(May 21, 2023) Through the eighties and nineties, the U.K. club scene thrived on the acid jazz movement, integrating several urban genres piloted by D.J.’s occasionally interspersed with horns and guitars. Into the millennium, while the name acid jazz was dropped, the beats kept flourishing with creative producers and rhythmic masterminds.
Since Reel People came to the forefront in 2009, they have reminded their SoulTracks loyalists that they were keeping the dance floor relevant across the pond. Whether disco, house, or whatever beats they craft, the U.K. production team of Oli Lazarus, Mike Patto and Toni Economides blends live instruments, sharp melodies, and captivating grooves alongside soul music warriors like Angie Stone and Anthony David. And there is more to their beat shaping madness as Reel People continues reaching out to fellow remixers/producers to enhance the club experience.
(May 21, 2023) Through the eighties and nineties, the U.K. club scene thrived on the acid jazz movement, integrating several urban genres piloted by D.J.’s occasionally interspersed with horns and guitars. Into the millennium, while the name acid jazz was dropped, the beats kept flourishing with creative producers and rhythmic masterminds.
Since Reel People came to the forefront in 2009, they have reminded their SoulTracks loyalists that they were keeping the dance floor relevant across the pond. Whether disco, house, or whatever beats they craft, the U.K. production team of Oli Lazarus, Mike Patto and Toni Economides blends live instruments, sharp melodies, and captivating grooves alongside soul music warriors like Angie Stone and Anthony David. And there is more to their beat shaping madness as Reel People continues reaching out to fellow remixers/producers to enhance the club experience.
For their latest collaboration, they invite the Grammy winning Blue Lab Beats (the production team behind Angelique Kidjo's track “Fired Up”). The U.K. based duo, introduced to SoulTracks earlier in 2023, revamps Reel People’s 2021’s “Déjà Vu.” Sometimes, remixes can be dicey and flat out losing the original version’s flavor. However, Reel People's instinctive choice of B.L.B. results in an intriguing and crunchy percussive layer without attempting to sacrifice the melody. Behind the microphone, Raheem DeVaughn’s meticulously soulful delivery dances along with the already infectious grooves.
In essence, “Déjà Vu” entails three musical geniuses working it out on this First Listen platform, thanks to Reel People’s progressive vision of the club scene. Take a listen and dance!
By Peggy Oliver
Reel People feat. Raheem DeVaughn
“Déjà Vu” (Blue Lab Beats Remix)