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.

Recording under a slew of different aliases, The Burrell Brothers were the back bone of Nu Groove Records. In this haunting and sparse groove, Rheji Burrell takes us on a trip to the dark and haunting tunnels of New York’s Metro subway system. The sinister bass, eerie pads and sparse beats are offset by the warmth of hopeful and uplifting piano chords, a reference to the Guardian Angels who would comfort travellers in this desolate place.


Metro ‘Angel Of Mercy’

1. Angel Of Mercy (Club)
2. Angel Of Mercy (Dub)

Written, Produced & Mixed by Rheji Burrell
Recorded at NCP Studios
Mastered by Carlton Batts at Frankford Wayne Mastering Labs
Executive Producer: Mystarz Ltd
Published by Burrell Music Publishing (ASCAP)
P&C 1988 Nu Groove Records/Burrell Brothers