Showing posts with label Kevin Hedge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kevin Hedge. Show all posts

Thursday, 8 July 2021

Recommended Listening

Kevin Hedge ft Rick Galactik - Reach For The Stars [Quantize Recordings]

There are few, (if any), labels that can match the prolific Quantize Recordings at the moment in terms of the quantity and quality of their releases. It would seem that there isn't a week that can pass by without a new gem shouting out for my attention. This particular release has been on my radar for a few weeks but given that it finally gets a full release tomorrow I thought I should finally get around to discussing it. Kevin Hedge needs no introduction; as one half of Blaze, he has been around the scene as a performer and DJ since the eighties and is reponsible for a great many classic releases across the span of his career. Vocalist Rick Galactik puts in a stellar shift on vocals with his engaging, mellow delivery while the soulful and moody vibe does the rest. The "Atjazz Love Soul Vocal Remix" is a dreamy affair with a sumptuous blend of keys and soothing strings with compelling rhythms. It's a beautifully composed and performed piece of music that warms the soul and is fully deserving of all the attention it receives.



Sunday, 20 June 2021

Flashback 1990

Blaze - So Special [Motown]

Yet again we find ourselves back in 1990, this time revisiting the first single taken from Blaze's debut long player 25 Years Later. Co produced with Timmy Regisford, "So Special" is an uplifting piano led track imbued with a spirit of hopefulness courtesy of the inspirational nature of its lyrics. I remember picking this and the album up; they were must haves for me based on the strength of remixes and productions that Blaze had been involved with a year or two earlier for Womack & Womack, Blacksmith and Phase II to name just a small selection. At the time I wasn't famililar with "If You Should Need A Friend" which is now considered a classic, (released a few years earlier). That the duo of Josh Milan & Kevin Hedge have endured for another three decades, (Chris Herbert departing during the early 90s), is testament to the quality and integrity of their music.