A Message For The DJ (reissue) – Still Music 04

Back in 2005, when his career was still in its infancy, Detroiter Delano Smith popped up on Jerrome Derradji’s Still Music imprint with ‘A Message For The DJ’ – a deep, driving, atmospheric and hypnotic underground deep house classic topped off with seductive spoken word vocals from then debutant Diamondancer (real name Carolyn Ferrari). This timely and useful reissue replicates the track listing of the 2005 EP, with Smith’s original mix being joined by the slow-burn, Rhodes-laden dreaminess of ‘Inception Dub’ and a classic remix by Freerange Records co-founder Jimpster. His take is warmer and jazzier, with bolder bass, more fizzing synth riffs and some trippy minor-key motifs. It’s a fine peak-time roller all told.