A Larry Levan homage in Williamsburg

What a nice surprise to find this Larry Levan homage while walking in the neighborhood! This is actually an ad for an block party that will be held on May 11th on King Street as part of the Red Bull Music Academy Festival and also a petition to rename that street Larry Levan. For more info on the event click here.

Here is a dance classic that pretty much revolutionized the idea that a dance song does not have to be least 120 BPM to groove on.  Taana Gardner's brilliant "Heartbeat" was seminal on many levels.  During one his legendary nights at the Garage,  when he played it for the first time the dance floor was cleared, then he played it again and people went wild.   This is taken from the vinyl version of The Limited Edition Larry Levan's Classic West End Records Remixes. A must have for any DJ.  Enjoy?

Heartbeat - Taana Gardner - West End Records

House Music Forever!

Here is a great video featuring Frankie Knuckles during the opening of the Power House in Chicago in 1986.

 

and here is the "Fierce Mix" of J.M Silk's Standing In The Shadow Of Your Love which is also featured in this video. Enjoy!

Standing In The Shadow of Your Love (Fierce Mix) - J.M. Silk - DJ International

Lansana's Priestess

I'm still reeling from the loss of Frankie Knuckles.  I have been reading countless of great homages  honoring Mr. Knuckles. One of then stand out and it was written by the great DJ/Producer Nicky Siano,  and it inspired me post this amazing song by '70s Jazz/Funk/Disco legend Donald Byrd.  There is nice section in it where he describes how Siano played this song as a warm up for one of his nights at the Gallery and Frankie was already passionately dancing. Very sweet! Here is the link to this beautiful time of capturing their friendship. "Frankie was One of the Kindest, Gentlest People I've Ever Known".  There is also a petition to put Frankie on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Here is the link:  Put Frankie Knuckles on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine.  

Lansana's Priestess - Donald Byrd

R.I.P. Godfather of House: Frankie Knuckles

R.I.P. Frankie Knuckles 1955-2014

I'm devastated with the sad news of Frankie Knuckle's passing. The first time I heard this genius live was at the Sound Factory Bar on a Friday in 1995. I couldn't believe the power of every song that would come out of those speakers. The sound was uplifting, generous, humble, spiritual and emotional and it reflected the personality of this music visionary and pioneer. The last time I was fortunate to hear him play live was four years ago at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in the West Village where he played music for the Bear gay community. It was a very intimate, real and beautiful evening where this classy man played as if he was at one of the most grandest of venues ending the evening with his own version of First Choice's "Let No Man Put Asunder". I was happy to see that nothing has changed since that first Friday at the Sound Factory Bar in 1995 and I was nearly in tears on that dance floor. Here is one that pretty much sums up house music, a seminal sound that still sounds as fresh. The original 1987 "Your Love" with Jamie Principle on vocals. Then there is the brilliant remix of Jago's "I'm Going To Go" from 1985. The beautiful "What Do You Want From Me" featuring Adeva. The weirdly and hideously yet beautiful heart pounding "I Want A Dog" by the Pet Shop Boys. His collaborations with Robert Owen were brilliant and here is "Far Away" to prove it. What he did to Michael Jackson's already brilliant music was pure magic and here is "Rock With You" as he transformed it yet keeping the purity of the original. There are so many more dear to my heart and I hope these capture the joy and drama this legendary DJ and producer served on the dance floors. You will be missed and your contribution to music and the dance floors will live on forever!

Your Love - Frankie Knuckles

I'm Going To Go (Frankie Knuckles Remix) - Jago

What Do You Want From Me - Frankie Knuckles feat. Adeva

I Want A Dog - Pet Shop Boys

Far Away (Frankie Knuckle's Version)  - Robert Owens

Michael Jackson - Rock With You

Other previous and related Disco Monk posts about Frankie Knuckles:

You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine
The Whistle Song
A House Classic
Take Some Time Out