"At the end of 2019, ilind and I discussed me recording a mix for their series Abstract without Abstraction. Nearly a year later, after adapting to quarantine, I finally submitted a mix to them. I selected important records from my personal history (plus a few newer acquisitions) and focused on the long blend, honoring mood and song structure. No longer having a monthly DJ slot, this is a snapshot of what I might’ve played during hour 1 of 5 at Duke’s had the pandemic never took hold. What is strange is this mix was recorded in early October 2020, and was guided by thoughts of renowned laid-back resident DJ, José Padilla, mixed eerily just a couple weeks before his death on October 18, 2020. This is my interpretation of José’s Balearic resident ethos, albeit less beachy and much slimier. Thank you José for reminding us that the person mixing is just the conduit for the greater magic already existing in the music. And thank you Isaac allowing my submission." - Blake Barton