Balance 10.1 mixed by Jimmy Van M

September 21, 2007

Jimmy Van M is back after the successful release of ‘Balance 10’ with a follow-up mix compilation in the acclaimed series from Australia. After his epic 3CD effort that journeyed its way through a wide spectrum of genres and styles, this time, Jimmy increases the energy of the previous release providing a peak-time mix of tunes from his favourite producers and a snapshot of what you might hear on the dance-floor at one of his gigs across the globe.

The mix starts off in style with an ambient intro written exclusively for this CD by Russian artists Moonbeam, setting the mood in preparation for a journey through deep and haunting sounds, which is highlighted by the Radioslave remix of Unkle’s – ‘Burn My Shadow’. From here everything starts to take shape with more energy and atmosphere once Stephen Bodzin’s neo-trancer ‘Cucuma’ bursts into the mix. Other highlights on the disc include Smith & Selway’s driving remix of Mauro Picotto and the stunning Moonbeam remix of Steve T ‘There were Lights’, all transpiring into a selection of music that will appeal to all fans of upfront club music mixed to perfection by a DJ who’s programming and taste in music has always been an inspiration.

Jimmy Van M has built a reputation on being among the most patient and sophisticated DJ’s to be found globally, from his opening sets to his peak-time club sessions and all the way through to the after-hours parties that he’s become so famous for. His ability to deliver music ranging from the deepest of early morning sessions to the most banging and driving peak-hour main-room affairs has placed him in seemingly unlimited and ever-delightful company throughout the world. It remains as one of the most distinguishing features of this very urbane and global performer that, for him, the music must move and then move on. When it comes to atmosphere, vibe and drive there are very few DJs that can stand alongside Jimmy Van M. Whether it’s putting together a cross-country tour, programming innovative and forward thinking dance music, or DJ’ing to thunderous masses anywhere from Buenos Aires to Tokyo he is one of the most characteristic performers to be found anywhere.

It was Jimmy’s formative years at his house in Orlando, Florida where things really fell together for him as a DJ. To list all of the artists who played at his house in those early years would be to index the most famous and notorious DJ’s globally, as well as hordes of friends who just came by for the weekend with a bag of new records. For years and years the only residency that interested Jimmy, or almost any other DJ on any given Sunday in the USA, was his home address. These after-parties still get mentioned and name-checked by anybody that happened to come through town on a whirlwind tour of his cul-de-sac. It was here that Jimmy really developed his very patterned style of playing, layering endlessly characteristic and suggestive tracks for anybody that happened to stop by and be persuaded not to leave. These unending Sundays resulted in one of the most artful and layered mixing styles to be found anywhere. From those humble beginnings he took that playing style and his taste for ever-changing and advanced styles of dance music from that notorious little neighbourhood to the far reaches of the globe.

But it is his constant drive forward that really draws and keeps attention on this globally in-demand DJ. While he has eschewed residencies in favour of global travel (currently living in Barcelona) he has not only kept up with the most recent trends in dance music, in many ways he has once again helped shape those changes with his persistent vision of forward thinking dance music. Jimmy Van M is very much a force to be reckoned with in today’s dance music scene.

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