Customer Reviews

San Francisco Sessions

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Yet again, Mark Farina delivers the goods. He has distinguished himself as an artist with impeccable taste as far as song selection goes (as fans of either Mushroom Jazz or Mushroom Jazz 2 will attest) as well as flawless mixing skills. Fans of United DJs of America #9 will love San Francisco Sessions... in fact, I think it is an even better mix than UDJA9. Farina fans should also look out for (the relatively rare release) from Imperial Dub Records that features choice tracks by Dubtribe Sound System and Dr. Dub (you might know him better as, oh... Doc Martin!) mixed beautifully by Om Records' favorite son Mark Farina. And on that note, a plug for Om Records... you can't go wrong with an Om release! Particularly worthy of mention/purchase are the Sounds of Om house release, Om Lounge, and Deeper Concentration. Whether you're a fan of groovin house or innovative jungle (Ming + FS' impressive release "Hell's Kitchen"), Om is a solid label with phat offerings, not the least of which is Mark Farina's San Francisco Sessions.

This CD was realeased around five years ago and still stands as one of the best mixed house cds ever. It is completely seamless, in fact if you set it to loop continusly, the beginning and the end mixes perfectly. This disc rarely leaves my player. It is only equaled by French Sessions Vol. 1 & Vol. 3. This cd really shows the skill and creativity of the Farina. He adds beautiful vocal samples from one of the tracks, throughout the mix, this small addition ties the whole disc together. Farina is truly a madman with a sampler. Buy this disc, support great artists and indie labels.

"San Francisco Sessions" is Mr.Farina's third house mix release. While I haven't listened to "seasons one" (1st release) yet, I have heard the "United DJs of America Volume 9." That CD showed how awesome house music really is. Farina blended soulful, deep groovin records with more precision than any other DJ out there. The same can be said about the Mushroom Jazz series. So what is the difference between SFS and UDJA9? The mixing was as good as it gets (as usual), but the track selection was not as affective; unlike UDJA9, not every track made me want to get up and dance. But I will note that tracks 4,8,9, and 13 still rocked the house for me. Overall, despite being in need of a little better track selection, "San Francisco Sessions" is great. Mark Farina is the man, and that's all there is to it.

I have to admit that I love Mark Farina. His style and way of blending all the tracks on this compilation are just awesome. I've seen him at the WMC(winter music conference), L.A, San Fran, and Chicago and he has never upset me in the least bit. He is one of my favorites of all time (including Jeno, Dj Dan, Dj Heather, Onionz, Miguel Migs, all the Moontribe heads). I knew that by getting this I wouldn't regret it and you shouldn't either. It's what house is supposed to sound like. Definitely do not miss.....or you'll hate yourself.

You've gotta love this cd, and mark farina...It took a few times to listen to before i could truly appreciate it. Once you are familiar with the cd, it grows on you!...His style of house is very original..very jazzy, funky..if you are looking for something with hard dance beats, then this is probably not for you, and i would advise listening before you buy...but as i said, it will grow on you...tracks 3 & 5 are some of the best. I hope you enjoy mark farina's original style of house as much as i do.

I've played this CD so many times that it won't play anymore. I am buying a new one to replace it. This is a timeless classic that will never go out of style and keeps you interested from start to finish.. I'll never get tired of this CD.

Good enough is neither good nor enough, is it? Contrary to what you may find to be gold, I've come from San Francisco to New York and back again only to be reminded that Mark Farina may indeed be exactly the big pot. No, I don't mean to integrate the worldwide club scene with confusing nonsense jargon, but for those of you out there, like me, who can spot a leprechaun from fifty-five feet away, you know what I mean! Think about it . . . have you ever been out clubbing and you look over only to see a one-legged raver tearing it up on the dance floor? Yes, to the big beats and to the top DJ, I now bow and take one step backward.

Are you kidding me? This cd is one of the most innovative compilations I've ever heard. There is plenty of latin influenced beats and smooth rhythm, with some Tribal thrown in. The mixing is top notch and once the tempo is established (it starts out kinda slow), this cd booms all the way to the end. This is basically an instrumental house cd and is very jazzy. If you're looking for some crossover, Billboard Top 100's disco, then stay away from this. If you want house music that's new and fresh then step to this.

For anyone looking for a fresh and breezy take on house music, well this is the album to buy. Farina detours from his usual jazzy approach (the sound of his Mushroom Jazz compilations) to glide through 14 smooth tunes of early evening fare.

Hits are numerous: "Happiness," the irresistible strings of "I Wanna See You Come Down," the piano tinkling of "Black Keys," and "Spring Fling" (perfectly named) are just a few. It doesn't sag in the middle, either, thanks to standouts like Rae & Christian's "Spellbound." Ever so slowly he turns a bit deeper, with tracks like "Seriousfunkilla," but it's temporary; he's setting you up for the sweet climax, the crackling, minimal "Bushes," and the xylophone led shuffling "Nublado."

Dance music fans - music fans in general, will appreciate this slice of San Francisco, well blended and waiting for you. One of 1999's best releases.

This is a great cd. Mark Farina has created his own style of house, it is kind of a jazzy pop house, you have to hear it to understand.