Cool Hunting

What do James Brown, Marvin Gaye, D’Angelo, and Pharoah Sanders all share with German techno? Surprisingly, on the upcoming richly eclectic DJ-Kicks mix, these and others from the soul archives get German minimal house and techno producer Henrik Schwarz' treatment. Who would have guessed that a guy who makes sparse and moody electronic dance music had so much soul up his proverbial record sleeve? While hailing from Bodensee, Germany, Schwarz’s productions have always clearly been rooted in the nascent house and techno sounds of Chicago and Detroit. These genres—which have come to be more widely associated with European artists—evolved out of the soul music continuum of gospel, disco, and electric funk of America’s inner cities.

On this latest DJ-Kick's release, Henrik takes it back to the music’s spiritual beginnings with 23 deep and esoteric selections. This is not a party mix. In addition to more recognizable names, the album incorporates Moondog’s jazz shuffler “Bird’s Lament” (which served as sample fodder for UK producer Mr. Scruff), rare soul from Jae Mason and the Luther Davis Group, quirky proto-house, and original tracks from Sir Henrik himself. I was actually expecting not to like it, but ultimately it won me over. Due out 31 October 2006, pre-order it from Amazon.

by DJ Scribe