EVELYN CHAMPAGNE KING Vinilo y CD

Review: Two legendary boogie anthems of the 80s are getting a fresh spin, with Mike Maurro offering new takes on Keni Burke's 'Risin' to the Top' and Evelyn 'Champagne' King's 'I'm In Love'. Set to drop via RCA on 12" vinyl, these remixes breathe new life into two classics that defined an era. Burke's 'Risin' to the Top', first released in 1982 on his album Changes, remains one of his most enduring tracks. It's a song that has been sampled across genres, from hip-hop to r&b, by the likes of Mary J. Blige and LL Cool J. Maurro's remix stays true to the original, adding subtle guitar riffs and an extended rhythm section, while preserving the song's chilled-out vibe. The result is a refined version that respects the sensual groove that made it such a standout. On the flip side, Maurro turns his attention to Evelyn 'Champagne' King's 1981 hit 'I'm In Love'. Originally a high-energy singalong anthem, this remix stays close to the spirit of the track but pushes the production forward. King's uplifting vocals remain the focal point, but with Maurro's touch, the track feels revitalised, with a polished mix that's ready to captivate the dancefloor once again. Both tracks offer a reminder of just how timeless this era of boogie and disco remains, with Maurro's remixes ensuring they sound as fresh today as they did decades ago. Perfect for DJs looking to inject some classic charm into their sets, these re-releases will no doubt reignite the love for these iconic tunes, proving once more that great music never goes out of style.

Review: Evelyn 'Champagne' King's 1982 boogie jam 'Love Comes Down' is one of the most familiar and much-loved club anthems of the era. Ezel and DJ Spen are clearly fans, because they've decided not to remix or re-edit it, but 're-produce' it, adding her iconic vocals to their own fresh backing tracks. As the EP-leading full vocal 'Reproduction' vocal shows, they've done a terrific good job too, re-creating many of the original 1982 elements while re-framing the track as a piano, horns and guitar-rich slab of soulful disco-house joy. As well as an instrumental of that version, we also get vocal and instrumental 'R&B' takes. These are closer in tone and feel to King's 1982 original while feeling as fat, warm and groovy as you'd expect from a 21st century Ezel and Spen production. In a word: classy!