'THE DIRTY DISCO SHOWCASED DISCO, HOUSE, AND TECHNO MUSIC OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY.'' (9/2/18)

Originating in 2005; one of Leeds most loved club nights 'The Dirty Disco' has turned into something huge. Having provided some cutting edge lineups, involving heavyweights from the world of underground dance music such as Moodymann, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Stephan Bodzin, Mr. Scruff and many more; it is apparent that the dirty disco sound is one that is very diverse. Although it is labelled 'The Dirty Disco', their events also include hard-hitting house and techno to create a mixed bag of grooves and satisfy every music lovers desires. On Saturday the 9th of February, they returned to their recognised home (Mint Warehouse), with a vast amount of past and future talent on display, from the likes of the legendary Derrick Carter, and new kids on the block Dan Shake, Jasper James, Lone and Big Miz. More fine selectors were also invited to the party and were spread around 3 different parts of the Warehouse.

Jasper James took over from Matt Cooper and began the main proceedings of the night in the central part of the Warehouse. The Glaswegian prodigy has had a whirlwind of a year, travelling the globe with the likes of Jackmaster and Artwork, then hitting Ibiza, before returning to the UK to be involved in shows of the highest magnitude, such as 'The Warehouse Project' in Manchester and most recently 'Mastermix' at Motion Bristol. The DJ and producer that stretches beyond his years has firmly established himself as a serious talent, leading to him receiving upcoming headline slots at clubs such as 'Fly Club' in Edinburgh. Taught to DJ by his father at a young age, he has gone on to develop his own unique style which was delivered on the night. He captivated the sell out crowd with an eclectic mix of funky house and techno which got the room bouncing as the led lighting dispersed across the entire back wall, dazzling in various different shades of red, green and blue. Jasper loves a house or techno tune with an old school disco sample  and one of the notable moments of his set was when he played General Ludd's - 'Woo Ha' which samples from the Fatback Band's - 'Stuff'. This is the kind of tune which I would say best describes the sound of the dirty disco; combining the always favourable house and techno beat with everyone's deep found love for disco.

The party was extended into the loft of the warehouse which featured Lone and Big Miz, and a Boiler Room; which was a separate part, towards the back of the club. There was some great house and nu-disco coming from here such as Crazy P's - 'One True Light' which was played by Michael Upson, and other similar sounds. Lone and Big Miz are huge talents, which draw crowds in to events by themselves. This showed just how much talent was on offer for the dirty disco dancers. We were spoilt for choice! I ended up opting to stay in the main room for the rest of the night to see what Derrick Carter and Dan Shake had on offer. Jasper James handed over to Derrick Carter for his headline slot from 2-4am in the main room. Being a legend of the Chicago House scene, his sets are rooted in house but he also has plenty more in his locker and explores disco, soul and jazz music; whatever suits the mood! Since his debut single 'Love Me Right' produced in 1988, he has remixed and released on his own two labels (Blue Cucaracha and Classic), also producing several mix albums which has led to him establishing himself as one of the most important figures in dance music. His favourable old school house sound was present on the night, but he also incorporated some unique ideas in to his set, mixing the old in with the new. At one point he mixed the vocals from 'Girl Put Your Records On' by Corinne Bailey over the top of Lil Louis' - 'French Kiss' which spans all the way back to 1989. He also introduced some newer records which generated a great response from the crowd, such as the ever-favourable 'Question' by Four Tet. Carter encapsulated the audience taking the warehouse on a journey through house music, resulting in a set which oozed of class. 

It was no surprise that Dan Shake was handed the closing slot from 4-6am, as he has recently emerged as one of the most talented DJs around. Fresh off smashing a Boiler Room in Melbourne with the one and only Gerd Janson, he has also recently released an EP - 'Shakes On A Plane' which features a single that has generated a lot of appreciation, from the likes of Joey Negro and others - 'Magic Marcel'. Interestingly, he is also the first non-Detroit artist signed to Moodymann's tight knit crew 'Mahogani Music' which shows just how highly regarded he is amongst his peers. Over the last year he has been all over the globe and it was now time for him to return to his roots where he studied in Leeds. It was quite the homecoming party, he raised the roof with his soulful house and disco selections, also dropping a bit of acid in here and there. It was apparent that Dan is a big fan of Louie Vega's house/disco re-edits as he played 'Dance (Disco Heat)' and 'Up Jumped The Devil' which electrified the dance floor. His other selections included Danny Russell's remix of Jeremy Underground favourite 'Watchin Out' - 'Party All Night Long' which perhaps reminisced some in the crowd of their so-called legendary b2b set last time he was in Leeds, and one of my favourites of the night; a class A disco number called 'Funk Nuggets' by Mero. Dan really shaked the place up and finished  his set with some fine disco selections.

The variety of fine selectors really put on a show for the sell out crowd at Mint Warehouse. 'The Dirty Disco' seems to be an event that appeals to almost anyone as it guarantees a great night out with a diverse amount of music on offer. This really was a special event which showcased disco, house and techno music of the very highest quality.

(6am at Mint Warehouse)