Welcome to the latest impeccably conceived compilation from Seamless Recordings, creators of the esteemed bargrooves series. The Seamless philosophy puts quality before hype, and that’s exactly what Bobby & Steve & Friends is all about.

Honour for the first leg of the series goes to the Divas – the performers who form the very essence of soulful dance music.

Like Bobby & Steve themselves, the Friends invited to this party are chosen for their staying power and contribution to the scene. While the twins’ selection on Disc 1 is all about the here and now, the Diva has free reign – it couldn’t be any other way – over past, present and future, inspirations and celebrations alike. Diva number 1 is Ms Rosie Gaines, former Prince collaborator and writer, Motown artist and voice of the hits ‘I Want You’ and ‘Closer Than Close’. A neat collection of old – tracks from legends like Harvey Mason (‘Till You Take My Love’) and Ronnie Laws (‘Always There’) – and new (M.J. White’s ‘Stand Up), peppered with a selection of her own work, it’s a highly personal selection of songs by top drawer talent.

Bobby & Steve’s choice shows a similar regard for talent, encompassing tracks by performers, artists and producers of proven reputation: whether Ultra Naté or Nathan Haines, Osunlade or Dajae, Fourmost Poets or Kerri Chandler, this is talent that was there yesterday and will be around tomorrow.