New Mixes from Dr Packer, Erol Alkan, Late Nite Tuff Guy and The Magician

Last week I saw the legendary Late Nite Tuff Guy's name above an hour long track entitled "Soul Mix 3" and got really excited. The recording from 2009, features the likes of Barry White, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye and many more. While it's a super cool insight into the mind of LNTG, its more about selection rather than transitions and easy flowing enjoyment. That said, today's search led me to 3 other mixes that bridge that gap better, so I've decided to showcase these live sets/mixtapes both for selection and mixing quality. They're all on the funky, disco end of the spectrum so if hard hitting stuff is what you're looking for you're out of luck. However you'll surely find some favourites, new and old. So let's get started, working back towards Late Nite Tuff Guy. Stream below and grab free downloads.

The Magician - Magic Tape 82
Finger firmly on the pulse, The Magician always has the hottest commodities in his show. He's got two of the new Disclosure tracks, his own remix of The Chainsmokers and the killer collabs of SG Lewis/AlunaGeorge and A-Trak/Todd Terry. The vibes are very laid back and groovy, before things pick up in the second half with FISHER's smash "Losing It," Riton's raucous "Up & Down" followed by Angelz "Yeah Yeah." While I'm sucker for disco, this deeper darker section may be my favourite.

Dr Packer Live @ Downtown Disco [25.08.18]*
So much great stuff in here. Dr Packer's ear is extraordinary, always finding the best edits and grooves. Strings and bongo stand strong throughout, while bass riffs beckon your feet to the floor. The extended nature of this set allows for longer more subtle transitions, and like the strings these swells are oh so sweet. Of course there's a number of his own productions, while other highlights include Late Nite Tuff Guy's "Startin' Somethin'," Todd Terry's "Love Sensation" and the Deep&Disco rework of "Stomp." If you're looking for pure pleasure look no further than the final half hour.

Erol Alkan (Disco Set) @ Homo Electric [25.08.18]
While only the final hour of Erol's "disco/italo/hi-nrg" set it's better than nothing. Funky, groovy and gritty, it is Erol through and through with his penchant for powerful records. Going for the classic killer "Right On Target" early, sets the stage for more high octane heat. There's a ton of bleepy brilliance in this more electronic-tilted disco mix with the likes of "Remember" and "Cybernetic Love." Hearing this hour gives a greater appreciation for the evolution of electronic from disco to house.

Late Nite Tuff Guy - Soul Mix 3
A considerable cool-down from the above sets, but still sublime. It is the opposite end of Erol's mix, the foundation from which those artists built upon. You don't have to look far to find the love at the core of this mix, as it emanates not just through the lyrics but the music that later inspired the edits used above. It's just so incredibly powerful to hear these tracks together especially after the other mixes. Watch out for the section of Prince, Roberta Flack and Minnie Ripperton: it's too nice.

* asterisk indicates free download

Chaka Khan - I Know You, I Live You (Late Nite Tuff Guy Rework)

If you're into disco and you don't know Late Nite Tuff Guy, there's something wrong with you. No one is more assured a spot on Mount Rushmore in this generation of disco designers than him. A short scroll through his Soundcloud catalog shows off game changing cuts of classic Fleetwood Mac, Toto, and Talking Heads, as well as more typical disco delights from Michael Jackson, Sade, and Donna Summer. This weekend he grew that long list with the one and only Chaka Khan.

This isn't the first time he's played with Chaka Khan's vivacious vocals, as just a year ago he took on "What Cha' Gonna Do For Me" to go with several others years earlier. Just do yourself a favour and spend some time digging through his collection, you will not regret it. But onto this new mix.

Apparently after "getting lots of messages" asking for his remix of "I Know You, I Live You," he's obliged in offering up its brilliance for streaming via Soundcloud. The disco tones start off delicate, demanding your ears pay close attention. Then, as the atmosphere rises so does your temperature and heart rate; you might even find yourself getting to your feet. Then once those horns hit, all hopes of remaining unmoved are lost. The groove and delight of it all is utterly infectious, flowing from the perfect mixture of the live instrumentation and binding electronic elements. And while you may know the original, which it does indeed keep close to, LNTG adds just the right amount of reinvigorating allure. The back and forth playfulness of the vocals and instruments in the midsection is simply sublime, with particular pleasure arising from the momentary pause and splash at about 3:46.

It's not hard to understand why so many people would feel the need to reach out in search of this track, as even a simple stream should significantly improve your day. That being said I'm hoping we get some kind of release because I'd definitely love to jam to this just about everywhere I go. Follow Late Nite Tuff Guy's socials below and keep your ears and eyes peeled for more music from the master.FOLLOW LATE NITE TUFF GUY: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Chaka Khan - Ain't Nobody (MikeQ Remix)

East Orange producer MikeQ's latest in a long line of remixes, transforms Chaka Khan's timeless classic "Ain't Nobody" into a break laden shuffling, dance-off. Of course it keeps its throwback feels by leaning on a fair amount of the original structure, but it also has a distinct mid to late '00s vibe. That, in combination with MikeQ's creative additions, make it a force to be reckoned with. I picture an absolutely packed club, still moving to every note, despite the sun's immanent rise. At worst, it's a powerful DJ tool. At best, it's a five star, must-start-my-day-with-it, masterpiece. For most of you, it'll be somewhere in the middle, which is a venerable slice of throwback feels, that successfully repositions a classic.  MikeQ has made the track available absolutely free, so grab it while you can.

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