Getting To Know… Teddy Douglas
f: Hi Teddy, it’s a pleasure to chat with you today. How are you?
Teddy Douglas: Thank you for having me; I am great. Thanks. I am very excited about the release of my new album, ‘I’m Here’.
f: What was the first dance record you bought?
Teddy Douglas: Martin Circus – Disco Circus [Prelude Records] Extended Version 1977
f: As one of the legendary Basement Boys production teams since the 90s with Jay Steinhour and Thommy Davis, how did the Baltimore House sound come about?
T.D: The Basement Boys sound came about from the three of us experimenting with an 8-track tape machine, an SP1200 drum machine, and early Yamaha samplers, along with talented musicians Mark Harris and Neal Conway were all part of the original sound that was created in Jay Steinhour’s basement.
f: What defines the original Baltimore House sound, and how has that grown or changed?
T.D: The fusion of all three of our influences. A hard, driving, heavy kick drum, something melodic, something memorable, and always a little Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.. lol. It has not changed at all. Even on my new LP, the same applies. But this time I wanted to expand my creativity and work to create a cohesive record that told a story, while still keeping to my roots.
f: What were your three key moments back then as producers?
T.D: The top 3 key moments have to be:
1 Getting signed by A&R Cynthia Cherry Jump St Records. Our single made it on the ‘Welcome To The Club’ compilation,
2 Discovering Ultra Naté and having a bidding war over ‘It’s Over Now,’ but ultimately signed with WEA UK, then worldwide. That was a game-changer.
3 Receiving a cassette tape of a jazz duo called Modern Art. The demo lead singer was Crystal Waters, whom we hijacked from the group… and the rest is history.
f: You’ve worked with Michael Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Crystal Waters, Erykah Badu, Martha Wash Ultra Naté, and many more; who else would you love to work with?
T.D: I would love to work with Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight and Patti Labelle.
f: Your debut solo album ‘I’m Here’ has just been released on Nervous Records. How does it all sound?
T.D: It sounds amazing!! Herb Powers mastered the record. We go way back. He is a master at his craft. My two engineers, Bill Pratt and Greg Lewis, helped me create the vision, and it was a lot of fun.
f: What’s the story behind the title ‘I’m Here’?
T.D: The story behind the LP is in 2006, I left the music business, sold the studio, and moved to York, Pennsylvania. While living there, I wrote a few angry tunes, such as ‘Star in the Ghetto’, ‘Help!’, and ‘I’m Here’. I played these songs for Mike Weiss, president of Nervous Records, who thought that It would be a great story – my first debut LP. I then began to work on the sound of the record… And then wrote a few more original song collaborations with George Correia, Fast Eddie and Richard Farrell.
f: Being largely known as a House Music producer, what inspired you to take a more eclectic and solo approach to making this album project?
T.D: I knew I did not want to make a house compilation album featuring different singers. I wanted a record that told a story. With that in mind, it naturally went to other tempos and styles as long as it was danceable.
f: Did you enjoy the process of working with different genres, and will you be doing more of it?
T.D: I loved making this record. I always wanted to work with live violins and cellos, which I did on ‘Second Hand Smoke’ and ‘Help!’. Yes, I will always do what I feel in my heart, not what is trending.
f: Among many great collaborative artists on the album, such as Pauline Taylor, Sipho, Ultra Naté and more, there is also a track with Hip House legend Fast Eddie, ‘House Music’; what was it like working with Eddie?
T.D: Fast Eddie and I go way back. It was an honour to have him on the record. ‘House Music’ is my tribute to the early pioneers of Chicago House. They totally inspired the Basement Boys.
f: And how’s the album going down so far in your DJ sets?
T.D: Really great, thanks! ‘House Music’, ‘Searching For Your Love’, ‘Tonight’ and ‘Don’t Turn Your Back On Me’ are all DANCE FLOOR BOMBS!!!!!!
f: As a DJ, which three records never leave your box?
T.D:
Labelle – What Can I Do For You
Mass Order – Lift Every Voice
Marshall Jefferson – House Music Anthem
f: Back in 2023, you released ‘A Tribute to Q’ EP – paying homage to the legend Quincy Jones, who sadly passed away recently. What about Quincy’s music made him such a special producer and composer for you?
T.D: Quincy is special to all producers. He is the goat. I loved the way he used his roots in jazz arrangements and blended Michael Jackson’s soulful/ pop production. Just brilliant!!
f: Finally, please name three essential Teddy Douglas productions that we need to check out.
T.D:
Teddy Douglas, Luis Radio – The Violin
Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)
Mass Order – Lift Every Voice (Take Me Away)
Teddy Douglas’s ‘I’m Here’ Album is available now on vinyl and all digital & streaming sites on Nervous Records.