Peter Mavrik’s Clubbin’ Tip #7: Ask the DJ if (s)he takes requests before demanding they play a song. If they say no, be nice. Think before you make a request. If you’re listening to the latest Kylie, don’t request that Heavy D track you love from ’93 and expect it to be the next song. Above all, respect the set.
Well, I’m happy to say that quite a few fantastic tracks have crept onto the dance floor. Just like the flowers, the new music begins to bloom around this time of the year. The Winter Music Conference is also on the way, so a lot of producers are getting their big guns loaded and ready.
The Latin flavor of Scott Wozniak echoes around the ‘floor on his latest track Can I Hear The Drum. Obviously very heavy on the percussion, 83 West has edited this track into a frenzy, lounging it up and down with some sexy piano keys in the best traditions of Deep House. They’ve even done a pure beats-only track to let you fill the club (or your house) with their groove.
For the diva in all of you, Chance is back on the Generate Music 5 label. Her Aretha-like vocals have been transformed into my new personal anthem by Deepswing on a track called Diva. There’s five mixes and an a cappella, so if you’re in a dance floor kind of mood, the Full Range Vocal mix is perfect. The Deeprhodes Mix will jazz you up with some sax, and Eddie Amador’s Mochico Beatdown will make you get up and sweat. ”Cause I’m a diva. Diva!’ is my new mantra.
Druw and Perez featuring Don-E have put together a hot ‘floor filler on Coppyright Recordings called A Little Sunshine. My usual rule is that I don’t like male vocals. But this is definitely the exception. Both Knee Deep and Copyright (love them!) have taken their turn at remixing the original. The Knee Deep mix is a happy blend of trumpets and flutes. Equally as happy is the Copyright Mix, fusing a break-beat rhythm with sax and trumpets. The first time I played it, there were nothing but hands in the air on the ‘floor.
Finally, I will evangelize once again. You’ve just gotta love Disco House, especially when you’re hearing a remix of the legendary group First Choice. Their seminal Philly Disco sound is still making dance floors happy. RedSoul has created three remixes of Smarty Pants out on Philly Groove Records. The Groove Instrumental and Groove Mix tracks are high energy House, full of breakdowns, strings, and those delicious First Choice Disco vocals that will make you want to pick out your afro. The Philly Thumper remix is the ultimate in Disco House. The filtered vocals and string loops are paired with beats and bass lines that make you want to boogie until you drop. They’ve even thrown in a Disco Edit of the original track. This one is definitely something you do not want to miss.
With you in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik
peter@windycitytimes.com