theo-ology
19 February 2007 by jaksoul
I was fortunate enough to see Theo Parrish at Plastic People last night.
Suffice to say it was an incredible night; quite simply one of the world’s best djs at the top of his game playing on the best soundsystem in London. Musically it spanned a massive variety of black musical forms from disco-through jazz, hiphop funk and acid. But it’s not like those kind of lazy musical tags really apply to someone like theo, with different styles effortlessly brought together to create a richer, greater whole.
This combination of the fantastic soundsystem and the otherworldly-ness of his crazy, intense, sometimes 20 minute + productions, made it feel like we were witness to the deejay, not as superstar, but artist; at once uncompromisingly new yet direct descendant to a black musical heritage increasingly under attack from a culture that wants to steal it and twist it for it’s own commercial ends.
One man diggin deeper, sticking to his own distinct vision and providing powerful inspiration to those willing to take the time.
Next time you get the chance, you should really try and check him out. In the meantime thanks to the power of the internets and to a new found friend, here is a excerpt from last night. It’s a bit rough and ready but you can kind of get an idea of the seriousness of the vibe. I’m guessing it’s some new theo edits (sounds like a marvin gaye sample in there somewhere)-either way it’s damn heavy.
Enjoy.
19 February 2007, on 10:05 pm
Oh wow-nice one mate.
I have fond memories of Plastic People back when it was starting off-top night out with the best of people and (still) the best of tunes.
Great blog by the way.
Cheers,
Cubik
20 February 2007, on 4:08 pm
A modern day legend, at least to me. I say him in Detroit on New Years Eve and it was mindblowing. His love for music and true talent really come through in his dj sets and you can just tell he studies and understands what he is playing. His unique style wouldn’t work otherwise. Thanks for the post, I can’t wait to listen.
20 February 2007, on 7:46 pm
damn that track is awesome, I wish he’d come down here and play…
20 February 2007, on 9:22 pm
I’ve listened now and this is great. But as far them being essentially pre-prepared edits, it’s been my impression that he’s doing much of this mixing and panning, etc live isn’t he? So it may not be that these are new tracks necessarily, just his live creations. I might be completely wrong, though. Regardless, we need some new stuff by him and this link seems to indicate that we may have something very soon:
http://music.rushhour.nl/store_detailed.php?item=38806
21 February 2007, on 10:57 am
yeah-got an email ’bout this album this morning-I think the track above is ‘The Rink’ (track 6 from the new album)
Matt,
You’re right man, what makes his djing so amazing is that you’re never sure what is live and what isn’t, you just have this ever changing groove and you’re not really focusing on what records he’s playing but the music.
22 February 2007, on 3:03 pm
[...] a relationship breaking down- is as good an example of that as any. I almost went off on another Theo monologue there, anyhoo enjoy the tune and if you are looking for some more detroit/philly soul deejay [...]