James Brown And The J.B.'s - Special Versions By Dimitri From Paris [DFP Vaults]

The incomparable Dimitri From Paris returns with the latest installment of his acclaimed DFP Vaults series, where he unearths the deep cuts that solidify his reputation as one of the foremost remixers, DJs, and proponents of crate-digging culture in today's dance music. This release holds a special place in Dimitri's heart, as he explains in his own words:

"James Brown, the undisputed Godfather of Soul and the hardest working man in show business, is one of the few artists for whom the term 'legend' falls short. With a career spanning five decades, countless albums and singles, his unique voice and sound have become synonymous with dance music. Beyond his own recordings, thousands of James Brown samples have permeated our ears ever since sampling became a mainstay of music production in the mid-80s, encompassing genres from Hip-Hop to House, Drum 'n' Bass, and everything in between.

This release is particularly meaningful to me. From my earliest days as a DJ, I've witnessed how James Brown rocked dancefloors across cultures and generations with his inimitable style and irresistible energy. I bought my first James Brown record in 1981: Soul Syndrome, which included the song 'Funky Men.' At the time, I was a bit disappointed because it didn't have the classic 'Funky Drummer' vibe I was expecting, so it ended up buried in a pile of other James Brown classics.

Fast forward over 40 years, and I hear 'Funky Men' again, played by my good friend Alex From Tokyo, and it sounds fresher than ever. The unusual disco beat accompanying James Brown's vocals, which at the time made the song strangely stand out, has now become its greatest strength! I quickly took it to the editing suite, using a blend of old and new techniques to craft my 'Special Version' of 'Funky Men,' which has already been tried and tested on dancefloors near you.

For the B-side, I wanted to explore James Brown's later, lesser-known disco side. The J.B.'s, his personal live band, released some tracks on their own under his production. Most were instrumentals with the breakbeat-heavy sound typically associated with James Brown. However, 'Just Wanna Make You Dance,' featuring female vocals from Maxxi, offers an almost Caribbean disco vibe. Interestingly, it was released as a 12'' single with a DJ-friendly remix that included different breaks and drops—quite rare for a James Brown production at that time. Here, I also gave it my own 'Special Version' treatment, respectfully enhanced to maximize dancefloor impact."

DFP Vaults is the sister label to Le-Edits Records, both highly collectible. While Le-Edits focuses on classic songs remixed from original master tapes, DFP Vaults takes a more eclectic, DJ-oriented approach, highlighting unreleased and rare versions directly from Dimitri's archives. True to Le-Edits' highest production standards, this release features state-of-the-art mastering, cutting, and pressing, all housed in a custom-made, high-quality vintage 'Tip-On' sleeve.