Drum & bass titan Bryan Gee might be known best for his iconic label V Recordings, but some might not know exactly how deep his roots are planted. Having had a part in the early successes of artists like Moby and Leftfield, this music maestro was clearly born for the role of label curator and is championed for his A&R work.
Bryan’s labels—V Recordings, Liquid V, Chronic and Philly Blunt—have stood the test of time, providing all flavors of drum & bass from smooth jazzy vibes to straight up jungle rollers. Events like Movement and Planet V provide the live platform for showcasing his artists and pushing the treasured V sound.
2016 sees the continuation of Mr. G’s efforts, both behind the desk and behind the decks. Be sure to check out his V Recordings podcast series and join us as we get all sentimental with nostalgic tunes from the past that have no doubt shaped the sound of drum & bass as we know it today.
It makes me feel like I’m Jimi Hendrix when I’m on the decks and I’ll start playing my imaginary guitar to the crowd, full rock star movements included.
LTJ Bukem “Demon’s Theme” (Good Looking Records, 1992)
I always understood why the tag jungle was used to explain the music we were playin’, but when I heard “Demon’s Theme” it made me feel like I was in a real jungle. There are parts in that tune that make you feel you’re there in the night; you can hear the birds in the sky, animals in the bush, and the insects crawling around.
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Rufige Kru “Menace” (Reinforced Records, 1992)
I loved the stuff Goldie did under Rufige Kru. I remember first hearing it and thinking, “What the fuck?! This some futuristic shit.” It just blew my mind—nothing around sounded anything like it, and just like “Demon’s Theme” I’m a sucker for tracks that are like three tunes in one and every part takes you on a journey. It felt like you were going into the unknown.
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Reprazent/Roni Size “Share The Fall” (Talkin’ Loud, 1997)
I chose this because when Reprazent first toured America they invited myself and Jumpin’ Jack Frost to DJ before and after their set. This was the track that used to stand out for me; the way Onallee sung it was one the most beautiful things I’ve heard live in my life. Her soft high voice was the business and always felt like something had just taken hold of your body and soul. Nothing like I’ve felt before—like you’ve just been baptized or had a special moment.
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DJ Marky & XRS “LK” M.I.S.T Remix (V Recordings, 2002)
They say you can never [do] better the original but this mix for me comes near. I love playin’ this version and [am] surprised how many people are like, “I never heard this one before.” Marcus Intalex, Calibre, and ST Files kept the original flavor but the guitar that they added…wow. It makes me feel like I’m Jimi Hendrix when I’m on the decks and I’ll start playing my imaginary guitar to the crowd, full rock star movements included. That’s how much I get sucked into it; I start thinking I’m playing it live. (Laughs)
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Babylon “Splash” (Dee Jay Recordings, 1994)
This track always sums up great times at places like Jungle Fever, Roast, Telepathy and all those early raves in the ‘90s. All I see is ravers brocking out in dark shades and MA-1 jackets—a time when jungle was new and fun but could feel moody and dark at the same time. Propa jungle classic that still smashes it when dropped.
Find it at Discogs