Dance ARTISTS & MUSIC Napuri's Latest On Nervous Can Be Habit - Forming

QUICK ON THE BEAT: Becoming have seen and heard it all. Guns N' inextricably hooked on one tape can be Roses axeman Slash is at the center hazardous to getting any work done if of what will likely be one of the mega your job is to review new music -par- Z6K club hits of the season. He has teamed ticularly in light of the daunting vol- TRAX E1 with singer Marta Sanchez and pro- ume of material that lands on our desk ducer Nile Rogers for "Obsession," a daily. It doesn't happen often, which by Larry Flick Latin -spiced rhythm -pop twirler from makes such a distraction all the more the soundtrack to "Curdled." Tony noteworthy and pleasurable. The cas- Moran is recruited to push what was sette in question holds a batch of jams the film "Independence Day." And for already a fairly jiggly tune over the from the mind of producer/composer those who love good dish with their top. Moran beefs up the track with a Manny Napuri, better known in the grooves, he has teamed up with Joey shoulder- shaking house beat, while New York underground as Prince Rolon for "Miss Thing," a wicked AV8 Sanchez smolders and Slash floats flut- Quick Mix. If his latest creative out- Records 12- incher that underlines tering riffs that are miles away from put is an accurate indicator, he's about tooth- sucking chatter with old -school the metallic sound for which he's two steps away from international club tribal-house percussion. revered. What can be next? A grunge- stardom. And if you think that's the whole rocker by Frankie Knuckles? For the uninformed, Napuri started tape, think again. A &R reps should getting props earlier this year with an scam a copy for several unsigned gems, G ROOVELAND: Freedom-FM, the inspired and unreleased deep -house including sweeping atmospheric sound - promising new pan- European queer interpretation of Led Zeppelin's "Babe scape "I Am Calling" and a rugged radio station, continues to sharpen its I'm Gonna Leave You," a track that will garage redressing of Gary Wright's programming direction, which includes finally see the light of commercial "Dream Weaver." a decent amount of dance music. Its on- release on Perfecto U.K. later this Still wondering why we're hooked? air lineup includes such juicy names as year. Actually, Napuri's alliance with Boy George, who will preside over a Perfecto is deepening by the minute, IN THE MIX: Deep Dish christens weekly show of what he describes as Charting New Horizons. The Los Angeles production /remix team of Richard as he's also been commissioned to its deal with deConstruction Records "sick and twisted" music; red -hot "Humpty" Vission and Pete Lorimer has inked a publishing agreement with EMI the reconstruct Robert Owens classic with "Stay Gold," a firm reminder that Trade U.K. club DJs Tony DeVit and Music. The deal comes in the midst of a hot streak of hits for the duo, whose "I'll Be Your Friend" for the label. Can the Washington, D.C.-rooted lads were Jazz Extract; and cool ambient - recent club hits include "Superstar" by Charm Farm and "Devotion" by Devone. an artist pact between Napuri and Per- a viable recording act in their own junglist DJ Elia. Sounds fierce, They have also penned tunes for forthcoming albums by RuPaul and Crystal fecto be far behind? honcho Label Paul right long before becoming a top -shelf doesn't it? We're starved for air checks Waters. Pictured in the back row at the signing at EMI's L.A. offices, from left, are Oakenfold has always had a penchant remix team. Understatement is the key of these shows. Linda Benjamin, attorney, and Tim McDaniel and Javier Lugo, co- managers of for grooming cool young Some- to house talent. this rumbling instrumental. Ever fearless in its decision to fly Vission and Lorimer. In the front row, from left, are Lorimer; Jody Gerson, senior thing to consider. Yeah, it's plenty aggressive and catchy beyond the safe confines of house VP, West Coast, EMI Music; and Vission. In the meantime, Napuri has given as can be. In fact, we dare you to try music, Strictly Rhythm Records dips a tasty new twist to Donna Summer's sitting still through the track's me- deep into clubland's experimental "I Feel Love" under the name Inca lange of tribalistic drums, swelling underground with "The Wamdue Pro- King on Nervous Records. With fine organs, and hypnotic vocal loops. But ject: Resource Toolbook, Volume One," earlier this year, with "Return Of The West, and it's circulating around the vocal assistance from newcomer Jean- by carefully measuring its sounds and a collection that combines the left -lean- Bass," a single that features Steady U.K. club circuit with remixes by the nie Wilde, he has concocted a radio - knowing when to pull back, Deep Dish ing flavors of jungle, techno, and ambi- with Too Kool Chris. It's the best way fab Kris Needs. friendly electro-funk version (amus- partners Dubfire and Sharam have ent -dub with classic sounds of jazz, to remember Steady- making phat Kult Records appears poised to have ingly titled the "103.5 Mix," named for crafted a single that hits hard without funk, and soul. Producer Chris Brenn and juicy music. a toasty winter with a string of intrigu- the FM frequency of popular radio sta- pounding you over the head. Ultimate- leads his crew of musicians and tech- Renegade also gives a groove plat- ing releases. In November, DJ Seamus tion WKTU New York), while smartly ly, that's the kind of record that will nicians through 10 jams that alterna- form to Tyree, a hip -house mainstay Haji takes a crack at covering the serving a trance -leaning mix that will enjoy the longest possible life on the tively soothe and invigorate the spirit. who has been absent from the compet- garage classic "Go Bang" by Dinosaur keep the children of the runway hap- dancefloor. Keep this disc handy for nights when itive fray in recent times. "Don't Trip" L., retitled "Big Bang Theory," while pily strolling. Speaking of folks who know how to you need a little rhythmic motion but shows him in solid form, working under German DJ Gene Douglas offers a Napuri can also be found kicking it brew hearty house music without fly- not a full -frontal beat assault. Heavy the production guidance of Too Kool self -titled EP of hard house dubs. on Narcotic Records with the ethereal ing over the top, the Basement Boys props to Strictly Rhythm and A &R Chris and DJ Insane. Good to have Later that month, Danny "Buddah" "Mellow" and on Aqua Booty Records offer a study in effective restraint on guru Gladys Pizarro for using high- him back in action. Morales returns with "The Bromide with the dark and trippy "NYC Lies In "Freak," a collaboration with fellow profile status to shine a light on some- Occasional Primal Scream singer EF;" which simmers with his unique Dust," which features fun soundbites producer Eric Kupper and musician thing refreshing. Denise Johnson has decided to take blend of muscular house rhythms. The by Siouxsie & the Banshees and from Paul Shapiro. The pace is pushed to a And while your mind is open to new full control of her career by issuing her year closes out with the project that breathlessly energetic rate, with Sha- ideas, spend some time with "Free music on her own indie label, Hologram diva aficionados all over have been piro filling in the space between Vic- Your Soul," a caustic breakbeat stom- Records. The soulful "I Believe" is her dying for -the return of Sabrina tor Williams' wriggling percussion per by Daylight Society, aka Dallas first single since splitting with East- Johnston. Billboard. breakdowns with fluid flute and sax renegade Kelly Reverb. He has lines. Again, the key is selective use of designed a speaker -blaster with HOT a good thing, leaving the punter sali- ragged techno synths, super -thick vating for more without feeling frus- beats, and a faint touch of reggae spice. HIP HOP FREESTYLE CLUB HOUSE TECHNO trated. An essential turntable item For moments when DJs require a from the Basement Boys' eponymous, faster pace and more keyboard action, Ie4kolik CC OCTOBER 26, 1996 Liaison -distributed label. there are jumpy jungle and acid -funk N6LE CLUB PLAY The stylistic lines that divide house remixes of this ESP-Sun single by and classic hi -NRG music are blurred Kingsize. 1. ONE AND ONE ROBERT MILES FEAT. MARIA NAYLER DECONSTRUCTION on "Dreams," a wonderfully uplifting Hanging on a similar tip is "One URCE 2. REPORT TO THE FLOOR INNER anthem by Philadelphia upstart Mar - Night Stand," a masterful chill -out SOUL FEAT. SONYA ROGERS JELLYBEAN Qus. The beat races at a feverish excursion helmed by Aloof. Beautiful- Over 600 Major / Same Day Shipping 3. GET ANOTHER PLAN ABSTRACT TRUTH STREEIWAVE Independent 12" Weekly New Release 4. WHEN YOU LOVE SOMEBODY pace, giving appropriate urgency to a ly haunting and melodic in its original Labels Mailer / Specials MICHELLE SWEENEY ELECTRIC KINGDOM dramatic arrangement of flamenco incarnation, this lazy soul jam under- 5. CAN U FEEL IT 3RD PARTY Dye Current and Catalog Monthly Catalog guitars, organs, and classical piano goes groove surgery by Baby Fox, who 12" / LP's Knowledgeable lines. This is one of those rare records dubs out the bassline with drum'n'bass Computerized Sales Force MAXI -SINGLES SALES that would work equally well during flair, while mad genius Ashley Beedle Inventory Excellent Service pastel -sprinkled tea -dances and at indulges in a 13- minute epic recon- 1. HOW YA WANT IT THE JUNGLE VINYL ACCESSORIES BROTHERS GEE STREET intense underground parties. Our struction that slowly builds from a pud- 2. REPORT TO THE FLOOR INNER only quibble is that the excellent vocal dle faux a Record Bags - Slip Mats - Stanton Products SOUL FEAT. SONYA ROGERS JELLYBEAN of -symphonic strings into 3. GOTTA FEELING M5 FEAT. BRAD RAKER SORTED version is buried on the 12 -inch press- percolating samba. Brilliance that CALL FOR OUR NEW STORE PACKET 4. I FELL IN LOVE ROCKELL ROBBINS ing. As much as we love the dubs, per- must be heard to be believed. And 5. JUST THE WAY PLAYAS PLAY) haps a little more confidence in the while you're picking up this EastWest ALFONZO HUNTER DEE SQUAD TUNIQU516)E MUSIC2000RP. actual song is in order. Available on U.K. import, plunk down the bucks for Breakouts: Titles with future chart potential, 294-5905 () based on club play or sales reported this week. the Philly -based About the Beat a copy of the Aloof album "Sinking." Tel.# (800) 294-5901 Outside NYS Fax# (516) 294 -1644 Records. Chicago's Renegade Records pays 0 OK, we can now officially say that we tribute to Kool Rock Steady, who died PROGRESSIVE TRANCE DANCE DANCEHALL

BILLBOARD OCTOBER 26, 1996 31 www.americanradiohistory.com