Somethin' [Wit' Jazz][*] - "Little" Louie Vega, Mr. V
Like a Sunshine, My Memory [Eol Mix][*] - "Little" Louie Vega, Anane
Back to the Raw [*] - "Little" Louie Vega,
Dance Ritual was founded in 1998 by two of dance music?s most respected artists, Louie Vega and Joe Claussell. The two wanted to create a party without musical boundaries, where African, Jazz, Latin, Soul, Gospel, R&B,... more » and Brazilian sounds would blend through house forms. Whether playing new or classic dance music, Louie & Joe would always conjure a warm soulful atmosphere for any open minded spirit. Dance Ritual has been the home of amazing performances by artists such as the late great Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Roy Ayers, Jocelyn Brown, India, and guest DJs Timmy Regisford, David Morales, Tony Humphries and Francois K to name a few. Dance Ritual even presented an outdoor concert at Central Park?s Summer Stage, drawing over 7,000 people and proving that this event transcends club culture. Now Louie Vega has recorded a mix that captures this special party moment on the first ever Dance Ritual CD, featuring music by artists as diverse as Natalie Cole, Thievery Corporation, David Byrne, Stephanie Mills, Masters at Work, and original music by Louie himself. Vega is unquestionably a major force in house music, both as a producer and DJ, and Dance Ritual is his cultural and spiritual home. On this mix, Louie has weaved a journey of burning vocals and uplifting soul guided by ever-present Latin and African roots.« less
Dance Ritual was founded in 1998 by two of dance music?s most respected artists, Louie Vega and Joe Claussell. The two wanted to create a party without musical boundaries, where African, Jazz, Latin, Soul, Gospel, R&B, and Brazilian sounds would blend through house forms. Whether playing new or classic dance music, Louie & Joe would always conjure a warm soulful atmosphere for any open minded spirit. Dance Ritual has been the home of amazing performances by artists such as the late great Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Roy Ayers, Jocelyn Brown, India, and guest DJs Timmy Regisford, David Morales, Tony Humphries and Francois K to name a few. Dance Ritual even presented an outdoor concert at Central Park?s Summer Stage, drawing over 7,000 people and proving that this event transcends club culture. Now Louie Vega has recorded a mix that captures this special party moment on the first ever Dance Ritual CD, featuring music by artists as diverse as Natalie Cole, Thievery Corporation, David Byrne, Stephanie Mills, Masters at Work, and original music by Louie himself. Vega is unquestionably a major force in house music, both as a producer and DJ, and Dance Ritual is his cultural and spiritual home. On this mix, Louie has weaved a journey of burning vocals and uplifting soul guided by ever-present Latin and African roots.
"Just when I was about ready to give up on House, I find this album; it's totally renewed my love for the genre. Every track is soulful, beautiful, richly textured, and deep. The mixing is intelligent, stylish, and seamless - it creates an impressive and unique segue that envelops you in the rich layers of the exquisite percussion, sexy vocals, and elegant piano riffs. And, I have NEVER heard a flute sound so urgent, sophisticated, and true.
This is what it's all about people. This album is the new standard for which I will measure all others. I especially, like "still a dancer," "like a sunshine, my memory," and "portugese love," but every track is just stunning and proves that House can achieve the highest levels of artistry and raw perfection, especially in the hands of Lil' Louie Vega, who is truly a Master at Work.