Dance Party Time Machine 2017 | Preview

Article Contributed by J2G Live | Published on Monday, March 20, 2017

Over the years the crew at J2G Live have shared their favorite dance party songs with the fans across Colorado via the set lists for their Dance Party Time Machine shows.  This year, as we approach the 2017 edition we asked them and the musicians playing on this years show  to share some thoughts on their favorite Dance Party songs of all time as well as some of their favorite songs and moments from previous shows. You can catch Marc Brownstein, Aron Magner, & Allen Aucoin of The Disco Biscuits, Tom Hamilton from Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Mike Greenfield from Lotus, Eddie Roberts from The New Mastersounds along with members of YAMN, Fox Street, Analog Son, Tiger Party, The Magic Beans, Dynohunter, SuCh, Other Worlds and more at the Dance Party Time Machine this Saturday, March 25th at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom.  Tickets available HERE.

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Mike Greenfield, Drummer, Lotus:

That's a tough question, but a standout for me is Clyde Stubblefield's break from "Funky Drummer" by James Brown.  It is now one of the most sampled beats of all time so it has become somewhat commonplace, but I remember hearing it when I first started playing and being dumbfounded that a drummer could play something so incredible. Stubblefield  just passed last month so it is especially meaningful for me to revisit this classic.”

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Jordan Linit, Guitar, Analog Son:

Don't stop til you get enough is pure perfection in the form of a poppy funk masterpiece.  From the simplicity of the 1 chord Verse which perfectly pieces together like a puzzle the funkiest rhythm section groove of 2 guitars, bass, drums, and keys with smooth vocals floating on top, to the gospel influence Bridge with soaring leads amazing harmony.  Definitely one of my all time favorites."

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Su Charles, Singer, SuCH:

My favorite DPTM song/performance was Love Never Felt so good.  I mean you just can't go wrong with the King of Pop! I'm also a huge fan of call and response and I'll never forget how awesome it was to do that with the audience on this song :) It'll always have a special place in my heart!“

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Brian Hamilton, Guitar, YAMN:

I would have to say that the favorite songs for me are the hidden gems. Take a song like “What is love” for instance. At first glance it may seem a bit  cliche and cheesy. Yet, after a group of musicians like these take it and make it their own, it gives way to some of the most interesting improv of the night. Giving a very fun,  unique experience for us and the fans.”

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Jonathan Huvard, Guitar/Singer, Fox Street:

It's almost impossible for me to pick an all- time favorite dance party tune. My current favorite has got be Chaka Khan's version of "We Can Work It Out". Chaka always slams, and everything from the band to the horn arrangements is just too damn funky!"

Marc Brownstein, Bass, The Disco Biscuits:

I mean, the best dance song of all time is Thriller, so any conversation needs to start there... of course I was luckily able to do the Vincent Price part at the last DPTM!"

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Jonah Wisneski, Guitar, Other Worlds:

Although there are many, and I can't say this is THE end all be all, but a favorite of mine would be "Eminence Front" by The Who. Their response to the 80's was led by running an organ through an arpeggiator yielding a grooved out British rock anthem with funky overtones.”

Eric Low, Drums, Fox Street:

I think you pose the existential question of, "what defines a good dance party song?" I think its a convergence of our social, cultural, and personal experiences and tastes all leading up to a moment.  Geography also plays a large role into this question as well. We could see very different songs played at a dance party in Norway vs. South Korea vs. Rio.  To classify this into a single idea would be dubious at best.  With that being said, I think there is one true answer...The Meters”

Eric Luba, Keyboards, Runnikine:

My favorite dance track definitely has to be "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough." Michael Jackson is the king for a reason, and everyone who hears this song immediately goes bananas and starts dancing. The horn lines and the groove really make the song fun to play, so it's always a fun song for the crowd and musicians alike. I'm not sure I enjoy anything about playing synth strings, but this is a song where it doesn't phase me in the least; they add so much richness to the texture. This song makes you wanna get down!”

James Dumm, Guitar, Fox Street:

I Was Made For Loving You" KISS... But seriously, anything by Prince gets it going on: Controversy, Shockadelica, I Feel For You, I Wanna Be Your Lover, the list goes on forever. Or James Brown."

David Duart, Bass, YAMN:

Papa is a rolling stone by the temptations That bass line has so much space in it and yet so funky. Then as the song continues, the funk guitar layers in. Once the vocals pop in, it's pure groove. “

Charlie Mertens, Bass:

To me, the most perfectly crafted dance party song of all time to get the party started is "Rock with You" - by MJ, Quincy, & Termperton...you know it's obviously time to dance from the very first note and the song just keeps building the energy from beginning to end

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Casey Russell, Keyboards, The Magic Beans:

Controversy! Sexy synth, sexy vocals and prince is the best.”

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Colleen Christmas-Gardner, Singer:

Frankie Beverly and Maze "Before I let go".  It's a great song for two steppin'.“

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Gary Mellini, J2G Live:  

Without a doubt my favorite dance party song of all time is “Machine Gun” by The Commodores. It’s one of those songs that grooves so hard you can put it on repeat for hours and nobody will say a word about it. We did that one a few shows back and to have Allen, Marc, and Aron from The Disco Biscuits playing that song with these guys was both a personal and professional highlight I will never forget.”

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