This latest 12 from Mark Seven’s Parkwest is a 4-track collaboration between Seven and L.A.-based artist Jamma-Dee.* It opens with 2 takes on a tune titled “Dedication”, a self-confessed tribute to legendary New Jersey producers, twin brothers Ronnie and Rheji Burrell, and the art they created for Frank and Karen Mendez’s Nu Groove. Personally I can also hear a little Paul Simpson in the syncopated disco drums, something of Frankie in the faux flute, and a lot of Larry Heard in the almost acidic B-line. The vibe too is very old school Alleviated. Had me reminiscing over “What About This Love?” Yep, it’s that classy, it’s that deep. An “NYC Mix” makes things a tad darker, more forceful. Nearly bleep-y, snares rolling and rattling, but with a simple key melody brightening proceedings. An organ riff tipping its hat to Kariya’s Second Summer Of Love Sleeping Bag smash. A bit retro, but we all know that quality is timeless. 

“Good Love” is percussive and tribal, sampled-based, but soulful, and had me thinking of Ron Allen. Cuts by the Toronto-based don, under the aliases The R.A.S.E. and Kingdom Come, plus also early Blaze, and Italians such as Riccardo Montanari and Flavio Vecchi, the folks behind Riccione’s famous Ethos Mama Club. A funky organ bubbling away, with near subliminal crowd cheers and shouts adding to the subtle spirit-lifting. The sort of sound that populated the Boy’s Own charts between 88 and 92.

“Lost In The Maze” then closes the EP with a joyful mid-tempo groove. Earthy with congas and afro chants. Techy with dreamy synth swells. Jazzy sax snippets adding some extra juice.

You can take a listen and pre-order at Juno. 

Keep an eye on the Parkway / Parkwest Bandcamp page for updates. 

*I know Mark has long been a big fan of Jamma-Dee, since he tipped us of to his 2023 album “Perceptions”. JD also had a brief, past BBTT mention for this remix of Lexx’s “Right By Your Side”.