HAMMOCK HOUSE – “AFRICA CARIBE” OUT Now.
Amongst dance music fans Joaquin “Joe” Claussell needs no introduction. Anyone who ever danced to his sets at New York City’s Body & Soul knows. And as a DJ, a remix producer, a record label head (Sacred Rhythm, Spiritual Life), or even a record store manager/owner (Dance Tracks), he’s been deeply involved in New York’s and the international dance scene since its early days of loft parties.
Now, thanks to his recent work with Fania Records with the breath-taking double album – Hammock House ‘Africa Caribe,’ Claussell’s talent, especially with the art of remixing (from analog to digital back to analog – seamlessly not being able to tell which is which) showcases how his music can be embraced by a wide fanbase of music lovers – young and old, from the dancefloor to the living room – and everywhere in between.
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Known for his spiritual and eclectic approach to dance music, Claussell’s musical roots can be traced back to the early Afro-Latin soul and jazz experiments of New York City, where he was born from Puerto Rican parents (Please note the upcoming National Puerto Rican Day Parade is happening June 12th on 5th Ave., NYC). That’s why he was the “ideal choice for a remix project featuring old classic Fania Records tracks.” as PopMatters states. KCRW’s Raul Campos agrees: “There are a bunch of great producers in the world of dance, but there is nobody more perfect for this project than Mr. Claussell.” “He has a way of taking the music to that higher level,” says BamaLoveSoul, “and it seems (and sounds) that this release is no Exception.”
Claussell is taking the “Africa Caribe” experience on the road with a full band starting off June 17th at Best Buy Live in Union Square – NYC. Then Joe’s off to DJ at one of the hottest Bay Area clubs, Public Works in San Francisco on July 20th. Then he heads to Los Angeles on July 22nd to perform live with his band on the prestigious KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic program and then live at Downtown LA’s Grand Performances that night. Just like his infamous “Body & Soul” Sunday afternoon dance parties, which he hosted with Francios K and Danny Krivit for six years in NYC, prepare to experience a totally unique musical journey. The tracks are brought to an infinitely higher level by the synergy of each DJ’s unique of live performance artistry and the incredible creative and conscious crowd.
Joe’s music is in such demand that great artists and record labels have sought him out for collaboration and remixes of works by Femi Kuti, Herbie Hancock, Beth Orton, Steward Mathewman (Sade), Cassandra Wilson, Diana Ross, and Manuel Göttschin to name a few. His remixes have revived classics such as Hector Lavoe‘s Classic “Alejate;” Cesoria Evora’s “Sangue De Beirona.” Featured on TV programs such as “Sex In The City” Joe’s remix of “Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good;” was single handedly responsible for the rebirth of the song, as well as the spawning of countless remakes.
“Mambo Mongo (Joaquin Joe Claussell Remix)” – Mongo Santamaria (FREE DOWNLOAD – HERE)
