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Masters At Work
(MAW Records, NYC)
Live at 103 Harriet, San Francisco - Pt 1
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Lights Down Low
Four hour set from Theo Parrish on RBMA Radio
“THEO!” scream crowds wherever he goes, “THEO!” But why? How has he built such a devoted following? Why do seemingly sensible adults lose it, uncontrollably expressing their adoration? Have you heard his records? Have you seen him play? The reason lies in the emotion. Theo Parrish's productions and DJ sets ooze emotion. He touches souls.
Growing up in Chicago, Theo absorbed all the knowledge around him. Jazz and soul at home; house pioneers Ron Hardy, Lil Louis, and of course Mr Fingers’ Larry Heard on radio or around town.
Upon a move to Detroit in his early 20s, it wasn’t long before he hung with key figures of the Motor City’s underground, including Rick Wilhite, whom he’d buy his 12”s from. Having spent his life in two cities crucial to the history of house music perhaps Theo’s prowess should come as no surprise.
A child of the drum obsessed with sonics, his sound sculptures remain as innovative now as when his debut release Lake Shore Drive came on Moodymann's KDJ label. Often stretched out, chugging jams, he lays sections down gradually, allowing bass lines or stirring vocals to steadily unveil themselves. Not one to unnecessarily stare at a screen, Theo works hands-on, building songs with hardware, including some mean vintage synths and drum machines. He’s also mingled with electronic super groups: 3 Chairs (Theo, Moodymann, Rick Wilhite, Marcellus Pittman), and T.O.M. Project (Theo, Omar S, Marcellus) for a slab of yellow-wax that always pleases dance floors.
Theo’s own label, Sound Signature, has housed the best and bulk of his work. From Musical Metaphors and Parallel Dimensions to his sprawling freefall live venture, The Rotating Assembly. Plus a song the Academy is eternally proud to have helped conceive, Chemistry. Sound Signature ensues Theo puts his principles into practise, keeping vinyl culture alive.
For all his production prowess, it is as a DJ he stimulates listeners the most. Able to instigate movement from even the most reluctant of ravers, his selections leave jacking fans wincing with delight. Capriciously switching the mood with ease, his insatiable passion for music is infectious. Keen to play at places where sound is the focus, his monthly sessions at London’s Plastic People are such long sweaty nights - always full despite no promotion by the artist or venue.
When behind the decks, Theo is notorious for hyperactively manhandling his E & S rotary mixer; cranking the bass to blast your ass with wall-shaking kick-drums, pitch shifting to weld songs together that most people wouldn’t dream of mixing, whether it’s a soul or jazz funk jam, old school acid trax or dusty disco.
These four hours at Berlin’s Watergate club have been recorded officially for Red Bull Music Academy Radio. We’re pleased with its legality, since whilst you can try trawling the internet for other live recordings of Theo, rest assured almost of them are bootlegs, and do you really want to be bootlegging Theo Parrish? Unlike the live event, earplugs shouldn’t be necessary - unless you’ve a commercial setup in your home. For the full effect maybe invite your friends over and turn your heating to the max.
We’re not gonna spout you any BS about the set being a journey, listen and judge for yourself. It does bear all the hallmarks of a marathon Theo Parrish stint, with barely time for a toilet break or a smoke. When you’re worn out he keeps comin' on strong. Working the crowd into a frenzy, he energetically moves between house, boogie (including those rare 12”s that cost as much as your laptop), jazz, and soul. Yes, he pushes the levels into the danger zone. But that’s all part of the package. It takes serious balls to EQ like he does and dramatically switch the vibe to and from 4/4 thumps to solo-filled jazz fusion. Even when spitting distance from the Spree, Theo doesn’t shy from playing his way.
If you want it smooth look elsewhere. If not, you know whose name to call.
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