Dan Berkson and James What team up with Robert Owens - new 12” coming soon

Dan Berkson and James What team up with Robert Owens - new 12” coming soon

31 January, 2008 | 1.15PM

• Section: Music News
• Written by: snickyo

Dan Berkson & James What teamed up with the legendary vocalist, DJ and producer Robert Owens for “Reflections” their third Poker Flat 12”.

Owens career emerged from the golden aera of Chicago House back in the late eighties.

Together with Larry Heard and Ron Wilson he formed the legendary group Fingers Inc..

He constantly had releases on various labels and currently Robert is preparing his new album “Nighttime Stories” for Compost. Dan Berkson & James What featuring Robert Owens: Reflections is scheduled 4th February. 

True underground artists from London’s thriving music community, Dan Berkson & James What are more than capable of working a groove!

Already well known on the scene for their precise deep tech-house sound and unique live shows, they deliver another first class EP here on Poker Flat.

‘Reflections’ is a typically nonchalant display of the young pair’s talents; tight percussive layers build to reveal a classic groove.

As if to cement the track’s foundations in House, legendary vocalist and figurehead for the genre Robert Owens provides a gritty monologue that comes straight from the heart, reminding us all to ‘Keep it Real!’ Just as soon as Owens’ stirring tones disappear, a pulsing bassline infuses the blend with a splash of Acid. Instantly creating a memorable moment, this fantastic meeting of minds will work in so many different situations!

The slightly darker subtleties of ‘Onika’ are released in mesmeric phases which again confirm the pair’s arrangement skills.

Rich percussive gestures dance around another air tight groove and a signature riff that deftly balances between funk and paranoia. An ideal tool to deploy when its time to take the party up few notches, or indeed hold it there, teetering on the edge!

This is solid, dynamic House Music, clearly designed for the dancefloor, but its lovingly crafted spatial qualities and careful crescendos are the marks of two very devoted musicians.

PRESS AND DJ QUOTES PFR93:

-Laurent Garnier: “simply brilliant R Owens still has this brilliant voice i love it”

-Dave DK: Like the “Reflection”, great vocals by Mr. Owens! The beat is very Berkson-What style, played it in the club and it rocks! Though somehow the mixdown of the subbass is quite heavy.

-Martinez: nice one, thanks.. i like the b-side, its a hell of a track ;)

-Cassy: very nice!

-Will Saul: “I love this. Dan is the master of dancefloor arrangement and reflections builds perfectly. Lovely tonal percussion that locks the groove so well. A great release, full support.”

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