Episode 37: Epic Maui Journey 8 (The Golden Hour)

Mixed Emotions by Brian Norwood

Let me tell you an awesome story. I played Epic Maui Journey on the beach every year for 7 years (until 2021 of course) and we were hoping for its return in 2022. Unfortunately because of restrictions on Maui that were lifted too late to give most people time to plan we weren't able to pull together an official party again. But 2020 and 2021 being what they had been (especially to me personally) I decided to go ahead and go to Maui this year -- official party or not. I assumed it would be a very small gathering of maybe 10 of us. It mattered not. I wanted to be on Maui with Billy and the few friends I knew were going. Imagine my surprise when I got there and realized that several dozen of our closest friends had made the journey to experience the magic. We were smart enough to have a large enough of a sound system that we were able to permeate the beach with outstanding sound -- something we knew was a must even if there had been only 5 of us on the beach. Amazingly enough...even though there was no party per se...well, one happened anyway. There must have been between 50-75 of us on the beach that day and the same magic happened as it always does. The music was loud, the love was abundant and the magic was real. One very special thing that got to happen this year was that I was not held captive behind the DJ booth performing live. There was no live set from me; only pre-recorded music that then allowed me to play and frolic with my friends and allowed me to see this party through their eyes and experience it just as they always have. Wow. Let me tell you what a rare and magical experience it is. I always knew it was. But to experience it from "the other side" of the DJ booth was very special for me (and something I'm actually considering for next year). More on that later. Originally Billy and I had decided that this year would not be called EMJ8 because it wasn't *official*. But upon it happening the way it did we have decided that we would in fact called this year #8 and next year #9. But because of the outpouring of love and support from so many people the party really did happen - if only a little different this year. So....prepare for number NINE next year. ;-)
Now...about this music: Sunsets are serious business. They are big, powerful and mysterious. Knowing that I decided to pre-record one set for the hour of the day that is most special to me (and surely everyone else there) and call it The Golden Hour. These are the hours where late afternoon is awash in a golden hue that is almost indescribable. So it was important to me to put together a big, powerful and mysterious soundtrack to match the big, powerful and mysterious show that the Sun was giving us. And now that recording is my gift to you. It's important to keep the scenery in mind as you listen to this set. I specifically chose these songs for how they would affect us in that very moment. These are songs that were chosen to pull at our heartstrings as the giant golden globe was casting it's mysterious glow upon us as it slipped below the horizon of the Pacific. And as it slipped below the horizon we all burst into thunderous applause -- and all was right with the world -- if just for that very moment. From my heart -- to your ears.
#/Artist/Title/Remix
01. Solarstone/Seven Cities/Highlandr Extneded
02. Sigma/Hope/KC Lights Extended
03. Echoes/Human/John Summit Extended Mix
04. Paul Reid/Cafe Del Mar/White Island Re-Work
05. York/On The Beach/Kryder & JenJammin Sax Mix
06. Robert Miles/Children/Tinlicker Extended Mix
07. Thrillseekers/Amber/Hydra's Altered State Mix
08. Roy Rosenfeld/The Biggest Heart/Original Mix
09. Keymos/Sky Cities/Extended Mix
10. Craig Armstrong/Marelle/Paul Oakenfold Remix
11. Sons of Maria/Right Here/Extended Mix
12. Solid Sessions/Janeiro/Jody Wisternoff Extended