May 2014 introduces Jeff Craven to the Tahanan family.
Very few people can make a claim to success like Jeff Craven. As DJ and Label Owner, he has left an indelible mark on the world of Dance Music. His format and business model for the great Large Music has been copied many times over, a fact that Jeff wryly considers to be "the highest form of flattery."
Jeff Craven began spinning records in the summer of 1988 while a student in St. Louis Missouri. His format then was always eclectic, playing alternative records from bands like Front 242 and Nitzer Ebb with the occasional House record thrown into the mix. Jeff's love of Chicago House eventually took over, however, and he moved to Chicago in 1990.
While making the rounds as a DJ in Chicago clubs during the early 90’s, Jeff found that many Chicago House music artists were struggling to have their music heard. Jeff started his own record label, Large, to feature this fresh crop of Chicago talent. With an artist roster including such luminaries as DJ Sneak, Roy Davis Jr., and DJ Rasoul, Large Music soon became the most prominent and influential House music label in the universe.
Large Music’s shining rise to commercial success came in the fall of 1998 when Roy Davis Jr.’s hit single “Gabriel” hit the UK Pop Top 20. A slew of hits followed after that from Kerri Chandler, Miguel Migs, and newcomer Dennis Ferrer. Throughout this period, Jeff maintained a street level credibility with Large, releasing classic records that continued to push the underground sensibility of House Music.
As a DJ, Jeff has played all over the world including Germany, Canada, France, England and Sweden. He was the opening DJ for jazz legend Herbie Hancock in Stockholm, and has played alongside Blue Note recording artist St. Germain at the Moulin Rouge in Paris. He has also appeared in almost every major club in Chicago including Smart Bar, Red Dog, Zentra, Spy Bar, Big Wig and Lava Lounge. Jeff has appeared on numerous radio programs including London’s infamous Kiss FM, Radio FG in Paris, and Chicago’s very own Q101. His DJ style has been described as “soulful” and “jazzy” with a slight influence of techno.
Tracklist
1. Nacho Marco- Middays- Madhouse Promo
2. Homero Espinosa- Give It To Me (Fred Everything Remix)- Moulton Music
3. Giom- The Move- Nu Jaxx
4. Deejay MiMMo- Together (Roland Nights Remix)- Deep Deluxe Recordings
5. Lars Vegas & Cleavage- Grace- Toolroom
6. Ross Crouch- You and Me- Body Rhythm
7. Abstract Source feat. Elliot Chapman- Day To Night (Deep Future Remix) - Large Music Promo
8. Deeplomatik- The Promise Land- Salted
9. Copy Paste Soul- Monday (Audio Jack Remix)- Gruuv
10. OOFT!- B. Whistle Time- Foto Recordings Promo
11. 6th Borough Project- Home Alone- Instruments of Rapture
Good People, Great Music
