New Jersey born producer Junior Sanchez has been a champion of the house scene since the early 90s, when the then-teenager graced the decks at legendary clubs such as the Limelight and Club USA.
Over the years, he has released on the likes of Strictly Rhythm, Yoshitoshi, R-Senal and his own imprints Cube Recordings and Brobot Records, with his extensive repertoire of collaborators including Madonna, Ariana Grande, Good Charlotte and Azealia Banks.
His current release sees him teaming up with techno figurehead Carl Craig, on Art-O-Fact (Detroit Remix), which was released on Planet E Records on 19 September, and will be followed by two further remixes due out 11 October. Check it out here.
Taking a different angle with this week’s #MyRecordBag, Junior Sanchez serves up his favourite Masters At Work classics – records that define quality house music. Over to you, Junior!
“What can be said about Masters at Work [aka ‘Little’ Louie Vega and Kenny ‘Dope’ Gonzalez] that hasn’t been already said? I’ll give it a shot. These Masters at Work tracks have stood the test of time, offering sonic gold across genres and decades. Each of these remixes and original productions stands as a testament to Masters at Work’s genius, pushing the boundaries of what house music could be, while remaining eternally fresh and relevant.”
St. Etienne – Only Love Can Break Your Heart (Masters at Work Remix)
“This remix really is the definition of what house music feels in my heart. It takes the dreamy original and gives it a rhythmic pulse, infusing it with a deep bass groove, and sultry piano. It encapsulates pure vibes to me – it’s just an iconic remix.”
Trey Lorenz – Photograph of Mary (Masters At Work Dub)
“Such a gem. The beats are so chunky and dark with a hypnotic edge in their remix, transforming it into a late-night dancefloor anthem. A lil’ bit of a factoid – Mr Morillio sampled this remix, specifically Kenny’s drum at the end, that snare part, and looped it, and that’s what he used in I Like To Move It. I don’t think Kenny was too happy about that!”
Björk –Violently Happy (Bass Hitto Dub)
“The original is already a unique track, but MAW’s dub elevates it into an even more transcendent experience, fusing Björk’s ethereal vocals with deep, infectious beats. That horn sample is just so resonating – you can feel it deep inside your soul. One of my favourite MAW remixes – it’s just epic.”
Shanice – I Like (Masters At Work Dub)
“This Shanice remix finds new life in the MAW dub, with its funky, percussive rhythms adding a playful vibe to the R&B classic. That synth stab is insane, with that repetitive Yello sample hidden deep in the percussion of the track. Its a gem that needs to be played so much more. A timeless remix with so much edge.”
House of Gypsies – Sume Sigh Say (Masters At Work Remix)
“This remix explodes with raw energy. Kenny’s drums, Louie’s keys and Todd’s initial idea from the original bring this all together for a track that transcends age and genre. This is played by everyone, regardless of what style they play – even hip hop DJs play this. It celebrates MAW’s ability to blend Afro-Latin influences into the house genre seamlessly.”
Meli’sa Morgan – Still In Love (Masters At Work Dub)
“In 1993, MAW was at the pinnacle of their cutting edge remixes – they were unstoppable and relentlessly giving us the most dynamic remixes. This one is pure bliss, one of my ultimate favourite remixes, which I still crush today.”
Lisa Stansfield – Set Your Loving Free (Kenlou 12-inch Mix)
“Besides Frankie’s remix of Lisa’s Change, Set Your Loving Free is one of the most amazing Lisa Stansfield remixes. This easily could be an original production, as it becomes a groove-laden gem in their hands, offering an irresistible combination of smooth house beats and Stansfield’s signature voice.”
Nuyorican Soul – The Nervous Track
“Under their Nuyorican Soul alias, this track highlights MAW’s versatility, blending jazzy elements with frenetic, tribal rhythms. This track changed the game and began Kenny and Louie’s evolutionary path to their nu-jazz infused career, which still stands today.”
Cajmere Feat Dajae – Brighter Days (Masters At Work Remix)
“Brighter Days finds deeper resonance through the MAW remix, injecting a soulful, uplifting groove into an already classic house tune that to this day is played by everyone. Kenny’s drum penetration is so signature that those snare slap you over and over. This is a gem and a remix that will forever be a classic.”
Masters At Work Feat India – To Be In Love
“|What can we say? With India on vocals, this is nothing short of euphoric. A summer anthem, an Ibiza classic, a truly beautiful song that encapsulates love, joy and what is it to hear house music at its finest. A heartfelt and emotional journey that perfectly marries deep house with soul. A classic by all definition.”
Thanks Junior for your selections. Keep up to date with his latest releases and tour dates here.
About Post Author
