The Underground Sound of DC is Worthy of Attention

by Paul Zimmerman First Coast News

The Underground Sound of DC is a collaboration of some of DC's best dance music producers who have come together to create a CD dedicated to bring awareness to the serious HIV/AIDS crisis in the nations capitol.

The project was conceived to serve two causes 1) advance the little known, but highly creative sounds of DC's thriving dance music scene and 2) raiser awareness for HIV prevention and treatment, especially among 20-40 year olds. The funds raised by this CD will go directly to DC's own Whitman Walker Clinic, one of the oldest AIDS service organizations in the country.

As for The Underground Sound of DC itself, it's a fantastic album. Featuring artists such as Thievery Corporation, Fort Knox Five, Kid Gusto, and Seroya the album is a laidback jazzy downtempo party. The songs are mixed by Ivan G and Holmes Ives into a perfect blend of jazzy housey tempos and vibes that constantly stays upbeat. Each of the songs are good enough to stand alone, but when mixed each of the fourteen artists here combine into a unstoppable force of chilled beats and breaks.

From the brilliant jazz breaks of Deepsixteen's, "Live at the Majestic," to the Latin flavor of Thievery Corporations, "The Heart's A Lonely Hunter," The Underground Sound of DC is one awesome record. It's housey, it's downtempo, it's groovy, it's deep and really, really well put together.

So take one heck of a record, give it a sense of unity and make it for a worthy cause and you're left with something that is just about as essential water. The Underground Sound of DC is highly recommended in every sense of the word. Help a worthy cause AND get some very good music in return.

©2010 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.