ArtistInfo

James Ratcliff

Dance
A.k.a. Urban Groove (2)

Since discovering house music over a decade ago, James feels the groove is in his blood. Having found the soulful sound coming across from New York irresistible, the evolution from playing records into production was a natural one. Classically trained in music at school, James spent a student loan on an akai sampler and sequencer and the rest as they say - is history... With influences stemming from mentors such as Quincy Jones, Bill Evans, Gamble & Huff, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass though to MAW & Jazz n Groove, James has sprinkled his magic dust on to a whole manner of projects including a remix of Byron Stingily's smash "U Turn Me" on Azuli Records with Jeremy B, along with other projects including Blaze, Kenny Bobien, Simone, Bah Samba, Leroy Burgess, The Reese Project, Julian Jonah, Ultra Naté, Tara McDonald, Lisa Millet, Amanda Wilson, Tommy Blaize, Pete Simpson, Big Moses and Shena to name but a few. Having hooked up with Bobby & Steve in 2000, James has since established himself as an in-house producer for their Zoo Groove Stereo Label. Together James and the Zoo Twins regularly turn out top-notch productions including their smash "Brotherly Love" and the scorcher "Deeper in Love" featuring acclaimed vocalists Barbara Tucker and Bryan Chambers. Having DJ´ed since before he can now remember, playing to a crowd is something James feels passionate about. Over the years he has taken his soulful sounds to London clubs such as The Ministry Of Sound, Garage City, Turnmills, Herbal and Zoo Groove Stereo through to the likes of El Divino in Ibiza and Soul on The Bech in Miami. James´ passion for the soulful side of house music, fused with a deep technical understanding has allowed him to express his creativity with great effect. Whether it's writing, arranging, producing, recording or dj´ing, you can pretty much guarantee he's bumping a beat as we speak!