Ms. Roisin Murphy!

It's time to pay duly homage to this amazing woman of dance music. Ms. Roisin Murphy has been around since 1995 along with producer Mike Brydon as the vocalist for Moloko. From the get go these two would would make their mark with fantastic electronic dance tracks so far ahead of their time with their single "Fun For Me", fast forward three more years and they came up with their sublime  "Sing It Back" breaking ground as far as dance music goes. Then they consistently had some incredible dance rompers such as "The Time is Now" and "Forever More" during the early 2000's and topping with pristine release of "Statues" which was basically their break up album. Ms. Murphy proceeded to explore different sounds a as a solo artist and a force to be reckon with with "Never Enough", "Overpowered" and several amazing tracks showcasing a unique take on what electronic and dance music should be in this new century. Following a hiatus, with a few releases here and there, she has now returned with "Incapable" currently tearing up every dance floor and it got me so excited about this iconic Irish lady's work again! Went of a whim and remixed it without thinking much about the outcome and it has become a hit on my soundcloud page! I recently went to "718 Sessions" where Danny Krivit played and it tore up the dance floor making this already another dance classic for the books.  For this remix I slowed a bit from the original, re-edited, elongated some breaks and added some atmospheric riffs to enhance more the '80's/Human League and already house vibe from the original. Enjoy!

Body & Soul

Sunday Church. Can't Wait!

Gather with our eclectic tribal family under the sun

for an epic anniversary outdoor celebration!

On July 22nd, NYC’s Legendary Sunday afternoon party

is joining forces with The Brooklyn Mirage, adorned by

thousands of tropical plants to whisk you away to an

out-of-body musical journey that will elevate your soul.

It's My Life

How incredible was to hear this song on a proper sound system yesterday at Output for 718 Session with Danny Krivit on duty serving a whole lot of proper classics for what it  was one of the best Sessions in a long time.  There was also some interesting and refreshing mixing which I haven't heard in a while. Thank you Danny for bring it back Brooklyn style! The sound system was amazing. I have to say hands down Output has the best sound system in the city along with Analog. It was a special evening with and amazing amount of crowd, great energy, and great air.  I lost myself in a good way on the dance floor and someone approached me and said it's just like the Mudd Club and I just played along. Cheers to being alive and still enjoying a good night of clubbing! I'm thinking of remixing this one...coming soon! Enjoy

State of 808

Paying homage to dance/techno pioneers 808 State with these couple of remixes of the seminal track "Pacific State" which turned the key and took house and techno into another level.  Inspired by this past Friday, I went to the Body & Soul outdoor event at Governor's Island which featured Detroit's own Underground Resistance reminding us that during the '90s, House went many directions creating a new aural concepts sound that blurred the lines between House, electronic, jazz, ambient and techno.  Arriving during sunset, the event was amazing on such a beautiful balmy night while dancing in the moonlight, amidst the dusty ground and incredible lighting giving the whole experience an early '90's Rave vibe.  Highlights included: Underground Resistance doing an amazing live set, then the fabulous trio of Clausell, Krivit and Kevorkian doing their thing with "Love Saves the Day" by Whitney Houston, "My First Mistake" by the Chi-Lites, Level 42's "Starchild", Janet Jackson's "Together Again"  and of course the original "Pacific State" from 808 State which  I think encapsulates the whole evening experience. So here are two twisted takes on the amazing song! Enjoy

About Last Night: Analog

Last night I went to Analog in Brooklyn to hear Danny Krivit...it has been quite some time since I venture out dancing. Loved the space, the sound system and the enthusiastic dancing crowd.  A much needed club dancing fix.  Here is one inspired from the night. Isolee's "Beau Mot Page" which sounded so incredibly fresh and added Cluster & Eno's "Die Bunge" sprinkled with some First Choice for added measures. Enjoy

Body & Soul: MLK Weekend

After an 18 hiatus in NYC this legendary party is back! Can't wait!

Body and Soul: MLK Weekend 2014

Francois K, Joe Clausell, Danny Krivit

I went to Body & Soul this past Sunday for their MLK party. It has been almost a year since I have not been to their parties and paid some respect to this truly classic New York experience.   I feel Webster Hall is by far the best place for their parties with its majestic ballroom feel and spacious   interior adding so much vibe to this legendary gathering.  Very old school indeed it was,  I loved that it never felt way too crowded even during the eight to twelve peak time which gave lots of space for the disco interpretive dancer in me! All and all it was full of love as the party went on with a plethora of dance classics too many to mention and even some beautiful sounding interesting new stuff. The trio of master DJ's Mr. Clausell, Kevorkian and Krivit delivered and serviced well to the discerning crowd with their eclectic and timely choices giving me many chills during the night.  I have to say even though I have never experience the Loft,  it felt very much like it! I stayed until the sweet end as the sea of balloons descended on the dance floor bringing the child in all of us while we were serenaded by the gorgeous Gregory Porter's "Wind Song".  It was heavenly and timeless. Enjoy!

The Wind Song - Gregory Porter

Body & Soul "A Night of Classics" at Le Poison Rouge

Last night the Body & Soul magic trio of DJs Joe Clausell, Francois K and Danny Krivit served an unforgettable night of classics.  The night was filled with a lot of the old school Vinyl and Paradise Garage crowd.  There were many wonderful classics played with a stunning club homage to Whitney Houston's "Love Save The Day" and later through out the evening the climactic Jennifer Holiday's recent Grammy rendition of "I Will Always Love You" followed by the fierce dance version of "Thinking About You".  There were so many classic moments too many to mention here as I danced to the wee hours.  Thank you Body & Soul for making a beautiful party. Here are some of the songs I feel pretty much captured last evening evening. Enjoy

Nights Over Egypt - The Jones Sisters

Rose Rouge - St. Germain

Thinking About You (Extended Dance Version) - Whitney Houston

New York Style - Mateo & Matos

Now off to the Oscars! 

Shame: I Want Your Love

Yesterday, I saw the film  Shame  with my dear "Disco Mistress" Coty as an after dinner celebration of her birthday and what an lovely surprise was to hear this song in it's full glory in a current and poignant movie that tackles the hot topic of sexual addiction.   What stroke me most about the film was the nice selection of dance classics from Tom Tom Club, Blondie and Chic done exceptionally well visually while carrying such lurid story line.  Also, the fact that having a turntable these days seems like such a status symbol of "cool" while making a point on the acoustic beauty of listening to vinyl these days.  "I Want Your Love" was composed by the legendary Nile Rogers and Bernard Edwards.  The track first appeared on their 1978 album C'est Chic and it was originally intended for then proteges, Sister Sledge but remained Chic.  The song has been covered by many such as Jody Watley in 2006, and remixed by Soulcast, Thomas Gold.  Danny Krivit has amazing edit also. Here is the original 12" mix version in it's full glory and the amazing re-edited remix from Dimitri From Paris.  Enjoy!

I Want Your Love (12" Mix) - Chic

I Want Your Love (Dimitri From Paris Remix) - Chic

Me Voy Ahora, Think Twice and Body and Soul MLK Celebration 2012

It has been almost a week since the last posting and as I promised here is the recap of Body & Soul: MLK Celebration Party.  I arrived later than usual this time and to my benefit since I was planning on staying all the way to the end this time.   The party was in full force upon arrival and thanks to the Webster Hall and Body and Soul staff for the unexpected VIP treatment I received.  It was a very easy and quick entrance.   The music was in full swing with the magic of Joe Claussell, Francois K and Danny Krivit.  Highlights from the evening included the beautiful "Bambara" by Joe Claussell, the festive call and response "Happy Birthday" by Stevie Wonders,  house classic "Shake Your Body" by Jeanette "J.T." Thomas.  Other highlights included the amazing " Pride (In The Name Of Love)" by U2. It was cathartic to be dancing to this song in 2012 on a big dance space with a mostly African American crowd.  The evening ended with a slew of dance classics too many to mention with Joe Claussell joining the dance floor at the end when all the balloons came down.  To sum up here are two songs that I don't think were even played but I feel sums up the quality and spectrum of songs played during the whole evening.  First, here is "Me Voy Ahora" by  Ismael Miranda which is beautifully remixed by Joe Claussell from his must have record Hammock House: Africa Caribe.  Also, here is The Detroit Experiment's "Think Twice" (Henrick Schwarz Remix) Thank you B&S for keeping the real tradition of dancing and becoming one on the dance floor alive in NYC! Enjoy

Me Voy Ahora - Joe "Joaquin" Claussell and Ismael Miranda

Think Twice (Henrick Schwarz Remix) - The Detroit Experiment

Tonite

"Tonite" I'm going to Body and Soul and I'm so excited and I cannot hide it!  Looking forward to what will no doubt be a legendary evening in celebration of Martin Luther King's birthday.  I will sure report back to you my readers and listeners during the upcoming posts what surprises will bring the legendary trio of Joe Clausell, Danny Krivit and Francois K.  In the meantime, I will like you with this amazing early Basement Boy's  '90s classic by Those Guys that seems very fitting.  Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Disco Monk!

Happy Birthday Disco Monk! It is hard to believe it's February and it's been one year since I started this blog!  I appreciate all of you who have been supportive and enthusiastic about this idea.   All of your comments and suggestions make my day and are very welcomed, so please keep them coming.  Aside from my love of music that makes you move, I'm so happy to be part of this idea of sharing and building online communities based on similar and /or unique tastes and passions. This is the month of celebration of love, so here is a good song to start the month with Disco Monk and the amazing Debbie Jacobs with "Don't You Want My Love".  Born in Baltimore, this Disco lady had several hits from her 1980 release of High on Your Love.  My friend Wiki tells me that the album title song along with "Hot Hot (Give It All You Got)" went to #1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.  Other '70s hits included, "Don't You Want My Love" featured here, and "Undercover Lover", which are her best known hit singles.  She enjoyed a second #1 dance hit in 2000 in a new version of "Don't You Want My Love".  Other famous disco/club-era tracks performed by Debbie Jacobs include "Doctor Music" and "Maybe This Time".  "Maybe This Time" is a rare record and has been known to fetch high asking prices.    Lately, I've been hearing this song being played by Danny Krivit at his 718 Sessions and Body & Soul parties and believe me when I tell you that this song "turns it out", hand claps on the dance floor!  Enjoy!

Don't You Want My Love - Debbie Jacobs

Body & Soul MLK Jr. Weekend

It was time again to honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr. New York City style by going to the legendary Body & Soul at Webster Hall.  The party was stunning with the trio comprised of  legendary Joe Clausell, Francois K and Danny Krivit manning the turntables.  The music was exquisite with a blend of old school house and some classic disco.  Highlights were a sublime remix presented by Joe Clausell of Eddie Grant's "Timewarp"with a harmonica/bluesy break that lifted souls on that dance floor.  He actually remixed the original and added the break from "Nobody Got Time", a brilliant re-take of  the same song  by Timmy Regisford.    Also, disco classic "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth Wind & Fire brought the house down in the tradition  of B&S.  Danny Krivit dropped an exciting never heard of before, cinematic instrumental epic disco song.  I was also pleasantly surprised and taken by the early 00's house that was played with some forgotten yet amazing tracks making the evening memorable.  One such tune was Beth Orton's emblematic "Central Reservation"  elevating the song to  dance classic status.   So here is the Spiritual Life/Ibadan remix of "Central Reservation", an interesting live take of Eddy Grant's "Timewarp" from one of David Mancuso's loft parties plus Timmy Regisford's "Nobody Got Time" and "Earth Wind & Fire's classic "Boogie Wonderland" giving you  great time capsule of the event.  Enjoy!


Central Reservation (Spritual Life/Ibadan Remix) - Beth Orton



Timewarp (Live from David Mancuso's Loft) - Eddy Grant

Nobody Got Time (Timmy Regisford Mix) - Eddy Grant



Boogie Wonderland - Earth Wind & Fire

Love So Special

Last night I went to Body & Soul held at Webster Hall and it was incredible.  Legendary trio Joaquin "Joe" Clausell, Francois K and Danny Krivit turned it out by playing a well balanced set filled with amazing classics.  The sound system was top notch this time and it literally blew my mind. The crowd was beautiful and positive. The song that kick started me was Mission Control's "Outta Limit". I haven't heard this song on a big sound system in ages and it was an incredible experience.  Other highlights were Sharon Brown's fierce "I Specialize In Love" and Ceybil's "Love So Special" featured here.   "Love So Special" is one of those passionate, timeless, and fluid house songs that always brings the house down and last night was no exception.  My body was sore from dancing by the end of the night but it was so worth it and "oohhh so special".  Enjoy!

Love So Special (Extended Original Underground Mix) - Ceybil - Atlantic



Love So Special (Tony's Funky Bass Mix) - Ceybil - Atlantic

Edits by Mr. K Vol. 2

Last night I had the pleasure of hearing one of my favorite DJs around, Mr. Danny Krivit  who's holding the torch by keeping the spirit alive at his now legendary 718 Sessions at Santos Party House.  His party is what I believe,  to be the only one that captures the spirit of dance music properly now days.  The set was flawless and it kept me dancing all night long featuring many classics such as James Brown's "Get On The Good Foot" and  Touch's "Without You" to name a few.  The party was a celebration of his release of Volume 2 of his amazing edits series called  Edits by Mr. K Vol. 2.  So here is one of my current favorite "Let Me Down Easy" by Rare Pleasure and what a pleasure it is to hear  and dance to this tune.  According the the liner notes from this must have fabulous CD,  "this song is a scarce 1976 release from Cheri Records and a song that has grown in stature to a full fledge disco bomb, thanks in part to its relentless piano line and honeyed vocal from a young Sandy Barber (who later recorded the house smash 'Make World Go Round') which brings back memories of Johnny Dynell dropping this one at the legendary mid '90s party, Jackie 60.   The piano riff of this song, a clear precursor to the standard groove of early house music that was sampled prominently by David Morales for his 1998 hit 'Needin' U' (which took it's title hook from the Chi-Lites 'My First Mistake'). Danny Krivit wrote: "This was a big club record.  I thought of it as an extension of the Philly sound.  It's one of the first 12" singles too, in that first year." Enjoy!

Let Me Down Easy (Edit by Mr. K) - Rare Pleasure - Cheri Records

Make The World Go Round - Sandy Barber

Body & Soul

It's Body & Soul today and I'm so excited that I can not hide it! A truly New York experience following on the footsteps of the Paradise Garage, The Loft, The Gallery and Shelter "where people got together and danced in a safe and congenial atmosphere. Where friends were made and where our love for music could be celebrated. Where you felt special for being part of it, yet at home enough to truly relax and let go on the dance floor, together. Some of those parties became legends, others by now long forgotten...but the need is still here today for the same basic setting. A place where everyone feels welcome regardless of age, sex, color or social attributes. A place where one can find inspiration, solace and a renewed expression of the unique and joyous nature of The Party. An opportunity to let one's guard down and truly share and celebrate the most vibrant energy that music and dancing give us". The fabulous trio comprised of legendary DJ's Joe Clausell, Danny Krivit and Francois K always bring it out! Whether is early and late disco and house, they will take you on a journey of yesterday, today and tomorrow. So here is a song that epitomizes Body & Soul, "Jaguar" by The Aztec Mystic from the Body and Soul Volume 3 compilation released in 2000. A pulsating song that appeared in clubs as early as 1997 and it sums up the dramatic elements of dance music from the violin and the drums of disco and house. So this Memorial Day weekend, instead of the beach I'm choosing to dance myself clean of all the stress, pain and troubles of the world. Peace!

Jaguar - Aztec Mystic

What A Fool Believes

Snow day today! I was such a pleasant surprise this morning to find out there is no work thanks to Bloomberg. But enough about him and back to music. The latest trend from DJs is to take Lite Rock/Lite F.M. tracks from the late 70's and early 80's and give them a refreshing feel. The best example I could find is from the Mad Mats' Blue Eyed Soul EP. They have released two outstanding examples of this new trend. One is What A Fool Believes by the Doobie Brothers featured here and the other is This Is It by Kenny Loggins. Both are brilliant tracks that have an amazing new feel. The added percussion grooves and slightly house feel gives them that dance floor push without loosing the songs integrity. I can see the beginning of a gold mine here that I am sure will be explored by many DJ's here! I have already heard many samples of such trend by hearing the response of such songs during Danny Krivits' 718 Sessions. These songs are being revised and revamped and it's not a guilty pleasure to love them anymore. Enjoy

What A Fool Believes - Dobbie Brothers