"Nah...can't do that baby."

Dear Mr. Paul Johnson,

I just want to share with you the tremendous effect you have had on me and my musical taste buds. I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting you last night after your set at Chicago's Lumen night club. I was anxious all day leading up to that point. See, this is what you need to know...

I heard the name "Paul Johnson" while on vacation in Paris in April 2000. I had just gotten into techno and house music, and my friends and I decided to check out some discos. I heard the hypnotic and funky "Get Get Down" and needed to know where this music came from. In true Jasmina fashion, I asked the DJ, who informed me it was a track by this American DJ/producer Paul Johnson. So you know I went home and started researching this man and discovered a world of groovy house music. And I need to thank you for that.

Fast forward just over nine years, and here we are today. My good friend, Joshua, informed me of this appearance you were going to make at a local hot spot, and I knew I had to be there. You don't know this yet from the brief conversation we had last night, but over the last few months, I've been making some enormous strides towards my dream(s). The first part was creating this blog. The second part is to make a name for myself as a Chicago-based music writer. And next I want to learn how to DJ, but that will come in due time. Anyhow, I only know what I have read and heard about you, but I want to go straight to the source. And last night, I had the opportunity.

As soon as I heard you spin "You Brought The Sunshine" by Elements of Life, I almost lost it on the dance floor. All my thoughts and expectations came to life, and I just absorbed the grooves. Your set made me think of one song in particular, and I wanted to ask if you had this track with you. But I wasn't sure what the proper etiquette is for this type of situation. The last thing I wanted to do was offend you. So rather than walk up to you like I would anyone else and demand to hear a song, I approached you and smiled. And under the insightful counsel of my wise owl cousin, Alexa, I politely asked if it was offensive to request a song. And you gave me a friendly wink and said, "Nah...can't do that baby." For a brief moment, I felt so small. But you gave me another smile, and I said "I love what you're doing" before I walked back to my table. Minutes later, you threw on some wicked tracks that kept me on the dance floor the remainder of the evening. And you later told me this was your intention because I had the nerve to request a song. Ha! Your words exactly: "I'll show her. I'll keep her on the dance floor all night." And that you did. Funny how you knew exactly what to play, without me even asking.

I look forward to more enlightening conversations with you, Paul. I'm glad I was able to speak with you after your set and talk music and proper listener etiquette. You made my day!

Yours,
Jasmina


Paul Johnson - The Price Is Right
Paul Johnson/Jennifer Lopez - Get Right (Dancefloor Dub)
Paul Johnson - She Got Me On