Nu Groove was one of the pioneering house music labels out of New York, originally active between 1988 and 1992, and its 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 Groove’s steady output of underground grooves to inspire a generation of house music lovers, dancers, DJ’s and producers. Almost 30 years on, the spirit of this seminal New York label lives on.

Mary Ridley and Morie Bivins, collectively known as Bäs Noir, burst onto the scene with just a handful of singles, and would become one of the best-loved artists from the Nu Groove stable. Produced by Ronald ‘Rhano’ Burrell with mix down help from Tommy Musto, ‘My Love Is Magic’ is packed with distinctive staccato keyboards and simple melodic bass, and it’s the sweet and honest soul of the vocals that made this group stand out with their debut release. Also included are the killer dub and a special UK remix from Les Adams, making this a must-have release.


Bäs Noir ‘My Love Is Magic’

1. My Love Is Magic (Club Mix)
2. My Love Is Magic (Big Bäs Drum Remix)
3. My Love Is Magic (Dub)
4. My Love Is Magic (Edit)

Written & Produced by Rhano Burrell
Vocals by Bäs Noir (Mary Ridley & Morie Bivins)
Mixed by Rhano Burrell & Tommy Musto
Mix Engineered by Mario Salvati
Executive Producer: Mystarz Ltd
Track 2 Remix & Additional Production by Les Adams
Keyboards by Mark Hughes
Published by Rhano Burrell Music (ASCAP)
Track 1, 3 & 4 P&C 1988 Nu Groove Records/Burrell Brothers
Track 2 P&C 1989 Nu Groove Records/Burrell Brothers