Classic House With Joshua Iz

Growing up in Chicago, hearing the enthralling, bouncy sound of Joshua Iz was unavoidable. Alongside his partner-in-crime Diz (aka Dwayne Washington, whose nickname coincidentally happened to rhyme with Joshua's when they first met in '94), the two seminal beat architects crafted a sound that fell anywhere in-between laid-back bumps, jacked-out uptempo cuts and dubby reggae-fied disco; with distinctive grooves landing on respected labels far and wide. From their destined nicknames to their musical kindredship, it's little wonder the duo still have such a strong presence in house music circles around the globe, 15 years on.

As for Iz's solo work, the many-sided artist bounces between so many monikers it's hard to keep up - from Stereo People and Free Energy, to Dubwise and J-Boom, he's collected over 100 releases under his multicoloured and ever-expanding belt. Most recently stepping up as a label head, harvesting melodic creations and electronic warmth with his Vizual Records imprint, the other day we got struck down by his impeccable 'Flower Sparks' release. Lost in thoughts about how many tunes he must've come across over the last decade and a half, we had a vision of a classroom led by Professor Iz, the ultimate guide through house music's movements...here's the result. Get learned before he comes to touch down (with his mainman Diz) in Room Three on 28  November.

Coming off the heels of fabric's 10th birthday, I've been lucky enough to be a part of the fabric family for the last decade and have had some amazing nights both in Room One and in Room Three.

Here are some of my personal classic house records and ones that have done particularly well at fabric over the last 10 years...

1. Mondeé Oliver - Stay Close (Fingers Club Vocal) - Gherkin Records - 1989



While there are many Mr. Fingers classics, this one has to be my all time favorite. There is so much emotion in this track and it was way ahead of its time in its blending of musical and electronic elements. The extra long intro really adds to the overall impact when the vocal comes in. The syncopated percussion amazingly sounds live yet fully electronic at the same time.

2. Derrick L. Carter - People (Alternate Mix) - Robsoul Recordings - 2002

This is my favorite DC record and quite possibly my favorite house record of all time. Another track laden with emotion. I like how the track is constantly evolving and morphing and no 8 bars are the same. You can play this track at peak time at the party, as well as at the after party, and it works perfectly. Such a good record to blend with and the mixdown lends itself well to manipulating the EQ to great effect.

3. Maurizio M4 (A Side) - Basic Channel - 1995



Probably the standout Maurizio track from the M series, although all of them are pretty amazing. There's a rumor that this side was mixed down by Chez Damier, but I don't know if that is true. You just can't go wrong mixing dub and techno in my mind. Rarely do you find yourself in a situation where this record is appropriate (that's a good thing) and when you do, that always makes for a very special night.

4. Plankton - Shaka Attack/Shaka Attack (In Dub) - Transfusion - 1997-1998

The original was released on the 'Heritage' EP and still kills the dancefloor. Dub house with crazy percussion and bleepy echo madness. When the dub came out a year later on the 'Off Cuts 1' EP, it was even tougher and the breakdown is more insane. People always go crazy to this record and it is a lot of fun to mix the original and dub together. This has been a classic for me at fabric although I haven't played it in a while... I may have to pull it out of the vaults!

5. Sensorama - Harz - Ladomat 2000 - 1995

I've always played a mix of house and techno and this track straddles the two beautifully. This still sounds fresh today and the sound quality is impeccable. There were so many good records in this style from this era but this one in particular summed up where music was going and laid the blueprint for how to get there.

6. Jonny L - This Time (Carl Craig Mixes) - XL Recordings - 1996



Monster etherial spacey groove from C2. This track always brings back memories of big warehouse parties and people completely off their tits. I also remember playing this at a Carl Craig theme night at my Bionic party in San Francisco which was one of the most challenging things I have ever done as a DJ. This is a definite 6am classic.

7. Workin' Happily - Feel It (Cajmere's Underground Goodie Mix) - UDP - 1993



Cajmere killed it with this remix that has stood the test of time. Cajmere is such a unique talent and his tracks are instantly recognizable yet this sounded different than anything else coming out of Chicago at the time. Insane swing on the hi-hats and the cut-up vocal sample which never fails to turn people out.

8. Mission Control - Outta Limits (Unda Control Mix [Drift to Centre]) - Esoteric - 1992

[note: the youtube version of this track is the wrong mix, even though the title is correct]

One of the more leftfield tracks from the MURK boys and a SF outdoor party classic. Listening now, I forgot how slow tracks were back then and they still rocked the party at 122 bpm. This song still has all of the trademark MURK elements yet it takes you somewhere else altogether. I wish Ralph Falcon and Aldo Hernandez made more tracks like this, but I am happy to have this one.

9. Underworld - Two Months Off (John Ciafone Vocal Mix 2) - JBO/V2 - 2002

This mix is on the second limited 12" release and the best of the bunch. For obvious reasons, this always works in the UK but just enough dubbed-out vocals on top of John's always fresh beats and tronic bass combine to make this do some serious dance floor damage.

10. Warren Clark - Over You (G's Over You) - One Way Records 2002

This has also been a classic for me, particularly at fabric, where the breakdown placed at the right time sends Room One into a frenzy. A great track to play if you've just suffered a breakup - the aggressive disco energy helps to release any tension you may be feeling. One of the best peak time disco cut up records of all time.