Someone You Should Know: Chicago House Music Producers

The Lost in House Music Blog will be featuring Chicago House Music Producers for the entire month of February in conjunction with Black History Month .This month's segment is entitled "Someone You Should Know". Chicago is the birthplace of House Music and these producers help to make house music what it is today.Make sure you check out their music under their bios.The first set of musically gifted producers that we're spotlighting:




Anthony Nicholson
 
Glenn Underground




Vick Lavender

Larry Heard AKA Mr. Fingers

Anthony Nicholson

ANTHONY NICHOLSON aka Miquifaye Anthony Nicholson's compositions are an expression of a profound and original sound that leaves an indelible impact on DJs and music lovers alike. At an early age , Anthony Nicholson's introduction to the music of artist like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Miles Davis , Steely Dan, and Lonnie Liston Smith built a solid musical foundation that developed into a discriminating taste in the music he collected, and later played. Dance Music pioneers were in the midst of defining what we now call "house music". It was around this time when Anthony began to develop his talent as a dj in Chicago. The need of a creative partner to evolve prompted Anthony’s' next progression in his career. Anthony teamed up in 1991 with Chicago dj Lee Collins to produce his first record for Movin Records in New Jersey. A producer and songwriter was born! In 1993, Anthony formed a creative partnership with producer /dj Ron Trent. As part of a collective known as Urban Sound Gallery(USG), Anthony helped bring to fruition several writing and production concepts with songs like "Ncameu" and "Ebony Angel" which both became instant classics in the dance music community. A considerable number of singles and collaborations by Anthony & Ron would be released on Prescription recs . A string of original productions and remixes would soon become a part of the artistic experience of a future pioneer in dance music. Anthony Nicholson’s productions are boundless! His catalogue of work has been featured on many leading independents like Guidance Records, King Street Sound, Irma Records, Peace Frog Records, Distance-UK, Sonar Kollektiv,Compost, Laws of Motion, Wave, EMI-Japan, BBE, Ubiquity, Sacred Rhythm and others. Anthony has collaborated with several innovative artists, such as, Duke Jones, Lars Bartkuhn, William Kurk, Chris Robb, Dave Sampson, legendary drummer -percussionist Kwame Steve Cobb, who played with jazz greats Ramsey Lewis , vibe maestro Roy Ayers and Earth ,wind & fire. Expanding his horizons has led Anthony into exciting territory, completing successful DJ tours state side and international. Still Anthony Nicholson’s' most impressive accomplishment is the shaping of Clairaudience. Since its' inception in 1997, Clairaudience Records stunned the house music world with its refreshing and timeless sound. A sound that has won the support of worldwide DJ icons like Phil Asher, Dj Spinna, Dj Deep, Stacey Pullen, Francois K, Louie Vega, Joe Claussell ,Ron Trent -who himself helped form the label,Glen Underground, Marques Wyatt, Larry Heard,U.F.O ,Jazzanova and Kyoto Jazz Massive. In 2002 Clairaudience pushed ahead with a compilation of material previously released as well as original works from other musically diverse producers, such as, Phil Asher and Frankfurt Germanys' very own NEEDS. Realizing a seemingly impossible dream has molded and brought forth a well-respected tireless disciple for the movement of quality dance music. Anthony Nicholson looks forward to shaping the future with his music and collaborating with other talented forces. In 2005 Anthony released Necessary phazes an album project exclusively for Trackmode recordings. Anthony also launched two new labels: Circular Motion and Infinite Audio along with a relaunch of his Clairaudience imprint. 2006-2007-2008-2009 featured several remix projects by Anthony. Never taking his God given gifts and talents for granted is the inspiration for Anthonys consistant work as a dj/remixer/producer. Taking music and culture back to the future remains to be one of Anthony Nicholson’s most necessary missions in life.

Anthony Nicholson/Inner Sound

Anthony Nicholson/Inner Sound

Anthony Nicholson/Worldspin Shibuya FM Live Mix on February 5, 2010

Anthony Nicholson/Worldspin Shibuya FM Live Mix on February 5, 2010

Windimoto - Love You More (Anthony Nicholson's Organic Soul Remix)

Anthony Nicholson pres. Jrod Indigo - Optimum (Miquifaye Cosmic Vocal Mix)

★ Anthony Nicholson - Travelin Song (Sonic Sensitivity) (2011) ★

Soulful Jazzy House: Anthony Nicholson - Solitude (Miquifaye His Dream)

anthony nicholson - starchild.wmv

ANTHONY NICHOLSON ( JUJU JAZZ EXPERIENCE )

Anthony Nicholson - Tribes Of Chant (World Dance) - Peacefrog Records 1998

Anthony Nicholson Presents Miquifaye - Future Black Fusion (Soul Ritual ...

Anthony Nicholson as Legacy - All (Metaphor) 2000

Glenn Underground

Glenn Underground is one of the deepest of the deep house producers, following Larry Heard's classic Chicago tracks with his own earthy grooves, more closely aligned to the spiritual tones of disco than even contemporary house music. In fact, his bootleg remix of the prototype disco single -- Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" with production by Giorgio Moroder -- is virtually a necessity in the crates of house DJs. The head Underground has recorded for nu-school Chicago label Cajual/Relief (as GU) plus Europeans like Peacefrog, DJAX-Up-Beats, SSR, and Guidance. He often watched his uncle's band practice while growing up in Chicago, and began playing with the group's keyboard, a Fender Rhodes. He began DJing and also started producing tracks on tape as early as 1991 to mix in at his gigs.
One of the first was a cut-up version of Donna Summer's "I Feel Love," which exploded in Chicago's clubland and impressed Cajual Records label-head Cajmere enough to begin releasing Underground's tracks. The label eventually issued more than a dozen GU singles and EPs during 1995-1996, even while Underground recorded several singles and his first full-length, 1996's Atmosfear, for the British Peacefrog label. His 1997 Secrets of CVO EP for Guidance expanded his '70s influences with clean minimalist fusion-funk; the track "House of Blues" even featured a solo by guitarist Stevie Israel. The collection The Jerusalem EP's appeared on Peacefrog that same year, with a great variety of sounds from Detroit techno to deep funk and house. Underground had already debuted his collective the Strictly Jaz Unit with longtime friends Boo Williams, Brian Harden, Tim Harper, and Cei-Bei; the group released the LP Future Parables for London's Defender Records. An Underground solo release, A Story of Deepness, followed in 1999. Underground and Williams also run Strictly Jaz Productions. ~ John Bush, Rovi

Glenn Underground/Disco Mix

Glenn Underground/Disco Mix

Glenn Underground/Safe House 2005

Glenn Underground/Safe House 2005

★ Glenn Underground - What's Next (2011) ★

Glenn Underground - Silent Pimp (Peace In My Place)

[2010] Glenn Underground - The Sabbath (The Beginning)

Glenn Underground feat. Swaylo - So Amazing (GU's Main Vox Mix) DEEP HOUSE

Glenn Underground Feat.Leroy Burgess - Feelin Me

Q-Burns.... - Mess Of Afros (Glenn Underground Mix)

Glenn Underground - Fly With Me (UBQ's Vinyl Soul Mix)

Glenn Underground - Legacy Of The Know

GU (Glenn Underground) - Rob's Dance [Cajual, 1994]

Vic Lavender

Vick LavenderAlma CabaÃ’a” translated means “For the Love of Cuba.” The phrase is especially fitting for Vick Lavender’s bio – not only because elements of African and Latin culture have been a constant influence in his music, but because Cuba is the origin of his heritage.
As a DJ and producer, Vick has been a global music aficionado for over 20 years and continues to elevate the genre of house music by creating unique, Afro-Cuban rhythms and world beats representing the mosaic of the African Diaspora.† His mastery of this “tribal sound” gives his music the ability to call to our ancestral spirit and permeate the soul of its listener.
Before confounding the internationally known production team / live band Mr. A.L.I. (African. Latin. Influences), he gained unprecedented notoriety as a member of house music keynote Glenn Underground’s “Strictly Jazz Unit”. While with SJU he recorded the world re known EP and house DJ favorite,†“PM Blues.”† Throughout his career he has been credited with writing some of house music’s classic singles, including Sun’s “Father’s Little Girl” and “Medone’s Thoughts”†from the Future Parables album. Another of his creations, “Wish”, was featured on The Nightlife Collective Vol. 1 compilation.
Currently Vick runs his own digital label “Sophisticado Recordings” which is responsible for some of the most innovative deep house recordings to come out in recent memory. With records such as the jazz fusion based track “Vida”, along with deep house anthems “Respect our love” and "first kiss"feat Carla Prather†not to motion the live recording of the Chicago fusion up, Vick Lavender and his label continues to push the boundaries of the sound dubbed deep house, you can find Sophisticado recordings at http://www.traxsource.com/.Vick Lavender's love for music has also landed his music in a popular television commercial as well, his record Vaporizer feat Peter Jehrico was featured in the Chrysler's jeep wrangler ad.
Vick continues to be one of the most sought after DJ’s on the house music
circuit, having made guest performances in London, Toronto and NYC’s Club Love and APT. For over 10 years he has remained an icon of Miami’s famous Winter Music Conference, with his legendary parties drawing hundreds of “house heads” and international devotees.

Vic Lavender/October Fusion Mix

Vic Lavender/October Fusion Mix

Vic Lavender/Virgo Lounge

Vic Lavender/Virgo Lounge

Vick Lavender-1929 ( El Barco Está Navegando ) (Main Master Mix)

Vick Lavender feat. R.J. Green - Afterparty For Two (Man X Sunset Nights...

Vic Lavender Feat. Nicole Mitchell & Al Olive - Music Is Life (Vic Laven...

Vick Lavender Presents. Carla Prather - Hey Baby (Call Me) (Dolls Comber...

Vick Lavender - Jazz in Outerspace (Vick Lavender's Diasporas Den ReTouch)

Vick Lavender - The Chicago Chase (A Tribute To Fred Hampton)

Vick Lavender - Wish [Original Mix]

Vick Lavender Glass Houses The V.L.Exclusive Guitar Mix

Larry Heard AKA Mr. Fingers

Larry Heard (born 1960) is a musician widely known for the Chicago house music he produced in the mid-1980s and continues to produce today. He was a member of the influential group Fingers, Inc. and has recorded solo under various names, most notably Mr. Fingers.

His smooth production style with soulful vocals and long instrumental passages that de-emphasized percussion spearheaded the subgenre known as deep house. One of his first releases was a collaboration with singer Robert Owens, released under the group name "Fingers Inc." The song "Mystery of Love" instantly became a classic hit, rising to #10 on the Billboard Dance charts.

Although he has created much music and his career is ongoing, his mid-1980s tracks are considered classics in the house and nu-soul genres.

He has mentored other successful artists, most notably Son Dexter, whose label Alleviated Records has released some of Heard's music.

Much of Heard's music is released and re-released under different names, including Fingers, Inc., Mr. Fingers, Loosefingers, Larry Heard, and Robert Owens (the vocalist on those tracks).

Larry Heard - Mystery Of Love

Larry Heard Live @ Club 11 (Amsterdam) - 08-04-2007

http://soundcloud.com/r_co/larry-heard-dj-set-11-amsterdam-08-04-2007?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=blogger&utm_content=http://soundcloud.com/r_co/larry-heard-dj-set-11-amsterdam-08-04-2007

Larry Heard - Live @ Luv & Dub Paradise - Club Four - Shizuoka - Japan - 30-08-2009 - Part 1

http://soundcloud.com/tbrothers/30-08-09-larry-heard-luv-and-dub-paradise-pt1?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=blogger&utm_content=http://soundcloud.com/tbrothers/30-08-09-larry-heard-luv-and-dub-paradise-pt1

Chicago Producer Larry Heard(Mr. Fingers)

Larry Heard (born 1960) is a musician widely known for the Chicago house music he produced in the mid-1980s and continues to produce today. He was a member of the influential group Fingers, Inc. and has recorded solo under various names, most notably Mr. Fingers.

His smooth production style with soulful vocals and long instrumental passages that de-emphasized percussion spearheaded the subgenre known as deep house. One of his first releases was a collaboration with singer Robert Owens, released under the group name "Fingers Inc." The song "Mystery of Love" instantly became a classic hit, rising to #10 on the Billboard Dance charts.

Although he has created much music and his career is ongoing, his mid-1980s tracks are considered classics in the house and nu-soul genres.

He has mentored other successful artists, most notably Son Dexter, whose label Alleviated Records has released some of Heard's music.

Much of Heard's music is released and re-released under different names, including Fingers, Inc., Mr. Fingers, Loosefingers, Larry Heard, and Robert Owens (the vocalist on those tracks).

Larry Heard - Winterflower (Original Mix)

larry heard - time

Mr. Fingers - What About This Love (Kenlou Mix)

Larry Heard (Mr Fingers) - Back To Love

Mr. Fingers " Distant Planet " 1987

Mr. Fingers - Beyond The Clouds

Mr Fingers - Can You Feel It

Lost in House Music is Featuring The Legendary Glenn Underground


 Today the The Lost in House Music Blog is featuring works from the one and only "Chicago's Very Own" Glenn Underground.

 In honor of all the great music that Glenn Underground has given the house community and in conjunction with a night dedicated to Glenn Underground Productions and Remixes this Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the Ultra Lounge Chicago, 2169 N. Milwaukee Ave from 10:00p.m.-3:00a.m.

This is going to be a musical treat that you don't won't to miss. A night to remember..House Music at its finest.

Chicago's Very Own/Glenn Underground

CVO GLENN UNDERGROUND

Glenn Underground comes from a family of musicians dating all the way back into the early 1970's, from his stepfather to his cousin, to his uncle's so his musical knowledge exceeds him. Since 1984 G.U. has been playing & supporting house music in Chicago & has been producing his own brand of House(& Dance music) since about 86-87 until now and so on. Glenn Underground is the founding member of the Strictly Jaz Unit. He was raised on disco classics and freeform jazz in Chicago's Southside, the place where house music was born. Taking inspiration from Chicago's original pioneers, Larry Heard, Ron Hardy, Lil' Louis, and the like, Glenn has produced some of the most well respected deep house music of the past five years. His releases for Cajual, Prescription Guidance and Peacefrog have set the standard for sophisticated dance music. He is one of the few DJ's who can walk the line between deep jazz house, disco influenced house, and the kind of classics featured at the legendary parties of late 70's Chicago.


Glenn has moved the world with some of deepest house grooves. From his thoughts to sound to the people who not only dance to it, but also listen & pay attention to it.

In his world travels G.U. has rocked his sound in the U.S./Europe/Japan/Canada clubs include: Sanky's Soap,Manchester-The Hub Club,Bristol, and in Ireland a club he likes to call the Cork,-Gas Works,Hamberg,Germany-The Big Bop,Toronto-Space Lab Yellow,Tokyo-Club Joule,Osaka and a host of other clubs all over Japan. Oh yeah cant' forget Embryus in Toronto,etc. In his U.S. travels from Chicago & so on clubs include: Smart Bar,Chicago-The Infamous Warehouse,Chicago-Red No.5.Chicago-Karma,Chicago along with Leroy Burgess & Patrick Adams-The Origianl Shelter,Chicago,and a host of other clubs in Chicago. G.U. has moved a host of clubs in New York City,New Jersy, as well as Detroit, Dallas, and L.A. This is a brief history of Glenn Crocker aka Glenn Underground


Glenn Underground Discography

Atmosfear

(2 versions)
Peacefrog Records 1996

I Need GU

(CD)
Rhythm Republic 1996

GU Works (Vol. 2)

(CD)
Rhythm Republic 1996

The Jerusalem EP's

(2 versions)
Peacefrog Records 1997

Glenn Underground Presents S.J.U. Project, The* - Future Parables (3 versions)

Defender Music 1997

A Story Of Deepness

(4 versions)
Nite Life Collective 1998

Love & Hurt

(3xLP, Promo, W/Lbl)
Nite Life Collective 1999

Lounge Excursions

(3 versions)
Guidance Recordings 2000

Black Resurrection

(CD, Album)
Life Line 2004

Back To The Basic

(File, MP3, 320)
Moods & Grooves 2006

Silent

(CD, Album)
Unified Records 2009

GU Essentials 2010

(5xFile, MP3)
Strictly Jaz Unit Muzic 2010

Legacy Of The Know

(CD, Album)
Strictly Jaz Unit Muzic 2010

Forgotten Art (Music)

(CD, Album)
Strictly Jaz Unit Muzic 2011
Go to Beatport.comGet These TracksAdd This Player

Cvo Glenn Underground at the HotHouse

Cvo Glenn Underground at the HotHouse

Glenn Underground/WMC Promo Mix 2008

http://www.play.fm/recording/w2008promoremix12030

Gu-tinimartini 06-10-06 Groove Parlor

Gu-tinimartini 06-10-06 Groove Parlor

Glenn Underground/Dance Culture Guest Mix

http://mzhousediva1.podomatic.com/entry/2012-01-27T09_28_04-08_00#.TyLjh1ycOAg.blogger

Glenn Underground - Robots & Bumblebees (A Tribute To Patrick Adams)

[2011] Glenn Underground - Shiloh (A King's Return)

Glenn Underground - Strumming & Thinking

GU - Conquistador

Glenn Underground - Teck-na-logie (DJAX Chicago Techno)

Glenn Crocker - Entercourse of the New Age

CVO - What Do You See

Glenn Underground - Head of House

Glenn Underground - Concrete Level Jazz

Glenn Underground - Atmosfear - Dance Slam

Glenn Underground - Escuchame

Glenn Underground GU - I Feel Dub (I feel love & Chase Remix)

Glenn Underground - Fallen Rain

Glenn Underground Indians & Bagpipes

Glenn Underground - Negro Cry

Glenn Underground - Afro Gente

Glenn Underground-Mental Fusion

Glenn Underground/Beyond

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5FQUAKe8yk

Glenn Underground - Black Action

Glenn Underground - 12 O'clock Pumpkin - Change Things

Glenn Underground - Ascension - One Way Back

Glenn Underground - Star Gate

Glenn Underground And Daisy Villa - Rize (Main Mix)

Glenn Underground presents The Enigma - Man On Fire

Glenn Underground - C U O Trance Peace Frog Records 1996

Glenn Underground - Ninja

Soulful House: Glenn Underground - 7Th Trumpet

Exclusive Interview with International Producer and Dj Fabrizio Marra



 DJ Fabrizo Marra has been entertaining the masses for over twenty years. Growing up in Milan Marra indulged himself with the musical stylings of Donna Summers, Earth Wind & Fire and George Benson. Growing in age as well as taste in music Marra became passionate about the ever expanding genre of House Music which only solidified his “link” with the music he creates.


MzHouse DivaWhen did you get started in the music scene?

I did always love music, I remember when I was young I started to do scratch on an Old vinyl .I’ve been involved in this business for 20 yrs. and I’m still in love with this.


MzHouse Diva:  How did you get into djing?

I started when I was 16, following behind my brother who played commercial songs in a club. I remember that one time I left the record of who is going on and the crowd stopped dancing and that was a big mistake.


MzHouse Diva:  What was the first record you bought?

I don’t remember it, but I remember when I bought TEARS from FRANKIE KNUCKLES and SATOSHII TOMIIE.. what a great track.


MzHouse Diva:  What was your first paid djing gig?

I got few Money in a private party and from there I thought it was good..get more gigs to get more money …not ever been


MzHouse Diva:   How would you describe your djing style to people?

It depends, I love to play in the club and I do usually play heavy with more energy ..but I love to also produce soulful music cause I have soul on my blood…so it depends from the situation absolutely NOT COMMERCIAL


MzHouse Diva:  When did you first full in love with house music?

From the first time House music appeared I always hated commercial music and I started to hear music from Larry Levan gigs, Sylvester, Diana Ross , Jimmy Ross and then the evolution to the house music was easier.


MzHouse Diva: How is the house music scene in Italy?

People are so commercial in Italy, there’s no culture about that kind of music. People love to hear what they usually hear on a broadcast and so it’s real commercial..


MzHouse Diva: What are the differences between the House Music Scene in Europe vs United States?

In US was the melting pot of races and they love vocals more smooth house music…House music was born there and in Europe need more new sounds, bit techy more energy they need bum bum and they don’t feel goosebumps when someone sing.. I mean the melody…Love US HOUSE MUSIC


MzHouse Diva: If given the opportunity, where would you love to play at?

I have never been to play at CIELO in NYC. I played in NYC before,  but  im curious to play in NYC at CIELO, maybe for fashion or because lots of people talking about that.


MzHouse Diva:   Who were some of your djing musical influences?

I started to love LOUIE VEGA ,Frankie KNUCKLES and Tony HUMPHRIES, so I’m an old skool house music lover….


MzHouse Diva:   Who are some of the artists in the music industry, would you like to work with in the future if given the opportunity?

Im a pretty friend of TEDD PATTERSON and I’m sure there will be some projects that I’m going to realize with him and for me, is a BIG BIG honour is such to realize a dream


MzHouse Diva: What is your most memorable moment in your career?

When I was in BAHRAIN playing at COCOON, I was treated as a pure star, poster around the city all free driver who came at the airport with a big car…was a perfect experience but I’m not a DIVA.. I don’t like to be


MzHouse Diva:  What was the best advice that was given to you?

Victor Simonelli said to me 99% is public relation 1% is spread the music….


MzHouse Diva:  How did you get into producing?

With my friend Paul Wiltshire MuSol, I decided to start doing producing to get more exposure.  He is one of the best Producer and one of my best friends, he really helped me and is still helping me.


MzHouse Diva:  When you aren’t busy djing and promoting; what do you like to do in your free time?

I stay with my dog LORD and my eight CATS. I like going to the park with him and I try to improve English to my niece, but it’s better to start to improve my own one.


MzHouse Diva:  How do you feel about House Music becoming more digital? Do you think that hurt or help the house music industry?

House Music scene isn’t in a good state ..period. With the internet, it’s easy to find new good producers and new good music, but as you well know it’s not easy to sell music. It’s impossible to produce Vinyl too expensive and you find lots of music, but sadly too many peer to peer ruined Discography and Artists.



MzHouse Diva: What are some of the house tracks that you are really feeling right now?


I love all of my music, but I definitely support my big friend and big producer MuSol. He rocks ..so any track of his, I’m sure I will get it without listening before.


MzHouse Diva:  If you could change one thing about the house music industry, what would it be?


Nothing because house music is not only House Music . House Music is a culture it is a way we live so I’m glad to be a part of this Industry and I love my life, and I also love House Music you need to get involved in this to understand it.


MzHouse Diva:  What do you see in the future of house music?

I see new music coming, new sounds coming, good producers coming and too many djs (ha ha ha), But I hope it will help to make HOUSE MUSIC always on the top. I also suggest to people to love House Music to feel it before starting to get involved. As I told you before ,if you feel it or if you are a part of that only there you can grow.


MzHouse Diva:  Can you tell us about your future plans or Have you any plans (personal or business) that you can share with us?

I have some productions new ones made with BAH SAMBA and ROB HAYES. Something really hot with Great remixers on these packages, also we are waiting for WMC and something happen really soon in ITALY especially in MILAN so we are waiting and we try to forget world crisis with Music


MzHouse DivaIs there anything else, you would like to share with us?

Music is the ANSWER …………KEEP HOUSE MUSIC ALIVE…..

Thanks for you taking the time for this interview.. Peace..Love..House

Interviewed by: MzHouse Diva


*Follow the links below to get a taste of the Fabrizio Marra House Experience*

http://www.fabriziomarra.com/
http://www.mixcloud.com/fabrizio-marra//
http://twitter.com/DjFabrizioMarra
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dj-Fabrizio-Marra/152329994837661





Dj Fabrizio Marra/ Paradise City on Stereocittat Part 2

Make sure to check out Dj Fabrizio Marra exclusive interview on the blog

http://www.mixcloud.com/fabrizio-marra/fabrizio-marra-paradise-city-on-stereocittait-part-2/