People who like Unity Vol 1 also listen to Mark Rapp, Mike Longo, New York Electric Piano, Bobby Broom, Eddie Harris, Brian Charette, Ron Holloway, Pharez Whitted, Grant Green, Jimmy Smith.

Upstairs Asylum released Unity Vol 1 on Fri Aug 13 2021. The 8 track House release features Rick Wade, Mike Clark, Kai Alce, Kyle Hall, Jon Dixon, Darren Abrams, Eddie Fowlkes, and Santonio Echols. Upstairs Asylum has released vinyl by Norm Talley, Omar S, Moodymann, Rick Wilhite, Delano Smith, Marcellus Pittman, Jon Dixon, Gerald Mitchell, Javontte, Tyree Cooper, Ataxia, Brian Kage, Gari Romalis, Rick Wade, and Mike Clark. People who like Unity Vol 1 also listen to Mark Rapp, Mike Longo, New York Electric Piano, Bobby Broom, Eddie Harris, Brian Charette, Ron Holloway, Pharez Whitted, Grant Green, and Jimmy Smith.

Michigan born Rick Wade might not get the headlines of his more celebrated Detroit peers, but few have done as much to contribute to the house canon as he. For nigh on two decades ‘big daddy Rick’ has consistently turned out deeply channeled grooves that need every second of their often elongated lengths to have best effect. Peppered only lightly with strings, the odd breathy voice or some other delicate hook culled from the funk and soul sounds around which he grew up, Wade’s style is the perfect embodiment of minimum effort, maximum impact. A famously rapid and prolific producer who turns out hundreds of excellent tracks on a non stop basis, Wade is also the force behind legendary imprint Harmonie Park, which has released classics from peers like Mike Huckaby, amongst others. His own discography stretches to three pages and is a pure gold mine for house heads, with each track sounding as timeless as the next. In DJ terms Rick is just as assured, laying down sets that are tinged with funk and soul and keep you dancing in his long form grooves all night long. From Europe to the US, this true house legend has played every venue worth its salt.

Rick Wade

Mike Clark

Kai Alce

Kyle Hall

Ever since he could remember, Jon Dixon has had a passion for music. Jon began playing by ear at the age of four and has always enjoyed challenging himself by learning music in this manner. He began reading and studying classical piano at the age of 15 while enrolled at The High School For Fine and Performing Arts where he also studied Jazz with Mr. Edward Quick. Upon graduating he began performing with the Detroit Symphony Civic Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Detroit's own Godfather of jazz, the late Marcus Belgrave. While performing locally with this ensemble, he also attended Wayne State University where he studied jazz piano under Matt Michaels. As time went on, word of mouth began to spread about Dixon and his talents. While in college he accompanied The Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit as an accompanist/bandleader for their productions and concerts as well as performed all over the city and state. Jon currently teaches multiple group piano classes at the Michigan State University Community Music School in Midtown Detroit. He has had the chance to also play for/with Chick Corea, Jeff Hamilton, Robert Hurst, Delfayo Marsalis, John Clayton, The Count Basie Orchestra, Marcus Belgrave, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Leon Ware, Eric Roberson, Dwele, Amp Fiddler and more over the past decade. Recently Dixon has been taking another approach towards music and production while currently working on various Hi-Tech Jazz projects. In 2015 Jon started an independent label, 4EVR 4WRD (Forever Forward) to focus on making electronic music fused with elements of Jazz, Hip Hop and other styles of music. 'I feel that it is important for me as a musician to not only continue the rich culture and history of both jazz and electronic music but to also use my knowledge, theory and experience to combine the two and take both genres to the next level!' Jon has had the opportunity to not only lead the Underground Resistance live acts Galaxy 2 Galaxy and Timeline, but he has also performed with Interstellar Fugitives, Amp Fiddler, Jeff Mills, Mike Banks, Derrick May, Francesco Tristano, Carl Craig, Goldie and more. Dixon is one of the city's most sought-after musicians for every genre ranging from jazz to techno. He believes that the more versatile and open minded you are at your craft, the further it will take you. Jon is currently working on multiple projects that are sure to be the beginnings of a new approach and chapter in Detroit's music history.

Jon Dixon

Darren Abrams

Eddie Fowlkes is the history of Detroit Techno and not just because his handprints are cemented on the Detroit Historical Museum’s “Legends Plaza.” His 30+ years of moving a dancefloor and his 150+ deep catalog of soulful classics speak for themselves. After attending a 1978 Charivari party with his older sisters where he saw DJ Darryl Shannon mixing records, Eddie requested a mixer for Christmas. From that time on he mastered the art of DJing leading to his first release in 1986. That release on Metroplex Records, “Goodbye Kiss,” helped establish what would come to be known as Detroit Techno. In the 1980s, he performed with three turntables, a mixer, wah-wah pedal and the 808 & 909 drum machines and this revolutionary style of DJing pushed the boundaries of what a disc jockey could be. In 1993, Eddie Fowlkes found a name for his distinct sound: Techno Soul. Techno Soul is Detroit techno, 70s funk, the Motown sound, Parliament, and Chicago house. Eddie’s DJ sets reflect his productions that are an evolution in one track, from house to techno and back again. Eddie has many recordings and remixes on major labels and independents dating back to 1989 (Elektra Records, Sony, BMG, Warner Brothers, Azuli, Tresor, P.I.A.S). Of the Detroit originators, Eddie is not simply just a great DJ or just a great producer - he is equally strong in both avenues. Eddie never rested on his laurels but has always worked hard. He continues to create, to push boundaries, to release music on his two imprints (City Boy Records and Detroit Wax Records), to charm dancefloors worldwide, and to represent Detroit musical talent at its best.

Jon Dixon / Rick Wade / Mike Clark / Kai Alce / Kyle Hall / Eddie Fowlkes / Santonio Echols - Unity Vol 1

Upstairs Asylum

Format: Vinyl

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