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Delving deep into the Chicago underground, COAST2COAST follows up exemplary mix CDs from NY’s Quentin Harris and Kerri Chandler with this well crafted selection from one of the scene’s forerunners, Ron Trent. Quite simply a mix CD that will brighten your day, it’s chock full of signature Trent sounds, from the lush pads and sweeping pianos of Ron’s own “Love To The World”, to the deep emotive house of Playin 4 The City and the soulful vocal cuts such as the awesome Blaze rework of “What Makes The World Go Round” and the intoxicating sounds of Roland Clarke’s “Sunshine”. Reminiscent of Trent’s legendary sets at Miami’s Giant Step parties (and beyond), the rays shine out of every musical pore. Older jams are collected here from Outphaze (an 1988 Italian production that clearly influenced the Ron Trent & Chez Damier sound) and Cassio Ware’s “Baby Love” whilst Ron’s current stable of musicians and producers are represented by Lamaj’s sprawling “Brotherhood…” and Conjure’s deep electronic tones.
A perennial presence in music since the early 90's, Ron Trent pulls no punches! Considered to be one of the architects of the Chicago music scene, becoming a respected DJ in his early teens in the mid-eighties. Ron began to work on his own productions which lead to his first release, the highly recognized classic "Altered States" in 1990, giving him international acclaim. Through his 13 year old Prescription Records, Ron has notched up an extensive back catalogue of his own productions and introduced several key players. Prescription is widely regarded as one of the most influential Deep House imprints of the period. In the early 90's, Ron collaborated with House/R&B team Hula & Fingers, producers for Jive Records and production credits with Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Kool Mo D, High Five, Lidell Townsend and MTF. After several releases on Club Records, Hula & Fingers classic imprint, Ron went own to form his own label with renowned vocalist/producer Chez Damier.
In 1993, Ron and Chez began creating the template for what would become the signature Prescription sound, eventually finding it's way into various remix and writing production hits, and implementing the conception of Prescription Records. Prescription Records, together with it's sister label Balance, introduced the likes of Anthony Nicholson, Abacus, Glen Underground (CVO), Moody Man, Norma Jean Bell, Joshua, Peven Everett, Rob Mello, and Luke Solomon to the world. During its course, Pre scription became known for issueing superbly produced, often epic dance music by drawing influences from all over the globe and delighting club goers, as well as DJs with its highly unique sound.
Ron's sound expanded in 1997 with the release of the dance classic "Name U"... with writing partner Anthony Nicholson, famed vocalist D'bora, and Peven Everett on trumpet, this record launched Ron onto the NYC dance scene. After Ron's move to NYC, he quickly gained respect as a DJ/Producer by doing various gigs at Body and Soul, Shelter and hosting his own events at the legendary night club Vinyl in downtown Manhattan.
Ron’s DJ and production skills caught the attention of the owners of Giant Step. Together, they began to create a new sound that would lead the way for the future of Giant Step the club and Giant Step the label. In 2000, Ron started his residency with Giant Step at Shine, bringing forth a fusion of Neo Soul, Jazz Funk and World music while merging it into a dance formula. The party Giant Step Weekly Sessions, sponsored by Levi's and Evian, played host to many loyal weekly followers. Ron's in house productions on the Giant Step/Sony label, featured artists such as Amel Larrieux, Jody Watley, Anastacia, Donnie, Carl Hancock Rux, Lina, just to name a few. His productions have lead to work with other greats including Tony Allen, Chucho Valdes, Papa Weba, 4Hero, Amp Fiddler, Groove Collective, as well as various other world artists.
Outside of running his record labels, Prescription and the new imprint Future Vision, Ron continues his work as an international DJ. Together with his partner, Sonia Hassan, Ron’s monthly Chicago residency AFRICA HI FI allows him to educate people musically by presenting interactive formats of visual art.
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