AJ Dance Legacy

SILENT BUT DEADLY

OK, if u sleep on THIS SET, u WILL SOOOOOOOOOOO regret it!! Jihad is what i call SILENT, but MASSIVELY DEADLY!! & to those who DO come…ALL i can say is: BE PREPARED TO GET ROCKED!! ~ ? ~ -Mama House

The night’s headliner quietly assumed DJ duties after Shea Soul’s “Perfectly” vocals came to a complete stop and the baby powder lay spread all across the dark but not empty dance floor reminiscent of a first snowfall in November. Like a computer virus, Tambor’s special guest was silent but deadly according to several reports posted by house head enthusiasts. Therefore, many filled Tambor’s new home, eager to experience the music of a notable Jersey DJ/producer/remixer/songwriter.

Early in the musical journey the crowd warmed to Anto Vitale’s, “Theorema Del Faya” (Tea Party Vocal) which yielded worthy results. It must have been Kenny Bobien’s night because not one but two forgettable love songs were played by the gospel crooner. Thrown in for nostalgia, the early 1980’s post-disco, “Time Warp” by Eddy Grant pumped with a deep as hell bass line underneath a three-note synth backed by fluttering vocal riffs. If royalties were paid every time a DJ played the synth-pop classic in a club, the reggae star would be a millionaire. The catch me off guard, “I Wasn’t Kidding” (Scott Wozniak Remix) by Angie Stone followed suit. Although very refreshing with its club ready, big room beat and swirling sythns, the remix deemed a poor choice. However, another Angie/Scott collabo would have scored much higher marks with the crowd. In comparison Culoe De Song’s winter ballad of Black Coffee’s “Crazy” seemed rather fit for the sober occasion. However it was the current club banger, “At The Club” by Timmy Regisford featuring Lynn Lockamy on vocals with church organ, deep rolling bass and punching “beeps” reminiscent of 1980’s video games that brought down the house. Definitely, one of the better stand-outs played during the baunausic set. “Club Royale” (Shelter Mix) wrecked havoc on the crowd ready to tip their drinks in the air as Nadirah Shakoor’s girl power, “Pride” played for the second time during the night, resonated throughout every female’s heart in the room. On one of those electronic/dance music sites the current number one download, “How Bad Do I Want Ya” by Chicago’s Soul Element with somber vocals by another Chicago-ian Peven Everett, closed out the remainder of the night.

Sadly, this was the most predictable Tambor; musically wise. The music was blah, blah, the same played at any other party. The music seemed too assuming with not enough jolt. The mixing, although technically precise, lacked personality. The tired mix-in song and mix-out song routine yielded little to innovate or inspire new dance moves. Instead, the same finger-snapping, two-step, back and forth sway seemingly prevailed throughout the night without as much as a single sweat stain felt underneath the armpits or on the lower back. The only reason for the damped clothes at the end of the night was due to the three layers of clothing worn; an undershirt, a plaid shirt and velvet vest. If not for that the party would have been left completely dry and for once, musty free.

Photography by Luis V for DEG