In the annals of House Music, the CHIWAX CLASSIC EDITION‘s inaugural offering for 2024 emerges as a resonant tribute to the late and esteemed US House Music maestro, Dana Lewis Kelly. A scion of Boston, a graduate of the prestigious Boston Latin High School, and the Museum of Fine Arts School, Dana’s musical legacy spans a period from 1999 to 2002, marked by the release of four EPs on 4th Floor Records and Sugardish. These records, now etched in the timeless echelons of classic House Music, bear testament to Dana Kelley’s unwavering dedication as both a musician and a luminary fashion designer. In this CHIWAX CLASSIC EDITION, we delve into the heart of Dana Kelley’s posthumously resurrected second EP, Beta, which, alongside Alpha, stands as a testament to his enduring influence on the genre.
Dana Kelley’s posthumous opus commences with the A1 track, “Left With Nothing.” A sensuous House affair, the track unveils its allure through the captivating vocals of David Walker, seamlessly interwoven with the essential old-school chords that echo the soul of classic House. Kelley’s adept craftsmanship is apparent as he constructs a sonic tapestry that is not merely auditory but an immersive experience resonating with timeless elegance.
Transitioning seamlessly, the A2 track, “Nastiness,” delves into the Detroit-influenced realms of spacey House. Infused with a cosmic aura, the track emanates funkiness that possesses the capacity to stir bodies in any room at any nocturnal juncture. Kelley, akin to a sonic alchemist, conjures an ethereal soundscape, embodying the spirit of House while embracing the pioneering influences of Detroit’s musical heritage.
Venturing into the B-side, “Armageddon” signals a departure into more technoid territories, echoing the UK Techhouse sound prevalent in that era. The track, while maintaining its roots in the original East Coast melodic approach, undergoes a metamorphosis, adopting a technologically driven cadence. Dana Kelley’s versatility is on full display as he navigates divergent soundscapes, seamlessly melding the traditional with the avant-garde.
Concluding the EP, the B2 track, “Got 2 Groove,” unfolds as a Chi-town-style Deep House anthem. Infused with gospel-flavored vocals by Devorah & Ida Burroughs, the track metamorphoses into a tribalistic odyssey. Tribal beats, eccentric synths, and chords interweave in harmonious chaos, creating an immersive sonic experience that encapsulates the soulful essence of Deep House.
In the aftermath of Dana Kelley’s untimely departure in 2013, his musical legacy lives on through the CHIWAX CLASSIC EDITION’s resurrection of the “Beta EP“. Each track stands as a testament to Kelley’s artistic prowess and his unyielding commitment to the timeless allure of classic House Music. As the beats reverberate on the dance floor and in the hearts of those who cherish his work, Dana Kelley’s contribution to the House Music genre etches itself indelibly in the ever-evolving narrative of musical history. The CHIWAX CLASSIC EDITION, in honoring Dana Kelley, provides an auditory pilgrimage into the realms of House, where his spirit resides eternally, undulating through the beats that echo the enduring heartbeat of classic House Music.
Words by Pasha Pliskin
Torture the Artist 