Mtume – So You Wanna Be A Star (Dave Lee fka Joey Negro Disco Re Blend)

Available from - Like many aficionados of soul and boogie I’m a massive fan of the productions of James Mtume and Reggie Lucas. They had one of the richest classist sounds of the late 70s/early 80s. Both Mtume and Lucas come from a jazz background and only a few years before had been releasing albums featuring side long experimental, instrumental tracks. I’ve remixed a couple of their productions now and I was interested to hear how regimented and disciplined the playing was - especially taking into account their history. There was no fills from the bassist, different inversions or rhythmic shifts from the guitarist or pianist. The intensity of the playing stayed the same throughout the song. There was obviously a conscious decision not to improvise; so all musicians were briefed not to deviate from their specific worked out parts. Even the lead vocal stops at the end of the second chorus and there is no further ad-libs to be heard. Strangely I’d never noticed this from listening to the records. The reason I choose “So You Want To Be A Star” is that its super strong song with beautiful orchestration, plus there was only ever the one album version. Based on those facts alone an interesting remix must be possible. Watching the dance floor when I’ve played it out is a testimony to the power of a strong chorus.