by Ed Metaphysical and Trevor Keen
Don Cornelius was the father of the modern dance show. Soul Train opened new audiences to “urban” music, helping to make Disco, Funk, Soul, R&B, even Hip Hop the giants they are today. He also set the standard for other revolutionary dance shows like Detroit’s The Scene, which helped popularize Detroit Techno, or the UK’s Top of the Pops on BBC One.
We pay homage to the immortal Don Cornelius tonight, Friday, March 2nd, at the Black Cat Backstage with four of the area’s top disco DJs throwing down—including some classic disco, all-vinyl sets—at the Soul Train Don Cornelius Tribute Party. Be one of the first 30 to enter and get a free Soul Train DVD! To get you ready for the disco mayhem, each of the DJs is sharing his favorite Soul Train artist.
Yesterday we featured picks from DJs William Devon and Mr. Bonkerz, and today we conclude with favorites from The Metaphysical and Trev-Ski.
Trev-Ski | Brass Construction was one of the first disco instrumental groups I ever liked. Their song “Get Up” was featured on Soul Train and is incrediably, undeniably funky. I loved this performance so much.
DMV area DJ Trev Keen aka Trev-Ski has been throwing parties in the DMV area for over 10 years, doing monthly residencies at Mig Bar and Black Cat with friend and local DJ extraordinaire The Metaphysical. Baltimore is also Trev’s stomping ground, as he helps with production and guest DJing at the wildly popular parties 4hrs of Funk and Dig! He is a proud member of the Human Funk League, a production crew that throws annual concerts such as the Hometown Getdown and The Emergency Dance Party. Never one to stop to take a breather, he is always searching for ways to better our local party scene.
The Metaphysical | Stevie Wonder has been one of those staples of modern American music that never seems to get old. As you can see by his performances on Soul Train, he is filled with raw talent, doing a flawless performance before the age of auto tune and elaborate track splicing. My favorite interpretation of the track in the video, “Superstition,” is done by the Norway disco king Todd Terje. He broke down this song into its elements and added overwhelming drama as the track builds. You can listen to it on Youtube.
The Metaphysical DJs in the DC metro area. He has two monthly parties at The Rock and Roll Hotel, GKYK (2nd Saturdays) and STANK! (Last Saturdays). He has a bi-weekly party at The Red Palace 1st and 3rd Fridays called The Peoples Revolutionary Dance Party and a weekly party every Sunday at Saint Ex, CHURCH.
The Soul Train Don Cornelius Tribute Party kicks off at the Black Cat Backstage at 10pm tonight. See you there!
