When 4,000 Mexican soldiers raised their arms in victory at Puebla, Mexico on the morning of May 5th 1862, over an army double their size, it was truly remarkable. On an entirely different battlefield on May 5th 2006, “Local House People” (comprised of Lyrik (Robert), Seth Shore, Jimmy T and Sebastian), stood up to face quite a different opponent… And won!
Created in part to help infuse life back into a scene that many have said has begun to retreat is no easy task. Their weapons? Some of the more talented locals delivering sounds rarely heard in Miami’s bigger venues.
From Jazzy, Funky, Techy to Jackin’ House, LHP is chock full of ammunition.
While there is no draft in the LHP army, they have enlisted quite the number of battle hardened dance music veterans to lead the way. Standing at the front of the line, is none other than the talented DJ/Producer/Musician Chuck Love.
I was auspiciously handed over my marked uniform as I entered Blue. Created by Seth Shore, various shirts displaying the LHP logo were distributed to the growing army that had come out for “Local House People’s” inaugural event.
Lyrik was getting the troops warmed up with some Jazzy/Lounge house early on…the calm before the storm. Slowly building up the level of “funkitude”, Lyrik dropped bombs such as Da Sunlounge- “How can I resist”, Jason Hodges- “Shake it”, and Slater Hogan and Chuck Daniels – “Radio.”
Seth Shore continued to build up the energy as he took over the decks dropping Fred Everything vs. MIA –“Bucky Done Thing” (Dub) and Bryan Jones’ –“Loaded.”
Not to be outdone by his LHP brethren, Sebastian dropped a few tracks tinged with Jackin’ House though never strayed too far from the funky house formula that was working so well. From Bryan Jones- “Chicago Jack” (Sound Republic mix) to Jason Hodges’ – “More What You Want,” coupled with an acapella of Snoop Dogg’s “Next Episode,” the vibe was set early for the Main Event.
Blue was as packed as I have ever seen it (sans Conference of course). From A3TV’s Buster, Richard Vasquez, Joe Budious, to countless other househeads, the common denominator…smiling faces everywhere!
At 1 a.m. Chuck Love took command of the Househead army in attendance!
Chuck Love (aka Charlie Erickson), was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota where music enraptured his soul at a very early age. During his early teenage years, his supportive parents bought him drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards to assist him in his quest to record songs.
During the 80’s, Chuck collaborated with singer/guitarist Jimmy Harry forming the duo Hanover Fist as well as had cameo appearances on stage at a venue known as First Avenue.
In 1989, Chuck Love’s dedication to the art of music finally paid off as he opened his studio and production company –“Blue Light Music.” After a break from live performances he ventured back to First Avenue where he became a multi-instrumentalist. Inspired by such DJ’s as: Lego, Masters At Work and Jazzanova, Chuck’s dedication to producing and spinning only escalated.
Today, signed under such Dance music labels as, Large OM and Salted, Chuck Love is traveling the world bringing his one of a kind show to music lovers everywhere.
Amidst cheers and frenetic partygoers dancing and flaying their arms every which way, Chuck Love opened up with “Funky Ass Beat”(Joey Youngman mix). Adding that extra “oomph” to his DJ set, Chuck played the flute, Melodica (Keyboard device attached to a hose you blow into), guitars, tambourine, and a Flugelhorn (mini-trumpet), multiple times all within the span of his 2.5 hour set!
Coupled with an incredible knack at expertly playing various instruments, Chuck also showcased his most important instrument…his voice. Singing a smorgasbord of original songs including: “Get Me High,” “Spread the Love” and “Yellow Truth,” he had everyone dancing up a storm despite the incessant heat within the venue.
Bomb after bomb Chuck continued the barrage. From one of his very own trademark tracks in “Soul Symphony” (which was a huge hit for OM in ’05), to Chuck Love feat Lisa Shaw “Feel” and Fred Everything-Soulmates (lazy dub), the energy level dial was set to “funk” all night long!
Nearing the end of his set, Chuck took it a bit deeper dropping some more “sexy” house replete with jazzy guitar riffs. As 3:30 a.m. approached and Chuck left the decks, Jimmy T took the energy right back up with some sizzling Latin house.
As I departed around 4 a.m.., the entire LHP posse continued to dazzle the capacity crowd as they tag teamed back and forth.
In an age where the Miami Dance scene is seemingly in a state of regression, it’s sobering to witness a collaboration of locals trying to revitalize the scene. What is their payback? Nothing more than to see the music they love continue to prosper in the “Magic City”. If tonight was any indication of future “Local House People” events, I as well as many others are ready, willing and able to sign up to the LHP army!
The Revolution has begun!
