Timmy Regisford

For over a decade, legendary turntablist Timmy Regisford has garnered admiration and respect globally with his brand of ballsy, soulful dance music, which places the emphasis on eclecticism rather than the predictable and the linear. His DJ sets are soulful and deep, while he isn't afraid to venture into the realms of more experimental rhythms. His flare and panache on the decks not only technically, but programming-wise has rightly earned him the well-deserved moniker, The Maestro.

Each week at his residency at Club Shelter, he regales his avid admirers with his marathon 12-hour sets that feature an array of rhythms from deep vocals, Afro-centric beats, delicious, sometimes esoteric classics and even tech house and Detroit techno flavors. It's no wonder that his party has captivated a growing, loyal audience for over a decade.

After making an indelible mark on the New York nightlife scene, Regisford, who is very selective about where he spins, has taken his famed music on the road, traversing the States, Europe and even the Middle East.

Regisford first ventured onto the music scene in 1985 via radio at WBLS in New York City, where he worked as Assistant Music Director. Soon thereafter, he was promoted to Music Director. During his tenure as the station's taste maker, he shaped its musical identity with his encyclopedic knowledge of urban music, making WBLS a much-listened-to staple in the bustling metropolis.

In 1988, realizing he had a knack for picking the hottest acts, Regisford sought pastures new and joined the staff at Atlantic Records as A&R Director in what was a natural progression. Here, he signed the likes of Miki Howard and Levert as well as developed artists such as Curtis Hairston and the much-revered Ten City, whose front man, Byron Stingly then went on to solo success.

After a relatively short, but fruitful tenure at Atlantic, the New York-based turntablist moved over to MCA Records as A&R Director developing artists like Britain's Loose Ends and Colonel Abrams and signing such acts as Guy and Eric B & Rakim. Guy would go on to sell 4.5 million units on their debut and sophomore efforts and Eric B & Rakim would rack up 1.8 million units on their first release.

It was during this time that his career went through to a new phase, which saw the Trinidadian-born DJ emerge as an accomplished remixer. He reworked cuts for major artists such as Patti LaBelle, Steel Pulse, New Edition, Bobby Womack and Gladys Knight & the Pips.

With an impressive track record within the music industry, Regisford was tapped for and accepted the Vice President of A&R position at Motown Records, where he signed Johnny Gill, Today, Milira, Blaze and Basic Black. He also continued to remix artists such as The Boys, Diana Ross, Gerald Alston and Stevie Wonder. In addition to his A&R and remix work, Regisford also played a integral role coordinating soundtrack albums for the movies Do The Right Thing and House Party.

Working tirelessly to spread his love of music and allow others to do the same, he also solidified label agreements for New York's Apollo Records and Motown's first UK label, Funki Dred Records, helmed by Soul II Soul's Jazzie B.

In 1996, Regisford began his tenure as Vice President of A&R at Dreamworks Records.

A veteran DJ of 20 years, Regisford started the legendary underground dance party dubbed Shelter in March 1991 at Club Vinyl, a venue it would call home until September 2001. After a brief hiatus, Regisford along with business partner and friend, Kevin Hedge of Blaze fame, opened Club Shelter at the former Speed venue in midtown Manhattan in January of 2002 injecting some much-needed energy into New York's Saturday nights. In addition to Regisford's glorious sets, the club features the very best in live performances from many established artists of both soul, R&B and, of course, house. Artists who've tread Shelter's boards past and present include Chaka Khan, The Sounds of Blackness, Jocelyn Brown, Grace Jones, Ashford & Simpson, Mary J Blige, Ultra Nate, Be Be Winans, Crystal Waters and Femi Kuti.

With a pristine Phazon soundsystem, a new dancefloor and an even bigger following, Regisford continues the Shelter tradition of playing the best underground house music in NYC. So much so, that Club Shelter was recently awarded the "best new club" accolade in NYC. Experience just one of Timmy Regisford's 12-hour sets as he takes you on a sonic rollercoaster ride and it's understandable why this is no hype.