Carl Craig

this is a very long biography - with its highs and lows, in the end it was Carl Craig who (appearing on a commercial TV show) played At les, M6 and Substance's Relish and derailed* me for the next 40 years.

- long story short, "all power to Carl" as James Drexciya said in his final/goodbye interview..

One hell of a phat banging phenomenal techno/house music dj and producer!!!

I think a lot of people who make house music fall into one of two categories:
- a dj (or)
- a musician
I think Carl Craig falls most definitely into the latter of these two categories. Don't get me wrong, i'm not saying he's a bad dj, it is just that you listen to his productions and think to yourself that there is a musician - a proper artist.
The man makes music that touches the soul.

It is quite clear that Carl Craig has played an integral part in the history of Techno everybit as much as derrick juan kevin and Eddie flashin fowlkes (eddie often referred to as the unfairly forgotton brother of Detroit).
Carl Craigs production can be quite hard to understand and even quite hard to get into, especially to those new to his music, HOWEVER listen a second time and you begin to understand. Listen a few more times and you're hooked. The same is to be said about his DJ kicks more directly his Workout mix CD. It may seem a bit light and bitty to some, but keep on listening properly and you begin to realise that this is a man who constantly pushes the boundaries is open adding his own PERSONAL touch. I met him at the bridge and tunnel in London when he was playing, it was only a small party with about 150 people. He was even playing hip-hop and soul, and the occasional dutch house record. I mentioned that i had bought a copy of "steam" off eBay - he replied that he didn't think it had been released. When i sussed him out and told him it had come out on planet E, Touche and Open records he chuckled and told me I had sussed him on that one. Down to earth guy. But most importantly don't forget his contribution has changed techno forever.

Comparing DEMF; The Carl edition, vs. the Non-Carl edition.
As someone who has been around electronic music as a buyer, as a supporter, a promoter, a participator for many many years. I had so much more fun and felt much more rewarded as a listener and a traveller when it concerns Detroit Electronic Music Festival 2001 versus 2002. That was such a more open minded affair as far as the permutations and an HONEST representation of House Techno Electro etc etc ad infinitum are concerned than the 2002 edition. Comparing the two is like night and day. 2001 I felt rewarded if I stuck around to listen to some artist I may have a periphal knowledge about who was due to perform or just a Hi how are ya? by someone I had long followed and supported as they gave their nickels worth input. 2002 felt like any of the many outdoor weekend festivals I have been around played at and otherwise. I could have gone to a RAVE circa 97 and gotten pretty much the same line up verbatm as far as the headliners are concerned. George Clinton is only obvious and should be allowed open stage to play anytime he damn well pleases. he wrote it, he made it, he controlled it long before any of them even knew what (a) soul was or even what a daiper was for that matter. That harpie ms. marvin probably doesn't even own any of his records except for some greatest hits collection so she can sing along to flashlight in the car when she's feeling woozy.
I'm thankful 2002 was musically bland in comparison so I actually did get a chance to see what Detroit as a burnt out urban area has to offer to the traveller. Visually detroit is an ugly, cruel, a town where it's entirely possible and plausible for someone to make their own world out of what the environment has to offer. Inspirational for a better tomorrow indeed, but holy trousers it's burnt down. I understand why the music is as inspiring and beautiful as it is when it comes down to it, there's nothing else to satiate that desire for beauty. Not within the confines of the urban experience at least.
Carls music is difficult to play at times, it challenges me as a dj to find a point to mix out of a lot of his songs. I more often than not have to play them front to back because they're structured as they are structured. they generally get someone crazy in the legs and azz. Again, someone on their own program and own level that few others attempt to approach much less aspire towards. One of those producers it's just best to snap up ANYTHING with his name attached to it no matter what the role.
Now what about the norman whitfield tribute?
now there's a cat who needs to be thanked.