Influenced by jazz and soul, Jerome Derradji developed a passion for house music in the 90s. In 2000, he left his native France for Chicago and worked at the record store Dr. Wax. The DJ and producer launched Still Music in 2004, followed by the sub-labels Past Due, Stilove4music and Still Techno. Still active today, his passion for rare records is intact. Here is a selection from his private collection.

Swankk / If It Takes All Night 7" (BPS Records - 1981)

It seems that Swankk was an offshoot of Ohio's Buckeye Politicians, as the title track was written by two of the three Almon brothers. This tune is incredible and is a massive crescendo funk monster. It has a perfect tempo, killer vocals, and ends with a demented flute solo. To me, it's a secret weapon.

Buckeye Politicians / Don't Let Me Down 7" (BPS Records - 1984)

The second release on BPS, based around the three Almon brothers from Ohio (a hotbed for incredible Boogie Funk) on the super rare BPS records from Columbus, Ohio, and produced by mystery funk outlet Swankk. This one is a perfect boogie stormer, uptempo with massive synth licks all over and a rolling funk bassline. This release was the single for an upcoming LP that was never released.

Ashantí / Dance 7" (Jabner - 1981)

This is the only release from my dear friend Johnny Jordan out of Michigan. Absolutely incredible and mind-blowing. To me, this is a perfect Midwest boogie funk production. A dance tune soaked in funk, disco, and boogie with vocals, bass, drums, guitars, horns, and keys to die for. Absolute perfection. Another record that makes you long for the music that never came out.

Barrett Strong / Love Is You 7" (Coup Records - 1980)

A killer dance floor filler, the shortened (and stripped) version of the LP track (released the same year). Barrett Strong is a Motown legend and it shows in this tune. It's precise and effective, incredibly soulful yet a massive funk tune. Ultra recommended while prices are still affordable.

The Movies / Future Girl 12" (Blue Chip City - 1985)

Back to Ohio with an incredibly rare first release from The Movies. It's perfection again, full of synths to die for, incredible rhythms, and bass lines. It's a killer for the dance floor too. Ultra recommended. An archetypal funk hit that never made it at the time. The band went more electro after this one, not bad, but "Future Girl" should have been a major hit.

Infinity / Check Me Out 12" (Rota - 1981)

On the legendary Rota Records, produced and arranged by NYC funk don Freddie Charles, this tune is huge. It starts mellow and grows throughout 6 minutes of mad funk. Vocals are wicked and the tune climaxes via many breaks, with horns, vocals, bass, and guitars answering each other until the vocalist lets loose towards the end. All that with a change in tempo too. It's massive and one of my top boogie tunes ever. Check it out!

Catawba / High Five 12" (Fox International Records - 1985)

We're staying in NYC and again with a monster record. As great as the vocal side is, I strongly recommend going to the B-side and the madness of the instrumental mix. It's an 18-minute track!!! But man, if you want to define what boogie funk is, stay there and play this tune every time you're out. The dance floor will thank you. Get it before it becomes out of reach...

Midnight Blue / Feel It And Groove Together 12" (Samarah - 1979)

This September, we're releasing a killer boogie funk compilation about Midnight Blue. Based out of Columbia, South Carolina, this record is their first, and it's a crazy disco funk monster: "Feel It And Groove Together" and the massive modern soul gem "Wishing". For a first 12", it shows maturity and absolute genius skills both in songwriting and execution - making this 12" one of my favorites ever. Unfortunately, this copy belongs to the band, so I'll have to content myself with the upcoming DLP on Past Due Records.

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