Show Review & Gallery| 7 Inches of Pleasure – The Hi Fi, Calgary – 7 March 2015

Posted on March 19, 2015 by bettyandkora in Photography, Stories // 2 Comments

7 INCHES OF PLEASURE, A FULL ON MUSICAL EARGASM

“The 7 inch vinyl record is the preferred audio delivery device from some of the best era’s in music history. Between the years of 1950 – 1975 it was the only physical way to manufacture some of the best songs ever created, and continues to be used to capture some of the most iconic and original tracks recorded today.” – From the event page of the #yyc show

7 Inches of Pleasure was a rare showcase of incredible talent. Five of the top vinyl selectas from the west, (and good friends at that), came together to play an exclusive 7 inch vinyl set – that’s right; no usb sticks and no laptops, just vinyl and nothing but energy. I remember when spinning vinyl was the norm and I hope that this is a sign that it may come full circle someday. Vinyl is one of those things that just feels right to me and I’m happy it’s making a resurgence. Like a visual art piece unfolding, I had the privilege of watching living legends Mat the Alien, Vinyl Ritchie, DJ Pump, DJ Illo and The Gaff rock the HiFi Club off her foundation while traveling through time with unique music selections.

The vibe was high on this particular night with no musical boundaries – it was like five dudes hanging in your living room jamming. The group were playing off each other and it seemed as though they were just having a good time hanging out like no one was watching. It translated to one of the best nights I’ve ever had at this club, and I’m sure that anyone who attended this show would agree with me. It was a solid mix of music from The Fugee’s to The Troggs to DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince and back again. Party bombs were dropped and the crowd was getting down, bellowing out their favorite tunes at the top of their lungs with their hands held high in the air. Ladies and gents, it doesn’t get much better than this. It was the perfect mix of people and you could tell they were all there for the music. At one point it was three deejays jamming on six decks – now that’s something you don’t see every day and it was pretty damn impressive to watch these guys work so well together. So silky smooth on the wheels of steel.

Once again another killer sold out show at The HiFi Club, and I tip my hat to all the staff for providing us with a “REALLY GOOD” time. You guys continually bring the goods and Calgary loves you guys! HUGE shout out to the deejays, the crowd and all our friends that came out to support this night! If you missed this jam I would highly recommend not missing it the next time it rolls through the #yyc

One of the nights headliners, The Gaff did a quick Q+A for the blog, shedding some light on how he maintains the best work-life balance possible for a touring DJ.

Your lifestyle and how you balance each aspect is inspiring. When you’re on tour how do you do your best to stay on the up and up with your practices?

Thanks! Balance is key- other than exercising regularly and eating healthy; I take certain tonic herbs through tea or tincture. At shows, for every alcoholic beverage, have a water in between. If I’m up late and have to get up early, I’ll have a nap on the plane or hotel- hit the treadmill at the hotel and drink lots of water and green tea in the afternoon. Then I go digging for records or seek out fun adventures! R&R once I get home.

You’re noted as having one of the largest and most eclectic vinyl collections in the game, how long have you been collecting for and what are your most prized finds or jams?

Ha, well, maybe not the largest cuz some people have a whole lot of records and they are mostly doodoo….quality more so than quantity! I value rarity and dopeness above all else- in people and records! I started digging around ’97, two of my favorite rare records are: Stark Reality plays Hoagy Carmichael and Placebo Ball Of Eyes.

You’ve achieved many milestones throughout your career, how does The Gaff define success?

Ha, yes well success is a very subjective term for different people. For me, it’s all about quality, depth into the art form, dopeness, and being true to myself, what I value and believe in first and foremost! My tastes are not for everyone, they aren’t necessarily what’s “popular” or will attract “large numbers of the current trend”. Sometimes so, sometimes no. That’s not “success” for me, since that’s not what I’m into! I value uniqueness, subtlety, I like to appeal to other “heads” or “Jedi’s” in what I do. Initiation from legends into a higher calibre of art form is not necessarily reflective of “popularity”, but it’s always reflective of being dope. I view heart, skills & creativity very highly. I like rockin a party with really dope people who are into the music and the craft, if I’m playing an event like that, whether it’s 10, 100 or 1000 I’m stoked!

WORDS: Sean Hill

#seanylovesyatoo #247killinit #doubleroundhouse

PHOTOSGRAPHY: Stoked on Photos