Paul Sawyer-30 Years A DJ (Album Review)

 

In any line of work or creative process there are key factors for the prosperous journey that lies ahead. Passion, determination and of course talent are definitely needed. In the following case "Paul Sawyer", one of the world's finest DJ's and producers has certainly left his mark in the dance music scene. We have all cherished and danced along to his exquisitely crafted tunes or remixes on many occasions. In addition to his vast body of work, be it originals, ecstatic collaborations or sublime remix work, he owns and operates his very own label "Krafted" alongside "Simon Sinfield" and "Darren Braddick". Being in the game for quite a spell, he has been climbing that ever elusive and never ending ladder of success, which a select few manage to reach the very top. Paul has without a doubt been conquering the dance music lovers hearts all these years. 

 The year 2023 is a very special one for Paul as he reaches a very significant milestone in his career: thirty years of involvement in the scene! Thirty glorious years of djing, producing and in general honing his craft! To celebrate this marvelous occasion he has sat down, reflecting on his past and has selected thirty of his most special and defining works of aural art to share with us on his forthcoming new album "30 Years A DJ". I am very pleased to have had the honor to listen and therefore devour the whole album from start to finish. Immerse yourselves into a wondrous, spellbinding journey through sound, orchestrated by Paul himself as he sees fit. 

CD1:

A perfect introduction to the musical domain of "Paul Sawyer" is his own production "Stay Around", an emotive, riveting enriched tune filled with melodic goodness, proggy grooves and one of those deep feelings, enriched by an Adele-like female vocal excellence. Each tune follows the pace accordingly, adding its own flavor and ethereal note to the musical experience at hand. Paul features thrilling remixes of his own creations such as "Zeus (Tripswitch Remix)", "Nemesis (Nick Muir Remix)", "Hermes (Black8 Remix)", exclusive collaborations with artists such as "Sunscreem" on "Perfect Motion" and the illustrious singer/songwriter "Jan Johnston" on "One Step Beyond". He fills in the blanks with his own productions such as "Quora" and his own remixes including "Midnight On The Damavand-GuyRo", "Shade-Valleraphon feat. Dashoda", finishing off with the spiritual, healing vibes of his amazing take on the 90's vocal tune "And Then The Rain Falls-Blue Amazon". A spellbinding blend of tunes to amaze and delight the senses!

CD2:

This disc begins with Paul's tune "Endless Path", an adventurous track sporting, tech-infused grooves with an essence of mystery throughout it all. The theme continues with another of his own productions, the mystical and vibrant "Meridian" alongside hit remixes by himself on tracks such as "Forever-Lostly feat. Katherine Amy", "I Want You Here-Solarstone feat. Thea Riley", the re-energized remix of "Monster In Me-Paul Oakenfold feat. Allison Kaplan", "Falling Down-Darkersound feat. ALNA"and the witty "Life-Stormshaker feat. Stephen Biddle". A killer deep and proggy collaboration called "Reverie" between himself, ascending hero "Danny Stubbs" with the always enthralling singer/songwriter "Susie Ledge" and his very own "Riotous", screaming with progressive house goodness, inverted rhythms and grooves reminiscent of the classic days of dance. A nod to the legendary synthesizers of old. Excellent way to seal the deal!

CD3:

What more to expect when one's heart and soul is already content with the musical pleasure we already experienced on the previous discs. "Cacus" welcomes us aboard for the final chapter of the journey, another original from Paul, boasting dark rhythms, dramatic twists and distorted synths of a haunting nature. Perfect for those early hours of madness on the dance floor. Strobe light galore! The vibe continues with another of Paul's tunes "Neptune" dedicated to the sea God of old Greek myths which perfectly captures life in the long lost kingdom under the sea! His remixes are also present here such as "Solar Warde-William Medagli, Thallulah and Shemsu" alongside originals "Reign", "Textured Dream", "Hercules" plus exciting collabs such as the wonderful "The Wave (feat. Laura Welle)", packing breathtaking melodies and a mesmerizing vocal performance by Laura herself, "Where Do We Go (with Damien Spencer)" and of course an absolute divine remix work on his own tunes by upcoming star "ZOYA" on "Burning (feat. Laura Welle)" and "08Pulse" on his most memorable tune with the wondrous singer/songwriter "Ana Be" on "Waiting All My Life", which receives a total makeover, taking us all on an emotional almost acoustic and orchestral experience. A fitting end to this third disc and finale for the album itself.

 What an aural journey through years of experiences, emotions, audio harnessing and surreal craftsmanship! So much love and passion has gone into this album. All this is evident through the exquisite and diverse selection of these thirty tracks! Do not waste any time at all! Grab this for your collection! 

Label: Krafted Underground

https://www.beatport.com/release/paul-sawyer-30-years-a-dj/3941327 

Paul Sawyer & Jan Johnston-Circle [Krafted Underground]

 

The leaves may begin to change color and fall while the sky turns gray as the memory of summer fades away but don't despair just yet because a brand new release is on its way. DJ/Producer "Paul Sawyer" known for his work on labels such as "Perfecto Records", "Toolroom", "Armada", "Pure Progressive" and many more has joined creative forces with the illustrious singer/songwriter "Jan Johnston", one of the most recognized voices in the world of dance music and beyond. This will undoubtedly be received with loads of enthusiasm and countless cheer by the vocal dance community and as it seems they will be absolutely right to rejoice. Paul and Jan have synced their minds as one and the result is called "Circle". It will be out on Paul's own label "Krafted Underground". 

 Peering within we encounter pounding drums and intriguing yet serene melodies while Jan's luscious vocals float in mid air, surrounding us as if drawn in by a sudden gust of wind. Proggy vibes follow with an evident emphasis on the dramatic strings that unfold alongside the hypnotic groove that emanates from within. Jan herself plays the role of the educator, teaching us all about one of the most powerful forces in our world, the somewhat elusive yet healing power of love. Sought out by many but obtainable by the lucky ones it is without a doubt one of the most precious gifts to humanity. The original mix keeps things at a steady pace, grounded and true with an emotional backdrop and a kind of reminiscence to those golden years of trance and tracks of yesteryear.

 The "4am Mix" on the other hand builds on the winning formula of the original adding an extra dosage of percussion and extending the boundaries while broadening the mix with a somewhat, darker proggier outlook that undoubtedly hypnotizes us all. Jan follows suit doing what she does best, delivering a performance that is both touching and haunting at the same time. Extra effects and vocal samples are also thrown in for good measure keeping the "4am Mix" true to its nature.

 A brilliant collaboration and ode to the cosmic power of love, courtesy of Paul and Jan. Each mix is precious and will resonate within your psyche for months to come!

Released: 9/11/2020

Label: Krafted Underground 

https://www.beatport.com/release/circle/3133240