Masters at Work

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Masters at Work was the first of many aliases between “Little” Louie Vega and Kenny “Dope” Gonzalez. Their classic sound re-wrote the house rulebook by incorporating elements of Latin and black American music, be it jazz, funk, disco, soul, hip-hop and influences from their Puerto Rican roots. This visionary approach put MAW at the core of the New York scene – alongside Frankie Knuckles, Danny Krivit, Joey Negro, Francois K and more – that was fighting Detroit techno for the underground crown in‘90s America.

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Their eclecticism and appreciation for music in all its forms also permeated many other collaborative projects, including KenLou, Sole Fusion, Hardrive and Nuyorican Soul. The latter particularly stands out for its introduction of orchestrated sounds to the dancefloor, through seminal works with Roy Ayers, George Benson, India and Jocelyn Brown.

MAW & NILE ROGERS

Now much older they’re rarely together, but possess such an understanding it’s as if they’re never apart. Their rare DJ appearances are completely unplanned yet mesmerizing if only to hear what two figureheads have been listening to recently and what Dope might pull out of his 50,000 strong record collection. In an age when the American underground struggles with an EDM conundrum that positions dance music more as a performance, Masters at Work are part of the old guard still holding the music most sacred.

We’re incredibly stoked to welcome both Louie & Kenny for an exclusive broadcast this weekend. Clock the Session page over here for more info.

LouieV1004

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