He might be a newcomer to Dubai, but five weekly residencies within just a few months speaks volumes about this larger-than-life UK DJ. And while funky and soulful house might be his calling card, as he displayed with his warm up for soon-to-be-massive Jalabee Cartel at Chi, he’s just as comfortable playing techy grooves.

Making his name alongside Jason Herd - of Herd and Fitz acclaim - over a decade ago, Jon has held residencies for hedonistic Liverpool night Garlands at Eden in Ibiza, while he also has a radio stint under his belt from his Manchester days. More recently, Jon’s been found behind the decks at BCM in Mallorca, Europe’s second biggest club, while he’s also become involved in two highly rated nights, We Call It House and Plush. And now firmly entrenched in Dubai’s club scene, you can find him playing some of the below tunes at Chi, Hive, Barasti and his own night, Press Two at the Senyar Bar at the Westin Hotel.

‘Freedom 2010 ‘
Vertigo & Jocelyn Brown Pure Silk Music “A classic Jocelyn Brown track remixed and brought right up to date by Jay C and James Reynolds AKA Vertigo. A brand new upfront mainroom vocal houser that guarantees all hands in the air, Jay C is clearly using all his years behind the decks of the glam clubs in Manchester to good effect with this baby. He knows exactly how to get the girls staying right were he wants them!”

‘In the Disco’
The Black Project Loudbit “This is yet another sample of Sister Sledge’s ‘Greatest Dancer’ but really works, as it loops art of the chorus with a blend of funky beats and baseline. It’s instantly recognisable on any dancefloor around the world, making it easy to get the attention of the crowd once taking over from the warm up DJ.”

Liftered’
Libex
Hottfingers  “This has got to be one of the biggest tunes in my bag at the moment, it has a real moody, stomping feel to it, yet is so uplifting it goes off every time iIplay it. Hottfingers are putting out tune after tune right now, and the main reason I love this track is it is really upfront yet has a massive mainstream feel to it. I’m certain this track will provide many bootleg remixes in the next few months.”

‘Takin Me Over’
Connolly & Craig ft. Nicola S Looking Glass Recordings “Exclusive promo from my friends at UK label ‘Looking Glass Recordings’ due for release in the next few months. It’s funked out Latin guitar with a sexy female vocal and piano riff make it a sure fire funky house anthem and guarantee a crowd reaction. This is one of my big labels to watch out for in 2010 and I’m lucky to be invited to get stuck into the studio this year to work on some tracks I’ve been playing around with in the last few months.”

‘Yellow Brick Road’
Anton Powers & Rossko Fierce Angels “This tune epitomises what house music is all about for me: a happy, uplifting vibe that gets everyone going. Anton yet again uses his knowledge to keep alive the unmistakable piano sample of Kariya ‘Let me love you for tonight’ with the smooth vocals of ‘Yellow Brick Road’ - if it works in Liverpool you can guarantee this tune will create a party in any club around the world!”

‘I Gave You’
Juan Kidd & The Stafford Brothers feat Rae Defected
“Absolutely every DJ I have played with in Dubai has at least one track in their bag of my DJ partner in crime for nearly ten years, Jason Herd. Under the name Juan Kidd he brings yet another massive track alongside everyones favourite ozzies, The Stafford Brothers. This tune hasn everything: a great vocal, excellent build up, a fantastic piano breakdown and, unsurprisingly, it’s been signed by one of the biggest house labels still in exsistence, Defected.”