I'd like to add that this practice doesn't work without discretion, well know classics are to be avoided IMHO, it's a technique that works best with less familiar titles. I appreciate peoples more purist perspective and it's not something I ever do listening to albums at home but playing out is a different matter.
Aye up all, insomnia has given me time to pose this question; what was the first venue or and recording to use additional pitch to enhance a tune. I know many will deplore the tactic but personally my slider is seldom at zero. I've even been known to pitch down.
I've said it before, can't believe I have this event on my doorstep, you simply don't hear the quality and diversity of music, anywhere else I've been, that you'll get at FTMNTC.
In terms of promoting an underground dance scene, mixing records ect. Obviously they didn't get into production in the same way but non the less both the British dj's along with George power, froggy ect were doing very similar things to new York and Chicago, at that time, musically without the fanfare.
Good point kev, 20th century dj's been done to death, mind you some, like Butch, are just as relevant as ever. Best I've heard this century, I'd add Tom McGrath, Sean Haydon, Dean Read and Johnny Weston after that set last weekend
Colin's contribution goes way beyond the soul spectrum along with Greg Wilson the part they played, in terms of dance music, is equal to that of Larry levan and Frankie Knuckles.