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THE GOOD TIMES COMPILATION CD
On August 21st Nuphonic Records release Good Times with Joey & Norman Jay, an album marking 20 years of their legendary Notting Hill Carnival sound system. The album is a retrospective guide to the sounds that have delighted and inspired crowds at Notting Hill for the past two decades. The Carnival has established itself as the biggest street festival in the world with the Good Times Sound System as one of it's essential elements. Norman Jay annually attracts thousands of happy revelers with his unique mix of funky garage, hiphop, jazz, reggae and soul, embracing everything from Paul Weller to Public Enemy, James Brown to Jamiroquai.
Norman Jay's contribution to UK dance culture is unprecedented having been at the forefront of many of it's defining moments. He experienced the rise of the Disco phenomenon first time around in New York where he forged lasting friendships with the likes of the late Larry Levan, Tee Scott, David Morales, Tony Humphries and Louis Vega, years before any of them were heard of in the U.K. In the late 80's he got together with Gordon Mac to start up the pirate radio station Kiss FM, bringing in the likes of Jazzie B, Danny Rampling, Trevor Nelson, Gilles Peterson, Lisa I'Anson and his original partner and protégé, Judge Jules.
This led directly to the emergence of London's "Rare Groove" scene, a term coined by Jay after his now legendary "Original Rare Groove Show" on Kiss FM, for whom he hosted the very first legal broadcast when they eventually won their licence. Affectionately known as the "Godfather", Norman's 'Shake and Fingerpop' outfit were the leading purveyors of their scene and were responsible for the very first warehouse parties ever staged in London, preceding the Acid House explosion by some three years. Norman went on to start the UK's very first garage club 'High On Hope' where he was responsible for bringing over the likes of Tony Humphries, Marshall Jefferson and Adeva to the UK for the very first time. He also revived interest in old skool disco divas, such as Jocelyn Brown, Chaka Khan and Loletta Holloway, all of whom frequently appeared at the club.
He is often cited as a major influence by a host of today's top names from Farley and Heller to Judge Jules and Seb Fontaine. Jamiroquai, Young Disciples and the Brand New Heavies also cite him as a defining influence on their sound. Norman Jay truly is 'The DJ's DJ' with a unique style that crosses both genres and generations.
Whist Norman is the DJ, Joey, his brother, is the man with the sound - It was his system that pumped the music for many a 80's warehouse dancefloor, including Danny Rampling's original Shoom parties amongst many others. It's Joey's system that's delivered the Good Times over the years.
The Good Times have grown to become an institution of which Norman is Godfather. His reputation as one of dance music's most innovating forces continues to spread far and wide. This album offers an excellent insight into, quite literally, the man and his music. An eclectic collection of sounds, united under a groove that no true music lover should be without. Roll on carnival.
This album reflects Norman's broad musical tastes by embracing a wide range of sounds. There are smokin' reggae grooves of John Holt's 'Ali Baba', Byron Lee's 'Mission Impossible' and Marcia Griffiths 'Feel Like Jumping'. The classic soul sounds of Stevie Wonder's 'If You Really Love Me', Marlena Shaw's 'California Soul' and the carnival classic 'Optimistic' by the Sounds Of Blackness. Disco and boogie delights in the form of Two Tons Of Fun 'Just Us' and Unlimited Touch 'I Hear Music In The Streets', and the more modern sound of 'Brighter Days' Cajmere and Masters At Work mix of Bebe Winans 'Thank You'.
Cat. No NUX155CD
Format: Double CD
CD barcode: 0675 601 1 55024
Release date: 21.08.00
'Good Times' was released on 21.08.00
Good Times Double CD and Limited Edition Quad Vinyl Box Set
Tracklisting - Disc One
01. Chic - Open Up (3.52)
02. Archie Bell & The Drells - Don't Let Love get You Down (4.19)
03. Unlimited Touch - I Hear Music In The Street (5.23)
04. MFSB - Summertime (4.49)
05. Byron Lee & The Dragonaires - Mission Impossible (4.02)
06. John Holt - Ali Baba (2.37)
07. Fabian - Prophesy (4.37)
08. Public Enemy - Rebel Without A Pause (5.02)
09. KRS-One - Sound Of Da Police (4.12)
10. Marcia Griffiths - Feel Like Jumping (3.35)
11. Eddie Russ - I Heard That (4.16)
12. The Salsoul Orchestra feat.Loleatta Holloway - Runaway (4.44)
13. Kym Simms - To Blind To See It (Hurley's House mix) (5.00)
14. Lenny Fontana presents:Black Sun - Spread Love (Classic Vocal Mix) (7.06)
Tracklisting - Disc Two
01. BeBe Winans - Thank You (MAW Mix) (10.18)
02. Incognito - Fearless (6.12)
03. Webster Lewis - El Bobo (3.57)
04. Pleasure - Joyous (6.27)
05. Ray Munnings - Funky Nassau (6.14)
06. James Brown - Stone To The Bone (7" version)
07.I.G.Off & Hazzardous - The Nicest (Instrumental) (3.40)
08. Loose Ends - Hanging On A String (Contemplating) (5.56)
(Extended Dance Mix)
09. Nu Colours - Greater Love (4.52)
10. Sounds Of Blackness - Optimistic (Album Version) (5.16)
11. Two Tons Of Fun - Just Us (4.39)
12. Stevie Wonder - If You Really Love Me (2.58)
13. Marlena Shaw - California Soul (2.58)
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