Welcome to CalgarySoul.com - words can't touch what soul is!

Music, it has the power to move you, literally. The first time I remember fooling around on the decks was in a buddy's basement. My friend Lonnie was already into collecting and beat mixing. Artists like Kevin Yost, Deep Dish, Jon Cutler, Andy Caldwell, Ben Watt, and of course Miguel Migs, to name a few; were guys putting out tracks that I looked forward to collecting.

My fascination with turntabilisism came in the early 90s watching guys like Dean Clark spin hip hop at "The Deluxe Lounge" that would be the present day upstairs of Tequila. I have to say the scene in Calgary has changed a lot since those days. After attending "Sunday School" at the old Night Gallery I knew spinnin' records was something I wanted to get involved in. That big old disco ball and the feeling of that creaky hardwood floor bouncing up and down had me hooked. Watching guys like D.J. Rice mesmerize a crowd with smooth mixes and tracks with big fat bass lines was definitely an inspiration.

Acquiring the tools of a D.J. is not an inexpensive task, but was well worth it. Buying fresh vinyl at Feroshus and Phonics was a treat I anticipated weekly. I am sure many hours were spent digging through those crates. Luckily we still have Giant 45.

One of my most memorable shows was about 4 years ago in L.A. Me and a good friend found a 'house' show in a local newspaper. It was a small packed club called 1650, in some "off the beaten trail" neighborhood. Marques Wyatt was resident D.J. and Mark Grant was a guest. It wasn't about the big name d.j.s it was about a group of people getting together with a common love for the music and dance. There is just a feeling that overcomes you when that many people are really into the music. There wasn't a soul in that place that wasn't bouncing.

With the help of Jeff Humphreys I have had the chance to experience things from behind the decks. He offered to share a night at The Lounge one evening. It was such a blast! Since then I have had the opportunity to fill in for him at The Well a few times. Spinning records out and about and getting people bouncing is an experience I hope to resume.

E-mail: jerblanc72@yahoo.com