John B – 'Catalyst' Album Sampler #1

I first heard 'Prowler' dropped on a sultry August night in 1999 at 'Movement' Bar Rhumba by Fabio, Ray Keith and (a then unheard of) DJ Marky. Arguably the tune of the night, it caused mayhem on the dancefloor with numerous rewinds called for throughout the course of the evening. This is one of those tunes that can only be truly appreciated on a proper sound system; from the menacing intro synths to the pounding beats and thundering bassline causing untold damage. However, what really sent the dancefloor into a complete and utter frenzy was the unexpected and, at the time, neglected use of the amen break that enters at around 02:55 which pierced the air like shards of flying glass and catapulted an already frenetic tune into warp drive. I do not think I have seen a tune cause the damage this did that night, not before nor since, and it should stand in testimony to the greatness of John B.

This, along with Ray Keith and Nookie's 'Self Destruction', was what secured me a slot on a radio show back then. Best of all I inexplicably found 'Prowler' on promo in a bargain bin at Oxford Circus HMW for £1 several months before it was actually released!