The Choice NYC club..

[Dj Alex]

I was listening to Larry Levan's closing night @ The Choice a little while ago as well as Robert Owen's set there . I also read up on Underground Archives with Richard vasquez interview which was really interesting . I wanted to find out more about the club from anyone who went there about the dj's , memories etc . from what I read it was really dark and it had a great soundsystem sounds like my kinda place . I would love to hear more , does anyone have any other mixes from the club ? .

Peace and thanks Alex . :rolleyes: ;)

Ron Paizley you don't respond to your London brother no more ha ha.. :D

[JMNYC]

there was a great thread on this but I can't seem to find it now...

[Dj Alex]

Originally posted by JMNYC:
there was a great thread on this but I can't seem to find it now... Hello Jon,

Hope all is good with you , glad your night is going well also . Your still holding those reels as well damm .

Peace Alex . ;)

[JMNYC]

Originally posted by Dj Alex:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by JMNYC:
there was a great thread on this but I can't seem to find it now... Hello Jon,

Hope all is good with you , glad your night is going well also . Your still holding those reels as well damm .

Peace Alex . ;) </font>[/QUOTE]Hey Alex! Yeah, Victor and I caught up and we're trying to get the reels put to CD to check the quality and tracklist before posting anything online, as per his and Richard's request. Patience is a virtue, however, and hopefully the lovely gift box I've put together for Gman will be on its way to him shortly - with or without the Choice reels in question. Thanks for the kind words as w ell smile.gif

[miss al boogie]

Originally posted by Dj Alex:
I was listening to Larry Levan's closing night @ The Choice a little while ago as well as Robert Owen's set there . I also read up on Underground Archives with Richard vasquez interview which was really interesting . I wanted to find out more about the club from anyone who went there about the dj's , memories etc . from what I read it was really dark and it had a great soundsystem sounds like my kinda place . I would love to hear more , does anyone have any other mixes from the club ? .

Peace and thanks Alex . :rolleyes: ;)

Ron Paizley you don't respond to your London brother no more ha ha.. :D hey alex! we ain't been on the board in a while. but like you said, we were invited to dinner and ron found some of the tapes. they should be in the mail in the next week.

[Dj Alex]

Ron Paizley you don't respond to your London brother no more ha ha.. :D [/qb][/QUOTE]hey alex! we ain't been on the board in a while. but like you said, we were invited to dinner and ron found some of the tapes. they should be in the mail in the next week. [/QB][/QUOTE]

Hello Al,

That's great tahnks for remembering , I pm'ed Ron a little while back reg some of the music you gave to me via your friend . Did you get a chance to read the e-mail ? .

Peace Alex . :rolleyes: ;)

[Maria]

The Choice parties were held in the same space as the Loft parties, they rented the space from David. Third Street between Avenue B and Avenue C right next door to Nuyorican Poets Cafe. It was an old silent movie theatre which was gutted out, humongous ceilings.... but David would be able to tell you more about this. No fancy lights, there's nothing better than dancing with a little red light on. It provides a freedom that is impossible with the thievery of the strobe light which predominates club experiences today.

[imported_Gman]

Sorry that Choice thread was one I accidently deleted.

-G

[Cheddar]

Originally posted by Gman:
Sorry that Choice thread was one I accidently deleted.

-G First warning....

[D J 1 3 8]

I thought it was an old school gymnasium or something. I only went there once, which I think was the last night they were open. There was balloons everywhere. Can anyone confirm that they did have an official "last night party" or did they close un-announced?

[liL Ray]

Originally posted by Maria:
there's nothing better than dancing with a little red light on. It provides a freedom that is impossible with the thievery of the strobe light which predominates club experiences today. HEAH!, watch thatt tone....hahahahaha

[liL Ray]

The Choice/Loft was great. The Choice was run by Richard Vasquez and it was the place to be and be seen(if you were into that sort of thang!). The who's who would be there. This was the place that you could intimately watch Larry Levan work, Joey Llanos made a hugh name there, Victor Rosado ruled, and the place that really kick start Dj Disciple's career. I remember hearing Disciple do a nasty mix of Prince's "Purple Rain" with some other shit and the place went beserk.

They some of the best dance contest that ran for about ten weeks and then the finals. I think Keith won that contest....he went on to do that Michael Jackson's egyptian video, Janet Jackson and countless other videos....Ron Paisley can tell you more on the dancing tip.

The block the Choice was on had some of the biggest rats(not the human kind... graemlins/cool_shades.gif ) you ever saw...peeps would be jumping over them on the wayy to the club.....eeewww.

The sound system was the best, courtesy of Mr. Mancuso....david still uses the sound in his Loft parties now. The feeling was magical...and so was the drugs!!

Great times and memories in that place!

[Sharp Eye Washington]

I remember them damn rats when we used to go The Loft. That shit would creep me for about an hour. I also remember my former girlfriend leaving her $500.00 leather coat in the trunk only to find that someone popped the trunk & made off with her coat. (I told her dumb ass to check it) The sound was always tight at The Loft. There were only a few places where I could appreciate hearing MFSB's “Love Is The Message”. Choice/ Loft was one of those places. Those freaking organs & horns on that set used to work me to no end. I never heard Disciple at Choice. Didn't know that was his launch pad. I still have an old Choice Flyer promoting Larry Levan. I remember Larry being very friendly at Choice/Loft. He was much more approachable & friendlier at the Choice. Thanks Dave for the wonderful memories. I still have my Little Rascals card!

[liL Ray]

Originally posted by Phil Bernard:
I remember them damn rats when we used to go The Loft. That shit would creep me for about an hour. I use to wait in the car and watch them stroll around.....they were never scared, it was their territory....I waited 'til the coast was clear and made a mad dash to the club....THAT'S HOUSE!!!!

[Sharp Eye Washington]

Right! They were some bold MF's. You are right Ray that's House at it's best.

[wil milton]

I remember many nights hearing DJ Basil play. Robert Owens had a nice set. Just good ole punch and music. Missing Barry Perry. Now that was an outlaw party.

[liL Ray]

Originally posted by wil milton:
I remember many nights hearing DJ Basil play. Robert Owens had a nice set. Just good ole punch and music. Missing Barry Perry. Now that was an outlaw party. I miss Barry also.....Richard gave all the up and coming djs of that time a place to play. I think Melvin Moore also got his start here also. This was underground at its best. I remeber hearing David Morales play Optimistic there for the first time....swwwweeeeettttt!!!

[wil milton]

I remember:

Bang Bang Your Mine
Computer Madness
Data Bank
Never No More Lonely
Sexuality
Tears
I Can't Stop
It's u
Donnie
Pacific

I Remember

Over and Over
Los Conquistdores con Choclates
New Bell
Ozo
City Country City
Love Money
Is It All Over My Face
Born This Way

Some of Choice's theme songs.

[Dj Alex]

They some of the best dance contest that ran for about ten weeks and then the finals. I think Keith won that contest....he went on to do that Michael Jackson's egyptian video, Janet Jackson and countless other videos....Ron Paisley can tell you more on the dancing tip.

The block the Choice was on had some of the biggest rats(not the human kind... graemlins/cool_shades.gif ) you ever saw...peeps would be jumping over them on the wayy to the club.....eeewww.

The sound system was the best, courtesy of Mr. Mancuso....david still uses the sound in his Loft parties now. The feeling was magical...and so was the drugs!!

Great times and memories in that place! [/QB][/QUOTE]

Easy Ray,

Those dance contests sound great after watching the Maestro film the dance competitions make a little more sense now ! .

Man I know you can get your money's worth reg food in NY but those rats are riddiculous . I remember my first visit and was coming out the subway at Canal St and saw what seemed to be a small dog , no it was a rat :eek: graemlins/rofl.gif .
I had to watch my step double time after that ! .

Thanks for the lowdown hope you and the missus is well .

Peace Alex .

[Dj Alex]

Originally posted by wil milton:
I remember many nights hearing DJ Basil play. Robert Owens had a nice set. Just good ole punch and music. Missing Barry Perry. Now that was an outlaw party. Hello Will,

I heard one of Basil's mixes up on DHP . I really like his selection - very smooth and deep . From what I have read he is one of those guys who like to pull out a little something different from the bag .

Peace Alex .

P.S I heard your set the last time I was in NY Feb at TIS , very nice tunes sir ! ;) :D .

[Dj Alex]

Originally posted by wil milton:
I remember:

Bang Bang Your Mine
Computer Madness
Data Bank
Never No More Lonely
Sexuality
Tears
I Can't Stop
It's u
Donnie
Pacific

I Remember

Over and Over
Los Conquistdores con Choclates
New Bell
Ozo
City Country City
Love Money
Is It All Over My Face
Born This Way

Some of Choice's theme songs. Nice selections indeed "Computer Madness" still f***s me up . Blake Baxter as well .

Thanks for the memories people .
Sounds like the spot I would of been at if I was stateside .
Peace Alex .

[Ron la Rock]

Originally posted by Dj Alex:
I was listening to Larry Levan's closing night @ The Choice a little while ago as well as Robert Owen's set there . I also read up on Underground Archives with Richard vasquez interview which was really interesting . I wanted to find out more about the club from anyone who went there about the dj's , memories etc . from what I read it was really dark and it had a great soundsystem sounds like my kinda place . I would love to hear more , does anyone have any other mixes from the club ? .

Peace and thanks Alex . :rolleyes: ;)

Ron Paizley you don't respond to your London brother no more ha ha.. :D SIR ALEX, I GOT YOU
apologies 4 not responing quicker

and a couple of tapes coming your way graemlins/thumbsup.gif

[Ron la Rock]

Originally posted by wil milton:
I remember many nights hearing DJ Basil play. Robert Owens had a nice set. Just good ole punch and music. Missing Barry Perry. Now that was an outlaw party. YES, Will
wish you'd (& others) post more often about
our school dayz in the eN Y sEe underground

[Dj Alex]

Originally posted by Ron paizley:

Ron Paizley you don't respond to your London brother no more ha ha.. :D [/qb]SIR ALEX, I GOT YOU
apologies 4 not responing quicker

and a couple of tapes coming your way graemlins/thumbsup.gif [/QB][/QUOTE].

Nice one Ron,

Hope all is good in the BK with you and Al .

P.S You have my adress right ? .

Peace Alex .

[the 18th letter]

There I heard "French Kiss" for the first time. Not in a club, but the first time period. I had one of those funny beers so it was a very intense moment of my life. Thanx Loft, I'll never forget that shit, or the rats, or broken trunk locks! LES was in e..f...f...e...c...t!

[liL Ray]

YESSSS!!! French Kiss set that place on fire...when the slow part came, it was like a scene from Calicula(sp?...I know I got the spelling wrong)up in there...

Damn, I didn't know I missed that place this much...good topic, thanks for bringing up the memories.

[wil milton]

DJ. Alex,

Basil is one of the most influential DJ's of the post garage era. I say this because Basil would throw on records that U would not expect. Not saying he was trying to be like Larry, But Basil, Manski, Nick Jones, Victor kept the spirit of Larry alive. I remember Basil playing a full hour of Sade, and played Secret Gardens by Quincy Jones during the peak. I will always be a student of Dj's such as these. I remember a night @ Redzone when Mankski played on the top level. He tore the night up. Heads will always remember that night. In the day, the veterans and new blood would dance the night in as one core. The difference, in regards to today was the newer blood, as it is safe to say, was willing to learn about the culture of dancing, and music of people who have been partying longer. I remember seeing Ron P. Calef, Voodoo Ray, Ejoe, Chris, etc party with older pG, abd Loft members . Today u do not see that. Times are really missed.

DJ. Alex. Thank u for spending your time on a Sunday night @ T.I.S. Peace Always

[the 18th letter]

Originally posted by wil milton:
DJ. Alex,

Basil is one of the most influential DJ's of the post garage era. I say this because Basil would throw on records that U would not expect. Not saying he was trying to be like Larry, But Basil, Manski, Nick Jones, Victor kept the spirit of Larry alive. I remember Basil playing a full hour of Sade, and played Secret Gardens by Quincy Jones during the peak. I will always be a student of Dj's such as these. I remember a night @ Redzone when Mankski played on the top level. He tore the night up. Heads will always remember that night. In the day, the veterans and new blood would dance the night in as one core. The difference, in regards to today was the newer blood, as it is safe to say, was willing to learn about the culture of dancing, and music of people who have been partying longer. I remember seeing Ron P. Calef, Voodoo Ray, Ejoe, Chris, etc party with older pG, abd Loft members . Today u do not see that. Times are really missed.

DJ. Alex. Thank u for spending your time on a Sunday night @ T.I.S. Peace Always At that time it was easier to recruit young bloods because in that era, Kilamanjaro and Wild Pitch, Dj's played sets of reggae and hip hop. Cats like Clark Kent and Peter Panic who are known for their hip hop sets were into, and playing house music. I thought MAW having Jazzy Jeff close their beach party was classic.

[erd]

Originally posted by wil milton:
DJ. Alex,

Basil is one of the most influential DJ's of the post garage era. I say this because Basil would throw on records that U would not expect. Not saying he was trying to be like Larry, But Basil, Manski, Nick Jones, Victor kept the spirit of Larry alive. I remember Basil playing a full hour of Sade, and played Secret Gardens by Quincy Jones during the peak. I will always be a student of Dj's such as these. I remember a night @ Redzone when Mankski played on the top level. He tore the night up. Heads will always remember that night. In the day, the veterans and new blood would dance the night in as one core. The difference, in regards to today was the newer blood, as it is safe to say, was willing to learn about the culture of dancing, and music of people who have been partying longer. I remember seeing Ron P. Calef, Voodoo Ray, Ejoe, Chris, etc party with older pG, abd Loft members . Today u do not see that. Times are really missed.

DJ. Alex. Thank u for spending your time on a Sunday night @ T.I.S. Peace Always Nice post, Wil!

Peace,

Gerd

[erd]

Btw, three years ago a few friends of mine and me threw some parties that we called The Choice, too. Not knowing that there have been a club with that name in NYC before. We had the classic Chez Damier/Ron Trent record on KMS in mind as we came up with the name for that party. So we were quite baffled as we read about New York's Choice a few months ago.

Peace,

Gerd

[houseaddict]

Originally posted by wil milton:
I remember:

Bang Bang Your Mine
Computer Madness
Data Bank
Never No More Lonely
Sexuality
Tears
I Can't Stop
It's u
Donnie
Pacific

I Remember

Over and Over
Los Conquistdores con Choclates
New Bell
Ozo
City Country City
Love Money
Is It All Over My Face
Born This Way

Some of Choice's theme songs. Will,
It is my professional opinion that you are one of the best out right now. Not to inflate your head or anything.
Keep it up,
HouseAddict/Josh

[JMNYC]

Originally posted by houseaddict:
Will,
It is my professional opinion that you are one of the best out right now. Not to inflate your head or anything.
Keep it up,
HouseAddict/Josh AGREED!!!!!! :D

[Dj Alex]

Originally posted by wil milton:
DJ. Alex,

Basil is one of the most influential DJ's of the post garage era. I say this because Basil would throw on records that U would not expect. Not saying he was trying to be like Larry, But Basil, Manski, Nick Jones, Victor kept the spirit of Larry alive. I remember Basil playing a full hour of Sade, and played Secret Gardens by Quincy Jones during the peak. I will always be a student of Dj's such as these. I remember a night @ Redzone when Mankski played on the top level. He tore the night up. Heads will always remember that night. In the day, the veterans and new blood would dance the night in as one core. The difference, in regards to today was the newer blood, as it is safe to say, was willing to learn about the culture of dancing, and music of people who have been partying longer. I remember seeing Ron P. Calef, Voodoo Ray, Ejoe, Chris, etc party with older pG, abd Loft members . Today u do not see that. Times are really missed.

DJ. Alex. Thank u for spending your time on a Sunday night @ T.I.S. Peace Always Hello Will ,

Very warm words there bro you mention Basil highly as so many others do as well as Manski .
Very importantly you mentioned how those guys Basil , Manski , Nick Jones and Victor tried to keep the spirit of Larry going as well . This an important note because the importance of playing with the musically open minded style is what imho missing so much from our nights out . Even though there are a few more dj's pulling suprises out and lacing the floor with it ! .
Also what appealed to me from hearing about places like The Choice was a spot where it is dark , minimal with a serious soundsystem , relatively small and all about the dancing .
People from the different era's not dancing together seems suprising to me though I can't understand that at all , I met some real cool older people on my laast trip and it showed that a few still out there support this culture and to some a way of life and talk and discuss it still so passionately .

Peace Alex .

P.S It was my pleasure visiting TIS and it was a double bonus as I met other people that night who I would not have met otherwise .
You have a special night indeed and I tell anyone who asks where to hit while in NY go to Together In Spirit - lovely ;) .

[Tenyu]

Originally posted by wil milton:
DJ. Alex,

Basil is one of the most influential DJ's of the post garage era. I say this because Basil would throw on records that U would not expect. Not saying he was trying to be like Larry, But Basil, Manski, Nick Jones, Victor kept the spirit of Larry alive. I remember Basil playing a full hour of Sade, and played Secret Gardens by Quincy Jones during the peak. I will always be a student of Dj's such as these. I remember a night @ Redzone when Mankski played on the top level. He tore the night up. Heads will always remember that night. In the day, the veterans and new blood would dance the night in as one core. The difference, in regards to today was the newer blood, as it is safe to say, was willing to learn about the culture of dancing, and music of people who have been partying longer. I remember seeing Ron P. Calef, Voodoo Ray, Ejoe, Chris, etc party with older pG, abd Loft members . Today u do not see that. Times are really missed.

DJ. Alex. Thank u for spending your time on a Sunday night @ T.I.S. Peace Always do you mean that there are no regular young heads at TIS?

[Dj Alex]

Hello Tenyu,

I'm not a regular but I saw some young heads there .

Peace Alex . :D

[Ron la Rock]

the choice,
dirty,RAW,gully,afterhours,woodplankfloors,
nasty lil bathroom,them damm ballons,djbooth in the middle of the floor,Basil/Manski/Larrylevan/
Joeyllanos/Richardvasquez/Victor/Kim/Barry(rip)Hector/watching Cheryl&April dance hail.gif /that puuuccnnhhh/rice&beans/the crowddeep2freakz/
the music from chi-acid2soul2soul ill classics&loft playlist/them bigass rats (the real security)
can u say
U D E R G R O U N D

i remeber asking a friend who your talking to? graemlins/conf44.gif
refering to the guy with the beard I keep seeing usaully around the end of the night
"well who's that the cleanin dude"
no that's David Mancuso
OOOOHHHHHH

laterz
graemlins/cool_shades.gif

[Ron la Rock]

don't know if todays (lilithfair) headz could hang

[D J 1 3 8]

Originally posted by DJ 138:
Can anyone confirm that they did have an official "last night party" or did they close un-announced? BUMP for this question...

[Ron la Rock]

Originally posted by DJ 138:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by DJ 138:
Can anyone confirm that they did have an official "last night party" or did they close un-announced? BUMP for this question... </font>[/QUOTE]can't remember graemlins/conf44.gif

[Tee Cee 13]

Originally posted by Maria:
The Choice parties were held in the same space as the Loft parties, they rented the space from David. Third Street between Avenue B and Avenue C right next door to Nuyorican Poets Cafe. It was an old silent movie theatre which was gutted out, humongous ceilings.... but David would be able to tell you more about this. No fancy lights, there's nothing better than dancing with a little red light on. It provides a freedom that is impossible with the thievery of the strobe light which predominates club experiences today. ------------------------
Nicely said Maria.... I wouldn't have put it better myself.. It was nice seeing you at David's last party. See ya at the next one.. Loft it out!
The reason why the sound system sounded good, was because It was David's Klips & Mark Levenson Amps. That did the trick.....

[Tee Cee 13]

Originally posted by Dj Alex:
I was listening to Larry Levan's closing night @ The Choice a little while ago as well as Robert Owen's set there . I also read up on Underground Archives with Richard vasquez interview which was really interesting . I wanted to find out more about the club from anyone who went there about the dj's , memories etc . from what I read it was really dark and it had a great soundsystem sounds like my kinda place . I would love to hear more , does anyone have any other mixes from the club ? .

Peace and thanks Alex . :rolleyes: ;)

Ron Paizley you don't respond to your London brother no more ha ha.. :D --------------------------
If this sounds like your kind of place then u gotta come to the next loft Party to get a blast from the past.... Very Good Topic Dj Alex

[Dj Alex]

Originally posted by Ron paizley:
the choice,
dirty,RAW,gully,afterhours,woodplankfloors,
nasty lil bathroom,them damm ballons,djbooth in the middle of the floor,Basil/Manski/Larrylevan/
Joeyllanos/Richardvasquez/Victor/Kim/Barry(rip)Hector/watching Cheryl&April dance hail.gif /that puuuccnnhhh/rice&beans/the crowddeep2freakz/
the music from chi-acid2soul2soul ill classics&loft playlist/them bigass rats (the real security)
can u say
U D E R G R O U N D

i remeber asking a friend who your talking to? graemlins/conf44.gif
refering to the guy with the beard I keep seeing usaully around the end of the night
"well who's that the cleanin dude"
no that's David Mancuso
OOOOHHHHHH

laterz
graemlins/cool_shades.gif Easy Ron,

You know how to tease a brother with the reminiscing right ! . Ray said you could fill in more about the dance competitions ? .
And continuing my long ass winded questions about the ever so suprising and intresting records played in NY what were some of the mad records you were getting off to at the Choice ? .
Will listed some nice cuts alot of what I was familliar with as I was raving heavilly at that time to those records in London - the chi/detroit ones that is.. .

Peace to you and Al .

P.S :rolleyes: :D And how comes no-one ever has any more tapes from those parties .

Respect to David again for giving the sanctuary once more to those who needed it .

Alex

[Dj Alex]

Originally posted by T.C.:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Dj Alex:
I was listening to Larry Levan's closing night @ The Choice a little while ago as well as Robert Owen's set there . I also read up on Underground Archives with Richard vasquez interview which was really interesting . I wanted to find out more about the club from anyone who went there about the dj's , memories etc . from what I read it was really dark and it had a great soundsystem sounds like my kinda place . I would love to hear more , does anyone have any other mixes from the club ? .

Peace and thanks Alex . :rolleyes: ;)

Ron Paizley you don't respond to your London brother no more ha ha.. :D --------------------------
If this sounds like your kind of place then u gotta come to the next loft Party to get a blast from the past.... Very Good Topic Dj Alex </font>[/QUOTE]Thanks T.C ,

I have been fortunate to visit the Loft twice in its' later stages :D graemlins/thumbsup.gif , once in London and at the 33rd Aniversary in Feb in NY . I am now waiting to workout again in June when David visits London again .
I kinda miss partying till 8 in the morning here though apart from when Plastic's has it's 6am specials and we do our warehouse bashes .
there is something about dancing and seeing a night through you know ! .

Peace Alex .