Simon Baker - Grey Area Remixes
Posted by
Will Long at
07/09/2011 10:00:00
Simon
Baker’s ‘Traces’
album seems to be producing an endless conveyor belt of dancefloor gems and top
notch remixes, and his latest offering is no different. Many tipped ‘Grey Area’ when his debut LP was dropped
earlier this year and since then it has seen outings from record boxes the
world over.
In that case, what better way to
reintroduce the track than serving up a duet of re-rubs from three of House
music’s most prized possessions? Poker
Flat General Steve Bug offers
his interpretation whilst Leeds lads Burnski
and Robert James craft their own
take on Baker’s original.
‘Grey
Area’ is wholly understated and simplistic, relying on a catchy piano hook
and fluent bassline throughout. What is captivating is an incessant groove
flowing from start to finish and an ability from Baker to lure out and curate
every single element that the track has to offer, from the mellow keys to the rolling
chords.
Burnski and James’ chunky offering retains some of the
originals finer elements whilst introducing more depth and groove. As you would
expect from the Hot Creations
pairing, plenty of filter, reverb and delay go into the final product that sees
an accentuated and charming synth rhythm forming the centerpiece of the record
- taken straight from the Kevin
Saunderson handbook.
Bug’s rework leans heavily on the rolling cords of the original to create
a more opaque version of Baker’s “Grey Area”. Warm in it’s entirety, the Poker
Flat boss creates a more reserved offering compared to the “glamorous” and entertaining
take by Burnski but provides a
trademark exhibition in refined, considered deep house. Stash under “warm up” but no less a
masterpiece from one of the scene’s masters.
Another compelling package from Simon Baker
with the ability to serve up three completely different tracks from one
identical source. Well worth the money.
