Chicago Legend Vick Lavender releases 'Essance' on Berlin's Mr Bear Records

‍On the imprint's latest release, Mister Bear is delighted to welcome the iconic Vick Lavender into the mix, who conjures up his much celebrated take on house music with the aim of providing soundtracks for those special moments in life…

Lavender has been a mainstay in the house scene since the 1990s, and his signature take on the genre has seen him continue to grow and morph with each release. His sound is one permeated by soulful and rhythmic masterclasses, encompassing the most delicate of melodic-laden sequences alongside euphoric, rolling drums that elevate any dance floor. His discography is testament to that, either via releases under his own name or as part of the groundbreaking live house band Mr A.L.I, which helped to form the nucleus and ethos of his Sophisticado Recordings imprint, which has been going from strength to strength since its first release back in 2006.

Lavender is one of those producers who holds his sound in the palms of his hands, and is able to dictate its flow and energy through his deep set passions and musical dexterity. It is this approach which has meant his journey continues to flourish and inspire with each step he takes, with space always provided for the listener to step in and take a deep, refreshing breath. He is very much a DJ and producer in demand, touring the world sharing his soulful take on house and via the release of some exceptional EPs in recent years, on labels including Forbidden Dance, Mate, Silver Room, ANMA and Sophisticado.

‘Essance’ is his latest effort, and contains all the hallmarks of Lavender’s sound that we have come to know and love. ‘Move’, the EPs opener, is quintessential Lavender, with a heavenly groove and core melodic section providing the basis for a series of key solos to sing high and wide - a soulful roller of such quality. ‘Change’ takes the mood in slightly deeper territories, with the drums becoming more spacious and the keys becoming ever so slightly more energetic, but the emotiveness remains rock solid and will move the heart of the dance floor to no end.

‘Daylight’ introduces some vocal interplay into the mix, with Angel A lending her wondrous voice into the flows. The drums and keys are expertly smooth and ever shifting, providing an audial dialogue to persist with Angel’s gentle yet emphatic vocal delivery. It's a perfect kind of chemistry, one which gives back so much and at just over 8 minutes, it's a narrative that is worth revisiting time and time again. To wrap things up, Angel A and Lavender team up for ‘Somebodies Samba’, which takes the pulse down to a sultry breeze - a fitting way to see out the experience. Enriching rhythmic work, breezy captivating melodic passages, and some inspiring vocals come together to leave a long lasting mark. This is an EP with some soul found at the heart of it.

Vick Lavender has always sought to demonstrate the human side of his music, with the rhythms of life and experiences found at the core of his bountiful, captivating sound. ‘Essance’ remains true to form for this icon of the house genre, and bears so many of the hallmarks which make his music so special. Extended compositions allow for maximum engagement but also time for inventiveness and intrigue; hyper melodic chords paired with thoughtful key solos; and of course, some excellent vocal displays from Angel A, all come together to provide a house experience of such quality. Well, it is Vick Lavender after all, its what we have come to expect - but still, he always finds ways to give us more. One to press play on, and drift off into bliss….

Buy/listen to Vick Lavender 'Essance' via Bandcamp here