From Chicago comes Blue Town Records, specializing in house music sounds obviously inspired by its city’s famous lineage, but also mixing in some international influences and flavors. The label’s first issue, titled BlueBeats Volume 1, is an introduction through two tracks from a pair of new artists who will be regular fixtures on Blue Town Records. The improbably named Jack Kerouak is up first, inspired by the production and sets of DJ Sneak and like-minded artists to fuel his funky sound. Kerouak’s “Do" sets the pace for the new label with its chunky rhythms and wildly building filtered loop. This is Chicago-inspired house music at its grittiest, with a sound tailor-made for bumping out of club sound systems at the latest of late night parties. Next up, and nicely accompanying the ‘A side,’ is a moodier deep house cut from newcomers Jeff Broderick & Robert Hoggatt. Jeff used to go by Jeffrey Starlight and was a resident DJ in the Paramount Room at Chicago’s Shelter nightclub, and found much inspiration in the sets of former Chicagoan Mark Farina. Jeff’s attended many deep after-hours parties with Robert, and their contribution aims to catch the feel of these gatherings. Titled “Slow,” the track relies on a steady, snappy four-on-the-floor groove as sparse electric piano chords and a beckoning female vocal drop create a hypnotic swirl. Early hours or after-hours, this simple deep house exploration is perfect for a dreamy mid-set segue. These cuts make for a definite promising start for Blue Town Records … stay locked for more to come.
Mark Farina - “Nice!”
Johnny Fiasco - “Dope sample rendition.”
Diz (Vizual / Classic) - “Bumpin’ Chi-town boogie!”
Tommy Largo (Lost My Dog) - “I like the ‘Do’ track … nice filtered loops.”
Corduroy Mavericks - “The Jeff Broderick & Robert Hoggatt cut is pretty good!”
Doc Link - “I’ll be rocking this out!”
Jevne (OneThirty Recordings) - “Twisted disco house sounds!”
Deepshizzol (MyHouse-YourHouse) - “Yes! Back to the basics with this stomper … dope!”
DJ Nova (Rodon FM, Greece) - “‘Do’ is sick, love it. .. It’s calling me to dance, mad filtered disco in the jack.”
Chris Udoh (Tigerhook) - “I’m feeling both tracks. Love the chunk disco backed by a vibe filled deep track.”
Additional support from Giom, Gene Hunt, Eman, Bernard Jones, Benji Candelario, Craig Hamilton, Sandro Bianchi (Ibiza Sonica), DJ Rivero (1200 Warriors), and Edground.
Available now from Juno Download and Stompy.