Little Louie Vega – Mad Styles And Crazy Visions

There are few people who will get the opportunity to work with the most

dynamic remixers and producers of this decade. Collectively known as

ëMasters At Workí Louie Vega and Kenny Gonzalez form a formidable

partnership reminiscent of the greatest producers of yesteryear. Quincy

did it with Chaka Khan, James Ingram, Al Jarreau and The Brothers

Johnson, while Gamble and Huff did it with Archie Bell and The Drells,

Harold Melvin and The Bluenotes, Teddy Pendergrass and MFSB. Maw

has produced records for George Benson, Tito Puente, Madonna, Michael

Jackson, Simply Red and Marc Anthony (a small list of the artists they

have worked with, we suggest you check out their anniversary albums on

bbe for a more comprehensive list). What is the connection? Their

versatility. ëLouie Vegaís early years revolved around a series of events

and relationships that compelled him to assume the role of musical

alchemist. Louie grew up in an environment where Latin music was as

common as bread and water, and the sound of the emerging New York

underground was always within earshot. Being too young to visit clubís

with his older sisters Vega tapped into the roller disco scene in 1979 ñ

ìThatís when I first heard ëGood Timesíî he remembers, ì I was like

ëForget It.íî He also tapped into the local Hip Hop scene. His first visit to

the Paradise Garage in 1980 sealed Louieís destiny as a music maker ñ

ëI just stood there with my mouth open, watching Larry go offí Louie Vega.

The idea for Mad Styles was discussed when Louie visited London for

Garage Cityís 7th anniversary. Two weeks later everything was confirmed.

The album has been put together to highlight the fact that the high-energy

dance music that graced dance floors throughout the seventies is very

much relevant today. The nerds amongst you will be surprised, as we

were, to discover the intricate levels of filtering and phasing that went in to

Stevie Wonderís ëSongs In The Key of Lifeí LP, and there is a

recognisable strand of todayís disco influenced dance producers

applying the trickery of pioneers such as Larry Levan, Arthur Baker and

Patrick Adams. Full marks if you acquire this album- not only for

supporting the movement but also for acknowledging the great fusion that

disco was and still is. With sprinklings of African, Latin, jazz, funk and

electro pop rhythms the production today is tighter in some instances

but still breathy, sexy, up tempo and ultimately for the sweaty dance floor.

Masters At Work is about to release an album on Tommy Boy, as a duo or

individually, Kenny & Louie circles the globe spreading their musical

message. This album has captured some of that magic.