10 years, 1 month, 2 weeks

Just over 10 years ago, in the last week of September, I experienced my first live Jaxx performance - a DJ set in Denver. I had just started law school, and it was a great set at a time when the buzz around the debut album was as high as could be. I had managed to grab a bootleg copy of their '99 Essential Mix (this was just before the dawn of Napster, and well before widespread high speed internet), so I had an idea of what I was in for, but being there live was so much fun. It was also the first time I made contact with the Jaxx. I just had to know who did that wicked dubplate of Soul II Soul's "Fairplay" that they played during their set, so I asked Simon. Unfortunately he didn't know (Wookie did, I later found out). I saw them again a few days later on my birthday in San Francisco

So what better way to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of my following the Jaxx sound than to fly to NYC to see them do it all over again at Santos Party House. To be honest, although I did want to catch one of the DJ dates on the tour, I wasn't particularly excited about going back to New York because I had just traveled there in July to see Grace Jones, and I'm not a big fan of the city in the first place. But after hearing the Jaxx's guest spot on Gilles Peterson's show, I was re-energized, and I booked my flight. I decided on only staying 1 night, no hotel, no luggage.

My friends and I arrived at the venue fairly early, but I had discovered Holy Ghost! was spinning that night as well, so I wanted to see them. We chilled on the dancefloor, soaking up the vibe for a while. Then, I happened to turn around as a group was passing, and I noticed Felix was one of them. He recognized me at the same time, and we exchanged hello's before he had to rejoin the group.

A little while later, we made our way to the main room upstairs, and while waiting for the bartender, another group of people passed behind us. I turned around again, and a petite young lady suddenly stopped and stood there staring at me. As soon as she asked, "Are you txjaxx?!", I recognized her: it was Vula! We did the hello/how are you thing, and she hit the VIP area. Now I was really glad I decided to make the trip.

So after the opening DJs warmed up the crowd, Felix started things off, and for the next two hours, we didn't stop dancing and cheering. While they don't play nearly as much original Jaxx material in their sets as they used to, they know how to work a crowd nonetheless. Vula did her thing on Red Alert and Oh My Gosh, and she saved the day when one of the dancers shut off the music accidentally. She also gave some shout-outs to the crowd, to Armand Van Helden (who was in attendance), and to yours truly! Thanks to Felix for that one!

After the set, I had a short chat with both Felix and Simon, and then it was off to bed for three hours before my flight back home. I had a great night with both the Jaxx and my friends. Thanks and much appreciation go to Jaxx HQ.

I can't believe I almost didn't go; I would have missed this: