DJ Stylus – The Vibe Conductor

Every component of our Sade listening party worked out perfectly. From the food to the Sade themed cocktail samples courtesy of Ciroc (thanks Karim!), the art (big up Charles Jean-Pierre), the eager crowd of music lovers and party people and the sponsorship support. I speak on behalf of LSP in thanking April at Sony for allowing Refuge to host the event and hooking up our guests with great prizes. Soldier of Love comes out February 9. I’ve got mine on pre-order.

[photos: Dana Kristina-Joi Morgan]

Check Gerald Watson’s spot for more photos.

Before we listened to the new album, I played an all Sade set. Didn’t rock any Sweetback though! Outside of that bit of fail, the evening was spiced with great remixes that I pulled from my stash. How is it that three of the best Sade remixes are for “By Your Side?” Tell me in the comments which one is the hottest.

Sade – “By Your Side” (the Neptunes Remix)

This is a great snapshot of the Neptunes sound that dominated the scene ten years ago and the ability for them to adapt their club banging style to a ballad. This one isn’t so rare and was actually released on a single so you should be able to dig it up.

Sade – “By Your Side” (Cottonbelly Remix)

For those just tuning in, Cottonbelly is Stuart Matthewman, founding member of Sade and Sweetback. This smoldering afrobeat ember can be found on a rare compilation of his and also on the Red Hot + Riot album, which everyone should own anyway. Neptunes, I’ma let you finish, but Cottonbelly had the best “By Your Side” remix of all times… OF ALL TIMES! *shrug*

Sade – “By Your Side” (Naked Music Mix)

Let me stop playing. Cottonbelly has seniority due to his role in the band but I can’t give him the title that quickly. So much of the Sade discography captures the essence of carnal pleasure but this remix is one of the sexiest Sade songs in existence. I waxed nostalgic about Naked Music after week 12, but for anyone not hip, this label built their whole catalog on music designed for getting someone pregnant.

One thing that can never be replaced about vinyl is the thrill of the hunt and the emotional relationship you develop with the treasures you find. When this white label dropped, I felt like I was walking around with something rare, magic and powerful whenever I had this in my dj bag. Records like these make you feel like you should be porting them around in a Haliburton cuffed to your wrist.

Sade – “Stronger Than Pride” (Karizma K2 Mix)

Here’s the portion of the talent contest where a feature performs while the judges deliberate, although I want your opinions about this one too. It was feeling so good to me that I had to play it twice in the same night. I know you all weren’t mad either. Opening with what sounds like a distorted tuba and accordion (?!?) the track builds hypnotically with vocal loops, percussion and synths for four minutes before you even get to the first verse. By then it’s a spiritual experience. You must rock the whole 10 minutes. EPIC.

Karizma is one of my top 5 favorite DJs. His sets are technical, soulful, funky and downright BRUTAL. It’s like musical masochism. Dude is a fucking monster on the decks. I’ve seen him make a roomful of the world’s best DJs draw inward and reflect on the meaning of their craft. His production work brings the same heat. Drawing from his background in Baltimore club, he blends sexy jazziness with jack-your-body beats.

He still releases his remixes on wax, which makes them that much more valuable. That was the only way you could get them until now. If you’re willing to suck up the import tax, you can own ALL OF THE K2 edits on CD. the $20 is worth it just for the Sade mix alone, not to mention the Faith Evans, Maxwell, Al B. Sure, Anita Baker…. just cop that joint and buy me a drink when you see me next as a show of gratitude.

It’s almost cursory to mention it at this point because everyone already knows but we’ll be playing the new Sade album in its entirety tomorrow, after a special video message from the golden lady herself. I hope you’re on the list because we’re near capacity. There will be libations, hors d’oeuvres and chances to win prizes. We won’t be in the basement this week so check for us on the main level.

So last week, Tami sang a few of her most popular songs to her five fans (not really) then Refuge turned into a juke joint. Here are a few cuts responsible for that.

Omar – “Feeling You” feat. Stevie Wonder

These two could really do a whole album together. Has Omar ever made a less than banging joint? That was a silly question.

Paulinho Da Costa – “Love Till The End Of Time”

The Grammys got me reminiscing on the Black Eyed Peas when they were still dope. And that got me reminiscing on one of my favorite jazz fusion joints ever by one of Brazil’s most esteemed exports.

Unlimited Touch – “I Hear Music In The Streets”

CHOOON!!

Nathan Adams & Zepherin Saint – “Holding On”

I’m glad that I can officially crown this a Refuge staple after giving “Circles” a well-deserved rest. Can these cats keep making anthems every time they drop a joint? Don’t want to put that much pressure on them but if they make a full album it could be a problem (in a good way). Zepherin Saint is on FB too. Go be his friend.

My regulars held me down last week and we had a nice little session. The choicest bits below:

The Clonious – “One At A Time” feat. Musinah

Full disclosure, when this first came out, I kinda ignored it despite its release on one of my favorite labels. It was a collaboration between Muhsinah and another talented, up and coming RBMA attendee from Austria, and maybe I was hating a little inside because of all the times RBMA rejected me. DJ Stylus is human and has his faults. Thanks to DJ Brainchild, I got a second chance to fall into one of the most breathtaking tunes I’ve heard in recent memory.

This song sounds like what I imagine Na’vi sex feels like.

I love Muhsinah like cooked food and fancy beer. I won’t let my petty ego issues stand in the way of our love ever again. Much props to The Clonious too. I shook off the shame and bought both of his projects immediately.

Dianne Reeves & Grant Green – “Down Here On The Ground” (Ummah Remix)

The New Groove was several years ahead of the rush of legendary labels seeking to monetize their back catalogs through remix projects. I used to wear this cassette out.

Burnier & Cartier – “Mirandolina”

Que bonito!

Refuge makes me smile when someone is minding their business, I throw on a tune and they’re compelled to get out of their seat and groove in their own little world. Then they come to me and I can tell them the name of their new favorite song. I have to give props to DJ Day for getting me hip to this one.

Tam-Rock is re-launching her website and celebrating at Refuge this week. Join us this Wednesday! There will be girly stuff, like make-up giveaways and martinis and such. Considering my fanbase, this doesn’t bother me at all. She’s going to sing a few songs and give away some music too.

No Kleeer, just another evening pulling treats from the old box o’ choons to entertain my friends. Didn’t really dig into the new-new stuff last week, but at Refuge the records tell me what to play.

Ty – “What You Want”

I push Ty the way that Jehovah’s Witnesses push salvation. If you dig progressive, soulful, smart hip-hop and you don’t have any Ty in rotation then I feel like it’s my duty to help you see the light. This is one of my favorite cuts from his superb Closer album. Taylor McFerrin on the beatbox.

Petalpusher – “Rely On Me”

Naked Music’s best years were just magic. The beautiful series of nudes on the album covers and the gems in the record sleeves that never left your crate after purchase. I can’t look at these records without being flooded with memories of rocking sets with or having dancefloor moments to these songs. 10 years ago the Vibe Conductor concept was just forming and these tracks helped shape that early identity.

Fertile Ground – “Take Me Higher” (Waiwan Remix)

Felt like ending the evening with drum & bass so I did. Must do that more often. Maybe tonight?

I had jazz on the mind last week, and was reviving thoughts of doing a Dingwalls style jazz dance party in DC. Or even like Jazz Attitudes in Paris.

Think it could work?

Here are some of the joints I pulled out early in the night when I was in that mood.

Middlewood Sessions – “Fall Back”

Fitting that since I invoked Gilles Peterson above, this was released on his Brownswood label.

Lonnie Smith – “Apex”

Records like this are why I still buy vinyl.

Jukka Eskola – “1974″

What a gorgeous smoker of a tune from this young Finnish trumpeter. This is one of those songs that you wonder where it’s been all your life once you hear it. It’s a bit hard to find. First released as a b-side to the “Buttercup” 12-inch in the image above, it was also on his 2005 debut album as well as a Raw Fusion compilation. I must thank Tigallo for putting me up on this one. Homie’s got a jazz ear too.

Every Wednesday I’ve always got more treats to share.

Some folks told their friends and they brought their friends. Then some old college friends showed up. Then some friends who were having a business meeting over drinks caught the boogie in their bodies. Then all the people who’ve been asking me “where do you spin?” but always forget the answer all showed up at once. Then it turned into a packed, joyous classic style house party. Then folks were doing a Soul Train line at 2 a.m. to the full 8 minutes of Earth, Wind & Fire’s live version of “Sun Goddess”.

Apparently this was all the New Year’s partying that some folks needed.

As these events were developing, I was playing out of my “make you shake your ass and sing along” repertoire. But before all that, we was chillin’ and this is how it went down. No categories on this post, just a few noteworthy joints.

Boogiemonsters – “Recognized Thresholds of Negative Stress” (Stressless Mix)

This has always been and will always be my jam. But being the contrarian that I am, I rocked the smoothed out remix last week. It definitely has its own charm.

The Sunburst Band – “Far Beyond”

This is an old staple of mine that I had to put on ice for a few years because I played it too much. Then when I bring it back out of retirement, it’s new to everyone! Another fantastic usage of Ahmad Jamal’s “Swahililand”.

Dorothy Ashby – “Cause I Need It”

Swingingest harpist I know of, and source material for some of Pete Rock’s best work.

As usual, your presence is requested.

Looking at the highlights below, I guess that’s how I was feeling last week.

Vibe Conductor Pick:

Kidkanevil – “When I Dig” featuring Kissey Asplund, Blu

It almost feels premature to be rocking this now because it’s such a spring jam. Kissey Asplund does her cutesy space kitten thing and Blu’s Dana Dane impression takes me back to happier times. Who’s Kidkanevil? I’m just finding out myself over a year after everyone else did.

Peoples’ Pick:

Eric Roberson – “Wanna Believe It Again” feat. Wayna

I got Music Fan First right before the first Refuge and been banging this tune ever since. It’s almost cursory to highlight it at this point because its jam status was instantly evident. But I love it. The dancefloor loves it. Other DJs reading this, if you like women, you should be playing it.

Nostalgia Pick:

SWV – “Coming Home”

SWV had a lot of great tracks outside of their established hits. Many solid cuts fell through the cracks in that transitional period when new jack swing was waning and R&B had yet to merge DNA with hip-hop.

Digging In The Crates Pick:

Rahsaan Patterson – “It Ain’t Love”

It feels like folks should shed clothing and inhibitions when this song drops. I’ve never seen it happen but perhaps subconsciously I wish it would.

Join us for another session tonight?

Remember this Diamond D album? It had treats.

Diamond D – “The Hiatus”

Pulling this out last week was prescient since Refuge is taking a week off.

Kat is in the middle of her birthday week, is closing out Soul Overdose for 2009 and there was no way we could do the final one any other day than Wednesday. We’re suspending Refuge tomorrow and will resume on December 23. Of course, we’ve got a Grammy nominee to help you get over the hump and maybe a dual Soul Controller after party to boost the usual Jahsonic throwdown.

Soul Overdose with N’digo Rose, DJ Jahsonic and special guest Phonte

Wednesday, December 16
LIV
2001 11th St NW
doors: 9PM
tickets available at LilSoSo.com
door purchase availability NOT GUARANTEED.

In case you missed Refuge last week, please add these to your personal rotation. You’ll be a much happier individual.

Nuspirit Helsinki – “Silent Steps”

I can’t believe it’s going on eight years since I first got hip to the wave of future hybrid jazzy soul that was rolling out of Scandinavia. The Gothenburg scene was popping in Sweden. Copenhagen was kragenoff. Even Finland was getting it in. The first Nuspirit Helsinki album is so mandatory. It’s held up really well over time.

Mica Paris – “I Should’ve Known Better”

The B-side wins again, which is why I posted the 12-inch label instead of an album cover displaying this luscious singer. Remember when the flip side of every single contained an exciting new adventure? This tune dropped in 1990 but was never officially released on an album until 1998. By then it was a well-established classic. I feel like I can never be a big enough stan for black Brit soul. Did y’all know Mica dropped a new record this year? Honey had the scoop on that this summer.

J. Rawls – “Hebejeebees”

Sometimes I feel like the Liquid Crystal Project jazz albums by this Ohio producer best known for his hip-hop work with Lone Catalysts are some sort of well-guarded secret. If that’s the case, they’re a secret I’d rather share.

Antonio Adolfo – “Cascavel”

I would have missed out on this tasty slice of funky Brazilian fusion jazz if it weren’t for Gilles Peterson. Compilations are your friends.

Want more? Come hang.

The pre-Thanksgiving session was fresh. No one was there then everyone came through all at once. I almost made Brett repeat his set because he played so many hot records early on. But then he had more hot records so it was all good.

To mark the occasion of an old friend being the first Refuge guest DJ, this recap will be a bit different. The first two tunes are under the heading of…

Joints That Brett Rocked That I Will Be Adding To My Sets Immediately:

Bennson – “Let The Love” (Yam Who Remix)

I’ve been running the album version since it came out almost exactly a year ago. But skimming through the remixes online made me miss out on the Yam Who joint that didn’t command my attention until I heard it in the club. In that context it sounds like Tom Browne in his prime consulted on the recording. That means all kinds of dancefloor win is involved. If I still had hair, I think that this song could make me spontaneously sprout a jheri curl. And by the way, dude is from Australia.

I was totally unfamiliar with this one, despite so many big name cats playing it. A little digging hipped me quickly. This is one of those studio alchemists with multiple names for multiple projects, one of which was also on Raw Fusion. I don’t get down with techno but this cut is right in that deep house lane that flirts with techno but stays soulful. Theo Parrish should be proud of this young German who bears his influence. All I envision when I listen to this is some low-lit, sweaty club rub-n-grind action. It’s not just me, is it?

Vibe Conductor Pick:

Ok-Ma – “Bwoy Gal” (Lanu Remix)

One of those not-new-but-new-to-you joints. I’m never mad at those, but just annoyed that I never really have the right space to play this tune, or when I do I forget to pull it out. That’s why I started this party. The Opolopo mix is broken beat for pop sensibilities and is my favorite but Lanu’s version gets the booties shaking.

Nostalgia Pick:

Eddie Kendricks – “Date With The Rain”

Out of hundreds, this is may be the best song about rain that I’ve ever heard. And that’s saying something. Epic b-boy record too.

I’m looking forward to kicking it with some new friends tomorrow. Might you be one of them?