Tom Trago – Voyage Direct Live Takes review

Artist: Tom Trago
Title: Voyage Direct Live Takes
Label: Rush Hour
Genre: Disco/Nu Disco/Re-Edits
Format: 12″, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download

Tom Trago’s adventure with “Voyage Direct” keeps on going and going – this time the journey continues as the Amsterdam DJ/producer unleashes two of his live versions.

Last year’s seven track mini-album was received with much critical acclaim. It served as a reminder to many that house music can still be deep, raw, sexy and passionate. Following its success,  two EPs followed with remixes from Motor City Drum Ensemble, Actress, Ardvarck or Sotu the Travller.

Now, Tom Trago goes back for another adaptation of the album. Live Takes consists of outtakes from his live performances, as the title would suggest. Opening with an extended disco version of “Use Me Again” this release bridges the gap between the studio and the live performance, between old and new. It shifts in and out of the original unassumingly, meandering between the two for over eight minutes. Rather than just your straight up re-edit, this version is more akin to a new, modern version of the original.

The flip side is much more club orientated. An exclusive from his live sets, here Tom strips the classic “Over and Over” right down to the minimum, only allowing the original groove to appear momentarily before the updated, Chigargo-esque rhythm takes over again.

These two tracks cover two shades of equally compelling disco house. First we get the deep and funky side from “Use Me Again” and then there is the more pumping, jacking style from “Over and Over.” Either way, they both get the dancefloor rocking!

Review: Tom Jones