Louie Vega
Elements of Life

THE REVIEW

Louie Vega is the most soulful part of Masters at Work (of which he is a part along with Kenny Dope Gonzalez), true must-haves in the history of house music, authors of hundreds of memorable productions and remixes.

Together with a team of musicians, producers, and singers gathered under the name "EOL band," he creates a refined record with Latin and soul-jazz influences immersed in house backdrops typical of his previous productions. It starts with the spoken word of Ursula Rucker as a prelude to the first track "Jungle fever" (a remake of the track of the same name by Chakachas from the late seventies). A nearly downtempo start built on the sensual vocals of Anané. Then, it gets serious with "Brand New Day," co-written with Blaze (historical collaborators of MAW). Chilling grooves and voice in a goosebump-inducing crescendo culminating in the next song "Cerca de mi," a true ethereal soulful house immersed on a bed of percussion, sung by Raul Midon.

"Africa Brasil" mixes tribal and Latin sounds. It continues with more relaxed rhythms, almost lounge if you will: "Nos Vida" and "Ma mi mama" featuring the vocals of Anané and "A better day," again with Blaze. The next five tracks unfold through "Nuyorican soul-tinged" rhythms (which recall the sounds of the MAW project "Nuyorican Soul") until reaching the splendid title track (also previously released on Blaze's album "Spiritually speaking"). The penultimate piece is "Mon amour", "Gotan project-style," with French vocals by Anané.

Last but not least, the beautiful "Mozalounge," a true cherry on top of a splendid work that, perhaps, will change the minds of those who consider house music only cold electronics.

An "essential" CD