Let's put the spotlight on Jocelyn Brown. One Hell of a voice. She has sung on some of my all-time favorite records, such as Inner Life's "Moment of My Life", Cerrone's "Hooked on You", Raven's "So in Love", the Dazzle LP. She's a prolific session vocalist, and has sung over everything from gospel to trance. Here, we have here singing her classic "Somebody Else's Guy", which was a UK top 20 hit in 1984. It was recorded in 2004 for the Fashion Care benefit.



Now here's something amusing. Girl even worked with freakin' Right Said Fred, for their single "Don't Talk Just Kiss". Now I remember seeing this video when it first came out, and at the time did not realise exactly who Jocelyn Brown was. Coming back to it, I am truly thrilled as to just how er...versatile she was!



Let's give a hand for this hard-working and absolutely UNDERRATED queen of disco.

Michael Freedberg was there when it all happened, in the disco era- and I had the pleasure of meeting him this past September, as I was spinning for a dance night at the Midway Cafe in JP called MUSK. Mr. Freedberg was there to see what I do, not necessarily to "size me up" against the DJs who were doing it then, but rather to see how someone from a different generation approaches the disco sound. It was a curiosity to him, as there isn't much emphasis on the classic disco sound coming out of Boston, no doubt. Many DJs barely go back more than 15 years, and at the most will throw on a throwback as a novelty. I was honored to have made an impression, which is evident as he has kept in close correspondence with me, and delivered a great article this week in the Boston Phoenix this week. In the article, Freedberg covers that "surprise descendant of disco" that we know of as House, providing a breakdown of the different scenes in Boston that are championing this sound. As he diverges into the topic of the internet as a promotional tool, he mentions MySpace as a means of spreading a DJ's name and talent. I was cited as an example, and it is indeed true: I have learned that MySpace isn't limited to its use as a social networking group for young people. I have made many connections through it, and have gotten much attention from other DJs and music lovers due to the mixes and imagery that are linked directly from my profile. Freedberg's article can be found here.

I have also found this great interview of Freeberg at DJs Portal where he includes a list of his 50 Essential Disco Albums.

[at Make it New Years, photo by David Day]

After an extended holiday hiatus, I have returned to share some thoughts and sounds...







Two upcoming events here, Paradise at Key West on January 25 and All Skate on February 8. In other news, I will be accompanying DJs Lone Wolf, Baltimoroder, and others for a fundraiser for Second Gallery, Feb 17th, courtesy of sQuare Productions and its Fort Point Channel Loft. If it is anything like the NYE party we had there, then your calendar must be marked right NOW.

Since a post has long been awaited, I would love to share a track. Turned on to me by my friend Jeremy Campbell, this one is all fired up right now, and in demand. Its a gorgeous latin soul track from 76 and seems to be getting attention through the whole Italian Cosmic revival. Willowband's "The Willow Man" is a taste of heaven, clocking in at a mere three and a half minutes and marinated in rhythm and latin groove, it should be a staple of mine come this summer. Check it out:

The Willow Band - Willowman