- You could call Timmy Regisford a survivor, I suppose, but that might imply that his fortunes have waned at some point. Just because certain audiences are digging on deep house these days doesn't mean that the genre had fallen on hard times. Regisford's 17-years-and-still-going-strong Shelter club is a prime example of the staying power of soulful house in New York's nightlife.
Of late, Regisford has taken advantage of the latest resurgence of interest in the genre, producing numerous tracks under this own name. This first collaboration with fellow Shelter resident DJ Quentin Harris is one of the best thus far. 'Astral' rides the deep/tech divide in much the same way that Objektivity label owner Dennis Ferrer has done in recent years. The main mix establishes a healthy groove before dropping in a rapid-fire synth line and ascending strings. These two elements make up the majority of the moving parts in 'Astral' and they're entirely predictable – ecstatically so. A great set-builder.
The B-side's 'Shelter Dub' leaves both the strings and the synth at home, preferring to let the percussion do all the talking. Perfect for mixing into and out of, it should allow a DJ the opportunity to bring wilder and more esoteric fare to the floor. Both mixes have their uses, and both should be gracing dancefloors in New York and beyond in the coming months.
TracklistA Astral (Main Shelter Mix)
B Astral (Shelter Dub)