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News...
DINKY-DI "GOLD WAVE"
A few years ago I stumbled across these amazing recordings by Waq Takahashi - disco tracks, recorded properly, with musicians and stuff. I was pretty blown away with them. So I asked if I could remix some. Which I did. Then I lost the files. Then I forgot. Then I did other stuff. Then I found one of the sessions I'd been working on by complete accident. And I forgot how good this stuff is. So I finished it. Went to tape. The lot. And now it's coming out on a limited edition 12" single.
THE MILLION DOLLAR ORCHESTRA LIVE
I can't even begin to describe my excitement at this - after an amazing show last year where feet were blistered and tears were shed, we're doing it again. Bigger and better!! Last year we had St Lukes up the Barras - this year we have SWG3's Galvanizers - a giant room, with a giant stage! And a bigger stage means a bigger orchestra, which means more tears are in store! Then we're having an after party upstairs in the Warehouse. It's gonna be sooooooo good. Early bird tickets sold out in a few days so be warned!
DISCO DEMANDS VOLUME 6
This is a day I never thought I'd see. After years of legal wranglings this album can finally see the light of day. It's taken so long some of the tracks on here were new releases at the time we started.
AL KENT - WHERE
One of my old trusty edits has been released as part of the Funk Purpose EP on Samosa Records. It's not available yet so I'll add a Soundcloud link later.
BIG DISCO POSTERS
Due to popular demand I decided to make a big giant poster with lots of old disco record sleeves on it.
PICK ME UP (SAY GOODBYE)
I hummed and hawed for quite a while about whether or not to release this as I just made it for myself to play. But the response has been a bit mental, so it seems a shame not to celebrate 20 years with a nice new Million Dollar Disco release!
WE ARE 20!
I had no idea but, after a bit of discogs research, I found out that the first release on Million Dollar Disco was twenty years ago. We've already had a party or two to celebrate but kep your eyes peeled for some special events and releases over th course of the year.
MILLION DOLLAR DISCO ANNUAL PARTY 2019
This is what Januaries were made for.
HAMILTON BROTHERS EDIT FOR CREE RECORDS
Side A1 Barbara Hernandez: All Nite Tonight (Nomad's Reel to Realness Mix)
FAR OUT MONSTER DISCO ORCHESTRA REMIX #3
The latest in a line of Al Kent remixes for the legendary Far Out Recordings is out now..
MILLION DOLLAR DISCO BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL
“The Big Joint” holds a very special place in our hearts here at MDD - tucked away in an industrial area on the outskirts of the city, our secret location was a great discovery and the scene of many an epic party; we danced in the dark to Theo Parrish playing an exlusive disco set when the lights broke down, we rejoiced at many a legendary set from Rahaan who became an honorary Glaswegian, we drank the bar dry, we got snowed in - every party in that perfect little room was exceptional.
THE MILLION DOLLAR ORCHESTRA LIVE
The Million Dollar Orchestra debuted over a decade ago with a highly ambitious project, recording an album using - possibly for the first time since disco’s 1970s heyday - strings and horns and a real live band in pursuit of an authentic, credible but original disco production. The final head count was somewhere in the region of 25 musicians and the result was the highly acclaimed “Better Days” album that was released by BBE Records. Glasgow DJ Al Kent was the man behind the project, who sold a large chunk of his record collection to finance what seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity.
NEW DISCO LOVE T SHIRTS
BBE have a new range of Disco Love T Shirts, and they're lovely - screen printed, luxury cotton jobs. Women's styles, sweatshirts and anything else you can think of are available so feel free to get in touch for anything you might fancy.
FOR THE LOVE OF DISCO
BBE are having a Disco Love sale for April 2018
AL KENT EDITS ON GAMM
Our friend and BBE labelmate Mad Mats has released another couple of Al Kent edits. Listen and buy.
MILLION DOLLAR DISCO ANNUAL PARTY 2018
THE MILLION DOLLAR DISCO ANNUAL PARTY 2018
MJ FREEBIE
I know there are three zillion versions of this already, but here's another "Rock With You" for good measure. It's free. Fill your boots.
ODYSSEY "INSIDE OUT" REMIX AVAILABLE NOW
My "Inside Out" remix has been released as part of an EP featuring other stuff by Yam Who?, Hifi Sean and Joutro Mundo.
SOUNDERSONS "HE DOESN'T LOVE ME"
Another from the Yam Who? stable of labels - Italy's Soundersons asked me to tweak their Midnight Riot debut. This is it...
NEW MIXTAPE
It's been a long long time since I've managed to dedicate the time to making a mix, so let's hope this one is worth the wait..
MEN IN THE GLASS BOOTH RE-PRESS PRE-ORDER!
So BBE are re-pressing The Men In The Glass Booth box sets - the initial run sold out very quickly so don't sleep and you won't weep.
DISCO LOVE POSTERS
Inspired by some nice stuff we've seen others selling online, we decided to knock up some Disco Love posters, featuring iconic artwork from the series on BBE.
AL KENT V DEVIN DARE "WALTERED STATES"
Back in 2016 me and Duane Harriott/Devin Dare threw a little birthday party for Walter Gibbons in Starvue in Brooklyn. We did edits of some of our favourite Walter tunes which will be coming out very soon on the home of the most famous black labels, Stilove4music.
ODYSSEY "INSIDE OUT" AL KENT REMIX
Another remix completed at Glasgow's Green Door, full details coming soon.
FAR OUT MONSTER DISCO ORCHESTRA "VENDETTA" REMIX
It took its time, but this remix of "Vendetta" is due to be released on 12th May 2017.
FOMDO MK III
And we've just completed another Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra remix at Glasgow's amazing Green Door.
More info to follow.
GAMM MK II
After the rip-roaring success of the last Al Kent thing on GAMM, we've just completed another one. Details to follow.
PAPA'S GOT EDIT OUT NOW
Rocafort Records decided to branch out from their usual 7" reissue program with a 12" release and asked me to provide an extended disco version. So I did.
"EDITED BY AL KENT" COMING IN FEBRUARY
It's a bit of an honour to be asked by the mighty GAMM Enterprises, Inc. for a couple of edits.. Here they are. Manufacture is underway, with an ETA of mid February.
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED
There were times over the last six years when it seemed like this album would never see the light of day. It's been a long time coming, but has been a true labour of love. I can't thank BBE enough for being crazy enough to see this through.. two boxes containg ten records between them and a forty page 12x12 book. It's a thing of beauty.
AL KENT EDITS ON G.A.M.M.
Coming soon... details to follow..
MILLION DOLLAR DISCO ANNUAL PARTY 2017
After the madness of the last few parties - with the club bursting st the seams withing 30 minutes of the doors opening last year - it's with great excitement that we can announce the date for our next annual Glasgow party.. 21st January 2017 back in the Berkeley Suite.
We'll be launching the Men In The Glass Booth comp too, so get down early if you want a free CD! In fact, get down early if you even want to get in!
LIVERPOOL DISCO FESTIVAL
I'm super excited to be playing alongside the likes of Rahaan, Red Greg, Dimitri From Paris, Louie Vega, Mad Mats and a zillion other DJs at the inaugural Liverpool Disco Festival.
DETAILS HERE
Listen to my promo mix below
MEN IN THE GLASS BOOTH
It's taken the best part of six years, so it's with a great sense of achievement that I can announce that The Men In The Glass Booth project will finally see the light of day on 27th January 2017.
Consisting of two 5 album box sets, featuring many unreleased edits and remixes, and a full colour coffee table book (or 3x CD set if you're too mean to go the full hog), The Men In THe Glass Booth tells the story of the disco era's most groundbreaking DJs and their involvement in shaping the music industry as we know it today.
Pre orders now if you ask Google for details.
INTERVIEW FOR 5 MAGAZINE, CHICAGO
I'm the cover star of the latest edition of 5 Magazine.
BBE REPRESSES
BBE have repressed some sold out MDD related records. Get them from the BBE shop. Now.
WALTER GIBBONS PARTY MEMENTOS
As many of you will already know, we recently threw a party to celebrate the life of Walter Gibbons in Brooklyn. And you might also know that we crowdfunded the party with a selection of Walter related goodies up for grabs.
So first of all, thank you to everyone who contributed to such a fantastic event. Most of the goodies are now manufactured and will be shipped very soon.
For those who missed out, we have a few bits left over. These are seriously limited edition items, genuinely surplus from the Kickstarter campaign and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. They will never again be available for purchase, so grab them now!
*ALL MERCHANDISE NOW SOLD OUT!*
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALTER!
It's no secret that we're big BIG Walter Gibbons fans round here. Walter would've been 62 this year if he was still with us. Many of his contemporaries are still very active so the musical world would be a much better place if he was still with us. To celebrate his life, we're making some lovely mementos - custom made records, cassettes and shit. Any money raised will go towards throwing a birthday party for Walter in Brooklyn, the place of his birth. I don't think it gets any more appropriate than that!
CHECK OUR KICKSTARTER PAGE FOR DETAILS
RAZOR N TAPE RNT016
Many years ago, at the height of the DiscoHouse™ boom, I produced a song called “Come Back Home”. It wasn’t bad. Dave Lee liked it and released it on Z Records with a little Joey Negro tweak. And then it was forgotten. Then a new version was rustled up for my Secret Sounds album, this time without the house drums ruining it. That album only ever made it to CD which meant that the disco version of “Come Back Home” never made it onto a record (other than a dodgy bootleg). Enter Brooklyn’s Razor n Tape; they know a good tune when they hear one, so with one final little tweak, here comes the ultimate version. Plus two other cheeky numbers, both of which Million Dollar Disco historians may recognise from back in the day.
DISCO LOVE 4 OUT TODAY (22ND JANUARY)
It's official. Disco Love Vol 4 is out! Double album and double CD. Or digital if you're not that into music.
DISCO LOVE T SHIRTS
We got a load of T Shirts printed up to sell at our annual party in Glasgow, but we had such a great time wqe forgot all about them. So here's your chance to own a limited edition, top quality, 100% cotton, full colour screen printed piece of disco history. And all for a mere £15 plus shipping.
*ALL SHIRTS NOW SOLD OUT!*
AL KENT "REASON TO LIVE" READY NOW
PEOPLE MUST JAM say: "We know this is a very special one! Our seventh record is a track that has been burning up the People Must Jam dance floors for years in its previous form - Al Kent has created a disco dance floor beauty! An unreleased monster that first came to PMJ's attention through the now legendary DJ History website. This track has been retouched and re-mastered for its vinyl release nearly eight years after its inception, we are really proud that this is seeing the light of day and will finally be available for people to get their hands on. Mastered at The Carvery for added bump and shine. The record is a strictly limited 10" pressing."
JUNO RECORDS say: "We've become accustomed to Al Kent delivering killer disco re-edits, so it should come as little surprise to find that his latest outing for Sydney's People Must Jam imprint is another banger. While some of his edits err on the side of dusty-fingered purism, "Reason To Live" is a life-affirming instrumental workout, with tightened-up breaks underpinning all manner of deliciously uplifting instrumentation. There are crunchy disco-funk guitar lines, hooky electric pianos, a decidedly rubbery bassline, punchy horns and all manner of crazed synthesizer solos. It's undoubtedly one of his strongest reworks for sometime, and should become a staple of disco sets over the next few months."
MORE FAR OUT MONSTER DISCO ORCHESTRA REMIXES
Hot on the heels of (well, a few months behind) my remix of Disco Supreme, and joining a remix lineup that includes Theo Parrish, Marcellus Pittman and LTJ Xperience, comes my remixes of the Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra's "Vendetta". Mixed in Glasgow's incredible Green Door Studio and coming soon on a special limited 12" single.
MILLION DOLLAR DISCO ANNUAL GLASGOW PARTY
Anyone who witnessed last year's Million Dollar Disco annual party in the Berkeley Suite will know why we're so excited that it's almost that time again... A queue half way up the street, a full house half an hour after the doors opened - with people still wating to get in at 2am- and a sweatbox of a party downstairs! This year's party coincides with the release of Disco Love Vol4. We'll have some CDs (possibly even some records) and other freebies for the early arrivals on the night. As always, I'll be playing the full night.
FAR OUT MOSTER DISCO ORCHESTRA REMIX SESSIONS
Another two remixes from The Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra's killer album have been completed at Glasgow's Green Door Studio. Let mastering commence.
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED!
Finished copies of Disco Love Vol4 have just arrived at MDD HQ. They're beautiful.
NEW YORK CITY!
It's a bit like selling sand to the Arabs, but I'll be playing disco in New York on 21st November.
DISCO LOVE VOL 4 UPDATE
Disco Love Volume 4 will be released on BBE Records on 22nd January 2016. As always it will feature some of the best soul and disco you've never heard.
DISCO LOVE LAUNCH PARTY
This year's Million Dollar Disco Annual Party coincides with the release of Disco Love 4. So come down early and get a free CD. (Come down early if you want to even get in!)
PEOPLE MUST JAM 007
Al Kent "Reason To Live" is about to be released on Sydney's PEOPLE MUST JAM.
NADIE LA FONDE RE-EDITS
My edits of "Wanna Believe In Love" and "3 Way Situation" have been released on a special Cree Records' 12" single, backed by two edits by Sofrito's Frankie Francis. The original versions can be found on Cree's Nappy Mayers compilation "Music Man". We highly recommend you buy this album and support an incredible project.
MILLION DOLLAR ORCHESTRA VOLUME 2?
It's really hard to believe it's been eight years since "Better Days" by the Million Dollar Orchestra was released. After promising a million times to do it in a million conversations, it looks like there might just be a follow up on BBE sometime soon.
BBE have put the entire first album on Youtube.
WILD FIRE "TRY MAKING LOVE" (AL KENT VERSION) OUT NOW
Wild Fire’s “Try Making Love” edited by Al Kent b/w"Dancing” by the Tru Tones edited by Roger Thornhill is in the shops now.
HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE
Thanks to THE VINYL FACTORY for their lovely review..
MORE FAR OUT MONSTER DISCO ORCHESTRA REMIXES
Far Out Recordings liked my remixes of Disco Supreme and Keep Believing by The Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra so much they've asked me to remix another couple of tracks from the album.. watch this space for updates.
AL KENT TALKS SHIT TO THE MAGNET
Gavin Kendrick asked me some questions recently for The Magnet in Liverpool.
TROPICAL DISCO HUSTLE VOLUME 2
My edit of Wild Fire’s “Try Making Love” will be included on the second TROPICAL DISCO HUSTLE compilation.
MORE INFO AND SOUND CLIPS HERE
TROPICAL DISCO HUSTLE VOLUME 2 PROMO 12″
Wild Fire’s “Try Making Love” edited by Al Kent and "Dancing” by the Tru Tones edited by Roger Thornhill will be released in conjunction with the next Tropical Disco Hustle comp. Out on 28th April 2015
MORE INFO AND SOUND CLIPS HERE
MILLION DOLLAR DISCO ANNUAL PARTY 2015
What started as a big gamble in 2013 - throwing a party a few weeks after Christmas - has quickly become the highlight of our year. Our last two parties in the Berkeley Suite have been marvellous but we've resisted the temptation to do these more regularly simply to keep them special. So we're pretty bloody excited. If you like dancing to disco music in dark basements, this will definitely fit the bill. I'll once again be playing a special 4 hour set, made up, as always, of exclusive edits and the deepest disco you've never heard!
FAR OUT MONSTER DISCO ORCHESTRA REMIX UPDATE!
A super disco project to celebrate Far Out Recordings 20th year, recorded in Rio de Janeiro, finished in London and remixed in Glasgow. Test Pressings are in and approved, 12" singles will be with you very soon.
CHECK SIDE ONE:
DISCO LOVE VOL4 COMING SOON
Disco Love Vol4 is in production.. 15 killer tracks on record and CD (and digital if you really must) from BBE Records.
PROMO MIX FOR BEAM ME UP DISCO
I'm off to Canada again in November. The last Beam me Up party was bloody great. This one will be too.
THE MEN IN THE GLASS BOOTH. THE STORY OF THE DISCO ERA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL DJs
This is what you call a labour of love. I've spent years researching the history of the Disco remix and have not only compiled this 32 track set, but also written the story to accompany the music. A super deluxe boxset featuring a pile of records and full colour book, featuring the likes of Walter Gibbons, Bobby DJ, François Kevorkian, Tee Scott, John Luongo, Jim Burgess (the list goes on) will be available very soon on BBE.
DISCO MADNESS. A TRIBUTE TO WALTER GIBBONS
Walter Gibbons was a maverick and a visionary. His taste in music, his relentless commitment to unearthing unique records and his DJing style ("drums for days" as François Kevorkian put it) cemented a reputation that has kept his music relevant for four decades. Galaxy 21, where Walter came to prominence, was open till 8am and was a dump in a bad neighbourhood that was frequented by a mixture of low-lives, junkies and cross-dressers. He was massively popular not only with the club's patrons, but with most of the city's DJs who'd come to hear him play when their own shifts had finished. Fueled by LSD, he would push the boundaries to the extreme, taking chances that no one else took. Walter's playing style and his custom edits had a massive effect on the crowd and are still a big inspiration to DJs. His whole life was music. To this day it's virtually impossible to name another DJ who would be as radical, as influential and as formidable as walter Gibbons was. Walter passed away in 1994. A small memorial service was held for him on 11th October in a Manhattan church. It's about time the contribution of one of the most influential DJs, editors and remixers this world has known was celebrated. What better time than on the twentieth anniversary of his memorial?
WALTER GIBBONS INSPIRED SET BY AL KENT
FAR OUT MONSTER DISCO ORCHESTRA REMIXES COMING SOON
I'm currently putting the finishing touches to a couple of remixes of tracks by The far Out Monster Disco Orchestra, an incredible project recorded and mixed in Brazil with remixes already in the can from the likes of Theo Parrish and Marcellus Pittman.
HOKIS POKIS REMIX ALBUM COMING SOON
Ubiquity Records are releasing "Under The Influence of Hokis Pokis" soon, featuring remixes of the cult disco band by Al Kent, Kon, DJ Spun, Citizen Kane,DJ Day and others. Watch this space for my take on "Keep On Rollin".
TROPICAL DISCO HUSTLE ALBUM OUT NOW
My edit of Odessey One "Dance With Me" is now available on the "Tropical Disco Hustle" album from Cultures of Soul.
AL KENT EP OUT NOW ON KALAKUTA SOUL
It took a while but "Love & Care", "Colder Than Cold" and "Gee Wiz" are finally out on 12" single through Bochum's Kalakuta Soul.
LE KILT RECORD POOL "HAPPY"/"ONE ON ONE" OUT NOW
Another Record Shop Day release. I provided extended disco versions of a couple of northern disco classics.
ODESSEY ONE "DANCE WITH ME" AL KENT EDIT
My edit of Odessey One's "Dance With Me" has been included on Culture of Soul's "Tropical Disco Hustle" album.
KEIICHI SOKABE "LISBON" AL KENT VERSION
My versions of Keiichi Sokabe's "Lisbon" are out now on Rose Records in Japan. Listen to the vocal and instrumental mxes below.
LOS CHARLY'S ORCHESTRA REMIX
Check out the Los Charly's Orchestra remix project featuring new versions from an international cast of Cy Gorman & Ennio Styles, Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel, Al Kent, Capitan Futuro, Jimi Needles, Renegades Of Jazz, Pete Herbert, Velazco, Pocz and The Horses.
THE J'S REMIX ON SOUNDCLOUD
As mentioned a few months ago, my remixes of The J's and Sandy Barber are coming on Record Store Day 2014. Check the previously under wraps J's mix below. Then buy the record in April.
LE KILT RECORD POOL
I've provided research, archiving and editing services for Le Kilt Record Pool, a collective source of exclusive disco mixes that have been sitting in vaults since the 1970s! Coloured vinyl 12" single coming very soon.
AL KENT REMIX FOR ROSE RECORDS JAPAN
I've just submitted a remix of "Lisbon" by Keiichi Sokabe for Japan's Rose Records. Release schedule is still being finalised, soundclip will be added in due course!
MILLION DOLLAR DISCO BACK IN GLASGOW!
In January 2013 we had one of the best Million Dollar Disco parties ever to celebrate the release of Disco Love Vol 3. Almost a year to the day we're back in the Berkeley Suite to do it all over again. And we can't wait. Once again I'll will be playing a full four hours. And there's a free seriously limited edition MDD mix CD, previously only available in Japan, for the first 100 through the door.
RECORD STORE DAY 2014
Record Store Day 2014 is a few months away, but I've just completed a remix of The J's "When Did You Stop". Reformed from the original tapes, the track will be released as a 12 inch single, backed with my remix of Sandy Barber "I Think I'll Do Some Stepping On My Own" which has remained unissued despite my instrumental Disco Jam version being included on BBE's recent reissue. Check the Sandy Barber remix below. We'll keep the J's under wraps for now.
FLOOR JAMMERS VOL1 FEATURING AL KENT "BORN THIS WAY"
Sydney's wonderful People Must Jam have just released their debut EP on their new label, with contributions from Frank Booker, PMJ, Bastedos and me. More info here.
AL KENT "YES I CAN'T" OUT NOW ON LUMBERJACKS IN HELL
Marcel Vogel has been after a release from us for some time. So now he's finally got it. Buy it at Juno (or another shop if you like).
STILOVE4MUSIC DCD FEATURING AL KENT "MYSTIC MERLIN"
Chicago's awesome Stilove4music have put together a double CD of the cream of their back catalog, featuring works from the likes of Jamie Finlay, Shepp,
THE BANK "LAGOS TAHOE" AL KENT REMIX OUT NOW
Only on digital I'm afraid, but still... my remix of the Bank's super funky "Lagos Tahoe" is now available to purchase. From Juno or a store of your choice.
STANTON DAVIS 12" OUT NOW
My possibly highly anticipated remix of the splendid "Things Cannot Stop Forever" by Stanton Davis is out now on a good old fashioned 12 inch single. Buy it direct from the label, or from a record shop.
"DISCO 45 VOLUME TWO" FOR DISKUNION JAPAN
Wow! It seems the first volume of "Disco 45", given away to Diskunion customers, was so popular that they're doing it again. I've mixed a second volume of obscure but beautiful disco 45s. The CD is exclusive to Diskunion, so the only way to own one of these bad boys is to buy something from them!
AL KENT EDITS ON KALAKUTA SOUL
Coming soon on 12" single from Bochum's Kalakuta Soul crew, three Al Kent edits, all road tested, all very well received!
SUNBURST BAND "WHY WAIT FOR TOMORROW" REMIXES
Z Records have released the complete set of Record Store Day remixes digitally. My previously unreleased full twelve minute "Disco madness" and "With Love" versions are finally available!
Here's what some people who play records in clubs said: Ashley Beedle - It's all about the Al Kent mix for me. Strong!
THE BANK "LAGOS TAHOE" REMIX FOR BEAR FUNK
I've just remixed "Lagos Tahoe" for The Bank, adding a touch of funky disco-ness to their super cool afro style. Out in September 2013.
STANTON DAVIS REMIXES FOR CULTURES OF SOUL
Following the popular Tommy Stewart remixes/edits I created for Cultures of Soul, my reworked versions of "Things Cannot Stop Forever" and "High Jazz" by legendary jazz funk artist Stanton Davis are due very soon. Originally earmarked for the reissue CD, Stanton and the label liked the mixes so much that they're now being released separately on 12" single. More info on the project here.
MIX CD FOR DISKUNION JAPAN
I was honoured to be invited by Diskunion, one of Japan's most important music suppliers to provide a mix, to be given away to customers at their eight stores and online. I put together a selection of obscure disco 45s, hence the title "Disco 45".
SUNBURST BAND REMIX FOR Z RECORDS
I've just remixed "Why Wait For Tomorrow" for Joey Negro's Sunburst Band to be released as a very limited 12" single for Record Store day 2013.
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