Mid-Summer Mix 2018

Happy Saturday. Here is the mid-summer mix 2018.  Featuring:Ceybil, Arthur Russell, Fela Kuti, Big Mama Thornton, Drake, Michael Jackson, Begyndelsen På En Ny Begyndelse, Mothafunk, K.T. Brooks Enjoy

Breaking Michael Jackson

This is the first of a series of Michael Jackson homages that I did when he passed away but never felt they were ready to put out. After a few tweaks here and there I'm finally comfortable sharing. Enjoy!

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

Disco Photography: Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury

Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury

I'm digging the sexiness of these two icons on this photo!

Disco Photography: RIP

Two Legends reunited in Disco heaven! Michael Jackson & Donna Summer

Get It Up For Love by Tata Vega

Here is a very nice late '70s Disco "Get It Up For Love" by Tata Vega.  This was the single from here 1978 LP Try My Love.  Ms Vega was born Carmen Rosa Vega in Queens, New York, here career spans theater, film and a variety of musical genres.  She began her singing career in 1969 with the Los Angeles production of Hair, then she joined the group Pollution and then became a member of the group Earthquire, which released an album in 1973 on Motown.  Following her stint with the group she released four solo albums: Full Speed Ahead, Totally Tata, Try My Love and Givin' All My Love.  These albums feature a diverse range of genres, including classic motown soul, country or southern soul, disco, jazz, funk, country, Latin, doo-woop, and gospel.  She has had an active career as a back up singer, working with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Andrae Crouch, Lou Rawls, Chaka Kahn, Patti LaBelle, Michael Jackson, and Madonna.  She also worked in film, performing the voice of Shug Avery in the Color Purple and she is featured on four songs on the 1986 soundtrack album, one of which,  the sow stopper "Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)" was nominated for an Academy Award in Best Song category. The lady sure does know how to sing also knows how to work the dance floor with this gem of a song.  Enjoy

Get It Up For Love - Tata Vega

Let Me Show You The Way To Go

Here is a very nice and stunning tribute to the King Of Pop to start your weekend.   "Let Me Show You The Way To Go" was originally released from the Jackson's 1976's self titled album after dropping the "5" and it was their first one for Epic records after leaving Motown.  With youngest brother Randy replacing Jermanine who stayed with Motown, the band moved from the Motown production machine to the Philly Soul engineers Gamble & Huff.   Mr. Gamble & Huff provided a more mature sound with their trademark lush orchestrations.  Featured here is an interesting rework/homage by Social Disco Club.  Humberto Matias is the mastermind behind Social Disco Club and a hugely respected DJ who is a native from Portugal.  Humberto actually started his passion for disco by creating a blog just like this one.  This song is book ended with what it is now a nostalgic interview of Michael Jackson that pretty much sums up his true essence and segue into a long intro of the original making almost instrumental.  It is a beautiful and sublime homage to the genius and soul of Michael.  Included in this post also is the original for good measure.  Enjoy!

Let Me Show You (Social Disco Club Re-Tribute) - The Jacksons - Epic



Let Me Show You The Way To Go - The Jacksons - Epic