Jane Monheit – Home
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Jazz
Home finds jazz vocalist Jane Monheit celebrating the golden age of the jazz standard. The first album Monheit has produced for herself, 2010′s Home finds the lauded singer performing a variety of classic American popular song standards. Included are guest appearances by such notable jazz musicians as guitarist John Pizzarelli, trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, violinist Mark O’Connor, and others.
Tracklist
01. A Shine On Your Shoes
02. There’s A Small Hotel
03. This Is Always
04. Tonight You Belong To Me
05. Look For The Silver Lining
06. I’ll Be Around
07. Everything I’ve Got Belongs To You
08. It’s Only Smoke
09. The Eagle And Me
10. I Didn’t Know About You/All Too Soon
11. Ins’t It A Lovely Day
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Mara Hruby – From Her Eyes
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010
I was completely in love with her in last months and never posted her work (until now).
This album introduces a new twenty-two year old artist named Mara Hruby from Oakland, CA. These seven tracks represent the genesis of the view “From Mara’s Eyes” of the various works of her favorite male artists. Each song is connected to a memory experience in Mara’s young life. The beauty and elegance of Van Hunt’s “Character,” Bob Marley’s love of Jah, Mos Def’s soulful poetry, André “3000” Benjamin’s “Take Off Your Cool,” as well as D’Angelo’s “Send It On” – are all examples of art forms from today’s exceptional musicians.
For more info check: www.marahruby.com
Tracklist
01. StereoLab (Lose Myself)
02. Character
03. Take Off Your Cool
04. Send It On
05. Is This Love
06. Alright
07. The Panties
08. Is This Love (Unmastered)
09. Character (Unmastered)
Live Tropical Fish – The Day Is Too Short To Be Selfish
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Funk, Soul
The new project of Live Tropical Fish is born from the fusion of three complementary and symbiotic creative minds: the successful encounter of the original founders Fabrizio “Doc Bix” Poli and Antonio “Lurpak” Fernè with the eclectic guitarist-composer Salvo Pignanelli: what was born out of it was a new creative push along with the unconsciousness of jumping into an enterprise that only brave visionaries of music would do. The “Fernè, Pignanelli and Poli” trio started a production that soon appeared to be timeless: with a general crisis of record industry going on the goal was to create something that would go against the flow, a “handmade” album by craftsmen-musicians, exactly like it was done in the 70’s, without the harassment of marketing logics or the frenzy of disposable music.
Due to a profound musical concept every guest artist present in the album has been chosen for personal respect, intrinsic value, interpretative originality or just pure congeniality. This is how the Tropical Fish album came to life, by an alchemic process of transformation, combining, assembling, feeding, but with the capability of giving shape to a precise and personal stylistic identity. The primordial power of the rhythmic bases has unavoidably influenced the horns’ arrangements created by Adriano Pancaldi, that result at times edgy at times symphonic, always capable of complex and articulated support to melody, at times substituting the tune, at times making it richer.
From afrobeat we borrowed the feeling of a fully played and hard-won music, perfectly identifiable, instrument by instrument, note by note, without ever taking short-cuts, that looks back to what the masters of black music have always done: play live.
After all, the name Live Tropical Fish contains the intention itself, live music has always been the core target of the project: a music that finds in live playing its highest expressive capability, of comunicating and sharing emotions.
Tracklist
01. Peace Of Mind (feat. Deborah Jordan)
02. Complete Me (feat. Alison Crockett)
03. Breathe Again (feat. Laurnea)
04. Speak Easy and Listen (Nick Rolfe)
05. A Rather Uncomforrtable Combination (feat. April Hill)
06. Double Dream (feat. Larunea)
07. Run and Hide (feat. Deborah Jordan)
08. Rubber Soul (feat. Omar)
09. Slide Away (feat. Alison Crockett)
10. Believe (feat. Deborah Jordan)
11. I’m Tired (feat. Laurena)
12. Rising Bible (feat. Maya Azucena)
13. Rubber Soul (feat. Omar) (Simon S Remix) (Bonus Track)
Paper Plane Project – Pacific Connection
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Hip Hop
Paper Plane Project was born after a digging trip to Brazil. The music and the culture of the South American country had a major effect on the guys who are now making it a regular destination for musical inspiration. Paper Plane Project’s sound is all about that old-school Sunday afternoon party in the park, bringing soulful beats and vibes back into the realm of hip-hop and beyond.
For more info and buy check: www.cardboardcityrecords.com
Tracklist
01. Happiness Is Love feat. Aloe Blacc
02. Under The Trees
03. What You Want feat. Raashan Ahmad
04. The Road
05. Sunshine feat. Noelle Scaggs & Raashan Ahmad
06. Marcy Ave
07. Don’t Hold Back
08. The Get Loose feat. Raashan Ahmad
09. Daybreak
10. Travel feat. Rae
11. Pela Manha
12. Let It Bang feat. Raashan Ahmad
13. You On My Mind
Elizabeth Shepherd – Heavy Falls The Night
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Jazz
Elizabeth Shepherd is among Canada’s most promising young talents and she has the widespread critical acclaim to prove it. Heavy Falls the Night takes the listener on an unpredictable musical ride. It’s hard to pick a favourite track from such an eclectic album but, depending on your taste, it could be the dancefloor ready Seven Bucks, co-produced by Japanese mixmaster DJ Mitsu The Beats (Dwele, Jose James), and inspired by an NFB documentary. Or it could be The Taking – Shepherd’s powerful tribute to the women who came before her – knocked out in Jazz 11/8 time. Or maybe it’s the supremely soulful reworking of Anne Murray’s 70s soft-rock radio staple Danny’s Song, one of the few secular songs that made it past the gatekeepers in Shepherd’s Salvation Army childhood home.
Elizabeth’s rhythmically intricate, groove-oriented tunes, sincere lyrics and distinct, soulful voice have earned her a worldwide following, and her fans will certainly not be disappointed by the explorations on this new record. Critics, hipsters and music aficionados from London to Tokyo have been spreading the word for a few years now, and will surely continue to embrace her music. But more importantly, with Heavy Falls the Night, Elizabeth Shepherd is destined to reach music lovers everywhere.
For more info and buy check: www.elizabethshepherd.com
Tracklist
01. What Elese
02. The Taking
03. Heavy Falls The Night
04. Numbers
05. Seven Bucks
06. One More Day
07. A Song For Dina Washington
08. High
09. It’s Coming
10. On The Insufficiency Of Words
11. Danny’s Song
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Indigo Pyramid – Shades Vol.1-2
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, 2011, Electronic
In 2009 Indigo Pyramid formed as a collective of 6 experimental beat producers consisting of Infinite Potentials, Billion Dollar Quartet, eLan, 10th Letter, Nigel One and Zeroh aka Zeroh G7. In Feb. 2010 they independently released there first compilation Indigo Shades. The release instantly became a cult hit among fans of the present “beat scene culture”. Since the release of Indigo Shades each individual within the collective has released music and continued performing as individuals. Collaborations have continued within the collective as well and the fruits of that shall appear within the year. No one knows what will come next from the collective but there has been rumor of Indigo Pyramid becoming it’s own label imprint over the course of 2011. For now Skew Records proudly hosts this final free release from Indigo Pyramid. Skew became involved with Indigo Pyramid when Pyramid member Nigel One signed on with Skew Records in early 2010. So even though all the artists on this compilation are not represented by Skew Records we are very humbled and excited to be hosting this amazing compilation. We believe this compilation is a great representative of the crew and the worldwide beat scene and we look forward to see what comes of Indigo Pyramid collective.
Shades Volume 1
Tracklist
01. Indigo In
02. Sefffy Numix
03. Untitled Ish
04. 2in5four
05. Funk Junk
06. Still
07. When I Think About You
08. $130,000 Quartet
09. Trying To Remember
10. Lover’s Defect
11. Ish
12. Olulu
13. And Then
14. Broken Wing
15. Shoot The Beam
16. Pit Stop (Part.1)
17. Remember 2 Bounce 1
18. Betther Than Stonehenge!
19. Healiaum
20. Pyramid Out
Shades Volume 2
Tracklist
01. 10th Letter – Journey Into The Lost Pyramid
02. Nigel ONE – A Talk With Kris
03. Infinite Potentials – Man From The Future
04. B$Q – Touch Taste Test
05. eLan – Tunnel Sludge
06. eLan – Damaged Goods
07. B$Q – Killin It
08. Nigel ONE – Blissful Wings
09. Zeroh Akhdar G7 – Plutonian Studderfly
10. Infinite Potentials – Lovesong
11. Zeroh Akhdar G7 – Melodikah
12. 10th letter – Floatation Technech
Mulatu Astatke – Mulatu Steps Ahead
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Jazz
This is the first new solo album by Mulatu Astatke himself since the 1980s, the album explores new directions in fusions of Western jazz with Ethiopian modes, moving forward the pioneering sound Mulatu developed during the ‘60s and ‘70s. For more info and buy check: www.strut-records.com
Tracklist
01. Radcliffe
02. Green Africa
03. The Way To Nice
04. Assosa
05. I Faram Gami I Faram
06. Mulatus Mood
07. Ethio Blues
08. Boogaloo
09. Motherland
Dexter – Hi-Hat Club Vol. 3 The Jazz Files
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Instrumental
Volume 3 of the MPM producer series. Dexter follows Hulk Hodn & Twit One (Testiculo Y Uno) and Suff Daddy to represent the 2010 Beat Generation.
The subject is jazz! Dexter is taking an new look at the long going love affair between hip-hop and jazz. From Stetsasonic to Gang Starr to Madlib, it is not an easy path to follow, but the 26 year old producer is adding a new and fresh style to it. The sound design of Dexter’s “Jazz Files” is dusty but with an unmistakable 2010 twist. As much inspired by Wes Montgomery and Ramsey Lewis as by Sun Ra and Dave Pike, Dexter’s tracks are never just “jazzy”. They live and breathe jazz by combining the freedom and artisty of jazz with the craft of a free-thinking beatsmith.
And the “Jazz Files” are fun too. By implanting quotes an samples from interviews and tv shows such as the classic NBC program “The Subject Is Jazz”, Dexter is telling his own little story of jazz. One that had it’s starting point in the massive record collection of his father and grew into shape during a long hot summer blasting nothing but Ahmad Jamal and Sun Ra.
For more info and buy check: www.mpmsite.com
Tracklist
01. The Future
02. Piano
03. One For Yusef
04. Heavy Horns
05. Spaceways
06. Astro Thoughts
07. Pratice
08. Sonny Ray
09. Deep In The Juju
10. Stardust
11. Tune After Tune
12. WR Anybody
13. Montgomery
14. Raw Jazz
15. Sounds Great Les
16. Swing Is A Must
17. P.O. Box 450, NY 19, NY
DJ Ezasscul – Jazz Meditation 1/2 (Mellow Soul)
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, 2011, Hip Hop, Instrumental
Do you have a thing for Jazzy Hip-Hop? If so then let me introduce to you this young and talented producer named DJ Ezasscul. The 18 year old producer who already in High School played in a Jazz band landed his debut album on the top 25 best selling Hip-Hop/Rap albums on iTunes Japan. DJ Ezasscul is commonly known for having a Jazzy, progressive sound in his music similar to Nujabes and Pete Rock (DJ Ezasscul’s idols). Some projects DJ Ezasscul has worked on are “State of Mind” (debut album), “Jazz Meditation” (second allbum), “Tribute to Jun” (A collaboration project by Digi Crates Records dedicated to Nujabes), and “Remembering Nujabes” (A free collaboration project by DJ Ezasscul dedicated to Nujabes, the album features DJ Sorama, DJ B.M.C., and the legendary masher FreshGalaxy). Remembering Nujabes has gotten over 2,000 downloads and has been uploaded to many different websites by fans of Nujabes and DJ Ezasscul. DJ Ezasscul credits Nujabes for his success as an artist, he says if he hadn’t heard of Nujabes he would have never thought of becoming a producer.
For more info and buy check: www.digicrates.com
Jazz Meditation
Tracklist
01. When She Smiles feat. Thomas Prime
02. Jazz Meditation (Nujabes Tribute)
03. Dreams
04. Heavens Kyes (Nujabes Tribute)
05. Summer Shore
06. Night At Club Tokyo Pt.2
07. Let’s Do It Again
08. Time Passes feat. Jas Mace of The 49′ers
09. Looking Forward
10. The Center
11. Chillin’
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Jazz Meditation 2 (Mellow Soul)
Tracklist
01. Time Goes By
02. The Jazzy View
03. Steady Vibes feat. Fresh Sly
04. All Chilled Out
05. Just Relax (Interlude)
06. Lunar Winds
07. Eternal Mystical
08. Atmospheric Vibes
09. Just A Thought
10. Begging
11. A Jazzy Night
12. My Mellow Soul
13. My Girl
14. Steady Vibes (Instrumental)
15. Respawn
16. Looking Forward (Mellow Soul Edit)
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Sir Froderick – Heartaches & Beatbreaks
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Instrumental
Sir Froderick’s true origins are something of mystery and legend. It’s told that as a baby he was found in an abandoned nightclub in East London with nothing to survive on but records and beer. Since migrating to Philadelphia, he’s been churning out beats for over 10 years. Call him alchemist or musical MacGyver, Froderick is known to find a sample in the most obscure of sources and transform it into a beat most whiplash-inducing. With influences ranging from p-funk to glitch-hop, his sound is hard to categorize, but surely something to throw your knickers at.
After an emotional seperation Froderick found himself in the lab tinkering with different sounds. The result is his poignant debut album that takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions from that relationship
For more info and buy check: www.recordbreakin.com
Tracklist
01. Canttakeit
02. Comehomealready
03. Justforamoment
04. Goodfeelings
05. Sweetnothings
06. Welove
07. Smiling
08. Twiceashigh
09. Holland
10. Froderick
11. Cantyouseee
12. Holdit
13. Inglouriousbastard
14. Lookwhatudone
15. Braindamage
16. Sirwayoftheworld
17. Loverazor
18. Taketime
19. Understand
20. Allineed
21. Uprobablyfallinlove
Link removed in request of Record Breakin’ Music
Katzuma.org – Dr. Know
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Funk
Katzuma is Chico MD and Tony T mixing samples as they were live instruments and viceversa. We bring to life some original compositions that you’d expect to find in a dusty 12″ rare vinyl. Made three cds “Moonbooty” (2005) “Rituals Of Life” (2008) “DR.Know” (2010) and played hundreds of djsets all over Italy. In 2007 Benn invited to collaborate with Italian 70 Soundtracks composer Franco Micalizzi, doing the musical arrangements for the incredible show-event “Gli Originali” (myspace.com/glioriginali). Katzuma’s tracks have been used for commercial spots and tv shows and as a chant to invoke the troubled spirit of El Chupacabra. We like Cedrata Tassoini and are grateful to the fine signers, musicians, and graphic designers who helped us along the way. Keep on steppin!
for more info and buy check: www.katzuma.org
Tracklist
01. Dr. Know
02. All Across The Land
03. Dark Matter
04. Tell Him Im Holding On
05. Reach For The Stars
06. Where I’m Coming From
07. El Chupacrabra
08. Keep It Coming Y’all
09. One Of These Days
10. Dr. Know Pt.2
11. Thell Him I’m Holding On (Al Kent Instrumental Mix)
12. Dr. Know (Scuola Furano Remix)
13. Tell Him I’m Holding On (E-The-Hot Sunday Dub)
14. Dr. Know (Reset! Remix)
15. El Chupacabra (Blatta & Inesha Remix)
Calibro 35 – Rare
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010
Italian jam band performing golden age soundtracks and original compositions. “RARE” is a collection of Calibro 35′s songs that were spread across different releases through the last three years: soundtracks, compilations, deluxe editions, alternate and extended versions and it also includes some unreleased recordings. Some of the material is from Calibro 35′s first ever recording session when they decided to cover Ennio Morricone tracks like “Trafelato,” “Summertime Killer,” and “Notte in Bovisa.” Other tracks include originals and covers of obscure themes of various vintage soundtracks that are reinterpreted and rearranged by Calibro 35, adding their special touch of funk, rock and psychedelia.
for more info and buy check: www.calibro35.com
Tracklist
01. Ballando in Balera
02. Appuntamento Al Contessa
03. E Nessuno Si Farà del Male
04. La Polizia Brasiliana S’incazza
05. L’Uomo Dagli Occhi Di Ghiaccio
06. Uomini Si Nasce Calibro Si Muore
07. Svolta Sul Caso D’Amario
08. Milano New York Solo Andata
09. Come Un Romanzo
10. La Polizia Sta A Guardare
11. Trafelato (Extended Version)
12. Summertime Killer (Extended Version)
13. Notte In Bovisa (Alternate Take)
14. I Milanesi Ammazzano Il Sabato
15. Si Dicono Tante Cose (Alternate Take)
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Heritage EP
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010
Chicago’s Hypnotic Brass Ensemble recorded these five scorching reworks of tracks by Fela Kuti, Madlib, Jay-Z, Art Of Noise, Outkast and MF Doom. Mos Def was tasked with scoring the set, which is played out by the band in super tight style. We can almost guarantee you’ve never heard ‘Moments In Love’ quite like this before and even if you can’t tell what the original is, these are just killer big band funk cuts that’ll you’ll massively peak off. One for the DJs, the dancers and the collectors!
for more info and buy check: www.hypnoticbrassensemble.com
Tracklist
01. Prelude
02. Moments
03. Spottie
04. Rainbows
05. Water
The Root Source – Fire Walker
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Funk, Jazz
The Root Source have returned, with a quality and timeless follow up to their self titled debut album released in 2007 (FSRCD019). Upon its release, the London based septet were lauded by the likes of Nicola Conte, Snowboy and Gilles Peterson and discerning dance floors around the world took a real heel bashing whenever any of these top DJs played the tracks from the album in their club sets!
This brand new collection has been nurtured lovingly, earnestly, soulfully and truthfully by Hammond Organist/Pianist Andrew Fairclough. Drawing on influences from Deep jazz, Funk and Samba Fusion of 60s and early 70s origin yet wholeheartedly retaining contemporary originality.
For more info and buy check: www.freestylerecords.co.uk
Tracklist
01. Firewalker
02. Soul Space
03. Dervish Whirl
04. Moon Juice
05. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Suite: Pt.1 Oompa Loompa Song/Pt.2
06. Echoes of Your Past
07. Streams
All City Records LA Series
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, 2011
“LA Series” is a series of ten 10’s from L.A. based producers. Simple premise of 2 producers on each record every month starting from January 2010.
for more info and buy check: www.allcityrecordlabel.com
“Links removed in request of All City Records”
ACLA10x10x1 – DIBIASE & P.U.D.G.E. – LA Series #1
Dublin’s All City crew return in force with with an immense split 10″ from LA’s Dibiase and P.U.D.G.E. housed in a B+ designed picture sleeve. Ahead of an equally heavyweight Fat City 12″, South LA’s Dibiase sprawls his sun-drunk boogie wonk all over the A-side, conjuring five short-but-sweet tracks loaded with film samples, neon electroid synthlines and beats that fall somewhere between Ras G and Dilla. On his side, P.U.D.G.E. adds a further six short cuts, building his beats in a wickedly sloppy-jallopy style lifted from Dilla and smudged with a dope smoker’s sense of hazy psychedelia. A fine draw for all the downbeat connoisseurs!
Tracklist
01. P.U.D.G.E. – Awn My Dawn
02. P.U.D.G.E. – Blips Ahoy Mate
03. P.U.D.G.E. – Intro
04. P.U.D.G.E. – Satta Marijuana
05. P.U.D.G.E. & Mr.Dibiase – Smoke It Over
06. Mr.Dibiase – Axel Bop
07. Mr.Dibiase – I Pity The Fool
08. Mr.Dibiase – Spacely Sprocketts
09. Mr.Dibiase – Thrilla Time Slime
10. Mr.Dibiase – WTF
11. P.U.D.G.E. – Afrilude
12. P.U.D.G.E. – Arab Incense
AACLA10x10x2- Take & Matthewdavid – LA Series #2
2nd 10 of the series comes from Take (Alpha Pup/Eat Concrete/Poobah) and matthewdavid (Dublab/Brainfeeder/Leaving Records) who combine to give us 7 tracks in all again packaged in a B+ sleeve. Take, born and bred in LA, has recorded for Poobah, Eat Concrete, Plug Research and is about to drop his full length on Alpha Pup this year.. With his three tracks, TAKE continues to push the boundaries of left filed experimental Beat music into new directions. The influence of vintage electronic records, 1980’s soul, and hard crunchy beats is apparent as they all get crushed and melted down into fine gold. On the other side Dublab’s matthewdavid gives us his unique brand of beat based warped psychedelia with 4 tracks blending seamlessly into one!
Tracklist
01. Take – Soul Particles
02. Take – I Miss My Brains
03. Take – Warm Ruin
04. Matthewdavid – Sunrise Luminescence
05. Matthewdavid – Late Nite Lo Fi For Dark
06. Matthewdavid – We Helped Pioneer This
07. Matthewdavid – Know You’re Not Alone
ACLA10x10x3 – Ras G & Samiyam – LA Series #3
3rd 10 of the series comes from Ras_G (Poobah/Brainfeeder) and Samiyam (Poobah/Hyperdub) who give us 3 tracks each. B+ comes correct on the sleeveart once again. Ras needs no introduction – a fixture on the underground hiphop scene in LA since the early 90s and a proud South Central LA resident. One of the founders of the Poo-Bah Label he comes with three bass heavy speaker smashers! On the other side we get three tracks from Samiyam with his signature synth sound, melancholy melodies and off-centre post-Dilla funk.
Tracklist
01. Ras G – Flight Delay
02. Ras G – Ourtrillianted
03. Ras G – Breakfast Blunts
04. Samiyam – Fishsticks
05. Samiyam – Brad
06. Samiyam – Space
ACLA10x10x4 – HouseShoes & Jordan Rockwell – LA Series #4
4th 10 of the series sees us take a trip to the West Coast via Detroit, Michigan. 2 expats from the Midwest Houseshoes and Jordan Rockswell (formerly Snowman) come with some heavy hip-hop based instrumentals. Houseshoes, known as the ambassador of Detroit hip hop, relocated to Los Angeles in 2006 and we don’t need to go over his credentials here – pressed the classic Jay Dee – Unreleased EP” back in 1996 plus the Phat Kat – Dedication To The Suckers 12” in 99, and as a producer has worked with some of Detroit’s elite emcees – from Dilla and Big Proof, to Elzhi (Slum Village), Guilty Simpson, Black Milk, Ty & Kory , Ta’Raach etc – to help contribute to the soundtrack of his city. He comes with 2 slammin tracks here – firstly a nod to his favourite cigarette brand with Newports and then a flip of the classic 60s groover on ‘The Look’. Over on the other side it’s the second run out on All City for Detroit native Jordan Rockswell. He released Street Corner Music with us as Snowman a few years back and he has 3 tracks here – ‘Winter Warfare’, ‘The Groove’ and a great flip of JB on ‘Mr Dynomite’. Usual B+ sleeveart once again – collect the set!
Tracklist
01. HouseShoes – Newports
02. HouseShoes – The Look
03. Jordan Rockswell – Mr.Dynomite
04. Jordan Rockswell – The Groove
05. Jordan Rockswell – Winter Warfare
ACLA10x10x5 – Carlos y Gaby GB (Gifted and Blessed) – LA Series #5
Reaching the halfway point in the series we take it down a notch to usher in the summer with Carlos Nino, Gaby Hernadez & GB. Carlos Nino is one of LA’s musical driving forces – organizer, producer, arranger, composer, radio dj – spanning the whole musical gamut from hip hop, modern classical to folk and ambient. He has worked with Dwight Trible, seminal jazz group Build an Ark, MC John Robinson (Lil Sic) and released records via Ninja, Kindred Spirits, Alpha Pup amongst others. The three tracks here are an expansive collaboration between himself and vocalist/keyboard player Gaby Hernandez. Three tracks forming as one, the pair describe it as a soundtrack to a sci-fi fantasy that existed in conversations and thoughts between them. Keeping it otherworldly on the flip side GB gives us Sketches of Crop Circles a breathtaking three part track spanning 9 minutes. Involved in the seminal LA/Long Beach Sound in Color label GB has worked with Steve Spacek, Daz I Kue, King Britt amongst others. His recent reinterpretations EP showed, like Nino, he’s a master of many styles and he is without doubt one of the LA underground’s best kept secrets. Super Sharp Snapper B+ comes correct on the cover of course!
Tracklist
01. Carlos y Gaby – Happy Summer Solstice
02. Carlos y Gaby – In The Whirl Emote
03. Carlos y Gaby – Sugar Flowers
04. GB (Gifted & Blessed) – Sketches Of Crop Circles
ACLA10x10x6 – Daedelus & Teebs – LA Series #6
For the sixth 10 of the series we have lined up one of LA’s old guard and one of the hardest working – Daedelus (Plug Research/Brainfeeder) alongside new comer Teebs (Brainfeeder/Poobah). A founding member of LA’s Dublab internet radio station and with a discography spanning over 10 years not to mention multiple genres, Daedelus’s rep as one of the godfathers of the current beat scene is well earned. His side here reads as one continuous stream of music in six parts. Seamlessly flowing the best it builds right to the last track – Vous Ites Stereo – a fantastic Stereolab flip. On the other side Teebs, who already designed the Knxwledge cover for us earlier this year, comes with 4 lush tracks. One of the privileged few who can post fix his name with the word ‘Brainfeeder’ expect to hear more from him in the future.
Tracklist
01. Daedelus – Fates Say
02. Daedelus – You’ve Heard
03. Daedelus – Old Hears
04. Daedelus – You’ve Know
05. Daedelus – Strange Days
06. Daedelus – Vous Ites Stereo
07. Teebs – Archipelago
08. Teebs – Flower Drum Song
09. Teebs – Anchor Steam
10. Teebs – Untitled 4
ACLA10x10x7 – Dam Funk Vs Computer Jay – LA Series #7
Number 7 in the series showcasing the sound of two thirds of the MasterBlaster group – Dam Funk & ComputerJay. The ubiquitious Dam Funk needs little introduction. He’s definitely played at a town near you on multiple occasions in the last few years and still has time for his weekly throwdown – Funkmosphere- in Culver City keeping his hood pass most definitely intact. He gives us two tracks here – the first a delicious groover ‘Night Stroll’ and the second a more frenetic workout – ‘3012 Luv Affair’. Flipping over Computer Jay kicks off in an almost ESG-esque vein with ‘Phantom’ following with two further tracks of heavy drums and an array of analog sounds. In keeping with much of the series Jay’s side blends as one packing in a whole heap to his ten minutes.
Tracklist
01. Dam Funk – Fates Say
02. Dam Funk – You’ve Heard
03. Computer Jay – Old Hearts
04. Computer Jay – You’ve Know
05. Computer Jay – Strange Days
ACLA10x10x8 – Mike Gao and Tokimonsta – LA Series #8
Last of the series for 2010 featuring Tokimonsta (Brainfeeder) and newcomer Mike Gao. Brainfeeder’s First Lady Tokimonsta has had a busy year with releases on Ramp plus a LP for Art Union and she ends 2010 on a strong note with three tracks from the dreamy textures of the opener “Alive” to the loud snap of “Park Walks”. Mixing live instruments, percussion, digital manipulation, and dusty vinyl she has been getting props from Mary Anne Hobbs, Gilles Peterson etc Flip over for experimental Gear Head Mike Gao, a music technology researcher with potentially game-changing iPhone/iPad apps and producer with multiple beat battle wins. A LA beat scene secret down with the Low End Theory since playing in the early days he comes with an impressive hip-hop and music technology resume he gives us 5 soulful tracks with a nod to his home on “California” and beat battles with “Hubris Produca”.
Tracklist
01. Mike Gao – California
02. Mike Gao – Babylon Child
03. Mike Gao – Don’t Tell Me
04. Mike Gao – Hubris Produca
05. Mike Gao – Loving Night
06. Tokimonsta – Alive
07. Tokimonsta – Last Nights Blurry Memories
08. Tokimonsta – Park Walks
ACLA10x10x9 – Coleman and Ta’Raach – LA Series #9
Up to the penultimate 10 of the series featuring LA photographer Coleman and Motor City native – producer/MC -Ta’Raach. One half of the music/art collective – Mochilla – Coleman has been photographing the city and beyond since he was 12 years old. The man behind the Madvillain cover photos, he has had tracks on Keep In Time & the seminal LA with Love comp but steps up here for his first release proper. 4 tracks in all including the first vocal of the series recorded with Eglo records Fatima on a recent Westside trip. Flipping over for Ta’raach’s side where his 6 tracks blend as one. Having previously released on Sound In Color and Poobah this is his first solo material in a couple of years and he sticks to the beats template here doffing his cap to Guru along the way!
Tracklist
01. Coleman – Earthquake
02. Coleman – Black Bush
03. Coleman – Travles (For My Mother)
04. Coleman – Write Thing feat. Fatim
05. Ta’Raach – A Minor Mishap
06. Ta’Raach – Lemonade (Guru Mix)
07. Ta’Raach – A BC Date
08. Ta’Raach – #4 Band Aid in B Minor – Curled
09. Ta’Raach – #4 Band Aid in B Minor – Turled
10. Ta’Raach – Xxplain In F Minor
ACLA10x10x10 – Exile and Free The Robots – LA Series #10
Number 10 of 10 comes from Exile (Plug Research) backed with Free the Robots (Alpha Pup). Exiles side is one track broken into four parts, continuing on from his Radio LP, with a myriad of vocal samples and an ever-changing beat this is a fittingly individualistic piece of music to the end the series with. Flipping over for Santa Ana producer Free the Robots who follows on from his recent “Ctrl Alt Delete” LP with three tracks here – the heavy organ vibes of “Young and Yet Too Old”, the MF Doom-esque sound of “Destroy” and ending the series, appropriately enough, with a shout to percussion on “To the Drum”!
Tracklist
01. Exile – Distopian Utopia
02. Exile – PCP Laced Beedies
03. Exile – Love for sell/Bots have feelings
04. Exile – Dawn Of The Nothing
05. Free The Robots – Young & Yet Too Old
06. Free The Robots – Destroy
07. Free The Robots – With The Drum
Woima Collective – Tezeta
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Afrobeat, Funk
The Woima Collective was born from deep within the brass section of renowned German funk unit Poets Of Rhythm, as tenor sax player Johannes Schleiermacher became immersed in the rhythms and modes of the African music that the Poets love so much.
Combining the tight funk of groups like The Heliocentrics and the Poets Of Rhythm, with gnarly abyssinian brass and classic Mulatu-esque organ licks, the twelve tracks on Tezeta breeze into Europe on the Siroccan winds. At times, the band nods to dubby workouts like on the track ‘No Way But Still Walking’, at other times the brass section threaten to get free and atonal on the album closer ‘Wilder Mann’. Nevertheless Tezeta takes the cohesive pulse of North Africa, and fits it in a groove that will run and run for days. The Woima Collective celebrates the hypnotic beauty of Ethiopian scales and African rhythms, but creates an unique sound out of those influences, leaving lots of space for the individual band members to do their dance.
For more info and buy check: www.kindred-spirits.nl
Tracklist
01. Marz
02. Credo
03. Woima
04. Gaaf
05. Puno
06. No Way But Still Walking
07. Cavemans Revenge
08. Wayna
09. The Cave
10. Gidama
11. Illusions
12. Wilder Mann
Electro Deluxe – Play
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Funk, Soul
Electro Deluxe group consists of 5 musicians among the busiest in the French music scene. After 10 years of existence and 3 albums to their credit, the sound of Electro Deluxe has forged a recognizable character. Music box containing real, Electro Deluxe is present in many current projects. One finds the band members alongside Uncle Ben’s Soul, Michel Jonasz, Hocus Pocus, Milk Coffee and Sugar Sixun. Musicians and stage, group members have lent their talents to many players in the current French music scene.
Like the “Funk Brothers”, Electro Deluxe counts among its members musicians of the most requested time. These collaborations have fueled the band’s music. The group evolved from its supercharged electro jazz albums of the first sleek music production vintage served by the last album.
For more info and buy check: www.electrodeluxe.com
Tracklist
01. Play
02. Please Don’t Give Up feat. Ben L’Oncle Soul
03. Black & Bitter feat. James Copley
04. California
05. Between The Lines feat. Ben L’Oncle Soul & 20syl
06. Let’s Go To Work feat. Gael Faye & James Colpey
07. Mousse
08. Where Is The Love? feat. Ben L’Oncle Soul
09. Old Stuff
10. Fine feat. NYR
11. Talking About Good Love… feat. NYR
12. …Talking After Good Love
13. Chasseur De Tetes
14. Sorry feat. NYR
Substantial & Marcus D. Are – Bop Alloy
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2010, Jazz Hop
The term “purist” has no place in music, since one genre often influences or gives birth to another genre every few years. Jazz purists are sometimes displeased with the genre being sampled by Hip-Hop artists, but no one can argue that it has inspired a new generation of Jazz enthusiasts. Bop Alloy, comprised of Baltimore, MD emcee Substantial and the Seattle, WA producer Marcus D, is the name that best describes the brand of hip-hop (labeled “Jazz Hop” by today’s listeners) made popular by legendary groups like Gangstarr and A Tribe Called Quest. Bop Alloy haven’t set out to be the next group of artists with a throwback sound, but to “make quality music that anybody, from any walk of life can enjoy,” says Marcus D.
for more info and buy check: www.elvt.jp – facebook.com/BopAlloy
Tracklist
01. Jazzmatic (Feat. Steph The Sapphic Songstress)
02. Another Day In The Life (Feat. Mr. SOS & Cise Star of CYNE)
03. Chillaxation
04. Cloud 9 (Interlude)
05. The Art Of Work (Feat. Steph The Sapphic Songstress)
06. Save The Day
07. Universe Works (Feat. Steph The Sapphic Songstress)
08. Star Child
09. Music (Interlude) (Feat. Steph The Sapphic Songstress)
10. Lead The Followers (Feat. Steph The Sapphic Songstress, Tunji, Edgar Allen Floe & Niles)
11. Still Think Different
12. Why The World Weeps (Feat. Mello-D & Steph The Sapphic Songstress)
13. In Memoriam… (Interlude)
14. The Boy With No Name
15. Tokyo Twilight
16. Commencement (Japanese Bonus Track)
Christian Scott Albums!
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, Discography, Jazz
Christian Scott, born March 31, 1983 in New Orleans, Louisiana is a Grammy Award nominated jazz trumpeter, composer and producer. He has been heralded by JazzTimes magazine as “the Architect of a new commercially viable fusion” and “Jazz’s young style God.” The nephew of jazz alto saxophonist Donald Harrison, since 2006 Scott has released four studio albums, and one live recording. The trumpeter is noted for his use of an unvoiced tone, which he calls his “whisper technique.
for more info and buy check: www.christianscott.tv
2006 – Rewind That
Tracklist
01. Rewind That
02. Say It
03. Like This
04. So What
05. Rejection
06. Lay In Vein
07. She
08. Suicide
09. Caught Up
10. Paradise
11. Kiel
2007 – Anthem
Tracklist
01. Litany Against Fear
02. Void
03. Anthem (Antediluvian Adaption)
04. Re:
05. Cease Fire
06. Dialect
07. Remains Distant
08. The Uprising
09. Katrina’s Eyes
10. The 9
11. Like That
12. Anthem (Post Diluvial Adaption) feat. Brother J of X-Clan
2008 – Live at Newport
Tracklist
01. Died In Love
02. Litany Against Fear
03. Isadora
04. Rumor
05. Anthem
06. The Crawler
07. James Crow Jr. Esq.
08. Rewind That
2010 – Yesterday You Said Tomorrow
Tracklist
01. K.K.P.D.
02. The Eraser
03. After All
04. Isadora
05. Angola, LA & The 13th Amendment
06. The Last Broken Heart
07. Jenacide
08. American’t
09. An Unending Repentance
10. The Roe Effect
Build An Ark – Love Part 1+2
Posted by dOk | Filed under 2009, 2010, Ambient, Jazz
Celebrated for their collective creativity and ensemble improvisation, Build An Ark find themselves in that magical place where John & Alice Coltrane, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young, and Joni Mitchell are one in a cosmic soul music that is both topical and metaphysical. From this mystical place, Build An Ark share a message of love for all life in the universe.
for more info and buy check: www.kindred-spirits.nl
Love Part 1
Loving executed third album by Build An Ark. Sounding like classic 70′s folk jazz! Well recommended! This record is their meditation on love – its varying forms and moods, its ecstatic and soothing powers. Build An Ark, under the production of Carlos Niño, have made an album which flows with a real range of volume and density, with arrangements and configurations contrasting against each other. The group has still kept their organic sound while adding several more layers, and charting a distinct progression from their previous two albums.
Tracklist
01. Love
02. This Prayer For The Whole World
03. How Do We End All This Madness
04. Celebrate
05. Sweet Thing
06. Fun’s Theme
07. Sunflowers In My Garden
08. Love Is Everywhere
09. In The Park
10. World Music
11. Word Peace Now
12. May It Be So
13. More Love
DOWNLOAD! MEGAUPLOAD
DOWNLOAD! MEDIAFIRE
Love Part 2
Carlos Nino and Build An Ark return with the companion piece to last years LP Love. Mostly taken from the same sessions, Love (part 2) shares the same pallette of sounds, but with a looser lean, exploring more improvised passages and off-road episodes.
Tracklist
01. Cosmic Tuning
02. Nature
03. Ginger
04. Say Yes!
05. Improvisation Day 1
06. Improvisation Day 8
07. Cadence Of The Love Messengers
08. What The World Needs Now Is Love
09. Improvisation Day 10
10. Improvisation Day 2
11. Tryin’ Times
