Larry Heard

:: Larry Heard ::

Mr. Larry Heard is one of the greatest musical inspirations of my life. You may know him as Mr. Fingers or Fingers, Inc. but this is the man behind those monikers.

It's difficult to describe one's appreciation for a person who has been able to take so many people to nirvana through music.

Mr. Heard is largely responsible for why I sit in my studio and stare aimlessly at the equipment hours on end, struggling to give through my music for what seems like child's play to him.

I first heard Larry's "Can You Feel It" in a Farley Jackmaster Funk mix recorded from the airwaves of the now defunct 102.7 WBMX. Farley's a founding member of the original Hotmix 5 and is still one of the funkiest guys around with two turntables.

I can remember "Can You Feel It" fading in and it truly seems like a critical part of my life began at that moment. Life felt cacooned, evolving to that defining moment. A genuine sense of freedom blossomed in me after listening to it the first time (out of many).

"How could someone put the essence of my life on wax?" I felt. Many of us offer well meaning nods of homage to this song along with the other spiritual works Mr. Heard has offered to the world.

However, I look at my contributions a bit differently in that I'm trying to connect with the spirit that has guided Mr. Heard in making such masterpieces.

Hopefully I'll reach that rendezvous one day. Wherever Mr. Heard decides to journey in his music, we should pay due respect and be observant as he is truly a prophet of intelligent emotions.

Yours in spirit,
Chris Gray

Visit Larry Heard's Official Website.