The Open Format Dj & The Misdirection of CURRENT House Heads

I will never claim to know everything. The other day after my set at the darling, I had conversation with a younger jedi DJ ACE D and was reminded of the disconnection from the youth, as it pertains to Chicago Djs and House music.
There are those who have found a way to under credit, under reference and straight out slander djs who play a variance of sounds, whether they intentionally dawn the title as OPEN FORMAT. This is unwise for several reasons. If you look at two of the founders of Chicago's House Music SOUND, you will find their roots firmly planted as OPEN FORMAT. Ron Hardy played a variance of sounds that defied categories. He beat people into submission, to the point that it didn't matter what or HOW he played.  Though I never witnessed his set first hand, (you know what that means to the "house head" lmao) whether you drank the water / punch or not, you know what you ended up doing regardless instead of siting the genres, during his set. Frankie even sited the tune "It's a Shame" by The Spinners as being in heavy rotation BEFORE the term HOUSE started bubbling over. What was the BPM for it's a shame, again?  Yes we can say that they were vested in a particular section of tempos and tones, but you cannot say that ALL of these were set to a 4 on the floor beat, (from a beat machine) of tracks crafted by legendary Chicagoans after them. 

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I have played and now made mostly danceable MUSIC, because I love to dance and want to encourage others to feel like I felt when experiencing Lil Louis, as a youth (relieved and renewed). Some of my open format comrades and I have (mostly) been shunned by many "HOUSE MUSIC" promoters and djs simply for playing music that wasn't ACCEPTED as HOUSE, though their foundations stemmed from the same place. (Funk, Disco, Jazz, Soul, World Music, Rare Grooves, Electro etc.) Yes Hip Hop seems to be a divider for many claiming their allegiance as HOUSE HEADS (back then too), even though some may recall the woogie roots and slander of those "back in the day", for wearing "GAY" clothing and listening to "weird" music. It's funny to me in hindsight, as the standard HOUSE HEAD gear of baseball caps and jerseys were uncommon for people who llistened to "House" before and during that period.

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Why mention it now? Because I more than ever pride myself in being a skilled conveyor of good music regardless of genre. I want to leave a legacy that doesn't snub or isolate others who seek GOOD MUSIC and specifically the craft and culture of djing. I want those who wish to make a career of this art to be able to garner the interests of those who are willing to book and compensate them based on their talent, drive and business acumen.

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I'm so very grateful for my beginnings as a dj, in an area of Chicago that I considered one of the Meccas of GOOD GROOVE MUSIC. We can argue about Wicker Park, and what genres ruled during the mid 90s to early 2k. I know for certain that most spots that hosted djs playing music on north ave, milwaukee, damen and the surrounding areas, inspired the best of dancers, djs and musicians (from all over). We have incorporated various genres that defy age, race and time to KEEP myself and quite a few others working well over 20 years in Chicago. I am pleased and proud to inspire those who wish to continue this type of legacy!
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