Thanks to Tony Humphries, the New Jersey House sound was in the center of attention between 1989 and 1993. Along with club Zanzibar, his infamous Kiss FM radio show and his Ministry Of Sound residency, Mr. Humphries was providing the people a uncompromising form of soulful dance music. The roots of the New Jersey house sound come from the originals DJ's of club Zanzibar, the streets of Newark and East Orange, the church, the soulful disco sounds of the 70's and early 80's or the more uptempo R&B of the 80's. The Zanzibar had been going on since 1979 and Tony Humphries was one of the key player in giving exposure to the new producers bringing a new sound to the mass: a blend of disco, raw chicago house and R&B. Chicago had the Warehouse, New York the Paradise Garage and Newark the Zanzibar. Keeping his ears to the streets Tony Humphries would support or give a first spin to many local producers or vocalists, most of them were unknown back then and had a career afterward. Over the years the New Jersey House sound kinda merged with the NYC sound with the support of many DJ's, parties and clubs like the Shelter or Sound Factory. Sadly around 1994, a big shift in the House sound and scene came and lots of people went into the tribal or hard house sound, leaving the soul in the back, back in the underground...
This is the first part of a few mixes I will post every now & then. They don't represent a complete view of that era, but some of my favorite songs or tracks from that special moment in time. In the medias or in the internet we can get lots of informations about the New York House scene or the Detroit Techno movement, but not so much about the people who made the New Jersey House sound what it was. It seems that it all kinda got lost in the mix...
Respect to the architects: Tony Humphries, Hippie Torales, Tee Scott, DJ Punch, Larry Patterson, Shelton Hayes, Naeem Johnson, Kalim Shabazz, DJ Carlton, Jovonn, Smack, John Robinson, John Moore, Willie Wall, Willy Washington, Larry Labirt, Kerri Chandler,Charles McDougald, Ken Johnston, Intense (Ace Mungin, Tyrone Payton, Paul Scott), B.O.P., Backroom, Cassio Ware, Gordon Nelson, Blaze, Don Juan, Jason AJ Summers, James Bratton, Chris Payne, Todd Edwards, George Lockett Jr., Camacho (Da Macho), Wayne Gardiner, Slam Mode, Darryl D'Bonneau, Colonel Abrams, Michael Watford, Romanthony, CeCe Rogers, Tony V, Jazmina, Nick Jones...
also, can't forget about the strong Baltimore/DC connection: Basement Boys, Ultra Nate, 95 North, DJ Oji, DJ Pope, Charles Dockins and club Paradox.
Respect to the records labels: Ace Beat, Movin, Downtown, 111 East, Emotive, Easy Street, Street Beat, Goldtone, Music Station, Music USA, New Generation, Nott Us, JoJo, Perfect Pair, Grassroots, Freetown, N Sync, Big Beat, Kaleidiascope, Metropolitain, Bottom Line...
I know I'm forgetting lots of people, but I'll give you props later on!!!
check out these links for some more info:
Here's the mix!!!
1.Mello House "The Flower"
2.Rudoulpho "Touch Me"
3.Jovonn "Be Free 92"
4.Beat Division "Love Is The Message"
5.Mental Instrum ft Colonel Abrams "We Should Be Dancin'"
6.Nick Jones "Dedication"
7.Napolean Soul-O "I've Gotta Be Strong"
8.Grampa "She's Crazy"
9.Trak 3 "Dirty Talk"
10.Intense "Free Your Body"
11.Beat This "Sagitarian"
12.Intense "Let The Rain Come Down"
13.The Nick Jones Experience "The Keys Of Life"
14.Lord Barron "Holiday"
15.Mentalinstrum ft Giant Storm "Trust Yourself"
16.Jerzzey Boy "Maad Bizzy"
17.Immaje "Celebrate"
18.Hit Hard Tracks "DJ Track 1"
19.Teulé "Drink On Me"
20.Truce "It's Alright"
21.Chris Payne "Simulcast"
22.Essence "Just A Touch"
23.Colonel Abrams "99 1/2"
24.Jovonn "I Want You"
25.Joey Washington "Just Us"
26.Dreamer G "I Got That Feeling"
27. Michael Watford "Luv 4 2"
I hope this will bring back sweet memories or that it will turn you on to new perspectives!
