1) Theo Parrish “Going Through Changes”

It’s hard for me to think of someone who has influenced me as much as Theo Parrish did. The first track I’ve heard from him was Solitary Flight. I remember asking myself how was it possible to deliver such an intense and emotional message without the need of a longer explanation.
But what I appreciate the most about Theo is his genuine honesty and the way he puts himself out there without hiding.

Going Through Changes was released in 2009 on Theo Parrish’s very own Sound Signature: this is the moment when, all of a sudden, House music turns to R&B and everything we know about genres and “boxes” seems to be pointless.

2) 4hero “Naima”

I first heard about 4hero through one of Lisbon’s most respected DJ’s – Trol2000. I remember rushing to the center of the dance floor and being flooded with questions: “What is this? Was this programmed? Who is playing this? Is this a band? How did they do it?”. Just like that I was exposed to broken beat. After some research I discovered names like Afronaught, Kaidi, Dego, Marc Mac and record labels such as 2000black and Goya Music, that were extremely influential in my music making, from that point on. But what keeps 4hero on the top of my list is the evolution of their discography and the way they seem to continuously reinvent themselves.

Naima was released in 2004 and is included in The Remix Album.

3) Kaiti Tatham “He Laughs She Cries”

When talking about broken beat, Kaidi Tatham is, most certainly, the ultimate legend and source of inspiration. I would be lying if I said I haven’t gone deep into his music and tried to understand every single detail about it. Besides having a tremendous career as a session musician (just check his Discogs page), Kaidi has to be the best remixer out there. I’ve yet to find one bad remix by him and, honestly, I don’t think I ever will.

He Laughs She Cries was released in 2008 in Japan. It is included in Kaiti Tahtam first album In Search Of Hope.

4) Maurice Fulton “Life is Water”

I can’t think of many producers who can still make me question how songs are made. Maurice Fulton is one of them. There’s a singular complexity and overall uniqueness behind all of his work that makes me want to push mine even further. The perfect example of this is his second album – Why Put Me Through It – which has to be one of the most forward-thinking “House” music releases to ever grace our ears.

Life is Water was released in 2000 and is included in the Life Is Water For Gerbadaisies When They Are Dancing album.

5) Nubya Garcia “When We Are”

Last summer, I went to London to see Nubya Garcia, Alfa Mist and Triforce play at Ronnie Scott’s. It was, without a doubt, the best gig I’ve ever seen. I remember getting emotional with one of Joe Armon Jones’ solos and feeling extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to watch these musicians play live with such passion and a level of intensity that’s hard to describe. If Nubya provided me the music, Jazz Re:freshed definitely gave me the platform to discover all of these amazing musicians and the UK jazz scene. People like: Daniel Casimir, Femi Koleoso, Sheila Maurice-Grey, Shirley Tetteh or Mansur Brown are surely keeping me on the edge of the seat for what the future holds.

When We Are EP was self-released in 2018 and it includes one of the best remixes I‘ve ever heard. Produced by one of my favourites, K15.

6) Chris Dave “Criss Cross”

A few years back, I finally understood the importance of knowing how drummers work and the way their brains approach the drumset. Ever since then, I’ve come to know names like Richard Spaven, Mark Guiliana, Damien Reid or the man himself Chris Dave. Although I don’t play the drums, having some sort of understanding about how it works has completely changed the way I make music.

This is a video of Chris Dave Trio performing Criss Cross at Charlie Wrights. Zhenya Strigalev on saxophone and the incredible Joe “Foley” McCreary on bass.

7) Jaco Pastorious “Punk Jazz”

Even though I primarily consider myself a guitarist, it was the bass playing from Jaco that got me interested in Jazz and, ultimately, made me sign up for some classes in the Porto Jazz School. Jaco and the Weather Report were also my introduction to jazz fusion and a lot of other names like John Scofield, Stanley Clark or Chick Corea.

Punk Jazz was released in 1978 and it’s included on the Weather Report album Mr. Gone.

https://youtu.be/TesEEKKAD3Y

8) D’angelo “Spanish Joint”

D’Angelo “Voodoo” is the perfect example of this “complex simplicity” at its best. Everything about this record is perfect. Enough said!
When your lineup consists of musicians like Charlie Hunter, Roy Hargrove and Questlove, there is no way it could ever go wrong.

9) Sensible Soccers “Sofrendo por você”

I was only 14 years old when I watched Sensible Soccers play live for the first time, but I remember perfectly listening to their song Sofrendo por Você. It was a moment of enlightenment, because, all of a sudden, I was open to the possibility of combining the instruments I’ve had been playing with some sort of computer controlled music. A couple of years later I was invited by Alfredo (one of the band members) to DJ a party he puts on every month – Anca. It felt like the closing of a circle, and having the possibility to share this with someone who opened a door for me was really special. Sofrendo por Você was released in 2013 by Lisbon based label Groovement.

10) Tiago “Reach Out And Touch Somebody”

There are only two occasions where I remember getting emotional while listening to a DJ: Theo Parrish at the Sunfall festival and Tiago at Passos Manuel. It was difficult to grasp watching someone doing all of this so well and so effortlessly. And it still is. As if that weren’t enough, Tiago also has one of the most diverse discographies I know of, with music ranging from Rock to the most Leftfield House and with releases on labels such as DFA or Jolly Jams. It’s hard not to get inspired.

Reach Out and Touch Somebody was released in 2017 on Tiago’s own imprint Interzona 13.