Mr Scruff's Record Box NYE special: Qool Marv selections

Keep it Unreal celebrates New Years Eve in fine musical style this year, with Mr Scruff inviting Qool Marv, Jon K and MC Kwasi down to Old Granada Studios to celebrate the New Year with a selection of funk, afrobeat, jazz, soul, house, hip hop and everything in-between. Ahead of the show, Qool Marv gives us five classic records and tell us about his past New Year's Eve experiences.

"All throughout my life, music has been a source of encouragement and inspiration. My sets often reflect what I value, themes of love and togetherness are ever present in the lyrics of the songs played intertwined with fun sounds that groove from the heart. For the 1st time in 26 years of DJing, thanks to Mr. Scruff, for a New Year's Eve party, I'll get the chance to play  deeper and rarer cuts and even additional genres like Jazz and Afro-Beat. Until now, most of my New Year's Eve parties have happened in New York where I've played to crowds who expect to hear the year's biggest hits with sure fire all time classic disco, soul and R&B. My 5 tunes are recordings that have, at once, enlivened the dance floor and supported my aim to promote good vibes, energy and outlook."

New York City Peech Boys - Life is Something Special (Island Records, 1982)

"With it's beautiful bouncing bass, I picture a loving face behind the gospel-tinged vocals with instructive lyrics that remind us all of what we should already know. Also, because he was a founding member of the NYC Peech Boys, one can hear the legacy and tone of the legendary Larry Levan. Playing this tune is both a perpetuation and preservation of his hopeful spirit."

Skyy - Let's Celebrate (Salsoul, 1981)

"While this isn't hands in the air club fare, this is that song for the lovers or those having a dance with that look of love on their faces. By virtue of its title, one can surmise that we all celebrate, however, a closer listen and you hear a gentleman expressing, smoothed out and blissfully, his desire to celebrate a developing love that's rescued him from an unsure and lonely past. I can hear, let's keep it up, let's look forward and let's have a great time."

D-Train - Keep On (Prelude Records, 1983)

"Not exactly frenetic nor highly energetic, yet Keep On soars and invigorates on both the power of James "D-Train" Williams vocal command and what he commands that we all must do. "Through the strength of your mind, you can be set free" appeals to the sensibility in me to keep on keeping on with doing the things that help make my life feel right. My Dad's Dad was a Philadelphia reverend who is remembered for working in the nudge, 'Keep on keeping on,' in every message or wisdom he tried to convey. His first name is Hiawatha and that's my son's middle name. While I try not to preach from the pulpit that is the DJ booth, I'm not sure if I can help but to do so sometimes. This song represents one of those moments where my soul is on display for all to hear."

Bohannon ft. Dr. Perri Johnson - Let's Start II Dance Again (Phase II Records, 1981)

"The Philly in me comes out to play when the needle is dropped on this one. While Philly can't claim Bohannon as a homegrown son, Philadelphia born and bred Dr. Perri Johnson hosted a show on my favorite radio station from childhood and until this day. He introduced himself as "the Good Dr. Perri Johnson, Music Therapist," and he'd always talk about "healing feelings" when introducing songs or recalling tracks played. Everyone at WDAS looked to him for insight or another perspective. Artists on Philadelphia International Records like Teddy Pendergrass and even the label's leadership, Kenny Gamble, also sought Dr. Johnson's advice. Now I know why I always felt encouraged while listening to the radio when I was a boy. This song came out of Bohannon hearing about Dr. Perri Johnson adlibbing over the original, live on air, and then wanting to record it and put it out. Exuberant, exhilarating and hair raising."

Sylvester - You Make Me Feel Mighty Real (Fantasy Records, 1978)

"Blinding flirtatious mischievousness abundant throughout this playful, let's have a ball and let it all go up-tempo disco. I can't imagine Sylvester could stand still while singing this during the recording session and anyone who hears it can feel that vision of jammin' all out. This song feels like one big whoosh. Atmosphere heightened with lots of dancing with all their might."