[^^ Up] --- [Next >>]

Joe Claussell

You are being redirected to the new address at jahsonic.com

In the last five years, there has been the emergence of a new sound in dance music, one that places more emphasis on Latin, African and jazz elements than straight 4/4 beats. This global dance movement can in many ways be traced to Joe Claussell, perhaps the most significant figure to arrive on the scene since the Masters at Work. As a DJ, record store owner, label executive and artist he's been intricately involved with all aspects of music, giving him a unique perspective that's allowed him to avoid the pitfalls of so many pioneers.

Joe Claussell, Francois K. and Danny Krivit are the resident DJs of New York venue Body And Soul. Both 'Abstract Jazz Lounge 1 & 2' and the Joe Claussell/Kerri Chandler produced "Escravos De Jo" are a nice introduction to his work.

The classic Joe Claussell/Kerri Chandler "Escravos De Jo" (Ibadan) is actually a reinterpration of Milton Nascimento track by the same name on his "Milagre Dos Peixes" album.

Joe Clausell "Mix The Vibe"
The Nitegrooves label is known all over the world for its deep and soulful house music.The latest installment in the Mix The Vibe series marks a stylistic turn to the left. Masterfully blended together and turned out by DJ/Producer Joe Claussell, it incorporates selections from the compilations Abstract Jazz Lounge 1 & 2 and Abstract Afro Lounge, in addition to choice selections from the King Street catalog. Claussell transmits his message, capturing the essence of Nitegrooves while embodying the spirit of his Body & Soul-residency. He takes you on a journey through soulful bliss, uplifting rhythms, riveting countermelodies and the organic spontaneity of jazzy influences sprinkled throughout a non-stop expanse of 140 minutes. Also on non-mixed 2LP

New: Mutabaruka:Dis Poem 99 (Claussell rmx):Guidance

[...] a superb re-interpretation of Mutabaruka's "Dis Poem '99" (for those unaware the original came out years ago on NuGroove in a compilation that featured other greats such as "Masai Women" and "Nervous Acid"). What makes Claussell appealing to me is that in a time when there is an abundance of the tech sound his remixes often seem to be much more organic sounding with the end result being a very distinct sound and feel. In that vein, Claussel goes straight to one of the more earthy and tribalistic instruments in many cultures - the wind instrument. The remixes are lead in large part by a full, rich flute and the overall vibe, tempo, and arrangement of the remix, especially the "Flutestumental", makes me think of Frankie Knuckles' "Whistle Song". The Flutestrumental is the highlite for me, but on the flip you have a vocal version utilizing more from Mutabaruka and more emphasis on some very tribal percussion, along with the subtle bassline and sparsely spaced horns used on the "Flutestrumental". A very nice interpretation and another quality release from Guidance. 1999, see also Boyd Jarvis