Chicago, IL -
To start off, thanks for the feedback on my first column from those who were resourceful enough to hunt down my e-mail address… I need to hide that better! But seriously, I appreciate the response so far and welcome more questions and comments from anyone. Drop me a note.
Let’s take another stroll through one of the big city clubs to hear the latest sounds. Starting the evening in the lounge, a few tunes may catch your ear. First up on King Street Records is Ageha, “A Better World”, featuring vocals by Jocelyn Brown and Loleatta Holloway with mixes by Blaze, Turbo and Angel Moraes (my favorite). Also look for new mixes from Rob Rives, Rui da Silva and Trendroid of “Can You Find The Heart” by Ananda Project on Nite Grooves. Cevin Fisher never disappoints, as proven by his latest on Subversive, “All My Friends.” Those who like to groove will appreciate “Like It?” by Andy Panayi (Groove Pleasure).
As the evening picks up, let’s wander onto the main dance floor to hear some divas calling. You may recognize Skin’s voice from her days as the former Skunk Anasie singer… “Faithfulness” (EMI) is her first solo number and she chose wisely by having Scumfrog perform his magic on her haunting vocals in this remix (but don’t fall off your box during the drops…). Not to be outdone by Scumfrog, Gabriel & Dresden are determined to remix every diva they can get their hands on and deliver a progressive, electro-funk take of Kristine W’s latest, “Save My Soul.” Dido (lead singer from Faithless) is sure to hit the charts again with a mix by Beginnerz of “White Flag” (Arista), and Kelly Clarkson lets Mauve have a turn at revamping “Miss Independent” (BMG) as a house track before it leaves the charts.
What do Madonna and Gloria Estefan have in common? Probably many things that Gloria won’t admit to… But they both are said to be pleased with Tracy Young’s take on their recent tracks, “Nothing Fails” (diva #1) and “Wrapped” (diva #2). Also, word on the street is that Norty Cotto’s mixes of “Feel Good Time" did not receive a rosy review from Pink and won't be heard. Too bad as NC has produced many hits lately and his mixes may have given Pink’s track the added boost it needed. Keep your eyes out for Kevin Aviance’s new album “Entity” (Emerge Records) which hits stores soon and features his latest hits, “Give It Up” and “Alive”, along with many soon-to-be hits.
Fans of Ralphi’s remix of the classic Sylvester track (found on Centaur’s Fireball CD) should listen for “Mighty Real 2003” on Tinted Records, featuring a new mix by Tribal Kouncil… tribal beats and Sylvester’s crooning voice work surprisingly well together. Also worth mention is a white label release of “Coburn vs. Cobain”, featuring a progressive take on Nirvana’s “Come As U R”.
The hour is getting late, so let’s continue dancing to the darker side of the club to find the latest in tribal thumps and progressive rhythms. Star 69 Records’ fall invasion begins with Rauhofer’s release of “This Is My House”, blending NY tech house and an old school flavor. Listen for the Spanish percussive sounds of Chus & Ceballos combined with the talents of Castelli in a highly recommended progressive track called “Quimera” (Fluential). Another combination that works well is the team of DJ Vibe and Pete Tha Zouk, as shown in their tribal collaboration, “Solid Textures” (Low Pressings).
Check out the latest from Roger Sanchez’ label, Stealth Records, which features a twin-pack EP of tracks by the Vibe Residents featuring Dragonfly… of special note is the track “The DJ’s Calling” which you’ll know by its repetitive sampling of that phrase layered with an explosion of drums. Speaking of drums, Royal Drums and Richard Grey present “King Master” with a track called “Drummer Madness” which is worth a listen. Tommy Boy features “Future Funk” by Seth Lawrence with D. Ramirez’ delivering a mix of tech sounds and a bassline with just enough funk (go figure) to move the dance floor. More progressive beats and the sultry vocals of Jo Price can be found on Rolasoul’s “Desire” (Plastic Fantastic).
Also found in this corner, Harlequin shows us its progressive side with a new track from Krome Avenue feat. Shauna Solomon ("Movin' On") and another from Peter Rage ("Love Is?"). Superchumbo’s “Irresistible” had such staying power that Twisted Records waited until now to unfurl Superchumbo’s latest track “This Beat Is”… and just wait until next month when the label releases a second set of mixes by Victor Calderone and Peace Division. Twisted’s relationship with Yoko Ono continues with its upcoming release of “Fly” and “Will I” on the flipside. And no, rumors that Yoko signed with this label based solely on its descriptive name are simply not true…
watch for… Where is Hex Hector? Some have been asking when he’ll unleash a hot new diva anthem. Well, don’t expect more of the same ole thing from H2. You may have noticed that his recent mixes of pop icons, Ricky Martin (“Relight My Fire”) and Sarah Brightman (“Harem”), were of a slightly different flavor than his older tracks. Expect more evolution as Hex has been playing with a darker, groovy sound of late. Upcoming tracks include Cy Curnin’ “The Madman” (HQ2 Ent.) and Aymie “The Light” (Star 69 Records).
have you heard…? Centaur Music, synonymous with circuit dance music, continues to provide quality compilations for those long flights to the next event. Its latest release in the Party Groove series has Alyson Calagna spending “A Weekend In Oz”… and watch for her to spend a weekend in Chicago when she returns to Hydrate on September 27th. Tony Moran (interview) continues to lend his talent to the mix with his soon-to-be released addition to the Global Groove collection, Clubland 2.
track of the week... Pankaj & Matt Edwards – 4 Corners (Fuju)
Okay, I don’t like to repeat myself but it has to be said – BIG ROOM MAYHEM! This track by Pankaj & Matt Edwards (better known under the name Trendroid) is aided by the talented Peter Bailey. His mix blends galloping tribal beats with exploding synths and male vocals chanting about the “church of the future”. Sign me up as the next disciple!
featured artists… Adam and Steve
With roots in NY and having been transplanted to Chicago, I was intrigued when I heard of a dynamic duo with origins in both cities getting much word on the street. Click here to find out more about these rising stars in the music and club scene… More...
dj spotlight… Mark Anthony
During his visit to the Windy City this past weekend, DJ Mark Anthony turned up the music and kept the crowd dancing at Circuit until they turned on the lights. I was able to catch Mark for a few moments to ask some questions, so click here for his interview…
Let’s take another stroll through one of the big city clubs to hear the latest sounds. Starting the evening in the lounge, a few tunes may catch your ear. First up on King Street Records is Ageha, “A Better World”, featuring vocals by Jocelyn Brown and Loleatta Holloway with mixes by Blaze, Turbo and Angel Moraes (my favorite). Also look for new mixes from Rob Rives, Rui da Silva and Trendroid of “Can You Find The Heart” by Ananda Project on Nite Grooves. Cevin Fisher never disappoints, as proven by his latest on Subversive, “All My Friends.” Those who like to groove will appreciate “Like It?” by Andy Panayi (Groove Pleasure).
As the evening picks up, let’s wander onto the main dance floor to hear some divas calling. You may recognize Skin’s voice from her days as the former Skunk Anasie singer… “Faithfulness” (EMI) is her first solo number and she chose wisely by having Scumfrog perform his magic on her haunting vocals in this remix (but don’t fall off your box during the drops…). Not to be outdone by Scumfrog, Gabriel & Dresden are determined to remix every diva they can get their hands on and deliver a progressive, electro-funk take of Kristine W’s latest, “Save My Soul.” Dido (lead singer from Faithless) is sure to hit the charts again with a mix by Beginnerz of “White Flag” (Arista), and Kelly Clarkson lets Mauve have a turn at revamping “Miss Independent” (BMG) as a house track before it leaves the charts.
What do Madonna and Gloria Estefan have in common? Probably many things that Gloria won’t admit to… But they both are said to be pleased with Tracy Young’s take on their recent tracks, “Nothing Fails” (diva #1) and “Wrapped” (diva #2). Also, word on the street is that Norty Cotto’s mixes of “Feel Good Time" did not receive a rosy review from Pink and won't be heard. Too bad as NC has produced many hits lately and his mixes may have given Pink’s track the added boost it needed. Keep your eyes out for Kevin Aviance’s new album “Entity” (Emerge Records) which hits stores soon and features his latest hits, “Give It Up” and “Alive”, along with many soon-to-be hits.
Fans of Ralphi’s remix of the classic Sylvester track (found on Centaur’s Fireball CD) should listen for “Mighty Real 2003” on Tinted Records, featuring a new mix by Tribal Kouncil… tribal beats and Sylvester’s crooning voice work surprisingly well together. Also worth mention is a white label release of “Coburn vs. Cobain”, featuring a progressive take on Nirvana’s “Come As U R”.
The hour is getting late, so let’s continue dancing to the darker side of the club to find the latest in tribal thumps and progressive rhythms. Star 69 Records’ fall invasion begins with Rauhofer’s release of “This Is My House”, blending NY tech house and an old school flavor. Listen for the Spanish percussive sounds of Chus & Ceballos combined with the talents of Castelli in a highly recommended progressive track called “Quimera” (Fluential). Another combination that works well is the team of DJ Vibe and Pete Tha Zouk, as shown in their tribal collaboration, “Solid Textures” (Low Pressings).
Check out the latest from Roger Sanchez’ label, Stealth Records, which features a twin-pack EP of tracks by the Vibe Residents featuring Dragonfly… of special note is the track “The DJ’s Calling” which you’ll know by its repetitive sampling of that phrase layered with an explosion of drums. Speaking of drums, Royal Drums and Richard Grey present “King Master” with a track called “Drummer Madness” which is worth a listen. Tommy Boy features “Future Funk” by Seth Lawrence with D. Ramirez’ delivering a mix of tech sounds and a bassline with just enough funk (go figure) to move the dance floor. More progressive beats and the sultry vocals of Jo Price can be found on Rolasoul’s “Desire” (Plastic Fantastic).
Also found in this corner, Harlequin shows us its progressive side with a new track from Krome Avenue feat. Shauna Solomon ("Movin' On") and another from Peter Rage ("Love Is?"). Superchumbo’s “Irresistible” had such staying power that Twisted Records waited until now to unfurl Superchumbo’s latest track “This Beat Is”… and just wait until next month when the label releases a second set of mixes by Victor Calderone and Peace Division. Twisted’s relationship with Yoko Ono continues with its upcoming release of “Fly” and “Will I” on the flipside. And no, rumors that Yoko signed with this label based solely on its descriptive name are simply not true…
watch for… Where is Hex Hector? Some have been asking when he’ll unleash a hot new diva anthem. Well, don’t expect more of the same ole thing from H2. You may have noticed that his recent mixes of pop icons, Ricky Martin (“Relight My Fire”) and Sarah Brightman (“Harem”), were of a slightly different flavor than his older tracks. Expect more evolution as Hex has been playing with a darker, groovy sound of late. Upcoming tracks include Cy Curnin’ “The Madman” (HQ2 Ent.) and Aymie “The Light” (Star 69 Records).
have you heard…? Centaur Music, synonymous with circuit dance music, continues to provide quality compilations for those long flights to the next event. Its latest release in the Party Groove series has Alyson Calagna spending “A Weekend In Oz”… and watch for her to spend a weekend in Chicago when she returns to Hydrate on September 27th. Tony Moran (interview) continues to lend his talent to the mix with his soon-to-be released addition to the Global Groove collection, Clubland 2.
track of the week... Pankaj & Matt Edwards – 4 Corners (Fuju)
Okay, I don’t like to repeat myself but it has to be said – BIG ROOM MAYHEM! This track by Pankaj & Matt Edwards (better known under the name Trendroid) is aided by the talented Peter Bailey. His mix blends galloping tribal beats with exploding synths and male vocals chanting about the “church of the future”. Sign me up as the next disciple!
featured artists… Adam and Steve
With roots in NY and having been transplanted to Chicago, I was intrigued when I heard of a dynamic duo with origins in both cities getting much word on the street. Click here to find out more about these rising stars in the music and club scene… More...
dj spotlight… Mark Anthony
During his visit to the Windy City this past weekend, DJ Mark Anthony turned up the music and kept the crowd dancing at Circuit until they turned on the lights. I was able to catch Mark for a few moments to ask some questions, so click here for his interview…
