3 Chairs...Have a seat!

This may be a relatively short Blog, but I have a need to get this out! Now, there have been some LIVE ass parties here lately, but that 3 Chairs party was off the MF'n chain! It changed my musical life.

Rarely do I go to parties and not hear the same thing (which is cool, I like it) it gives me that "feel good" kinda feeling. However the 3 Chairs party took me to another place all together. I learned that I dont have to be sprinkled with new music to appreciate it! I grew (musically)- thank you fellas. What I loved most is seeing people of all different ethnicities there. Some came from as far away as Japan..wow.. 17 hour flight just to see our homegrown talent! Ya did ya thang fellas... ya did ya thang. That night I heard 3 maybe 4 songs I knew... and ya know what??? IT WAS FREGGIN AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Both the Red and Blue side were wall to wall House Heads, young, old, black, white, asian, we were all there. ( and remember House is universal it knows NO color, race, or sexual orientation).

I would be remised if I did not say(...and this is just my opinion) I was a lil taken aback because I did not see more Detroiters there, more black folk.. ( again...it’s cool just surprised that’s all) guess some know how and who to appreciate while others do not!

From the moment you walked in it was straight BANG... go HARD or GO home! It was NOT for the weak. It was for House music LOVERS! It was for those who like to groove. It was everything that Movement/DEMF is...only in February. Yes the dance floor stayed packed! Not once was it cleared.

That night I got to scratch two DJs off my bucket list, Mr. Theo Parrish and Mr. Marcellus Pittman ( more about those two later)

Ok. Kenny Dixon Jr. AKA Moodyman, (did I mention he is the epitome of "cool") That man threw everything at you including the kitchen sink, and made it blend together like the genius that he is...He went straight Midnight Funk Association- like back when Mojo was in rare form. He went classic House, new House, Kenny's House..

Rick Wilhite, that night I got to see what Rick (international) Wilhite plays like. Again, if you not a true lover of the music you couldn’t wrap your heads at what he was puttin down. It was all PURE FIYAH!!

Marcellus Pittman, SEXY SET dude.. music was all that and more. Euro, transit, NYC, Chi, with that distinct Detroit vibe. I was so happy to hear this House Cat spin the effects where so choice! Head bobbin and fist pumpin all night to Mr. Pittman.

While they all thru the fuck down... and boy oh boy did they have one powerful set..I have to give it up to Theo Parrish( not to take away anything from the other 3) I..I...yeah, um I have NO words for Theo other than...THAT MAN IS A GAWD- sorry Norm( I usually reserve that saying for him). To my untrained ear im thinking Theo plays House with a blend of Euro Techno but not Industrial.. just more of a Techno feel, but it was House- go figure! I walked in on Theo's set, and I think I saw him beat his chest and proclaim that HE was the king of the world...and I was glad to be in his world. ( ok he didnt really do that, but he should have).

While each DJ does their own thing outside of 3 Chairs, it was nice to see them pool their collective talents and have one helluva record release party. I was informed on several different occasions that what I saw Saturday was as rare as a pink moon.

What put a smile on my face was the end of the night... I have NEVER EVER heard the music stop and the people say, "more more more, and encore! When I say the music stopped thats what it did and the people would NOT move until someone put another record on. ( ok um Josh, you know I have to have a word with you dont cha).

All vinyl set, 4 incredible DJs/producers. Top notch sound, great venue, crisp night, warm feeling. House music with no interruptions on the Blue side. We danced, raised our fist, bobbed our heads collectively.. for the love of House, for the love of beats, for the love of dance.

To date my top parties have to be... The Meet party, Al Esters birthday and 3 Chairs..Because it was at those gigs that I saw what House really could be. I saw LOVE! I saw togetherness! I saw what we are all made of.

So Im just going to throw this out there.. If you all read this. Yeah, don't make us wait until we are in wheelchairs and wearing Depends to have another event like the one you just had. We deserve more of what you 4 dished out! You owe us!!!.. (ok maybe you don’t but I had to play that hand).

I had a chance to listen to the record that Kenny gave out. um.. yeah, all white label but I KNOW what song Kenny did, Great intro, love the elements, love the uncommon way you blend sound, and make it sound right as rain. The other tracks on the LP/EP/Album (hell I don’t know what its called) all well worth the purchase. It should be in everyone who is about the music's collection.

If you were one of the few who got a copy, good for you. If you were one of the VERY few who got an autograph copy, consider yourself even luckier.

Saturday night...real rite! I love it when a plan comes together. Theo, Kenny, Rick, and MARCELLUS! Damn proud to say that I got a chance to experience my 1st 3 Chairs event. I’m sold, I learned, I can say in years to come... I was there! If you were not... sucks donkey nuts to be YOU! Cause that night 3 Chairs....

Let the Music Play!

P~

 

Rick Wilhite-The Gentle Giant

Of all the DJs I know THIS one is one of the ones I am most proud of....

Rick Wilhite entered my life in the halls of Benedictine High School, even back then he was just as nice, sweet and kind as he is today. I joke with him sometimes; he had to be the biggest baby in the hospital and one that entered into the world with a smile on his face. (oooh that smile)

I titled this Blog the, "Gentle Giant" after reading the dictionary definition of Gentle and Giant..he is the text book example of both. Don't believe me...look it up for yourself and I challenge you to say otherwise. Quiet, pensive, never a bad word to say about anyone, a true gentleman indeed...but deep down Rick is still a big kid at heart, avid movie lover, T-Shirt collector, Prince and Michael Jackson fan. Here's another tidbit...Rick can't dance yall..( Yup Rick, I SAID IT!) Last personal thing about Rick...Ya'll one of his favorite movies...Breakin- ok go head laugh, its ok!

I wonder what would really happen if someone got this Cat mad. ( I don't think I'd want to be around to see that) funny thing to me is when I hear the women call him, Big Sexy(cracks me up EVERY time) you talking about Rick??? really?? lil Ricky Wilhite...humm (but real talk)- there is some truth to that nickname..

Anywho.. back in high school I didn't even know this Cat was a DJ he was just another underclassmen in the halls with a magnificent smile and gentle spirit. I honestly thought he was a kid that never did any wrong. Always the good son ( now the Godson) who never gave his parents an ounce of worry or trouble..( Bet his ass was one of the baddest kids in the family) - you know its always the quiet ones..

As a DJ this man has racked up more frequent flyer miles than most..put more miles on his ride than most. Why? Because the man is just that damn good! He flows from turn tables to CDJs like its second nature to him. His selection of music is honestly one of the best around. He is not afraid to play something that we here in Detroit cannot even begin to wrap our minds around. I don't always agree with his selection but I have to respect his selection, cause bottom line, the man knows what the hell he's doing..and anyway I always end up liking the stuff he plays anyway(even the stuff I "claim" I don't like).

Rick is ALWAYS in HIGH demand, there is a reason for that..take a moment and quess...cause people know good shit when they hear good shit. Rick (in my opinion) has broken more songs here in the D than any other DJ..that I know of. Hey, there could be others, but of all the hot stuff I know of now... Rick Wilhite played it first.

Someone ask the question, "what have you done for House"? Welp, I can tell ya this... Rick has put out several tracks. Rick is international, Rick is part of SEVERL groups of well known DJs( Three Chairs, NuBang, Chosen Ones) Rick is relivant and timeless. I ask him.."you've travled to most places people only dream of. You can live anywhere you want to. Why do you stay here?" His answer was simple, "Cause Detroit is my home, and I would not want to be any other place than right here"! WOW...this man has been all over, and he picks Detroit, the place he grew up in to stay.

There are things about Rick that make me as proud of him as I am my own children, nothing for gossip and innuendo, but things I would rather keep just between us ( Friends). As a DJ he reins supreme, as a producer he is unmatched in his way of taking elements of sounds and blending them together to make the perfect beat.

I have seen Rick come in from..wherever ( again him and God have the MOST frequent flyer miles) and drop straight HEAT on the tables. Last year at Movement, Rick played... I THINK 3 parties in one night! THAT is dedication.. that is LOVE! I see you Rick, I know when ya tired, lost in thought, not feeling well, upset. And through those entire emotions, one thing I have never seen, is Rick take out any aggression, hostility, or say one bad word about anyone. ( but we aint THAT close, I’m sure it has happened).

So...what's next for Rick, well I'll tell ya, this coming Saturday 2/16/2013 Rick, Kenny Dixon Jr., Malik Pittman, Theo Parrish aka 3 Chairs..(bu...but wait, its FOUR of yall) will hold their record release party. Ive heard both MoodyMan and Rick, now I get to hear Malik and Theo. Something tells me those who will be there are in for an incredible experience.

Lastly, on a personal note. Rick is my FAVORITE person to debate with. Going head up with Rick completely makes my day ( I think its somekinda David and Goliath thing). Im right 99% of the time, just admit it Rick.. even YOU know it. But that's a debate for another time.

I’m so very proud of you Rick, you are now, and will always be one of my dearest friends, my brother and one of 3 that I would gladly fight for without batting an eye! You are one of the BEST things (ok persons) Detroit has to offer, you are homegrown, you are a DJs DJ ( I’ve only said that about one other DJ) and both of you are internationally known... says something bout cha don't it.

Bang the box this coming Saturday sweets.. I'll be there beaming as I always do, with pride and unconditional love. He may be a man of few words but...one thing Rick will always do is...

Let the Music Play

P~

 

 

Louie Vega Featuring House Of Rhumba -- Steel Congo

A House divided- Sibling Rivalry

I have thought about how I wanted to start this Blog. I had several ideas but nothing seemed to be the "right" one. So I will start it off this way... Abe Lincoln once said:

   " A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become lawful in all the States, old as well as new — North as well as South".

While Lincoln was speaking on the subject of Slavery I believe it is applicable in our House scene as well. We can NOT continue on the way we have been going. We can NOT continue the in fighting, low key back stabbing, and disrespect of someone we call our brother/sister. We are a House divided..

If House is a feeling, you must be mindful of how others feel.. not everyone will agree with you, and not everyone will like you. We MUST respect one another. I can't tell you the number of times and the number of DJs who say, " I paid my dues" -ummm, excuse me, but dues are paid over time.. you never stop paying them. Or.."I'm not going to his/her party or he/she jacked my style, sound, record I broke".  This one is the topper... "I been in the game since I was 2"- OK, SO WHAT! Someone will always be better than you.

How many DJs will see a up and comer and extend the right hand of fellowship and assist the new DJ (now, HOLD ON.. I know some of these new Cats are cocky as HELL and THINK they don't need the help)- um you DO need the help- trust me!

Ive talked to some who have assisted others in their path(s) to greatness and the one that helped them doesn't even get so much as a, "thank you"! Its common courtesy people... use it!

You have DJs hatin on other DJs.. promoters hatin on promoters... there is enough music for everyone to have a slice of the pie(maybe not enough venues) but you get my point. Yes, we are still underground but if we use what we were taught as children, maybe as adults we can stop acting like kids. Common courtesy, a helping hand, a "good job" or simple support of each other goes a long way.  While I spoke on support... lets start supporting our DJs. The ONLY job people do not get paid for is parenting. Pay ya DJ! They have worked hard to bring YOU what you want, for some its the way they feed their families. How would YOU feel if it was you.

Be fair across the board, we were taught not to lie, cheat, or steal(again the lessons we learned as children STILL apply as grown ups).

When will we stop letting our past hold up our present and dismantle our future?

The tenured DJ vs the basement/bedroom DJ.. Vets, some of y'all really are not that good, Newbies, some of Ya'll ain't that good either! So do one of two things, stay home and get your practice on or go into another profession. I was at an event not long ago, and I overheard two DJs talking about another one. The story goes like this...

-ya had two DJs bangin the box, one DJ did a HORRIBLE blend/mix I mean it was AWFUL.. now the two DJs in question joked about it(that's fine) but when they found out it was one of their mellows they gave that DJ a pass... and it was THAT DJ that (simply put) FUCKED UP the blend/mix! but ya laughed and shook your head when you thought it was someone else...someone you laugh and joke with. Behind the DJs back, ya talked about them..(grade school shit)

The Vinyl DJ vs the CDJ DJ... ok ok again, I AM A FAN! but here is the thing.. SO EFFIN WHAT if one plays vinyl and the other plays CDJs... so what! once people get some liquor in them and a blunt or two...they dont give a shit! I understand the quality of sound is better on one medium as opposed to the other ( yeah... I cant tell the difference) but Im a FAN!!!!!!! Vinyl DJs, you dont have to play on a medium that does not fit your taste...but appreciate the fact that there are those who do. CDJ DJs.. stop stickin your chest out saying, "maan I aint carrying all that shit" NEWSFLASH: you don't have to, but you DO have to respect those who do(common courtesy)

The Straight House Head vs the Gay House Head... IF I hear one more straight person say, " I'm not goin cause its too many gays there".. I swear I'm going to use some REAL harsh language! If it were NOT for the gay scene THIS scene may have been something that you only HEARD about from your gay uncle or aunt. Its NOT an "US" and "THEM" its WE..and just who the hell is "THEM"

Back to something I talked about early on in the Blog..NO ONE MAN OR WOMAN OWNS HOUSE MUSIC... do I need to repeat that..OK, NO ONE MAN OR WOMAN OWNS HOUSE MUSIC. You can't corner the market on this Thing of Ours.. and trust and believe someone out there is better than YOU! Stop hatin on those who try to keep themselves relevant..try going to one of their parties...they come to yours!

What is House music... It is, gospel, jazz, songs of our ancestors, it is funk, soul, four on the floor quarter note kicks. It is the same BPM's we hear in our mothers womb. It frees us from the day to day grind. We clean our homes to it. Drive to and from work to it. Fuck to it. Dance to it. Enjoy our brothers and sisters with it. My fear is one day this Thing of Ours will disappear, because we have not emancipated ourselves from the pettiness that is sibling rivalry...

House is about love, family, and everything that is good. Let's L!V by that. Its simple. Treat people the way you want to be treated, dance your way into Love and Happiness. We are one, Music is our sanctuary, music is our life, accept each other for who and what they are. Don't smile in the face of someone you say you love/like then turn around and talk about or laugh at them behind their back. Embrace each other the way the music embraces you. Put a GENUINE smile on each others face...and ALWAYS remember to....


Let the Music Play

P~

The Chi-Lites - My First Mistake - JMJ EDIT (low-res 64kbps) by JMJ EDITS

The Chi-Lites - My First Mistake - JMJ EDIT (low-res 64kbps) by JMJ EDITS