(React/Shock)

Who is Norman Jay? I think most people who read this site should have a fair idea; after all he’s been setting the stage for dance music and djs for the last 3 decades. 

If by chance you’ve never heard of the gentleman then I’ll quickly run it down for you. He is an international dj, a radio show host, an ambassador, a musical pioneer, a celebrity, a documentary subject, a fashion icon and a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Currently he has a radio show on BBC London called Giant 45, and this is the CD of the show.

Anyone who has heard Norman Jay dj will know just how diverse and striking his music can be. From rare groove, soul and reggae to house, disco and Latin, Norman Jay has taste that covers the world. Inspired by his parents’ musical direction he started his career in London but soon traveled to the states and beyond. Jay continued his adventures across the Atlantic for months at a time, cross-pollinating genres and djs as he went. His latest radio venture on BBC London, Giant 45 is just as diverse.

The track listing on this cd is just phenomenal, it’s a shame it wasn’t beat mixed, or even mixed at all. Not that it really makes any difference because the music is pretty special. It just would have been nice to hear some of the mans skills as well as his amazing musical taste. Anyway, the cd is pretty impressive; the tracks are from all the corners of the globe and cover many different genres. Essentially this release is marketed toward the more mature music aficionado seeing as most of the tracks are quite down tempo and quite old. There is not much here to jump and dance to; the compilation would most likely suit a dinner party or quiet gathering.

Artists include Barry White, Marvin Gaye, Izzi Dunn, The Temtations, Nash, Nitan Sawhney, Dusty Springfield and Crazy Penis.