5 Forgotten UK Garage Gems - Artful Dodger
Representing all things UK Garage, Artful Dodger has been a staple on S&C lineups since our first ever festival. We sat down with the man himself to find out a bit about his musical inspirations, and extracted his 5 favourite forgotten gems from the glory days of 2-Step and 4x4. Check these deep selections out...
Victor Romeo - Inside You (Steve Gurley Remix)
Steve Gurley can do no wrong! This vocal stepper features some of the most sublime drums in Garage and the notoriously catchy, signature Gurley vocal sample chops make for a belter of a tune. Look out for other quality re-works from Mr Gurley in the form of ‘Basement Jaxx - Red Alert’ and ‘Dimensions - Show Me’ remixes.
Hot Pepper – Hot Peppers Revenge
Straight out of ‘99 vault comes Hot Peppers Revenge. Released on Hot Pepper’s own Sow & Reap records, this tune is a big favourite amongst many established UKG DJ’s as well as AD, including DJ Q and Scott Garcia. Although the life of Sow & Reap was short, the back catalogue is one for any astute UKG fanatic.
Guy S’mone - You're Mine (MJ Cole Vocal Mix)
Heart and soul music with a UKG twist. Luring us in with some delicate strummed chords and classic organ stabs, we’re soon treated to a walking bassline and lush vocals over a vintage MJ Cole beat. There’s even the signature brass fills too, and a flamenco-esque guitar solo. It’s just pure class as always - thank you, Mat Coleman.
Myron - We Can Get Down (Groove Chronicles Remix)
We all know the magicians who brought us ‘Stone Cold’ and ‘Masterplan’ can touch any record and turn it into gold-encrusted, diamond-covered audio. Coming through the London pirate radio speaker (Passion 91.8, Mission 90.6, Freek 101.8 etc) in the late 1990s, on hearing this you fell in love with the tune and the scene for life.
Peace By Piece – Nobody's Business (Dreem Teem Vocal Mix)
UKG dream team Spoony, Mikee B and Timmi Magic are best known for bangers like their ‘Buddy X’ and ‘My Desire’ remixes - and of course the club-conquering ‘It Ain’t Enough’ alongside AD. But this one comes with a more subtle, shuffling sound, making the superb vocals shine through even more. Rewards any avid listener, a top tune.