Blaze presents Underground Dance Artists United For Life - Keep Hope Alive

Seems like at this time of the year, everyone gets in the giving spirit and the guys over at King Street Records are no exception. Partnered with legendary West End Records head Mel Cheren, many of dance music's founding members and greatest voices have come together to contribute their gift this Christmas: a compilation geared towards "promoting AIDS awareness and prevention strategies." Lifebeat, now going a decade strong, helps in the struggle that youth face everyday with this problem. "We are blessed, we must bless" the insert states. But what about the music?

The first thing that caught me about this CD was the lack of "filler" tracks. Every track could hold its own because of its roots in a time-tested formula - Deep, soulful vocals and bouncy, lush beats. Kenny Bobien's track, "HIYA LUV" opens the compilation with the perfect example of this, followed up nicely with one of my favorites, legend Barbara Tucker with "Most Precious Love." Moving percussion flanging a 4/4 beat, a simple piano rhythm, and Tucker's amazing voice create a must-hear mix. Ultra Nate's dreamy "A Wonderful Place" is another throwback to the old school disco tracks we all came to love.

Using that same formula, yet another great track is born. Byron Stingily, Joi Cardwell, and Blaze all make notable appearances as well.

The title track comes from all the individual artists singing together, in addition to Dawn Tallman, Charlotte Small, Michelle Weeks Reynoso, and Sabrynaah Pope! Now if that isn't a line-up, I don't know what is! The song isn't exactly "house" (more R&B) but definitely has a house-y vibe going on. Think "Do They Know It's Christmas" gone disco! Included is also a bonus remix by Blaze.

This is a great effort from the people at King Street, West End, and Lifebeat. They should be proud of their musical accomplishment, yet prouder of their human contribution. If nothing else, support this album for what it stands for: a brighter hope for today's youth. As the title track says, "Let's keep hope alive....."