I swear there was smoke coming out of Frankie Knuckles' turntables at the House of Blues on July 4. His set was so white hot it wouldn't surprise me if, at some point, the entire stage caught fire. I managed to get myself there in time for his first record and stayed until his last.
Second to none, Frankie moved the entire crowd from beginning to end. There wasn't a soul in there that was standing still. Every person of nearly every age from every part of the city was there. All had a common goal; sweat it out on the floor.
And sweat they all did. With each record the energy of the crowd began to build until the building seemed on the edge of spontaneously combusting. Hands in the air, hollerin' like they didn't care, the crowd was wild all night. Do not miss the next Frankie Knuckles party at the House of Blues. It's a perfect balance of brilliantly large space and spectacularly big sound. Trust.
I love a good diva. And if it's a good diva that is singing about how much she loves being in love, I love her even more. Enter Andrea Love (yes, that really is her last name) and the Praise Cats with "Sing" produced by E-Smoove on the Subliminal Soul label. A happy gospel infused track with some simple beats and a churchy piano in the background, Miss Love's beautiful voice shines while singing the praises of someone. Is it a special person in her life or a higher power? We never quite know, but the lyrics reach out in truth: "You lift me up when I am down, turn my world around, love the joy you bring, you make me sing!"
For the Ballroom kids (no, I don't mean the folks who do the Fox Trot and the Waltz) there is an excellent record that slipped quietly onto the scene. Part Chicago house and part (drag) Ballroom without the naughty lyrics 'Jet Set' on the Purpose Maker label is shaking speakers to the core. Three tracks without vocals grace this 12' and let me tell you, if there is a Vogue queen in the house, give them room on the floor as soon as one of these tracks come on. Yes, I said Vogue. It's still alive and kicking, and if you haven't seen anyone in your club Vogueing, you need to venture out a bit more. Thumpy bass against shakers and tambourines bring these high-energy tracks to life. Make sure you have your best shoes on to 'walk' when these tracks come on...
And one final note this week; E-mail me? petermavrik@hotmail.com . I want to hear back from you folks out there. Feedback is always appreciated, and to the very few who have contacted me, thank you!
With you in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik