Joey Negro is the most well known pseudonym of master DJ, producer and remixer extraordinaire, Dave Lee. Under a plethora of other monikers including Jakatta, Sessomato, the Hed Boys, Doug Willis, Raven Maize, the Sunburst Band and Z Factor, Dave was one of the first artists to incorporate disco samples in house music when he began his production career back in 1991. I remember picking up a copy of his reworking of Exodus’ ‘Together Forever’ (recorded under the guise of Raven Maize) one Saturday afternoon from Blue Bird Records in Paddington Green and realised then that this was something very special. Unlike the ‘The Many Faces Of Joey Negro Vol.2′ that appeared towards the end of last year, this is an essential a mix of the man’s greatest work through the eyes and ears of DJ Spinna and Grant Nelson, who respectfully let the music do the talking staying away from gimmicks and trickery. There are several exclusives, particular on Nelson’s disc who’s subtly reedited a handful of beloved songs including Yolanda Wyns’ wonderful reading of Chaka Khan’s ‘I Know You, I Live You’ and Doug Willis’ optimistic ‘Spread Love’. A beautiful journey into the many facets of the gem that is Dave Lee, a true innovator who expertly bridges the generation divide with considerable ease.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Lewis Dene