Disco/house producer Dave Lee (FKA Joey Negro) has released his new album, Metamorphosis, under the guise of AC Soul Symphony. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Taking inspiration from the classic string-led disco epics that sound tracked every big 70s TV show, Metamorphosis features almost two hours of disco, expertly arranged and recorded live by Dave and a 20-piece orchestra in RAK Studios.
It's a passion project for Dave, who, over the course of a 35-year career, has over a thousand production credits to his name and three UK Top 40 hits as Jakatta.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My first job was on an ice cream stall, they let me go due to an incident when I put a cone on my nose in front of a customer (who complained). I have a very good knowledge of WW2. I can be selfish.
How would you describe your music?
Warm, bassline and chord-driven soulful disco.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Patrick Adams, Mauro Malavasi, Randy Muller.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Kool and the Gang at the Rainbow in Finsbury Park, London in 1980.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Blockbuster by Sweet.
What's your favourite song right now?
Michele Chiavarini & Carmichael Music Lover Express Yourself M’s Makeover
Favourite lyric of all time?
I’m not really a lyric man, though I do appreciate good words when I hear them, they are fairly low down the list of things that draw me to a piece of music. I like the first line of I’ll Be Around by The Spinners - "This is our fork in the road, love’s last episode".
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I get bored with things after a certain amount of time so anything would lose its appeal, baring that in mind I’d go for a long piano mood piece by someone like Herbie Hancock or Ahmad Jamal
Where can people find your music/more information?
Through my label: Z Records.
Alan Corr
