Back in 1976, the mighty MFSB (the cream of Philadelphia’s soul session men) released an album, ‘Summertime’. Released on PIR, the opening track was ‘Picnic In the Park’. The Gamble/Huff song was eventually released as a single and with a deep bass line and all the usual Philly flourishes, it became a disco smash and is considered one of MFSB’s definitive tracks!
Well, if you fancy a slice of contemporary park life, the track’s back with us in a sweeping seven and a half minute new mix from one of America’s top DJs and mixers, DJ MASTER SWITCH (Ronald Ellis). The man has quite a CV. We’re told that young Ron was turned on to soul and dance in the 80s and since then he’s not looked back!
For the release, this new tweak has been retitled ‘In The Park’, but Master Switch keeps all the other essential elements of the original intact – notably the booming bass line and the signature vibes. However he throws all kinds of everything else into the mix – notably samples from Steely Dan’s ‘Do It Again’. It all makes for an infectious dance cocktail and it’s good to go now via Bandcamp!
