A rise in interest in Drum and Bass always means good things for the music. More listeners and fans brings more exposure to what we all love. The diversity and range of the genre has expanded over the years. With every subgenre having a lace to fit in, from the rager main floor of Neuro, to the headbanging mobs of half time. I have always had a sweet spot for the deep/intelligent/jazzy/liquid styles and seeing Etherwood coming through Phoenix has me falling in love with the deep sounds of the early 2ks. Those deep rolling basslines and sultry vocals are perfect for laying down a vibe earlier in the night, or bringing the sun out at an all night outdoor event. Here is a list of my top 5 classic deep tunes.
Omni Trio: Beyond The Fundamental (Big Bud Remix) (ASHADOW20CD-08)
This tune is perfect in its simplicity. Deep 808s and a pad that you can float on. This track came in a numbered Byte Size Life box set from Moving Shadow, I had to buy 2.
2) Grand Unified - Music Makes Me Feel This Way (feat. Kadeem)
From Kadeem's vocals to the "Loungecore" vibes. This Hospital Records release still gives deep sighs. We all know exactly what is being said by "Music makes me feel this way."
3) LTJ Bukem - Watercolours
Good Looking Records boss man has a way with the long format of the genre. Watercolours clocks in at 7:38 seconds. It is not even the longest track on the release "Journey Inward" Each track a deeper cut than the last. LTJ can be seen on his US tour. Information available here
Released by A5 Recordings as a 1 sided bootleg with only the word "Badune" across the label, This record made its way into a lot of sets. I know she is an artists and "Sensitive about her shit" but Erykah Badu got the remix we never knew we needed to hear.
5) Guardians Of Dalliance: Blue Green (Original Version) (ASHADOW11CD-1-08)
Another Moving Shadow release. A live Drum and Bass band, this track leads in with a jazzy funky guitar riff and floaty pads. The bass line goes for a walk and just when you think its given you everything, The female vocal comes in to melt away all your worries.
As Drum and Bass continues to grow as a genre and as new genre's come in where do you see more style changes coming from. I am still enamored with 174/87 bpm and all the ingredients it contains and can't wait to find my next favorite track.
-Pac D
Phoenix, AZ
