PHOTOS COURTESY OF GLO

Bukem drops in
at Pipeline

The DJ credits early exposure to music
with broadening his horizons

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By Shawn "Speedy" Lopes
slopes@starbulletin.com

From behind the controls, bespectacled and cleanly shorn, LTJ Bukem stands high above his minions like a record-wielding shepherd, directing his wayward flock with a series of disc flips and cross-fader flicks. His demeanor is that of a seasoned professional. He says little, if anything at all, preferring to leave the onstage banter to his partner in crime, MC Conrad, who adds a brisk scat to each of Bukem's rhythm-heavy selections.

If any in attendance for Bukem's April appearance at Wave Waikiki were unaware of his legend, they likely recognized the prodigious skills of a world-class deejay and producer by show's end. The venue was a virtual steam room that night, packed to the rafters with patrons, both curious and converted, who had come to witness the handiwork of one of the prime innovators of the drum-and-bass genre.

So impressive was the turnout for Bukem at the Wave that promoters have endeavored to accommodate the masses by staging Monday night's show at the mother of all mainstream Honolulu nightclubs, Pipeline Cafe.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GLO

Born Danny Williamson 34 years ago ("Bukem" is short for "Book 'em, Dano," a popular phrase from a ol' network cop show we Honoluluans are quite familiar with, while "LTJ" has no real significance; Williamson simply preferred it over the terribly bland and overused DJ prefix), Bukem credits early exposure to classical music, piano lessons as a child and a longtime interest in jazz, soul and fusion with broadening his horizons as a musician later in life.

Through much of electronica's post-acid-house pubescence, the music seemed to value aggression over substance, and drum-and-bass, in particular, pursued a dark, edgy sound as it grew. Bukem, however, took a decidedly tuneful approach to his dance tracks, coloring his compositions with vintage electric piano sweeps, fluttering flute solos and ghostly horns.

With the creation of his own Good Looking label, Bukem found a way to produce original tracks independently and align himself with like-minded artists.

By 1995 he had teamed with industry heavyweight London Records in issuing the must-have drum-and-bass compilation "Logical Progression." With a list of compositions by artists culled from the Good Looking roster, the album helped redefine the drum-and-bass sound, while subsequent releases, such as those in his Earth and Cookin' series, have furthered his reputation as a giant in the genre.

LTJ Bukem with MC Conrad Plus DJs Makoto, KSM, Drift and Mr. Brown Where: Pipeline Cafe, 805 Pohukaina St. When: 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. today Admission: $10, 21 and over; $15, 18-20 Call: 589-1999

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