Funky House Recommendations March 2012

Review: On the face of it, New York's ballroom and voguing scene is possibly not the most obvious inspiration for the deluxe Soul Jazz compilation treatment. Musically, it was never a fixed thing, reflecting instead the sounds that dominated New York City's gay club scene over two decades. On this three-disc retrospective, the scene's origins can clearly be seen in the high number of glamorous disco cuts on show - First Choice, Cheryl Lynn, Tom Moulton's immaculate version of MFSB's "Love Is The Message" etc - with later developments represented by tough, almost tribal house cuts (Junior Vasquez, Armand Van Helden etc) and delightfully angular dancefloor classics (Nitro Deluxe, Raze etc). The included detailed sleeve notes joyfully join the dots and put the movement into context. Highly recommended.

Review: On the face of it, New York's ballroom and vogueing scene is possibly not the most obvious inspiration for the deluxe Soul Jazz compilation treatment. Musically, it was never a fixed thing, reflecting instead the sounds that dominated New York City's gay club scene over two decades. On this three-disc retrospective, the scene's origins can clearly be seen in the high number of glamorous disco cuts on show - First Choice, Cheryl Lynn, Tom Moulton's immaculate version of MFSB's "Love Is The Message" etc - with later developments represented by tough, almost tribal house cuts (Junior Vasquez, Armand Van Helden etc) and delightfully angular dancefloor classics (Nitro Deluxe, Raze etc). The included detailed sleeve notes joyfully join the dots and put the movement into context. Highly recommended.