- Sometimes a mix comes along that catches you by surprise. Usually you know what compilations are coming out, and you know when they will be in stores. This mix by Bill Brewster called ‘Praxis’ crept up on me and grabbed me straight away. Resident at Fabric in London, you may know Bill Brewster as one of the co-authors of a book called ‘Last Night a DJ Saved My Life’. An accomplished author and journalist, this cd showcases the musical side of Bill as a DJ, and shows why he is such a respected figure in the UK dance scene.
The Uptown Mix (CD1) is a deep array of house with a percussive touch. There are many beautiful moments to be had with this disc. The beautifully crafted baselines of Mateo and Matos mix of “Brazilia City Mix” by Teddy G is one such moments, and perhaps one of the finest moments on the cd is early on in this mix, that of “Kote Moun Yo” by DJ Hiro feat. Masabumi Kikuchi. Beautiful percussion patterns, chirping melodies and soothing strings make this a classic record. The quirky “Seoul” by Max Fresh is another finer musical excursion while Solaris Height relive the disco era with “Midnight”. The mix ends in a percussive rhapsody with “Mandinga Drumz” by Don Yvo meets the Hunter, with a clever accapella used over the top.
The Downtown Mix (CD2) is what the name suggest, a more downtempo affair of chilled grooves and softer beats. “Tasty Treats” by Chantilly sounds like something out of a porn film, in a good way, while People’s Choice continue the 70’s theme with “Do It Any Way You Wanna”. Truant’s Mix of Rae & Christian’s “Vai Viver a Vida” is a calming and chilled ethnic vocal affair, while the trademark baseline of Chicken Lips grabs a stranglehold late in the mix with their delightful “Wind Ya Neck In”. The mix concludes with “Futuro” by Nova Scotia feat. Nina Miranda, another foreign vocal record with soothing drums and a summer aura.
The only difficult or stressful thing with this mix is reading the tracklisting, as the mix itself is perfect for lying back in the sun, and sinking a few lagers. Although the style of music may not appeal to all, there is enough variety to maintain interest and the ease of listening to both mixes played a vital part in my enjoyment of this release. Check it out at your record store, there might be enough in it to appeal for further listening.
CD1 - Uptown
1. Catalpa - Beanfield
2. Fire - Wagon Cookin’
3. Brazilia City Mix - Teddy G (Mateo and Matos Deep Mix)
4. Kote Moun Yo - DJ Hiro feat. Masabumi Kikuchi (Joe Claussell Rhythmental Mix)
5. The Fires Inside - Chris Lum
6. Hazy Shade Of Love - Alexander East (Deep Sugar Mix)
7. Mushrooms - Marshall Jefferson Vs Noosa Heads (Salt City Orchestra Out There Mix)
8. Seoul - Max Fresh
9. Infinite Rhythm - aFRO-mYSTIC (Dub Mix)
10. Touch The Sun - Atjazz
11. Flatbush Dawn - Be Bop Dawg (Catalyst Bossa Mix)
12. Midnight - Solaris Heights (Original Mix)
13. Mandinga Drumz / F&L – Love Capsule Deluxe - Don Yvo meets the Hunter (Acappella)
CD2 - Downtown
1. Psychedelic Billy - Leo Young Presents the Subiaco Project (LAJ Remix)
2. Strobelight Serenade - Superstars Of Rock (Original Mix)
3. Tasty Treats - Chantilly
4. Conga Sunrise - All Good Funk Alliance
5. Don’t Mind If I Do - Bushy
6. Bones - Brandi Ifgray
7. Do It Any Way You Wanna - People’s Choice (Album Version)
8. Latin Stroll - Universal Principles (Original Mix)
9. Honey - Tosca (Only Child Dub)
10. Vai Viver a Vida - Rae & Christian featuring Tania Maria (Truant Little Witch Pass Mix)
11. Praise Dance - Take Aim
12. Wind Ya Neck In - Chicken Lips
13. I Got It (Pts 1&2) - New York Port Authority
14. Junta Jaeger - Rune Lindbaek
15. Futuro - Nova Scotia feat. Nina Miranda