TranceAddict Forums (www.tranceaddict.com/forums)
- Music Discussion
-- Anthony Pappa vs. Danny Howells
Pages (2): [1] 2 »

Anthony Pappa vs. Danny Howells

Who has better sets and mixes?

Pappa. Even if we assume the track listing is equal. Pappa is technically the better DJ by a long shot

The only two "big" erstwhile prog DJs I've never seen live, although I am finally seeing Danny Howells in a couple of weeks.

Technically, Anthony Pappa is definitely better. In fact, he's just about as good as it gets from a technical standpoint- the guy didn't win the DMC World Championship by accident. Musically he perhaps didn't stand out from the crowd quite as much. Howells always had more of a funky bone, and as time has gone on he's refined a very distinctive disco-edged chunky sound. My only worry about seeing him in a club is whether he's now a bit too soft and funky to really peak a night. Guess I'll find out in two weeks.

Pappa, easily.

Howells will alwys have that epic closing set at ARC in 2004



but Pappa is better

This is a weird question if the context is over a 20 year span. They really were only comparable from about 1997 to 2003. Howells clearly went away from prog after that (his GU in Miami is the best evidence of that) and Pappa seemed to follow the tech house extravaganza that Digweed/Sasha etc were playing.

I think they're both extremely good in different ways. Pappa for his technical ability and Howells for his versatility in marathon sets. Those are the pros of each and they're both note worthy.

Subjectively, I would swing more to Pappa's end as his dark, tribal prog sets from 00-02 were legendary. He really tried to push it as far as it could go.

quote:

Originally posted by SPANIARD This is a weird question if the context is over a 20 year span. They really were only comparable from about 1997 to 2003. Howells clearly went away from prog after that (his GU in Miami is the best evidence of that) and Pappa seemed to follow the tech house extravaganza that Digweed/Sasha etc were playing.

But did Pappa and Howells shake off the 'prog dj' label? It's like a catch-all term to describe them but yeah, I didn't factor in a 20 year span

quote:

Originally posted by Mattsanity But did Pappa and Howells shake off the 'prog dj' label?

Is it really relevant though? Most of the time those kinds of terms are ploys by promotion teams to bring in customers. I'm not even sure how they're billed any more nor does it really matter IMO.

quote:

Originally posted by SPANIARD Is it really relevant though? Most of the time those kinds of terms are ploys by promotion teams to bring in customers. I'm not even sure how they're billed any more nor does it really matter IMO.

If they're not comparable beyond 2003, then I guess not.

quote:

Originally posted by Mattsanity If they're not comparable beyond 2003, then I guess not.

What does Pappa do that is technical and impressive? I don�t know anything about him. Like a Zabiela type dj?

quote:

Originally posted by Guest What does Pappa do that is technical and impressive? I don�t know anything about him. Like a Zabiela type dj?

He did a 4 hour inflight mix for Emirates Airlines this past march and it's highly lauded for being a musical journey for the passengers.

https://www.mixcloud.com/anthonypap...mix-march-2021/

This is a real meeting of minds between you two, right here.

If you listen to Pappa's sets from the vinyl era, not only are his transitions very long, absolutely airtight and almost always in key (back before algorithms told you that kind of thing), but he wasn't averse to throwing in acapellas, doing little spinbacks and all kinds of other tricks you don't normally hear from prog DJs. Not ostentatious like Zabiela, almost more like an extremely talented DJ keeping himself entertained between mixes.

That said, Danny Howells was no slouch at smooth mixing either.

Also, in a delightful twist, Quivver has been added to the lineup of the Howells night, so even if Danny doesn't bang it, Mr Graham definitely will.

quote:

Originally posted by SYSTEM-J Also, in a delightful twist, Quivver has been added to the lineup of the Howells night, so even if Danny doesn't bang it, Mr Graham definitely will.

What is this post-covid clubbing utopia. That sounds darned good. Lucky man.

I must hear this Anthony Pappa

quote:

Originally posted by Guest I must hear this Anthony Pappa

Yes sir. I'm embarrassed to not have heard a James Zabiela set yet. I must tune in.

I've never seen Pappa live nor have as much familiarity with him as Howells (who I've seen live a whole bunch of times), but as far as personal taste goes, I prefer Howells for his diversity and type of music he plays. And his marathon mixes are legendary for me (Arc 2004 as mentioned earlier... so happy to have gotten to witness that night live)

quote:

Originally posted by SYSTEM-J Also, in a delightful twist, Quivver has been added to the lineup of the Howells night, so even if Danny doesn't bang it, Mr Graham definitely will.

How do you regard modern Quivver productions? Anything from 2010 onward.

Graham is ageing well.

quote:

Originally posted by Guest How do you regard modern Quivver productions? Anything from 2010 onward.

He makes stompy tech house these days with some vaguely proggy layers on top. I've bought a couple of his modern tunes but I don't really play them much. I think "Response" and his dub of "Ain't Nothing Going On But The Rent" are the ones I play.

He's good fun as a DJ though. Not much artistry but non-stop techy bangers. That sound is great in a club.

My preference is for Howells. Have seen both numerous times over the years, but actually the last time I saw Pappa was 2003 so uh. Shrug. I'll get my coat. Lulz.

quote:

Originally posted by SYSTEM-J He makes stompy tech house these days with some vaguely proggy layers on top. I've bought a couple of his modern tunes but I don't really play them much. I think "Response" and his dub of "Ain't Nothing Going On But The Rent" are the ones I play. He's good fun as a DJ though. Not much artistry but non-stop techy bangers. That sound is great in a club.

Ah yes. I stumbled on the Gwen Guthrie remake in your Return of Business Prog mix. Great track. That's a fun mix all around...still in my car list.

Oh thanks, I didn't realise you'd listened to it.

quote:

Originally posted by Guest I must hear this Anthony Pappa

This is no bad place to start (full tracklist here)

Thanks I'm going to come back to this thread and check out the 2 Anthony Pappa recommendations. Right now though I'm trying to make it all the way through the Danny Howells Final Set @ Arc mix (10.5hrs) without accidentally hitting the skip button in my car. I never made it through before. Always been bits and pieces scattered.

Powered by: vBulletin
Copyright © 2000-2021, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.