Review: Bakermat - Grace Note (Big Top Amsterdam)

The house tradition of gospel music is at the top of the glitter ball with Bakermat  and  'Grace Note,' out on Big Top Amsterdam; well it is Sunday!

You may recall that late last year, Bakermat (along with AMANZI, Ampersounds, Fred Falke, Zen Freeman) were saving their souls with a back to my Donna Summer disco roots track 'Save My Soul'.  And before the Dutch DJ/Producer released 'Praise Break' including our favourite horn and string drenched disco-umpah Soulchaser remix.

Well, after that success why wouldn't he return to the table for more gospel house inspriation for 'Grace Note'.  The lead track 'House Is The Religion', depending on your point of view, may have some blasphemy in the lyrics (Ed. check out today's BBC Radio 4 programme and you might think who can throw the first stone) compared to the worshipful 'Life' as remixed by Ron Carroll, "legend on the scene" - see interview with Tom Lilly HERE (and Best of 2024 Disco Express reviw HERE)

And talking about ireverant, 'Say You Wanna Be' is full on gospell choir and then we go a bit Hacienda-retro with FM sax solo, did someone say "Baker-Steet-mat?" ('Without Ya') but all is forgiven with 'Work It Out' - Sister Act in the gym!

There used to be a club called 'Halo' in a former church and 'Grace Note' gets that vibe spot on, like they say, the aim is for a "great night at a club, festival - or church, for that matter. Pure joy, unity, and transcendence." Nailed it.

Artist: Bakermat
Title: Grace Note
Release date: 31st January, 2025
Label : Big Top Amsterdam
Catalog Number :WP3053
Format:  Vinyl [Feb 07, 2025]/ Digital / Bandcamp