Cajmere - Many Shades of Cajual (CD)

Score One for Chicago !!!

By Reginald  Sep 22, 2004

Pros: Spotlights one of the best Chciago-based record labels ever

Cons: None

A city's music scene is often defined by two things: the DJs and the independent record labels. For example, Chicago in the 80s: DJs - Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, Hot Mix 5. Independent Record Labels - Trax, D.J. International, Dance Mania. Now ...let's look at Chicago in the 90s: DJs - Terry Hunter, Steve "Silk" Hurley, Derrick Carter. Record Labels - Vibe Music, ID Records, C A J U A L From the moment it hit the scene in 1992 Cajual Records proved to be the groundbreaker that Chicago needed. The city now had a new identity and the House scene could truly move forward. This album bridged the gap between the old school and the new. It was aptly titled "The Many Shades of Cajual" because it truly reflected the various styles of not only the artists on the label, but the house music scene in general.House music was never really about just one particular "piece of the pie", although it was developed from disco -- there was always more than one sould to disco (check Salsoul). This album illustrates that fact perfectly. DJ Sneak carries the old school torch with his disco samples which are riding a driving beat. Perhaps a little "Nu Disco" would be in order -- bring on Braxton Holmes. How about a little Jazz courtesy of Gemini. It is noteworthy that before the "Nu Soul" of today's era ther was a bit of that going on in the House circuit, and the main architects were GU and Big Ed -- check it! Alongside the "Nu Soul" we can't forget about the vocals of Dajae and Terence FM, two of the labels premier artists. Of course we have soulful tracks thanks to Boo Williams and Johnny Fiasco. And finally the deep house masters of Derrick Carter, Mark Grant, and Cajmere.This compilation was released in 1996, at a time when Chicago was making serious waves in the House circuit in the U.S. and overseas. One listen and it will become evident why Cajual Records was synonymous with worldwide acclaim. Just ask any Chicagoan over the age of 25 and they should remember the name Cajual...after listening to the album you will too! Read more Less