Jon Dixon – Paradise Valley EP [No Speakers]

Jon Dixon is not stranger to the legacy of Detroit. As a key player in Underground Resistance projects like Galaxy 2 Galaxy and Timeline, his pedigree is built on the seamless fusion of musical virtuosity and electronic machinery. For the sixth release on the London-based imprint No Speakers (NS006), Dixon delivers Paradise Valley, an EP that reaffirms his status as a torchbearer of “Hi-Tech Jazz.” This release is a masterclass in sophistication, bridging the gap between the conservatoire and the warehouse with an organic touch that feels both timeless and urgent.

The Originals

The EP opens with “Layers To This,” a track that lives up to its name through a lush display of harmonic complexity. Dixon demonstrates his mastery as he stacks notes across successive stanzas, all unfolding over a rhythm that is undeniably jazzy yet anchored by a precision-engineered 4/4 beat. This gives the track immense utility for house clubs where the sound system—and the crowd—can appreciate the high-fidelity warmth of the Detroit sound.

Complementing this energy, “Bridgehouse” arrives as a piece of raw, jazz-infused Deep House. A creative piano line rounds off the bassline with elegance, while the percussion follows a conservative but highly effective path. The hi-hats, with that typical Detroit syncopation, maintain a subtle pulse that creates an organic sensation throughout, avoiding unnecessary aggression in favor of a hypnotic flow.

The Remixes

On the flip side, the release moves into distinctively different territories. The L.A. Synthesis remix of “Layers To This” strips away the warm jazz elements of the original to offer a much colder, more spatial approach. The duo breaks down the melodic structure to focus almost exclusively on the groove and percussion, resulting in a cut that is more electronic and mental.

Closing the package, label boss El Prevost reworks “Bridgehouse” with a distinctive twist. His interpretation injects depth and a progressive and constant groove into the arrangement, as well as being melodic. This remix provides the necessary counterpoint to the A-side, offering a version that maintains the musicality but drives it with a different inertia.

Conclusion

Paradise Valley is a comprehensive package. While the originals will be a pure joy for enthusiasts of authentic Detroit Deep House due to their creative nature and genuine jazz compositions, the remixes provide essential variation. They offer a useful angle for less organic sets, making this 12-inch a versatile tool for the discerning selector.