I'm so blue. Anita Baker cancelled her concert at the United Center. There's no news about rescheduled dates yet, but as soon as I hear anything I'll definitely let everyone know. In the mean time, I'll be listening to 'My Everything' with a tear in my eye. So sad.
Thank you to everyone who came out Spin the other Friday night. The club was lit up like it was Pride. I know it takes you guys and gals a while to put your face on, but why on Earth did everyone arrive at exactly 11:35? The club swelled up like there was free fried chicken. But the vibe was hot and you all danced your behinds off.
And dancing your behind off is exactly what I have in store this week. Some new hot tracks have hit the internets ( always say it with an s, it sounds better ) and are making their way into the collections of many a greedy DJ, myself included.
Do you remember that Johnny Kemp song 'Just Got Paid'? The lyrics go something like this: 'Just got paid. Friday night. Party hoppin'. Feelin' right.' Such good times back in the day. Well, despite the tragic remake N'Sync did, there's a new dance floor version by Atlantic Soul featuring Tony Lindsay. It's out on the Rootz label and it's fierce. The full vocal will have you throwing your hands in the air, and the dub is one of those deeper grooves for later in the evening, when you're ready to bump and grind on the floor.
Any time there is a track with a songbird singing in Spanish, I melt. And if she lisps when she says the Spanish word for heart, I buy the track immediately. Such was the case with a song called 'Calma' by Bah Samba featuring Isabel Fructuoso on the BKO label. I heard the word 'corathon' and fell in love. It's a subtle 'calm' song ( go figure ) that both Louie Vega and Quentin Harris have remixed into sexy Deep House that's perfect for the after party.
Quentin Harris has another Deep House track that might just make you fall to your knees. It's a remix of the song 'Joy' from Trina Broussards' album 'Same Girl'. This very underground track is REALLY hard to lay hands on. My partner in prayer Shakweetah blessed me with a copy, and I love her for it. Frankie Knuckles catapulted his party at The House Of Blues into the heavens when he played it. I was dancing when it came on, and I swear some souls were saved that evening.
Quentin mixes Sister Broussard's incredible voice with synth organs, a tambourine-driven house beat, and a wailing chorus of divas screaming the word 'joy' in glorious call-and-response church harmony. It's enough to make you religious. Those of you who were at Spin last Friday night received the message. Amen, and amen.
Preaching in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik
peter@windycitymediagroup.com