Funky Fungus
DJ/Remixer/Producer Mark Farina, the San Francisco-based house music master who hails from Chicago, back in the late 1990s established himself on the global electronica scene with the creation and development of the "mushroom jazz" sound. Combining elements of downtempo, hip hop, jazz and r&b together in the style of house music, mushroom jazz is a cool funky groove that conjures up images of lava lamps, bean bag chairs, and for some - TOP rolling papers encasing a variety appropriate, and maybe inappropriate, fillings. Well, it's time once again to light up your blunts because Farina is back with Mushroom Jazz Six, (Om Records), a 20-track CD filled with musical gems and goodies by the likes of J-Boogie's Dubtronic Science, The Jazzual Suspects, Uneaq, and King Kooba. It's a fantastic effort that is sure to excite downtempo devotees as well as newcomers to this electronica sub-genre. While Farina may have in recent years produced critically acclaimed tracks and mixed CDs of the more traditional house variety, Mushroom Jazz Six shows that he is still master of this domain.

Another U.K. Star?
So I got this dance remix a few weeks ago called "Smilin'" by Bryn Christopher. It was ok, but far from a winner. Then just the other day I got Christopher's 4-track EP Quest, and unlike my reaction to the ho-hum dance single, my reaction was WOW! Influenced by the likes of Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, the 21-year-old Brit has an incredible voice that's soulful and strong. He's already toured as the opening act for Amy Winehouse in 2007 and is set to release his debut album early in 2009. In the meantime, be sure to download the Christopher's Quest EP and catch the next rising star from across the big pond.

Singing Housewife
Avid viewers of Bravo-TV are likely to be familiar with Jo De La Rosa, star of the reality TV shows "Date My Ex" and "The Real Housewives of Orange County." Originally from Lima, Peru, De La Rosa was filmed recording a demo on "Housewives" and was soon thereafter offered a record deal with Immergent Records. Less than two years later, the beautiful singer/songwriter is out with her debut album, Unscripted. Fearing this to be a prime example of someone with limited talent taking advantage of her fifteen minutes of fame, I was pleasantly surprised by this long-player. The CD is pop fun with an adult sensibility that should appeal to both the fans of Hilary Duff as well as Pussycat Dolls. De La Rosa obviously has the sexy good looks for TV and she's proving with Unscripted that she may also have the voice for the airwaves.

All-Time Plez Faves
I was recently hanging out with some DJ friends of mine and we were debating about the greatest dance music songs of all time. As you might imagine, the conversation was intensely passionate and heated at times with unanimity on some songs and vociferous opposition to others. We did come to the conclusion that it was best to try and categorize within sub-genres such as progressive/trance; club classics, circuit cuts, etc. I've decided to share with you over the next several issues, what I think are the best. First up is Best Dance Club/Circuit Song by a Female Artist (the Whitney, Madonna, and Rihanna remixes are in a separate category).

10. "Skin" - Charlotte
9. "You Make Me Feel Good" - Pat Hodges
8. "Emotional Rollercoaster" - Vivian Green
7. "Movin' Up" - DJ Mike Cruz pres. Inaya Day and Chyna Ro
6. "Above The Clouds" - Amber
5. "Dive In The Pool" Pepper Mashay
4. "Don't Want Another Man" - Dynamix featuring Tina Ann
3. " Hide U" - Suzanne Palmer
2. "Unspeakable Joy" - Kim English
1. "Someone To Hold" - Veronica

Now remember, this is just my opinion. Have a different list? Send it to us at BoiEditorial@aol.com and maybe we'll post your Top 10 list on BOI's MySpace blog page.