Home Town Chicago

by Ian Dinsmor Chicago-based house producer Boo Williams is a great artist in his own right. But being surrounded by friends and mentors like Glenn Underground and Brian Harden, it's no surprise that Boo Williams produces superior Chicago house tracks. Growing up listening to the likes of Ron Hardy, Marshall Jefferson, and Larry Heard, to name a few, it's easy to see where Williams draws his inspiration. On the Home Town Chicago LP, he pays homage to his home base. "Home Town Chicago" opens the LP, a driving track with a meandering synth that provides you with a good idea of what you are getting into. This LP is an exploration of Boo Williams' roots and influences; this shines through on "Devil Music," a track which is a brilliant mix of old Chicago acid house tones and modern deep house techniques. This LP is almost like a time line of the progression of Chicago house. From the acid house of the early '80s to the hip-house beats of later in that decade, which is showcased on "Make Some Noise," right into the brand of Chicago house that gained Boo Williams notoriety on Cajual Records. "Smokin Acid" is a conglomeration of broken beats and trippy alarm effects. "Evil Ways" closes out the LP, with a smooth deep house beat and staple Chicago rat-a-tat high hats. This is an LP for old house heads and new alike.