Danny Howells: Bedrock, Nubreed and the Art of Not Playing the Obvious Record

If Danny Howells rings a bell but you can't immediately attach him to one sacred mix CD, that's almost part of the appeal. He warmed up for Bedrock for nine years, played Renaissance, Ministry of Sound and Twilo, made records as Squelch and Science Department, mixed Nocturnal Frequencies and delivered Nubreed 002. The Bedrock warm-up years are important here: playing before Digweed is a different job from trying to deliver a peak-time compilation every week. His recorded work makes room for house, deeper grooves and surprising selections. Put the early club history next to the later mix CDs and the thread is curiosity rather than a fixed signature anthem.