Aldo “Haldo” Carpanzano has been the resident DJ for the past twenty years at one of the most important clubs in Southern Italy, Rebus Disconight. It’s at this club that he’s played host of some of the more important DJs on the soulful house scene, including Little Louie Vega, Tony Humphries, Ralphi Rosario, Victor Simonelli, and many more. Inspired by Rebus Disconight and Haldo’s sonic adventures at the club comes the label Rebus Records. The label’s third release is courtesy of Haldo in collaboration with London’s Stereo Junkie who also does double duty on this single as vocalist under his given name, Silvio Gigante. In the spirit of the Disconight, the tune “Higher Ground” is an uplifting, floor filling house music track with anthem potential. Silvio’s sweet falsetto vocal beckons faces to smile and bodies to groove as Haldo’s original mix compliments this with warm organ chords, tough rhythms, and an effective percussion breakdown. House music bliss! Stereo Junkie also provides his own version, featuring a breaky house beat, an almost Italo-inspired bass line, and dramatic synth chords. The vocals fit easily into this new accompaniment, almost giving this version an evocative 80’s club vibe.
It’s almost as if Haldo’s circle of producer friends lined up to remix these fantastic vocals, as this package features five more reworked treatments. Gianni Sponti, Italian scene veteran and partner with Haldo in Hadogy Records, arrives first with a deeper take on “Higher Ground.” In Gianni’s mix, breezy rhythms, dubby key elements, a bouncy low end, and flowing pads drive Silvio’s vocals forward and into the after hours. The curiously named Odo Makes A Smile is up next, following his recent remix of Haldo’s “Faraway” on Proceed Records. Odo’s take is a more progressive take, though still intimate and underground, with bold synths and snappy drum hits alongside the vocal melody. Another longtime Italian veteran follows, with Rey Pedroso adding some moody, atmospheric magic to “Higher Ground.” This remix is bravely cinematic, bordering on a chill out vibe, with its dramatic pauses, timpani percussion, and string synths. The rhythm picks up as the vocal builds and echoes, adding to a concoction that’s impossible to ignore. Portuguese DJ Miguel Mancha is up next with a driving version aimed squarely at the floor, enhancing the vocal with punchy bass, piano chords, subtle arpeggiations, and, surprisingly, an electrifying guitar solo. Miguel’s also included a dub of his mix that accentuates all of his intricate musical contributions. Last in the queue is Haldo’s regular remix collaborator DJ E-RO (also known as Ettore Rossi) who provides a deep, tech-house flavored remix of “Higher Ground.” Led by a prominent synth bass line, E-RO’s version theatrically builds with its string swells, vibrant percussion, and electronic embellishments. All of this makes for another superb release from the Italian underground ready to spread worldwide. Have a listen.
Roy Davis Jr. - “I’m dropping this tomorrow night.”
Marques Wyatt - “This is tight!”
Robert Owens - “Miguel Mancha Vocal Mix … great mix.”
Abicah Soul - “Right up my alley.”
Graeme Park - “I like it!”
Joan Ribas (Ibiza Soulstice / Cafe Del Mar) - “Love it.”
Nick Holder - “Dopeness!”
CJ Mackintosh - “Haldo’s original for me … working.”
Tyree Cooper - “I’m feelin’ the Gianni Sponti Mix. It’s nice and housey.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House) - “Haldo’s smooth yet contagious original oozing with luscious melodies is the one.”
Soulfulbros - “Haldo is in top form … groovy and catchy like usual. Love it!”
Vincent Kwok - “The original mix is the one for me.”
Alexander East - “Very nice!”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Yeah! Smooth but has a great bounce to the bass. Very cool.”
Eddy Spirit (Spirit Crew) - “This song is absolutely brilliant! The vocal is strong and the track is simple and straight forward. A definite party starter!”
Available now from Juno Download and Traxsource.