Thomas Alva Edison, who invented the phonograph in 1878, was a genius, but even he couldn't have foreseen the rise of his invention as a musical instrument. It's a shame. Imagine how his face would have lit up like a lightbulb (get it?) after witnessing a DJ elate a crowd by airplane scratching two beats, or executing the perfect chirp scratch.

It's also a shame the inventor never heard Zulu DJ Grandmaster D.S.T.'s scratching on Herbie Hancock's 1983 hit record "Rockit."

Tacoman Sean Ober heard it. Soon thereafter, dj dAb was born.

Like many kids, Ober fell in love with "scratching" after hearing Grandmaster D.S.T. for the first time - or more likely watching the "Rockit" video and its robots on the 2-year-old MTV.

"It was a big year for me, 1983, as I saw Flashdance - yup, I was a break dancer - and that Herbie Hancock video. That's why I learned to scratch, and pursued DJing," explains Ober, aka dj dAb.

dAb now turns out his own pulsating house vibe at clubs like Tempest Lounge and Jazzbones. He says his ear for music stems from early family influences.

"My mom was an artist, painter and published poet. My artist brother Glenn taught me the ways of 12 volt electronics and computers," says dAb. "But my father influenced me the most."

From 1970-79 guitarist Donald "Earthquake" Ober, dAb's dad, performed classical jazz throughout the Northwest. He was one of Jerry Miller's guitar teachers.

"Bob Hill at The Swiss refers to my father as one of 'the greats,' and he wanted to learn 'The Don Ober Technique,'" dAb adds.

Sadly, Donald Ober passed away New Years Eve 1979 after a long bout with cancer.

From 1982-85 dAb's musical influences grew as he traveled to gigs with his mom and her boyfriend, Ron Rustad, who was part of the Rainier Jazz Band and had formerly been a part of The Galaxies - the ‘60s rock group out of Tacoma.

"Coincidently, Ron helped teach Bob at The Swiss how to tend bar," laughs dAb.

In 1984, the aspiring dAb bought his first mixer and turntables, and quickly became a staple of Jason Lee Junior High dance scene - when he wasn't break dancing and "doing the graffiti thing."

The following year dAb got his first paid booking, DJing at Skate King in Tacoma's James Center.

"I usually guest spotted with the main DJ, Chuck 'E' Cheese," remembers dAb. "I also got my first keyboard and drum machine and started working with local rappers such as E-Dawg, who later became part of the Mix-A-Lot posse and was a featured artist on the B-side of 'Baby Got Back.'"

What happened next? Speed the record up to 78 rpm: dAb dropped out of high school, his mother passed away, music saved his life and he graduated from alternative high school. He improved his work ethic, re-invented himself, started producing electronic music and took a break for college and work; then, another re-invention led to live PAs and produced recordings. Soon, dAb acquired a manager, went on nation-wide tours, joined Tacoma's Ocean Grooves collective and started spinning at South Sound clubs like Detour, Thekla, The Off Beat, The Drake, The Loft, The Shoboat, Novo's, The Hotel Bar & Grill and Fenders (all of which are now closed) - while at the same time continuing to experiment with electronics, design work, basic computer programming and DJ software.

"I have built an all-in-one DJ rig featuring a full desktop computer, touch screen, vinyl-feel customized controllers, music/music video/visuals playback, audio/video capture, four low lux cameras with internal switching and other somewhat exotic devices," explains dAb. "And, specially custom coded software for use with wireless devices.

dAb encapsulates it all in a custom built flight case only four inches wider then a 1200 turntable. The contraption boots up and plays in two minutes.

He also continues to spin at clubs and parties throughout the Northwest, but lately he and his contraption have been spending quality time at the Tempest Lounge on Hilltop Tacoma. Besides occasionally spinning inside the hip cocktail joint on Saturday nights, dAb and his team spend time pumping up the new weekend DJ nights at the Tempest - handling flyer design, DJ/video setup, production, promotions, DJ lineups and more. He's especially proud of his "House Blend" nights consuming the Tempest every first and third Saturday of the month. The shows feature a community of DJs spinning house music, and dAb has even specially produced a House Blend CD available during the nights.

"It's been a great time. I love that little place, and Denise is super cool," dAb says of the Tempest and its co-owner.

That brings us to this Saturday's House Blend show at Tempest when dAb, Chris Savenetti and Bilori Howard present "House Blend indepenDANCE," a Fourth of July prefunk with no cover charge. The House Blend CD will also be handed out Saturday for free.

"Come hang with the crew as we get all patriotic up in the joint," encourages dAb.

If only Thomas Edison was still around to join in the fun.

House Blend indepenDANCE

Saturday, July 3, 9:30 p.m., 21+, no cover
Tempest Lounge, 913 Martin Luther King Junior Way, Tacoma
253.272.4904

dj dAb's Hot List

1. Simply Jeff - "Come On"
2. The Krays (aka Yuksek & Brodinski) - "We're Ready When You Are
3. feat. Ebony Bones"
4. Ocelet - "Beating Hearts (Blende Extended Remix)"
5. Giano & Nina Simone - "Feelin Good"
6. Rebecca Pupkilies - "Burning Boats (Masomenos Remix)"

Tempest Lounge Weekends

FRIDAYS:

• FIRST: Reggae w/ Jason Diamond
• SECOND: Rare Groove, Soul & Funk w/ Bobby Galaxy and dJ dAb
• THIRD: ‘80s Music & Video Night w/dJ dAb, Suga Jones and Chris Savenetti
• FOURTH: Vinyl Only Night, Vinyl Tribe & Free The Funk Records - ‘90s dance music and beyond

SATURDAYS:

• FIRST: House Blend w/ dJ dAb and guests
• SECOND: DrumAndBassElectroDubstep w/ Lotus Productions
• THIRD: House Blend w/ Jason Diamond, Mr Clean and guests