Sunday morning cup of coffee, a computer, my smokes, and a whole lot to say about this wonderful scene of ours.
Detroit has always been at the apex of the musical scene. From one of the oldest Jazz clubs (Bakers) to Motown.. George Clinton, Aretha, The Clark Sisters The Funk Brothers..etc..etc..
So you may be asking yourself what do Jazz, Funk, Soul, Gospel, Rhythm and Blues have to do with a Blog about House music. Well, if ya smart ( and I know ya are) all of those elements are the foundation for what I call...This Thing of Ours. Most people that have been in the game know the contributions/ impact Detroit has had on the House music scene. (Was not Was, Inner City, Ken Collier, ) come to mind. Its this, along with the music scene in Chicago that merged together to make US what WE are today. No doubt, the marriage of Detroit Progressive and Chicago House formed a bond of underground sound that keeps the clubs packed ( and sometimes light and lively-not so packed crowd) you don't really need a crowd to have a party. We are WORLD WIDE BABY!!!
With that being said, lets talk about what's been going down at some of Detroit's HOTTEST music venues. Started off the year with Al's annual birthday bash (TV), Three Chairs record release party (TV), Phil and Christa's birthday party (The Belmont), the late night set for DJ RayBone Jones (Got Mixes), Gruv Therapy( Waterfalls), The Heavy Hitters of House (Hazels place), Connecting the Compass (TV), and now every 2nd Sunday The Sonic Natives (The Grasshopper). Can't forget Motor City Wine and the House Gallery Cats... and in just a few weeks Jokes and Jams feat. Mike Dunn BABY (L!V)!! DETROIT continues to move you. Yes, 2013 is starting off on a very high note, with more to come. We have so much more to come. Ive written about both Al's party and Three Chairs. SO let me tell you about the rest. ( I'll try to be brief)..
Gruv Therapy: Eric Johnson, DJ Taz, Minx, and Mr. Tony Dennis. Slamming tracks, good vibes, and they work very well as a collective unit. Their styles compliments each other. If you have not had the chance to see them I highly suggest you do! New Venue ( Waterfalls) absolutely beautiful club. Great staff, friendly and personable.
A late night set for DJ RayBone Jones: ( Got Mixes) - ya know, Dysards spot. LOVE this spot, large, great sound ( thanks Mark Duncan) .. and in my opinion great venue for what we do, and for those who are not ready to go home after 2:00 am. Rick Ranger pulled out some STRAIGHT heaters/bangers. My 1st time hearing the Cat. (im going back for 2nds) RayBone got it all the way in for his birthday- he so smooth and funky wit it.
Phil & Christa's birthday: (The Belmont) This is becoming and much anticipated event, and next year they are taking it to The Chi, ( get ready people). I was not there for DJ Fifty Millz set ( but I have heard this Cat before and I have to say he's good) so I know the ones that were there enjoyed what he put down. The Godmother, Stacey "Hotwaxx" Hale, her set was pure FIYAH! Girl went there and took us with her. (um Stacey, I left your money on the nightstand) Christa, always a pleasure watching her spin, she brings a fresh and loving face along with incredible skills. Andre Murph set.. ooh wee.. Murph.. Andre Murph, well let me tell you this..It looked like a Black Panther ralley when he played, our fist STAYED in the air. ( I left you some money on the night stand as well). Charlie and Brown, gave us what we love and look forward to everytime they get behind the box. Which brings me to the headliner for the night, DJ Boxx ( That brother threw DOWN)- my 1st time hearing him. ( yup, im going back for seconds) he knows his music and his crowd. I mean, while we (94 east and 94 west) love House, lets be real, we each have our own spin on it. DJ Boxx knows EXACTLY how to take that Chicago sound and apply it to the Detroit crowd. Not to mention he is one helluva producer.
The Heavy Hitters of House: (Hazels Place) Tink, Nervouse, Larry Vibe. I have not had the opportunity party with them but I have heard them each individually and they are all that and more. So with their combined talents I'm sure once you enter the venue you will NOT be disappointed.
The Sonic Natives: (Grasshopper) Tonight is the 1st night of what is sure to be the a great night for music every 2nd Sunday. Earl "Mixxin" McKinney, Allan C. Ester Jr. ( Hey.. is it just me or does anyone else wonder what the "C" stands for..) and Chris Habibian, I mean REALLY do I need to explain... those three are going to push the limits of sound tonight.
So last night at TV. OMG>>>>>>>>>> While everyone was GREAT Im going give a very special shout to Mr. Jon "Do It" Easley. For those of you who may have read my stat. Jon is the 1st person to dig his way to China. He got so deep, it was INCREDIBLE... HE was incredible. Jon is one underrated talent here in Detroit and I am SURE anyone who picks up his release will be very grateful they did. His selection is like NO other. If you have not heard him you are TRULY missing out. Pick up a copy of his EP..yeah... like NOW! Karizma, Karizma, Karizma... to me he is like Frankie Beverly and Maze. No matter how many times they/he comes to Detroit I will pay good money to hear him. Bruce brought some freshness with his selection and he looked so extra happy.. keep up the good work Buddy. Rick, Earl, great sets by all. I HATE that I missed The Butchers set. So I really can't speak on it. I AM going to get his EP though.
MOVEMENT is coming..( you cant stop it)-smile.. cause we don't stop. If the beginning of this year is any indication of what is in store for the spring/summer of 2013 then we are in for the rides of our lives. Stay tuned.. peoples....stay tuned.
New music by some of Detroits hottest DJs/Producers. Rick Wilhite, Kenny Dixon Jr. aka Moodyman, Theo Parrish, Marcellus Pittman, Delano Smith, Sean "The Butcher" Tate, Jon Easley, TJ Dumas, Gari Romalis and RayBone Jones ALL have new music to help keep Detroit in the forefront of the House music industry and are force(s) to be reckoned with! ( thank you fellas) if I have failed to mention anyone please let me know and for that I am sorry. (I'm still learning people-forgiveness is asked).
Taking elements of music before them and applying it to todays sound is what these DJs/Producers do best. We have so much to be proud of. Lets continue to support these brothers/sisters and the venues where the music we love is played.
BTW..HEAT Unplugged is bringing you something different April 13th-my birthday ( I know.. shameless plug) and they have... well, you'll just have to wait and see. Keep abreast of the goings on via, Fresh House Promotions page. New kid in town and she is taking it to another level...
Special thanks to Mr. Karl Lucas, thanks for taking the time to give me a much needed education.
Let the Music Play,
P
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