Featuring the voice of UK soul hero Omar (who incidentally recently joined the cast of the UK’s most popular soap opera East Enders — imagine a dark, dystopian version of Cheers with zero laughs), “A Night We Dream Of” is the new single from a true industry stalwart, Mr. Ronnie Herel.

Herel currently serves as head of music for the brilliant Mi-Soul Radio in the UK, set up by Gordon Mac, the founder of Kiss FM, which was the UK’s first ever station to exclusively play music of black origin, giving airtime to the likes of Gilles Peterson, Paul Trouble Anderson, Coldcut and Norman Jay early in their careers.

Few know their soul music like Ronnie Herel, and it shows.

Flying the flag for UK Soul since the ’80s, Ronnie began releasing his own productions in ’89 under the alias “Quartz,” and despite being increasingly busy as a DJ and radio host, has never stopped.

“A Night We Dream Of” opens with the rolling, percussive “Afro Soul Mix,” which provides a delightfully jazzy backdrop to Omar’s vintage performance. The swirling instrumental version will surely work on the deeper, later floors as well.

DJ Spen and Reelsoul serve up some classic Disco-infused house grooves, with timeless piano chords and even some Roy Ayers-esque vibes in their quite luxuriant remake, reframing Omar’s vocal beautifully.

Few know their soul music like Ronnie Herel, and it shows. Check for this one.

Ronnie Herel ft Omar: A Night We Dream Of (Quantize Recordings / Digital)
1. Ronnie Herel ft Omar: A Night We Dream Of (Extended Afro Soul Mix) (6:00)
2. Ronnie Herel ft Omar: A Night We Dream Of (DJ Spen & Reelsoul Remix) (8:23)
3. Ronnie Herel ft Omar: A Night We Dream Of (Original Instrumental) (4:18)
4. Ronnie Herel ft Omar: A Night We Dream Of (DJ Spen & Reelsoul Instrumental) (7:52)

⚪️ Disclosure Statement: This record was submitted as a promo.

 


Previous Coverage:
Dave Lee drops “Starlight” – his new track with Omar (2022)
Crystal Waters & DJ Spen are Party People (2020)
Kai Alcé & Alton Miller Remix Omar’s Benefit (2019)
#ListenUp Disco Legend John Morales Preps a New Album for Quantize (2019)
DJ Spen LIVE at 5 Magazine 11th Anniversary (August 27 2016 at Smartbar, Chicago) (2016)


 

Originally published in 5 Mag issue 201 featuring the making of Detroit techno documentary God Said Give Em Drum Machines, 10 years of Heist with Dam Swindle, Nala on Mi Domina, Ultra Nate, Steve Mill, what Spotify is doing to dance music (and why it’s a bad thing) & more. Help support 5 Mag by becoming a member for just $1 per issue.


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