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

Thinking About Your Love

Here is a dance classic to put you in the weekend mood.  "Thinking About Your Love" was a huge hit on the dance floors in 1985 by male R and B duo Skipworth and Turner. The duo consisting of Rodney Skipworth from Syracuse, New York and Phil Turner from Memphis, Tennessee.  That is as far as I know about them but one thing for sure this is a floor shaker.  I have danced to this several times during the Body and Soul parties as Joe Clausell brings it giving me chills every time I've danced to this classic.  Enjoy!

Thinking About Your Love (Original 12" Version)  - Skipworth and Turner  

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