New Downloads available of Broadcasting @ Cargo

I've just added 2 new Direct Downloads of Sets from "Karen P presents... Broad Casting" night, held at Cargo, Rivington Street, London".

Part 2 of Jimi Tenor feat Kabu Kabu Live At Cargo

and

Mulatu Astatke Live At Brodcasting Cargo London

Click here for updated post.

Recent Record Buys.....for April

Underground Vegetable 7" - Melting Pot. (Strictly limited Australian import white label 45)

Two sides of funky reggae from a mysterious Australian source. Side A actually sounds like Boris Gardiner's original version of reggae-funk breaks classic "Melting Pot", while the flip features a slower funk band version of Melting Pot.


RED ASTAIRE/SUGARLOAF GANGSTERS/SWING SESSION - Gamm Doin James Vol 2 (GAMMJB002/A)

"After the hugely popular "Doin' James Part 1" we finally have the equally good 'Part 2' in the series! Red Astair, Sugarloaf Gangsters and Swing Session all provide their own 2008 takes on the Godfather of soul with some ultra funky cuts. Gamm deliver once again", says Phonica records.

Uptown Funk Empire - Now/Do The Boogie 7" (Soulab)

After Metropolitan Jazz Affair, The Dynamics and Mr President, master of musical ubiquity Bruno "Patchworks" Hovart proudly presents Uptown Funk Empire, a burning tribute to one of his all time greatest loves: Funk.



Bruno “Patchworks” Hovart, as a self-taught musician and typical teenager, started playling guitar, bass and keyboards at age 15, covering James Brown, Jimi Hendrix and Cream in his bedroom and, later in college bands. His first releases are in the mid 90s, with deep house and disco live bands and various electronic projects. He quickly develops and shows very special skills for vintage disco/funk productions with a contemporary flavor. This gifted boy's been working with artists such as Amp Fiddler, Archie Shepp, Mr Day, Paul Randolph... and for many recording labels such as I Still Music (usa), Favorite Recordings (france), Infracom (germany), Further Out (uk)...

Uptown Funk Empire is an exciting and ambitious project, worthy of its name.
While the first album is simply called "The Empire Strikes back", it's no joke...
Forget the whole revival thing, this sounds like an actual rebirth of the real funky stuff.

Click here Website.

It's like being back to the better days of Funk without a travel machine... the vibe is vintage but the sound is fresh...

That's not funky music, that's FUNKY MUSIC !

This album is huge and it covers all the golden age Groove styles : Boogaloo, Soul, Disco, Boogie, Funk... but the music flows in the hands of a gifted modern producer. Bruno " Patchworks" Hovart plays bass, keyboards, computers... handling with love all composition, programming, arrangements, vocals...

With brilliant vocal featurings by silky Juan Rozoff, Brit-Soul legend Noel Mc Koy at his best, high-voltage divas Ange & Janice... and the funkysoul brother Bruno "Patchworks" Hovart himself on the mic... it's pure funkiness !

Beware, "The Empire Strikes Back" and is kicking... so get up & dance ! (Website)

NAOMI SHELTON & THE GOSPEL QUEENS - What have you done/I'll take the long road 7"

"Naomi Shelton first lifted her soulful voice into our family back in the Desco days of the late 1990's. Under her maiden name, Naomi Davis, she gave us Fourty First Street Breakdown which has become a secret weapon for funk DJ's. Next came the coveted Wind Your Clock 10, which surfaced only as test pressing due to the record company's untimely demise. Later she fronted Sugarman and Co. delivering 2001's Promised Land.

All of these have earned her a box seat in the theater of Funk & Soul collectors. However there is another side of Naomi that has been stirring folks longer and deeper than any funk record could ever. Like most great Soul singers, Naomi is first and foremost a Gospel singer. She has spent her life lifting her voice in churches from Alabama to Brooklyn. Though her Gospel voice (and true last name of Shelton) has been a part of the Daptone Family's life for years, performing under the musical direction of the legendary Cliff Driver whose band often featured members of the Daptone rhythym section, it has never before been allowed to fully blossom on wax in it's most natural, beautiful, and powerful form."

"As good a slice of authentic gospel funk as you're gonna hear!
Daptone has a good track record when it comes to unearthing authentic funk/ soul singers...Naomi Shelton is the latest in line and doesn't disappoint.
Former vocalist with Sugarman and Co, Naomi is now a solo artist in her own right and on this her debut outing delivers a truly awesome gospel vocal that fits perfectly over the hammond driven backing track...underpinned by the ultra tight Daptone rhythm section..Top Stuff!" Fat City Records....


Various - Nitrogen Trip Hop Sources from the past 12 Inch (Compost Records 022-1)

"This sampler is from an early Compost Records compilation features the stunning Balek from Marc Moulin under his seminal 70s alias Placebo on a nice loud pressing. Moulin brooding electronic breaks driven jazz helped shape many decades of modern music. Everyone from Portishead to DJ Shadow to Dan the Automator to Aim owe much to the pioneering and tireless jazz fusion work of Moulin in the 70s." Fat City Records.

Tracklisting:

a1 Placebo - Balek (4:19)
a2 Alberto Baldan Bembo - Nitrogen (4:20)
b1 Michael Bundt - The Brain Of Oskar Panizza (9:43)
b2 Jan Jankeje - South Indian Line (2:29)

Thanks Jack !!!!

Finally, my vinyl copy of the new Meat Beat Manifesto album arrived on Saturday, and its a killer.

Boomkat Records says "Following on from last weeks heavyweight cuts culled from this album, MBM deliver their first full album proper for Planet Mu. Latching on to the dubstep sound with electric fervour, MBM's Jack Dangers admits a stylistic resonance with his own styles resulting in an album of weighted dubstep variations relying on his much sought after production skills and abilities to create exceedingly heavy Beats. 'Hold the mic' bolts bashy double time breakbeats toasted by Daddy Sandy, onto unweildy basslines designed for maximum floor destruction, and kicking the album off in fine style. 'Children of the earth' cuts a much more standard dubstep figure with hung halfstep rhythms, before 'house of unique stink' returns to his dub and techno roots with a sound that could have come from any time between 1990 and today. Elsewhere we jumpcut from bashout breaks attacks on '(live) and direct (live)' to Milanese styled electronica steppers on 'Less' and standout bassbin burial cut 'return to bass'. Heavy".

Also available is this 12" Sampler from the album which includes:

1. LONELY SOLDIER (REMIX)
2. HELLFIRE
3. GUNS N LOVERS (REMIX)

....as with the album, this release is on the Planet Mu label.... which has seen releases from dubstep icon Benga.

Both the album and the 12" Sampler are awesome. I can't beleive that this is MBM's 10th studio album...and it seems like he's not running out of ideas...

Here's what Phonica Records write..."New full length from seminal industrial band Meat Beat Manifesto!! Led by sound sculptor and producer extraordinaire Jack Dangers, MBM is continually evolving. It’s tenth album pushes musical boundaries further than it has before, creating a masterpiece of electronica and dubstep."I feel like Dub has always been part of my sound" says Jack. Guest vocalist Daddy Sandy features on "I Hold the Mic!", and the techno-tinged "Spanish Vocoder" touches on his his early techno roots. "Every record is different," Jack explains, "and in this record I focused on what I like to do versus what other people like me to do: beats, bass and distortion."

Beat Diggin' Documentary

Karen P presents... Broad Casting at CARGO

I've recently been checking the listings of the "Karen P presents... Broad Casting" night, held at Cargo, Rivington Street, London. Each night looks superb so far and the upcoming listing looks a real corker.....

17 04 08 : MULATU & THE HELIOCENTRICS

With support from the Red Bull Music Academy, Karen P's Broad Casting night has been able to cast it's net even further a field. Not satisfied with pulling in the big names from Scandinavia (Little Dragon in February and Jimi Tenor in March) April's instalment sees Karen P hauling in composer, musician and father of the Ethio-Jazz sound, Mulatu Astatke, to play exclusively live at Cargo. With a backing band made up of the fantastic Heliocentrics.

Click Here for Mulatu Astatke featuring The Heliocentrics Live At Cargo

DJ sets coming from Karl Injex, Gilles Peterson and of course curator of the night, Karen P, April's Broad Casting is one to get down to.

JIMI TENOR & KABU KABU

Musician and composer Jimi Tenor has never settled for the traditional role of a pop artist. He is known as a productive musician whose work lies beyond current trends, and also as a performer who combines the finest elements of afro-american music, spontaneous silliness and shameless glamour in an original way. Jimi Tenor will grace Cargo's stage with his presence on this, the third instalment ofthe excelent "Karen P presents... Broad Casting" night.

Click Here for Jimi Tenor feat Kabu Kabu Live At Cargo (Part 1)

NEWLY ADDED

Click Here for Jimi Tenor feat Kabu Kabu Live At Cargo (Part 2)

Besides being a professional musician for almost 20 years, Jimi Tenor (born Lassi Lehto, 1965, Lahti, Finland) has also practised photography, directed short films and designed clothes and musical instruments. The electro-mechanic instruments built by Jimi Tenor and designer Matti Knaapi are not intended to be pieces of art on display at exhibitions, though have sometimes ended up as such. They emerge from musical needs, and are mainly made of scrap material. The instruments have been used at full blast during recording and on stage, so some of them have been wrecked.

The music industry has found it difficult to operate with Jimi Tenor at times. The hard rock driven Finland of the 80s considered him weird and too marginal. In Britain in the 90s he was seen as a trendy techno jazz artist, but Tenor soon confused the pioneering electro label Warp by delivering an imaginary - and expensive - soundtrack album with a symphony orchestra, instead of making minimalistic hits.

Today Jimi Tenor is an established European artist who operates outside the mainstream. His audience consists of clubbers and alternative rock enthusiasts looking for new perspective, but also of jazz and funk rebels. Those who understand that even unconventional pop music can move your body and heart.


07 02 08 : LITTLE DRAGON & CHARLES WEBSTER

Inspired by a series of fantastic compilations on Sonar Kollektiv a new night is born.

Karen P has had a huge impact on the world of radio and provided a much-needed platform to an incredibly talented pool of musicians and performers from all over the world. From her work with Gilles Peterson on Worldwide to the creation and production of the groundbreaking underground radio station, Red Bull Music Academy Radio and now her string of excitingly fresh podcasts have set her up as a hugely influential tastemaker in the scene. The Observer recently hand-picked Karen as one of the brightest and best rising stars in her field by naming her in the Top 10 of the media category for the ‘Future 500’ recognising the movers and shakers of the future.

Tonight we celebrate the launch of her new monthly night with a little tribute to Peacefrog Records (www.peacefrog.com). Responsible for hundreds of stand-out releases scaling many genres; tonight we present two exclusive performances representing their past and present, showing just how much they have achieved in their 17 years.

All the way from Sweden and already making waves with their excellent self-titled debut album, Little Dragon pay an exclusive visit to the UK.

Click Here for Little Dragon Live At Cargo

Fresh from a tour with Jose Gonzalez, they bring a similar approach to their music as their compatriot and label-mate, offering up compelling, wintry melodies that soothe, bewitch and beguile. www.little-dragon.se

Now into his second decade as a true innovator in the electronic music scene, Charles Webster (Miso/Peacefrog) is one of the few real mould-breakers in an increasingly stale & predictable dance music world (though whether a man whose favourite artist is Rickie Lee Jones, and whose records ooze such soul and depth should really ever be pigeonholed as dance is another debate...). Charles has sold over 100,000 albums without ever being considered 'mainstream' or having had a major hit single. For the opening night of Karen P presents… “Broad Casting” Charles Webster has prepared a special laptop set with some very special guests. Expect the unexpected!

This weekend i managed to get to Sounds of the Universe...nice

Was passing through London this weekend, so I popped into my favourite record shop, Sounds of the Universe (See my earlier post), and bought a few beauties......

Soul Jazz Records presents New Orleans Funk Vol. 2

"This is Soul Jazz Records’ new journey into the heart of New Orleans and a guide to the city’s finest Funk music produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s.’
Featuring everyone from The Meters to Eddie Bo, Lee Dorsey to Betty Harris, this is a who’s who of the Crescent City’s most famous and most funky!
The city of New Orleans has deep musical roots that stretch back to Africa. New Orleans first gave birth to Jazz music, a Black musical form centred on rhythm, improvisation, freedom and collectivity at the turn of the century. Similarly in the late 1960s New Orleans Funk came to define a unique sound, mixing Caribbean rhythms, New Orleans second-line syncopation and rhythm and blues, all played by the Big Easy’s finest musicians. Whilst Jazz and Funk music spread throughout the world, many African-American musical traditions remained within the city limits such as Mardi Gras and Carnival, Saturday Night Fish Fries, Funeral Marching bands and much more which partly explains why New Orleans music is so unique.
The album comes with extensive sleeve-notes, exclusive photography and more, and is an essential guide to the musical landscape of New Orleans and - together with Soul Jazz Records’ earlier New Orleans’ releases - presents the definitive story of New Orleans Funk.
Although on the mainland coast, New Orleans is also surrounded by lakes giving the city an island feel. Similarly its proximity to Puerto Rico, Cuba, Haiti and the other West Indian Isles means that Latin and Caribbean musical influences are in its veins as much as American musical traditions.
The upside of this city’s isolation is that New Orleans musical traditions flourished away from those of the rest of America. A thriving city full of artists, musicians, singers, producers, record companies, studios (well one studio actually) led to a 24-hour, 7-day a week musical life, playing in clubs, bars, brothels, carnivals and parades.
The downside of the cities isolation from the rest of the US was that the city never developed a solid music industry to back up the creative over-supply. Whilst New York had Atlantic, Detroit had Motown, Memphis had Stax, Chicago had Chess, Los Angeles had Modern, New Orleans had a multitude of small businesses fighting for space - and often each other. Without the marketing, promotional weight, business nouse and financial clout, New Orleans labels found it hard to get the nationwide distribution necessary to fill the million-odd jukeboxes throughout the country. So whilst every family in America knows the music of Gladys Knight or Smokey Robinson few could tell you about – let alone hum a tune from - Benny Spellman, Inell Young, Warren Lee….This is far from being a reflection of the artists creativity or musicality - as anyone can tell you New Orleans melodies are the catchiest of all - more it is a reflection of the limitations of the local music industry.

Some New Orleans artists became successful throughout the US such as Fats Domino in the 1950s and in the late 1960s The Meters and Lee Dorsey, but many artists remained within the city limits.

This makes for a fascinating goldmine of music released by a complex myriad of small labels run mainly by New Orleans producers, promoters and artists themselves. New Orleans Funk 2 brings together many of these artists along with text, sleeve-notes and photographs that gives social and historical context to the incredibly funky music of New Orleans".(Sounds Of The Universe)

1. Gossip - Cyril Neville
2. If It's Good To You - Eddie Bo
3. Chicken Strut - Meters (The)
4. Show It - Betty Harris
5. Hot Pants - Hank Carbo
6. Tequila - Allen Toussaint
7. Right Place Wrong Time - Ray J
8. Hot Tomales - Prime Mates
9. You Keep Me Hnaging On - Bonnie & Sheila
10. Four Corners - Lee Dorsey
11. What Do You See In Her - Inell Young
12. Yeah You're Right You Know You're Right - Gaturs
13. Street Parade - Earl King
14. Twitch - Danny White
15. Rubber Band - Eddie Bo
16. Fortune Teller - Benny Spellman
17. Mama Said We Can't Get Married - Warren Lee
18. Soul Pusher - Joe Chopper
19. 12 Red Roses - Betty Harris
20. Hey Bo - Eddie Bo
21. Haven't I Been Good To You - Johnny Moore
22. Funky Belly - Warren Lee
23. Hold On Help Is On It's Way - Davis, G. & R. Tyler
24. Mr Big Stuff - Jimmy Hicks
25. Bo Diddley - Art Neville
26. Dapp - Porgy Jones

AND as walked into the shop this was playing on their system...and I just had to grab myself a copy..... a companion piece to the previous double albums, that SOUNDWAY records released.

Nigeria Disco Funk Special
The Sound of the Underground Lagos Dancefloor 1974-79

"Wow! The excellent Sound Way records have surpassed themselves with this, the second part of a planned trio of Nigeria-focussed compilations. Following on from their essential collection of Nigerian highlife, this installment focuses on the homegrown disco and boogie sounds of the mid to late 1970s Lagos nightclub scene!

This is an incredible collection of super-obscure African disco and boogie that you will almost certainly never have heard before - this stuff is truly incredible and sits perfectly next to the American records that served as inspiration for these Nigerian musicians! Indeed, the DJs in the underground nightspots of mid to late 1970s Lagos would spin local talent like this alongside US import singles by the likes of Brass Construction, BT Express, and James Brown! Saturday and Sunday nights were for looking good and going out in late 1970s Lagos evidently!

This is an essential compilation that reveals Nigeria's secret disco treasure to the world! - and as with all the Sound Way releases, this comes with loads of notes and photos!".(Sound Of The Universe)

1. The Sahara All Stars — Take Your Soul
2. T-Fire — Will of the People
3. Asiko Rock Group — Lagos City
4. Johnny Haastrup — Greetings
5. Bongos Ikwue & The Groovies — You've Gotta Help Yourself
6. Jay-U Experience — Some More
7. Voice of Darkness — Mota Ginya
8. Dr Adolf Ahanotu — Ijere
9. S-Job Movement — Love Affair

PLUS THIS LIMITED 7 INCH....

Inell Young - What Do You See In Her (Soul Jazz Records)

"Soul Jazz Records are releasing a very special limited-edition (1000 copies) re-issue of an extremely rare 7” single as a taster for the forthcoming New Orleans Funk, vol.2. This 7” is the first in a new series of Soul Jazz Fan Club 7” re-issues. They are available EXCLUSIVELY from only the Soul Jazz Records and Sounds of The Universe websites or direct from our London store. That’s right - you will not be able to buy this elsewhere!
Inell Young’s “What Do You See In Her”, is a superlative piece of laid-back jazzy New Orleans Funk. Long a collector’s item, the single was released on the tiny Libra Records label in New Orleans in the early 1970s. Inell Young was one of a handful of super-talented female singers who worked with the legendary Eddie Bo at the end of the 1960s – Mary Jane Hooper, Marilyn Barbarin, Inez Cheatham.
This collector’s item is now available exclusively to you. But you better hurry, this is seriously-limited one-off pressing when they are gone, they’re gone..."(Soul Jazz Records)

1. Inell Young — What Do You See In Her
2. Inell Young — I Remember The Summer

Ben Stoke's Video Intro For The Hard Sell Tour

Ben Stoke made this Video for DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist's Hard Sell tour.....its played as an introduction/re-cap at the beginning of their show......by the way the show at the Roundhouse was awesome....

EVERY GOOD HERO SHOULD HAVE THEIR OWN THEME MUSIC..

I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988)

The Juice Crew - A Movie (VAPOURS)......Oh Yes

Just came accross this......

Interview with Marley Marl......about VAPOURS



"Set against the backdrop of New York City's infamous QueensBridge housing Projects, The Vapors tells the story of legendary hip hop collective 'The Juice Crew' and chronicles their rise to fame in what is considered hip hop's 'Golden Era'"...IMDB

FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW....Here's a little history...



Here's THE BRDIGE IS OVER...that KRS-ONE refers to.....




CHECK THIS VIDEO OUT.....the infamous Juice Crew track The Symphony.... This has to be the best 'CREW' tracks ever ? Loving the look of 'FAT GOLD CHAINS' AND TEN GALLON HATS (Check out Craig G's hat - MASSIVE.....literally)

Check this out......

DJ Ramsey pushes the boundaries of Tape Cassette editing......I remember back in the day when I would use a Philips double cassette deck to make 'pause' mix-tapes.... well this kind of kills that !!

Dusty Fingers in the 'D' with Wajeed

Here's an excellent video of Wajeed from BLING47.C0M taking us through a faourite record shop of his......



Love it....

Behind the scenes at the Worldwide Awards 2008

Great little video from Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Awards held at Cargo earlier this year.....

TRUTH & SOUL Presents Falling Of The Reel Vol. 2

TRUTH & SOUL Presents Falling Of The Reel Vol. 2

For anybody who missed out on the very limited 45's here's a great compilation that i'm gonna be hunting out, and in addition a nice little megamix of some of the tunes featured....

"Truth & Soul presents the second volume of their singles collection entitled, Fallin Off The Reel. Truth & Soul have been consistently releasing limited edition 45singles never exceeding 2000 copies pressed.

For the first time, those who don't have a record player or simply missed out on these singles, will finally be able to hear these musical gems that have given Truth & Soul their impeccable reputation for quality music.

Fallin Off the Reel vol.2 has every Truth & Soul 45 single presented in chronological order from 2006 until now, including one unreleased bonus track. It features songs from El Michels Affair with Raekwon, Bronx River Parkway, Lee Fields, Quincy Bright, Black Velvet, Tyrone Ashley & Funky Music Machine, Timothy McNealy, & more.".....Taken from the Truth and Soul Website.

01. BRONX RIVER PARKWAY- La Valla
02. BRONX RIVER PARKWAY - Nora Se Va
03. TYRONE ASHLEY'S FUNKY MUSIC MACHINE - Just A Little While Longer
04. TYRONE ASHLEY'S FUNKY MUSIC MACHINE - I Can't Help Myself
05. BLACK VELVET- Is I Me You Really Love
06. BLACK VELVET - An Earthquakes Coming
07. QUINCY BRIGHT- Phil My Don
08. RAEKWON & EL MICHELS AFFAIR - PJ's
09. EL MICHELS AFFAIR - A Little Sloppy (Bonus Beat)
10. EL MICHELS AFFAIR - This One's For My Baby
11. QUINCY BRIGHT- Big Black Hole
12. LEE FIELDS & THE EXPRESSIONS- My World
13. LEE FIELDS & THE EXPRESSIONS - Love Comes and Goes
14. BRONX RIVER PARKWAY - Aqua Con Sal
15. BRONX RIVER PARKWAY- Me Toca
16. TIMOTHY MCNEALY- What's Going On
17. TIMOTHY MCNEALY- I'm So Glad You're Mine
18. THE FABULOUS THREE- Odyssey Revisted* previously unreleased

"With the Truth & Soul Megamix, DJ Akalepse gives fans an intimate sneak peak sampling of what’s to come with the upcoming CD and double LP release of Truth & Soul: Fallin off the Reel Vol. 2, which comes out next Tuesday, March 11th. This Fallin’ Off the Reel Megamix seamlessly spans from the eclectic soul/funk/jazz/dub sounds of El Michels Affair “This One’s For My Baby” to the more stripped-down, traditional funk and soul style of “My World” by Lee Fields & The Expressions, to the Hispanic-flavored groove of Bronx River Parkway’s “La Valla.” Other tracks featured on the Megamix include “What’s Going On” by Timothy McNealy, “An Earthquake’s Coming” by Black Velvet, Quincy Bright’s “Big Black Hole,” and “Just A While Longer” by Funky Music Machine, and others. Truth & Soul lets the music speak for itself, patiently transitioning from one track to another, placing the integrity of the compositions and performances at the forefront of the Megamix." (Many thanks to Hip Hop Cosign BLOG for this Megammix)

Tracklisting:
1. “This One’s For My Baby” - El Michels Affair
2. “PJ’s” - El Michels Affair feat. Raekwon
3. “What Going On” - Timothy McNealy
4. “I’m Glad You’re Mine” - Timothy McNealy
5. “An Earthquake’s Coming” - Black Velvet
6. “My World” - Lee Fields
7. “Love Comes and Goes” - Lee Fields
8. “Big Black Hole” - Quincey Bright
9. “Just A While Longer” - Funky Music Machine
10. “La Vall” - Bronx River Parkway
11. “Nora Se Va” - Bronx River Parkway

The Background:

"Fallin’ Off the Reel Vol. 2 follows the success of Truth and Soul’s first edition of the compilation, Fallin’ Off the Reel, released in the fall of 2006. The forthcoming second-edition Truth & Soul compilation boasts a varied roster of current-day and older funk and soul artists, including Timothy McNealy, El Michels Affair, Bronx River Parkway, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Tyrone Ashley’s Funk Music Machine, Black Velvet, Quincy Bright and The Fabulous Three. The compilation comprises a wide selection of contemporary music that has descended from the rhythm and blues, soul, and funk music traditions. Fallin’ Off The Reel Vol. 2 has every Truth & Soul 45 single presented in chronological order from 2006 until now (available for the first time on CD), including one previously unreleased bonus track. The Gatefold Double-LP includes selected tracks from both volumes of the Fallin’ Off the Reel series, plus rare tracks.

About Truth & Soul: When Soul Fire Records officially retired in 2004, Soul Fire house musicians Leon Michels and Jeff Silverman started their own label, Truth & Soul, which has now become a label and production house based out of Brooklyn, NY that specializes in creating deep funk and soul music. They have released a slew of 7″ and 12″ vinyl releases by bands such as El Michels Affair, Bama & The Family, Lee Fields & the Expressions, Timothy McNealy, Asiko, Bronx River Parkway, and many more. Both Michels and Silverman produce, perform on, engineer, and mix all of the label’s releases and productions." Quoted from the HipHopCosign BLOG.

March Purchases

Malcolm Catto 10" (1000 copies Worldwide)



Just ordered my copy of this limited 10 Inch from Michael Catto......him of The Heliocentrics.

"SUPER LIMITED! AMAZING PACKAGING! Wow. Production duo MRR-ADM were formerly known as MHE (Sound in Color Records), and not only have they stepped their game up, but they've teamed up with Malcolm Catto of Heliocentrics for a mind-blowing 10" EP. No song titles, no record label, no words. Just 6 tracks of violent drums, dirty analog synths, and dizzying, optical-illusion artwork (in an indescribable foil coated jacket, no less). A modern library record, and with less than 1000 units pressed worldwide, this one could soon be going for as much on the collectors market as the old library records that were used for samples on your favorite hip hop records. Do not sleep on this record." Fat City Records.


These next 2 little beauties were purchased from the every-amazing and always informative Jazzman Website.

Natural Yogurt Band - Voodoo (JM.065)

"We get lots of demos sent to us at Jazzman, and we listen to them all. Some of them are good and worthy of release, but we can’t do everything we just happen to like. But then every few years something comes along that is so good it gets played in the office over and over and over and over again and captivates us completely… and the Natural Yogurt Band is it. The demo album they sent was accompanied by no credentials. There was no promo sheet bragging about the famous DJs who are fronting them, no long CV stating who plays what and who used to play with whoever; no info, no blurb and no gumph.

Natural Yogurt Website.

In other words they just sent me a plain cdr, which is nice, because it’s music that counts, right? So what is it about their demo that we find so intriguing? Well, for starters you can hear real people playing real instruments, which always goes down well at Jazzman. Then there are the original ideas, played out as quirky, innocent instrumentals, and their flawless execution lacks pretence and self-consciousness. You also get the feeling that they are having FUN making their music. And it comes naturally, they’re not trying too hard. Finally when you note their taste and musical style – Italian gangster films, leftfield electronics, Morricone, Alessandroni & Nicolai all rolled into one – you realise that they’ve been listening to the right stuff and making their own auditory visualisation of what’s good. Oddball, leftfield, funky; yet unpretentious and effortless… so you see why we want to share it." (Jazzman Website)

Bill Swift Trio+1 - Chain Of Fools EP (JM12.014)

"Here at Jazzman we work 24/7 to uncover the world’s rarest and best soul, funk ‘n jazz. We find new things all the time, but it’s not often that we come across a completely unknown album of such high quality as that recorded by the Bill Swift Trio + 1. For this 12” EP we’ve selected the best songs – two stunning Aretha Franklin covers and an original slice of real deal funky soul that immediately encourages comparison to the great Spanky Wilson and Marlena Shaw. And all from a humble lounge trio from Texas!

The Bill Swift Trio + 1 were a supper club act who played in a couple of small nightclubs in Fort Worth, Texas in the ‘60s through to the ‘80s. Unless you happened to have been at local hang-outs the Casa Del Sol or the Town Pump at the time, it is unlikely that you would ever have heard of them – the band never travelled past their own city limits. There are countless privately pressed LPs and 45s from similar lounge acts such as this that look promising but contain little of interest – this is not one of those. Funded by a Californian airline pilot who was passing through town and who was impressed enough with the band’s performances to bankroll a studio session, in 1972 the trio teamed up with their regular singer Drenda Barnett to cut a whole LP. Consisting mainly of covers of current pop and RnB hits, with a few originals thrown in for good measure, the LP was pressed to sell at gigs, but unfortunately there wasn’t enough money to print any covers. A few copies were sold off the bandstand, but a coverless album is never easy to sell, and most ended up discarded or forgotten. Now newly discovered, the amazing sound of the Bill Swift Trio and their amazing vocalist Drenda Barnett has finally reached the ears of the world!". (Jazzman Website)

Absolutley loving the 'Day Dreamin' track on side 2.....

Nostalgia 77 - One Offs, Remixes and B-Sides (2xCD)

This generous double CD is a diverse collection of rare gems, complete with an impressive roll-call of collaborators, which displays Lamdin’s flair as producer, remixer, composer and more. Sit back for the perfect collision – between a host of instrumental pieces and a dazzling array of songs that show Lamdin’s more recent move towards lyrical work – drawing on the stellar performances of eminent vocalists including Corinne Bailey Rae, Bajka and new Tru Thoughts signing Lizzy Parks.

Disc 1 opens with the mesmeric “Quiet Dawn” (Examples of Twelves Remix) featuring sultry vocals from Beth Rowley. The Nostalgia 77 remix of “Knee Deep” by TM Juke is another atmospheric proposition, but on the other end of the mood spectrum, cranking up a palpable tension with layer upon layer of creaky strings. All is then blown away on the breeze that is the exclusive instrumental version of Nostalgia 77’s Little Steps, which floats along next to carry you up to that familiar Nostalgia 77 plain somewhere above the clouds.
Wake up though, for Dirty Diggers featuring Nostalgia 77 with “So Grown Up”, Nostalgia composition and Diggers lyrics making a great couple, each adding a new depth to the other [Taken from the Diggers’ album “The Pleasure is All Mine” (Zebra Traffic)]

Continuing to demonstrate the strength in depth among the talent on the Tru Thoughts roster, “Solomon” by Natural Self (Nostalgia 77 Remix) takes another refreshing course. This instrumental is catchy, cheeky, idiosyncratic and irresistible.
The Nostalgia 77 remix of Kinny & Horne’s “Forgetting to Remember” sports a gravelly beat that crunches through the verse like sturdy steps on a stately driveway…spine-tingling stuff. Kinny’s jazzy and exquisite vocal and the deep double bass from Riaan Vosloo add to the dazzling effect of this killer song that is left enhanced but mercifully intact by the remix from Nostalgia 77.

The previously unreleased Nostalgia 77 remix of “In Between The Lines” by Bonobo boasts sizzling drums from Graham Fox, Bajka’s bluesy vocals and the bassiest of sax lines. This gritty, stomping tone and a soaring counter-melody, with vocal harmonies towards the tail end of the track, give rich, intertwining layers. Next, The New Mastersounds’ “Your Love is Mine” featuring Corinne Bailey-Rae (Nostalgia 77 Remix). The vocal from Bailey-Rae is characteristically lush and, amid touches of Funk & Jazz innovation, subtly underpinned by the earthiness of an old time Jazz Standard.

Elizabeth Shepherd’s (Do Right Music) “Reversed” (Nostalgia 77 Remix) adds yet another twist to the tale. Wildflower, by Nostalgia 77 featuring a stunning vocal performance from Lizzy Parks, appeared previously as the B Side to the next track here, a remix of “Quiet Dawn”, provided this time by Bonobo. The countless positive reactions to this as a single were only to be expected from the joining of such maestros. The exclusive Grant Phabao remix of Nostalgia 77’s take on “Seven Nation Army” featuring the mighty vocals of Alice Russell is given a reggae makeover yet retains its irresistible appeal to those bluesy jazz enthusiasts who went wild for this cover version “first” time around.

Disc 2 of this set visits a selection of the finest Nostalgia 77 and Octet material, including live recordings of “The Hope Suite” and the previously unreleased “Nativeland”. “The Moon” by Nostalgia 77 featuring Capstone and Lizzy Parks opens with dreamy keys from Capstone (Wah Wah 45s, Ninja Tune) that conjure up evocative harmonies with the jazzy vocals of new Tru Thoughts signing Lizzy Parks. The bass simmering just under the surface all the way through this track, gives it a smoky haze that pays homage to the Jazz classics of years gone by. “The Grass Harp” by Nostalgia 77 Octet is another previously unreleased number and The Octet’s “Impossible Equation” receives its first and well-deserved CD release, having featured previously on a vinyl only. CD2 also boasts beautiful instrumental versions of Nostalgia 77’s “Eastwind” and “Stop To Make A Change”. (Quoted from the Tru Thoughts Website.)

Nostalgia 77 One Offs, Remixes and B-Sides EP (TRUEP146)

This 12" is a vital sampler for the above double CD....an Absolute Killer.....Does it exactly what it says on the tin....

The Hard Sell DVD LIVE @ THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL

Here's a snippit from the new DVD of The Hard Sell (See previous posts) Live @ The Hollywood Bowl.....This is available to buy from the DJ SHADOW website......just put my order in......and I can't wait for March 13th at The Roundhouse in Camden..bring it onnnnn !!

L.S.D. The Dope Beat Edition - Mixtape

Pioneering German HipHop-Crew from Cologne consisting of Future Rock, Ko Lute, Rick Ski and Defcon. In 1991 they released their first and only album "Watch Out For The 3rd Rail" on Rhythm Attack Productions.

MPM label says "F*** what you've heard! "Watch Out For The Third Rail" back in stores soon after 15 years ! Download the free album mini mixtape by DJ Rick Ski and spread the word!"

Nice little mixtape available from the Melting Pot Music Website. For me this consistant labels is one of the highlights of the last few years, and I am always checking this label for new artsists and releases......



In adition also check this Mixtape Selection by Kalbata, one third of the group...The Koliphones.....also from the MPM Label.

Kalbata has always been a sucker for old analog synthesisers. Better known for his Electro/Grime/Dancehall productions, Kalbata is also an avid record collector from the age of 15. His dad’s record shop resides next to Tel Aviv’s old flea market where he would for years pick up obscure funk 45s and Moog albums by the likes of Dick Hyman and Robert Carlos. Fascinated by the sounds of primal electronics on dirty drums he knew he would get his own moog when he would grew up. His return from London to his native Tel Aviv last year reunited him with the love to the obscure and also his two old friends: Mixmonster – producer and sound engineer of The Apples (Freestyle Records) and Kutiman.

Soon the three started working on a project called The Koliphones – psychedlic moog funk, recorded on tape, using only analog synthesizers and effects. It’s a blend between the three producers worlds – bass, psych and funk. In this set Kalbata turns away from dubstep basslines, manic electro and Jamaican MCs for an hour of acid tipped moog psychedlica and rare library grooves from his record vaults.

Nino Nardini - Frantique (Fat City)
Mr.Chop - Contamination (Stark Reality)
The Koliphones - Voyage Into The Sun (MPM)
Pierre Henry - Jericho Jerk (Philips)
Stark Reality - Rocket Ship (Stones Throw)
The Hellers - High Fly Ball (Comman D)
Dror Yikra - Artillery Variety Ensemble (Israphone)
Kutiman - Losing It (MPM)
Gershon Kingsley - Hey, Hey (Audio Fidelity)
Xavier Cugat - Jungle Concerto (Mercury)
The Koliphones - Jungle Concerto (MPM)
Luke Vibert - Acidisco (Warp)
Dick Hyman - Give It Up.. (C4C2 Edit) (Moxie)
Unknown - Unknown (White)
Ahab & The Wailers - Neb's Tune (Castle Music)
Gratzia - Soile Beni (Koliphone)
Elsotanto - Tormentar (RCA)
Pierre Henry - Too Fortiche (Philips)
Nino Nardini & Roger Roger - Malaysia (Pulp)
J.J. Perrey & Luke Vibert - Dream 106 (Lo Rec.)
The Heliocentrics - Intermission (Stones Throw)
Jon Lucien - Would You Believe In Me (RCA)
Dick Hyman - The Minotaur (Command)

(From the MPM Website)

Droppin' Science: Greatest Samples From The Blue Note Lab

Managed to pick up this the other day......at £12.99 from JUNO (Bargain compared to other online stores !!!) for 2 slabs of vinyl....STONE COLD KILLER CLASSICS.....


Stones Throw Website says "Blue Note has just released "Droppin' Science: Greatest Samples From The Blue Note Lab" - a collection of records from their back catalog which have been sampled for tracks by Dilla, Dre, Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Pete Rock, and many others."

Tracklisting:
Side 1

1 Lou Donalsdon - "It's Your Thing"
2. Ronnie Foster - "Mystic Brew"
3. Donald Byrd - "Think Twice"
4. David Mc Callum - "The Edge"

Side 2

1. Brother Jack McDuff - "Oblighetto"
2. Joe Williams - "Get Out Of My Life Woman"
3. Grant Green - "Down Here On the Ground"

Side 3

1. Lonnie Smith - "Spinnin Wheel"
2. Jeremy Steig - "Howling For Judy"
3. Lou Donaldson - "Who's Makin' Love"

Side 4

1. Ronnie Laws - "Tidal Wave"
2. Monk Higgins - "Little Green Apples"
3. Donald Byrd - "Wind Parade"

Underground Hip Hop.com says "Blue Note has long been the exemplar in jazz, being the home of some of the most important jazz recordings ever made. What most don’t know is that 50 years after the label’s inception, the music would prove to be an integral resource of a whole new movement and genre: hip-hop. The art of sampling in hip-hop has been around since the late-’70s, but the wave of the most creative and aesthetically driven sampling began during the early-’90s. Hip-hop artists delved into the previously unexplored genre of jazz, and the music was changed then and for the next decade to come — with Blue Note as the hub of its ingenuity and inspiration. From A Tribe Called Quest to Gang Starr to Dr. Dre to the Beastie Boys, Blue Note has been the source of a deep groove, a soulful vamp, or hittin’ beat that we associate with some of the greatest hip-hop songs. Whether it’s the soulful bass line of Ronnie Foster’s “Mystic Brew” which served as the most memorable element in A Tribe Called Quest’s entrancing “Electric Relaxation,” the colossal orchestral intro that instantaneously has you at attention awaiting the beat to drop on Dr. Dre’s “The Next Episode,” or the funky big-bang groove of Joe Williams’s “Get out of My Life,Woman” which is the sole inspiration of non-stop head-nodding on Kool G Rap’s “Ill Street Blues,” Blue Note’s got it covered. Blue Note is Droppin’ Science, bringing it back to the lab of the jazz, funk, and soul chemists who gave the label some of the most influential and groundbreaking music of their time.We’ve dug deep into the crates to spotlight some of our most treasured works, as we tip our hat to some of the greatest hip-hop artists and producers ever. Who got da props? The Finest in Jazz, hands down."

Fat City Records "Brilliant compilation as ever from Blue Note, and also for a little treat, the linear notes are written by the one and only Questlove. Nice!"

J.Rocc of The Beat Junkies has created an exclusive mix from tracks of the Droppin' Science: Greatest Samples From The Blue Note Lab compilation, comprised of 10 classic records sampled by hip hop producers of the 80's, 90's and 00's.


J.Rocc deftly juxtaposes the hip hop hits by the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Gang Starr, Beastie Boys, Dr. Dre and many more with the Blue Note tracks to which they pay tribute. Click HERE for the mix,



Picked up the Companion 12 Inch as well.....

Droppin Science - Greatest Samples From The Blue Note Lab which included a bonus track......NICE



Side 1
1. Lou Donaldson - "It's Your Thing"
2. Lou Donaldson - "It's Your Thing" (breakbeat)
Side 2
1. David McCallum - "The Edge"
2. Eddie Henderson - "Inside You" (special bonus track)

WEST COAST MIXTAPE BY BARON ZEN

Just listened to this PODCAST from the Stones Throw label.....and its an absoulte killer......



Produced by Baron Zen

Stones Throw Records says "Peanut Butter Wolf, before making his name as a DJ and Producer and before founding Stones Throw Records, was programming drums for a one-man punk rock/disco army known as Baron Zen. Known, that is, to almost no one, because Baron Zen did not play shows, did not release records, rejected all forms of publicity, and above all, rejected the boundaries separating hip-hop, disco, punk rock, and pop.

Sweet Steve is the man behind Baron Zen. His recording career as Baron Zen lasted from 1988 to 1992, the best of which is collected on THIS ALBUM – his first and only. He was ahead of his time in the ‘80s, but the times have been threatening to catch up with him. Baron Zen today sounds like the missing link between PIL and DFA ... or suburban punk rock garage bands of the 80s and the DJ culture of today ... or The Dead Milkmen if they had been hip-hop b-boys.

Baron Zen is DIY music that wears its pop influence on its sleeve: covers of Joy Division, Gap Band, Katrina and the Waves, and high-energy disco classic “When I Hear Music” by Debbie Deb play along side Sweet Steve’s originals, many of which are odes to Steve’s frustration of being a hip-hop & disco DJ stuck in suburbia."


Podcast Tracklisting:

Radio Intro (Various)
Outlaw (War)
Funky Westside (Ton Loc)
I Like It Loud (MC Twist)
Think Twice (PB Wolf & Encore)
'N The Backstreets (Totally Insane)
Dope Man (NWA)
California Cruiser (Rodney O & Joe Cooley)
Sunshine Men (Freestyle Fellowship)
Score The Metaphoar (Lyrical Prophecy/PB Wolf)
In Time (Sly & The Family Stone)
I Keep Forgettin' (Michael McDonald)
A Hone Two, A Hone Two (Del the Funky Homosapien)
Got It Bad Y'all (King T feat. Alkaholiks)
Don't Fight the Feelin'(Too Short)
Be Your Own Man (Members Only Crew)
In The Place (Jonathan Brown)
Cali's All That (Def Jef)
West Coast Poplock (Ronnie Hudson)
How To Survive in South Central (Ice Cube)
L.A. Posse (Breeze)
Goes Like Dis (7A3)
Rumors (Timex Social Club)
Jealousy (Club Noveau)
Nicety (Michel'le)
Don't Stop The Feeling (Roy Ayers)
Peace Frog (The Doors)
Automatic (Pointer Sisters)
Electric Lady (Con Funk Shun)
It Must Be Magic (Teena Marie)
You're So Fine (Egyptian Lover)
Dre's Beat (World Class Wreckin Cru)
Reckless (Chris "The Glove" Taylor & David Storrs feat. Ice T)
Calling On The Dream Team (L.A. Dream Team)
I Want a Freak (Sir Mix-A-Lot)
M-Town (Charizma

Visited Sounds Of The Universe at the Weekend.....

I was in London at the weekend and thought I'd squeeze a visit to one of my favourite Record Stores in Soho.....Sounds Of The Universe.....

Click HERE for an interview with Stuart Baker, label boss (Soul Jazz Records) and owner of their shop (Sounds of the Universe).

All tastes are catered for in this fantasic shop including an extensive catalogue of Reggae, Dubstep/Grime/Dancehall, Leftfield and Electronica, Balearic, CosmicHouse, Techno and Electro Disco and Boogie, Hip Hop, Nu Jazz and Broken Beat and African/ Afobeat.

"They also sell their own excellent compilations at reasonable prices. There are still some good second hand finds on the 45s side, with an excellent selection of reggae, soul and funk on 45 at good prices behind the counter. Ask to see, and they're always happy to play anything for you". Diggers Guide

Click HERE for a more comprehensive guide to DIGGING in Central London.

There was a couple of items that I new Sounds of the Universe would have.....so I snapped them up straight away.....

Zeep - Zeep Dreams Remixed (Remix veterans and comp winners supply a 4 –track barrage of Brazilian beats"

1. Zeep Dreams(Da Lata Remix) ((Da Lata Remix))
2. Zeep Dreams(Afronaught Remix) ((Afronaught Remix))
3. Zeep Dreams(John Johnson Remix) ((John Johnson Remix))
4. Zeep Dreams(DJ LK Remix) ((DJ LK Remix))

Far Our Records says "Zeep Dreams finally sees the light with a massive 12” and download release featuring heavyweight and veterans on the scene Da Lata (Patrick Forge & Chris Franck) and Afronaught (Bugz in the Attic) punching a string of right handers and basslines to boot. Underdogs and remix competition winners, John Johnson and DJ LK respond to the challenge with some deft footwork and some surprise dance-floor sonics keeping a truly competitive edge to proceedings.

In September 2007, Radio Magnetic (www.radiomagnetic.com) hooked up with Far Out Recordings and the fight was set – ‘Zeep Dreams’ parts were made available through their website to download and Benji B (BBC 1XTRA) was to be the fight adjudicator. Over the course of the autumn, over 50 remix entries passed through the
Far Out Recordings email server and were quickly whittled down to 20 by the Far Out staff and passed onto Benji B who would then decide which cuts would feature on the limited 12” pressing and download album. The
lines were drawn, stakes were high and the mission was clear. Seconds out….

The choice of Da Lata as remixer was an obvious one for the label. One of the first Far Out tunes to garner club-hit status internationally was Da Lata’s version of ‘Ponteio’ in 1995, the third ever 12” released on Far Out. Da Lata went on to sign two albums with Chris Blackwell’s Palm Pictures imprint, remix world renowned artists such as Sly and Robbie and Femi Kuti and release mixes on Especial, JCR, Talkin Loud and Far Out Records. Chris Franck of both Zeep and Da Lata explains: “This dark but soulful mix was inspired by the African input on “Zeep Dreams’. I guess you could call it electronic house music but the afrobeat is the driving force.”

Afronaught is a leading light in the broken beat genre, his Bugz in the Attic collective having led the charge since time. More recently he’s been treading the Puerto Rican step with a string of collaborations and releases with singers and percussionists based in San Juan. Orin Walters slams some sucker punches into the release with a sub-bass line destined to destroy. Watch out for the mid-track breakdown with Nina Miranda’s vocals melting into the fore but without a blip on the dancefloor. Step forward competition winners John Johnson, DJ LK and referee, BBC 1XTRA’s DJ Benji B! John Johnson’s interpretation could be described as a percussive house workout but very much in the vein of a Spiritual South production. This track is likely to be a favourite with the house and techno massive as well as the Brazilian/broken beat fraternities. DJ LK’s vibe is much more experimental but in line with this 12”, he keeps the tempos at around 125 BPM. An electro break cum baile funk groove sets the vibe with neat vocal effects and a dark array of electronics."

AND I had been after this compilation for a while now and at £9.99 - what value for money....especially when it contains the much sampled track by Brentford All-stars - Greedy G.....AWESOME

Studio One Rockers: the Best of Studio One

Soul Jazz Records says"Following on from the success of the 100% Dynamite series, here we enter the vaults of the most important Reggae label of all time, Studio One. Owned and founded by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, Studio One's output serves as a comprehensive guide to the history of Reggae music.

The music on Studio One Rockers covers all areas of Reggae such as Ska, Rocksteady, Roots and Dancehall, all areas in which Studio One led the field.

Studio One Rockers features many legendary Studio One tracks brought together for the first time by Soul Jazz Records.

From the beginning of Reggae, when the Skatalites developed a new sound of Ska in 1962 up until today, Studio One has been the number one innovator in Jamaican music. Included in this compilation are classic Ska tracks ("Phoenix City"), Rocksteady ("Feel Like Jumping"), Roots music ("Truth and Rights"), Dancehall (Freddy McGregor, Michigan and Smiley) and many more.

Featured here are many of the classic tracks from Studio One. From Dawn Penn's legendary "No, No, No" to classics such as Horace Andy's "Skylarking" and Marcia Griffith's "Feel Like Jumping".

The Coxsone Soundsystem in the early 60s was one of the three main soundsystems operating in Jamaica alongside his competitors, Prince Buster and Duke Reid.

The Studio One catalogue is possibly the largest in Jamaican music and this release is the first in a series of Studio One compilations on Soul Jazz Records.

This album comes with an in depth interview with Mr C.S. Dodd, about how he set up and ran his record label in the 1960s and 1970s.

"Compilation of the month. 100% Essential" SEVEN
"Compilation of the month. A compilation of unbelievable quality. Awesome" MUZIK
"A who's who of Jamaican music" MUSICWEEK
"An essential slice of musical history" WAX
"The most credible compilation of reggae you can possibly buy" LATER
"A perfect intro into Jamaica music" NME"

Early DJ apperances on TV - Wikki...Wikki....Wikki

Grandmaster DST With Herbie Hancock....



and UK side......

Greg Wilson's appearnce on the tube.....



"The fact that such an influential programme as ‘The Tube’ was focusing on the emerging dance music scene in Britain five years before the big bang of Acid House, provides a perfect illustration of just how much this crucial period in the evolution of UK dance culture has been, at best, obscured, whilst regrettably for anyone wishing to unearth its true roots, at worst, totally ignored."

Click here for a detailed write-up on the appearance from Greg's own site.