The second instalment in the series and another ten classics to tickle your fancy.
Showing posts with label David Morales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label David Morales. Show all posts
Tuesday, 21 April 2026
Monday, 28 June 2021
Flashback 1990
Diana Brown & Barrie K Sharpe - The Masterplan [FFrr]
If I'm being honest with myself, I've neglected this particular track for way too long. Back when it came out in 1990 it was a firm favourite, and a track that graced my sets most weekends for several years. In addition to the outstanding original release, there was a second 12" with David Morales remixes before a re-release on Acid Jazz in '92 which included excellent remixes from Dave Lee. In this instance it's the "American 12" Mix" that's feaured with David Morales at the helm. It isn't all that much of a departure from the original mix but the bass is a little deeper, the keys a little firmer and the vibe a touch moodier. Diana's vocals are awesome and it's a track that sounds every bit as amazing 31 years later as it did the first time I played it all those years ago.
If I'm being honest with myself, I've neglected this particular track for way too long. Back when it came out in 1990 it was a firm favourite, and a track that graced my sets most weekends for several years. In addition to the outstanding original release, there was a second 12" with David Morales remixes before a re-release on Acid Jazz in '92 which included excellent remixes from Dave Lee. In this instance it's the "American 12" Mix" that's feaured with David Morales at the helm. It isn't all that much of a departure from the original mix but the bass is a little deeper, the keys a little firmer and the vibe a touch moodier. Diana's vocals are awesome and it's a track that sounds every bit as amazing 31 years later as it did the first time I played it all those years ago.
Thursday, 10 June 2021
Flashback 1992
Ten City - My Peace Of Heaven [East West]
Given the remergence of Ten City in recent months as Marshall Jefferson & Byron Stingily have revived the project with new material, it seemed apt to revisit one of their many classics. This selection finds us back in 1992 with Byron's vocals evident in all their falsetto glory. The remix that was my go-to version was the "International Mix" by David Morales and like anything that contained the words "Def Mix" in the credits it was never too far away from a turntable or two at the time. The keyboards on this one are particularly memorable, beginning and ending deep and soulful with a tougher and dubbier interlude in the middle. Sheer Brilliance!
Given the remergence of Ten City in recent months as Marshall Jefferson & Byron Stingily have revived the project with new material, it seemed apt to revisit one of their many classics. This selection finds us back in 1992 with Byron's vocals evident in all their falsetto glory. The remix that was my go-to version was the "International Mix" by David Morales and like anything that contained the words "Def Mix" in the credits it was never too far away from a turntable or two at the time. The keyboards on this one are particularly memorable, beginning and ending deep and soulful with a tougher and dubbier interlude in the middle. Sheer Brilliance!
Tuesday, 1 June 2021
Flashback 1994
Drizabone - Brightest Star [4th & Broadway]
A track that is a perfect end of the night closer with a soul drenched groove that still gets me every single time. Drizabone were one of those acts that proved you can make amazing dance music without frenetic rhythms. In this instance the remixes from David Morales are simply sublime with gorgeous keys, atmospheric strings a throbbing bassline and rhythms that, (ever so gently), ease you towards the dancefloor. Kymberley Peer's vocals are close to perfection and delivered with a emotional resonance that not many can muster.
A track that is a perfect end of the night closer with a soul drenched groove that still gets me every single time. Drizabone were one of those acts that proved you can make amazing dance music without frenetic rhythms. In this instance the remixes from David Morales are simply sublime with gorgeous keys, atmospheric strings a throbbing bassline and rhythms that, (ever so gently), ease you towards the dancefloor. Kymberley Peer's vocals are close to perfection and delivered with a emotional resonance that not many can muster.
Thursday, 27 May 2021
Flashback 1990
Satoshi Tomiie ft Arnold Jarvis - And I Loved You [ffrr]
Heading back more than thirty years to the summer of 1990 and I track that I fell in love with almost instantly. It has remained a firm favourite throughout the years with its lush arrangement and exquisitely smooth vocals. The star studded credits featuring the names of Frankie Knuckles, David Morales & Eric Kupper alogside those of Satoshi & Arnold did tend to raise expectations; they were fully met and then some. Every inch a classic!
Heading back more than thirty years to the summer of 1990 and I track that I fell in love with almost instantly. It has remained a firm favourite throughout the years with its lush arrangement and exquisitely smooth vocals. The star studded credits featuring the names of Frankie Knuckles, David Morales & Eric Kupper alogside those of Satoshi & Arnold did tend to raise expectations; they were fully met and then some. Every inch a classic!
Wednesday, 19 May 2021
Flashback 1992
Heading back a mere 29 years, we find a star studded collaboration between Luther Vandross & Janet Jackson."The Best Things In Life Are Free" was part of the soundtrack to the movie Mo Money. The remixes were delivered by the Def Mix pairing of Frankie Knuckles & David Morales with UK flavoured mixes from CJ Mackintosh. The vocals are sublime, the production and remixes flawless and it was, unsurprisingly a massive commercial success all over the world. I've long preferred CJ's mixes, only recently discovering that alongside CJ's long time sparring partner Nigel Lowis on keyboards is former Style Council founder Mick Talbot.
Tuesday, 11 May 2021
Flashback 1990
Heading back to 1990 and a track that was put out on promo but never actually received a full release as a single. UK soul outfit The Chimes, fronted by Pauline Henry received the Def Mix treatment from David Morales. I still have the promo and it's one of my most prized slabs of vinyl.
Tuesday, 13 August 2019
Flashback
Julian Jonah - It's A Jungle Out There [Cooltempo]
Heading back to 1990 and a golden era for house music. This particular track is a slice of moody spoken word house that also features Billie Ray Martin on backing vocals. The stellar set of remixes come from Frankie Knuckles and David Morales whose partnership at the time seemed to have the midas touch.
Heading back to 1990 and a golden era for house music. This particular track is a slice of moody spoken word house that also features Billie Ray Martin on backing vocals. The stellar set of remixes come from Frankie Knuckles and David Morales whose partnership at the time seemed to have the midas touch.
Wednesday, 17 April 2019
Flashback
Drizabone - Brightest Star (Morales Classic 12" Mix) [4th & Broadway]
Heading back a quarter of a century to the heady days of 1994 to find another classic that always raises a smile. "Brightest Star" is a classic slice of soulful dance music with the sweetest of vocals with a lush mid tempo groove that oozes emotion and provides the perfect backdrop for the most romantic of moments. With David Morales providing the remix this was a go-to tune for me as I closed my sets back in the day!
Heading back a quarter of a century to the heady days of 1994 to find another classic that always raises a smile. "Brightest Star" is a classic slice of soulful dance music with the sweetest of vocals with a lush mid tempo groove that oozes emotion and provides the perfect backdrop for the most romantic of moments. With David Morales providing the remix this was a go-to tune for me as I closed my sets back in the day!
Wednesday, 23 January 2019
Morales Moments
David Morales is a name that's been deeply entwined in house music history for just about as long as I can remember. Whether it was as part of the legendary partnership with Frankie Knuckles or on his own, his was a name that, when it featured in the credits, led you to check out a tune, no matter how obscure the artist. I've been scouring Spotify to pick out a few of my personal favourites. Needless to say there are many others that could have been included. If you can find them on Spotify feel free to let me know and I'll add them to the list. Hope you enjoy the tunes.
Wednesday, 26 September 2018
Flashback
Loose Ends - Love's Got Me (10 Records)
1990 proved to be something of a renaissance for Carl McIntosh and his UK soul outfit Loose Ends. Their album "Look How Long" enjoyed both commercial success and critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. Starting with the lead off single "Don't Be A Fool" which was followed up by this soulful gem it led to a surge of interest in their earlier material, most notably 1985's Hangin' On A String which went on to receive the remix treatment from Frankie Knuckles in 1992. On this particular occasion though, it was Knuckles' long term Def Mix production partner David Morales at the helm producing an extraordinarily deep, soulful groove that's still holding its own 28 years later.
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
1990 proved to be something of a renaissance for Carl McIntosh and his UK soul outfit Loose Ends. Their album "Look How Long" enjoyed both commercial success and critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. Starting with the lead off single "Don't Be A Fool" which was followed up by this soulful gem it led to a surge of interest in their earlier material, most notably 1985's Hangin' On A String which went on to receive the remix treatment from Frankie Knuckles in 1992. On this particular occasion though, it was Knuckles' long term Def Mix production partner David Morales at the helm producing an extraordinarily deep, soulful groove that's still holding its own 28 years later.
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
Wednesday, 19 September 2018
Track Review
DJ Meme ft Jay Sebag - Fall To Raise Up [Diridim]
DJ Meme is a name that needs no introduction to anyone who counts themself as a fan of house music. His Philly style grooves and remakes of some truly classic tracks always have the desired effect on the dance floor. This latest release on David Morales' Diridim imprint is a significant departure from that signature sound with a deep throbbing bass groove and an infectious synthesized whistling hook. Those elements combine with the striking sounds of the synths to make sure those feet are well and truly moving. The enticing vocals are delivered by Jay Sebag who is no stranger to the scene having previously worked with, anong others, Martin Solveig & Yass. Eric Kupper's remix is a atmospheric affair with analog bass and deep synths creating the kind of vibe you lose yourself within as the night hits reaches its peak. Some tracks are easier to describe than others and this, despite its allure, is tricky to put into words. It's almost how I imagine the vibe at NYC's Red Zone would sound if you could transport the people and venue to the present day. Due for release on 28th September. Full details and audio samples to follow just as soon as they're available.
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
DJ Meme is a name that needs no introduction to anyone who counts themself as a fan of house music. His Philly style grooves and remakes of some truly classic tracks always have the desired effect on the dance floor. This latest release on David Morales' Diridim imprint is a significant departure from that signature sound with a deep throbbing bass groove and an infectious synthesized whistling hook. Those elements combine with the striking sounds of the synths to make sure those feet are well and truly moving. The enticing vocals are delivered by Jay Sebag who is no stranger to the scene having previously worked with, anong others, Martin Solveig & Yass. Eric Kupper's remix is a atmospheric affair with analog bass and deep synths creating the kind of vibe you lose yourself within as the night hits reaches its peak. Some tracks are easier to describe than others and this, despite its allure, is tricky to put into words. It's almost how I imagine the vibe at NYC's Red Zone would sound if you could transport the people and venue to the present day. Due for release on 28th September. Full details and audio samples to follow just as soon as they're available.
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
Monday, 20 August 2018
Flashback
Juliet Roberts - Caught In The Middle [Cooltempo]
Back in the heady days of the early to mid 90s there were a stream of excellent releases featuring the sublime vocals of the former Working Week vocalist Juliet Roberts. "Caught In The Middle" is produced by D-Mob's Danny D and there were a number of remixes that each proved equally effective on the floor. This video features David Morales' "Def Classic 12" Mix" which is one of the very finest examples of old school piano led house music. The original 1993 release featured mixes from Danny D himself, Pete Heller & Terry Farley under their Fire Island moniker and Roger Sanchez while the 1994 remixes included new interpretations from David Morales & K Klass. Over the years I found myself using nearly all of the vocal remixes, always to a favourable reaction given the uplifting nature of the track.
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
Back in the heady days of the early to mid 90s there were a stream of excellent releases featuring the sublime vocals of the former Working Week vocalist Juliet Roberts. "Caught In The Middle" is produced by D-Mob's Danny D and there were a number of remixes that each proved equally effective on the floor. This video features David Morales' "Def Classic 12" Mix" which is one of the very finest examples of old school piano led house music. The original 1993 release featured mixes from Danny D himself, Pete Heller & Terry Farley under their Fire Island moniker and Roger Sanchez while the 1994 remixes included new interpretations from David Morales & K Klass. Over the years I found myself using nearly all of the vocal remixes, always to a favourable reaction given the uplifting nature of the track.
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
Tuesday, 31 July 2018
Recommended Listening
David Morales - Believe [Diridim]
It's a name that anyone who knows anything about house music is already familiar with. I first stumbled across his work in the late 80s; whether it was his solo remix projects or in collaboration with the late Frankie Knuckles, the mere mention of his name in the credits always had me rushing to my local record store in search of the latest gem. His influence on the scene cannot be understated and the quality of his music is undiminished by the changing technologies employed or the passing of time. Anyway, the legendary David Morales is back with a piano led, uplifting gospel house stomper on his very own imprint Diridim Records, which launched earlier this year. The package includes two mixes from David himself plus a further two from DJ Spen & Michele Chiavarini both of whom have been blazing their own significant trails of late. This is one for all the old school house heads out there, delivering on every possible level. Essential!
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
Available Now!
It's a name that anyone who knows anything about house music is already familiar with. I first stumbled across his work in the late 80s; whether it was his solo remix projects or in collaboration with the late Frankie Knuckles, the mere mention of his name in the credits always had me rushing to my local record store in search of the latest gem. His influence on the scene cannot be understated and the quality of his music is undiminished by the changing technologies employed or the passing of time. Anyway, the legendary David Morales is back with a piano led, uplifting gospel house stomper on his very own imprint Diridim Records, which launched earlier this year. The package includes two mixes from David himself plus a further two from DJ Spen & Michele Chiavarini both of whom have been blazing their own significant trails of late. This is one for all the old school house heads out there, delivering on every possible level. Essential!
Reviewed by Dean Serafini
Available Now!
Friday, 20 July 2018
Flashback
When this one was released 26 years ago we were in the midst of a golden era for house music. David Morales could do no wrong and this is a perfect example of a proper old school "hands in the air" tune that always had the desired effect on the dance floor. Not sure we'll ever experience another era quite like it but I'm certainly glad I was around to witness it first hand.
Saturday, 21 April 2018
Flashback
Sitting here with my morning cuppa and this track pops into my head. It's difficult to believe that it's been 26 years since this was lighting up many a dance floor. I still vividly remember singing along at the top of my voice time and time again.
Saturday, 7 April 2018
Flashback
Taking you back to the heady days of 1991 where we find David Morales at the controls transforming an already amazing track from De La Soul into an authentic house classic.