2022 sees Secretsundaze celebrate 20 years in the game. A key part of their anniversary is a new live project that's been an ambition of theirs for many years - the Spirit of Sundaze Ensemble. Consisting of Meyele Manzanza on drums, Oli Savill (Da Lata, Basement Jaxx) on percussion, Johnny Brierley (Fofoulah) on bass, Lewis Moody (30/70 Collective) on keys and Secretsundaze's James Priestley on production, this Ensemble shows its strong roots in both the jazz and dance world.
Their first release is a collaboration with vocalist Wayne Snow, giving a slow-burn, loved out rendition of Photek's seminal track 'Mine To Give' - itself a loving tribute to early Chicago House.
Put simply, Spirit of Sundaze is an innovative recording / live ensemble inviting leading contemporary musicians to reimagine, record and perform live a selection of tracks which have been foundational across Secretsundaze's 20-year history.
Curated by founders James Priestley and Giles Smith, expect a songbook including iconic club tracks, label releases and favourite alternative jams. Think seminal Larry Heard, Phil Asher and Paul Hardcastle tracks, lovingly reworked by a 5-piece band drawing on a myriad of influences from balearic to synth pop to brit funk, but with a deep love and understanding of the original material.
Proudly rooted in dance music culture, the project sits at the intersection of live musicianship and electronic music innovation.