Summer’s done.
We’re back in business.
Regular service will now resume.
And in fact we’ll be increasing our output and mixing things up over the coming weeks and months. Watch this space…
To kick things of, I’m excited to share this short series of documentaries and interviews, which I was previously unaware of, that appeared out of nowhere on YouTube a few weeks back.
The year, 1996.
The place, London.
The focus, Jungle: a revolutionary new sound emerging from the UK’s multicultural urban youth that was already shaking the foundations of music worldwide.
The protagonists, an extraordinary cast of key players from one of history’s most important periods of musical innovation.
LONDON JUNGLE
DJ Hype, Goldie, LTJ Bukem, Kemistry + Storm, the Moving Shadow crew, Grooverider, 4Hero and DJ Krust are just some of the names who feature in this exceptional 1996 documentary from German music programme Lost In Music.
This is like stepping into a time machine and emerging in a better and simpler time, in so many ways. The tone, the clothing, the technology, the modes of speech and interaction, the way these independent creatives were obviously thriving both commercially and artistically.
And, most importantly, the music itself.
DJ HYPE
An hour of wisdom from one of the realest artists in the game. Understand the true roots of jungle from the dancehalls of east London in the early 80s, through hip-hop, acid house and up to emergence of hardcore. And the importance of this culture to the street kids who filled its upper ranks.
LTJ BUKEM
Without question the most influential artist in the melodic side of jungle. Danny Bukem is a true gentleman, rooted in classical and jazz music. Watch out for a feature article coming in the next couple of months.
4HERO
Marc and Dego. The Dollis Hill crew. Two of the most evolved artists in UK music who in many ways superseded jungle before it have even properly begun. I really must do a deep dive on Reinforced…
PESHAY
What an absolute geezer.
Also, this track is simply untouchable:
ROB PLAYFORD
Finally, the man behind the scenes at Moving Shadow and the second half of the creative partnership that formed Goldie’s Timeless.
What an era, what a sound, what an inspiration.
I feel truly humbled by these films.
Shout to all the artists.
Legends in the game.
Peace and love.
Rubin