Derrick May Party Review By Terrence Parker's (TP) : What Makes a Good DJ

DJ Extraordinare
Mr. Terrence Parker
Derrick May Party Review
What Makes a Good DJ

Derrick May & Eclipse in Lansing Last Night
Octoboer 1, 2000
Before I became known as a DJ, I was known for being a good dancer. Back in the days of Detroit's own Music Institute, I use to enjoy dancing to the sounds of Derrick May because he didn't just play records. Instead, he created music with music. He created rhythms with pre-recorded rhythms. When I arrived in Lansing, Michigan last night, I had no idea that Mr. May was going to take me back to those good old days.
Simply put, DERRICK put on (what we as DJs use to call back in the day) a clinic, and schooled everyone on how to properly bang out some techno. He made me want to go out and buy at least 3 records that he played last night. Not just for the records themselves, but rather in the way Derrick presented them. It's the way a DJ presents the music to the audience that makes the difference. I use the Bill Cosby classic example to illustrate my point ...
imagine that you are in a restaurant waiting to enjoy your favorite meal with all of the trimmings and side dishes that make your mouth water in anticipation of what delight your tongue will soon enjoy. As the wait staff approach the table with your dinner, you can smell the pleasant scents of this delicious meal. However, when the waiter or waitress places the meal on the table, you discover that your delicious meal has been served to you on a garbage can lid. The question now is, do you still feel like eating? How can you eat after that? My point is this . . .
YOU CAN OFFER THE VERY BEST, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT'S THE PRESENTATION THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE! Too many times, DJs play some of the hottest tunes, but still don't move the crowd. Why? Because the music itself cannot stand alone. If this were the case, why pay DJs at all? Clubs could save enormous amounts of money on just playing CD compilations all night. When you go to a party or club event, you expect to hear great music. You don't expect to have it presented to you on a garbage can lid. Last night, Derrick showed how to properly SET THE TABLE and SERVE THE MUSIC to a HUNGRY audience!
I watched & listened to Derrick's set at the DEMF, and on that summer night he certainly showed the world why he is a world class DJ. Last night, Derrick showed a 1000 people in Lansing why I use to dance all night to his sets at the Music Institute.
The only other musical highlight for me was watching & listening to Eclipse bang the box! Again, it's all about the presentation. I've seen Eclipse do his thing several times before, but last night he was certainly at the top of his game.
Great set last night fellas! Way to bang `em out Detroit style!
Many thanx & much respect to my friends & fans of the LANSING CREW who made me and my friends (TONE & TRACKMASTER LOU of SCAN 7) feel so welcomed last night!
peace & respect,
TP
TerrenceParker.com
p.s. No disrespect intended to other DJs, but just because you can scratch and / or possess other turntable skills doesn't necessarily mean that you can rock a crowd. It's all in the presentation! By the way, I hope someone recorded these sets last night!

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