting. Once again, Vick delivers the goods.

Review: Vick Lavander is on fire right now having recently minted Brett Dancer's new label Ethnic Blend Music and now comes back with more of his humid and authentic deep house. This one is also to start a new label - Sophisticado, his own new imprint - and first up is 'Deep Root,' a cosmically included deep house cut with gospel-style organ chords and chunky drums that work you into a lather. 'Hustle' then picks up the pace with more superbly warm chords and this time some Balearic acoustic guitar riffs and impossibly sunny grooves. Life-affirming tackle for joyous dancefloors.

Review: This soulful, busy, heated and sultry 12" vinyl record features the work of two of Chicago's most eminent producers around today. On production duties comes Vick Lavender and Carlos Mena, and they're complemented by vocalist Amma Whatt (who appears on the cover), with respect to making a funky housey tribute to soul and jazz and bossa nova, producing a steamy whirlwind of a track that is hard to place, yet stellar. The various mixes are up-front and mega-roomy, but Whatt's vocals hit softly despite.

Review: Sacred Rhythm Music and Sophisticado Recordings have hooked up for this special new 12" from house don Vick Lavender. He has worked with Angel-A before now and does so again here to great effect as they deliver a stunning interpretation of the 90s r&b classic 'Rain.' It rides on warm, humid beats with mellifluous synth layered up to perfection as the vocals tug on the heart strings. Vick's signature Time Travel remix is sure to captivate deep house lovers with its bubbling kicks, sustained synth strings and noodling basslines while Angel-A's powerful, gospel-infused vocals are supported by Justin Dillard's musical talents which take the track to new heights.

Review: Sophisticado play host to a tropical deep house collab for the ages. Here Vick Lavender teams up with fellow stalwart Elbert Phillips for a deep, girthy pair lf under-the-palm drenchers. 'Brotherhood' privileges neither artist's preferred style, instead offering two versions of the track - one for Vick and the other for Elbert - while also rounding things off on a 'Drums Mix', closing up shop on a nonetheless still-driven percussive note. Handle this one with care, and you'll be rewarded with flair.