Ze is an eclectic, free-spirited producer/artist whose works are epitomized with tough beats and smooth, soulful textures mixed with clever word play, wit, and a thought provoking, definitive message. Having toured with national acts and worked in several recordings studios, Ze is one third of the group Fleshwound and the founding member of KohZe projects. He produces in a wide range of styles, not limited to soul, house, hip hop, and acid jazz. Ze strongly believes in the power of music to change things, speaking directly in a language all his listeners can feel … a language called “soul.”
His debut release on the Nylon Trax label was the Hello World EP, which was critically well-received and supported by the likes of Graeme Park, Abicah Soul, Doc Link, Mousse T. and Claudio Coccoluto. This latest single, the Let’s Go Higher EP, expands on the previous EP’s manifesto and launches Ze’s sound further into uncharted waters. Its two tracks, “Let’s Go” and “Higher,” combine mid-tempo house music with a bit of techno-soul for a fascinating and unique late night sound. Ze is assisted by singers E.D. Body and Autum Renee to add to the already spicy flavor, with vocal lines reminiscent at times of Motown as well as the call-and-response jazz chants from old Sun Ra records. It’s a special sound, certainly deserving of attention.
Nylon Trax own maverick DJ/producer Jaymz Nylon is on hand to remix and remodel both tracks into his patented ‘afro-tech’ style. Jaymz’s mix of “Let’s Go” leans on the low end, with a solid kick and ultra-warm bass hugging the dreamy synths and piano while the vocals amble overhead. Next, Jaymz turns in a solid re-work of “Higher” that slinks and slides along a sultry rhythm track, with the vocals riding the insistent bass line motif. Proper after-hours appeal here, and ready for the more distinctive DJ sets out there.
Marques Wyatt - “Tight.”
Abicah Soul - “The Afro Tech remix is nice.”
Mauricio Aviles (Movido) - “It’s all about the original ‘Lets Go’ for me. The track recalls a kinda of deep Arthur Russell vibe. Dope!”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Cool tension and nice, stripped back feel to ‘Higher.’”
Edground (Brazilian Soul Crew) - “Sensational release. I’ll play this a lot.”
Nick Holder - “Dope!”
Joan Ribas (Ibiza Soulstice Music) - “Love it!”
Red Rack’em - “The Jamz Nylon remix of ‘Higher’ is dope.”
Thomas Pudell (Black Alley) - “‘Let’s Go’ really touches the soul.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House) - “An eclectic release taking you on a blissful journey to previously unexplored deep house territory.”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Of the two originals, ‘Let’s Go’ gets the nod from me; retro sounding vox (in a cool way) and the overall vibe make this the one. Both remixes are cool, but the ‘Higher’ remix is smart. Original use of bass percussion … ace.”
Additional support from Graeme Park, Moodymanc, Robert Owens, Daz-I-Kue, DJ EMan, Alex Dimitri South Soul, Stephan Hoellermann, and Benji Candelario.
Available now from Juno Download and Traxsource.