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Alex Gutierrez Rewind1039

The Elements of Perfection : " I AM " Earth Wind & Fire

by DJ Alex Gutierrez Miami SFDJA / Rewind 1039

I’ve made it a point to have each one of my kids listen to a few cuts from Earth Wind and Fire’s 1979 album ” I Am ” often I’ve wondered if younger people can ” feel ” and appreciate the music , as we did back in the day. 31 years after it’s release I am still compelled to ” spread the word” on one of the most influential records in my life.

” I Am ” offers 9 beautifully arranged tracks that are elevated by excellent musicianship as well as lyrical content integrity with a humanitarian edge. Although it didn’t include interludes as with previous albums, this production delivers Earth Wind and Fire’s inspirational message to uplift the conscious state of mankind musically. 

It was 1979, the peak of the Disco craze and record labels targeted the dance floor which is why in my opinion a track like ” Boogie Wonderland” was produced for this album   Up to that point, the group had not included any Disco flavored songs in any of their prior releases. The band finally gave a nod to the style, with “Boogie Wonderland” ( which featured The Emotions ) it instantly became a Radio ” Disco ” hit ( reaching number 2 on the Hot Soul Singles chart ) For the record as a DJ , I never considered or played ” Boogie Wonderland” as a Disco record in any of the clubs I worked at here in Miami in the 70s or early 80s.

Probably, No wait a second….definitely the most inspirational, uplifting songs ever written ( my opinion of course ) is ” In The Stone “, Maurice White’s song about an abiding love that is written in stone. Written by Allee Willis ( September ) Maurice White and mega producer David Forster the song elevates your mood from the very first notes . A majestic introduction like no other you’ll ever hear. ( can you tell how much I love this song? ) “In the Stone” appeared on the soundtrack of the 2002 film ” Drumline” and became a staple of Marching bands all over the nation.

Well known for their soulful ballads “After the Love Has Gone” written by David Foster, Jay Graydon, and  Bill Champlin and peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Co-writer Graydon originally wrote the song for his group ” Airplay” ( a fixture of most Yacht Rock Playlists ) The track stands out for it’s iconic Saxophone solo towards the end by Don Myrick , who also performs the solo on EWF’s ” Reasons”

The rest of the album does not disappoint with tracks such as energetic ” Can’t Let Go ” and the mid temp ” You and I ” the music of EWF has no borders, no color, no religion it is the music of mankind , a positive message we all need to stop and listen to

And what did my kids think of it , you may wonder? They loved it. They still listen to it to this day, they say ” it will always remind them of their “Pops” “

Buy the Album at this Amazon link EWF ” I AM “

https://youtu.be/pT2L2ciLFmA
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Alex Gutierrez

Music Therapy: Take two and call me in the morning

DJ Alex Gutierrez Miami/SFDJA

Believe it or not a lot of people I know have turned to music as a coping mechanism during this difficult time. People of all ages, tired of Netflix have decided to just hangout and listen to their favorite songs as therapy. Now i can only represent the 50 and over crowd, so I’ve decide to put together my favorite Spotify playlists I’ve created with a nice sampling of tracks our age group would appreciate. Music is therapeutic and on a Miami rainy day such as today, these playlists have some great music for all of us who grew up in the 70s and 80s.

Some great links for us ” 50s+ ” are

http://www.yachtrockmiami.com

Rewind 1039 Freestyle Disco

” Jamoneo” is a playlist I created with some Slow Jams that have an emotional connection to me . It spans many decades and crosses over many genres. It will surely bring back some memories !

My Playlist ” Disco Cream” gives you a nice sampling of dance floor favorites as well as some obscure stuff you’ll like.

” Miami Salsa Party” are some tracks I play at local clubs that get people dancing. New and old alike I think you’ll enjoy, if you’re in a Latino Mood.

Of course ” Yacht Rock Miami” is a nice list of smooth classics from the 70s and 80s for anytime you want to chill and keep it smooth.

There are lots more playlists I have on there ..check them out !!

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Alex Gutierrez Rewind1039

Cerrone: From France with Love

by DJ Alex Gutierrez Miami/ Rewind 1039 / SFDJA

In 1976 at the age of 15 & 16, two aspiring DJs , unable to get into any of the straight clubs in Miami , found themselves in front of the WindwardResort Motel in Miami Beach. They both agreed that they would say ” We left our IDs in the car ( Those lines worked back then ) Half an hour past their curfew of 10:00pm , they approached the front door and a large bouncer who calmly waved them in, No questions asked . The music was getting louder, the dance floor packed with bodies, and a song that would introduce them to a whole new world of music they couldn’t get at their local record store. The song was ” Love in C Minor” by Cerrone but they wouldn’t find out the name of the song until two weeks later because the DJ had covered the label with tape, a practice back in the day to sound exclusive. I was one of those two kids who would forever be in love with the music known as ” Disco”

Jean-Marc Cerrone born 24 May 1952 is a French disco drummer, composer, record producer. Rumor has it that he had some serious beef back in the day with another Disco superstar Alec R. Costandinos ( Click here for Interview )

His album covers were unmistakable , using controversial images for his European releases that usually had to be sanitized for US Releases. Release after release his tracks became dance floor staples for ” Disctheques” around the world. Here in Miami Cerrone’s tracks especially Supernature have all endured the test of time and can still be heard at bars, nightclubs and events.

Cerrone now tours as a DJ and still performs . He has new material ” DNA” which sounds like a Giorgio Moroder/Kraftwerk hybrid with some Pink Floyd overtones . My personal choice from his new album is “ I’ve got a Rocket “

Happy Birthday Marc

Watch a Full Cerrone Concert

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Alex Gutierrez Blog Rewind1039

Malo: Suavecito

Dj Alex Gutierrez SFDJA/ Rewind 1039

Although the track was released in 1972 , it wasn’t until the summer of 1975 that I attended a house party where the record player was being manned by an older kid about 17 or 18 years old. Salsoul’s ” Tangerine” has just finished playing , and the dance floor ( the middle of someone’s living room ) was clearing when I first heard the song that would attach itself to a memory I would create that night. My first slow dance . At first it sounded like something my parents would hear at the time, Latin Music was something I only heard at adult parties, but slowly I saw many of the kids leading girls to the dance area and turning down the lights, after a minute or so only one girl remained and only one shy, introverted boy , looking awkwardly at each other knowing that by the process of elimination they were destined to be each others ” First Slow Dance”

The song was Suavecito by Malo a SanFrancisco group led by, Richard Bean, Arcelio Garcia and Jorge Santana brother of Carlos. The song was written by and sung by, Richard Bean. Abel Zarate and Pablo Tellez Fifty years later, the song is known the unofficial “Chicano national anthem.” although a couple of Cubans I know will tell you that for any kid growing up in Miami in the 70s ,it was our anthem too.

 

https://youtu.be/ZRzOfYyIIO4

Suavecito” is a song recorded by Malo in 1971. … Suavecito means “soft” or “smooth” in Spanish. The song has been called “The Chicano National Anthem.” The song became a hit in the U.S. (#18) and Canada (#14) during the spring of 1972.

https://youtu.be/DJr-vk8flh8
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Alex Gutierrez Rewind1039

Albert One: The One!

by DJ Alex Gutierrez Miami /Rewind 1039

Alberto Carpani (April 23, 1956 – May 11, 2020) best known for his Italo disco releases in the late 1970’s and early 1980 as Albert One .He was also a DJ and music producer. His many single releases , embraced by DJs here in South Florida and sold as ” Imports” include “Yes No Family”, “Turbo Diesel”, “Heart on Fire”, “Lady O”, “For Your Love”, “Secrets”, “Hopes & Dreams”, “Everybody”, “Visions”, and “Loverboy”. They were released on the popular Import labels  ZYX Music and Baby Records (Italy).

As a Disco fan…. Italo music was not a smooth transition from the lush violin filled productions to the electronic and sometimes simplistic arrangements of Italo Disco. But with the decline in new Disco material many DJs immediately embraced this style.

He was also known as A1, Jock Hattle, Albert One, and A.C. One. He was involved in many Italo projects such as Clock On 5, Enola, Funny Twins, Tom Dollar, and X-One. His last major hit, 1999 single “Sing a Song Now Now“, reached number 6 in the Spanish music charts.

Albert One died of COVID-19 during the pandemic on May 11, 2020. You can hear Albert One and his hits on Rewind 1039 24 hours a day.

https://youtu.be/VTfMFZRIAIo
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Rewind1039

Memorial Day Weekend Non Stop Mixathon


South Florida’s Top DJs together all weekend on Rewind 1039 ,Miami’s Throwback Station playing the Best in 70s and 80s . Just Download the App ” Rewind 1039 ” and start listening .SFDJA website allows you to hear from your PC at home or Work

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South Florida DJs want to get back to work.

DJ Alex Gutierrez ,Founder South Florida DJ Association Miami, Florida

It’s been 2 months, give or take, but to most DJs in the South Florida DJ Association it feels like 2 years since we played our last song in front of a real crowd. Many have been struggling with Facebook Live trying to connect with their audiences , but usually end up being blocked after 30 minutes . Elaborate Disclaimers abound , but are useless. No one saw this coming . Most full time DJs have no other source of income , and in a normal situation if gigs dry up you could always find a part time somewhere, but not now.

The guidelines are posted and available here Florida Guidlines . Bars and Nightclubs still can’t open and DJs are hurting badly. Dancing and large congregations on dance floors are prohibited . Bars are closing and the ones that are still open are re- evaluating on how they will hire entertainment in the future. on a posotive note, Dj entertainment will be a more affordable option , but Live acts will suffer as many stages are too small to allow for Social Distancing guidelines. Performers and gig workers appear to be on the bottom of the totem pole .Policy makers need to recognize that the nightlife industry is a livelihood for many. Meanwhile , desperate , Full time DJ / Entertainers that have enjoyed a steady income for many years are now scratching their heads , many going Live on Facebook ,asking for donations as their only source of generating some income.

According to one jock who Live Streams ( he did not want to be identified ) ” Most people send me about $5 , I make a total of about $30 to $45 on a half hour session. I don’t like to ask , I’m embarrassed , but I have no choice. At this point , I’ll take anything I can get. The $1200 from the government was a life saver , but it’s gone now. At the beginning of the year I had 2 to 3 steady gigs a week , now. nothing , with no hope in sight ”

Is the ” clubbing / bar ” public ready to go out again? Of course they are , but how safe do they feel interacting with other people they’ve been told to avoid for the last few months? The majority of the public seem to share health expert’s concerns. Once the restrictions are lifted and places begin to reopen, 71% of U.S. adults say they want to “wait to see what happens with the coronavirus before resuming” normal activities, 20% say they would go back to their normal lives right away , a 10% would wait indefinitely.

Legends of Vinyl , Hall of Fame DJ & Club owner Jimmie Elias , known to his friends as ” Jimmie E ” with two venues in South Florida describes his vision for the future of nightlife.

” One of the reasons we’ve been in business for over 50 years is the ability to adapt. This is no exception , and we’ve been working for the last month on both our venues to deliver a safe and clean environment for our clients. Of course we’re going to have to do things differently than before. ” says Elias , as I met with him during his remodeling at one of his locations “We are looking forward to showcasing South Florida’s finest DJs and acts , that have made The Club at Renaissance a South Florida entertainment landmark ,once we get the green light from local and state officials. We want to be an example and innovate ways that customers can enjoy themselves in a nightclub setting under these new guidelines. We are working very hard to accomplish this as soon as possible . Our customers are like family, and we’re going to take care of them ”

DJ Jessica Lam comments on the restrictions placed on our industry at the moment.

” I know this is tough news for us. But these are difficult times and we have to take the proper precautions to prevent the spread of disease. This Pandemic has taken 100’s of thousands of lives. I know we may think it wouldn’t happen to us, but it can and it will if we’re not cautious. In places around the world that they allowed bars and clubs to reopen, there has been a spike in cases of COVID 19. Reopening the world has to be slow and mindful. Tough news for us, but the world has changed and the new normal will change. Be patient; be creative; reinvent yourselves”

It is essential for the DJs to stay connected to their audiences during this difficult time. Facebook and Instagram postings remind your followers , that you are still there. Facebook Live Mixing is a hit or miss and not legal. Mixcloud has introduced a new paid service that allows DJs to go Live , legally. Communicate with the venues that give you work on a regular basis. Ask if there is anything you can do to help them , they’ve supported you , now it’s your turn. We all want to get back to work , once things open up I anticipate the competition will be fierce . Gigs will be ” Gold” and DJs will be more aggressive than ever to secure them.

DJ Alex Gutierrez on Facebook and at www.sfdja.com

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Alex Gutierrez Blog

80 year old ,Merengue Icon Jonny Ventura Tests + for Coronavirus

Juan de Dios Ventura Soriano  better known as Johnny Ventura or “El Caballo Johnny Ventura”, a popular Dominican singer and band leader who also served as vice mayor of Santo Domingo from 1994 to 1998, and as mayor of Santo Domingo from 1998 to 2002 was admitted to the Center for Advanced Medicine , in the Dominican Republic, after suffering a fall at his home he washospitalized, tand underwent a test of coronavirus (COVID-19) after presenting cold symptoms. The test was positive.

Ventura who is under intensive care and under observation, declared that t he is stable and is able to breathe without having to resort to supplemental oxygen.

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Alex Gutierrez Blog Rewind1039

Manu Dibango" Soul Makossa " dies of Coronavirus

Manu Dibango died Tuesday after contracting the Coronavirus, representatives of the artist have confirmed.

Dibango was 86 from Cameroon, and was best known to Disco fans all over the world for his 1972 hit “Soul Makossa” which can still be heard at clubs and stations here in South Florida.

It was written in Duala , a native dialect  from Cameroon. ,The track is best known for the repetitive phrase “ma-mako, ma-ma-sa, mako-mako ssa”, which was adapted and used in songs by many prominent artists, such as Michael Jackson‘s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” from his album Thriller (1982) ( Dibango sued Jackson over the uncredited interpolation, winning an out of court settlement. ) and Rihanna‘s hit single “Don’t Stop the Music” from Good Girl Gone Bad (2007) (the complaint was deemed inadmissible) .

He died early this morning( tuesday March 24, 2020) in a hospital in the Paris region.

Listen Below………………………….

DJ Alex Gutierrez

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Blog

Marlin de la Salsa – Para Olvidar

Our good friend Marlon Mendioroz has been producing quality music for many years. His latest production “Para Olvidar” is no exception , this time embracing and masterfully executing the Bacahta style. Marlon’s voice and emotional subject matter immediately draws the listener into the song. DJs will welcome the ease into which this track can be incorporated into a night of Latin programming with no previous audience exposure to the track. On several occasions I just played it and it was well received, as well as giving me a warm and fuzzy feeling that I was helping promote a local Miami Artist.  SFDJA MEMBERS PM Leo Perez for your copy Help us promote this new track. Thanks

Marlin De La Salsa Facebook Page Click Here 

 

DJ Alex Gutierrez