DAVE LEE personifies that type of superfan turned musical guide to multiple genres, eras, and artists.
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Above all he’s someone who loves underground dance music, and that’s been the hallmark of his career as a DJ, music artist, label owner, and promoter. Lee has almost 1200 production and writing credits to his name, and along the way he’s released hundreds of singles, enjoyed chart hits (having never gone looking for one), scores of albums, over 170 remixes and many now-legendary compilations. A hugely respected imprint with a global fanbase, in addition to reaching 300 releases, Z Records celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019.
Formerly known as Joey Negro (Latin American pronunciation), Dave recently decided to discontinue the latter pseudonym. Although it had unwittingly became one of his most popular monikers, Lee originally chose the name for a record he released on New York label Nu Groove in 1990, so it would fit alongside the American DJs and producers who were releasing the music he loved. On 21st July 2020, Dave announced he would no longer release new music or projects under the name Joey Negro, and explained the background to the name’s origins, and his decision to stop using it, via a statement on Facebook.
Dave’s new single ‘Power Of The Mind’ (feat. Billy Valentine) is out now. The eagerly anticipated cut, featuring a vintage soul vocal from Billy Valentine, also happens to be Z Records 300th release, a phenomenal milestone for an independent label. This single follows the compilation album ‘Breaking The Beats: A personal selection of West London sounds’, compiled by Dave Lee and Will Fox. ‘Breaking The Beats…’ brings together the pair’s pick of some of the West London scene’s greatest tracks and remixes, featuring Bugz In The Attic, 4 Hero, Sunburst Band, Jazzanova, Atjazz, and many more.
For his exclusive Top 10, Dave’s selected Melba Moore, Melvo Baptiste, Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes, and many more. Check out the playlist below.
Sunburst Band and Sunlight Square – Perdoname
“Summery Brazilian influenced jazz funk from Claudio Passavanti and yours truly.”
Melba Moore – Just Doing Me
“It’s nice to hear Melba back on top form on a brand new song from Terry Hunter.”
Melvo Baptiste – Bad Company
“The Glitterbox resident makes a strong recording debut.”
Gin Tonic Orchestra – Hands On The Drums
“Kaidi Taitum with a percussion and chord heavy instrumental.”
China Moses – Breaking Point (Mochi Men remix)
“Great remix from Mochi Men of a strong song from Dee Dee Bridgewater’s daughter.”
Moodena – Rattlesnake And The Ant
“A sax-led crowd pleaser from the winner of Mr Sexy DJ 2007.”
Michele Chiavarini & Carmichael Musiclover – Divine Everything
“This is sophisticated, soulful house with a great vocal.”
Art Of Tones – Flower Child
“Uptempo funky disco from the Parisian artist.”
Saucy Lady Soul – Amplified
“Nice, mid-tempo jam with an 80s soul flavour out of Boston.”
Tom Misch & Yussef Dayes – Last 100
“Quirky and jazzy, this is my fave song from Tom’s recent album.”
