Claudio Ricci – Above My Head EP

Stripped Down kick off 2020 with a fresh new single from label boss Claudio Ricci that comes with a wealth of remixes from Kollektiv Turmstrasse and Jepe.

It was in summer 2019 that Ricci served up his last single here, and that one went on to become another classic in his arsenal. It comes after a life in dance music, appearing as a DJ at the likes of Shadows by Magdalena (Cova Santa), Blue Marlin and Zoo Project Ibiza, as well as a producer with credits on Compost, MoBlack and Connected. He is a master of emotionally charged dance music and shows that again here.

Above My Head is elegant deep house with gentle chords washing over the grooves and vocals from Defected artist and London singer-songwriter Jinadu that send shivers down your spine. The whole thing is soft, lush and comforting, and will bring real moments of tenderness to any DJ set.

Regular label associates Kollektiv Turmstrasse are masters of melodic house who have proved their worth on Diynamic, Connaisseur and numerous other imprints. Their remix of Above My Head sends the vocals through some moody filters, layers in a little grit in the percussion and gets you in a trance with its rolling drums. They also turn in a more upright dub that allows the music to shine.

Berlin based, Portugal born Jepe has landed on Moodmusic and Connaisseur and is renowned for his deep, curious sounds. Here he flips the original into a majestic cut that is fuelled 80’s influenced sounds that serve to sweep up your heart. A Jepe Bailando remix closes the package with a superb house rendition driven on by tribal elements.