Classic Man – Lounge Sessions EP

wow.

A2 and B are great for their own reasons. the former being quite unique in its right by being one of those rare house tracks that are not only more jazzy than housey, but are actually fucking good! time and time again i find myself hearing jazzy house tracks that are more along the lines of either being cheap elevator music or tunes you would hear when paying for an overpriced cocktail, so yea very refreshing. it's very coffeeshop-esque with the warm synths and bubbly baseline that permeate throughout, very pretty piano melodies sprinkled in as well; overall very solid.
the latter, which for me at the start at least and up to the halfway point, was the weakest track here. the pounding bass and drums that occupy the start of the track don't really sit with me and makes it out to be quite flat and average when looking at the entire umbrella of house. however, i must say that once again the presence of those gorgeous piano melodies throughout not only this track, but the entirety of this record makes it unlike any other records in the genre; Classic Man really is in a league of their own in that regard and an artist that executes this element flawlessly. nevertheless, the disappointing start is soon to became an afterthought as the track started to win me over at around the 5:40 mark, where it evolves from being quite flat and barren, to being surprisingly lush and upbeat. sounds of waves washing over the ever-growing and evolving trancey, new agey, and tropical atmosphere makes it to be quite a brilliant turnaround to close out the record. definitely a track that heeds patience for it to unwrap and flood over you.

with that being said however, and as great as those two tracks are, Gentle Morning Rain might be one of the greatest house tracks ever; no hyperbole. the first half of the track squelches through with acidic sounds, funky baselines, lush and soulful keys and aggressive kickdrums that present the song in a relentless and tireless tempo. it's a solid start, however at around the 3:00 mark the track really starts to come into its own. the tireless trek tires, the toll of thunder tears through, everything stops for a second, then the rain; the rain starts, meditative synths start to shimmer through the light downfall; then the track starts again, the kickdrums come back and seem even more vigorous this time in unison with this lively, bubbly baseline. what makes this track special however, (going back to it for the third time now) are the piano melodies. these in particular are by far the prettiest and most expressive on the record; they are subtle and are sprinkled throughout, improvised but calculated. another incredible inclusion is the sound of a saxophone that lightly paints it way midway through the track, brushing its way meandering in a chaotic (one that is not abrasive, but calm), but again calculated fashion. all the sounds that are brought into the soundscape work, i say free improv. but like all great improvisation it feels natural. it's quite simply a stunning and beautiful triumph within the deep house realm. fucking brilliant.
personally one of the reasons why music is such an important tool in my life is its ability to soundtrack. while i have enjoyment in the present moment, the strongest feelings that a sound can bring out of a person's psyche is the sound of nostalgia. for this song transports me back to tokyo 6am the sun is bright outside however there is rain but it is light and warm the sound of house creeps in and out of the revolving night-club doors the smell of morning rain and burnt cigarettes laughter solace peace

timeless and a classic from the man. cop the fuck outta this one when you can cuz the price is justified.

I'm new to Wayne Gardiner but am really liking a lot of his stuff. This EP is on another level though. Gentle Morning Rain is one of the best tracks I've ever heard, a masterpiece from start to finish, the breakdown around the 3 mins mark gives me chills and the solo jam at 6 mins is just off the chain!

I have very snobbish tastes in Deep House and I am not one to comment to up-talk a record or even comment at all, but this one I can truly understand its price and ratings. This is not something a casual listener would sing the praises of in the comments yet you are left feeling like the release is flat and unimaginative and you have no idea why the price is $40+ just because some popular DJ mixed it. This is actually one of the most amazing pieces of Deep House art I have come across in my never-ending pursuit of digging. Classic Man lives up to his name, this is truly the meaning of Martinis and Vinyl.

House Music's equivalent to a Beethoven symphony. The prettiest House record ever made.

The definition of Deeeep, love this man's entire catalog! :)

This EP is simply amazing. It defines (for me) exactly how deep house music should sound.

All Wayne's releases are pure gold, hope to hear something new soon!

Peace.

*picks jaw up off the floor

this is one of the best deep house releases i've ever heard.

Something universally right!

Lounge File #1 is such a nice track it shows deep house music from a whole other level

Wayne Gardiner has in some ways not released "enough" if I may say...
One does at some point ask, where is Wayne Gardiner... is he still in the game ?
It becomes worthwhile the wait when you get EP's such as this, to mark back his return .

"Gentle Morning Rain" is the best piece of music that Wayne has produced thus far in my opinion.
The mean bass line sets it of, along crisp clear high hats and soulful keys.
But there's a part of this song that I really love... just as all the instruments are eliminated one by one
A thunder sound emerges, followed by drips of gentle rain and then the bass line completely changes, claps removed to make the sound more calm & soulful with that saxophone continuously pumping.
By the time this track has re- settled again I ask myself how is it possible to create such beauty, something I sometimes feel is good for my ears to hear.
Wayne Gardiner is undoubtably the best deep house producer and I, as a deep house follower, am truly honored to be even reviewing Wayne Gardiner's work.