Cabana Recordings: press

Soul Deep In House

By Shane Fontane
Editor-In-Chief


Delicious house mixes on the rocks. A vibe so honest you will feel right at home. Deko Lounge, Matt Mango and Steve Estaban give birth to something beautiful every Thursday night in the recently decorated downstairs lounge.

Just below the chaos and confusion of NJ’s hottest Thursday night main floor bubbles something wonderful. A perfect get away from the main floor or just a chill night out, this fresh exploration into soul and Latin influenced house music will groove you the right way all night long.

A house of smiles, dancing and positive vibes shelters this approachable and hip local house music crowd as they mix it up over cocktails, sexy rhythms and soulful vocals.

This weekly “grass roots” house gem shines Thursday nights from 10pm-2am. Resident soul music lover DJ Steve Estaban and guests set the pace with an original blend of sunset beaches and soulful vibes while playing from the center of the room.

Glo Ultra Lounge and Cabana Saturday Nights

By Shane Fontane
Editor-In-Chief


courtesy of: Shane Fontane
Easily found yet discretely tucked away, Glo Ultra Lounge is located at 367 George Street on the corner of Patterson Street in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Glo’s contemporary design and touch of sophistication subtly steers away the local bar scene and chooses to set an intimate backdrop for a culturally diverse 21+ crowd to mix, mingle and dance the night away.

Glo, owned and operated by the same entrepreneurial couple that owns Platinum Night Club just around the corner, was opened on November 2004. It’s chic and hip lounge lifestyle was created for the “not so local/local circle” who are seeking an alternative to the college rock/pop bars and sweaty dance clubs within the bustling college town fueled by Rutgers University.

Saturday night’s at Glo means soulful and tropical house music, chilled cocktails and a refreshing splash of guest DJs and percussionists from NYC and NJ. Although this may seem like risky business in college town USA, don’t be fooled - a wise businessman once said, “The best competition is no competition.”

Following this vision, Glo’s management knew exactly what they were doing when they got together with NJ soul house music DJ Steve Estaban of Cabana Recordings to create this sexy Saturday night soiree. Glo gets the Cabana lifestyle and understands their partnership in nurturing a party for an underestimated local network of talented artists, socialites and fun loving house music fans.

Since the launch of Cabana’s Saturday nights in March 2005, Glo and Cabana’s combined efforts have been quite a success. The friendly atmosphere and positive music attracts a fun and sexy NJ/NYC crowd looking to sip cocktails amongst hip ideals while grooving to the drum. When I dropped by on May 14th to hear guest DJ Justin Michael and Brooklynite percussionist Fallou, the count was a rotating door of 200+ guests almost all of which stayed till the lights went on at 2am.

If you already have your hearts set on a wild late night out in NYC then don’t worry. Doors open 8pm for “pre-game” and appetizers with DJ Mark Amatucci opening the night with progressive tribal house.

Well staffed with sexy ladies and handsome gentlemen, Glo radiates friendly and exceptional service across two bars, seating for bottle reservations and a delicious menu of Angus burgers, personal pizza and a variety of dishes served till 1am.

No cover, tasty cocktails and sunny tropical house music mixed with a hip young crowd in search of a new groove with positive rhythms makes Saturday nights at Glo a no-brainer for a night of style, charming smiles and friendly conversations. You can kick back and enjoy your drinks by candlelight and fruit platters or choose your bottle of choice and dance till close. No matter what you are looking for, Glo’s Saturday nights has a little special something for everyone.

Website: http://www.glonj.com

MAY 1st -12" REVIEWS
Justin Michael featuring Ian Fisher "Cabana Theme" (Cabana Recordings CD Promo)

Justin Michael is a producer to follow closely with a release on Abicah Soul and with some hot tracks on the "Cabana Recordings WMC 2005 Sampler", including "Cabana Theme", a laidback affair featuring a lovely guitar by Ian Fisher and spheric keys over a percussive driven, deeply stormin groove.

You can listen to it on my mix Fresh Grooves Volume 293

MAY 2nd 2005 CHARTS

Wei-Shen's House Chart

1. Martin Solveig - Everybody - Mixture
2. Jamie Lewis (pres Michelle Weeks) - Be Thankful - Purple Music
3. Roachford - River of Love (Full Intention Mix) - Peppermint Jam
4. Herd & Fritz - Just Can’t Give You Up - Subliminal
5. Planet Funk - Stop Me - Virgin
6. David Penn & Camilo Franco - Gorgeous - XXX
7. Yoshimoto - Do What U Do (Trentomellor mix) - Inspirit
8. Bodyrockers - I Like The Way (Herd & Fritz Remix) - Universal
9. Mateo & Matos - Hey Zulu (Shik Stylko Remix) - Progcity Deep
10. XXX - XXX (The Nikos Mixes) - Khaimar
11. Blaze - Most Precious Love (Martin Solveig Edit) - Defected
12. Mobin Master (feat D'Empress) - Fly - XXX
13. Inaya Day - Nasty Girls (Wei-Shen & Maarcos Remix) - Vinyl Pusher
14. Shawn Christopher - You Can Make It (Audiowhores Remix) - Soulfuric
15. Tom Novy - My Body - EMI
16. John Levend v 1200 Warriors - Ordinary People - WLP
17. Bobby Blanco & Mikki Moto - When You Are Back - XXX/CDR
18. Juliet - Avalon (David Guetta Mix) - Astralwerks/EMI
19. Justin Michael - Cabana Theme - Cabana Recordings
20. Nasty Dirty Sex Music - Nasty Dirty Sex Music - Elemental

Picks of the Week

JOAQUIN 'JOE' CLAUSSELL "Un.Chained Rhythms Part 1 & 2 " (Sacred Rhythm/Promo)

The former B&S co-resident returns in a big way with this two limited 12" on his new label Sacred Rhythm Music, availably only as expensive Japan import but it is worth the money you've got to pay for it. It's all about spiritual vibes here, featuring all live instrumentation, ranging from melodic chill out tracks over hypnotic drum grooves to the two standout tracks "Mafungo" and "Maringa". The first one is an incredible percussion driven track featuring an outstanding saxophone with male chants, while the latest features a wonderful jazzy piano line over a deeply stormin', smooth percussive groove. There will be a US release of "Mafungo" coming soon with more releases to follow.



CALM presents K.F. "Shining Of Life" - Calm Flutemental Remix (LifeLine)

LifeLine present a spiritual jazz house piece by Japan's late nite guru Calm in form of "Shining Of Life" that combines shuffling beats, a groovy bassline together with a fantastic piano line and harmonic keys for a deep house journey. The 'New Mix' features an uplifting vocal while the ' Flutemental Remix' brings in a lovely flute, taking the song even deeper.



JIHAD MUHAMMAD "The Dawn" (Camio Records/CD Promo)

New Jersey based producer Jihad Muhammad is responsible of the first release on this brand new label. "The Dawn" is a percussive instrumental featuring jazzy keys by Vincent Jeffries that give it a laidback feeling. NJ Project give it a slightly tougher edge with an extra jazzy flute added, while rising star Kenny Carvajal who gives it a sublime reworking that is keeping the jazzy vibe alive. The latest also provides an alternate version that replaces the piano with a saxophone (this version will exlusively be available at Traxsource as online download).


DWAYNE MORGAN "Everything" (Camio Records/CD Promo)

Camio Records’second release will be "Everything" by Canadian poet and musician Dwayne Morgan who provides a spoken word performance that is added with additional vocals by Lorraine Reid and Peter Miller. Carvajal is (also) responsible of the sublime mixes that give the song an emotional feeling true to the depth created by the wonderful vocals that are layed over a smooth groove that is added with a lovely guitar, harmonic keys and wicked organ solo.



FUZION featuring CHRIS HERBERT "I'm So Glad" - Big Moses Remix (Fuzion/CD Promo)

This uplifting song that features Blaze former member Chris Herbert on vocals has been given the remix treatment by Moise 'Big Moses' Laporte who gives it a classic garage feeling full of soulful keys over a mellow bumpin' groove. These mixes this will exlusively be available at Traxsource as online download.


DENNIS FERRER featuring KENNY BOBIEN "Grateful" (Sfere)

Dennis Ferrer teams up with the legendary Kenny Bobien for an uplifting production that features a gospellish vocal performance, melodic keys and and an organ over a thumpin' backing groove over a deeply rumblin' bassline. Soul drenched house at its best.


KENSHYRO "Sky City" (Map Dance/Promo)

Kenshyro made his presence to the dance music community last year with "Remember The Summer" which he follows up now wth "Sky City", a soulful and fierce funky stomper in its original form featuring soaring female vocals. Marquito, a talent to watch closely in the future, takes the song into classic territory with warm melodic keys and strings placed over a storming backing track. MoD deliver a dub version perfect for the dancefloor with its irresistible groove that is topped with wicked keys.


MONKEY NUTS "Melodic Tree" (Abicah Soul/CD Promo)

Abicah Soul Records have another beauty in their hands in the form of "Melodic Tree" by the Monkey Nuts. Their original version is a mellow, percussion driven affair featuring a jazzy piano, lovely flute and spaced out keys that create a laidback feeling. Justin Michael gives it a deeper late nite feeeling, based on deeply stormin' beats and moody keys, featuring Ian Fisher who adds a great guitar part to it.



FEET "Feet Your Soul Vol. 1" (Feet Records/CD Promo)

While last years "Night Llife" has been picked up by Farplane Records for a release soon including a new Rasmus Faber remix, Feet return on their own label with the hot three tracker "Feet Your Soul Vol. 1". "I'll think Of You" is full of funky flavors, bringing the sound of the 70's disco-funk back to the dancefloors, featuring soulful vocals by Sophie Delila. She is also the featured vocalist on "Something Going On", an uplifting track with a lively jazz-funky edge, while "Excesso" has a Latinesque vibe to it by keeping it funky at the same time, featuring sexy vocals by Yaité.

July 3, 2005
Fresh Grooves Volume 303, mixed by Michael Fossati

1.Calm presents K.F. "Shining of life" (Calm Flutemental Remix)(LifeLine Records 12")
2.Joaquin 'Joe' Claussell "Mafungo" (from "Un.Chained Rhythums Part 1" on Sacred Rhythm Music Records 12" Promo)
3.Joaquin 'Joe' Claussell "Maringa (a call to rhythm)" (from "Un.Chained Rhythums Part 2" on Sacred Rhythm Music Records 12" Promo)
4.Jihad Muhammad "The dawn" (Original Mix)(Camio Records CD Promo)
5.Jihad Muhammad "The dawn" (Kenny Carvajal Unreleased Sax Mix)(Camio Records CD Promo)
6.Dwayne Morgan "Everything" (Kenny Carvajal Vocal Mix)(Camio Records CD Promo)
7.Fuzion featuring Chris Herbert "I'm so glad" (Big Moses Vocal Remix)(Fuzion Records CD Promo)
8.Dennis Ferrer featuring Kenny Bobien "Grateful" (DF's Raze Yo Handz Vox Mix)(Sfere Records 12")
Kenshyro "Sky city" (Marquito Mix)(MapDance Records CD Promo)
9.Monkey Nuts "Melodic tree" (Justin Michael's Cabana Mix)(Abicah Soul Records CD Promo)
10.Feet "I'll think of you" (from the "Feet Your Soul Vol. 1" on Feet Records CD Promo)
11.Feet "Something going on" (from the "Feet Your Soul Vol. 1" on Feet Records CD Promo)
12.Classic LZ Love "See the light" (Bookstone Dub)(Slip'N'Slide Records 12")

Some Call It House...We Call It Home Tour NYC!

Julius "the Mad Thinker" here just giving mad props to Kevin Hedge and Louie Vega for holding down one of the most beautiful house parties in the nation. Just about 600 heads embraced the 3degrees experience as Priti Gandhi, Mona Thompson, Kristen Anderson, Cassandra Aird, Ed Dunn and I, co hosted the Roots party last Wednesday. Kevin Hedge played a beautiful opening set and then formally introduced 3degrees to the Roots family and Cielo.

Ed Dunn and I, along with Cabana recordings DJ/Producer, and percussionist Steve "Esteban" Fernandez, then played the rest of the evening. We received so much support last Wednesday night it was crazy. There were 3degrees members who attended from as far as Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco, Miami, Tampa, Philadelphia, Baltimore, D.C., and Singapore to name a few cities. To say the least, the dance floor got a serious beat down!

Shouts to Donna Ward, Timmy Regisford, Esteban, Filsonik, Robbi, Moises, Jason Hayer, Jon Martin, Sammy Rock, Luan, Phill D, Ian Friday, Earon, Jerome Sydenham, Barry B, Gary Michael Wade, Anyta, Ken, Ole, Lauren, Richo, Eric, Larry Negron, Juan Valentine, Alix Alvarez, Lola, Ultra, Chris, Rob, Katia, Patick C, Arwen, Kervyn & the melting pot crew, Deepa records, King Street Sounds, all the dancers, all the Thinker supporters, The Roots staff, Louie Vega, Kevin Hedge, Cielo, to anyone we may not have mentioned, and to all the 3degrees members for sharing the 3degrees experience with New York!!!

"The Groove Boutique isn't just New York's first and only jazz mix show: it's a vibe. It's a lifestyle. It's a sensational assortment of sexy grooves that instantly transport my listeners to the world's hippest jazz lounge. There's no velvet rope, VIP list, or cover charge: all you need to get inside is the desire to experience a tasty blend of chill jazz, acid jazz, soul jazz, uptempo smooth jazz, and Latin jazz. So whether you're getting ready for a night out in Manhattan, coming home after a romantic dinner on Long Island, or relaxing in the Jersey burbs after putting the kids to bed, you'll always have a table reserved in the one place that serves up a sophisticated mix of the jazzy jams you crave: The Groove Boutique!"
- Rafe Gomez

Saturday's Groove Boutique (09/16/06)

HOUR 2

Link Quartet - Vasco De Gama
Quincy Jones - Papa's Got A Brand New Bag
David Sanborn - Tin Tin Deo
Justin Imperiale - Deeper Than
Joe Bataan -Latin Strut
Philippe Saisse - Do It Again
Willie Bobo - Grazing In The Grass
Nick Rotti Set - Monkey See, Monkey Do
Julie Dexter + Khari Simmons - The Dove
D'Angelo - When We Get By
Maxwell - Seguranca
Michael Franks - The Cool School

Written by Michael Fossati
Saturday, 05 August 2006
Picks of the Week
Justin Imperiale "Deeper than EP" (Cabana Records CD Promo)

The long awaited premiere release on Cabana Reords is finally here, courtesy of Justin Imperiale who presents a fantastic three tracker. First off is "Deeper than", a journey into jazzy late night house grooves featuring a marvellous sax by Marcos and keys by Jerome, with Esteban adding the percussion to this wonderful production that is spreading a mellow vibe. Next up is "Jazz-a-nova", a track that melts deep house with the raw energy of jazz-funk, featuring Dennis (the Dragon) on keys and Ian Fisher on guitar. Fresh and full of jazz-funk flavors - a track to dance to. Last but not least is "From above", a spiritual journey into soulful deep house grooves featuring a beautiful flute by Joni Love alongside sweet percussion and fantastic spacial keys. What a terrifc release!!

“Deeper Than EP” by Justin Imperiale includes 3 tracks. On side A, “Deeper Than” is a jazzy affair with irresistible keys by Jerome from Paris, delicate sax by Marcos and percussion by Esteban. On side B, “Jazz-A-Nova” goes in a jazz-funk direction with guitar by Ian Fisher and rhodes by Dennis The Dragon and "From Above" goes deeper with flute by Joni Love. Beautiful record.

Onur Engin - Monotape Radio Show (13/11/06)

Dubben-Kollectoren Dub [GAMM] (2006)
Jazzhole-Free The Robots [Jazz & Milk] (2006)
Rosalia De Souza-Rio De Janeiro (Beatfanatic Bossa Remix) [Schema] (2006)
Justin Imperiale-Deeper Than [Cabana] (2006)
Mowgly-Solar System [Freerange] (2006)
Content-It's So...[Simple] (2006)
Inverse Cinematics-It's Music (Nightshift Meets Nujazzsoul Rwrk) [Pulver] (2006)
Movementz-29 Calls [Sonar Kollektiv] (2006)
Visit Venus-First Man On The Moog [Yo Mama] (1995)
Shin-Ski Of Martangang - Soul Believer [Miclife] (2006)
Mos Def-There is a way (LP Version) [Geffen] (2006)

Pleasure House Radio Show
mixed by Michele Benotto
SSRADIOuk.com

1. Imperiale – Deeper Than [Cabana Recordings 12’’ Promo]
2. Christian Alvarez feat. Dre – Feel The Groove
(2 Brothers Of Soul Little Bit Of Jazz Mix) [Delecto]
3. Matt Caseli & Slide – Penthouse Bitch
(Seminal Grooves Dust Lounge Mix) [Silocasa]
4. Feet & Léo Cuenca feat. Sophie Delila – I’ll Think Of You [Feet]
5. Malena – Ave Pasajera (Mirco Esposito & Roberto De Carlo Mix) [DigitalFunk]
6. Richard Earnshaw feat. James Vargas – Inside & Out
(Groove Junkies Funky Dub) [Duffnote]
7. Michael Watford – So Into You (B D’s Revisited Mix) [OSIO Records]
8. Ron Hall & The MuthaFunkaz feat. Mark Evans – The Way You Love Me
(David Penn Classic Mix) [Defected]
9. Alison David – Dreams Come True (MoD Club Mix) [Double Shock]
10. Raul Moros – Old Skool Flava (Dub Injection Mix) [Delecto]
11. Staf’s Unreleased Re-Edits : Barry Manilow – Copacabana [Super White]
12. Justin Michael feat. Jackie Wilson – Funky Love
(Born To Funk Horn Mix) [Swank Recordings]
13. S.U.M.O feat. Aaron Phiri – The Danceband (Uncut Version) [Heya HiFi]
14. Yass – I Believe (JL Revisited Dub) [Purple Music Records]
15. Kirk Franklin – Looking For You (Juke Joint Remix)
[M.o.D Recordings 12'']
16. T&A – Freaks On The Floor (Davidson Ospina Remix) [Ospina Digital]
17. The Sound Republic – When I Get Paid
(Wes! "When I Get Jazz Hands" Mix) [DAE Recordings]
18. Late Night Alumni – I Knew You When
(Chuck Love’s Deep Breath Mix) [Quiet City]

HouseFresh Grooves Volume 373
mixed by Michael Fossati

1.Rick Felix "Solo tu" (Spiritual Blessings in a Afro Oozy Footpath Remix)(Next Dimension Records CD Promo)
2.Vick Lavender of Mr Ali "Kaylynns thing" (Unified Records CD-R)
3.Justin Imperiale "Piano daze" (Dom Navarra Latin Magic Mix)(Cabana Records CD Promo)
4.Kenny Carvajal featuring Lafayette "A higher place" (Glide Vocal Mix)(Phuture Sole Records CD Promo)
5.Ralf GUM "Easy" (Raw Artistic Soul Vocal)(GoGo Music Records CD Promo)
6.Corrine Bailey Rae "Like a star" (DFA Vocal)(FallOut Records 12")
7.Leela James "Good time" (Groove Junkies MoHo Vox)(Warner Bros Records CD Promo)
8.DJ Leon El Ray presents Georg Neufeld featuring Agnieszka Gorgon "Who I truly am" (Cadatta's True-False Vocal Remix)(Gotta Keep Faith Records CD Promo)
9.Solo "Groovin tonight" (Fabio Macchini Mix)(Hermosa Records CD Promo)
10.Ralf GUM "Easy" (Ralf GUM Disco Attack Dub)(GoGo Music Records CD Promo)
11.Dennis Ferrer "Touched the sky" (from "The world as I see it" on KingStreet/Defected Records CD / Digital Download)
12.Dennis Ferrer "Run free" (from "The world as I see it" on KingStreet/Defected Records CD / Digital Download)

Justin Imperiale "Piano daze" (Cabana Records CD Promo)
"Piano daze" by Justin Imperiale is the second release on Cabana Records, featuring Jerome from Paris who contributes a wonderful piano solo to the song. The original version features percussion and timbales solos by Esteban that create an irresistible groove you can't resist to dance to. Stax (from Abicah Soul) remix is a jazz-funk gem that will keep you feet movin', while Dom Navarra's rework gives the track a late night outfit of a deeply yet smoothly stormin' groove with added melodic keys and vocals by A. Chambers.

Reviews December 2006

JUSTIN IMPERIALE
"Deeper than EP" (Cabana)
What a great debut is this for Cabana Records, Justin Imperiale provides a fantastic 3 tracks ep of pure deep house sound. "Deeper than" is a sexy late night journey with warm keys, soft percussions, beautiful piano and an intense sax solo, "Jazz a nova" is a jazzy infected affair, with hot Rhodes keys, great piano and a cool funked up guitar, while "From above" is a smoother and relaxing track featuring the beautiful flute of Joni Love. (Franco Martinelli)

TOP 20 Hype Chart Return December 26 , 2006

Position / Performer / Title / Label

1 - Soulseeker - Unconditionally - Reelgroove
2 - Gary Bardouille - Starting over - Soul Heaven
3 - Panevino feat. Charles Dockins - The best of me - PanevinoMusic
4 - Justin Imperiale - Deeper than EP - Cabana
5 - Melchyor A. - One day - Gotta Keep Faith
6 - Juke Joint ft. Thea Austin - Deelight - Swank
7 - Tim Richards - Makes me who I am (Melchyors rmx) - Queep Organic House
8 - Kenny Carvajal ft. Lafayette - A higher place - Phuture Sole
9 - Santi Touch - Eve - Reelgroove
10 - (NEW) Raw Artistic Soul ft. J Gibbons- Keep on shining - GoGo
11 - Jesse James Project - New beginnings - Seed
12 - (NEW) Bob Sinclar - Champs Elysees (2006 Jamie Lewis rmxs) - Purple
13 - (NEW) DJ Pope feat. Lynette Smith - Addicted to love - King Street
14 - Martin Solveig - Something better - d:vision
15 - (NEW) Dom Navarra feat. Antonio - A thousand words - Stalwart
16 - (NEW) Groove Junkies & A. Caldwell ft. A. Sky - I believe in dreams - MoHo
17 - Paris Brightledge - Searchin' - USB
18 - Di Pascali - Breathe to fly - Skipper Rec.
19 - DJ Leon El Ray pr. G. Neufeld ft. A. Gorgon - Who I truly am - Gotta Keep Faith
20 - Central Avenue - Need your lovin' - Gossip

Justin Imperiale
"PIANO DAZE"
feat. Jerome from Paris

The second release from the new label Cabana Records is “Piano Daze”. As the title reveals the track covers a piano solo, featured by Jerome From Paris.
The original version has a sweet rhythmic groove with Esteban contributing on percussion and timbales. The mixes bring an innovative sound and put yet another light on the original. In the JazE Mix, Stax from Abicah Soul adds jazzy elements and turn the track into a different atmosphere. Dom Navarra puts his mark in the Latin Magic Mix, accompanied with beautiful vocals by A Chambers.
A seductive release from a label to watch out for!

JUSTIN IMPERIALE ft. Jerome From Paris "Piano daze" (Cabana)
"Piano daze", the second release on Cabana Records, is a beautiful deep/latin track featuring an awesome paino performed by Jerome From Paris, on an irresistible percussive latin tinged groove courtesy of Esteban. The "Chicagos JazzE mix" from Abicah Soul is an infectious jazz-funk gem, while Dom Navarra provides a smooth and deeper remix with extra melodic keys and vocals by A. Chambers. (Franco Martinelli)