 |
As a young boy Frank was exposed to house music at an early age. Tuning in every Friday and Saturday night to the latest mixes from the legendary Hot Mix 5 on 102.7 fm WBMX. It was only a matter of time until he would begin sharing his love for HOUSE music. Having bought his first set of turntables at the age of 14, Frank clearly remembers saving up his money and begging his older sister to drive him to the local record store and buying his first record "Voices" by KC Flight. Soon after the techno fad of the early 90's swept through Chicago, and HOUSE music seemed a thing of the past. It wasn't until shortly before Frank turned 21 that he began going out in the Chicago scene. He was fortunate to experience the closing party at the legendary Shelter and heard Ralphi Rosario spin a mesmerizing set, and frank remembered how enchanting HOUSE music could be. Frustrated that it was difficult to find a nice club that played good HOUSE music in the very city where it was created, inspired Frank to get back behind the turntables and bring his music to the masses. Frank describes his style as "funky, soulful, positive, and uplifting, there is something about HOUSE music that just moves your soul, you just have to give in to the music". Today Frank has established himself as an up & coming DJ with hopes to one day make the inevitable transition to producer. As one half of the B&R project, and a member of Xess entertainment, Frank has had the opportunity to open for many well respected house DJ's, and work at some of Chicago's hottest venues.
The B&R Project, AKA Jon Huang & Frank Solano, began with two guys that shared a love for House music. Frank first met Jon in 2000, on campus at the University of Illinois Chicago. They soon learned that they had mixing in common, and Frank was invited to play along with Jon at a local campus bar. After a successful opening night, Frank & Jon began a weekly Tuesday residency that still exists today. "We were the first that saw the potential of Beviamo Winebar, we knew it was perfect for relaxing, lounging, and listening to some soothing house music." Today Beviamo Winebar, has become a Mecca for Chicago house music with several different house DJ's, such as Greg Norwood, Chicago legend Mark Grant, and promoters, such as 3 degrees, and Xess. Together they are building a solid reputation of providing good music nightly. From then on Frank & Jon continued to work together, and began getting booked to play together at numerous events. " When we began getting booked we had this mentality that we just wanted to have fun! Forget about set times, I would play a couple tracks then you play a couple and lets have fun, and take all these people with us!" After several successful parties The B&R Project was born. "Jon and I each have our own stuff going on, so when we had to play together we decided to call ourselves the B&R Project, It has a special meaning that only few people know about." "When we got in this thing we didn't say Hey lets tag team, and maybe we can become famous and tour the world, NO, we play for the people, whether 20 heads or 2000, when we get on the decks we play for the love of the music!" I can't really describe why we started the B&R project? I love playing alongside Jon, we know our styles and we work off each other, I know when Jon is going to change tempo's or work up a crowd or bring them down, I know what he wants to do with the mix, where he wants to take the crowd." "Jon, being a classically trained musician, gives him a great ear for superb production; my extensive knowledge of house music makes us a perfect combination. Jon will work the crowd up with a solid house cut, and I will knock them on their ass with an old school jam they haven't heard in ages."
The success of the B&R project, has given them the opportunity to be residents at sweet & lowdown Fridays at Zentra, and perform guest spots at numerous venues around the city. They have had the privilege to open up for many respected DJ's here is a small list: Eddie Amador, H foundation, Gene Farris, Pete Moss, David Alvarado, Kevin Yost, JT Donaldson, Doc Martin, Marques Wyatt, Johnny Fiasco, Derrick Carter, Pound Boys, and many more.
<<< BACK
|
|
