NEGRO, JOEY / LOOSE CHANGE / GWEN GUTHRIE - [EP5] 30 YEARS OF Z RECORDS EP 5

Joey Negro is the most well-known pseudonym of master British DJ/producer/remixer Dave Lee. Under a plethora of other monikers including Jakatta, Akabu, Doug Willis, Raven Maize, The Sunburst Band, Sessomatto, and Z Factor, Dave was one of the first artists to incorporate disco samples in house music when he began his production career in 1988. Indeed, he was in the studio making credible and outstanding British House music when many luminaries around him were still busy getting to grips with their decks. In 2011 little has changed and Dave is widely regarded as one of the most commercially successful and in-demand artists on the global scene. A producer first and foremost, Dave uses his DJ’ing talents as a sound-bed for tweaking his musical creations to perfection. His work ethic is legendry, having been involved in well over 200 productions, countless albums and a healthy stack of hit singles. Through releasing tracks such as ‘Must Be The Music’, ‘Make A Move On Me’, ‘Can’t Get High Without You’ and Jakatta’s ‘American Dream’ and ‘My Vision’, Dave has established himself as a true professional who keeps getting better. Widely considered an expert in all things funk, soul and disco-related, Dave is also a helpful ‘consultant’ depended on by radio and TV producers worldwide. Born on the Isle of Wright, Dave grew up on the south coast of England during the late 70’s and early 80’s listening to local radio stations and the sounds of Earth Wind & Fire, Heatwave, Shalamar and The Jacksons. A lack of good quality music at the time encouraged Dave to seek inspiration in the record shops of London. This soon led to a job at London vinyl store Smithers & Leigh where he first heard the revered house classics ‘Jack Your Body’ and ‘I Can Feel It’, sounds that were major inspirations for him to produce his own records. Following the closure of Smithers & Leigh, Dave joined Rough Trade Distribution where he was charged with setting up its dance music arm, Demix. It was here where Dave started working with the Rhythm King label, which had had a number of hits with acts like Bomb The Bass, S-Express, Cookie Crew and Beatmasters. His experience in advising other labels led to Dave establishing his own imprint, Republic Records, in 1988. Now defunct, Republic is today remembered as the UK’s first soulful house label releasing classics such as Phase II “Reachin” and Turntable Orchestra “You’re Gonna Miss Me”. This was also home the first Dave Lee production, M.D.Emm.'s ‘Get Busy’, which reached #88 in the UK charts and #18 in the club charts. His most successful work during this time, according to Dave himself, was ‘Forever Together’, released under his Raven Maize alter ego. Dave created hype by licensing the song to NY label Quark and created a story of an ex-convict who played in a steel band in Disney Land, even using a computer-enhanced image of a friend sporting an afro as a press shot. The name Joey Negro came about in 1990 when Dave released “Do It Believe It’ on uber cool US cult house label Nu Groove. Not being able to think of an act name and being pressed for label copy Dave took the name from two records in a pile next to his desk – one by Pal Joey and another by J Walter Negro. “I certainly never expected that I’d still be addressed as Joey 20 years later” smiles Dave. The track was a breakthrough success and was followed by ‘Do What You Feel’, which Dave released on his second label and successor to Republic, Z Records. Virgin eventually released ‘Do What You Feel’ and the song became both a club hit and top 40 pop hit. Another Top 40 “Love Fantasy” and an album “Universe of Love” followed soon after. Throughout the 90’s and 00’s Dave continued to release a stream of his own productions on his label Z Records (as well as other choice indies JBO, Azuli and NRK). Z continues to release a single per month and draft in the best remixers to work on Dave’s music with Dennis Ferrer, Henrik Schwarz, Ame and Jimpster all having recently contributed. Dave’s reputation as a highly-skilled producer and remixer has resulted in many chart-topping liaisons with high profile pop acts over the years. He has completed well over a hundred remixes for stars including Kelly Rowland, Mariah Carey, Royksopp, Roisin Murphy, Sugababes, Empire of The Sun, Diana Ross, Pet Shop Boys, Roy Ayers, Simply Red, and Lionel Ritchie. Dave was also behind Take That’s “Relight My Fire”, suggesting it as a cover then producing the finished result. Dave has since produced tracks for 911, Robbie Williams and Shayne Ward. His hard work and brilliant remixes for both dance and pop artists alike led to Dave’s crowning as Best UK Remixer by both DMC/Mixmag and DJ magazine in 1992. Being such a well known train spotter Dave has been behind over 20 compilation releases including his ‘Joey Negro In The House’ release on Defected, ‘Disco Spectrum’ 1 – 3 (BBE), ‘Jumpin’ series, “Disco (Not Disco)”, Southport Weekender Volume 1, ‘Nite:Life’ and ‘Back In The Box’ releases on NRK plus his ‘The Trip’ and ‘Lust: Art & Soul’ compilations have further spread this master’s influence. Along with record collecting friend Sean P, Dave has also compiled a number of highly regarded soul and disco compilations for his Z Records label. ‘Destination Boogie’, ‘Locked In The Vinyl Cellar’, ‘Supafunkanova’ the ‘Soul of Disco’ (1-3) albums and the latest labour of love ‘Back Street Brit Funk’ have further cemented Dave as being one of the foremost authorities on music old and new. Dave’s impressive discography has ensured he has remained in demand on the global DJ circuit, playing at the biggest and best venues over the world. As a DJ Dave strives to reflect this extensive love of music by playing eclectic sets, which go from rare disco thru to vocal and classic house often into more electronic techy deep sounds. These sets often showcase the many re-edits and updates of old and obscure tracks he’s become famous for. “I’m forever chopping up both new and old records in the studio to make them work better within my sets’ he explains. ‘I can’t help myself, I want dancers to experience the very best highs a records has to offer, even if it means I have to spend a few days in the studio re-arranging something. I couldn’t be a producer without being a DJ and certainly DJ’ing would be a whole lot less fun if I didn’t get to tweak the music I was playing out.” As well as being one of the most in demand dj’s around Dave has also found time to turn his much-loved Sunburst Band project into a full-fledged live band. The 7 piece band is made up of some of the best musicians around including Tony Remy, Pete Simpson and Frank Tontoh. The band continue to go from strength to strength playing sell out shows at Southport Weekender, Jazz Café, London, the legendary Ronnie Scott’s, London, the newly refurbished Band On The Wall venue, Manchester as well as international shows in Croatia, Dubai, Serbia and Austria. Last year Dave released a new studio album as Akabu, the debut for his more deep-tech-house orientated guise. The LP titled ‘The Phuture Ain’t What It Used To Be’ received praise from the likes of Carl Craig, Josh Wink and Nic Fancuili as well as great reviews in the press, who were impressed with Dave’s ability to produce something very different to the sound he is normally associated with. 2010 also saw Dave celebrate 20 Years of Joey Negro with some special live PA shows that included all his most well-known and best loved hits from across his 20 year career. These live shows were supported by a special edition triple CD mixed by Grant Nelson and DJ Spinna and feature more exclusive tracks, remixes and edits… Things haven’t slowed down for Mr Lee in 2011. “No Sugar”, his collaboration with Gramophondzie and Shea Soul being one of the few tunes to reach the top 5 on both Beatport and Traxsource. The latest Soul of Disco comp was widely regarded as the best so far. Dave’s revamp of Muzique “Keep on Jumpin” held the number one spot on Beatport for most of August. While at the beginning on September there were 4 Joey Negro Remixes in the Traxsource top 5 - which must be a record. Unlike many producers who’ve been in the game as long, Dave certainly keeps himself constantly busy in the studio with a constant stream of high achieving singles on Z, while a fourth Sunburst Band album is also close to completion. Dave Lee, Joey Negro, Jakatta, Raven Maize, Z Factor, call him what you will, but his ability is without question and his status as one of the most gifted and hard-working individuals in world music circles is as true as ever. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.

There are many known bands called Loose Change. 0) one-album female vocal trio signed to Casablanca Records in the late 70s 1) Sydney, Australia based hiphop crew 2) A hardcore punk band from Ukiah, California. 3) Virgil Donati's band 4) Olympia band 5) a southern blues-blues rock band from Macon, Georgia. (See Chris Hicks) 6) Wollongong, Australia based punk band. 0) their debut album released in 1979 produced by Tom Moulton as part of his short lived deal with Casablanca Records. The members of Loose Change were made up Leah Gwin, Donna Beene and Becky Anderson. Their debut album was recorded at the historic Sigma Sounds Studios in Philadelphia under the supervision of Disco genius Tom Moulton in what was his second production for Casablanca Records. Notable tracks on the album are Straight From The Heart and Rising Cost Of Love, both written by Grey & Hanks who were responsible for writing a string of tracks for L.T.D, Millie Jacksonand Tavares among others. Straight From The Heart went on to be chosen as a Recommended Single Pick by Billboard in October of 79. The album was arranged and conducted by the Legendary Thor Baldursson who in his long and successful career has arranged for greats like Elton John, Donna Summer, Grace Jones and Giorgio Moroder. 1) Sydney, Australia based hiphop crew consisting of P Major (beats), Ellesquire (lyrics), Rapaport (lyrics), Sam Z (cuts). Sydney based hiphop crew, Loose change release their debut album of laidback, infectious beats and honest, soul soaked raps. Combine a beatmaker with a golden touch on the drum machine, two mcs with gifted flows and life-fuelled lyricism, and a DJ who brings it altogether live. This is Loose Change. They blend songs that speak to the soul, some way-back jazz samples, a dose of romance, and a touch of wit. MCs Rapaport and Ellesquire provide heartfelt lyrics with a sharp delivery. The raps are backed up by the sample-heavy P major production, with gritty drums, chopped up rhodes samples and moog-synth basslines. Cuts by Sam Z and some formidable guest verses by P Smurf, and the Loose Change sound is complete. Album is now available for FREE DOWNLOAD from www.loosechangehiphop.com Producer P major is a diverse and dedicated musician who regularly performs in jazz, African music, and experimental music events throughout the country. He has produced beats for the Tongue and 13th Son for their forthcoming albums. Rapaport independently released his debut solo album in 2009 and received rotation on triple J and FBi radio. He is the creator of innovative hip hop show “Sketch The Rhyme”, and plays in live band The Phonies. In 2006 he was runner up in the Australian Scribble Jam battle and recently won FBi radios Iron Lyricist Battle 2009 Ellesquire has been tirelessly writing and honing his craft since 1998. His effortless flow, and soulful vocals combined with deft lyricism makes him one of the most exciting additions to the Sydney hip hop scene in years. 2) Loose Change was a hardcore punk band from Ukiah, California. The band is known for featuring Jade Puget of AFI and Chon Travis of Love Equals Death. 3) Virgil Donati and his band Loose Change were one the most popular fusion bands during the 1980's in their native homeland, Australia. The band only recorded one album which is now available on CD for the first time, recorded live at "the Grainstore" in Melbourne, Australia in 1987. Absolutely killer instrumental fusion, the band close the show, with their own version of "Cruise Missile" by the Steve Morse Band. This will definitely be in the Audiophile top ten CDs of 2004. Mark Domoney, guitar; Joe Chindamo, keys; Steve Hadley, bass; and Virgil Donati, drums.Extremely recommended album! 4) Olympia band, pre-Gun Outfit. Songs featured on the "Maggot Minded" punk comp cassette along with HIV (early incarnation of Sex Vid), White Boss, Sisters, Funerot and more. 5) To be so young, Macon, Georgia’s Chris Hicks has been around the Southern Rock block a few times -- and in a big way. As guitarist and singer for The Outlaws and a stint in The Marshall Tucker Band and now as a solo artist, Hicks continues to amaze and astound with powerful blues vocals, smoldering hot guitar work and great songwriting. GRITZ caught up with the well-mannered and cordial Chris at his home in Macon for an enlightening conversation. (http://swampland.com/articles/view/title:chris_hicks) Since the age of seven, Chris Hicks’ only passion has been playing guitar. He created his first band when he was 14 and has been a shooting star ever since. Heading up The Loose Change Band from 1980 through 1988, Chris developed his distinctive style and grabbed the attention of listeners across the country. The legendary Outlaws recruited Chris in 1989. He captivated a rapidly expanding coterie of supporters with smoldering hot guitar work, powerful blues vocals and expressive songwriting. Chris played on and contributed songs to the Outlaws releases, “Hittin’ The Road Live” and “Diablo Canyon.” He returned home to produce his first solo album, “Funky Broadway” which was nationally distributed by Ichiban Records. Soon after its release Chris was sought out by The Marshall Tucker Band. His signature licks and heart-pounding vocals fused perfectly with the band’s unique sound and can be heard on their latest release, “Face Down In The Blues.” Having gained a solid reputation as a well-respected solo artist, he continues to create a unique musical experience best described as “soulfully inspiring.” Chris’ talent and ability to provide an original and versatile sound has landed him opening spots for The Atlanta Rhythm Section, Jefferson Starship, .38 Special, The Charlie Daniels Band, Edgar Winter, Eddie Money, REO Speedwagon and several multi-band tours. His song, “Love Is On The Line,” was featured in the film Fast Food, starring Jim Varney. His song “Blues Got Me Down,” was hand-picked by Taxim Records to appear on their European blues compilation, “Peach State Blues.” The record also highlights Chris’ lead vocals on Barry Richman’s “Here Again.” His work also includes several television and radio commercials, a motivational tour, and numerous guest appearances both on stage and in recording productions for various artists. The new millennium finds The Chris Hicks Band hard at work recording tracks for album number two and...back on the road, blazing with the force, spirit and music his fans have come to know and expect. (http://www.thechrishicksband.com) 6) Punk band from Wollongong, Austrlia. Formed in about April 15th. Play our first show on my (Cheddar's) 18th and we were all heaps drunk and it wasnt very good. But then we got better, played a few more shows and recorded an E.P and would love to play even more. Get at us homies. Peace. http://www.mediafire.com/?oc26hom9hs0yx Read more on Last.fm. 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Gwen Guthrie (July 14 (some sources say July 9) 1950 – February 3, 1999) was an American singer and songwriter, who also sang backing vocals for Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, and Madonna, among others, and who wrote songs made famous by Ben E. King, Gary Glitter and Roberta Flack. Guthrie was born in Okemah, Oklahoma and raised in Newark, New Jersey. In school, she studied classical music, and her father began teaching her piano when she was eight years old. By the early 1970s, she had joined vocal groups such as the Ebonettes and the Matchmakers, meanwhile working as an elementary school teacher. When a backup singer scheduled to sing on Aretha Franklin's 1974 single "I'm in Love" fell ill, Guthrie took the vocalist's place beside Cissy Houston; thus Guthrie would happily state that her career on record began "at the top". Guthrie soon began moonlighting as a singer of commercial jingles, sometimes with her friend Valerie Simpson (of Ashford & Simpson fame). A songwriting partnership with Patrick Grant resulted in Ben E. King's comeback single, "Supernatural Thing", and "This Time I'll Be Sweeter", covered by numerous artists. Together they wrote seven tracks on the Sister Sledge's 1975 album Circle Of Love: Cross My Heart, Protect Our Love, Love Don't You Go Through No Changes On Me, Don't You Miss Him Now, Pain Reliever, You're Much Better Off Loving Me, and Fireman. She was also the writer of Roberta Flack's "God Don't Like Ugly". As Guthrie's solo career developed, she worked extensively with Sly and Robbie on dub-influenced club cuts, and began racking up dance hits. She was dubbed "The First Lady of the Paradise Garage" as several of her songs became anthems at the venue, helped by the frequent and dynamic performances she gave there. She soon teamed musically with famed Paradise Garage DJ Larry Levan. Guthrie is probably best known for her 1986 dance anthem "Ain't Nothin' Goin' on But the Rent", a self-written and -produced track which garnered some controversy for lyrics such as: "No romance without finance/You've got to have a j-o-b if you want to be with me". (and "...Rent" was later sampled by numerous dance and hip hop artists, notably by Foxy Brown in 1998 "Job"). She also had a hit with a cover of "(They Long to Be) Close to You", which reached #25 in the UK charts the same year. Her single "Can't Love You Tonight" boldly addressed AIDS at a time when the disease was a taboo subject, and she was an ally to the gay community, and people with AIDS long before the masses caught up. Proceeds from the single went to the AIDS Coalition. Other club hits of hers include "Padlock", "Peanut Butter", and "Peek-a-Boo". Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.