You don’t amass the largest body of work in house music without clockin up a few stone-cold classics along the way, and much of Blaze’s work will be well-known to DJs and music –lovers alike. However, despite their legendary status, there are still a few partially buried gems that you might not have heard before. Here to ensure no stone is left unturned in your quest for the ultimate Blaze track are Kevin and Josh themselves to talk you through some personal favourites from the forthcoming House Masters – Blaze collection.
Phase II 'Reachin' (Original Brotherhood Mix)
Josh: Chris Herbert's younger brother Vincent Herbert who is now a major record label executive fronted this group. We did not actually write the lyrics; we were only responsible for the music track and mix. Vincent along with members Kevin Washington, and Shawn Simms were like our little brothers, and they caused quite a stir with this tune. Their energy was youthful and exciting. It's a house music classic for sure.
Blaze 'The Garden' (Original)
Josh: The Garden is a song about Heaven. The "Traveller" in the song is Jesus. The traveller was walking by the night because the subject was not enlightened. Therefore it was dark. The Garden is a place of enlightenment.
Blaze feat. Palmer Brown 'My Beat' (Swag's Spiritual Mix)
Kevin: I remember coming into the studio and Josh having this afrofunk awkward rhythm playing and feeling that is how Black people must feel in mainstream society. We just wanted to express what people of African descent in the Diaspora feel about being misunderstood.
Blaze 'Wishing You Were Here' (Joey Negro Extended Mix)
Josh: Kevin's Aunt passed away around the time we did this song. At the time Kevin was struggling with her passing. As an attempt to help the healing process, I penned this song. "Heard it said that tomorrow was never promised to us, but I wish that you could be with me today!"
Blaze 'Breathe' (Original)
Kevin: This was a song concept inspired by Yoga practice. Through Yoga practice we have learned to accept who, what and where we are in the Creators' master plan.
Cassio Ware feat. Sejaeda 'Fantasy'
Josh: Sajaeda at the time was a friend of Cassio's. She performed with him as a backup dancer. Sajaeda was like a full figured model, but extremely light on her feet. She looked amazing on the stage. Very sexy and alluring. I felt strongly about doing a song for her equally as sexy. "Come on baby, Let's Come Together."
Blaze 'Elevation'
Josh: We were always big Earth Wind and Fire fans. This song talks about elevating your mind beyond the galaxies like EWF once did. And uses the Ba Dee Ya famous EWF scat line. You can hear the EWF influence throughout this record.
Blaze 'If You Should Need A Friend'
Kevin: Written at a time when we suffered the loss of a close family member. This was the song we really became team on. It was the first we had to depend on each other for strength. Josh Milan and Christopher Herbert will always be my soul mates for life.
Alex & Rai '4 The Love Of You'
Josh: Raine Lassiter was the voice of the group DeLacy. We did the song "Hide Away" together which did pretty well for us. This is the only duet I've ever sang with anyone. This was during a time when the scene was accepting of just plain ole good music. This is a duet in house music!!!!!
Blaze feat. Palmer Brown 'Do You Remember House' (Original)
Kevin: The concept was inspired by the fact that house music had/has gone in some many directions that, we wanted to make a statement about remembering the original true house music before its many mutations.
Klub Family feat. Sybil 'When I Fall In Love' (Knee Deep Disco Club Mix)
Josh: I'll be the first to admit the I got the line from the famous Nat King Cole tune. The line alone is genius. I wish I thought of it! Sybil does a great job delivering the tune. She maintains the innocence in the message of the song.
Blaze pres. UDA feat. Barbara Tucker 'Most Precious Love' (DF Future 3000 Mix)
Kevin: This song came from many late night studio session conversations with our sister in the spirit Barbra Tucker. We feel this song represents Babs personal ministry. She wants everyone to recognize what’s most precious in themselves.
House Masters – Blaze is out April 18th – listen & pre-order
