That Day
CD SD 120-2
Release Date 21.06.2004

Magic Number is Ross Hillard, who hails from the English city of Leicester. He took a demo of his song ‘That Day’ to Mantis Recordings back in 2001. It was a fabulously soulful, Latin flavoured song, with a wonderful vocal performance from local session singer Rachel Foster and Rhodes piano by non other than Raymond Angry from The Blackbyrds. Mantis main man Martin ‘Atjazz’ Iveson was suitably impressed, and helped Ross to produce the track. Which was released later that year, receiving high praise from many well respected DJ’s and producers, including the likes of Larry Heard, Laurent Garnier and Ben Watt. The music press also added their own encouraging reactions.

Keeping the winning lineup of Ross as writer, and Atjazz as producer, an album gradually began to take shape. It was as the album was nearing completion, that a CDR of some of the songs fell onto the desk of us here at Stereo Deluxe. The songs were strong, and expressive. Definitely something that’s always a pleasure to receive in the mail. So, here we are, some months down the line, extremely happy to be releasing the debut Magic Number album ‘That Day’.

The vocal heart of the Magic Number project is Edinburgh born soul singer Jane Hamilton. She makes the first of five appearances on the album with the song ‘Waiting (For You)’. A downtempo number with an elasticated bass sound, it’s soul music of the highest order. ‘Sorry’, also has a stunning performance from Jane. The soaring strings heighten the energy of the compelling lyrics and lively drums. The song may be familiar to some, as it was previously released as a single on Mantis. This led to Jane and Ross working with further Sonar Kollektiv artists. Slope’s ‘Find our Love’ and Deyampert’s ‘It’s You’, both have Jane’s wonderful voice.

Though the title may not suggest it, ‘Sad World’ is an optimistic song, which should raise a smile on most faces. It’s another string-laden beauty with Jane again showing why her gorgeous voice is so loved by Ross. On ‘Sun Song’ Vicki Harrop’s simple, but sexy, vocal hook, and the dazzling progression of the harmonies work perfectly. When performed live, with backing singers, it’s never failed to fill the room with delight. ‘Sun Song’ leads beautifully to the anthemic ‘Fly Away’, which is also the first Magic Number single for Stereo Deluxe. It’s a totally euphoric house record, with Jane yet again delivering the goods.

The finale of the album is the sort of dance track that makes you reminisce of a great night out. ‘Everyday’ is probably best described as a Jersey Garage dub, which oozes positivity. It’ll leave you with a warm satisfied vibe. Which we hope this whole album does.