(September 2, 2019) Summertime is slowly coming down the backstretch. So, in keeping up with the season, our latest First Listen caters to those who specifically dig those soulful house grooves that extend the summertime love. And there is a trio of experts who know how to keep those joyful feet moving. Veteran global DJ Mark Knight has impacted the club scene as one of the genre’s biggest selling artists in the past decade. James F. Reynolds’ songwriting and mixing have been utilized by Dua Lupa, Snoop Dogg and others. Finally, producer/singer/songwriter Mike City’s (Carl Thomas, Brandy) impressive contributions have crossed over into pop, hip-hop, soul and dance.
Their new collaboration, “Fire Burning” (BBE Music), embraces the trio’s affection of disco, funk and soul, wrapped up in an irresistibly moving track from the opening kick drum. City’s steady soulful lead vocals holds down the steady house mood after around a one and a half minute intro. Once the beats are established, Knight and Reynolds’ soundtrack expertly layers a killer synth bass, crafty string hook and all the grooves in between, capped off by occasional synthesizer washes. All in all, “Fire Burning” represents what house music has accomplished for several decades, molded to shear perfection by Knight, Reynolds and City. And the summer fun continues.
By Peggy Oliver
