Groovin is responsible for some of Italy’s best reissue records, often with a Chicago house focus — from Glenn Underground’s “Afro Gente” to Roy Davis Jr.’s criminally underrated “Tha Black Light Exposure.” Here’s one that’s new but from one of the students that know the masters like the back of his hand in St. David. Timeless is what it says: two tracks and two remixes that could have been lifted from a Strictly Jaz Unit EP because they sound that good. “Set You Free” is a 5am record, like it was grown a lab to excel at that: short trumpet hits, twinkling keys, shining with a sunny-ness that you greet with tired, rim-ringed eyes or with the optimistic bounce of a new day. “Summertime Jaz'” rises to meet you with some of the best musicianship you’ll hear on a house record this year — organs, pianos and a funky bass line up like a house band that turns soundcheck into a full-on early hour jam.
The remixes are more than a fresh sound — they do things and go places that the originals do not. The 34th Floor In Deep Mix turns the clock back a few hours on “Set You Free,” isolating keys for an uptempo but sophisticated track. The R.O.P. Sunset Mix of “Summertime Jaz'” turns the knobs the opposite direction with a chill, dusky cantina vibe. You may think you’ve heard it all but the force holding this together is the talent of St. David alone.
⚪️ Tracklisting
St. David: Timeless EP (Groovin / 12" Vinyl / March 2023)
A1. St. David: "Set You Free" (6:31)
A2. St. David: "Set You Free" (34th Floor In Deep mix) (6:52)
B1. St. David: "Summertime Jaz'" (7:39)
B2. St. David: "Summertime Jaz'" (ROP Sunset mix) (6:08)
⚪️ Disclosure Statement
This record was submitted as a promo.
⚪️ Previous Coverage
⚪️ Choice cuts of Italian house from Cosmic Garden on “Come With Me” (2022)
⚪️ Feel the Magic with Spiritual Emphasi on Cosmic Rhythm (2022)
⚪️ 34th Floor Experience arrives with “Love Will Find A Way” (2021)
5 Mag Issue 206
Out Now
MOVE: This was originally published in 5 Mag Issue #206 featuring DJ, dancer, teacher and producer Coflo, Alland Byallo, Phil Kieran, DJ Rocca, Jeff Mills’ Metropolis Metropolis and more. Help keep our vibe alive and our shine bright by becoming a member for $2/month and get every issue in your inbox right away!
