Artist: Valentino
Title: Flying
Label: Yoshitoshi Recordings
By: Michael Schreiber | 14 September 2002
Tracklist:

• A1: Original Mix
• A2: Reprise
• B1: Re-Edit

Valentino "Flying"

One might be surprised to find Valentino’s “Flying” on the Yoshitoshi label, known more for harder house tracks. But it's a welcome surprise, showcasing a more atmospheric trance-like house style tune.

If you enjoyed Banda Sonora "Guitarra G" (Defected/Tommy Boy Silver), then you'll want to consider "Flying," for it's style is very similar, putting the focus on the guitar instrumentation as the driving element of the track. This smooth balearic groove was featured many times over in Ibiza this season and actually became one of the more widely known anthems. It is also featured on cd 2 of “Transport 6” mixed by Trendroid (Kinetic/Reprise).

The Original Mix kicks in right away with a very up-tempo punchy beat. The additional samples heard are aptly described by the title "flying", for they weave back and forth into the forefront between each other. There's a sweeping clapping sound and looping digital effect, and most prominent is a high key chime brought in just around the time the guitar solo is introduced. As the track progresses, a two chord piano melody comes in and then the guitar solo, as the piano follows underneath until the guitar continues on its own more lengthy progression.

The Re-Edit has similar punchy beats combined with a triangular bell tapping. A deeper minor key chord echoes and then the piano melody of the original mix comes in. A bassline trails the guitar solo instead of the original mix’s piano chords. Although as faint sounding as it may seem, a synthesized melody endulates back and forth between the speakers which is a nice "flying" effect that’s brought in the remaining four minutes. I found this version to not pack as much energy/kick as the original due in part to fewer elements comprising it.

The "reprise" is mostly a beatless version, similar in nature to a "padapella." Clocking in at a short 2:05 minutes, it can be used for layering into other tracks. The spacelike digital looping chimes echo from the original mix as the piano chords are repeated. When the guitar solo comes in, the piano drops out and a full background symphonic synth is underneath, until it becomes louder and brings the track to a huge climatic ending.

If you’re looking for a track to bring on dreams of the tropical breezes and ocean sunsets on those cold autumn nights…then look no further as “Flying” will have you off to Ibiza in no time. Release is set for October 1st.