Ron Trent

Review: While Ron Trent has always tended towards the prolific, his recent release schedule has been particularly jam-packed. African Indigenous Rhythms is his second 12" single of 2017, and contains two sparkling, spacey deep house cuts blessed with subtle Afro influences. We think the real killer is "Power Movement", where the legendary Chicagoan douses a shape-shifting, Afro-influenced rhythm with intergalactic electronics, bubbly motifs, a deliciously jaunty synth bassline, and some seriously woozy vocal harmonies. That said, A-side "The Dawn" is fantastic too, with Trent's gradually increasing the intensity throughout via energy-packed drum machine fills, cascading piano motifs, and darting synth solos.

Review: Lavish soul feels from the one and only Trent right here. Having told us about the scientific art of storytelling many years ago, here he returns with his own beautiful yarn about the legend that is Johnny Hammond. Other tales include the sultry, dusky Balearic jam "The Tone" where fretless bass and fluttering brushed drums are the order of the day. Finally "The Place Inside" takes us right out to shore with soft vocal harmonies, light keys and a sense of sunset magic. Salinas crew this one's for you.

Review: Given that almost every single Ron Trent record makes us feel toasty and fuzzy inside, it would be fair to say that "Warm" is a rather fitting name for the deep house legend's latest release. A-side "Night Ride" sees him get busy with a vintage drum machine, adding whispered vocals, colourful riffs, undulating synth-bass and chiming melodies to a distinctive rhythm track. It's every bit as delicious and enveloping as you'd expect, with flipside opener "On A Journey" offering a surprise Balearic diversion rich in sun-kissed guitar motifs, swirling chords and a tactile, slow-motion groove. The sunset-friendly fun continues on "Exhale", where rock style guitar solos are buried beneath shuffling samba-house beats and Trent's usual impeccable keys.

Review: Groovin can always be relied on for the finest deep house reissues and represses, and they've struck Prescription gold here with the hazy sway of Ron Trent and Anthony Nicholson's evergreen "Aquarhythmatica." In its smoky chords and freewheeling guitars, the dusted down track represents everything great and timeless about this absolute pillar of deep house. On the flip, Ron Trent flies solo with "City Beat," which originally appeared in 2009 on the "Dance Classic" album. From the rich layers of detail to the mellow mood and of course the infectious, organic grooves, the quality level and musicality on this rich vein of house music is quite simply astounding.