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Paradise Disco Tonight

If you're anywhere remotely within the same galaxy as The Mezzanine this evening, you should stop by their Paradise Disco Party tonight as they treat you to disco music, dancing mayhem, and a special live performance from Brooklyn's Escort. The Mezzanine has thrown some of the best dance nights I've ever attended, and fortunitely been a part of. I'm flying in from Seattle to witness the event, and you should as well. This should be a night for the ages....

Click here for more info.

New York Movin'

During the 1970's and early 80's New York producer Peter Brown contributed to many classic soul, funk, and disco tracks, writing and producing with artists and groups like Cloud One, Shift, and Patrick Adams. Not only did help produce great music during this era, he ran numerous labels(a bit of an understatement) like Golden Flamingo Records, Queen Constance Records, Land Of Hits, and P & P Records, which he ran with Patrick Adams. I've always tend to enjoy the music that he has put out and produced including a 12-inch single I came across recently by a group called Ahzz. The single is titled New York's Movin', and it was released in 1981 off of Brown's Land Of Hits label. This single features two excellent versions, the original vocal mix, and an instrument cut. Even though I enjoy the original vocal mix, I find myself leaning toward the instrumental version. This seven-plus minute disco gem includes percussive breakdowns, a solid bass groove, classic strings, and congas. As far as I can tell, this is the only release by this group which featured disco producers Osborne Hunter and Steve Boston. Regardless, it's a classic disco gem that would have no trouble movin' a dancefloor.

Ahzz - New York's Movin'(Instrumental Mix)

The Rhythm Of Spandisco

Love Childs Afro Cuban Blues Band was a project put together by record producer Michael Zager, a New Jersey native that contributed to numerous disco hits during the 1970's. Along with working with his own projects like Michael Zager & The Moon Band, The Michael Zager Band, and Love Childs Afro Cuban Blues Band, he worked on several other records including Andrea True Connection's 1977 LP White Witch, The Detroit Spinners's 1979 LP Dancin' and Lovin', and Cissy Houston's 1978 classic Think It Over. However Love Childs Afro-Cuban Blues Band, which was later changed to the shorter more marketable Afro Cuban Band, was where Zager produced some of his best work, including the 1977 rare disco gem "Spandisco", 1978's "Rhythm Of Life" and "Black Widow Woman". Unfortunitely, due to a lack of support by their label, Arista, the group lost steam, and Zager decided to shelve anymore Afro Cuban Band releases. However, before it was all said and done, disco helped discover another great producer in Michael Zager.

Love Childs Afro Cuban Blues Band - Spandisco

Body Lovin' Music

In 1979, German disco label Strand released Gepy & Gepy's classic Body to Body LP. This was a project that was arranged by Geoff Bastow who has helped produce numerous disco classics while working with groups like Munich Machine, Giorgio Moroder, Boney M., and K.I.D., along with playing guitar/keyboards on many of Donna Summer's early recordings. This record includes some solid cuts like "African Love Song", "Machine Man", "Zero", and the titled track "Body To Body". Like many disco projects, this project's life span was short lived with this one LP release, which also included a couple of 12-inch singles. A solid record that fit's nicely into any disco lover's collection.

Gepy & Gepy - African Love Song
Gepy & Gepy - Body To Body

Turning People Onto Moroder

A few weeks back, The Stranger, a Seattle independent newspaper that I also blog for, published an article I did on the effect that Giorgio Moroder's classic 1977 album From Here to Eternity had on early Italo-Disco. The article discusses Moroder's experimentation with electronics, drum-machines, and computerized looping, and how that helped influence many upcoming disco producers in Europe and Canada. The article is meant to be a basic introduction for music lovers who have never heard Italo or Moroder. For those that don't live in Seattle, WA., I thought I would share the online version which has been posted on The Stranger's website.

Turn You On: Giorgio Moroder

ENJOY!

Sorry, No Circus! Tonight

Sorry, the night was overbooked, due to the fact that we changed our night from Thursday to Tuesday because Tomorrow is the last night that Pony will be open. However, still stop by and show your love and appreciation to one of Seattle's best underground clubs.

Broadway Star

One of the bands that I've been spending a lot of time listening to lately is 70's funk/disco outfit Barrabas. Widely known for their 1972 club hit "Woman", this constantly evolving group explored a wide range of music, everything from latin, funk, disco, and psychedelic rock. Of course, the era that I enjoyed the most from this group was from about 1972-1976 when they explored their more disco side. During this period they wrote numerous LPs and 12-inch singles, including 1975's Heart Of The City and 1976's Watch Out. These two records, which are my two personal favorites, became the time when Barrabas was starting to shed their psychedelic roots for a more refined disco/club sound. Both records are filled with classic dancefloor hits like "Mellow Blow", "Checkmate", "High Light", and "Broadway Star". Unfortunitely after the success of Watch Out the group disbanded for unknown reasons. Fernando Arbex, the key figure in Barrabas, eventually re-formed the group a few years later with many new members while shedding their disco sound with heavily synthesized rock beats. However, all wasn't lost for us disco lovers, with Barrabas leaving behind many early classic disco gems.

Barrabas - Broadway Star
Barrabas - High Light

Post-Thanksgiving Party Tonight!

Do you need to work off that Thanksgiving meal? Or are you just in the mood to party all night long?

Tonight, two of Seattle's best electronic crew's, Suntzu Sound and Sensory Effect present an all-night Post-Thanksgiving Party at Hengst Studios (1506 Franklin Ave. E, Seattle, WA.). The party starts at 10pm and will continue all night and into the early morning with a very eclectic mix of music and deejays. I will be playing my usual assorted selection of disco, cosmic-funk, and italo. So come join us for an all night party of drinking, dancing, and fun!

Suntzu Sound and Sensory Effect present
Thanksgiving **all night party**
@ HENGST STUDIOS
1506 Franklin Ave. e
with music by
JACOB LONDON
MISTER LEISURE
TJ GORTON
SUNTZU SOUND vs KID HOPS
Full Bar Service (w/ ID)
21+ $10
10PM - 6AM

See You There!

Deutschland Disco Power

I recently ordered Marina Records new 2 x vinyl LP compilation Disco Deutschland Disco:Funk & Philly Anthems From Germany 1975-1980. Now we know that there has been some great artists who have come out this region, like my personal favorites Kraftwerk & Manuel Göttsching, however this compilation focuses on the more obscure German disco/funk artists and songs from this period. This release, like most great compilations, serves as an eye opener to many great unknown artists, including Alfie Khan Sound Orchestra, Jackie Carter, and Ganymed. The record also includes some classic tracks from some of Germany's disco heavyweights like Supermax, Munich Machine, and Silver Convention. There are many standout tracks on this compilation, however the one I'm currently enjoying the most is the LP's opening track "You’ve Got The Power Pt.1" by Su Kramer. Kramer wouldn't be really considered a disco artist necessarily, however her disco roots do run deep as she started her music career alongside Donna Summer as a cast member of the first German musical production of “Hair”. However, in 1976 she explored into the disco genre and released Hier Ist Das Leben which featured "You’ve Got The Power Pt.1". The original track was sung in german, however she later released an English sung version as a 7-inch only release. Overall, "You’ve Got The Power Pt.1" is just one example of the solid German disco classics that you can find on this outstanding compilation.

Su Kramer - You’ve Got The Power Pt.1

It's a Crystal World

It's safe to say that I love French disco from the 1970's, you know before France went "banger". This region produced some of disco music's best producers and writers, for example Cerrone, Don Ray, and Alec R. Costandinos to name a few. The music that was being produced by these artists was some of disco's best and most break through releases, including Cerrone's Love in C Minor, Sumeria's Golden Tears, and Don Ray's Garden of Love. Another French disco record that I've been getting into lately has been Crystal Grass's 1974 LP Crystal world. This record, which is highlighted by the classic title track, "Crystal World", contains that classic "French disco" sound that thrived during this period. The rest of the record doesn't quite match the energy of "Crystal World", however is still very solid. The record was co-written by none other than Alec R. Costandinos (Who Else?) and arranged by Don Ray, who seemed to arrange every disco record from this region at this time. Another solid release from a region that was just pumping out the disco hit's during the 1970's.

Crystal Grass - Crystal World

Black Soul Music

As I mentioned before in a previous post highlighting Buari's Disco Soccer", I've been really getting into rare 70's African disco. Besides Buari, another African disco group that has recently caught my eye is Black Soul. This 6-piece disco-funk outfit actually resided in France, however because of their sound, became more tied into the Afro Funk scene during the 1970's. In 1975, this group released the classic LP Brasil Africa, which featured some solid disco-funk themed tracks like "Mangous Ye", "Kaye Tchi Senegal", and my personal favorite "Black soul Music". Legendary producer/mixer Tom Moulton eventually got a chance to work with the group, and later they were released his mixes on another LP put out by Beam Junction. Overall, the record is another good insight into the engaging African disco-funk scene of the 1970's.

Black Soul - Black Soul Music

Disco Samba

Another record that I recently discovered while digging through crates and crates of records at a local record store, was an original copy of Samba Soul's 1979 classic disco LP Do It. This record does a good job in pushing a nice blend of latin and bossa funk percussion mixed with disco grooves and vocals. Some of my favorite cuts include "Keep your eyes on the Sparrow", "Black Coco" and the Peter Frampton(Yes, that Peter Frampton) cover of "I'm in You". If your into the more latin percussive side of erotic disco, then I highly reccommend this LP. You can say that this was another nice find in a long day of digging for rare gems.

Samba Soul - I'm In You
Samba Soul - Keep your eyes on the Sparrow

Lower Lovin' Exposure

While record shopping this weekend, as I seem to do every weekend, I came across a few hidden rare gems. One of those rare disco LP's was Southern Exposure's Headin' South. This 1979 RCA release was produced by Ian Guenther and Willi Morrison which are better known as THP (Three Hats Productions). This four track LP was also arranged by Pete Pedersen who was behind many great disco releases like Sticky Fingers 1978 self-titled LP, THP's solid 1979 LP Good To Me, and The Duncan Sisters 1979 self-titled debut. Overall, this record which features both male and female vocals, amazing percussion and strings, and long epic instrumental breaks, is worthy of any disco collection. Definitely a nice find!

Southern Exposure - Headin' South
Southern Exposure - Love Is

Disco Skinsation

A few weeks back I did a post about the Celso Valli produced project, Azoto. However before they cut their name back to "Azoto", this early italo project which also featured Allan Goldberg and Sandon was called Lucrethia And The Azoto 14,008, and in 1978 they released the classic LP Dance Skinsation. This record, along with Giorgio Moroder's LP From Here To Eternity could be considered by many as the birth place of italo disco. With classic cuts like "Delicate Jan", "It's The Way", and "Hey There", it's evident that this record had a huge helping influence on the creation and development of italo disco.

Lucrethia And The Azoto 14,008 - It's The Way

Now That I've Found Love

Alec Costandinos was one of disco's most active and greatest song writers and producers. This Egyptian born musician had a knack for producing some of disco's most epic compositions. After Costandinos co-wrote Cerrone's classic LP Love In 'C' Minor in 1977, he was offered a contract with the French label, Barclay Records. Shortly after signing, Costandinos wrote and produced Love & Kisses self-titled LP. This record consisted of two 16-plus minute tracks in "I've Found Love (Now That I've Found You)" and "Accidental Lover" which showcased his ability to write complex disco anthems. This LP was also significant to the disco scene because it introduced the world to writer/producer Don Ray who helped arrange and conduct the Love & Kisses record, as well as introducing "The Birds Of Paris", as Costandinos like to call them, which was a vocal group featuring Sue Glover, Stephanie DeSykes, Sunny Leslie, Vicki Brown and Joanne Stone. This record helped jumpstart Costandinos solo career which consisted more Love & Kisses records, along with some amazing concept records including Sumeria's Golden Tears LP. After listening to a just a few of Costandinos' compositions, it's easy to see how he was one of disco's most brilliant minds.

Love & Kisses - I've Found Love (Now That I've Found You)

Club Cabana 12", On Sale Now!!!

I(TJ Gorton) recently released my new 12-inch single titled, Club Cabana. This new Beat Freeze Records release features a solid remix from Hector Works' label boss Anthony Mansfield. Instead of giving myself a review of my own record, you can read what Word and Sound said about the new single:

"Some serious disco funk heat coming all the way from the Pacific Northwest on this blazer from Beat Freeze and TJ Gorton. "Club Cabana" is a hot percussive workout that flawlessly mixes old and new school vibes, with chunky drums, a sick bassline and cool synth washes getting the dancefloor all hot and bothered. You definitely wouldn't be wrong to find this one in a DJ T or Prins Thomas set. On the flip SF's Anthony Mansfield lets loose with his own remix that houses the proceedings up a bit with some cool synths and cut-up vocal samples. Excellent stuff from these new-school disconauts."

Here is some music samples for you listening pleasure:
TJ Gorton - Club Cabana (Whole MP3 track)
TJ Gorton - Club Cabana(Anthony Manfield Remix) (MP3 Sample)

You can purchase this record at many fine record shops, including these:
Juno Records
Clone Records
DanceRecords.com
Tweekin' Records
Underground Solution

For Retailer's you can pick up the new single from these distributors:
Word and Sound
Syntax

Please fill free to post the tracks and spread the word! Enjoy!

A New Dutch Rhythm

Felix Haaksman recently released a new 12" single under his known alias, Dutch Rhythm Combo, titled Bonaire. The single was released as a series of two 12-inches and one 7-inch consisting of numerous remixes. Some of the people doing the remix treatment consists of Blackjoy, Al Usher, Maximilian Skiba, and Soul Village, a nice solid collection of producers to say the least. The mix that touched me the most was Maximilian Skiba's, taking the laid back original, and turing it into a funky nu-disco boogie. The other mixes aren't anything to sleep on as well, each one taking the shape of each remixer. A solid new effort from this upcoming German producer.

Dutch Rhythm Combo - Bonaire (Maximilian Skiba Remix)
(MP3 Temporarily taken down due to Artists' discretion, sorry!)

Midnight Rhythm: A Chicago Story

German Reissue label, Past Due, recently released their fourth 12" record. This time the label showcases the group Right Direction, a local Chicago funk/disco sensation from the 1970's. The track, "Midnight Rhythm", which was the group's original name, is a funky feel-good classic from the most obscure corners of the Chicago soul scene. The track at the time, never received any label attention, which eventually led to the demise of the group. However, now through the help of Past Due, we are able to enjoy this amazing gem. The 12-inch single also features a few solid re-edits by Underdog Edits' DJ Part Sixx and Simbad (AKA Mowgly).

Right Direction - Midnight Rhythm (Part Sixx's re-work)

The Disco Hustle

Disco from Africa? Sound Interesting? In the mid to late 1970's there was an underground African disco movement with groups like Black Blood, Oneness Of Juju, Pacific Express, and Buari that blended disco and funk with traditional African music and tribal percussion grooves.

I've been really getting addicted to this genre of music as of late, leading to the discovery of some amazing findings. One of my favorite albums that I have discovered from this genre is Buari's 1979 LP Disco Soccer. This record consists of some of the most original and amazing disco rhythms and arrangements without becoming too much of a departure from the traditional disco sound that we all love. The record features two dynamite singles with "Koko Si" and "I'm Ready". "Koko Si" is an exotic sounding disco gem that could easily make it's way onto a 1970's adult film soundtrack, while "I'm Ready" is a more straight forward dancefloor-ready disco classic with an incredible driving groove. The rest of the record should not be forgotten, however, with solid tracks like "It's What's Happening", "Feed My Body", and "African Hustle" to help round out the solid LP.

This genre of music's original records tend to be extremely rare and expensive, however extremely good, especially because the genre didn't consist of that many different groups and artists to therefore water the good music down with half quality releases. After listening to a few of the tracks, you can easily see how this music helped influence not only disco and funk, but dub, reggae, jazz, and house music. I would highly recommend giving it a listen and indulge yourself into something new.

Buari - I'm Ready
Buari - Koko Si

Meet Me Down at the Cabana

Tonight is another installment of Solo's Club Cabana!!! Rare Cosmic /Italo/ Sleazy Disco all night long with DJ's TJ Gorton & El Toro. We will also be celebrating the new release of TJ Gorton's new 12-inch single Club Cabana. There will be a limited amount of copies on hand for purchase, and possibly some promos to hand out for free!!!

So please come out dance, drink, sweat, and do what you like.

Friday, November 2nd
CLUB CABANA
A night of Cosmic-Italo-Disco All Night Long
@ Solo (Lower Queen Anne)
w/ DJ's TJ Gorton & El Toro
9pm +21
No Cover!!!

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To get you started off right for this evening, here is a classic Moxie Records re-edit called "Loving It" that came out in 2005 on the Run Disco Run 12-inch. The person who did the edit seems to be unknown. I've looked all over for information on this record with no luck, so please if anybody knows who did the edit, fill free to inform me. Regardless of who did the edit, one thing is definitely certain, this song is amazing and one of my favorite tracks that Moxie has ever put out. Time to leave all the music credits behind and just enjoy the good music!

Moxie 008 - Loving it

Nice and Slow

In the late 1970's French producer/musician Don Ray was involved with many disco projects and artists like Cerrone, Alex R. Costandinos, and Leroy Gomez. Another project that he helped produce was Michele Freeman's 1979 self-titled solo LP. Ray not only produced the record, he composed, arranged, and played keys on many of the tracks. This solid piece of work seems to somewhat get ignored when it comes to Ray's musical career and achievements. The record went on to release two 12-inch singles with "Nice And Slow" and "Tumble Heat" that same year, however from start to finish the entire album is full of great disco music. It's safe to say that this record is just another example of explaining why Don Ray was one of disco's greatest music innovators.

Michele Freeman - Nice And Slow