been a while since we had an 'under the influence with...' post so i am chuffed to have a post back with blackwax who hails from the UK and who i first of on gilles peterson's show a few weeks ago with his amazing edit of jazzanova's 'i can see' featuring ben westbeech. such a drum heavy edit that pares the vocals and lays down the bass with rich strings that draw close to near perfection (streamed below). so, off i went in search of his influences and this is what we got back. such an insight into quality music that inspires me to discover more.
cheers mate.
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When I was asked to write a list of music that has influenced my sound I knew I was in for a daunting task as “my sound” tends to be extremely varied within the realms of danceable music. Also my influences come from not only artists but in the form of various people that help shaped my tastes in music over the years. Some are DJ’s some are producers some are both.
Where to start? At the beginning I guess.
Max Rees (DJ, Record store owner and collector)
When talking about who influenced me Max has to be high on the list. More than anyone else Max introduced me to massive amounts of music. Owner of Hot Numbers record store Max introduced me to Soul, Jazz, Funk, Disco House music and everything in between with his store full of tunes his knowledge and his DJ sets across the entire UK.
Frankie Knuckles – Your Love
One of the 1st Chicago House records I purchased. This was played at some many great party’s and clubs back as a new release. Yet it still manages to sound fresh in today’s clubs. Frankie was an originator and helped form a new culture and sound.
Download 1-01 Your_Love
(*you may recognise this tune from candi stanton's take 'you've got the love' which i think may have seen more acclaim (correct me if i'm wrong). candi stanton plays at whelans in dublin next week which will be an amazing night by all accounts.)
Roy Ayers – Everybody Loves The Sunshine
So many great memories (Usually associated with summer)
Massive song at Soul Weekenders and All dayers both of which have been integral to my musical back ground
Download 05 Everybody Loves the Sunshine
4 Hero – Various
Difficult to name just one song from Dego, Marc Mac and the gang as there have been so many influential tracks over the years Les Fleur, Black Gold Of The Sun (see NuYorican Soul below) New , I’ve Known rivers etc. I believe they helped shape the UK’s dance scene constantly innovating and surprising us with music and some of the best beat making around.
Download Another Day
Francois Kevorkian – Wave records and more
The mad scientist! Francois was there at the height of New York cities club land as a DJ and producer with labels like 1980’s Prelude records. Francois has managed to move with the times through nearly 4 decades and still stays at the very top of the game. His dub sensibilities have channeled into his production and DJ work bringing us some of the best club music and DJ sets I have ever witnessed. Always full of surprises he is real pleasure listen too weather on wax or in a club. His deep space party’s are still some of the most memorable ever and tracks like Time and Space still move floors across the world.
Bobby Womack – How could you break my heart?
Choosing just ONE soul record is impossible but you can bet that in any top 20 list I make this will feature in it. So many memories are evoked when I hear this song and they usually involve a sea of smiling, singing voices. Bobby’s distinctive voice and guitar playing make this a true soul music classic
Phil Asher – Coop, Soul Heaven, Chilli Funk, Archive records and more
Although I have known of Phil’s music for many years and have many pieces of his music in my collection it wasn’t until we met in person that I realised just want a true gent this man is. Phil has been an inspiration in my recent move into production work.
I think maybe if it wasn’t for Phil I may not have soldiered foreword in making my own tracks as I have. My only hope is that one day my beats can be half as good as his!
Lonnie Liston Smith – Expansions
Possibly one of the best jazz funk dance records ever made
An instantly recognisable intro that has the capacity to ignite almost every dance floor I have played to. Never out of the DJ box kind of track
Voodoo Ray - Guy Called Gerald
Mental! This evokes memories of raves and the summer of love. Open air parties with not just 100 people but 1000’s. How could anything from those special times not get a mention? Acid!
Download Voodoo Ray
Paris: I Choose You
Another soul classic and the 1st record at my wedding so I cant leave that one out.“2 Step Soul” throughout the soul scene was always something I was always drawn too. Some of my favourite records of all time can be included in that description
Donald Byrd – Paces and Spaces
Another jazz record, the whole LP is brilliant. From the smooth summer sounds of Wind Parade to the energy of Change and Dominoes This is one of those rare LP’s that you can play from start to finish and not hear a single bad moment add to that the Mizell brothers involvement and you have the makings of one of the best pieces of recorded music in history
Masters at Work – NuYorican Soul
Maw’s contribution to dance music is unparalleled. There now classic LP NuYorican Soul was a true landmark piece. Drawing in collaborations from far and wide to bring this unique recording was something that had not been done for some time.
George Benson, Vincent Montana jnr, Jocelyn Brown, Tito Puente, Roy Ayers and India brought there special pieces to this great LP. As for Nervous track well just listen I cant say more than that!
Download 01 I Am the Black Gold of the Sun (4 Hero remix)
Third World – Now That we Found Love
Never out of my DJ Box! One of my all time favourites. A great song with a feel good factor. Always guaranteed for those sing along moments. Classic.
Sounds of Blackness – Optimistic
Pure black gold. A full gospel choir delivering an inspirational message. If you ever get chance to see them perform live do it! This gives me Goosebumps and brings tears of joy.
Eddie Russ – Zaius
Back on the Jazz tip. A timeless classic that evokes memories of The Blue Note in Hoxton Square London for those infamous Soul Surgery sets with Dr Bob Jones.
Bob Jones – Southport Weekender, Chilli Funk Records, Black on Black ETC
Dr Bob is another man that has had a huge influence on me musically.
His DJ sets at the Surgery, to the Southport weekender have turned me on to so many great records. Not only that but has been responsible for producing and remixing a plethora of great inspirational black music. He has worked with artists such as The Temptations, Bobby Womack, Nu Colours, Al Green, Daryl Hall to name just a few.
After 40 years in the business he continues to be an influence on music lover’s world wide.
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Just commented on the main site. I saw too a lot of fusion tracks.
Posted by: trace minerals research | June 15, 2011 at 10:50 AM