(June 10, 2026) In two decades impressing soul and smooth jazz purists, club enthusiasts, and SoulTracks readership, how does James Day continue to strengthen his already respectable career as an independent contributor? For starters, he continues to collaborate with top tier musicians and guests to craft songs that embody pure melodies and orchestrations sans the high-tech trickery. This multi-tasking talent’s stellar supporting cast include Audrey Wheeler, U-Nam, Lil’ John Roberts, and Maysa, among others, to compliment his artistic purpose.
This year is the 2026 Rewind era for Day, showcasing his most streamed tracks in a celebratory series Rewind Vosl. 1 and 2, and the most recent Rewind 20th Anniversary Edition-The Bonus Mixes.
From The Bonus Mixes, we turn to a Motown Remix ’26 of “Dancin’ Under the Influence (D.U.I.).” This song has a fruitful history, first introduced as a midtempo soul version on the U.K. Luxury Soul 2016 compilation with Darren Polite and Cleveland P. Jones, and then two years later under Day’s Groove Nights – mixed by U-Nam. This disco delight stars Wheeler pouring passion and a resonating soprano sparking a love connection on the dancefloor, with a soundtrack headed by drummer Roberts, U-Nam’s funky guitar, and a juicy saxophone solo.
While the Motown sound lives on “D.U.I.,” the beat strongly echoes Narada Michael Walden’s production of Aretha’s “Freeway of Love.” With Day’s keen proficiency reshaping his recent library into another engaging listening experience, we look forward to more bonus mixes.
By Peggy Oliver
