Oleta Adams ‘Never Knew Love’ DT’s Mercury Mix – Fontana
The first chords touch your heart, Danny Tenaglia’s superb arrangements remind me of the Frankie Knuckles era (one of my major inspirations). And there’s a surprise funky section that starts halfway through the fourteen-minute mix. A masterpiece!
Chaka ‘Love You All My Lifetime’ Diva Mix – Warner
Lots of ‘deep’ strings (fairly unusual for this singer) with surprising arrangements, a seductive keyboard line, and some jazzy solo piano. An exceptional voice and a great remix from Ben Wolff & Andy Dean.
Brand New Heavies- ‘Stay This Way (The Club Dub)’ – (Delicious Vinyl) FFRR
A David Morales masterpiece. I always wonder where he got the harmonica sound from… I love the solo guitar in the middle of the track, the perfect counterpoint to Eric Kupper’s piano line.
Jordy ‘Dur Dur d’être Bébé’ Club Mix – Sony Music Entertainment
Who worked on this record, made by a four year-old kid, which went on to sell almost four million copies worldwide? Well, I did (laughs). In the midst of the Eurodance revival, I whipped up a Happy House sound inspired by one of my greatest influences, Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley.
Michael Jackson ‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough’ – Epic
Has anyone ever bettered Quincy Jones’ arrangements? A simple linear bassline that goes on for six minutes, with catchy strings and trumpet arrangements to die for. As for Michael’s singing, he’s rarely done better.
Rahsaan Patterson ‘Can’t We Wait’ – MCA Records.
The emotion in this track is heartbreaking and incredibly sensual. With its great violin intro, the surprise comes when the bass and rhythm arrive halfway through the mix.
Edith Piaf ‘Hymne à l’amour’ – Polydor
A French ‘chanson’ classic. The lyrics are still incredibly true today: a woman who will do anything for love. I’ve rarely heard an artist sing with such heart, strength and conviction.
Shanna ‘Have It’ – Deeper Than U Can Mix – (Nylon Records) EMI-Virgin
A very very rare white label, a cover version of a Vanessa Paradis song composed by Lenny Kravitz. Strong arrangements (by me, under the P. Hall moniker that I also used for “Do Me Boy” and “Your Love”), with a silky touch.
Di Pascalo – ‘Breathe To Fly’ is out now on Skipper Records France.
