Nu Groove was one of the pioneering House Music labels out of NY, originally active between 1988 and 1992, it’s mark on the scene was to be felt for years to come. Originally set up by Karen and Frank Mendez as a vehicle for the Burrell twins, Rhano and Rheji, who were signed to Virgin at the time under the name Burrell, Nu Groove allowed them to explore the more underground and avant-garde nature of their musical minds. Nu Groove also became an outlet for many up and coming producers, including Kenny Dope, Bobby Konders, DJ Smash, Frankie Bones & Lennie Dee, Joey Negro and Joey Beltram to name but a few, they covered a variety of styles, from deep, jazzy and minimal house, through to soulful vocals, bumping grooves and jacking sample tracks, all a reflection of New York’s house sound of the time. These releases fuelled the explosive dance scene of the late 80s and early 90s, warehouse rave culture and UK pirate radio all relied heavily on Nu Grooves steady output of underground grooves to inspire a generation of dance music lovers, dancers, DJ’s and producers. Almost 30 years on, the spirit of this seminal New York label lives on.

Rheji Burrell gives another wonderfully whacky EP in the form of ‘Somebody Skat’n/C’mon’. Expect the usual expert Burrell production: tight percussion, soulful keyboard and melodic bassline. It’s not unusual for a Rheji production to come with an unusual element, this time it’s the scat singing present in ‘Somebody Skat’n’ adding something special to an already great record, whilst ‘C’Mon’ is a simply good time.


Avant Garde 'Somebody Skat’n / C’Mon'

1. Avant Garde Somebody Skat’n (Build Up Mix)
2. Avant Garde Somebody Skat’n (Broken Down Mix)
3. Avant Garde Somebody Skat’n (Percussion Mix)
4. Avant Garde Somebody Skat’n (Keyboard Mix)
5. Avant Garde C’Mon (Build Up Mix)
6. Avant Garde C’Mon (Broken Down Mix)
7. Avant Garde C’Mon (Percussion Mix)
8. Avant Garde C’Mon (Keyboard Mix)

Written, Produced & Orchestrated by Rheji Burrell
Published by Defected Music
P&C 1991 Nu Groove Records/Burrell Brothers