As you may or may not know I also do the, "out the house" street report for Tina Nelson's Internet radio show. It is my ultimate pleasure to give a snippet of night life here in Detroit to listeners across the globe. I can't think of anything I love more than music and people. To be able to combine those things is something short of a miracle..meaning I never thought this would happen to me.
I have been able to meet some of the most dynamic group of people from across the world. But there is one who stands out from the rest.
Now a few years back, you may remember me telling you, my mother was a world traveler., and had been to parts of the world most of us dream of. One of her many stops was Japan. I remember her stories of "pushers" how the bullet train had people that actually pushed you onto the trains. wow what a different world, And this was back in the early 80's when she went. I have Geisha dolls and fine China ( wait... do we still call it China wear if its from Japan).. anywho rice bowls and tea sets. So there was always a fascination with Japan for me.
I was amazed at this Island nation. So as a young child I was learning all about this place. A place where tradition, customs, and education are at the for front of everyday life. Never in my wildest dreams did I think House music was also a way of life.
When I got back on the House scene ( after doing, "the family thing") I found myself steeped deep deep inside everything House! One of the newer tracks I heard was one called. Dear Friend. By this Cat... Loftsoul. At this time I had NO idea who made this track.. All I knew was, it was deep and groovable. It was sexy and made you think and do things on the dance floor that would make a person blush with sexual excitement.
I soon came to find out that this Loftsoul was a Cat from.. where else, Japan!!! An unassuming man of few words and many talents. His name, Masahiko Uchikawa. Member of Nu Bang and a very big name in the Japanese musical underground. What was even better is, he too also falls under the zodiac sign of Aries. A born ruler! A man of action! Talent! Who focuses on energy and what can be done... NOW not later!!!
You see, I have met many people through broken friendships. HOWEVER... relationships, I have built on my own. And this one in particular is one of friendship, respect and love!
Uchi ( as he is called here in the states) has fostered friendships with some of the most prolific DJs in the Midwest! Rick Wilhite ( whom Uchi considers his best friend) Cordell Johnson ( no relation) and Vincent Intrieri ( who is a masterful DJ himself)/and Marcellus Pittman!!
I remember when I 1st met Uchi, I did not know rather to bow, say, " what up doe" , shake is hand... I didn't have a clue but what I did know is., this beast from the east was one person I had to get to know.
I even thought about taking up conversational Japanese so that I could have a conversation with Uchi when he calls... which to my surprise is more often then not!
Every year Uchi makes his journey to the place I call home., Detroit Michigan it is Uchi that packs the dance floor! I mean when Uchi gets behind the decks you are guaranteed a sexy, deep, hard tracks back to back good time!..He is the main reason so many show up for the Excursion party year after year. It is the Excursion party that hands down wins year after year for BEST party experience!
I can remember driving with my friend Iris Cole banging my head to a CD she had playing in the car. Of course I ask, " who is THAT"!! her response, Girl... that's Uchikawa!
Uchi is the DJ who knows and understands when your come in... you come in to BANG!! no excuses no, " I was going to play" He PLAYS it! and we go CRAZY!
He is everything I think a DJ should be! Masterful, perfect in every way! He, like Norm, does NOT know how to play anything other than real right! His blends and mixes are precision personified!
You MUST bring your A++++ game if you are to follow Uchi!
You see, being an Aries, Uchi does not know the meaning of failure, nor does he understand the word, "can't"!
If you are so lucky to catch him behind the decks please understand you are in the presences of a Sensei he teaches you, by showing you.. he becomes not only the music but the tools used to play the music! He cuts into you like a Bushido blade! Again his timing skill and tune selection is nothing short of amazing!
For my East cost friends. Uchi will be on a tour coming right to you. My advice.. DO NOT MISS HIM! He will take you around the world! How did this little man become so soulful? I still have not gotten him to answer that question yet. But being who I am, I'm going to pull it out of him!
Guess who has tour dates... MEEE!!!
Check out this phenomenal DJ
- House Music Friday's @ AC Lounge in Dan Diego January 27th with resident Matthew Brian and Vincent Intrieri
-January 28th in LA @ For those who know with Soul Reble, Vincent Intrieri, Dig Deeper, and resident..Alison Swing
- January 29th back to San Diego @ Gossip Grill with Francisco Collazo from Philly and resident Ala and Mikeytown..
...ahhh but Midwest no worries good peeps Uchi will be back to make YOU dance !!!
-Sunday May 28th at THEE party of parties.. Excursions - um, Cordell?!? can you PLEASE put Taz on just before or after Uchi... PLEASE! thanks sweets.
-Monday Nu Bang party- venue TBD ( to be determined)
I'll be working on getting him at MCW with Jason Garcia and The House Gallery Cats; ( yes, Jason.. I did just put you on the spot!)
You see I may be fairly, "new to it"! but, I'm TRUE to it! I know a good DJ from a mediocre one. I also know a great DJ- because I am not only a fan of the music but how its played. How the soul of a DJ feeds our inner core and keeps us dancing until the wee hours of the morning.
DJ Uchikawa is like a casino.. you walk it and get seduced by all the bells and whistles, and when he is done with you..you walk out and understand that time has no time because you were wrapped in his magic and my Uhci has you under his spell!
Side note! Last year Uchi gave me a Loftsoul shirt., black on black- and someone stole it! Keep the shirt whomever you are! I have Uchi! ..and I am blessed to call him Friend!
Let the Music Play
~P
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