randydeshaies Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 -- Sunday, January 29th, 2006 -- House Music Legend MARK GRANT (Chicago) Typically in our weekly spam we try to give you a brief background on each artist playing that particular weekend in an attempt to educate those who may not know or never heard of these artists. Most weeks we will cut down their bio info into the more relevant information. But this week... with such a respected figure in the House Music community and an icon of what we try to do every Sunday night, we felt it would be irresponsible to cut down Mark Grant's bio. Because one of the main characteristics and most alluring aspects of House Music is its history. So we apologize for the lengthy meesage, but it is important to know where it comes from to continue to move forward. So it gives us great pleasure to bring such a legend into our home for an education in House. Respect! MARK GRANTEmerging from a solid tradition of celebrated Chicago house producers, Mark Grant continues to be highly sought after for his technical skills as a DJ and his creative innovations as a producer and remix artist. Growing up in the city that introduced house music to the world, Grant found his aspiration in life to be a DJ at a young age. Influenced heavily by legends such as Frankie Knuckles, he was instinctively drawn to house."If I've ever loved anything, it's been house music," he says. "From my first encounter at 12 years old and still today."Having DJed several years on the Chicago scene, Grant jump-started his production career in 1994, with the release of, "Gotta New Love Thang" with Ralph Rosario. This single was released to widespread critical acclaim, even garnering kudos for Grant from industry heavyhitter Billboard, and was Grant's first opportunity to showcase his talents for writing, producing and remixing in one project. The following year Mark joined forces with Chicago house imprint Cajual Records and over the next two years, Grant would craft prolific amounts of material for his new creative outlet. Among his productions, lasting impressions were made from his single "Touch Me" and The Braxton Holmes/Mark Grant EP as well as "The Spirit of the Black Ghost" for cross-town rivals, Guidance Recordings. His collaboration with fellow Cajual artist Cajmere under the moniker Chicago Connection produced one of his most popular releases, the track, "Dancin'". Grant's remixes of Glenn Underground's anthem, "House Music Will Never Die", and Green Velvet's "Answering Machine" were also very well received. Then Grant created his first nationally released mix CD, "A Taste Of Cajual", which found honors in the Chicago Tribune's Best Albums that year.For several years Grant had been performing four to five nights a week in Chicago, with residencies at weekly events at legendary clubs Red Dog, Red No. 5, Shelter, Funky Buddha Lounge and Mad Bar. After Cajual abruptly folded in 1997, Mark advanced on the popularity he'd developed through his distinguished releases and began to build an impressive touring schedule outside of Chicago. Traveling across the States and Canada, and over the world, Grant played venues from Scotland to Turkey, Japan, Belgium, and Finland.In addition to his aggressive touring agenda, Grant continued to be in high demand as a producer/remixer. Among his original material, Grant put out numerous remixes on labels such as Guidance, Deep Soul and Silk Entertainment between 1997 and 2000. The distinctive "Jazzy Kinda Sum'n" on Cyclo Records was licensed far and wide. From Ben Watt's "Lazy Dog" continuous mix CD to the Café Del Mar ChillHouse mix CD, "Jazzy" made the tracklists of no less than six international mix compilations. And although Grant has developed a standout production resume, he notes he still enjoys performing live."I've always loved DJing, because I love music," he notes. "DJing allows me to extend my creativity on top of the creativity that is already in the songs, through programming and technique. Also, it's a very good feeling for an audience to appreciate what you do."In 2001 Grant took his production career in a fresh new direction by joining forces with famed San Francisco house label Om Records. Home to celebrated artist Mark Farina, the label is known worldwide for its top-quality house releases. Grant's first release for the label was 2001's, "Sound Design V2". As part of a continuous mix series following Sound Design V1 with LA's Marques Wyatt, the CD runs the full spectrum of house, weaving deftly into the mix influences ranging from jazzed-up, funky vocals to slow, moody house and Latin-tinged beats. Grant's newest project is the formation of his own record label, Blackstone Recordings. With the label still in the planning stages, Grant plans to continue his rigorous production schedule and extensive world touring. "I love to spread my love for house music around," he says simply. "I love to share it with an audience."upcoming events01.29.06MARK GRANT (Blackstone Recordings, www.djmarkgrant.com) ChicagoDJ KC (kcsgroove, Middlesex, Redline) Boston02.05.06JOHN PACHECO (Marz Entertainment, bump) ROLLAND ESS (Double Down, Marz, bump) CRISCO02.19.06TROYDON (Lowdown, Nightshift, Aroma, Gallery, OM) SA / NYCRYAN OBERMILLER (Marz, Red Door) NH02.26.06DEMARKUS LEWIS (Alluv, Nightshift, Flat & Round) DallasCHAD WILL (Bassmint) BostonTIGRA C (Bassmint) Boston03.05.06JAKE CHILDS (Drop, Tango, Seasons OM, uni.form) Austin04.09.06 BRIAN JONES (Jackin Tracks, Aroma, Fetish, Control, Robsoul) Chicagomore to come... bumpunderground house music sunday nites at phoenix landing512 mass ave, central sq, cambridgewww.marzentertainment.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollandess Posted January 29 Report Share Posted January 29 Bumpppppppppppppppppp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Shit's gonna be hot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mixwell Posted January 30 Report Share Posted January 30 Even though it is raining outside, I think i will venture into town for some jack n' coke and bumping house music Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeswells Posted January 30 Report Share Posted January 30 02.26.06DEMARKUS LEWIS (Alluv, Nightshift, Flat & Round) DallasCHAD WILL (Bassmint) BostonTIGRA C (Bassmint) Bostonnoice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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