RUSSELL SMALL AND JAMES Wiltshire make up the Freemasons, one of the most in-demand DJ/production teams in the world. For almost two years, these golden boys have amassed a solid musical library.

Finally, that previously released work — along with some new material — is available on the two-disc debut, “Shakedown.”

“It’s basically a record of two years of our lives — minus the weekends!” Wiltshire says on the Freemasons’ website. “When it came to making our first album, we always wanted to offer the best of our remix and production work.”

In a testament to how sought after the Masons’ remixing skills are, Beyoncé personally requested the duo to do up “Déjà Vu” and “Ring the Alarm.” The former is included on “Shakedown.”

The boys postponed their vacation to remix one of the last recordings by the legendary Luther Vandross who passed away shortly before the release of “Shine,” one of the best dance tracks of 2006. The hit also makes an appearance on the compilation.

Full-voiced divas and the Freemasons go hand-in-hand, and “Shakedown” is full of faves like “Love Sensation” by Loleatta Holloway, “Mesmerized” by Faith Evans (the duo’s breakout dance remix in 2005), “I Wasn’t Kidding” by Angie Stone, “In My Mind” by Heather Headley and “Most Precious Love” by Blaze featuring Barbara Tucker.

THE FIRST SINGLE FROM “Shakedown” is “Rain Down Love,” featuring Siedah Garrett on vocals. Garrett also helped write the song, adding to her impressive resume of work with Madonna, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and RuPaul.

“Rain Down Love” is ebullient, infectious and uplifting — typical of the Freemasons. Remixes by Phunkk Mob, Walken and, of course, the Freemasons are included on the single. “Shakedown” concludes with an after-hours remix of the track that showcases Garrett’s rich, soulful vocals even more than the dance mixes.

Garrett joins the Freemasons’ stable of vocalists who add punch to their already captivating original work. Amanda Wilson accompanied the duo in 2005 on “Love on My Mind,” their debut single, and its follow-up, “Watchin’.” Wilson also joins the guys on “I Feel Like,” one of the new tracks on “Shakedown,” which will surely be a future single.

“Love on My Mind” is a genius pairing of lyrics from Tina Turner’s “When the Heartache is Over” with a sample of Jackie Wilson’s 1979 hit “This Time Baby.” Disco magic is the result, and lightning struck again in 2006 with the Freemasons’ second hit, “Watchin’,” this time intermingling lyrics from Deborah Cox’s hit “It’s Over Now.”

IN ADDITION TO THEIR SUCCESS using the works of others in new ways, the Freemasons also command considerable talent when writing original songs. “When You Touch Me” is a perfect example — a stunning number that features Katherine Ellis on vocals and retains the duo’s trademark retro-contemporary feel.

“You’re Not Alone Now,” which features Julie Thompson on vocals, also has a disco sound with plenty of guitar and strings. “Desperados” takes the duo in a different direction; it’s a mostly instrumental track filled with the charged notes of a Latin-flavored trumpet.

The duo hails from Brighton in the U.K. and will embark on a tour that winds up at the closing party for Sydney Mardi Gras — one of the biggest Pride events in the world.

There are no U.S. dates on the tour — if only they would come over to wow existing devotees and add even more to their fan base.

“Shakedown” is a triumphant debut from a duo that has much to offer the entire genre of dance music. Their ability to remix tracks for other artists and transform songs for the dance floor is as renowned as their original work. “Shakedown” is an outstanding showcase for both types of songs. Despite the expensive price tag for a two-CD import, it’s still worth every penny.

© Copyright 2006 Window Media LLC | User Agreement and Privacy Policy

Southern Voice | Express Gay News | David Atlanta | The 411 Mag | Genre Magazine