BRIAN HARDEN Schallplatten & CDs

Review: D3 Recordings offshoot D3 Elements is only three releases deep, but already their releases are reaching "must check" status. Following their recent release of a superb EP from US deep house veteran Brian Harden, the Paris-based imprint offers up something a little different - an EP of gorgeously deep and melodic flavours that joins the dots between head-nodding instrumental hip-hop and floor-friendly 4/4 fare. There are plenty of surprises, too, including techno stalwart Terrence Parker delivering a flute-heavy downtempo head-nodder, some gorgeous beatdown from Detroiter Mike Clark, and a thrillingly string-laden chunk of deep house bliss from the aforementioned Harden. Recommended.

Review: Brian Harden is one of the many talented Chicago house producers out there who sit just below the top talent in terms of global reputation. But he shouldn't - his sound is as musical and timeless as any from the Windy City. He's been grafting since the 90s and now taps into that long career with a new collection of rare cuts and unreleased gems on this Instinctive Meditation album for French label D3 Elements. There is textbook heavy drum work and spaced-out synths on 'Zion' before warmer, deeper basement cuts like 'Nomadic Jazz'. 'Yeah' is a party starter with clattering percussion softened by more jazzy chord work and 'Motionless' allows you a moment to catch your breath on some cosmic ambiance. The rest of the record takes in deeper techno, samba-tinged deep house shufflers and star-gazing beauties for 4AM. Proof if you needed it that Harden is a boss.

Review: REPRESS ALERT: Originally released back in 2001 on Chicago's finest Nite Life Collective, The World Peace is one of Brian Harden's personal favourites among his many releases. Born in Chicago's southside and back by popular demand, Harden's back catalogue is full of gems, but it was after a series of coincidences that we decided to reissue two of the tracks on the original The World Peace EP, and then add a twist in the shape of an astounding remix by SIT, the duo formed by Cristi Cons and Vlad Caia.

Review: From Moods & Grooves to Sistrum, Brian Harden has served up more than enough soulful, synth-led house and techno in his time. It's just the kind of style that suits the mood on D3, and so the label has picked up his essential "Chicago To Detroit" jam and called upon a fine selection of remixers to rework the track. First up is Byron The Aquarius, who drops some expressive broken beat drums into the mix to spar with the illustrious melodic tones to great effect. Meanwhile the label boss Brian gets busy with a classic, straight-up adaptation on his "Chicago Sur Seine Mix" before Patrice Scott opts for an energised variation with poignant new Rhodes-esque keys floating on top.

Review: Brian Harden is back on D3 Elements with a new three track EP that once again explores richly musical deep house with a difference. Harden is a criminally overlooked Chicago producer who had big success in the 90s thanks to releases on Moods & Grooves, Nite Life Collective and Undaground Therapy Muzik. He then took a break away from music, but the D3 label boss coaxed him out of retirement in 2014 with a top debut EP for the label. Since then he has also released on Sistrum and Soul Print, and is now properly back in business. First cut 'Paradox' is a mid tempo house roller with scale-riding chords and emotive, late night tinkles on the keys that really speak to your soul. Golden pads stream in the background and it's a hugely classy affair all round. 'Nostalgic Pieces' is then a deeper cut with a warped baseline and starry night sky melodies up top. Again, lush, musical chords shimmer and simmer deep in the track, lending it a real sense of artistry and separating Harden from the legions of modern deep house imposters. Finally, 'Chicago Homage' is an elastic, spacious cut with rubbery kicks, soft hi hats and a tumbling bas riff that once again come coated in gorgeous pads. This is music that makes you feel good as you dance your every day woes away.

Review: Brian Harden enters the Sounds Of The City team with 3 tracks following the mood operated on his previous works last year. Brian continues to draw his path, as confortable and fresh as he was a couple of decades ago, A great welcome and a strong ep for the fresh Sounds Of The City.

Review: The Chicago based Perpetual Rhythms label welcomes long time Chicago artist Brian Harden for the its 5th release; "The Essence of Chicago". This EP offers 3 solid tracks, including a remix by Dj Quad; all of which represent the many facettes of Chicago House & Techno...Deep, Soulful, & Banging.

Review: The return of legendary US deep house producer Brian Harden earlier this year after a 12 year-absence was something of pleasant surprise. Having recently impressed with a strong EP on French imprint D3 Elements, the Chicago producer seems keen to continue his impressive revival. This three-tracker for Sistrum contains plenty of reasons to be cheerful, from the stargazing, Detroit-tinged electronic deep house rush of "The Park", to the loose bump, deep chords and undulating melodies of "Tour De Chi", arguably the EP's strongest moment. "2.00", which sees him move further towards Detroit techno territory while retaining the trademark bassline bump of Chicago, is also very strong.

Review: REPRESS ALERT: After kicking off with a delightfully classy deep house EP from Chicago's Strong Souls, D3 Elements presents its second EP from Brian Harden. This long anticipated EP is reminiscent of his upbeat, melodic style that is his trademark after releases on Relief Records, Underground Therapy, NiteLife Collective, Moods And Groove and House 4 Life records.The Black 3 EP opens with "Qunu", a rhythmic homage to South Africa's Nelson Mandela. A complex piece filled with tribal percussions and vibrant melodic sounds that will keep you dancing. "Qunu" creates an addictive rhythm of warmth and color. "Days of Days" is a euphoric affair with lush chords, enticing percussions with a rising bass line. Light and airy with a compelling groove, it's a masterful example of genuine house. "Chicago To Detroit" closes out the release and lives up to it's title, touching on what makes house music from the two Mid West cities so very compelling.