In 1970, the late Donny Hathaway released his first solo album, “Everything Is Everything”. Recorded in Chicago over a one-year period, the effort was produced by Donny and fellow Howard University alum, RIC POWELL, who co-wrote the title track as well as authored the LP's liner notes. In this SOULFUL CONVERSATION, Ric discusses the making of “Everything Is Everything
Known as an outstanding composer of soundtracks and a new millennium Funk revivalist with a variety of styles and moods under his belt, Alex Puddu is here to get the party started with the groovy organ-based Afro-Funk sound of "Black Sugar" with The Moonfires band to be released. Enjoy the teaser above and order the LP here at Amazon.
Written, Arranged, Produced and Recorded
By Alex Puddu in Copenhagen
Alex Puddu Guitar Backing Vocals
Duane Hobson. Vocal
Heidi Luke: Drums
Massimo Fiorentino: Electric Piano, Organ,Clavinet; and Sinth
Gavino Congiatta: Bass
Congas and Percussion. by Morten Grønvad
Sax and Flute by Jesper Løvdal
Trumpet by Hendrik Jørgensen
The Songs
Such a Bad Girl
You got me Funky
Feel The Heat
Black Sugar
Sexy Lady
It's that time of year again as Daniel Crawford crafts another brilliant tribute to Jay Dee. Hailing from L.A., pianist/producer Daniel carries on Dilla's legacy through a unique and exciting approach to fusion which draws inspiration from Jay's distinct thump and overall musical sensibility. Feel the ability to touch the sky like no other listening experience as Daniel aims to uplift you with his heavenly arrangement of chords and bounce of rhythm on "Dillafornia 6". This merging of Jazz-Soul fusion and beats results in a futuristic and soulful sound in tribute to a producer who's influence continues to open doors of imagination in creating music.
#RIPJDilla artwork by Ruben De La Toure
Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist & Detroit Girl Charity Drops "Yellow" EP
By JR on 3:24 PM
Filed Under: Album Streams , Charity (singer/songwriter , Female Vocalists , guitarist) , RandB
Detroit-based singer/songwriter and guitarist Charity displays the generosity of her heart on "Yellow" as she crafts beautiful Neo-Soul infused with Folk music to make your perception of each moment in life more profound with each note. Inspired by the beauty of love, happiness and beautiful moments, this emerging musician is here to give you butterflies inside as the overwhelming joy of her songwriting and soulful voice makes a masterpiece from the charm and passion of the human spirit.
The vibe is serious and intense as Kool G Rap, Lord Jamar & Talib Kweli describe the drama of life behind bars against the production of Dr. G. From the street blocks to the C-blocks, "Industrial Prison Complex" ventures into the darkness of the urban struggle as only Hip Hop can as 3 talented veteran wordsmiths unite.
Kool G Rap, Lord Jamer And Talib Kweli - OZ Theme (Official remix 2015) Being re flipped by Dr G from the UK for his new Album Bluntz & B Sides Dropping December 2015 . Original version done by Domingo on Oz 2000 Soundtrack of the HBO television show OZ.
Preview: "Made For Pleasure" by Soul & Funk Band The New Mastersounds
By JR on 12:50 PM
Filed Under: Audio (Live Performance) , Funk , Legere Recordings , The New Mastersounds
Press release by Légère Recordings"
"The New Mastersounds rank among the most preeminent modern soul and funk bands of their time. Having started out in Leeds, UK, the quartet tour the globe regularly, bringing their hard-charging, delectably greasy jams to all corners of the globe, to feed a hungry fan base that stretches from New York City to Tokyo, San Francisco to Amsterdam and all points in between. In 2015, they return with their tenth studio album “Made For Pleasure”, their most sprawling and ambitious record to date.
The band’s core four—guitarist Eddie Roberts, drummer Simon Allen, bassist Pete Shand and organist Joe Tatton—are joined on the 11-track effort by guests including super fabulous soul chanteuse Charly Lowry, revered percussionist/vibraphonist Mike Dillon and the North Cali-based West Coast Horns, featuring tenor saxophonist Joe Cohen and trumpeter Mike Olmos.
Recorded in New Orleans, The New Mastersounds high-step through the humidity and heat leaving no soul or funk touchstone unturned. Both the title track and “High & Wide” are drenched in The-Meters-meet-Lee-Dorsey Big Easy funk, while tracks like “Enough Is Enough,” “Joy” and “Just Gotta Run” are firmly rooted in classic soul sister rhythm & blues tradition; think Tina Turner, Ann Peebles, Bettye LaVette. Super-charged by Eddie Roberts’ stinging guitar leads, “Cigar Time” and “Sitting On My Knees” take a decidedly soul-jazz turn, diving headlong into Grant Green grit and groove.
Capping off “Made For Pleasure” and further validating its title is a dubbed out reinvention of Iggy Azalea’s smash hit “Fancy” that cleverly turns the pop artist’s ode to materialism into a 21st century stoner anthem with the repurposed refrain, “I’m so irie.”
The New Mastersounds know what feels good and deliver it in spades on their latest long player, and rightfully so, as it was after-all...Made For Pleasure."
Set One (2:00 PM Afternoon Kid's Set):
01. tuning/intro
02. Miracles
03. Morning Fly
04. This Ain't Work
05. Treasure
06. Whistle Song
07. The In Crowd
08. The Minx
09. Spooky
10. Baby Bouncer
11. Double Barrel
12. Burnt Back
13. Make Me Proud
14. outro/crowd
Set Two (Evening Show Set 1):
01. Soulshine
02. Run The Gauntlet
03. Take What You Need
04. MRG
05. Upstairs *
06. Pick Up The Pieces *
07. All Wrapped Up *
08. Just Not Ready For Love @
09. Enough Is Enough @
10. Never Did I Stop Loving You @
Set Three (Evening Show Set 2):
01. intro/crowd
02. Flimsy Lewis
03. Vandenburg Suite
04. Summercamp
05. All We Can Do @
06. Joy *@
07. Hey Fela *
08. Jan Jan *
09. Drop It Down
10. It's All Right Now
11. outro/crowd
Eddie Roberts - guitar
Simon Allen - drums
Pete Shand - bass guitar
Joe Tatton - organ and piano
* w/ the West Coast Horns: Mike Olmos - trumpet & Danny Casares - tenor saxophone
@ w/ Charly Lowry - vocals
The Mighty Mocambos hit you with a dose of fast-paced Funk driven by heavy breakbeats and a sinister horn section on "B-Boy Suite In B-Flat Minor" and slow-grooving Soul on the 7" single "Where Do We Go From Here" featuring Lee Fields who delivers heartfelt emotion on vocals. Get your copy on vinyl here at Juno Records.
A vinyl compilation that captures the timeless moments shared by one of hip-hop's finest MCs, Common; and one of the greatest producers of all time, the late J Dilla.
Wax Poetics Japan and Universal Music Japan proudly present a special vinyl collection of tracks by Common, who has become one of hip-hop's brightest stars, produced by J Dilla, the talented producer who helped Common bring out some of his best moments on wax.
If you know anything about hip-hop, you're probably already aware of who Common is. After debuting with his single "Take It EZ" in 1992, the Academy Award-winning rapper/actor Common has established himself as an important voice in hip-hop. For more than two decades, Common has blessed the world with his music of love, self-awareness and upliftment, characterized by his thought-provoking, poetic lyricism and sample-based soulful production. Some of his most important work have been produced by the Soulquarians, the hip-hop/neo-soul supergroup featuring the world-renowned beat maestro, J Dilla. Wax Poetics Japan has curated a 2xLP colored vinyl compilation featuring 12 timeless tracks from Common’s three albums (2000’s Like Water for Chocolate, 2002’s Electric Circus, and 2005’s Be) that J Dilla worked his magic on.
Show your support to make this project happen here at Qrates before its funding period ends on October 10, 2015!
For the 12 tracks, check out the tracklisting below. All of these songs are certified classics loved by hip-hop fans worldwide. Instead of the usual black vinyl, we have decided to go with marble colored vinyl, to symbolize the mix of the duo’s singular talents. If you love Common and/or Dilla’s music, this is one compilation you do not want to miss.
All plans include A3 (H420×W297mm) sized posters of Common and J Dilla as well as two types of Wax Poetics stickers.
Vinyl Set: 5,940 yen (incl. tax)
Wax Poetics Japan presents
THE LIGHT: A collection of Common classics
produced by J Dilla
- 2xLP
- Common Poster (A3 Size)
- J Dilla Poster (A3 Size)
- Two WP Stickers
Estimated delivery: December 2015
Saxophonist Walter Beasley Is Inspired By Love On "Haven't You Heard"
By JR on 12:21 PM
Filed Under: Covers , Patrice Rushen , RandB , Saxophonists , Walter Beasley (saxophonist)
Two legendary voices of music unite for a jumping good time on their 2015 collaboration "52nd & Broadway". Patti shines with a flair and grace to make you feel the groove in a performance which demonstrates her longtime mastery of Jazz singing, dancing the night away to the Big Bang swing of Patrick Williams who provides the perfect soundtrack to evoke the joy of NYC.
From Patrick Williams' 2015 album "Home Suite Home" featuring Dave Grusin, Frank Sinatra Jr. Peter Erskine and more.
This beautiful sound of electro-Pop by Elline serves a a guide to enjoy yourself while discovering a deeper understanding of the human spirit by looking past the smoke and mirrors and finding the beauty within. Driven by a thumping synth-based groove and sweet vocals, Elline's introspective writing paints a vivid picture by expressing the journey of a woman who looks past life's facades to find her true self.
This is not the average interview you might expect with The Infamous Prodigy as he departs from top commercial media outlets whom tend to emphasize their aggressive hood persona and instead kicks it with two down-to-earth New York Hip Hop heads. The two hosts of Now, Where We Were Peter Oasis and Dharmic X are as in touch with the sights and sounds of the city as P is in addition to being great fans of Mobb Deep which makes for an interview which is casual, fun and insightful.
If you loved "The Infamous Mobb Deep" deluxe LP anniversary edition, stay tuned as Mobb Deep prepare another commemoration album release in 2017 which P speaks on in this interview.
Prodigy artwork by Taimour Graphics
Using one of the most famous studios known to Hip Hop as inspiration, DJ Premier prepares a star-studded project in dedication to the legendary D&D recording studios. From his years of work in churning out classics, Preemo is one of the foremost names which comes to mind when mentioning this studio and with him at the lead of this forthcoming groundbreaking album/studio documentary project it should be one for Hip Hop to remember.
Having crafted classics with Jay-Z, Nas, Gangstarr, Group home and many more at the 320 location, DJ Premier is a producer who's music made on D&D's boards continues to show vast influence and demonstrate the power of Hip Hop across the world.
In an September 2015 interview from France, listen as Preemo explains these upcoming projects as well as a few others wile reflecting upon his great career in music. After the interview, hear a catalog of Hip Hop to break down your neck cartilage as you nod your head to the most creative tributes yet to this legend of beats in an hour-long megamix of DJ Premier productions cut up by DJ Crates.
Johnny Hammond - "Shifting Gears" Vinyl Reissue With Bonus Tracks
By JR on 12:36 PM
Filed Under: Ace Records UK , Jazz Fusion , Johnny Hammond , Organists , Unreleased Material
BGP Records does the honors in releasing an expanded vinyl edition of "Shifting Gears", a 70's Jazz Fusion gem by pianist Johnny Hammond. Known for it's exciting dose of Funk and carefree vibe driven by the legendary production touch of The Mizell Brothers, "Gears" is cool as a breeze yet electrifying as an outdoor summer block party in one listen. This album remains one of the best of Hammond's works and continues to inspire listeners to find a pleasant escape years after it's initial release.
Check out the 6 bonus tracks added to "Shifting Gears in the player below along with other great reissues from the BGP catalog and order your copy on vinyl here at Juno.
Italian Library Funk On Vinyl: The Sinister Sounds Of Bruno Zambrini & Stefano Marcucci
By JR on 6:41 AM
Filed Under: Armagideon Times record dealer , Bruno Zambrini , Italian Soundtrack Music , Stefano Marcucci
1) Bruno Zambrini's TOP Italian PSYCH UNDERWATER OST, pure masterpiece!
Welcome to the Italian Underwater LP Holy Grail. Original Soundtrack for the TV series directed by Nestore Ungaro and composed by Bruno Zambrini, this is pure a masterpiece of the genre, better than any Sciascia's Underwater LP according to my opinion. Presented on HQ heavy carboard sleeve and including original RCA innersleeve, contains amazing Exotic Bossa, Subacquatic Avant-garde, infectious Scat vocals plus KILLER Psychedelic grooves and drums Breaks. TOP NOTCH Italian Underwater OST
2) Stefano Marcucci - "TEMPO DI DEMONI, PAPI, ANGIOLI, INCENSI E CILICI", 1975 Flower label. The most Insane Electronics Hip Hop Breaks & Beats, Experimental Synth & Moog caotic sounds, KILLER!
A recent discover in Italian Library collectors circle. This is the Soundtrack for the stage show composed by Stefano Marcucci (Library composer) and Luciano Bellini with the artistic direction of Paolo Casa. The Score features general Catholic chorus and religious ballads, except for the INCREDIBLE track "INFERNO" which is the most suprising bomb you could ever imagine coming out from such stuff. The most oustanding Electronic Breaks & Beats for any DJ or producer, Experimental super Moody sound with caotic Synthesizer effects and Moog. Recorded in the same studios of Domenico Guaccero's Gruppo Nuova Consonanza, Studio 29A, Rome.
Hittman was signed to Aftermath from 1998-2001 and was instrumental in creating Dr. Dre's multi-platinum 2001 album. During this time he was working with Dre on his own album that ended up being shelved. This collection is made-up of songs he recorded for his shelved album as well as a freestyle session.
In comparison to "2001", some songs sound like ideas in progress but all in one way or another carry the undeniable sound of this classic album in outstanding drums which support dark musical arrangements featuring minimal chord structures in an overall sinister mood. For the best songs, check out "Bloww" featuring Dr. Dre & Knoc-Turn'al, "Front Page", "Watch Out" featuring Knoc-Turn'al, When It Comes To" and "Last Dayz".
First Division - "The C.D.C." ft. Skoob of Das Efx, Supastition, Torae, Prince Po, Baron & Ruste Juxx
By JR on 7:51 PM
Filed Under: Baron , First Division , Hip Hop , Posse Cuts , Prince Po , Ruste Juxx , Skoob of Das Efx , Supastition , Torae
You'll get sprayed up and slumped over the wheel with the force of dope beats and rhymes as rhyme assassins First Division, Skoob of Das Efx, Supastition, Torae, Prince Po, Baron & Ruste Juxx unload their verbal weaponry on track. The rough, rugged and raw posse cut comes from First Division's awaited LP "Overworked & Underpaid", the debut of a promising new duo backed by a host of elite MCs and producers which is now available for purchase
Video: A Tribe Called Quest Perform "Can I Kick It" Live In Harlem, 1990
By JR on 3:31 PM
Filed Under: A Tribe Called Quest , Hip Hop , The Golden Era , Video (Live Performance)
Getty Image Archive shows the wealth of history they've got sitting in the stash with this rare clip of Tribe rockin the stage for thousands on 125th Street in Harlem NYC. Kick it with Tip and Phife back in 1990 on one of their most popular and neck-snapping songs.
A Tribe Called Quest collectible light switch cover by Amazon.
Passionate, dramatic and soulful, "Tender Touch" flows smoothly to convey the power of love through music as an emerging band touch your heartstrings with a beautiful ballad. As Strate Notes take you on a journey through the heart, witness the romantic sound of Jazz and Soul which this quartet brings that is sure to resonate deeply in your mind like the moment you had with that special someone.
The Symphonic Jazz Orchestra & Christian McBride Are "Looking Forward, Looking Back"
By JR on 7:34 AM
Filed Under: Album Streams , Christian McBride , Jazz , The Symphonic Jazz Orchestra
"After an extensive crowd funding campaign, the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra (SJO) recorded George Duke’s “Dark Wood: Bass Concerto for McBride” featuring international renowned jazz bassist Christian McBride, as well as legendary jazz guitarist and composer Lee Ritenour’s “Symphonic Captain’s Journey”. Prior to the recording the SJO presented a free community concert on Sunday, Jan. 18 as part of the Carpenter Performing Arts Center’s “Arts for Life” series. The recording, conducted by SJO music director Mitch Glickman featured works commissioned by the 67-member ensemble, along with the work that started the sym-phonic jazz genre 90 years ago, Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
“In its thirteen-year history, the SJO has commissioned and premiered many great works – but has never recorded,” Mitch Glickman stated. “With George’s passing last year, the importance of recording his work took on greater meaning. George’s legacy to Chris-tian and the SJO is this powerful work that deserves an audience that only a recording can provide.” Currently the SJO is in more than 100 classrooms, including many inside Culver City schools, teaching more than 2,800 stu-dents each and every week. The non-profit Symphonic Jazz Orchestra is dedicated to perpetuating the uniquely American genre of symphonic jazz; music that blends the worlds of jazz and classical music. The orchestra has featured such soloists as Christian McBride, Dave Grusin, Bill Cun-liffe, Lee Ritenour, The Yellowjackets, Raul Midon, Luciana Souza, Phil Perry, and co- music director George Duke. In addition to its concert and commissioning activities, the SJO also maintains a very active “Music in the School’s” artist residency program in elementary schools throughout Los Angeles County."
"Najwa is a refreshing new voice --a little smooth, a little edgy and a whole lotta smoky-- she brings her own special take to familiar jazz standards. With sweetness...and sass. Ms Parkins also delivers wonderfully crafted, original tunes that are smart, insightful and sometimes even amusing." - The New Brunswick Jazz Project
Enjoy the dreamy Jazz Soul fusion of vocalist, lyricist, educator and composer Najwa Perkins as she goes soul searching on "I Know". Najwa's heavenly vibe and understanding vision connect to the inner soul as an outstanding artist of Jazz Fusion. To take a look within ourselves couldn't be a more reassuring experience as she uses music to show the potential within.
"The Arcs teams Auerbach with his longtime musician buddies Leon Michels, Richard Swift, Homer Steinweiss, Nick Movshon and Kenny Vaughan, plus all-female mariachi band Mariachi Flor de Toloache.
"These guys have equal input on all the songs," Auerbach said in June. "It's a completely different thing than the Black Keys, where I write the lyrics, the chords and most of the melodies. Every song on this record is co-written with the whole band. That's why I didn't call it my name. I love being able to sit back and let songs evolve without me. It's been a new experience."
Yours, Dreamily was recorded in two weeks at sessions across Los Angeles, New York and Auerbach's Nashville studio, Easy Eye Sound. Those sessions were so fruitful that the Arcs were left with dozens of leftovers tracks. "When we get together, our output is kind of crazy," Auerbach told Rolling Stone. "We have 75 songs. We had to keep telling ourselves to stop writing new songs so we could finish old ones." - via Rolling Stone
Remember back to a time of Hip Hop when MCs emphasized the ruggedness of their approach to the mic while representing the importance of being original with the grimy boom-bap of Jace Abstract & Robin Da Landlord. "One" hits hard with a serious tone as the rawness of drums and turntable cuts merge with a distinct voice of lyrical skill. This duo are here to make you jump as they deliver a rug and rugged sound reminiscent of 90's groups who were authoritative and entertaining such as Joe Sinister, Hoodratz and R.A. the Rugged Man.
For a 2015 tribute performance event, a group of leading musical artists get together to share their thoughts on how the music of Detroit producer/MC Jay Dee has impacted their lives and the world. This reflection on Jay's legacy sparks discussion of social change, the current climate of America and a look at musical innovation. Dilla's legacy not only leaves the heads nodding of listeners and producers who are inspired by his unique craft of beats, but encompasses numerous aspects of life for an expression of music and growing influence upon culture like none other.
Enjoy the program and enjoy a special dedication mix by one of Dilla's friends, the magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff.
This long awaited recording from Doug Carn is sure to satisfy both his fans from yesteryear and those who have followed his musical spirit for the last 40 years. The Tenor Titans of the west coast, Howard Wiley and Teodross Avery, with exciting drummer Deszon Claiborne form Carn's quartet; a mighty revelational force of musical power and glory. Recorded live at Santa Cruz's Kuumbwa Jazz Center.
Bio:
"In a career dating back to the 1960s, keyboard master Doug Carn has released eight solo albums and played alongside such artists as Stanley Turrentine, Shirley Horn, Melvin Van Peebles, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Nat Adderley, as well as appearing more recently on albums by Cindy Blackman and Wallace Roney. His early recordings on the Black Jazz label combined “a looser feel with a political mood that emphasized peace, love, and independence,” according to the website jazzwax.com. Born in New York City, raised in St. Augustine, Florida, Doug played organ in church, graduated as valedictorian of his high school class, and studied oboe at Jacksonville State, where he later taught for many years. Downbeat Magazine praised his composing and arranging as well as his playing, declaring that the “most attractive component of the group’s music” is Doug’s “deft orchestrations, which give it a much larger sound than its instrumentation would suggest."
Listen to a 2015 interview with Doug Carn on The Doodlin Lounge below for a reflection back through the years of this Jazz virtuoso's career as he speaks before embarking on a series of gigs.
Cool straight-forward Jazz arrangements blend with a festive vibe of Latin percussion as Jazz at Lincoln Center bassist Carlos Henriquez lends his passion on strings as the driving force of his debut LP "The Bronx Pyramid". This enjoyable ride of music carries an upbeat bounce whic represents the Nuyorican like none other by an emerging talent who has honed his chops through playing with greats of Latin music like Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and Celia Cruz.
Hit play, kick back and enjoy as Carlos tells a story by expressing the pride, culture and joy of his community through evocative songwriting.
The multi-dimensional musical vision which Tone Jonez brings to Hip Hop results in beats which are neck-snapping and emotionally-driven as he explores uncharted territory of our imagination with the kick and the snare.
On "100 Percent Barz", Tone keeps it raw with a heavy dose of drums and horn/bass stabs accented by chants and percussion for a funky instrumental designed to empower the MC. "Jesus Wept 3" showcases Tone's storytelling abilities as an arranger and instrumentalist who is driven by the power of Hip Hop. Building the tension with a subtle piano melody and guitar stab which unfolds into a dramatic chorus, Tone Jonez orchestrates with the boom-bap to evoke the feeling of a hero in the midst of turmoil.
In '96, Method Man & Streetlife Visit Hot 97's Angie Martinez For A Freestyle
By JR on 10:29 PM
Filed Under: Freestyles (Audio) , Hip Hop , Method Man , Streetlife , Wu-Tang Clan
The dynamic duo from Shaolin Isle bless the m.i.c. during a golden age of New York radio which embraced the emerging movement of Wu-Tang to the fullest. Listen as Method Man and Streetlife lyrically bring the pain to commercial airwaves over a beat by The Fugees. Download here.









