Releases / Joseph Junior & MAQman - “I Don’t See Love”

GOGO Music comes up with a real deal in the form of “I Don’t See Love” a seductive and meaningful vocal tune by “Joseph Junior & MAQman”. Additionally to MAQman’s profound Original and Jazzy Dubs, he teamed up with fellow musician Jezrael to deliver a skillful uplifting classic remix and rising producer star Ezel adds an impressively grooving rework.

For Joseph Junior it always has been about music. Being soaked in parents old vinyl records playing Soul Music in the background, then fast-forward to teenage years listening to Anita Baker, Al Jareau, George Benson, Sade, Fela Kuti to finding Jazz like Miles, Coltrane and Ella which all helped to shape most of his subtle sound. Soon Joseph had the opportunity to provide backup vocals for many British acts including Mick Hucknall or Jocelyn Brown and went on to showcase his talents at legendary venues as the Jazz Café, The Scala and Royal Albert Hall. He worked alongside artist like Omar, Roachford, Mica Paris or Gwen McCrae and recorded at the legendary Larry Gold and Gamble & Huff Studios in Philadelphia, USA. Joseph’s style is undisputedly eclectic with its foundation always on Soul. It was the mutual love of him and MAQman for this genre, which provided the opportunity to record numerous songs together which were released on various labels worldwide.

MAQman’s musical career started as a keyboarder - from Blues to Funk to Soul to Jazz - with various bands and even Reggae with The Moonraisers who took him on tour around Europe during the last years. His production influence derives mainly from black music classics, which MAQman is collecting and playing since 1999. Through his extensive musical journeys, he managed to build up a team of musicians which allows him to keep his music organic and rich. It was the lucky coincidence of meeting amazing soulful singer/songwriter Joseph Junior who is the perfect vocalist to complete his fine productions and take them to another level. After joint outings on various Soul compilations with down- and mid tempo tracks, they soon focused on House Music and it was inevitable that their musical path had to cross with Germany’s flagship Deep House label GOGO Music.

Young and gifted musician Ezel joins the label as a remixer for the first time. Ezel’s parents named him after the Spanish words “Es El” that means that he is he, a unique being with a purpose of his own and that purpose is his art. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Ezel has always been interested in matters of the Soul. In 2008 destiny allowed him to meet Osunlade, the Yoruba priest & music producer, a presence that has been highly influential in Ezel’s life and sound. 2 years later and after the release of his debut long-player „Secreto“ Ezel has growth to become one of the most admired new artists in the Underground House Scene, receiving the support of highly influential DJs such as Gilles Peterson or Joaquin “Joe” Claussell. Having done remix work for some of the most important dance labels worldwide, GOGO Music had an eye on him for quite a while and found now with “I Don’t See Love” the suitable title to ask him for his valued contribution.

Rounding off the package is MAQman & Jezrael’s version. Born blind in the Philippines, multi-instrumentalist Jezrael Lucero’s center of life was always sonic. Nowadays he is residing in Hong-Kong where he makes his living with gigs and sessions. MAQman decided to approach him after attending some of his superb shows. Being as well a producer and sharing the same musical taste with MAQman, they immediately found the magical chemistry to substitute their dexterities in the studio resulting in refined works.

GOGO Music offers with this release the perfect combination of emotional, soul-healing Deep House, that has both - the potential to enlighten every sophisticated dance-floor and being equally enjoyed in any other surrounding.

Tracklist: Joseph Junior & MAQman - I Don’t See Love - GOGO 047

1. Original Mix 7:20 min
2. Ezel Quisqueya Soul Mix 8:30 min
3. Jazzy Dub 7:18 min
4. MAQman & Jezrael Remix 7:48 min
5. MAQman & Jezrael Instrumental Remix 7:48 min
6. Alternate Bass Jazzy Dub 7:18 min
7. Ezel Quisqueya Soul Instrumental 8:30 min
8. Ezel Quisqueya Soul Beats 8:30 min

GOGO Music … music it is and is it!

PRESS REACTIONS AND REVIEWS:

SpiritOfHouse (Switzerland)
Joseph Junior & MAQman -I Don’t See Love - GOGO 047

Pick of the week!
Back in June, we instantly fell in love with MAQman's "Nightlife EP" where he teamed up with singers Selina Campbell, Aaron Washington and Joseph Junior - the same thing happened when we heard "I don't see love", a precious soulful tune featuring Joseph Junior's seductive vocals alongside MAQman's illustrious production and arrangement. In other words - and similar to their previous collaboration on "Nightlife" - this one has timeless written all over it. Besides the marvelous original version and wonderfully crafted jazzy dub mixes, there are masterly orchestrated remixes on which MAQman teamed up with fellow musician Jezrael to give the song an uplifting classic vibe. But this is not all as wunderkind Ezel contributes what we consider his best remix to date, a truly soulful groovy rendition oozing with glorious melodies. Once again, GOGO Music bless us with a classic in the making - Joseph Junior & MAQman's "I don't see love" is a definite moment in history of soulful house music. by Michael Fossati

Magma DJ web (Italy)
Joseph Junior & MAQman -I Don’t See Love - GOGO 047

The new GOGO Music release is by Joseph Junior & MAQman. Great and hot vocals by Joseph Junior over the beautuful melodies of the different versions. The Original mix has a classic 4/4 beat with an engaging bassline, pad, synth, and a light funky guitar. The Ezel Quisqueya Soul Mix has more afrodeep vibes with a refined percussive beat under pad melodies. MAQman & Jezrael Remix has classic style with a different key of the Original the basslire is more strong with an afro touch more light than the Quisqueya mix. Seems a perfect fusion with an individual sound. The Jazzy Dub is a great esibition of music qualities: rhodes, pad, guitar, synht... anything else!? ;) Always useful the dub and instrumental versions of the package! GOGO Music +1! by Alessio Furia

newsicmoos (UK)
Joseph Junior & MAQman -I Don’t See Love - GOGO 047

Joseph Junior’s musical background is drenched in soul, from parents’ old old school soul records to developing an interest in the likes of Sade and George Benson, all of which equates to the style of house music he puts out today. His music shares the same flavour and takes influence from big house names such as Masters At Work and Louie Vega. If you take a listen to his broad range, one element that underpins his diversity is soul. It seeps from his latest track ‘I Don’t See Love’, who he has worked on with MAQman on Germany’s foremost soulful house label GOGO Music, run by none other than Ralf Gum. The release is backed up by many remixes, ranging jazzy, beachy, piano, neo & (of course) heaps of soul.

5 Mag (Chicago)
Joseph Junior & MAQman -I Don’t See Love - GOGO 047

I will never get tired of coming across records that exude incredible musicianship like the latest release on GoGo Music does. They may not hit the dancefloor as hard as other, purely electronic tracks, but they do stand head and shoulders above the rest. Joseph Junior's eclectic style and vocals coupled with Maqman's background as a keyboarder have generated a spacey, funky, soulful number with a serious and somber lyric. I normally skip past listening to instrumentals but you shouldn't on this package, again because of the musicianship on display here - especially the Maqman and Jezreal remix which is my (extremely tough) pick of the package. The combination of the bass, keys and flute bring me back to some of the best records put out on Naked Music. You also can't beat the jazzy dubs with a stick. Then again I am easy to win over if you throw some solid improvised jazzy Rhodes keyboard on a track. That's why I love records like Johnny Fiasco's "Reflex". Ezel Quisqueya's Soul Mix is right up there with more of an Afro-Tribal lounge feel. This is as solid a package as you can get, but is anyone really surprised by this from GoGo Music? I suggest brushing up on the background of all involved on this release. It's an interesting read! 10/10 by Dustin Kinney

Some Joseph Junior & MAQman -I Don’t See Love - GOGO 047 DJ feedback:

:: "This is hot bro!" Grant Nelson (Swing City, UK)

:: "Definitely digin it." Danny Krivit (USA)

:: "Really feeling the Ezel mixes on this....Kwality" Karizma (Kohesive Productions, USA)

:: "This is HIT BOUND!!! Loving all the mixes and will support as usual." Vinny Da Vincy (House Afrika, South Africa)

:: "Very nice R&B-dance song. Quality package and remixes. Full support!" Tony Humphries / Jacko (Tony Records, USA)

:: "Amazing vocal, love the Original version!" Mehdi (Yellow Productions, Bob Sinclar, France)

:: "I am loving the Original, what a beautiful tune!" Carlos Mena (Ocha Records, USA)

:: "Slamming stuff yet again from GOGO...Beautiful song and a great set of mixes to boot! BIG!" Groove Assassin (UK)

:: "Great music. Love Ezels mix. Thanks." Oli Lazarus (Reel People, UK)

:: "Ezel Mix is already a classic to me... Excellent job and clever vocal." Franck Roger (Realtone Records, France)

:: "Wonderful classic vibe!! Will def try it in my future sets." Yass (France)

:: "Beautiful track and vocal." Robert Owens (UK)

:: "Super smooth package from the smoothest imprint in the world, really lovin’ the original & Ezels tracks." Jonny Montana & Craig Stewart (Universe Media/ DCSTrax, UK)

:: "Loving the Original and Ezel mixes. Overall this is a great package." David Harness (USA)

:: "Wonderful soulful release here. Really feelin the GOGO soulful touch and will be playing this a lot! All about MAQman & Jezrael Remix for me." Carlos Vargas (Purple Music, Solid Ground)

:: "Another quality release from GOGO Music perfect for setting the dancefloor mood. Straight into my box." Tim White (House Afrika)

:: "Loving the Original & Jazzy Dub Mixes." CJ Mackintosh (Mn2S, UK)

:: "Nice soulful track this one." Graham Sahara (Seamless, UK)

:: "Big release love it will review in tillate for you." Craig Bartlett (UK)

:: "Ezel got it spot on with his production!!!" Baggi Begovic (Netherlands)

:: "Wow! Don't know which mix I like most yet. Qualty package. Thanx!!" Daniel Darque (Housejunks, Netherlands)

:: "Beautiful new release from GOGO Music. I dont see love is the title, but I can see much love on this track. Another awesome work from GOGO Music." Peter (Smoothtraxx.com, Greece)

:: "Anotha biggie." DJ Mannix (Tilllate Magazine)

:: "The tune is beautiful, liking Original and Jazzy dub, but MAQMan and Jezrael mixes are my fav here!" Bogdan Taran (Latvia)

:: "The whole package is amazing, another standout GOGO release, can't wait to playlist on my show this week." Alan O (Multi Storey Soul radio show, RTE Pulse, Dublin, Ireland)

:: "GOGO Music label stands for Quality House, every time a release comes out it hits the charts. This one is pure quality bliss, loving the Ezel remixes on this EP." Denz Devarez (QH Radio, Netherlands)

:: "Like the Jazzy Dub best." Greg Fenton (Magazinesixty, UK)

:: “Original Mix: Love the funky groove that heightens the soulful vocal into a furry of body movements. Ezel Quisqueya Soul Mix . The percussion sweetens this one up nicely. Jazzy Dub/ Alternate Bass Jazzy Dub: Jazzy be those keys tickling all the tune, nice. MAQman & Jezrael Remix/ MAQman & Jezrael Instrumental Remix: Heading for the deeper swagger this one scores well with the ladies. Ezel Quisqueya Soul Instrumental/Ezel Quisqueya Soul Beats: It’s a more uplifting percussion that takes control, beat alone make this worth it for sure.” Marc Lacasse (Canada)

:: "Awaited for release next week on Traxsource, this sure shot winner on Ralf GUM's GOGO Music label as remixed by Ezel, destined to be runnin' on heavy rotation here on iDMW." Indamixworldwide (France)

:: "I love this release, The Jazzy Dub is superb with the piano... and Ezel Quisqueya Soul Mix is great too." Joan Ribas (Ibizasoulstice, Spain)

:: "Yeah... really into the Ezel mix!" Mathias Show-B (Compost Radioshow, Germany)

:: "Full support for the whole EP especially, Ezel Quisqueya Soul Mix its perfect for start my sets." Aday Chinea (Canarias Radio Techno, Spain)

:: "Guaranteed to set dance floors afire this fall. NICE!" Mike Stukes (Mystic Vybes, WHCR 90.3 FM, USA)

:: "WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!this choone is on fire loving the Ezel Mix especially, this is definitely on song to look out for this summer." Edgar (Kaya FM, South Africa)

:: "It's always a pleasure to listen good music!! Ezel Quisqueya versions, the amazing Jazzy Dub and this marvellous voice. Something good for ears!!" Cesare Cera (Irma, Italy)

:: "Its fantastic." Greg Peter Patrikios (Discovelopement, Denmark)

:: "Thanks for this superb release. I really like the Original Mix." Ingo Hahn (BOP FM, New Zealand)

Original Mix
Ezel Quisqueya Soul Mix
Jazzy Dub
MAQman & Jezrael Remix
MAQman & Jezrael Instrumental Remix
Alternate Bass Jazzy Dub
Ezel Quisqueya Soul Instrumental
Ezel Quisqueya Soul Beats