How does one credit a beatmix album-to the DJ or the acts he or she mixes on wax? (Or in Blackwell's case, aluminum; he just used CD's and a couple of pro DJ decks.) Regardless, it comes as no surprise to find Blackwell as the name behind the Christian market's first mastermix compilation. It immortalizes the same kind of thing he did in the DJ booths of NYC clubs in the '80s prior to his recommitment to the Lord. Neither is it surprising that most of the 20 tunes came from the roster of the label he heads, Velocity/N-Soul. If the title strikes a familiar chord, it's because it was also the name of Blackwell's criminally under-syndicated radio show from a few years back.
So, does it work? Sure, and with just enough diversity to keep it interesting. Paradigm Shift's edgily atmospheric trip-house bumps beats with the handbag-ready pop anthemics of Rhythmsaints. There is also the straight-up devotional diva wailings of Hydro's Linda Tavani, and some of that by Sandra Stephens-most notably a couple of mixes of her maybe-by-now-Billboard clubchart smash with A.J. Mora, "I've Found Something Real." Basically, Clubhouse works as a mainstream gospel-house sampler (mainstream as in "commercial") with a couple of workable surprises thrown in and sticking to the wall (or dance floor, as it were).
It would be sweet to hear what Blackwell could do, were he to add in, say, Sounds of Blackness, Connie Harvey, Nu Colours, and other acts he could trust to be believers. Househeads like me think such an album is long overdue from a market that should be celebrating dancing like David did, but Clubhouse is a suitably sweet start from a guy who's been there, and done that, and is doing it again for all the right reasons.
Similar sounding releases
1995Geoff Moore & The DistanceEvolution Extended Play Remixes
1995Disco SaintsDance House Praise
1996HyperSonicPraise House
2001Donald GlaudeMixed Live: Buzz @ Nation, Washington D.C.
1998Sonik Boom of LoveA Love Supreme
1994Nitro PraiseNitro Praise
