David Mancuso Loft Vol 2 [Double CD]

In this day and age when many DJs are more likely to try to impress with technical ability, as oppossed to their skill in selecting music, it is a breath of fresh air to come across an album such as this that has the emphisis very much on the music.

The legendary loft parties that were held in David Mancuso's New York apartment, first in the late sixties, and concluding some thirty years later in 1998, were a melting pot and gathering place for some of the city's most innovative pioneers of the New York club scene over this period. It is testimony to the impression made by Mancuso's weekly Saturday night gatherings, that such current players as Danny Krivit and Francois K of NYC's Body & Soul, pay homage to what Mancuso achieved in the CD booklet, and their respect is apparent.

The music it'self is a joy to listen to and never fails to surprise. It is to all intents and puposes a brief family tree of club music in New York over a thirty year period. The first disk kicks off with Fred Wesley's classic "House Party", and moves into a very laid back disco sound. The first big surprise is a heavenly ten minute piece of disco on track three. I had to pinch myself when I looked at the sleeve notes, and saw that this particular track was by Demis Roussos!

Although the CDs are unmixed, the the flow of the music seems almost totally seamless, and this is purely down to the choice and order of the tracks. From what I have read of the loft, this pretty much captures the vibe of the place, and Mancuso's musical philosophy.... Next head turner is when the tone is changed with the introduction of Jah Wobble and Can's Holgar Czukay's collaboration on "How much are they?"

Disk two deals primarily with The Loft's latter years, and has more of a house music feel, from the opening track, Nu Yorican Soul's "The Nervous Track" to the penultimate offering, "Little Fluffy Clouds" by The Orb, which is a personal favourite.

I suspect that this is the inherent beauty of The Loft Vol 2. If you are into music, and have an open mind, you will find amongst it's tracks, a track that is an existing favourite, and you are bound to find one or two more that will become favourites.

I would say that If you are willing to take a chance on the outlay for this album, you will be pleasantly surprised. I certainly was. Read more ›