Larry Heard is a musical hero of Chicago, Usa - Right????

Larry Heard is a Chicago House music Legend; and also one of the fathers of Deep House music as well.  That's a fact!

But first of all, what is Deep House music I can hear you muttering. Well, to put you in the picture it is another sub-gender of House music. 

Deep House to be honest to you is known for complex melodies, which sometimes also incorporate a more soulful, ambient, or lounge-like texture and feel to the music; and the vocals (if any vocals are used within the song) are normally smooth and soulful.

During the early years of Deep House music (1986–89), the influence of Jazz music could be found somewhere within the music.

This brought out more complex chord structures to be used within the music than the more simple chord progressions which can be found in traditionally sounding House music.

Another factor of Deep House music is this. The use of vocals became more common within deep house as time moved on.

The vocals that are included in Deep House and geared to match the concentrated dissonant melodies and the smooth, stylish, and chic demeanor of the music.

Deep house music rarely reaches a climax but lingers on as a comfortable, relaxing sound.

Though many of these traits have still carried through to modern Deep House, the genre has become much "techier" (Techno influences) when compared to its roots.

Deep House was originally conceived by the group known as Fingers Inc which included Larry Heard (Producer), Robert Owens(Vocalist), and Ron Wilson (Vocalist). All of them heralded from the city of Chicago, USA

Many music critics have now regarded the single called “Mysteries of Love” as being the first Deep House music single ever made; which was a million miles away from the City of Chicago’s fascination with the trend of the time that was “Acid House music"  -1985”.

The Fingers INC story began in late 1983 when touring R'n'B/Jazz drummer Larry Heard was coaxed by family and friends into turning a tune he'd been fooling around with called 'Mysteries Of Love' into something real.

Larry known to his younger brother as 'loose fingers', due to his keyboard playing style - felt that the song demanded a singer, and local DJ Robert Owens was the man.

So Mr. Fingers became Fingers Inc. and, in April '86, 'Mysteries Of Love' was released on the DJ International label. What followed was to become, for Chicago, a depressingly typical tale.

30,000 people bought the 'Mysteries of Love on a 12-inch record, putting it at Nr. 10 in Billboard's national sales chart, but the initial advance from DJ International Records was all the money the group was to receive.

"Mysteries of Love" by Fingers Inc - 1986

To get out of their contract, Fingers Inc had to give DJ International record label another record, so they recorded “A Path”

This record is based on the introspective career analysis of their bad experiences with the music business and more so DJ International records.

However, in reality, their options were limited, and so their career beat a path to the door of Trax Records. 

Where, after releasing 'Bringing Down The Walls' and the 'Can You Feel It' EP, they suffered similar treatment and decided to stop recording for any Chicago labels.

I don't know the music business anywhere else', says Larry, 'but the small labels in Chicago are not very honest. At least we got something off every record. Some people got nothing or had their songs stolen.

In the second half of '1987, they released 'I'm Strong' and 'A Love Of My Own' on their own Alleviated label, content - after their previous experiences - to be less visible but more independent.

Independence has always characterized Fingers Inc., not least at all in the subject matter department.

'Jack means nothing to me', claimed Larry at the height of Chicago's jack mania, 'Our songs are about experiences and beliefs. 'A Path' is almost religious.' Robert's lyrics span everything from love wars to Ethiopia and, on songs like 'Feelin' Sleazy', reflect the heavily sexual/drugged ambiance of Larry's music.

'Feeling Sleazy', explains Robert, 'IS sexually motivated. It's about the all-American feeling of being at home, bored, on your own, and wanting someone, going out to find them. Fingers Inc. is about looking at your life, the battle to fit into the circuit of life.'

This lyrical idiosyncrasy - coupled with sophisticated rhythms and subtle productions - has meant that Fingers Inc. has, despite its popularity, never been the victim of blatant musical piracy.

But the influence of their style has been enormous. From 'Mysteries Of Love' to their latest single 'Distant Planet' (At the time) - a collaboration with Dennis 'The It' Harris and Frankie Knuckles - they've pioneered the spaced-out, moody acid tracks House style, and singles like 'Can You Feel It' has profoundly influenced the now-in-vogue atmospheric Detroit sound (Rythim Is Rhythim) has often assumed to be a Fingers pseudonym).

'Another Side' is Fingers Inc.'s complete work up to date, the definitive document, featuring all the DJI, Trax, and Alleviated singles, 'Distant Planet' and another nine previously unreleased tracks, many featuring new group member Ron Wilson (on vocals).

It's the consummate debut LP of a Chicago group that any House insider will tell you, possesses talent and integrity in unusual abundance.

Don't take it from me. Just put the needle on the record!".

(This story was taken from the left side inside the gatefold sleeve cover of this compilation) of the album that is "Another Side" - by Fingers INC - Released in 1988

So there you have it, details of how Fingers Inc came about in creating the first Deep House record.

However, Larry Heard has gone on to create a number of classic House records over the years; (and under different guises as well). 

One of my favorites from him is this one. The single is called “Missing You” by the one and only Larry Heard - May 2000.

Possibly one of the most beautiful House tracks ever made.Gentle piano and percussion will leave you with a huge smile on your face.

This single together with Larry Heard's voice makes it just right.

I love the space-aged, sound effects in the background. It makes the song even more beautiful!

Many House music fans of the past have admitted that they got into the music of Deep House because of this single alone!

Let's hope one day he gets some kind of Music recognition for all the fine music that he has made in the past and continues to do so

Anyway, have a listen to this single yourselves and see why I have made such as fuss over it. Do not take my word on it. Please click on the YouTube Video below and listen on;

“Missing You” by Larry Heard - May 2000

 

Well, that's all folks for me now anyway.

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Dj Mistri and the Electric Soul Show © www.electricsoulshow.com