(Stomp/EQ)

DJ Deep began as a DJ in the early 1990’s under the tuition of the techno-inclined Laurient Garnier. Based in Paris he has since become known for spinning soulful funky house music, regularly playing at clubs and parties all over the world. His first mix compilation, French Session Volume 4 was released in 1998 on Distance. In 2000 DJ Deep produced the fourth installment in the Respect is Burning series, made up of mainly large house tunes such as Masters at Work’s Life Goes On and Blaze’s How Deep is Your Love.

In Deep Sessions 01, DJ Deep takes a deeper, more underground direction in his selection of house tracks. DJ Deep begins strong with Erro’s Rock Wit U, which offers catchy vocals and a great guitar lead that moves in sync with them. Peven Everett’s I Can’t Believe I Loved Her takes on a nice soulful edge with groovy trumpet samples and vocals. The mix then unfortunately moves through a series of tracks that are competent but lacking in hooks and originality. Jazzy instrumentals feature a lot here over somewhat monotonous house beats and basslines (e.g. USG Presents African Blues’ Odu Jazz and Gigolo Supreme’s Gigolo’s Anthem). Among these tunes appears Dino & Terry Feat. Alana Bridgewater’s In His Power with Alana’s gospel inspired vocals.

The mix ends on a stronger note however with Fingerprintz’s Feel It where a slappy beat and dubby bassline is topped with dramatic orchestration and funky vocal samples. Masters At Work’s Nothing stands-out, with its unique deep break-beat and has a sound similar to that championed by artists endorsed by Naked Music.

DJ Deep’s Deep Sessions 01 begins and ends with some great tunes. It is disappointing however that the mix gets somewhat tedious and plain through its centre. This album is recommended for those who like their house music deep, relaxing, drawn out and unimposing.