I by Spirit of Sundaze Ensemble

The debut release from Secretsundaze sister project Spirit of Sundaze Ensemble (SoSE), reimagining foundational tracks across Secretsundaze 20+ year history.

EP I opens with their take on Joyce Sims’ classic ‘Come into My Life’, moving the original Mantronix production into a more contemporary UK / Street Soul / Balearic territory, featuring the vocals of Ensemble member Sahra Gure.

Next is a re-imagination of Photek’s seminal ‘Mine to Give’. Featuring Wayne Snow on vocals and garnering wide support on it's release last summer, this is the first time it's available on vinyl. For this the tempo is slowed and explored in a more synthy 80s production style, with a DJ friendly extended version.

The B-side sees them take on beloved Phil Asher (RIP) production, Nathan Haines’ stunning ‘Earth is the Place’, a classic Secretsundaze record if ever there was one. Featuring the vocals of Cherise, the SoSE version is a dance floor ready update which will appeal to all lovers of proper deep, soulful-leaning house music, one for the heads.

Closing the record is a flip of Wbeeza’s ‘Coast Spotting’. Featuring synths from the excellent Hinako Omori, this one goes in with an extended late night transcendental electronic / jazz rework with the original’s looped lead line modulating throughout the piece.

Leading musicians feature on the record including:
Drums - Myele Manzanza (Theo Parrish, Sound Signature)
Keys - Lewis Moody (Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange)
Guitar - Nikos Ziarkas (Theon Cross, Chelsea Carmichael)
Percussion - Oli Savill (Basement Jaxx)
Bass - Johnny Brierley (Fofoulah)

Following their debut sold out show at Southbank’s Centre Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Ensemble has since taken to the stage of London's iconic ICA as well as festival appearances at Kala Festival in Albania and The Beat Hotel, Ibiza at the legendary Las Dallias.

Many thanks to Arts Council England who helped make this release possible and to all the original artists for their contribution to our culture.

All in all, an impressive debut showcasing the breadth and scope of this exciting new Ensemble project from Secretsundaze founder James Priestley.

Review by Piccadilly Records:

London party institution / record label / global dance brand Secretsundaze have started a live project and it's KILLER. Reworking classics that have soundtracked their infamous Sunday sessions over their 20 year incarnation. The results are staggering - faithful and spirited cover versions that add their own personality into the mix. More please!

Spirit of Sundaze Ensemble is the latest evolution from London based DJ, producer, label and party series Secretsundaze.

Sitting where live and electronic music innovation meet, leading contemporary musicians reimagine, record and perform a selection of foundational tracks across Secretsundaze’s 20+ year history, embracing a myriad of influences from Balearic to Synth Pop to Brit Funk.