[Dance Mania]

Vincent Floyd’s 1991 release, I Dream You, stands as one of the deepest examples of Chicago house. No small feat considering the volumes of deepness that have emerged from the Windy City over the years. What makes this lost gem even more remarkable is the fact that it emerged from the Dance Mania camp, a label that came to be defined by the South side’s trademark ghetto house sound. The only concession to that sound comes in the way of “Cactus Juice,” a jack track made up of bleeping keyboard sequences, tough rolling bass and abrasive snare slaps. The rest of this release is where the depth is most palpable.

“Get Up” takes its cue from Frankie Knuckles “The Whistle Song,” unfurling a lengthy, synthesized flute melody to create a winding narrative that offsets the more dated sounding brass stabs and James Brown vocal snippet (“get up!”) from which this track takes its title. An edit of “Get Up” is also featured but the original is far superior, its nearly nine minute length giving Floyd the room to show off his keyboard chops with some flowing motifs on display. The real highlight from this release though is the title track. “I Dream You” begins with warm pads and tight hi-hat shuffling before the introduction of a simple bass line that evokes the thwack of a double bass. The keyboard motifs echo and shimmer with a grace that perfectly compliment the atmospheric string and keyboard melodies, showing Floyd’s ear for strong melodic arrangements that reflect jazz sensibilities. Little is known about the artist’s history, but unconfirmed statements point to him being Larry Heard’s keyboardist at one time, which if true says a lot about his skill set. Not much came from him after I Dream You but what we’re left with is a strong statement, both then and now.