david versace: okra
Francisco Espregueira
David Versace is a talented keyboardist, producer and composer hailing from from Meanjin, Queensland, that just released his debut LP Okra on La Sape Records. Another export from the increasingly fervent musical shores of Australia, Versace’s sonic choices range from jazz and samba to ambient works and the odd dance-floor heater. Also part of the nu-jazz dance outfit First Beige, the Australian artist has been self releasing a number of tracks over the past few years. This, eventually, caught the attention of the excellent selectors at La Sape Records.
Composed by seven tracks, Okra is a conceptual body of work that flows through a culmination of raw organic concepts conceived In The Moment. The album moves with freedom and elasticity, blending live and electronic elements, but mostly making you feel like the music is playing close to you. That was one of David Versace’s goals for the sonic concept of this project, inviting talented musicians to help him deliver the unique sound present in Okra. This is a very elegant record and Versace’s most articulated work yet. We’ll keep him close eager to know his future works. Available on vinyl, courtesy of La Sape.
“I wanted the album to sound live, bright and loose so I decided that the best way to tackle it was to get in a room with a really strong rhythm section and build the tracks from the ground up.”
David Versace: Piano, Synths, Cuica, Bass, Double Bass & Percussion.
Jasper Gundersen: Drums
Luis Manuel: Percussion
Curtis Scibilia: Trumpet on Summer Party, KP Cruisin & Saguaro
Julia Beiers: Bass Guitar on Summer Party
Oscar Borschmann: Additional Synths on Heat Rays