Best Technically sound DJ

[Chala]

Ok folks from the Disco era, who do you think was the most impressive technically sound DJ of that time in terms of mixing, blending, choice of records etc. Please I would love to hear what the heavy hitters on this forum have to say i.e. Markydefad, STEPHEN L FREEMAN, Videoskooter, Graham Start, Musiquelover, Remicks, Keefelc etc. I thought Jimmy Burgess has to be right up there, I like Bobby Viteritti, Bobby Leslie, and I can't forget the maestro Larry Levan although Larry did what Larry wanted to do.

[Graham_Start]

While I'm flattered that you value my opinion, I'm a bit too young to have heard any DJs spin back in the day, so I cannot judge them.

[Chala]

Originally Posted by Graham_Start

While I'm flattered that you value my opinion, I'm a bit too young to have heard any DJs spin back in the day, so I cannot judge them.

Come on Graham my friend, i am sure you have heard tapes, cd's Mp3's right?

[Graham_Start]

Originally Posted by Chala

Come on Graham my friend, i am sure you have heard tapes, cd's Mp3's right?

A tape is no substitute for a real set, much like hearing a live album is nothing like going to a concert.

[The Boogie Doctor]

That is very true Graham, but you are confusing the emotional resonance of an atmosphere with the technical proficiency of the DJ. These can definitely be analytically separated, and thus I think one could accurately judge the latter quality based on recordings. Apparently Levan was inept at mixing, but I heard Siano was not bad.

[Graham_Start]

Not really; a mixtape is merely a snapshot and may not be indicative of a DJ's overall skills.

[Chala]

Originally Posted by The Boogie Doctor

That is very true Graham, but you are confusing the emotional resonance of an atmosphere with the technical proficiency of the DJ. These can definitely be analytically separated, and thus I think one could accurately judge the latter quality based on recordings. Apparently Levan was inept at mixing, but I heard Siano was not bad.

I agree Boogie Doctor i don't think you have to be present live, (i am sure it helps) but not essential to form an opinion. By the way where did Siano spin? Thanks for replying

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Originally Posted by Chala

Ok folks from the Disco era, who do you think was the most impressive technically sound DJ of that time in terms of mixing, blending, choice of records etc.

With the key words being "of that time..."(figure: pre '83), I'll say that Vitteretti (when he wasn't on tape), Bill Kelly, Sean Buchannon and Lance Wise, all got me going, with rarely a trip, stumble or fall, during the night.

But my personal Disco-God was Roy Thode. When he was "on"...nobody could touch him. But, when he was "off"...there could be a few, minor traffic pile-ups.

Remember that there were no drum-machines. And command of the pitch-control was essential. I don't care how good your playlist was... If you couldn't hold your overlays, you couldn't maintain a room's energy level.

[markydefad]

Cha-la-la-la-la (your name makes me think of the chorus of "Baby, It's You")

I was living in San Francisco during the disco years...so that's all I know--but Bobby Viteritti would get my vote. Incredible range of music choices and impeccable technical skills.

As evidence, I'd ask you to listen to two tapes he's offering at his site--both New Year's Eve recordings..

1) 1976 Poop Deck, Marlin Hotel in Fort Lauderdale
2) 1979 Trocadero in SF---the one that starts with "Last Dance" as 1979 ends and then after the obligatory "Auld Lang Syne" launches into the brilliant choice of "can you feel a "BRAND NEW DAY" with Miss Ross & the movie cast of "The Wiz"...at the stroke of midnight.... "Yes, Bobby I can feel it!!!"

These are really stunning remembrances of how it good it was.

[Videoskooter]

On tape American Club-Dj's: Roy Thode, Bobby Viteritti, Delmar Browne, Jim Burgess.

On Radio: Emperor Rosko, General Funk, Ferry Maat.

Live: First, rememb er that just like Graham I was an adolescent in the 70's but when visiting the family in Italy we always went to the Baia Degli Angeli where the 2 Godfathers were playing Mozart & Daniele Baldelli:

[Videoskooter]

On tape American Club-Dj's: Roy Thode, Bobby Viteritti, Delmar Browne, Jim Burgess.

On Radio: Emperor Rosko, General Funk, Ferry Maat.

Live: First, remember that just like Graham I was an adolescent in the 70's but when visiting the family in Italy we always went to the Baia Degli Angeli where the 2 Godfathers were playing > Mozart & Daniele Baldelli:

http://www.myspace.com/djdanielebaldelli

[Chala]

Originally Posted by STEPHEN L FREEMAN

With the key words being "of that time..."(figure: pre '83), I'll say that Vitteretti (when he wasn't on tape), Bill Kelly, Sean Buchannon and Lance Wise, all got me going, with rarely a trip, stumble or fall, during the night.

Stephen are you saying that Bobby V played tapes sometimes instead of vinyl?

Originally Posted by STEPHEN L FREEMAN

But my personal Disco-God was Roy Thode. When he was "on"...nobody could touch him. But, when he was "off"...there could be a few, minor traffic pile-ups..

Where did Roy Thodes spin at Stephen?

[Chala]

Originally Posted by markydefad

Cha-la-la-la-la (your name makes me think of the chorus of "Baby, It's You")

That was a hot song Marky...lol...glad to help you bring back the memories

Originally Posted by markydefad

As evidence, I'd ask you to listen to two tapes he's offering at his site--both New Year's Eve recordings..

1) 1976 Poop Deck, Marlin Hotel in Fort Lauderdale
2) 1979 Trocadero in SF---the one that starts with "Last Dance" as 1979 ends and then after the obligatory "Auld Lang Syne" launches into the brilliant choice of "can you feel a "BRAND NEW DAY" with Miss Ross & the movie cast of "The Wiz"...at the stroke of midnight.... "Yes, Bobby I can feel it!!!"

I purchased both of those Bobby Vitreitti mixes a while ago, and your talking about (Bobby Viteritti at Trocadero Transfer (San Francisco) - 'The 1979 New Years Eve Party' ~) with last dance. The first three songs on the playlist where...
01. Donna Summer – Last Dance
02. Midnight countdown //EXPLOSION/Special Effects/ & Auld Land Syne
03. Diana Ross – A Brand New Day (First song of the New Year)

truly amazing of how he did that.

[Chala]

Originally Posted by Videoskooter

On tape American Club-Dj's: Roy Thode, Bobby Viteritti, Delmar Browne, Jim Burgess.

Viedoskooter was On tape American Club-Dj's supposed to be a link? Where can i find this, it sounds like a must hear!

[Videoskooter]

No, there was not a link, I just meant that I heard these great jocks on tape as I never had the chance to witness them live!

But their work is out there, like Bobby's:

www.myspace.com/bobbyviteritti