With two standout compilations already under his belt, miche returns to Mr Bongo with the third chapter in his With Love series.
This might just be the most refined volume yet. A love letter to the soulful, the obscure, and the globally inspired, With Love Volume 3 dives even deeper into miche’s ever-expanding record collection. It unearths jazzier tones and eclectic grooves while keeping his signature warmth and soul at the forefront.
Where earlier instalments leaned heavily on rare soul and modern funk, Volume 3 opens up the palette to embrace jazz fusion, Brazilian rhythms, Turkish rarities and more. This isn’t a package of leftovers or second-tier cuts. It’s a carefully curated journey that evolves naturally, exploring deeper textures and subtler moods without losing the emotional thread that has defined the series so far.
Opening cuts like Late Nite Music Band’s Sundance shimmer with gliding jazz-funk elegance, while Spectrym’s In Flightdelivers a blissful dose of jazz-soul that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Roy Ayers set. It’s music that grooves but also breathes, with a certain magic that can’t be faked. This is a testament to miche’s skill in finding records that sing with feeling.
Soul heads will be pleased to know the compilation doesn’t abandon its roots. John Simmons’ Ain’t Nothing Like The Loveis a real high point. A private press gem with a chorus that could melt even the most cynical heart. Tracks from Le Cop and New Way support the theme, proving miche still has his ear tuned to the rare and the remarkable.
One of the most surprising selections is Turkish singer Nükhet Ruacan’s Gölge. This floaty, Brazilian-influenced wonder sounds more Copacabana than Bosphorus. It’s unexpected but fits perfectly within this globe-spanning selection. Then there’s the samba-funk of Carlos Bivar’s Amargo Amar, which keeps the Brazilian spirit alive with that unmistakable Rio swing.
As ever, With Love is more than a collection of records. It’s a statement of intent and a showcase of miche’s evolution as a digger and DJ. The series has become a passport for him, taking the With Love ethos from London to Timisoara, Beijing, and the legendary We Out Here festival. Volume 3 feels like the most worldly and mature entry yet.
Whether you’re crate-digging from your kitchen or keeping a dancefloor warm into the early hours, With Love Volume 3delivers. A compilation full of heart, groove and discovery, it’s another feather in miche’s cap and a worthy addition to the Mr Bongo legacy.
‘With Love’ Volume 3 drops on July 25th, 2025 via Mr Bongo. Pre order here.
