Renaissance: The Masters Series Vol 7 - Dave Seaman

Renaissance The Masters Series image

Released 13^th March 2006

In 2006 Renaissance welcomes the return of Dave Seaman to its flagship compilation series, "Masters Series". Taking the reins from Hernan Cattaneo, this much-anticipated release strengthens the Renaissance reputation of choosing leaders of the scene to showcase the key sounds coming from the world of house music.

With global sales of 120,000, Dave Seaman’s two previous "Masters" releases "Awakening" (Vol.1) & "Desire" (Vol.2) were met with critical acclaim and underlined his enviable reputation as one of the most creative forces in the dance music field. From remixing superstar acts (U2, David Bowie & New Order) to stamping his mark as a DJ on every continent, Dave has a never-ending energy, pushing him forward in every aspect of his career. This singular ability to diversify is what has made him unique amongst the leading DJs. "I still get excited about doing a ‘Masters’ CD, as it’s one of the most recognised and respected series in an over-populated compilation market. It’s always a challenge (and this was no exception), but I think there’s a great balance of top names, hidden gems and future classics."

Over two discs, Volume 7's track list proves Dave has not lost his ear for picking a selection of tunes highlighting the most innovative artists making music in the progressive and electro scenes. With such musical quality it is only fair that the packaging, designed by Insect (Nike/Banksy), lives up to the content. The stunning artwork keeps up the "Master" series track record of presenting a luxury product that should be a treasure to look at as well as listen to!

Dave kick’s things off, melodic-prog style with the DJ Sasha rehash of "Seal Clubbing" by Charlie May, smoothly merged into "Lumiere" by Nic Fanciulli's Buick Project. X-Press 2 famed vocalist David Byrne’s features with the Theivery Corporation on "The Heart’s A Lonely Hunter", a tribal-jazz vocal crowd teaser. This leads on to the "Memory Man" by Slacker, yet another direct slice of deep vocal houseness.

Choice choons continue the theme with tracks by Skystate, Hawaii and the relentless Dub Mix of "Buy Me" by Nufrequency. Production outfit Chab’s "Sunrise" builds the dawn of a new techy fuelled finale, Matthew Dekay & Roob V’s "2 Da Groove" jacks things up for Seaman’s own Group Therapy Mix of the beautiful "Tracking Treasure Down" by Gabriel & Dresden.

CD2 continues with Paradise Soul’s enchanting tones from "Spirit Of The Turning Tables Part 1", getting tougher on "Randoms", the latest offering from Luke Dzierzek & Liousias both presenting Fling. Further tag-team combinations reign down from Sean Quinn & Andy Page vs Sultan & Ned Sheppard leading onto more melodic mayhem by 16 Bit Lolita’s "Sedna".

Bedrock’s "Santiago" gets another Dave Seaman special Group Therapy rework - unsure, but I suspect this could be tied in with Serge Santiago (of Stompaphunk fame). Finishing with remixes by Luke Chable & Japanese rising star Osamu M, on Shiloh’s "Dream On" and Guy Gerber’s "Stoppage Time" respectively, the latter remixer - Osamu M, recently name checked in our Satoshi Tomiie interview.

Dave Seaman and Renaissance continue championing the Masters Series and re-assuring any doubters that the UK prog-house pioneers are still doing there thing on an international playing field. March sees Dave touring the US culminating with visits to Budapest and London, the future Renaissance tour dates are included below.

April
1st Hollywood (USA) Avalon
5th Bangkok Astra
7th Shanghai Park 97
8th Tokyo Ageha
15th Sydney Home
16th Perth TBC
21st Melbourne Room 680
22nd Brisbane Family
28th Cluj (Romania) Obsession Club
29th Black Sea Coast (Romania) La Mania
30th Dublin The Vaults

June
10th Paris Redlight
16th Dubai Peppermint Club
17th Belgrade Basement