Although legally a New York City resident, Johanns G might as well take up a co-residency in downtown Boston as well with the amount of time he spends up here. I’m glad to have him record a mix for the Podcast Series, which turned out to be a 45-minute sequence of ten ass-shaking peak hour tech-house joints. This is a catchy mix-up session right from the opening bars; Johanns wastes no time setting things off. It’s a bit faster-paced than most house mixes, so if you’re looking for a pick-me-up, this sesh will whip you into shape with quickness.
One common element I found in many of the tracks here (especially during the first half) is the inclusion of Latin percussive instruments, such as bongos, congas, and toms. Not often heard daily in the world of tech house, I am wondering if some of the producers here are extracting a bit of influence from the tribal house guys back in the late 90s. And to be honest, from a drums standpoint, some of these songs even have quite a bit in common with UK Funky – at a pace of about 10bpm faster. However these tunes are crafted, I like them a lot. To be honest, most people are fans of Latin percussion, whether they know it or not!
Talking with Johanns after listening to this mix for the first time last month, he told me that he was restricted to using only ONE of his arms while recording it. Not exactly sure what happened, but one of his arms was either in a sling or cast. From listening to the mix, you wouldn’t notice at all. The mixing and EQ work is flawless. Next time around, we ought to try to get Johanns back into the studio to record another one for us blindfolded.
You can catch Johanns playing alongside Matt McNeil (another alumnus in our podcast series) at their Buskers Lounge monthly night on Saturday, October 16th. Flyer for that event, and tracklist below.
On the Boogiedownload 010:: Johanns G
Afrodisium By Gabriel and Castellon (Groovenatics remix)
Soy Como Soy by Makossa and Megablast
Chants by Sollscher Und Siech
Own by Adam Port and Sante (Riva Starr Remix)
Palmito by Flash Brothers (Steve Angello Remix)
You Will Never Know Me by Armbar (DJ Homewrecker Remix)
The Voice by Thyladomid
Tomales Frias by Fausto Messina (swing version)
Riddim by Mark Broom
Room 414 by Tomcraft (Tube and Berger remix)