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Andy teamed up with Kafele a trumpeter, composer and producer, who has been playing the trumpet for over 18 years now. The name Kafele (pronounced kuh-FAY-lay) is of Egyptian origin, and means “worth dying for”. Born in Baltimore, Kafele in fact attributes his love and appreciation for the art to his father who often listened to recordings of John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard and Miles Davis amongst others. As a by-product of becoming a Chicago resident for about 7 years, Kafele was inundated with lively, upbeat house music. This musically enriched background provided the influences that helped cultivate his unique sound. Kafele is a musical visionary who believes that there is a difference between music produced for the sole purpose of making money and music created as an expression of one's inner self. He hopes that listeners will recognize this difference in his music. In his own words, ‘Music is a true reflection of the heart and soul’ and his performance extraordinaire on ‘Above The Sky’ truly reflects this.
Ralf GUM knew after the first listen that he not only has to sign this lush track for his GOGO Music label, but that he wants to remix it, too. Fresh off of the back of a fantastic year, culminating in the release of Ralf’s first artist album ‘Uniting Music’, and his club hit ‘Kissing Strangers’ hitting the top of the 2008 house music charts, he keeps himself busy with a tight DJ-schedule that takes him all around the globe, numerous new own productions to come soon and a bunch of remixes he lately did including works for Defected, Look At You or Mn2S to name just three. With his ability to effortlessly blend sublime vocals and melodies with deep harmonies and detailed grooves, this tune was just perfect for Ralf’s remix skills. He adds a light afro feel with multiple layered percussions in his versions, which make the track a punchy tune for any occasion that has an absolutely organic feel nevertheless.
Completing the release is Bazil’s remix by, who lays under Andy’s Original Mix his trademark beats that make it perfect for all lovers of the soulful style. Bazil is part of the Cue Kids which he forms with Frazer Morgan. They have been working together for six years, writing and remixing for various labels like Society Hill, Melodious Fonk, Pardon, Wax Habit & D.i.y. Discs. Bazil as well runs his own night in Bristol called “Fruity Antics” which he’s done for 12 years now and which is called one of the best Deep Underground House nights in the UK. He can be found DJ-ing, regularly all over Europe, the USA and Canada, too.
With ‘Above The Sky’ GOGO Music continues its superior quality output and sets another mark in the deep house universe. We think this is a must have record for every music lover!
Tracklisting Andy Compton feat. Kafele - Above the sky - GOGO 036
G1 - Original Mix
G2 - Bazil's Remix
O1 - Ralf GUM Remix
O2 - Ralf GUM Bonus Beat
Additional available mixes as download:
1 - Ralf GUM Instrumental
2 - Ralf GUM Reprise
3 - Bazil's Remix Instrumental
PRESS REACTIONS AND REVIEWS:
Andy Compton feat. Kafele - Above The Sky - GOGO 036
In the spotlight!
Andy Compton (whom you should be familiar with from his work as The Rurals together with Marie 'Tweek') presents one of his first solo projects titled "Above the sky", featuring jazz trumpeter and vocalist Kafele. The original production is on a laidback tip, featuring outstanding vocals and beautiful jazzy trumpet by Kafele coupled with exquisite keys over a deep mellow groove. Bazil intensifies the vibe by combining the original music with his trademark beats to turn out a fierce yet soulful dance floor thumper. Ralf GUM's mixes add an organic afro feel to the track that is relentless yet keeps the overall vibe of the track sweet and mellow. by Michael Fossati
Andy Compton feat. Kafele - Above The Sky - GOGO 036
The label that can do no wrong comes up trumps again with more quality music for people who like their dance music with more than just a series of beats and a pounding bassline. This time around it’s Andy Compton at the helm with Kafele putting in an excellent shift on vocals. “Above The Sky” is an intelligently crafted tune with clever lyrics and a mellow rhodes fuelled vibe augmented by sweet brass. The remixes come from Ralf GUM and Bazil who both inject a little extra energy to take the production out of the lounge and into the club. I haven’t been able to settle on a clear favourite version although “Bazil’s Remix” is awfully appealing. by Dean Searfini
Andy Compton feat. Kafele - Above The Sky - GOGO 036
Another soulful gem is going to be released on GoGo, Andy Compton feat. Kafele's "Above the sky" is a warm and smooth soul influenced track provided in various mixes. The "Original mix" is a classic soulful affair with great Rhodes keys, warm percussive groove, fresh horn parts and intense vocals, Ralf GUM provides an infectious groovy remix, adding hot percussive elements and atmospheric pads, finally Bazil delivers a more pumpin' remix for the dancefloors, keeping the soulful flavour alive, but adding soild funky beats and poweful bassline that gives the track a more uplifting vibe. by Franco Martinelli
Andy Compton feat. Kafele - Above The Sky - GOGO 036
It is GOGO boss Ralf GUM that turns on the magic here, giving a solo effort from Rurals main man the perfect uplift. Smart beats make their mark on GUM’s revisions, before the familiar vibraphone keys and afroid bass do their merry dance. Kafele adds his wonderment struck phrases to the vocal remix and reprise, whilst the instrumental still does the business courtesy of the hearty groove. by Jon Freer
Some Andy Compton feat. Kafele - Above The Sky - GOGO 036 DJ reactions:
:: "I'm really digging this tune! I love the Original and Ralf's mixes a lot. I will support for sure." DJ Spinna (Wonderwax, USA)
:: "This is really wicked, pure quality vocal production! One of Tony’s fav male vocals!" Tony Humphries / Jacko (Tony Records, USA)
:: "This is the real shit Bro!! Cool stuff for my Ibiza Sessions! Top Quality Dance Music!" DJ Pippi (Ibiza), Spain
:: "Wow, this is dope!! Love the Ralf GUM remix
" Master Kev (New York) :: "Unbelievable music as always. Love the entire package and will support for sure. Thank you as always. Keep up the great work." Christian Alvarez (Delecto Recordings, Canada)
:: "I was all over this tune for the WMC. Was blessed with it early. Ralf thought it would be my kind of tune and it is! Love it!" Ian Friday (Tea Party Music, USA)
:: "You killed this one Ralf, LOVE IT!!!" DJ Dealer (Look At You Records, USA)
:: "Big support on that one, very nice project!! Will definitely play it." DJ Yass (Defected)
:: "Thanks for the promo love all mixes!!!! Really nice work, great remixes. We need more song like this one!!!! Gonna play it in my residency @ djoon club paris." DJ Fudge (France)
:: "Real nice. Like the ralf remix!" Markus Enochson (Sweden)
:: "Loving all the mixes! Pure heat! Full support!" Bradford James (Seed Recordings, USA)
:: "Excellent deephouse. All mixes are good." Chrissi D (Germany)
:: "Cool smooth vibe, nice vocal, all mixes rock." Robert Owens (UK)
:: "Nice. I will play it!" Rocco (Rodamaal, France)
:: "GOGO keepin' the quality high! Though all mixes are good Ralf GUM Remix is the one that stands out! Full Soulmagic support!" Mikkel Wendelboe & Morten Trust (Soulmagic Records)
:: "I have to tell you, this track is off the chain!! Played it on my show for the last few weeks, definitely been the track of the show! GOGO Music is at the top of the stack musically right now, keep up the great work - every release is slamming!" Myles Chalmers (Naked Soul, UK)
:: "Beautiful Record!!!" Jamie Thinnes (Seasons Recordings, USA)
:: "Yet another superb track, love it." Frank Ryle (Soulportal.dk)
:: "Lovely flavour all the way through! Full support on this one, well done." Tobias Lindén (Orange Muse, Sweden)
:: "Bazil’s Remix is a bomb!! Love it!!" Umberto Gianinni (Rushes, UK)
:: "My favourites are the original and The Ralf GUM remix. Kafele is an excellent trumpeter and nice on the vox we miss him here in Chicago." Andre Harris (USA)
:: "Another biggie Ralf!!" DJ Mannix (M8 Mag, UK)
:: "Wicked Song!! Hot Hot Hot!!" Luis Radio (Italy)
:: "Another quality release by the GOGO Music camp. Can't decide which mix tops it for me. They are all very, very good. Top stuff again!" Roed Svensk (Germany)
:: "Ralf's Mix for me...as always
" CJ Mackintosh (UK) :: "Lovely release mate... All mixes are playable... Ralf GUM Remix just nips it for me though." Richard Earnshaw (Duffnote, UK)
:: "Original for the radio & Ralf GUM Remix instrumental for the floor." Makossa (FM4, Austria)
:: "Thanks for this excellent release of Andy Compton feat. Kafele, all the tracks are incredible with a full vibeness. It will be playlisted in my radio Show on Groove Session! Full support of GOGO Music." Dj Kik (Groovesession, UniverseDJ, France)
:: "Loving "Above the Sky". Great track 10/10" Martina (UniverseMedia)
:: "Very nice nu release! Play & chart for sure !!" DJ Rork (Stalwart, France)
:: "Excellent as usual." Joan Ribas (IbizaGlobalRadio, Spain)
:: "I love the track, full support." Franco De Mulero (Kings of Groove, Ibza)
:: "Quality as usual from Andy. Dig the Ralf GUM mix the most. Will play." Henri Kohn (Clubstar, Germany)
:: "I like the groove of Ralf GUM’s remix, instrumentation is great - the trompet especially, the melody itself is is beautifully sad. Great there is Bazil's remix which offers groovier drums." Bogdan Taran (Latvian radio syndication, Radius FM (Belarus), SSradioUK.com, BragaRadioDJ.net)
:: "Ralf GUM Remix is the one for us!" The Layabouts (UK)
:: "Lovely mellow house tune which is just up my street - i have been a fan of andy and peng for many years and love their stuff... sweet tune." Tim White (Houseafrika)
:: "The Ralf GUM remix is such a beautiful song. Thanks!" Daniel Darque (Housejunks, Netherlands)
:: "I like this. Airy poolside vocals with a good selection of remixes." Charles Spencer (Loveslap)
:: "Ralf Remix for me....very nice." CJ Mackintosh (UK)
:: ""Wicked! love all the tunes. Can't decide which mix is the best bro. Will play them out loud
" Bobi (Club FM, UK) :: "Wicked!! (again!) Original and Ralf GUM mixes are my favourite. Played Ralf’s mix last night - they loved it!" Dave Warrign (Red Soul Music, UK)
:: "SUPER!!!" Bernd Niedergesaess (Radio 42, Germany)
:: "Nice vibes." Alf Tumble (HeyaHifi, Sweden)
:: "Very interesting production. Classic soulful house track with slamming bassline. I like so much the voice ... is perfect over the melodies. Ralf GUM remix is my favourite... but i love so much the groove on th Bazil’s Rmx. Another great release on GOGO Music." Alessio Furia (Magma DJ web, Italy)
:: "Great EP. Full support." Alex Attias (Switzerland)
"Love those African rhythm sounds on your remix." Craig Woodrow (UK)
:: "Wow this is a hot song esp the Ralf GUM Remix." DJ QT (Sheer Music, South Africa)
:: "This is so sweet. The original mix and Ralf GUM are my faves! The singer reminds me a little of Vikter Duplaix and I really like the proper African Vibes." Huwston ( Knowfool, 3D World Magazine, 2SER Radio)
:: "Really feeling Ralf's remixes. Slamming, dope, super fresh." DJ Clarence (Canada)
