My love of Progressive

DJScudge · **Posted:** Fri Oct 04, 2002 11:12 am

Dear all,

There seems to be a bit of a debate going on between the "prog-heads" and the "trance-heads" and I would like to offer my thoughts on both genres.

I, personally, am very passionate about progressive. However, I am prepared to admit that a lot of progressive is cold and heartless and I am not entirely sure what purpose a lot of it serves. I get the impression that many peoples idea of progressive is monotonous tribal beats. Which, while being valid, is really not the full story of what is progressive.

Progressive can be funky, atmospheric, dark, moody, sinister, melodic, uplifting, euphoric, spine-tingling, etc.

All of the above moods and emotions can be achieved within one well programmed set. Believe me, it can.

Trance has its place and serves its purpose, but I believe it has become slightly cliched and predictable since the glory days of 1998 to 2000. For perfect trance, my recommended listening would be the Paul Oakenfold Radio One Essential Mix World Tour, which consists of 9 essential mixes from different locations around the world during 1999.

I can provide copies of these should anyone wish to hear Oakey at the height of his powers.

The trance genre was progressing during this period but I feel the progression has ceased somewhat.

The scope for progressive is limitless and it excites me to think where it is going next. There is a lot more layered melodic productions being released and a lot of progressive-tinged breakbeat. Overall, it is heading into exciting times.

I will admit that it is a labour of love filtering through the boring stuff to find the good stuff

For those who wish to look into progressive, I will reel off ten progressive tracks in no particular order from over the last few years to the present day to offer an insight:

Breeder - Twilo Thinder
Breeder - The Chain
Sasha - Xpander
Bedrock - Heaven Scent
Quivver - BozBoz
Quivver - She Does
Tilt - Angry Skies (in fact anything by Tilt)
Josh Gabriel- Wave 3
Fused - Terror
Trisco - Ultra

That is a random selection, but it is a cross section of the different moods that can be set within the progressive genre.

Just thought I would offer my thoughts in the hope that it will be the catalyst for some healthy discussion.

Kind regards

DJScudge

DJScudge · **Posted:** Fri Oct 04, 2002 11:15 am

Don't know why the numbers and stuff came up within the first paragraph when I submitted it. It is not some secret code!!!!!!!!!

DJScudge

TranceSeeker · **Posted:** Fri Oct 04, 2002 5:50 pm

hmmm from these tunes I didn't know that

Breeder - Twilo Thinder
Breeder - The Chain
Quivver - She Does
Tilt - Angry Skies (in fact anything by Tilt)
Josh Gabriel- Wave 3

were progressive Question

bluE_Neon · **Posted:** Fri Oct 04, 2002 11:50 pm

DJScudge · **Posted:** Mon Oct 07, 2002 9:19 am

Dear TranceSeeker

I would say that all of the five tracks you have picked out are all most definitely progressive, albeit some from different eras. Twilo Thunder, The Chain, Angry Skies and She Does have all appeared on Sasha and Digweed Global Underground releases and that label have been, and still are, pioneers of progressive. What is interesting about Angry Skies and She Does is the range of remixes with differing levels of proginess, but I dont think either of them would sound out of place during the peak time of a progressive set today.

Wave 3 by Josh Gabriel has been taken into beautiful melodic progressive territory with the Charlie May remixes and has a similar feel to it as the new gem by Bedrock, Emerald.

Dear Blue_Neon

I agree with you totally regarding prog and tribal being different genres. I was simply stating that many peoples perception is that they are one and the same simply because, as you have stated, many of the prog jocks are playing a lot of tribal stuff. However, where does a tune like BozBoz by Quivver sit? I love that track but the reviews I read call it tribal, now I dont like tribal. At least I did not think that I did. My point being that pigeon-holeing is dangerous because the different genres are all moving into each others territories, look at breakbeat, so maybe it is all progressive after all!!!! I dont know!!!!

I have not heard Danny Howells spin yet so I will take a look. Have not heard Nick Warren for a while because I have found myself unimpressed in the past. However, I will take another look.

Sander Kleinerberg,

Where do you start? Well, I would say he is possibly the finest DJ I have ever seen. His tune selection and the vibe he creates is truly phenominal and he is now getting the credit he fully deserves. Feel a bit reluctant to pigeon-hole him and call him a prog jock because his sound is so fresh. Everyone should take a look if they can!!!!

Interesting thoughts so far on how we all have different perceptions.

Thanks

DJScudge

bluE_Neon · **Posted:** Sun Oct 13, 2002 3:11 am