Freedom By David Morales and Janice Robinson
2018 was a difficult year for David Morales but he has come back bigger and better than ever producing track after track that extends the superlatives that can be thrust upon him. Following on from his recent barnstorming collaborations plus a crowd mesmerising performance at the Chosen Few Picnic, his latest release with Janice Robinson is nothing more than a revelation and a return to the uplifting and inspiring influences that have long lived in his heart.
Robinson has been a singer with skin in the game for a period of time, making her debut in the 90s with ‘Living Joy’. Here she gets to showcase her talents with a gospel backing group and Morales gives all of them the space to really use their pipes.
There are four mixes on board giving wide appeal with a radio friendly mix that will surely make it on to most commercial and internet radio stations with immediate crossover appeal. The two that will really catch your spirit, move the hips and ring happily in your ears are the Classic Mix and the Red Zone Mix.
The Classic Mix puts the vocals front and centre with the lyrics begging to fulfill a need that has been sadly missing on the modern dance floor. It is undeniably gospel interspersed with a driving orchestral wall of sound set to put a spring your step. This is a return to what the world has been missing. A full mix of a song which appears to be a direction that the more experienced and sophisticated producers are now pursuing. To hear a vocalist sing a song rather than just snippets on an empty track is a great treat. This is a celebration of the music and will only bring joy to those that hear it. The happy clapper drop backed by timpanis at the end is just a spirit lifter and is well worth the wait.
The Red Mix is a more understated exploration of the song with a more limited use of the vocal with the ever-building bass line reminiscent of Morales’ early work under that same guise. It displays a brilliant understanding of how to create expectation and suspense in a track. It continuously pulls at you and still allows the vocals to weave majestically above the song whilst being underpinned by a thick bass line which will decimate the club speakers. All hail the magician!
Thirdly is the Reprise Mix which will have those who choose to use the vocals and add their own flourishes salivating in their loop modes. It still has an underlying beat which will move those feet but to hear those vocals in all their glory without the monster production behind it is a journey that nobody will be disappointed in.
I do wax lyrical about quality House Music on so many reviews but this deserves a place in a theatre where I can deliver no higher Praise. For David, Janice and the thoughts that inspired this track I say a well said thank you. Today people, you are going to Church.
Crate Rating: Right Proper + 😊
- This is an independent review. No money changed hands for this commentary and views are based on the musical beliefs of the author
