About 2000 people decided Oakenfold was worth $50.00. Not me. I was at The Commodore that night but Oakenfold was a superfluous detail. My money was spent on Hernn Cattaneo.



Few, if any, Vancouverites will be aware of this master but his talent and rock climber good looks are imprinted on most other clubbers minds. In the international scene Cattaneo is a king. He just finished a two year residency at Cream, toured as the opening DJ for Oakenfolds North American tour for the second time, ranked #19 on the DJ Mag Top 100 list for this year, and has just released a new compilation CD. But, most importantly (and the reason why this review will be kind of biased though Ill try really hard to stay objective and unpatriotic), Hernn Cattaneo is from Argentina (so am I), he was resident at Pacha Buenos Aires (my favourite place in the whole world) for about eight years, and hes the ultimate electronica vanguard in the entire continent of South America. Plus, hes way hot. And he smokes (but I didnt find that out til that evening).



So, on December 13th I was one of those keeners waiting outside of The Commodore before the club even opened. I dont know why everyone else was there but I was damned if I was going to miss even a second of Cattaneos set. I hadnt heard him live since March and I was exalted with nerves as I planned to ask him for an interview.



In reality, I was hoping for a two-hour excerpt of one of those six-hour sets that I had heard many a time at Pacha but, alas, it wasnt to be. Seeing as he was the opening DJ and protocol dictated a tranquil two hours, he delivered a very low calorie set.



However, his spinning was spot on and his selection was perfect. He definitely catered to the Vancouver crowd with his progressive house that sometimes teetered (dangerously) close to being sexy or funky at times. It was all very sedate yet those who wished to dance could shake it comfortably. He started ultra soft and with a very low volume. I guess thats a good thing as that meant the early clubbers could sip their lager and highballs without getting too excited for the main attraction and could maintain a conversation without having to scream to their date.



The last twenty minutes of his set were awesome. I must admit that he didnt really build up to those last few tracks and that was a bit of a disappointment. He leaped from one tempo and feeling to another in a most abrupt manner. As well, suddenly the volume increased dramatically. The outcome, though, was fantastic. In just a few minutes about half the club ran towards the dance floor. I dont know if it was because they enjoyed Cattaneos music or because they were jumpy with anticipation. Either way, Cattaneo had everyone dancing and sufficiently excited for the presentation of their beloved Oakenfold.



I only heard about ten minutes of Oakenfolds set but I liked it. I hadnt heard him play before but I was well versed in all the hype that surrounded him and, therefore, had no desire to hear him. The high point of those ten minutes was when he put on Layo & Bushwacka!s Love Story. I know its been terribly over-played but its such a great song. As well, its one of the few tracks that you can sing along to without looking like a total idiot (and I sang along).



I doubt Cattaneo will be back in Vancouver soon but if you should find yourself in one of the clubbing capitals of the world its probable that you will have the chance to see him and experience the beauty and sweetness of one of his sets. If you get that chance, go. You will not be disappointed especially if you like progressive and deep house and trance. And ladies: Hes single and Argentine in all the right ways so you may wish to try your hand.