*** John Blair Party

VOLUME 1: DJ DAVID KNAPP

(Logic)

At present, John Blair is New York City's hottest club-life event promoter, and DJ David Knapp, Blair's first presentation on CD, is fast becoming a major house-music spinner. If his live DJing is anything like the flamboyant screaming diva music, luscious beats, and high-stepping synthesizer bursts he programs in these 12 tracks, then he merits this reputation. Knapp is an uncompromising house stylist; electronica, trip-hop, and alterna-rock fans get no chance at all amid his disco happiness. The sonic glamor, flaunted drama, and oratorical ecstasies never let up, from the opening outcries of his and Angee Renee's "Calling Back," Ruff Rivers' "Dreaming," and Plasmic Honey's "Take It to the Top" all the way to fiery, woman-love hits like Cevin Fisher's "You Got Me Burning Up" and Blondie's "Maria." There's also a deep-house remix of Regina Belle's "Had Enough" that's as sultry as this primmest of supper-club stylists has ever allowed herself to be.

-- Michael Freedberg