Brian Tappert Added by Goedie, 17 June 2004

'Brian Tappert is one half of the world-renowned remix team "Jazz-N-Groove Productions" and co-owner of the critically acclaimed record label Soulfuric Recordings. He also records under the monikers of "Urban Blues Project", and "Cleptomaniacs", as well as remixing for everyone from Loleatta Holloway to Arnold Jarvis to Sounds of Blackness.

Originally from NJ, Brian started Djing back in 1984, finding his love for soulful sounds through Tony Humphries radio show on 98.7 Kiss FM. As the late 80's exploded with the fresh new sounds of House Music, his passion grew to an obsession and he's never looked back.

Making his way into production gradually in the early 90's, Brian fused his DJ experiences with his love for soulfully crafted songs and melody with the result being Jazz-N-Groove Productions. With a consistent output of quality tracks, Jazz-N-Groove quickly established itself with cuts like Northbound "Better Way", Mone "We Can Make it", and Native Rhythm "Ya Hey" on pioneering labels such as Suburban, Bassline, Strictly Rhythm, and AM: PM.

As a producer, Brian's collaborations with partner Marc Pomeroy under the "Urban Blues Project" and “Jazz-N-Groove” monikers have become some of the most celebrated soulful house classics known to man with records like Michael Procter's "Deliver Me", Donna Allen "He is the Joy", "We are One" featuring Bobby Pruitt and their remixes of Michelle Weeks “The Light” being prime examples.

Also an accomplished engineer and programmer, Brian's studio talents are highlighted by meticulous attention to detail and arrangement. Walking the fine line of commercial accessibility and credibility, his productions shine with powerful yet soulful styling.

In 1998 the "Cleptomaniacs" were born. What began as a simple collaboration with long time friend John "Julius" Knight, quickly evolved into something much more with now classic tracks such as "Numero Uno", "Let's Get Down", "All I Do" and "Give it Up" and Frankie Knuckles “Back In the Day”. The Cleptomaniacs have produced and remixed many dance floor favorites. Their trend setting ability to rework a classic into a modern day floor filler is second to none. Nowadays, Brian and John involve Marc on many of their productions and mixes.

You can catch Brian Djing in some of the world’s most exclusive venues with regular guest appearances at clubs such as Ministry of Sound - London, Pacha and El Divino - Ibiza, D-Club - Switzerland, Angel Deelite in Manchester, Mach 1 - Germany and many many more. Fusing the old with the new, Brian's strength lies in his programming ability, proving time and time again there's more to Djing than mixing records.

Over the years, Brian has developed from a local club jock to a World Class master of the art of working a crowd. His performance behind the wheels of steel has to be experienced in the club to get a true sense of the magic that is delivered. Brian's other skills are no less impressive in the studio. Whether he is masterfully and methodically creating drum programs, arranging, producing or remixing, he is the living definition of the word perfectionist.

• Viva Las Palmas, 5 November 2004

  Club Las Palmas, Rotterdam

• T-Dansant, 19 June 2004

  Smits koffiehuis, Amsterdam

• ADE @ Panama, 29 October 2003

  Panama, Amsterdam