A satisfying double CD compilation of mostly minimal mixed Deep House tracks, "Lounge Groove" features JT Donaldson handling mixing duties on CD1 and DJ Joeski on CD2. Donaldson's disc is dominated by pretty, pumping instrumental tracks by artists like Llija Rudman & Votekk ("Affair), the Untitled Orchestra ("Lullaby"), and Donaldson himself ("My Belief"), though vocal tracks are interspersed throughout, be they funky male vocal tracks like the Freaky Afronaut's "Can U Hear Me" or "Hydro Soundclash" by Hydroponic Sound System featuring Chunky Sly & Grand Supreem with its fast-paced Ragga Rap contrasting with the laidback house beats.
Vicki B's "Something Must Change" stands out for its old school Acid House feel to the bassline and "Break Out The Paddle" by Phillip Enos has a bit of an 80s Techno vibe with its bleeping keyboards, but the highlight of disc one has to gritty yet glitzy female vocal on the Urban Jazz Naturals "How Can I," a track that melds the aesthetic of a vintage juke joint with the sensibility of a modern dancefloor.
On disc two, DJ Joeski lays on some more soulful female vocals with the laid back "What I Want" by the Soulplanet Jazz Ensemble featuring Llayali and the Soulplanet Jazz Ensemble's organically upbeat "Gotta Be Love." Joesk's own "El Rio " (featuring vocals from El Soye) adds a Spanish language vocal to the Latin-spiced, horn heavy backing while "Affirmation" by Blakkat & Onion Present East River Rituals adds an engagingly spacey vibe to the track's male vocal. For a vintage Disco mood laden with strings and flutes galore, check out the Groove Assassin vs. Rodog's "I Know A Place," but the standout on Joeski's disc would have to be Kemdi's "Still A Dancer" - which is featured in both dub and vocal versions- with the latter winning the nod thanks to Kemdi's affecting delivery of the "In the dark I'm still a dancer" chorus.
Thus "Lounge Grooves" delivers exactly what it promises, a suitable late night musical backdrop for urban hipsters in mojito bars and cappuccino cafes.
