Duke Shin

Besides being a prolific producer and remixer, British techno/house stalwart Ewan Pearson also co-authored 1999’s "Discographies: Dance Music Culture and the Politics of Sound," which contained strong deconstructions of the significance (perceived or actual) of the burgeoning electronica/club scene at the turn of the century. Reads one excerpt, "Instrumental music is what makes [dance music] so striking: it is a music which is not based on songs." It’s an interesting observation, particularly when contrasted with Pearson’s excellent remix work, which often marries his quirk-lectric style with strong vocal performances from, say, Wayne Coyne (with the Chemical Brothers), or Kathleen Hanna (with Playgroup), or Franz Ferdinand, or the Rapture—all of which can be found on "Piece Work," !K7’s recently released compilation of Pearson remixes. Tonight marks a rare Chicago DJ appearance from Pearson, who also recently released a strong mix CD as part of the respected Fabric series. What to expect from Vision tonight? A cerebral-yet-dance-floor-ready mix that fuses the finer parts of Chicago and Detroit influences. Pearson might not be a household name, but he damned well should be. Also on the bill is local DJ about town Lee Foss, who excels at straddling that electronic-soul fence.

Ewan Pearson, with Lee Foss and Dave T at Vision, 632 North Dearborn, (312)266-1944, on November 30, 10pm-4am. $10, $5 before midnight with rsvp to visionnightclub.com.

(2007-11-27)

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