Sat. September 10, 2005
What more could a DJ, producer, remixer, and BillBoard Top Ten artist want? How about his own 2-disc album. That’s right. DJ Mike Cruz releases his own 2-disc album entitled, Arrival… as if this is his arrival on the scene. But it isn’t. Far from it.
DJ Mike Cruz has been spinning for over twelve years in the US and abroad. He’s one of just a handful of names that have been associated with long term success in the industry. Cruz’s wicked blend of underground, tribal infused grooves have solidified his reputation as one of the most well-regarded DJ’s on today’s circuit. And Mike is showing now signs of slowing down. Not by a long shot.
Cruz’s boundless energy and enthusiasm are reflected in his quest to make his own brand of music known to audiences worldwide. While maintaining his decade long residency at Krash in Chelsea, NYC, Cruz is now taking his trademark house-fusion sound to the global scene, traveling to spin in major international cities such as Vancouver, Cancun, Tel Aviv, and Madrid. And while all this was happening, Cruz still found the time to put together a CD full of awe-inspiring, twisted, soul-soaked remixes for a variety of artists.
“Music is my life, tribal is my soul,” says Mike. “I became a CJ and began producing and remixing because I love music and having the opportunity to put my own personal stamp on it. For me, music is such a powerful vehicle…”
What kind of vehicle is Cruz’s CD, Arrival? It’s not a little hatchback chugging along. It’s not a big overpriced HumV. It’s not the boring ol’ sedan your grandma drives. No, Arrival is a sleek new sportscar—a convertible because the power of these mixes has blown the top off.
Arrival kicks off with Deppa Soul’s “As I Am,” then rolls right into Amber’s “Voodoo” and Notty Cotto’s “I’ll Be Your Freak.” Georgie Porgie’s “Sunshine” makes an appearance (of course!) as does his and Joi Cardwell’s “It’s Over.” Cruz puts his thumb on Inaya Day and China Ro’s “Movin’ Up 05” and Nayobe’s “You’re My Angel.” And let’s not forget Jason’s “Foolish Mind Games.” Disc Two shakes it up even more with the Todd Gardner's featured track of Shawnee Taylor’s “The Only One,” DJ Tomer’s feat of Robbyne’s “And Now You Left Me,” and Skylark’s “That’s More Like It.” The second disc closes out with Ralphie’s “Brinca ’05,” Cruz’s own “Noahs In The Air ‘05” and Anthony Lamont’s “Oh Really.” For an album that starts off with “As I Am”, the final track, “Oh Really” is the perfect exclamation point to the entire effort.
Unlike a lot of other circuit dance CD’s, this one isn’t made from the aftermath of a circuit party. This one is purely out there for the love of it. Arrival will make you feel like you’ve arrived—at a party, with friends, where the music just won’t stop and you don’t want it to. DJ Mike Cruz has done himself proud with this one.
Written By Chris S. Witwer
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