Legendary label/party Hard Times honour their late family member Michael Watford with a revisited remix package of ‘Love Change Over’ with all monies going to Michael’s family.
Born in Virginia in the late 1950’s, Michael Watford was born into a musical gospel family. Raised in New Jersey Rev. Betty Brower of the Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church and his step father George Brower, who was also a gospel singer, the music ran deep in the veins of Watford. From his early days as part of the gospel quartet, the Mack Zion Rens to Watford’s first record, ‘Baby Love’, a collaboration with New Jersey house collective Smack, featured on This Is Garage in 1989, it was quickly recognised that Michael’s voice was something sent down from the heavens above.
Watford’s career gained traction quickly in the mid 90’s, ‘Michael’s Prayer’, ‘Happy Man’, ‘So Into You’ and ‘Love To The World’ were all fan favourites and were picked up by remixers like Roger Sanchez and Bobby D’Ambrosio. But Michael’s biggest days were yet to come. Step in Mirfield-founded super party ‘Hard Times‘. Founded by Steve ‘Rubel’ Raine , Donna Skinner and Pete Jenkinson, the party was steeped in American house and garage sauce. Names like Kenny Dope, Louie Vega, David Morales, Lord G, Roger Sanchez, DJ Sneak, DJ Disciple joined resident Miles Holloway and Elliot Eastwick on a weekly basis and quickly became one of the norths biggest parties.
In 1995 ‘Love Change Over’ was released on the Hard Times label. Produced by Farley & Heller, the track was a massive UK club cut. Though the years Dj Pierre, Salt City Orchestra, Sandy Rivera, Alex Arnout and Ricky Morrison have all touched the esteemed gospel house groove and all have been well received. Although in more recent years Michael moved away from music slightly and found love in new careers, the worlds club scene forever held Michael close to their heart.
Sadly in January 2024, Michael Watford passed away. The dance communities outpouring of grief and respect showed that Michael had never really gone far for the earshot of the massive. Hard Times, Heller & Farley, Roger Sanchez, Defected Records, Louie Vega, Barbara Tucker and Dave Lee were just some of the thousands of names to pay homage to Watford.
It’s Fair to Say that ‘Michael Watford’ played a major part in the success of both our club and record label. He performed many times for ‘Hard Times’ and we would become great friends ..We are Sad to hear that Michael our friend has passed away and so we send our love and thoughts RIP Micheal Watford x Steve Raine, Hard Times
To celebrate the life of Michael Watford, Hard Times have put together a new re-edit package of the 2016 remix package. Versions from Sandy Rivera, Alex Arnout and Ricky Morrison have all retouched their versions gladly and of course for free. Sandy Rivera’s New Jersey roots are a perfect match for Watfords gospel tones. His ‘Old School Mix’ is a deliciously deep groove, bubbling with bulbous bass tones and murky synth glitches, this is ‘Love Change Over’ in a flipped mood, dark and ominous but beautifully crafted.
A bonafide stalwart of the UK’s electronic music community Alex Arnout has recently appeared on our pages with his tracks on Jack’s House Recordings. The multi faceted artist drives the track deep underground. With low-slung bass lines, heavily swung drum lines and maddening organ chords, this is deep house in its full flowering.
One half of esteemed production duo M&S, Ricky Morrison is the sound of UK Garage from the 80’s/90’s. His ‘Klub 2024′ mix is an uplifting, rhythmic groove full of promise, love and Watford’s first love; gospel spirit. The string bass, the chic-type guitar licks and disco-esque strings and keys all combine to bring Watfords’ vocals profoundly riding home to the arms of his lord.
Overall this is a lovely touch from Hard Times, and with all proceeds going directly to Michael’s family, this is a release for both old heads and for newer heads, the likes of the Glitterbox newcomers and in fact for any music lover. With a heart felt firmness we say god bless you Michael Watford, may you rest in eternal peace.
The ‘Re-Edited For 2024’ package is available via Hard Times digitally from April 5th, 2024. Have an exclusive sneak peek below and pre-order here.
