Theo Parrish grew up on Chicago house parties. He went to art school in Kansas City, and then moved to Detroit. His eclectic DJ sets in Detroit in the late ’90s and early in this millennium are legendary. 

“Love of the music should be the driving force of any producer, performer or DJ. Everything else stems from that core, that love. With that love, sampling can become a tribute; An expansion on ideas long forgotten, reconstruction, collage. Using the same understanding openly and respectfully can turn DJing into a spiritual participation. It can turn a few hours of selection into essential history; Necessary listening through movement.” This personal philosophy gives shape and direction to the distinctive sounds that are created by Theo Parrish. (Last.fm)

01. Marvin Gaye – Life Is For Learning (Motown)
02. Dfa – Microstructural Characterization (Surveillance Rec.)
03. Jerry The Cat – I Only Have Eyes For You (sound signature)
04. Trip Do Brasil – Jelba Small
05. Moodymann – ???
06. East West Connection – North South – Chillifunk Records
07. Daryk Cura – Wide Open (Eargasmic)
08. Dwele – The Sun (Virgin)
09. Larry Heard – Missing You (Son Dexter Django Version) (Trackmode)
10. Ron Trent – ???
11. Hipnotic – Naima Laws Of Motion
12. Reggie Dokes – Black Thoughts (Psychostasia)
13. Larry Heard – Missing You (Tp Remix) (Trackmode)
14. Unknown Artist – Prescription Underground (Prescription 113)
15. Son Dexter – Sonrise Dance (Alleviated)
16. Herbie Hancock – The Essence (Joe Claussell mix) (Transparentmusic)
17. James Mason – Sweet Power (Soulbrother)
18. Nina Simone – See Line Woman
19. Herbie Hancock – Watermelon Man (Columbia)
20. Brothers Johnson – Caught Up
21. Braxton Holmes – 12 Inches Of Pleasure (Clubhouse)
22. Screamin Rachel – Rock Me (Westbrook)
23. Larry Heard/Mr Fingers – Closer
24. Nature Love – Speak Softly (Nite Life Collective)
25. Chaka Khan – What U Did
26. Undisputed Truth – Sandman (Gordy)
27. Dwele – The Sun (Virgin)
28. Tony Allen vs. Kraked Unit – The Man With The Drum
29. Marvin Gaye – Heavy Love Affair (Motown)
30. Herbie Hancock – Stars In Your Eyes (CBS)
31. Gil Scott Heron – Home Is Where The Hatred Is (Arista)
-thanks to theo parrish, dublab, last.fm, allphon.com and fullbozman.com

Theo Parrish - Live at Dublab 10.10.01

TASCAM DR-40

Theo Parrish @ Plastic People , London 09/02/12

Optimo live from The Beach Stage at Love International 2023. 

First 3 hours of their 6 hour set on the Beach.

Live from the Adriatic 2023: Optimo

The first thing you might realise during a MUSCLECARS set is the sheer musicality of the duo's selections. Vocals glimmer at the centre, unfolding into enchanting, soulful coos, while drums strike captivating rhythms and gilded synths reach towards the sky. It's a jazzy New York house sound mythologised by pioneers like Joe Claussell, Carlos Sanchez and Timmy Regisford (whose songs all make it to this RA Podcast). For years, New York natives Brandon Weems and Craig Handfield have run their Coloring Lessons party as a way to introduce a younger generation to this vital piece of dance music history. In a city that prides itself on fast walking, fast talking and, as of late, fast BPMs, their music is an invitation to ease into a more relaxing pace.

This RA Podcast comes at a golden time for MUSCLECARS. In May, they released their RA-recommended debut album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea!, whose sultry (and undeniably catchy) lead single "Tonight" has gotten the stamp of approval, and a remix, from New York legend Louie Vega. And this Sunday, they hosted their annual Juneteenth block party outside the Lot Radio, where scores of Black dancers latched onto one another during sets from a multigenerational crew of Black DJs including Ron Trent, Lovie, Shawn Dub and MUSCLECARS themselves. This two-hour-plus mix takes us through the spiralling jazz of Herbie Hancock, the flashy disco of The Originals and lands us, finally, in "Water," the track that also closes out Sugar Honey Iced Tea!.

@musclecarsnyc

Read more at https://ra.co/podcast/941

RA podcast

RA.941 MUSCLECARS

For someone who wasn't born there, Kenny Dixon Jr. aka Moodymann might be the most Detroit guy to ever exist.  Moving to the motor city from LA at only three weeks old, he has never "truly" left since. His music channels the musical legacy of Black Detroit – transplanted Delta blues, gospel, Motown and Fortune, Stevie Wonder, the Electrifying Mojo and the Belleville Three – with an unassailable verve. His dust-spackled opus "Silentintroduction" has hummed continously in the background of house music since its release in 1997, inspiring generations of producers. 

Two hours of Kenny Dixon Jr. aka Moodymann, selected and mixed by [LDLDN. ](https://www.nts.live/shows/spacebass)

Photo: Donavan Glover 
Find the full tracklist and related episodes on NTS: https://www.nts.live/shows/in-focus/episodes/in-focus-moodymann-5th-july-2024

In Focus: Moodymann 050724

Crown Ruler Mix #35 - Marcellus Pittman b2b DJ JNETT

A meeting of two bonafide black belts for an all out master class. 

Another highlight of Crown Ruler's 25 year celebrations & the final hit out from a crazy summer season - Detroit Jedi, Marcellus Pittman & Naarm's undisputed Queen, DJ JNETT pack all the punches on this very special, extended b2b session.

Recorded live from a bursting Night Cat, feel the sweat off the walls as two old friends & esteemed contemporaries showed out. Travelling through raw uptempo grooves, pulsing deep house, acid explorations and straight hard slapping techno, the two take it everywhere and back again - holding an enthused party in the palm of their hands.

While the sounds of this raucous crowd was not recorded, if you listen closely you can feel the palpable energy as the lightly audible noise of jubilated dancers come through the stylus. Jammed and hot from an hour in and thick til close, this is audio proof of the way two very perceptive DJs can grab hold and take you to higher places.

@marcellus-pittman
@djjnett

Crown Ruler Mix #35 - Marcellus Pittman b2b DJ JNETT

The first half of RA.996 is Ron Trent's take on luxurious house.

As part of our countdown to RA.1000, a milestone in the 24-year history of RA's weekly mix series, we're switching up the usual format. The next few editions will pair two acts who complement each other's strengths, offering a fresh take on a particular community, scene or style. 

This week, we're zeroing in on Ron Trent and Ash Lauryn, two names who fly the flag high for old-school US house—a foundational pillar of the electronic underground. 

Trent takes the A-side. Hailing from Chicago, the birthplace of house, the pioneer is a master of finding the sweet spot where machine music meets organic instrumentation.  Listen to any DJ set or record in his extensive back catalogue and you'll find a wealth of exquisitely expressive melodies and deep, spiritual frequencies, making him the ideal narrator for any survey on house. (If you've only got a moment, sink into "Morning Factory," nine minutes of perfection.) 

Trent's return to the RA Podcast, 19 years after his debut in 2006, represents his many decades of expertise in fusing funk with gorgeous musicianship under the umbrella of heart-stirring house. Some may call it a masterclass but to us, it's just Trent doing what he does best.

Listened to as a whole, RA.996 is a powerful snapshot of house's elegance, class and most importantly, understated yet innately euphoric joy.

Find the interview and tracklist at ra.co/podcast/997

RA.996 Ron Trent

Part two of RA.996 comes from a modern-day house luminary. 

As part of our countdown to RA.1000, a milestone in the 24-year history of RA's weekly mix series, we're switching up the usual format. The next few editions will pair two acts who compliment each other's strengths, offering a fresh take on a particular community, scene or style.

This week, we're zeroing in on two names who fly the flag high for old-school, US  house—a foundational pillar of the electronic underground. The first half comes from Ron Trent, which you can read more about here. 

On the B-side is Ash Lauryn. Hailing from Detroit, she's a modern-day house savant. Her comprehensive understanding of the genre's history—knowledge gained from the Detroit greats who that inspired her—and her own inimitable blend of old-world soul meets new-school grooves make her a force to be reckoned with. 

A former RA contributor, Lauryn keeps it <i>real</i>, whether in the booth or beyond. A role model to a new generation of DJs, she can just as easily be found teaching workshops at Underground Music Academy in Detroit or sharing tricks of the trade in the green room at some of the best clubs in the world.

An unwavering champion of Black dance music, the Atlanta resident makes it a point to play as much Black American music as possible, as she told us in her 2019 podcast. Not much has changed since then. Her contribution to RA.996 spans favourites like Larry Heard, Mood II Swing, Byron The Aquarius, Moodymann, Ron Trent and plenty of Detroit heavy-hitters.

Listened to together, both mixes are a powerful snapshot of house's timeless elegance and, most importantly, understated yet innately euphoric joy.

Find the tracklist and interview at ra.co/podcast/998

RA.996 Ash Lauryn

GOTTA BE

@farrfestival incoming! 
There is little left to be said about Maurice Fulton. By this point he is now known as arguably one of the most experienced and talented disc jockeys of a generation and has been essential to the expansion of club music and its culture over the last thirty years. His sound sees him tastefully blend funk, soul and eclectic disco selections alongside modern day house and dance music in a manner which most will never be able to achieve. Championed by leftfield scenes and house music aficionado's alike. Next weekend he will take to the stage at Farr festival who we have been lucky enough to collaborate on to gather this incredibly exclusive mix. 

@farrfestival


Download

Maurice Fulton: The Ransom Note Mix

                           Back from the dead...
HOMOELECTRIC EASTER RESURRECTION SPECIAL
                GOOD FRIDAY 29th MARCH 2013
            Gorilla (Whitworth Street) Manchester.
                         Featuring the return of 

                          JD TWITCH (Optimo)
            with Lucy Locket, Will Tramp! & Jamie Bull

                        Facebook Event page:
   http://www.facebook.com/events/335329946571836/

                                    Tickets:
         http://www.skiddle.com/events/11810720/
   and available from Piccadilly Records & Clone Zone 


OPTIMO (ESPACIO) ESSENTIAL MIX for RADIO 1 

Jesse Jackson 'Intro'
The Jellies 'Jive Baby on a Saturday Night' (Marathon)
Prinzhorn Dance School 'You Are the Space Invader' (DFA)
The Bar Kays 'Holy Ghost' (Stax)
The Staple Singers 'Slippery People' (Epic)
Chic 'Good Times' (Atlantic Records)
Troublefunk 'Drop The Bomb' (Sugarhill Records)
Prince 'Sign 'O' The Times' (WEA/Paisley Park)
LCD Soundsytem '45.33 part 1' (DFA)
Altz 'Max Motion' (Zi-Koo)
UnknownmiX 'The Siren (Lo Soul's Hot Edit)' (Playhouse)
Dondolo 'Dragon (Shit Robot Firebreathing Remix)' (Tiny Sticks Records)
The Gossip 'Standing In The Way of Control (Playgroup Dub)' (Back Yard)
Depeche Mode The Sinner in Me (Ricardo Villalobos Conclace Remix)' (Mute)
Ricardo Villalobos 'Fizheuer Zieheuer' (Playhouse)
Hansepferd 'BismarkE' (Nobistor)
Saint Ibot 'White Night' (Tendenzen Freier Entfaltung)
Marc Houle 'Bay of Figs' (M nus)
Paul Johnson 'Rubber Band' (Dust Traxx)
Sparks 'Beat the Clock' (12 Inch Stars)
Kenlou 'Sensational Beats' (MAW)
Bumblebee Unlimited 'Lady Bug' (Red Greg/Unidisc)
Lindstrom 'The Contemporary Fix' (Feedelity)
Hot Chip 'No Fit State' (EMI)
The Rapture 'Get Myself Into It' (Vertigo)
X Vectors 'Your Love'
Love Is All 'Busy Doing Nothing (An Optimo (Espacio) Remix)' (Parlophone)
Divine 'Shake It Up' (Break Records)
Bobby O 'She Has a Way (Glimmers Edit)' (O Records)
Yello 'Bostich (Reese Uptempo Mix)' (Mercury)
Mala 'Left Leg Out' (DMZ)
Neu! 'Hallogallo (Mary Hill Rework)' (Brain)
Grauzone 'Eisbar' (Welt-Rekord)
Crass 'Bloody Revolutions' (Crass Records)
The Celestial Choir 'Stand on the Word' (Larry)

Optimo Espacio - Essential Mix (12.11.06)

Ransom Note is an online music, arts and culture magazine. We provide a home for readers and writers with boundless enthusiasm, esoteric knowledge, fierce opinions and impeccable taste.

With our core team immersed in all aspects of dance music, we publish news, articles, and interviews covering the greatest in innovative, underground culture from across the globe. We offer regular, exclusive music and mixtapes from our favourite artists, and publish features shining a light on everything from the freshest new artists to the untold tales from rave history.

Alongside this we offer musings on film, books, life, and art, generating some context and controversy as an antidote to the reheated PR that clogs up the internet. Our office is fuelled by Tunnock’s Bars, cat memes, hangovers and a ridiculous, never ending love for our culture.

We're always interested in getting new writers on board – feel free to get in touch if you’ve got a story to tell.

With love until the grave.