AC SOUL SYMPHONY レコード& CD

Review: Dave Lee's "AC Soul Symphony" alias has been releasing delectable and sultry disco since 2005 but reached his magnus opus in 2023 with the release of the "Metamorphosis" LP. Here we find two tracks handpicked from the album and delivered, for the first time, in a 7" format. The single starts much as the album does with the track "Windy City Theme", beautifully scored, recorded, and produced legato strings envelope the track, punctuated with horns and vocals reminiscent of a Love Unlimited Orchestra production. This version of the track has been rearranged, speeding up the pacing of the track and reaching the juicy parts in a really satisfying way. On the flip side we have the title track from the album "Metamorphosis", which is the first time the vocal version has been made available on Vinyl. A bass laden intro gives ways to glistening pianos and those signature strings (have we mentioned how good the strings are?). A more laid back and seductive track than the A side, but no less appealing. Again, due to the limitations of the 7" format, "Metamorphosis" has been expertly rearranged with loving care and attention.

Review: AC Soul Symphony is one of Dave Lee's lesser-known pseudonyms, so for it to be the vehicle for an album of such extravagance, of such meticulous detail, is a real treat. Featuring live strings recorded with a 20-piece orchestra, all 15 tracks that span the epic two-hour runtime are expansive and feel as if every note was placed by hand; There's this authenticity to tracks like 'Manhattan Skyline', a CD/Digital only track which dates all the way back to 2020 and its swelling horn crescendos that transport you back to a time when disco had the world on its knees. 'Philly Avengers' is a major standout, with its killer bass grooves and dazzling Korg solo. The last of the city-related trio of singles is album opener 'Windy City Theme', a mid-tempo violin-led vocal groove that pays homage to the metropolis in Illinois. This is the CD version, featuring the full two hour tracklist.

Review: This special 12" features two tracks that will not be on the vinyl version of the forthcoming AC Soul Symphony, Disco opus "Metamorphosis" featuring a 20 piece orchestra alongside a whole host of top live players. That makes it an even more vital pick up because both are pure disco fire. 'I Want To See You Dance' has the title's classic refrain repeated over big Salsoul style string licks, funky basslines and soloing piano. 'The Talented Mr Adams' is a tribute to the legendary disco producer Patrick Adams and is a super sweet swooner with golden live strings and brass backing up a loose-limbed rhythm and vamping pianos that get you in the mood for love. These two tracks act as a fine teaser for what's to come on the much-anticipated album from a contemporary version of acts like MFSB and Love Unlimited Orchestra.