Danny Howells - Choice "A Collection Of Classics"

Danny Howells Choice A Collection Of Classics image

Released 30th January 2006

The Choice collections are fast becoming a who’s who of influential figures. The series explores dance music’s most famous DJs and what they consider to be their all time classic tracks. It’s a chance for them to communicate their own music history and feature tracks that have inspired them over the years and formed the foundations of who they are today. The album’s also feature the compiler’s own exclusive re-edits that will only ever feature on these albums and nowhere else.

For the next instalment enter Danny Howells, who is one of the few DJs on the scene today that truly has a style of his own - which includes his collection of loud shirts. With his passion for music and infectious personality, Danny has created a unique eclectic soun that has established him as one of the top DJs in the world. With over 12 years experience and a hectic touring schedule regularly taking him all over Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia, he hasn’t left many stones, stoned. He truly is an international superstar DJ.

"When I was asked by David Piccioi at Azuli whether I’d be interested in joining some of musical heroes such as Jeff Mills, Tenaglia, Kevorkian etc, in compiling two CDs of my favourite records of all time, my response was quite simple. Dream come true!" Enthused Danny. "I don’t think there’s anybody out there who would turn this down - this is one of the most fun and exciting projects I’ve ever been involved in, and to say that I’m pleased with the results is an understatement."

He continues "He along with a stack of key tracks that influenced me during my first few years as a DJ, by legends such as DJ Pierre, David Morales, Todd Terry et al, I’ve also been able to include tracks that influenced me at an earlier age. Some of my all time favourite records are on here, Carly Simon, The Temptations, Iron Butterfly, Orbital etc. It’s a very honest and personal selection, and I really hope people enjoy my Choice as much as I enjoyed putting it together."

Danny has come along way since his early belongings at Bedrock, in his (and Digweed’s) hometown of Hastings. Though his complete love of all music remains the same. He likes to champion his own special tracks and records that nobody else has latched on to and has a way of combining cutting edge grooves with crowd pleasing dynamics that enable him to connect with his audience making him one of the hottest DJs in the world. To grasp the future you need to understand the past…

Doing exactly what it says on the tin, Danny gets his chance to select his "Choice - Collection Of Classics" and wastes no time in getting back to the nitty gritty. Opening with the unforgettable original mix of "Alright" by Urban Soul from way back in ‘91 followed by the samba-esque tones of "Carino 90" by T-Coy.

The Extended Club Mix of "You’re Gonna Miss Me" by the Turntable Orchestra has keys that tap straight in to your pot of disco flash-backs and conjures blissful memories. Next up is the self proclaiming "getting kinda groovy" Vocal Mix of Fire Island’s "In Your Bones"

Moving on to one the UK original soul masters PM Dawn with Danny’s own special rehash of Todd Terry’s Melody Mix of "A Watcher’s Point Of View". From master to master, the Boss Mix of Ce Ce Peniston’s "Keep Givin’ Me Your Love" follows with a fantastic old-skool/nu-skool combo mix.

Slack’s "Painkiller" is a stiff deep-techno stomper, blended in to the melodic Ambient Mix of "Ready For Dead" by the artist of the same name. Proving Danny’s never-ending versatility in the face of every mix.

CD 2 starts off with the equally acid-like and airy "Timber" by Coldcut, full of block rocking moments.. Beautiful vocal wonders in the melodic moving chords of the vintage "Ghosts" by Japan, followed in contrast by raw and tribal hand-drums in Iron Butterfly’s "In A Gadda Da Vida". By track number six Danny strips things down with his own remix of "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" by The Temptations.

Stepping things up by the Funky Music mix of Black Science Orchestra’s string-heavy "Save Us" track. What "Classics" album would be complete without an Orbital tune? Their "Impact" anthem a must for Mr Howells it seems. Finishing with the massive heart-touching timeless classic "Why" by Carly Simon rounding off what can only be described as a vintage Choice selection.

Knowing how Danny’s DJ style has developed over recent years he’s always had those surprise tracks stuffed up his sleeve, tunes to make you glow, tunes to make you smile, tunes to make you move you feet and above all, every single one, like Danny Howells himself, a true Classic.